11 Cafeteria

Zach could not stop smiling. It was rare that anyone wanted to see him. Most wizards preferred to close their eyes to non-magical folk, even from within their own families. And this was a pretty girl!

He knew about her family, of course. Who didn't know the names of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, even though the majority of them tended to be closer to the dark arts.

She was different, though. Sometimes, when he had to mix with other boys, people like Scorpius tended to bully and look down on him. He hated sometimes that his siblings frequently had to bail him out of uncomfortable situations. Still, he was quick with his feet and handy with his fists, and the items he kept on his waist were enough to garner some respect.

The young woman glanced at Alfred, then nodded. The young wizard was eager to trot along with them. Unfortunately, just then, a small brown owl with a tiny red flower on its head fluttered down and landed on his head. A small feather drifted onto his nose, and Zach snorted.

"Looks like it's back to work for you, Al. Isn't that your boss's owl?"

"Gerroff!" Alfred tried to knock the bird off, but it just gave his head an admonishing peck. "Ow!"

Hettie giggled, and Zach felt a warmth that had nothing to do with the temperature.

"We'll catch up with you later, Al. Miss Hettie, if you please." Zach gestured toward one of the cafeteria doors.

The room's noise dropped for a moment as heads swiveled around at the beautiful society woman, and the magic-less squib.

~ ~ ~

"What's good here, Zachary?" The smooth timbre of her voice drifted over Zach, giving him yet another jolt. For a moment, he was rendered speechless, but then cleared his throat with a discreet cough.

"Um, the pasties are usually delicious. I normally pick up a couple and go eat outside." His voice trailed off. He ordered carry-out food so he didn't have to eat in the cafeteria. He was well aware that his presence at the Ministry of Magic made some people uncomfortable, so he preferred eating alone or with a few close chums.

Hettie could hear the whispers and see the disapproving stares. How could these wizards behave like this? She first-hand saw this young man in action, who, despite obvious handicaps, still managed to help others.

On the one hand, she wanted to sit in the middle of the room and dare anyone to say or do something. But that would limit any conversation, and she was filled with questions.

"That sounds fine."

Zach was worried. The girl spoke in short sentences and barely looked at him. Was she embarrassed? Should he come up with an excuse and leave? Did she really want to talk with him, or did Alfred drag her here?

Well, in for a penny, in for a pound. Zach made a decision.

"If you would like, I'll pick us up a few and we can go eat somewhere else."

Her sudden smile blinded him.

"That would be nice."