Goodbye

[Kate Archer]

Kate was in a rush it was at dusk and it was chilly because of the cold winter breeze.Today she had succeded in purchasing all her supplies for Hogwarts.Even though it was a while until they were going back Kate wanted to be organised so she had bought everything before leaving new Zealand to go back home to England.But Kate had another reason for coming to Brightstone village.Her best friend Stefan was leaving today.they had decided to met up and say goodbye before he went home with his father.

She walked to the place where they had met before outside Brightstone village.She was sad at the thought that she wouldn't see him till the start of second year and for some strange reason she was going to miss Stefan more then anybody else.She saw the bench and walked over and left her bags on the floor and rested her feet.She got out a book that she had bought and started to read while she waited for Stefan

Out of Character:

Sorry about the crap start not that good at starting topics!

 

[Stefan Archer]

Stefan had a great day. But, it was time for him to go. He knew his father would be arriving soon, and he still had to do one thing. Stefan Archer had had a great day. He'd not been alone for that much of a time. He had bumped into his closest friend. And had made a new friend. The thoughts of his home had evaporated from his mind. The colour blindness had not bothered him at all. And he'd been pretty much happy the entire day. He was close to admitting that he hurt from smiling. But all of these things Stefan was pleased about. He knew the holiday would be so much harder than if he hadn't gone, but now he had hope wanted for the holiday. No matter how hard it would get Stefan knew to hold on to this last memory because it was really something that could keep him strong. And that was what he really needed. Words and promises were all fine and well but they were nothing compared to the hoped that Stefan felt when it came to the memories of good days. Stefan was now walking the streets alone. He had his supplies in a bag, he'd been given by the book store. He was slowly walking, taking in everything around him. Carefully watching each step, to be sure he wasn't going to fall over. Stefan sighed to himself as he walked the road. His mind was now feeling the weight of what would happen at home. His home was broken and he was paying the price. Stefan looked up to the sky above him. It was a clear night from what he could tell. Stefan knew it was quite weird to walk and do such a thing, but since going to Hogwarts Stefan had taken to looking up at the sky more and more. It was comforting to him to do such a thing. He wondered if his mum could see him looking up. He wondered about the sky actually looked like, and what it would be like to see it. The stars that were meant to shine, there were really hard for Stefan to make out. He was colour blind and darkness did not bode well for him. Stefan just smiled at the sky, before returning his gaze back to where he was walking.

There was one last thing that Stefan Archer had planned to do before he left. One more person to meet. A premade plan. Another reason as to why he had really wanted to come to Brightstone on that day. Stefan knew that there was a possiblity he wouldn't be able to return. A good case senerio was that his father had just said no, or he was in muggle hospital, ready to return as soon as he was better and then the worse case scenerio where Stefan didn't make it. It was depressing to think about, But Stefan couldn't. He had never had to worry about others before. This new Stefan was a guy with friends, and friends that although they hadn't known each other that long, he was sure would at least want to see him again. Stefan had one person in mind, in particular. Not because he thought if he didn't return they would take it hardest, just he cared about them the most. It was weird for Stefan to even care that much about others and they brought it out of him. Stefan spotted the bench that he had met her on. Kate Moon. He couldn't make out from the darkness if she was sitting there or if it was someone else. Silently, Stefan kept walking towards her. Kate Moon had been his friend for half a year. And Stefan was beginning to feel a little than friendship towards her. Kate was the girl he cared about the most. Hell, she was the person she cared about the most. Stefan walked round the bench and sat down beside her. She was reading. Stefan couldn't help but smile. It was a happy, sad smile. He was very happy to see her, but he was going to miss her over the holidays. "Hey" Stefan said quietly looking at her, smiling and waiting for her to react to him sitting there.

 

[Kate Archer]

Kate had heard Stefan long before he had sat down but she had been reading a rather exciting part in the book and she had been glued to it.She heard him sit down and at the corner of her eye she could see him smiling.She started to smile herself it was weird how whenever Stefan smiled so did she.Kate had been doing a lot of thinking these days she had started to really think about her relationship with Stefan she had begun to realise that she saw him as more then a friend, he was one of the few people she had met at Hogwarts that she really didn't want to live without.She was happy to see him but she was very sad that he was leaving

When she finished the chapter she closed her book , looked up at Stefan and smiled.She loved the colour of his eyes they were so blue compared to most people's eyes. She sat up properly and crossed her leg on the bench it was one of her most comfortable sitting positions "Hey"She said back smiling "So how are you today"She asked starting the conversation off.

 

[Stefan Archer]

In Stefan's mind he could see the real way he wanted the conversation between them to go. He wouldn't act nonchalant. He wouldn't act as if everything was okay. He was tell her. Ask for her help. Act, in a way that really could only be described as desperate. Despite everything, the lies he told himself, there was no thing that Stefan wanted to do more than leave his father. The fear would drive him into hiding, from the man he was related to. It was also that the fear of his father drove his mouth shut with the words he wished so dearly to utter. Stefan watched as his friend closed the book, curious as to how she could in this light make out what was written. Stefan knew that his colourblindness made it difficult for him to see, but he assumed that it was also difficult for others to see when it was dark. His father had terrible aim in the dark. Which was what he based his thoughts on. But it was maybe just his father. His father too was partially colour blind. Which screwed his father's logic about Stefan being a lesser human, his father barely spoke of the colour blindness he had. It was only while overhearing a conversation his father had had with a friend of his that Stefan had heard his father say it. It was also something Stefan chose to not ever bring up. Purely because it wasn't something that would get him anywhere. Stefan knew bringing up the colour blindness would lead to more words his way. It would do more harm that it would prevent. His father no longer seemed to see the world (metaphorically) in shades of grey. It was just one dark place. Where things that were wrong, were right. And things that were right were wrong. Black was white and white was black. Stefan could sense his fear and longing for a better life build up with each breath that he took. The route was Hogwarts, but that road was 6 years long. And while Stefan would take as long as he needed, for the 12 year old, 6 years was an incredibly long time. There was so much time there. He just hoped he'd make it to the point of escape.

how was he Stefan couldn't help but smile at the normality of the question. He was glad things were better for Kate. She had a family, that did care for her, she was clever and didn't need help with everything. She had money and anything she wanted. Stefan was happy she had that. He didn't want her to ever experience what happened to him. "All things considered, I'm pretty good. I saw James, I'm happy we could meet before I go home properly for the holidays." Stefan said, nodding his head slightly. "What about you?" Stefan returned the question. It was as he did that he remembered the invite he had gotten to Kate's party at her new home. "I'm sorry I can't come to your house warming Party" Stefan apologised. "I'd love to come, but I can't. How do you like the new house?"

 

[Kate Archer]

She could see Stefan looking at her curiously she wondered why then she realised it was probably because she was reading in the dark.It was quite dark but it was light enough for her to see she had always been able to read when it was nearly fully dark.She wondered what it was like for Stefan,not being able to see most colours.She didn't know how she would be able to cope with not being able to see most colors.If she ever had to lose one of her senses she would pick smell.She loved the sound of music and the waves breaking on the beach.She loved all the colors in the world especially the blue sky and green grass.And it would make her sad not being able to feel anything like a silk blanket or water or anything like that.Kate didn't like it when some one had a disadvantage in their lives.But in another way it sometimes makes people stronger when they have disadvantage in life.

When Kate got back to the present after her long daydream. "Well thats good I'm glad you saw him"She said smiling and looking ot towards the village.It was quite chilly and Kate did a little shiver she really should of put on a warmer jacket."Well I'm quite good too."She said smiling "Oh its okay"She said a little dissapointed but understanding.When he asked about her house she pictured it in her head.She loved her new house it was so old and beautiful.There was just so much secrets in the house and Kate couldn't wait to explore it."I love my new house its beautiful"She said smilng and then suddenly remembering her ama had sent her a picture and she had put it in her handbag and forgotten to take it out. "I have a picture in my bag"She said bending down and routing in her hand bag.She found it and left her handbag doen and gave the picture to Stefan "So what do you think"She asked smiling and bitting her lip

 

[Stefan Archer]

Stefan nodded slightly. He too was glad he saw James. It didn't help that his friend was heading back to France, and Stefan had no idea when he would next see him. If ever. It wasn't something that bothered Stefan too much. He was used to people not being around. In a sense, he didn't really have any one until recently. So anyone he lost now wouldn't be of great loss to him. He was annoyed that he wouldn't see him, but, Stefan was used to that kind of behaviour, so he could put up with it. Stefan did however hope that Kate would never leave him. He hoped they'd always be friends, no matter what happened. Stefan was vaguely aware that the feelings he felt for her, were beginning to be something more that just friendship. Stefan didn't know what it was. He'd barely felt liked, it was new to him. It was as if he was a new born baby, just let out into the world experiencing it all for the first time. Stefan noticed Kate shiver slightly. He didn't know why he did this next thing, but he did. He began to pull off his jumper and folded it in his hands, just as she sounded disappointed to him not coming. If Stefan was honest he hadn't even asked. His father would have a field day wit him, if he found out he'd been invited to some girl's house warming in England. He would've called him stupid and that this girl clearly only inviting him to be polite. He'd laugh for almost an hour, and leave Stefan feeling deflated and worthless. Friendless and alone. He held out his jumper for her. "You should take my jumper. I don't want you to be cold." Stefan said, a small, slightly embarrassed smile. He was handing her his favourite jumper. Really the only jumper he actually owned. It was the jumper that he worked hard to get out all the little specks of blood that got on to it. He knew that she'd probably not take it, but he felt bad that she was cold. Despite the fact it left him without a jumper. He was no sitting, in his t-shirt and jeans. If it snowed now, Stefan knew he'd be screwed. But, Stefan was hopeful.

Stefan Archer took the picture from Kate, and felt his heart drop to the floor when he saw the house. It was huge. Stefan hadn't seen anything that big in such a long while. He didn't know people still lived in houses like that. It was quite something. It was more that just quite something, it was palace in it's own right. Stefan had never seen a house like that. He was used to the small, dirty, cramped, alcohol smelling house. One that had two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen and living area. And that was it. It reminded him of how little he actually had. There was a certainty in his mind, that Kate probably wasn't used to that kind of house either. But then she did now have it. "Wow" Was all the Slytherin could say. He was just in shock, of the sheer size it was. Stefan pointed to the porch in the picture. "You could fit my entire house in that porch." Stefan gave a small laugh. It was one that showed he was trying to make a joke but, it was partially true. "It must be amazing to live there. So much space. My father and I, it's the right size for us." This was a partly true and false, it was the right size for two, but it was small in the sense that Stefan was almost always in reach of his father. He couldn't imagine living in a place like that. He did all the cleaning up in his house, this house was so much bigger. "How do you keep it clean." Stefan muttered still staring at the image. "It's amazing. It's really pretty" Stefan of course had no idea what the house would look like in colour, but he assumed it would look even better. Stefan was of course still pleased that Kate lived in such a place. He handed her back the picture, while staring at his bare arms. There were very small bruises, nothing noticable. What was more noticeable was his hand. The forever present scars, constantly reminding him of who he was. "I'd probably end up being quite lonely if I lived there. It's probably just me that would be like that. I'm sorry, I don't have a picture of my house, nothing to show. it's nothing like that. Imagine something small, in the middle of nowhere, and that's me. What do your parents do?" Stefan asked, suddenly curious. He knew he could hardly reply to her what his parents did, but he was curious about that. "If you don't mind me asking."

 

[Kate Archer]

Kate started going into her own world and thinking about all the planning she had to do for the party coming.She did a little sigh thinking about all the work that had to be done.Kate wasn't exactly the type of person who liked to work but once she got into the zone she would be fine.Kate felt herself do a smile when Stefan offered her the jumper but she wouldn't take it she didn't want him to get sick with a cold but it was the fact he offered it to her made it feel so special "Thank you Stefan but I'm fine, anyway you will get double pnemionia if you don't wear a jumper in this weather"She said blushing ever so slightly giving him the jumper back she didn't want him to feel bad that she wasn't taking the jumper she hoped he wouldn't take it personally

Kate laughed a bit when she saw the look on his face "I know ya I nearly fainted with shock when I saw it first"She said smiling slightly remembering when they had first seen their new home.She had only been in it once but she had fallen in love with it the minute she had seen it.The great thing was that it was always busy in the house with all the servants. She laughed at his comment "I'm sure your house is not that small"She said grinning she tried to imagine what Stefan's house looked like. "Well we have lots of servants but we still do some cleaning"She said sadly she didn't like to clean she preferred to be doing other things she didn't mind cleaning her room (which rarely got messy) but she hated hovering and emptying the dishwasher "Thanks"She said taking back the picture.Her face creased ever so slightly when she saw all the scars on his hands.She didn't like to think of what or who had done that to Stefan but she was determined to find out who or what did it but she wasn't going to start that conversation because she felt it would go nowhere.Kate smiled at his description of what his type of house would be "Well if I had it my way I'd still like to be living in my small cottage in Ireland it was a lot more cosy this house is amazing but sometimes I wish I had my old house back"She said smiling sadly she missed her old home, true it had been small and probably could fit a hundred of them in her new house but it had always been a safe loving place for her something like a haven.She was brought back to the present with Stefan's next question "Well my parents were both teachers but since my dad has inherited the new estate he takes care of that and my mum has found a job as a primary school teacher near where we live"She said "What do your parents do"She asked politely "If you don't mind me asking"She added grinning

 

[Stefan Archer]

Stefan wasn't hurt by her returning his jumper. He would insist upon if the cold air had not spent a chilling air up his spine. The cold was never something that could be enjoyed. He didn't think so. Neither was summer, but summer was easier. In wintered he didn't have enough to keep him warm, whereas in Summer he was generally too warm. A happy medium was the most difficult to get, but at least in winter, there didn't need to be a reason for a jumper indoors and outdoors. Somewhat happily Stefan put back on his jumper. "I'm used to the cold, but, I don't want to get sick." Being sick made Stefan more misirable that anything. It didn't help that his father made him felt more pathetic than a speck of dust upon the mantel piece. Stefan looked at Kate as she spoke of servants. She had servants. Stefan was the servant. He wondered if when he was a little older, he'd be able to work for Kate. A little extra money would be good, that and he'd be able to get away from his father. But Stefan ignored his mind and wander what it would be like to live in such a place, with such a lifestyle. He hated having to be the person who did everything. He wanted a day to just sit, and relax, and not worry about anything. Like his birthday. He hadn't had to face his father. he'd made it another year. He'd had food. Friends and a cake. It was the perfect combination. Most had something of that sort close to every day. Stefan was lucky to have it once in a couple of years. Stefan knew that it was bad to sit around and feel sorry for himself, especially when with friends, but knowing his father was probably just mindutes away made Stefan think of nothing but that. However he still smiled, At Kate. Glad for her, and glad he'd seen her. His best friend. The friend he knew he could always counted on. It was going to be great when he returned from school.

Stefan nodded when Kate told him what her parents did. He couldn't help but wonder what it was like to have both parents. "Primary teacher, nice." There was a slight tone of uncertainty. Stefan didn't actually know what a primary school was. He knew he was at high school, so he was assuming primary was for before high school, but he wasn't sure. Stefan felt embarrassed and unknown to him, his cheeks flushed a deep red in colour. "Well, I don't know what my mum did when she was alive. She was young though. So, she had her entire life to decide." Stefan said, he didn't actually know what age she was, but he was sure she wasn't that old, his father wasn't. Stefan could of course not really say for certain. He didn't actually know anything about his parents. And if he was really honest, Stefan didn't care that much. "My dad doesn't work. He does a little job here and there, scarcely, but he doesn't work. He makes websites, I think. So nothing serious." Stefan gave a small shrug "I'm not too bothered. I think it would be good for my father to go out and get a proper job. But, he's just not been the same after my mum." Stefan was ever so slightly lying. He didn't know what his father had been before his mum had died. Stefan just said that, because in a sense it was true he wanted his father out the house for a longer period of time. The longer he was out the house, the less likely it was that Stefan would be hurt by his father. "I'm sure the work you're parents do keeps them busy. At least you have Sara. A sibling must be great." Stefan nodded.


"Look, my dad is going to be here soon, so I want to say goodbye properly. Like, I know we'll see each other at the end of winter. But, my father won't want to stick around while I say goodbye. I'll be counting down the days." Stefan was worried, he didn't want his father to be waiting for him. And he didn't want to leave without saying a proper goodbye. And if he was honest, he hoped he'd see Kate at the start of the next term.

 

[Kate Archer]

Kate was glad when Stefan took the jumper back.She didn't want him to catch a cold or anything.She still felt touched that he offered no one had done that to before it made her feel special. "Same except I've gotten used to the cold by swimming in the sea so much"She said smiling while remembering all the fun times she had had at the sea.She wondered had Stefan ever swam in the sea some people did but Stefan didn't look like the type that went swimming but if he had it would be nice to go on a day out to the sea. "Can you swim"She asked quite suddenly and out of the blue.But Kate was like that she was in some ways quite a random person.

She smiled back at Stefan she noticed his tone of uncertianty in his voice when he said primary school "I'm guessing where ever you live has a different name for primary school"She said smiling wondering where he lived "Well its a child's first proper school they start there at either four or five and they finish at around twelve or thirteen it's where they learn the basics like how to read and write and so on and they also do other subjects like music,geography and art"She explained hoping he understood.Kate immediatly felt sorry for Stefan when he talked about his mother she didn't know what it was like and she hoped her mum didn't die until she was way older "'I'm sorry Stefan"She said after he talked about his parents.He must be lonely at home not having any brothers or sister or a mother.She wasn't sure if she should ask any questions about his small family but she decided not to she wouldn't of like to talk about her family if there were only two in it."Well it can get annoying sometimes.Like you know sometimes you just want you time and when there is lots of people in your house you don't really have a lot of time to yourself"She said sadly at times she would just lock her bedroom door but her headphones on and either go on her laptop or read a book.

Kate wasn't entirely sure what Stefan was getting at "Am I'm not sure what you mean"She asked confused.

 

[Stefan Archer]

There was a lot that the Slytherin boy could not do. And swimming was one of these things. He'd never learned and if he was completely honest he had no real intention of learning any time soon. Water and swimming, that if something went wrong led to drowning. But also, not to mention Stefan was afraid of heights and he pretty much assumed that this also counted when it came to the deep blue. Given the opportunity it would be hard to decline, but also the better of the two choices. Not often did It even cross his mind as to if he should be able to swim or not. It was like bikes. Stefan didn't know how to ride a bike, when or After learning to swim, learning to cycle would also happen. Stefan just shook his head, once again feeling slightly embarrassed. "No, I can't. I've never even been swimming." Stefan said quietly, both embarrassed and annoyed. Embarrassed since he was 12 years old and couldn't swin and annoyed for more or less the same reason. But that was just swimming, and he'd never been given the chance so he didn't know if it would be a good thing for him. It was like singing. Stefan had a fair voice, but he'd never been encouraged or even told to sing. Stefan stayed silent without a clue that he had other skills that most people didn't. Primary teaching, now that seemed like a lovely little career path. Stefan hadn't ever been to school before Hogwarts. He had no idea that they taught so much in schools for kids. Stefan had always assumed they just learned how to read and write. Not all this other stuff. "Oh, nice. I think it's called primary school here too. I wouldn't know. I didn't go" Stefan started before realising that the fact he hadn't gone and was muggleborn may raise questions. "I was home schooled." Stefan added quickly, bot exactly lying just he'd been his own tutor. More or less.

As the conversation moved, and Kate apologised Stefan felt himself shake his head. She didn't have to be. His mum had died a long time ago, and while he missed her dearly. He didn't like people to apologise. Although he knew there was nothing else to say. Most wouldn't be able to imagine the kind of position Stefan was in. Most would never know the same pain and annoyance at not knowing the women they had meant to have called there mum. "It's okay, don't say sorry. It was a long time ago. Ten years. I mean, I miss her, but I can't let her down by constantly holding myself back because of how much I miss her." Stefan knew he was barely making sense. It wasn't his fault. He'd tried to make sense before he said but it had come out wrong and left him feeling as vunerable as a duck on a busy road. Stefan missed his mum each day, and wanted to be with her more than anything, but he knew he couldn't hold himself back. Stefan knew his mother loved him. And that was enough. Although he would never hear the words I love you spoken from her. That he wouldn't even see her smile. Or be able to just have her there to talk to. Stefan would get passed it, like everything else. Unaware that Kate had continued talking after he'd commented on having family around he became aware that his attempt at a goodbye was back firing. And this wasn't what Stefan wanted.

If he was honest he wasn't quite sure how else to say, My father hates me, he hits me, not lightly either. I have barely anything to eat. I have 6 weeks in front of me, and I might not make it. But Stefan Archer knew he could not say that. Stefan pulled on the sleeve of his jumper and then tentatively, with his right hand (that had a lot fewer scars) reached over and placed it upon Kate's. He didn't know why he did this, but the simple fact that the colour blind boy had reached out to someone else for personal contact not only showed his new slight confidence, but it was a mixture of a goodbye, I hope to see you again and please, help me. Of course with no real words said, this message was most likely not the slightest bit clear. "I want to say goodbye. You know because my father will be here soon, and it's a long drive. I also want you to know thanks to hogwarts and you, the past 6 months of my life have been the best 6 months of my....my life." Stefan knew it sounded weird. He knew it sounded more like a final goodbye than a I'll see you soon type goodbye. "I hope you're party goes well, and you get some alone time. With siblings I can understand why you would need some, but it would be lonely without. I'll see when we get back to school?" Stefan thought it good to make plans, so it sounded less like he was saying a proper goodbye. "Great Hall? First day?"

 

[Kate Archer]

Kate was curious as to why he had never learned how to swim but perhaps he had a fear of water? "Its nothing to be embarressed about lots of people I know can't swim"She said smiling reassuringly this was actually the truth lots of her friends even those who lived by the sea couldn't swim.She wondered had Stefan ever had ever gotten to try these things for some reason she jut thought he might of had a bad start in life maybe she was completely off but she could see when he was lying or trying to hide something and that was often when he talked about his home.She wouldn't say anything but maybe if the cuts and lying or anything got worse she would ask him for his own good."Oh how was that I never meet someone who was home-schooled before"She asked genuinely curious.

She understood why Stefan nodded his head she too had lost people she loved and even though she knew there was nothing else to say she didn't like the way people apoligised long after the person had died.Even though she had just did herself she hadn't been sure if he had liked people apologising.It must of been hard though growing up with no mum or wondering what it was like to have a mum. She wanted to comfort him but not sure how to.But luckily he changed the subject

Kate didn't notice him pull up his sleeve and putting his hand near hers until it made contact with her hand,She just looked down at his hand on her hand and listened to what he said.When he was finished talking Kate was silent for a few minutes she then looked up and looked straight into Stefan's eyes she then looked down and took a breath she looked up again and leaned in and kissed him on the lips.It wasn't a long kiss but it was a short one either.When she leaned back she started blushing profusely but also she was very happy inside she was glad she had done it.She leaned back on the seat and waited for his response but moving her hand from under his hand and putting it on top of his instead.

 

[Stefan Archer]

A part of Stefan wondered how Kate was able to not ask him questions on everything that he said. He was not a great liar and evidence generally spoke against him, and yet she was kind enough to not be constantly pressurising him into talking about it. In fact her questions about anything were few and far between. He knew this was a reason as to why he Liked her so much. That or just because she was a good friend in general. All he really knew that every time he spent any form of time with Kate he felt himself smile. And it wasn't just a usual this is nice smile. It was a I really enjoy spending time with you type smile. Stefan had always been glad to have met Kate. He wasn't aware that not being able to swim was not something to be embarrassed by. And for the reason that she had noticed his embarrassment he grew even more embarrassed. Stefan just tried to write it off and was glad that she changed the topic to home schooling. Home schooled was a very lose term for the education Stefan had had before hogwarts. He hadn't had very many books, and upon arrival at Hogwarts had had a very basic reading level. This had improved but was still less than what most others were. As for writing it too had been pretty basic. On the other hand his counting skills had always been a lot better. And though it wasn't always helpful, it did mean he had a basic understanding of everything. "People are rarely home schooled. I Just was. I don't think my dad was quite ready to let me out into the world. He's pretty protective" Protective was a lose term too. He was protective in the sense that he didn't want his poor excuse for a son out in the world, where people could point and laugh and just in general make fun of him. It wasn't that Stefan wanted to do either but, school had turned out fine. His father was also protective in the fact that he wanted to be almost sure no one would find out that he hit Stefan, and so he was sure, he was the only one. All in all, a little protective just for the wrong reasons. It would be difficult to understand, if he'd ever tried to explain it. Which was why Stefan was quite happy to not. That and talking about his father made Stefan almost sick. He knew it would be easy to believe that his father was protective, so, he hoped that Kate would let it slide. He wasn't ready to talk.

It was weird for him to have his hand on hers. He wasn't used to having his hand anywhere near anyone elses. But, this felt comfortable. Not weird, and he didn't have a small fear that Kate was going to slap him, or kick him. He met her eyes. A small smile creeping onto his face. He wasn't sure as to if he should say something else. He wanted to tell her everything about his home. He could feel the words on his lips. He could feel the explanation forming in his brain. He could feel that he wanted nothing more than to get everything off his chest. To finally pluck up the courage and ask for assistance. It was at this point, that Stefan felt her lean forward. And before he had time to react, which would've been moving back, her lips were on his. She was kissing him. He felt his cheeks warm, unaware of the colour they had changed to. But He couldn't help but lean away. It was a good feeling, but it made him nervous. Scared, worried. Everything rolled into one. Not to mention he felt this weird happiness boiling within him. He looked away from her and to there hands. He laced his fingers in between hers. Unsure if that was the right thing to do. But, feeling that it was maybe. "Okay" Stefan muttered unsure about what to say. He looked back up at her. And feeling slightly impulsive leaned into her and returned the kiss. From Stefan it was lighter, he was nervous, and scared. he knew his father would be arriving soon. And this wasn't how he wanted to leave things. "Kate, first day? Okay?" He sensed that he was just spouting things out now. "Kate," Stefan said this, and then stopped. As if about to say something and then deciding against it. "I'm sorry" Stefan could barely stop the words. He wasn't sure why he was apologizing. He thought maybe it was just because he wanted to tell her everything, but still found the words escaping him. Stefan looked around them. He knew his father would be moments away. "I have to go." Stefan muttered, though his father wasn't there yet. He felt embarrassed and weird. But he also felt happy, and relieved that she felt like he did. It was all too much. He almost thought it was false. Stefan was scared. He hadn't ever been close to anyone, and this girl wanted to be close. It was just new to him, and he wasn't quite ready.

 

[Kate Archer]

She bit her lip when she saw his cheeks redden even further she tried to hide a smile she thought it was so cute when he blushed.She did a little sigh she wished it could always be like this it felt perfect with his hand on top of hers she didn't want the night to end but she knew Stefan and herself both had to go their seperate ways for six weeks.She didn't like that idea but it would be nice looking forward to seeing him again.Kate without knowing it raised an eyebrow when he said his father was protective there was just something about th way Stefan talked about his dad that made Kate dislike him which was unusual because Kat didn't judge people unless she knew them but there was something about Stefan's dad she didn't like.But like all the other questions sh wanted to ask she kept quiet because she knew deep down that Stefan would tell her one day when he was ready and Kate would be waiting ready to listen


Kate wasn't worried by his reaction she had expected it for some reason.She followed his gaze and smiled as she felt his fingers lace around hers this was a perfect moment that she would remember forever.She was confused as to why he said okay but before she could dwell on it he leaned in and kissed her this time it was more gentle she could almost feel the fear radiating off him.She couldn't take the smile off her face she was so happy inside her she had never felt this way about someone.She frowned a bit when he said he had to go but she understood they could say goodbye now Kate was ready it was like she had been waiting to do that since she had met him she now felt complete and she hoped he did too.She was glad he felt the same way abut her she felt as if a small weight had been lifted off her shoulders."Sure the Great Hall sounds great"She said happily but quietly.She was going to sit here for while even after Stefan was gone she wanted some time to think and even though it was cold where she was it would be quieter

 

[Stefan Archer]

In a sense Stefan was glad that his time with Kate was almost up. After the kiss, Stefan was unsure of what to do. He cared for Kate, a lot more than he cared for anyone, himself included. Stefan didn't know why he cared about her. Going to Hogwarts had opened his eyes to people, but knowing in his mind that though it was a slim there was a chance that in the next six weeks he could die. Stefan wanted to tell her to take care of herself. To not forget him. Just in case, Stefan couldn't he was strongly holding onto his hope. The small yet strong hope he had that he would make it through. That he'd see Hogwarts again. Stefan just nodded to her. Keeping his hand in hers. For the first time feeling comfortable with so much affection. He didn't feel vunerable with her. He didn't think that she'd turn on him and say hateful things. Stefan had never felt like that. He knew that it would maybe not last forever, but for now he was happy in knowing that she would be there for him, and that this would be easy. Well easy enough. And then a familiar noise filled his ears. Stefan let go of Kate's hand and stood up. His smile was gone, there was fear clear in his eyes. Almost as clear as the colour they were. Stefan looked round and sure enough the car was mere metres away. There was a now or never feeling strong in his head.

"That's me." Stefan said standing. Avoiding her gaze slightly. He took a deep breath. "Thank you. For everything. This year. The fact you want to be friends. Please Take care of yourself, and if I don't see you again, please know you are the best friend any one could ask for" Stefan knew how it sound. It sounded as though Stefan was living forever not 6weeks. STEFAN MASON ARCHER! Hurry the f##k up. his father called clearly annoyed and angry. Since he called Stefan by his full name. "Goodbye Kate" Stefan said hurriedly meeting her eyes one last time, with a small smile on his face, before turning and getting into the car with his father. Who drove off as soon as Stefan had closed the door. Although he was returning to the home he hated, Stefan had had the best day he could've asked for.