1000 Words
Chapter One:
My Meeting With Theodore Nott
"Men are born with two eyes, but only one tongue, in order that they should see twice as much as they say." – Charles Caleb Colton
"Sometimes…it isn't in our hearts to choose the path we want most… but the path that is right." Someone had told me long ago. Other times, you are told "Do what is best for you; it will lead you in the right path." But what if… if that path you want, wasn't the path that was right, the path that was ethical? Would they still approve?
I trembled at the mere mention, twisting a piece of red wine hair. It had been 6 years, since the diary, and still, the path I wanted had not changed. The darkness had touched me, and I was left tainted…I was left tempted…left me wanting more. More was a dangerous term now… the war was over, and Molly had changed… Molly… Mum… wasn't the same anymore. Her eyes never left me. Ron had been whispering to her, many times a night, about how I was tainted, and how I needed to be watched, just in case something tempted me again. Just in case I was turned into a monster again.
I smiled softly at the thought. No one could stop me from being tempted. I was tempted when I reached Professor Snape, when he saw me, and helped me. Severus Snape had seen my craving for the dark, and lent me a hand always in secret…never when people were watching. I was an average Gryffindor to him during the day, at night; I am the brilliant devourer of the dark arts. I have learned the art of potion, dark arts, death, and furthermore, healing. I've picked up things that many people my age, and older- even that know-it-all Granger- doesn't even know.
I breathe as I pull a brush through my hair, it wasn't a cotton ball anymore, but fell down easy and straight over my shoulders to my back. Molly had asked why I hadn't done what I used to in my first year… I couldn't answer her. Maybe it was because I was trying to impress my teacher? The professor that had allowed me entrance into the mind of the dark and twisted and allowed me to be myself for once in my pitiful life of the white, holiness I once lived. Tom had opened the door I had never thought was there. War wasn't such a foreign place to me anymore. I had a crush on The "Great" Harry Potter and I was just an outcast of the family that was trying to fit in. What more was I to do? I tried to follow, and I fail… maybe it was time I fit my own life…my own style.
Now… all I needed was the solus from this family that was ubiquities! As I've over come my own way of life, Ronald has now decided that being with Harry Potter is the best thing for me- and Molly couldn't agree more with that idea than if she could marry Arthur again.
I miss being back at school… the dungeons were like home. Ron would say I sound like "One of those slimy snakes," but I like the dungeons. They aren't cold, but they aren't ever warm, the damp air always makes things so much easier to hear, locate, and breathe then the dryness of the Gryffindor common room. Fred and George agree with me on that… but it isn't like anyone listens.
A tap of the glass alerted me to a letter, from an owl-and only Severus would write to me. Placing my brush down on my vanity, I stroll over to the window, and unlatch it. The flapping of wings had stopped as the owl landed on my shoulder. It was a Great Horned Owl- black and white. So Severus. Reaching to its leg, it released a note, as I walk over to my vanity. Hitting it lightly, the button edge falls, releasing a bag of owl treats. Carefully, I pull the bag away, and hold it out for the owl; Hime.
Dear, Virginia,
I can only imagine that you are bored, and cannot get away from your family. School is going to start soon, and you can come down when you would like. I have new spells for you to learn, it seems you have a horrible knack of the more dangerous ones.
Send a reply if you would like them. I have also accompanied Hime to be with you. You did say you needed a new owl, did you not?
I await your arrival for your new year.
-Severus Snape
Potion Master
I smiled softly at the thought, Severus always thought of what could be more entertaining for us. I know he was worried… I left the 5th year with quite a stir. That last night I had stormed straight out of the dungeons, and up to the common room in tears…tears that I have not cried since my first year.
Sighing pleased, I watch as Hime flies to my window, and sits, as if knowing I was going to write a reply. Easily sliding in gracefully, I sit and write my letter away.
Dear Severus,
Thank you ever so kindly for Hime. I am not sure if I can accept such a gift-though I am sure if I deny it, you would not take her back anyway. I' am well; Ronald has been giving me a form of entertainment I haven't had time to really appreciate. Molly has been watching me. Severus, I dislike it when I feel as if I'm a canary in a cage only to be let out when I leave myself... or in death.
I have been having dreams again. They make me wake in the night, quivering like I used… Tom. Tom keeps trying, Severus, and I'm not sure what I am doing. I keep seeing Tom, his smile-his laugh. The comfort… but I know the diary is dead, and he is not what he used to be. But if that is true… then why do I keep seeing such things? Maybe I'm just stressed and tired. What a way to start my year?
I need to go into hiding now; I can hear my brother screaming my name. How interesting isn't it? Family life is so dulling… maybe when I return home, I can find a new place to stay. Hm…
Well, Until Next Time Severus,
With my love,
Virginia
I tie the note onto Hime's leg as she quickly flies out of the room, just as Ron opens the door and glares at me. I look at him quietly. My mind coming up with several spells to use, to cast. Maybe another time…
"Mum's calling you."
I nod my head in a bored fashion. Only thing Mum would want to be lecturing me about is the on coming year. I am, after all taking the advance classes… taking O.W.L.S, Advance potions, Defense against the Dark Arts, Herbology, Charms, Divinations, History of Magic, Transfiguration…
"Virginia Weasley!"
I stroll down the stairs gracefully. With my time in the dungeons and escaping from everyone…I seemed to have picked up my grace, elegance, and stealth from Severus. I grinned at that as I walked into the kitchen, taking a seat quietly across my mother and diagonal from my father. I look up at them calmly.
"I know you think that you can do this!" She pointed at my paper, "But we just don't have the money! Your brother is going into that class and I can't buy you a new set!"
I shrugged my shoulders, "That's okay Mum."
They both looked at me, "Gin-Bug?" Asked my father,
"I already have it taken care of. Fred and George lent me some money." I spoke softly, easily, it was true, they did lend me money to buy the books-but Severus was also pitching in. How funny would everyone react if they knew? "I've already bought them."
Molly looked angrily at me, and shocked. Maybe I went overboard? Knowing that they couldn't support me must have been a harsh blow… but it was true none the less. Would they rather I lie? "You bought them all ready?"
"Yes."
"When?!"
"A few weeks ago," I looked at my nails, I need to file them.
"A few weeks ago!"
"You always said to be prepared Mum." It seemed she was already getting angry. It wasn't my fault. I didn't want to spend time with Harry, I didn't want to hear Hermione complain about how she couldn't skip the grade and graduate early. I didn't want to hear Ron muter about how useless I was. And furthermore! I don't need them around! I wanted nothing more than probably trailing off into school, with Luna and Neville around. AT least then I wouldn't have to hear about "Quidditch" and "How am I going to survive this year."
"Ginny! Did you go alone?!" Molly asked scandalized.
"No." I had taken Fred and George, when we had gone to lunch.
"Really?" Mum's face was going red.
"Yes. Fred and George went with me, we got them after lunch." I bit back a smile, I didn't feel as bad. I wanted these classes… I knew she wouldn't pay for them. She wanted me to be 11 again. Just like Ronald. And I couldn't do it… I can't just do it. I'm grown up… and I'm the outcast.
Silence reined as I glanced up, surprisingly. Nothing was being said. Which, now was starting to unnerve me…Mum always had the last word.
"Well then." Molly stood up from the table, Arthur looked at her. Ronald watched from the door frame to the kitchen, he too was weary. This was very bad.
"We're going to Diagon Alley."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sighing we land in Diagon Alley, my mother rushing Ron into the first shop. I stroll away, my eyes traveling over the road of people around me. Many were passing, and whispering.
The war was over, many people were whispering about the ending of the war. Harry Potter had won, with the help of Mr. Lucius Malfoy and his son, Draco Lucius Malfoy. Blaise Zabini had returned with Narcissia Malfoy. Many rumors flew then.
I twisted gracefully around a stumbling woman and continued to walk. My eyes slowly closing…maybe I should have tried to get more sleep?
"Well well, if it isn't the littlest Weasley." Snarled a dark voice.
I sigh bored, as I open my eyes slowly, and turn around, to meet a semi muscular chest. I slowly look up, to see a blondish burnet boy, with tan skin, and Slytherins color.
"Hello Nott." I respond coolly, and watch as his golden brown eyes scan me over. I hadn't switched my clothes, which I probably should have now that I think about it.
"Seems like you've grown up…" He smirked the slytherin way. Sometimes I wish I could whip that smirk off his face with a hex-but Severus wouldn't appreciate that.
"As have you, it seems." I point out casually. The wind blew and my hair went flying, and glance to the left and run my hair over it, pulling it back into place and twist it, pulling it down my shoulder, and glanced back at Theodore, whom watched me with calculating eyes.
"Not the same are you?"
I blink slowly, "Care to walk and talk?" A lot of eyes were aiming this way, and if Ronald or Mum found out…
"Lead the way." Nott offered his arm, as a gentleman, but his gesture showed he thought I wouldn't take it. I grin, watching his smirk falter as I take his arm, looping mine with his, gently laying my hand on his black robe.
I walk through the street easily, with grace as my eyes focus on certain things. "What brings you here? I was sure most Slytherins did their shopping."
Nott glanced down at me, sometimes I wish I wasn't this short, then again it opened my choices to guys I suppose. Being taller wouldn't do me any good. I don't' see why I'm enjoying myself-
"I came by to meet up with someone." Nott responded with a guarded tone. I nodded; I didn't bother to ask, if he wanted me to know, he'd tell me.
"That's nice. I hope I do hope you aren't going to be late."
Nott gave me the most appraised look and smirked, "Never, I'm sure that he wouldn't mind since I have a lovely lady on my arm at this moment."
I chuckle softly and shrug my robe closer to me. I had been saving up for a new one-but still… sometimes you just wish you had the money now.
"Well, I'm rather pleased I have a fine you man with me. I'm sure my day couldn't get any better." Sarcasm was a beautiful thing. Theodore watched carefully trying to analyze me. I've seen Severus do it so many times, that now I just wasn't bothered. "I suggest, Mr. Nott." I pull him to the side as a crowd rush past him, almost slamming him to the ground. "You best be careful." I flash a smile, "I couldn't imagine you falling over, all because you were admiring my person."
Now he laughed, and I glanced over, we were heading to a restaurant. I was sure I hadn't lead us here.
"You've grown up Weasley."
I watch him carefully now, "I'm not so young anymore."
He agreed easily, and stopped, so he was leading us to the restaurant. Never trust a Slytherin, even if they don't seem to pay attention. They always have a plan.
"I never said you were." He seemed to snap, before he composed himself. "Hm. It seems I'm at my destination."
I roll my eyes, "It seems you are." I pull my arm away slowly, and turn to face him, "Then I hope you have a go-"
"Miss. Weasley," Nott said amusedly, his insane eyes locking directly with mine, that I felt a little unsure. "I hope you don't think I'd just leave you after arriving." He mocked, I watch as my eyes narrow suspiciously. "I owe you at least a lunch, for accompanying me to a nice place. It wouldn't be a gentlemen thing to do, to leave such a lady like yourself alone."
I raised an eyebrow, was he patronizing me?
"Besides… I must at least leave a gift for you." Now I know this wasn't the Nott I knew at school. Sure, we'd mocked-maturely- down the way. But this was something new.
"Oh, that isn't necessary." I move to walk, but stop at the tug on my robe.
"I believe it is." Nott gave a charming, dazzlingly smile.
"And your guest, you came to see?" I point out. It was interesting to spend time with Slytherin. It was almost easy…
"He won't mind. After all, I'm sure he'd like to meet you." Nott's laugh was dark and quiet. "Besides, you spoke out for us at the trials."
I froze; my eyes stopped moving as I stare at him. I had attended, and the prosecution had called me up, believing that I would paint the character a slim ball. But in all honesty… he wasn't. He hadn't insulted me at school, he was polite, mocking, and insane - a complete mad man…but he wasn't anything but that.
"Did you think we Slytherin didn't take notice of you, Weasley?" Nott spoke teasingly.
"I hadn't realized I made such a… impact." I said, speaking carefully. Mum had beat me that night, when I got back from the trial. She had said it wasn't my place, and that I hadn't known them- A women bent on the truth had wanted me to lie that day… and I didn't.
I shivered at the glimmer of the memory and stopped as a hand tugged me from my arm. "A small lunch won't hurt."
I stand still, "I wouldn't. Maybe at a later date?" I question, seeing glimmers of red hair. Slow panic was rising. I didn't need to get into any more trouble as of now. "I wouldn't want to interrupt and as a second notice, my family is looking for me."
Theodore watched me carefully; I wasn't as good at hiding my emotions. I could do it, but with them so close it was unnerving. "Sure Wea-Virginia."
I smile, lean up, and place a quick kiss on his cheek, he was a sweet man, and I didn't want to feel rude or guilty. "Same to you… Theodore. Send an Owl, hm?" I turn and run, it was fall, and the weather was dropping. I was sure my family wouldn't be happy with me. I could tell that Ronald had seen me kiss Theodore's cheeks.
I grimace at the thought, as I land perfectly at easy in front Ronald, whom grabs my arm, hard… and drags me away. At once last glance, I saw Theodore watch me with cautious eyes, before I completely disappear into the crowd…
PosionSeductress: Thank you for reading. Any feedback would be lovely. I think it was quiet enjoyable. 6 pages I'll try and keep this updated as much as possible. We all know that summer is coming and that finals and stuff. Any lovely ideas are welcome.
Until next time.
