The Misadventures of the Weasley Brothers
by
FireValkyrie
Chapter 36: Retribution
sSs
"And promise me you won't take a bludger to the head--"
"Yes."
"And that you'll pound Slytherin--"
"Uh-huh."
"And that you won't psych-out Ron."
"Dur."
"And do you remember what you get if you knock Malfoy off his broom?"
It was an hour before the Gryffindor versus Slytherin quidditch match, and Kelena was grilling Fred on his game before he had to head out to the pitch. Angelina kept shooting him dirty looks as they waited about the common room, refusing to leave without her full team in-tow and thus keep matters well within her control. It was game-day, and they had no time to waste.
Fred grinned wolfishly into Kelena's furtive face. "Madame Honeycut?" The Gryffindor witch smirked, and inclined her head in agreement. Fred looked immediately ready to pummel Malfoy from his broom first chance he got.
"Who's Madame Honeycut?" Harry asked Ron, who was pacing with anxiety.
"You don't wanna know," Ginny answered with a sly look, a blush stealing to her cheeks.
"Can we get a move-on here?" Katie asked, tapping her broom impatiently. Angelina huffed with tolerance, pacing in small circles. She was trying to keep her mind clear for the game. Pucey had recently seen some improvement, and she'd have to be on the top of her game. George was sitting on the arm of the couch, deep in thought, broom and school-borrow bat in hand. His arm still had the bandage on it.
"Is Ron alright?" Hermione asked Ginny. He was pacing back and forth and muttering, punching one fist into his palm as he moved. She'd rather not ask him herself.
"He's just nervous," Harry remarked, waving it off. Ron was always edgy before a game, and things didn't much improve walking to the field.
"That, and he's worried about the way George is gonna play today," Ginny told Hermione quietly.
"His arm?" the bushy-haired witch asked, looking at the twin sitting on the couch. "I thought it was healed."
"Mostly. It has been a few days, but Ron's worried George'll throw the game or something 'cause his girlfriend is Slytherin…"
"How could he even think that about his own brother? He would never!" Hermione said with stunned surprise. Ginny nodded in agreement.
"I know, but Ron's so worked up 'cause of those rumors, and with everything George and Live said about that prophecy, plus the extra close-eye George has been keeping on Live with everything, and the inner distraction…Oh, you know how he gets before a game…" she said offhandedly of Ron.
"I know, it's been stressful…Kara said Live isn't even going to watch the game. She thought George would be distracted in a bad way, but don't tell him I said that…"
Ginny shook her head. "No. She's not a huge quidditch fan anyway, but she doesn't want to get overly excited and end up hurting someone. And Kara said she's been trying to focus her magic in the last few days, though I heard Snape is working on a potion to help suppress it's wildness…" She regarded the elder witch before her. "Where is Kara anyway?"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Lee grabbed her and headed off to the forest. He said something about a salve and a shave, but whatever Kara's gotten herself into, I don't want to know about it…"
Ginny giggled in terrible thought, all sorts of things running through her mind.
"Hey Fred, any day now," Katie said with impatience. Fred turned and shot them all dirty looks over his shoulder from speaking with Kelena.
"Kiss for good luck?" he asked Kelena. She rolled her eyes, but got on tiptoes to reach his cheek. He took her face between his hands and sealed his lips on hers.
"Hey Fred, save that energy for the field! Let's go already!" Angelina shouted with utmost seriousness, rallying her team from waiting around, and popping out the portrait hole.
"See ya on the field!" he called to Kelena, who stood there with a dazed, yet pleased, scowl on her face.-
"AH! Stupid cat!" Fred shrieked as he nearly tripped over the orange tabby that jumped through the portrait hole. It hissed at him and came to rub up against Hermione's legs as the portrait hole swung shut on Fred's profanities.
Kelena bent to scoop up the cat in her arms. It looked at her imploringly. Kelena rolled her eyes. "Be right back…"
A few moments later, they were carefully ensconced in Kelena's dorm.
"So, what's up?" she asked Live, picking up a few stray items about the room. Kara must have been rooting around for her chocolates again…
"It's time," Live told her dramatically.
Kel was bent over, her arms filled with clothes and books. She looked at Live, one eyebrow cocked as she waited for explanation. "Eh?"
Live smirked, but let it fade. "It's far past due that Malfoy gets a little dose of his own medicine. I'm so sick of all his crap…He needs to know how it feels to be properly victimized. And let him take a spin at the rumor mill."
Kel had a sour look on her face, and dumped her laden armful haphazardly onto the bed. She hoped she would remember that there were potentially-sharp things there before she decided to lay down later. "Are you sure? When? Is it really what you want to do? I mean, I'm sure we could get Hermione to conjure up something really nasty and more permanent…And what if it backfires? I don't want you getting hurt as a consequence."
"No," she said with firm determination. "He has to know what it's like to feel utterly humiliated."
Kel shrugged, looking a bit sick. Live was truly twisted. Slytherin would be proud. "As long as you're sure, then…"
Live smirked sardonically, clasping Kelena on the shoulder. "Think I have enough time to catch up to George?"
"Gonna wish him to break a leg?" Kel asked peculiarly. Live rolled her eyes. "Literally? Who are you cheering for this match?"
"Ha, don't talk sports with me," she responded uncaringly. "Even I'm not sure in that respect. Besides, I'm not gonna watch…I might blow a gasket or something…" Kel giggled. "Think I could head him off if I take that passage by that ugly witch's picture?"
"If you hurry up and pop into Kitty-Nimbles…Lord knows your nunga-nungas weren't made for running," she confided to her friend, looking at her ample chest with a teasing grin.
"Ha ha ha," Live said sarcastically, poking her friend in her own ample bosom. "Yes yes, my cups doth runneth over…" She popped back into cat-form as Kelena threw a few more items on the bed, and let her out. Kitty-Nimbles zoomed down the stairs, nearly knocking over Lavender (heh heh heh), and scratched at the portrait hole to be let out. Hermione rolled her eyes, scratching Kitty-Nimbles behind the ears (to which Live nearly forgot what she was doing in her pleased purring) and let her out with a smile.
Zipping down the corridors and through the feet of several first years who shrieked with surprise, Live was making great time in Kitty-Nimbles' skin, following George's musky scent for the most part, making time-saving detours where necessary. After all, she had quite a ways to go if she had any chance of catching them before they were outside.
She slowed down in coming to the portrait of what they had appropriately deemed the 'ugly witch' (for her boils, lack of hair, and generally unkempt appearance) and looked around, sniffing to see if anyone was near. She was panting with her running, kitty-cat muscles aching. But sensing no one, she quickly popped back into human form (still panting quite shamefully) and slipped behind the portrait, racing herself through the passage and hoping she'd be in time to wish him good luck. Furthermore, it was going to be difficult as she could no longer smell him out, and she had no clue if the other side was clear or not.
Oh well.
She slowly, carefully, and holding her breath, peeked out the opposite end of the passage behind a large knight, and seeing no one from her very small peep-hole's perspective, she slipped out and wedged herself between the wall's ensconced hidden door and the cold metal knight that was blocking it. It was a tight fit, though it hid her well. She vowed to go on a diet. Or at least to stop sampling Kara's experimental candies…
Now, to wait?
"…slaughter Slytherin for sure!!" an echo came. It sounded like Fred's voice. She must have just made it.
"Shutup shutup shutup!" Ron's nerve-wracked voice followed the echo.
Poor thing, but it would mean victory for her house, and that was good point-wise. She smirked wickedly, but wished him well anyways.
The sounds of footsteps came louder on the stone, the team getting closer, Angelina's voice reaching her from behind the knight.
"…give it your all. We have to show the other houses Gryffindor's still the best, regardless of the rumors. I don't want the idea of us going soft on Slytherin to even enter anyone's mind! This is about more than quidditch!"
Live frowned. What was she saying that for?
"No one will think that, Angelina." Ginny's voice.
"We'll do fine. Just let me get in a few good goals before you get the snitch, eh Harry?" Katie chuckled, her voice full of confidence. They were approaching Live's hiding place.
"And I gotta knock that git off his broom," Fred added happily, smirk apparent in his voice. Harry chuckled. Live smirked and wished Fred the best from behind the knight.
"You'll do no such thing if it costs us a fault. I want you to play clean, no fouls," Angelina said as they walked past the knight. "…unless it's necessary." She and Katie were in front, Harry and Ginny conspiring in the middle while Fred prodded Ron and tried to encourage him towards the back. George was bringing up the rear, a solemn look on his face. It occurred to her that she had never really seen how he looked before a game. She wondered if it was the one thing he actually took seriously in life.
They were past the knight, and Live squeezed out of her hiding place as the team was rounding the corner. She came slowly behind them, sneaking and hiding the sound of her footfalls as she hoped none of them would chance a look back.
"George," she hissed quietly, trying to get his attention without surprising him.
He turned his head, not sure if he'd heard his name or not. Upon seeing Live, he grinned and rounded, making sure the team didn't see him. He didn't need Angelina lecturing him before a game.
"I thought you weren't going to watch?" George said with a pleasantly surprised tone.
She had her hands warmly on his forearms, deciding to ask him about the rumors later. "I'm not. I just wanted to wish you good luck."
He smirked, one eye squinting in amusement. "Wish me to win against your own house, eh?"
She rolled her eyes and smacked him playfully. "Just have fun, and be careful with your arm," she told him with loving concern. She slid her own hand down his arm to slip it under the sleeve and run her fingers over the bandaged wound that was mostly healed.
"Aw, it's alright." He withdrew her hand from his sleeve to clasp it in his own. She looked into his eyes with worry. He grinned at her. "Just don't worry."
She looked away, remembering Dumbledore's words. "I know."
He tipped her chin up at him with a smirk. "How's about a kiss for luck?"
Her half-grin easily turned into full, and he claimed her lips as he drew her near. She got quickly caught up in him, the simple kiss turning into a mid-hall snogging session, and it was only Angelina's agitated voice echoing through the corridor that broke them apart.
"…George Weasley!!" came the echo down the hall, loud and angry, followed by the sounds of the other teammates calling his name. It made him snicker. It sounded as if they'd gotten quite a ways away before noticing he was gone. So much for team camaraderie.
Live was smiling in amusement at him.
"Guess I've gotta go, eh?"
She inhaled deeply, biting her lower lip in delight as she pressed her cheek to his in affection. He still held her close, grinning like an idiot. It made her giggle, and she was ever glad to be so close to him. It made some of her worry dissipate. No one would try anything with so many people watching. He'd be fine. "You know how much I like this uniform…" she murmured as she fingered the fabric at his collar with a smirk.
He raised an interested brow. "I'm quite attached to this uniform, actually…So attached, in fact…you might even have to rip it off me to admire it," he told her with hopeful insinuation.
She gave him a wicked look, bringing her lips close to his ear. Two could play at this game, and here there were no losers. Like strip-poker. "And perhaps I can admire you in turn?" She nibbled his ear suggestively. A shiver ran up his back, and she grinned as she heard his sharp intake of breath.
"I can fake an injury and we can be back in the tower in ten minutes flat!" he declared with exaggerated fervor.
She snickered and laughed. "Angelina sounds like she's about to have a fit," Live noted of the rising sound of her agitated voice and repetition of his name getting louder.
George rolled his eyes. "If I must…" he said dramatically. She laughed and kissed him once more, mouth and cheek. "Com-ming! I'm coming!" he shouted gruffly up the hall, running his fingers across her skin rhythmically.
More inaudible, agitated echoes.
"Play good, and be careful. Whoever hurt your arm is probably going to the game. Don't leave that bat or anything anywhere unattended."
"Don't worry about me, love." He kissed her on the cheek. "I'll see you later."
He took off at a jog down the hall, hollering a lie to Angelina that he was tying his shoe. Live grinned wide, watching him go as the heat in her blood simmered. She stood for a few moments collecting herself, listening to the distant growing murmur that was the agitated Gryffindor captain and team. She loved him so. She hoped he would play alright with his arm.
"Who's side are you on, anyway?"
She turned in startled surprise to find Putterly striding down the hall, all decked out in his most Slytherin-esque apparel, no doubt on the way to the pitch for a front-row seat.
She turned to face him, a light blush creeping to her cheeks, wondering how much he'd seen. She waved him off carelessly. "That's a stupid question, Jason, and you know it." She turned to leave him, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. She really needed to check before she decided to snog the daylights out of George.
"You didn't answer the question," he retorted, causing her to stop with agitation.
She turned back to him with offense, blonde hair flying with the force of her head's turning, her mind racing for a proper reply. "Such a question merits no response. The very idea is insulting."
He looked completely undeterred. "You know they're saying that you've been feeding Gryffindor information about the team. If we lose, the fault will be on your head."
"I would never!" came her immediate reply, offended and surprised by such a statement, even if the idea had not originated from his mind. She had more house pride and loyalty than the most fervent supporter. "And if we lose, it's 'cause we have an idiot for a seeker that we're too dumb to replace."
He smiled fully and moved his head. "Haven't you heard the rumors?" He laughed with worried surprise at her look. "Live, the way you and Weasley carry on, they're saying you're right buddy-buddy with Gryffindor."
She snorted at the statement and rolled her eyes. "As if. People are sheep."
He grinned. "You need to show your snake pride, Live. Rumor has it you're not even going to watch the game."
How the hell did that get out? she thought.
He frowned. "It's true?" He saw that she was calculating, trying to defy this rumor that she had no knowledge of, and was apparently true. He fixed her with a puzzled gaze.
"I don't care for quidditch, you know that. You boys can have your sports, I'm much happier in the library when it's at its quietest."
"Even that mudblood Granger takes a break for quidditch," he said with exasperated surprise.
"Don't call her that, Jason," Live chided with disappointment, her mind working. Damn, there wasn't much she could do if people thought she was buddy-buddy with Gryffindor House. Her sister was a Gryffindor, as well as Kelena whom she spent a lot of time with, and her own protégé was both a Weasley and a Gryffindor. No, the Slytherins wouldn't be happy with her, would they?
"I'm sorry," he said, running a hand through his hair. "It should be one hell of a game, though, considering. And don't you want to support Weasley?"
She knew he was trying to catch her in some contradicting statement as to where her loyalties lay, so she just gave him an unimpressed look, her cheeks hot. He sighed.
"At least come to put some sort of damper on those rumors," he cajoled tiredly. "Come. You can sit with me. I've got good, proper seats, right where we're likely to get more than a chance glimpse of Pucey's bum," he teased. She snorted with a laugh and rolled her eyes at him. If it was anyone's bum she'd be looking at, it'd be George's with all the naughty thoughts running through her head. "Besides, I'm afraid what people might do if we lose. Best to show your support just in case."
Do to me, she thought dismally. "Are the rumors really that terrible?" she inquired sincerely.
"In all honesty, my dear, I hope you know more than a few good walking-wards. Never know when a spell might catch you unaware. And you know how these quidditch fanatics can get. I hope no one turns on you before the day is out."
She sighed, a little tempted, but thought better of it. Now she had an actual reason to bide her time in the library- to research a few things and watch her back. It made her mind sick with thought.
"I think I'll stay here. I'll get too agitated if I go." He gave her a dissatisfied look. Of course, he wasn't aware of the reason why it was so potentially dangerous if she got so agitated, so he didn't seem very satisfied. "Do you honestly think I'll be able to enjoy the game, Jason? Knowing people are staring at me?"
He huffed with a shrug. "Fine, suit yourself, but don't say I didn't warn you."
"I'll see you later," she told him dismissively.
"Yeah. See ya later." He then left her alone in the hall with troubled thoughts.
But she should have seen this whole mess coming. She told George that if they became a couple, the other houses wouldn't let it stand…and now quidditch was brought into it, and that made matters worse. How funny a quidditch rivalry would spell her doom, though she wouldn't put it past her that regardless of the outcome, her name would be dragged through the mud by one house or the other. The question was, would she rather Slytherin hate her or Gryffindor?
She turned on heel in the direction of the library. She had a few new things to teach herself.
sSs
Surprised she'd fallen asleep in her own little corner study area, Live woke up amid the pile of books she'd been reading and memorizing. She nearly fell backward in her chair with a shriek as she opened her eyes to Kara's own wide, all-observing orbs all up in her business.
"Just what in the hell do you think you're doin'?" Live shrieked as she righted herself in the chair. She was breathing heavily with sudden adrenaline, alarmed. She hoped Madam Pince hadn't heard that. Then again, she was ensconced pretty good in the back of the area.
"I didn't want to wake you. You seemed so peaceful."
Live was quite certain the numerous chocolate frog wrappers strewn about the desk had nothing to do with her sister's uncharacteristic silence. Not at all. Kara was just caring, of course…
"You sneaky little bint, since when does the care of how peaceful I am stop you and your devices?" Kara gave her a big, chocolately smile. Live couldn't help but grin. She put a finger to her temple, hoping a migraine wasn't coming on. Only Kara…"How long have you been creeping about here? Does Madam Pince know you're in here? I wouldn't have thought she'd allow you in. And what are you doing sneaking around anyway?"
"Oh, she doesn't care, really…and it was only a little syrup on that book…And I've only been here about ten minutes…well, actually, the game's been over for about an hour. I was looking for you," she said in all honesty. Live furrowed her brow and checked the time. Before she could make her confusion known about just how long it'd been since the game had started, Kara spoke with much animation. "They went into, like, triple overtime. I couldn't believe it! The game just went on and on! Even after Fred knocked Malfoy off his broom--"
"What?" Live exclaimed with surprised smirk, wishing her overly-excited chit of a sister would slow down so her brain could try and absorb some of this.
"Even you would have enjoyed this game! Ooh he hit the ground so hard! But he's alright. Snape bollocksed that up…" she said with a pout. "Oh why didn't you come? It was amazing! But then you might've panicked pretty badly when George took that bludger to the--"
"WHAT?"
"Oh he's alright, don't worry, nothing Madam Pomfrey couldn't fix. But it was so close!! The game I mean--"
"Well what in the world happened!?" Live pleaded under extreme duress. "Who won?!?"
A wide grin claimed Kara's face. "Harry got the snitch just in time, and we won!" Live grimaced. "But it was so close! We won only by ten points!" Even though the amount of points was small, Kara was obviously proud of such news. It must have been a very good game indeed. "Oh Live, the game was so amazing!"
"Sounds like you had fun. I wish I had seen it."
Kara was grinning like an idiot, albeit a very pleased one. She smirked a chocolately smile at her older sister. "Aw, I'm sorry we had to cream your house, Live."
Live snorted. "I'd hardly call it creaming," she said with humble pride.
Kara giggled. "Now Slytherin leads third behind Gryffindor and Ravenclaw in the house running. Hee hee hee."
"Woooonderful…" Live pouted. She stacked her books into neat piles. "I guess these'll come in handy, now."
"No one thinks you'd sell out your house, Live," Kara consoled immediately.
Live looked at her sister with surprise. "You knew? About the rumors?"
Kara shrugged. "I only just heard. At the game. From a Hufflepuff."
"Urgh…" Live groaned and rubbed her face. "Dammit. Damn it all. AHH!" she shrieked.
She was embraced tightly from behind, nearly picked right up out of her chair. "DEAREST!! I was looking for you my love!!" She felt herself being nuzzled and cuddled from behind, the voice of her alluring beater boyfriend full of energy and vitality.
"…ugh…George…"
"Yes my darling?" he asked as he cuddled her close with delight.
"…breathe…"
He released her with an "oops!" and a laugh as she let out a breath and turned to look at him. He was still in his quidditch gear, a grin on his dirt-besmirched face, hair wild and disorderly, robes a bit dirty with perspiration and what had better not be his blood. She scowled at him, but she couldn't keep it up as she looked into his face. He was positively aglow with pride and exhilaration, and there was nothing she could do but beam back at him.
"See? He's as good as new!" Kara declared happily. George went back to cuddling and smothering Live, leaving kisses all over her face and hair as the Slytherin witch, grinning and giggling, tried to bat him and his hands away. He was obviously hyped up from the game.
"Kara said it was a good game," Live remarked nonchalantly as she pushed at him with hands, trying to keep his own off her with smiles.
"A good game? It was a BRILLIANT game! There's a party raging upstairs in the tower!" he declared with a motion of his head. He went back to grabbing at her as she giggled and tried to put him off. It was as if he'd never touched her before, or he was so exhilarated he couldn't not touch her.
Kara's ears pricked up. "Yeah? I haven't been to the tower since the game let off. Is there candy?"
George's voice was full of excitement and pride. He was definitely charged up. "Only the best from our very own stores!! I've been looking everywhere for you! Come on ladies! Let's have a night!" He slid his arms up underneath Live's before she knew what was happening, and lifted her out of her chair as she squealed in protest.
"Ack! George!" she protested with surprise, trying to put her feet back on terra firma and stand under her own volition. He wrapped his arms about her middle and buried his face in her neck and hair, overwhelming her with kisses that didn't completely un-affect her.
"I'm going to put you two out on the lawn if you don't stop that," Kara declared with a frown. George momentarily stopped to look at the younger Gryffindor with a wicked grin. She frowned as if she smelled something bad.
"George," Live giggled, pleased that he was so happy to see her as well as so pumped from the game, though she'd rather he not display his affection in front of her sister, who was miming gagging herself. Live wiggled and tried to get away from him to gather her books, but all she accomplished was turning in his arms. He had a habit of not letting her go when she wanted it.
She grinned into his beaming face. "Let me go. I need to put these books back. And I don't think I'm exactly welcome in the Gryffindor tower, George." She tried to put him off. Truth was, she didn't really want to be the model representative of the losing side at an all-Gryffindor function anyway, regardless if other house members were there. It was no secret that no house but Slytherin supported Slytherin. And what of the rumors? But he wouldn't be put off so easily.
"Oh sod it, I'm not partying without my girlfriend after one of the finest games Hogwarts has ever seen!"
"But I don't--whoa!! George! Put me down!" Live shrieked as she was hoisted over his shoulder. He grabbed her bag off the table and put it over his other shoulder, patting Live's rump as she squealed in tickled surprise, wiggling over his quidditch-clad form. He snickered impishly.
"Kara, grab the ones she checked out, please?" he asked the youngest witch.
"Which ones, Live?" Kara asked, looking over the books pensively.
"Kara! Make him put me down! Help me!" she demanded of her little sister. Kara only perused the titles, laying them out on the table. Live shrieked again as George trailed a hand up under her robes to caress her naked thigh with his callused fingers. He snickered as she squirmed.
"Come along Kara, there's debauchery afoot!" George declared as he began walking away from the area with a hearty step. Live was making affronted noises as she squirmed on George's shoulder.
"Live, you want to check these out later?" the blonde sugar-piston asked quickly after seeing her sister had indeed checked out none.
"Dammit Kara! Blood before books!" she ordered her sister to her aid. Kara only grinned at her widely, baring both sets of teeth as she followed in George's wake, talking to her elder sister.
"You think Madam Pince will mind if we leave those? I mean, there are so many others that need re-shelving," Kara noted as Live bobbed up and down with each step George took.
"Oh dear god, George, what if she sees?! Put me down! I don't want to be banned from the library!!" Live pleaded hopelessly.
"No one's ever been banned for being whisked away by their boyfriend," he declared with a smirk in his tone. Live reached to grope his bum and hopefully make his drop her in surprise, but her shifted her on his shoulder knowingly, patting her bum. "Been eating extra desserts lately, Live?" he asked with chuckles to rile her.
"Why you little assh--"
"I knew it!" Kara declared, pointing at Live accusingly as they had already reached the outside corridors. "I knew that's where my treats went!"
"No I have not been having extra desserts!!" Live defended herself with a blush. George snickered and patted her on the bum as she let out a squeak.
"It's alright sweetums, more cushion for the pushin'."
Live went bright red with that statement, effectively silenced with shocked embarrassment of his implication, and Kara snickered to herself. She'd been teaching George fun new lingo and grammar usage.
Live didn't think he'd actually do it, but he'd carried her all the way from the library right to the Gryffindor portrait hole with much gusto, and only put her down so they'd be able to climb through. Live was certain she had motion sickness from all the bobbing she'd done.
"But why didn't you see the bludger coming?" Kara asked George as they talked about the game. Live was silent with nerves, her cheeks still hot, trying to keep her resolve for in a moment she'd be amidst a party that was celebrating the defeat of her house.
"Collywobbles," George spoke the password, taking Live's hand in his with a great grin as he responded to Kara. "Well I just couldn't believe Fred had successfully knocked Malfoy from his broom, and then it just sorta got me."
The portrait hole swung open, and they were greeted with loud music and the boisterous antics of their compatriots. An enchanted flute was floating about the room with a joyous tune, small fireworks whizzing through the air. Someone was blowing multi-colored bubbles out their wand tip. And the alcohol was plentiful.
Live shrunk back behind George as she too hopped through, too in-love with him not to go through with this voluntary suicide. She tried to use him as a shield as he took her hand and led her through the room over to where Fred was doing some experimental fireworks with Kelena. She wished she'd had time to change into something less green as per her usual fashion, and more discreet. Like a neon-colored sign. She couldn't help but feel as if all eyes were on her, and many were.
"Look who I've got!" George declared pridefully, bringing Live about in front of him only to pull her back against his front, wrapping his arms around her possessively and quickly assaulting her neck with a few kisses. He wasn't about to hide her from anyone.
"Live! Girl you missed one hell of a game!" Kelena declared with joyful eyes.
Live shunted George off her neck, feeling entirely uncomfortable in the entire situation. "So I've heard."
"I knocked Malfoy off his broom!" Fred boasted with pride and excitement, looking at Kelena with a naughty grin. "And you know what Kelena's promi--"
"Shut up Fred!" the short witch demanded with color rising to her dark cheeks, throwing her palms over his mouth as he chuckled through them.
"Fred's our hero!" Kara declared from behind him. She was already nicking fireworks to set off and hand out to the room at large.
Fred puffed out his chest. "Someone had to do it," he remarked somewhat modestly, though more than proud for the chance.
"Yeah, and it's because of you that that bludger got me," George snarked to his twin.
Fred grinned. "I thought you were dying, mate," he said with wondrous smirk.
Live frowned. "How bad was it?" she eagerly became engaged in the conversation, taking no notice of the room or the Gryffindors that had noticed her as she looked at George behind her.
"Lots of blood, heavy bruising…" Fred listed off. "But don't worry, he'll still be able to have children," he added with a wink to Live.
She scowled, ignoring Fred and breaking free of George's arms to stand speculatively before him. "Just where were you hit?" she asked, looking him up and down, eyes more than lingering at his crotch in a tentative manner.
"Want to go to my dorm and inspect me for yourself?" George asked cheekily, waggling his eyebrows. "I could use a full-body physical." He grinned wolfishly.
"He took a bludger to the head," Kelena shouted over the noise of Fred's freshly lit firework. George shot Kelena a dirty look for spoiling his fun.
"Bludger to the head?" Live put her hands on either side of his face with worry, spreading her fingers on his flesh as he was inspected. A bludger to the head was serious. Those things were heavy in mass.
"Yeah, but I'm fine," he told her with a grin. "Just a little scar here," he said pointing to a place just above his jaw.
"Where?" she asked, looking at it closer.
"Just there, you'll find it," he told her, pointing once more. She got close enough to inspect his skin when he turned his face suddenly and claimed her lips possessively with a snicker at her surprise. She realized after a few moments that she'd been duped with the scar trick, but she was currently under the spell of his wondrous lips. He left her breathless.
She looked out at him from under half-lidded eyes, her fingers kneading his arms, twitching to touch him everywhere. He smiled smugly. "Want a drink?" She could only nod, and he entwined his fingers with hers as she was led to a little table being used as a refreshments stand draped in a beautiful red and gold cloth that was being stained by a few of the drunks.
"Firewhiskey or butterbeer?" he asked as he held up two bottles.
"Ogden's first," she replied softly, taking notice of the eyes that watched her with interest as to her presence there. She needed a good stiff drink. He held out a shot glass full of the liquid as she threw it back, cringing at the taste before setting it back on the table and accepting a butterbeer. The table lurched, and she jumped away in surprise.
"Oi, who's under there?" George called in question, lifting the tablecloth to find Ron on top of Hermione, arms holding himself above her as he regarded his elder brother with a severe flush of embarrassment. Hermione looked chastised and surprised that Live was there, and Live could only grin and look at her as if saying 'I know how you feel'.
He regarded them another moment more, both fifth years disheveled, clothing messy. They always seemed to think they were so good at covering up their snogging sessions. "Carry on," George said, dropping the cloth back into place. Live laughed at his audacity as he wrapped an arm about her waist, chugging a butterbeer himself.
"Har-ry! Har-ry! Har-ry! Har-ry!" came a chanting cheer. They looked over to find Harry sitting at a table, downing a butterbeer himself opposite Seamus Finnegan. They were having a drinking contest of sorts. Or celebrating Harry's seeker-talents. Any reason to drink.
"Oh dear," Live said with an amused smirk.
"Woo! Go Harry!" Ginny cheered from behind Seamus. She lifted her top crazily as she cheered him on, flashing him some bra that made him nearly choke on his butterbeer with wide eyes. Live nearly choked on hers.
"Oi, what's she think she's doing?" George remarked, letting go of Live as she snickered. He then swooped down upon Ginny, taking her butterbeer from her and scolding her, then Harry, and telling Seamus to shove off. Harry got up, but Kara took his place across the table with a new batch of butterbeer. Live put her hand to her temple. No wonder Kara's brain was half-gone, if she went around challenging Seamus to drinking contests.
"Hey Live! Having fun?" Lee asked as he approached her. She was glad he was there for her to talk to instead of having to deal with the judging, curious eyes scoping her out. Some were indeed just curious, others, she didn't like the look in their eyes.
"I think you might need to make a few sobering solutions, and make sure Kara doesn't get too wasted," she asked.
Lee snickered. "She beats Seamus every time. I wouldn't worry." Live made an affronted noise and he just laughed.
"Oi…you're…you're Slytherin…" a sixth year boy remarked as he came to stand in front of Live. She recalled his face, but not his name. "We…we beat you today!" he told her with a grin.
"I know," she said graciously, acting as if the conversation was perfectly lovely. This one was already way-drunk.
"But we beat you," he said thinking, as if she didn't quite get his point. His brow furrowed as he looked slowly across the room to where George was berating Ginny. "Oi, you're our beater's girl…" He grinned and shook her hand. She tried to take it back politely, though he still shook it enthusiastically. "We won," he said as if thanking her personally. He was quite the sloppy drunk…
"You played very well," she offered, though she didn't really know. Was that why everyone was giving her weird looks? They thought she'd sold out her own team so George's team could win? Oh dear.
"Hey John, bugger off, will ya?" Lee told him.
"Eh, wot?" The boy squinted to see who was talking to him, and grinned. "Oi, Lee!"
"I'm putting this prick to bed," Lee told Live with a smile. She nodded with blatancy, watching as George made his way back to her person. Ginny was sulking, but she immediately brightened when Harry sat next to her with an interested grin.
George flashed Live a brilliant grin. "Alright?"
"I just met John," she remarked unpleasantly.
He smirked and gave her a charming smile. "Another drink dearest?" he asked at the empty bottle in her hand.
"And keep 'em coming, love," she told him. He grinned and took the opportunity to kiss her again, wrapping his arms about her and entangling his fingers in her golden hair. He took her breath away, his lips soft and wonderful as she yielded to him, thoughts fleeing her mind, he relaxing her utterly. She sighed and he possessed her mouth with his tongue in such ways that she wondered if it was the booze or him making her drunk.
"…George…" she sighed complacently as he gathered her to him in tight embrace. She laid her cheek on his chest as she buried her face into his neck, kissing and nipping as she held him close, momentarily forgetting where they were.
He grinned, utterly pleased. Today was a very good day indeed. "Mmm, you smell good. What is that?" he asked into her hair as he nuzzled her.
"Sunflowers," she told him with a grin, bringing her head up to smile at him.
"I like," he told her as he kissed her lips once. She giggled, and he got them both new drinks. She started in on it like a last meal. "Easy, Live. We're not in any lack of supply, and you don't want to get like you were in Hogsmeade," he snickered. "Careful."
She rolled her eyes, but laughed. "This way I don't care as much that all you Gryffindorks are staring at me," she told him.
"They're just curious," he said. "And you know most of them. It's alright."
She grinned, accepting his explanation. Not that she cared. She was downing such alcohol that her vision was already lagging, her mind relaxing from worry of discrimination and prejudice.
"I love you," he said fervently. "Thanks for doing this for me."
"Doing what?" she asked, playing with the hem on his robes.
"For being here. I know you don't like it here with all the Gryffindors--"
"Oh, it's alright…" she said, and it really was. She didn't care that she was here. The feeling of being watched would leave her after a while, and people really didn't care if she was there, other than finding it a bit odd…at least she thought so. Or if she kept drinking, she would know so. "I don't mind, as long as you stay with me."
"Can do!" He grinned and grasped her hard and close to his body. A wave of pleasure hit her at making contact with his hard, quidditch-toned body. Mm how she loved the whole of him.
"Mmm I love you…" she said. He grinned as she fixed him with a subconsciously-wanton look. "Can we sit down somewhere?"
"Sure, wherever you want to sit, preferably in my lap," he told her cheekily, a mischievous grin on his face. She blushed, and he knew it was somewhat what she had in mind.
He took her near the window, both of them ducking as one of Fred's fireworks sparked through the air. "Someone's gonna get lit on fire," Live remarked, glaring at her little sister on the other side of the room. Kara was handing out fireworks and pocketing coins with a happy grin. The most recent firework turned into a type of sparkling fish before it went out.
George snickered. "Eh, it's okay. We've got loads and loads of new products to test out and sell, not to mention the experimental stuff. You wouldn't believe the things Kara's helped us to accomplish which we couldn't have done on our own."
Live frowned, but then remembered. She rolled her eyes. "…the merger…" she mumbled.
Laughing at her disgruntled tone, George placed her on the windowsill and gave her a kiss. "Business is doing better than we'd ever dreamed. Would you like to see something we've come up with for such special occasions?"
She nodded, then looked cautious. "What is it?"
He was grinning quite happily and looked over to his twin, who seemed quite busy accosting Kelena. "Fred! Oi, Fred!"
He poked his head up like a pheasant out of the grass. "Eh?"
"You got one of those shattered-light boxes we've been working on?"
His twin's eyes lit up and he immediately went to groping about in his robes, muttering and grumbling as Kelena looked quite put off for being suddenly ignored. "AHA!" Fred produced an apple-sized box out of his robes, and bent low to the ground, setting it down.
"What's he doing?" Live asked as her mind tried to catch up to her vision.
"Just watch," George told her, gesturing as his twin tapped the box with his wand.
Immediately, the box exploded into four parts. Three balls of shining light whizzed into equally-spaced parts in the room, the fourth piece settling itself smack dab in the center of the high ceiling. The lights focused themselves on the center, and immediately the room was covered in bright, spinning squares of light. Live found herself laughing very hard.
"What's so funny? I think it's brilliant!" George said amidst the cheers in the room, people extinguishing lamps and lights to further enjoy the magic of Fred's latest new toy. A firework zipped through the air, adding an orange glow to the décor of the room.
"Kara helped you make a magical disco ball!" she shrieked in laughter. "Oh George…a magical disco ball…too funny…" She took a swig from her drink through giggles, admiring the mirror-adhered ball floating and spinning on the ceiling. Everyone seemed quite entranced with it, and already she could hear the muggle-parented children remarking on disco balls, and the similarities to Fred's 'shattered-light box'. But it was quite pretty, to be sure. She had to hand it to Kara, the bint was quite clever, and Live felt quite assured she'd taken all the credit for re-inventing the muggle disco-ball.
"Why do you look so ponderous, my love? Thinking of getting one of those in the bedroom?" he whispered in her ear playfully. She flushed at his comment and playfully batted at him with a smirk.
"Shut up George."
He grinned wolfishly. "Ah, but why not? It would make things so much more interesting…" She sent him a simpering look, but he only grinned and kissed her lips. She set down her bottle and wrapped her arms about him, drawing him close and trapping him between her thighs as she sat on the windowsill. She didn't care whether it looked scandalous or not. The room was darker anyway. People were busy setting off their fireworks and little sparklers bought from Kara, others still drinking. The night was young and people were not yet as intoxicated as they were gonna get. The alcohol made Live not care a whiff about the other Gryffindors in the room, and she felt much more comfortable that way anyways.
She raised her face to him again, wanting to be kissed, and he grinned down at her, smug and pleased with his little blonde wonder.
"Oi George, isn't that a Slytherin you're sucking face with?"
Live huffed as her moment was ruined by another idiot seventh-year and his half-drunk victory-vibed friends. She should curse this one and have done with it. Stupid Gryffindorks. But she opted to snake her hand around the flat of George's back, glaring.
"Why yes, she is," George told the other boy indifferently, arms still around Live, waiting to resume where they'd been interrupted. Honestly, some people just had no manners. And this idiot, well, he could easily be the Gryffindor equivalent of a Crabbe or Goyle…maybe a bit smarter, though. Or stupider.
"She do group stuff?"
Live blinked, a bit confused, trying to wrap her mind around just what he meant, for surely he couldn't mean what she thought he did. George just gave him an odd, uncomprehending look. "What's that, mate?"
"I mean, we did wallop her house. And any old Slytherin wouldn't congratulate us…but here she is…So, I mean, when you're done with her, of course--"
"I'm not a party favor," Live told him off with bitter resentment, focusing on the seventh-year who'd made the assumption, looking at him depreciatively. She was doubly-insulted by the fact that he was acting as if George were some pimp and she had no say in the matter, like property instead of a person. "And not for you," she added insultingly.
"…bitch," the one boy remarked with a dejected scowl and wounded vanity. Live was affronted, mouth agape at the jerk, ready to start her angry, alcohol-fueled barrage if not for George.
"That's my wife, mate…" George warned, letting go of Live as he turned to face the other boy, standing straight at his full height, which was tall indeed.
"Her? This is the one you're bound to?" the boy questioned, looking to his mates who were polishing off butterbeers like soda. It caused George to wonder how drunk or not the one who'd insulted Live was. Either way, he wasn't too smart. "I've heard stories about this one," he motioned to his mates with a leering grin. They'd all heard the stories about easy Slytherin girls, but this girl was one of recent notoriety. It was rumored that George had been bound to the wildest one of them all.
Live was frowning at the ass as she put her drink on the windowsill. She was sick of people rumoring about her. Apparently George wasn't going to allow it, either. "Want to make something of it?" George challenged.
"I think that bludger to the head really jarred your brains about," the other boy deduced as he laughed carelessly, having perhaps too good a time at their expense. The other boys must have drank their weight in butterbeer already. No doubt they were all drunken idiots. Not all Gryffindors were nice people. "You're lucky is what you are." He looked Live over in a way that had George standing in front of her, blocking her from view. He smiled back at George. "So, what I'm asking is, can I borrow her when you're done?"
George cocked his head, ready for a fight at the first sign the other boy was slightly pugnacious. His fists were clenching and unclenching. He so preferred to do his battle the muggle way…
Live had hopped off the windowsill, not daring to intervene. She was standing behind him, trying to take control of her senses as she lightly touched George on the back with her palm, as if it gave her some sort of reigns over him to which she could keep him safe from the folly of others.
"Get lost Williams," George warned as he looked at the other boy. There was very little restraint he had left to allow this prat to have insulted his girl. "And tell my wife you're sorry."
The boy she now knew to be Williams took one look at Live with interested dismissal and turned away with a snort. As if he'd apologize to a girl, let alone a Slytherin. George took an angry step forward, grabbing him on the shoulder for his inattention when Williams spun around and decked George right on the jaw.
Live gasped and dropped to the floor to tend to George, who only sprang back up and launched himself at Williams. He and the other boy were once again acquainted with Madame Floor as onlookers laughed drunkenly, others starting to place bets and gather round, the rumors flying around with as much clarity as the music as to what started the brawl.
"Fred! Get in there!" Kelena demanded as it was brought to their attention, coming closer to see and prodding Fred.
"Nah, he's fine," he told her with amusement as his twin was pummeling the other guy. "Oi! George! You got that handled?"
"Got it!" he told his twin gruffly, punching the other boy in the stomach as he let out a loud "ooomph!" himself. They were pretty evenly matched, if not evenly drunk, and George was right pissed off, Williams right put off.
George pulled him to his feet as the other boy landed an uppercut to his chin, nearly knocking him over. He was laughing with glee as George stumbled down hard, when suddenly an empty butterbeer bottle was smashed over Williams' head. He stopped laughing as a dumb smile appeared on his face, and he fell to the ground in a heap.
George was panting, wiping blood from his mouth as he frowned, but grinned, accepting that the fight was over, and Williams had gotten a good warning. "Thanks Kara."
The young blonde just smiled smugly at Williams' unconscious form on the ground. She looked at George. "Oh I didn't do it for you. No one insults my sister and gets away with it." She looked at the remaining bits of glass in her hand, and allowed them to fall onto the unconscious boy. "Besides, I just happen to like you a little better than ol' Williams," she snarked.
Fred started laughing boisterously as Kelena smacked at him. Kara gave the unconscious boy a prod with her foot. His mates pushed him out of the middle of the carpet so he wouldn't get stepped on, and the glass was magicked away, but that was about it for their drunken care. But still, the party went on as if there had been no interruption, and people were chattering away in amused voices, gossiping. Several shot disdainful looks Live's way, accusing her silently with their eyes, but she couldn't care less.
"Oh George, your chin," she said as he came back to her, smirking. She raised her hands quickly to his face, but didn't quite touch him because she was scared to hurt him. She allowed her fingertips to gently touch his face. She hissed in seeing the smeared blood, and touched the area very gently. It looked painful. She frowned. "Are you alright?"
"I've had worse," he told her nonchalantly. Several people walked by, patting him on the back as they came to inspect Williams and collect bets. George smirked as he declared he wanted a share.
Live embraced him gratefully, hugging him close as she put her mouth to his ear. "Thank you, George." She kissed him. "No one's really ever stood up for me like that before."
He snorted in embarrassed pride. "If a man doesn't protect his wife's name, he's no man at all."
It was her turn to snort. "I'm not your wife yet, regardless of what the stupid ministry says. I'm just your girlfriend," she snarked.
"Yet?" he said with raised brows, grinning widely having caught her slip-of-the-tongue.
She frowned, realizing her error, blushing. "Oh shut up George. I'm drunk." She thought for a moment, trying to turn the attention back onto him. "And so are you!" she accused. He only grinned and brought his mouth down on hers without a care. He tasted of alcohol and blood, and she loved him all the more for his mark of battle.
"I love you so," he told her softly, his hand on her chin. She smiled back at him, her mind a drunken, love-filled haze.
"I love--LEE!" she suddenly exclaimed loudly.
George frowned at her playfully. "Woman…" he threatened, though he kissed the side of her face. She giggled and called Lee over again.
The healer-in-training looked amused and surprised. "What'd you do to your face, mate? You look like you've been run-over by a hippogriff."
Live snickered while George brooded. She was glad she'd spotted him coming down the stairs. "Lee, you know some healer stuff. Could you fix him?"
Lee nodded and got out his wand, but before he could perform any magic, George grabbed the end of it. "Have you been drinking, mate?" the fiery-haired, bloody-jawed seventh-year asked smartly.
"I had a butterbeer, but no, not really…I'm not going to ruin your face like you did Disfigured Dave…Now hold still…" Lee commanded.
George stayed still as Lee did what he could for the pain and the cuts, but the bruises would stay a bit longer. "How do you feel?"
"Like a million galleons," George exaggerated as he was coming off his adrenaline high and starting to feel those bruises.
Lee laughed. "Well have fun with that. But not too much fun!" he wished his compatriot as he went off to further investigate the gossip that was being chattered away. He wondered if he should check out the sixth-year laying unconscious on the floor.
Live put her fingers to George's face, tracing his jaw as she looked at him. "Are you really alright?" she asked lightly. "You've been more beat up by crap today than most people deal with in a week," she remarked.
"Only for people who aren't us," he told her with a smirk. She fixed him with doleful eyes, and he grinned as he held her to her. "Ah, I'm fine luvvums, but it's so nice to know you care!" he declared over-zealously, hugging her purposefully-hard to him, exaggerating all his moves as she laughed and smacked at him.
"George Weasley, I think you are drunk," she stated, not easy in staying upright.
He raised his chin haughtily. "Ah, but not as drunk as thee, Miss Slytherin my love!" he declared with a rigid finger.
She grinned, deciding to play with him. "I want you now."
He raised his eyebrows, shooting right back at her with the same tone of playfulness. "Now?"
"Now."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
"Okay," he obliged, capturing her lips between his as he sat her back up on the windowsill with a grin. She giggled and hugged him, kissing from his neck to his jaw, leaving a trail of kisses to his lips. It made him snicker as she nibbled his neck and pawed at his beater's uniform. He slipped his own hands up the back of her shirt.
"Oi, George, saw you knock out Williams! Great shot!" someone declared as they patted him on the back. That someone was obviously very drunk, having confused as to how the fight had ended, as well as intruding upon their moment.
Live huffed in annoyance as George's hands had paused at her bra-clasp. "Can't we get a little privacy around here?"
George lifted his eyebrows. She rolled her eyes at him, realizing how it had sounded. "To my room?" he suggested with a smirk.
"…George…" she said in warning tone, turning her eyes away as her cheeks grew hot, though she didn't think it a bad idea. Then again, she was drunk. So she decided she rather trusted him and his judgment, and while they had to practice 'control' where Dumbledore was concerned, well, tonight was a special night, of celebration and revelry. Plus, she didn't think they'd set off the stupid prophecy any bit if they had some naughty fun…
George grinned to himself, encouraged. While she'd had said that pitifully weak-sounding warning, she hadn't said no. And while she'd never soberly ask him to take her to his bed (only if she were stinking, embarrassingly drunk), he knew she'd go with him only if she really wanted to.
He took her hand with a grin and led her towards the staircase.
"Hey, where you goin'?" Seamus asked with a knowing grin as George passed him and a pretty Ravenclaw girl on the steps.
"Private party," he told the fifth year. Live blushed, and added, "Mind your own business Finnegan…"
Seamus shrugged and did as she told him, going quite happily back to his little Marianne.
Live knew the way to his room. She'd been in it plenty of times as Kitty-Nimbles, and had been in it once before in her normal skin. He grinned and let her in, warding the doors and digging around under clutter on the floor as she sat on his bed.
"Aha," he said triumphantly, tapping something with his wand as little balls of light swirled up into the corners of the room, the last lonely piece centering itself. Live giggled.
"Mood lighting?" she asked with incredulous, bubbly giggles.
"You know you love it," he told her playfully with a little self-conscious grin.
She flopped back on the bed with a grin, watching as the little lights swirled about the room and made changing patterns on the ceiling of the four-poster. "You're the biggest dork ever."
She saw his face above hers before she registered his weight on the bed. She decided she had had quite enough to drink. "And you're stuck with me," he declared with an impish grin, holding his weight off her as he grinned down at her. She grabbed his face gently and directed his lips to hers, kissing him greedily and happy to have one quiet moment alone.
He kissed her back with much more ardor, his hand in her hair, pulling her lips closer to his even as she was pulling him down to her. His weight was pressing her deliciously into the mattress and she sighed as he caressed her face with his gentle fingers. His tongue probed her mouth avidly, meeting hers in a rhythmic dance that left the both of them gasping. He grinned with dilated eyes as she raised her hips to his, and both of them were treated to some rather sensual grinding.
She couldn't pinpoint exactly when she'd become topless, or where her skirts had gone…nor when she had indeed stripped George of his quidditch gear like she had fantasized doing earlier…But one thing was certain, and that was that she was someplace between heaven and earth, her mind and senses reeling with nothing but George Weasley, his scent everywhere, his skin warm and wonderful on hers. She was drunk with love for him, wishing she could get closer, though his skin was already pressed tightly against hers, caressing and kissing one another in what she was sure was certified bliss.
George hadn't thought she'd literally rip his gear off him, nor the intensity with which he'd enjoy it. And her lips were so warm and pliable beneath his, her skin so soft everywhere they touched. And though earlier he'd teased her about the possibility of his seeing her hidden birthmark, he sincerely never held more love or respect for her as he did when she trusted herself to him so fully, allowing him, if that was indeed his wish, to behold it (though she had fiercely blushed, and he wouldn't dare take advantage of her bold acquiescence, though it was heartening to know she'd allow him to). He loved her so much, loved the feel of her body beneath his, that it was hard for him not to get enough of her while feeling like any more would surely kill him.
And many hours later, through alcohol-induced exhaustion and tired out from their pleasurable exertions, they slept entangled together in the comfort of George's four-poster bed in the Gryffindor Tower, snuggled and cozy while the party still raged downstairs.
sSs
Live woke with sleepy eyes, a bit confused as to where she was, and then remembered, happily, where she was and why. She snuggled up to George and watched him sleepily as she traced her fingers over his jaw. She cuddled up close to him, laying her hand on his skin as she lay their quietly, allowing herself to drift back to sleep and naughty-dreams.
Then she sprang up with sudden alarm.
"Oh shit! George! We're late for potions!! Get up!!"
"Grrmmm…"
"Wake up George!"
"…Ah Live, sod potions…I'm hungover…lay back down," he mumbled to her sleepily, groping for her to drag her back into the safety and darkness of the covers.
She poked her head out the bed curtains, grayish-blue light meeting her and casting her sights to Lee's leg hanging out his own four-poster. "Lee! Wakeup! We're late for potions! And I need a sobering-solution stat!"
"…I'm hungover…" George muttered. "…not drunk….bed, Live…" She felt his hands on the naked skin of her back, trying to pull her back to him.
She rolled her eyes with amusement. To her dissatisfaction, Lee only pulled the bedcovers closed and yanked his leg back into the four-poster with a grumbling noise. She sighed. "Well you can stay in bed all you want, but I can't miss potions! Not today!" She disentangled herself from George, giving him a kiss on the cheek to placate his sleepy form, remembering today was the day Malfoy got his payback…But that was after class, and she still had another hour till then. She nearly fell flat on her face tripping in the mess on the floor, and suddenly realized in chagrin that she was quite naked. But she was too agitated for modesty to care about fleeing back to bed. Lee's curtains were closed, George's was only opened a bit, and Fred didn't appear to be in. She stole George's sheet from him and wrapped it around herself, quickly grabbing up all her clothes. Pity she didn't have any of her body scrubs or anything with her. Oh dear, did she have any publicly-visible hickies on her? She hoped not. She didn't have her makeup to cover it. How would it make her look if she had little bruises everywhere? Fun, pleasantly-gained bruises. "Where in the hell is my bra??" she muttered with uneasy hurry.
"…Liiiiive…" George groaned.
"I'm using your shower, George, then I'm going to class. You can stay here or come with," she charged as she found what she hoped was a clean towel on the boy's floor.
George hopped out of bed and was right on her heels as she nearly fell into the tub.
"I meant come with to class! Get out of the tub George!"
sSs
It was too early for his own classes, but his seething mind and annoyed spirit had brought Draco Malfoy to haunting about the dungeons. He couldn't sleep due to recurrent dreams involving strange nightmares about that bastard Weasley and much injury to his beautiful face. And the whole thought of Weasley brought about thoughts of Live Hunter, which made him even angrier.
The little tart was at the Gryffindor party last night celebrating the defeat of her own house! The rumor had spread like wildfire last night, and was sight-confirmed by two Ravenclaws. She was a filthy traitor to her own house, a disgrace to their team and honor. She needed to be taught a lesson. She needed someone to put the Slytherin back in her, literally if necessary. And he knew a candidate right close to home…
Who did that bitch think she was? He was truly the best in all Slytherin, if not Hogwarts, a prime example of pureblood perfection, and here that bitch was going around with blood traitors and associating with mudblood trash, the likes of which praised the defeat of her house! She was a disgrace to the noble House of Slytherin, the pride she had in her half-blood heritage and blood-traitor boyfriend shaming the purebloods of Slytherin. It was a pity such talents and skills had been wasted on her, let alone good looks and a pleasurable body that Pansy certainly couldn't boast.
Weasley was dirt-poor, his clothes shabby, red-hair a ridiculous faux pas, and he was too tall and didn't possess any class or connections. The father was a disgrace to the Ministry of Magic with all his muggle-loving activity, and the mother had given birth to more children than even Draco's dog had littered.
And yet Live was giving it away to him free, gallivanting with Gryffindors while snubbing Malfoy right to his face. Making him look a fool. What she needed was to be taught a lesson. What she needed was breaking. The whole family was rabble and trash, and yet she'd rather wallow in filth than swallow her pride and bend to his will. It disgusted him that he wanted such a body, but it excited him at the possibility of having her under his control and his alone. The skills rumor spoke of that she possessed were positively sordid; the things she did would make even a Hogsmeade whore blush.
Yet it was only Weasley, just Weasley that she allowed to taste the talents she honed, and she treated Malfoy like he was the filthy blood traitor.
The little half-breed bitch needed to be taught a real lesson. If she didn't come to him before he had to come to her, he wouldn't be half as pleasant about the retributions she'd have to make to him before they started a fresh slate. Granted, he still wasn't quite sure how he could go about it. She had some sort of power that he wasn't aware of, and she'd used it to slam him much against these very walls and break free of his body-binding curse. He would write his father some more about it. He needed to figure out how to get around it, but he supposed the answer would come in time. But she'd learn, whether it be the easy way, or the hard way. He hoped she'd choose the hard way.
"Malfoy!"
He turned, only to find the witch herself behind him in the corridor outside the potions classroom. She was antsy, and looked as if she'd been stalking around for quite some time. He narrowed his eyes. She was supposed to be inside the class, not out here. And he was a Prefect. He had power in this situation. Power he could utilize. "What do you want, Hunter?" he sneered with a powerful smirk.
The look of disdain he regarded her with was unsettling. She gave him a snide look and slightly circled him, a sort of glaring match as they sized one another up without wands.
She was much more confident this time around him, much more sure of herself than the last time he'd encountered her outside this classroom when he'd been thrown against the wall. The thought made his sneer turn into a scowl. Maybe he'd exact a little retribution while she was out here. What was she doing out here anyway?
She didn't like the considering look on his face one bit, but she'd promised. She'd promised retribution; a rumor to dispel all rumors about them, not only to keep them safe. One that would humiliate Malfoy in such ways that his parents would surely hear of it, and maybe even the Dark Lord. And one could only guess the repercussions that would have. She'd do anything for her friends and loved ones, but she never thought it would come to this, not this. He would think he'd won…The whole plan disgusted her.
She and Malfoy were completely alone in the corridor. It was too early for the school to be busy yet, and there were no other classes being held at this time in this part of the castle. And only a door away was Snape and a classroom full of her peers. Potions was to be dismissed in about three minutes, but knowing Snape, it would be more like five…The thought disgusted her even more, but she set her plan in play, vowing sweet vengeance for those she loved.
"Well?!" Malfoy demanded, taking an intimidating step closer. She took a step away, her back was to the wall, though she made no move for her wand. This in his mind, he felt triumphant, though he had his hands ready to go for his own wand if necessary. The chit was quick enough on the draw, and surprising.
"What do you think I want?!" she hissed quietly, obviously not proud of the statement, unable to keep his eyes for very long.
He took another invading step forward, testing, self in front of her, the wall behind as she leaned against it edgily. His arms were crossed as he glared right back at her, undaunted by her new show of demeanor. Did she think this new routine would intimidate him? This acting bold? He was Draco Malfoy. This half-blood was nothing more than scum beneath his boot to be used at his leisure. And there was no one around…no witnesses…to see if he did anything. Besides, who'd believe her word against his? His father had money.
"Finally come to your senses, eh? I know what a filthy half-blood like you wants from someone like me." He took a small step closer to her so that she could feel his breath on her skin, but there was nowhere to go between him and the wall. It took all her resolve not to dash. She looked to the left and to the right; still alone; empty corridor. But Malfoy interpreted this for something else. "You're not going anywhere." He put his hands to the wall, each aside her head, trapping her. He wasn't about to let her go when he had her in such a position of power.
"What makes you believe that nonsense?" she snapped.
"Because I know what you want, Hunter, and what you need, and you know that I'm the only one that can give it to you properly. You've known it all along, haven't you? Finally come to your senses? Weasley wasn't enough man for you, and we all know what a dirty slut you are. Say it. Just say it and I'll try to be a little more lenient. Who do you want?" he growled with demand, hands now hard on her shoulders, digging in as he was too close for comfort, and she knew he'd only get closer. It was the only way.
She closed her eyes, psyching herself up as well as maintaining a calm she'd been practicing for this very occasion. It made her sick to her stomach, which was flip-flopping somersaults. She thought of her friends before Malfoy's fingers began to hurt her, and drew strength thinking of the monster rumor this would create, and how maybe now he'd leave them all alone.
She opened her eyes, looked into Malfoy's with a defiant glare, her tone shaky and a little sickened. "Y-you."
He smirked in triumph, thinking perhaps to humiliate her a bit more as this omission obviously shamed her, but he was too excited by her confession to do much else but claimfully mark her. Grasping her to him wickedly hard, he was pleased that she put up no resistance, and sealed his mouth on hers violently. She tried upon try to maintain her calm enough for the change she'd instill upon him moments before Snape's class was dismissed, but she was so disgusted she was afraid she wouldn't be able to do it.
She concentrated like no one had ever tried to before. For one thing, she would not close her eyes, not when it was Malfoy who was kissing her and it was far from gentle or giving; something like kissing a fish and just as disgusting. When she wouldn't open her mouth for him, he bit her and pinched her skin, causing her to cry out in which he sealed his mouth back on hers, his tongue delving greedily as she tried not to scream in revulsion.
Having to endure only a few more of the most revolting seconds of her life, she heard the handle to Snape's class jiggle as she quickly made the change. Malfoy, bless the scum-eating bastard, was too caught up in his loathsome deed to take note of the changing atmosphere around him as well as notice the change in his victim. He was only all-the-more enthusiastic that now she was trying to get away, and he held her all the tighter for it, pressing his body fully and hard into hers as she writhed in skin-crawling nausea.
But if ever she wanted to grin in such a disgusting situation, it was now, as dozens of students poured into the hallway and suddenly caught sight of the scene.
"Oh dear God!!"
"Are you fucking kidding me?!"
"No bloody way!"
She flailed her arms about desperately, begging for help in her flamboyant way and trying to rip her mouth from his as Malfoy finally took notice and gave her a confused, then horrified look.
"Malfoy?! What the fuck are you doing snogging Pucey?!?!"
He let out a strangled scream as he looked at who he'd been snogging quite zealously. It was Pucey alright. Pale, shaken, eyes aghast holding something akin to horror and apoplexy as he whispered "no, no, no" over and over again, little strangled-noises escaping his throat. But no! It couldn't be!!
"I--It was Hunter! Live Hunter!!!" he bellowed with horror, face stricken with disgust and mortification.
"Oh god that's sick," Live muttered from inside the crowd, a look upon her face like she wanted to puke. All horrified eyes turned to her in a sort of proof-and-forget her, knowing that Malfoy was indeed sickening, and then back to poor Pucey, shaking in quiet outrage and dispelling the urge to vomit himself.
"Ugh, Malfoy--my God!!--UH! Who you fantasize about is your own business, but forcing Pucey into it?!?!"
"It was LIVE!!"
He looked with fury at Live, whose disgusted face held smug warning that he'd better not try anything. He took a deranged step forward, and George Weasley stepped in front of her, Jason Putterly doing the same to block the girl from his view. Lee Jordan was gaping at Malfoy in utter shock, the blond-haired ferret-boy turning and looking back at Pucey with dumb shock.
He took a step towards him as Pucey let out a traumatized whimper and slid down the wall in fear. Dear god, it really was Pucey!
He wracked his brains, too shaken to be smart and run from the onlookers and their sudden fits of laughter in the crowd and not-too-quiet whispers. He knew he'd been kissing Live, hadn't he?! He'd been teaching her a lesson in submission!! Her blond hair, cold green eyes, impending voice...
He ran screaming through the crowd (which had grown a few dozen people) while several Slytherins followed him with berating, laughter, and taunts.
Snape came from the classroom with a scowl on his face, demanding to know what was going on.
"Pucey just had a fainting spell, sir. It's alright, we'll get him to commons," someone volunteered with hardly-contained laughter. Snape stepped out to inspect Pucey with cold eyes, the boy not meeting his gaze. The dour potions master dismissed the bunch of them, taking off points before he closed the door to his classroom, not wanting any part in whatever was going on with his idiot Slytherins.
Pucey, or who he'd have better known to really be Kelena, Metamorphmagus extraordinaire, sat shaking on the wall, hands in fists to his...er, her, mouth, eyes wide with un-pretended fright and repulsion. Many stayed a few moments longer before feeling disgust and pity for the poor accosted Slytherin on the floor, leaving in droves rather quickly to spread the latest juicy, vicious rumor: some to the Great hall, others to their commons, and even more to the Owlery.
"Should we leave him here?" a rather kind Hufflepuff asked with disgusted concern.
"I'll take him back to his room," Live volunteered solemnly as a few others gave her weird looks. She quickly pulled their wandering minds to a halt. "Look, the guy here's been through something none of us hope to ever have to even dream about, so just cut him some slack. Alright?" Her tone was commanding, not requesting, and the remaining few onlookers scampered off with their gossip.
Live was left in the hallway with Lee, George, Putterly, and Puc--er, Kelena.
"Live, I don t think you should--"
"It's Pucey, George," she told him with total trust, the Gryffindor owing the real Pucey his life. "I can handle Pucey," she responded with ease, implying that the Slytherin was one not to worry about; one of the few good guys. Only she and her Gryffindor-in-snakeskin knew the truth.
"What the bloody hell was Malfoy doing snogging him?" Putterly asked aloud, too confused and amused by the situation to care that his company was more or less rival Gryffindors.
"Maaaaaybe someone used the Imperius curse on him?" Lee suggested through chuckles. "Malfoy?"
"Oh shut up Lee," Live chimed in disgust, helping the false-Pucey to his feet.
"I didn't see anyone else out here…Oi Pucey, why was Malfoy snogging you?" George asked, bending at the waist to look the other 'boy' in downcast face.
"Leave him alone, George, he's been through enough," Live told him kindly. George gave her a halfhearted smirk.
"Need help?" Putterly asked, looking askance at Pucey's limp form.
"No, I'm fine."
"Maybe we should take him to the hospital?"
"He needs a psycho-evaluation and prolly years of therapy, not a healer, Lee."
"We can help you get him to the dorms…"
"It's fine, George."
"What you do with your tower is your business, but we're not letting Gryffindors into our commons..."
"I'd like to see you stop us!"
"Two against one, Weasley? Bring it on."
"I don't need Lee to take you, Putterly."
"Will you both shut up?!" Live shrieked with annoyance. "I don't need any of you to accompany me!"
"But Live--"
"What about--"
"Just shut up! Look, it's not like we're a million miles from the commons! Jason, you haven't had breakfast yet and you've been being smarmy all class period with hunger, so go to the Great Hall! Lee! Take George to the lake and throw in him to cool off that hot head!" she barked orders, hefting up the pseudo-Pucey and slinging an arm around his waist as they walked in the direction of the Slytherin commons. She needed to be brusque with them, the less questions and assistance, the better. She needed to get Kelena changed. George huffed but didn't complain anymore, supposing Pucey was an alright person for Live to be with.
She was incredibly surprised that the boys actually listened to her (at least, they weren't following her). She looked behind her to make sure, glared at all three ("What did I do?!" Lee shrieked) and turned back to her friend with a grin.
"Is Pucey still unconscious in his bed?" Kel asked in whispered, ghastly tones. It made Live giggle to hear her friend's voice coming out of Pucey's lips.
"Yeah…he's there. That potion I gave him will have him sleeping through lunch, but it's okay…I'll have Vivian watch over him for me…But oh, I just barely got it in his pre-morning snack in time, almost didn't…You're brilliant, by the way."
"It s only 'cause I love you, you know," Kelena said with disgust. "Though I was afraid he'd recognize it wasn't totally your voice…I'm a good mimic, but not that good. But geez Live, he's really seriously after you or something…it's sickening…You need to be really careful, okay? There's mouth-wash in there, right?"
"Extra-strength," Live promised with a grin and a nod. She smirked in repulsion. "So what did he do?"
"I will never speak of it for as long as I live," she spat. "But I think on the plus, he'll be leaving you and George alone for now. People aren't going to easily forget this, and I think they'll forgive you for partying with us last night…or at least, it'll be out of their minds for a while."
She smiled, giving her friend a comforting hug. "I wish I could see the look on his parents' face when they find out."
Kelena grinned in Pucey's skin wickedly. "I wouldn't be surprised if the git's father paid another visit to Hogwarts itself!"
They both shared a private laugh as Kelena mimed hanging herself after such a ghastly ordeal. So far, everything she'd set in motion had gone quite according to plan. It was a great relief.
sSs