Flying To Infinity

[Stefan Archer]

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Despite the fact it was summer, for some summer was not a time where being outside was the best thing. It was warmer, yes, and you were a lot more likely to meet people when you were outside than inside. But for the colourblind Slytherin teen, this wasn't the case. He didn't hate the season of summer. He just didn't think out of all the seasons it was the one of the ones he liked most. It was always bright, and the sun usually hung high in the sky above him. And brightness did not play well with a colourblind person. He didn't hate it, it was just annoying. It made his eyes sore, and if it was too bright he just had problems seeing. The sun made him at times just completely blind. It wasn't fun, he didn't like having to wear sunglasses. Or keeping his eyes down upon the floor. He just wanted to be able to walk normally like everyone else, but in Sunlight this was impossible for the colourblind teen. Stefan Archer wasn't the type to hate something without a good reason. But summer was quickly becoming something he had a very love/hate relationship with. He loved it since, it was warm, and he knew his pale skin needed sun. But, he hated it because it made him warm, and his jumper always made it difficult to sit in direct sunlight for too long without really wanting to take it off. Which was not something he wanted to do. Since his arms were filled with bruises and gashes that would lead people to question what the hell had happened to him. And those thoughts were ones that he really did not need people to think when in reference to him. However, despite his better judgement and thoughts he still went out in the sun. He knew that he needed the sunlight. Somewhere he had read that being in the sun made a person happier. And while this wasn't the only thought he had in heading to the outdoors, it was a pretty important thing for him, since he wanted all the happiness he could get. It didn't matter where it actually came from. Stefan hadn't really been outside over the holidays. Not after the rain incident. That day stuck pretty clear in his mind, just because of who had been in it. A girl he met in passing while getting a small amount of food, Danielle, who'd been upset at some unkind words. And then his father. His father who had been angry and decided that Stefan was not allowed to ride home with him. Something Stefan understood why. and then Kate. Kate Moon, The girl who had helped him a lot more than others ever did. The girl he was sure he still hadn't thanked enough for what she'd done.

After meeting with Kate, he'd walked home. It had taken him a long while, and it had been very dark when he had arrived home. The rain had still been falling hard, and Stefan had been soaked to the skin, or the very bone. He had never been so wet or so cold, he had never been so tired. He'd gotten home, and his father had been asleep. Stefan had been able to tell from the lack of light from his house. And not being the one to wake his father, Stefan had just slept right outside the house. Despite how tired, or cold he had been, and how he'd not even been protected from the rain, Stefan had been so tired he'd just fallen asleep straight away. The next day had not been fun. Stefan had faced his very angry father, who seen the state of Stefan's jumper, how wet Stefan was and was just incredibly angry. Thankfully Stefan had managed to keep the slice of bread, and promised to fix his jumper once he returned to school, he just needed one in the mean time. So after his father had pretty much kicked his ass, he'd thrown Stefan a set of dry clothes that belonged to Stefan's father. It was the first time in a very long while that his father had given any clothing. It meant, Stefan had a new jumper, new pair of trousers and a new t-shirt. he didn't knew what the clothes really looked like, but he was sure that the t-shirt was grey. Apart from that he didn't know. Stefan's father had actually just given his a grey t-shirt, a dark blue pair of jeans and a lose fitting dark jumper. It all matched. And Stefan was grateful. It was the little times like that , that reminded Stefan that his father was just struggling with the death of his mother. And eventually Stefan was sure his father would get over it, and they'd be able to put everything which had happened behind them and step forward. Stefan would forgive his father for everything, since he'd know that his father hadn't actually meant it. Just a phase. It was a hope, and one he would stick to.

After that day, his father had acted a little more violently. He'd kicked and punched hard. He'd given Stefan even less to eat. It was hard. It had been a long holiday. He'd cried himself to sleep most nights. Since most nights the pain had been pretty much the most unbearable thing he'd felt in his short life so far. He'd even had to go to the hospital at one point, some time near the end of the holidays. His father had pushed him down the last few steps and he'd managed to get a concussion and break four ribs, bruised three others and lightly strain his left wrist. The trip to the hospital hadn't been fun. There had been a lot of questions, but Stefan had just stuck to his story and they'd managed to get home without too much pestering and social services becoming involved. Not to mention his father had put fake details on to the forms. So there had been no chance of any kind of follow up. Stefan was just glad that for once his ribs were properly taken care off. It meant that while they hurt a lot, Stefan had the proper things to take care of them. It also just meant he had to be extra careful when moving. To make sure that the minimum of questions were asked by those around him. It was why, for once he was heading outside, with the idea to avoid people. His feet had taken him from his comfortable dorm room, dressed in the clothes that his father had given him towards the outdoors. Once outside Stefan Archer pretty much just walked to the quidditch pitch without giving it much thought. He didn't know why he'd gone. Not to mention it would be the first time he'd ever gone to the quidditch pitch. The Slytherin hated heights. Flying a broom was out of the question. Large crowds of people did not sit well with him either, so he had never had a reason to ever go. he had avoided the Flying classes like the plague. Never once had he gone. he was sure. If he had, the boy had removed it from his memory. But on this sunny summer day, Stefan had decided that he would sit in the Slytherin Stands of the pitch and just watch. There were a couple of people flying around the pitch, but they hadn't noticed him. Which he was glad of. Stefan was happy to just be sitting looking out at the pitch watching as the people flew around. It wasn't often that Stefan liked being noticed, so the fact that they hadn't made him smile. He was also able to assume that the clothes his father had given to him were not bad in colour. They were plain. Stefan obviously wouldn't know, and the only person he trusted to tell him differently was Kate. Maybe Willow. But, Kate would be the one to not lie to him, just to avoid the embarrassment. He made a mental note to ask her, the next time he saw her.

The dark blue eyes of the boy watched as a person flew around the pitch. Minding their own business. Stefan wondered if they had been practicing long. It was a fairly hot day, and while Stefan looked like it was more winter with his jumper and dark jeans, it would be hard to fly for long in such sun. Stefan knew that he owed Kate quite a lot for what she'd done for him. Without her, he was sure that he wouldn't have made it home. Without the food she'd bought. Stefan didn't have the money to give her to make up for it. He knew that she probably wouldn't expect it, but he wanted to be able to pay her back. At least as a way of saying thank you for doing there and then to help. For wanting to help. Basically Stefan just wanted to say thank you. It had been on his mind the entire holiday. The cuts he'd gotten on the bruise on the side of his face were practically gone, the bruise looked a lot better. But his right hand was still pretty badly bruised. Everything else was covered by clothing. Which he was happy with. Since his right arm was pretty bad, after his father had pushed him to the ground before getting in the car for school. Stefan shook his head, and refocused on the people on the pitch in front of him. He smiled. They all seemed so care free in the air. It almost looked fun. But no matter how fun it looked, the height would always stop Stefan from doing it. And with that, Stefan found himself smiling. Just watching these people made him smile. Plain and simple. Memories of the holiday quickly forgotten.​

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[Kate Archer]

Kate walked out into the sunshine.A smile appeared on her face almost immediately.Even though it was January the weather was like that of summer over in England.She was still getting used to the different time for the seasons here.Her birthday was four months away and even though it was still a pretty long time away Kate was looking forward to it.In Ireland it would of been just the beginning of summer but it would be autumn nearing winter here.There was not much of summer left around a month of real summer weather before it turned in March.So not to take advantage of the fine weather now would be silly in Kate's opinion but then again everybody has there own opinions.

There was one person Kate was eager to see after the holidays.They were only recently back so Kate hadn't had a chance to see him yet.She was worried about the journey he taken during the holidays.She had felt better after he had eaten some food and dried off a bit but she had still been worried since then.Her brother nd sister had noticed something and had asked endless amount of questions but she had kept quiet for Stefan's sake.It wasn't her place to say anything to anyone anyway.This was Stefan's problem and he would decided how to get out of it.Kate would only voice her opinion if she was asked but she doubted it so for now she would have to keep her jaw shut.

Suddenly Kate realized she was outside the Qudditch pitch.She could see a few brooms flying around and she decided to have a look.She made her way to the Hufflepuff stand and sat down.She looked around.She hadn't been there often she didn't really like watching matches.Too much suspence for her.For a while she just looked at the students practicing before she saw a lone figure over at the Slytherin stand.She squinted her eyes and she then realized who it was.She felt the familiar warmth come over her.She was relieved that he was here.A small part of her had been worried that he wouldn't be coming back but she felt that burden lift off her shoulders when she saw him.But all the worry was gone.She couldn't see properly from here what he looked like.She quickly left the Hufflepuff stand and made her way over to the Slytherin.When she arrived she stopped for a second and looked at him.Reassuring herself that he was okay and not to banged up. She walked over "Heyy"She said smiling and sitting down beside him,.

 

[Stefan Archer]

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Despite the warmth that the sun overhead was giving off, Stefan found he actually wasn't that warm. He was warm, because his second hand jumper was pretty thick. Well, thicker than his other jumper. It wasn't as think as it could be, but it was thick enough for the Slytherin teen. His eyes stayed on the fliers around the pitch. It was difficult to make them out at times, since there was so much light. And at times they flew directly to where the sun was in the sky, and this no only hurt the Slytherin's eyes, but it meant that it was almost impossible for him to make them out. One of the more annoying side effects of his condition. Living without colour was something that the teen knew he could live without. he didn't know what he was missing out on, but it was when the light was so bright, he could be standing right in front of someone, and just not be able to make them out at all. It was a little annoying, and Stefan found he squinted. Had to look away, and he found that this lead people to thinking that he was rude or something, which was incorrect, but since not everyone knew that he was colourblind, there was no other way of getting around that. He didn't want all people to know, so he just stood there, and knew that they'd probably never strike up a conversation with him ever again. Which if the Slytherin was completely honest, he actually didn't mind. As much as he loved centering himself around new people and potential friends, he had limits, and at time, he just didn't want to talk to anyone. This didn't happen that often, since Stefan did not really go out of his way to talk to people. He might mutter a hi, but it would be more for politeness, more often than not, if he didn't know the person then he wouldn't be the one to start the conversation. And most conversations with him, started with them asking if he was okay, since they'd maybe seen a bruise. This did not happen every time, but for half a term that was how some did. Which was why he'd always liked being with his friends, Kate, Willow, Sara. They generally didn't ask. They knew Stefan well enough to know he would just lie to them. Which the Slytherin teen wasn't proud of, but lying in his situation, lying to everyone was the only way to stay alive. Even though he was pretty sure his father did not have it in him to actually kill him, he also didn't put it past the man if Stefan chose to tell someone about the treatment he received. The words, and the hits. Stefan valued his life, as much as his father didn't. Stefan liked being able to see each new day. He knew that most probably wouldn't be annoyed if he wasn't in their life, but Stefan liked living.

One of the Slytherin's favourite past times was actually just watching other people. Watching as people fly brooms, girls talked with other girls. Just watching and imagining if his life would've been like that had his mother lived past his second birthday. She hadn't, and Stefan knew it was pretty pointless to ever try to imagine, but while watching the person on the broom, he couldn't help but imagine. While most of the time, this caused Stefan Archer to feel awful, he found himself smiling. Sure his life wasn't going too great, but there were times, that Stefan realised that it probably could be a lot worse. At least he had a roof over his head. And watching this person play a sport he wouldn't ever go near, Stefan realised that while his life would probably never be perfect, while he had no idea how he was going to escape his father, while his heart told him his father would never change despite what he wanted to believe. That there were other people worse off than him. That other people had their own problems, and what they had were escapes. Stefan hadn't quite found his yet. Something he could do, and then instantly forget about everything that happened in his life. Where his father would not even spring to mind. Where old suppressed memories never appeared. An escape. Hogwarts was that in a more literal sense. He was pretty sure that he was ready to call the place home. It treated him like a human, and that made him feel just amazing. It was nice, familiar, and it felt like a place where he could be himself. A home. His home away from home. Since his home with his father wasn't a place he liked to be, it had more the name of House, rather than Home. Stefan's gaze was following the person around. His eyes didn't falter. He was smiling. Things felt good. Perfect. Even though he couldn't make out the entire image, since his was black and white. To him it was still amazing. Magic was just that. His father would not approve of the flying thing. He could just imagine his father saying something about humans not being owls. While he half smiled, he was reminded of his father's words that were usually directed at him. The Slytherin took a deep breath, as deep as he could, letting a calm take back over his body. He could almost feel the old bruise on the side of his face reminding him of his father in the sense that he didn't want to remember.

A voice, female sounded and it was suffice to say that it snapped him out of his daze. He shook his head lightly and turned his gaze to the person now sitting beside him. He moved slightly away from her, creating a small distance. And as his eyes adjusted to the change of light, Stefan realised who it was. He suddenly felt bad for sliding away. A smiled crept onto his face. And he felt that familiar feeling in his chest that just wanted to tell her everything. He moved slightly closer to her. Kate Moon. Stefan was glad to see her. He met her eyes for a second and then looked to his hands. Aware that he had pulled the jumper sleeves over his hands. Mostly to cover the bruise on his right hand, but it was a sign he was actually nervous when with her. He felt comfortable around her, but it made him nervous. He wanted to say thank you. Again and again, for what she had done for him. He obviously, probably wouldn't talk about how long it had taken him to get home, or how the rain had gotten heavier, and how his father had been already asleep, so he'd just slept outside. Not to mention what had happened the morning after. Stefan closed his eyes for a second and then looked back up at Kate. "Hey" Stefan said, meeting her eyes. And finding his lips curving into a smile. "How are you?" Stefan just wanted to hug his friend, tell her about how much he had missed her, how she had truly helped him. Not only on that day. instead of doing that, since he knew a hug would bring large amounts of pain to his heeling rib bones. And his bruised chest. His sprained left wrist, for which he'd already gotten rid of the bandage for, and was just relying on the fact that he didn't use the hand often. "Thank you for the you know. It really helped. I don't think I would've made it home with out your help" Stefan said looking away from Kate. "I really owe you. Apart from that, How were the remainder of your holidays? Christmas?"​

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[Kate Archer]

Kate looked up to the sky and squinted.The sun was strong but not the short and t-shirts type of strong.This was the better type of weather because you weren't passing out with the heat.It was the kind of weather Kate loved.She was in a t-shirt and jeans and even though it wasn't that warm she was perfectly happy. At home the summer weather would usually be like this or it would be raining,so Kate was used to this sort of weather and that's why she loved it.The weather here was almost identical to England and Kate wasn't sure whether she liked that or not.

As Kate sat up in the stands she could help but admire their bravery.Kate wasn't entirely comfortable with heights.When she looked over long drops she would feel dizzy but when she had flying lessons she was usually okay though she wasn't sure if she would be able to go as high as some of the people practicing.This was the only thing stopping her from trying-out for the Quidditich team.She didn't want to tell anybody she wasn't completely okay with heights,she sometimes didn't like admitting she had an actual issue with somethings.Nobody knew except for her parents and Sara and for the moment she was perfectly happy to leave it that way.

As she sat down she noticed he slide a small bit away.She managed to keep her face neautral but inside she was a small bit confused.Luckily he smiled and she felt a small bit better.He was looking okay but she was guessing most of the bruises were hidden under his clothes. "I'm good and you?"She asked smiling enjoying the feel of the sun on her skin.Kate looked at him as he thanked her. Kate put her hand on his lightly "No worries,I'm always here"She said smiling before putting her hand back on her lap. Kate shook her head he didn't owe her.She was his friend and he hardly expected her to just abandon him on the side of the road in the rain.Kate could do that to no one. But she went on as if she hadn't heard him say that because she didn't think he owed her at all. "They were good,same old same old"She said grinning.Her holidays had been very boring.She had stayed in New Zealand for another week and then she had returned home.She had spent most of her time reading books and practicing her violin.Things had been the same between Sara and herself and life had gone on.Near the end of the holidays she couldn't wait to get back to Hogwarts.She had never wanted to come back so much. "How was your holidays?"She asked looking at his face.She was worried about Stefan because things happened to him over the holidays that shouldn't happen to any human being.She had been constantly worried about him and she felt about ten times better seeing him in front of her looking relitavely okay.

 

[Stefan Archer]

The Slytherin boy was trying to understand why there were that many people on the pitch. As it was a nice day, he had almost always assumed that everyone would go outside somewhere and since there was only a certain amount of places to go somewhere like the pitch, he had always imagined to be one of those places where it would be so busy. It had taken him a little by surprise to see only about three people in the air, and including himself and Kate, three people sitting in different parts of the stand. It occurred to him that a place like the pitch was maybe not as busy as he first thought it could be. It was honestly not what he had thought. Although, since the Slytherin cared very little for sports, he wasn't really expected to know that much about it. Stefan pulled the sleeves down over his hands and wondered how cold it would be flying threw the air. He was feeling pretty warm in the sun, but flying at such speeds would not good. It would be cold, and the air would be chilling. Stefan knew that if he was to have to fly, he'd probably end up falling off, his hands would slip and he would fall, and Stefan Archer did not want to end up falling to ground. That would cause a lot of the pain. Pain he really didn't need more of. It also meant he'd end up in the hospital wing, and the chances were that they'd also find what other things were wrong with him. Like they'd find all his bruises, all the ones on his chest and back. the cuts and gashes, the old scars of ones. It would be an easy alert for the professors to realise that unless Stefan was very very clumsy that was wrong with him was in fact something a lot more sinister, which it actually was. Stefan Archer didn't want his home to do more in this world that it already did. He knew that Kate, Sara and Willow all treated him differently, slightly, considering he was sure they all thought they knew. Stefan moved his eyes away from Kate, and stared down at his feet. He could see the bruise on his right hand. A lot worse than it had been when he'd seen Kate that day. He was thankfully sitting in a way that meant she could not see the bruise on the side of his face, which while it looked better, still had a cut on it from the day. The cut at the top of his head was pretty much gone. That he was thankful for. At least there was only a little that could be seen.

The Slytherin was sore pretty much everywhere. His ribs were sore, he'd tried to not move too suddenly when she'd appeared, but even the slight movement had sent his ribs in a strong pain. His wrist thankfully was not as sore, since it had only been a sprain, but it still didn't mean it was painless. Her words were nice, he still couldn't get over the fact that she was actually nice to him because she wanted to be. He had so little of that in his short life that he did actually hardly believe it. For the colourblind Slytherin, he had expected to come to Hogwarts and for people to treat him in the same way that his father did, but this was completely false. He had not expected people to actually like him, to care about him, and to always want to be a part of his life, to get annoyed when he shut them out. Of course, Stefan was still not an open person, and he was sure he knew more about his friends than they did about him, but this wasn't really something that bothered him. The fact they even wanted to be in the same room as him was enough for the slytherin. He looked up at his friend and smiled at her, just as she placed her hand lightly on his. He was glad that she had not put it near his wrist and that her touch had been light. He didn't exactly want her to know. Since that had meant he'd gone to hospital. And Stefan would much rather that she knew nothing of that, since he felt stupid that he had had to go. It had cost his father a lot of bother, and his father had spent the remaining day of the holiday telling him how stupid he had been, and how much hassle it truly was. Stefan was aware that he had not answered her question, but he also hadn't wanted to. It was pointless lying and saying he was okay, when really he was anything but okay. Stefan was sore, he was tired, a lack of food did that. He wasn't exactly hungry, but he was still trying to readjust to having food all the time, and this meant he was still very skinny. As kate Spoke, he was sure that she probably didn't understand how much she had actually done for him, in her small act. Stefan smiled and looked to her as she talked about her holiday. Not because it was funny, but because the same old, meant nothing to him. The same old he figured for him just meant him getting his ass kicked. For her it was probably different, but the SLytherin said nothing. Instead he just smiled at Kate. Not really saying anything, just smiling at her. And then the question was returned to him. This made him smile even more. The Slytherin had no idea what to say about his holiday's. It was a pretty pointless question, but he decided he would at least give some form of an answer.

"My Holidays, well," He started, clearing his throat slightly, clearly thinking of the right words to use so as to give nothing away but still saying something that wouldn't annoy Kate. "They were all right. Could've been better. My father gave me some of his old clothes, he felt bad for the whole car thing. He had just been in a bad mood then, and it was really my fault, I was the one who got wet. So, my fault not his." Stefan reasoned, knowing he'd gotten off topic, "But, it was okay." This was mostly a lie, his holiday had been no better, if not worse than the last few. He had ended up in hospital, and the last time that had happened, was an incident the Slytheirn boy didn't even want to think about. He did feel bad for lying to Kate, "Well, by okay, I mean there are people worse off than me. My dad just needs to find some work, then everything will be better." Stefan wasn't the type to hide the fact he was poor, that and colourblindness were the two things that he could use to explain everything about him. People generally didn't believe it because Stefan was an awful lier. But he did it anyway. "I could never fly, it looks scary." He smiled at Kate, and then back up at the people flying. "I didn't even go to the flying lessons."

 

[Kate Archer]

Kate watched the few people practicing going so high she had to crane her neck to see.She did an involuntary shudder when she thought of how high they must be.She looked down quickly and hoped Stefan hadn't noticed anything.She wondered how people could go that high with out getting dizzy.The strange thing was she could go on amusement rides that would spin all around the place and go so fast she wouldn't be able to move.Even rides that went so high people looked like ants.Kate wasn't sure and to be honest she didn't care.Maybe some doctor type thingy would now but Kate wasn't going to get her parents a lot of money just for the person to tell her something that would have no relevance to her day-to-day life.Kate didn't have that much fears it was really only heights and slitting wrists.It was a strange fear but Kate would always shiver when she thought about it.She didn't know how anybody could to it to themselves.Sometimes Kate's couldn't even look at her wrist because she would just start shivering.She had told no one about this fear and she didn't really want anyone to find out.She did another little shudder and Kate concentrated on Stefan speaking.

As he told Kate what he did for the holidays she couldn't help but think "That's still no way to treat your child" Even if his dad didn't like getting his car wet he could of just given out to him not throw him to the ground.Kate felt anger building up but she took a few breaths and she calmed.She nodded.She couldn't say she knew how he felt because she didn't.Her family had always had enough money so she didn't know what it felt like to choose between heating or food or whatever. She sympathized with Stefan but mentally.She didn't think he would appreciate her saying anything.It wasn't exactly the type of thing you commented on so Kate kept quiet. Kate smiled "I know,looks really scary though its not that bad....not sure about flying that high though"Kate said not wanting to think about it. Kate was surprised by this she had thought everyone would of had to do it.She wondered how he had pulled it off "Lucky you"Kate said under her breath.She had't really meant to speak a loud.She hoped Stefan hadn't heard.

Out of Character:

I'm so sorry it took so long!

 

[Stefan Archer]

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For the colourblind boy, being with Kate was the best place to be, ever. It was just nice, and simple. It was never hard. It was like it was natural to the boy. He thought at times that this was due to the fact that over the years they'd spent a lot of time together. But, this wasn't true for everything. Some of the professors whom he saw each day for an entire term each week, he was still not remotely close to. The Slytheirn doubted for most of those professors that he would ever be close to them. They were just people whom were a lot bigger and a lot strong than him in every sense. Stefan more or less feared every professor that they had. Or had ever had. The slytherin did not warm well to adults. Despite only really having his father in his life the boy was not interested in getting to know the other adults around him. In time maybe, but he had no reason to really talk to them. They meant little to him, and therefore the Slytherin boy saw little point in involving them in his life. Stefan didn't exactly have a great story to tell them, and the moment he would tell one of them, he'd be sent home, have his father reported to the authorities, and as much as Stefan had a strong dislike for his father, he also did not wish for him to just be gone. And out of his life. His father would get him back. Stefan didn't want to be alone in the world. Sure he had friends, but he never knew if they'd be there forever. His father had at least been there for him every day of his life. Maybe not in the best sense, but he could've just left. He could've left him right after his mother died. Then Stefan would be alone. No matter how much he hated his father, without him Stefan was truly alone. He would have no one left. He couldn't ask his friends to take him in. Stefan's eyes moved away from the fliers to his friend, one of the only people that he felt truly comfortable around. Which was a rare occurrence, the only people he could bare being around, and was completely comfortable around was Kate, Willow, Sara and maybe Tara. All in all, not a lot of people. A lot less than most people.

It had never crossed his mind that Kate might be afraid of heights. If the Slytherin was honest he didn't often think that other people had fears. He was sure he was the only one. Mostly because he was more or less afraid of everything. He hated heights, creepy insects, when people moved too suddenly when near him, scars and a whole lot of other things, there was just nothing that the slytherin could do to attempt to fix all of the issues that he had. Stefan sighed slightly. He didn't know how else to explain that he just stayed hidden in his room each time the lesson had been. Just not going had been better than going and coming up with some excuse. Stefan looked at his hands, as he lightly rubbed them together. "It's fairly easy to make yourself invisible when you have had the sort of upbringing I've had." Was all that Stefan said. It didn't imply anything precisely. Just that his upbringing had taught him to be hidden. Stefan looked up to Kate. He sometimes wondered what he'd be like if he'd grown up in the same sort of Household as Kate, would he have been sorted into Slytherin or somewhere else, would he be anything like who he was now. Would he take money for granted. Would he have any idea about what went on in some homes. He wondered if Kate and Him would've gotten along so well. Would he already have a cure for the colourblindness. He told him self often to not think in such a fashion, that it didn't matter since this was the hand he had been given and he would just have to life with it no matter how bad it could get. "What are you scared of?" Stefan looked up at Kate, with a look of curiosity on his face. He didn't know if it was too personal a question to ask. They were close friends but that did not mean that they would be able to discuss such things. "What worries you?" Stefan rephrased knowing it wasn't as personal a question. Or so he hoped. Stefan was not personal, he held people at arms length all of the time. Which was the best way to do things in his opinion, but he at least wanted to know everything he could about Kate. Since she was the girl he liked most. His closest friend. "You don't need to answer that." Stefan added quickly. Aware that she might be as reluctant as him.​

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[Kate Archer]

Kate looked at the person beside her.Out of all her friends he probably meant the most.She didn't know when that had happened.After all for a lot of last year they didn't talk.She supposed it was a thing you didn't really notice until you really thought about it. He was her closet friend Sara ad been but then all the things with that muggle friend who had turned them against each other or maybe they just lost trust in each other Kate didn't know.But Sara was old news and Kate had to look forward.She watched Stefan as he looked at the students flying high.She knew as she looked at him she felt something more.She was growing older but she was still trying to figure out her true feelings.But what she was sure was that she felt something more for him though she didn't know exactly what.She wondered did Stefan feel the same way or did he just feel like close friends?Kate didn't know and she made a note in her head to ask maybe Tara or Willow sometime.

Kate felt a light breeze move her hair over her eyes.She brushed it behind her ears.It was turning darker he hair because the sun was not as strong as it used to be.Her hand went to her fringe and she started twirling it as she always did.She then nodded at Stefan but said nothing.She didn't want to say anything so she just sat there twirling her hair looking at the students flying high.She wondered would they be there for much longer,she didn't know how long they ad been there and she wondered how long they had been there.His next question surprised her.She didn't say anything but she smiled as Stefan talked twice again.She didn't mind being asked the question she didn't find it paticularly personal though she wasn't sure if she wanted people to know her fears.But she then decided if anyone could keep a secret it would be Stefan. "Well I don't like heights and stuff to do with wrists"Kate said surpressing the shudder that always came when she thought about wrists.She didn't want to tell Stefan the full thing as she wasn't sure if she would be able to say it out loud.It was an unusual fear and it affected Kate deeply.She wasn't sure why and she wished it didn't but there was nothing Kate could do about it at the moment. "Whats your fear"She asked her voice distant as she was not completely in with the conversation.This sometimes happened when she was thinking which she was doing a lot of lately.She suddenly came back down to earth "If you don't mind me asking"She said her voice back to normal.

 

[Stefan Archer]

Despite the fact that the slytherin boy was bad at lying, this did not mean that he wasn't able to hide his emotions. It was a skill he could do well. Mostly without even trying. It wasn't because he preferred to be difficult to read but more that because of the way his father was it was the way Stefan would be hurt less. It wasn't like he had ever expected to ever get close to anyone else. So that showing emotions would be acceptable but it was he was sure. Around Kate, Stefan felt on top of the world. Like nothing could stop him or hold him back. It was perfect. It was just the way that he preferred. He enjoyed being around Sara and Willow too, but it was different with Kate, there was something more about it. With her, he felt like his heart was beating so much faster. On one hand he felt like he could tell her everything about him and on the other Stefan just felt all the more embarrassed about everything. He didn't want to ruin her ideas of a fair and just world. He didn't want to tell her that while she was going through a sibling argument that he had basically been in a version of hell. That while she took time away from her family in a second home in New Zealand, Stefan had stayed in his house, that for most of the day had no heating or lighting. Both of which were needed with someone of Stefan's stature and eye sight. He hated thinking about what he had, and what she had. He was embarrassed to think like that. He knew that it was not up to him to decide that his existence was worse than hers. He knew that each person had their own set of problems and issues. It was just his bad luck that his were a little bit worse than most people's. Stefan cared so much about Kate. At times he felt like he would literally do anything for her. And part of this line of thought was keeping her well away from his father. The previous time had been too close. Stefan meet his friends eyes and smiled at her. God, she was beautiful. It was thoughts like that told him, that no matter how strong he felt about her there was no way that she could possibly feel the same towards him. A fact the Slytherin was sure he could live with.

The Slytherin gave a light nod as she told him her fears. They were slightly odd fears. Things to do with wrists. Stefan had to resist the urge to look down at his hands. It was odd, Stefan had never thought about such things. His wrists were often sprained, or had bruises on them. Stefan could never. With so much other pain in his life he couldn't deal with people who did the same to themselves. But he curious, why did she not like it. Stefan wondered if it was the blood, or the scars. Either way it was not really something that she wanted to spend time talking about. It wasn't like it was a normal subject. Heights on the other hand, the Slytherin believed was not only a very normal fear but a well reasoned one too. It wasn't like it wasn't completely impossible to fall from a broom, and it would hurt like hell. Stefan knew that falls and heights were not a good mix. His fears were plentiful. It wasn't like he could actually telling her what he feared. Stefan's first fear was his father. He was scared of his father on more days than he wasn't. It wasn't something he could just tell anyone. How does one say, I am afraid of the man who raises me without alerting them to the fact that the Slytherin had some much deeper issues than fear. So, instead he tried to come up with a few things that sounded nearly normal enough to pass as normal fears. "Heights, Even this is a little scary." Stefan gave a light laugh. He was being honest-ish for once. It would be one of the first times that he would actually tell someone some of his weaknesses. "The dark, and extreme light, you know when I'm basically blind. Having no one and nothing, I mean even less than I have now. I mean things could be worse for me. You probably don't believe me, but things could be worse for me. I'm thankful they aren't. And afraid of losing what little I have." It was probably the first time in a long while that Stefan had actually been that honest about something. He hadn't really ever talked about his fears. He in a way hoped to show her, that no matter how bad things got, that he was happy with what he currently had, and that losing his father in any context was something he didn't want to have to do so soon. He hoped that Kate would be able to understand such a thing and that it was not something pointless that he was saying. "Although, I know with my luck and track record, I'm probably going to lose everything."
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[Kate Archer]

In primary school Kate had never had a best friend other that Sara.She had had lots of friends but she had never had one that was really close a person who you could tell anything to or the person who you could just beside and not say anything but it still not being awkward. Kate guessed it was due to the fact that she had had Sara.Who needed a best friend when you had a twin sister the person you were with 24/7 the person who you spent most of your time with the person who you could trust your very soul with if needed to.In a way if had been a loss that she had never made that really close friend but then in other ways it was for the best as she would never be able to see her and you would have to keep one of your biggest fears from him/her.Since entering Hogwarts Kate hadn't made that much good friends sure she was friendly with most people in her year but she didn't have a lot of people that she knew and liked to spend time with.There were four main people and then there were a few that she was kind of close to.Kate didn't mind this at all in a way she preferred it because you didn't have a loud of people babbling around you at once and anyway why would you need lots and lots of friends when you had four that you could always count in to make you feel better even though in Kate's case she worried about every single one of them.This didn't bother Kate really she just hoped no one was worried about her.She doubted anyone did as there was nothing really to be worried about and Kate wouldn't want someone to be worrying about her.These four people were the people her world with out even realizing it revolved around.If anything happened to anything she didn't know what she would do especially in Stefan's case and Willow was starting to come to the top of her list.She wanted to talk to her one on one for a while and try and see what the situation was.With Stefan she had big worries.She knew there were lots of cuts,bruises and sprains all over his body and it wasn't nessesarily that it was more so the fact that she knew who was doing it.But these had now become a part of Kate's life kind of like her routine and it didn't bother her one bit.

She was glad that he didn't comment on her fears although the wrist one most be confusing as it wasn't everyday that you heard that.It was her only true fear and it scared her.Though she didn't like admitting it it did scare her and sometimes she would wake up covered in sweat and shaking.It was a new feeling for her as she had never had a true fear before.eight had been a minor problem she had had no nightmares about them and she was always grand on a plane.It was just something she would have to get over and move on with.It would of been tough but then things in life were never easy as Kate had found out last year.Kate felt something inside her warm as Stefan opened up about his fears.It was a hard thing to do and she somewhat proud of him for doing it.She was piecing together what he said about losing everything and she realized that he didn't want to lose his dad that he was happy the way things are and that if his dad left things would get worse and that's what he was afraid of or that's what Kate thought anyways she hoped she was right.The next part she found she understood what he was saying.It seemed that things never went so well for him.Kate smiled sympathetically at him "I'm sure that won't happen everyone gets a bit of luck on their side and life will never always be bad there always a silver lining to every cloud and that is what you should remember every time you feel as if you just want to sit down and cry or the weight of the world is one your shoulders"Kate said with all her belief.It didn't matter that Stefan had had a crappy start in life she was sure that things would get better.No one deserved it more than him.She could put her hand on her heart and say that there was gonna be better things for Stefan soon.After her little speech she relaxed a bit.The flyers were lowering and soon they touched the ground.Kate watched them go in.She was now in one of her thinking moods.It happened a lot more lately which wasn't exactly good social wise. "Things will change Stefan,that is one thing I can be sure of"Kate said before closing her eyes.

 

[Stefan Archer]

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Having never been to any form of educational establishment before, the Slytherin teen had always had difficulty understanding friendship and how things like that worked. He got that if you were nice to someone that generally meant that in return they too would be nice. But, he didn't know how friendship really worked. What merited losing friendship and how such a thing could even come about. The slytherin understood a betrayal of trust, it was the core reason why he didn't talk about everything that happened to him. He feared they would tell others and he would be the laughing stock of the school because he couldn't even defend himself from his own family. The boy with no mother and a dead beat dad. Who didn't even want to do anything about it. He did not want to lose his only family, and he thought that as he explained to Kate that she seemed to understand what he meant a little. He knew that she knew. He wondered why she hadn't told anyone, but it was almost a sort of test to how much he could actually trust her. But then again, he didn't actually know if she had told someone and currently his father and his home outside of Hogwarts were being taken away from him. It wasn't like his father would actually contact him to tell him anything of that sort. His father didn't actually care about him enough to keep him informed as to what was happening on the outside. Like if he had any work, if they would have heating, if he wanted Stefan to bring anything. During his time at Hogwarts it was literally a father-less zone, the way he preferred it. There was never a birthday card on his birthday. Why would their be, his mother had died a few days after. The entire week was a depressing one. But at least he would be fourteen. An age he never thought he'd even come close to. Stefan had never thought he'd live this long. But he had, and the boy was thankful. He had friends and people who did care. His life was getting better, one tiny step at a time. And even if it took another four or five years before his life was somewhat like a normal persons life, he would accept that. Just as long as he got to see it. Stefan knew that while he'd made it to thirteen, he still did not like his chances. But, he had to pretend. Like everything was all right, and was going to be all right.

The Slytherin glanced at Kate as she spoke. Nodding along to her words. He smiled slightly, but kept his eyes on his hands. He sighed slightly, he knew that with her there he shouldn't hide as much. He didn't have to. Sure, his torso, and his arms he would, but his hands. He should be able to show them. It didn't matter that his hands were a maze of scars. That one was fairly badly bruised at the side. Or that the same hand had a massive scar running on the palm. That the other wrist was sprained. He felt his fingers loosen their hold on the sleeves. As soon as he did so, Stefan noticed the bruise on his hand, and felt his cheeks warm, little did he realise that he was going red at the cheeks. he was embarrassed that he had this bruise on his hand. And that he had done nothing to stop it happening. It was as Kate said that if he ever wanted a shoulder to cry on, that he looked back up to her. A small smile upon his face. While he doubted he would never take her up on the offer, he was glad to know despite everything that it still existed. "I guess I have you. If ever I do lose everything." He meant it in a way that said, thank you for caring. Because in reality she was one of the first people to ever tell him that she cared. She had shown it, but there was a part of him that still believed it to be a lie. Since he could hardly believe that any person would ever care about him. Since his own blood did not, how could he expect others to. Kate was the first exception to that rule. Followed not too far behind by Willow and Sara. Change as she said was something that while he was well aware would happen he was not always sure if it could be called a good thing. If indeed change happened soon, he didn't quite know if he would be ready for it happening. Not that he could really claim to be able to stop it. But, it would be at least interesting to see. "Change is not always good. but I really am hope for some change." Stefan said, his mind reminding him of when his life had changed when he'd been just two. His mother gone, and his life reduced to what it is now. "But change will probably always in the end be for the better."

The Slytherin teen was not quite sure what else to say. He knew that he could hardly repeat her words back to her. As much as he hoped she knew that no matter what he'd always be there for her. Instead Stefan settled on carefully reaching out his hand and putting it on top of hers. Since it was the hand with the sprained wrist, there was little movement, and it was clear he was trying to stop himself from moving the wrist too much. "You're amazing, you know that?" The Slytherin muttered to her, meeting her eyes and smiling. "I don't know where I would be without you in my life. I will always be grateful, not matter how much I appear to shut you out, I'm still grateful." Stefan gave a slight nod. He was saying it in the sense of, I will continue lying to you about my home life, no matter what you say, but thank you. "You are literally, the best friend a guy like me could ever dream of having. And I mean that. Don't let people tell you differently."​

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[Kate Archer]

Kate was tired.She had been a bit stressed lately and the small puffs were there to prove it.It was only a recent development and not one she liked to dwell on.everybody went through stages like this a lot of other people probably went through worse but that didn't stop Kate from yawning and rubbing her eyes.She had been worried so much lately it had been preventing her from a nice long sleep.She didn't know why she was only starting to yawn now.She guessed it was early but she had hoped the fresh air would of woken her up a bit.But she was confused as to why she was so tired now.Kate shrugged to herself and thought no more of it.

Kate smiled at Stefan.It was nice to have a close friend she could talk to.It helped pass the time and it was nice to have someone to talk to.She looked down at his hand and saw the bruise it was nasty looking and Kate wondered how did he do it?Nearly all his life had had been going through all this pain and he was still there.H must have some back bone in him even if he didn't stand up to to his dad and she couldn't blame him she was amazed that he had survived.Not much people would they would either get seriously injured or do something terrible to themselves.Kate stopped herself right there not wanting to think to much on that.Kate was confused when she saw his cheeks redden after his bruise showed.She wouldn't say anything else as that would probably make it worse so instead she prentended as if she had n't seen the bruise.His next words touched her "I'll always be here"She said looking him in the eye.She was glad that he realized this as last year that's what she had been trying to get through his head. Kate contemplated his next words "What you say is true but usually change isn't bad we just think it is because its different and we are all scared of the unknown"Kate said thinking out her answer. There were probably exceptions to this but there were always a few of them. "The key to a happy life after change is to embrace it don't hold back "Kate said thinking of what happened between her and Sara.She had embraced the change and look where it had brought her.She no longer felt awkward when in her sisters presence she treated Sara like anybody else and she was happier because of this.

Kate looked up at Stefan when she felt his hand on hers.Her cheeks then started to redden as he spoke.She was glad he couldn't see it but his words warmed her to the core.It wasn't as if these words were spoken to her often so when Stefan said them she felt incrediably touched.She squeezed his hand and had to stop the tears forming in her eyes.She wasn't sure why she felt like crying she wasn't exactly emotional but she could feel a tear run down her cheek and she quickly wiped it away so Stefan didn't see it.He probably didn't know how much those words meaned to her. "Thanks"she said to Stefan not sure what to do.She didn't feel as if a thank you was good enough and she didn't want to hug him as that would probably be to painful so she just sat there looking at him tears in her eyes but a huge smile on her face "That means everything to me"She said to him her hand gently squeezing his again."You know Stefan you've changed my life in so many ways and I'm glad you did"Kate said smiling "You are the most important person to me and you have changed me for the better"she continued on "I hope you know that you are the most supportive and closest friend I have ever had"She finished her emotions now controlling themselves

 

[Stefan Archer]

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There was little that would change the Slytherin's thoughts about Kate. He was pretty much sure that he wanted to be more than friends with her. It was easy for him to think such a way, since he looked up to her. In a way that meant despite her mistakes and flaws, if she even had any, the colourblind teen would completely look past them. It didn't matter to him. He knew that he would forever care about her and want her to be a part of his life. Even if one year he didn't return from the holidays with not a note's explanation as to why. He knew that it was a risk, and he was sure that it would hurt her less if they weren't as close, but he couldn't handle that. Not any more. Kate meant too much to him. All his friends did. It was an odd feeling, caring about others. He wasn't sure how it had come to be such a thing. He had never really had anyone, and it wasn't like he had a parent to talk to about the issues that he had. It wasn't like he truly believed any one apart from Kate, Sara and Willow actually truly cared about him. Stefan Archer was a boy of many questions, the ones about his feelings towards Kate, were another set that he would file away and always forget about. No matter how hard he attempted to work to be able to ask questions. Who could he ask. Talking to Sara about Kate was insensitive, he was pretty sure. Talking to Willow was out of the question since he didn't want to burden her with all the issues that they had. Since he wanted to be sure she focused on her self rather than him and Kate. It wasn't that he didn't think she'd want to hear about it, it was just that he didn't want her to get sick because she wasn't taking care of herself well enough listening and trying to help him with his issues. Stefan had always had to deal with things on his own, so this would be no different. Like with his father and his home, he had to learn to deal with them alone. When he had first realised that his mother would not step through the front of the door and save him from his life, he had learn to deal with that himself. Of course at that point, and it was fairly different, but the Slytherin was sure that if he could deal with that, then he could deal with his feelings towards Kate. He smiled and shook his head. He didn't entirely agree with what she said. When his mother had died at two he was pretty sure that, that was the root to all his problems. That change had been for the worse. Although as he thought, would he really want his mother to see him like this. The Colourblind boy had always managed to persuaded himself that his mother was proud of him. But he couldn't help but wonder if she would be. Since he was unable to stand up for himself. Incapable of doing anything at all. Stefan shook his head slightly, and just caught on to what she was saying next. He looked down at his hands and just gave a nod. Maybe he had to accept the change in his house. Where his father was acting out more and more. Embrace it maybe better days were ahead.

There was a small sense in the boy that he'd not said the right words to Kate. He often wasn't sure how far to go in compliments, but it had seemed like the right time, and that was what he saved his words for. The right moment. If that so happened to be just a random point in the day while sitting with her then so be it. He wasn't very good at it. The boy often found that words failed him in many ways. The Slytherin teen glanced his eyes to her as she replied to him. He had to keep his face straight when she lightly squeezed his hand. It was just a little painful on his wrist so it wasn't anything he couldn't hide. And that was saying something, since Stefan was pretty bad at hiding most things. Pain was one of the things he had long since learned to control. Which was different for most people who had never really learned to control such a thing as pain. Stefan smiled slightly at Kate as she continued speaking. He was completely oblivious to the fact that she was clearly very emotional, he couldn't see that she had wiped her eyes. Stefan wasn't emotional. Words to him that were kind were ones he didn't most of the time believe. He couldn't really believe that she thought he was a supportive friend, he had always thought himself as an incredibly selfish friend, whom without doing so on more than one occasion made conversations all about him and the issues the surface had. He smiled however, avoided her eyes slightly, but nodding. They were kind words. And he felt the same way. Kate was the closest thing he had to a very best friend. Someone he could lean on regardless of the issue. Stefan just wasn't ready to start leaning. Knowing that she at least did not hate him for all that he had once done. And for all that he might in turn not say because he wasn't ready. Just having her there was enough for him. Stefan felt his stomach rumble loudly. He laughed slightly. "I'm hungry" Stefan muttered smiling, looking up and meeting Kate's eyes. He hadn't really eaten yet that day. He'd done a lot of other things, just not eaten. Which considering his thin frame was something most believe would be first on his list of things to do. And to add to that, the mere fact that he was just realising his hunger then despite his small thin frame. "You want to get something to eat?" Stefan asking carefully getting to his feet although not carefully enough as he found out. Realising that standing so quickly wasn't great. He was unsteady on his feet and had to reach out for support. In doing this he put pressure on his sprained wrist and caused the sleeve to ride up slightly. Exposing the sprain to all those within eye line of his lift wrist. Now, he was in pain. But slowly Stefan just stood to full height. Breathing deeply, "Shall we?" stefan said, talking to Kate but choosing not to look round to her.​

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[Kate Archer]

Kate found that she was starting to get a headache.She rubbed her temples in attempt to pospone the headache that she was sure to be a long one.Kate hated headaches and she seemed to be getting a lot more recently.She cursed herself for putting to much stress on herself.Even though she was quite happy at the moment she had been really busy and the stress had been piling up and she guessed her headaches were the after affects of this.But this would not stop Kate so she would continue on with her current lifestyle.She thought about the advice she had just given about change.This had also helped her around the time she had moved to England.There was no point being in the dumps and being scared about change.Though Kate had to admit sometimes it might not be that easy because a loved one could of died or could be very sick.But Kate supposed in those situations you had to move on to and not be sad all the time.The person who has died wouldn't want you being sad all the time they would want you to move on but not completely forget.But then again Kate couldn't speak from experience she had never lost someone who she was that close too.It was just something you would have to accustom yourself with because nothing was going to change.The person is not going to come back so there is no point thinking that way.Kate hoped that when she lost someone she loved (which she hoped wouldn't be any time soon) that she would be able to take her own advice because that was often the hardest part.

Kate was glad when Stefan didn't notice anything.It made her calm down quicker.She wondered why she had been so emotional it wasn't usually like her.Kate dismissed it saying it was down to the stress again.Kate was glad when he smiled it proved that what she had just said hadn't been a total failure.She meant ever word she said though.She cared so much for him and she hoped he would always be there in her life though there was always a part of her that worried he wouldn't ever since last year and seeing his father hurt him.BUt Stefan was growing and she hoped one day he would stand p to his dad because even though Stefan didn't eat that much he would be stronger as his dad was getting older and weaker.She hoped it didn't come to that.She though maybe his dad would see some sense.All Kate could do was wait and hope.She smiled when she heard his stomach rumble "I can hear that"She said laughing slightly.Come to think of it she was a bit peckish too. "Sure"She said getting up.She saw Stefan lose his balance and was about to put her hand ot to help him when he caught himself.She saw his sleeve roll up and exposed the obvious sprain on his wrist.Kate bit her lip but didn't say anything.She knew saying anything was pointless and it would only dampen the mood. "Lets go"she said noticing that he wasn't meeting her eyes.She walked out of the quidditch pitch and stopped outside "Do you want to go to the kitchen?"She asked