8 Rush to Lunch

After we help Malcolm back to his feet, the three of us complete our quest for the desk. The walk back is filled by Clarity telling me about her streak of hair. It appeared when she was around seven years old. Nobody could find a reason for it, one day it was just there.

Apparently everyone at her school thought that she had it dyed so that people would pay more attention to her. Soon after, the other kids spread rumors about her being an attention seeker, and bullies began to target her. Her so called 'friends' abandoned her when this started, and she was left to deal with the bullying all alone. Not even the teachers helped her since they disapproved of her 'new accessory'.

The bullying got so bad she had to transfer schools. She would blend in for a little while, but eventually someone would notice her streak, and the bullying would start again. Once it reached a certain point she would again transfer schools. Ours is her third school this year, which is impressive or depressing considering that it's mid October.

Anyways, Clarity's parents decided that this would be the last school she transferred to. If the bullying continued, they would simply pull her out and have her homeschooled. Not sure why they decided to wait three years before coming to that decision, but who am I to judge.

I know not the struggles of parenthood. I simply cook, clean, and essentially look after the Dursleys. Wait a second...

We get back to the classroom, and Clarity requests that her desk be placed right next to mine. The teacher simply says that it's fine, while Dudley and his gang scoff quietly and send disdainful looks my way. When we place the desk down, Malcolm gives me one last wary look before hurrying back to his desk. The Vapids immediately start to bombard him with questions about the new girl, but he simply shakes his head and remains quiet.

The class continues on without interruption after that. The lesson is nothing special, today it was a simple English lesson. All about being proper and stuff, though I doubt that either Harry or me will have much need for that until we're allowed to live on our own. We don't interact with other people enough for them to notice our poor manners.

Although... I side-eye Clarity. That might change soon if I manage to befriend the interesting girl.

Lunch rolls around, and everyone rushes to the cafeteria. Well, everyone except Clarity. I pause my rush and blink, realizing that she doesn't know where the cafeteria is. On one hand, if I hurry to the cafeteria for food, me and Harry can hopefully find a place to hide before Dudley finishes his own food. On the other, I can help this lost looking girl and maybe make a new friend. Hmm... Decisions decisions.

I sigh, "Since I am both wise an benevolent, I shall guide you to the school's place of sustenance provision and consumption."

She blinks at me. "...What?"

"I'll show you where the cafeteria is. Maybe me and my twin will show you around the school afterwards as well. Though there's not much to see."

She beams a smile at me as we leave the classroom. "Thank you so much! Oh yes, that reminds me, are there other classes? When I was looking for our class, I saw quite a number o empty rooms. I don't think I saw another student or teacher on my way there."

I shrug. "Nope. Or if there are, I certainly don't know about them. But weirdly enough..."

My voice trails off as we reach the cafeteria. Clarity's mouth drops open in shock. Inside, we can see a throng of students chatting with each other while they eat, chat, wait for food, etc.

She gives me a confused look, and I give a helpless shrug in response. "I'm not entirely sure where they come from either. I think the administration lets the kids of their friends eat here so that neither of their parents have to cook them lunch."

Clarity sighs at my response, but doesn't say anything. We move to the line, and soon enough we both have chicken and mashed potatoes with a juice-box for lunch. I scan the cafeteria and manage to spot Harry at a table near the windows, alone.

We move to him and take a seat. "Harry this is Clarity Insania, the new girl to our school. She seems shy, but fun. Oh, but don't make fun of her streak. She's had some bad experiences with it. Clarity, this is my twin brother, Harry Potter. Ignore the mild signs of abuse, we're both happy to be your acquaintances, and soon hopefully friends.

Clarity's eyes light up and she opens her mouth to reply before she's interrupted by someone large and stupid.

Dudley gives me and Harry an obvious look of disdain before he turns his full attention to clarity. "Hello miss, my name is Dudley Dursley. My father is the director for a drill manufacturing company. I'm sure someone of your status can do better than having lunch with someone like these two. There just so happens to be a free spot at the table with me and my friends, how about you join us instead?" Dudley beams at her, no doubt on his face as to what she's going to choose.