Funny Feeling
*Looks around for a few seconds, sneaks in, drops this, and goes back into my little hidey hole*
MC Friend: David Willows ( @that-scouse-wizard )
Kendrick Lives!AU Installment
Word Count: 3.026
"Talbott, what are you doing?" The young wizard jumped at Andre's voice, immediately hiding the journal he was writing in behind his back. The Style Wizard raised a brow, noting the nervous look on Talbott's usual impeccable poker face.
"Andre, I didn't hear you come in," Talbott said, slowly inching closer to the entryway that led to the dorms. The loner Ravenclaw fought the urge to fidget under Andre's narrowed gaze.
"...whatcha got back there, Winger," Andre finally asked after a few beats of silence.
"Nothing, just some class notes," Talbott replied, though Andre could hear the slight tremor in his voice. Andre smirked.
"Class notes don't make you nervous, Winger. Let me see. It's only me..." Andre and Talbott stood in the middle of their common room, staring at each other in silence. Before they both broke into a run--Andre chasing after a red-faced Talbott.
"MIND YOUR DAMN BUSINESS, EGWU!"
"NEVER! JUST LET ME SEE, YOU STUBBORN GIT!" Talbott faltered for a moment, a fond memory of a particular dark-skinned Hufflepuff calling her fellow Housemate the same thing for her "little." Of course, that distraction cost him greatly. The next thing the avian Animagus knew, he was on his stomach with his best mate on his back, crowing his victory as he held Talbott's journal in the air.
Talbott wriggled, trying to get Andre off of him.
"Now, let's see what's got you so flustered that you're too afraid to tell your best mate about it," Andre drawled. Talbott growled, thrashing harder.
"Andre, don't you dare-!" But it was too late; Talbott could hear Andre flipping through the pages.
What Andre saw was something he didn't expect.
"I remember hearing about her when I first came to Hogwarts, but today was my first time officially meeting her. I heard about her fight in our first year. I heard about her famous dad. I heard how she and her best friend defeated the first Cursed Vault. Heck, she was well-known about just two months after the school year started. I always heard whispers about her scar and never understood why everyone made such a big fuss until I saw her for the first time. The scar was impossible to miss, covering almost half of the left side of her face. It went as far back as her ear, forcing her eye into a permanent glare. The nickname "Scarface" made a lot more sense than before. But the one thing about the rumors I could never agree with was her being scary or ugly. Something about those pale gold eyes said a lot more than she would ever say. The shyness, wariness, and hidden warmth... and I never thought I would say this about anyone before, but... she had to be the most beautiful person I've ever seen..."
"...how can someone like her, someone who seemed to have experienced so much pain, still show kindness? Even to those who reject her? ...even to me?"
"It's been years since my parents died. The only thing I had left of them was my mum's feather necklace. Losing that nearly made me lose my mind. The anxiety of losing my last connection to my parents threatened to pull me under. I would have never thought that two insistent Hufflepuffs would be hellbent on helping me find it. I still remember taking the necklace from her small hands. The brief contact rattled me more than the miracle that my necklace was with me again. Her hands were soft, save the light calluses on her fingertips and a bit on her palm. They felt a bit cold, but not in an unpleasant way. I remember hearing once that people with cold hands have warm hearts. Normally I wouldn't believe stuff like that, but for her, it seems fitting..."
"Why did I have to open my big mouth and tell her to make her secret interesting? I've been trying to get her to tell me that secret for what feels like forever, to no avail. I know that defeats the purpose of the Memory Charm, but it's been some time since then... surely it should be okay now that we know each other better? Clearly she begs to differ. She's hellbent on keeping her secret from me. She's always so evasive, asking why I want to know. I always found it difficult to answer that question... how was I going to tell her that I wanted to know the reason why I remember the sweet flush on her cheeks, the cute shuffle she does on occasion, and her endearing habit of playing with her rings before those soft lips told me a secret she was too nervous to tell me without that spell ensuring my ignorance? Why would Professor Flitwick and David look at the two of us with a knowing smirk if we were in each other's space? I feel like I will go insane just trying to figure it out..."
"This can't be healthy. The girl is all I could ever think about. Her brown-black sunbleached locs that sway down to her hips. The sweet scent that clung to her dark skin. Her adorable height of 5'6 (and a half, as she would stress, heh.) The breathtaking smile where that sweet dimple would appear on her right cheek. Those otherworldly pale gold eyes that outshine a treasure trove of galleons whenever she lets her guard down. She's so beautiful... what are you doing to me, Judith Harris?"
Andre's shell-shocked state was the perfect opportunity for Talbott to throw him off and grab his journal back. Talbott had a thunderous glare on his face, holding the little book close to his chest. Andre stood up, reaching out to touch his friend's shoulder.
"Talbott-" The Quidditch player cringed at the sight of angry red eyes.
"Damn it, Egwu! You couldn't leave it alone, could you?!" Talbott felt an embarrassed blush working up his neck and turned away before it could show on his face. The Ravenclaw loner has been trying to work out his feelings for the Hufflepuff witch since he met her. Whenever he's with her, he feels like he's both flying and falling at the same time. There was something there, something familiar, but for the life of him, he couldn't figure out what it was.
He hoped to keep his feelings a secret until he felt ready to talk to someone about it.
'So much for that. And it had to be Judith's date to the Celestial Ball out of all people?!'
"...oltt... Tal... TALBOTT!" The young boy jumped, shaking himself out of the panic he nearly fell under.
"What?" The Seeker let out a weary sigh, turning his friend around so he could face him.
"Hey, it's okay, Talbott. There's no need to be embarrassed because of how you feel for her," Andre said softly. Talbott narrowed his eyes at him.
"How can you say that? I like your crush, and you're telling me it's okay?" Andre stared at Talbott for a few moments before chuckling. Talbott bristled.
"I'm sorry, did I say something funny," he hissed. Andre shook his head fondly.
"Talbott, mate. I don't like Judith that way. At least not anymore. It was only temporary," Andre said. Now, it was Talbott's turn to stare.
"How?" Andre rolled his eyes.
"It's called a "crush" for a reason, mate. Temporary feelings of infatuation. Plus, her father may or may not have talked with me before I could consider asking Judith to the Celestial Ball," Andre said, his voice softer towards the end. He could still remember the sight of those cold, pale gold eyes in his mind's eye.
'If you like my daughter more than a friend, Andre, I'm telling you now; you better be prepared to properly court her and give her the love she deserves. If I ever find out you broke my little princess's heart, I'll break your bones in a way that they'll never properly heal for you to play Quidditch another day in your life. Do you understand me, son?'
Andre may find Judith to be a sweet and beautiful girl, and he admired her father, one of his Quidditch role models, but he was nowhere near ready to consider a serious relationship. He also would like to play Quidditch professionally. Andre wasn't looking to test the older man to see if he'd be true to his word.
If his daughter is capable of putting people in the Hospital Wing, he doesn't want to know whether the man will use his knowledge as a Healer for its opposite purpose.
"...if you're sure, mate," Talbott said slowly. Andre mentally shook his head, shaking himself out of the memory. He gave his friend an encouraging smile.
"Of course I am, Tal. Besides, what you're feeling is more than a crush." Talbott blushed, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.
"I'm not entirely sure what to call my feelings towards her. I only experienced this funny feeling only once before. The person who suggested what it could be nearly had me falling out of a tree..."
"Sounds like love to me..."
Talbott could remember only a few details of the girl he spent the day with when he was eight, but her shy smile will forever be etched in his memory. He never saw her again after that day.
"Still, you can't just pine after her. Do something about it," Andre insisted. Talbott's lips formed into a worried frown.
"Like what? I'm not exactly the "romantic" type," he sassed. Andre had got to know the loner long enough to know he was using sarcasm to hide his nerves. Andre regarded him with a gentle smile.
"Give yourself more credit, mate. You may seem cold to others, but you have your charms. Besides, you could use your strengths to your advantage." Talbott cocked a brow at the style wizard.
"What strengths are you talking about," Talbott asked slowly. Andre grinned.
"You like to play the background character a lot, making you mysterious. What's more romantic than a romantic note from a mysterious secret admirer?" The Animagus let out a soft hum.
"Go on..."
"I'm sure you can add an extra little something. You seem interested in botany, so maybe a flower with the note? You could leave it before one of her classes starts so she would have something to look forward to," Andre continued, pleased to see that Talbott was considering his advice. Red eyes stared into brown ones for a few silent moments.
"I'll think about it... thanks, Egwu." The boy smiled.
"Anytime, Winger..."
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Judith let out a soft yawn as she headed for her Charms class. It was early morning; the girl was known to be an early riser. She inherited the philosophy from her father that an early start is a peaceful start. Hardly anyone would be up around when she awoke, giving her the alone time she always loved. She made her breakfast in the Kitchens, under the watchful eye of Pitts, and wanted a quiet place to study. She didn't have Charms for at least another hour, and Professor Flitwick didn't mind if she was in the room alone to study.
What she didn't expect that early morning was to find a lone folded piece of paper and a flower at the spot where she would sit during class. The girl was positive she didn't see anyone in the halls on the way to the classroom or hear anyone lingering...
She slowly approached her seat. On the top layer, read 'To Judith' in impeccable cursive with a love heart at the end of her name.
"Well, there's no question on who it's for," she mumbled with a blush. Unfolding the paper, she began to read,
"Excuse me, miss... I don't wish to take up too much of your time,
For I simply wish to express to you a few things that have captivated both my heart and mind; I'm...
I'm not one who wears his heart on his sleeve,
But even without it being out in the open, it was my heart you managed to thieve...
Stolen by an angel in disguise,
...at least that's what I secretly tell myself when I think about your beautiful eyes.
No amount of galleons could outshine such eyes colored gold,
For they hold such a priceless, precious story that has yet to be told.
I often think to myself, "How can one who experienced so much pain, hurt, and rejection... remain to have a heart so kind?"
For you are an undeserving gift to all of mankind...
To those who only see your scar, I consider to be fools who are blind,
For they're unwilling to see the true you beyond the exterior, in which you hide behind...
Darling... when I see you,
I see a mystery with hidden clues.
When I see you,
I see one who's known by many but understood by few.
When I see you,
I see a girl who makes me feel as if... I'm see-through...
Such a revelation would normally make me turn and flee,
But there's something about you that makes me wonder, "What could we be...?"
Oftentimes, I would find myself caught up in a daydream,
With the idea of you and me as the main theme...
To have the privilege to play with such long, beautiful locs,
With your pretty little head on my chest as we lose ourselves in one of our idle talks...
To be constantly graced with the sight of your breathtaking smile,
That radiates such a warmth that makes me want to bask in it for a while...
To be able to breathe you in, taking in your signature scent,
Something that I find both unfamiliar and comforting, warm and sweet, matching perfectly with your accent...
To be able to feel your soft dark skin,
Even if it's just to hold your hand, I would still consider it as a win...
To no longer have to wonder what it's like to feel those perfect lips,
Quietly yearning for more as I pull you closer by the curves of your hips...
What I feel for you... it's like I'm both flying and falling,
There's just something about you that is just so bewitching... enchanting... enthralling...
There are times I like to believe that... you were made just for me,
The one I would ask to spend my life with while down on bended knee...
Heh. My apologies... I'm getting ahead of myself, seeing how we're both still so young,
But I hope you can understand that I could no longer hold my tongue.
I can't reveal myself just yet... but I will in time,
So, until then, I will appear to you in the form of poetry and rhyme.
Maybe by then, I could finally say the name of this feeling that, in the past, had me reeling,
But for now, my dearly beloved, what I feel for you, I'll call a "funny, funny feeling..."
Signed,
Your Secret Admirer
A single blink. Followed by another.
Slender fingers shook slightly as the person's sign-off whirred around in her mind.
"I-I... I have a..." The last two words died on her tongue as Judith stared at the sign off with baffled astonishment. Ever since her mother scarred her, Judith could never see herself as someone desirable. She almost didn't go to the Celestial Ball; most of her friends had dates, and being in a fancy dress with an eye sore on her face made her uncomfortable.
The idea that someone could like her was impossible.
'Well, not anymore, so it seems...'
Judith set the paper down to rub her temples when the back of her hand brushed against something soft. Amid her flustered confusion, the young witch almost forgot the flower left alongside the note.
It was a dark pink and deep red carnation. In quiet awe, the young girl picked up the flower, feeling its soft petals. Bringing the flower to her nose, she inhaled quietly before sighing blissfully at its natural perfume.
"Oh wow, this is so sweet, but why..." Her voice trailed off, noticing an extra little note towards the bottom of the page.
"Carnations symbolize many things: fascination, distinction, devotion, gratitude, and love. Depending on the color. I chose this flower in those particular colors, so you know that... I find you interesting and unique... and to symbolize my budding feelings for you. I hope you accept my token of longing, dear Judith."
'Why is the room spinning right now...'
Judith can feel all the blood rushing from her heart to her suddenly hot cheeks. She had never had someone do something like this...
To think that this person is falling for her?
She shyly twirled the flower between her fingers before tucking it behind her scarred ear. A slow smile appeared on her lips for the first time that morning.
'I hope to meet you soon, my secret admirer...'
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Charms class seemed to have flown by because the next thing the young witch knew, it was time for lunch. While Judith did pay attention to Professor Flitwick's review, she couldn't help but take a few peeks at her note. The warm fuzzy feeling in her chest only grew as she reread the romantic poem.
The girl wore a dopey smile as she left the classroom and headed into the Great Hall.
"Who's got you smiling like that, Little Tigress?" Judith nearly jumped out of her skin as her best mate, David, appeared beside her. She gave him a brief glare for the "little" comment before a blush blossomed on her face.
"I don't know what you're talking about," she retorted, walking over to the Hufflepuff table. David raised a brow at her.
"Uh-huh... I saw you in Charms class peeking at something in your pocket with that same smile. I'm guessing who gave you that note gave you the flower, too," he sassed. He quickly evaded a punch from his embarrassed House mate with a laugh. He poked her side, smirking as the girl let out a high-pitched squeak.
"C'mon.... tell your best mate who it is," he teased. Judith let out a long-suffering sigh.
"Stubborn git... and I don't know who it's from. They signed themselves as "Your Secret Admirer," she admitted, fiddling with her rings. David's grin softened.
"Any idea who it could be?" Judith gave a small shrug.
"Your guess is as good as mine... but I hope to meet them one day..." Unknown to the two Hufflepuffs, a Ravenclaw was watching from their assigned table. Those red eyes were trained on the female witch, catching sight of the flower tucked behind a scarred ear.
Talbott let out a secret smile behind his book.
'One day, I'll be able to reveal myself to you, darling. You can count it...'














