Blackmailing Gone Wrong

A/N: Okay, here I am with the next chapter. A note about this chapter is that it's not as Lina-centric as usual. For once, the title has nothing to do with Lina. But I need to show what's happening. It seems everyone's happy with Dralina xD Geez, I wonder what'd happen if I said Harralina lol. But yass total Dralina shipper here, and I'm the author xD

On a different note, I finally have the Trials of Apollo! I'm on Chapter 10. Btw, if anyone spoils it for me, remember that I am the author and I can kill off everyone! Or perhaps have Lina live a terrible life for eternity! *smiles sweetly* So no spoiling, okay?

Haiku:

Chapter 12 is up

I can read TOA now

No one can stop me

Enjoy the next chapter of, 'The Meaning of Life!' :)

Draco

He was interrupted from his thoughts when someone knocks softly on his bedroom door. "Draco?" says a sickeningly sweet voice. A voice too disgustingly familiar.

He opens his door to find the person he hated the most: Brooklyn Riddle. She and her half-sister looked so alike, yet they were so different. Granted to say, they were both fierce.

"Just wanted to tell you to up your game for the mission," She says, "I was just talking with Father."

"Why don't you and Father go and have some tea together and leave me the hell alone," seethes Draco.

"I was also talking with Pansy…" begins Brooke, but Draco immediately cut her off.

"You have contact with Parkinson?" He says, his eyes widening in disbelief.

"Of course I do," says Brooke dismissively, "I need a sane girl with me at Hogwarts. You think I could survive there with…Alina for company?"

"Never mind that," snarls Draco.

She'd had contact with Parkinson the whole time?! That means Parkinson knows about "Lilly" too.

"Does your father know you have contact with Parkinson?" asks Draco, a smirk beginning to form on his face.

Brooke's face pales in color.

"Not very Slytherin, are you now—bringing that up in front of me?" says Draco, a cruel grin coming on his face, "Now. I must go and discuss something with the Dark Lord."

"No!" Brooke shrieks. "Come back, Malfoy! I'll do anything, don't tell Father."

Draco returns, "Anything?" He says slowly, "Well, I have a few conditions to set involving Lina Quimby…"

"Like what?" taunts Brooke, "Keep your little paramour safe? Just to let you know, she loathes you."

"I wouldn't talk like that if I were you. At any moment, I could go and tell the Dark Lord about your contacts," threatens Draco, "And it's not like I can tell you to abort the mission, can I? The Dark Lord will suspect I had something to do with it."

Brooke smirks, "It's good you can't stop me."

"But," he continues, "You know what I can tell you to do? I can tell you not to tell any more valuable information about Lina Quimby to your Father."

"You little traitor!" snarls Brooke in fury, "You're two-faced, just like that Severus Snape character!"

"The difference between me and Snape," says Draco coolly, "Is that I didn't have a damn choice. Now, do you want me to tarnish your reputation as the Dark Lord's favorite daughter? Or are you going to do as I tell you to?"

"You sneaky little asshole. I can't believe I'm taking orders from Lucius Malfoy's son," grumbles Brooke under her breath.

"I believe it is you that's the asshole," retorts Draco, "Taking advantage of Lina's obliviousness like that. You made the correct decision, Brooklyn. How you'd be the future Dark Lady when you can't even surpass Lucius Malfoy's son—I don't know. Your Father's careful not to let holes slip through his plans. You are but a child. They make mistakes," he says sardonically.

"It was one slip up, I will make sure nothing like this happens again," hisses Brooke, but was ignored, "And I am five months older than you, so stop acting like you're so superior!"

Lina

"You've been avoiding the topic for a week, Lin-Bean," persists Anne. We had just floo-ed to Hogwarts and I was walking with her to Ravenclaw tower—which I'd never actually seen before. I've seen the entrance to the Slytherin dungeons when…the…thing…with Malfoy happened in fourth year, but I'd never seen the Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff areas.

Basically, I have connections everywhere but Hufflepuff. Although I wouldn't exactly call Malfoy a connection. Maybe just Ravenclaw with Anne and Mandy?

"And everyone else except you dropped the topic," I retort. "I told you, for the last time. A friend gave me the book of spells," I explain.

"A friend that makes you blush?" suggests Anne, and I hiss at her, before deciding to quickly change the subject.

"Excited for Greece?" I ask her.

"Oh, you bet," she says, "I've always wanted to visit there. And I'd like to meet Hazel and Frank, I don't know much about them."

"They're really nice," I say earnestly, "You'll love them."

Anne nods, "I love Hogwarts so far. The classes are pretty interesting except for Binns, I can read the book and get more information than what that guy says…"

"You're better than me, Anne-Banana, that's for sure. I didn't even read the book," I tell her, "I fell asleep at page three and lived off Hermione for that class."

Anne laughs, "I also have another question. There were these two guys that were messing with Quinn earlier. I forgot what they looked like, but I think their names are Crabbe and Goyle?"

"Oh I will deal with them, as well as their slick git leader," I say darkly.

You know, I wonder what Malfoy was thinking when he gave me a book full of hexes. He does realize that he just gave me more spells to hex him with, correct? He's literally asking for it.

"Oh, look, we're here!" exclaims Anne. We come face to face with an eagle-knocker, which I assumed would let her into Ravenclaw tower.

"What tastes better than it smells?" The eagle-knocker asks softly.

"You have to answer the riddle to get in," explains Anne when she notices my confused expression.

"There's no password?" I stammer, "But—but what if you don't know the bloody answer?! I don't!"

"Then you have to wait outside until you get the answer, or someone else comes and answers it for you," says Anne, "We find it as a useful learning tool. This one's not that bad, really."

"Not that bad?! Bloody insane," I mutter, "You Ravenclaws are all bloody insane…"

"There are taste buds around your tongue," explains Anne, "Which means you can taste many flavors when you eat. If you were to smell your tongue, you'd smell nothing. Therefore a tongue tastes better than it smells. Also, Lin-Bean, you're going to catch flies if you keep your mouth open like that," she adds with a smirk.

I quickly close my mouth. I'm telling you…insane House.

"Well said," says the eagle-knocker, opening for Anne to enter.

"Thank you for making me feel like an idiot," I mutter the first part under my breath, "Bye, Anne-Banana!"

"Bye, Lin-Bean!" she grins, clutching Sapphire in her arms and hoisting her trunk inside Ravenclaw tower, as the door closes.

"We learned an important lesson today, didn't we Lina?" I say to myself, "Why the Sorting Hat eliminated Ravenclaw for you…you wouldn't've lasted a day."

"That sounds really fun," says Hermione, as I recall the story of entering the Ravenclaw common room. It was a little later that same day, and Hermione and I were lounging in the Gryffindor common room, trying to ignore the fact that Ron and Lavender were having a make-out session a few feet across from us.

"Not for me," I mutter. "I feel like a failure."

"Everyone has their strengths, Lina," she says soothingly. "Yours is being courageous and a wonderful friend. Mine is my smarts, and keeping my temper and not going over there to throttle Won-Won and Lav-Lav."

"You're doing great so far," I assure her. "Merlin, they're still at it! Ugh…just breathe, Hermione, it'll be over soon…I suddenly want to go vomit."

The door opens suddenly, and Lilly appears. "Lills!" I exclaim, "It's great to see you! Thanks for your gift! How were your holidays?"

"They were great and you're welcome," says Lilly, "Spending the holidays with my father was delightful. Do you mind if I go upstairs to take a rest? I'm beat."

"Go ahead, you look a little pale," I tell Lilly, as she makes her way upstairs.

"Ugh," she mutters as she passes by Ron and Lavender.

"Ugh indeed," I mutter to Hermione, "Oh look, I think they're pulling away…never mind. C'mon, let's go upstairs," I suggest.

The two of us walk upstairs to notice that Lilly had her curtains closed shut. Assuming she was resting, Hermione and I make ourselves comfortable.

"So, Greece wedding?" asks Hermione once I recall that story to her.

"Yeah, it's exciting, it is," I agree, "And it's on my birthday!"

"They seemed so in love the last time I saw them," muses Hermione.

"They're what I call the lucky ones," I agree, "My love-life...ugh."

"Agreed there," mutters Hermione.

We talk for a little bit longer before we finally decide to turn in.

"Ooh, sweet, Apparition!" I exclaim. There was a sign in the Gryffindor common room's notice board that said if you are seventeen or turn seventeen before August 31st, you're eligible for Apparition lessons.

I quickly scribble my name down for Apparition lessons, followed by Hermione, Harry, and Lilly. "Just think about it—" I gush to Harry, but was cut off by Lavender yelling,

"Guess who, Won-Won!"

"Let's just step away," I tell Hermione calmly, giving Harry an apologetic look. "Anyways," I say to Hermione and Lilly once we were in full distance away from the disgusting couple. "Just think about it. If we want to go somewhere, just…poof!"

"That will be the day," says Lilly.

Everyone was excited. Seamus Finnegan was talking about how he could annoy his cousin Fergus by Apparating to anyone who would listen in Charms—which led to him getting the spell completely wrong and having Flitwick set him lines.

Since I was done with the spell, I open the journal and scribble something inside.

Excited for Apparition?

I wondered when I would next get to talk to you, flower.

I'll hex you using something from that book you gave me!

Sure. Aren't you going to thank me for that?

Of course. Thank you Malfoy for giving me more material to hex you with.

Figures. And yeah, Apparition sounds nice.

I'm never doing long-distance trips ever again.

Never did in the first place. Always took floo. But I'd love to see you stumble the first couple Apparition lessons.

Figures…HEY! Slick git. I bet YOU will be the one stumbling during the lessons.

Keep telling yourself that.

I don't get how you give Christmas gifts then act like a jerk. But then again, all the more worth it to watch you stumble.

I guess I just have that effect on you. Be careful, Granger's trying to get your attention and we can't have her finding out about this.

"Lina?" I hear Hermione's voice call. I jump.

"Sorry, Hermione, what did you need?" I ask her, closing the journal.

"I was just wondering if you're alright…you've been sitting there and writing in that journal for quite a while," Hermione finishes off.

"She was obviously planning her essay for her homework, of course," says Lilly smoothly, swooping in to my rescue, "Honestly, what else would she be doing? A secret communication with Draco Malfoy?"

I shoot Lilly a grateful look, though I felt uneasy at her words.

Was Lilly trying to be sarcastic or did she really know what the journal was for?

"Horcruxes?" I ask, "If Voldemort was asking about them, then that means they must be no good."

"Ron reckons I should just hang back after Potions, and see if Slughorn would give me the memory," says Harry.

"Well, if Won-Won said you should do it, then you probably should," says Hermione scathingly, "Since when has his judgement ever been faulty?" Before we could stop her, she storms off.

"Did I do something?" asks Harry, "Is she alright?"

"She's just been a little tense these past months," I tell him, "She'll be fine."

"It was since Ron and Lavender started dating," reasons Harry.

"Someone's catching on," I smirk, winking at him.

"I've heard of Horcruxes," says Lilly abruptly, interrupting our discussion. Harry and I turn around to see Lilly slowly approaching our armchairs and sitting down.

"Spill, Lills," I say gently.

Lilly sighs, "First of all, it is incredibly dark magic. It has to do with one's soul."

"And?" I prompt.

"That's it," says Lilly quickly. "That's all I know. I have to go upstairs for a moment," she says before she darts upstairs.

"That was strange," I mutter to Harry, who nods in agreement, "She's been like this the past couple of days. I hope she's alright."

Brooklyn

She had to tell her Father.

Stupid blackmail.

Stupid Draco Malfoy.

Wait a second…yes, Lucius's Malfoy's son cannot outsmart her.

Brooke had a plan. She grabs a quill and some parchment and starts writing.

Dearest Pansy,

I hope everything is faring well in Slytherin. Oh how I wish I was there with you currently. Yes, Gryffindor is an eyesore. Don't worry about Draco Malfoy, sweetheart. Once I eliminate Alina, he will be all yours, and you will be the Lady Malfoy. She is the one influencing him, I am sure of it.

As for me? I do not need no one. I will be of absolute power.

However, in order for my plan to work, I need you to cooperate with me. I made a little slip-up earlier this month and made it known to Draco that I had contact with you. If someone asks you if you have contact with me, deny it, no matter what. He cannot act without proof, we are dealing with a Slytherin, not a Gryffindor.

This will all be over soon, I promise you. Soon, I will be the Dark Lady, and you will be by my side. The Parkinsons will rise to the tip-top of the Death Eater chain. Chin up, my dear friend. We will get there.

With utmost sincerity,

Brooklyn

"You," Brooke orders Alina's owl. Midnight, was it? "Deliver this to Pansy Parkinson."

Midnight was protective of her owner. Alina's cursed owl screeches and tries to rip her head off, and Brooke shrieks and ducks. She walks to the Owlery under the persona of Lilly, offering a small smile to anyone that passes her. She then orders a school owl to deliver it. Brooke smirks as the owl flies away.

An hour later, she receives another letter from the school owl.

Brookie,

Don't worry. I am not an idiot, and I will deny all contact with you so you can get through your mission. The long-term goals are what is important here. We will be strong and powerful at the end, and I'm glad I can share that with you. And of course, I can claim Drakey for my own without…her in the way. Keep doing what you're doing, sweetie. Don't worry about me. You're doing wonderful—the Gryffindorks are easy to infiltrate. That House is filled with idiots that would never guess who you are.

Your friend,

Pansy

Brooke smiles cruelly as she receives her letter.

Splendid. Malfoy cannot control her.

A/N: So, that was the chapter. Well, Draco…you tried :( I think at this point, Lina's life's in danger anyways…so there's really no harm in telling her about Lilly! But nobody realizes that, at least not in the story. But we know better, don't we, readers? xD So, another filler. Next will be Apparition Lessons, Ron's…not one of his better birthdays, and a Dralina scene. If I can fit the Gryffindor vs Hufflepuff match I will, but it will most likely be in Chapter 14.

OOH and Brooke has contact with Pansy! How many people expected that?

OMG I'm so looking forward to writing the Sectumsempra scene…I have plans ;)

I hope you liked the chapter! :) Because now, I can go back to reading Trials of Apollo (I'll ruin this story if you spoil it) xD

Please R&R :)

-Ana