Minerva furrowed her eyebrows, her pale dry lips pressed together as she watched the first year student in front of her fidgeting. She was quite speechless, she was just asked a simple question: was there a need to fidget like this?

Even though he wasn't in her house, as a professor teaching the boy one of core subjects in Hogwarts she can express her concerns. In fact as a deputy headmistress of Hogwarts it was within her rights to question wandering students and check their well being.

Despite her stern appearances she was a total softie. Of course she wouldn't hesitate to hand out detentions and punishments. It wasn't wrong to say she loved and protected her students like a mother hen- um a lioness.

Though she had no children of her own she saw her students as her children. As someone once experienced the life of a boarding school student, she tends to keep an eye on first year students especially first year girls and lonely students.

She still often counsels first year students in her house or other three houses. Many first year students were prone to be homesick. Besides, there are various reasons for a student to be lonely.

So imagine her surprise when she finds a lone raven claw first-year broodingly roaming around the castle when everyone is playing in the grounds happily.

What made her puzzled was that he knew the boy and he left a deep impression on her. As far as she knew he wasn't the type to be lonely, much less absentminded and brooding.

'What is he doing here? shouldn't he go out and play with his friends in such nice weather?' she peered at him through her glasses 'I heard he was even becoming friends with older students. '

"Mr Reed, why are you not answering me?" Her expression was stern. She was going for the headmaster 's office but seeing the troubled way he looks she planned to enquire what was bothering him like a good teacher should do.

" Would you believe me if I told you, I was bored and casually exploring this part of the castle?" Nathan commented with his big innocent eyes.

"What do you think?" Minerva raised her eyebrow slightly, as she intensely stared at the boy infront of her. ' I guess what Albus and Thomas said about him wasn't completely baseless'

"Well, I guess you wouldn't believe me whatever I was going to say. Just what I need right now " Nathan grumbled under his breath.

"What did you say? " Minerva's sharp ears perked up, she was naturally able to hear most of what he was saying. She was a little irked and amused by his fearlessness.

"It's nothing professor" Nathan flinched and hurriedly shook his head. It was only now did he remember she had sharp hearing. Besides it was the first time he felt like his disguise was seen through.

If not for her standing a few meters away he should have sworn. Her eyes were like torches that would expose his tricks and disguises. He was sure even Dumbles couldn't compare, that was kind of scary.

He had to admit out of all the people he met she was probably one of the very few who he found very hard to trick. She has sharp instincts that gave him the feeling she could tell whether he was telling the truth or not.

" Trying to fool your teachers blatantly, that's very unacceptable Mr Reed. That will cost you ten points from Ravenclaws, if you try to outsmart me by saying nonsense....mind you, I'm going to give you a week's worth of detention" Minerva narrowed her eyes trying to give him a severe reprimanding look.

Nathan grimaced, ' Damn it, does she have to be this strict? There goes my chance of becoming a perfect Idol student ' He felt like he wasn't doing a proper job of convincing her.

*Gasp*

" Professor I'm really telling the truth, you didn't even fully hear me out yet. I'm saying while I was in the midst of exploring the castle I also have another goal see if I find my friend Artemis "

" You were searching for, Miss Black? " Minerva stunned. A strong fluctuation of complicated emotions fleeting through her eyes; When she heard the name of Artemis.

Of course she knew who Artemis was and who her real parents were like. She didn't really hate the poor child or rather couldn't bring herself to hate that innocent child.

After all, Artemis was just a small child who didn't do anything bad. Growing up as an orphan she doesn't become the focal point of people's hatred.

She jolted back to her senses "What happened to Miss Black?" her voice croaked with a tinge of choking emotions she was currently feeling. Nathan looked up at her carefully sensing the strong fluctuation of emotions.

"Nothing happened to her professor McGonagall , I didn't see her in the common room or in the Great Hall. So I was kind of wondering where she has gone...I bet she probably wasn't in her dorm either so I was searching around if she too was exploring the castle like I do "

"Mr Reed " she sternly called out, "Is what you were saying true? "It looks like she doesn't buy his excuses at all. Still too concerned about Artemis.

They both stared at one another, Minerva getting a little impatient here. She was currently on her way to the headmaster's office. Monthly staff meeting will be held there soon. She doesn't expect to get delayed with something like this.

Nathan sighed resignedly and told her what happened earlier, of course he omitted a lot of things that would get him into trouble. " Is that so? " Minerva once again peered at him through her spectacles.

Nathan felt like crying, Does he look like a troubleso- ahem liar? He did kinda feel annoyed for being pestered like that as soon as he got out of the hospital wing.

' Maybe she was a little suspicious of me because Dumbles told her something ' Nathan frowned. He indeed wondered what could make her suspect a cute and innocent first year student like him.

'May be just maybe It might be because of her interactions with twins ' Nathan thought about multiple things then came to his senses with a sudden jolt. ' I bet they might have come up with a lot of excuses like this ' he bitterly thought to himself.

Minerva adjusted her glasses and gasped suddenly and reached out her hand to his face. Nathan jumped back, covered his cheeks with both hands and eyed her warily.

"Mr Reed... what are you doing? Come here for a second " Minerva's eyes refocused. Her expression was serious.

"No pinching professor McGonagall even if you are deputy headmistress I wouldn't let you " Nathan frowned slightly. His tone was unyielding and testy Minerva's lips twitched hearing something like this.

As a dignified professor she ignored his words she went directly to the point " Mr Reed, Was that bruise on your neck? "

"Why did you have those marks on your neck? " Minerva instead commenting on his ridiculous actions, she asked a question on her part, her severe expression told him he better not play around with anymore lies.

" Um.... I fell down from the stairs and was accidentally hit in some places .... Ah... Um it's peeves he dropped a handful of umbrellas on my shoulders that's why the bruises" Nathan stuttered while he came with excuses.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

She stared at him for a few seconds " Detention on Sunday Mr Reed, please come and see me in my office tomorrow after lunch "

She ignored his grones " Alright, now go treat your bruises in the hospital wing " she adjusted the files she was holding and looked up at him "You know the way right?"

Nathan hurriedly nodded his head. " That's good, go see our school matron, she will heal that in a few minutes " with that she walked away towards the grand stairs.

Nathan spun on his heel and scrambled away from the floor. He had no intention of going there again, it's true he took great effort to hide a few bruises on his body but it's nothing serious.

He wasn't comfortable with women and couldn't wait to get out of there. There is no way he took off his shirt. He felt somewhat shy. Maybe it's his phobia of women acting once again. Besides, he would get scolded by the school matron if he went there again.

Not only that this morning he was forced to drink an awful tasting potion and he really wasn't in the mood for seeing those two jerks. ' It's just a small bruise, it will be fine in few days '

While he went up to each floor while carefully searching her Nathan really did unexpectedly come across her on the fourth floor. Once again it wasn't him who found her but Artemis called him out of his deep thoughts.

"Nathan? " Hearing a familiar voice, he reflexively looked up "Artemis it's you? " he exclaimed then froze after he remembered something, he didn't know what to say.

He knew he was rude to her earlier and should apologize to her but he couldn't bring himself to say sorry. Nathan admits to himself, he could be a very self centered git.

" What are you doing here? " Artemis asked, ' She doesn't look like she was upset with me ' , Nathan mused 'If she wasn't angry then there is no need to apologize ' his mind raced.

"W-what are you doing here? Don't you say you were going somewhere...is that place on this floor?" Nathan asked awkwardly, his eyes sparkled as he took in the way she took carefully.

" No! I was on my way to our common room..." Artemis said her eyes glanced around "Where did those two go? Are you coming here by yourself? "

" Y-yeah! I don't- ahem, I don't see them.... I-I guess, they might be in the common room.." he looked around and licked his dry lips. Artemis raised her eyebrow as he noticed his unusual behavior.

*Gasp!*

"Don't tell me you secretly sneak out to look for me? " Artemis blurted out, her eyes were lit up, Nathan turned to look at her incredulously but secretly tensed.

" Don't kid yourself!" Nathan nervously retorted, Artemis didn't notice the tensenes in his voice but her excited expression sure fell from her face.

" Oh! " Nathan felt her disappointment wash over him. It pretty much rekindles the guilt he felt earlier, he tried his best to not look at her face.

Nathan chewed his and gritted his teeth after taking a deep breath he blurted out all in a hurry "Ishouldn'thaveactedthatrudetowardsyou"

"Huh?" Artemis dumbly turned to look at his face after hearing his indescribable outburst all of sudden. " Nathan, are you okay? Did you say something to me... just now I heard...."

Nathan's face went from the slight pale to pinkish his body was trembling, this time he took a deep breath and looked fixedly at something above her head seriously " I-I w-want to say...I'm sorry *gulp* I might have little * cough cough * I mean If my words this morning were hurted you then I'm sorry "

[ (Astonishment) Temporary points- 667 ]

Silence! Nathan stiffly looked at her face only to see she was looking at him dazedly. He felt irked 'Jeez that was embarrassing....She should have heard my apology right? Don't tell me I have to once again apologize'

" Hey! Are you alright? Um..did you hear... " Nathan frowned at Artemis but his face eased a lot when he saw Artemis' bright looking face and happy smile. ' Thank God! Look like, I didn't have to do that once more '

"Are you feeling guilty about...Earlier?" Artemis awkwardly asked him, sneaking a glance at his now pale face. "Please don't be, it's alright " she sent him a bright smile.

Only to be dazzled by his return grin, " It's good that you are understanding... I thought you would be a little egoistic..

" Nathan immediately bit his tongue and coughed lightly and hurriedly turned to say something only to see her standing with an expressionless face.

"What are you standing around there for? You look tired, let's go to our common room" Nathan waved his hand in front of her face.

"Y-yeah, let's do that... "

"Are you up for a game of chess? I should borrow the board from second year... Gobble stones are nasty business I don't think you will like it" Nathan threw suggestions convincingly.

"Mmm, why do we have to borrow it from second year, Marcus has one doesn't he? Nathan stiffened, his lips twitched. He couldn't help but wonder what's wrong with her head.

' The nerve of her? I can't believe she can be this delusional!' Nathan frustratedly thought.

She clearly singled them out earlier, when they asked her if they could tag along she outright said no. Anyone would be upset with her attitude and something like this. Now she wants to ask the chess board from Marcus; Does she expect he would give it to her with a smiling face?

It's true Marcus wasn't interested in playing chess and was't smart. But for God sake it's still his board, she must think everyone aside her is a wooden plank with no sense of emotion.

" What's wrong? He didn't have any? I swear I saw one- " Nathan held up a hand to stop her in the middle of her rant.

" Do you honestly believe he would give it to us if you asked for it? Be realistic...Trust me they look kinda stupid, but those two hold grudges for real " Nathan plainly explains to her.

" Oh! " Artemis blinked, then a light of understanding came to her eyes.

" But if you ask him, I'm sure he would lend it to you " Artemis stopped herself seeing a gloomy look she was receiving.

"W-what's wrong? You think- ahem, let's borrow it from that second year then" Artemis tactically said and started to walk once again.

Nathan sighed, myriads of emotions flashes in his eyes. 'Why did I even have to hide it from her? It's not like she can't find out before end of the day '

"Hey Artemis, listen...i have to tell you something..." Nathan started to tell her what happened after she left their room until now with a melancholic look.

If not for the system notification he would have thought she was deaf. She was staring straight for some reason but there was a look of shock in her face.

After a long time she hesitantly said "Don't worry Nathan, I'm sure you three get over this... Also I will let you accompany me next time they send me a invitation "

"Huh?"

"I'm saying, you can come with me next time they invite me " she smiled sweetly. But Nathan's face darkened. 'Wow, just wow.... She thought I was upset because of this? Merlin's balls I don't think we speak the same language anymore.'

'What's with that satisfied smile, she must have thought everything revolves around her ' a tick appeared in his jaw, biting down the urge to scold her.

"What's that anything to do with what we were talking about? Do you really think I apologize because of this? " Nathan looked at her seriously.

"Let's make things clear shall we? I only apologize for unwittingly saying something about your dorm mates and being an insensible git to talk about them… by which I might have unknowingly hurt you. Not because of saying no to some stupid secret meeting thingy "

Nathan took a deep breath "I could care less about whether you invite me or not, got it? Besides it's really your fault, you can't expect me to abandon my friends...even though I now know they are gits, let me tell you If I have to do it once again I would still decline your invitation without a second thought"

Artemis stared at him with a look of wonder and awkwardly fidget. But she doesn't seem to be upset like before "I guess we should get going " she said lamely.

As they walk back, the awkward atmosphere slowly dissipates and both of them talk about other things to ease the atmosphere.

They both slowly come back to this topic. Nathan even told her about his encounter with professor McGonagall and how he got detention because of searching her.

He didn't notice their conversations were a lot more jovial and easy than it's ever been. Somehow he even started to open himself up to her without any wariness. Which would be impossible before he even talks to her about his budding phobia for women.

"Pfft" Artemis couldn't help but burst out laughing. Hearing this from his exaggerated tone was quite amusing. She burst out laughing and she could now little bit tell why he was wary of her.

To be honest she found his accusations quite a bit funny and not to mention his quirkiness to shamelessly brag he is cute and handsome more than once.

She jokingly reached out and pinched his cheek. Nathan stopped dead on track, his eyes flashed; he turned to her so quickly she stumbled back with a soft exclamation.

Nathan had his wand on his hand, his expression was quite serious. Artemis was pressed against the wall he was standing about full arm length away from her as he pointed his wand straight towards her eyes "N-Nathan?"

" I promise to myself never let others take advantage of me.... You have such insidious plans all along? You know what? I long know your dark thoughts don't think you can escape Scot free"

Nathan's face was grim and intimidating, " If you dare to do something like this I'll use this nasty stinging hex " Nathan took one step towards her and pinched her on both cheeks.

Her cheeks pulled apart she looked comically like an anime character but she was too dumbfounded to say anything. It was only a brief time, they continued their walk to their common room.

Both of them were busy with their own thoughts, Nathan was frowning, he was doubtful whether he went overboard. While Artemis had an expressionless face she was trembling and was biting down on her bubbling mirth.

Had it not for her exceptional control over her emotions she would have burst out into laughter. She touched her cheeks obviously not for the pain and stole a glance maybe her infatuation also clouded her senses.

Years back she would still recall this moment fondly and make fun of Nathan for many years. It was this event that led her to slowly get to know and understand this mysterious and enigmatic boy.