Taking Their Heads Out of the Clouds PV Delilah Chapman Finished

Simon listened as she told him about her thoughts of belonging in Gryffindor. From all of a sudden, it was as if a different version of Delilah was talking. A slightly older and more mature version. There was something about what she said that really resonated with him. Finding joy in the little things in life. That bravery could be found even in the smallest of acts. But at the same time, he could see why Delilah had questioned why she belonged in Gryffindor. Not because of a lack of the typical Gryffindor traits necessarily, but because of an excess of many different traits, maybe and contradicting even, just as for him. They were both misfits, in their own special ways. Still, to Simon there was no doubt that Delilah belonged in the house of lions.

"I think you make a great Gryffindor, Delilah", said Simon. "It's one thing to fight a basilisk with the sword of Gryffindor, but beyond such obvious acts of heroism, I believe you are one of the bravest persons I have ever met. I mean that. Few have the courage to be themselves, like, their true inner selves. And that's something I really admire about you, Delilah."

The gaps between the students around the tables increased as more and more finished their breakfast to head for their classes.

"Simon, what do you think is the most important quality a person can possess? What values or characteristics do you believe truly define a person's worth?"

"Hmm... I would say kindness. The 'wishing other people well' kind of kindness. I'm not a fan of this whole pureblood elitism, as you can imagine. I think it's the silliest thing ever..." Simon shook his head with raised his eyebrows. "My dad always says that you should look at how a person treats either animals or people with less power than themselves. I think that there is something to that. I could never be friends with someone who was kind to me but mean to others."

Simon looked at his watch. "Blimey, is that the time? We'd better get going to not be late for Potions. I'd hate it to miss Professor Regan's instructions. I'm kinda struggling a little bit with Potions, to be honest. Are you ready?" He put his wand in his pocket and closed the zipper of his brown leather school bag.

Delilah's eyes sparkled with curiosity as Simon spoke about kindness and treating others with respect. She found herself nodding in agreement, appreciating his perspective on valuing the well-being of those around them.

A faint pang of guilt washed over Delilah as she recalled a memory from her past, in her muggle school. It was a moment when her sharp wit and biting sarcasm had unintentionally wounded someone's feelings. A female student was wearing smudged and excessive amount of makeup to school and have asked Delilah for her opinion on it, the little girl overly honest and blunt siad that she tought she was auditioning for a role as a Picasso painting and that she should probably attend a support group for victims of mascara mishaps and lipstick blunders. She hadn't realized the impact of her words until it was too late. The memory served as a reminder of the importance of being mindful of her own actions and the potential harm they could cause.

Lost in her thoughts for a moment, Delilah snapped back to the present when Simon mentioned the time and the impending Potions class. She chuckled, realizing they needed to pick up the pace.

"You're right, Simon," she replied, her voice tinged with determination. "We better get going. I wouldn't want to miss the Professor's instructions. And hey, if you ever need help with Potions, just let me know. I may not be a genius in that subject, but I've had my fair share of 'interesting' results."

With a mischievous grin, she nudged Simon's arm playfully and started walking towards the Potions classroom. As they strolled through the corridors, Delilah couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for their friendship. Simon's genuine kindness and understanding had made her reflect on her own actions, motivating her to strive for better.