12 Chatting Over Snacks

Once Zach purchased the food, the two of them walked down a series of hallways until they came to large atrium filled with lush greenery. Butterflies and small birds appeared to flit in and out of the thick canopy; on closer inspection, Hettie realized they were post-it notes and envelopes.

"Just past those trees is the Mail Center." Zach explained. "Any lost memos show up here so they can be sorted and sent to the proper department. The Head of the department is a friend of Professor Sprout, so she create this area."

He led her to a picnic table near a large silver maple; the leaves chimed together with a metallic sound whenever an memo flew by.

Hettie looked around with interest. Even though they were underground, there was a suggestion of sunlight dappling the white pebbled path. There was only the two of them.

"I'm surprised that more people aren't here. This is quite lovely." she remarked.

Zach smiled. "There are some hazards here, though."

A moment later, a large-ish package bumbled towards the trees, knocking again a weeping cherry, which immediately started raining down tear-shaped pink petals. Zach flinched as the package flew over his head, to be lost in the bushes behind the table.

Hettie giggled. Zach flushed red, both at his reaction to the mail as much as the sound of her laughter.

"Was that one of the hazards?" She asked, and Zach ruefully nodded.

They applied themselves to the food in companionable silence for a few minutes. Hettie finally built up some courage.

"What's it like, being a squib?" The pasty in Zach's hand landed with a clatter, and Hettie's hand flew to her mouth. Oh no! That wasn't the question she planned to ask!

The young man carefully picked the snack back up and took a small bite.

"When my father was at Hogwarts, there was a caretaker named Argus Filch. He was an unpleasant bitter person, from what I was told, and that may have been partially due to his squib status." Zach sighed. "It's easy to fall into that kind of feeling when you are surrounded by wizards. After all, muggles don't know any better, but we do, right?"

Seeing the sad look on his face, Hettie wished she could take back that blasted question. Yet a moment later, his face cleared and became animated again.

"My family has some strong wizarding talent," he said with a wry smile, "but I have never felt like anyone was disappointed in me. Sure, there were sibling pranks. And my cousin Rose's inventions weren't always successful.

"But I was taught that I could contribute even without magic.. It hasn't been easy, but I think it's important to keep positive and do your best. Maybe it will make it easier in the future for others like me."

Hettie sat there, mouth practically agape. His self confidence as well as the love for his family was clear in his posture and his words. She had never seen anything like it.

She leaned forward. "What about…"

Suddenly the maple gave a discordant clang when a large snowy owl landed heavily on the table between them. After glaring at Zach for a moment, it spun around and pecked Hettie's left hand.

"Ow!" she yelled, pulling it back.

Zach jumped up, ready to grab the bird, but Hettie shook her head.

"It's Grandfather's owl. I must go back."

"Okay, I'll take you there." He wanted to stay in her company just a little longer.

The owl turned and gave him a baleful stare, digging its claws into the table top before it launched into the air. Hettie sighed.

Just then, a young wizard appeared in the room, striding over to where they stood. It was the security guard from the yacht.

"Miss Hettie, I am here to escort you back to your grandfather. "

His eyes passed over Zach as if he were air. "The meeting will be starting soon."

She looked at Zach for a moment. "Thank you for your assistance. I had a wonderful time."

Hettie lifted her head into a regal angle, and in a cold voice, said, "Take me to Grandfather."

Zachary could do nothing as the pair followed the bird to a hallway and disappeared.

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