Venom of a Snake

Vanity plays lurid tricks with our memory


Author's Note: I would like to thank cerahr for being my Beta Reader for this story!

Disclaimer: I do not profit, nor own the wonderful world that is of Harry Potter which is rightfully owned by the amazing J.K Rowling.


The first match of the season between Slytherin and Gryffindor was drawing nearer. Weeks became days, days became hours, hours became minutes and minutes became seconds. I was exhilarated with adrenaline that ran through my veins, feeling empowered. Intoxicated with the idea of victory and winning that Cup. Nothing could take this enlivened feeling away from me.

"I'm here! I'm here!" Miles yelled panting, whilst fixing up his clothes.

Except that.

The boys were currently doing laps of the pitch and Miles had the decency to show up late to our last practice, right before the big game. He was going to suffer severely for it. I narrowed my eyes sharply and stormed up to him. I could see he sensed my dark aura and nervously grinned.

"Better late then never?" He smiled innocently.

"Better never late," I hissed with venom in my tone.

"But you didn't even show up last time," He retorted.

My fists squeezed into balls as I tried to compose myself. He knew how much I mentally punished myself for skipping practice. Others said it was the right thing to do, but I said it was wrong. I was the captain who needed to be there for her team. Even though Adrian assured me that the last practice went smoothly, the fact still pained me. I actually intentionally missed a practice. My blood curdled and the heat of rage flushed my face, even Miles noticed and grew wide eyed.

"50 push ups!" I ordered.

"But-,"

"100!" I yelled louder, pointing my finger at the ground.

I knew he didn't want to push it any further, in fear that I'd double it again and he dropped onto the grass. Pumping his body to and from the ground. I squatted down to his level, making fierce contact as he puffed away.

"Anymore words like that come out of mouth, I'll cut your tongue out and feed it to a hippogriff," I growled in a dangerous tone.

His eyes bulged out of his sockets and he gulped in fear. I shot back up, observing the rest of the team finishing their last lap. I may have come off as harsh and maybe that was a bit to far. But I was very serious when it came to Quidditch. Especially when today was the last practice we had before the big game. This is what everyone's been waiting for, even the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs themselves. I'm sure the teachers found it just as interesting the students did.

The match between the two biggest rivalry teams in the school that's been burning alive for centuries. Now that I was finally captain I had to live up to the proud name it built for itself. It's essential for me to lead my team to victory and if I fail I'd be the laughing stock of the whole school, whilst being hated and ridiculed by the rest of my House. It was bad enough I was the only girl on the team which received much scornful detest from others. I had too many high expectations to live up to, I needed to prove myself and set things straight.

I made the boys do the usual exercise warm ups to keep them fit, but more intense then the usual. I made sure Miles did a few (and by a few I mean an extra twenty to a hundred) more then everyone else did. I mainly tried to focus on drilling the game plays into the boys heads, repeating that I do not want to see any form of cheating. I threatened those who did will find themselves 'mysteriously' waking up in the Hospital Wing the next day, with a package next them of shredded remainders of their expensive brooms.

After the exhausting training some of the boys had trouble walking. Lucian and Peregrine stumbled around wobbling, accidently tripping over one another. I merely stepped over their bloated stomachs as if they weren't there and made my way to the locker rooms like everyone else. After I cooled down from a revitalizing shower, I tied my hair up in the usual wet, messy bun and dressed in my robes heading for class. The state some of the boys were in made me doubt if they were capable of surviving the rest of the day.

Luckily for me I had Flying classes down at the Pitch, so I met up with the First Years and Madam Hooch. I rounded up my group and told them to do a few warm ups before we started, giving Hermione the heads up to take the lead. However, I stopped Harry before he went off.

"Did you bring your broom?" I asked eagerly.

He nodded his head yes and picked up the broom on the ground behind him. I gaped my mouth in awe, lightly stroking my finger down the smooth mahogany wood. Observing it's fine detail, praising it in all it's glory. How I desired a broom like that to call mine one day.

"Excited about the game?" I asked, looking up at him.

He simply nodded his head again, as if he was trying to avoid stirring conversation with me. I crossed my arms and rolled my eyes.

"You don't have to be so taciturn with me, just because I'm a Slytherin," I pointed out. He still remained silent, eyeballing me suspiciously. Wood definitely told him I made fun his glasses. "Look I'm sorry I poked fun at your glasses. Being visually impaired isn't funny," I sighed.

"You made fun of my glasses?" He asked, furrowing his eyebrows down.

Oops.

Before I could explain myself, Hermione came running up to us.

"Captain Parker?" She addressed.

"Yes?"

"Malfoy's not listening to me," She sulked.

"Malfoy! Listen to Granger!" I ordered. I could see him sending me scowls and retreated over to his friends. "There," I said, looking back down at her.

"Thank you Captain Parker," She said.

"No problem, now you two go and join the rest of the team," I said.

After warm ups, I divided them in their positions. I let them fly up in the air, practicing on one end of the Pitch while Wood's team practiced at the other. Madam Hooch had lowered the goal posts to only a few feet above the air so no one could get severely injured.

I made Crabbe and Goyle beat foam balls into goals whilst Ron tried to block them. Harry was chasing around a small, yellow ball that Madam Hooch charmed to move around, but much slower then a Snitch. The Chasers Blaise, Malfoy and Neville threw Quaffle's to one another along with Hermione, the reserve/unofficial co-captain. I observed the team in content, satisfied with their skills.

Neville tossed the Quaffle over to Hermione who missed to catch it, but Blaise swept under her snatching it successfully.

"Good work Blaise!" I complimented, impressed with the abilities he had so far.

"This is unfair, I'm stuck on a male dominated team," Hermione huffed, crossing her arms over her chest, flying over to me.

"Welcome to my world," I groaned, rolling my eyes.

"Is the Slytherin team filled with boys?" She asked.

"Yeah," I answered.

"How in Merlin's name do you deal with it?"

"Ah, its not so bad, you get use to it."

We were interrupted by a shriek from Ron who had nearly blocked a goal, but clung upside down on his broom, with his legs barely clinging on to it. Crabbe and Goyle took the opportunity to bat more balls at him. Purposely trying to make him fall off his broom as he cried for help, blocking the foam balls with his arms.

"But some days I don't know how," I grumbled.

I flew over to the boys and swiped the bats out of their hands from behind them. The two looked at each other dumbfounded, exchanging glances before turning around. Shocked to find me staring down at them giving them unimpressed stares. I gave them a quick lecture on responsibility and handed them back their bats. Making sure they promised to act their age not their shoe size - well in their case, at least by troll standards.

I flew back over to the middle of the group, watching the team again. And again Hermione dropped the Quaffle, but this time nobody was able to catch it. I looked down worried since it had just hit the head of Wood, who was on the ground talking to his team. He glimpsed up into the sky curiously, rubbing head his with one hand and held the Quaffle with the other.

I swooped down, hovering a few inches off the ground. I decided that I should apologize and start acting a little more nicer towards him, for what he did the other day. I mean sure we belonged to different Houses and were opposing Quidditch Captains, but maybe he wasn't so bad as I put him out to be. Maybe I didn't give him enough credit as I should.

"I'm-,"

"Keep your team under control," He ordered, chucking me the ball.

Maybe I gave him to much.

I scoffed as I caught the ball in my hands, shocked by his reaction.

"And I don't just mean your House team," He added.

Or maybe was he was the stubborn prick he always has and will be.

"I'll do as I please!" I scowled, before flying back up to the group.

I hope the little Slytherins on his team give him hell. Us Slytherin's stick together. I swear that boy needs to get that broomstick out where the sun don't shine so he can walk properly and stop being rude so people. I could tell he was in game mode because of his churlish attitude, the big game was only a weekend away. And to think that I thought somewhere in Wood, there was a mildly decent person.

I scoffed once again and tossed the Quaffle over to Malfoy. He passed it to Hermione who fumbled it around in her hands, but again dropped it. But this time I managed to save it by diving underneath her to catch it.

"You can't even catch, what good are you playing Chaser. I knew I shouldn't of agreed to being on the same team with a Mudblood," Malfoy spat.

My eyes widened shocked and appalled by the word. Although I came from a pure blood family, I was raised with strong ethics and morals. I knew that word was strictly forbidden and controversial. I would of have been grounded for life if I ever said that word in my house. I didn't even know where he got that disgusting type of language from.

"What did you just call her?" I gasped.

"A Mudblood," He replied simply.

Hermione looked away, her eyes glistening a layer of water showing she was hurt.

"I don't want you to ever use that disgusting term again!" I scowled.

"But she is a Mud-," He repeated.

"That's it! I'm giving you a punishment!" I yelled.

"You're not a teacher, you're not even a Prefect," He argued.

"I'm officially giving you an unofficial detention!" I declared.

"You can't do that!" He snapped.

"Well I am so too bad!" I replied stubbornly.

"Wait 'til I tell my father about this," He grumbled under his breath.

"Well wait 'til I tell Snape about this," I glowered.

Hermione looked up at me with a thankful half hearted smile.

After the Flying lessons I had Transfiguration with Professor McGonagall. I arrived to class taking a seat next to Julie behind Adrian and Miles, who's shifted around in their seats to talk to us since McGonagall hadn't arrived yet.

"How was classes?" She asked.

"Eck," Was all I could reply, rolling my eyes.

"Double Quidditch, I thought you'd be thrilled," She said.

"Yeah, so did I," I scoffed.

It wasn't even lunch time and I was already mentally exhausted. Sure my muscles ached from training this morning, but it was something I had gotten use to over the years and oddly grew to like. The two of us both listened to the competition between Miles and Adrian about who could pick up the most girls. No offense to Miles, he was cute an all, but Adrian was the full package. Plus Miles was annoying.

"Rochelle Pritchard?" Miles asked.

"Too easy," Adrian snorted.

"Alright then," He hummed, scanning the classroom for girls. "Alicia Spinnet?"

"Hmm... she's doable," Adrian agreed.

"She's a Gryffindor! She wouldn't go for you're Slytherin butt," He scoffed.

"It doesn't matter what House they're in, it's all about the charms," Adrian informed wisely.

"Oh yeah, then you go and try," He sneered.

"No because you'll think it was because she was too easy. You go first then we'll see how I do," Adrian complied.

Miles stood up confidently, pushing out his chest and broadening his shoulders. A common ritual males of a particular species did during mating season. We watched him optimistically strut over to Alicia who was currently talking to Angelina. They noticed he was walking over and grimaced in disgust. He leaned his elbow on this desk, standing opposite Alicia. He said a few words and sooner then I expected, she slapped him across them face. He smiled suavely at her and continued to speak, causing him to receive another slap. He finally understood the physical message and walked back over to us. He sat down and I could see the two burning red hand prints on each side of his cheeks.

"What you say?" Adrian asked.

"'Would you like to go for a butterbeer and shag some time,'" He answered.

"And what she do?"

"Slap me."

"And what you say?"

"'What you don't like butterbeer.'"

The three of us started to laughing at him, mocking his pathetic pick up line. If I were a guy, I don't think I could possibly be stupid enough to ever go to him on girl advice. I was only surprised it wasn't as filthy and rude as the rest of his pick up lines were.

"Alright, alright," Miles hushed. "Let's see you do better 'Prince Charming'," He scoffed.

Adrian stood up modestly, already flashing his infamous polished grin that could sweep any girl off her feet. He walked over to the table, receiving odd glances from the girls but appeared to look more welcomed then Miles did. He said a few things and Alicia looked up smiling, giggling a bit. Soon enough, she nodded her head and he gave her one last grin. As he made his way back over, the two girls squealed excitedly. He sat back down without a single red imprint on his skin. Miles looked at him suspiciously and started to interrogate him.

"What you say?"

"Would you like to go for a butterbeer sometime."

"And what she do?"

"Say yes."

"And what you say?"

"'Cool.'"

"That's practically the same thing I said!" Miles exclaimed.

"Yes, but if you didn't act like such a daft git, maybe you would've just gotten one slap," Adrian replied.

Miles furrowed his eyebrows together and gaped his mouth to talk. But was interrupted by McGonagall barging the doors wide open and walked up to the front of the classroom.

"I'll show you," Miles hissed in a whisper, facing the front.

McGonagall stood firm and poised as she usually did and opened her mouth to speak.

"My you're looking lovely today," He chimed.

Merlin, he wasn't honestly thinking what I think he was thinking.

"Why thank you Mr. Bletchley," She smiled.

"Please, call me Miles," He said.

He was.

"I'd loved to get on a first name basis with you," He grinned.

She look taken a back and cleared her throat.

"Mr. Bletchley, unless you want to stay back for a detention, I strongly suggest that you do not address me inappropriately."

The class filled with laughter as he sunk down into his seat.

"Open up your Intermediate Transfiguration text books and read through pages 49-53, then answer questions on page 54," She instructed and took a seat at her desk.

"I'm totally in," Miles whispered, nudging Adrian.

"Mate, you're bloody delusional," Adrian snorted.

"Watch, I'll do what Julie does to pick up guys and McGonagall will be all over me," He smirked.

We all watched him carefully as he pushed his quill off the side of his desk.

"Oops, I dropped my quill. I will pick it up," He said mechanically.

Julie's jaw dropped and she sent him an icy glare. McGonagall cocked an eyebrow, staring at him oddly. He stood up from his seat and faced his back toward her. He slowly bent down to pick up the feather and she widened her eyes in shock, utterly disbelieved and appalled by what he was doing. I clapped my hand with my forehead as Julie rolled her eyes whilst Adrian tried to hold his snickers of amusement. I couldn't even bare to watch the mortifying sight and Miles sat back down with a triumphant grin on his face.

"She wants me," He grinned.

After the embarrassing class it was lunch time and we all headed off to the Great Hall. Unfortunately the only place empty at the Slytherin table that would fit the four of us was by Marcus Flint and Rochelle Pritchard. I groaned as we made our way to the middle of the table. There was a large empty gap between Flint and Pritchard which Adrian and Miles decided to occupy.

Miles chose to sit in between the space between her and Adrian - which immediately instigated daggers from her, but they went unnoticed by the oblivious boy. Julie and I reluctantly sat down opposite them, quietly mind our own business and stuffed our plates with food. Miles turned to the teacher's high table that looked over the Great Hall and found McGonagall. He shot up his hand, waving it around with a bright grin on his face. She however, didn't reciprocate and sent him a stern, displeased stare.

"I'll admit, Minerva and I are going through a bumpy patch at the moment, but we are sorting it out," Miles explained to Adrian.

"We?" I questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, we are an item," Miles replied in a 'matter-of-fact' tone.

"Didn't know you two were serious now," Julie scoffed.

"Don't worry, I'll still have time for you," He winked.

She rolled her eyes and continued eating. Flint was currently talking to Adrian, something about Quidditch, so of course as captain I'd try to listen in.

"What are you lookin' at?" Flint jeered.

Well I never! You don't address your captain like that!

"I-I thought you guys were talking about Quidditch," I stuttered.

"We are and it's none of your business," He snapped.

My jaw dropped, I was left utterly flabbergasted and shunned. I wondered if other Houses were like this. Continuously arguing and loathing one another.

"I'm the sodding captain!" I yelled, receiving a few odd glances from the students around us.

"You didn't even show up for practice the other day," He sneered. "What kind of captain doesn't even show up to their own training?"

"I-I was-," I stammered.

"Lucky Adrian was there to supervise," The shrewd voice of Rochelle Prat-chard butted in.

Oh great, and her of all sodding people. Why can't she just stay out of it?

"That's none of your business," I hissed through my gnashed teeth.

"I'm a patriotic student who cares about her House," She said innocently.

Julie rolled her eyes. If by patriotic she meant totally obsessed with Adrian and pointing out all my faults, then she was a passionate vulgar cow.

"Sod off Prat-chard, I'm not in the mood," I warned.

"A captain should never take her anger out on the people around her," She said.

I could feel the heat of anger rising in my cheeks. What would she bloody know? She's not even on the sodding team. I couldn't let her get to me.

"Fine, I'll take it elsewhere," I hissed, snatching a green apple from the bowl.

I stormed off, ignoring the calls of Julie and the snickering from Prat-chard and Flint, retreating to the slumber of the dungeons. I didn't need this.

The game was only a few days away and I was already under enough pressure as it was. I didn't need her stupid remarks contributing to the stress I was having. Lately, it seemed that everyone has a problem with me. I've always known that, but surprisingly I've plainly taken it calmly. Usually I'd somehow fight back. It was probably from all the straining worry I've been having over the game.

This was my one and only chance to prove myself. If the team lost I would be out casted and hated more than ever before from my House. Not because it was a Quidditch game, but because it was a Quidditch game against Gryffindor. Those Gryffindors have always caused me nothing but trouble.

I fiercely marched through the empty corridors, hoping to review my game plans to prepare for the big game. I heard a loud crunch from underneath me. I looked down, sliding my foot away to reveal a crumbled, Chocolate Frog wrapping.

This school was an absolute mess, sure I littered too but the school obviously didn't have a proper waste disposal system. We only had a caretaker which was Filch, that was obsessed with his mangy cat who did nothing but complain about the students. My parents don't pay good money for me to walk around in filth.

A light giggle ran past me and I whipped around. I scrunched my face confused, attentively moving my head from side to side. The giggle travelled past me once again, causing me to alert myself.

Wait... sinister child like laughter, creepy ambience... Chocolate Frog wrapper?

Evil Hufflepuff.

And I thought I could only hold a grudge for so long. It must have something planned.

Empty corridor, Halloween - it all made perfect sense.

I uncomfortably straightened my posture tall and strong, trying to appear unnoticeable by my realization, carefully making my down to the dungeons. My enemy list is beginning to grow too long to the point where it's actually a threat.


I dragged Malfoy by the front of his robes and pulled him to the main area of the Common Room, over to where Miles, Adrian and Julie occupied. It was the end of the day, right before dinner and I still hadn't forgotten the detention I set for him.

"What's with the kid?" Adrian asked, from the armchair near Miles.

"He's got a detention," I answered, still shooting daggers at Malfoy.

"I didn't know captains gave out detentions," Julie piped, sitting across the room in the other armchair.

"They don't," Malfoy answered.

I pushed him onto the couch where Miles sat.

"Sit down and shut up," I ordered sternly, waving my finger at him.

He sent me scowls as I sat down in between the two boys. Mangy, little gremlin. Just because I didn't have a classroom for him to sit in didn't mean that he wasn't going to go unpunished. Even if that meant listening in on my friends and I.

"You know, tonight would be perfect - being Halloween and all, if the potion was ready," Miles said.

I had nearly forgotten that today was Halloween, one of the most important days of the year in a witch's calender. I guess because I was too absorbed and obsessed thinking about the first Quidditch game of the season.

"What potion?" Malfoy asked.

"It's for Charms," I quickly thought of.

"But Charms doesn't have anything to do with potions," He scoffed.

"Didn't I tell you to shut up?" I glowered.

He huffed and folded his arms sulking. "Wait till I tell my father about this," He grumbled under his breath.

"Yeah, yeah," I dismissed rolling my eyes.

"Speaking of Charms have you started the essay yet?" Julie changed the subject.

"No," I answered.

"Well you better hurry it's due next week and last minute, half-assed assignment craze is beginning. The library has been packed lately with people borrowing The Fidelius Charms Handbook, there's probably less then five left," Julie said.

I jumped up wide eyed, startling everyone around me. I'd completely forgotten all about Charms! What with all the Quidditch fixation I've been having lately and the constant buzz of the big game. If I don't borrow that book, soon enough my grade will drop down from my barely manageable Acceptable to a Troll. I rushed over to the entrance of the Common Room.

"Where are you going? The Halloween Banquet's about to begin!" Julie called out from behind.

"Just go without me!" I yelled back. "And don't think I haven't forgotten about that detention!" I added at Malfoy, before the grimy, grey bricks behind me closed back into a wall.

I bolted up the moving staircase up to the fourth floor, heading for the library. One of the disadvantages of living in the dungeons: the distance between places. Although I was physically capable of managing, the time it took to arrive at a class was time consuming which usually resulted in a late if I didn't leave earlier enough.

Plus the moving staircases didn't help either. What was even the point of having staircases that move anyway? They deliberately side tracked students purposely to make them late for classes. Hogwarts was such a hole, why did my parents have to stinge out on my education with this place?

I arrived at the library, scampering over to the front desk where Madam Pince stood tense and straight - like usual.

"Madam Pince-," I blurted out.

"SHH!" She hushed, sending me sharp daggers.

Really? There was only like five other people in here.

"Madam Pince," I repeated in a hushed tone. "Are there anymore Fidelius Charms Handbooks left?"

She gave me a disapproving look before opening a file cabinet, brushing through a few papers. She must have figured that a lot of people have been doing a little procrastinating lately.

"I only have one copy," She said.

I nodded my head and swiftly headed for the Charms Section. Searching among the countless aisles of dusty, ancient books. The place was so dirty I'm surprised it didn't bring up my allergies.

Finally, I stumbled the particular section I was looking for. Unfortunately encountering something I wasn't looking for.

Wood.

He stood at the opposite end of the aisle, raising his eyebrows curiously. We exchanged deadly glances, our eyes locked in a silent battle. His eyes broke away to a certain book on the shelf and instantly I knew.

He was in the same situation I was - the misfortunes of procrastination. Our stares locked back in, like cowboys preparing for a gun duel in the wild west. There was two of us and only one book. I was the first to jump hastily over to shelf, he rapidly followed in suit. We shoved and pushed one another aside, desperately reaching for the book.

After all the years we've been at the school he should know by now Slytherins never lose, especially me of all Slytherins. We squirmed around, frantically slapping each others hands away from the desired object.

"Back off Wood! It's mine!" I hissed.

"I don't see your name written on it!" He snapped.

I guess I have to resort to what Slytherins are known to do best: play dirty.

I elbowed him in the ribcage causing him to wince away from the pain and I quickly climbed up the ladder, persevering for the book. I outstretched my hand, wriggling my fingers to the goal which I nearly grasped.

However, my cunning tactic appeared to be failing as I spotted the hand of Wood near mine. I tried to smack it away but it only pushed his hand closer to it. Soon enough the book was in his clutch, triumphantly being pulled out from the shelf.

"Ha!" He mocked, grinning in victory.

But I wasn't going to let him get away that easily. That book was rightfully mind, the bloody twat wouldn't even know what to do with it. I leapt from the ladder tackling the book out of his hand, pummeling down onto the floor with a loud thud. I gasped in pain at the throbbing twinges in my chest.

It was so worth it.

"You little-!" He exclaimed.

I turned my head around trying to hide the pain with a successful, arrogant smirk. However, Wood too wasn't going to give up as easily as I thought and began to slog up to me. I quickly shot up from the floor, gripping it tightly into my chest protecting it with my arms, walking swiftly out of the aisle.

But the battle was still yet to be over. I marched to the front desk with Wood racing behind. Now that we were in plain sight of Madam Pince we couldn't run, since it would result in a brutal lecture. We both fast-walked our way through the library. Rapidly swinging our hips, pumping our arms up and down, ignoring at how funny we looked right now. The sound of his footsteps quickened and I sensed his annoying aura drawing nearer.

I gulped, worried that I wouldn't make it in time. I was so close to the front desk, yet so far away. I could already see Madam Pince's confused yet disapproving stare.

"Madam-Pince-I-would-like-to-borrow-this-book!" I said quickly, slamming the book down on the table.

"Damn it!" Wood cursed under his breath.

Madam Pince rolled her eyes and scribbled something down on a piece of parchment, handing me the book with the other hand.

"I want it back by next Friday," She instructed in a low tone.

I nodded my head in understanding and whipped out a proud smirk at Wood, before retreating off to the Banquet. The empty hallways were as gloomy and eerie as the dungeons were. It was only lit by the dim lighting of the blazing torches hanging on the walls. The shadows overcasting the many gargoyle statues making them look more menacing as usual. The light I passed flickered it's ember flames and I darted my eyes sharply attentively. I could hear cluttering footsteps from behind and I snapped around, looking at the end of the empty dreary corridor.

I slowly turned back around, hearing the pounding of steps only louder and faster. I stopped in my footsteps and look around once again. The sound was drawing closer but I had no idea where it came from. I looked around suspiciously, flicking my hair from side to side. The uncanny ambience began to make me nervous.

"Evil Hufflepuff?" I piped.

"I want that book Parker."

I jumped back, gasping in fear, startled by the sudden mysterious voice. A familiar person stepped out of the shadows that concealed half his face, give him a dark look.

"Mother of Merlin!" I sighed, reassured that it was only Wood.

What kind of sick person lurks in the shadows of an empty corridor on the night of Halloween?

He stood there quietly, sending me piercing daggers which took no effect on me whatsoever. I was more afraid of a First Year Hufflepuff then him - which really says something.

"What is wrong with you?" I scowled, furrowing my eyebrows together.

"Let's not play games," He said in a serious tone. "I need that book."

"I wouldn't even give it to you if you asked me politely," I scoffed.

"I've got a very important Charms essay due next week," He said.

"Well if you went to the library earlier on you wouldn't be in this mess," I pointed out in a smart tone. "You did it yourself," I said.

I began to walk away only to be followed by the annoying git.

"At least let me lend it once you're done with it?" He bargained.

"When's the assignment due again?" I asked.

"Next Wednesday," He answered.

"Oh pity, I won't be done with it until then," I lied.

He grumbled something incoherent and asked, "Can we at least share it?"

"No."

"Come on."

"No."

"Please?"

"NO!" I yelled, my voice echoing off the walls, bouncing down the corridor.

A booming grunt erupted from a hallway that cut in between the middle of the corridor in front of us. We stopped in our foot steps cautiously. My eyes widened at the gruesome sight of a huge, disgusting figure slumping past. It dragged large a wooden club, walking only a few feet away from us.

I felt my wrist being tugged, pulling me away behind a large gargoyle statue. I eyed Wood panicking not knowing what to do.

"What is that-?" I exclaimed, but only to be cut off by the clasp of Wood's firm hand pressing against my lips.

My caviling protests were muffled and he gave me a solemn look, holding his other hand up his mouth with a pointed straight finger. I understood his noiseless message, complying with his instructions and he slowly withdrew his hands.

"Is that a troll?" I mouthed.

He nodded his head. I've only read a bit about trolls and they're in the O. exam for Care of Magical Creatures. I don't actually know much about them, since their similar characteristics can vary from sub-species of Mountain Trolls to River Trolls. Some are more aggressive then others, but all in all are just as easily provoked and violent as the next. Even though we had our wands, two fifth years couldn't possibly take on a bloody troll. Curse my lack of Magical Creatures studying.

We felt the floor shake with each stomp the troll took down the corridor. I could feel my knee caps beginning to tremble uncontrollably. My heart pounding against my ribcage faster with every stomp the beast took.

However, surprisingly Wood was relatively calm. I looked up into his chestnut eyes that were placid, assuring me to remain calm. His gaze was that same hostile look he had that time outside Madam Hooch's office. He couldn't possibly be angry at me, it's not like this was my fault. Maybe it was because I refused to share the book with him. I don't care even if there's a bloody troll roaming the hallways, he's still not getting the book.

It was only then I realized how little space there was between us. His arms held up on each side of me, shielding me. Our faces only inches apart, our uneven breaths panting in fast tempo. I felt a soft wind brush against my lips. I timidly looked back up to his unfazed eyes that stared down into mine.

Well this is awkward.

I snapped out of my unusual trance as the troll stood right in front of us. The troll looked around curiously, observing the statues around it. It sniffled around, nearing toward the statue we hid behind.

My eyes widened and my muscles tensed. Wood himself now fretted a little, but still urged me to stay calm. Trolls are extremely unpredictable and knowing that they have immense, powerful strength didn't make me feel safer.

Unexpectedly, the troll withdrew back shrugging it's shoulders and absentmindedly continued his way down the corridor. Did I mention just how dimwitted they are too? It's thundering footsteps quieted down as it made its way through the hallway. Once I sensed it was gone I sighed in relief, loosening up my muscles.

"Now are you going to share that book?" Wood asked.

"Ugh," I grumbled, rolling my eyes and carelessly pushed past him.

"Oh right, I forgot that sharing isn't in your vocabulary," He said, scampering behind me to catch up.

"Sod off," I sneered, trying to quicken my pace away from him.

"It's the least you can do," He said.

"For what?" I scoffed.

He didn't reply and remained silent. Directing his eyes over to a statue, reminding me of what just happened.

"Don't tell me-," I paused.

I could already see the answer in his eyes.

"You an honest right git, you know that," I spat.

He actually thought he saved me, again. I didn't recognize the same secretive conceited look he had from the day in the Forbidden Forest until now.

"Get over yourself, you egotistical prat!" I scowled.

"I didn't-!" He began.

"What are you two doing?"

We snapped our heads around to find Professor McGonagall and Professor Vector briskly ushered over to us.

"What are you two doing out of the Great Hall?" McGonagall interrogated, her pitch high and anxious.

"I was borrowing a book," I answered.

She gave me a look of uncertainty.

"It's dangerous to walk about right now," She lectured.

She probably already knew there was a troll rampaging around the school.

"Professor Vector will walk you to the Hall where you must remain until further instructions," She said.

We both agreed and quietly followed Vector as she faded off into the corridor.

I still tightly held the book in my arms. I may have won the battle but I still have yet to win the war.


Author's Note: All apologies for the late chapter! I know took way too long but I've just been really busy lately. I've already finished the next chapter, I just need to expand it before it's off to my Beta cerahr and it should be up very soon.

Thanks again for all the wonderful feedback - reviews, alerts and favorites! It's really appreciated, I couldn't believe all the supportive comments I've gotten so far. It only pushes me to write more and makes all my hard work worth it, thank you all very much! :D Please don't hesitate review or message, constructive criticism is very much welcomed.

Again sorry for the that late update! I'll try my best to avoid that from happening in the future!