Hey guys I'm trying to throw a few chapters up so people actually read this... not that I can blame them if they don't but hey ho enjoy?
Disclaimer - All belongs to J.K. and anything else mentioned.
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Nothing much happened for the remainder of the summer, I decided against going to stay with Ron, I was happy on my own and quite frankly I spent the majority of my time debating whether telling James why I hate him or going on a date with him was worse. Apart from that, I had eventually finished that portrait of James I had started on the dreaded day that he somehow ended up in my house, for it to inevitably be thrown on top of the ever growing pile of pictures. September 1st had crept up on me quicker than I had expected, in fact I had totally forgotten about it until I checked my calendar on August 31st so in a mad panic, I had thrown my belongings into my trunk leaving them in disarray. My Dad didn't come home that night, nor was he here when I woke up the next morning; I figured I would see him on the platform if anywhere. After a mad search around the house I managed to capture and cage Pavan my black cat-A witch with a black cat original, I know-before finally apperating to an alley near Kings Cross my luggage loosely in my grip.
The minute I passed through the wall between platform 9 and 10 the noise increased dramatically, the sound of rushing children and worried parents echoed around.
"Daddy, look it's Cassie!" the squeal of Phoebe Peters hit me like a brick wall, my lips automatically pursed into a straight line across my face and my nostrils flared as I tried to walk in the opposite direction only to be met by a brick wall. "Cas over here!" I had to face them I guess.
"Hi love." My Dad's voice was laced with fake compassion, it sickened me. "Have you managed to get a job yet?"
"I've already told you this Malachi." I sighed "no one will hire me; I'm in Hogwarts for 80% of the year. I'll get one when I leave school. So no, I doubt I'll be moving out on my 18th birthday." I had come to the conclusion that it was pointless calling him my dad anymore, he never acted like one. My 18th birthday was only 3 weeks away, September 21st.
"I told you on your 17th that I'll give you a year." He retorted through gritted teeth.
"I'll live on the streets shall I, would you be happier then?" I asked raising my voice so people noticed, if I didn't he would most likely admit that he would indeed be happier.
"No. That's not what I want; I just want you to have a job." The bitterness was still showing through the forced smile that he had on his face.
"See you at Christmas Daddy dearest." I smiled sarcastically before boarding the ready waiting, crimson train.
It was more that relieving to find an empty compartment, I had left my trunk and that God-awful cat in the luggage room at the back of the train, and now had the well deserved company of myself. Lying back on the seat I rested my booted feet against the window and put on my much wanted headphones falling into a daze of Ben Howard's beautiful voice.
"Bless her she's fallen asleep." A soft voice began to faze into my ears.
"Why does she need blessing exactly?" This voice was much harsher than the first.
"Because she looks cute. Don't you think she looks cute James?"
"S'pose"
"I don't see the cuteness, she hates us." The harsh voice was back again. This was when realisation kicked in. I knew those voices; it was Dom, Freddie and James. Urgh. What were they doing in my lone compartment?
"I don't hate you." I murmured my lips barely parting and my eyes remaining sealed. A small gasp and the sound of shuffling gave me the impression that they hadn't expected a reply from me.
"Good afternoon sleeping beauty." Dom chuckled.
"Well hello there Cinderella" I smirked as I brought my feet down from the window and sat up facing the 3 beings who had invaded my space. "Why are you in my compartment? I was happy on my own." I pouted.
"You're a loner." Fred chirped up, sitting more upright in his seat for a second before being pushed back down by the daggers I sent his way.
"What Freddie meant to say was; you looked lonely so we decided to sit with you." James corrected. He had a soothing husky voice, the kind you'd expect some hunky American hero to posses.
"I was asleep, how in Merlin's name did I look lonely?"
"What they both meant to say was; James has a crush on you and wanted to watch you sleep." Dom winked sending a cheeky smile in my direction whilst I attempted unsuccessfully to stifle a laugh. Dom has had this theory since 3rd year, when we became friends, that James fancies me, which frankly is utter bullshit but I let her have her fun. James began to choke on his pumpkin pasty at this statement, which all in all didn't help my current state of laughter.
To my dismay the conversation for the rest of the journey flowed quite well, between all of us, not just Dom and I. I was softening to these guys after 6 years of hatred, what was wrong with me? Before long the train began to slow to a steady halt at Hogsmead station.
"Shit!" I exclaimed. "I told Phoebe I'd meet her on the platform." I continued as I jumped to my feet and fled from the compartment. Once I was on the platform I searched for the expected fragile, lost, blonde haired first year. So I was pleasantly surprised to find a chipper, blonde haired first year surrounded by a group of other first years. She's popular? Already? Great my youngest sibling is more loved than I am here, and she's not even been here a day.
Turning to head for the carriages, I walked square into the owner of a very firm chest. Not that my cheek was admiring their physique or anything.
"Steady there, Cas." The rumble of their chuckled moved my face as it was still leaning against their chest. At the sound of the voice my eyes closed momentarily as I sighed. I needed to stop these encounters with James Potter or this year's going to be painfully slow.
"Move please." I ordered more than asked as I moved away from his firm, toned chest. Stop admiring him Cassie. When he didn't, I looked up to his face. "I'm hungry. Move."
"You can share a carriage with me Cas, and we can have a chat about your side of our deal." A crooked smile balancing on his lips.
"I'd rather not." I started.
"It wasn't a question." With that his hand encircled my upper-arm and he began to stride towards the carriages. His footsteps were equal to two of mine making it difficult for me to keep up and due to his grip on my arm I had no choice to fall behind.
"Slow down." I moaned "and is it really necessary for you to drag me by the arm?" He dropped his grip from my arm only to regain it on my hand, his fingers looping between mine. Ew. We look like a bloody couple. He finally hauled himself onto an empty carriage pulling a stumbling me with him. Once I was sat directly across from him, he began.
"So Cassie, anything to explain?" He asked hinting subtly at the subject we both knew he was referring to.
"Nope, dare say I do." I smiled sweetly.
"So nothing abou- hey, this carriage is full move on!" He motioned towards the carriage behind us as the huddle of younger students attempted to board our "full" carriage. "Nothing about why you hate me?" He finished.
"Let me think." I paused. "No."
"You really want to go on a date with me?" He gushed sarcastically "you could've just asked Cassie."
"Don't flatter yourself Potter"
"Oh shit, second name basis." Crinkling his eyebrows and biting his lip, unsuccessful in hiding his smile.
"Sarcasm's my thing." I deadpanned.
"Lighten up honey-bunch; you're in a carriage, all alone, with none other than James Sirius Potter. What more could you want?"
"A gun to shoot myself with."
"We both know you don't hate me that much."
"I. Don't. Hate. You."
"So you keep saying, I don't understand?" He questioned.
"I just dislike you." I said calmly. "Hate's a strong feeling; I wouldn't waste it on you."
"I'm honoured Cas, honestly." He mocked.
"Cool, anything else you have to say? Or can I escape hell and sit in silence?"
"Erm..." He paused looking like he was thinking hard "oh, who's Phoebe?"
"Half sister."
"Never knew you had any siblings." He shrugged.
"I don't."
"You just-?" He pointed in multiple directions as if to make up for his lack of words.
"Half. I have four half siblings."
"They can't be Gryffies like us, or I would have known."
"Ravenclaw, I'm hoping all of them we'll find out in about 20 minutes."
"Guessing you don't get the Gryffindor from your mutual parent?"
"Neither, my dad was a Ravenclaw, and my... My-" I literally spat the next word "mother was Slytherin." James honestly looked surprised at that fact.
"That explains the brains and the bitchiness" he chucked
"But that makes you an even better Gryffies. You ready for tough training this year?"
"Aye, we better win the cup again this year I want a clean sweep, of wins not the broom." I smiled at my muddle of meanings.
"Good, as captain I'll make sure you do." He stated proudly puffing his chest out ever so slightly. It didn't surprise me, it was between me and James for captain and as I hadn't received it, I figured it was him. I was happy about that, the one thing I admired James for was his ambition in Quiditch, and he would make an excellent captain. Compliment over, finished, fini, finito, take it all in it'll never happen again or out loud for that matter. I merely replied with a smile. He'd understand it.
When the carriage pulled up outside the towering doors of Hogwarts I didn't hesitate in jumping from the it and racing into the castle and away from James, no I didn't despise him that much, I just scared myself at how I was becoming accustomed to his company, and I didn't find myself planning his murder as much. He was still an arrogant little shit that was granted, but I guess I was too quick to judge after two weeks of school I had only spoke to him once by that point as well. No this does not mean I like him nor dislike him any less; I was just pointing out a possible error on my younger self's behalf.
It was a magical place, Hogwarts, yes I know it was literally magical but in a more metaphorical sense it was magical too. I'd managed to get through the doors before the heavy bustle of students attacked the ageing wood, leaving me the perfect opportunity to seclude myself on the furthest end of the Gryffindor table. There was a sprinkle of bodies among the great hall but nobody particularly interesting, so without looking further I took off to my precious table end. I sat down and began to stare aimlessly at the wall parallel to me, with nothing to do until the sorting started and my lack of friends lessening the options further, this was the most appealing option. I was slightly nervous, and I wasn't sure why, my best guess was that I was worried Phoebe would be sorted into Gryffindor. I know that sounds selfish and it is really. I just liked the idea that my school life and home life were totally separate and by her being in the same house, I would see her more, resulting in an aspect of my home life becoming my school life. Admittedly I brought grudges held because of my home life into my school life but there's yet to be anything physical connecting them.
The room soon filled up, but as usual I was happily sat at the end on my own my only contact with the other students was the half annoyed half sympathetic looks I was being sent by Dom. I don't blame her if she's upset I did say I'd start sitting with them at meals. But surely one time would make no difference.
"Welcome back!" Professor Shacklebot's booming voice silenced the hall. "Oh yes, the sorting first." And as if in que the first years began to file into the room behind a slightly hunched over Professor McGonagall.
"Atherton, Rebecca" her shrill voice frightening the poor children that stood in front of her, Rebecca Atherton slowly began to shuffle towards the tattered hat, sitting precariously on the edge of the stool whilst McGonagall vigorously shoved the sorting hat over her head.
"Hufflepuff!" The hat bellowed and was awarded by an eruption of applause from the table to my left.
My attention wavered for the next ten minutes or so before it was snapped back into reality by the sound of McGonagall's voice.
"Peters, Phoebe" the tension in the hall increased by tenfold but that would only be for me. My heart began pounding against my chest and my fingers were crossed in hope that luck would for once in my life be on my side.
"RavenClaw!" At this moment I honestly think I was celebrating more than anyone. Jumping from my seat I began to shout in celebration clapping frantically, Phoebe looked overwhelmed at my reaction and she shot me a grateful smile causing my stomach to drop slightly. She thought I was happy for her, which don't get me wrong I was but my celebration was more for her lack of chivalry and bravery. After that the food couldn't have come sooner. That was by far the highlight of Hogwarts, it never, ever, failed to impress when it came to food, next from that was the astronomy tower. My place of peace, and where I found myself later that night. Dom was still urging me to quit smoking and Isabelle would kill me if she found out I smoked so, the astronomy tower was a smoking spot? I guess you could call it that.
"I still think you should quit." I jumped turning towards the doorway, my cigarette dangling precariously from my bottom lip, expecting someone to be stood there but there wasn't. Whoever had spoke, wasn't speaking to me and curiosity got the better of me when another voice chipped in.
"I see no reason to quit. When I have a reason I will." Scrambling across the stone floor I peered over the edge of the wall looking for the culprits. After a quick scan of the dark surroundings I found them. Two boys directly below me leaning against the wall of the tower, one with smoke drifting upwards from them. As I focused on what I could make out of them, I came to the conclusion that both boys were dark haired, the non-smoker with a large amount more hair than the other. I could no longer make out their voices so that was unhelpful only the buzz of their low voices was audible. But yet after resorting to slouching against the cold floor in defeat a bellowing laugh erupted from below, a more that tell-tale laugh. Freddie Weasley's unique laugh. Seriously, Dom had been pestering me to quit when her beloved cousin smoked. I figured it was her cousin, James and Fred were joined at the hip, and the masses of hair atop the non-smoker's head gave away that Freddie didn't smoke. James? Wonder boy smoked? Well then I didn't expect that. Maybe Dom's right. We might have more in common than I first thought. After another 10 minutes or so, from what I could gather they had left so I chose that as my que to leave also. Jogging down the rickety stairs of the astronomy tower I began to hum to myself a sudden urge to sing Jake Bugg songs overcoming me. There was no one around I saw no reason not to, so I did.
"I drink to remember, I smoke to forget."
I began skipping down the empty corridor, feeling relatively happy for once, continuing to sing as I danced around to hallways. If I could feel like this all the time instead of the usual dejected, neglected feeling I'm filled with I'm sure my fairy tale life wouldn't seem so distant.
"So I hold two fingers up to yesterday, last cigarette I smoke it all away"
"Be quiet you bumbling idiot." A nearby painting scoffed.
"Oh cheer up you old hag, hags" I corrected myself after looking to my left. They merely replied with a tut as I continued on my way. Turning another corner I realised I'd been on the second floor for the last five minutes of my trek. So taking an about turn I started off towards the main staircase, still humming the tune as I went along.
"Meow!"
"Oh shit."
"Who's there my beauty?"
At the sound of Filch's creepy voice I turned around yet again and sprinted back down the corridor, I could hear his staggered footsteps behind me, but I wasn't fooled. After running away from Filch so many times I was aware that somehow in his old age he wasn't slow.
"Students shouldn't be out of bed." He croaked. Oh Merlin his voice was getting closer I turned to run into a classroom just as the door I was planning to open swung towards me smacking me square in the face. I tumbled backwards landing on the floor with thud, my vision started to blur as a searing pain raced across my forehead.
"Are you okay?" A voice distantly asked.
I began to reply about the scream that of course I wasn't okay, but the energy to do that had been wiped clean out of me and the only word I managed was: "filch" before the pain exams too much for me to pay attention to my surroundings in detail. I remember being moved about a great deal, and I felt a lot warmer than I had pervious to my run in with the door, but no noise nor any image of where I was or who with. What felt like much later I regained a fuller consciousness, the pain still in control of my vital nerves but I was slightly more aware of myself I was lay down now, on a bed and I had something cold across my head and right eye.
"Is she alright?"
"Yeah I think so, she might be a bit concussed though, and we should probably take her to Poppy in the morning. Not now, I think she has enough detentions from what Dom has said, breaking curfew won't do any good."
I tried to retort feeling argumentative but my attempt at telling whoever they were that I could do what the hell I liked came out more like a slur and an unattractive grunt.
"Was she drunk?" Whoever was asking the questions in the conversation was seriously retarded; they should be being looked after not me.
"No you idiot." Footfalls close by sounded more like an elephants than humans. "Cassie, are you alright? Can you hear me?" I wanted to reply to the soothing voice next to me but after my last speech attempt I settled for a nod.
"Do you want us to get Dom to take you to your own bed?" I was comfy here so I merely shook my head. The weight that had been on the side of my bed moved and the springs uncoiled pushing me away from the edge again.
"I'll go sleep on the couch in the common room, get some sleep Freddie, I have a feeling she'll be furious when as wakes up in the morning." He chuckled before the footsteps became more distant sounding more human to my ears as they moved further away. I was planning on protesting telling them to get Dom if it meant them having a bed but sleep was the winner of this battle.
Never in my life did I begin to believe it was possible to wake up to such a foul stench.
"My God Dom! What the hell is that smell?" I groaned as I rolled over, but I was met by silence which was unusual, she was always up before me. Sitting up, I felt the blood rush to my head causing me to wince in pain as I brought my hand to my forehead, the raised lump on it and the lack in ability when opening my right eye was concerned reminded me of the previous night's happenings. Stumbling from the bed I had inhabited and grabbing my shoes from the floor I walked towards the door at the other end of the dorm, swaying slightly when a pang of pain hit me. I still wasn't paying much attention to my surroundings my concentration was focused more on the task at hand of getting through the door and down the stairs in front of me. Finally after holding myself up as steadily as I could against the hand rail I managed to land in one piece on the stone floor of the common room. After the difficulty caused by the journey down stairs I admitted defeat and decided I'd wait on a chair down here until I was found instead of attempting to get to my dorm. Slouching in the nearest armchair I peered over at the couch where a messy haired boy was lay a thin blanket barely covering him.
"Stupid bastard." I grumbled as I recalled the conversation between the boys in the dorm last night.
"That's no way to talk about your knight in shining armour." James mumbled his morning voice even huskier than usual, accompanied by his crooked smirk I can't deny that James was attractive, hell he was one of the most attractive boys in Hogwarts, if his ego didn't get in the way, he'd be pretty much perfection. But his head was too big for perfection.
"This isn't a fairy tale James."
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Review it please, it will get more interesting promise. if you have any ideas, or you want to help me or just criticise i'd be happy with any :D