Harry Potter
Courage
By xXxKaraBeckerCutterxXx
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all related concepts do not belong to me! I am merely borrowing them for my own personal enjoyment. All OC's and anything you dont recognize is copyrighted by me: xXxKaraBeckerCutterxXx
Rating: K
Pairing: Marcus/OC
Genre: Adventure/Friendship
Warnings: Please do not flame me for anything.
Summary: This year, their greatest test will become their darkest hour; as Charlie and Harry realize that 'Courage is not the towering oak that sees storms come and go; it is the fragile blossom that opens in the Snow'
Author's Note: Chapter dedicated too DJScales, Forever Dreaming Grace, Alieen Autarkeia, ItzKevin97 and Razmend. For their dedication throughout this whole story. You truely are amazing people.
Misplaced Love Triangle
"Do you have to carry that thing around with you?" Riley asked, as she joined the Slytherins at the breakfast table the next morning, sitting in her usual seat between Marcus and Daphne as Charlie except the only difference about today to any other day, was the Muggleborn Slytherin had a new friend at the table. It was the miniature dragon that she had faced yesterday during the first task, the dark blue, almost black mini dragon was curled up on the breakfast table knawing away at a scrap of bacon that Charlie had provided it with from the table.
Charlie looked up at her best friend and shrugged "No," she answered "But I like him and this way, I can make sure that Scamp doesnt get jealous and try to eat him"
"Scamp did show signs of jealously last night," Millicent nodded
Pansy looked up from her breakfast "Probably because Charlie was more interested in making sure the dragon was okay as opposed to picking her up and placing her on the pillows, like she does every other night"
"Well, Drakon needed attention last night," the Slytherin responded
Her friends frowned "Drakon?" Draco asked "You named your Dragon?"
"Well, yeah" Charlie nodded
Adrian looked up "But why Drakon?" he asked
"Its Greek," Riley answered "it mean's Dragon"
The Slytherins shook their heads as Charlie returned her attention back to the mini dragon, which had hiccuped and blew out a small puff of fire.
"It would seem that Dragon is the least of your worries," Maya's voice joined the conversation as Riley finally sat down between Pansy and Millicent, the 7th year Slytherin was holding a copy of the Daily Prophet in her hand and a sinister smirk on her face "It seems you can't get enough of the limelight can you, Hunter?" she asked, brandishing the paper in Charlie's direction
"What you talking about, Maya?" Adrian asked
Taking the paper from the older Slytherin, Charlie scanned the front page finding nothing of interest.
"Check out page 4," Maya retorted
Charlie flipped the pages and folded the paper in two as she placed it on the table in front of her. Drakon glanced up at the movement before returning its mini head back to its hind legs as Charlie and her friends inspected the article that Maya was talking about as the words 'HOGWARTS LOVE TRIANGLE' was printed across the top of the paper and the story followed by complete pictures and illustrations was lined underneath it. Charlie's throat closed up at the heading, and glanced up at Marcus who was sitting beside her...he knew instantly by the look on her face what the article was about.
"Miss. Hunter," Daphne started to read from over her friends shoulder "a plain but ambitious girl and fifth champion in the Triwizard Tournament seems to have developed a taste for Quidditch players..." Charlie smirked, as she stared down at the pictures in front of her; the main one was of her and Marcus as he comforted her yesterday morning in the Champion's tent and underneath that was one of Cedric Diggory, after he had told Rita to basically leave Charlie alone and get out of the tent, that she wasnt welcome there "Her latest prey, sources report is none other than third champion, Hufflepuff's Cedric Diggory..." Daphne continued "No word yet on how Miss. Hunter's other interest, Marcus Flint of Slytherin, is taking this emotional blow" she finished.
Nathan quirked an eyebrow as he looked up at his friends "wow, she really as it in for you guys, don't she?" he asked
"Well, I don't know about Marcus," Charlie answered "but she hates me! I wonder if Cedric's seen it, yet?" and she cast a glance across the hall towards the Hufflepuff table
Maya shook her head as she snatched the paper back from the Muggleborn "You don't even try to deny it?" she asked "Mhm, maybe I underestimated you, Hunter?"
"Obviously," Charlie mumbled "but not in the way you think; and before you ask im not playing either Marcus or Cedric...now please leave, you're scaring Drakon!"
The mini dragon let out a tiny screech, as Maya looked furious before turning and walking away.
Riley smirked "and people wonder why you have so many enemies," she stated
"I have enemies?" Charlie asked, faking confusion "I always thought they were just people who didnt understand me?"
The Gryffindor shook her head, before looking up as Professor Snape approached them. "Good morning, Professor Snape" Riley nodded
"Good morning, Miss Spirit" Snape nodded back, before turning to his Slytherins "At breakfast you will remain behind, Professor McGonagall wishes to speak with you"
Charlie frowned "I swear I didnt do it!" she stated, earning chuckles from her friends
Snape narrowed his eyes at his student "Im not sure I'd believe that," he answered "But I assure you that neither have you have done anything wrong. Professor McGonagall just wishes to speak with all four houses of an event that will take place here, on Christmas Eve" with that he swept away, back to the Staff table.
"That doesnt sound good," Riley mumbled "Whats happening Christmas Eve?"
Charlie shrugged "Im willing to bet that Nikki knows, though" she pointed out "Remember what she said at the beginning of term? That she'd have us over for Christmas, but we'd probably want to stay again this year?"
Riley nodded
"Nikki knows everything," Adrian stated "and she still wont tell us!"
"Its a wonder she won't tell you" Marcus spoke, turning to Charlie "she used to tell you everything"
The Muggleborn shrugged "Breakfast is almost over anyway, so we don't have to wait too long to find out"
The other Slytherins nodded.
xXxHarryPotterxXx
Once breakfast had ended the long tables disappeared, and two benches on the opposite side of the hall appeared. All students in first and second years were ushered out of the Great Hall and onto class as students 3rd year and up where instructed to stay behind for the time being, quickly taking seats on one side of the room the Slytherin, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Gryffindor girls sat opposite the boys who were looking equally confused on why they were being separated.
"The Yule Ball has been a tradition of the Triwizard Tournament since its inception. On Chistmas Eve night," Professor McGonagall's voice echoed throughout the hall as everyone fell silent "we and our guests gather in the Great Hall for a night of well-mannered frivolity" she explained "as representatives of the host school, I expect each and everyone one of you to put your best foot forward. And I mean this literally, because the Yule Ball is, first and foremost..." she glanced around at the students "A dance"
Instantly all girls -save for Charlie and Riley- began to whisper excitedly as the boys groaned and complained on the otherside of the room. As for Charlie and Riley, the two sat silently between their excited friends and exchanged looks, a dance? This was gonna be difficult...not because they didnt like dances, no that wasnt it; but mostly because Dances required formal evening wear like a dress, and well...they just couldnt afford that kind of money.
"Silence!" McGonagall ordered, and silence fell once more "The houses of Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin have commanded the respect of the wizarding world for nearly 10 centruies. I will not have you, in the course of a single evening, besmirching those names by behaving like a babbling, bumbling band of baboons" she looked around at them all, before continuing "Now to dance, is to let the body breathe; inside every girl, a secret swan slumbers longing to burst forth and take flight"
Across the room, Ron leaned into Connor Andrews and whispered something causing his fellow Gryffindors causing them to chuckle at the comment.
"Inside every boy, a lordly lion prepared to prance," McGonagall added, turning in Ron's direction "Mr. Weasley"
Ron panicked "Yes?" he asked
"Will you join me please?" and McGonagall tugged him by the hand, and up into the space provided. The boys smirked as the girls giggled at Ron's misfortune "Now, place your right hand on my waist" McGonagall instructed
"Where?" Ron asked, his face growing red
"My waist," McGonagall repeated. Ron did as instructed, his face the colour of a tomato. Fred and George whistled. "Mr. Filch, if you please"
Filch, who was standing a few feet away turned to the large old fashioned recorder beside him and turned it on. McGonagall started to dance with Ron, who tried his best to hide his embarrasment from the crowd.
"Everybody come together," McGonagall instructed the students
Charlie and Riley got to their feet along with the rest of the girls, just because they werent gonna be able to attend the Yule Ball didnt mean they couldnt at least, enjoy this lesson. But whilst the girls rose to their feet, the boys slunked back away from them.
"Boys, on your feet!" McGonagall instructed
Not one of the boys moved. Finally one or two boys, like Brandon, plucked up the courage and got to his feet as he asked Ginny to dance. Ron fortunately got a break from McGonagall, as the Transfigurations professor moved around the room instructing those who were dancing on how to do it properly. Amongst the other students Charlie watched with an amused smirk as Fred whisked Riley away, causing the young Gryffindor to laugh.
"Yeah, just leave me here" the Muggleborn Slytherin called "I don't mind!"
"Okay, Charlie" Fred called back "as long as you're okay with it!"
Charlie scowled "You're not funny, Fred!"
"Are you kidding?" the twin, who was dancing with her best friend questioned "Im Hilarious!"
The Muggleborn Slytherin shook her head as she chuckled at his response, before turning and walking straight into Alex Malcolm who had appeared behind her "Damn it, I thought we agreed no more meeting like this?" she asked, stepping back
"Well," Alex spoke "You seem to enjoy walking into me" he pointed out
"You sneak up on people!"
Alex chuckled and held out his hand "May I have this dance?" he asked
"Sure," Charlie smiled, taking his hand "but I have to warn you...I can't dance"
"Its okay," Alex responded "I'll lead"
And he whisked her away, just like Fred had done Riley. Oblivious to the fact that Marcus Flint had just been working up the courage to ask Charlie to dance...and hopefully later ask her too the dance. But it seemed that had been dashed as he watched her laugh as Alex twirled her around; on the make-shift dance floor.
"Just go ask her," Adrian urged hm "She might drop Malcolm, for you!"
Marcus glowered in Alex's direction, before walking forward just as the younger Slytherin spoke. "I don't know what you were so worried about, Charlie" Alex stated "You're a graceful dancer!"
"Your only saying that to be nice," Charlie laughed "I hate dancing! My mum tried enrolling me once at Dance class, I didnt even last a day! I hated it!"
Alex smirked, before looking up as someone tapped his shoulder "What do you want, Flint?" he asked "Can't you see im busy teaching Charlie to dance?"
"Yeah, well im here to cut in!" Marcus retorted, turning to Charlie "You mind?"
"Not at all," the Muggleborn answered "Thanks for the lesson, Alex" she added to her 16-year-old friend "Your the best"
Alex nodded and pulled back, dropping Charlie's arms in the process. While Marcus took his place, Alex glowered at Adrian across the hall who smirked in triumphant at the young Slytherin; before he quickly left the hall. And Marcus was left to dance with Charlie -
Like it was supposed to be.
A/N: Just a quick short one. So the Yule Ball is approaching; Charlie has to attend but how is she gonna afford a dress? And will she attend without Riley attending too? Mhm, so what are our plucky friends gonna do now?
Congratulations to all who guessed right on the misplaced love triangle; yes it was between Cedric/Charlie/Marcus. Hopefully something will come of it...but will it be a good thing, or will it be a bad thing? Keep reading to find out.
Long chapter next time...promise.
Reviews (Greatly Appreciated)
~*Kara*~
All OCs and anything unrecognizable is copyrighted (c) and belongs to moi: xXxKaraBeckerCutterxXx
Chapter updated 13/02/2011 at 04:48am