"Well if it isn't Dork-Ass Meadowes," the snide voice commented.

The Slytherin student must have been in his seventh year and towered over both you and Dorcas. His arms extended to block your way down the hall towards the Transfiguration classroom where your next classes were.

"It's Dorcas," she said louder than she had expected. Her face quickly became red, as she lowered it, allowing her brunette hair to cover it.

"No, I'm pretty sure you're a Dork Ass," he quipped, grinning at his own joke as though it were actually funny.

You rolled your eyes at him. It wasn't unusual for your and Dorcas to be bullied by older students who were too far up their own arses about blood purity that they felt like they had to belittle both of you. Dorcas was a half-blood, muggle dad, half-blood mum whilst you were muggleborn with muggle parents. Even though neither of you were from pureblood wizarding households, you were both bright and excelled in all of your classes.

"Bugger off," you frowned.

Physically you weren't capable of fighting, however you knew how to stall long enough to think of an escape of for a teacher to come past and see what the trouble was.

"What'd you say to me Mudblood?" he spat, leaning over you.

You did your best to hide your fear, and stand up straight, forcing him to back up a little.

"I said bugger off," you repeated, a smirk on your face to attempt to feign confidence.

"You little," he hissed, lunging forward.

Quickly you ducked under his arm, grabbing hold of Dorcas' hand and pulling her with you down the hallway.

"Come on Meadowes," you said firmly, running as fast as you could.

As soon as you saw enough gap between the two of you and the stranger, you darted into a classroom.

"Colloportus," you shouted, pointing your wand towards the door. You heard the door lock as you attempted to catch your breath again. "You okay, Dorcas?"

She nodded her head. "Thank you for standing up to that guy."

You gave her a warm smile. "Anytime. He's just a twat that needs to make himself feel powerful through belittling other students that he attempts to make himself feel superior to."

"I don't know how you're so confident. You, Lily, Marlene... all of you are so confident and I'm just not."

"You'll get there Dorcas, it just takes time," you shrugged. "You're getting better, at least you didn't cry this time."

~*~

Written by Charlotte.