A/N: Thrilled with the reviews and comments, even the ones with doubts and questions. I like answering them or having issues pointed out to me. Remember most of this story is from Brie's perspective. She's not tracking what other people are thinking. Unreliable narrator and all that. I hope this chapter helps in clearing some stuff up. If not, ask questions!
~Yasha's Sis
Lady Black
Chapter 27
Perspective
In which a Brie plods along frustrated...
After waking up for the third time, Brie gave sleeping in her bed up as a loss.
Bleary eyed, she shuffled into the bathroom to shower and attempt to feel less like a well beaten rug. Contemplating the past 24 hours was most definitely getting put off for a bit. Brie's head throbbed and she kept missing the ledge where the soap was so any mental gymnastics for understanding her current lot in life seemed ill advised.
Twenty minutes and an well build wall of steam later, Brie emerged from the bathroom feeling slightly more human.
She cast her gaze to her roommate's drawn drapes. Brie had made sure to be extra quiet, but the shorter firstie was still a very light sleeper. A silent tempus proved it would be too early for Kettleburn to normally flounce about, but for the girl to not even peek her head out to see why Brie was up...
The firstie bit her cheek and turned away.
Not worth thinking about, Hecate.
Curfew ended at three in the morning, technically, but Brie didn't care right then. She tip toed down the staircase, hesitated just long enough to ensure no one else was in the common room and made her way out the exit.
The obnoxious thing about the Common Room entrance was the impossibility of sneaking in or out without making a sound. The grinding stones sounded like a car slowly rolling on gravel. Not outrageously loud, but ringing enough in the silence to make Brie instinctively want to freeze.
Instead, she squeezed through the growing opening as soon as she was able and hustled to the closest secret passageway she could find. The twins showed it to her, in thanks for her scanning idea. She had yet to see the fruits of that particular prank, but Brie had a feeling it was sure to be brilliant. She couldn't even regret her inputs when the outcome saved her bacon now.
The Black Heir managed to dodge the female fifth year Prefect by a hair.
Sagging against the dusty wall, Brie was tired enough to contemplate a kip there. She wouldn't mind curling up in the Gryffindor Common Room right about now. That couch by the fire was designed for dozing, all squishy cushions and soft, inviting fabric and it was that which really highlighted the differences between the two houses.
The Slytherin room was intended for relaxed, but dignified lounging.
Gryffindor's was supposed to cater to sprawls.
Bemused, Brie pushed herself off the dirty wall and continued into the darkness. She waited until she was well within the twists of the passageway before she brought forth familiar flames to hover in her palm. She hadn't used this since the cupboard.
The memory made her ache for Harry something terrible.
Continuing up the slight incline of the passageway, Brie made a face at the assorted cobwebs and detritus littering the area. One would think the House Elves would love cleaning down here. Why were these tunnels neglected?
Or maybe it was Filch's job.
She snorted. Brie had yet to see the man clean anything. All he ever did was lurk and grumble about misbehaving students. The point of having such a child hating, actively hostile man in a school was beyond her. Especially if he didn't do anything.
Yellow light up ahead signaled the end of the passage and Brie snuffed her flames with a fist. Listening hard for a solid five minutes, Brie took the quiet as a good sign and tapped three times on the wall. A metallic shuffle sounded and then a tall, narrow gap spilled in light. Smiling, Brie darted out of the passage with a quiet thanks to the knight holding the door open for her. It saluted smartly with a fist brought to hover over its chest and then eased the door shut and took back up its post.
Sometimes, Brie wondered if Hogwarts enjoyed helping students sneak around. If the knight was of a mind to, it could have clamored up quite the racket.
Taking a moment to get her bearings, Brie decided she'd commandeer the neat study room on the fourth floor she and Cho found her third week in. She took off for it quickly, making sure to pause every so often to listen and hug the walls. The resemblance to sneaking around here made her think distantly of Master Jefferson's place. Some good came from living there, she supposed.
It took ten minutes and another close call with a student on patrol before Brie reached her destination. Ducking into the room quickly, Brie carefully held the latch up until the door sat flush against its frame. She didn't release the thumb press fully until her hand ached and the silence continued on the other side of the door.
Sighing in relief, Brie leaned her forehead against the hardwood and let herself slump.
Why did sneaking about have to be so nerve-wracking? Can't a kid snoop about freely?
"'Tross," a voice asked, amused. Brie swallowed a shriek and leaped away from the door, wand brandished and eyes wide.
A very amused Charlie Weasley held up his hands in surrender. "Good to see you out of the infirmary."
"Charlie." Brie hissed, tugging her wand down. "You scared me!" She flicked quietus minima behind her and tucked her wand back in its holster.
"I can see that." Hazel eyes twinkled.
Brie rubbed her sternum to ease her frantic heart, glaring half heartedly at the future Dragon Keeper.
"What are you doing up so late?" Brie asked, pushing off from the wall she put at her back and shuffling closer. Her clothing could at least pass inspection if she was called in to see a teacher. Charlie looked like he rolled out of bed. He wore a large crimson jumper with a thick stylish 'C' stitched onto its front. His pants were baggy and well worn. She'd call them sweatpants if she wasn't so sure the teen had no idea what those were. The slippers covering his feet made her blink a bit. Were those… rabbits?
The teen pulled a hand through his hair, ears pink. "Er. Nothing. Just couldn't sleep is all." Brie eyed him so skeptically, he laughed. Charlie, after all, was known for being able to sleep anywhere, any place, any time. It came with having seven siblings. "Alright, I was avoiding someone and they've taken to harassing my dormmates to get my attention. Here's the only spot I know with a decent couch outside the common room."
Brie's lips quirked. "Having girl problems, Charlie?"
The Gryffindor Seeker scowled at her but his annoyed expression didn't last. Red brows furrowed in concern. "Alright, Brie? You look a bit peaky."
She stiffened and stopped moving closer to the teen seated on the lavender cushioned couch. "I'm fine."
Charlie rolled his eyes. "Come here, then. If you're so swell."
She dithered, arms unconsciously wrapped around herself as the teen waved her closer.
"Brie." He said, a little firmer. Lips pursed, Brie marched closer. She was just about to mutter exactly how fine she was, when, fast as a rattler, Charlie snatcher her arm and tugged her close.
Huffing at Brie's initial flail at the capture, Charlie set her on the couch at his side so her face caught the light of the small fireplace warming the room.
"When's the last time you got a full night's sleep," he asked, completely immune to Brie's disgruntled glower. Charlie tilted her head up.
The Black Heir looked away with a shrug. "I got to sleep after the game."
"You were drugged after the game," Charlie corrected with a frown. Brie tugged her face out of his hand. "That's not real sleep, love."
"M'fine."
He sighed, long and slow. Brie kept her gaze on the warn low table between the couch and the fire and wondered how many other people knew of this place. Cho was pretty happy at having their own little spot to hang out.
The cushion shifted and Brie blinked rapidly as red covered her vision. She sputtered at the cloth suddenly touching her face and tugged until she could poke her head free. "Charlie!"
Brie cut herself off, staring at the short sleeved shirt Charlie was apparently wearing under his heavy sweater. The fact that said sweater was now covering her admittedly chilled form made her blush.
The teen gave her an unimpressed look. "You were shivering, Tross. Let yourself warm up before you get all indignant about me taking liberties."
She looked away with a sniff. Idiot needed new under shirts. They were way too tight for the burly teen. "I wasn't going to say that."
"Uhhuh, what were you going to say, then?"
She shot him a dirty look even as her fingers sank into the soft fabric and the tension in her back melted. "That I don't appreciate being smothered."
Charlie grinned. "Want me to take it back?" Brie tightened her grip reflexively making the hazel eyed boy chuckle. "That's what I thought."
Mustering her dignity, Brie set about finding the arms in this blanket's worth of cloth so she could hit him properly. She tried not to let her mind linger on the scent of sandalwood, broom polish, and boy.
Pleased at her appreciation, Charlie leaned back on the chesterfield like furniture. The material was a slightly fuzzy cloth instead of leather but the lip of the arms curled the same and the length of the seat was identical. "You gonna tell me why you're running around past curfew?"
Brie kicked her shoes off and tucked her feet under his leg. "I couldn't sleep."
Charlie made a face as he felt her icy sock covered feet through the thin material of his pants. "Merlin, Brie! Are the dungeons just that cold or can you not retain heat?"
Feeling self-conscious, and frankly a little embarrassed with how familiar she was treating him, Brie pulled her feet free and scooted back. "Sorry."
A huff sounded. Brie squeaked as her friend dragged her closer to him, tucking her against his side. "Don't be like that. I'm not mad, Brie, I'm worried. You're freezing."
Grateful for the warmth, Brie sunk into the cushion at her back and the heat pressed along her right. "The Dungeons get pretty chilly at night. I forgot, I guess."
Dressing properly for the lower temperatures hadn't crossed her mind, which, honestly was another red flag to her sluggish thought process. Brie learned young to dress for the weather. Kids lost fingers for that where she grew up.
"Doesn't sound like you," Charlie craned his neck to catch her eye. "How are you, 'Tross? I know what you did for Ollie must have been hard, but I'm grateful."
Brie shook her head and hunched into the warmth. "It wasn't hard. He- he didn't deserve what could have happened. It wasn't right." She would do it again. No one should be harmed purposeful for any sport.
Charlie's voice had a smile to it. "That's all that matters, yeah?" She nodded, toes peeking out to worm under his leg again. "Still haven't answered me, 'Tross. How are you feeling?"
Angry. Confused. Lonely.
"Did too. I said I'm fine."
"Well I don't believe you," he said baldly. Scowling, Brie pulled her face from his chest and shot him a glare. The teen's grin only widened. "You're so meek, 'Tross. Letting me manhandle you like you're my kid sis. I'm not used to it. Makes me worried."
Her scowl softened. Times like these, Brie wished Charlie was her brother. "I'm tired, Charlie." She sighed. "I'm just… tired."
The arm anchoring her against him tightened briefly but all he said was, "Alright."
The Black Heir let her forehead drop to the teen's chest in the silence, tense for further questions. She waited for him to keep pestering her as the seconds stretched to minutes and was surprised as it continued. With no further questions to field, Brie's eyes grew heavy. Lulled by the stead thrum of the eldest present Weasley's heartbeat, the Black Heir found herself drifting off.
The sound of snickers plucked her from unconsciousness.
Blinking blearily, grey eyes focused on the oddly mirrored image grinning at her from the low table.
"Now look what you did," her heater growled at the identical humans staring at her and making cooing noises.
"Not our fault she looks so cute wearing the Weasley jumper, Charlie." Image number one said with a soft look of something favoring amusement.
"What would mother say to you wooing a poor impressionable Firstie?" The second one said with a hand draped over his eyes.
"Shameful-"
"Dastardly-"
"How could you, brother mine?!" was echoed and the Black Heir did not appreciate the sound. Brie turned into her personal warmth with a soft noise of complaint.
"Shut up," Heater hissed. "She ain't been sleepin' well. Go bother someone else until it's noon."
"But Charlie," one of them whined, "Sundays we plot!"
Whatever the response to that was, Brie didn't hear. Her heater hissed something else and then blessed silence fell. Sleep claimed her from one breath to the next.
Brie re-entered the land of the conscious disoriented this time.
The sheets she was laying on were stiff and oddly memorable though the thick red fabric that stretched well past her fingers definitely didn't belong to her. Rubbing her eye, and then shaking her hands free so she could actually see her fingers, Brie frowned as she placed the thick white curtains shielding her bed.
Why am I in the Hospital Wing?
She had been with Charlie, sleeping in the study nook and curled against his side like a cat by the fire. She vaguely remembered him talking to someone but must have fallen asleep again. Brie couldn't remember getting moved or anything. What happened?
As if summoned by her patient's rapidly building panic, the school nurse appeared with a swish of fabric. "Miss Black! I'm pleased to see you awake."
"Er. Hi, Madam Pomphrey." Brie debated asking the Matron but worried it would trigger the woman to try and keep her here. Most people remember the events leading up to them going to the MediWing. Brie certainly can't recall doing anything to warrant a stay.
The short, silver haired woman smirked at her. "Curious as to why you're here?"
Brie nodded cautiously.
"Mister Weasley grew concerned as you continued to sleep far past noon and wouldn't wake to his prodding. He thought it best to bring you here to gain a second opinion." The Black Heir stared, wide eyed at the admission. "Having issues sleeping, Miss Black?"
"No more than usual, ma'am." Brie said quickly, mind spinning on why she would have shut down like that. It hadn't been that long since she had a full night's sleep. Brie had been used to 5 hours a day, every day until she met Sirius. A sporadic night of 2 or 3 hours shouldn't have hurt her that much.
"And what would your usual amount of sleep be, Miss Black." The Matron asked pointedly, face patient.
Brie rubbed the crimson fabric between her hands as she considered. "Four to six hours most nights."
"Broken rest or in one sitting?" Brie frowned. "Do you wake up multiple times in the night, Miss Black?" The woman clarified.
"Usually."
Madam Pomphrey nodded. "And how long have you been waking up when you don't mean to?"
"October." Brie said, only belatedly realizing it mirrored up nicely to having her mind scrambled by Professor Snape. A fact to which this woman knew, intimately. The elder witch's magic was a mustard knot of displeasure.
Madam Pomphrey's face didn't change however. "And before October? What was your sleep like then?"
Grey eyes watched the school nurse warily. When the Black Heir arrived at Hogwarts, Brie had been so caught up in learning the dungeons and studying what new material she could access on runic magic that she hadn't thought to sleep more than five or so hours if she could help it. Then she got caught up in Transfiguration, Quidditch, and readjusting her entire expectation of History of Magic that she just didn't sleep unless she was tired. By the time October rolled around and Brie was ready to wind back and try to sleep, the incident happened. "Pretty close to the same. Why do you ask?"
"I'm hoping to determine the cause to your brief hibernation, Miss Black. I have only a few more questions and then I'll do one more test and you'll be free to go. Is that alright?"
It sounded reasonable and it wasn't like she could get in trouble for not sleeping well. Brie let her head dip in acquiescence. Madam Pomphrey continued to ask questions about Brie's sleep habits, specific to the length and how she felt after she awoke. She questioned Brie on her appetite, which was fine, and if she'd been having any headaches or issues remembering things. Brie was hesitant to answer truthfully but she also remembered herself urging her father to seek help. Madam Pomphrey was the best help Brie would get in this school and she was more than willing to help when it came to active defense of her. Pomphrey proved as much when she stood up to Severus Snape. So, Brie did her best to be honest with the exception of avoiding any mention of her occasional breakdowns. That at least, she wouldn't budge on.
By the end of Brie's impromptu interrogation, the Black Heir was trying not to mentally focus on the writhing mass of upset in the woman's magic.
"Thank you, Miss Black." Madam Pomphrey said, the picture of professionalism. "I appreciate your honesty. I understand this may be an uncomfortable subject for you and I can only imagine how terrifying some of the stages of your recovery continue to be." The meaningful way she watched Brie made her feel like Charlie did more than just tell her about his concern over Brie's lack of sleep.
"I'm handling it, Ma'am." Brie asserted. This prompted the woman to arch a brow. She made a non-committal noise and lifted her wand.
"I'm going to perform a brief diagnostic. This will state how far along you've managed in your recovery and provide additional details in improving the methods currently in place." With that explained, the witch deliberately waved her wand in a slow and careful motion. Peach colored streams of light circled Brie's head making her sneeze as the sparks crackled under her nose.
She wondered why the hard-nosed matron hadn't performed such tests when Brie was here just yesterday. When she asked as much, the nurse's lips pressed in a flat angry line.
"I was assured one of you would come to me should issues arise. Seeing as you've fallen into a magically induced hibernation after prolonged sleep deprivation, it was a rather naive expectation on my part."
Ah. Brie sensed Snape was in for another colorful visit by the school nurse. Served him right for trying to sell her to Burke like he had any right to. She was also probably on the matron's shit list.
With effort, Madam Pomphrey regained her professional mien. "You will remain in the Hospital Wing as I prepare a note for your head of house. I suggest going to the Main hall for an early dinner once you are dismissed. Either way, I expect you back in your dorms for a full night's rest."
None of this was a question. Brie found herself nodding at the woman's expectant expression. "Good." She said and swept off, leaving the curtains parted in her absence.
Well then. Brie slumped back into the uncomfortable sheets and let her head plop on the pillow. She wasn't looking forward to coming face to face with Snape again but she also wanted to ask what he was thinking telling anyone who was a student about her condition. Discretion was a word few under the age of 16 understood.
But you're in Slytherin, Hecate. You seem to be forgetting this.
"What a mess."
She hated that the things she needed to learn were so distant from who she was. Brie was resourceful, one had to be when you had next to nothing of your own. Her ambition and cunning were things focused and necessary to grow up as she did but the by play and politics of her House were difficult for her. She didn't want to play these games and if she had to, she thought she'd get support from someone in the house itself. Flint, she once thought, was going to be that person, but she understood him less than she did Burke. Speaking of…
Brie sat up in bed and turned towards the side of her bed that was still shielded by her curtain. Was he still here?
Madam Pomphery probably wouldn't appreciate one of her patients being harassed but until Brie was released, she was also a patient. There was probably a loophole in there.
Tossing the cheap sheets off her legs, Brie slipped from the bed on sock clad feet and used her left hand to part the cloth. Grey eyes spared a glance to the Matron's office and then scanned the 25 other beds to find the fifth year teen.
The fourth bed down was occupied.
Brie mustered up her anger and frustration and stomped over to the metal frame. She was glad she took the effort to upset herself beforehand because the reminder of his injured leg would have cooled her ire if she hadn't nursed it properly.
Flint's eyes were closed, right leg propped carefully on a pillow at the knee. He was put into shorts, left leg covered under one of the Hospitals signature off yellow throws. The skin of his right knee bubbled oddly as Brie stared. Any bubbling she supposed was strange, but this was also the magical world. Plenty of potions did odd things to the body. His skin at least was a healthy human pink.
The steady rise and fall of his chest were reassuring, though Brie couldn't tear her eyes away long from the random bulge of his joint. What potion did Madam Pomphrey use? She'd never seen one who had this specific result.
"Admiring yer work, Black." Brie managed not to jump, barely.
Flint didn't open his eyes but he waved a hand lazily in greeting. The Black Heir didn't appreciate the corner of her mind reassured by his welcome.
"Bet Mark regrets you now."
"No," She answered though the snarkier corner of her mind thought the unbothered expression on his face meant she couldn't have done much harm. "I don't enjoy hurting people like some."
His lips quirked. "Was that a dig about Wood?"
Brie's irritable silence was answer enough.
"Wasn't personal," was his damned answer. "Wally wanted Wood out so the reserve could come in."
"Flint, he aimed for his head." Brie hissed.
"Did he?" the Fifth year asked with shrug. "Can't prove it was deliberate. Wood could have moved out of the way."
Something in Brie curdled. "Wood wasn't facing the bludger. It would have pinned his head against the goal post hard enough to burst!"
The accusation only made Flint laugh. "I forgot yer muggle raised, or near as well."
What?
"Ever fallen out of a tree, Black? Jumped off the roof?" She stared at him incredulously and Flint cracked one dark eye open. "You ever get hurt from hitting yer head, Black?"
"I've never been beaten in the head with a cannon ball, no." She said flatly.
"That's not what I asked."
She glared at him. "No. I haven't, I also didn't think to swan dive off my roof either."
The one eye gave her a censuring little squint before he shut it. "Yer a witch, Black. I could hit ya with a left hook, put ma weight behind it too, and the worst ye'd have is a bit of a headache or a minor concussion. Maybe lose a tooth or two."
Aside from the disturbing notion that Flint knew what a full bodied hit from him would cause, Brie shook her head at the physics behind his statement. That couldn't be possible. She watched a kid fall down three steps to hit his head and he couldn't speak right after it happened. The bludger was significantly faster. The force would be punishing and there was no way-
"Yer a witch, Black." Flint said again, annoyed now. "A muggle getting a love tap from a bludger would do serious damage. If the hit you took happened ta a muggle, they'd 'ave lost an arm."
"He is correct, Miss Black." Stunned, Brie turned to the school nurse wielding a small woven basket and favoring Brie with a disapproving frown. "Non magicals do not have the same protections to prevent from physical harm. Witches and Wizards are hardier due to the nature of their connection to Magic. In compensation for their shortcomings, muggles have a significantly thicker bone density and a more robust immune system. Accidents that would kill a muggle child are hardly noteworthy to a magical one."
"But…" If that was the case, then it put her dive for Wood in a new light. The academic in Brie was impressed with Madam Pomphrey's understanding something like an immune system.
"But what, Black? It's common knowledge that muggles are breakable."
"People are breakable, Mister Flint, else you wouldn't be here right now." The nurse's pointed comment was punctuated by her flicking her wand over his no longer bubbling knee. "You're good to go. Only light movement for the next week. You'll be taking this potion for the next three days, two mouthfuls a night, and you'll be good a new. The knee will be stiff but that should end by the last day of your potion. Come back if it does not." She handed him a vermillion vial about the size of Flint's fist and nodded her head when he accepted it without protest.
Brie was treated to another disapproving look and then both her shoes and a thin roll of parchment was offered to her from the woman's basket. "I expect you here again in two weeks from today to assess your progress. Professor Snape will provide you with a potion to help you sleep and you will follow his instructions to the letter." Madam Pomphrey peered down her nose to give Brie a look of promise. "I will know if you do not follow said instructions. You will take the time to sleep for eight hours a night, every night, until I tell you otherwise. Is that understood, Miss Black?"
Brie didn't try to avoid sleep. She wasn't going to argue about it being mandated, though she chaffed at the order. "Yes, Ma'am."
Suspicious of the agreeable behavior, Madam Pomphrey watched her for another moment. "I would appreciate you helping, Mister Flint to the dining hall, Miss Black. I recommended a cane for added stability but Mister Flint refused when it was mentioned and I will not spell it to stay in his hand."
Brie rolled her eyes as Flint made a face at the mention of a cane. "I'll take him." Then she backpeddled as she remembered she was the one to do this to him. He might not be amenable to her continued presence. "If you're ok with it?"
Flint shot her a skeptical look. "You plan on attacking my leg?"
Brie winced. "No!"
"Then why the bloody hell-" The Matron tutted at his language, making him amend. "I don' care if yer babysittin' me, Black."
Huffing, Madam Pomphrey bustled off to swap the sheets off the bed Brie vacated. Taking that as a dismissal, Flint altered the shorts he was wearing into a proper pair of trousers and pulled his robe from the rack built into his bedframe. Brie stuffed her feet into her shoes, eyeing the missive from Madam Pomphrey with some trepidation. She sighed and lifted her borrowed sweater enough to tuck the parchment into her pants pocket.
Flint watched all of this with a frown but he didn't actually verbalize whatever his problem was until they exited the Matron's lair.
"Any reason yer wearin' Weasley's jumper?"
Brie crossed her arms and lifted her head. "It's comfortable and I was cold. He let me borrow it."
Marcus Flint shook his head and carefully continued the slow pace towards the Great Hall. "Yer getting careless, Black."
Puzzling over the comment made Brie make a face. "Don't tell me this means something."
Snorting, Flint flipped his hand indifferently. "Not anythin' other than yer affection fer a lion. Yer lucky he's leavin' soon."
Brie bristled. Of course she liked Charlie. Anyone who ever had a conversation with him that wasn't about quidditch would. "I don't understand," she said instead of snapping. Ask questions. Listen. Learn. You used to be so good at this, Brie.
"People think he's turning ya away from yer house. The past Quidditch match lends credit ta it." His dark gaze slid over to her. "If they know nothin' bout either of ya."
"Charlie wouldn't-" Brie began forcefully, and then bit off the words as Flint merely looked at her. Flint knew Charlie would never seek to use someone like that. Four years playing quidditch against someone gives you some insight into their personality. He also knew Brie had her own reasons for her enmity with the house. Not even ten minutes ago she learned the possible fatality in the match was reduced to a semi serious level that was only as dangerous as the school nurse's competency.
Madam Pomphrey was scarily competent.
"Why'd you vouch for me?" Brie asked with something like desperation coating her tongue. "You couldn't have known I was any good at Quidditch. We hadn't talked about it. Why stand up for me at all?"
There had to be some logic behind it, but for the life of her, Brie couldn't figure it out.
Another careless shrug tipped his shoulder. "I never expected you on the team. I only told Wally to keep an eye out." Brie blinked.
"Then, how did I make it?"
A scowl answered her. "Don't fish fer compliments, Black. Yer an ace Chaser. Once Wally saw, he made that little ploy on his own and it's his fault he let yah on the team ta embarrass us. Though talkin' ta him, he seems confused about it. The tit."
Ok. I deserved that.
"I'm not on the team anymore," She said challengingly, and that only irritated Flint more.
"That's not a good thing, lass. Quidditch kept yeh close to me, now yeh've gone and fucked tha away. Yer stuck wit Burke now and he's a right prick."
"You left me with Burke!" She barked back, angry again as she recalled why the teen was hospital ridden in the first place.
Flint rolled his eyes. "I know ya said something ta the upper years. That put ya wit Burke. The Quidditch gaff could 'ave been minimized if yah kept yer temper, Black." Brie felt her eyes burn in frustration. She couldn't do anything right. "But, sounds like yer hangin on by a finger if yeh 'aven't been sleepin' since yeh got here."
"Of course, you heard that."
"Pay better attention ta those around ya, Black." Brie shot him an unfriendly look. It just so happened to time with Flint wincing as he tweaked his knee. She felt her mouth pull.
"Like the pain you're feeling right now?"
The comment was very unappreciated. She sighed and grabbed hold of his hand.
Flint's flinch was violent. "What-"
"Shut up," She placed his arm on her shoulder. "Cast a disillusionment spell on us or deal with the indignity of being helped by a firstie." The teen was too tall to lean on her any other way.
It took another handful of steps before she felt the tell tell egg feeling over her head and a privacy spell that she was unfamiliar with. "I know I don need to tell yeh-"
"Yeah, yeah. Leg breaking. I know." Goddamned her guilt. "I still blame you for Burke."
When she turned to look at Flint, she noticed a subtle glamour on his arm to make it seem as if he was carrying something under his arm instead of balancing it heavily on her shoulder. That was some impressive charm work. She was pleased she could help carry a bit of his weight. Her legs had certainly gotten thicker in the extra agility drills Vance ran the team through both on the air and on the ground.
Flint glance down at her. "I told yeh, Burke's not on me."
"Then why were you there?"
"Because he asked, Black. Coming back to hear yeh done mouthed off again, made me think he did somethin' to ya. Imagine my surprise yer capable of fightin' off a rennervate's effects and decided ta attack the closest thing to yeh."
Oh.
Damn.
Brie couldn't think of anything to say. She misread the situation.
"I didn't know." That was as close as she was going to come to apologizing. She was scared and unarmed in an unfamiliar place with three people in a position of power over her. Brie couldn't apologize for reacting like that. Flint should have known better than to let any student get dragged around and dumped unceremoniously on the floor.
He grunted, unconcerned. "Told Burke ta leave off. Couldn't ignore 'im after he said he had yeh."
They turned the corner and Brie caught sight of the main staircases. "Why not?"
Flint squeezed her shoulder briefly in pain but answered in an even voice. "Told the house ta watch and wait but Burke always wanted something from yeh and I didn't know why he took yeh. Had ta find out, else my word ain't gonna be heeded none."
Brie frowned. "You came to make sure he didn't do anything you didn't approve of?"
The large teen shook his head. "I came ta find out why. Wally was ta only one who could kick a fuss wit Burke."
Because of Quidditch.
"Burke's a prick, but he don' interfere without reason."
And Brie gave him reason to place his focus on her. Great. "What does that mean for us?" The staircase was kind enough to let them both get on it before swinging around. Flint continued his trek down the stairs, unbothered by the lack of ending.
"Yeh gonna miss me, Black, if I do cut yeh loose?"
Brie stopped, causing Flint to swear lightly at the sudden change. A part of her would miss the dry humor and clever wand of the upper year. At the same time, she never understood why he put his lot with her in the first place. The opportunist in him should bail now. Brie wasn't in any type of positive light in her house and her lack of understanding would only continue to hamper her. "Are you going to?"
The stairs slid into place with a short shudder and Flint shook her shoulder slightly to get her to move forward. "I knew what yeh were when we met on ta train, Black."
Which wasn't an answer. "Flint."
He sighed. "Take me ta the kitchens and I'll answer yeh truthfully."
She twisted to send him a dark look but the disillusionment ruined the affect.
"Go on then." He pushed her forward. "Tonks said she'd barricade her cuz there if anythin' else happened to yeh so I know yeh know the way."
Dora, I can't believe you.
"Fine." He probably didn't want to be seen with her in outlandishly Gryffindor colors anyway. The kitchens gave food to your specifications and she could do with some cinnamon rolls. "It's a far bit longer of a walk. You gonna make it on that leg?"
"I'll be fine." His stubbornness wasn't to be deterred.
It took 12 more minutes than usual to get to the kitchens with the plodding pace. It didn't help Flint was stuck talking to four separate Slytherins who shot not so subtle inquiries into what was going on with Black, if she really got kick off the team, and if he heard the rumor about Burke choosing to make an example out of her.
Brie listened to the insults and curiosity with a lot less offense than she would have had she remained ignorant of the growing background knowledge. Granted, Montague still pissed her off but Sykes, Bletchey, and Urquhart only wanted answers. They played with her and knew how much she enjoyed Quidditch. Getting booted off the team for one mishap seemed extreme to them.
Flint told them the truth. Professor Snape saw fit to take her off the team and Vance agreed. Burke was handing the rest. The specifics weren't mentioned and Brie had to appreciate Flint's way of glowering to get left alone. Montague ran off pretty quickly once The Glower© made an appearance.
They made it to the fruit platter portrait without further harassment. Casting a glance about to make sure no one else was running to whine to Flint, Brie cleared her throat. "Tickle the Pear."
Flint gave the portrait an antagonistic look.
"It's not going to bite you." Brie said with a laugh. The grapes take turns blowing raspberries if you bothered them but the portrait was harmless over all.
The burly teen reached out and poked at the pear in a vaguely ticklish manner. It hiccupped one laugh at his unenthusiastic prodding.
"Come on. Tickle it like it's a baby's foot."
The Glower made a reappearance.
Flint stabbed at it with his finger and the pear actually whimpered.
"Oh my god, stop." She swatted his hand away for good measure and leaned forward. "I'm sorry about him. Doesn't like little kids I suppose." She gave the pear a generous tickle until it gave squealing giggles and reverted into a doorknob.
Twisting the knob, both Slytherins were hit with the scent of baking bread and heavy meats. Flint tucked his scowl away with a mutter and glanced around the massive kitchens appreciatively.
Leading him in, Brie tapped her own wand on her head and dispelled the disillusionment. Immediately, the elves closest to the door turned and squeaked in pleasure. "Missy Black! Youses needing food?"
Flint shut the door behind them, favoring her with an amused look. "Come here often do yeh?"
Brie ignored him. "Hi everyone! Would you mind if Marcus Flint and I join you for dinner? His knee isn't doing too well so we were hoping to eat somewhere close to the common room."
The elves made noises of upset and Flint's annoyed "Oi!" was smothered by the rapid pops of a small table with a pair of very comfortable looking chairs arranged out of the way of the busy cooks. There was an ottoman piled high with pillows and Brie couldn't help grinning as Flint was popped off his feet, placed in the chair and plied with his apparent favorite foods.
"Of course yous can eat here, Missy Black." A wizen elf in a jade dress said this in a low authoritative voice. Her long ears had multiple piercings and the other elves quieted at her tone. "Missy's coffee beans makes very good cakes. Opal say Missy Black always welcome."
"Thank you, Miss Opal. And you can call me Brie, ma'am."
Flint stared at her like she had grown another head.
The elf nodded graciously. "Please be eating Missy Brie." With that she turned her milky gaze on the elves still messing with Flint's pillows. "Back to work you three. Yous be drowning him in pillows if yous put more."
Flushing, the elves by Flint popped back to their workstations. Opal joined them after dropping off a plate of cinnamon rolls and Brie's favorite curry. She tucked in as Flint seemed lost for words.
"I know your muggle raised, Black, but these are elves." He placed heavy emphasis on elves and Brie shot him a glare.
"Don't be rude."
"Ya can't be rude to elves!"
Brie rolled her eyes, silently noting Flint would get a far less homey welcome next time he comes here if Miss Opal heard. "Yes, you can. Miss Opal has been at Hogwarts for over three hundred years. She knows the castle better than anyone and she makes sure you have your favorite foods over the hols or randomly during the week. You want to be polite to the one making your food on a regular basis, Flint."
That's just common sense.
Flint looked down at his plate frowning slightly at the implication.
"Elves are meant ta serve, Black. They wouldn't poison anyone."
Brie gave him a look and then wondered if this was what everyone felt like when it came to her and Slytherin's unwritten rules. "Elves are meant to serve, but only the one who bonds with them can dictate what that service will be."
Flint rolled his eyes and dug into his food. "The elves belong ta tha headmaster. He wouldn't let them poison students, even Slytherin ones. The Governors would see 'im tossed out if ta families of those students didn't hunt 'im down themselves."
"Flint, the oldest Hogwarts elves were here long before the current headmaster. They don't belong to him, they belong to the school."
"They have to be bonded to a magical being." Flint answered though he didn't sound annoyed with the direction of the conversation.
Brie's mind boggled. Nothing she read or Grimclaw taught simplified it to that degree. Just talking to the Black House Elves denounced what he said. Why didn't Flint know?
Brie was getting the uncomfortable feeling that this was exactly what everyone else felt like when she spouted nonsense about Slytherin House. If this is what the other families taught their children, it was no wonder Grandpa Rex saw fit to impress the importance of your magical core and all that relates to it. It was strange the others either forgot or ignored what Elves required.
"Elves require a magical anchor. Typically, it's a witch or wizard but that's just because it allows them to go wherever we go. These elves are bonded to the school with the Headmaster acting as the binder for new elves that join during his tenure." At the fifth years look of disbelief, Brie made a face. "Do you know how many elves are at Hogwarts?"
The teen glanced around the area and she nodded as his brows furrowed. "You're seeing it now. There are forty elves in the kitchens alone, forget the whole school. Having that many elves bonded to one person would be a huge burden on their core. Dumbledore is strong but even he couldn't hold that much strain on his core and expect to light a Lumos for longer than a second."
Flint was back to staring at her strangely. "How yeh know elf bondin' requirements and yer fumblin' through basics in our House?" Brie nearly flinched at the reminder.
"You got a manual I could borrow?" She joked, staring at her plate.
Flint sighed, "Don' do that. It goes hand an hand wit Noble Houses. Yer gonna learn. Yeh don 'ave a choice."
"Maybe I should write one?" Brie continued, ignoring his return statement. "There's bound to be other people going through this."
His response was dry. "Think folks are bright enough ta keep ther mouths shut iffin they are."
She pouted. "Well you put up with me. Why bother if I'm such a horror?"
"I already told ya and it's proved true so far: You'll make things interestin', Black." He patted his leg with a self depreciating little smirk. "Never thought I'd get beat by a squirt. Ma fault fer lettin' me guard down."
Brie decided to finish her food before it got cold instead of responding to that. Flint didn't seem to mind.
When they finished, bellies full and Flint's leg significantly less stiff after sitting on the charmed pillows that gave off heat and relaxed muscles, the pair of Slytherins made their way out of the kitchens. Brie made sure to thank the elves for letting them hide out in the kitchens and smiled brightly when Miss Opal waved goodbye from some contraption that looked a bit like a meat smoker.
If smokers were five times their usual height and four times as long.
Flint didn't bother disillusioning her seeing as it was the height of dinnertime and anyone loitering in the halls here were Slytherins as well. He made sure to get to the common room under his own power, though his face was pinched by the time they made it to the hidden entrance.
Just prior to stating the password, Flint glanced over at her and tapped her shoulder briefly with his wand. Brie stiffened at the unfamiliar magic spilling across her chest; but, when she looked down, she noticed the crimson red jumper was slowly melting out of view. She could still feel the fabric along her arms and tapping against her knees.
"Figured no one else needs ta see that eyesore in the common room. Threshal Milk."
Brie had an irrational urge to hug Flint for that. Now knowing the idiotic assumption that she was mooning over Charlie and obviously willing to betray all her housemates over him, Brie knew she had to quietly return his sweater. "Thanks," She whispered instead, making her way to the girl's dorm.
The Common Room only had a handful of early dinner eaters studying by the fire. She could see no one of note so far which was a relief. Safely inside her empty shared bedroom, Brie pulled the sweater off her head and stilled as the scent of sandlewood, broom polish and boy once again tickled her nose. It was a good smell to fall asleep to.
Brie blinked at that thought. Weird. Shaking her head, she laid it on her bed. The urge to crawl on top of the mattress was a strong one. Exhaustion wasn't as deep as she was used to but Brie was still tired. She wondered how long it would be before she wasn't any more. Her cardigan was tugged off next and then she started to remove her pants when she realized a paper crinkled at her side.
Oh. Right… Snape.
That was certain to be a pleasant conversation.
(A/N): Thoughts? Comments? Concerns?
Next Chapter: A long avoided conversation and slice of life friendship moments!
~Yasha's Sis