Wanting Something More
Chapter Ten: Wanting Protection
"Wake up Brittany!" A voice called out.
Brittany Zabini was sleeping peacefully for the first time that week. The calm and serenity the darkness provided for her was a balm to her soul. The loud and intrusive sound to her peace was not welcomed in the least. She rolled over half asleep and attempted to reach the sweet dark bliss that her dreams provided.
"Brittany Ann Zabini you will wake up right now!" Two voices chorused together.
Light suddenly pierced through the darkness provided by the curtains around her bed. It was like a blow to the face and she was awake instantly. However being awake did not mean she was not upset that her peace was interrupted. She turned towards the two voices and saw her female friends, Scarlett and Serena, already dressed and ready for the day.
"Go away and take the blasted light with you." She grumbled, annoyance dripping off her every word like molasses.
Scarlett just shook her head. "None of that sleepy one, you have a big day ahead of you. Remember you only have the rest of this year to secure a man." She teased lightly.
"Right now in this moment, I would marry Malfoy if it meant I could sleep another hour." The younger Zabini grumbled as she rolled herself out of bed.
"Come on now you don't mean that. Besides knowing him he'd force you into his bed and then you'd be itching to get out of it." Serena reasoned with a smirk on her face.
Brittany thought about it and agreed, "You're right, and that is just a disturbing image. Alright I'm awake."
"There we go, nothing like the threat of Malfoy in your bed to wake a decent gal up." Scarlett laughed. "Now get dressed we are meeting up with Gabriel and Nix in the Great Hall this morning."
Brittany rubbed her eyes banishing the last vestiges of sleep from her person. "Alright, I assume they want to wish me good luck and all don't they." She stood up and moved to her chest and pulled out the school uniform for the day.
Scarlett nodded her head. "Yes he wants to make sure you're prepared to enter the Lion's Den tonight."
"Hey that was pretty good Scarlett. Your wit is refreshing as always." Brittany smiled and gave her friend a pat on the back.
Scarlett blushed. "It was not that great."
Serena smiled to her friend kindly. "You doubt yourself too much. That was very witty. Phoenix must be rubbing off on you." She praised lightly.
Brittany smirked. "With all that one on one tutoring that has been going on I would not be in the least surprised."
Scarlett tossed a playful glare at her two female friends and tried to hide her blush. "The fact that I need to be tutored is enough."
Brittany gave a short laugh. "Alright, alright well leave it alone Scarlett. Besides I've lived in the Snake's Pit for over five years, what's one night in a Lion's Den?"
Brittany had decided today she would wear the School's skirt instead of her usual pants and twirled around giggling like on of the Slytherins they were used to hearing. "Do you think Draco would approve of this? Tee hee?"
The three girls began snorting in very unladylike laughter, while tears rested on the corner of their eyes in mirth. "I think you'd better stick to the boys today Britt. He might try to accost you." Serena teased.
Scarlett added her two knuts, "Yes, we would not want him trying to molest you in abandoned classrooms now would we?"
Brittany shivered and moved to her trunk once more. "Maybe I should wear pants in that case."
Scarlett and Serena grabbed their friend and proceeded to drag their somewhat unwilling hostage out of the Girls Dormitory to the Common Room. Brittany pretended to struggle for a while and then gave up once she saw Seth. She twirled around for her friend and laughed.
"What do you think? Will I garner some male attention today to piss of your dear cousin?" She purred.
Seth was unsure what to say for a moment. It was rare during the school year to see Brittany in anything other than pants. She had even forgone the long stockings normally accompanied by the skirt. The rest of her was conservative enough to keep her from being too outlandish.
"I'd have to say it works for you. It has just enough legs to gather a look but not enough top to gain unwanted attention. I like it. My cousin will definitely be put off it you spend your time in that around other males." He smirked. "You actually look like a proper girl."
Brittany smirked. "Well gosh Seth, isn't that just the sweetest thing." She laughed and hooked her arm in his. "Escort a Lady to breakfast?"
"Psh, I don't see a Lady, I see a little slut wanting nothing more than to seduce our sweet prince from us." Kari's unwanted voice drifted over to the group from a corner in the Common room.
She emerged from her perch and noticeably the black eye that should have been sporting on her face was magically concealed. "Shove it Williams, I don't have time to deal with you. I'm far to busy to associate with a slut." Brittany replied in a casual drawl.
Put off by the casual tone she had used to insult her, Kari bristled. "You worthless good for nothing! Watch yourself Zabini; you won't always have your lackeys to protect you."
Scarlett glared at the annoyance currently forcing her presence upon them. "We're called friends, Williams, something you obviously have no idea about."
Serena smirked. "Speaking of which where are yours? Realize they were backing up the wrong contender and turned on you?"
Kari gave a haughty laughed. "They are off doing something I asked of them. Enjoy our power while it lasts Zabini." She hissed as she stormed past them.
Once she had left the common room the four gave a hearty chortle. "Did you hear her?" Seth snorted. "She sounded like a stampede as she left."
The laughter continued as the group left the Common Room. None had noticed Draco Malfoy watching the interaction from the doorway to his Prefect's Room. His eyes were trained on Brittany and her very long legs. She'll be mine yet. I've already spread the word through Slytherin that she is mine and mine alone. One year my dear, one year and then you will be mine forever.
Down in the Great Hall the Silver Trio had been reunited. Brittany had almost throttled her best friends when she realized just how early in the morning they had woken her. She was appeased by a cup of steaming coffee and a pat on the head from Blaise. He handed over the delicious lifeblood and whispered that he wanted to speak with his sister before the match.
After Blaise had left the Great Hall Phoenix was ready to divulge in some news he had received. "It turns out that Draco Malfoy has already spread the work to all of the Slytherins that you are off limits. Even the females are not to torture you. I head it from a very reliable source." He seemed very proud of himself.
Brittany turned confused eyes towards him. "How did you learn about this while we are all in the dark?"
"He left implicit instructions you were not to be told of this. He wanted to inform you himself. Thus none of your friends were let into this little development of his." He replied with a broad smile on his face. "So I had a friend keep me informed of the goings on in Slytherin house."
Scarlett was a little concerned. "No one would betray an order from Draco Malfoy easily. How did you get ahold of this information?"
"Let's just say being a brilliant tutor has its perks." Phoenix gave her a charming smile. "Don't worry it's a fourth year and he's struggling in a few classes. I tutor him on the side, he slips me information I might find interesting. My quest for knowledge is vast indeed."
Scarlett blushed and nodded her head. "Be careful alright Nix."
Brittany nodded. "Yes, you have another tutoree to watch over as well. Besides who else in our year can save us from Malfoy like you Nix?"
Serena and Gabriel were talking quietly a few feet away and the Trio smiled softly. "You know Gabriel really shines when Serena's around. It's very sweet." Brittany whispered. "I hope I can find something like that." She gave a pat on the back to each of her friends. May we join you for breakfast?"
Phoenix nodded his head and sat down beside Gabriel. Scarlett took a seat next to Phoenix, while Brittany sat across from her. She did not want to interfere with her friend's love life too much at this point. They were all far too worried about her train wreck of a love life. It was nice to see them slowly growing closer.
A few minutes later the Great Hall was bursting with noise as the Gryffindor Quidditch Team came in for food before a quick morning practice. Brittany's eyes landed on Ginny's and she smiled. Heather was with them. Heather waved her over and Brittany nodded her head.
"Hey, I'm going to go speak with Heather for a bit. You guys just hang tight." Brittany whispered as she stood up and moved towards the Gryffindors.
The Great Hall had filled up since the group had arrived and many eyes were trained on the younger Zabini sister once more. She smiled to Heather and gave her a hug. "How are you? We haven't had much of a chance to talk. My life's been a teensy bit hectic as of late." Brittany laughed her eyes bright.
Heather smiled even though the rest of the Gryffindor team had stopped to watch the interaction. "It has been crazy; you need to tell me all about how Malfoy's abusing you this year. It never gets boring." She joked.
Brittany groaned. "I wish he'd drop dead from some unknown illness and leave us in peace. That thing has no business breathing, and he's determined to breathe on me the rest of my life." Brittany shook her head. "Besides my hatred of Malfoy is old news. I told you in Diagon Alley I wanted to know how you and the twins are faring. A certain one in particular."
Heather gave a light blush and shook her head. "Later, after you dish on Malfoy I'll dish on the twins." She negotiated with a hidden smirk glinting through her eyes.
"You really know how to twist my arm Heather. Alright I guess I can manage that much." Brittany asked softly.
"You are coming visit us in the Common Room since Malfoy is being a bloody git right?"
What surprised the group was that it was Ginny who had suggested the idea. "Um, are you sure that's wise Ginny?" Ron hissed from behind her.
"Oh piss off Ron. She kept you from becoming bald. Mother has been begging you to cut your hair for months. It seems Fred and George decided to help out. Stop being so pissy about it already." She growled back. Her brother could be such a child.
Brittany gave a small chuckle and looked apologetic. "I just wish I had read the note sooner. I could have saved you another inch."
Heather shook her head. "Nonsense if Ron wants hair as shaggy and messy as Harry he should just admit it. Not blame it on his hair being too long to deal with."
Brittany shrugged her shoulders. "I'm not sure it works for your brother Ginny, but Potter can pull it off fairly well. Just between you and me Blaise tried that look once. Let's just say our mother had a fit and he's never tried it again."
This had gained widespread attention from the otherwise stern and wary team. "You're brother, the best friend of Draco Malfoy, tried to look like our Harry Potter?" Ron asked incredulous.
"Not Harry Potter himself, just the hair style. It's chic over in America right now and Blaise wanted to test it out." Brittany gave a shrug. "Shoot I was supposed to meet him before the game. He has something important to tell me. Oh and for the record Weasley." She stated looking at Ron, "Blaise and Malfoy are not 'friends' at the moment. Their relationship has been strained ever since I turned thirteen; this whole ordeal just pushed Blaise over the edge."
Ron was shocked a Slytherin was willing to admit such things. Heather smiled and shook her head. "You should definitely come to the common room after the match then Brittany. I'm sure we'd love to hear more embarrassing things about Malfoy. The Bubblegum Shampoo incident is always hilarious."
This had the Gryffindors turning towards her with looks of confusion. "Well alright. I'll be sure to see you and Weasley tonight Heather. Good luck out there, and do your best. If my brother was not on the team I'd say cream the Slytherins, but family ties doth protest." She leaned closer and whispered. "Though I do hope you at least win. That git needs to know his place. Good luck Potter, you better catch that snitch."
Brittany waved and gave the group a kind smile before walking the doors and exiting the Great Hall. Heather smiled and turned to Ginny. "See she's not so bad. She's as cunning as they come, but her kindness and charm are overwhelming. I told you you'd like her."
Ginny just shrugged and noticed the younger Zabini's friends were looking at them. "Yeah, yeah. Are they alright with this? Black looks so red in the face he's about to explode." She commented offhandedly as they moved to the table.
Heather hid a snicker. Brittany had told her long ago about Seth's fascination with Ginny. "Seth isn't so bad. He's probably embarrassed Brittany saw fit to hold a conversation right by the doors. He can be such a shy one. He's actually related to Harry's godfather you know. Through Regulus's widow."
Harry spoke up having been taken out of his thought of just how long Zabini's legs really were by this. "He's like my god cousin?" Stop thinking about her legs. Pay attention to what's going on. We'll think about the legs later.
"Yes and he even hates Draco as much as you. He's a failure to the family name and all. I think that's why Brittany is so close to him. The mutual hate of Malfoy is pretty much her only requirement in friends." Heather laughed. I'm so good it hurts.
Harry shook his head. "So why is she hanging out with us after the game. I mean, if her brother is on the team and all?" He wondered confused. Didn't he say he wanted to protect his little sister? I figured he would not leave her side. She even admitted he uses his fan girls to do his dirty work with her friends.
"Well you can still join us Harry, but we better leave Ron out of it. He will be too full of testosterone for us to have a good chat. He can bang his chests and hoot and holler while we have a decent conversation." Heather teased.
Ginny snorted in her pumpkin juice and agreed. She had seen her older brother do just that on many occasions. "Yes if I want to start a friendship with Zabini then I'd like her not to see my brother making an ass of himself."
"Hey!" Ron shouted. "And what do you mean by making friends with her? She's a Slytherin."
"Yes, but Fred and George have mentioned her. Remember a few months ago when they said someone had donated a thousand more galleons to their cause." Ginny reminded them.
"You mean Harry? That was way back at the end of my fourth year Gin." Ron reminded her like she was slow.
"No the beginning of summer this year. They are opening a shop in Hogsmeade because of it. It was the younger Zabini, she wanted access to all sorts of things to torment Draco and keep him away from her year round. She also said it would be good for business."
"She really is worth a fortune then." whispered Seamus. "Did you hear she has to be married by the end of the year and she gets a fortune?"
Heather shook her head. "You really should not listen to rumors Seamus. They might not be true."
Seamus shook his head. "You find out tonight and tell me. She's an alright gal, and for a fortune I'd marry her."
Ginny, Ron, and Heather scowled. "That's ridiculous mate, I mean fortune aside she's still a Slytherin."
Ginny huffed. "That's horrible Ronald. She's been friends with Heather, my best friend, for years. Not to mention Fred and George. She does not seem very Slytherin esque. Besides you should not marry a person for their fortune."
"Yes, I know Brittany and she wants to marry for love not wealth. Otherwise if she just wanted money she'd marry Malfoy like her parents want her to do. So do not think she'd settle for anything less." Heather growled protective of her friend.
Harry was off in his own world while listening to his friends in the background. He could not get those legs out of his mind. She was not curvacious, and her other assets were on the smaller size, but those legs. They screamed at him and he had to fight a shiver. No wonder she wears pants all the time. Gah, enough with the legs. Harry needed to get his mind pn track. He was flirting dangerously close to his mind plunging into the gutter. They had a game to win for crying out loud. Brittany did say she wanted us to do our best.
"Alright guys, we need to stop focusing on Zabini and her problems and focus on her brother and the Slytherin Team. We are first up this year and we want it to look good. Let's hurry up and finish eating so we can get in a good hour of practice before the game." Harry ordered in his 'captain' voice.
The group agreed to focus on Quidditch and leave thoughts of the mystery surrounding Zabini alone for the time being. Harry did let a wandering though slip past his mind. She has a really kind smile.
Brittany had sought out her brother and eventually found him in the courtyard. He was sitting under a tree holding something in his hand and reading a letter. He smiled up at his little sister when he saw her shadow over his.
"Guess what mother sent for us?" Blaise asked his sister attempting to play it cool.
Brittany could sense exactly what he was feeling as she had known him her whole life. "What? A note stating the arrangement is off and I am free to go?"
Blaise shook his head. "No such luck little one. Mother sent us a helpful tool for your future husband, not Malfoy."
Brittany's eyes lit up in delight as she made to grab for the item in Blaise hands. "Let me see this magical tool to save my ass from Malfoy."
Blaise did not want to think how close that statement was to the truth of the matter. "Mother sent us a gift that will appease father. She said that with this father will be harder pressed to deny your choice. If he passes that is."
Brittany cocked her head to the side. Mother sent them a magical test? What use would that be to their cause? She shrugged her shoulders and took a seat beside her brother. "What is it?"
Blaise let the necklace dangle out from his hand and let her look at it. Any magical being could feel the power radiating from the locket if they were close enough. A simple silver heart lay upon a single delicate strand of silver hair. Brittany was mesmerized by its power and reached out to touch it. She felt her magic meld with that of the magic of the locket and looked upon it strangely.
"I've seen this before." She whispered.
"Yes, it was to be your engagement present from mother. It is a locket attuned to your power, and only a male with greater magic than yours can open it. Though his magic must be in tune with your own, to promote producing very powerful magical children. Mother thought the Unicorn hair might be a nice touch." Blaise explained.
Brittany looked up at her brother in wonder. "How did she convince father to let me have it?"
"She did not, father has no idea. A copy is currently at our vault so he is none the wiser. I suggested it to mother under the impression that the man who opens this locket for you will have powerful magic and give you very powerful children. Mother was thrilled with the idea." Blaise replied with a soft smile on his face.
Brittany wrapped her arm around her brother and held him tight. She felt the locket vibrate warmly against her hand. "Why is it doing that?" She asked him concerned.
"It recognizes our relationship as siblings so it will not open for me." He face became grave. "Once it opens your picture is on one side while his is on the other. Once that happens father will probably make this man his choice. Well, so long as he meets a few of father's requirements."
Brittany wondered why her brother was so wary before it dawned on her. "If someone I do not want touches it and opens it I'm done."
"Exactly which is why it must be covered and why it must be kept secret. This is our fall back plan. You must keep it on you at all times, and no one can see it. It's our 'Ace in the Hole' as the muggles say."
Brittany chuckled. "You do so enjoy your Muggle Studies." Brittany teased. "Thank you Blaise, this is wonderful. If I can keep this a secret for long enough then when the time comes it will really help convince father. You really are the best brother a girl could have!"
"I told you I will always protect you little one. No matter what happens, I will always protect you." He held her close and kissed the top of her head. "No let me put this on you."
Brittany nodded her head and allowed her brother to place the necklace around her neck and when the ends of the unicorn hair touched around her neck, they fused together. Brittany quickly slipped it under her shirt and smiled to her brother softly. "You really are a light in the darkness Blaise. You'd better go before Malfoy has a conniption about you being late. I'll route for you big brother."
Blaise ruffled his sister's hair and held out his hand to help her up. He leaned over and whispered in her ear. "Remember not a word to anyone. And route for Gryffindor to win. I'll play my hardest, but pray Potter rubs another victory in Draco's face."
Brittany chuckled and nodded her head. "I was planning to do that anyways. But maybe not openly."
Blaise nodded his head. "That's my girl." And with that he ran off towards the Quidditch Pitch.
Brittany watched him go and smiled softly. This could be my ticket out of this mess. She twirled around and strolled off towards the Great Hall hoping to catch her friends. "I hope Potter does catch the snitch. Malfoy really does need to be put in his place. Not that I'm worried. Potter is a far better seeker on his worst day than Malfoy is on his best."
She never noticed a figure hidden in the shadows watching her entire exchange with her brother. Interesting, so Zabini has a trick up her sleeve, we'll see how Pansy likes this new development. She even dared to route for Potter, how disgraceful of her.
The Quidditch match was well underway and Slytherin and Gryffindor were fighting tooth and nail not to give up a lead on the other. Draco and Harry were frantically searching for the Snitch. It was really the only way to win. Blaise was amazing, but so was Ron, Nott was fighting hard and Ginny was doing her best at keeping up.
It was a standstill match, no one team was ahead for more than a few minutes at a time at the most. The tension in the air started to rise as the match was reaching the end of its third hour. The teams were running on pure adrenaline at this point.
Brittany stood with Seth, Scarlett and Serena around her. Male attention had been high since both Draco and her brother were up in the air on their brooms. Without them to protect Brittany from unwanted suitors a few brave enough to chance angering the pair later attempted. It was nothing the group could not handle of course.
Brittany kept her eyes on the game and for the last half hour had been admiring how attractive Harry Potter was while riding his broom. He was all grace and power. Not at all like the sometimes clumsy or awkward he could be on the ground. He was born to be in the air. Brittany was admiring his agile moves and his toned physic. What could she say? The Gryffindor Golden Boy was an attractive male specimen; there was no harm in watching him. Though with the intensity she was watching him she hoped no one noticed.
Little did she know the harm she was causing. Draco had kept one eye on Brittany almost the entire match. He just could not keep his mind focused. That damned skirt was driving him insane. Three times he had lost sight of the snitch due to her. Through three time so had Potter. It kept going out of sight; the sunset did not help any. Then when he looked her way again, she was staring at Potter. Staring openly, admiring, and gazing, at Harry Bloody Freaking Boy Who Lives to Ruin His Life Potter.
Draco turned to Potter and noticed he had caught on to the look as well. He was subtle about it and there was a flush to the boy's cheeks. A flush! Potter was either playing really hard, which he was not. Or he was embarrassed by the attention, which Draco prayed he was. Lastly he was enjoying the attention that Draco's own fiancée was giving his biggest rival. That could not, would not stand.
Unfortunately while Draco was busy attempting to glare Harry to death he missed something very important. While the students were focusing on the game the six Chasers, four Beaters, and two Keepers were playing, no one was really watching the two Seekers. Brittany was too lost in her musings to notice the little golden ball hovering right by her chest.
Harry was looking at Brittany and wondering why she was staring at him. Was she watching for him to find the Snitch? No her face held no hint of caring for the game. It was casual with a very attractive blush to her cheeks from the cold. His mind had pressed that made she liked the way he looked on his broom. He thought about showing off for a few moments and then shrugged the idea off. He turned fully and looked at her and she looked down. Her head shot up and she pointed to her chest. Harry flushed. Brittany did not seem like that type of female earlier. Besides if he were honest with himself he much preferred her legs. She should wear skirts more often.
Her eyes were wide and she pointed insistently. There the Snitch was right between her breasts. It was hovering over one spot. The others were distracted enough that no one noticed. She moved her lips slowly and he read them. 'Move easy and slow Potter, don't alert Icicle Prick.'
Icicle Prick huh? I like it.
He seemed to smile a bit more and moved slowly ever closer to the Slytherin stands. He turned around and began flying backwards and he looked over to Malfoy as he passed him. He was glaring at Harry with such hate Harry smirked. "What's wrong Malfoy? Is someone not getting laid enough?"
Draco glared at his rival and sniped back. "Keep your eyes off my fiancée Potter. Or else." Draco hissed. "Brittany is mine; keep your eyes on the Weaslette. Otherwise I'll go after her next."
Draco looked over to Ginny for dramatic effect. "She's not the beauty of the Zabini Princess, but she's a fiery one. How is she in bed?"
Harry was torn. He knew Ginny could handle herself. Malfoy was only jealous that his 'fiancée ' had her eyes on him. He was lucky Malfoy had not caught him glancing at her through out the match. The git's head would have imploded. He had to play it cool to get the Snitch. "I would not know, we broke it off some time ago. Go ahead Malfoy but I am sure you'll have just as much luck with Ginny as you do with Zabini. She seems like she has better taste than to fall for a git like you."
Draco hissed and shot off wanting to get away from his rival. Harry knew just how to piss him off. Draco needed to find the Snitch and one up his rival. Perhaps Brittany would not look on Potty so kindly. "She'll be mine soon enough Potty. Just keep to your Gryffindors. That particular Slytherin is off limits to all but me."
Yeah, we'll see about that. Harry smirked. He continued nearing the Slytherins. He was right over Brittany. No one really noticed until Seth looked up and saw the Snitch floating around Brittany's chest. He noticed she was looking up and saw Potter Twenty feet above them.
"You are one Slytherin woman." He whispered to her.
"I like to think that I earn my colors well enough." She smirked.
Harry heard them and wished he'd met the girl five years ago. Her cunning seemed like something that would have helped get them out of a few situations. He lowered him self to ten feet away. The Slytherins noticed him and hissed and booed. Everyone looked straight at him. He watched for his moment. Brittany gave him a nod and he shot towards her. Before the Snitch could even react Harry had it in his hands and he was floating right before Brittany Zabini with the widest grin on both their faces.
"I think you better go Potter. The locals will be out for your blood. Nice catch though." She smiled and blew him a kiss and slid her leg out in a flirty pose.
Harry nearly slipped of his broom. "Uh, right." He sped off before he began staring at that leg. The things his mind was spinning about those legs of hers caused him to blush. He was a healthy male appreciating the wonder of a beautiful female figure. He was going to have a hard time sleeping tonight.
"Harry Potter caught the Snitch! Gryffindor Wins!"
The Slytherins all booed, and glared at Zabini like it was her own fault. Secretly it was but she pretended to know nothing of it.
"I thought he was going in for a feel or something honest. I had no idea the snitch was there. He probably saw it flying around us. I was watching my brother try and teach Weasley to be a proper Keeper." She cried out faking distress.
Draco had turned to see his fiancée blow a kiss to Potter and that set him off. Rather than land on the Pitch he flew to the stands and dropped in front of Brittany before she could protest. He raised his hand to strike her and Seth grabbed it.
"What the bloody hell are you doing Malfoy?" He hissed angrily.
"Teaching my fiancée a lesson she won't easily forget." He used his other hand and pulled her into a desperate and bruising kiss.
Brittany flailed the instant their lips touched, but Draco held her firm. She beat on his chest, but he refused to let go. Scarlett aimed her kick and landed one right in Draco's groin from behind, while Serena dug her nails into the hand that held Brittany's neck. Seth grabbed his cousin's arm and used what little weight he had to throw his cousin off balance. Serena saw this and held onto Brittany tightly as Draco fell over.
Draco just smirked. He had his victory for the day. For the first time in his life he had kissed the one girl who swore to hate him until the day she died. He was soon swarmed by his fan girls. He watched as Brittany glared at him with all she had. Her lips were bruised and her hair all out of place. Serena, Scarlett and Seth quickly made their escape with Brittany, surrounding her.
Pansy had watched like a hawk and realized how true it was. Zabini hated Draco; she wanted nothing to do with him. It was all Draco, She had her doubts, but this confirmed it. Brittany Zabini was no threat to her, and was probably her only aid in landing Draco herself. She had no need to have her lackey's spying in on Brittany for dirt, now they would watch over her in the shadows to protect her from Draco. How odd things turned for the two females.
Kari had watched as well and knew that bitch Zabini needed to learn her place. She moved after them with a group of her friends. They would wait to strike. She could not be protected all the time.I'll get you Zabini, just you wait.
Ginny and Harry watched disgusted at the scene in the Slytherin stands. "Is he actually forcing him self on her. Look at her Zabini is fighting like a bat out of hell."
Harry glared up at Malfoy. His mind kept screaming at him to fly up to the pitch and punch Malfoy in the throat. He better get the bloody hell off her before I make him get off. "She helped me get the Snitch. She should not have tried to provoke Malfoy further."
Ron looked up at him confused. "What do you mean mate?"
Harry sighed. "She blew me a kiss after I grabbed it. Probably to really piss Malfoy off. It set him over the edge. Good. Looks like Black and Nott handled it."
Ron scrunched up his face. "She blew a kiss at you? She's attempting to seduce you mate. I knew she had ulterior motives."
"Ron I'm surprised you even know that word. She probably just wanted to congratulate Harry. Stop being such an ass. She was just molested by that prick." Ginny glared up at the stands once more. "I'm heading to the locker room and them I'm going to go find her. Gryffindor is the safest place for her right now."
Harry nodded his head in agreement. "Who knows what Malfoy's fan girls are planning to do to her?"
"I will say I don't want to be in her shoes right now." Ron agreed, "even if she is a Slytherin."
Blaise punched his fist into the wall of the shower. He had failed to protect his sister. Malfoy dared to force her into something she wanted nothing to do with. That was the last straw. He would go to Potter, he would beg him if need be to protect his sister. He should have taken him up on the offer before hand. Draco Malfoy had crossed the line. Screw his father, screw his ex friend, screw Slytherin house. Blaise Zabini was going to protect his sister, and he would never stop until she was safe. At least now he knew Potter shared the attraction his sister held for him.
He exited the locker rooms quickly and avoided the rest of his team. He was considering quitting, but knew his sister would never allow him to do that on her behalf. He moved quickly through the Hogwarts grounds in search of Brittany. He had to know that she was alright.
He saw her and she was surrounded by a group of her friends. Phoenix looked ready to kill and even the soft spoken Gabriel had raised his voice to agree with his best friend. Serena and Scarlett held Brittany protectively while Seth began plotting ways to end his cousin with the other males.
When Brittany saw her brother she broke free of her friends and sprinted to him as fast as she could. He held her tightly in his arms and whispered how sorry he was that he did not protect her. He promised her Draco's head on a platter if she only asked him to give it to her. He swore to never let that fiend near her again as long as he drew breath.
Brittany just clung to him tightly as she let silent tears cascade down her cheeks. She could not speak, she had been robbed of her first kiss, and she had been accosted and molested right in front of her entire house. Seth apologized to both Zabini's for not protecting her better.
This was what the Gryffindor Quidditch team arrived to see. They were all slack jawed. Heather was leading them wanting to find Brittany quickly and get her out of the open. Seeing a group of Slytherins and two Ravenclaws reacting in such a way to what happened stopped them in their tracks.
"I'll kill him Britt. I will rip him to shreds with my own two hands. I will not let him lay a finger on you ever again. Just say the word and he's a dead man." Blaise hissed with such conviction the Gryffindors were moved.
Brittany shook her head. "No. You can not kill him. You can not hurt him. Father would disown you, have you sent off to jail, forbid me from seeing you again. I can't lose you, brother. He'd win. I need you to protect me." She was trembling with the fear of losing her brother.
Harry took a step towards the pair, and they were noticed. "Is she alright?" He asked when six heads snapped to his. Brittany hid herself behind her brother. She peeked out at Harry and he noticed she looked ashamed as well.
Why is she ashamed? Could she have felt bad about that little flirting kiss?
"No, and Merlin help me not to kill that conniving bastard where he stands." Blaise hissed.
"Why don't you try?" Draco asked coming from another hallway.
The Slytherin team, along with Pansy, Crabbe, Goyle and a few other big muscled Slytherin lackeys were in tow. Draco smirked at Brittany who shivered in fear before darting behind her brother, away from Draco.
"Come now my pet, don't hide from me. I am so tired of our game of cat and mouse." He purred.
Blaise stepped forward and Brittany sped past the Gryffindor team at top speed. "Keep away from me!"
Draco made a move to go after her, but when he noticed the Gryffindors blocking his path as well as his fiancée's friends, he sneered. He glared at Blaise. "You tread on deadly ground Blaise. You will not stand in my way or I will see you ripped away from her faster than you can even say her precious name. Brittany Malfoy." He shivered. "I do so like the ring of that name."
Blaise made a fist and sorely wanted to kill the smug prick. He could not be torn from his sister, and Blaise knew Draco was not bluffing. One word to their fathers and Blaise was as good as gone from her life. "You really think she'll willingly give in. Take me away from her, she'll kill herself to escape you Malfoy. You need me in her life to keep her alive. When I'm gone she'll be following close behind." Blaise promised him.
The Gryffindors stood silent, but the revelations they were receiving were mind boggling. Brittany Zabini would rather kill herself than be forced to be with Malfoy. She truly hated him that much? Was it even possible? They had no idea what he was like outside of school but if her reactions were anything to go by, then she suffered him more than they ever had.
Harry had a feeling in his gut that something was very wrong. The female Zabini was alone, and Draco was making no move to really go after her. This was not a threat in the halls. It was a distraction. Harry slipped out unnoticed as the two most powerful Slytherin males stood off against one another. There was another who needed attention more than the elder Zabini.
Brittany was running as fast as she was able to get away from Draco and his gang. She had no idea where she was going; she just needed to get away. Her heart was thundering in her ears as she pressed on. She was hell bent on finding a safe haven to hide in while she waited for her brother to find her.
She never noticed the whispered words or the wand pointed at her from behind. She was fleeing for her safety one minute and the next she was in a full body bind with a one way ticket to the ground meeting her face. She could thank the lord someone caught her, and laid her down gently. Someone had come to protect her.
However, when a face popped into view her eyes widened in fright. Kari was staring at Brittany with a demented look in her eyes. She was out for blood, and only Brittany Zabini's would satisfy her.
"I told you I would get you Zabini. You are not always protected. I am going to make sure you never make Draco look away from us again."
Brittany closed her eyes. She was all alone and she was going to be attacked. She should have been paying better attention. She knew how to run and hide properly. She was not thinking, and landed herself in this position in the first place. If they killed her at least Draco would never have her. She doubted anyone could protect her from Draco Malfoy, his fan girls, and her father, all the time. She knew in her heart she was too weak to do so herself. This was what she got. Maybe if she had slept with Draco the one time when he asked two years ago she would not be in this mess now.
Kari smirked. "I've waited years for this moment Zabini. How the worthless have fallen."
Brittany waited expecting a blow, a pain, a crackle, anything. What she did not expect was Harry Potter, Champion of the Weak to come sprinting down the hall and shouting, "Expelliarmus." Well that she could expect, it was his favored spell, everyone knew this.
Kari's wand flew over to Harry and he held it in his hand tightly. "You four are going to leave now, or so help me I will snap your wand in two. You Slytherins Sluts disgust me."
Kari knew she had no chance against the Harry Potter so she stepped back expecting him to throw her wand to her. Harry smirked and with a wave of his own wand he wordlessly sent Kari's wand flying past them.
"Better catch it. I sent it towards the Black Lake." He smirked and then lent down and undid the petrification hex on Brittany. "You alright Zabini?"
Brittany was unsure whether to hug him for saving her or flee due to her shame at having him see Malfoy molest her. She caught him staring while fighting Malfoy off. "You saved me." She whispered.
"Yeah well it's what I do, Savior of the world and all." Harry joked lightly.
Brittany just nodded her head. "Thank you." She blushed. "I'd better get going."
Harry shook his head. "Ah ah ah, you are coming with me so I can bring you to your brother. I can't save you only to have you run off and get attacked in another corner. I thought you Slytherins were supposed to be sneaky."
"Maybe that's why they all want to kill me." Brittany shrugged. "I'm cunning, not sneaky; I'm fast on my feat, but not powerful. I can't win all the time Potter. No one can."
Harry nodded his head. "I know exactly what you mean there. Let's go Zabini, and stick close to me. I'm not letting someone catch us off guard."
The pair walked down the hall together. Brittany stood as close to Harry as she could without touching him. They walked side by side in silence. Brittany turned and looked up at Harry, who in turn looked down to her. He saw how terrified she really was. Her face was stony, but her eyes, her eyes were like storm clouds rolling in for one beast of a storm. A war was going on in her head. The chivalrous man in him was concerned.
"Are you sure you're alright Zabini? You look terrified." He whispered.
Brittany looked down immediately and wrapped her arms around herself. "Every time I get and edge on Malfoy he comes back harder than before. Every single bloody time. He's never going to stop and all because I do not want him. I am terrified, Potter, that he'll win. I do not want to take my own life, but considering the alternative, if he wins, I'd do it. Then we both lose. Blaise can only do so much now. It's up to me and my friends, and I'm terrified he will hurt them to force my hand. Every waking moment I am terrified. So yes Harry Potter I would expect I do look terrified."
Harry had known she did not want to sound angered, but a part of him understood the anger was not directed at himself. He felt a pull on his heart at her words. No matter what Malfoy had done to him in the past it was nothing compared to this girl. He was forcing his was into her life, and she could do little to stop it. He wrapped and arm around her and pulled her closer to him. I would never let you resort to something so drastic as that. I'm going to keep you safe. Malfoy better watch himself. "You forgot about me. I'm going to help you, and keep you safe from that prat. I already promised remember."
Brittany's head shot up as he held her, wonder shining in her eyes. "I've always hated Malfoy, and I have a knack for keeping him at bay. I'll talk to my friends, if this is as serious as you say it is, they'll help protect you too. I could think of nothing worse then spending a lifetime with that prick. Besides, I enjoy pissing him off."
Brittany shook her head. "He'll go after you Potter. You thought the last six years were bad, it will be nothing compared to now. He's crazed, obsessed even. He won't let me go willingly."
Harry gave her one of his prized smirks. "Then we'll just have to make him won't we."
Brittany was torn once again, but this time she gave in. She wrapped her arms around him and held onto him for dear life. Harry was stunned. Brittany was holding onto him like he was her lifeline. He could not help but feel a tad embarrassed at the act; she was very pretty, without the tears. Those tears made him very angry for some reason. He leaned his head atop of her own and hid his blush in her hair. Not even Ginny had ever held him like that. He gave her a squeeze and she yelped and let go of him immediately.
Harry looked at her confused before he saw Draco Malfoy, and Blaise Zabini running towards them. The rest of the groups were close behind. "Hands off my woman Potter! Now!"
Brittany darted behind Harry and held tightly to the back of his shirt. "Leave me alone!" She cried out burying her face into Harry's back.
Blaise was stunned, but very pleased. The hero in Potter responded to the damsel in his little sister. "Oi Potter, do not let her go."
"Not planning on it." Harry shot back. His arm had followed her and was still wrapped protectively around her.
Draco was seeing red. His entire body raged against Potter touching what was his. Draco Malfoy would not lose to Potter twice in one day. When he had seen his woman with her arms around Potter he lost it. That bastard would give her up or he'd pay.
"Malfoy go to hell. Leave Zabini alone and his sister too. You've done enough today. She's obviously not your woman if she's clinging to me. Now slither back to your dungeons before I make good on revenge for Albus Dumbledore." Harry growled his wand at the ready.
Draco took pause. His wand was in his pocket and something reminded him of the incident in the bathroom last year. He had nearly died. The Slytherin in him was already working on a strategy to get Brittany away from his arch rival.
"You win today Potter, but I've only to wait till the end of the year, then she's mine and she can't do a dam thing about it. I've already won Potter. It's only a matter of time. Brittany love, please keep your legs closed around Potter. I would hate to have to punish you for being unfaithful." He added as an after thought.
Harry felt Brittany freeze before she began shaking behind him. There was something there in that threat. Something screaming sinister. It had his instincts running on overdrive. "One more word Malfoy and I'll use that spell you liked so much last time. Back off!" He growled. A crowd was beginning to form and they needed to get Brittany Zabini out of there fast. What. Did. He. Do. To. Her? The darker part of his mind growled out.
Draco took a step towards the pair and Harry raised his wand. "You are in my way Potter."
"Damn right I am. I'm not moving Malfoy find another way to the dungeons. You're not getting any closer." Harry's other arm was around Brittany behind him, and he was ready to act if need be.
Draco threw up his hands and back away with the rest of his gang. "You can't protect her forever Potter. Her time is running out." With that he and his gang sped off down the halls. They were eager to get away for a protective Potter and his deadly wand.
Pansy stayed behind and walked towards them. Potter held his wand tight warning Pansy form taking another step. "Back down Parkinson."
Brittany's head peeked from behind Harry and she looked more terrified than before. "Go be with Draco Pansy. Do all you can to distract him from me. I think I'll be alright for now."
Pansy nodded her head. "Keep your eyes open Zabini. Your solution could be right in front of you. Be cautious." With that the elder Slytherin turned around and followed after her fellow Slytherins at a slow pace.
After they were gone Brittany collapsed into a heap. "He's going to kill me. He's going to kill me. That bloody fuck is going to be the death of me."
Harry kneeled as the rest of her friends moved swiftly to her side. Scarlett held her tightly in a hug as she cried. Serena was beside on her other side rocking her back and forth.
Heather stood beside Ginny shocked in her place. Harry moved to Blaise Zabini and held out his hand. Blaise looked at Harry and a smile broke out over his face. They shook hands and a silent agreement had been reached. Protecting Brittany from a crazed Malfoy was now officially on the Golden Boy's list of important to do's.
"You really know how to scare Malfoy, Potter. No one could have done better. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart as a brother, thank you." Blaise praised as he moved to Brittany.
Harry nodded his head. He was still in overdrive, and would later analyze all that had gone one when it was safe. "Would you like to join us in the Gryffindor Common Rooms? I think we have a few things to discuss. Right now, for tonight it is unsafe for your sister to return to the dungeons."
Phoenix, Gabriel, and Seth all shared a smile. This was just what Brittany needed. Harry Freaking Potter, The Boy Who Lives to Ruin Malfoy, as a protector to the one thing Draco wants most. It could not get any better if they had planned it themselves. Seth took note how quick Potter was to defend his friend. His notion was right after all. This year was going to be interesting to say the least.
Harry looked over to his team everyone, even Ron, had seen what transpired. Every single one of them looked at Harry and nodded. This was not a joke or a rumor, this was truth. One girl was the target of their biggest rival, and they would take pleasure in protecting her from him. If its one thing Gryffindor's knew how to do, it was to protect their own. Brittany would be safe, Harry was going to make sure of it.
Ginny knelt down next to Scarlett and placed her hand on Brittany's shoulder. "We won't let that bastard touch you. Come on; let's get you to the common room before this crowd gets any larger."
Brittany nodded and stood on shaky legs. She reached out to Ginny and smiled. "Thank you Ginny. You are as fierce and kind as the twins told me. I should have introduced myself a long time ago. I'm Brittany Zabini and I was wondering if you wanted to hang out sometime. Get something to drink, rag on Malfoy, I'm up for anything really."
The smiled on Ginny's face was truly genuine. "Let's do that right now. I'd be thrilled Brittany Zabini. It is nice to meet you."
With that the large group walked through the maze of Hogwarts towards the Gryffindor Tower. Harry and Blaise hung back, protecting them from behind. "You are quite and impressive person Potter, and not because of who people say you are. Who you are inside, is truly a man to be admired. I am glad to have you on our side. I am sure Brittany is as well."
Harry nodded. "Thank you Zabini, it's a little odd to hear this from a Slytherin though."
"As my sister says in a few years it won't matter what house we're in. Who we are is what counts. Think of me as a brother willing to do anything to protect his little sister." Blaise chuckled. "And don't think of Brittany as a Slytherin, but as a girl who desperately wants to be saved and cared for. She'll need all the friends she can get."
Harry agreed and kept an eye on the girl as they made their way up the tower. She was beautiful when she smiled. So tiny and fragile, she needed protection, and Harry would willingly give it. She was not just another Slytherin. She was a damsel in distress and she needed someone to save her from the evil prince. He could do that. Fighting Malfoy was something he enjoyed, especially when the git deserved it. Besides it could not be any worse than the impending fight with Voldemort after this year was over. It would be good practice, keeping him on his toes. A worthwhile way to spend his time this year.
Brittany turned and smiled at him softly and mouthed 'Thank You.' Harry nodded his head towards her. It would be well worth it indeed.
Edited 1-14-2016