Time Marches On Finished PV Falentra Black

Why did summer have to be a thing? It was something Falentra dreaded and despised, especially when it meant she had to walk around in it all day and sit in a class full of students that didn't help create all that heat. How were you meant to study and concentrate in such a place? It not only baffled her but she thought it was going to affect her overall grades. Not that it really bothered her in the long run, but she wanted to make some sort of an impression here. A witch that seemed like a failure would make her look weak, and that was not something she was wanting people to see her as.

The heat was at its peak this afternoon and the shade right now was mandatory for Falentra. The corridors were darker than most areas in the castle and the sun found it hard to sneak its way through these walls. Still, somehow, the sun managed to find its way through the odd crack. The place was decaying slowly in certain areas but nonetheless, Falentra avoided those streaks of sunlight as if she was a vampire that was to going to burn..sparkle?- or whatever it was those muggles watched on TV.
Falentra always wore her good old black skinny jeans that were slowly starting to turn a light grey around the knees from there constant use, but today she wore a skirt that ended just above her knees, followed by some grey socks that rested comfortably over her kneecaps. She was far from confident but wearing pants just wasn't an option anymore. Her white shirt was tucked into one side of her skirt, whilst the other hang freely over it.

The only good thing that came from Summer was that if the students weren't stuck in classes, they were outside on the grounds enjoying the sun. It meant Falentra didn't have to worry about bumping into people as often and could enjoy the silence in peace although today that wasn't the case. There was a boy not far in the direction she was walking. He seemed to be wearing a frown of some sort. If he wasn't in class, why was he moping around the halls and not out with a group of friends having fun? That's what they did right?
Fal stopped in her tracks before getting to close to the boy and let her weight fall against the wall beside her. She observed in the shadows. A babyface. A green tie. A sad face. Could it be her long lost twin? She scoffed at her own humour before leaning back up straight and redirected her gaze to the window beside him.
He was clearly a year or two below her going off his height and soft features, but since he was a fellow Slytherin, she decided that her approach should be somewhat more subtle. '' You lost or somethin'?'' Her thick Manchester accent echoed through the halls. There was a bit of a distance between them, but Falentra wasn't too keen on venturing over to the sun.

Flash’s head shot up at the sound of a voice. Normally a perceptive person, he had completely failed to realize that another student had joined him in the hall. Had he been staring at the floor? At the moment, she stayed sheltered in shadow, the contrast from the blinding sunlight in the windows making it hard to see her in much detail.

Her voice at least seemed confident, authoritative. Someone older than him? He stepped forward, not only to see her better, but to introduce himself properly. He was taught early on how to appear in front of other people, and while the slipping of his face would normally have been something that filled him with anxious terror, he currently felt a great deal less shame. He was too weary to be anxious. He always had politeness to fall back on anyway, which would serve him the lines he needed to make the conversation flow along the way it should. He wouldn’t have to think too hard.

”Lost? Perhaps in my thoughts.” As Flash drew closer, he stepped into the shade, a noticeable shift in warmth. ”My name is Flash Holmwood. May I know your name?”

Regardless of her answer, he would clear the air right away. He couldn’t stand faffing about, avoiding a topic that was clearly the matter at hand. She had no reason to acknowledge him unless she had seen him sulking about. He had just about enough of people that felt pity for him, though he wasn’t about to say it so tactlessly.

”I hope you don’t mean to console me. I drift off from time to time… too many thoughts all at once. A condition we all must face from time to time.”

Impersonal. Explanatory. A clear and easy excuse for her to part ways without a shred of guilt. Another gift from the holy martyr to his people, unburdening them from the threat of knowing his cloying thoughts. Being himself around people had been nothing but revelations of pain. When he was being polite and stoic, he could blend in. Sometimes they found him strange, or robotic, but it was better than what they thought of the real him. Pathetic. Lonely.

What would his parents think of him? Had he changed, or was he exactly the same? He had learned magic, but was he any good at it? What studies should he be focusing on, had he found anything that caught his interest? Would he ever be someone he could be proud of? Would he ever feel like he belonged anywhere? Wasn’t he just a mistake? Flash’s thoughts renewed, his eyes vaguely unfocused, looking off into the middle distance.

@Falentra Black

Flash Holmwood? She hasn’t heard of that name before. He wasn’t much smaller than herself but she was confident now with a closer look at the boy that he was a first year. He dressed quite proper in that it looked as though he took the time to care for his looks, whereas Falentra was the opposite.
He seemed quite the chatterbox too. Wonder why he was alone and not within a group enjoying himself. Anyway, she better had responded at some point to his question. “Falentra Black” Her eyes shifted from his clothing to his eyes quickly, seeing if he reacted as they all do to her surname. She hoped with his age he didn’t know anything about the past in regards to the Blacks. It wasn’t that she cared so much about it, but it was having to repeat and reassure them all that she was not of that family.

The third-year couldn’t completely put together this boy. Of course, that was expected. She had just met him. But Falentra was quite good at having that immediate opinion on someone which turns out to be right. But for Flash, it seemed a bit all over the place. Before her stare continued to glare down on him, she prompts herself up straight and held a hand against her hip whilst her expression turned into a frown. “At what point did I say I wanted to console you? I couldn’t care le-..” She let out a sigh before moving her hand from her hip to her forehead where she planted the palm of it. “Look here littlen, I was just asking if you needed help finding your way around.” Falentra toned down her voice and tried her best to communicate in the politest way she knew. ''If you are asking for advice on the matter, I'm not your girl.'' Overtime her frown had faded and turned into a forced smile. How was she to reassure him? She didn't have to, but he looked so lost, and she felt that. ''I.. I wouldn't recommend overthinking or worrying. It's never a good start to any scenario.''

Her long boney fingers ran themselves through her thick black hair, tugging slightly at the knots formed by numerous of stubborn curls. At this point, she didn't really know how to help the lad out with her words. It was silent from her end for a moment whilst she collected together her thoughts. '' But I do know a good way to start the process.'' She spoke with a hint of happiness. It was more or less forced, but she didn't want to make matters worse with the mood he was already giving off. Falentra walked towards the boy and stopped in front of him, bringing her hands forward and extending both her index fingers to each corner of his mouth. They pushed gently against the corners to form a smile. ''There you go.'' Her smile widened, and was a geniune one this time.

Falentra… a pretty name, though he had never heard anyone called it before. She seemed to be gauging his response to it, perhaps she was someone he was supposed to know, but he was at a loss. He wasn’t even sure what year she was in. Having given her nothing to work with, she briefly made a move of exasperation, both sighing and leaning her arms on her hips, as if truly burdened by his insinuation of her concern. It was hardly the worst first response he ever received, he was just glad he hadn’t offended her more. Some students went so far as to hate the act of politeness itself, let alone his personal read on the room.

After a short outburst however, she seemed to change course, perhaps some sort of misplaced feeling of responsibility as an older peer. She insisted that she wouldn’t be one to seek comfort from anyway, perhaps a good samaritan indeed, meaning only to show him which way the restrooms were. Despite the insistence of her inability, she forced a sickening smile and gave him unsolicited advice anyway. Don’t overthink? Good lord, I would cut out my brain completely if I could! Flash was nearly incensed, his lingering feelings of sorrow and anxiety mixing into something more like incredulous, petulant anger.

His face showed only a short twinge of displeasure before he took steps to cool himself down. He had lost his temper before, to staggeringly bad results. It didn’t solve anything to snap at someone for saying something misguided. Actually, what did he know, really? Perhaps such simple advice was really all the actual structure anyone could possibly have to offer him. In the end, wasn’t she being nicer than she strictly wanted to be in hopes that it might make him feel better? With a bit of rationalization, he could talk himself out of misbehaving. The last thing he needed right at the end of the year was another embarrassing outburst of irrational emotion.

Then, she continued with her idle advice. Listening to her mostly out of courtesy, Flash palled and froze as her hands got closer to his face. Unmoving, she used her lithe index fingers to push his stony face into a fake smile. A good way to start the process… to smile, was it? She was wearing a lovely smile herself.

He had spent the whole year smiling. A big, beautiful fake smile for everyone but himself. Staring at the space somewhere around her neck, not making eye contact but not entirely off on another planet, his throat clutched and his voice hitched in a strange, gasping or choking sound. Shit… no, no, no… Then, a wail. The unmistakable sound of a young child's loud sobbing.

That, of course, was only the opening of the flood gates. There was worse yet to come, namely, her proximity and alleged care for his feelings led him to reach out and pathetically grab for a hug. He wasn’t supposed to be like that… like a child. He had a name to uphold, a reputation to form. Still, no matter how he tried to skirt around the real issue, it always came back in full force right when he needed it least. Such as this instance, when his body lurched forward, crying out for someone to comfort him. Whether she accepted the infantile embrace or moved to let him drop to the floor was up to her.

@Falentra Black

Not a moment had passed before Flashs' expressions took a turn for the worse. Did she push too hard on his face? She thought she had only done it gently. Oh no. She knew trying to be nice wasn't her forte but making him cry? Good job Fal. She cursed at herself in her head, before her attention was suddenly brought back to the saddened child. He was leaning towards her, reaching out like a lost child. He was going for a hug. Her breathing stopped and her body froze the moment she felt his arms latch onto her. It didn't feel right at first. The last hug she had ever got was of her mother and that was a few years back now. All she wanted to do right now was grab the boy and push him off. These feelings were all too much for her to handle.

She tried her absolute best to think things through for once before lashing out and regretting it. This boy clearly was in need of support, and she knew she couldn't give it him through her words. They were never the wisest. She simply stood there, looking down at him sobbing against her. She was sure by now that she hadn't caused this, else why would he be balling his eyes out on her. Maybe he felt comfortable enough around her to let it all out. '' H..Hey..'' She whispered down at him, hoping to catch his attention.
Her words had obviously hadn't been heard so she knew best not to talk in this situation. Instead, her hand would hesitantly make its way to his upper back and rest itself there whilst the other was placed on top of his head, ruffling his hair lightly. Thankfully the corridors were quiet and nobody could see her soft side starting to show. Nevertheless, her eyes would still shift around their surroundings from time to time to make sure nobody came by.

It became uncomfortable for Falentra after a few minutes, so her arm would loosen and gently pull on the back of his shirt, pulling him away from her so she could actually see his face again. His cheeks and nose had reddened from all the crying and his eyes slightly puffy. It made her wonder again what had caused the sudden outburst. She had to know now. She had gone out of her way to comfort the boy, not that she actually minded it now that she thought about it. But that wasn't the point. '' So...'' This was awkward for Falentra, though she tried not to make it that way. She didn't want to make him feel bad or feel that she had judged him just now. ''Are you alright?'' A stupid question. He was just in tears, so obviously not. ''I mean... what's wrong? I hope I didn't offend you, littlen'.''

Flash’s natural instinct in such a situation would be to be mortified. If he had learned anything from his mother and sister, it was that no one liked a crying child. Not only was the act of crying pointless, but it was an ugly display, grating on both the ears and the eyes. It wasn’t only an opinion his mother foisted upon him, it was one he was made to accept himself. Disciplined children were not only more acceptable company, they were also the ones more likely to actually affect real change around them, rather than lamenting about what they didn’t have. His older sister Mari, too, had always insisted that a smile would get him ten times the result that a single shed tear would. Crying was something children did because they didn’t know what else to do, because they didn’t know how to be constructive… right?

That was what he had been told, and what he had learned for himself. Even when the surveillance cameras weren’t on him, he always felt watched. It was a terminal itch creeping up his spine, keeping his back straight and his words appropriate. Even just a short stint away from home and most of his training has come undone in his hands like bad knitting. Perhaps that was why. He didn’t know how to constructively fix himself at that point, which direction to turn to. So instead of consulting a book, or trying to talk things out, he burst into tears and grabbed ahold of a stranger like she was a branch off the edge of a cliff he had tumbled off of.

Thankfully for him, she was gracious. Regardless of what events led the two to that moment, she spared him any amount of immediate judgement, and simply allowed him to wet the shoulder of her white shirt with his hopeless heaving sobs. They were… loud. The acceptance, and the warmth of another human body breathing against him, holding him and gently patting his head, had only increased the intensity of his moping. With reckless abandon, he let his unseemly blubbering continue for perhaps a bit longer than was fair for the poor shoulder. The high pitch of his choking sobs were eerily reminiscent of the sounds of his baby brother when he was grumpy. Flash didn’t want any of this, but perhaps he needed it, somehow.

She set the boundary herself, thankfully, and gently peeled him off of her by tugging on his shirt, like a mother cat holding a mewling kitten up by the scruff of its neck. Obeying the gesture, Flash separated himself and grabbed his own arms as if trying to replace the warmth he had just lost. His cloak had been tossed to the ground unceremoniously in the act. Trying his best to return to ‘himself’, Falentra continued to try to gauge his outburst, seeming to think her words might have had something to do with it. Still gasping his breaths, Flash tried to clean what tears he could from his face, but his eyes were already itchy and irritated without the extra wiping. He hated to think what he looked like in that moment, though he knew the image perfectly well.

”Forgive me, Miss Falentra.” Flash’s words attempted the sort of flatline monotone he was known for, but his voice was raspy enough to betray the great pain still in his lungs. ”I hope my… I hate to think that… I’ve caused you any distress.”

At the word ‘distress’, Flash’s voice pitched back into a feeble whine. As much as he wanted to wrench himself away from the pathetic scene and hide somewhere, the damage had already been done, and it was his responsibility to account for his misbehavior… again. After all, the older girl had done him a great kindness, so he would be remiss in abandoning her without explaining himself, as long as that was what she wanted. Absolve her of any worry she might have that she needed to follow up on this simple lost soul.

”I’m… I’m…” Even though the cathartic act of crying loudly had been accomplished, his body hardly seemed to want to cooperate with his demands. He could smack himself for losing control so tremendously.

”I’m fine.” He squeaked.

@Falentra Black

Falentra lowered her gaze to the boy once more, not paying attention to their surroundings. She wasn't all too bothered if anyone was to come by at this point. It was clear her full attention needed to be with this boy. He seemed so lost even now after her brief attempt of comfort. '' Hey. You know it's okay to be sad... to show emotions an' all. Don't be ashamed of it.'' She gave him a reassuring smile before continuing. '' Holdin' it in all the time doesn't do anyone any good... don't care what people say. Everyone has a breakin' point.'' It was true. Falentra could relate to this all too well and didn't want Flash going through the same. She just worried and hoped he didn't do this with everyone he met. Some were sure to laugh at him and see it as a sign of weakness. At least that was her fear whenever she broke down in front of someone.
'' Just don't go doin' it around everyone. You'll look a cry baby then.'' Her opinions may have come across harsh and blunt, but they were true and obviously the truth always hurts, so she wanted him to get used to it now. Lying to her was no use.

''Ain't gotta apologise to me. Done nothin' wrong.'' She waved her hands to tell him to stop. He was too polite for her liking and wasn't sure if it was an act he was putting on to please her. Either way, she appreciated the kindness. She felt it would have just been more meaningful if he genuinely meant it. Here's to hoping.

Falentra wandered not too far from where he stood. There was a large stone pillar which she lent her body against, hiding away from the beaming sun that shone their way. Her gaze would wander down to her feet as she listened to him trying to make a sentence but failing just as bad as she normally did. It made her smile, but only briefly. Flash was clearly showing he wasn't fine, but she decided not to drag out a conversation that he was struggling with.
Moments later, Falentra would reach down into her bag, ruffling her hand around within the rubbish it held. Inside would be a mixture of books and loose paper, and a bar of chocolate and a few sweets lying around in there somewhere. ''Hold on a minute... Sure it's round 'ere somewhere.'' She questions herself under her breath before showing a confident smile, an obvious sign that she had found them.
Pulling out the bar of chocolate and a few sweets, she held them out his way. ''For you. If you want them I mean.'' Her expression seemed confused. She felt uneasy doing such a kind gesture, but she was sure it'd make him feel a bit better. Sweets and kids were most the time a good match.

Flash blotted the remaining salty droplets from his eyes, blinking them clear with the final staccato breaths as his lungs started to fill properly. Now, he could see the complete stranger more clearly. She had black hair floating around her face in a carelessly elegant hairstyle, her style of dress messy, showing a lack of attention to detail. She carried a bag that looked completely unorganized and packed as though she had grabbed things while escaping a raging fire. She perhaps also did not have everything together.

Despite whatever life she had lived up until then, she had provided him with a shoulder to cry on. Certainly someone like that was a good person. Flash admired her ability to adapt so quickly-- she hardly seemed phased by the outburst. It was even funnier for him to imagine that this happened to her all the time, her presence causing young lost souls to weepily flock to her for her magnanimous succor. Of course, it was only one of many of Flash’s flights of fancy.

It’s okay to be sad… to show emotions… holding it in… breaking point... Flash nodded along as she talked. Even though it might have come off as generic advice in another situation, the way she delivered it, and the show of understanding before, gave Flash the impression that it came from experience. Flash nearly flinched at the words ‘breaking point’, she was the second person to warn him about… breaking. When he started the year he was determined to be as strong and intelligent as his oldest brother, to do everything in his power to learn as much as possible, make positive and useful connections, start down the path of an illustrious career as soon as possible. How… why was he so incapable? Why was he breaking? Val and Mari… were they just born less emotionally unstable? Was Flash born wrong?

Then, she warned him not to cry around everyone, lest he look like a crybaby. At that, Flash could do nothing to stop the wide, knowing grin from appearing on his face. She really did remind him of Mari, his older sister. She taught him how to behave around other people, protected him from making embarrassing impressions on others by giving him endless advice on decorum and confidence. She would have certainly been disappointed that Flash ran into the arms of an unknown girl to blubber like a baby, but she would also be the first to hold him in her arms herself.

Flash admired her ability to control her own fate. Despite the intense disenchantment she faced when she discovered she was a squib, she never lashed out or grieved. She didn’t want pity, she wanted to succeed. And she did, she excelled so fantastically that she dwarfed the accomplishments of both her older brothers to be next in line as the matron of the entire Holmwood estate, worth millions. It was to her that everyone in the family deferred when making decisions, because her mind was a steel trap, and her choices were unemotional and informed. Flash wondered how similar she and Falentra really were.

While Flash tried to make himself more presentable, Falentra was off in the shadow, digging through her bag and muttering something to herself. Flash was curious of course, and took a few steps forward. How anyone could stand to be so unorganized, he would never know. It would drive him insane, he always needed everything to be in its right place. He also never carried more than what he strictly needed, keeping things light and minimal. He was a bit shocked however when her hand, removed from the cluttered mayhem, held a fistful of candy. Then, she offered them to Flash.

Flash’s smile wavered, a few short, uneasy laughs escaping as if out of confusion. She seemed unsure herself, trying to do her best to ease his tormented soul like a fallen angel trying to dole out good deeds to earn its favor back in heaven, but tripping over and over along the way. There was no way for her to know that Flash didn’t like sweets. In fact, it seemed everyone in the world liked sweets but him sometimes, and no amount of telling people otherwise would serve as a worldwide memo. Just another way that he wasn’t like his peers… what kind of kid didn’t like sweets, right?

He couldn’t simply deny them at that point though. His heart could break to think that she had such noble intentions, only for his preferences to dishearten her. Perhaps Burnett might scold him for not being genuine, but Flash didn’t see why he should decline. Even if he never ate the sweet offering, his acceptance of her gesture was what was important. Mari herself had explained the phenomena-- regardless of one’s actual love of the gift, one should always deeply appreciate the act of being given it. Once the initial surprise wore off, Flash’s countenance was replaced by a pleasant, happy smile.

”You’re so thoughtful…” Flash took the candy in his hands. Thankfully, it wasn’t all melty. She really must have kept to the shadows as often as possible to achieve the effect. ”Thank you so much. I fear I won’t be able to repay your kindness.”

Flash shook his head, realizing that line of talk was only just more depressing. He had started to cool off, after crying so loudly he really did feel like a giant weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He wasn’t even thinking about all the annoying doubts and fears that normally churned in his stomach like a bad meal. One way he could repay her was by illuminating her effect.

”Actually, I feel worlds better. You have no idea what a tremendous relief you’ve given me by… being so patient.” Flash sighed, but his soft smile didn’t waver. ”I hope someday I can return the favor. Perhaps let you cry on me.”

With that, one end of Flash’s smile reluctantly quirked into a smirk, rather than outright laughing at his own imagined scenario.

@Falentra Black

@Flash Holmwood

The words that followed brought Falentra to a complete halt altogether. Her expression shown utter shock and the hairs on her arms rose. It wasn't that his words had offended her or made her uncomfortable which seemed to be the case with most people, but that she had made someone happy. Even if it was only a little. Never had she had an effect on someone like that during her time at Hogwarts. If she remembered rightly, the last time made someone smile like this was with the memory of her mother, Fleur. Her smile was beautiful in itself and she had so much kindness to share with the world. Falentra wished she was more like her and less like her father. That was all she ever saw in herself. But it seemed deep down there was part of Fleur that was there. It was just hidden away, like an old toy on a shelf that had gathered dust over the years.

Falentra would return the smile for a few seconds before it disappeared nervously. It was so wide that it probably looked a little crazy on her. It wasn't an expression she showed enough to present it with confidence, although she truly meant it. She was happy. Happy to know she made someone feel good for a change. ''I'm glad you are feelin' better.'' What else was she to say other than that? It had come to a shock actually. Never had she thought she was going to be able to comfort someone, give them a shoulder to cry on. Falentra could barely manage a decent conversation, let alone show any form of affection. It seemed to have worked, either way, so she didn't let it dwell on her.

Having made the boy happy, it seemed her company wasn't needed anymore. He seemed more... with it, compared to when she saw him for the first time. Now that he had drained away all those tears, he had shown more kindness in his words. It was cute, him offering her a shoulder to cry on if needs be, but she really didn't want anyone to see that side of her. She laughed off his offer nervously before speaking. ''Well, it seems like you don't need me around 'ere anymore. You seem like you've got yourself together now. Let's keep it that way 'ey?'' A reassuring smile crept onto her lips as she pushed herself from the stone pillar and made her way past Flash, rubbing her hand through his hair to mess it up. Despite their brief interaction, she had gotten to know quite a bit about him. In Falentras case, actions spoke louder than words and read him quite easily that way. It didn't matter to her whether he was weak, a crybaby, or tough as nails. She took a liking to the kid and planned to keep an eye on him from now on. '' I'll see you around? Over summer or somethin'?'' She hoped she did. It would give her the excuse to watch over him more often without showing it so obviously.

With that being said, she continued onwards down the hall she once came from, her hands tucked into her pockets as she slouched over into a tired posture. There was part of her that wanted to look back to make sure he was alright once she had left his side, but the other half of her worried that it made her look like she had taken too much of an interest in the boy.

Thread Left.