The Salamander King-Chapter 2

Instructions

The Salamander King- An HP Fanfic- Chapter 2 Contrary to what daddy dearest thinks, I have no friends. So, why am I always leaving the house and gone for hours? Everyone has their thing I suppose. Let me correct that, I don’t have /wizarding/ friends. But over the past four years I have become well acquainted with the local Muggles in the town. Namely, Jasper, Oliver and… Ariella. Us four had become tight knit over the years and had been hanging out a lot this summer. I walked up to our usual meeting spot in the park down by the pond to see them three already there. “There he is!” Exclaimed Ari, jumping up to hug me. Not gonna lie, my heart stuttered until I was released. “Sorry. Got caught up with dad. Didn’t like the tie-dye undershirts I made for him. Couldn’t fathom why tho.” “Anyways,” interjects Jasper with a friendly eye roll and head shake, “Now that the King has shown his face today, what are we up to?” Oliver perked up. “Would it be so bad to just hang here? We’ve all got food in our bags we can share and I doubt anyone would bother us. Why not just take it slow?” “My guy, it’s summer. We gotta be large and in charge. Ari, what do you want?” She thinks for a moment before answering. “Well, I wouldn’t want to bore you boys but I have run out of reading material again. Maybe we could stop by the bookshop and then get tea after? Stop in any shops if we want?” Ari turned to me when she spoke the last sentence. God her hazel eyes made me melt. “Bookshop sounds great! Mums birthday is soon anyways so I should probably find her something.” “Well, I promised myself nothing boring this summer.” Said Jazz. “Why don’t you two go on? Ollie and I will stay here and have food waiting for you two.” Ari looked at Oliver. “Do you want to stay here? You can come with us.” I could tell she was trying to appeal both sides again and felt sad for her. “No, you two go. I need some quiet time anyways. Pick me out something?” “Of course.” Ari turned around and grabbed my hand. “We should probably use the buddy system if we are going to be crossing busy streets this time of morning.” How could I say no to those eyes. And I didn’t. Like a fool, I just nodded and let her lead me through the park into town. I noticed she was quiet, which for Ariella, was unusual. “Hey.” I said softly. “Don’t mind Jasper. You know him, everything has to be his version of perfect. If he doesn’t want to hang out with you, he doesn’t know what he’s missing out on. I, personally, would spend everyday with just you if I could. Maybe Ollie. But mostly you.” She sniffled. “Really? I don’t act like someone’s annoying younger sister who clings to you guys?” “Is that really what you think? You may be the youngest of us and the only girl but I have /never/ seen you as an annoying little sister. I see you as so much more.” I realized what I had said and froze. Did I actually just tell Ariella I like her?! “I see you as so much more too. And I love spending time with just you. Ollie is great and all but he’s a little too emotional.” She looked up into my eyes. “I’m not annoying to you? Truly?” “Truly.” I took both her hands and placed them above my heart. “I learned a long time ago that secrets, however big or small, need to be out in the open. Lying, is one thing I will /never/ do, to anyone. Ask me a question and feel for yourself if I’m lying.” She took a small step closer so it seemed as if our bodies were holding our hands together. Her hazel eyes locked onto mine and she asked, “Do you like me?” I didn’t have to say anything. Ari could feel the way my heart changed, and that was all the conformation she needed. She smiled and kissed my cheek. “Me too.” Came a whisper at my ear. “Me too.”