Note: Persephone, her father, and her mother, and other family members were all created by me. They are in no way affiliated with J.K. Rowling. Some classroom settings and plot are not in line with the books and some spell definitions have also been changed.
Chapter 1
Mockery
See that girl, right there, standing nervous in front of her 6th year class? That's me, Persephone Moonbeam. Most everyone calls me Persy. Well, in some cases like this one, they called me Phony Persy. I was called in front of my D.A.D.A. class to defend myself against the babbling curse. Just as Professor Snape had cast the curse on me an all too familiar voice rang out.
"Babbling curse? HA! This will be a good laugh. Speak, Phony Persy, speak!" barked Draco Malfoy.
His platinum hair was gleaming above an evil grin. This wasn't the first time Draco took great pleasure in distracting me. He'd made it a point to mock me not only in every class we had together but in the halls and during meals. I was never sure why he was so unrelenting. I never gave him the pleasure of seeing how upset I was.
I failed to defend myself against the spell and began babbling uncontrollably about random odd things. I fancied I caught Draco turning red at something I said, though I couldn't for the life of me remember what it was. The entire class began to laugh. Soon enough Snape had countered the curse and I was free of my babbling. I took my seat and the class continued on, but not without an evil glare from Draco.
"Thank you Miss Moonbeam… for your rather… uh, misled defense." Snape shot a disapproving scowl at Draco and nodded back at me.
I always wondered why Draco bothered. No one else did. I could walk down the hall and be knocked right over without the other person so much as glancing back. I was invisible to everyone, everyone but him. He made it his duty to torture me.
I'd secretly liked him in our first year despite his cruel intentions. I was fresh and excited to be in Hogwarts, but he ruined it immediately with his pompous attitude. I'd actually made an effort to befriend him but my attempt was thwarted by Pansy Parkinson. She immediately began teasing me and pegged me as a mudblood. Then he joined in and the rest was history. Still, I couldn't stop myself from being flustered around him.
Morning. It was time for another day in the life of Phony Persy. I climbed out of bed, dressed, and stared at myself in the mirror. Plain. That was the word that described me. I was wearing the usual Ravenclaw house uniform which I always found awkward and uncomfortable.
My wire rimmed glasses hid my eyes under an unusually long curly mop of streaked hair. The blond and auburn mix made for an interesting slice of character. I wiggled my toes hoping this would stretch my shoes just a little bit for comfort. It didn't work out too well and I spotted myself scowling in the mirror. A pert pretty mouth rested under a thin pug nose.
If I made myself up, who would notice? Even more, who would care? I'm sure Draco would, he'd use it to mock me for having a little confidence. The last thing I needed was to give him more ammo.
I pulled back my hair and clamped it letting the curls flow down my back. A chuckle escaped my mouth and my hand jumped to meet it. It never ceased to amaze me how much I looked like a librarian.
Gathering my rather large black sack full of random witchy items, I headed to the Ravenclaw common room. The room was empty save for a few girls with their noses buried in books. That wasn't an unusual sight in our house.
Invisible as always, I strode past them, which worked to my advantage. Sometimes I'd stay in the library long past my bedtime and no one would notice. Sitting by the lake was another way of escaping for me. I could think for hours on end without being disturbed.
Every so often I didn't feel like dealing with his taunts so I would skip a potions or D.A.D.A. class and daydream by the lake. Just like the girls with their noses stuck in their books, if anyone else had come through they would have lifted their heads and greeted them, but not Persy. I was non-existent.
I exited the common room and headed down the never-ending halls. Sometimes Hogwarts seemed a bit gloomy and detached. I fancied the ghosts even found it musty at times. If there hadn't been carpet under my feet I expected there would have been an echo carrying through the halls with each step I took. I wouldn't be so invisible then, or would I? Whoever heard it would most likely think it was a ghost. Of course it wouldn't matter with Draco. He'd seek me out either way.
I was quickly reminded of an encounter with him during first year. It was Valentines Day and the entire school was decked in cupids and hearts. Boys and girls were exchanging valentines everywhere and I was sitting in a corner of the great hall, alone. We were all asked to dress our finest that day and all I had was a puffy white dress decorated in pink flowers. I'd begun to daydream when I heard my name being called repeatedly.
"Persy, Persy!" yelled Neville. He was waving around a red, heart shaped valentine with white frills around the edges. I immediately rose from my chair and headed toward him, but before we were able to meet Neville went flying flat on his face. The valentine shot out of his hand and landed at my feet.
"Hey squib watch where you're going." Draco chimed in. He was hovering over Neville with his entire crew of Slytherin friends falling over in laughter. "What kind of valentine is that anyway? I've never seen anything so utterly god-awful." Draco walked proudly toward me, picked up the card from the floor, and began reading it aloud. "Dear Persy, I like you very much. I wondered if you'd be my valentine this year. I think you're very pretty and sweet. Be mine. Neville." He handed the card off to his cronies and chuckled. "Oh this is classic!"
"Give me the card Draco." I said. His eyes landed on me and fell cold. I was suddenly more uncomfortable than humiliated. It was as though he was a descendent of Medusa and inherited her gaze.
"Sure, Persy." He pulled a card out of his cloak and handed it to me. "Be my valentine." I was shocked, speechless.
"Uh… Thank you?" I replied.
"Open it." He grinned and I knew he was up to something, but against my good judgment I opened it anyway. It read:
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Now that you have pig ears,
What will you do?
There was a loud poof. I raised my hands and sure enough I had pig ears. And he was laughing, snorting, chortling at my embarrassment. At that moment I decided I hated him. How could anyone do anything so cruel to a girl on Valentines Day?
"Persy, let me help." Neville got to his feet and attempted to get rid of my pig ears. He failed and only added a pig's nose. Draco and his friends were rolling in laughter and it'd taken everything in me not to cry. I was so entirely angry that only one way of response came to mind. I pointed my wand at Draco.
"Eat slugs!" Draco began vomiting slugs immediately with the most disgusted look on his face. It was priceless. This memory brought a smile to my face even five years later.
I'd gotten so caught up in my thoughts that I hadn't paid correct attention to where I was going. Around the next corner I smacked into a tall, sturdy object and stepped back horrified. My sack fell to the floor and books scattered. Draco was standing in front of me with his usual smug demeanor. His friends loomed behind him sharing a sneer, a hateful judging sneer.
"Fumbling about the halls again Phony Persy? That's why they shouldn't let mudbloods practice magic. They get the ones like you who are better off with the muggles!" Draco laughed and his friends joined.
I dropped to the floor and began picking up my books which was my tactic to get him to leave. It worked and he continued toward his destination, but not without Pansy stopping to kick a few of my books away from me.
"Filthy mudblood!" Pansy said. She gleamed evilly and followed the group. Even as they became more distant I could hear her fawning over Draco. She was like a roadie at an Aerosmith concert and he was Steven Tyler. Her voice whined. I could hear her asking if the altercation had stressed him. Then he said something inaudible to my ears.
I winced as she squealed again. They were even farther away and I could still hear the whining. Though, her last note didn't seem quite as gleeful, almost grudging. My stomach turned and I felt I'd vomit for sure, right there. I pushed a wayward hair over my right ear and was able to force myself to my feet and pick up the path I'd been knocked off of. What exactly had he said to Pansy that upset her? I would've liked to have heard that.
My thoughts trailed and I thought of my father; a writer and scholar of the Dark arts. That sent my thoughts to Pansy Parkinson's accusations – 'I am not a mudblood'. I thought. I do hate that word so. 'I'll use muggle-born. I am not muggle-born.' In fact I was from an old pureblood family - my father from Berlin and my mother from London, though I spent most of my childhood in America. Quite the traveling circus, we were. Gutweg is my given last name; a funny name for a family that followed the dark arts quite strictly. It means: "good path".
When I was to be sent to magic school my parents had a large fight. My mother did not want me in Durmstrang though all of my father's family had gone there. She told me she was afraid that I'd be hunted down by Aurors if I dabbled in the dark arts. My father refused anything but. So, that's what brought us back to London. My mother and father split and she left with me, changing our last name to Moonbeam.
Did I resent my mother? Sometimes, but I understood her fears. I kept a copy of one of my father's books and studied it religiously, but I'd never tell her. She would go ballistic. I knew where my heart lay and one day I would follow that path. I just couldn't break my mother's heart. I couldn't let her worry.
Christmas came and went. I stayed at school while most everyone else went home to their families. It was nice to have a few weeks at Hogwarts without torture, but the holiday was over and it was time to get back to reality. It was time for school, Draco, and breakfast.
Pancakes! My favorite. The day before we'd had these god-awful raspberry muffins. I'd take pancakes any day; No syrup though, they were best with butter. I cut into my delicious pancakes but let my eyes wander over the dining hall and my mind into another daydream.
I could see it. There I was surrounded by a plethora of students and I was popular. No more Phony Persy. There in my daydream I was lively, sociable, and well liked. Wait, who was that accepting me into his circle of friends? Draco?
I popped a bit of pancake in my mouth. My dreams were beginning to go too far, I knew that. But they were my only comfort. I fell back into my dream world. I'd rather be dreaming about the unfathomable than experiencing reality.
Draco had pulled me close and was whispering something in my ear. I listened closely but couldn't make out what he was saying. It was what he'd said to Pansy. I knew that much, but what was it?
Suddenly I was ripped away from him back into reality, by a scream. Two girls had started to fight right there in the great hall and one had given the other whiskers.
"He's mine! He said so! He loves me." One girl huffed.
"Oh yeah? He brought me flowers!" The other girl yelled. She lifted her wand and made the other girl's hair fall out. Laughter filled the great hall but was silenced quickly by the entrance of Mcgonagall who immediately escorted both girls out of the room. Oh well, the show was over but I still had my pancakes. That was enough excitement for me and I was content for a moment – that is until a shadow appeared and hovered over me.
"No syrup, Persy?" It was Draco and he was standing beside me with a container of maple syrup. "Here I'll fix that."
"Don't you dare!" I reached my hand in my cloak ready to whip out my wand.
"Haha, what will you do?" Draco turned the bottle upside down and the syrup began to cover my pancakes. Why my breakfast? Why me? There were two girls fighting, and most likely over him, so why was he focusing on torturing me? I wasn't about to let him get away with it this time. I could stand the mocking but not the public humiliation. I cast a spell in an attempt to cover him with fur but much to my dismay it deflected. Instead I was covered from head to toe.
"Oh-my-god," I screamed. Draco was laughing with unusual mirth. It seemed almost as though he found it adorable. Adorable? I was hideous.
"Not very bright, Moonbeam," he said.
As soon as I pulled myself together I jumped up from my seat, grabbed my syrup drenched breakfast, and ground it into his uniform. I didn't wait to see his reaction before I stomped out of the great hall.
The altercation that morning took a toll on me throughout the rest of my day. Though Draco's group hadn't bothered me elsewhere, I'd been humiliated in front of the entire school and that had students staring everywhere I went. I just wanted to retreat to a safe place and wallow in my own self pity, but the day was almost over. Just two more classes: Potions and D.A.D.A.
As much as I loved the dark arts I hated D.A.D.A. Draco and his friends were in both classes with me and they made it an unhappy experience. I trudged along in trepidation hoping time would go by fast and I'd be in my cozy bed in no time.
I slid into my usual chair in the back of potions class and opened my notebook as I readied myself to stock up on notes. I clunked down my potions book and a shadow hovered beside me. Oh no, not Draco.
"This seat taken?" said the shadow.
I glanced upward. It was Neville. He was always kind and sweet to me. He didn't get nearly the recognition he deserved and he always smelled nice too; like cologne or musk. That was a plus. He was smarter than he let on and nice looking too. We'd been friends since first year when he befriended me after my first encounter with Draco and we tended to get along extremely well.
An image of Draco popped into my mental imagery all of a sudden and my thoughts strayed from sweet kind Neville. My gaze wandered to the Slytherin and I almost fell out of my seat. His hateful gaze was fixed on us. Nervously my stomach flipped and my eyes averted. Why was he staring at us?
Draco had never looked so inherently evil. The expression on his face was demonic, like he wanted to kill me right then and there. I attempted to calm my thoughts by concentrating on my notes.
"Are you actually enjoying this?" said Neville.
My eyes darted from the notebook to his face. That pesky hair fell into my eyes again and I quickly tucked it behind my ear. With a shrug and smile I pushed my potions book toward him and pointed out the potion we were being taught.
"Absolutely fascinating." I said. His mouth formed into a grin and those deep brown eyes of his sparkled.
"I prefer Herbology myself. Simple and practical, like me." he said.
My nose scrunched in disapproval. I hated Herbology. It was the most boring class in Hogwarts, well second to Muggle Studies. That class always put me to sleep.
"Simple?" said Draco. He ignored the fact that we were in class and stuck his nose into our conversation. His grey eyes dug into mine and I thought my nerves would wrap around my neck and choke me. "You are a prime example of the word 'simple', Neville. Lost any rememberalls lately?" His mouth upturned and grinned wildly. I have to say even in his malice he was quite attractive and I found myself staring at him dreamily. "I've never seen a more suitable pair," He sneered. "A mudblood and a squib. How quaint. With a pairing like that you're bound to produce muggles."
I pulled myself out of my dream wishing I had the courage to get up and slap him. I wasn't a mudblood! I'd put up with his taunting about it forever. I was sick of it! Neville left his seat as well as Draco and they stood face to face.
"Take it back." said Neville.
"No." He sniffed with a grin. "Why ever should I?"
"You're a scabby excuse for a wizard!" yelled Neville.
"Ouch. I'm hurt, Neville. Really, to be called names by you is ever so painful. Why don't you take your little mudblood girlfriend into the hall and make out?" His glare was judging and cruel. I felt my stomach turn and my skin begin to crawl. Beast!
"I hate you!" I yelped as I jumped to my feet and stomped toward them. They stared at me with shock as if it wasn't possible that I'd react. I didn't know what had come over me at that moment. I thought for a moment I saw hurt in his eyes, good. He deserved to be hurt.
"You are a miserable being and I'm glad you dislike me. Who would want to be friends with someone as disgusting as you?" They were still staring at me and I continued.
Without much forethought I pulled the emerald set engraved ring from my pinky and shoved it in Draco's face. My grandmother had given it to me before she died. It was the family ring and seeing as I was the youngest I inherited it. A large G was engraved in the middle and emeralds surrounded it in a circle.
"For your information, I am not muggle-born. I am sick of your childish assumptions. Strap an anvil around your feet and fall into the lake why don't you?!" The only thing I could do then was leave. I slid my ring back on and threw my sack over my shoulder. I had to get away from him before I burst. As soon as I exited the class I ran. I didn't know where I was going - just as far away from humiliation as possible.
I cried. It was probably the first time I'd cried since I left my father. Why Draco's comments still bothered me after all of the years, I didn't know. He didn't care about me. Well I knew that. He'd called me a mudblood. So? He'd done that a thousand times. I didn't know why and I didn't care to know right now.
I found an empty, dusty old classroom and collapsed inside. My right hand rose and pushed that wayward hair out of my eyes again. My face was hot and was bound to be red and puffy by now. Another tear streamed down my face, stopped, then headed down my chin. I wiped it away before it could drop on my uniform.
Me and Neville? Ha! That was the first time I'd really spoken to him in a while. He was kind but… Was that why I was upset? Because he accused me of dating Neville? No. That couldn't be. Why should I care what he thought? Neville would be a great catch!
My hands clamped over my eyes and I began crying again. I cried so hard it felt like my skull would burst through my skin.
"Are- are you all right?" Someone had come into the classroom and kneeled beside me. I wiped the tears away and opened my eyes. It was Neville; sweet, kind Neville. He sat down beside me and scooted himself against the wall.
I sent a bloodshot glance his way forcing a smile as I did so. It hurt to smile right then. I wanted to cry, alone.
"I'm fine." I replied.
"No you're not. I can tell," Neville shot back. I was miserable and Neville saw right through it. Draco's words had upset me like never before. He'd obliterated any pride I had and now a headache was creeping up. I pulled my knees to my chest and tangled my fingers into the streaked locks that I'd pinned back ever so neatly that morning.
Neville patted my back softly. His touch was comforting. For a moment it felt like someone cared.
"What's wrong? What upset you?" asked Neville.
I didn't reply. Telling him I was upset about Draco's accusation would hurt him terribly, but I had to come up with something. He was waiting for a response and I couldn't keep quiet for eternity.
As my fingers shrank away they pushed aside the incorrigible hair that had edged itself onto my face again. My eyes locked with his. He was attractive in his own way.
"I'm done with his taunting, Neville." I said.
Neville was silent. I knew he didn't believe me. Why should he? That was a lame excuse for being so upset. If it had been the first time he'd done it then yes I'd have warrant to be upset but he'd been calling me that for six years. It wasn't a solid excuse at all.
"I see," said Neville. I felt him shift beside me and his arm wrapped gently around my shoulder. "Don't let him knock you, love." He cleared his throat. "He feeds off of it." His fingers tightened in a grip around my shoulder. I turned sharply and buried my face in his chest.
The tears streamed for what seemed like hours; until my entire body felt like every bit of liquid had been drained away. His embrace consoled me more than I would have imagined. He truly was the kindest and gentlest person I knew.
My cheeks were wet and I wiped at them. My eyes, they seemed as if I were looking through film. I straightened myself and apologized for my outburst. Neville slid in front of me and stared blankly for a moment. "Uh. Pers- I mean- Umm…" Instead of finishing his sentence he kissed me, and if his lips hadn't been so soft, his musk so invigorating, his embrace so caring, and my emotions so vulnerable, I would have stopped him. …but I couldn't possibly. At that moment I needed his comfort.
I returned his kiss. It was warm, soft, and tender like a gentleman kissing his betrothed. His left hand strayed to my hip and tightened as my arms flew about his neck. I was carried away in my emotions and apparently he was too for he suddenly became forceful and pinned me against the wall. His breath was sultry and labored as his lips moved over my cheek and he nibbled my ear. If I didn't let logic rule the moment we both may have done something we regretted.
"Stop…" I said.
He continued. His long arms wrapped around me and tightened so hard I thought I'd lose my breath. The comfort given me before had disappeared and was now being replaced with uncharacteristic aggression. I knew he wouldn't consciously force me into doing anything, or would he? Oh, but hormones could cause you to do things you wouldn't have dared otherwise.
"Neville, stop!" I yelled.
The door to the classroom flew open and Neville jumped away from me quickly. I pulled my cloak tightly around me and hurried to my feet thinking that Snape, or even worse, Mcgonagall had caught us. I stared at the open door. Draco was standing there with his usual sneer and his wand drawn. That was probably the first time I'd ever been relieved to see him, but Neville was all but petrified. His eyes were wide like he'd seen a ghost.
"Well, well what do we have here?" Draco waltzed into the room as though we'd invited him in. His eyes measured Neville from head to toe then moved to me. That annoying hair was over my right eye again but I couldn't be bothered to move it. My chest was pounding and my knees had become weak. "I knew I'd put my finger on it when I pegged you as a couple. I'll have to report this to Snape. He'll love to take a few points from Gryffindor," He glanced at Neville who hadn't moved an inch. "Phony Persy and Forgetful Longbottom caught making out, and in a classroom no less!"
"We weren't!" I blurted. Neville turned and stared at me in disbelief. Draco's brow rose and a smirk played on his lips.
"Oh? You hear that, Neville? She's ashamed of you! Ouch. Or, maybe she doesn't know what that means? What would you call it, Persy? Americans say tonsil hockey, don't they? Forgive my ignorance."
I fumed. Ignorant cockroach! He wouldn't know an American term if it smacked him in the face. I steadied my shoulders and blew the hair out of my eye.
"He was comforting me." I moved away from him before I fainted away. He had an aura that weakened every muscle in my body to the point of exhaustion. I slipped my arm around Neville's and glared back at Draco.
"Comforting you? 'Neville Stop!' Does that sound familiar?" He mocked. He sneered at us again and I fancied worry under that expression. Ha-ha, funny thought. Why would he be worried about me?
I hurried out of the classroom pulling Neville with me and as soon as we hit the hallway he began apologizing.
"It was just…" He stopped me, placing his hands on my shoulders. His brown eyes bore into me. "You were so beautiful right then… Not that you aren't beautiful now… I just…"
Draco emerged from the classroom and glanced both ways, his glare stopping on us. I glared back for a moment and this time he seemed hurt. I dreamed too much. He was just a man of many masks and I was reading tragedy in them.
Outside of my trance I heard Neville's words again. In fact he'd never stopped. The apologies were still coming. The only thing I could do to stop them was kiss him. So I did. Mid-sentence I shut him up. I lingered for a few seconds and even after ending the kiss I kept my face extremely close to his.
Neville grinned and wrapped his arms around me kissing me again. I'd be a lucky girl if I ended up with him. He'd always treat me well. I knew that without any doubt. He would be the type of man that would give his woman everything she'd ever need and love her till the day he died. Sweet, kind, and always a gentleman; he would be the perfect husband for any woman.
Would he be exciting? He was right now, wasn't he? Was he not sweeping me off of my feet? My knees weren't weak, my body didn't ache. Sure, he seemed passionate enough but was it enough for me? This was happening too fast! Geez, we'd just kissed for the first time! What did it matter, though? Neville was the only guy who'd shown interest in me; the very first. What made me think there were any more takers for comparison?
I was reading too much into this. We'd only shared our first kiss not even an hour before and I was contemplating our entire relationship and what kind of future we may have? 'Whoa slow down Persy. Don't get ahead of yourself,' I thought.
"I need to get to class." I said as he kissed my cheek.
"You're right. I'm already late for mine." He gave me a quick peck, a sweet smile, and asked if he could sit beside me in class the next day. I replied with a readied yes and he grinned again then took his leave.
So there I was standing in the hall alone but not lonely. I actually felt a little happy and this caused me to skip on my way to D.A.D.A. class without worry about who would be there or what would happen. Someone cared about me.
Draco was already in class with his group; the two cronies and the groupie. I swerved away from them and took my spot at the other side of the room. The further away I was the less likely they were to make fun of me.
Snape entered. His black robes flowed behind him like a god of the night had refused to let go of him. My stomach fluttered and I scolded myself mentally. Professor Snape was a beautiful man. I didn't understand why everyone found him so scary and ugly. He was dark and brooding with a melancholy demeanor whenever he talked. That was enough to make any girl swoon, wasn't it? I swore to myself he was harboring something very tragic, very sad. Something…
If I were older I would have pursued a man like him. He seemed like the type that would love passionately and for all eternity. My favorite teacher; he cared so much about the subject he was teaching. He cared about his students as well but succeeded at hiding it.
Draco was one of his absolute favorite students, being a Slytherin was his advantage but I'd also heard rumors that Snape had ties with Draco's family. That could also have been a playing factor. I'm not sure why Snape liked me. Maybe he saw something I didn't, or maybe he really hated me and hid it well. I loved the dark arts and my father's family for generations as well, but I absolutely stunk in his class. Maybe he knew it was Draco's teasing that hindered my success and had an underlying faith in me, or maybe he just felt sorry that I was always the butt of the evil one's jokes.
The one thing I dreaded every session was being called to the front to give an example on whatever he was teaching that day. He always chose me knowing that I'd foul up. You'd think after a while he'd see that I wasn't improving through that strategy, but alas, he continued to call me up every time and I failed every time.
Draco always had something cruel to say that would make the class laugh and me do something stupid. Sometimes I even thought that this might be why Snape always called me up. If I overcame Draco's teasing then I might improve elsewhere. Well he was wrong. I'd never improve.
"Persephone!"
I fumbled about, jumped out of my seat, and pulled out my wand firmly. Damn my daydreams.
"Daydreaming again are we Miss Moonbeam? Need I remind you that this class is very important to your adult education?" said Snape.
I didn't dare glance at Draco who was most likely rolling on the floor in laughter. Snape slid me a sideways smile and motioned me over.
"I have a task for you today Persephone," said Snape.
The acid in my stomach jumped into my throat and I felt suddenly sick. I didn't want to be the laughing stock again today. The skin over my cheeks began to burn and I felt faint. Keep yourself up, Persy. It will be over before you know it, Persy. What would it be today? Would I be deflecting babbling curses or would it be something worse this time?
Sometimes I wished I could just quit magic school and live among the muggles, but I'd probably find the same thing in their world just sans the magic. I sighed letting out the sick energy that had inflated my soul.
"A duel." Snape added.
My eyes became large and I stared at him in disbelief. Was he trying to kill me? Surely he wasn't serious. I couldn't duel anyone! This was absolutely ridiculous. Now I did truly want to be a muggle.
I shook my head. My death warrant wasn't being signed that day. Snape got to his feet and smiled down at me wickedly.
"Sir, I couldn't possibly. You know I'm horrible-"
"Silence child." His eyes shot daggers into my speech and held it still. My tongue felt nailed to the roof of my mouth. "I've the perfect duel-mate for you Miss Moonbeam." He clasped my shoulder and guided me to a large empty area of the classroom. "Wait here."
I could see Draco out of the corner of my eye reddened in amusement. He was conversing with one of his friends while lounging in his chair. The mirth in his face at my humiliation was stinging. I wanted to slap him hard or rip out some of his shiny hair. No I couldn't do that. I loved his hair even if it was attached to the most hateful being I'd ever met. I could slap him though, stinging and real painful like. Then his face really would be red though not with laughter. I chuckled a bit. Now that would be a sight.
"Draco Malfoy!" yelled Snape.
Draco's face flushed. His skin was whiter than I'd ever seen it. I felt cold - like someone had removed all of my organs and replaced them with bags of ice. A headache was forming between my eyes and I felt faint again. Keep standing Persy. You'll get through it, Persy.
Draco slowly glided to his feet and walked toward Snape who was now standing at the front of the room. His cloak flowed behind him even in his short stride and I thought he looked truly regal. It was times like this that reminded me he was a pureblood and wealthy.
My heart panged and I clasped my left hand into a fist to fight away the feeling. He was a cruel, evil person, and he was about to hurt me. I didn't want to think about the pain I was about to endure.
He stood before me now, staring at me condescendingly. I could feel the hatred emanating from him. I wanted to be anywhere but where I was, anywhere but in front of this beautiful catastrophe about to strike me down like a peasant. His cold grey eyes stared at me judgingly and I made it a point to avoid them.
"There is no use of the unforgivable curses. I warn you Mr. Malfoy, Miss Moonbeam, if either of you attempt to use an unforgivable curse, I will intervene and you will be immediately expelled." Snape's eyes shifted between the two of us and we nodded.
"Excuse me Professor Snape. But couldn't you place us against more…" Draco looked me up and down. "…worthy adversaries?" He smirked and I felt that urge to slap him again. I wanted to duel him then; throw him across the room even!
"Excuse me sir." I glared back at Draco and returned his smirk. "I think he's quite the worthy adversary even if he doesn't believe it himself." There was an immediate roar from the class and for once I didn't feel like the humiliated one. His nostrils flared and a blush of red made its way to his cheeks. Anger became him; it made his skin glow, gorgeous. I felt my knees weaken and fought it. I straightened myself and looked, not at him but through him.
"Very well, Mr. Malfoy you will start us off." said Snape.
Why couldn't I have gone first? He'd surely be able to defend himself against me but not I him. He was much too strong a wizard to duel. Harry Potter could duel him, but not Persephone Moonbeam.
Draco pulled back and placed one foot behind him with his right arm outstretched and ready to strike; his face smudged with concentration. I was emotionally petrified but my heart raced. I thought it would jump out of my chest and fight him itself.
"Locomotor Mortis!" Draco's wand swished but I was able to dodge. I dodged it! How did I do that? I was on the floor, but I dodged it! Yes!
I cast the Jelly-Fingers Curse on him and his wand fell. His fingers dangled like jello and I giggled.
"Think that's funny?" he sneered.
I nodded and pushed myself to my feet. Snape countered the curse on Draco's hands and we were in stance again.
"Here, laugh at this!" He cast and I began babbling uncontrollably. I hated this curse because it made me say things I kept hidden very well. It was a good thing most of what I said was indistinguishable. The last thing I needed was to start babbling about him in front of the entire class.
"Impedimenta!" I managed to get just that word out and my wand pointed at him. He was thrown backward violently into the large wizard's globe in the corner of the classroom. I was angry and I didn't care how hurt he was. He would have done the same to me if our positions were reversed. I watched as Pansy ran toward him crying hysterically. Served them both right! He'd already sat up before she got there and was attempting to calm her down.
I felt a pang of jealousy suddenly, but why? Did I want to be her? Absolutely not! Why the jealousy? Maybe it was the attention he was getting for being hurt. That was it. He'd lost and still received all of the glory.
By this time Snape had already cured my case of babbling. I thanked him and noticed that faint smile again. He approved of my dueling and I could see the pride in his eyes.
I could see Draco heading toward us. He had left his group of worshippers behind and was speeding over. Snape slid an arm in front of me and pushed me behind him.
Draco stopped in front of him and smiled widely. It was the fakest smile I'd ever laid eyes on.
"I just wanted to congratulate Persy on her victory. Quite well done." Draco raised his brows and peered around Snape.
"Thank you," I whispered. I was shocked when he smiled. He then nodded at Snape and went back to his seat where his followers were already waiting. He had just acted kind toward me and I knew I should be thankful, but it was just that, acting. There would be hell to pay for his humiliation. I just had to be on guard. He'd strike like a snake, slithering and cunning. Would it be possible to take a different path to and from classes and meals? That would be a perfect strategy of avoidance. I'd check into it.
After class ended I decided to take a stroll out to the lake and mull over a few things. I nestled into my usual spot under a large willow tree that and hung over the lake embankment. It always looked as though it would fall any moment. I thought this dangerous and mysterious; easily my favorite. The breeze swept through my hair and kissed my neck with an icy nip. It was a bit cold to be resting outside but I didn't mind too much as long as I was alone.
I pulled out my father's book. "The Untold Mysteries of the Dark Arts" it read. It was tattered and dirty from the thousands of times I'd read it. I opened it to my most recent bookmark and began reading. One would think I'd have it memorized line for line by now; I was close! It was the subject matter that fascinated me. I could read it a thousand more times and not be bored one bit. This was the first book my father had ever written. I'd been so fascinated by it that he gave me my very own copy as long as I promised to read it from front to back. I agreed eagerly.
A bug plopped in front of my face; no it was a spider! It hung there arrogantly on a feeble thread as I scrambled from under the tree and let out a loud scream. I patted myself down. Was he in my hair? Something was crawling on me. I knew it. I shivered and patted myself down again crying and screeching loudly.
A black mass flew in front of me. It was shaking me and mumbling something. It asked if I was all right. The figure pushed that damned wayward hair out of my eyes and behind my ear. I glanced up and immediately jerked away in horror.
It was Draco. What was he doing? Now I was thoroughly scared. How was he going to make me pay? Had he set the spider there knowing I would come to read?
"Are you all right?! Answer me woman!" My ears cleared and I could hear him well now. He sounded genuinely concerned, but Draco didn't care about me, he didn't care about anyone but himself.
I shrunk away from him. It was a stupid idea to come to my usual spot to read. Obviously he expected it. He probably had it set for me to fall in the water and drown, then he'd tell everyone he tried to save me. 'Oh, I was too late! I tried, I really did. Oh my arm hurts. I busted it when I jumped in. Poor me!' Ugh! He'd really be rid of the girl he hated more than anyone else. Despicable being!
He stepped toward me and I stepped backward. His false concern was well practiced. If I hadn't known better I would have thought he was about to embrace me. Stupid thought. I needed to get my book and get out of there before he really did hurt me. Persephone, move.
I turned to the tree. My book wasn't there. Oh where could it have gone? I glanced over the lake and there it was floating on the surface. My soul sank down into the muddy shoreline.
"No… Not my book…" Tears began to fill my eyes. I wanted to kill him. I forced a hateful glare at him and retreated before he could do anymore harm or rather, I harmed him.
Lunch was uneventful. It would have been great if I hadn't had the lost book on my mind. I'd always hated spiders. Creepy crawly things they were and not afraid of humans at all; strange creatures. They'd sneak up on you and take a bite before you had a chance to defend yourself.
I decided to take on a different route that day. So far it had worked wonderfully. I didn't see Draco anywhere, not even at lunch. I was thankful for it. Now that I knew he would deliberately search me out for revenge I had to be cautious.
I thought of visiting the lake to look for my book, but there would be no sign of it. I knew that. It had probably sunken by then and there was nothing I could do but recite lines from it over and over in my head. It's gone, Persy. Let it go.