Potions Class
As the potions class began, Andromeda stepped into the classroom and surveyed the students as they paired up. She felt a bit out of place, not knowing anyone in her class, and she was just about to settle on a random partner when Alastor Moody walked in. He immediately spotted her and made his way over, his face devoid of its usual energy and excitement.
"Black," Moody greeted her, his tone clipped and cold, "It appears that we will be partnering for potions again today."
"Don't sound so disappointed, being my partner kept your grades up." Andromeda rolled her eyes.
"I got an O on my O.W.L.S without any interference from you."
“Tell yourself whatever you need to sleep at night.”
As Slughorn took his place in the front of the classroom, the other students had filed into the classroom and taken their seats. When everyone was settled in, Slughorn began the lesson, offering instructions on the day's potions. As he spoke, Andromeda could feel Moody's gaze on her, silent yet piercing. She tried to ignore him, but his presence was difficult to ignore.
Throughout the class, Andromeda worked diligently, following Slughorn's instructions and keeping her focus on the work at hand. Moody was doing the same, making precise and accurate potions. But every so often, Andromeda would catch his gaze on her before quickly turning away, his eyes piercing and his expression cold. As her mind wandered, a sense of unease and agitation grew within Andromeda. Something seemed off about Moody and his behaviour, but she couldn't figure out what it was. She was determined to keep working and not let Moody's actions distract her, but something felt fundamentally wrong.
His demeanour had changed significantly from their previous classes.
As the lesson progressed, Moody's gaze remained fixed on Andromeda. He made no attempt to look away or speak to her, but she couldn't escape the feeling that he was studying her closely. Every move she made was accompanied by his intense appraisal and judgement. And although she had been paired with Moody as a partner, she had the constant feeling that they were not working together. Instead, it felt more like a confrontation. And as her anxiety and tension grew, Andromeda began to wonder if she could continue the class without breaking down entirely.
It seems that's all people did these days. Watched her. Waiting to see her slip up. Seeing if she could uphold her family honour.
But this was different, Alastor was looking at her. Andromeda. Just Andromeda.
As the hour wore on, Andromeda's unease only grew, eventually reaching a boiling point. She could feel Moody's eyes burning into her soul, his gaze never wavering or diverting. She wanted to scream, cry, or run away, but she could do none of those things because of the constant scrutiny.
After what felt like an eternity, Slughorn finally dismissed the class, and Andromeda couldn't help but exhale in relief. She rushed to gather her things and make her way out the door as quickly as possible. But before she could escape, Moody called out her name.
Andromeda turned around slowly, feeling her muscles cramp and tighten as she did. There was no escape from Moody's gaze, no way to run or hide. She had to face the music, and she felt a wave of dread wash over her.
"Yes, Alastor?" She asked calmly, trying her best to remain composed.
"May I have a moment of your time?" He asked, a trace of kindness on his face that Andromeda was not used to seeing. She didn't know how to react, so she merely nodded, indicating for Moody to lead the way.
As the two students left the classroom and made their way down the corridor, Andromeda couldn't help but notice the change in Moody's demeanor. He was still as silent and reserved as ever, but there was a sense of concern lurking beneath the surface. He had asked for her time, but now he was speaking in a much more gentle and considerate manner than she was used to. She was taken aback, but at the same time, she felt a shred of hope. Perhaps Moody would finally be the one to break the cycle and offer her some much-needed sympathy and understanding.
As they neared the library, Andromeda slowed her pace to match Moody. They walked in silence for a moment, and Andromeda could feel her heart pounding, wondering what Moody had to say. She wasn't sure whether she wanted to hear the words that were about to come out of his mouth. Her mind was racing, filled with all the questions and worries that had been plaguing her since she returned for the summer. Finally, Moody spoke.
"Andromeda, I've been worried about you."
Andromeda froze, her heart stopping in her chest.
"And why's that?" She crossed her arms across her chest with a snarky huff.
Moody's tone was solemn and genuine, and as he spoke, Andromeda felt her heart slowly unclench. There was no judgement or condemnation in his voice, just genuine concern and compassion.
"Forgive me if I'm overstepping but you've been acting strange since Easter break," he continued, "You seem…distant…and distracted."
As Moody's words washed over her, her heart fluttered in her chest, her breathing growing shallow. She could feel her emotions welling up, and she had to fight to maintain her composure but the tension and unease in her body was palpable.
"What happened? Beyond the tales that the papers are spewing?" He asked cautiously.
Moody's words sent a jolt through Andromeda's system, and she felt her heart lurch in her chest. The thought that Moody knew why she had been acting strange filled her with embarrassment and shame. She felt her face flush as she struggled to form a reply.
"Nothing," she finally managed to say, "I mean, I just..." Her words came out in a jumble as she tried to make up an explanation. She didn't know what to say, how to explain the emptiness and uncertainty that she felt. She wanted to escape, to disappear into the shadows and never appear again. But instead, she forced herself to speak, fighting back her pain and sorrow.
"Bella's wedding. That's all. I miss her." She said firmly.
But Moody saw right through her deception and pressed further.
"Andromeda, what happened on Easter break?" He asked firmly, his eyes locking with hers.
Andromeda's heart raced as Moody pinned her with his question. She tried to remain calm, but the pressure was growing too intense. She felt like he was peeling away her layers of deception, uncovering every secret and lie she had tried to hide. Finally, she took a deep breath and managed to speak.
"I-i…um " she whispered, "She - she..." she hesitated, struggling to articulate her words. But before she could, Moody's expression changed. His gaze shifted to one of understanding and sympathy.
"Your mother's done it again, hadn't she?" He asked softly.
Andromeda gulped and nodded slowly, unsure of what else to say. Moody sighed, the quiet and subtle anger she had seen in his face quickly leaving him. And although Andromeda couldn't quite put her finger on what exactly had changed, she could sense a subtle softening in his demeanor.
"Andromeda," he finally spoke, his tone calm and reassuring, "I'm so sorry."
Andromeda's eyes widened in shock; she had never expected Moody to say those words to her. But she couldn't help but be taken aback by his kindness and consideration.
It was an accident he had found out last time, she had some friends in Hufflepuff and use to hang out in their common room a fair bit. Moody just happened to catch her in the moment. They had never really talked about it since.
At the time, she had noticed a change in him but it was a change from strangers to unlikely acquaintance. Neither of them were very good at expressing emotions like normal people.
"Do you have any idea why or what she to-"Alastor cut himself off as the cogs in his brain finally clicked.
"What?" Andromeda pressed, heaven knew she hated not knowing what she didn't know more than actually not knowing it.
"Ted."
"Ted? Who's Ted?"