Two Can Play

November passed slower than the other months, and Hope knew why. Everyone was busy getting ready for the end of the first term in December, coming in a few short weeks, and Hope couldn't help through it. She supported Newt as best she could, but he was also busy preparing his students for the Holidays, not wanting them to lose everything they'd learned over Christmas break.

Occasionally they'd sneak a moment together, but at the end of the day, Newt was so exhausted she would stroke her fingers through his hair, and he'd be out like a light. She didn't blame him, not in the least, and he kept telling her he'd make it up to her.

She'd roll her eyes and tell him, in the most affectionate way possible, to shut up and go to sleep so he could be at his best tomorrow.

It was a chilly Saturday in late November, but not freezing with rain like it had been. Newt was in London to discuss some matters with the Ministry about Wingedback's move from Britain to America.

Hope decided to greet the surprisingly calm day with some time spent in the courtyard. She sat down on the grassy ground with a Wizards Chess set, her chin on her knee as she played against herself.

A group of giggling made Hope look up, raising an eyebrow at a group of Slytherin girls who seemed to be exchanging glances with each other. Then, one said loudly, "I suppose since it's such a nice day, we might as well explore the grounds."

They looked to be second or third years, though some first years also mingled with them. Looking up to the others with giggles as if trying to hold back their laughter from whatever prank they were trying to pull.

Hope was the only one in the vicinity, so she imagined she was the intended target.

"I guess the Forbidden Forest will have to do." The girl, Hope now recognized as Sarah - a fourth year with long blonde hair and equally pale skin - said. Sarah seemed a ring leader amongst the Slytherin girls.

And she seemed to be trying to get Hope's attention.

"Off we go…"

"Have fun." Hope called to them, making them stop in their tracks. Two could play at this game.

Sarah seemed stunned for a moment, but only briefly before retorting. "Aw, don't think you can stop us?"

"Nope, not even going to try," Hope said, moving another piece on her chess board and looking up with a smile. "You have fun, though."

Sarah stared at her with vivid, angry blue eyes.

"We…we will," Sarah sneered, "obviously the Forest is more interesting than this place."

"Oh, no, I meant to have fun in detention," Hope smiled, her eyes sparkling, "because that's where you'll be when they catch you." She paused. "Well, that or between the teeth of a troll."

One of the first years whispered in a panic to another girl, asking if there were really trolls in the Forest.

Sarah seemed at a loss for words until she smirked. "Okay, fine. You have fun playing your stupid little game for children, and we'll be in the arms of death."

Hope nodded. "Sounds like a plan. Honestly, I wouldn't expect anything less. It's a bit challenging for those of…weaker mind." She gestured to the game.

A light flared in Sarah's eyes as she stalked over to Hope. "I am not weak!"

"Who said you were?" Hope asked, tilting her head, hiding her smile.

"You did!"

"I said no such thing."

Sarah huffed, her pale cheeks burning bright red now.

Hope eyed her with a slight smirk. "Tell you what. You sit down and play a game with me, and I'll make you a deal."

The other Slytherin girls inch a little closer, listening intently. At the same time, Sarah glared at her, but it seemed she'd piqued her interest. Tapping her fingers to her arm, she shrugged.

"What kind of deal?"

"We play, and if you win, I'll take you to the Forbidden Forest myself, but if I win…" Hope smirked, "You spend the next hour or so teaching your friends how to play Wizard's Chess."

Sarah seemed to contemplate the deal, glancing between the game and Hope.

"Fine, deal." Hope could hear the waver in her voice as she lowered herself to the ground on the other side of the board.

Quickly resetting the game board, they began to play. The other Slytherin girls gathered around to watch with intrigue, celebrating when Sarah took one of Hope's pawns and sighing when Hope took one of hers.

Twenty-five minutes later, Hope moved her piece. "Checkmate."

The girls, which had now grown into a group of mixed houses all watching, groaned. They'd been all rooting for Sarah to win against Professor Scamander's girlfriend.

Sarah sighed and sat back with a sour twist of her lips, glaring at Hope accusingly.

"You never intended to take us to the Forest, did you…"

Hope laughed. "Hell, no. Are you crazy? Do you want to get eaten by Spiders? Because that's how you get eaten by Spiders."

Sarah rolled her eyes, but a faint smile tugged at her lips as Hope stood to her feet. "And don't forget your end of the deal. I won," she gestured to the assembled crowd, "go on then. Your hour starts now."

Hope left, exiting the courtyard just as Sarah said. "You, Hufflepuff, sit down." She continued to walk, listening as Sarah gave instructions on how to play Wizard's Chess, and Hope couldn't help but smile.

"Oof." Hope ran into something solid.

Looking up, her brows shot up in surprise.

"Albus," she smiled, a pink flush spreading up her neck, "sorry I was…distracted."

"I can tell." Albus smiled down at her and then peeked around the pillar that blocked them from view.

Pausing, Hope eyed him suspiciously as he watched the group of students taking turns learning how to play Wizard's Chess from Sarah. She certainly seemed to relish in beating them within a couple minutes. Still, she also had a side of her that taught with a little more patience than Hope had seen some of the professors teach with.

"How long have you been here exactly?" Hope asked, not taking her eyes off him.

Albus' blue gaze met hers, they were sparkling with delight. "I noticed a while ago that Miss Taylor might not be up to the best intentions with her little group there. I kept a careful watch. Just in case." His gaze drifted to the group again. "She's led a difficult life." His eyes flitted back to hers again. "I'd say she's quite used to people screaming at her. Threatening her with detention…" Albus tilted his head to the side. "You helped one of our most troubled students not only stop breaking one of the most important rules, with very impressionable first years with her no-less but helped her find the leadership skills that reside within her."

Hope's blush grew in size and deepened to red. She didn't really know what to say.

"You're a natural, Hope. I mean that" Albus smiled softly, touching her elbow in a comforting way that made her look up at him again, "many can be blessed with knowledge, but not everyone can form connections. It's building relationships like that that earn respect, and that is how students learn from you. Not memorizing from a book."

Smiling, she looked around the pillar again, watching Sarah as she smiled while teaching one of the first-year Slytherin girls how to check the king.

Hope shrugged and looked back at Albus with a sheepish smile. "I was feeling epic."

Albus laughed. "Hm, send Newt my regards." He said, starting to walk away.

She eyed him, biting her lip as she leaned against the pillar. "You've been avoiding him lately."

Hope watched him, not asking why, just stating a fact. And the truth was, Albus had been avoiding both of them more recently.

Albus turned, slowly walking backward, and put his hands up in a shrug. "It's been a bit busy." He smiled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.

Hope kept her knowing gaze trained on his. "I'm sure it is."

It wasn't a direct accusation, but Hope knew what he was hiding. She'd heard it just the other day. Albus's heart had skipped when Newt brushed past him to enter the staff room.

Hope never said a word, but she knew. It wasn't her place to outwardly confront him, especially since it regarded Newt and not her, but if she was honest with herself…

She didn't mind.