When I found them, Hermione and Ron were bickering, as usual. No surprises there really.
"Ron, you're such a-," Hermione started but I didn't let her finish.
"'Mione, shut up. You too Ron."
We had DADA with Umbridge. Needless to say, it was terrible. Harry got yet another detention. Stupid old hag!
Lunch was interesting. All Gryffindors turned to stare as Draco Malfoy and his goons came to a stop in front of me.
"What are you doing?" I hissed.
"Saying hello. Is that a crime now?" he asked innocently.
"It is if you're a Slytherin and I'm a Gryffindor."
"Malfoy, seriously, what are you trying to pull? Is it a bet? Or a dare? Help me out here!" I asked, completely serious.
He smirked. "Neither."
Great. That helped me out a lot. "Just leave Malfoy."
"And if I don't want to?"
"Well, I do have a truck-load of Gryffindors behind me just itching for an excuse to curse you into oblivion."
"Yes, but I have control of Slytherins who know a great deal of horrible curses which would all probably kill your Gryffindors." He smirked. I swear if he smirked one more time, I was going to punch him in the face.
Do you know what? Whatever! I can't care less about what Draco Malfoy does anymore! I turned round to face my friends and struck up a random conversation.
"So, what are we doing in Hogsmead next weekend," I asked.
"I told you yesterday," said Hermione, obviously annoyed.
"Huh?"
"Yes! Remember? The thing we discussed a few days ago?" Oh right. Hermione had suggested that, since we had OWL's coming up this year and our DADA teacher was absolute shit, Harry should teach us. She invited a whole group of people to Hogsmead to discuss it.
"Oh, yeah, right. Sorry. 'Mione, are you going to the library today for the History of Magic essay?"
"Bella, do you really even need to ask?" said Ron.
"I guess not. I'll join you."
"Bella, are you forgetting about Quidditch trials today?" asked Harry.
"Oh yeah. What time is that on again?" I asked, seriously bored. I mean, Quidditch was fun, but I was not looking forward to a bunch of silly first-years trying to enter the team like last year.
"Four."
"Alright, yeah, I'll be there don't worry."
"And I will be there too," Malfoy breathed in my ear, causing me to jump. I had completely forgotten he was there.
Oh God in Heaven help me!
/\/\
Quidditch time! The rest of the day had passed quickly without incident, except that Malfoy and his goons were following me around everywhere, Except for classes.
I grabbed my Firebolt, which Cissy and Lucius had bought for me and Draco last year. Harry was the captain of the Quidditch team this year, but he appointed me as co-captain, or something weird like that.
Harry and I stood in the middle of the pitch watching all the students come in and the stands fill.
"Alright guys. Bella and I are captains this year. And, uh, because you were on the team last year does not guarantee you a spot this year. Alright, so…" he nudged me. My turn.
"Guys, first just go around the pitch a couple of times and then we'll split up into groups." I mounted my broom and flew up, loving the feeling of the wind in my hair, whipping at my face. I loved being in the air, flying. I was happiest then.
I went back towards the ground, landing gently and smiling at Harry.
"Bella, I honestly don't know why they made me captain this year instead of you."
"Me either. You're only great at flying and have a nice personality and are the best chaser on the team. Why would they choose you?" I said sarcastically.
He nudged me playfully.
"Oh, get over yourself Harry."
"And if I don't want to?"
"God, you sound like Malfoy. Shut up, would you?!"
We were too absorbed in our conversation to notice all the Gryffindors flying around us.
"Okay good work guys! We'll uh post the list up on the noticeboard."
There were limited positions this year. Just two chasers and a keeper. I was the seeker, Harry was a chaser, Fred and George Weasley were the beaters.
In the end, we decided that Demelza Robins and Ginny Weasley would be the chasers and Ron would be the keeper.
"Hey Bella," said Malfoy, popping out of nowhere. How did he do that?!
I just ignored him and walked straight on. I was not in the mood to argue with him yet again today.
He slung his arm around me and that was where I drew the line. "Malfoy, stop! Arm goes off!"
He doesn't learn does he?! Anyway, Harry got involved of course.
"Malfoy, off!"
"Malfoy, I know where you live," I said sounding like one of those random muggle horror movies.
He smirked. "Well, I should hope so after living there for what, five years?"
One of these days, Draco Malfoy was going to meet a very sticky end. "Malfoy, please."
He just smirked. Insufferable man!
Oh shit. Before I realised, we were already in the Great Hall, where almost everyone was there, staring at Malfoy and I, with his arm around me.
If I was lucky, the news would only reach every single person tomorrow morning, and frankly it was all I could hope for. Immediately everyone started whispering. Now they all had proof to what others in my Transfiguration class had told.
I grabbed Malfoy's arm, and with all the force I could muster, pushed it off me. Thankfully, I succeeded and walked briskly to the Gryffindor table.
"You do realise Bella," said Hermione, who was already sitting at the table, "that by taking Malfoy's arm of you, you have caused greater speculation, leading in-."
"Okay, okay, Hermione. I get it. That was a bad thing to do. Jeez."
I ate quickly, shoving food into my mouth as quickly as possible, to avoid being in the Great Hall for much longer, continuing as the centre of attention. If there were two things I hated they were Malfoy and being the centre of attention. And right now, I had both.
After I finished I stood up and said, "I'll see you guys later." I walked out normally, trying to ignore all the stares and the whispers.
I walked to the portrait of the Fat Lady that guarded Gryffindor tower, realising that I had completely forgotten the password. "Shit," I muttered. "Can you open up, please?" I asked the lady.
"No, I'm sorry but it's against school regulations. You know that Bella,' she replied.
"But-."
"Sorry."
Great. It looked like I was stuck outside until someone came. I suppose I could go to the Great Hall, but I really, REALLY didn't want to be met by all those stares AGAIN! I'll just wait…
I sat down, leaning against the hard wall of Gryffindor Tower. Just a few metres behind me was my sanctuary…
I waited and waited… Nothing.
Finally, after so long, I heard footsteps.
"Bella?" said a familiar voice. Oh no! He was not going to help at all.
A/n: how was this chapter? Tell me what you think about it. Did you like it? Hate it? Favourite quotes from this chapter (if you have any)? Constructive criticism? Suggestions? Anything. Give me some feedback, please.
I think I'll update this week again. If not, well... we'll see what I can do.
PLEASE PLEASE REVIEW I LOVE HEARING YOUR THOUGHTS.
~B~