A/N: Greetings! Sorry for the delay on the update, I've been doing a little traveling with friends and then for grad school interviews. Anyway chapter contains some of my favorite interactions in the draft thus far. I've got the next several chapters loosely outlined but I have made some changes. One of the biggest changes was the last scene of this chapter. Also, I've started to map out where this story will end and where the sequel will begin. There are several pairings I want to tie into this little character-verse I've created but with the exception of Kate and George every other couple I write will be straight from canon.
I had fun writing this chapter, I hope you enjoy it. Thanks to everyone who is reviewing, I'm glad you all adore Ian almost as much as I do! Also thanks to everyone who has favorited and alerted this story!
Disclaimer: You know what belongs to me and what doesn't.
Chapter 13: Love and the Astronomy Tower
Charms class was slowing down Thursday after the article came out. Kate sat in the back with Alicia, drumming her quill on her desk. The girls were waiting for the bell to ring to dismiss them to dinner. "So are you going to eat with us tonight or are you going to hide in the News Dungeon again?" Alicia asked, her light tone eliciting a small smile from Kate.
"I'm going to grab a fast dinner and then go study for the Transfiguration exam, McGonagall has me doing extra practice sets so I won't fail the term," said Kate as she shut her book and sighed, running her fingers through her hair. Silently she sat back and crossed her arms over her chest waiting for Flitwick to pack up from his lecture.
The small professor walked up the steps of his lecture podium and peered over the ledge at his class. "I have an announcement that is being made all across the school," he said and a hint of a smile flickered over his small face. Alicia and Kate shared a sidelong glance and sat up, curious to hear more. "The Tri-Wizard tournament is of course not only about the competition but also about the forging of lasting relationships between the three schools. The Yule Ball is a tradition of the tournament meant for members of all three schools to come together for a night of dinner and dancing."
Whispers rose fast through the classroom. Kate felt the sudden urge to drop her head against the table and she shook her head, slumping deeper into her chair. That was the last thing she needed, a formal dance to make her breakup with Stephen only that much worse. "The Ball will be on Christmas night starting at eight and ending at midnight. Formal attire is required, either dress robes or muggle formal wear, whichever you choose. Students fourth year and above are welcome to attend, third year and younger must be asked by an older student in order to attend. More details will be provided by your head of house in the common room. Dismissed," he said and among the loud chatter the class dismissed.
Angelina swooped onto Kate's other side and the three girls rushed out of the classroom together. "Well that was unusual," said Alicia sarcastically.
"Are we going to be the only three girls in the school who aren't excited about this?" Asked Angelina as they started down the hallway towards the Great Hall. Kate's stomach was already in knots as she rolled around the idea in her head. Well that explained the request for dress robes or formal attire, but now that she knew would have to owl Elise, her little green cocktail dress wasn't going to be nice enough. Not that she would necessarily be going, especially if she broke up with Stephen.
All around them clumps of girls were giggling wildly and gesturing about dresses and hair. Eyes were already wandering around, and boys were scoping out their competition as well as potential dates. As Kate observed it she felt a horrible sinking feeling in her stomach that had nothing to do with the actual ball. "The only thing this Ball means to me is," but she never got to finish her statement.
"Kate!" Ian's voice rang through the hall and she whipped around to face him. "Ladies," he said with a quick grin to Alicia and Angelina who could only smile slightly open mouthed. Kate fought the urge to smirk; it amused her to no end how attractive her friends found Ian. "You won't mind if I borrow your charming friend do you?"
Alicia pushed Kate towards him. "I'm beginning to think you own on a contract on her life Haynes, we almost never see her since you keep her so busy."
Ian loosened the knot on his tie and threw an easy smile towards Kate whose fingers were itching to smack him upside his pretty head. "Well all work and no play assures a timely paper and keeps Kate from annoying you all to death," he said and slung an arm around her shoulder, steering her away from them. Looking back at her friends Kate rolled her eyes and waved.
"The answer is no," she said firmly.
Arching a brow he started towards the Great Hall. "We're going to get a fast bite to eat and head to the Dungeon," he said completely ignoring her remark.
"It's still no," she said. This was a battle she was going to lose, but she was still going to fight it. They slid into an empty section of the Ravenclaw table.
"So I'm thinking we get the special insert out by next week. Maybe the Thursday before classes end?" He continued on and reached out for the plate of green beans in front of him. "We'll want a special article from you and I'm having one of our events writers highlight hot fashions in dress robes and muggle clothing. Date shout outs will be put in place of editorials and I'm thinking we do an article on the headliner." Kate lifted her fork and pointed it menacingly at him.
Leaning back Ian did not bother conceal his amused expression and he crossed his arms over his chest. There was a wicked glint in his eyes. "Can you go ahead and exhaust your empty protests so we can get to work?" He asked and turned back to his food.
Kate managed to eat half a plate full when Ian was getting to his feet, slinging his bag over his shoulder. Motioning to her she scrambled up, flattening her skirt over her legs and snatching her own heavy bag. "You're going to be the death of me," she mumbled and pushed away the arm he was about to throw over her shoulder. Her petty actions only seemed to further amuse him. Together they walked down the main aisle that separated Ravenclaw and Gryffindor.
On either side of them students was talking loudly over food or Kate could already see the dividing lines growing stronger. News of the Ball amongst the older students was going to create an unrivaled chaos. For so many poor boys it was impossible to talk to a girl much less ask her to a Ball, Kate's eyes swept over a pair of terrified looking fifth year boys, they were watching a group of the fourth year Gryffindor girls flounce by. Kate bit her lip, she didn't want to admit it but maybe some help on how to prepare for a Ball would be useful.
Just as she was about to say something she heard a pitch of laughter close by, it was familiar. Turning her head she saw a red headed Weasley walking with Gail Gilbret, a sixth year in Hufflepuff. Kate knew from the wristband that it was George, and he was laughing at something she had just said. Her stomach was somewhere in the vicinity of the dungeons, George was walking her to her table and had just brushed a curl from her shoulder. Gail had thick chocolate brown hair that tumbled down her midback in glossy curls, framing her heart shaped face.
Frowning, Kate looked down at her messy champagne hair. It hung in a limp braid, which had been an attempt to hide the fact that she hadn't washed it in two days. "Kate are you alright?" Ian's voice reached her ears but she barely processed his words as George placed a hand on the small of Gail's back to help her sit down. Then he sat down next to her, his back leaning against the tabletop and his legs stretching into the aisle.
"What?" She asked absently. "No, I'm fine," she muttered and watched as the pair laughed. Something was clawing inside her body, making her feel irritated and raw. What on earth was he doing? Since when had he even been friends with Gail Gilbret? Sure she was a very nice girl, it was hard to dislike someone who was nice to practically everyone. In fact it was too easy, especially in comparison to other girls who were grouchy and indecisive. Kate's frown increased.
The urge to march over there and steal George's attention was almost unbearable. Kate didn't want him talking to Gail, or any other girl for that matter. It was the same feeling she had when she thought about George and Jennelyn dating. Only this time she watched on and realized that there was the threat of an actual possibility where none existed with Jennelyn. Discomfort rose in her stomach and she felt as if she was going to be sick all over the floor. This was all wrong!
Warm fingers latched over her arm and tugged her gently. "Come on, before everyone notices you gaping like a total idiot." Alicia muttered softly in her ear and Kate felt herself being dragged away.
Oxygen was in short supply as she tried to draw in a deep breath and the words weren't coming. That was mainly because the thoughts assaulting her were too intense to do anything else. Vaguely she was aware that Alicia was steering her out of the kitchens and Ian was following, Cara jogging to catch up with them. "Let's take her down to the News Dungeon," he said and turned the sharp right that led
towards Snape's classroom and the rest of the dungeons.
"Merlin's. Flaming. Beard." Was all Kate could say as Ian opened the room to them and Cara pushed her inside. Once Kate was sitting she could see three concerned faces hovering in front of her.
"Do you think she's going to snap out of it?"
"It's about damn time she finally had this freak out," said Cara in response to Alicia's worried tone. "She does this all the time when something major happens." The back of Kate's mind was telling her to snap back at Cara, take offense. Yet the mental image of George snogging Gail bloomed in her head and she struggled for air again. Why on earth would he want to snog that too nice trollop stick girl? Didn't he know that Kate fancied the pants right off of him?
The words burst forth into her mind like a chorus of trumpets playing as a ton of cauldrons came crashing in on her head. After literally months of stupidly ignoring the rest of her friends she understood what they had been trying to say. Never in the history of her life had she understood something so acutely and painfully perfectly. "Oh shite," she whispered. "I fancy George."
Everything happened at once. Ian began to laugh, burying his fingers in his hair and strolling away. Tears of mirth threatened to pour down his cheeks and at the same time Alicia rocked back on her heels and let out a drawn breath. Cara reached out with no warning and smacked her up the backside of her head, hard. "FINALLY!" She yelled and stood up, whirling in an angry circle.
The hard hit jolted Kate back into reality. "I mean I really, really fancy George," she said and rubbed her head.
"Well it's nice of you to finally catch up," said Ian as he came back around and sat on her desk. He was still shaking in suppressed laughter meanwhile Alicia was sitting quietly before her. "How come none of you told me this?" Kate suddenly demanded.
"Because you needed to figure it out on your own! We can't do all the work for you," said Cara, coming up to smooth Kate's flyaway hair. Kate leaned against her sister, feeling suddenly exhausted and truly awful.
Alicia patted her knee. "When you were ready to figure it out you would. I just hope it's not too late," she said softly.
Wincing, Kate's mind returned to Gail. "I can't believe I didn't figure this out sooner. I mean it sort of explains everything," she said. Her thoughts strayed to the way his kisses made her want to melt into the floor and the way they were always so unusually comfortable together. All of the times they had spent half the night talking in the common room now held a new significance; each time had always meant something more than she could ever quantify. Now she knew. Kate had fancied George and never really knew it.
Even the two warnings she had against dating George seemed completely inconsequential. Jennelyn would either learn to get over this minor transgression or she would just have to live with disappointment. And as for Stephen? Well, Kate had never been so positive about what she had to do where he was concerned. Getting to her feet she started for the doorway. "Uh Kate where are you going?" Ian asked. "We still have hours of work to do on the insert."
Pausing she shook her head at him. "I've got something way more important to do," she said and started for the door again. Three sets of hands held her back and forced her back into her chair.
"You cannot go talk to George right now, you just figured this out," said Alicia.
"You cannot break up with Stephen when you're acting this spacey either," said Cara.
"I don't really care about all of that I just want you to start the research on the Weird Sisters," said Ian and went around to his desk to grab his wand.
Alicia smiled and got to her feet. "Sleep on all of this, you need time to think."
Kate slumped against her desk watching Cara and Alicia leave the Dungeon.
Ian dumped a huge stack of magazines featuring the booked band on her desk.
* * * * *
The next day Kate had to wait out her classes. All day long she wrote lines in the margins of her notes, trying to come up with the best way to break up with Stephen. Unfortunately all she had come up with was enough cliché lines to fill more than one column. At least she had an idea for the next column. In all her time writing she had yet to write the essential 'how not to break up with someone' column.
When the bell rang signaling the end of her last class Kate stood and put her things in her bag. She kept her eyes trained on her desk as she slung the strap over her shoulder. It was Friday, which meant that Stephen would be waiting for her at the entrance to the Great Hall. Sure enough as she came down the staircase from the second floor to the main entrance there he was. Her heart swooped into her stomach; regardless of the fact that she didn't fancy him Stephen was still gorgeous. As soon as she hit the bottom step he looked up at her and a wide grin took his face.
"Hello," he said and placed a hand at the small of her back and started to guide her to the Great Hall. Pulling away she paused and then shook her head.
"Let's go down to the kitchens," she said and he arched a brow but said nothing and together they started toward the staircase. She felt her body tense up as he slid his hand into hers, so casual and easy. Once inside the doorway she started for a stool at one of the counters when Stephen's hand closed over her wrist.
"Hey stranger," he said and bent down, claiming her lips in a short kiss. A sense of panic was filling Kate as he pulled away and led her to sit down. "So what inspired this venture away from the prying eyes of the school?" He asked and brought his hand up to loosen the knot on his tie.
Kate swallowed, he had an excellent shadow running along his jaw and she could now see the hollow of his throat as he unbuttoned the top button of his shirt. Closing her eyes she thought immediately of George and his messy red hair. Comfort flooded her and she remembered why she was doing this. "I needed to talk to you about something," she said and hoped that her voice wasn't shaking as much as she thought it was.
Stephen's lazy grin widened. "You aren't wasting much time are you," he sad and the house elves rushed forward interrupting them. Plates of food were appearing all around them and Kate was fast so fill one up just to further prolong the inevitable. Stephen however reached out and stayed her hands. With a flourish of his wand red, white and green streamers erupted from the tip followed by white carnations. "We've got plans to make for Christmas if you'll go the ball with me."
Biting her lip she was about to say something when Stephen swept his arm across the tabletop to clear if of the streamers. His bag toppled to the floor and spilled all over the floor. Jumping up before he could react she knelt down and started to pick up the materials. Just as he tried to pull his books away from her Kate noticed a lime green envelope. Shining purple ink was scrolled across the top left corner bearing the crossed wand and bone.
"What is this?" She asked as her eyes skimmed over the familiar name: Theodore Kelley, Healer. Sucking in a hard breath she lifted her eyes to meet Stephen's. The blood in her veins ran cold; contrasting sharp with the white-hot anger that she felt bubbling in her heart. "You wrote to my father." Her voice shook as she spoke.
"Don't get mad," said Stephen warily.
"After what I told you, what I asked you," her voice shook as she clenched the envelope tighter in her trembling hand. Hot tears threatened her lower lids but she did not want to cry in front of him. "Who do you think you are? I asked you to stay out of my family mess!" Her voice was almost at shouting threshold as she backed away from him, holding the letter into her chest.
Stephen drew his height up and Kate saw the brief spasm of fear flash in his eyes. Reaching out with a long arm she thought at first he was moving to touch her shoulder. Instead his fingers spread out and went for the green envelope. Stepping back Kate shook her head. "It's nothing to worry about Kate, it was just a short letter."
"No it's not just a short letter Stephen. It was you going behind my back and thinking you had the right to get into contact with my father." Kate couldn't remember the last time she'd been so angry.
Running his fingers through his hair Stephen tried once again to draw closer. "Kate I only wanted to help you," he said. A week ago she would have lapped up his overly sincere tone. Now she knew better and instead she moved around the corner of the table further away from him. Ian had been right the entire time; all Stephen really needed from her was an easy way up the social ladder.
"Oh I'm sure that it's only my benefit your concerned about," she snapped and opened the envelope hastily reading the letter. As to your inquiry about a summer internship that is not in my power to grant," she read and then lifted her iron eyes to his.
It was Stephen's turn to back away and he shook his head, dropping his arm away from her. "Kate," he started to say but she held up a hand, her palm facing him. Immediately he silenced his inquiry.
"You don't get to talk anymore," she said and felt the hot tears begin to brim over her eyelids. Blinking them away, Kate was fighting the impulse to pick up the heaviest object she could find and beat him with it. "The only person you want to help is yourself Stephen and you didn't care about my feelings so long as I serve as a solid rung on the social ladder. Well you know what?" She ripped the letter into quarters and grabbed her bag, shoving them into the inside pocket. "You can forget it."
Stephen started toward the bag but she shook her head and slung it over her shoulder. "Don't you think you're overreacting Kate?" He was trying to recover, flipping his hair elegantly over his eyes. Kate didn't buy it, she was finished letting him walk all over her.
"What are you doing?" He asked. "Breaking up with me?" The way he phrased the question suggested that she would have to be out of her mind to do something so, well, stupid.
Kate knew it was wrong, but she couldn't deny the slight lift of the left corner of her mouth. "That's exactly what I'm doing."
Stephen's mouth dropped open. "And the ball?"
Rolling her eyes she gestured to the whole almost six feet of his handsome frame. "You're Stephen Delancourt, go ask a Hufflepuff girl and she'll probably die of heart failure before she can say yes. Just so long as you leave my family and me alone," she said and fixed a hard glare on him. "If I find out you've been in contact with my father again there is nobody that will stop me from hexing you into the next century." His face took on an unattractive sneer.
"It's Weasley isn't it? That's part of why you're doing this."
George's handsome face flashed behind her eyes. "Yes," she said and tilted her chin up to face him straight on. "That's part of the reason. But that letter? That sealed the deal," she said and took a deep breath. "The next time you want to take advantage of someone it won't be me."
"You're making a huge mistake," he said in a low voice.
"No Stephen, I made the mistake when I chose you, one I hope I can stilly rectify." Without another word or backward glance she strode out of the kitchens.
* * * * *
Cara Kelley had been looking for her sister all Friday night and Saturday. Somehow Kate had managed to hide away from the entire world but Cara couldn't figure out why. She had seen Delancourt strutting around the castle as if nothing in the world was wrong, which made her wonder if the breakup had actually happened. Yet confirming this was impossible as her older sister was nowhere to be found.
It was early Sunday morning as she jumped the vanishing step up the stairs to the Astronomy tower. To the best of her knowledge it was the last place Cara had not searched that would be even remotely likely. There were a thousand unanswered questions about what her sister had been doing the last day and a half that Cara wanted answered. They were sisters; that allowed Cara a certain privilege to heckle Kate until she got what she wanted.
Slightly panting from the last spiraling staircase Cara heaved open the heavy door that led straight into the main area of the tower. Sure enough she found the back of her sister facing her. Long waves of champagne blonde hair fell to past her shoulder blades and from what Cara could tell she was wearing jeans and a thin grey sweater. "Do you know how long I've been looking for you?" She asked, not even bothering for formalities.
Kate didn't even turn around or look up as Cara plunked down next to her on the ground. From their vantage point they could see the slope of the grounds leading past Hagrid's hut and toward the Forbidden Forest. In the weak morning sun the woods didn't look quite as foreboding as the usually did. Still, Cara had never been in the forest and had no plans to ever do so. "Amaze me with how long," said Kate softly.
"A day and a half. Do you have any idea how big this castle is and how many places you could potentially be?" All Cara could see was the profile of her sister's face. "Even Ian had no idea where you were and I swear he's put a tracking charm so he can drag you down to the Dungeon whenever he needs." At last she cracked a small smile, but Cara could tell by her slumped posture that something was wrong.
"He probably does," she said softly. After a brief silence Kate sighed and let her head drop onto Cara's shoulder. The response was automatic; she brought her arm about Kate's shoulder and began to toy with her hair. "I broke up with Stephen," she said and drew in a shuddering breath.
It took all of Cara's willpower to not shout her unbelievable joy to the whole castle. Although she didn't have a personal problem with Delancourt it had been clear from the start he was no good for her sister. "How are you holding up?" She asked, trying for her best 'supportive sister' impression.
"It's alright for you to be relieved I'm not torn up about the break up," said Kate.
Cara released a breath she had no idea she'd been holding. "Merlin's beard I'm glad it's over with," she said and felt Kate give a weak laugh. "Have you spoken to George yet?" She asked and was surprised when Kate shook her head no.
"Something more pressing has been taking up my time." It was then that Cara noticed Kate was holding something in her hands. The lime green parchment was indicative of St. Mungo's. She was very familiar with that stationery.
"You're going to have to give me more than that," she prodded and Kate lifted her head and finally faced her. Cara bit her lip. Kate's eyes were red ringed and puffy, as if she had been crying for quite a long time. "You look like hell," she muttered, reaching up to smooth away the flyaway strands of hair on her forehead.
Kate couldn't even reward the effort with a watery smile. "Stephen wrote to dad," she said and her lower lip trembled. "His bag fell on the floor and the letter slipped out and I just, I lost it," she said and Cara frowned.
"You cried in front of him?" She asked, that didn't sound like a very Kate thing to do.
Shaking her head she wiped another stray tear from her cheeks. "No, I more started to shout," she admitted and Cara fought a grin; that sounded a lot more like her sister.
The reality of the situation crashed down as Cara's eyes flicked from her teary sister to the letter. "That's dad's response isn't it?" She questioned and felt her whole body snap into attention. It had been at least a year since her last contact with her estranged father. For Cara the details of the reasons were still hazy, she had been so young when Elise came to take them away.
She remembered the fallout though. For weeks there had been rumors of the worst: physical abuse, verbal lashing, negligence and much worse. Whispers of the fight that had occurred between Kate and her father were blown into tales involving dueling and Theodore Kelley physically throwing his daughter from the house. None of that had been the case; it had boiled down to something simpler. Or at least by what Cara could tell it had become a case of their father being unable to give them the time they needed. Kate going head to head with him on her future had only exposed and further provoked the situation. Elise had come for them almost immediately.
"This is definitely dad's response," she whispered and Cara noted her lower lip was trembling again. Quietly she unfolded the letter. The vibrant green parchment bore shining purple writing and she noted there were two tear lines along the middle of each direction, Cara wondered when Kate had torn the letter up before repairing the damage. "I am not sure what my daughter had said to you of our relationship but the fact that you have written me indicates she has been very tight lipped. I cannot say much for my daughter's actions, we have been estranged these past few years and there is no hope of a renewal of our relationship. After our dealings I sincerely doubt she is of a favorable opinion of your contacting me and I echo that sentiment. Your business does not concern this family," she read and her voice shook as each word passed her lips.
Cara tightened her grip on her sister. "Oh Kate," she said softly.
"There is no hope of a renewal of our relationship." Kate repeated and her shoulders began to shake slightly as the tears started to well up again. Cara felt her own heart break for her sister. It was one thing to believe in that truth but to have it confirmed as a completely different feeling and she knew that her sister wouldn't take it well. "He made it sound like it was all a business transaction. That we aren't even family," she muttered and let Cara pry the letter from her hands.
Silently she read through and felt her heart pound hard in her chest as she drew to a finish. "Well at least you both agree that Stephen is a nosy sod who just couldn't keep his opinions or desires to himself," she said and lifted her wand. With a quick flourish she conjured several tissues, which floated into Kate's open hands.
"Well you can imagine that the water works started not too long after I read that on Friday night. I've been hiding ever since," she said and sighed. "It's so cowardly but it seems all I can do these days is hide."
Cara tilted her head to the side. "That's not entirely true. You got the gumption to dump Delancourt haven't you? I can't imagine it was too easy for you to reign in your temper and actually get to the dumping part," she said.
Kate gave another weak laugh. "Especially when all I wanted to do was behead him with one of the kitchen serving platters."
"Have you talked to anyone else yet?" Cara asked.
"No," she said softly. "I can't bring myself to listen to Ian's slightly critical tones and Merlin knows I'm not in a mood for one of his 'I told you so' speeches." There was a long pause. "I considered going to George but I wouldn't even know where to begin."
An owl soared lazily overhead, and Cara watched it pass, soaking up everything her sister had said. "I think you should go talk to George. He doesn't have much to go on when it comes to our family history but he can read you like an open book. Let's go find him and maybe you can begin to sort out your feelings for him."
With slight hesitation, Kate pulled herself to her feet and let Cara loop their arms together. Leading the way, Cara brought her down from the astronomy tower. "It's almost nine thirty where will he be?" She asked.
"Great Hall for breakfast," said Kate and together the siblings picked their way through he castle. "Thanks for hunting me down. I really needed you but I couldn't bring myself to go out in public alone."
Cara squeezed her sister's hand. "It's what I'm here for."
At the base of the stairs in the main atrium they came to a dead halt. George was walking out of the Great Hall with his arm around Gail Gilbret's shoulder. Kate's mouth dropped slight open and just as George looked up and they locked eyes another voice caught her attention. "I can't believe it."
Whipping her gaze to the small hallway that fed from the dungeons into the atrium Kate found the last person she wanted to see next to Stephen. Jennelyn Ward was holding the strap of her bag so tightly her knuckles were white. "Jenn," she breathed just as George passed.
Inclining his head at them his hazel eyes locked with Kate's. Cara could tell from one look that her sister had been too late. His hand reflexively tightened on Gail's shoulder and he led her away from the three friends. "You know when Stephen told me that this whole time you're the girl George fancied I couldn't believe it. Then when he said that you fancied him too I called him a liar; because there is no way on earth my best friend would go behind my back like that." The raven-haired girl drew in an uneven breath.
Cara immediately stepped between her sister and Jennelyn. A nasty sinking in her stomach told her that this fight was going to come to blows if she didn't diffuse it fast. "Jennelyn calm down," she started but Jennelyn ignored her completely.
"Tell me I didn't make a huge arse out of myself by calling Stephen a liar," said Jenn. "Tell me you don't fancy George Weasley." Kate stood behind her sister, clutching the letter from her father in one hand; her free hand was at her chest, clutching her now completely broken heart.
So I'm not sure if I should hide from you guys or not. First I get your hopes up with Kate stepping up to the plate and dumping Stephen…only to give you a downer with George. I promise, promise; promise it is the setup to VERY good things that are coming in the VERY near future! Stick it out a few more chapters and you'll see what I mean!
Reviews are love—Brose