Sorry for the slight delay in posting! Time got away from me yesterday and I couldn't get to my computer til today!
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Disclaimer: I do not claim ownership of the Harry Potter or Twilight franchises.
The next morning I woke up, still fully on top of Edward. It made me jump back, my cheeks burning red from embarrassment as my memory of last night came back to me.
Oh Merlin could I be any dumber?
Edward shifted, feigning like he was waking up from sleep when he blearily looked at me before giving me this smile that made my heart melt. It made me smile and hide my face in my hands.
"Morning," I muttered.
"Morning" he answered back.
"Can we...forget my strange comments from last night?" I asked, but it only made him laugh. He didn't even bother answering me, the ponce, and he got up and left the room. Most likely to change. Just as he left, Alice burst in.
"Can I pick your clothes today?!" she exclaimed before I could even say hello.
"Sure Alice. Closets right there." I said, motioning to the double doors on one side of the room. She squealed, threw open the doors, and began searching through my wardrobe.
I sat back down on the bed, fiddling with the gloves on my hands from the night before. I had taken to wearing them at night, mostly because I was so sure someone in the Cullen family could be watching me sleep. Moody's paranoia truly did ingrain itself into me over that last year. While I knew none of them would use it against me, I just wasn't ready for anyone to know about my arm. Especially Edward, as vain as it may sound. He would be getting a major discussion about watching me sleep if he was the culprit of my suspicions.
Alice emerged from my clothes with a bundle in her hand. And it turned out to be a flawless look honestly. She had me in high waisted dark blue skinny jeans, a black knit halter top, a red and white plaid flannel tied over it, and sandal wedges. I chose shoulder length black gloves so they could be tucked into the shirt.
Alice did my hair in a fancy high bun to complete the look. Walking down stairs, I saw Edward already ready for the day.
"How do I look?" I asked, a little nervous. He turned to me and his eyes widened and then darkened to near black.
"You look like you want to eat me." I said meekly after he didn't answer.
"You aren't wrong." he muttered, but my mind went completely in the not violent direction and more towards hormonal teenager direction.
Thankfully having seperate cars again meant we were soon all on our way to school and I now had some privacy to deal with things.
First thing. Hermione was stateside. Would need to contact Ginny. Maybe the Ministry? MACUSA? Both her and Ron wanted me back in England and were well on their way to doing it by any means necessary. Ron had already attacked me in broad daylight. Hermione showed up to the school. I would need to be on more of an alert. Definitely better my wards even more now that Hermione was a factor to contend with.
Second thing. I was making it very clear, whether consciously or not, that I had feelings for Edward. And I think, I hope, that he returned the feelings in some way. To me, it didn't matter that he was a vampire. After my initial freak out I had calmed down considerably. Witches and wizards aged slower so it would be ok to wait for a few years to change and to get me used to the idea of turning into a vampire. Edward though, seemed as if he was dooming himself. He was self-doubting and self-hated at an alarming level and even if he didn't have any sort of romantic feelings, I would surely break him of those habits. Edward was handsome, kind and charming. He had this wit to him and this smile that made my magic positively burn under my skin. I wanted to do things with him, and as someone who never gave thought of that kind of thing really until coming to Forks, it was alarming to say the least. I also really really wanted to run my fingers through his hair. Really bad.
Third thing on my mind was my arm. Sooner or later, people would discover my arm. I wouldn't be ashamed of it. It showed what I have come from and what I have survived. But I had only just gotten stares and whispers to subside before Ron and Hermione came into the picture. With my prosthetic on full display, I doubt I would get a moment's peace.
By the time I got to school I knew one thing at least, despite everything going on, this was the tamest school year yet.
The day proved to be very eventful when we got to school. After parting from the two I headed to my locker to only run into Eric.
He was very upset he hadn't been there yesterday and told me as such but then he got this weird look on his face.
"Hey Dahlia...Do you think maybe you'd...I don't know, want to go to a movie with me?" he asked.
"Sure! I know Jessica wanted to see that new rom com so maybe we can all go." I said, giving him a smile.
"No, I mean like...just you and me...like a date."
I truly didn't mean to look like a deer caught in the headlights but I truly felt like that. I never expected Eric to ask me out. I gave him a sheepish look.
"Yeah...Eric. I really only see you as my friend. Is that ok?" I asked. He sighed in disappointment but nodded.
"Yeah it's ok Dahlia. Figured I should shoot my shot you know?" he said with a shrug. I gave him a smile and nodded, happy that he didn't take it bad.
But Merlin who would have thought?
And that wasn't the end of it either! Another boy, Ryan, in my Algebra class asked me to go bowling which I respectfully declined much to the amused giggles of Jessica from beside me.
It happened again in History too! I was sitting in my spot, waiting for Mr. Harrison to start when a boy named Andrew sat in front of me and draped himself in the chair in what, I guess, was supposed to be a cool way.
"Hey Dahlia. You are looking hella good today." he started making me freeze in place. I looked up at him incredulously, this couldn't possibly be happening for the third time in a single day.
"You want to maybe head up to Port Angeles this weekend? I know a couple of spots that are to die for." he proposed.
"Thanks for the invite Andrew but I'll have to decline. I promised my friends I'd hang out with them, and frankly, I'm not interested." I said, which effectively wiped the smug look off his face. And yes while Alice's plans of shopping were not set in stone quite yet there was no need to tell him that.
"Your loss." he grumbled, getting up from the seat and sulking back to his own.
"Somehow I very much doubt that." a voice said from a couple rows back. I turned to see Jasper sitting there amused. I shared a look with him before turning back to the front as the lesson started.
Jessica was all too happy to tease me about these interactions at the lunch table, much to the irritation of Lauren. Every time she did speak up at lunch there was some type of snide comment directed towards me. But she had nothing on Malfoy or Snape that was for sure.
"It's so funny it's happening all today though!" Angela said, joining in on the fun.
"Well are you seeing the way Dahlia's dressed! Cause girl you're looking fine!" Tyler said, good heartedly. I knew he meant nothing of it but that was the final straw for Lauren who, wordlessly, got up and left the table. Tyler followed after her, trying to talk to her, but she ignored him.
"Ouch." Mike winced as we watched them walk off.
"She needs to chill out." Jessica scoffed, taking a bite out of her salad.
"It's not like I'm asking for all this attention." I defended myself, turning to look at the Cullens involuntarily. I knew they heard the whole interaction but my eyes focused on Edward. His eyes were dark and he was staring at me like I was his next meal. Instead of being afraid, I found myself blushing, so I turned back to my human friends to calm myself down.
And then the drama continued in Music. Tyler had an arm wrapped around Lauren who looked smug as ever so Merlin only knows what Tyler did to "make up" for the comment.
"Alright class! I am trying something new this year to help broaden your creative mind and your repertoire!" Ms Clark announced when the bell rang.
She then pulled out an old and faded looking top hat.
"This is the Hat of Performance. Every once in a while we are going to have each of you choose a piece of paper from the hat. On the piece of paper will be a various topic, genre, or musical styling I will want you to focus on. On Friday, we will have you all perform." she explained.
It actually sounded pretty cool in my opinion. She walked around, giving everyone a chance to pick from the hat.
Edward got the genre of Jazz for his performance and he looked pleased with that. Jazz was relatively easy to transfer the styling of it onto your own if you played the piano. When it was my turn, my piece of paper read one word: Duet.
And wouldn't you know it, Lauren also got Duet. Which meant we were paired together. Just my luck.
I had barely managed to get her to agree to coming to my house for practice before she stormed out, Tyler hot on her heels. I turned to Edward.
"I'm going to invite Jessica, Mike, Angela, and Eric to this too. You and Alice want to come? I'll need all of you to stop me from going crazy from that girl." I suggested. Edward let out a soft laugh before nodding.
"Me and Alice will be there." he promised before we went our separate ways until Chemistry.
The rest of the day flew by and pretty soon I was in my home making sure it was good for the company that would be coming any minute now. I had changed into a pair of comfy leggings and a baggy light blue sweatshirt, keeping my gloves on from before. I had let my hair down too and was back in my sparkly silver bootie slippers that were my favorite to wear around the house.
About an hour after school, all of my human friends showed up, carpooling in Tyler's huge van that he was so proud of.
"Your house is so cute!" Jessica gushed, taking in her surroundings as I closed the door behind them.
"Thanks. I'm pretty proud of finding this little gem of a place at all. Plus being across the street from Charlie doesn't hurt either." I said, putting out a plate of cookies I had quickly and magically fixed up as soon as I got home. Chocolate chip, can never go wrong with that.
"Ugh we don't need any stupid cookies, we have an assignment in case you forgot Dahlia."
Ah Lauren, where would we be without you. Before I could open my mouth, Alice literally burst through the front door, used to being around already. She had a big smile on her face and an embarrassed Edward behind her.
"Hi Dahlia!" She chimed, skipping inside and throwing her arms around me.
"Hi Alice." I greeted warmly. The humans were absolutely star struck, the effect of the vampire's beauty and allure affecting them more outside of school.
"Let's get to work then Lauren." I said, sitting in my purple chair. Edward took the spot on the couch closest to my chair with Alice sitting beside him. Angela, showing some true Gryffindor bravery, sat beside Alice. Jessica took the ottoman while Eric sat on the floor by the end of Angela's side of the couch. Tyler and Mike sat in the kitchen with the plate of cookies. Lauren stayed standing, trying to command everyone's attention with a power stance and looking a little comical doing it. Not that anyone would tell her.
"Ms Clark stuck me with you and honestly your music taste is garbage Dahlia, no offense. So I want to sing something cool and something that shows off our...respective talents." She started snidely.
Merlin.
"Way to come off a little strong there Lauren." Jessica said sarcastically.
"What would you suggest then Lauren?" I asked, looking to keep the peace. I saw Edward tense in the seat next to me so I nudged his knee with one of my feet which made him let out a tiny smirk. Ha.
"I want to sing a Brandy song. The Boy Is Mine is sooo good. It's with Monica and I really like it so I want to sing it. I would be Brandy and you would be Monica. Sounds good?" she all but demanded.
"Sounds good to me. Do you want to start rehearsing?" I asked only for her to scoff.
"What? No, I don't have time to stay here. I had a manicure appointment with my mom. Tyler's gonna drop me off so we will see you guys later. M'kay." She hurriedly explained before practically bolting out of my house. Tyler, muttering some shocked apologies, ran after her. We all sat in silence for a second.
"Did she really make such a big deal about working on this to ditch ten minutes in?" Eric asked in shock.
"I'm not surprised. It's just like Lauren." Jessica said.
"Why are you all friends with her then?" Edward spoke up, looking shocked that even he said it outloud.
The humans paused for a moment before Mike answered.
"We've just...always been. Lauren wasn't always such a jerk. Her parents divorce two years ago just kind of...messed with her head I guess." the boy explained.
Who knew the girl had layers. It made sense really. Attention seeking, overconfidence, over sexualization of herself. And who knows how many times people thought I was a bitch in Hogwarts with everything going on in the war. I need to start taking Lauren more with a grain of salt, no walking all over me, just...understanding her a bit more.
"Well I think it's nice you all stuck by her. I'm sure she appreciates that, even if she doesn't say." Alice said, a softer smile on her face. That lightened the mood around us and instead of everyone leaving they all decided to stay. It made me smile. I had friends just hanging out at my house. Like a normal person and everything.
Jessica at one point went up to my mantle and was taking in the photos on top. There was a copy of the photo of my parents and I as a baby, a copy of the one with me, Sirius, and Remus, the Quidditch team just in our jerseys so it was safe to have around Muggles, and then the photo of Ron, Hermione, and me.
"You all look so different." she said quietly, picking up the photo. That quieted the idle chit chat going on.
"Yeah. The terrorist attack really left its mark on all of us. Ron lost one of his brothers just as he and Hermione had started dating. He kind of...piled all of his issues onto her own. And down they spiraled." I explained.
"Do you miss them?" Angela asked. I took a moment to think about what the most truthful answer could be.
"...I miss what we began as. Just three little kids. Wanting to impress so many people, we wanted to prove ourselves to anyone we could. As the years went on, as the strain of the terrorists grew I became disillusioned with the people, the adults, looking after us. Or saying they were looking after us. But...anyone with authority, Ron and Hermione kept on a pedestal. The world was so black and white to them and as we got older...well the world wasn't so black and white. But they couldn't accept that. Couldn't accept the changes in me. I had to fit a mold of their own creation, but I don't want to fit that mold. I didn't want to sit and grieve and mourn and rot away for the rest of my life doing what everyone else wanted me to do. It's why I didn't tell them where I was going. And I made the right decision, which just makes this suck all the more." I explained.
A soft nudge to my foot made me smile in Edward's direction. His expression was unreadable but he still brought me comfort. He always did.
"We're really happy you're here too Dahlia." Jessica comforted, putting a hand on my shoulder.
"Yeah. You're like the coolest person to ever come to Forks. No offense." Mike directed first to me and then to the Cullens. It made the vampires laugh.
"It's ok. We think Dahlia is way cool too." Alice said.
The rest of the afternoon was spent light heartedly. Jessica even helped me find the song Lauren had chosen so I could rehearse by myself tonight. It was dinner time when all my human friends left, leaving me with Alice and Edward. Alice had gone up the stairs to raid my closet and find me the "perfect outfit" for the performance at the end of the week.
Edward was leaning against my counter as I made myself some tea. One thing I could do one handed. I would have to wait til they left to unfreeze my arm.
"Did you have fun today with everybody? You guys seem to keep to your family mostly...and me." I teased him. Edward gave me a smile I had grown very familiar with.
"Yeah actually. Maybe not everyone in high school isn't as vapid as they usually are." he said. Oh yeah he probably was remarking more on their inner thoughts then what they said out loud. But that was good.
"Good. You guys shouldn't isolate yourselves. You only go through high school once." I said, watching Edward laugh. I hid my smile behind my tea cup knowing full well he assumed only he caught onto the inside joke I threw 'unintentionally.'
"Where would my social life be without you?" he teased.
"You wouldn't have one." I threw right back causing us to burst into laughter again. I walked around my counter to lean next to him while we waited for Alice. I wasn't worried about her finding the cloak since I placed a Notice Me Not charm on it after Hermione had come to town.
"I didn't think I would be so popular here though. Three boys asking me out in one day. Maybe it was the outfit Alice picked out. Should I really be having her pick it out again?" I said, joking around. He turned to step in front of me, staring down at me, what looked to be jealousy in his eyes. It excited me. He had to like me too, but that little voice kept nagging at me in my head.
"Did you...want to go out with any of them?" he asked, looking like the answer might pain him. But I shook my head.
"No...none of the others at school really interest me. No one at Avalon did either. For a long time I thought something might be wrong with me. But you know...maybe I'll just know when the one finds me." I said softly. His face softened and a pleased smile came on his face before it was replaced with a frown and he turned away.
I could see two sides warring with him. I was semi-confident that he shared feelings for me like I did him. I didn't know how deeply those feelings were but I knew I affected him in some way. But to him, I was just a fragile little human, and he couldn't possibly taint me with his vampireness. At least that's what I thought his thoughts were. I just had to keep trying. My very magic called out to him and wanted to be close to him, that had to mean something. I had never felt this way about any other person in my life.
"Hey Edward." I said having him turn to me, doubt starting to fill me the longer I let my thoughts get away from me.
"Maybe this is the high school angst getting to me...but...do you think I'll find someone? I mean...I know I'm young but...I don't know. I don't know why I'm thinking about this stuff all of a sudden. Maybe there is something wro-" I couldn't even finish the sentence before he got into my space. He got so close to me I was practically pressed against my counter as he invaded my senses. Merlin he smelt good.
But his eyes were darker as he stared down at me. His expression closed off from me again which frustrated me to no end.
"No one...in his right mind...would ever deny you Dahlia. You are...enchanting. Frustrating. Inspiring. Loving. You will not be alone." he said, his voice getting softer by the end.
Alice chose to make her return, very loudly, down the steps making Edward break away from me and practically sprint across the room. I turned away from them to at least hide the appearance of my very red cheeks.
"You two ok down here?" she asked, far too amused from what she heard.
"Fine. Let's head home, Esme is expecting us." Edward said, a little bluntly. I turned just in time to see Alice roll her eyes at her brother.
They did end up leaving though, saying goodbye and accepting a hug before departing.
What a day.
The following week passed without incident. With the help of Tyler, I was able to assure Lauren that I wasn't interested in her boyfriend and was able to get her to cooperate in rehearsing for the performance.
Alice really went bold with my outfit today. It was a blue dress, similar to the one I wore on the first day, but with only inch wide straps on top. She had also chosen a pair of gorgeous velvet blue gloves I had yet to wear that went up to my shoulders so my arm was still hidden. I was wearing blue wedges to match the ensemble. I added a simple choker to the outfit as an accessory and I wore Sirius' jacket again, zipped up, until Music so that way I wouldn't potentially draw male attention, not risking Lauren to freak out over anything at all. She was wearing tight blue denim jeans, a spaghetti strap tan colored top, black strappy heels, and a lot of necklaces. I counted five in various lengths.
Music started off really well. Edward volunteered to go first, playing a medley of popular jazz songs before improvising on the piano. I found myself bouncing along in my seat to different sections and he got a big round of applause from everyone.
When it was mine and Laurens turn I finally took off my jacket. I could feel Edward's eyes piercing into my back but I didn't dare look at him until we got on stage.
"Dahlia graciously let me pick the song for us today even when I was being mean earlier in the week, so unlike me I know. But anyway, we're doing The Boy Is Mine and you're gonna love us." Lauren introduced the piece in true Lauren fashion. But now it made me smile. When she turned to me I gave her a thumbs up for the effort and to show I was ready.
The music started and we pulled out our cellphones, starting out similar to the music video.
(Author Note Line Break: Lauren's singing in bold. Dahlia's singing in italics. Underlined for both of them singing)
Excuse me, can I please talk to you for a minute
uh huh, sure, you know you look kinda familiar
Yeah, you do too but, umm
I just wanted to know do you know
Somebody named
You- you know his name
Oh, yeah definitely I know his name
I just wanted to let you know he's mine
Huh...no no, he's mine
We got really close into each other's face during this part, milking that conversation for all it's worth before snapping our phones closed for the start of the chorus.
You need to give it up
Had about enough
It's not hard to see
The boy is mine
I'm sorry that you
Seem to be confused
He belongs to me
The boy is mine
During the first chorus we sang to each other, having an "i'm better than you attitude" before we broke apart. And I couldn't help it, my eyes went straight to Edward who was looking at me like I was prey.
I think it's time we got this straight
Let's sit and talk face to face
There is no way you could mistake him for your man
Are you insane?
Lauren seemed to be directing her lyrics more towards everyone so I tried following her lead for my parts, but I couldn't help glance at Edward every now and again.
See I know that you may be
Just a bit jealous of me
Cause' you're blind if you can't see
That his love is all in me
See I tried to hesitate
I didn't want to say what he told me
He said without me
He couldn't make it through the day
Ain't that a shame
She had her hand over her heart at this point and twirled around me as she sang but I stepped away from her to cross the stage as my part began.
And maybe you misunderstood
Plus I can't see how he could
Wanna take his time and that's all good
All of my love was all it took
During my last part of the verse we made our way to the piano and stood on either side of it as the chorus began.
You need to give it up
Had about enough
It's not hard to see
The boy is mine
I'm sorry that you
Seem to be confused
He belongs to me
The boy is mine
We circled around the piano as we sang the chorus and since I started the next verse I decided to stay at the piano while she crossed the stage away from me.
Must you do the things you do
Keep on acting like a fool
You need to know it's me not you
And if you didn't know it, girl, it's true
Since I had started this part behind the piano I slowly prowled around the piano, maintaining eye contact with Edward before sitting on top of the piano. I was light enough I knew it would hold me. Plus...maybe I wanted to see how far I could push Edward's buttons. I felt rebellious and adventurous. Maybe even daring. But the moment I did, Edward sat up straight in his seat.
I think that you should realize
And try to understand why
He is a part of my life
I know it's killing you inside
Lauren started this part by getting in a chair, doing some simple, but alluring moves that I had to give her credit for. She was trying very hard but it was working, Tyler couldn't take his eyes off of her.
You can say what you wanna say
What we have you can't take
From the truth you can't escape
I can tell the real from the fake
During my part I let myself lie on the piano, even arching my back on the last line, slowly rising again as Lauren sang. Edward's eyes were positively dark and his fists were clenched. It sent electricity up my spine.
When will you get the picture
You're the past, I'm the future
Get away it's my time to shine
If you didn't know the boy is mine
Lauren got out of the chair halfway through her part of this verse, even reaching out to the sky when she said 'shine.' She took center stage, really living in the moment.
The boy is mine
You need to give it up
Had about enough
It's not hard to see
The boy is mine
I'm sorry that you
Seem to be confused
He belongs to me
The boy is mine
During this chorus we sang in our respective spots, really just feeling the moment. I found myself very flirty and teasing in my movements, more so distracted by the reaction I was getting from Edward.
You can't destroy this love I've found
Your silly games I won't allow
The boy is mine without a doubt
You might as well throw in the towel
I got off the piano this time and made my way to the center to share the stage with Lauren.
What makes you think that he wants you
When I'm the one that brought him to
The special place that's in my heart
He was my love right from the start.
After singing these verses to each other we turned so our backs were pressed against each other and we could really focus on singing out to the audience.
The boy is mine
You need to give it up
Had about enough
It's not hard to see
The boy is mine
I'm sorry that you
Seem to be confused
He belongs to me
The boy is mine
I'm sorry that you
Seem to be confused
He belongs to me
The boy is mine
By the end of the song we got the biggest round of applause. It made Lauren positively beaming, skipping over to Tyler and giving him a big kiss. I just blushed and sat down in my seat, ignoring the burning stare that was happening behind me. Hell I might kiss Edward if he doesn't make a damn move soon. There's only so much a girl can take.
After class I had taken my time collecting my things until I was one of the last ones left. Edward had been the first to leave which made me disappointed and a little hurt that he hadn't even stayed behind to talk to me like he usually did. Maybe I pushed him too far?
As I made my way to the library, the hallway close to being deserted now that the next class was going to start soon, I suddenly felt a hand enclosed around my right arm before pulling me into a small alcove in the hallway. I was pressed against the wall as Edward was in front of me, caging me in with hands on either side of my body on the wall. The look in his eyes sent my heart racing. I knew I was bright red. I felt the heat pooling inside of me.
"You are treading into dangerous territory." he said, although the promise in his voice did anything but scare me.
But then he just stood there! I don't even know if he was pretending to breathe. When I went to reach out to him, to do Merlin knows what, he suddenly walked away leaving me nearly panting in place.
Prick.