Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Chapter Ten Some Extra Authority --
One can stand brute force,
but brute reason is quite unbearable.
--
After lunch, Fred and I decided to sneak off to the clock tower again. It had become a routine, one I was quite happy with. He held my hand tightly as I ran behind him, trying to keep up with his long strides. We laughed at nothing as we darted up into the secluded tower. We reached the sun drenched room at the very top of the tower that obtained the enormous ticking clock as fast as our legs would carry us. Fred immediately pulled me in front of him and forcefully, yet tenderly, shoved me against the cool stone wall and locked his lips with mine. I held my hand vigorously behind his head, pulling him down to my level and deepening our kiss. His fingers combed zealously through by long blonde locks as my free hand rested upon his chest. He began placing gentle kisses down my neck. My eyes remained closed as I arched my back and bit my lower lip in sheer ecstasy. Fred's hand slid his beneath my faded grey blazer as I started to nibble upon his bottom lip.
"Ahem." A voice interrupted.
We froze instantly. It was Dumbledore. I shoved Fred off me then wiped my lips with the back of my hand and adjusted my shirt. Fred nervously straightened his disheveled red hair and looked down at his tennis shoes. Dumbledore strode ever so casually towards us with a hint of a slight smile hidden under his long white beard. He held his hands behind his back as he peered out onto the grounds through the glass clock. The silence was deafening. Fred and I looked at each other from the corner of our eyes. Fred, of course, had a sly smirk upon his face. I blushed in return. How he managed to find every situation so humorous was beyond me.
"You know, the clock tower has always been one of my favorite locations on campus, and I see the two of you concur." Dumbledore said calmly. "I fear, however, my reasoning is quite the opposite of the two of you."
Fantastic. The first time I had a personal encounter with Dumbledore, and I looked like a bloody idiot. Way to make a good impression, Briney. I so desperately wanted Dumbledore to approve of me. His acceptance meant so much to me. It would mean that I wasn't destined to be like my father. It would mean I had the potential to turn out alright, although I knew deep down that was impossible. I was predestined for a loveless and miserable eternity with Voldermort. But if there was any small, miniscule, microscopic chance to escape such a fate it was Albus Dumbledore.
"Sorry, Professor-" I started.
"Do not apologize, Miss Dolohov." He interrupted. "It is the weekend, and the two of you clearly went to great lengths to conceal your clearly innocent public display of affection."
"Well, it certainly will not happen again." I insisted anyway.
Fred sent me a disappointed glare. I shrugged and mouthed "What?!" Dumbledore stared out at the grounds for a few more moments before he spoke again.
"I expect the two of you will be spending the remainder of your day in Hogsmeade." He deducted.
"Yes, Sir." Fred replied.
"Well, I would recommend you both get a move on then." Dumbledore said kindly. "I expect Miss Dolohov is quite anxious to see what all the hype is about."
"Of course, Professor." Fred said earnestly.
I felt Fred's hand wrap around mine as he began pulling me towards the spiral staircase. I turned by head back for a second. He was still looking casually through the thick glass. He tore his gaze away to meet my eyes.
"Er-" I started awkwardly. "It was nice meeting you."
He smiled genuinely and nodded.
"You too, Miss Dolohov." He said in his soothing voice.
Then Fred tugged me a bit harder to follow him down the steps. I was so humiliated. I was just caught snogging my…Er…boyfriend? Anyway, I felt like an idiot. How mortifying to be spotted with a boy's tongue down your throat by your Headmaster. I wanted to curl up and die. At least we didn't get into trouble. If McGonagall would have spotted us we would have been done for, or Snape…I couldn't even think of the consequences of Snape had walked in. Sneaking around was beginning to become more and more difficult. It was an enormous campus, but we continued to have close calls. Fred understood no one we couldn't trust (pretty much just the Slytherins) could know we were together because my Father would never approve. This was at least somewhat true. The part about Voldermort just…hadn't exactly come up yet.
"Well, that was awful." I laughed.
Fred draped his arm lazily around my shoulder and pulled me close, placing a sloppy kiss on the top of my head. I wrapped my arm around his waist and hugged him tight.
"Yeah, but it wasn't until we were interrupted." He chuckled.
I lightly smacked his chest in reply. He pretended it was an extremely painful slap for a moment before swooping in and kissing my lips once more. We were forced to separate when we rejoined the group of students from all the Houses that were also traveling to Hogsmeade. We caught up with George and Lee halfway to the small village. I spotted Malfoy a ways in front of us. He would turn to send a nasty look at me every once in awhile to make sure I wasn't in any inappropriate position with Fred or George, I'm sure Malfoy couldn't tell who was who.
"I think Malfoy's in love with you." George joked ironically about Draco's dirty looks, nudging me playfully.
"Yeah, we aren't exactly on the best of terms." I smirked.
"Were you ever?" Lee laughed.
"Not really." I shrugged.
I may have hated Malfoy, this was true. However, there was something deep down, very deep down, that made me believe he may some particle of goodness in him. I could be wrong, and I probably was, but I still thought it was possible. I suddenly noticed Fred whispering something to Lee.
"Fred wants to know if you've thought anymore about what you two talked about the other day." Lee whispered, obviously so Malfoy couldn't jump to conclusions if Fred had gotten that close to my face.
I knew exactly what Fred meant. It was about D.A. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were gathering students who were interested in joining forces and actually learning Defense Against the Dark Arts rather than just listening to that moronic woman, Dolores Umbridge, ramble on about nothing. That was appealing to me, but when I heard it was also going to be known as Dumbledore's Army I became apprehensive. Not because I was against Dumbledore, quite the contrary to be honest. I just feared the corollaries that would undoubtedly follow if I was discovered to be a member. I had spent my free time debating whether or not to join, and I had finally come to a conclusion. I leaned near Lee's ear.
"Tell him my answer is, 'Yes.'" I whispered.
Lee passed the message onto Fred, and he smiled approvingly back at me. I realized if I didn't join then I was nothing more than a coward. I believed in the cause, and if I didn't act on my own principles then I was no better than any Death Eater, eating out of Voldermort's hand. It was worth the risk.
Fred wanted to take me to Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop alone, but George and Lee were forced to come along to prevent any suspicions. It was hardly the romantic endeavor I was expecting, but I really didn't mind too much. I adored George and Lee, and I enjoyed spending time with them. After a very humorous venture in Zonko's Joke Shop and a quick trip to the Shrieking Shack we were off to meet the others at the Hog's Head.
I didn't expect too many students to show up. I figured most would be to scared or too uneasy about the situation to join. I was wrong. There were nearly ten students already sitting silently when the four of us entered and quite a few filed in after us. Harry nodded his thanks for our attendance when we walked in. I waved slightly to Ginny, Ron, and Hermione before taking a seat on the bench between Fred and George. I laced my fingers in Fred's and lightly stroked it with my fingers on my lap. He squeezed my hand reassuringly in return.
Harry seemed a bit nervous at first. He knew a few people, like that Zacharias Smith twit, were just there to hear about the night Cedric Diggory was killed. I certainly didn't need Harry to assure me of that fact for my Brother was in attendance at his murder. I had heard all about it when he came home that night. The more I thought about it the sicker I became. Before coming to Hogwarts, before meeting all these wonderful people, I had never really felt guilty or sorrowful for the crimes the members of my family committed. It was just a part of my life, something I was used to. Then I met Fred, the nephew of two of the people my Father murdered, and I suddenly had a connection to the awful crime. I had a face of someone effected by their deaths. I felt filthy just to be the offspring of Antonin Dolohov. I had committed no crimes, but it didn't matter. I felt as if I had.
Harry delivered a moving speech that sent chills down my spine. When Hermione distributed the parchment to sign to signify commitment to the D.A. a line quickly formed to join. When it came to be my turn I took a deep breath and my hand gently shook as my hand reached the paper.
"You don't have to do this." Fred whispered in my ear from behind, knowing how big of a decision it was for me.
I smiled feebly and glanced at him over my shoulder.
"Yes," I said softly. "I do."
I signed the parchment.
--
Not long after our initial meeting at the Hog's Head, we were to meet for our second official reunion in the Room of Requirement. Apparently Harry's house elf friend, Dobby (who I found out was dear friends with Toby from their days shared at the Malfoy Manor), had tipped him off about the location of a room that could only be found by necessity. I found it incredible, and I couldn't wait to see it firsthand.
Fred, George, Lee, Angelina, Katie, and I arrived together just after the trio. They were still examining the wonder that was the Room of Requirement. The walls were lined with wooden bookcases filled with books on defense charms were, large silk cushions along the wooden floor, a range of instruments like Sneakascopes, Secrecy Sensors, and a Foe Glass hung upon the wall. I'm certain I gasped countless times at the amazing room before Harry finally began speaking. We elected Harry the leader unanimously, though I hardly saw Hermione's insistence for a vote necessary. We all knew Harry was extremely qualified for the position.
We started off with Expelliarmus. I dueled Luna Lovegood, because Fred refused to duel me for fear one of us would get hurt. Therefore, he and George partnered up along with Katie and Angelina. I didn't mind. Luna may have been rather odd, but I found her extremely entertaining. She was a very nice girl, as well. I couldn't understand why a lot of students avoided her like the plague.
Harry made me stop after the first couple times dueling Luna, however. I had shot her across the room each time before she could even get half the spell out of her mouth. She didn't seem to mind, though. She kept examining me like some sort of weird creature. She informed me that I "Fascinated" her. I simply laughed and patted her kindly on the back.
Our first lesson went by so fast we nearly lost track of time. But Harry told us we'd meet again soon, and dismissed us for the day. Fred and the others went off to dinner, but I excused myself to try to find Apollo. He had disappeared off with Crookshanks a couple days ago and hadn't returned with his tabby counterpart. I searched the entire Gryffindor tower, the girls' dormitory, I had a first year boy search their dormitory before he left for dinner like everyone else, and the Common Room. My stomach began growling, and I decided to search the dungeons after I had a full stomach.
I had almost reached the portal when I heard an all too familiar voice.
"Briney?" She whispered from the fireplace.
"Mum?" I gasped, hurrying back to kneel before the fire that displayed my Mother's beautiful face.
Even through the flames I could see she was exhausted and quite distressed. I almost stuck my hands into the fire to touch her. She seemed so sad and alone. I missed my Mum almost as much as I missed Grigor. Like I've said before, she isn't the typical Death Eater. She is simply a misguided and somewhat easily manipulated woman who means well. It's my Father who I was pleased to be away from. My Mum and Brother still remained dear to my heart. I didn't think too much about my Mum's lack of letters. I had received a couple to just ask how I was and such pleasantries, I knew she wasn't fond of writing letters. She was much more keen on speaking in person.
"Oh, zank God." She smiled feebly. "I am so 'appy to zee you. I zon't 'ave much time. Antonin vould be so angry wiff me eef-"
"Mum, what's wrong?" I asked, getting to the point.
"Eet ees Grigor-"
"Grigor?" I inquired drastically. "Is he ill, Mum, what-"
"No, eet ees nothing like zhat." She sighed. "I weesh ee vas sick. Zhat vould be thee least o' my worries."
"Mum-" I began.
"Ee 'as changed, Briney." She whispered. "Ee 'as become cold 'n cruel. Ee frightens me now."
"What do you mean?" I asked. "How could he frighten you? You spend half your time surrounded by that lot of-"
"But Grigor 'as alvays managed to keep ees warm 'art." She said, beginning to weep a bit. "I alvays vanted my children be oo zay are. Thees ees not oo Grigor ees. I fear your fahzur 'as turned eem eento a monster."
This was my greatest fear realized. I could dissect Grigor's letter a million times, but I still could not conclude if his personality had changed or if he had written it at an inopportune time. Now that my own Mother was worried I knew it was serious. My Mum looked frantic and utterly miserable. I wanted to help her so badly.
"What can I do?" I asked sincerely.
"Talk to zee Dark Lord." She suggested. "Tell eem zhat oo weesh Antonin 'n Grigor to be separated. Zay oo are worried about eem."
"Why would he listen to me?" I said, furrowing my brows.
"Ee loves oo-" She started.
"That thing is incapable of love." I snapped uncontrollably.
"Briney, ee vill listen to oo." She insisted. "I know ee vill."
I exhaled a heavy breath. I really didn't want to have to talk to Voldermort…ever. But the sheer agony in my Mum's eyes made me consider speaking to him again. I knew I would have to anyway. She knew I would do anything for Grigor, anything. He was my Brother, and I loved him. He would do the same for me. I knew he would.
"Fine." I sighed reluctantly. "I'll do it."
"Oh God bless oo, Briney!" She said happily.
"Just tell him I'll be in the same place he spoke to me before." I said. "Next Friday, at midnight."
I would speak to him at my earliest convenience this time. Not the other way around. I would talk to him much later, after my Quidditch match, and after I spent a pleasant evening with my friends. Then, and only then, would I agree to speak to that heinous man.
"O' course, o' course." She said before turning back suddenly at noise. "Eet ees eem! I 'ave to go. I love oo, Briney."
"I love you too, Mum." I whispered sadly just before she disappeared into the flames again.
--
I was completely nervous for our very first Quidditch match of the year. It was against Slytherin, and I was thoroughly looking forward to sticking it to Malfoy. I knew we would win the match. I just knew it. We had been practicing so hard as of late it was simply impossible for us to suffer a loss to another House, especially not to Slytherin. It was quite chilly outside, and I was finding it hard to move my hands normally because of the bitter cold. I kept blowing warm air on my palms in efforts to seemingly unfreeze them. To be quite honest, I was too nervous. I never got nervous before a match. I saw Quidditch as just a fun extracurricular activity. I didn't take it near as seriously as most students. All I knew was that I had a blast when I was in the pitch, and I didn't want to ruin my fun by acquiring nerves. Fred, was surprisingly more serious about the sport, but he and George also remained quite calm before matches.
I smiled when our entire team stepped out onto the pitch. Starring up at the countless cheering fans was invigorating. I hopped on my broom and soared before Gryffindor's goals. I saw Malfoy, sitting arrogantly on his new broom that his daddy undoubtedly bought him. He hovered above me, looking at me suspiciously as if I was sending Fred subliminal love poems. I rolled my eyes and stuck my tongue out at him crudely. He looked disgusted and taken aback my by rude display before he flew off higher above the pitch like Harry.
The match was actually quite short in comparison to most I've played in. Our team was inspired as a whole. Fred and George beat the bloody hell out of the bludgers, the Chasers were absolutely brilliant, I achieved a shutout, and Harry caught the snitch. The look on Malfoy's face when Harry snatched up the fluttering gold orb just before him was priceless. He searched his brain for a collaboration of snide remarks, but had trouble formulating his insults at first. Then Ron sprinted over to congratulate us from the sidelines. Once Malfoy laid eyes upon Ron, the verbal abuse began.
"Weasley, you did a brilliant job at Keeper today-" Malfoy started, landing gracefully upon the grass a few yards before our group. "Oh wait, that's right. You got beat out for the spot by a girl."
Ron tried to just ignore Malfoy's stupid remark. Suddenly, I saw Harry on the ground out of the corner of my eye. He was rubbing the back of his head fiercely. Ron and I knelt to his side and helped him up off the ground. Malfoy seethed at the sight of me helping Harry.
"What happened?" I asked frantically, holding him up by his elbow.
"Crabbe hit him with a bludger." Fred said, landing elegantly beside us.
"After the match was over." George concluded, mimicking Fred's landing. "Madam Hooch is tearing him apart."
We looked over at him as a group. Madam Hooch was shouting at him zealously. Malfoy grew angrier by the second.
"You should actually thank her, Weasley." Draco shouted, crossing his arms.
"For what?" Ron sneered viciously.
"For saving you from the embarrassment you would undoubtedly receive if you ever actually got to play in a match. Not to worry. I'm sure that'll never happen." Draco laughed.
I rolled my eyes and wrapped my arm around Ron's shoulders.
"Don't listen to him, Ron." I assured him. "He's just jealous."
"You wish!" Draco yelled. "I could never be jealous of a Weasley!"
I saw Fred and George's faces begin to redden. I looked at them critically.
"Ignore him." I said severely to them. "He's just being a sore loser."
"Ha!" Malfoy snorted. "The only loser I know of is the father of their lot."
Once Malfoy mentioned Arthur Weasley he had signed his own death warrant. Fred, George, Ron, and Harry took after Malfoy. I had to physically tackle Fred to prevent him from beating the blooming daylights out of the little vermin. I managed to take hold of Ron's arm before we fell to the ground, taking him down with us. Fred struggled quite a bit before he finally realized I wasn't going to allow him to get into any trouble. I continued to grip Ron's arm as tight as I could until Madam Hooch broke up the fight. After the boys had separated I climbed off of Fred and helped him up along with Ron. I could tell they were a bit perturbed that I stopped them from punching the snot out of Draco, but I didn't care. I knew they would regret their sudden burst of emotion in the long run. I saw Angelina and Katie pull Ron back into the surrounding crowd of students out of the corner of my eye. They clearly thought he was ready to participate in round two against Draco.
"Harry, Fred, George, and Briney!" Madam Hooch shouted. "Straight to your Head of House's Office!"
The four of us spun about on our heels and marched back towards the castle. All of us were panting, none of us spoke. The three of them were infuriated with Malfoy. I understood. Draco was a bloody moron. He deserved to get the bleeding pulp beat out of him, but he wanted a reaction from them and he certainly got it. He had baited the boys for the specific reason of getting them into trouble. I was not just mad because of Draco's obscene remarks, but because of how Harry, George, and Fred responded. Boys!
"You know that's what he wanted from you lot!" I snapped just as we reached the entrance to the castle. "Now the two of you are going to be punished for something completely-"
"Necessary." George interrupted.
"Stupid." I argued.
"You shouldn't have stopped me." Fred hissed at me.
"Oh, I'm sorry." I said sarcastically, mockingly bowing to him, as we all approached the stairs. "I should have stood idly by while you made a bloody fool of yourself!"
No one spoke another word until we reached McGonagall's office. It wasn't as if we had to wait for her. She appeared a few steps behind us, looking more furious than I had ever seen her. She stood beside us and pointed her finger at her office door.
"Inside!" She bellowed.
The four of us walked inside in a single file line. She nearly flew behind her desk, slamming her hands upon her old wooden desk violently.
"That was the most disgraceful display I have ever had the misfortune of viewing!" She yelled. "Explain yourselves!"
"Professor-" George started defensively. "He insulted our Dad! What were we supposed to do?"
"Wait for Madam Hooch to appropriately reprimand Mr. Malfoy." She reasoned furiously. "But no, you two chose to take part in a barbaric-"
"Ahem." A sickening sweet voice interrupted.
It was Umbridge. She peeked her pudgy face around the slightly jarred door. She smiled in her disgusting little way and welcomed herself inside without McGonagall's permission. I saw all the blood instantly rush to McGonagall's face. Her lips became thin white slivers below her nose.
"Can I help you?" McGonagall hissed in such a sadistic voice I stood a little straighter in response.
"I think you are the one in need of some help, my dear Minerva." She said in her sickly voice.
"You thought wrong." McGonagall seethed.
"No, I think not." Umbridge continued, ignoring her coworkers look of death. "I believe you could use an extra bit of authority."
"No." McGonagall snapped. "I am handling the situation just fine alone."
McGonagall turned back to us, ignoring Umbridge. I slight smirk threatened to pop up on my face. I loved watching that disgusting woman get a taste of her own medicine.
"It doesn't matter if Mr. Malfoy condemned every single member of your family! You will refrain from acting like Neanderthals, conduct yourselves in a manner of decency, and not sink to the level of your opposition!" McGonagall shouted, taking a deep breath before continuing in a softer voice. "Miss Dolohov, I understand you managed to stop one of the twins from participating in altercation. Which one was not involved?"
At first neither of them responded, both unwilling to sell the other out. But after one insistent look from McGonagall, George spoke up for his twin.
"Fred." George said, tilting his head towards his brother.
Fred reluctantly raised his hand, signifying it was him
"And you verify this as the truth?" She asked me.
I nodded slightly.
"Alright." McGonagall said. "Miss Dolohov, Fred Weasley you are dismissed while I distribute detentions to these two."
Fred and I turned to leave the room, but Umbridge blocked our exit. She shook her head, still sporting her insufferable smile. We looked back at McGonagall curiously.
"I dismissed them." McGonagall snapped.
"Minerva, as your acting High Inquisitor, I must overrule your judgment." She smirked.
"What?" Minerva sneered.
"You forget that recently the Minister has so graciously bestowed me with power to punish students as I see fitting." Delores said in her faux sweet voice. "And frankly I believe detentions just aren't severe enough for the heinous crime they have committed."
"What are you suggesting?" McGonagall asked, suddenly intrigued.
"I'm suggesting that these four-" She started.
"What do you mean four?" Minerva snapped. "Briney Dolohov and Fred Weasley were not involved."
"I regrettably must disagree with you once again, Minerva." She replied, batting her eyelashes innocently. "If Miss Nemesis Dolohov, here, wouldn't have hindered Mr. Weasley from attacking the defenseless Mr. Malfoy then I fear the damage done to that poor boy would be astronomical-"
"Are you mad?" Minerva shouted. "The fact still remains that Fred Weasley didn't lay a finger on Draco Malfoy, and Briney didn't have anything to do with the scrap!"
"Sometimes it is necessary for children to be punished for what they want to do." Delores explained. "I believe it aids in preventing the similar actions from taking place in the future."
"If that was true then I fear they should ship me off to Azkaban right now for what I want to do to you." McGonagall mumbled under her breath, just loud enough for the four of us to hear.
"What was that?" Delores inquired with her usual annoying upward inflection.
"What punishment do you see fitting?" McGonagall continued.
"Banishment." She said so simply it nearly knocked the five us aback. "A lifetime ban from Quidditch, I mean. Yes, that sounds like a proper punishment."
"But-" All of said in unison.
And with a look of the utmost satisfaction Umbridge left the room, leaving a horrified silence in her wake. McGonagall fell back into her seat, her mouth slightly ajar.
"I'm sorry." She finally said. "I wish- I wish there was something I could do."
There was nothing she could do. Not even Dumbledore would help us now. Umbridge's authority now eclipsed the Headmaster. Our Quidditch careers were over…forever. That wonderfully euphoric feeling I had come so accustomed to while playing the sport I loved would never again be obtained. Our heads dropped sadly. My hatred for Umbridge had reached an all time high. She would rue the day she messed with Briney Dolohov. I didn't know how or when, but I would get my revenge.
A/N: Again, I love all of you for reviewing. TheRugMaster, BellaCullen2312, Clear Blue Rain, JJ Rust, veelovesyou, and kidinlotsoftrouble, JainaZekk621.…you guys pretty much rock. I adored your comments as always. I'm so happy you guys like it so far. I am having so much fun writing it in my free time! It is an amazing stress reliever, and you guys certainly have become a great part to my continuance of the story. Thank you so very much!
PS: Okay, I'm not gonna lie. This was my second favorite chapter to write (next to the first). I had a lot of fun with this one. I'm not really even that sure why. I think you get to learn a lot more about Briney's character, and I totally got to write a super hot make-out scene too. *sighs*. I fear I am more in love with Fred than Briney sometimes. Ha! I had a feeling that some of you may be worried that Fred is pissed off at Briney after the Quidditch argument. He's not. I don't want that to be like a big thing that my readers think is going on for next chapter.
Coming Soon: Briney talks to Voldermort at a rather odd moment and doesn't realize it until it's too late. Malfoy may be able to help Briney after all. Fred jumps to conclusions. Briney fears she's made a huge mistake. The holiday approaches, and Briney doesn't know what to do. Fred finds out Briney's secret and reacts in a way Briney never expected. Snape does something he will live to regret, Briney suffers the consequences due to his jealousy.
PSS: I'm sorry if Ivana's accent is hard to understand. If anyone needs a translation let me know. It's hard to write her in a dialogue. I was totally flamed by some jerk about her accent. I know it probably terrible, but he/she/it didn't have to be so fricking rude about it. I was man then, and I still am now! Oh well, whatever floats your boat I suppose. Gr.
Review, please.
I love them ever so much.
Happy Reading!!