j u m p y (zahra/open)

[mrpotter]

James frowned to himself as he approached the lake, it was a Hogsmeade Saturday, and he did not feel like going, mainly because (he hated to admit it to himself) he was afraid to. Something about the Hogwarts ground provided a sense of security, and James did not feel like leaving. After finishing up his homework for the weekend, he had decided to wander the grounds, and later found that his feet had taken him to the shore of the lake. The water sat unmoving, it's surface like a black mirror. James situated himself a foot or so away from the water's edge, sitting with his knees drawn up to his chest.

Had it been warmer, James might have stuck his feet in, but it was far too cold that October morning. His breath even froze on the air. He wondered if Zahra had gone to Hogsmeade that day, or if she had stayed behind. They didn't really see each other all that often due to the house and year difference, but James considered her to be his closest friend. And probably his only friend, too. His attack that summer had left him very jumpy, easily startled, quick to draw his wand. As if James had not been considered enough of a freak already. His hand moved toward his wand stowed away in the sleeve of his sweatshirt as he heard footsteps coming down the sand, apparently he was not going to be alone today.

[orchid]

Zahra hadn't been able to sleep at all that night. Her mind was full of dreams that wouldn't appear while her eyes were closed. She had taken to wandering the halls before breakfast, then, making a last minute decision, turned away from her peers and made her way to the lake. She had no interest in going to Hogsmeade that day, for being alone would be better. As Zahra approached, she noticed James sitting on the shore. With a smile, she plopped down next to him, giving him a little wave.

[mrpotter]

"Oh, hello Zahra," said James, moving his hand away from where he had stowed his wand. It was only his friend, no need to get too concerned. Besides, Zahra was a gifted witch, if some threat presented itself she would be a lot better at fending it off than he. Hanging out with his friend was a breath of fresh air to James, she didn't mind if they didn't talk. They could just sit comfortably in silence with one another. That was rewarding to him, quite different than the relationships he had with others.

[orchid]

Zahra smiled, her attention out on the water of the lake. "Morning," she replied in her unusual sing-song voice. For someone who was partially mute, you would think that she had some scratchy, ugly voice. But, like her dancing, her voice was smooth, graceful, and pretty. Zahra stretched out her legs, leaning back on her hands as she stared out into the water. "How are you?" she asked quietly, turning her gentle brown eyes on James. He was her closest friend, and she worried about him often, even more so since his attack.

[mrpotter]

"I'm tired," said James, typical response of him. He didn't really have moods of late, he was usually tired or hungry. But that was a pleasant change, James could keep down food now, which was a relief to him. His appetite had returned in full swing, perhaps even greater than it had been before. But he was fourteen, he was bound to hit the major part of his growth spurt within the next few years. "You seem like you're doing all right," James commented, "how's the homework level?"

[orchid]

Zahra smiled. She had been expecting that answer out of James. At his inquiry, she merely shrugged. " 'S alright I suppose," she replied quietly. In truth, the homework wasn't really bothering her, and it was dreadfully easy. The only thing that was very irritating to her was the fact that each of her siblings were in different houses. Kaia was in Hufflepuff, Hyperion was in Slytherin, and Sarabi was in Gryffindor. It was all very confusing, and Zahra missed her siblings something fierce.

[mrpotter]

"Well, I suppose that's good then," said James, absently cracking his knuckles. He wasn't sure what to say, but he did not feel awkward in the silence. Zahra just had a calming presence about her, like it was impossible to be anything but comfortable around her. They didn't even have to do anything for James to enjoy himself, just sitting there with his friend was a breath of fresh air, he just couldn't find things like this anywhere.

[orchid]

Zahra smiled gently, nodding absently. Her eyes trailed over James silently, calculating and drinking his image in. He seemed so battered, so tired, and for good reason. Zahra wondered what would have happened, had he been killed. She'd be without her closest guy friend. That would have been too devastating. Zahra frowned, wanting to get away from the depressing thoughts. "Why'd you stay here?" she asked finally, wondering why James hadn't gone to Hogsmede.

[mrpotter]

"I didn't want to go to Hogsmeade," James said without much thought, hoping that was what Zahra meant. His gaze meandered over to the lake, it was so still in the chill of November, its surface like a black mirror. He knew there was a bunch of creatures in the lake, grindylows, merpeople and things, but with it being so close to winter it looked void of any life. "It gets really crowded, you know I don't like being around loads of people." James continued, then fell silent.