Similar yet Different PV | M.Kesterson

⫸@Myrina Kesterson⫷

Thora continued to scribble furiously onto her parchment, her typically slanted handwriting a little more messy than usual. It was a Friday night, meaning the weekend could most likely be used to her desires, but she had to finish this. The Slytherin-typical, fiery hot determination that often stirred inside the girl was back, stronger than ever. From experience, Thora knew that if she didn't focus, it would affect her through dinner and haunt her for the following days.

Thora's feelings about something so unimportant as homework were more of an unfounded paranoia than a rational fear, but to her, it was real nonetheless. She couldn't fail. She couldn't be a failure. And those high expectations she had set for herself so long ago were farther out of reach than she had ever felt.

Finally, at long last, she was finished. Thora ended her last word with a flourish and tucked the precious parchment into her satchel. She would need to keep that safe, as she couldn't risk it getting lost or even damaged, as her points would certainly be docked even for such a small infraction.

"Hi," someone piped up behind her in a timid whisper. Startled, Thora hurriedly put her book down. Heart racing, the Slytherin whipped around in her chair. A young hazel-eyed brunette stood behind her clutching a large shoulder bag and shifting on her feet, much like Thora's own habit when pulled into a social situation. As the girl--presumably a first or second year--introduced herself as Myrina and said she had seen Thora at the event in the Common Room, the second year fidgeted in her own chair, fighting to remember the event and who this girl might be.

Finally, an afternoon of painting with a blue-haired girl came to mind, and Thora remembered. Crafternoon. She remembered vaguely seeing the girl--Myrina's--face during the crafting event but had never met the first year. "Hey Myrina. I'm Thora." Thora answered, refusing to let her voice tremble. Talking to first years always helped, as it brought out a confidence--whether fake or real--that was otherwise lacking in her tone of voice.

Smiling, Thora smoothed out her expression. Simple experimenting over the past year at Hogwarts had really helped her to figure out how to carry on a decently normal conversation. "I think I saw you too..." What else to say… The thought raced through her head. She really needed to say something before things got horribly awkward. "So, how's your first couple months been at Hogwarts?" Might as well start broad, as after all, she didn't know Myrina very well yet.

@Myrina Kesterson

Homeschooled. Myrina had been homeschooled. Thora wished that she could've been schooled at home, at least for the equivalent of Muggle primary school. Then, maybe she wouldn't have been bullied at every turn she made. The young girl's early years had not been great. In fact, they had been a disaster. The only thing that saved her childhood from being something Thora wished had never existed was her family. Her family had been kind and understanding, while the kids at school did nothing but bully her. The then-redhead had been made fun of for practically everything about her--her smarts, her size, her hair color, even her way of talking, which was practically the same as theirs, just without the lisp. It wasn't her fault that she knew how to talk properly. But alas, she had attended Muggle school like a typical Muggle child. And although she hated it, she was also thankful for it. It didn't break her, not at all. No, it made her stronger.

Days of living at the Larkston farm were brought to mind as Thora wondered how to mentor the younger student, even if just slightly. Thora had a younger sister, and was constantly guiding her, although it was true that in social aspects, her sister was considerably more successful than she. Still, it brought back pleasant memories of times with her family that Thora knew would never again happen. Myrina mentioned trying to get the hang of Herbology, and the brunette's mind instantly flitted to the classes she had taken as a first year. How could she help? Could she help? 

Thora wasn't exactly the best at talking to people, let alone slightly younger people. She had no intention to be mean, but she wasn't sure how to present herself. It would've been helpful if she had met an older Slytherin that wasn't Alexx, who was nothing but rude to Thora. Sure, she was older and probably had her reasons, but Thora didn't hold the blonde high in respect at all. On the other hand, first years seemed to be pretty cool--at least the ones she had met so far--and Myrina seemed no exception. Besides, although it certainly wouldn't be tutoring, helping someone out would definitely take her mind off the post-ball trauma that had been haunting her for the past week and would continue to do so. 

"Herbology? Would you like any help? I mean, I don't mean to pry or anything, but if you want assistance, I can probably help since I'm a second year," Thora offered. The girl realized she hadn't exactly made it clear that she was a year above. She'd might as well do, as the petite girl was certainly aware that she didn't yet look her age. And as for the subject? Herbology had never been her best subject, so to speak, but Thora certainly enjoyed learning about different magical plants. And it hadn't been hard for her, so offering a little help wouldn't be any problem at all. 

Not only was she just trying to help for the sake of helping, but also because she cared. Thora didn't want the best reputation, nor did she deserve it, but she could do what she could. And assuming this girl wanted her help, she could try her best. Did the second year have time? Not really, but what was a little time lost to helping a first year get a good start on their time at Hogwarts?