Ah! I feel horrible. Sorry about this horrendously long wait. I had to study major for finals, and then I just got a job! :D Anyway, I've worked my arse off lately with working right after school until like nine, so I've tried to get some time to update. Then, CHRISTMAS BREAK! Then I had to work on break... -.- well, got today off and spent all day writing, reviewing, and rewriting this chapter. If you're still reading, then I love you all for your patience. I am going to make some definite time in my schedule this next semester to keep updating. I need to serious reconfiguring... Eh, on to that later.
c7a7t7: I know, lol. Snape just isn't himself without being over the top about pointless crap. I'm glad you liked the chapter. The comment really lifts my spirits to know you like it :)
Snape: Hello, Jellybeanlover2010. Thank you for that, uh, praise. Keep up with your potions. They are at dismal levels, but improvement can be made. You can find those if you turn in your potions book to page 394.
(^ lol I had to do the whole 'turn to page 394' thing. Has to be my favorite Snape line XD. )
Alrighty then, that takes care of the comments that I adore so very much, so all that's left is the disclaimer... which is pointless...
Disclaimer: I own nothing of this story except for my character and certain added scenes. If I did own this, the book series would not have ended at seven, and I would not be on fanfiction. Nuff said. Onto le story, lol
~GharrahGirl
I start to rise, but I grown and burrow my head deeper into my pillow in a vain attempt at getting to sleep more. Of course, my subconscious wins, and I'm forced out of bed to rise for the day. I get up and do my morning routine; shower, dress, brush teeth, and brush hair. Finished, I walk downstairs to see who's in the common room. I see Malfoy, who is talking idly with Crabbe and Goyle. I give him a single nod of recognition when his eye catches mine on my way out.
I go to the great hall and sit at the Slytherin table, smiling slightly. It's Saturday, so there's no classes. I still have a few essays to write, but those can get done later. I have the whole day of freedom ahead. That in mind, I grab a bit of food and eat silently until I glance up and catch Hermione's eye. I give her a smile and finish up before walking over. I ignore the stares around the room as I stand behind where she's sitting until she turns and gives me a timid smile.
"Morning, Charity," she said, smiling as she offers the seat next to her.
"Good morning, Hermione," I say with a wide smile as I take that seat.
"Hermione, I was wondering if you'd like to go with me to the lake after you're done eating. It's a beautiful day, so I thought we could skip rocks."
"I'd like that. I'll be finished in a moment."
"I'll wait outside the hall."
She nods, and I get up and leave. I sit at the base of the stairs and stare absently at the sunny grounds through the window for a bit. There's not a cloud in the sky, which is a deep, beautiful blue.
"Hi Charity."
I glance up and smile hesitantly as Harry sits next to me.
"Hiya, Harry. How's Hogwarts for you so far?" I ask timidly, smiling slightly when his face lights up with enthusiasm.
"It's amazing! I've never been to a better place. It's a bit overwhelming, though. The whole magic thing, you know?"
"I, personally, don't. I was raised in a magic home, but Hermione does. She's muggle-born. What was your home like? Was it fun growing up in the muggle world?" I ask eagerly, frowning when he grimaces slightly.
"I didn't have a very normal childhood, really. My Aunt Petunia, who looks like a horse, makes me cook for everybody and take care of her garden and stuff like that. My uncle, Vernon, runs a drill company, so he really takes care of family reputation. Dudley, my cousin, though, just loves getting stuff and eating. Well, when he's not chasing me to beat me up. Him and Vernon look a lot alike. They're both piggy in the face."
I feel my eyes sting.
"Oh, Harry, I'm so sorry you had to go through that. I'd trade you if I could. My father and I had a row last night, and I'm so mad. He doesn't even care about my feelings. All he cares about is his stupid reputation. I'm an only child, though. I've no idea what having another kid in the house is like. The closest I've come is having Draco over for a few days."
"Malfoy? Why's he there?"
"He's my father's godson. Our families are really close."
"Charity, are you ready to- Oh, hello Harry," Hermione says, smiling as she stands in front of us. Harry gives her a smile.
"Hello Hermione."
"Charity, are you ready to go?"
I nod and stand.
"Harry, would you like to join us,"" Hermione says as Harry stands, too.
"Well, Ron's sleeping. We're supposed to hang out later, though," he says, shrugging.
I see Malfoy walking and walk up to him, grabbing him by the arm.
"Malfoy, do me a favor."
"What favor?"
"Tell Ron Weasley that Harry is with Hermione and I by the lake."
"No way! Get another messenger."
"If you don't I'll tell the entire school about your first time riding a broom," I say, my voice lowering into a threat.
His eyes narrow, "You wouldn't dare."
"Try me," I say defiantly.
He glares for a moment before his pride gets the best of him. He visibly deflates and rolls his eyes.
"Fine!"
"Perfect, thanks," I say, flashing a smile as I leave and return to Harry and Hermione.
They give me questioning looks, and I smile, shrugging.
"Malfoy said he'd tell Ron where to find you, Harry. So, coming?"
"I guess," he says, smiling.
"How do you do it?"
I chuckle and go back over to Harry to help him out. We've been out by the lake for a few minutes, and Harry's still trying to figure out how to skip a rock. Hermione learned pretty quickly, but Harry has got frustrated with it slightly.
"Here, hold it like this and just flick it. It's all in the wrist," I say, grabbing a rock and showing him how to throw it once more.
He grabs a rock and looks at me.
"Hold it like this?"
"No, no, like this," I say, maneuvering his hand around the rock until he's holding it right.
"Okay, now just flick it," I say, demonstrating it once more.
He nods and flicks it, his face a pure mask of determination. He breaks into a wide smile when it skips three times and sinks below the surface. Hermione claps and gives him a wide smile.
"That was very good, Harry!"
"Thanks," he says, smiling as he grabs another.
"Hey, Harry!"
We all look over to see Ron walking up. Harry smiles and waves before skipping the rock in his hand. Ron walks up and stands next to him, giving me a dirty look as he does. I glare at him behind Harry's back.
"Come on, Harry. We can play wizard's chess!"
"Ron, if you want to stay here and skip rocks, nobody minds," I say, extending a metaphorical hand of friendship.
"With a Slytherin!? No thanks," he says, snorting as he metaphorically slaps it away.
"Okay, you're seriously starting get on my nerves here, Ron. I've done nothing but be nice to you! Why can't you at least show the same courtesy?"
"Because you're a dirty snake! You're Snape's daughter! I mean, any family of that greasy git's has no good written all over them!"
I pull my wand out and point it at his face, my anger bubbling. My mouth falls into a snarl of anger as I narrow my eyes.
"Don't talk about my father like that!"
He pulls his own wand out, glaring.
"Why, don't like to hear the truth about your dad!?"
"Shut up!"
"Hey, guys, come on!" Harry says desperately, getting between us and pulling our wands down, "You're both my friends here, and I'd really like it if you could get along. Please try to be nice to each other."
I look at him, and he turns bright, pleading green eyes on me. I sigh and nod, stowing my wand away once more.
"Fine, but only for you, Harry. I'll see you around, okay?"
He nods and goes off with a very angry Ron. I sigh and sit down in the sand. Hermione sits next to me, watching after them for a moment.
"Ronald's behavior was uncalled for. I'm sorry about what he said to you."
"Don't be, Hermione. It wasn't you that said anything wrong."
"Well, I think he's jealous. He doesn't like Harry hanging around you since you're a Slytherin."
"I think he's a prat."
She chuckles lightly and shrugs.
"A bit, perhaps. What do you say we go to the library and finish our essays to cheer you up?"
"Cheer me up? That makes my day worse," I whine, making her smile.
"Oh, come on already," she says, pulling me to my feet.
"Fine, fine!" I say, smiling as we walk together to the library.
"No, no, no, Charity, the goblin wars were after the hinkipunk civil war," Hermione says, pointing to some test in our History of Magic book.
I groan and crumble up my parchment in disgust. My head falls, hitting my forehead against the table as I shut my eyes.
"This is hopeless. How can we be expected to learn this!? He's so boring!"
"I'll let you copy my notes, I suppose."
I look up at her with a wide grin.
"Seriously!? Hermione, you rock!"
She smiles and does a spell under her breath, making a perfect copy of her notes. She hands them to me, and I read them diligently as she continues her essay. I smile and start on my own, occasionally checking back in with her notes.
"Should've guessed I'd find you here."
I smile up at Harry as he sits beside me. Ron sits across from him, looking less than happy.
"what are you doing?"
"History of Magic essay," I say, pouting.
"Yes, which she's being distracted from," Hermione says with mock sternness.
I give her my most fabricated innocent smile, which sends her into chuckles as she returns to her essay. I do the same, ignoring Harry's gaze as he reads over my shoulder. When I finish, I blow on it softly to dry it faster before sitting up and shaking my hand to get the cramps out.
"Don't look so pleased, Charity. We still have our Transfiguration essays to write."
I let my head drop back on the desk.
"Hopeless, I swear!"
She and Harry chuckle, and I raise my head back up. I roll up my History of Magic essay and set it in my bag before I pull out fresh parchment and my Transfiguration notes. I silently start in on the essay as Harry and Ron start a game of exploding snap.
"Finished," I say, smiling as I set the essay down. Hermione looks up from her own and smiles, finishing a sentence before setting her own quill down.
"As am I," she says, smiling and sitting up slightly straighter.
"DO you guys do this often?" Harry asks.
"What, meet in here to work?"
He nods.
"Yeah. We work well together, and she helps me out when I need it."
"Do you help here when she-"
"She never needs help," I say, giving her a wink.
She flushes at the compliment and smiles gratefully.
"She's a regular genius."
"So, are you excited for flying class on Thursday?"
I smile and turn to full face him on the bench.
"So much. I've never flown before."
"I thought you grew up in a magical home?"
"I did, but Dad hates Quidditch and doesn't really see the use of brooms. I've never flown."
"Well, at least I'm not the only one."
"Nor have I, Harry," Hermione puts in, setting down Quidditch Trough the Ages.
"I've flown with my brothers a bit," Ron says, "It's fun. You'll love it, Harry."
"I hope so."
"Harry, I'm sure you will. Who wouldn't love flying?"
Harry smiles at me and shrugs.
"My thoughts exactly. I think Neville's really nervous about it, though."
"I wouldn't blame him. No offense, but that boy needs some serious luck donations, because he has so much bad luck."
The three nod, then Ron stops and glares at the table when he realizes that he's getting along with me.
"Well," I say, looking at my watch, "We should be getting to dinner in the great hall."
We all pack and go to the great hall to eat.
Alright, that seems like a nice stopping point... I think that is my longest chapter, lol.. Yay! Well, I should be getting to bed... It's 5 am, I haven't slept yet, and I have work at 2 this evening... Crap. Eh, looks like coffee and I are becoming best friends today lol.
Alright, now I'm a bit stumped on my plotting... Care to help? Alright, I need opinions...
1) Do you want to see a soft side to Snape, or do you like the sarcastic attitude he always has?
2) Should we see more of Malfoy and her building friendships up?
3) Should I get in another POV? If so, who's?
4) What's your opinion of Charity's character? What should her pet be? What should I add to her character?
Important questions! Lol leave your answers in your comments below, and I'll check them out! I'll even post the results on the next chapter! Alright, keep commenting and giving me pointers I need! Peace out, and I hope you all had a very happy Christmas and have even happier plans for New Years!
~GharrahGirl