Professor Sharp
In all the years of auror work, one would think that the implications of observation as a skill made Aesop Sharp incredibly well-suited. As a teacher, for the last couple of years, it has aided in equally important situations such as spotting cheaters, hearing whispers across the class, detecting a lie from anywhere between London to the United States, and noticing when a student is… off.
Now, ‘off’ doesn’t necessarily mean there’s anything wrong with the student, or they are doing something wrong. It usually meant that the student was having a bad day. This stemmed from friend trouble, relationship troubles(loathe as Sharp is to think of it), struggles with schoolwork, struggles at home(as hard as those situations are), and a couple of other possibilities. Sharp was used to having a typically accurate assumption of the issue based on his knowledge of the student. Now, he prides himself on being a strict and adaptable teacher. Still, something his students often forget is that he also prides himself on being a fair teacher.
This is to say that when an issue arises with one of his students, he likes to have at least an idea of the situation so he can adjust accordingly. If there is any way he can help, he will do as much as the student allows so long as no one is in any danger. Contrary to popular student belief, he did not become the potions professor at Hogwarts to ‘boss around’ children. It was because the world was dangerous, and he would teach children how to defend themselves if he could not do his auror work to protect others(blast his leg). It’s not quite the same, but it’s as essential as it comes.
That lesson in protection is against the anxieties of the mind near the beginning of the year. Fifth year is a stressful time for students at Hogwarts, it’s when academics become truly crucial for their futures. So, a Draught of Peace was one of the first of the five potions he would mainly outline throughout the first-semester course. Students often took to it quickly, as it wasn’t an easy potion to brew, ironically. Still, the after-effects would have been worth it if time had been appropriately taken to master the mixture.
That being said, he had never seen a student carry so many as today.
Shortly, the Great Hall would open for breakfast, and Sharp would need to finish these papers on which ingredients went to what potion. This was a simple starter assignment designed to drill the proportions of each potion into his students’ heads. Mr.Weasley often demonstrated the consequences of using improper ingredients together or incorrectly in a brew. Sharp may have to brew some Draught of Peace for himself each time that boy came into class.
When he got to Sebastian Sallow’s paper, it was just as well-written and correct as he’d expected from the Slytherin boy. Indeed, he should have been in Ravenclaw with the tenacity of his intelligence and aptitude to learn. Still, Sharp suspected the selection came more from Sebastian’s need to be with those he held dear than where he would best ‘thrive.’ That being said, the house system puts you with like-minded companions. Sebastian Sallow certainly had the fatal flaws of a Slytherin, never mind his Ravenclaw-like intelligence. A dangerous combination… Sharp would keep an eye on him.
But someone’s house does not define their character, Sharp reaffirmed in himself as he saw the name on the following paper. Henry D.
The handwriting wasn’t as elegant as Mr. Sallow’s; it was small and a mixture of being pinched together or too spaced, typically a trait of those unused to writing. For a student who is unused to writing, Sharp has observed that Mr.DeWitt is certainly articulate with his words. A reader, then? Something to consider.
Henry DeWitt also had a commendable aptitude for academics, picking up on things quickly. The handwriting on this paper, while undeniably the young Gryffindor’s, was a bit more sloppy than Sharp was used to. It would trail off momentarily, like an afterthought, and then suddenly get pinched and straight like he was used to seeing Henry’s. It was… often signs of sleeplessness in his students. But Sharp had reprimanded himself for jumping to such conclusions before.
He put the curious case of the ‘off’ handwriting away to the back of his mind as he continued to grade more papers.
That was until Sharp spotted the boy rushing past the point hall on his way to the Great Hall. The few seconds Sharp got sight of Henry made him pause out of sight. His hair was in complete disarray, usually straight or pulled back evenly behind his head. Pieces were disturbed as though they had been yanked upon. Sharp was sure he spotted blood on the boy’s lip, which almost caused him to reveal himself; his eyes were dark, and he was clutching his arm tightly to his chest.
Sharp heard laughter from other students somewhere behind the boy, which made him frown.
Now, Sharp didn’t care much for bullying. He felt he knew relatively quickly if one of his students was being harassed by others. Perhaps he was wrong. Henry kept to himself for the most part, helped others when asked, defended his friends against ill words (typically Mr.Gaunt from other students), and was usually friendly with just about everyone who approached him. Sharp couldn’t think of a good reason why any other students would harass him.
Granted, he was entering the school late, as a fifth year, and he was half-muggle- but really, what other reasons did students need to be cruel? Sharp had also, terrible as it is, recognized that students from well-off families were quick to judge those who were not. Another thing Sharp did not care for, neither as a teacher nor as a person. It didn’t matter where someone came from to be a good or bad person; he’d learned this, and children did not deserve such discrimination anyway.
He sighed, rubbing his eyes as he continued towards the Great Hall. If Mr.DeWitt was not there, he would have to catch him after class.
Truly, Sharp hadn’t ever spoken to the boy outside of class. He only had a brief idea of his personality and a good idea of his level of intelligence. Still, otherwise, Sharp tried not to get too close unless necessary.
❈✢❈
Henry had not been in the Great Hall, and he wasn’t in class. Which Sharp would normally be stern about, but considering what he suspected, he wondered if, perhaps, the offenders were IN his class. So he kept an eye and ear out, listening for Mr. DeWitt’s name or anyone who goes close to his usual work area. Nothing.
So he called Mr.Sallow and Mr.Gaunt over, ignoring Sebastian’s grumbling about being late for something.
As soon as the rest of the students cleared out, Sharp turned his eyes upon the two boys.
Ominis remained passive in his expression and gaze while Sebastian fidgeted as he was wont to do.
“I’m going to ask you two a couple of questions, and I expect you to be honest with me,” he began, waiting for a nod or two in response to let his words settle and take hold. However, he noticed that he now had Mr. Sallow’s attention. He was waiting. Anticipating. There was something(and Sharp would put galleons on it) that he was thinking about that was most likely against the rules. It may have something to do with Mr.DeWitt; it may have absolutely nothing to do with him. Either way, this conversation may prove productive. “First, I’d like to know why Mr.DeWitt was absent today. As his closest confidants, I assume you two may know something about that.”
Sebastian raised his eyebrows, but it was Ominis who replied.
“He hasn’t been feeling well, Professor. He stays up too late with schoolwork.”
A very smooth lie. It would be almost believable if not for the slight downward twitch of Mr. Gaunt’s mouth near the end. However, Sharp did not think it to be entirely a lie, but it was not the complete truth. He was almost impressed with how evenly the words were delivered.
“I see,” Sharp began, internally grinning when the boys seemed to relax momentarily at his near admission. However, Sebastian raised his eyes, head tilting slightly to the side.
“Sir, you said you had questions. Plural.” Perceptive, this one.
“I did. I would like to know if you two happened to be aware of any harassment of our new student.”
Sharp immediately knew the answer to his question based on the two boys’ reactions. Sebastian’s eyes flashed as soon as the words left his mouth, and his jaw tightened. Ominis looked startled at the question, mouth opening, and composure shifting off-kilter for a moment. They did not know. In fact, Sharp was sure this had never come up before between the trio. ‘Secretive’ was another thing Sharp tentatively added to his file on Henry DeWitt in his mind despite never conversing with him outside of the first one that day for the Edurus potion. The boy wasn’t keen on sharing his problems with even his friends.
“Who’s been bothering Henry?” Sebastian asked with a bite in his tone. It was at least reassuring to know that the Gryffindor had friends who were just about as unhappy as Sharp was on the issue.
“I was hoping you two had answers on the matter,” Sharp responded.
“Oh, I will, just you wait,” Sebastian turned before Ominis caught his arm, ceasing his leave.
“Was there anything else, Professor?” The boy inquired, ignoring Sebastian’s scowl and tense muscles.
“No, though I expect you two to update me on the matter, should you learn something before I do.” Highly unlikely that they would learn more before him, but just in case, it was good to cover all ground. The two Slytherin boys agreed and took leave, Mr.Sallow speaking sharply and quickly to Mr.Gaunt as the door closed behind him.
❈✢❈
By some miracle, Sharp ran into the boy well and indeed, this time as he took leave to the Faculty Tower.
He barely caught himself from meeting the floor as he grasped a nearby banister railing when he saw someone rushing towards him. The boy ran into his shoulder, tripping over his feet as he tried to catch himself and toppled over. Sharp’s leg burned from the strain he put on it to keep from entirely falling. But he was so distracted by finally seeing the Gryffindor he had been hunting all day that he was quick to help the boy by picking up his messenger bag.
“Here you go, Mr.DeWitt-.” The tan bag had fallen off his shoulder in the minor collision, and Sharp lifted it for him before Henry could reach it. He’d nearly passed the bag to its owner before he heard familiar ‘clink’s from inside.
Sharp’s eyes widened slightly at the sheer amount of Draught of Peace bottles inside. There must have been 12 or 13 identical glass bottles within the bag’s security. Now, Sharp wasn’t sure to be disappointed by the boy brewing potions outside of his supervision, proud because these potions all looked to be of decent quality, or concerned about the reasons why a student would need these many inner-peace potions.
“When I taught you this particular brew, I didn’t expect you to make a business out of them,” Sharp told the stricken boy, handing the bag over. Henry grasped the strap, holding the bag close to his person as he opened and closed his mouth.
Now that he was facing him, Sharp could see that both of his eyes surely had dark rings of exhaustion under them, drooping from a lack of sleep(at least Mr.Gaunt was being truthful about the lack of sleep). His hair was a bit more put-together now, but he limped as he rightened himself, favoring his left leg. Sharp narrowed his eyes when the boy finally spoke, his gaze somewhere over his shoulder.
“Uhm, these are actually for me, sir-uh, Professor Sharp.” He was hoping that wasn’t the case.
“I see,” Sharp replied. “How about we head back to my classroom? You seem to be having a sleeping issue. Mr.DeWitt and I’d like to check these to ensure you’ve done it correctly. You should know, from my classes, that if not brewed precisely, you could cause yourself or others harm.” Going back to his class appeared to be the last thing the boy wanted to do, but Sharp suspected it wasn’t in his character to outright tell a Professor ‘no.’ Another thing to revisit later when there weren’t more critical questions on his mind.
The walk back to the classroom was quiet, unsure on Henry’s end, but not outwardly uncomfortable. Now, seeing him out of class, away from friends, and in his own space, Sharp could see that the boy carried his quiet well. His torn lips were pressed together in a thin line, but he seemed in familiar grounds with quiet company. Sharp could agree with the notion.
However, when they got to the classroom, Sharp instructed Henry to sit at his desk, as there were no other chairs in the room besides his office.
As soon as he did, placing the bag of potions on the desk, Sharp procured a potion of Dreamless Sleep, handing it to the boy.
He inspected the bottle given to him with bright eyes before turning them to his Professor. Sharp informed him of the potion’s nature before leaning against the desk himself, preparing for how to handle this. As he’d come to suspect and figure that Mr.DeWitt wouldn’t be quick to accept any help or inquiries about his situation with any others, Sharp had to navigate this in a particular way.
“How have you been adjusting to Hogwarts?” He asked the boy, who gently slid the potion among the rest he’d brewed. Henry shrugged with an easy smile on his round face.
“It’s quite awe-inspiring, sir. I knew my father was a wizard, but he’d abandoned that part of him a while ago. I’m not sure I could. Magic is remarkable.” Sharp hummed. It was an answer but not really an answer to his question.
“How about the other students?”
“Professor Sharp, are you asking me if I’m making friends?” The boy’s cheeky tone nearly had Sharp smiling. A sense of humor as well. Though there was something slightly wistful Sharp was sure he detected, he chose to keep the thought in the back of his mind. Once more, he could consider the conversation and its contents later. Now, he had to focus.
“If that’s how you’re taking the question, then yes.” Henry screwed his eyebrows together, clearly confused by the beginning part of the statement but continued to respond anyway.
“I couldn’t really rank my classmates on the friendship scale, sir. But I spend most of my time with Poppy Sweeting, Natty, and, of course, Sebastian and Ominis.”
“Of course,” Sharp replied, giving the boy more opportunity and encouragement to speak further.
He didn’t. Alright, it looks like he was going right for the point then. Suited Sharp just fine.
“Are there any students that have been giving you trouble?” Henry wasn’t so quick to answer this one. His eyebrows were drawn together, and his lips were thin. Still, there was no doubt that it was the face of confusion. Henry was either very good at deception, or he honestly had no idea what Sharp was talking about. Which made Sharp himself reconsider his theory. He wasn’t often wrong, but he could admit it when he was.
Wrong or not, though, the boy was in poor shape compared to what a Hogwarts student should be, which raised concerns. Some of it could be reasoned away by a lack of sleep. Others, like the clutching of the arm, the bleeding lips, and the limp in his step, could not be so easily explained as they were too coincidental in appearance for a short period of time. Sharp did intend to know about those.
However his attention was re-centered when Henry shook his head.
“No, not really, sir. I mean, some students encourage many rumors about the- the carriage incident,” Henry swallowed but continued on before Sharp could comment on it. “I’ve gotten a couple odd comments about my parents, sir, but it’s very easy to ignore the stupid.” Sharp chuckled at the boy’s natural wit. He wouldn’t be surprised if, should the boy be pushed too far, he would have a wicked way with words to his opponent’s ego. “Though I have to ask, sir, why the questions?” Sharp sighed and straightened himself.
“I’ve come to notice that you’ve been injured recently, and I sense that other students are giving you problems.” Henry’s expression cleared, and he smiled.
“Oh! No, sir, no one here’s been giving me any trouble.”
“How was your lip split?” Sharp inquires as he turns to find a wiggenweld.
“It wasn’t split, Professor, I chew on my lips a ton. A bad habit, my- I was told when I was young. Never shook it.”
“The leg?” Sharp found the green bottle, inspected the label, and turned to the boy.
“I… twisted my right ankle when I tried to go down the steps too fast an hour or so ago.” Sharp could see that happening with how quickly Henry moved about. He delivered the potion, and Henry thanked him as he drank it, his shoulders relaxing slightly as the effects washed over him. Wiggenweld potions aren’t hard to brew, nor are their ingredients scarce or expensive.
“The arm?” Henry set the bottle down, something in his eyes shuttering shut
“Crushed it in a closing classroom door, not broken, but it does ache,” the boy smiled, entirely self-deprecating in nature.
Lie.
Sharp hummed. “Are you sure?” He could see the moment Henry chose to double down on his story because he nodded firmly but maintained the easy smile stretched across his face. This face has lied to people before, no doubt successfully. It was only a shame people didn’t pay attention.
Sharp would have to resume his questioning another day if he had any hope of getting real answers about this.
“Wait- is this why Sebastian demanded I tell him who was harassing me? Did you speak with him? I swear he gave me a heart attack earlier, coming out of nowhere and shaking me around like he was about to murder one of his classmates.” Sharp allowed the change of subject as he affirmed the boy’s conclusion before sending him off to bed.
As he left with his bag, a slight wave in Sharp’s direction and a promise to go to sleep, Sharp took a seat in his chair, considering.
That boy was curious. He had bright, incredible potential, not only as a wizard but also as a person. However, he was hiding something and was very determined to keep it hidden. It seems Sharp has one more student to keep an eye on.