Chapter Twenty
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, JK Rowling does and unfortunately I am not her. However, I do own the OCs and the Guardian Program and the other things that being a Guardian entails.
Summary: After the Second Wizarding War, a Guardian was given to each child of the main families that helped in the war. They were all tasked with a simple job, protect their allocated person with their life. Somehow, Freya screwed it up in the biggest way. She fell in love.
There are going to be a lot of OCs, but the focus is going to be on Freya.
Hi guys! I would have updated sooner but I have went back and updated all the previous chapters. I have just changed a few things so that the story is consistent but nothing major has changed. For example, I wrote in chapter 3 that Teddy was engaged to Victoire but then later on I continued to say that she was his wife. I also changed the fact that Freya took her pendant off for McGonagall several times and you will find out in this chapter why I did so. I also went back and improved on the grammar and writing of the earlier chapters so they would match the rest of the story.
Anonymous: If all goes to plan, there could be around forty chapters as there are still two more challenges to do. I have properly started planning a head with this story and I have just so many ideas and plans that I can't wait to write! But there will be a lot more to come!
Typically, the Yule Ball is meant to happen on Christmas Day, but for the sake of the story it will be happening just before they break up for Christmas holidays.
Enjoy!
HARRY POTTER
A few days later
All the Guardians were gathered in the Chamber of Secrets. They were all giving an update of what was happening and if anything had changed, but there was nothing noteworthy. All the charges seemed to be getting along with everything and there didn't seem to be any danger like there had been in the previous months. Freya was keeping an eye on Castiel and she wasn't surprised when he refused to meet her eyes after losing a duel with her. If it was any other typical Guardians meeting then it would have been dismissed there and then because there wouldn't be anything else to discuss. However, there was a topic that needed to be addressed and it was about the Yule Ball that was happening much later that day.
Freya cleared her throat, immediately getting everyone's attention. "As you all know, the Yule Ball will be happening tonight. However, we need to be on guard as usual." Freya said, looking at everyone as she said this. As she did so, she noticed that many people wouldn't look her in the eyes which made her frown. Turning her gaze to Katrina, Freya found that the Hufflepuff wouldn't meet her gaze at all. Freya then looked at Ryan and Cordelia and found the exact same results. For a moment, Freya thought that people were avoiding her gaze because of the duel she and Castiel had, but Cordelia and Ryan wouldn't have avoided her gaze.
"Either someone tells me what's going on or I will force it out of you all," Freya said icily, her cold and harsh gaze looking at everyone.
Some Guardian's flinched at her tone. They could feel her gaze and it only made some of them shift on the spot with nerves.
Freya looked around the room, her gaze landing on Katrina. "Katrina, what is going on?" She asked, knowing that the Hufflepuff wouldn't be able to lie to her.
Katrina bit her lip and sighed deeply. "Freya, we want a break." She said hesitantly because she didn't know how the older Gryffindor would take this.
Freya looked at all the Guardians in front of her, feeling shocked quite frankly. Of all the things that Freya was expecting, she never expected this. "You… want a break?" Freya asked, almost hesitantly. For a moment she didn't know if she had heard right.
Katrina nodded her head. "We do. We all just want to enjoy the Yule ball and be like everyone else for once!" Many other Guardians nodded their heads. The younger ones were sending her pleading looks whereas the older Guardians were more cautious.
Freya was silent and began to think. Tonight would the perfect time to do it. Lance was back in the Ministry sorting out the details of the next challenge for the Tournament. Logan and Amy weren't in the castle anymore because Teddy and Victoire were having a break from Hogwarts for tonight. Freya mentally shook her head, dismissing these thoughts. She wouldn't entertain them because they were Guardians – they couldn't just take a day off. However, Freya was intrigued on how they planned to do this. "And how would you do that?" Freya arched a brow, looking at Katrina as she seemed to be the one to instigate this.
There was a silence in the room for a moment.
Richard Braxton – Lorcan Scamander's fourth Guardian and Lucy's replacement. He was a second year Slytherin. He was a small boy with short ginger hair with blue eyes. Richard raised his hand in the air. "What if we take off the pendants?" He suggested shyly, looking at everyone in the room. When someone made eye contact with him, he looked to the ground and flushed a bright red colour.
Nearly all the Guardians gasped and each took out their pendants to look at them. Even Freya did this. She stared at the pendant with contempt because it had been the bane of her existence for a while. The five jewels on the pendant mocking her. It was because of this piece of jewellery that no one could remember them. It was because of this that they were able to track their charges evert movement. One of the big rules was that Guardians were not allowed to take this piece of jewellery off, ever. They couldn't even take it off for bed or bathing. If anyone did take it off, Lance would immediately know because of the tracker inside and they would be punished severely. Quite frankly, it had been very uncomfortable to wear at first but it soon became normal and Freya hardly ever noticed it anymore.
Joseph sighed, looking glum. "There is a heat signature tracker in the pendant so as soon as it leaves our bodies; Lance will know." Lance had one installed in each and every pendant. This is so if any Guardian were to remove the pendant and leave it for longer than a few moments then Lance would be immediately notified and that Guardian would pay the price. However, no one had been stupid enough to do this but Freya didn't doubt that death would be waiting for the poor sod that got caught.
The room was silent for a moment.
"What if we place a warmth charm on it, so it imitates the warmth from the human skin? That way Lance would never know." Ryan suggested, looking thoughtful.
Freya pursed her lips together, "But the spell would only be temporary so you'd have to be careful." That spell only lasted four hours at a time. After the four hours the warmth would fade and if everyone didn't get the pendant back on in time or reapply the spell then it wouldn't be pretty.
Everyone looked thoughtful. It seemed as though everyone was weighing up the pros and cons and if they really wanted to go along with this plan. It was understandable because the consequences were quite severe for one night of freedom. Freya looked at the older Guardians and saw the longing in their eyes. It had been years since any of them had experienced the freedom of just being able to act like a normal person. It seemed as though they all wanted to do this.
Freya fell silent and watched everyone. "What if I don't want to?" She asked hypothetically, even though she wanted to. Freya was scared to admit that the thought was terrifying and it was very risky.
Castiel scowled. "I told you she wouldn't. She's Lance's pet after all." He said with venom in his tone.
Freya glared at him icily. She was getting really tired of being called Lance's pet because she wasn't. Freya did not belong to Lance. For years, Freya had heard people whisper behind her back and call her that exact name. She hated that title with a burning passion.
Cordelia frowned, sending a glare at Castiel before answering. "Then we won't do it. We need everyone on board just in case someone decided to snitch." If everyone agreed then it ensured everyone's silence. If someone snitched then they would be snitching on themselves. No one would be stupid enough to do that either.
"Please Freya." Rebecca pleaded, holding her hands together.
Freya looked ignored the pleading looks and turned her head over to Castiel. "And even you're going along with this?" She asked, eyeing him critically. He was the one who Freya was most sceptical and surprised about. She was surprised to see him go along with everyone else's plan. On a few occasions, Castiel had been the first to Lance to snitch on another Guardian.
Castiel flushed slightly. "I am…" He looked at the ground and wouldn't meet anyone's eyes.
For a moment, Freya wasn't going to agree. The sensible side of her was telling her to disregard what they were saying. A very cynical side of her was telling her to report this to Lance and tell him of this massive betrayal. However, there was a third side – one that Freya never usually listened to. This side was telling her to do it and to go along with it.
Slowly, Freya nodded her head. "Alright, I'll go along with this. But under a few conditions." She said, looking at everyone briefly.
Katrina's eyes widened and soon a grin appeared on her face. Cordelia looked shocked and was looking around the room flabbergasted. Ryan was looking at her with a proud expression and was happy to see this side of her. Castiel seemed to be the most shocked of them all as his jaw was dropped just slightly.
Freya wet her lips before speaking. "Just to ensure that everyone is actually on board with this idea, everyone will take some Veritaserum potion. This is to protect everyone involved. Once done, we will make a vow to not rat each other out to Lance or to anyone." Freya said, making her conditions clear. There was no way she was agreeing to this until all loopholes were filled in. She was not putting her neck on the line, especially knowing what the consequences would be if Lance ever found out. By using the Veritaserum potion, Freya would be able to know how serious they all were about this.
People gulped, but they all nodded their heads.
"Where would we get Veritaserum potion?" Simon asked, raising his hand slightly.
Freya rolled her eyes. "We're going to get it from potions storeroom." As if this wasn't obvious. Freya was confident that one of them could brew the truth serum themselves – probably Cordelia – but since it was such short notice, it would be better to just get the potion from Professor Sheldrake's potions storeroom. It was always fully stocked and the professor wouldn't notice it being gone because it would be back by early morning at the latest. It was a Friday that day and Professor Sheldrake only did a stock check on early Sunday mornings.
"Is that agreeable?" Freya asked, arching a brow.
Everyone seemed to nod their heads, all seeming to agree with the conditions.
Freya's eyes scanned the room. "Katrina, you go get the potion." She said. Freya had picked Katrina for a few reasons; one was because Katrina was quite stealthy. The second reason was that Katrina seemed to be the ring-leader of this idea.
Katrina's eyes lit up and she nodded her head. "I'll be back in a moment!" She said, running out of the Chamber of Secrets as fast as she could.
"Are you really going to go through with this?" Ryan asked, looking at Freya with a curious expression.
Freya looked at him. "Just so long as everyone agrees. This is very dangerous and I am covering all bases." She replied back dryly.
"I wouldn't have even thought about that," Rebecca muttered lowly under her breathe, but everyone heard her. Though no one said anything, Freya couldn't help but agree. It would seem in their haste to join in with the Yule Ball they had neglected a few things. It was poorly planned, but Freya knew exactly what to look out for because no one knew the Guardian Program more than her. She was one of the longest living Guardians out there and she had the most to lose.
After a few more minutes, Katrina rushed back into the room with a grin. "Got it!" She held up a vial that looked very similar to plain water. However, that was the magic behind that potion because it was odourless, colourless and is almost indistinguishable as water. If Freya didn't know better, she wouldn't have even known that it was the powerful truth serum, but Freya knew it well. Lance would use the Veritaserum potion on some of the Guardians just to make sure they weren't hiding any secrets. Use of this potion is strictly controlled by the Ministry of Magic. Usually, this potion was better on the unsuspecting because people can resist the potion by using Occlumency or by taking its antidote. However, Freya knew that no one other than herself was skilled at Occlumency. Some Guardians were okay but not to the level where they would be able to resist the potion.
Summoning some water in a cup, Freya walked over to Katrina and took the vial out of her hand. Freya opened it and poured six drops of the Veritaserum potion into the water. The usual amount used was three drops but Freya wanted to make sure. There was a lot at stake if anything went wrong. Freya secured and pocketed the potion and swirled the water with her wrist motion. Only after Freya was happy did she stop this movement and held it out.
"You first," Freya said, holding it out to Katrina.
Katrina stared at the cup for a moment before taking it. Katrina drank from the cup and Freya watched her jaw and throat movement – just making sure that Katrina had actually drunk from the cup. Freya waited for a few seconds and waited for the potion to take effect. Freya then took the cup away and kept hold of it and then Freya stared at Katrina and began to use her Legilimency – this was just to make sure that she wasn't lying. Freya knew that Katrina wouldn't lie because she was always so honest. Also, Freya could read Katrina like a book.
"Do you want to attend the Yule Ball?" Freya asked, looking directly at the Hufflepuff.
Katrina nodded her head. "Yes."
Freya stared at her for a moment before nodding her head. "If you attend the Yule Ball, will you tell Lance?" This was a very important question that needed to be answered. If just even one person told Lance, they would all pay the price.
Katrina shook her head. "No, I won't." She replied back honestly.
Pursing her lips together, Freya asked her last question. "Will you ever tell anyone outside this room about going to the Yule Ball?" This question was to cover anyone telling other Guardians – such as Amy and Logan – that weren't in the room. No one could know what could possibly happen.
Again, Katrina shook her head. "No."
Nodding her head, Freya was happy with the result. Freya knew that Katrina had not resisted the potion at all and she retreated from Katrina's mind. "Next," Freya said, looking at everyone. She was wondering who would be brave enough to take part next. They all would have to – Freya would make sure of that.
It was Ryan who stepped forward next.
It took about an hour and a half before everyone had taken a sip from the cup. It was only then that Freya was confident that no one would tell Lance or anyone else. After using her Legilimency, Freya was beginning to feel tired, but she was satisfied in the end. No one had lied and no one had resisted the potion. After Ryan, Cordelia had gone next. Then Rebecca, Connor, Noah and then Castiel. The cup had needed to be refilled and more potion had needed to be added into the water.
Dispelling the cup, Freya smirked, "Alright, let's get ready for the Yule Ball then." She said, her smirk growing wider when everyone began to cheer loudly. People began to leave since there were only a few hours until the Ball began and the girls were rushing out.
Katrina ran over to Freya and hugged her. "I'm so proud of you." She muttered lowly, squeezing her tightly.
Surprisingly, Freya wasn't as uncomfortable with this hug as she would usually be. She didn't like it, but she didn't hate it either. "Why is that?" She asked, moving away from Katrina after a few moments. She had allowed Katrina
Katrina smiled widely. "You're not as uptight as you were last year."
Freya rolled her eyes, completely disregarding her words. "Come on, we need to start getting ready." She said, hoping that it would distract her.
It worked. Katrina's eyes lit up as she dragged Freya and Cordelia over to the Gryffindor common room to get ready for the Yule Ball. It was there that Katrina dragged all her stuff into the Gryffindor common room to get ready. Luckily, all the girls in Cordelia and Freya's dorm had decided to get ready somewhere else so they were all alone.
HARRY POTTER
Later that night
Freya looked at herself in the mirror and was amazed. Katrina had always been the girly one out of the two of them but even Katrina had outdone herself. Usually, Freya would just stick her hair in a ponytail and that would be it as Freya didn't really care about her appearance as people wouldn't remember her. Freya was pretty; she knew she was. She had inherited the high cheekbones, large eyes and a small nose from her father. Looking at her reflection, Freya couldn't believe what she was seeing. Freya was wearing a floor length long sleeved black bodycon dress that showed off her whole figure. She could see her large bust and curved waist. Underneath she wore four-inch black high heels; not that anyone could see them. Katrina had used some makeup; mascara, eyeshadow and black eyeliner and lipstick. Her hair was styled in a delicate bun with some hair loose at the front to nicely frame her face.
"Holy shit Katrina, look what you've done," Cordelia said, looking at Freya with wide eyes. Cordelia was in a short red dress and gold heels. Her hair was let loose, falling to her lower back in loose waves. She was also wearing a small amount of makeup as she wasn't a big fan of wearing makeup.
"I have, haven't I?" Katrina grinned, practically beaming. Katrina was in a long white silk dress which suited her lovely. She looked like a real angel in that dress.
Taking a deep breath, Freya grabbed her matching mask. It was a masquerade ball, making blending in so much easier. The mask was the same colour as the dress and fit on her face perfectly. When Freya first put the mask on, it had been scratchy and she didn't like it, but she had been in more uncomfortable situations before. Looking at her reflection once more, Freya could still see her stormy grey eyes, which only seemed to pop in the dress.
"Is everyone ready?" Freya asked as she got ready to take her pendant off.
Cordelia and Katrina nodded their heads. It was decided that Katrina would stay in their dorm room that night so they could all come back together to put their pendants back on. Together, they cast the warmth spell on their pendant. Freya then delicately took the pendant off and placed it in her drawer beside her bed and locked it; this is so no one could get it. Freya couldn't help but feel anxious and slightly naked, she had been wearing that necklace ever since she was eleven years old and now she wasn't anymore. It felt weird, but slightly freeing at the same time.
Katrina looked at the time and squealed loudly. "We've got exactly until midnight, just like in those fairy tales." She said with a dreamy expression.
Freya rolled her eyes playfully. She had no idea what Katrina was talking about, but Cordelia had some idea and also laughed.
"Let's go," Freya said as she walked out of the room. She found it difficult to walk in heels at first because she usually didn't wear heels that high – her parents would say they were tacky and only tramps wore heels that high. But Freya soon got a grip of herself and began walking in them, trying to make sure she didn't fall over on the way down.
HARRY POTTER
James was standing in the Great Hall. It had been completely been transformed especially for the Yule Ball. The ceiling now resembled a snowy night, there were clear dark skies with bright stars twinkling. Delicate flakes of snow fell from the sky and there was a light breeze that rolled in the rooms, but it was still warm enough to not need a jacket or shawl. There were many tables in the Great Hall, all rounded as it catered to many people. There was a large Christmas tree that Hagrid had brought in and was covered in snow and was decorated. He was wearing black dress robes, his mother had sent his and Albus' dress robes. Lily didn't receive anything because she wasn't old enough to attend which she wasn't happy about at all. Since Albus was in the Tournament, only fourth years and above were allowed to attend. The only other way Lily would have been able to go to the Yule Ball was if an older student asked her, but James and Albus had made sure no one had done that.
James sighed in boredom. He was making a point of ignoring all the girls. He wasn't in the mood for mindless chatter tonight. Just as James was about to take a sip from his glass, he stopped and his eyes widened. A girl had descended down the stairs and she was bloody stunning. There were two other girls behind her, but the one in the black dress stood out to him. Even with her mask, he noticed her eyes.
Stormy grey eyes; like the ones in his dream.
Placing his glass on the table, James walked over to the girl. As he did, he never once took his eyes off the girl in black. James even ignored Fred shouting his name because he was so transfixed by this girl. His heart beat faster as he got closer to her.
HARRY POTTER
Freya looked around the Great Hall in amazement. It looked absolutely beautiful and it almost took her to breathe away; she had never seen the Great Hall look so amazing. It just made Freya feel jittery for the night ahead.
"Wow," Cordelia said, her eyes wide behind her red and gold mask.
Katrina grinned. "Doesn't it feel magical?"
Just then, McGonagall walked over in dark blue party robes. "I hope you're ready for the first dance led by the Champions and Shields?" She asked, a small smile on her face. McGonagall took notice of the lack of pendants on each their necks and didn't question it in the slightest. In fact, she looked extremely happy and proud.
Freya opened her mouth to answer.
"She'll be ready!" Katrina injected before Freya could say anything.
McGonagall nodded her head before walking away. Sending glances to Freya as she walked away, a small smile still present on her face.
Freya turned to them. "What am I going to do? I don't have anyone to dance with." She felt panicked now, she had been so focused on protecting Albus, James and being a Guardian that she had completely forgotten that the Champions and Shields were the ones that led the first dance and she didn't have a date.
Katrina and Cordelia opened their mouths but they stopped and their eyes widened.
That's when Freya felt James' magical signature behind her. Turning around, she saw James standing in behind her. He looked lovely with his dark dress robes and his hair was styled to the side, making him look very handsome. He too was wearing a mask, a plain black mask but it only served to make him look mysterious.
"I believe I can help you with that," James said, a smirk on his face. He had his hand held out, waiting for her to take it.
Freya stared at him for a moment, dumbfounded. But then she noticed the other Champions and Shields walking up to the dancefloor and knew that she had no other choice.
Freya placed her hand in his. "You may." She said, trying to stay calm. She had never been this close to James before, she was always watching from afar. Other than that one time on the Quidditch pitch – the memory still sending shivers down her spine. Being up close and personal with him made her realise why girls thought he was good looking.
James gently clasped her hand in his and guided her to the dancefloor.
Once there, James took her hand and raised it slightly before he placed his other hand on her waist boldly. Freya jumped slightly before forcing herself to relax. She couldn't help but notice how warm his hands were. Taking her queue, Freya placed her other hand on his shoulder and waited for the music to begin.
The melody started out softly, and everyone began to move. Sparing a glance, Freya saw a band playing on the stage at the end of the Great Hall. Freya didn't recognise the band at all but she knew that Katrina or Cordelia would.
"I must say; you look absolutely beautiful," James said, a small smirk on his face. They began moving to the music, swaying lightly with the wind as they did the waltz.
Freya smirked. "I know." She was ready for his flirty ways and she knew all his games. She had watched him for years and knew his style.
James looked taken back but he was soon smirking again. This girl had a razor tongue, which only enticed him more. Whenever he dreamed of his mystery girl he could never imagine her being weak and bashful. Whenever he envisioned those eyes, he saw a fire in them that lit his blood alight.
"Aren't you going to say how good I look?" James prompted, wanting to hear more of her razor tongue.
Freya rolled her eyes. "And increase your ego even more? Never." A smirk grew on her own face, she was enjoying this exchange more than she realised. For a moment, she seemed to forget that she was actually his Guardian.
James laughed, not at all offended. "Well, you got me there babe."
Freya frowned. "Don't call me that." She said immediately, already disliking the little nickname. She had heard James call that too many girls who he slept with and never saw again. There was something about that nickname that really rubbed her up the wrong way.
However, James didn't falter. "Then how about you tell me your name?" He asked, still swaying to the melody.
Mentally, Freya cursed herself. She had really fallen into that without even realising it. For a moment, Freya doesn't say anything because she doesn't know what to say. She wasn't allowed to tell him her name, but he wouldn't even remember her after she placed her pendant back on her neck.
"Freya Williams." She eventually said, her voice low and barely above a whisper.
But James heard her. "Freya, what a lovely name." He said, trying out her name on his lips. He found that her name really did suit her.
Freya rolled her eyes, but she had done it playfully without her even realising. She took this chance to glance around the room. Albus was dancing with a Ravenclaw girl who was much taller than him. Alicia was dancing with a guy from Beauxbatons and Isaak was dancing with a Hufflepuff girl who was small and chubby. Ivan was dancing with a girl from Beauxbatons and Roman was dancing with a Slytherin girl who had a smirk on her face.
The tempo of the waltz grew, causing their movements to become faster than they were moments ago. Freya let herself be carried, although there were times that Freya wanted to take control and she had to stop herself. However, as the song continued, Freya felt herself start to relax and not wanting to take control as James was dancing so smoothly. Freya could say with confidence that she hadn't danced with someone else who could waltz with practised ease.
Then the song was over and another song began. As soon as the second song started, everyone else joined in on the dance floor now that the first dance was over. James and Freya stood where they were just looking at one enough directly in the eyes. They seemed to ignore everything around them. It was Freya who pulled away first. Freya stepped back and maintained eye contact until she was turned around. Once she was turned away, Freya let out a deep sigh and walked over to a table with drinks there and downed it because she felt her throat was extremely dry.
Freya reached the table and grabbed the nearest drink and downed it immediately. Moving the glass away from her mouth, Freya started breathing heavy, her heart was beating rapidly in her chest and she needed it to calm down.
"Having fun?" Cordelia asked, looking up at her. Cordelia was sitting down at the table, downing as much food as she could. As soon as Cordelia had seen that they could order as much as they wanted, she had jumped at the chance and hadn't moved from her seat since.
Freya arched a brow at her. "Just as much as you I assume." She wasn't surprised to see Cordelia at the food table. This was where she had expected Cordelia to spend most of her time.
Cordelia grinned. "You're going to need to move me with magic by the end of tonight."
Freya rolled her eyes but smirked nonetheless. Without another word, Freya took a seat next to Cordelia and also looked at the menu. All they had to do was choose what they wanted from the menu, say the choice and it would appear in front of them in an instant. Freya turned her head and looked for James and she found him dancing with another girl. However, James was staring at her, his hazel eyes boring into her.
Freya flashed him a smirk.
Soon, a grin stretched on James' face. His dance partner didn't appear happy as she tapped his shoulder, hoping to gain his attention.
Turning back around, Cordelia looked at the menu once more. "Any suggestions?" Freya asked, glancing to her right.
Cordelia nodded her head. "The pork chops are to die for! The burgers aren't too bad either." She said as she stuffed her face with chips.
That's when she felt someone tap her shoulder. She jumped slightly because she hadn't been paying attention. She had paid more attention to James so she didn't even sense a magical signature until it was right behind her. When Freya turned her head, she saw Isaak standing behind her. Isaak was dressed in black dress robes and had a white mask over his face.
"Yes?" Freya arched her brow and looked at him.
"Would you care you dance?" Isaak asked with a smile.
Just as Freya was about to reject him, but Cordelia jumped in before she could. "She would love to," Cordelia exclaimed with a large grin.
Freya turned her head and glared at the Gryffindor, but Cordelia just feigned ignorance and went back to her food. Sighing, Freya looked back to Isaak – who was standing there patiently – and nodded her head. She stood up and placed her hand in his outstretched hand. "Alright then." She had to stop herself from flinching when he gripped her hand.
His hands were notably colder than James' where, but Freya pushed that thought aside. Isaak and Freya walked into the dancefloor and began to dance to the song. This song was faster than the song from before but Freya was easily able to keep up. Isaak also seemed very comfortable dancing as he seemed to be good at it. Freya had noticed that in his previous matches that Isaak was light on his fight – indicating that he was more of a dancer than a fighter. Taking a moment, Freya took this chance to look around the room. She noticed that James was staring at them and so was Alicia – who was glaring at her venomously.
"You look beautiful," Isaak said, his voice grabbing her attention. He was smiling at her and staring at her as if she was the only person in the room.
Freya said nothing and just stared at him. "Thanks." She eventually said with a blank expression. On the inside, she was cringing in embarrassment. She wasn't a big fan of compliments about her appearance. James' comments didn't bother her because that was his banter, but Isaak seemed genuine in his compliment and she didn't know how to deal with that.
Isaak frowned and stared at her with a concerned expression. "Have I done something to offend you?" He asked with his brows furrowed. He didn't understand her cold attitude but it just seemed to attract him even more and made him more curious.
For a moment, Freya didn't reply. "Why did you ask to dance with me?" She asked, glancing at him with a suspicious expression.
"Can't a dance with a beautiful woman?" Isaak asked with a smile.
Freya stared at Isaak with a blank expression and said no more. She didn't believe him for a moment because she couldn't understand any other reason he would want to dance with her. Freya believed that he was just dancing with her to find out information about her plans for the Tri-Wizard Tournament. Looking away from Isaak, she noticed that Albus was now dancing with Rebecca and Fred was sitting on the same table as Cordelia. They seemed to be having an eating competition and Cordelia was certainly holding her own against the Weasley. Freya searched for James and couldn't find him at first, but she soon found him dancing with Alicia and for some reason, this didn't settle well with Freya.
As soon as the song ended, Freya walked away from Isaak. She didn't want to dance with him again and she wanted to have another drink. She could hear him call for her, but he didn't know her name and she was going to leave it that way.
Just as Freya made it to the table, James made his appearance. "And here I thought that dance would never end." He said with a grin on his face.
"And here I thought you enjoyed having her on your arm," Freya replied back with an arched brow.
James chuckled, "Usually I would, but someone else is on my mind." He shot back, his grin appearing very lazy.
Slowly, a smirk appeared on Freya's face.
Then, James stretched out his hand, "Care to dance again?" He asked just as another slow song was just starting.
Freya was about to accept but her gaze wandered behind James. Freya saw Frank Longbottom and Katrina and they seemed very cosy with another. They were staring at one another in the eyes and slowly, they began to lean in. Seeing it made her frown and something inside her clicked. This was wrong. She shouldn't have been dancing with James, let alone tell him her name. She shouldn't be doing this.
Without another word, Freya fled away from James. She ignored him when he shouted her name and she certainly didn't look back.
Freya fled to the balcony of the Great Hall. She just couldn't be in his presence any longer. It was like someone had thrown a bucket of ice water over her face when she saw Katrina and Frank together. Freya was James' Guardian, she couldn't develop any feelings for him what so ever. Freya knew it wasn't too late, she could get out but only if she got away there and then. Once Freya was on the balcony, she began gulping in the cold crisp air, feeling as though she can't breathe. Freya gripped the railing and stood there, letting the cold breeze tickle the back of her neck. She was enjoying the breeze very much and it made her relax. The cold always made her feel normal and better; she was used to the cold.
"Hey, Freya."
Freya tensed when she heard James' voice.
James walked closer until he was standing next to her. He wasn't looking at her but at the dark night sky. Freya closed her eyes and waited for one of his many arrogant comments, she knew he was going to ask why she suddenly fled and she didn't want to answer it. She was not looking forward to this conversation.
"I want to thank you," James said suddenly.
Freya's head shot up, her mouth dropped ajar in shock. "W-why?" Freya stuttered slightly and then cursing herself for it. She didn't stutter, so why was she now?
James turned his head and looked at her. "You really helped Al back in the first and second round. I couldn't protect him, but you could." He said, his voice soft as he thought of his family.
For once, James had rendered her speechless. Over the years, Freya had always seen him as cocky, arrogant and self-absorbed twit. There were only a handful of times that she truly saw this soft side of James and Freya found that she really liked this side of James.
Freya wrapped her arms around herself. "It's nothing." She said, looking up at the starry sky.
"No, you don't understand," James said shaking his head; his usually wild hair staying in place. "You've protected my brother and haven't asked for anything in return. Many girls wouldn't have done what you have. Usually, girls have tried to use Al to get to me." He looked back up at the sky with a saddened expression.
Freya snorted and rolled her eyes. "I don't get why." She knew this all too well. She had spoken to Rebecca and heard about all the girls that had tried to get cosy with Albus. However, none of them lasted very long because either Albus came to his senses or Rebecca got rid of them. With nearly all of them, they were only interested in getting to know James. This had made Albus weary of people and not just the female gender.
James laughed, a smile appearing on his face.
A small smile appeared on Freya's face, something she hadn't done in years since becoming a Guardian.
James looked at her and smiled. "You should smile more often." He said, his voice soft.
Freya's eyes widened slightly before she flushed bright red. She wasn't used to being told positive things about herself.
Suddenly, the music in the Great Hall changed, another slow song was playing in the background.
James held out his hand, "Want to dance?" He asked, his voice low.
Wordlessly, Freya took his hand and they begin to dance outside. This time when James placed his hand on her waist, she didn't tense or jump. Freya placed her head on his shoulder, her free arm clutching his back slightly. Her heart was pumping loudly, she had done something rather bold and something Freya wouldn't have usually done. However, James didn't seem to mind at all. He just placed his chin on top of her head with ease as they flawlessly danced on the balcony.
HARRY POTTER
Freya arrived back in her dorm room and flew for her pendant as she knew the spell wasn't going to last much longer as it was nearing midnight. On the way back, Freya had sent an alarm to all the Guardians, sending them a reminder about the warmth spell on their pendants. This was just in case they hadn't back to their pendants themselves. On the way back, Freya saw many Guardians running, some of them with panicked expressions. She just hoped that it wasn't too late for some people.
Placing the pendant back on her neck, Freya sighed in relief. Just seconds after placing the piece of jewellery on her neck, she felt the warmth leave it, meaning that she had just got there in time.
Katrina looked at Freya – she had come back a bit earlier than the Gryffindor along with Cordelia. "Good night?" She asked, an innocent expression shining brightly.
Freya stopped for a moment before nodding her head. "It was a good night." She admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Katrina giggled and smiled brightly, "I saw, you guys looked so happy-"
"It can never happen again." Freya cut her off, beginning to take the ties and clips out of her hair. Now, she just wanted this ridiculous get-up off her body and away from her. She didn't want anything to remind her of something she could never have or have any reminder of this night.
Katrina frowned, sitting up from her laying down position. "What do you mean? You said you enjoyed yourself?"
Freya shook her head. "That's exactly it, I shouldn't have enjoyed myself. I'm his Guardian." She spat that last part out, her body shaking slightly. Freya was angry with herself for even letting herself believe that she could be a normal girl.
Katrina didn't say anything for a moment and just stared at Freya. "You've fallen for him," Katrina whispered softly, a look of understanding flashing in her eyes.
Freya tensed but she didn't deny it. She couldn't deny the way her heart pounded against her ribcage when James held her close and spoke so sincerely. Seeing that soft side of him made her melt, she wanted him to look at her with that soft look. Freya couldn't lie to herself when she felt butterflies fill her stomach when James and she danced together on the balcony.
"That's why this can never happen again," Freya whispered, letting her hair fall loose onto her back. She had finally managed to get all the pins out of her hair. Katrina had used quite a few because of how thick Freya's hair was.
"It could," Katrina said, trying to be optimistic.
Freya shook her head. "You don't understand Katrina, I will not end up like my sister." She said, feeling angry with herself.
Katrina frowned for a moment before smiling. "Well, now you know what mistakes not to make." She suggested.
This caused her to tense and something inside her snapped. "The mistake was that she fell in love with her charge!" Freya yelled out, turning around to face Katrina. Her fists were clenched and her jaw clenched. Thinking about her sister always made her feel angry and bitter. Freya had always thought that if Lydia had done her job properly then Freya wouldn't have been in this position.
Katrina fell silent and looked at the ground. Katrina was one of the only people that knew what happened with Lydia. The true reason had been covered up by Lance so as not to bring disgrace to the Williams name. In exchange for saving her parent's reputation, Freya had to become James' Guardians.