The First Day, Remember?

[Stefan Archer]

Another year, another term. Another 6 months of safety. Which would be followed by about two and half - three weeks of the worst imaginable pain. It was a cycle that was happening. A constant tossing and throwing of a person. From one place to the next, getting better, and then worse. Two steps forward, one step back. It had been the way of think for a number of weeks, then something had cracked. All that was known had changed, and anger had reformed in the place of ignorance. An anger that boiled beneath the surface, sick and annoyed. Waiting for the right time, waiting till it was just too much, and all hell broke lose. It wasn't a usual thing for a boy of 12 to be thinking. It wasn't usual for a boy of 12 to feel so angry, confused, upset, and alone. Stefan Mason Archer was not an ordinary 12 year old boy. He was for starters a wizard, like everyone else at Hogwarts. Which made him slightly normal in school. Secondly, Stefan Archer is colour blind. Ever since birth, the condition for colour blindness has caused him, to not even know what colour is. To him, colour stood for black, white and shades of grey. And this just wasn't colour. And lastly, Stefan was not ordinary because he had a father that had long forgotten that Stefan was someone he was meant to love. Not a punching bag. All of these factors combined, lead to Stefan having to work twice as hard in classes. He had to spend a lot more time reading the work, since he had a basic reading level. He was still an unsteady writer, which meant his work took forever and was messy. It meant that Stefan had to look for a spot that was not too dark, but not too bright to work. It meant he couldn't go out on sunny days for too long, because the sun irritated his eyes. This made Stefan a deathly pale colour. And he was skinny. A frame of a boy, more than anything. The bones ever clear. Showing how little Stefan had. The clothes on his back, were old, and although he didn't know it, discoloured. But, Stefan knew nothing else. He didn't know what it was like, to be able to bare sunlight, to have new clothes when he needed them, to always have food in front of him. What Stefan Archer knew, was what other people didn't even bother thinking off.

It was the first day back. The First day of classes, and Stefan wasn't in the mood. He would attend, because he had to. Not because he wanted to. Stefan was sore, and hungry, all he wanted to do was sleep and eat. But in between his desire were the classes he had to attend. Silently, Stefan got ready into his school clothes. A past holiday, meant a new set of scars and bruises upon Stefan. His back, had large and small bruises on it, and long deep cuts. His stomach had a large bruise on it, with a cut at the side, that had happened days before leaving. His ribcage hurt like hell. He'd put a bandage around his ribcage, around the centre. His legs weren't as bad. He had small scattered bruising that had was mostly fading. He'd had a pretty bad cut on one arm, that was still in the early stages of healing. One the same arm (thankfully it was the arm he didn't write with) Stefan had a little bruising around the actual wrist area. On the other hand, there was a deep cut on the palm of his hand. His hand was covered in a bandage, that had to be changed often. For once, Stefan only had a minor bruising around his eyes. A little small bruise at the corner of his left eye. And covered by hair was a scratch down part of his face. Stefan saw each one of these cuts every time he changed. He remembered how he got them, the words that had been spoken. He way it had hurt. The way he'd felt. It was clear, that things had gotten worse. He didn't know if it was just because Stefan had much more of a voice (which wasn't saying much) or if it was just because his father seemed to drink more. Or if it was all of the above. Stefan had noticed that, It was better covered up. His jumper did the trick. Apart from his face, hands, and part of his wrist there were almost no signs. Obviously, Stefan when he moved was clearly in pain. But, nothing could really be seen. The old scars slightly less obvious because of his pale skin. The only thing that was clear, was the fact that Stefan was skinny. Whatever weight he'd gained, he'd then lost. But, None of that really mattered to him. If he was honest, yeah, it was annoying and he hated his father, but it had made him realise that making friends at school, would not help him. There was no escaping his father. He thought he was completely alone.

The Great Hall, was a very crowded place. A place that Stefan still wasn't sure if he liked or disliked. It was somewhere to go. A place where he could eat, in silence. It was a loud place, but Stefan sat alone. He sat by himself and ate. It didn't occur to him the plans he had made with Kate before the holidays. He didn't remember. He could barely remember her. He hadn't forgotten the kiss. But, it was so faded, and Stefan had been afraid of his own mortality. A part of him, still cared for her. But he didn't want to be friends. He didn't want to have to deal with her. The possible questions, the look in her eyes when he was lying and she knew it. And of course, the fact that Stefan knew she couldn't help him, thought she wouldn't help him, and he didn't want to put her through any form of pain, if during on of the holiday's Stefan failed to return to school. It was more or less the same for all the other people he'd met at Hogwarts the year before. And the few he'd met during his day trip out to buy supplies. With his head down, and eyes fixed upon the floor, Stefan walked to the slytherin table, and sat at the end, nearest the door, where it was completely empty. He took a bit of bread and without adding anything took a bite. He didn't raise his eyes, or look to anyone else. He just kept his eyes on the plate, and his mind focused solely on eating. In the space of 6 weeks, the growing in confidence, smiling, happy Stefan, had been replaced with a boy who doubted everything. Who hated himself. Who was deeply envious of the others around them, with there seemingly more perfect lives. Who had no confidence and not a shred of light. It had only taken 6 weeks for Stefan to return to what he had been exactly a year before, with anger in the place of constant fear. The worst part, Stefan Archer didn't even realise the change in him, just the new anger.

Out of Character:

Okay, So This topic is open for Friends of Stefan and/or Kate. Though it would be best if they knew both.

 

[Willow Autumn]

Willow made her way to the Great Hall. Hungry.
You would have expected her to be out in the library. Again. Studying. Still.
No, not Willow. Today, she just wanted to get back into routine, meet up with friends she haven't met in ages and talk about their worries and concerns in the coming year at Hogwarts.
By now, Willow would have thought she would get Magic by now, but everyday someone in the common room will say some random analogy or a spell and expect her to know it already - Willow was smart but Willow wasn't that bright when it came to magic. She would have never thought that she'd be accustomed to having such a power or even have talent for such a thing but Willow still doubted herself, her best friend Chris knew more about magic than she did and that infuriated her at first. And then she remembers why - she has no parents, she has no siblings. Just an Uncle and an Aunt and a cousin - and when that thought comes to her, she gets jealous, she hates people who talk ill of their family and especially when they say they hate their parents. At least they've got parents. And to calm herself down, Willow would always go to the kitchen and bake something.
Such as today, she must have infuriated the elves by baking up a storm.
Today she made Cupcake Pops - they took more time than actually making cupcakes, but these were special. This reminded her of home, it must have been an early memory when she was four and being given one these treats by her mother. She wondered what her parents must have been thinking of her now - carrying 24, hand decorated cupcake pops - planning to give them to friends as a Welcome Back treat.

Carrying the bunch of cupcake pops, she slipped into the Great Hall, silently thankful that there were less students in here than there were outside. She ignored the looks from students as she walked down the tables - and she hated walking down the aisles mainly because they were so long, and sat down at the Gryffindor Table. Annoyed by the curious looks she got up and was about to go back to the Dormitory when she saw Stefan Archer sitting over at the Slytherin Table. Smiling that she knew someone in here after all, she approached the table quietly; "Stefan? Do you mind if I sit here?" She gave him a small smile, she knew if he didn't want to be disturbed she would leave - giving him his space. She wondered if he ever got used to learning magic or even using it - Willow knew as sure, that she still wasn't used to this magic. And still wondered if she ever will.

 

[Kate Archer]

Kate was very happy today was the day she and Stefan were supposed to be meeting after the long summer holidays.She had been looking forward to it for a long time her only worry was that he had forgotten or he didn't feel the same way about her anymore

Trying to push those thoughts out of her head she walked into the Great Hall.Kate was hungry so she got some food and then walked a long the Slytherin house table looking for Stefan she finally spotted him at the end of the table nearest the door.She saw someone with hi and as she got closer she realised it was her friend Willow. but she also saw Stefan's stance and expression he looked the same way he did when she had first met him at that time she hadn't got a clue about why he was covered in bruises and co but now she was a small bit of understanding after witnessing Stefan's fathers attitude towards Stefan and vice a versa.She didn't want to bring that topic up now though she wanted to have a pleasant morning with her two friends

She came up to them "Hey guys"She said brightly and happily.She hadn't seen Wiloow since the party and at that time Willow had been ill but she looked better now which was good

Out of Character:

Its not very good but I'm in a small bit of a rush today but I also wanted to get this done so sorry!

 

[Willow Autumn]

Willow sat there feeling awkward; she didn't know if Stefan wanted her to stay or go - he looked rather down and didn't know if he wanted some space or not. Before she could say anything, she noticed Kate walking towards them.
Willow gave her a small wave and welcomed her; "Hey Kate" She smiled at the girl. Since the party, Willow had massive respect for her and her sister, they were there when she needed them most and they were the loveliest friends that Willow could ever ask for.

From there came the awkward silence, Willow shuffled along to make room for Kate to sit down beside them. She still wasn't sure if her presence there was needed or not needed and she bit her lip to keep herself from showing her awkwardness. She sat there holding her cupcake pops, trying not to break any of the small delicacies. She hummed to herself and thought about the party at the Moons House, how she was ill and then suddenly better. Since then, Willow got her self checked over by a doctor and found some startling results that could only be written down by Genetics. Sighing, she placed her cupcake pops on the table, spreading them out and stared at them. "They're...cupcake pops..." Willow started speaking but the awkward silence between them made her stop. She was usually more outgoing than this, just...not right now.

She gave a shy smile to Stefan, he was seemed distant and and his demeanor seemed down like the first time she met him, she knew something was bothering him and he was probably trying to sort it out in his own way, she could tell from the distant look in his eyes. Willow just wished she could help him somehow, but she didn't know how.

 

[Stefan Archer]

The people around Stefan Archer ignored him, as he ignored them. He barely lifted his eyes away from the plate, and most claim that on this day, Stefan was giving off a very negative vibe. He didn't care or notice this, because Stefan was wrapped in his own little world. He was a slytherin in many a respect, and his sometimes self centeredness often lead to him being reminded that after everything he was actually Slytherin. He was not constantly hard working and friendly like the hufflepuffs. He struggled with school and magic, which meant he was not Ravenclaw. AndStefan knew for a fact that he was not brave. Not in any definition of the word. Which brought him to Slytherin. Stefan sat in his silence surround by people he knew would never bother speaking to him, feeling a little at ease,. Slytherins were unfriendly at the best of times, so Stefan had to bother with them. Live and let live seemed to be the way Slytherin's were. Stefan had concluded that no matter what happened to him, he could always count on the Slytherin's to completely ride it off. Stefan was aware of the fact this kind of living was not the best. But all Stefan knew was being alone. Being by himself and feeling about as big as a speck of dust on the floor. Stefan had his reasons but really no one cared for them especially since the ones he told to other people were lies. For the colour blind slytherin, he rathered being invisible than with any crowded group. As Stefan stared at his food, the words his father had spoken sounded in his brain. His own personal bell set on him never forgetting a single detail of his summer.

A familiar voice, belonging to girl spoke in front of him. Asking to sit down. Stefan looked up for a brief second and then back to his plate. He hadn't met her eyes or made any signs of even acknowledging her. Stefan knew who it was, a Gryffindor. In his year. A girl he'd met a few times. She'd been fairly nice to Stefan, and he remembered that she had no parents. Even the fact that she had no parents made Stefan jealous of her. He knew it was pretty awful, and the girl would feel awful, butat least she had known hers. Stefan's mum had died when he was two, and his father, well it was fair to say his father did not act like one. Stefan knew his father was a bad man. But knowing that it would be harder to escape Stefan knew it would be pointless to ask for help. Stefan finished his bread and looked up at Willow who'd taken a seat. He felt exposed, she could see, he couldn't really see her. Anger and upset were clear in the darkblue eyes, that stood clearly against the pale skin. The small bruise pretty clear against the skin. He didn't bother to say anything, instead just returned his eyes to his plate and took another bite of bread. He was really very hungry. And most would notice that Stefan was eating like he hadn't had a proper meal in months. Everything about Stefan currently was screaming that he'd had a horrific winter break. Stefan didn't realise or care. But as he began to eat once more, another voice floated into his radar. Kate Moon. He knew how his goodbye had been. To her it had sounded like he hadn't been coming back. But there he was, and he didn't want to listen to her or anything she had to say.

Stefan Archer, was thinking that by pushing all those away, it would mean that they'd be less upset if he just didn't turn up one start of term. It wouldn't be that hard. Stefan was practically doing it on a sub-conscious level. He avoided meeting eyes with Kare and kept his eyes on his plate. He knew he had to say something. But Stefan didn't know. He wanted to tell them to both clear off and leave him a lone. But he couldn't he couldn't find the words he needed. He couldn't find his voice or even the confidence to say anything to them. Unlike Kate and Willow, Stefan could not feel the ever growing awkwardness. He was barely aware of anything. Stefan glanced up as willow put some form of cake on to the table. Stefan have a cold glance to her and Kate then back to his plate. With his bandaged hand Stefan took the jug of water and poured himself a drink. The entire motion was slow, and the bruises around his wrist were on show. As soon as he'd poured himself a drink Stefan pulled down his sleeves. "Was there no room on your own house tables" Stefan managed to mutter, his voice low, and cold. But just about audible for them to here. "Go find your friends, And sit with them" His tone almost said because I am not your friend. Stefan looked up once more. A slightly longer glance at both girls. But avoiding meeting their eyes. he took his bread and as if the girls had already gone, ate as if he was alone.

 

[Willow Autumn]

Willow pursed her lips and sat quietly, trying to resist the urge of twiddling her thumbs as if she was trying to think of an answer for a highly complicated question. She tried staring at the Great Hall walls, bricks and stone on displaying, showing it's ancient history on show, showing it's wear and smooth surfaces of years of exposure to mischievous students and whole school feasts. Held together with magic to stop it's decaying form. After analyzing the walls and still not a peep from the other two, Willow decided to look up. Subtly. Enchanted roof displaying the current weather - always sunny with fluffy white clouds and a bold blue sky. All was well in Hogwarts-ville. Except, she couldn't help wondering if the the Roof would be able to show grey skies and dark clouds by how this encounter was turning out to be. Still, they were her friends. She couldn't just get up and leave without hearing either voices.

Bringing her gaze down, she noticed Stefan eating. Bread. nothing else. Despite the other numerous things on offer.
Willow noticed the bruises, the cuts as he ate and drank. She almost felt guilty for having a wonderful holiday while her extremely quiet friend appeared to have such a horrific one. Why didn't she plan something in the holidays to see him? She lowered her gaze to her hands and bit her lip. She knew she couldn't have done anything but the fact that she was sitting next to someone who looks like they could die if they weren't in Hogwarts already made her feel sick inside. In her head, she was thinking. Thinking about how she could help him if he wanted the help or if he wanted to talk about it. But seemed like Stefan wasn't willing to talk about his life sooner than he came here eating bread.
Resisting the urge to sigh, Willow gave a desperate look at Kate, wondering if she knew what was going on with Stefan or if she was just as confused as Willow was. And then other questions came to mind, we're they good friends or are they just friendly rivals because he's in Slytherin and she's in Hufflepuff? Willow mentally shook her head. Stefan wasn't the type of guy to take the Houses of Hogwarts seriously enough and Kate is extremely kind to anyone that she meets, ignoring whatever house they were in. Willow was confused and looked at Stefan and Kate and back to Stefan and back to Kate. Hastily stopping her visual ping-pong.

"Was there no room on your own house tables, Go find your friends, And sit with them" Willow picked up on Stefan. Just. His voice was and low and Willow watched him as he looked at them. Willow tried to stop staring at his dark blue eyes. Sadness overwhelmed them. Willow looked at Kate again, wondering why she hasn't said anything yet and was starting to get the impression that Kate knew something that Willow didn't. Willow wasn't the one to intrude on such affairs or matters but Willow couldn't help feeling that this wasn't the Stefan that she met last year. Even if they only saw each other briefly. Cursing herself mentally for not spending as much time with Stefan, she spoke to him as quietly as he did when he went back to eating; "Stefan. We are your friends...aren't we? I'm worried about you." Her voice trailed off, she was worried and a little scared of what his reaction next might be. Willow was first and foremost a friend she cared about her friends more than she cared about her self and with that, she decided she isn't leaving the table until she finds out what really is going on. ...even if it'll mean that they don't want to be friends with me, I'm not giving up until I see them smile.

 

[Sara Moon]

Sara was happy, it was her first day back in Hogwarts New Zealand-her home. Things had been, well...complicated when she was at home. Family friends Michael and Stefan Glass were living with them. Stefan was obsessed with Kate and Sara felt very alone, she wasn't even sure why, but she was in Hogwarts now-where she was never without a friend, where no matter how different they all were-not matter what background they stuck together. She walked into the great hall, her eyes shining, her hair tied high above her head. She was heading toward her house table, where she saw some of her friends from first year. Then, she stopped, as a teacher walked by, nodding politely. The Professor looked mad and Sara sat down at the closest seat possible, to avoid getting in trouble. There she decided to think over her first year, which she hadn't done properly yet. She had met some of her closest and best friends here. They were all original and funny in their own way, which Sara appreciated. Sara over the holidays had taken some time to think over things and had realised just how much she liked Kayden. They were very close friends, and Sara felt that there may be something more, but she didn't think he felt the same way. Her sister on the other hand, seemed to like Stefan Archer and Sara felt as though Kate were hiding something, as though something had come between them for the first time, as though she could no longer connect with her the way she had before.

It scared Sara, thinking that she would lose her sister, but there was no way she could lose Kate-they were like mirrors of each other-in ways. They loved the same things, though Sara was the more prone to anger, and Kate had more common sense. She felt as though the world were moving around her and she was watching everyone else drifting by. Her little brother-Ryan already had a girlfriend! She hardly thought that right, the boy wasn't ready for a commitment and Danielle seemed pretty serious.

Blinking her eyes and returning to the real world Sara realised that she was sitting with a group of older students, some of whom were looking at her strangely. Her cheeks flushed, she stood up, and looked around the room for a friendly face. She saw a familiar head of dark hair, and walked over to the Slytherin table, wondering what, for Merlin's sake was her sister doing at the Slytherin table.

Upon reaching the table, she realised the reason-Stefan was there, that was reason enough for Kate being there, but Willow was there also, so Sara felt fine walking up, if it had just been Kate and Stefan she knew, that she wouldn't have dared. "Hey guys." she smiled brightly, then she sensed the tension in the air, she shot Kate an inquisitive look-wondering what was wrong. she sat down beside Willow, smiling at her, and saying "The transfiguration lesson was good today-wasn't it?" she was desperately trying to lighten the mood, but she gave up. "Hi Stefan, It seems ages." she said to Stefan, who seemed to be ignoring them "Are you alright?" she asked, this was not a normal, day to day meeting-something was wrong.

 

[Stefan Archer]

Not wanting to bother with the two girls in front of him. Stefan just sighed slightly and took another hungry bite of his bread. It was proving more difficult to act like he was when every bone in his body hurt and all he wanted to do was break down. But Stefan knew he couldn't. Doing that would lead them to think that he needed help, and while he did, he did not intend to get it that way. He knew that any assistance they offered would be a nice gesture but the most completely pointless thing they'd ever do. Stefan feared his father, and what he could do. Considering that Stefan had passed out after a beating from his father, he feared what his father would do if he actually tried to run. Stefan couldn't risk it. He had so little already, he didn't want to forever ruin his only real chance at escape. The only way that Stefan knew he could leave since he would have the money to set himself up. Stefan and his father were not rich. Stefan didn't have a huge bank account, filled with money he'd saved. Stefan had in total, one bags worth of personal possessions, and since they were all he owned, Stefan wasn't interested in giving them up. Who could really blame him, with so little, he would cling onto what he had. It was probably another reason why Stefan could not leave his father just yet. The man was all the family he had. He had no where to go. No family to care for him. No distant aunt. Nothing. Stefan only had his father and no amount of hatred could ever remove that fact. With no extra family, and if he was able to go, Stefan knew what kind of life would be ahead of him. He would just have to play the waiting game.

When Willow spoke once more, Stefan took no notice. He heard what she said, but didn't do anything. He finished his bread and took a drink of his water. Stefan picked up a napkin and wiped his hands. He was aware that she had said she was worried about him. Stefan had known one of them would say this. And Stefan did not wantnto care for the worrying. He was just being himself. While also trying to push them away and bottle all the anger he felt. Stefan looked around the table and from the fruit bowl took an apple. He was beginning to think that he was looking pretty greedy and Stefan didn't want to appear so, but he was hungry. A hungry that most of the people around him would never know of. Especially not Kate. And for that he was thankful. He took a bite, and continued to stare at the plate. He could see the bruises on his wrist. And yet this time he made no attempt to pull his jumper over them. Instead he just kept eating. "We can't be friends." Stefan muttered not even looking up. He wanted to be friends but Stefan wasn't ready to be friends yet. He didn't want to leave them, if he did, very upset since they'd been friends. "We were never friends." Stefan knew this to be a lie. And it was clear in his voice. But Stefan would change what he'd said,. He wouldnMt take it back. Instead Stefan took another bite into the apple.

A third voice, again familiar and female appeared. Stefan didn't bother to look up. Not at first. He just ate. Thankful for food that didn't taste off perfectly content in his eating state. Stefan looked up for a second and saw that they had been joined by Sara Moon Kate's twin. Stefan looked back at his plate. He didn't know Sara as well as he knew Kate. But known of that mattered since all he wanted to do was eat alone. Enjoying all the food he'd missed over the break without the questions and stares. Stefan felt a drop of apple juice make contact with the cut on his right palm. It was painful for a brief second, and then nothing. As he was colour blind it was difficult for him to make out the small speck of blood upon the bandage. He ignored the girls as Sara spoke. Talking about a class he hadn't been at since they didn't have the same time table. Then A hi and a question addressed to him. At the hi,Stefan hadn't bothered to glance up. It was unclear as to if Stefan had even heard her or not. Stefan did however look up at the question. He looked to all three girls. For the first time meeting there eyes with his dark blue eyes, that portrayed how upset, lost and angry he was. It was only for a second and Stefan glanced back to his plate. They all had nothing to worry about. They all had a family who cared for them and provided for them. Taught them things and showed affection towards them. Of course having none of that meant that something would be clearly wrong with him. But Stefan wouldn't say that. "I'm fine, stop worrying. I'm fine." Stefan wasn't fine. But he did not want to go into it. The signs spoke for themselves that he was clearly not fine. "I mean apart from being Completely colour blind. I am fine." looked up, avoiding there eyes this time, unsure as to if Sara and Willow knew this but not caring either. His voice was still low and cold. Just like how he felt. "Now, leave."

 

[Kate Archer]

Kate smiled at Willow as she made room for her "Thanks"She said cheerfully while sitting down and getting comfortable.She didn't notice the awkwardness until she sat there for a few minutes and nothing happened.She saw Willow starting to twiddle her thumbs she herself started to fidget while Stefan just sat with his head down eating.But Kate was going to try and lighten the mood by being happy and not let herself fidget.She smiled when Willow showed her the cake pops "Wow they look really cool"She said looking at the closely.She admired Willow's cooking and wished she was as good.It wasn't that Kate was bad at cooking it was just that she never really had time to do it at home or she was just to lazy to do it.

Noticing the awkward atmosphere starting again Kate was about to try and lighten the mood when Stefan lifted his head and gave a cold glance Willow and Kate's way.Up until that minute Kate had been smiling and had a positive energy around her but when Stefan gave the cold glance and asked them a rude,mean question Kate's expression,stance and aura changed.She had mixed feelings inside her. Why was he being so mean and rude?She stayed quiet not noticing her sisters arrival or Willow talking.Her attention was totally focused on Stefan and she hoped Stefan could feel her eyes bore down on him.Part of her felt sorry for Stefan and the ordeal he went through during the holidays but the other side of her was angry and annoyed at him.How could he treat his friends this way here they were trying to help him and all he could do was keep his head down and make those comments at them.Kate's temper was running short "I'm sorry Stefan if you feel that way about us"she said her voice dangerously quiet but she guessed Stefan didn't notice it.He seemed to self absorbed at the moment.she stayed quiet for another few seconds until Stefan than again spoke. "Fine so Stefan if you want us to leave so badly fine so"She said standing p and knocking her food all over but she didn't care Stefan was being a complete @ss at the moment and Kate wasn't going to stick around for it.A first she started walking but when she got to the door she ran out crying.She was never going to forget this she head never felt so hurt before and she hoped Stefan wouldn't forget this day either

Out of Character:

Sorry I left so early but i didn't really see it going anywhere else with Kate but ye guys can carry on if you want!

 

[Willow Autumn]

"We can't be friends...We were never friends"
The words struck Willow like lying on a bed of nails and she couldn't help repeating the phrase over and over in her head.
It seemed very...un-Stefan like to say such things, she was pretty sure they were friends - wasn't she? wasn't he?
She treated him like a friend and would love to say it was her friend. Hell, he was a friend to Willow but she didn't know she wasn't a friend on his side of the story. It made her wonder of what she ever did to Stefan that made her seem un-friend like and then she realized maybe it was because she hardly ever seen Stefan or made the time to see him or even talk to him. She was so caught up in her own world, maybe that's why Stefan didn't consider her as a friend because she hardly saw him. But every time she did, she was kind and gave him his space. Willow couldn't wrap her head around it, it was too much to think for such things.

"I'm fine, stop worrying. I'm fine...I mean apart from being Completely colour blind. I am fine..Now, leave." The words came out with emotion. Stefan's colour blindness was something Willow didn't even know about. She felt the pit of her stomach sink and reality was thrown in, facts and realization came through and understood why Stefan was seemed so distant but it still didn't explain much. Not even the bruises and the cuts, he hardly spoke about his family either. Putting two and two together and the realization of whats going on felt as if she just won some sort of prize to a holiday overseas. Willow looked at her cupcake pops, brightly colored. Stefan would only see her cupcakes in shades of gray, white and black. She didn't want to feel sorry for him, she knew that an individual will hate the feeling of someone feeling sorry for them. It wasn't their fault, it just was what it was and you can't take it away. "I..understand." Willow spoke quietly, she wasn't about to move, although she knew she should have. She could take on the brunt of Stefan's anger of whatever it was that was bothering him, just as long as she knew he was okay and even though he said he was fine, she knew he wasn't. She was so sure of it.

Willow was going to say something but Sara arrived. Willow wasn't sure if Stefan was going to like this much company.
"Yeah, Transfiguration was pretty cool." She gave Sara a smile, it was a pretty challenging lesson - even if the majority of it was just discussion. Willow fell back to her silent stature and continued to have a mental discussion to herself. Was Willow that bad of a friend? her mind kept rewinding that she didn't even notice Kate compliment her baking. Deep in thought she wondered where things will go to from here and again she didn't notice Kate's temper rising until she lost it. "Fine so Stefan if you want us to leave so badly, fine." Willow looked up, cringed and jumped in her seat as Kate knocked her food plate over. She felt the heat of the other student's eyes looking their way, wondering what made the Hufflepuff so upset and she was sure they'll put it down to some excuse that she was too sensitive. She watched Kate walking to the door and once she did she knew she would be running out crying somewhere. Willow looked back at Stefan, feeling the sadness of what was going on. Willow wasn't sure what type of game or emotions they were playing with. Looking at Sara she wondered if she knew what was going on, Kate wasn't the type of person to run out on friends either. Willow was getting a sinking feeling that there was something going on between Kate and Stefan and she didn't know what that was.

 

[Sara Moon]

"Yeah, I like the new Professor." Sara replied, She was surprised when Stefan had told them he was colour-blind, she had never known that, but she over-looked that. Something was wrong with him, and she was pretty sure she saw blood on his arm. "Stefan, it's pretty obvious-that you're not okay." she stated simply, expecting him not to answer, but knowing he would have heard her. Then Kate ran off. "Kate!" Sara exclaimed,trying to catch her sister, but Kate was gone, crying. Sara felt so useless, Kate had always been the strong one, the one who had comforted Sara, who had been mad with those who were mean to her, and now it was Sara's turn.

"What did you do that for?" she snapped at Stefan. He was ignoring them completely. "We are your friends, whether you like it or not, and I demand an explanation, we have been nothing, but kind and we have done nothing, but care about you" she said angrily, her fiery temper rising. He wasn't paying much attention to any of them and it annoyed Sara, her patience was reaching it's climax. "I wouldn't expect this of you Stefan.." she began, but he wasn't listening to Willow either. "Look at me!" she yelled, finally losing control. She grabbed his bread and scrunched it up in her hand, discarding it and leant forward, her face inches away from his. "My sister likes you-I've known it for a while and I'm willing to bet that something happened between you-am I right?" she asked, anger, no fury burning in her eyes. If he didn't answer her now-god help him. "I can't believe you're treating her like this, never mind us." she added "Kate adores you, and she has had other options trust me, but she only thinks of you-did you know that, or did you know that she loves the violin, or that she loves reading and she hates having to keep magic a secret?" she asked, smoothly, but her voice quavered slightly. "She has never had that one person, ever and for a moment I though "Hey-this guy could be good for Kate", but you know what-you were the biggest disappointment yet." she spoke, her voice filled with emotion, tears in her eyes. "We all thought you were different, but now, now you're just being a stereotypical Slytherin." she snarled, sitting back down. Calmly slightly she added. "None of us want to lose you Stefan, but you need to be honest with us." she felt bad now for being so angry and looked at Willow, worried that her friend would be angry with her.

 

[Willow Autumn]

Willow gulped a goblet of pumpkin juice. She was half expecting something to happen and half knowing what that would be - there was always something about twins that have their own special connection. As if the other twin can feel their twin's emotions. That sort of thing that doesn't quite make sense to someone who was born without siblings. Willow never tried to understand that sort of connection in twins or even triplets for that matter but she also envied them sometimes - just knowing that they can always turn to someone (specifically their twin) if they needed to.

"What did you do that for?..We are your friends, whether you like it or not, and I demand an explanation, we have been nothing, but kind and we have done nothing, but care about you" Willow bit her lip, ...shouting isn't going to solve anything... Willow knew that Sara was only trying to make a point, but did she have to shout and humiliate Stefan...again? She watched as Sara screwed up the piece of bread that he was eating and threw it on the ground. Willow took the opportunity to look around; as she expected a ton of people were looking their way.
"My sister likes you-I've known it for a while and I'm willing to bet that something happened between you-am I right?" Sara continued shouting and so thus, Willow knew what was finally going on, the awkwardness had it's meaning and now she was watching the Moon Sisters tearing Stefan apart, quite frankly it wasn't fair on him."Sara you've made your point, now stop..." She spoke firmly and clearly - but didn't work.
"We all thought you were different, but now, now you're just being a stereotypical Slytherin." Willow frowned - did she had to resort to house insults? It was becoming too much for all of them and Willow had a feeling if she didn't say anything now, nothing is going to be resolved - even if Stefan was being such a stupid git. Willow sighed and rolled her eyes, Love. It was a stupid game, it'll either end in tears or happy smiles. Right now however..

Luckily for Willow (and Stefan for that matter) Sara stopped her shouting and belittling. Willow was somewhat annoyed at her expecting her to know better than just to shout at him publicly but she could also understand why - it was her sister's feeling that Stefan was playing around with...or to that effect. On the other hand, she couldn't get angry at Stefan - she didn't have a reason and she couldn't really say much for the whole Kate and Stefan thing. Sara looked at Willow and Willow looked at her sympathetically. "Ohkayy...uhm." Willow wondered if she should try peacemaker or leave it as it is. "Sara...you...you had your say. so yes just...mm." Willow was making a hash of it, the words wouldn't come out properly. Giving up on her peacemaking act, she just spoke what was on her mind. "Look, I...don't know what's going on, nor am I involved in it okay?" She looked at both of them and continued; "It's...really none of my buisness, but Sara you can't just...shout down at him like that..it's not exactly..fair." Willow wouldn't be surprised if Sara was annoyed at her for her statement; "I'm not choosing sides. I refuse to. Look, Stefan. I don't know what's going on with you and Kate or anything else for that matter. But I refuse to see you annoying people like this." Willow tried her best not to snap at him, snapping at people really didn't do anything. "For now, i'm leaving. If you ever feel the need to talk. Find me." She spoke to both of them, she gave up on trying to talk sense out of Stefan, obviously he wasn't in the mood to talk - Willow would try again later.

Getting up from the table she picked up her cupcake pops, annoyed by the fact that this wasn't the happy reunion she wanted. Before she left, she left four of them on the table - two for Stefan, two for Sara; "These were supposed to be happy-cheery welcome back presents to represent how happy I am to see you again." She spoke quietly and left. She didn't know where she was going, but Willow had a feeling her feet was going to find out where Kate was.

 

[Stefan Archer]

It was getting more difficult by the second to continue ignoring people he counted as his friends. He knew that his plan to push peopleaway might become forever. And that really wasn't Stefan's intentions. Not in the slightest. In fact what Stefan wanted was just until he'd gotten out from under his fathers tight grip then he would be honest and want to be friends again. He just didn't want people to get to close to him right now. Really he knew it was up to the people themselves who they wanted to be friends with, but Stefan knew that friends lead to emotions and he a) didn't want them to get hurt if they tried to help him and b) he didn't want to cause them any pain if one day he just didn't turn up. As somber as the thought was Stefan didn't know what else to do. The more you care the more you have to lose. He wanted to care, but he didn't want others to care for him. He just wants to be able to care for people and for them to ignore him. So that if the worse did happen, they'd have no reason to be upset, or so that was Stefan's thinking. What he hadn't expect to happen was for Kate to take it so bad. He had felt his heart sink when heardWillow say I understand. He hadn't meant for it to come out like that, but it had and Stefan now had to live with what he'd said. When Kate started yelling at him, he was at least glad that she was taking the bait. She clearly wasn't going to take this attitude. He didn't look up at her. He made it seem like he was ignoring her, because she needed to be rid of him. He needed her to not care. He wanted the feelings he had for her to go away. Because he didn't want to bring her anywhere near his world. It had taken him by surprise however, she'd always appearred so calm, and she'd always stayed, but he guessed there was only so many times that would happen.

Stefan Archer flinched slightly at the food being knocked over, with each passing second he felt less like he was at Hogwarts and more like he was back home. With his father in some sort of rage, about something either Stefan had done, or just because rage came with alcohol. He glanced up for a second to Kate. Hr wanted to call out her name, and say he was sorry. But he couldn't so instead he returned his eyes to the plate in front of him, blinking rapidly to stop himself from showing any emotion to the two left. Someone else called out her name, but Stefan knew there was no way she'd come back. He didn't know everything about her but he knew some things. Stefan Archer took another bite, no longer feeling the food he was eating but he was still hungry so he kept eating and if he ever wanted to get anywhere he knew he needed to eat. He was too skinny, and he needed to eat. So he was. Although Stefan was aware of sibling's looking out for each other, he hadn't expect Sara to start yelling at him. He ignored it. He kept his head down continued eating as she spoke. However the Slytherin boy was growing angry too. She had no idea. None. It wasn't like it had been an easy decision for him, it wasn't like he really wanted to push her away. He needed to. And while right now he lacked the confidence to say anything about it, he was still going about his plan. Because after a summer like the one he'd had, he just didn't want to talk to most people. They would see him and suggest ways to help. Tell him to do things, numbers to call etc. But they didn't know. They didn't understand. They were all too wrapped up in there almost perfect lives to understand what it would be like in Stefan's position. Colourblind and hated. All the emotions he'd known that were directed to him before Hogwarts was hate, deep hatred. His father had called him so many names there had been days he'd have to remind himself what his name actually was. There was no way of explaining. He was used to be demanded to do things but in this situation Stefan was glad he had the option to say no.

Stefan could see that Sara was getting really very angry. But he couldn't do anything. Anything he tried to do would be pointless. She wouldn't like what he had to say. He half believed that she wouldn't believe him if he did say. Plus, if he did start talking then eventually they wouldn't want to hear. They would just do everything to help him, and he didn't know how it would be possible, not to mention that Stefan didn't want to say, since it was embarrassing and he didn't want to crush there close than perfect way of life by him saying what was wrong with him. Stefan did not look up, when his bread was taken from him and thrown. He looked round, at the bread and stared at it longingly. He knew there was more to eat on the table, but it was silly to waste food. "You shouldn't waste food like that." Stefan muttered. Looking back at his now empty plate. He heard his stomach rumble quietly. He was still hungry. But he just felt like he was at home, and the fact she'd taken the food from him reminded him even more of his father. He no longer felt like he should be allowed to eat. So although the plate was empty, Stefan pushed it away, and with his bandaged hand took the glass of water and brought it in front of him. The words that Sara spoke were really bringing it home as to why he was pushing Kate and everyone else away. The biggest disappointment yet He'd heard that before too. It was one of his father's favourite ways of insulting Stefan. Normally at home it made no difference to Stefan but at school, Stefan pretty much felt like someone had touched one of his bruises. Still, the fact she thought that was a good thing. Finally when Sara had sat back down and said that He needed to be honest, did he actually look up at her. He didn't meet her eyes. Although his expression was cold, and he almost looked angry. Honesty. She expected honesty. Clearly she didn't understand how honesty worked.

"You want me to be honest?" Stefan muttered looking back at his plate. He shooked his head and then got up. Slowly, since he was pretty stiff and his body hurt. He walked over to the bit of bread that was still on the floor. He walked slowly, his every step careful. Although it was most of his upper body that was bruised, he had to be careful to not move too much when he walked. Stefan bent down and picked it up with his non bandaged hand. He didn't noticed that this motion showed the bruises was circled the wrist. And the start of the cut on his arm which looked new and deep. He stood up and pulled down his sleeves, before walking back to the table and placing the food on the table. In the background of him doing this, he could hear Willow speaking, but he was upset and annoyed. He noted as he sat back down, that she wasn't taking a side. She'd said something to them both. It made him feel down right awful for how he had treated her. He wasn't surprised when she too walked away. Left four cakes behind. Stefan ignored them."Don't throw food. You waste food by throwing it, but I guess since you're rich now wasting food is just what you do." Stefan addressed Sara finally looking up and meeting Sara's eyes. His swum with sadness, and anger and despair. "you want honesty, you are right. Kate is better off without me. She should get someone who is more stable and who wouldn't be such a disappointment. Because I don't deserve a girl like her. I know I don't. So you were wrong about me." Stefan said, his voice quiet and cold. Although most of what he said was the truth, he didn't want to believe it. his stomach rumbled again. He glanced to the food around them. "If that's all you have to say, you can go. Go find Kate instead of sitting with me." Stefan added, coldly. He had noticed the blood on his bandaged and had begun to take off the bandage while from his bag taking out a new one to put on. He didn't bother glancing up at the girls again. He wondered if they would leave or stay. He wanted them to go. But he had gone back to ignoring them. His attnetion was now on the deep cut on the palm of his hand. And changing the bandage He wasn't going to leave, he was sure she would. And for that he was at least a little glad that he'd finally get some peace. And he wouldn't have to interact with anyone.

Out of Character:

Edited!
sorry about the length. Lol

 

[Sara Moon]

Sara sighed, she had been wrong to get so angry with Stefan, and it burned her that she could still lose control like that-she tried, she tried so hard, but it made no difference, she lost it and things went wrong. "I'm sorry Stefan I just.." she broke off, nothing was goint to take back what she had said, an apology wouldn't be enough. She glanced at Willow, knowing that Willow was annoyed with her, and she had every right to be, Sara had behaved like a spoilt child.Willow left and Sara knew it would take a while for things to be normal between them, she hung her head, ashamed of what she had said. She was trying to figure out what she could do-to make Stefan understand, what she could say, when he mentioned her being rich. "What.Did.You.Just.Say?" she replied, her voice dangerously low, she was not going to be angry, but she would not be insulted. It hurt her, to think she had hurt her friend and that he wasn't even defending himself, that he wasn't trying-that none of them matter anymore. "You see Stefan-this is why I was afraid to tell anyone-this is why Kate was anxious about me in first year, because she knew I wasn't dealing with it well." she replied, calming down slightly. "Do you know what it's like, to hate yourself, to feel like you should be someone else, just because other people make you feel like your not good enough," she broke off suddenly, catching sight of his arm. "Stefan," she asked, quietly, scared "What happened to your arm?" she asked, but she already knew-someone had hurt him, and that did not look like an accident, the bruises were dark and looked painful, and she saw the begining of a new cut. "Stefan-I just, I mean..who did this to you?" she asked, aghast, shocked. She was horrified. "I'll kill them-I swear I'll kill them!" she snarled, stiffening, how dare someone do that to her friend, admittedly in the last few moments Sara hadn't been acting like a friend. It was her worst feature-her temper, in her mind she wished people would say these things to her, insult her, ridicule her-it was easier to accept than people being nice, she knew her place as a bookish freak and a weirdo. She knew how to act and what to do, being popular, having real friends was uncharted territory, and though she had managed well, up until now-she knew that it would always set her apart, that little voice inside her head- the voice that made her afraid to be brave, the voice that told her she wasn't good enough, the voice that she always thought to be right.

"I'm so sorry Stefan." she said quietly, tears rolling down her cheeks. Something bad was happening. "You've had bad things done to you-don't try to hide it-those bruises, that cut.." her voice broke "..They weren't accidents, and all I've done is make things worse." she sobbed. "I'm so sorry, you should hate me, I hate me, and you, I'm guessing you have a reason why you're shutting us out right? And I bet it has something to do with that." she asked, raising her head and pointing at his arm. Sara was a smart girl, she could put two and two together, and there was no way Stefan could convince her was wrong, and God help her, Sara was going to try and make this right, and get Stefan as far away from whoever was doing this as possible.

 

[Stefan Archer]

For Stefan the mere fact that the girl seemed to be apologizing after everything she'd said, reminded him that he was not back home. That it wasn't anything like his father that Sara was being. His father would quicker die, than say sorry to Stefan for anything. He knew it wasn't exactly the best thing to know, but Stefan hardly had it out easy. Everything in his life was just one sorry thing after the other. Each hit, and each blow, and a silent sorry that he wished would hang upon the air. But like most other things, it just did not exist. Stefan just knew that no matter what he tried with his father it would not end well. He knew that eventually he would have to tell someone, or grow a backbone and fight his father. Stefan hardly could right now, he was small, young, weak bones and was skinny, he had barely any strength. He would get the strength, but for now, he was just living it out. He knew that what Sara had said had been out of anger, Anger made people do things that they would not normally do. It made them act irrationally. He thought so. He was pretty sure that if his father wasn't so annoyed all the time, that he would see Stefan for Stefan and not the poor excuse for a son that he did see. Stefan sighed to himself, and then looked up. "You weren't dealing with being rich?" Stefan couldn't help but say. He was growing angry. He didn't deserve to be yelled at, or threatened or have what he had been eating thrown away. He didn't have. Even if his father didn't hit him, he would still be the bottom of the pile. Motherless, with but the clothes on his back. His family was no where near rich. And as far as he knew the only people left in his family were him and his dad. He didn't know of any aunts or uncles, he had no siblings, he had no grandparents, it was just him, and his dad. In a sense it made everything worse, because Stefan or his dad had had no one to turn to when his mother had died. He might've been two at the time, and now have no idea what she even looked like, but if he'd had a family member they could've told him about her. What she'd been like, how she'd acted, how she smiled. Everything, it was just his luck that there was no one. No one he could ask. He hadn't even seen a picture. So, it anger him, that she wouldn't be able to deal with money. It was clear to him, that she had no idea, what it would be like to be him, in a situation that was pretty dire. He would be thankful for even a small amount of money. Anything to help him. He'd seen a picture of the house, she shouldn't have had a worry. He knew it was possible to be rich but not a brat. He knew Kate after all. And that pretty much said it all for him. But, he knew exactly what she was talking about. He hated himself, he was made to hate himself. He hated the colour blindness that he had. He hated how skinny he was. He hated how the scars scarred his body. He hated that he was pale, because he was sensitive to light because of the colour blindness. He hated that he had no confidence, because his father crushed it. He hated that he knew he wasn't good enough for someone like Kate.

While this had all been going on, Stefan had taken off the bandage on his right hand, and had proceeded to clean it. Unfortuntely he knew that he was pretty much exposing, the deep cut on his palm, that had been where the day of the train ride back to school his father had forced a blade upon his palm. Pretty much as a sign of possesion. So Stefan would always know where it was his father thought he belonged. Stefan was also aware that the bruises around his wrist were exposed. He had to clean it. Something he had learned and was pretty good at was cleaning cuts. He knew exactly what to do. Exactly what to use, and what not to do or use. He ignored her as she asked, who did it to him, and that she was going to kill them. Inwardly Stefan was reminded exactly why he needed to push these people away. He had to keep from trying anything with his father. Or from trying to help him with his father because he knew that it would only end terribly, and with friends, more than one person would get hurt. Stefan just finished cleaning the cut and then proceed to rebandage it. He was quick to do so, and put the old bandage in his bag. He looked up at her and she apologized again and was very much surprised to see she had tears down her cheeks. He was somewhat shocked. But then he knew, he was certain that he need to keep people away. Stefan shook his head. "No, you've got it wrong, These were accidents, I can't see well, it's a part of colour blindness. And it doesn't help that we have practically no money in my family, which is why food is so important. Some days we just don't have any. You wouldn't understand." Stefan was lying in parts. Yeah, they had almost no money, but they had food, Stefan just didn't get any, and they weren't accidents, no. But Stefan couldn't say that. Though he knew that she'd already made her mind up. He could tell that she was putting all the pieces together. Stefan didn't need that. "I'm not shutting you out. I'm just being a Slytherin, we're not meant to be friends, so we are not. It's why me and Kate can't be anything, or me and Willow. Our houses hate each other so should we." Stefan had returned his gaze to his plate. He was standing up, he had to leave. He couldn't stay with Sara. She was figuring it out. He took his bag, carefully putting it on his less bruises shoulder and side. He met her gaze, "Sara, you are good enough. I know I can't really see what you look like, but you are as pretty as you're sister. Both in you're own way, and don't ever hate yourself, because that's not right. You are good enough. And You're right about me, I'm not. Not at all. So, you stay away from me, and you tell Kate, I don't want anything to do with her." Stefan's voice was low, since coming back to school, he had not said more than a sentence at the time, but he needed to tell Sara a lot, and his anger for his life, and everything that happened to him, he wanted to be sure that Sara wouldn't come after him, or look into him, so it made him more confident to speak. He had said the last part pretty convincingly. "Leave me alone" Stefan said coldly, not meeting her eyes, and then he slowly, walked out the hall and headed back to his dorm.

 

[Sara Moon]

Sara sighed, knowing everything she was saying couldn't make a difference, she had lost it, lost her temper and along with that she had most probably lost a friend. She stared at the ground, but met his eyes when he asked about her being rich. "I know it sounds stupid, but I feel so selfish-like I shouldn't have the money, I mean I've never done anything to deserve it. I was fine, great family, and a witch. I feel like someone else should have it, someone who is having a harder time than me, someone who has had a hard life." she was confused, when Stefan became angry, she was just telling the truth- she could lie, but she doubted it would help in this situation. She could see his face, fury behind his eyes. She wondered to herself if she looked that scary when she was angry.

She saw him taking off a bandage. "Stefan, I've had friends who were colour-blind-they mix up colours, not shapes or things, you can't use it as an excuse for those injuries, and there's no way I'm going to believe that they were accidents. Please Stefan, let us in. Let us help." she pleaded, her eyes speaking volumes, she cared about Stefan, he was a good person, and though she didn't know what was going on-she could guess that someone was doing bad things to Stefan and that that was why he was shutting them out, but she didn't know who, or why. She was afronted when he mentioned being a Slytherin. "Stefan, you're not a stereo-typical Slytherin, and I was wrong to say it, I'm sorry, but please, we all care about you-we don't want to loose one of our best friends." she pleaded, but he walked away. "Stefan!" she called, but she knew he wouldn't come back. She went back to her house table, tears in her eyes. "What a lousy first day." she whispered to herself.