Closed More Than Just a Tutor PV Ruby Cazares

*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*

The sound of measured footfalls carried through the corridor as Ruby drew nearer to the spare classroom where she was to meet Isadora. Their meetings had long since become part of her routine, with time carefully allotted weekly to ensure that they would be able to properly practice and focus. It was predictable, consistent. And much to Ruby’s pleasure, Isadora was one to arrive early just as consistently—considering she was only a first year, it was actually quite impressive by most people’s standards that she was so dedicated to her studies. Many would drag their feet at the thought of spending free time being tutored, especially at the end of the week, but Isadora was consistently engaged and trying her best, a fact that continued to satisfy Ruby’s expectations.

The Slytherin pushed open the door as she reached the room, striding inside, mostly expecting to find Isadora ready as normal. It was, after all, the typical way things proceeded for them. Instead, she had just been opening her mouth to greet the younger girl when she was forced to pause. Tears. That was not what she had expected. Frowning slightly and wondering what was bothering the Hufflepuff, Ruby sat down nearby. “Hey,” she began as gently as she could manage, “what’s wrong?” She had previously seen Isadora vulnerable and even close to tears before, and had encouraged her to overcome mental obstacles and fears, but none of that was quite like walking in and finding the other girl crying. She looked so small in that moment, and Ruby was instantly reminded of how many years separated them. This didn’t feel right to see—Isadora didn’t deserve to be so upset, regardless of what the cause was, and while Ruby wasn’t the best with handling other people’s emotions, she knew she would do what she could to try to comfort the eleven-year-old. After all, wasn’t that, in some small part, her responsibility as a mentor figure? Slightly concerned, she waited for a response.

*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*

Reducio

Dora hears the door open and footsteps stopping before her, but doesn't look up just yet. Maybe she's avoiding the look of disappointment she knows will come over Ruby's face, just like her grandmother's. Maybe she's just embarrassed. One thing that's different about Hogwarts is that Dora can't always find a place to hide from everyone. A bathroom or a dorm room is more crowded than at Everridge Manor. She can't escape out to the graveyard for some peace and quiet. And she can't stand up her tutor even though she's falling apart.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Says Ruby's voice, so much more gentle than usual. It reminds Dora of when they had tea together weeks ago. 'She was kind to you, then.' A part of Dora reminds, 'Even though you made a mistake.' But that was Dora's first duel, this is different. This is months of work, trying and trying to do better and failing at nearly every turn. It's an insult to the people who have helped her.

Slowly, Dora straightens up in her chair, but can't bring herself to look Ruby in the eyes. She wipes some tears away, then clasps her hands tightly together as she shakily says, "I'm sorry. I keep trying not to, but I always disappoint everyone." Her lip wobbles as she admits, "I have an E in Transfiguration."