I kept my promise... next time, I want 95 reviews.
Krys was still looking at him. "Krys, please say something." begged Brookes. Krys took another deep breath, then looked up to the ceiling. She stayed like that for a few minutes. "Krystathaili, say something. Anything." he pleaded. Krys nodded.
"Um." she sounded. Henry looked at her expectantly. Krys still didn't say anything for another few moments. Her eyes were scrunched up and she started to scratch the back of her neck.
"Um…" he coaxed. Krys gave a weird sound. It was the cross between a squeak and a cough. "Oh- its okay. You don't have to- um, I have to go." he said, as he started to walk away.
"Um." Krys sounded again. Henry looked back. Krys waved him over. He walked over to her eagerly, and looked at her expectantly again. Krys snapped and put one finger up. "Just give me a second." she said almost inaudibly. He nodded, as she tapped her forehead over and over again. "Um- wow- tsk- okay. What were we talking about?"
"I asked you to Hogsmeade. You didn't talk for ten minutes." said Henry. Krys nodded.
"That. Okay- so, you-"
"I'm asking you out." said Henry.
"Okay."
"Will you go with me to the next Hogsmeade weekend?" he asked slowly. Krys looked at him intently.
"Sure." she squeakily. "I'll go with you to Hogsmeade." His eyes widened.
"You're serious?" he asked. Krys looked thoughtful, then nodded slowly.
"I am." she said. He hugged her and her eyes widened. "Too close. Too close." He pulled back and laughed.
"So- after N.E.W.T's, Krystathaili?"
"I guess so." she said, as she hopped off of the table. "Um- bye." She walked out of the room. She walked the long way to the Heads Dorm. When she got there, Harry stared at her. "I- whoa- I had no idea what to say to that."
"I can't believe he asked you out like that. That was a wicked line." said Harry. Krys laughed.
"I-"
"What about Ares?"
"What about Ares?" asked Krys. Harry looked at her. "Listen- I have to go."
"Where?" asked Harry.
"Nowhere really. I just really don't want to talk about it." said Krys.
The morning of the N.E.W.T's Potions test, Krys woke up at seven thirty. She took her shower and brushed her teeth. When she finished getting dressed, she walked into the Heads Common room, and the others were already up. Hermione was pacing, while Ron and Harry threw the stuffed Quaffle around. Krys walked in and started to throw the Quaffle around with Harry and Ron. They all walked down to breakfast at eight o'clock. Harry and Hermione sat opposite Krys and Ron.
"Did you make the injection, Padfoot?" asked Harry. Krys' eyes widened.
"Prongs, I don't want to get stabbed up by her assistant again." she whined.
"You have to go, Padfoot." said Harry. Krys groaned and got up. She started to walk out the doors of the Great Hall, when someone grabbed her arm. Krys whipped around. There was Brookes. He was smiling.
"Oh, hi." said Krys.
"Good morning." he said.
"Listen- I have to go, so-"
"Can I walk you to where you need to be?" he asked. Krys looked thoughtful for a moment.
"Um… sure. Lets go." she said, as she walked in the direction of the hospital wing. He followed her.
"So… where are you going?" he asked. She looked at him.
"Is that a 'need to know' question?"
"No, but- I do want to know." he said. "Then again, that is your business. So you don't have to tell me. But-"
"The hospital wing." said Krys.
"Why?" She looked at him.
"That's also my business." she said. He nodded.
"I understand."
"Good for you. Its not like it would've made a difference if you didn't." Henry laughed.
"Wow. A mean girl." he said. Krys' eyes widened.
"I'm not mean." she said. "I'm just- I'm not afraid to say what some people don't want to hear."
"The last time I checked, that was mean."
"Oh… well then." she said, as they got to the hospital wing. They walked in and Madam Pomphrey looked at Krys. "Please, don't send me to your assistant." Madam Pomphrey waved her over.
"I did the blood results and of course you don't have sickle cell anemia. But- you do need more iron." said Madam Pomphrey, as she handed Krys the vial of guck. Krys looked at it. "Drink it."
"Okay." said Krys, before she downed it. She started to gag, until Madam Pomphrey gave her some water.
"And- we need to change the potion in your inhaler." Krys groaned. "If you're feeling shortness of breath, you have to come in."
"I feel fine. But- the panic attacks mix with the asthma and sometimes I don't know which is which."
"Oh dear- that can be a problem. So… you take the medicine for what you think is a panic attack and instead it may be an asthma attack. Either one, breathing is difficult." said Madam Pomphrey. "Go to your inhaler first. Better yet- get here first." Krys nodded.
"I haven't made the injection yet." she said. Madam Pomphrey pulled a needle out of her drawer, and took Krys' arm. She shot it, then put a band aid on the spot. Krys waved, then walked from behind the curtain. Henry was sitting down, playing with his hands. When he saw Krys, he smiled.
"So… what's the damage?" he asked as he got up. Krys shook her head.
"No damage. I just have to change the prescription for my inhaler." she said.
"You have asthma?" he asked. Krys nodded. "Bad?"
"Its bad either way." said Krys. Henry nodded.
"True. But- is it bad like, 'ooh- if I don't get to my inhaler, I'm going to die' bad. Or is it bad, 'oh man, I'm coughing?' bad" he asked. Krys looked at him.
"The first one." she said.
"Ah. So- are you one of those lazy girls that likes to talk and shop? You know, since you have asthma." he said. Krys laughed.
"I wouldn't say lazy. I am actually lazy, though. And- I do like to shop. But- no, I do like to talk, also. But, I'm more into talking about things that matter, not who made out with who at whomever's Christmas party."
"So what else do you do?" asked Henry. Krys looked at him.
"What's with the third degree?" she asked.
"I remember you telling me that I don't know you." said Henry. Krys nodded.
"That may be so, but the inquisition is making me feel like I'm in jail." she said. "Listen- you talk to me, when we have our……outing." Then she walked away. When she got to the Great Hall, they were all sitting there waiting for her. Krys started eating her chocolate cake.
"So- what did she say?" asked Ginny.
"I need to change the prescription in my inhaler." said Krys. "And- I need to go straight to her whenever I think I'm having a panic attack. It might just be the asthma."
"That's serious." said Harry. "But shouldn't you know which one it is?"
"To tell you the truth- I have no idea." said Krys. Harry looked at her for a minute. "What?" He shook his head.
"So- what do you guys want to do? We have two hours before N.E.W.T's." said Harry. Krys shrugged, and continued to eat her cake. "You guys want to play Quidditch?" Krys nodded frantically.
"You know- I have no idea where my broom is." she said. Harry laughed. "It has my name engraved on it."
"Mine says 'Prongs'. It carved itself in as soon as I found out the truth."
"Mine says 'Andromeda'. It carved itself in, when I got here." Harry laughed. "But before- it had a star on it. Sapphire eyes lining the star."
"Okay- well, we should go." said Harry. "Hopefully we can get the pitch." Krys hopped up.
"And even if we can't, we should try a pick up game." she said.
"Do you want to be a chaser for the team?" asked Harry. Krys laughed.
"What made you choose McLaggen is beyond me." she said. He looked at her.
"You didn't show up for tryouts. He was the only one that could do it. Plus- you're too violent." said Harry. Krys laughed.
"I'm not violent. I'm simply… aggressive." she said. "Race you?"
"Do you have your inhaler?" asked Harry. Krys looked at him.
"Do I ever have my inhaler?" she asked.
"Which is why I'm not going to race you." said Harry.
"You know that I might just run regardless. Whether I'm racing you or not." said Krys. Harry nodded.
"True. But then, I wouldn't be one of the causes of your untimely death." he said.
"Death is only untimely if its an inconvenience to others." said Krys.
"The Cup is four days after N.E.W.T's." said Harry.
"Ergo, it'd be a big inconvenience for you, if you didn't have me."
"Its either you or McLaggen. And I have no idea how we got this far without you." said Harry. Krys gave a curtsy.
"Neither do I. Listen- lets hurry." she said. They all jogged to the Quidditch pitch, only to find a bunch of Hufflepuffs playing. Krys, Harry and Ron summonsed their brooms and they came flying through the air and landing in the hands of each owner. The Hufflepuffs shot out of the sky and down to where the three were standing. Richard was at the head of the beeline. He stopped in front of Harry.
"What are you guys doing here?" he asked. Krys looked at Harry.
"Michaels- you know why we're down here." said Krys.
"Its Mason." said Richard.
"Doesn't matter." said Krys. "A few months ago, you said that you were the better team. Well- you made the cut for the cup. But- you still hold a lot of animosity for us. Us- who also qualify. I say we have a pick up game."
"What's that?"
"It's a game between us three, and three of yours. A seeker, a chaser and a keeper. You choose three from your team- then we go." said Krys. Richard shook his head.
"No." he said. Krys nodded.
"Okay then. But- see, now we have more reason to mock you." she said, as she started to drag Harry and Ron away.
"Wait!" called Mason. Krys looked back.
"You rang?" she asked.
"How about a bet?" Krys looked at Harry, then nodded.
"What?"
"If Gryffindor loses, you have to walk the pitch with a 'Gryffindor Sucks' sign in Hufflepuff colors." said Mason. Krys looked at Harry. He shrugged, so she nodded.
"You sure that's all you want?" asked Krys. Mason nodded, and held her hand.
"That's all, what about you?" he asked.
"If Hufflepuff loses-" started Krys. "You have to walk the pitch completely naked, with a painted Griffin on your chest. On the back 'Gryffindor Rules, Hufflepuff Sucks' in red and gold. Then you have to do a little dance." She waved her wand around their held hands. "Its official. Get your players then let the games begin." Krys pulled Harry and Ron to the bench. Ron was breathing deeply. "Dude- what's wrong with him?"
"Ron has a bit of a problem with pressure." said Harry. Krys looked at Ron and pinched his hand.
"Ouch." he cried.
"Look at me." said Krys. Ron looked up. "Okay listen- its okay if we lose. Because all we have to do is belittle and berate the greatest house in Hogwarts. All we have to do is walk around with Gryffindor sucks, on a giant piece of paper for the whole school to see. No big deal. We don't even have to play our best. Fuck that- we don't even have to play. We can forfeit and give Hufflepuff bragging rights."
"What do you mean we don't have to play the best? If we don't our house name will be soiled." said Ron.
"Then play the best you can. Preserve the house name." said Krys, as she put her hair in a tight bun. Ron jumped up and nodded. Harry looked at Krys.
"How in the bloody hell did you do that?" he asked.
"Reverse psychology works all the time." she said.
"How will this be embarrassing, if there's no one here?" asked Ron. Krys laughed and looked at Harry.
"I've already taken care of that." she said. The Hufflepuffs walked over to them. "You ready?" Mason nodded.
"Scared?" he asked.
"We're not the one's who'll have to walk around naked, with another teams praises on our bodies. I just hope you don't have any girls on your team." she said.
"We do." said Mason. Krys looked around.
"Oh- I meant creatures that look like girls." she said. That's when students started to file into the seats. Mason looked at her. Harry and Ron flew up to their regular positions. "Oh- did I forget to mention that people would be here? My mistake. Who's your chaser?"
"I am." said Mason. Krys nodded and got on her broom. He held one hand on the Quaffle and did also. They threw it up into the air together and Krys caught it. She flew all the way to a post with it, then shot it in. She flicked her wand and ten points went under Gryffindor's name on their scoreboard. An hour later, they were still playing. Gryffindor has 150 points and Hufflepuff had 70. Krys looked up at Harry. She could see that he was peering for the snitch. Suddenly he shot off. She nodded, then went after the Quaffle again. She was racing towards the post, when she heard a scream. She looked down and Harry was falling out of the sky. She shot towards him with her broom, then caught him while he was about 30 feet from the ground. Krys snapped her fingers, and Harry's firebolt shot towards them, as he held onto her broom. She caught it, and handed it to him. He mounted the broom in midair and flew up to level with Krys..
"Damnit Prongs." said Krys. Harry laughed, then opened his hand. The golden snitch started to flutter. She took out her wand and pointed at the scoreboard. The Hufflepuffs all shot towards them.
"That's not fair." said Mason.
"What's not fair about it? He fell out of the sky, while catching the snitch- we got it." said Krys. "Start stripping." she said, before she waved her wand then shot towards the ground. She stood in the middle of the pitch, with her wand to the neck. "Ladies and Gentleman! I have a little Pre N.E.W.T treat for you! The Hufflepuff team has made a wager with the Gryffindor team and myself!" A few moments later the Hufflepuff team came out with robes on. "Drop it!" Mason was the first to drop his robe and walk across the pitch. The crowd (excluding the Hufflepuffs) roared with laughter. After him the other two walked the pitch. Krys walked over to Harry and Ron.
"My arm is broken." said Harry. Krys nodded, then took out her wand. She tapped Harry's arm three times, then pulled it. "Ouch." he sounded.
"Still broken?"
"No- but that hurt." he said. Krys shrugged.
"Red, nice blocks. Very cool." she said.
"Thanks. What about you?" asked Ron. Krys looked at him.
"What about me?" she asked.
"Fifteen goals, six steals?" he asked. Krys nodded.
"I still don't know what Harry was thinking when he chose McLaggen." said the voice of Ginny. Krys turned to her.
"Thank you. I thought I was just crazy." said Krys. "Was it you that screamed?" Ginny blushed.
"It wasn't a scream. I was yelling for Gryffindor to win." she lied. Harry laughed.
"Yeah- you love me." he teased, before he kissed her. Krys and Ron looked at each other, then made gagging noises.
"This is nasty. I have to go." said Krys, as she held her stomach in mock disgust.
"Wait for me." said Ron. "I'll see you later." he said, as they walked back to the school. Krys nodded, then sat down outside the Great Hall.
"I thought you were a mallrat." said a voice. Krys turned around to see Brookes smiling at her. "You made it seem like you don't play any sports and you don't do anything but talk on your phone."
"I never said that. That was your assumption." she said.
"So- you're a jock."
"No."
"So- what are you?" he asked. "Since you're not a jock. And you're not a mallrat."
"A Krys." said Krys.
"What is that?"
"A person that isn't into labels. I'm a Krys."
"Oh… so- how do you think you'll do?"
"On what?"
"N.E.W.T's."
"Oh- I forgot about that. I scared that I'll barely pass and have to work as a fast food worker for the rest of my life."
"Why do you think that?"
"Because I'm a nervous person."
"You've always been nervous?"
"It depends. Usually when I'm talking- I get out of that nervousness. But- if its something where people are just looking at me, its different."
"So- you're more nervous when people have to hear you speak. Less nervous when you're just being looked at?"
"No. More nervous when I'm being looked at. Less nervous when I'm being listened to."
"How does that work?" he asked.
"How do you think it works?" asked Krys.
"Well- you either don't like to be looked at, or you-"
"It's the first one." said Krys. She turned to him. "Okay Dude- I've given you a grace period."
"A grace period for what?" asked Henry.
"To see if you really wanna hang with me. So- do you?" she asked. Henry looked thoughtful for a minute.
"So-… today, I've found out that you're mean, you have asthma, you're smart, you get nervous, you like to shop, and that you play Quidditch well. I'm thinking….yeah." he said. Krys shrugged.
"Oh- okay." she said. "So… did you really think that I sat on my ass all day talking on my cell phone and shopping?"
"You said that you liked to talk." said Henry. "And I figured that since you have asthma, you would be one of those people who use it as an excuse." Krys nodded. "So- do you play any other sports? Is Quidditch your forte? Or is it all you play?"
"I don't only play Quidditch." she said.
"Well… what else do you play?"
"Everything else."
"What, like fencing?" Krys laughed.
"I've actually fenced before. My dad used to take me to this club. I learned how to fence, how to play tennis, and how to golf."
"So- what about you and cricket?" asked Henry.
"I don't play cricket. I play soccer, football, basketball, hockey- and my all time favorite sport is boxing. I was training to be a boxer." said Krys. Henry nodded.
"Which is where you learned to punch like that." he said.
"What- oh. Yeah." said Krys.
"Yeah. Don't worry about it. It was probably my fault." said Henry. Krys shook her head.
"No- it was all your fault. I'm just saying yeah. I didn't apologize, and I'm not worried about it." she said. Henry laughed. "I'm serious"
"I know. That's what makes it so funny." he said. Krys looked at him.
"You're not gonna take me somewhere and try to kill me, are you?" she asked jokingly.
"I don't think I could." said Henry.
"I know. I just wanted to help your ego a little. You know- before I destroy it."
"What makes you think that you'll destroy my ego?"
"Well- I was thinking that for our little outing… we could go to the Room of Requirements, and I could beat your ass in every sport that we endeavored."
"That sounds better than walking around Hogsmeade." said Henry. "Although- I'm not so sure that you'll beat me."
"Wow- you really don't know me." said Krys. "But that's good. Hold on to that confidence while you still respect yourself. That's very good. But- here are the sports; hockey, basketball and soccer."
"Alright. How about a bet?" asked Henry.
"You've seen how cruel I can be when it comes to bets. And I've never been one to turn down a bet. But- if you're sure." said Krys. "What kind of bet?"
"If I win… you have to declare your undying love for me." said Henry. Krys looked at him.
"And if I win, you have to go out on a date with Lavender and a date with Romilda." she said. "A kiss goodnight, then avoidance."
"That's mean."
"Lavender's mean."
"Speaking of Lavender… what happened that day? In Defense?"
"I don't know you." said Krys. "If I end up liking you, I'll tell you."
"Well- for my sake, I hope you end up liking me." said Henry.
"I don't." said Krys jokingly. She looked at Henry and started to laugh. "Come on."
"Where?"
"Its time for N.E.W.T's. If we start walking now, we can arrive in time to get good seats."
"Wow… when I first saw you, I thought that you were just this attractive, bitchy, materialistic girl that I wanted to sleep with." Krys looked at him. "But it turns out that you're a dorky, attractive girl that I still kind of want to sleep with." Krys looked at him again. "I was only joking."
"Good for you- I was looking for an excuse to hurt you. You almost gave me one." He laughed, then they walked quietly for a while. "I thought you were a pureblood." she said.
"I am."
"But in class you said that you were a half and half."
"My mother left my father and married a muggle."
"That must've been hard."
"Yeah, her entire family disowned her. Now we only have each other. Plus- my dad was a psycho Slytherin. I think that she's better off… she really loves her life now, and I really like my Stepfather."
"Oh." was all that Krys could say. Brookes looked at her.
"You're a muggleborn, right?"
"Um… yeah." said Krys. Henry nodded.
"So- you're from California?" he asked. Krys nodded, then shook her head.
"Yeah- I've lived in California most of my life. But- I'm originally from England. I was born here."
"Oh really?" asked Henry. Krys nodded. "So- where in California are you from?"
"Um…"
"Um…?" coaxed Henry. Krys chuckled.
"Why do you care?" she asked.
"I just want to know." said Henry.
"Compton. It is the southwestern suburb of Los Angeles."
"I know where Compton is." said Henry.
"Listen, I'll see you later. I have to meet the others."
"Oh alright. Can I see you later?"
"Why?"
"Because I want to. How about at dinner?"
"Um- what about after dinner? The kitchens."
"Sure. About forty five after dinner?"
"Um… yeah, okay." said Krys. "Um- bye."
Later that night,, Krys and Harry sat in the Great Hall for Dinner.
"So…how do you think you did?" asked Harry. Krys groaned.
"Failed." she said. Harry laughed. "How about you, Prongs?"
"I hope I did alright. I've never been good at potions." Krys laughed.
"Well, Snape was a jackass." she said. "Honestly, when I was younger- when I learned to play basketball. My dad would teach me. He was a terrible player. He couldn't make a shot or dribble to save his- well, he couldn't do it. Even though he was horrible, he taught me to dribble and handle the ball well, because he was just a good teacher. He was nice and he knew how to relate to me. Snape was just an asshole. It didn't matter that he knew what he was doing. He didn't know how to relate to students. You have to admit in these past two years, Slughorn has taught you more than you ever learned from Snape."
"True. I actually knew answers to questions." said Harry. Krys laughed, and continued to eat cake.
"Where are the others?" she asked. Harry sighed.
"Gin is helping Ron and Hermione do a little planning on the Graduation Ball." he said.
"Where was I when they came up with these plans?" asked Krys. Harry laughed.
"Avoiding Hermione." he said.
"Oh… remember when we first got the power and didn't care about breaking peoples private thoughts?"
"Yeah. And- it was perfectly natural to pick up on them. That was a good time. Now it just seems immoral."
"So… what's going on with Ron and Hermione?"
"Absolutely nothing." said Harry. Krys groaned. "You're acting like you don't know that nothings going to happen."
"Damn it to hell." said Krys. Harry laughed.
"Please, never say that again." he said. Krys looked at him, then laughed.
"This is really going to screw me up."
"You're already screwed up. This is just going to make matters worse." Krys laughed.
"That's rude. And you make it seem like you're any better than me." she said. "And if you think you are, I have a little newsflash for you… you're not. You're crazy, I'm a nutcase and belong in a nuthouse. And- I'll probably be living there in my older years." Harry laughed.
"We are screwed up, aren't we?" he said. Krys nodded. "But- its okay. I still love you… even if you should be in a little white jacket that enables you to hug yourself." Krys looked at him with wide eyes.
"Wow. That was harsh." she said. "I mean- you should have one too. You're as crazy, if not crazier than me."
"No I'm not. I'm completely sane." said Harry.
"Seemingly sane. The difference between you and me is that I'm not afraid for people to know that I'm crazy. I act crazy. You on the other hand- you're crazy on the down low." Harry laughed.
"You done with your cake?" he asked. Krys nodded. "You ready to go?" She shrugged and hopped up. They started to walk out of the Great Hall.
"So what are you and Gin doing tonight?"
"I don't know." said Harry. "What about you?"
"Um… nothing really."
"Really?" asked Harry. Krys looked up at him.
"What?"
"Really. You said 'really- nothing really'."
"Oh- I'm just doing something in about an hour." she said.
"With who?" coaxed Harry. Krys started to bite her lip, then she started to bite her nails. "I don't get it. If you don't want to tell people about being 'friends' with Brookes, why do it?"
"He's alright. Its not like I'm seeing anyone- and its not even like that." Harry nodded, in mock understanding.
"Yeah, sure its not." he said sarcastically.
"We're just friends." said Krys. Harry continued to nod.
"I believe you." he said sarcastically.
"I'm serious." she said.
"Well- if you are serious, then you need to-. Sorry- its not my business." said Harry.
"Prongs, the only thing that's coming out of this, is friendship." said Krys. Harry looked at her.
"Padfoot, there are two very big problems with that." he said.
"What?" asked Krys.
"Well- number one, he doesn't want that-"
"Wait, what do you mean?"
"He likes you. Just like Ares likes- loves you. Just like Jason liked you-"
"Jason never liked me." said Krys.
"He did until your third year." said Harry. "Just like that bloke Eric liked you. Like a lot of guys like you, Padfoot. You can't be this clueless."
"Obviously I am, Prongs. I have no idea what you're talking about. I don't see what you're talking about. I don't see it."
"Oh wow. I- wow. The boy has asked you out more than once. You've turned him down each time that he's asked you out. He asked you out again and you said yes."
"Big deal. I figure give him a date- get him to know the real me. I'll have him running in no time. Its like a……crush." said Krys. Harry laughed.
"No its not." he said. "He thinks that there's a chance that you guys will be a couple."
"No he doesn't. He cannot think that." said Krys.
"You're right. I'm wrong." Harry said sarcastically. Krys nodded.
"I am right." she said, as she said the password to the portraits. They walked in and Ron, Hermione and Ginny were lying around. They greeted Harry and Krys, as the two plopped down in chairs. "So… how were you in the potions exam?"
"I wasn't terrible." said Hermione. "So- do you want to hang out tonight?" Krys looked at her watch.
"Oh- I can't. I have to do something in a few minutes." she said, as she walked to her room. Hermione looked at Harry.
"What's wrong with her?" asked Ron. Harry shook his head. "So- what's going on with you guys?" he asked Hermione.
"She's not talking to me." said Hermione. Ron nodded understandingly. "Excuse me." she said, as she got up and walked to Krys' door. She knocked and the door whipped open. Hermione walked in, and Krys started going through her drawers. "Can I talk to you?"
"Talk away." said Krys in a monotonous voice.
"Can I sit?" asked Hermione.
"I don't know. Can you?"
"May I sit?"
"Why not?" said Krys. She pulled out her pajamas.
"Are you still mad at me? Because it seems like you're still mad at me."
"Is that what it seems like?" asked Krys.
"Yes."
"Well- then that's probably what it is."
"Why? I thought you accepted my apology." said Hermione. Krys looked at her.
"When did I say that?" she asked.
"You said that I should quit apologizing." said Hermione. "You said that it was tiring."
"Exactly- I said that because, it was. I was tired of hearing empty ass apologies from you."
"They were not empty-" started Hermione. Krys laughed sardonically.
"You make it seem like I don't know every goddamn detail that goes through your mind. Like I don't have that power. If you meant what you said- if you really believe that, then stick to it! If that's what you believe, then keep it. I'm alright with that- but, I don't see the point in us talking, if that's what you believe."
"I'm sorry." said Hermione. "I don't know how many times I can say it."
"Obvious answer."
"What is it Krys?"
"Until you mean it."
"Krys, its ju-"
"Hermione, I need to know that we wont have that conversation again. Whether it be in a few months, when you tell me that you've had sex with him. Or another few months when you say that you guys- I don't know...have a kid. What I do know is that… I can't believe that after we had that conversation at the mall, you still don't believe me."
"I do believe you, its just that……"
"Just that… what, Hermione?"
"I don't know." Krys nodded.
"I have to go in the shower. You know where the door is." she said, as she walked to the bathroom. Krys took a shower and washed her hair. She put on her Bugs Bunny pajamas, matching slippers and matching robe. Her hair started to fall into their naturally silky ringlets. She pulled her hair back into a pony tail, and clipped her bangs to the side. When she walked out into the common room, they all looked at her. They were all sitting around. "Why are you looking at me?" No one said anything, except for Ginny.
"Why are you being such a bitch? Why are you being such a prat to her, Krys?" she asked. Krys laughed. "And you make it seem lik-"
"First off, I really don't get how anyone can ask how I'm being a bitch. I was avoiding the situation and that was working damn well for me. Second, I already knew that her side would be taken as the default but- to take it without knowing the story… I have to say, I am really disappointed. I'm not the one making the accusations. I'm not the one that's done anything wrong. And I'm not the one that should be accused of betrayal. Because she's-"
"Can you stop talking about me as if I'm not even here?!" yelled Hermione. Krys looked at her.
"You're not!" she yelled, before she turned back to Ginny. "She's the one that betrayed me by even accusing me of some bullshit like that. She's the one who broke two promises. Two of which she should be really ashamed of! One-… what she accused me of- I've already tried to justify it over and over again. Am I really that untrustworthy? We had that conversation before- and I considered that one time too many! She accused me of being- she accused me of something that I… wow I don't even know what to say. Number two, the last time, she said she'd never do it again! Big fucking lie!" yelled Krys. Hermione was glaring at her.
"You know what- I have no idea why I apologized. The fact of the matter is, you're a two-timing slut! I have no idea why I started to hang out with you in the first place!" yelled Hermione. Krys nodded and laughed.
"Oh my God. You know, a few days ago, I probably would've felt something. But- I don't give a fuck, Hermione! Because I don't wanna be friends with a traitorous, backstabbing, paranoid bitch anyway! So I'm about to make your dreams come true- fuck you and fuck the friendship!" said Krys, as she walked to the door.
"Fuck you, Krys! I always knew you weren't worth defending!- You've never been worth it!- You've never been worth my time! Any of our time!" yelled Hermione. Krys turned around.
"Really, Hermione?" she asked softly, but strongly. Hermione nodded.
"Really." she said. Krys closed her eyes, and chuckled softly. Harry could've sworn that he saw Krys get misty.
"You know- I always knew that at some point in my life, I'd lose someone who I thought was one of my best friends. You know- an imposter, a bitch in disguise. But- I never thought that person would be you, Hermione… I mean- I knew Ailen wouldn't cut it- but you? You always seemed like you were worth the time and energy. But we all know why you're so afraid that I have something with him. Its because, unlike the rest of us, you've always known you weren't worth the trouble. You've always known that we made you out to be more than you really are. In reality… you're not that smart, you're not that nice, and you're not that pretty. So… I'm gonna walk away- and when I'm gone, this friendship will never have happened and all we'll have of each other are these words. They'll remind us of who we are to one another. They'll remind me that you've never been and never will be worth it. You're nothing to me. The waters been poisoned." she said softly and slowly. Hermione looked at her, then walked out of the room with tears running down her face. They all looked at Krys, then Ron and Ginny ran after Hermione. Harry was the only one that stayed looking at Krys. Krys rolled her eyes, then went out the portrait hole. Krys ran down to the kitchens and tickled the pear. It giggled, then opened. There was no house elf there to greet Krys. She shrugged it off, then walked in. Henry was sitting at the table in the middle of the kitchen. Krys walked over to him.
"You're late." he said.
"No… you said, 'about forty five after'. This is the leniency of the about approximation."
"You're too smart for my good." said Henry. Krys laughed.
"I've never heard that one before." she said. She waved her wand, and chocolate cake came whizzing through the air. She started to eat her cake.
"So- what kept you?"
"Listen Casanova, stop asking me questions." Krys said playfully. Henry laughed.
"I've never been referred to as a Casanova. But- I liked hearing it." he said. Krys' shoulders shook with laughter, as she ate more cake. "I've never seen a girl eat so much cake, without looking one bit conscious." Krys' shoulder shook more, then she gave him the finger. He laughed. "It was a compliment." Krys snapped, then put one finger up. Two butterbeers whizzed through the air, and she caught them, then threw one to Henry. She opened hers, then took a few gulps. She sat in the Al Bundy stance and belched loudly. "You eat like a bloke." Brookes said jokingly. Krys spit out her butterbeer, and started to laugh. She wiped her mouth and continued to laugh. "That was completely ladylike."
"Who are you to give me ladyfying lessons?" she asked. He laughed.
"Is that a word?" he asked.
"Ladyfy?"
"Yeah-"
"Yes, it's a word. It's a UK terminology- you should know it better that me. So, what did you want to see me about?"
"Do I need a reason?" asked Henry. Krys looked at her watch, then nodded.
"Yeah, because I have a bit of reading to do." she said.
"Well- you can forget about the reading, because you're with me." Krys looked at him.
"You're getting too used to me not hating you. You're talking reckless. I'll leave your ass right now."
"No you wont."
"Only because I really want this cake." said Krys, as she continued to eat her cake. Brookes laughed.
"So- can you help me study for the transfiguration exam, at dinner tomorrow?" he asked. Krys looked up at him.
"There are plenty of better tutors out there." she said.
"True- but, I want you to tutor me."
"Um… okay. You'll come to the Gryffindor table?" she asked.
"I kind of want you to meet my friends." he said.
"You have friends?" she teased.
"Yes- I have friends." he mocked. She laughed.
"Who?"
"Richard Mason and Jonathan Michaels." Krys started to cough.
"They don't like me that much." she said. Henry laughed.
"I know. That's one of the reasons I like you so much." he said. Krys looked at him.
"I don't like them that much either." she said. He laughed.
"You ready?" he asked. Krys nodded, then got up. The plate disappeared, and they walked out of the kitchen. "I'll walk you to your common room."
"You don't have to. I can take care of myself." said Krys. Henry laughed and nodded.
"I'm perfectly aware of that." he said. "I'm only offering to restore my manhood." Krys laughed.
"That's a good reason." she said. She looked at him. "Race you?"
"Do you have your inhaler?" he asked. Krys raised her eyebrow.
"Is that your business?"
"I'm just wondering."
"No."
"Then no racing." Krys rolled her eyes.
"Whatever."
"What do your parents do?" he asked, as he looked at her.
"Assuming I end up liking you enough, I'll tell you those stories." said Krys.
"How about- on our date, we get twenty rule free questions each."
"No. Four is my limit."
"That's no fun. Five."
"Okay, but- its more fun. It leaves room for wonder, and it makes you value the questions more." said Krys. Henry nodded.
"I guess I have to take what I can get." he said.
"Damn right." They continued to walk quietly, through the halls. When they got to the seventh floor, Krys stopped in front of the portraits. "You can go now." she said in a singsong voice. He laughed.
"Do I at least get a hug good night?" he asked. Krys shook her head.
"No." she said. Henry laughed, then walked away. Krys said the password, but the portrait wouldn't open. Krys chuckled, then got her wand. She tapped the corners of the portrait and it broke down. They all looked at her, when she walked through. "You locked me out?!" No one said anything. "It'd be really nice, if the two men in this room could grow sacks and tell me the truth. You don't want me in here- fine."
"It was either you or Hermione. Hermione was here, so we thought we'd cross you when you came back." said Ron. Krys raised an eyebrow.
"Good to know that when I turn around, I'll get jack hammered in the back." she said, before she walked to her room. She disapparated and landed in Ares and Jason's room. Ares was sleeping in bed, hugging the picture frame. Krys sat on Jason's bed and watched him. He looked peaceful, then he started to mumble. Krys conjured a feather, then started to tickle his face. He slapped himself. Krys continued to tickle his face, until he woke up. He jumped back and Krys laughed. Ares looked at her, then got up and went to the bathroom. Krys waited twenty minutes after the shower turned on, to walk in. Ares was behind the curtain.
"Krys!" he yelled. Krys looked at the curtain, then sat down on the sink.
"What?" she asked.
"What are you doing here?" asked Ares, as he stuck his head out of the curtain. His hair was dripping wet. Krys looked at him.
"Hi to you too." she said sarcastically. "What happened to your lip?" Ares looked at her. "Okay- not a light subject." she said to herself, as she snapped her finger. The scratch was no longer there.
"Krys, why are you here?"
"I came here to wish you luck."
"And you couldn't send a note?" asked Ares. Krys rolled her eyes, then hopped up.
"You don't want me here- fine." she said, as she left the bathroom. Ares walked out after her. Krys looked at him. "You know that you're wearing a towel, right?"
"I'm well aware of that. I didn't mean it that way- I'm just so used to you yelling at me." he said. "I'm glad that you're here." Krys nodded, then sat on Jason's bed. She put her hands behind her head and kicked her feet up in the laid back position.
"Well- why don't you get dressed, then we'll talk about it." she said. Ares nodded, then he started to take off the towel. He suddenly looked back at Krys, who was watching in anticipation. He raised an eyebrow, then sat on his bed.
"Were you gonna sit here and let me get naked in front of you?" he asked.
"Well…no use in ruining the rest of my day." she said. Ares smiled.
"Wow." he said, as he got up and went to the bathroom. He come out with baggy black jeans on. His hair was still dripping wet, and he wasn't wearing a shirt. He laid on his bed, then looked at her. "So- are we going to pretend that none of it happened?"
"How else do you expect to preserve our ruined friendship?" asked Krys. Ares shrugged.
"I guess-… its forgotten." he said. Krys looked at him and smiled slightly.
"Forgotten." she said, as she nodded. They stayed silent for a while, then he got up and held out his hand.
"Mmm." he sounded. Krys looked up at him, then took his hand. "We two we're friends to the end.
Aint we my friend?"
"We kind of blend together." she sang, as she hopped off her bed.
"Coffee and cream
Boy, what a team"
"You'll never find two other guys
Compatible as steak and fries" they sang simultaneously.
"We're two of a kind
Much of a mind
We find our way, together" he sang monotonously.
"Thinking as one
Searching for sunny skies" she sang, as he spun her around.
"True the sun may turn to rain." he sang.
"We don't mind a drop of rain." she sang.
"But you wont hear us complain."
"Doesn't help to stop the rain."
"What's the gain if we complain."
"Causes lots of stress and strain"
"We keep smiling in the pitter patter
Doesn't matter
Why let it drive us insane
We know the weather will mend
Wont it my friend
We'll weather life, together
So what the heck
Here's what we recommend" they sang in unison.
"The greatest gift in life's a friend" sang Ares. "Take it Krys."
"Pays a daily dividend." she sang.
"Be like us and start a trend
Be friends to the end" they sang together.
"The greatest gift in life's a friend." she sang. "Take it Ares."
"Pays a daily dividend." he sang.
"Be like us and start a trend
We're friends to the end." they sang, as she jumped on him. They hit the bed, and she was on top of him. She looked at him, then rolled off.
"Your test is in two hours." she said. He nodded.
"It is." he said. "So…… what's going on with you?" Krys looked at him.
"Nothing. I'm not talking to the others." she said. Ares looked at her.
"Why not?"
"They're trying not to take sides in an argument- and, they're pretty much doing it anyway." she said. "I didn't expect them not to choose sides. I mean- they've really known Hermione over six years. I just- its more of why we're arguing."
"Why are you arguing? You told me that Hermione was easily your best girlfriend there."
"Okay- remember Christmas break? The day at the mall." Ares nodded. "When me and Hermione left the ice cream place- she asked me what was going on with me and Ron."
"Wow."
"I know. Okay- she kissed Ron about two weeks ago, while you and me were at my house." Ares nodded. "So- she tells me, and I start to choke on cake. Then she asked me why I was so mad- and it got into this thing. After that, she kept apologizing."
"So… what's the problem?"
"They're empty apologies." said Krys. "She meant it. What's the point of apologizing?"
"You should be somewhat lenient, Krys. I had this girlfriend- and she told me that… at a certain point, she wouldn't have gone out with me, because of blood. Hermione is stuck in a predicament where she's in love with this guy that she believes that can't be with. It should be stressful- try and understand that."
"Well- it wont really be that easy to mend fences now."
"Why n-? You didn't curse her out, did you?"
"In my own defense- I was mad. She started it anyway."
"Well- in Hermione's defense… I thought that you and Jason had something going on." said Ares. Krys looked at him and laughed. "I'm serious." She stopped laughing immediately.
"I thought you were joking the other times."
"I was dead serious."
"Why?"
"You were al-"
"Don't say that I was always with him. I was rarely with Jason- but I love him all the same. Whenever we were together, we talked about things that I couldn't talk to you about. And that was like one thing. And- we talked about the stuff that we talk about too, but- its Jason! Jason, Harry, Ron- are my brothers. That's just- ugh." she said as she started to gag. "I haven't liked him like that, since the end of first year. And even then, it was because he was extremely bold and perverted." Ares started to laugh. Krys looked at him.
"I'm sorry. Its just that- hold on, why did you stop liking him? He's still perverted."
"He's- I don't really- oh. You know why." she said. He nodded. "Its just- Jason isn't my cousin… Ron is. Plus- I hoped that she'd know me better than that. And it wouldn't matter if I liked him or not."
"Krys- this is the magical world that we're talking about. With Purebloods, the breeding between distant cousins to keep it Pureblood within the families. Maybe she's thinking that way."
"But me and Ron were both born into families that didn't care about that. My mom's parents didn't care about it. My parents didn't care about it- I don't care about it. Plus- I'd be too disgusted to do that. I find it completely repulsive."
"That makes two of us. But- she's kind of on the outside looking in. Does she really know where you two stand?"
"When- when- when the hell did you get so……?"
"My mother visited a week ago." said Ares. Krys nodded. "Hanging out with her- that's where I got the psychobabble."
"How is she?" she asked.
"She told me."
"About what?"
"Everything about your little visit. About Jennifer-"
"Victoria and Robyn… your little sisters." finished Krys. Ares nodded. "I'm sorry."
"About what?"
"Well- I've known for about… since I met Thai." Ares laughed. "I just- I didn't know how to tell you, and- I didn't think I was the one who should."
"Its okay. My mother told me, Jason, and A.J- then she told us about leaving him."
"Well- listen, I should probably get going. Write me?"
"How about we hang out after N.E.W.T's?"
"Yeah- I'll tell you when its not hectic. Hey- are you staying with me this summer?" Ares looked at her.
"You, Stephanie, her friends, your friends-"
"Only Thai."
"That's not the point. Is it a good idea?"
"I don't care. Are you coming?" Ares looked at her.
"That really doesn't sound like a good idea." he said.
"Alright. I just figured…"
"You know what- fuck it. Sure, I'll come." he said. "Its either that- or watch Jason and A.J do that disgusting lovey-dovey crap." Krys laughed.
"I think its very cute. Its Jason. And he finally got smart. Stopped going out with the sluts and became a born again virgin with A.J-"
"She's still virgin?" asked Ares eagerly. Krys nodded. "Thank God."
"Jason's smarter than that." said Krys. "Listen- I do have to go to sleep- you should go get Jason though. And- get there early so that you can get a good seat. See you later, Dude."
"Whatever Krys." said Ares. "I'll see you later."
When Krys got back, Harry was sitting in her room. She looked at him, then sat down.
"So- you curse Hermione out and make her cry, you leave, you knock the door down, curse us out, then- you block me out and leave? Does that sound about right?" asked Harry sardonically. Krys lay down on her bed and looked at him challengingly. "Where were you?"
"My dad didn't grill me like this- so you… don't try me." said Krys.
"What the bloody hell is your problem?" asked Harry.
"I don't have a problem." said Krys.
"So- its everyone else then?"
"Damn right. I didn't do anything wrong. You of all people should know straight up- she's throwing empty apologies at me. What's the point?"
"Get over it!"
"No! Fuck you! As long as I'm- ugh!"
"Does this have anything to do with you and Ares?" asked Harry as he walked over to her bed. Krys looked at him and shook her head.
"This has everything to do with Hermione. I- in those two moments, she turned into Ailen."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean- I just can't hang out with girls. Hermione was one of the only girls I could really hang out with- and now, that's ruined. I mean- I have A.J and Gin also- and don't get me wrong, I love A.J to death but- but- Hermione is Bon-bon. Is it really that impossible to be friends with me?"
"No… but- you don't get it, do you?"
"Get what?"
"Its not that she thinks you like Ron. Its that she's seeing your relationship with him, and it reminds her of her relationship with him."
"That's crazy."
"No its not. See- everyone can see it. You and Hermione are a lot alike."
"No we're not."
"Yes you are."
"No, we're not."
"Yes, you are."
"I don't see that."
"Everyone else does. You guys are a lot alike- yet you're completely different."
"Prongs, that doesn't make much sense." said Krys. Harry laughed. "What?"
"She said the same thing when I told her that. Padfoot- you're both overachievers, you both… you couldn't tell the guy that you liked the most, how you really felt, you both pick at every grammatical error- except when you don't feel like it, and you're powerful- a few people would go as far as to say you guys were perfect. She sees herself in you- so she's afraid that Ron will see the same thing and go after you because, she wont go with him. So-"
"That's ridiculous. That's like putting a Mona Lisa poster on your wall. No one wants a replica unless its completely impossible to have the real thing. I just- I don't know if I can forgive her."
"Why not?"
"Because that'd be like admitting that I wasn't completely right."
"Another thing that you have in common." said Harry. Krys looked at him.
"Will you shut up already, Prongs? Krystathaili and Hermione are completely different people."
"Yeah- they are. But they have very weird and particular similarities." said Harry. "Both Head Girl material. You were actually going to be Head Girl here."
"Yeah- don't tell anyone about that. I don't want her to know that." said Krys. "And- I wasn't prefect."
"Neither was I."
"Harry- I'm lazy, I do my work at the last minute- I'm weird."
"Yeah- but, what do you consider 'last minute'?" Krys didn't say anything. "Exactly. Two days before the assignment is due, isn't last minute."
"Okay Prongs- I get it. We have some similar qualities. I just- I don't know what to say about-"
"Get over it."
"You make it seem like you could get over it."
"What? Hermione asking me what's going on with me and Ron- that's completely different." Krys laughed.
"Ron asking you what was going on with you and Hermione."
"I wouldn't care." said Harry. Krys looked at him. "Ron is completely mental."
"Well- Hermione is sane-"
"Get over it."
"I went to see Ares."
"Get over- what?" said Harry. "What happened?"
"We're gonna forget that the relationship ever happened and go on being friends." said Krys. Harry looked at her.
"What happened to-"
"Get over it." mocked Krys.
"Is that what you want?" asked Harry. "Do you really want to forget about it?"
"Does it seem like that's what I want?" she asked softly. "It doesn't matter though. We weren't right together anyway."
"Yeah- he only thought that all the weird things you did were cute. He introduced you to his family- and they basically like you more than they like him. But no- you weren't right together." Harry said sarcastically. Krys looked at him.
"Why are you here?" she asked. Harry laughed, then got up.
"Can you at least consider forgiving her?" he asked. Krys looked at him.
"You should be asking if I can consider forgiving you." she said. Harry raised an eyebrow. "I don't like you right now."
"Padfoot- come on. Its not like I did anything."
"You only changed the locks on me. Did you think I couldn't break through a school charm?"
"No- that's the only reason I didn't ask questions."
"Whatever- goodnight." said Krys, as she went under the covers. The next morning, Krys woke up at 6am. She went in the shower and apparated to Levebons as quickly as she could. Jason and A.J were so engrossed with each other, that they didn't even flinch when she popped in. Krys sat on a chair and watched them for a minute. "You kn-" They both jumped up, then their eyes widened.
"Krys, what are you doing here?" asked A.J. Krys raised her eyebrow.
"Nice to see you too, Apolla Jade."
"How are you?" asked A.J, as she and Krys hugged.
"I'm not too bad. You too seem pretty happy." she said, as she hugged Jason. Krys looked at him. "You haven't said anything yet."
"Um- A.J, can you give us a minute?" asked Jason. A.J nodded, then left. Jason sat down and looked at Krys.
"What happened?"
"You needed him too much?" said Jason. Krys looked at him. "You want to forget all about it?" Krys groaned. "You punched him in the face."
"Thank you. I don't feel bad enough." she said sarcastically.
"Then why do it?"
"Okay- did he tell you what happened the day we left?"
"When you guys were about to-" started Jason, as he shuddered.
"Yes. Talk to him about that."
"Well- from what I heard, you're the one who said that he should go help Stephanie." said Jason.
"Jason-… shut up." said Krys.
"Are you feeling a bit stupid now?"
"Just- can you shut up and tell me where he is?"
"I don't see how I can shut up and talk at the same time, but I'll try." Krys glared at him. "He's with Array."
"Oh- um- wow- yeah, okay. Listen- um, tell him that I stopped b-"
"They have to do a project together. Since they both missed all of the prep courses." said Jason. Krys nodded. "So… you were jealous."
"No- I was shocked."
"Krys, when are you gonna stop the bullshit? The boy's hurt. His girlfriend- you, dumped him. Why?"
"Okay- do you see yourself with A.J in the next three to four years, or do you think you'll get bored?"
"I can see myself with A.J forever." said Jason.
"Forever?"
"Does this have anything to do with Ralfie?"
"No- this has nothing to do with his dad." said Krys. "The point is-"
"Krys, what's going on?"
"Okay- I don't know what he sees in me. I don't get it. So, I figured that the best way to- I don't know. They say that the children who turn out the best are the ones with the most freedom. So- I guess- I guess, I'm giving him his freedom. If I- I don't know what he sees in me. I'm a frump."
"You're not a frump. The truth, Krys."
"I had a vision."
"What happened?"
"He was standing at the alter with this blonde chick that I know."
"Its not Ailen, is it?"
"God no. It is the… daughter, of a woman that I don't like."
"So what? It doesn't mean anything."
"It means a lot."
"Maybe you should trust him." said Jason.
"Will you guys stop saying that?" said Krys.
"Stop saying what?" asked the voice of Ares. Krys turned around and looked at him. "Oh- hey Krys."
"Dude." she greeted. Jason laughed.
"I'll see you guys later." he said, as he left. Krys looked at Ares again.
"So… what kind of project are you and Array doing, truant?" she asked.
"I'm not a truant. I had a good reason." said Ares.
"What?" asked Krys.
"I had a headache."
"For the entire week." Ares laughed. "Okay- I missed prep for the week too. McGonagall made me do a four foot essay for each exam that I'm taking."
"Serves you right."
"Shut up."
"So…why are you here? You were just here earlier."
"Oh, excuse me. I'll just leave." said Krys. Ares took her hand and pulled her to him. Krys looked up at him.
"Don't go."
"Yeah-" said Krys, as she pulled away. "Well, I had to sneak out before Hermione woke up."
"You're still hiding from them?"
"Yes." Ares nodded, then laid down on his bed. He patted the space next to him. "You think we can fit?"
"Doesn't matter. If we can't, I can always just push you off."
"Funny." Krys said dryly. Ares laughed, as she laid down next to him. She laid her head on his chest, and rested her hand on his abdomen. "So Harry says that she's jealous because, she thinks that me and Ron have a similar relationship to she and Ron. And that's completely insane. Then Harry said that Hermione and I are alike."
"That's true." said Ares. The vibrations from his voice made Krys tingle. "No- you guys seem to be a lot alike. In first year- she's supposedly your perfect friend."
"What- what are you talking about?"
"In first year, you told us why you didn't have friends that are girls- and you said that you didn't like anyone. Then you described the perfect friend for you. Hermione fits that profile- you're just mad because you're you."
"No- I'm mad because we had that conversation already. But- I don't wanna talk about this anymore."
"Okay… what do you want to talk about?"
"I don't know. Come up with a topic." Ares nodded and they stood in silence for a while.
"I'm thinking of getting a tattoo." said Ares. Krys nodded.
"Of what?" she asked. Ares shrugged. "Well- I always wanted to get the R.I.P. tattoo. But- at that point- I had no idea who my parents were…so I got things that I liked. Plus- I have to get another tattoo… for Lily."
"You wanna get them together?"
"Um- sure, it'll be my graduation gift to you." she said. "I have to make an appointment."
"Have you ever made an appointment before?"
"Not for myself. But- I'm family." Ares laughed. "But- I'll make an appointment because, I want you to get Taylor. She's really good."
"Okay." he said. He gave a small yawn, and Krys hopped up.
"I'm so sorry. I forgot what time it was- you must be so sleepy." she said. Ares shook his head and held his hand out. Krys took it, and he gently pulled her back to the bed. "You want me to give you some more room?"
"When's your test?"
"Five."
"Will you be here when I get up?" he asked sleepily.
"Do you want me to be here?"
"I asked, didn't I?"
"Rude."
"I'm sorry. Yes, I want you here… there's nothing like the original."
"What?"
"Its better than sleeping with the picture."
"Listen- I'm gonna get some things."
"Okay." said Ares. Krys waved her hand and her inhaler, her iron pills, Snuffles, and three injections showed up on the nightstand. "You made it seem like you were leaving."
"That was your assumption."
"Do you remember your last day here?"
"When? In sixth year?"
"Yeah. Do you remember what we did?"
"Yeah… I remember." said Krys. Ares laughed.
"Did Yoda leave his wife?"
"No- it actually turns out… Yoda is dead." Ares laughed. "Its not funny."
"This is the epitome of funny."
"I thought you were tired."
"I was."
"And why aren't you sleeping now?"
"Cause my test isn't until three."
"So… why did you ask me to stay?"
"Because I wanted you to stay."
"Wanted?"
"Want."
"Why?"
"Why not?"
"I'm not that much fun. I'm boring."
"And you're not that beautiful either." he said jokingly. Krys looked at him.
"At least I can admit it." she said. "Most girls walk around like they're the shit."
"Krys, shut up." said Ares. Krys looked at him again. "Just- everything about you is… I can't even explain it. The captain salutes every time I see you in a skirt." Krys looked at him, with a shocked expression. Then she laughed.
"You are such a pervert." Ares laughed.
"You already know." he said.
"Well- if we're complimenting on looks… I have to tell the truth about how you look. You are utterly, totally and completely… repulsive. I have no idea how I can look at you." Ares smiled. "I'd be embarrassed if I said how you really look."
"Why?"
"Cause I'd used rated r words." said Krys. Ares looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
"I'd actually like to hear some of that." he said.
"Too bad you'll never hear any of it."
"Why not?"
"Come on… lets go to sleep."
"Okay." Ares laid back on his pillow and Krys laid down on his stomach. He unconsciously stroked her hair. "You know- Array's been dropping the hints." Krys laughed, then sat up.
"You mean, the batting of the eyelashes, the flipping the hair, the leaning over you to get a pencil and the ever lovely subtle lip play with the straw?" asked Krys. Each time she said something, she demonstrated it. Ares watched her and nodded. "Oh- she does that all the time." Krys laid back down on his stomach. Ares continued to play with her hair.
"I missed this."
"What?"
"You."
"Remember when Stephanie said that she'd be thinking about you, and you said that you'd be thinking about her too?"
"Yeah."
"And- I said that taking a shower would calm you down."
"Actually you said that a cold shower would calm the little garden snake down- and that was insulting."
"Would you have felt better if I said anaconda? Would that have made a difference."
"You've seen me naked, why don't you tell me?" asked Ares. Krys looked up at him with wide eyes.
"I should just… bite you right now. You need Jesus." she said. Ares smirked, and Krys pinched him. They stayed silent for a while. "The truth is, I brought it up so that I could apologize."
"What about you and Stephanie?"
"There is no me and Stephanie. I don't like her."
"She's your cousin."
"And… that doesn't mean anything. And she said it- we're not blood."
"Okay… I'm gonna go to sleep- because, I'm tired. But- don't get me wrong, I still wanna talk to you." said Ares. Krys laughed, nodded, and took his hand. She started to play with his palm. "That tickles."
"Sorry." she said, as she stopped.
"I didn't say to stop. I only said that it tickled." he said softly. Krys smiled.
"You should stop biting your nails." she said.
"You bite your nails worse than I do." he said tiredly.
"But- I need to. I'm a naturally nervous person. You make yourself nervous."
"No I don't." Krys looked at him. His eyes were closed, and he looked uncomfortable. She patted her hand on the bed, and it expanded.
"Lay flat on your back."
"No."
"Do it." Ares opened his eyes.
"Why?"
"Because- otherwise, you wont get any sleep and you'll be tired tomorrow- you'll fail your N.E.W.T's because you fell asleep- then you wont get into auror training and poof- your life is down the drain." Ares rolled his eyes and lied flat on his back. Krys put her hand on his chest, then moved over. Ares pulled her back to him. "Okay then." she said, as she laid her head on his chest. She started to draw little circles on his chest. After a while she started to speak. "You know… if you wanted to…… try- um- …if you wanted to try the relationship again… I wouldn't have a problem with that. I- that wasn't right. I made it seem like I don't want to. The truth is…… I've just- I've never been good with any type of relationship. After all that's happened to me- it takes me a while to warm up to most people- but- um- I- you're the first person that I ever really warmed up to- other than my dad, Ms. Banes and Vincent- oh and Prongs. I mean- there's Jason but- he's Jason. But- whatever… that's important to me because, I trust you. And- I value your friendship because- I- you're the most- I just… you're friendship is really important to me. And I wouldn't want anything to ruin our friendship. But- when I think about how much I need you… I want to give it another try. I just need to ease into it because, otherwise- I just don't want you to get bored with me. And- I understand if you don't love me anymore- I- but- I do understand if you don't want to. I wouldn't even want to if I were you- but- I do want to be with you. And, I do love you. I just- I-… say something please. I can take it."
"He's sleeping, Krys." said Jason. Krys groaned.
"Please don't repeat what you heard." she said.
"Are you ashamed?"
"No- I was acting on impulse. And if it was meant to happen- he would've heard it. So obviously- I need to stop being stupid and face the truth."
"Which is?"
"He's Ares. There are times that I just wanna bite him. An Adonis- he's perfect. And- for however long, he was interested in me. I should be happy and get over it."
"What does that mean?"
"That nothing lasts forever. I should be happy that we're even friends."
"Questions."
"What?"
"Do you listen when he talks to you?"
"Of course-"
"So then, how can you doubt the way he feels about you?"
"Because I have no idea why he feels that way. Next question."
"If Ares is an Adonis- what am I?"
"A bum."
"That was cold."
"You know what you are. You have every girl at school telling you how beautiful you are. What does it matter what I tell you?"
"You chose Ares. You must have okay taste."
"Yeah- he's good isn't he? He was perfect. He was sweet and smart and gorgeous and nice and, he was sexy and funny. And not only was he just fun to be around, but he was the biggest pervert in the world." Jason laughed. "And I loved it- love it. And he always made me feel like I was worth something. And- he's so…sweet. Remember when he used to get me the chocolate lilies? He- oh God. What did I do?"
"You broke up with Ares." Krys moved up and looked at a sleeping Ares. She touched his hair, and his eyes, then she kissed his cheek. "So- you still love him?"
"I don't think I'll ever stop. I just- I was overwhelmed. I- he's so wonderful so- I- and then we started to- I don't know what to say. I wanted to get back with him too- but then he pulled back. And- I just need to know what he sees in me."
"You guys have too much drama." said Jason, before he turned out the light. "Goodnight."
"Try morning."
Krys woke up a few hours later. She brushed her teeth and washed her face. She went back into the room, and waved her hand. A slice of chocolate cake appeared on the nightstand. Krys was eating the cake, when Ares started to mumble. "Wilmu yarry-" he mumbled. He was cut off by his own coughing. Krys put her hand on his chest and his coughs sufficed. "Marry me?" he mumbled. Krys' eyes widened. She picked up her panic pills and took two. Her breathing calmed down. She gathered her stuff, then disapparated. When she got into her room, she dumped her things then sat down.
"Okay- he wasn't- no. He was not proposing to me. Well then, who was he proposing to? Wow- I- wow. I- whoa- aw man. Jesus- wow… okay. Calm down." she told herself. Krys ran out of the room, out of the portrait hole, then started running down the hallways. Her chest continued to get tighter and tighter as she ran down the hallways. She finally stopped in a deserted hallway and she started to wheeze horribly as she slid down the wall. The last thing she did was summons her inhaler, before she tried to crawl her way to a more crowded area. She was on her sixth crawl, before she fell into the darkness and collapsed at someone's feet.
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