Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to Harry Potter, the characters Melinda and Tammie are my own.
Writer's Note: Alright, so I'm putting up another HP story because I love HP and this group of stories were first I've ever writing (back when I first started writing fan fic-since then the writing has improved) and I want to share it with everyone. I know most people who read my stories are more so into the Vampire Diaries (which is still awesome)though I hope a few Harry Potter fans will flutter over. I know it's not the typical "only HP characters" story but that's the point, to give it my own spin, to put something "different" out there. Though I don't expect reviews/views to flow in right away I do have faith that I will get some more reads with this particular story.
Story Note: As to not confuse anyone this story takes place during Melinda and Tammie's fifth year at Hogwarts, I skipped the 4th one for various reasons, but what happened in the fourth year is explained throughout the story. Again, thank you for your time and I do hope you enjoy and feel bold enough to comment.
WHAT THE SUMMER HELD.
I paced by the gates of the Malfoy Manor, Melinda had to be arriving any moment now. I checked the time again, she was late; then again, my idea of late was on time. I continued walking back and forth, thinking about Fred as I twirled my bracelet. I thought about how excited I was to see him in no less than an hour, I thought about how much I missed spending time with him. The Malfoys had been somewhat reluctant about letting me visit The Burrow; not only because of their hatred for the Weasleys because they assumed me and Draco were on good terms again. We weren't though; we just happened to get along better since the QUEST tournament last year.
Of course I seemed to rekindle my friendships with Hermione Granger and Harry Potter—two other of the Malfoys least favorite person. Add Melinda to the list and there was enough reason for me not to even leave the house. Granted I thought after the constantly "not allowed" teamwork people would see we all helped each other, we were all friends and nothing would change that. Being at the Manor all summer and the papers suggested otherwise. Though I never fancied looking at the papers, they followed too closely to our emotional state during the QUEST and our relationships, often publicizing what they felt was relevant. My breakups and make ups were no ones business unless I wanted it to be.
We basically turned out to be a spectacle, I'm sure it came as a great shock to everyone when we actually won. It sure as hell surprised me. Toward the end, turning our last task the judges reminded me there could only be one winner. Deep down I wanted to win, just to be done, just so I could prove those wrong who thought I'd always let my friends come out on top. I don't know what Melinda was thinking, just that she could've done things differently, she had the time, she had the chance, but she missed both, and I didn't. I won the final task and thanks to small points I ended up getting seven more points than her-she had been holding the top position in terms of points-which enabled me to win the Q.U.E.S.T. I was just happy it was over, but stunned-like everyone else-when I was officially named the winner.
At the end of the school year, which was about a month after the masquerade ball Melina and Draco broke up, again. Everyone saw it coming, I think at that point Melinda just wanted to stop being overwhelmed by reporters and snide comments and rumors. Fred and I had broken up the night of the dance, I told him family would always come first—no matter how much I cared about him—and then reminded him he frequently put his brother first. A week or two after Melinda and Draco broke up me and Fred got back together. I was hoping Draco would make up with Melinda shortly after but he remained distant and cold. So, Melinda decided to spend some time at home, in America.
Little did I know 'some time' meant the whole summer, but I knew she needed the time, the rest, the normalcy. I would too if I had such a thing to go back to, but living at home was like Harry living with the Dursely and I've heard all the horror stories from being there. Granted living with the Malfoys was no easy feat but it was the lesser of two evils. Obviously my first choice was the Weasleys' house but Mrs. Weasley was pretty reluctant about me staying there for any extended about of time or having a Malfoy that close to her family. But at least we convinced her the last few days of summer would be okay. It meant she could make me a cake for my birthday.
I glanced up at sky, taking a double take as a did, a broom and a person on it were making their way toward me. I shielded my eyes, smiling as the figure drew closer, I should've know Melinda was going to take a broom instead of using floo powder to get here. If it meant she could avoid Draco and his parents she was all for it. I was too, none of us needed anymore awkward run-ins with the Malfoys.
"Hey!" I exclaimed running over to her even before she completely landed.
"What's up?" she replied as we quickly hugged. She did a quick look at the house, even with the quick glance her eyes grew bigger. I knew she was dying to ask about the inside but I shook my head.
"How was home?" I asked instead.
"Normal" she said as I nodded, I missed normal. A little. "How was here? I dropped my stuff off at the Weasleys, they said you haven't even gotten a chance to visit the house" she said as I nodded again.
"Yeah, well, you know how the Malfoys are, though I don't see how public outings with the Weasleys doesn't damage their reputation" I said knowing that would explain it all. This time she nodded.
"Shall we head off, or do you wanna say bye?" she asked as I shrugged and glanced over my shoulder at the house.
"I don't want to, but I feel obligated" I told her as she smiled.
"You know you'll feel bad if you don't" she reminded me.
"They'll make me feel guilty if I don't" I said still glancing over my shoulder. "Well, I suppose I could, I mean, it won't take long, and I do have to find one more book, and you know, Draco wasn't terrible to me this summer so I kind of need to thank him" I continued, sort of making up reasons.
"Wasn't terrible? But he's Draco Malfoy, he's always terrible" she replied with a snort as I chuckled a little.
"So I take it you don't want to come inside? Have a chat with Mrs. Malfoy? I'm sure she misses you" I teased as Melinda raised an eyebrow at me.
"I'm sure she—" she cut off shook her head as she waved me off. "Just go inside already, there's no need to stall" she said as I felt momentarily guilty. I hadn't meant to keep her around the Manor; I had somewhat forgotten how awkward, embarrassed, ashamed and scared someone could feel around the Malfoys. Though it did worry me that I was becoming increasingly unaffected by this. "C'mon, hurry up" she added.
"Alright, I'll be back" I told her as I turned around and made my way through the gates and back up toward the house. "Don't leave without me!" I called back though I could only see her wave in response. I smiled and disappeared inside the house.