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I do not own any Harry Potter Characters.
Chapter 13:
He couldn't breathe. There's no way, right? Pushing his body forward he ran in the direction of the screams, pulling his wand out. Hurrying his footsteps as much as he was able. His heart was hammering through every inch of his body by the time he reached the clearing. Katie was laying on her back, her red jacket contrasting the glittering white snow. A small crowd of kids were huddled around her, and a book lay open next to her on the ground close to her hand. The pages were fluttering in the wind, wrapped in a brown cloth, and hanging out of the book was a black necklace.
Marcus was only a few feet away from her, he was so close. His body halted in horror as she was hauled along the snow by an invisible force. Soon her limbs were limply dragging through the snow as she was being viciously tossed from side to side. The crowd of people gasped in horror, as they observed. Abruptly her body was lifted thirty feet in the air, her arms straightened out on either side of her. Her head hurled backwards with an eerie look in her eyes and her mouth opened wide. He tried to make out the words coming from her mouth, only to realize in horror she was silently screaming.
It felt like an eternity until her body was hurled down to the ground, her back first, with a sickening crack. Her body began convulsing and thrashing, Katie's head tipping back as she sobbed in quiet unheard agony. Before Marcus could close the distance between them, a deep voice broke his thoughts. "Don't get any closer!" Hagrid's voice boomed. The crowd stood still, only turning their heads to look at the professor. "Get back all of you." With hurried heavy steps the giant-sized man approached Katie, lifting her up into his arms effortlessly. Her snow-covered body was no longer seizing, but she remained cold, her body lifeless. Hagrid shook her gently and her small body let out a tiny groan. She was still alive.
"Do not touch that" Marcus's eyes drifted to Harry who was attempting to pick up the book that Katie had dropped. "Except for the wrappings." Hagrid warned the boy. "Do you understand?" He asked cautiously, holding Katie gently to his chest. Harry picked up the book with the slightly tattered brown cloth, making sure the necklace was tucked inside the book.
Marcus looked up from the book as Hagrid was walking away with Katie in his arms. Knowing there was nothing he could do; he ran his fingers through his chestnut hair frustrated. Taking off, he decided that she was better without him. Terrible things happened to her when he was around. He promised to himself then and there, that he would leave the poor girl alone. He loved her too much to let her get hurt because of him. He also promised himself he was going to find out who did this to her, and wallop them viciously.
Katie was brought to St. Mungo's hospital where she remained for the rest of the school year. Remaining in a coma for six months, her body desperately attempted to recover. When she awoke the doctors told her that she had broken her spine in several places. She knew this could be a career ending injury in the quidditch world.
Katie spent the whole summer at her father's recovering, towards the end she was finally able to walk with only a limp. She had not even attempted to sit on a broom, knowing that her back would hurt fiercely if she bent it at that angle. St. Mungo's had done their absolute best to provide her all the magical means to recover, but now it was up to her to do physical therapy.
Over the whole summer Katie hadn't heard from Marcus once. Angelina and Alicia were thankfully nowhere to be seen. Evelyn and her father had been there for her though. Evelyn had slept over Katie's fathers house for a month straight when Katie was first released. It felt amazing to have a friend that was there for her completely, she wasn't second best like she had been with Alicia and Angelina.
Her dad had noticed a change in Katie, her depression had changed her attitude completely. The once outgoing upbeat girl was now a complete introvert. After a few weeks of Katie sulking in her room he had decided enough was enough. Throwing her jacket at her one morning after breakfast, he told her that she would be helping him at Spintwitches for the rest of the summer. Katie had been hesitant at first, mostly upset that she was in a broom shop all day long and couldn't even ride one.
It wasn't long though until Katie got curious every time, she saw her dad crafting a new broom. Noticing her staring one day he gave her some spare materials and showed her the basics.
Katie's first attempt had been sloppy at best, but all the same Katie kept it. Not to ride, but to encourage herself that even if she couldn't fly again, she could still be involved with quidditch in some fashion. As time went on Katie got better and her dad showed her more advanced techniques.
The first time Katie opened the Daily Prophet and saw Marcus on the cover with another woman she broke down. Evelyn had done her best to comfort her friend, but in the weeks that past Marcus seemed to be making the headlines weekly. To the point that Katie no longer read the daily prophet from Saturday-Monday, not wanting to see Marcus's new weekend tryst. Katie couldn't help but confide in Evelyn. Telling her everything from the summer camp, to the first night on Halloween, their first kiss, she even told her about Marcus taking the Dark Mark for her. Her friend had not judged her too harshly and did her best to give advice when she could.
When it was time for Katie to return to school, she had decided to transfer. No longer wanting to return to Hogwarts, not sure if it was in fear of her safety or simply because she didn't want to see Alicia and Angelina. Returning to school, Katie had not tried out for the quidditch team. Her old teammate, who was now captain approached her after class one day. Telling her that she made the reserve team and was expected to at least show up to practices and game days. Knowing she wasn't fully able to participate they wanted to at least encourage her not to give up. So that's what Katie did, and as the year went on her confidence grew bit by bit, and she finally she found herself getting on her the broom her dad had made her. It took her months before she was flying around without jerking wildly. After each day she would have to spend hours soaking her body in medicinal waters just to recover.
By the time the final game of the year came, her captain told her she was starting. She felt hesitant not wanting to lose their winning streak of the year. The team reassured her that they didn't mind and wanted her to have the opportunity to have scouts watch her like they had. Katie not wanting to disappoint her teammates played a tough game. Since her injury Katie's play style had changed, she was more cautious, more aware of her surroundings. When a bludger came her way Katie would avoid it effortlessly. She had scored a reasonable number of points, but really succeeded in getting the quaffle away from the other team and getting it to her teammates before she was swarmed.
Katie had two scouts approach her that day, requesting that she come to the professional Quidditch admissions celebration. This was an opportunity for teams to make their pitches to players, and recruit. The first scout had been from the Holyhead Harpies, the all-female Quidditch team, which meant she would have to relocated to Wales where they were located. The second one had stunned her, the scout had been for the Falmouth Falcons, Marcus's team. She knew it was a bad idea to even consider it. Why reopen semi fresh wounds when she didn't have to.
All Katie had ever wanted to do was to play quidditch professionally and now here she was doubting if she even wanted to do it. Her love for the game had been because of her grandfather. Knowing how evil and cruel he had been almost giving Quidditch a sour taste. She also had doubts that her body could manage the immense training schedule, she had only just started playing again. Katie wondered if she would just be better off working with her dad.
When the school year ended, the admissions celebration was coming up. Evelyn was doing her best to encourage her friend, wanting only the best for her. "Katie if you don't want to play then don't, but if this is because you want to avoid Marcus then I can't support it. You can't keep letting him hold you back, he's moved on. You need to as well." She supported the statement by throwing the daily prophet towards her, the headline reading 'Has Falmouth Falcons Flint found the one?' The picture underneath was of Marcus holding a beautiful brunette's hand as they were entering the Falmouth Falcon stadium.
Katie hated knowing her friend was right. "It's just hard when the person you thought you loved moves on before you." Katie gritted her teeth, her face stony. She had mostly moved on, she tried to convince herself.
The night of the celebration Katie got dressed, in a strapless, pale-blue dress of semi-embroidered fabric which emphasized her narrow waist, while hugging her hips and just slightly flaring out at the bottom. A V-slit on both sides which unveiled a less decorated white under cloth. The back of the dress was risqué, given how low it dipped. Her hair ran down her back in loose waves, her golden hair finally passing the middle of her back.
Evelyn had kindly accepted Katies offer to be her date, her dress was midnight blue, and it twirled just above her knees, silver hid amongst the cobalt along with beautiful silver stitching. "You ready for tonight?" Evelyn asked Katie.
"I have to act like a respectable human being, and you know what a strain that puts on me" Katie teased putting the last touches of her makeup on. Satisfied that they both looked presentable they headed out.
They stayed together most of the night chatting with friends they recognized from school. Katie had even saw Oliver in his Puddlemere uniform, gaining the courage she approached him. They chatted for a while fondly, and Katie congratulated him. Before they departed Oliver wished her good luck and even hugged her tightly to him which was unexpected.
"Oh no, your best friends are here." Evelyn whispered to Katie sarcastically, elbowing her in the side. Katie looked up and sure enough Angelina and Alicia were heading in their direction.
Their eyes were clearly fixed on Katie. "Katie, can we speak to you alone?" Alicia questioned glaring at Evelyn. A moment of silence. Alicia stiffened, then slumped. Meanwhile, Katie began picked at an invisible fleck of lint on her dress, not wanting to make eye contact.
Evelyn swallowed her laugh. "Whatever you have to say to Katie, you can say it in front of me." Evelyn spat. Katie felt the tension that had been building leave her body. She didn't want to be alone with them. Not anymore.
"Fine. We think Evelyn jinxed Alicia" Angelina snapped. Alicia shot Evelyn a sharp look.
"You're going to blame the one person who's always been there for me." Katie was angry. "Coming from the two girls who lied to me and almost got me killed in the same year. You both have some nerve." They had both outright lied to her. Kept things away that were vital to her, and here they were, trying to get her to put a divide between the only friend she had left.
Alicia's mouth opened. Then closed. As if debating her next words. "Katie please just listen to us; we did a spell…"
Before Alicia could continue, Evelyn cut her off. "I think Katie has heard enough." With a low laugh, she looped her arm with Katie's, and steered them in the opposite direction. Alicia's shoulders sagged a little.
"Thank you" Katie whispered, fighting back her emotions. Some friends they were.
"That's what I'm here for. You'll never be second best when it comes to me." Evelyn said leaning her head on Katie's shoulder as they briskly walked through the ballroom.
That's when Katie froze, there he was. She had noticed him across the room, the mouthwatering asshole. The brunette from the picture was curled under his arm as he chatted to another man on his team. He hadn't noticed her yet. Marcus was in his Falmouth Falcons uniform while the girl on his arm was in a skintight silver dress. She was breath taking, and Katie couldn't help but feel irrelevant.
When Katie thought about Marcus with another girl, all it made her want to do was rip out his hair. By the roots, in bunches if she could manage. "I want to kill him" Katie fumed, bright anger taking over,
Evelyn noticing Katie's glare across the room spotting Marcus. "You're going to go up to him?" She questioned.
"Oh, yes I am!" Katie started to stalk in that direction, but Evelyn swiftly stopped her by placing her hand on Katie's shoulder.
"Katie, you do what you got to do, let your rage out on him. Just be smart, make sure you have a plan to escape."
Katie thought for a moment. "I got an idea" she said optimistically. She searched the room quickly trying to see if anyone stood out, when her eyes met the most beautiful man she has ever seen. Not handsome- beautiful and she knew he'd be perfect. He just had to agree. Katie paced over to him, not breaking eye contact. His skin glowed a soft golden, his midnight eyes… Oh Merlin save me.
She inspected his clothes noticing he was wearing a Puddlemere robe. That's when she really recognized him, he had been on the Puddlemere team for 4 years, he was an incredibly powerful and deadly accurate beater. As if emerging from a daze, Katie shook her head. Giving him a venomously sweet smile, she asked. "Do you have a moment?" It was hard to look away from this beautiful stranger.
He gave her a slow, sensual smile as he took her in from head to toe. "What can I help you with beautiful?" His eyes sparkled, and his wolfish smile flickered.
"Would you by chance mind helping me make my ex jealous?" She asked mischief in her tone.
He angled his head to the side, then flicked his magnificent dark eyes across the room for a moment before returning to her. "Vengeance is what you seek? He's really going to be sorry he lost you" His voice dropped to a whisper, the words tickling her ear as he leaned in. He held out his hand, inclining his head. "Dance with me?"
Was there music playing? She couldn't recollect. Her mind feeling cloudy. She smiled and took his hand, making sure to keep one eye around the room. He pulled her towards the dance floor, their bodies pressed to each other in a slow rhythm. He dropped his head close to her ear, whispering huskily. "Where is he?"
When she nodded in Marcus's direction his eyes lit up with shock. He let out a short whistle "I got my work cut out for me, eh?" Looking back at her he asked in a deep voice. "If I'm going to be your fake boyfriend then I need to at least know your name."
"Katie Bell"
"Brenton Allen, it's my pleasure." He pulled her knuckles to his mouth kissing it softly. Her body was warm beneath his hand, and her fingers were soft in contrast to his rough callused hands. They spun around the dance floor smoothly, she didn't falter a single step as the faces blurred around them.
He glanced around the room, as if looking for someone. "Are you ready? He's looking this way." He indicated to her; she had almost completely forgotten. "How jealous do you want to make him?" He asked, bowing down to meet her height, his lips drifting just over hers. Tempting her.
"Really jealous." She whispered right before he kissed her, his right-hand tangling in her hair, while his left caressed her bare back. He strengthened the kiss, his tongue entering her mouth as he tugged her closer to his body.
When he pulled away, he gazed into her eyes and whispered. "Close your eyes." She looked at him confused. "Close your eyes." He persisted. Katie finally closed them tightly, not long after she felt the heat of his breathe near her ear. "He is going to be so sorry that he lost you." She felt the tension leaving her body, his lips skimmed her neck lightly. "You are incredible woman don't ever forget that." Not trusting her voice all she could do was let out a groan when his lips connected to her mouth once again in an enthusiastic kiss.
Her heart jumped into a gallop, and Marcus dissolved from her thoughts if only for a moment. She felt bad for forgetting him-but she couldn't deny the way Brenton was making her feel. He slid his hand around her waist, as she braced one of hers on his arm. When he began to move again, she looked up at him, easing back into a steady rhythm. "Nice guys don't kiss like that" she said in an almost whisper.
He held her closer. "They definitely do" he declared reclaiming her mouth with his. Everyone around them transforming into mere shadows on the walls. When they broke apart Katie risked a peek in Marcus's direction their eyes connected. She could see the hurt and anger in his eyes from across the room. A part of her had spent so many nights looking forward to seeing that handsome face. Now it only made her feel grief. He was watching her with narrowed brows, when he noticed she caught him staring he looked back to his teammate.
She felt Brenton's experienced fingers running down her bare back gaining her attention. "Thank you" She whispered to him, "I really need to freshen up though." She left before he could say another word, disappearing in the sea of people.
Katie however took an alternate path making her way to the patio. Before heading out the door she attempted to search him out in the room, hoping he would see that she was alone. He always found her when she was alone. It wouldn't be different this time, right? It was an uncomfortable feeling not knowing if he would still be there for her like he always had. Then again why was she trying to see him, what good would it do?
Sitting down on a bench in front of a manicured garden lit with shimmering glass lamps, trying her best to enjoy the warm summer air. Her body was tense with nerves, he would show up right? It felt like an eternity until the patio door was pushed up, and there he was. She tried her best to hold back the hope she knew flashed across her eyes. "Should have figured I'd find you out here. Not much for crowds these days myself." He muttered, doing his best not to look at her. He took a deep drink from the glass he held, filled with a mahogany-colored liquid. Sliding the door shut behind him, he finally looked at her.
There was something hidden in his eyes. "You, okay?" She couldn't help but ask. The music was loud enough that it followed them out here. The moonlight, the garden and the golden glow from the ballroom blurred together, now miles away.
"What makes you think that I wouldn't be?" He remained by the door watching her with a half-smile, an amused gleam in his eye that made her want to slap him.
"Well, you're drunk and out here instead of with your girlfriend." She quipped back at him, his smile deflating.
The music was still playing, filling the humid air around them with sound. She couldn't be sure, but she thought he said, "She's not my girlfriend." Marcus sighed loudly, staring up at the moon. "What's your boyfriends name, Biff?" He murmured, managing to keep his face blank. She knew he was trying to get a rise out of her.
"Marcus don't start this, we both know that you are aware of his name, along with this whole entire quidditch career, like every other professional quidditch player." She knew he was frustrated, the alcohol adding fuel to his jealousy. She wasn't sure if she should laugh, yell, or just go inside. Katie kept her eyes trained on his face. His emerald eyes were calm - unfazed. "You know what! Where do you come off with this jealous crap! You broke up with me. That doesn't give you the right to come crying to me when you realize your jealous, and I've already moved on." She hissed almost convincing herself. Even in the moonlight he could see her scowl. There was a bleak bitterness in her words that didn't sit well with him.
She wanted to hurt him as much as he had hurt her. She knew she didn't get to choose when she got hurt but knowing that she had a say in who hurt her. Katie wouldn't give him another chance to break her heart, so she attempted to leave the patio. "Just wait one second" he said as evenly as he could.
"You don't get to ask that of me, I deserve someone who gives a damn" she challenged him. He clenched his teeth at the dismissal in her tone. "You are the one who taught me time and time again that nothing I ever do will be good enough" She dragged a hand through her hair. Getting all this off her chest made her feel lighter than she had in weeks.
"You know I didn't have a choice" he tried to reason, taking a step toward her.
Katie clenched and unclenched her fingers, any words lodged in her throat. Her heart tightened, and she realized it wasn't the answer she had been hoping for. "You know you're the first person to break my heart and you will always be the one who hurt me the most. Don't forget that." She hissed.
His eyes softened. The longer the hurt flicked across Marcus's eyes, the wider the gap between them felt. "Katie I…" He trailed off, then shook his head, as if reprimanding himself. Katie found herself wanting to know what he'd been about to say. The door to the ballroom opened behind Marcus, Evelyn peering her head through the doorway. "Oh, hello asshole, since you dumped my best friend, you wouldn't mind if I stole her? Thanks" Not giving Marcus time to reply, she grabbed Katies arm yanking her off the bench, stalking toward the door and flinging it back open. As Katie passed Marcus their eyes connected one more time, those mysterious eyes, that she often couldn't read. Almost wondering if it was misery, she saw flickering across his face. At one point she would have done anything to get rid of the agony in his eyes.
When they were alone Katie whispered, "That wasn't necessary." Running her fingers through her hair, glancing at Evelyn. What was Marcus going to tell her? Would it have changed anything?
They strode into the ball room, the white arches glinting against the golden lights. The music was ringing throughout, only made louder by the silence that fell between them as they made their way to the seats to which they were assigned. "I was saving you from yourself. When it comes to him you don't make the best decisions. I don't need him ripping your heart out again." Evelyn said tugging on Katie's arm to slow her down.
"I don't know what you're talking about, I feel nothing, and it feels great." She closed her eyes for a moment. Evelyn raised an eyebrow. They both sat down at a table that was already semi full.
"Well, he certainly looked miserable." Katie stiffened slightly in her chair. "Who was the guy I saw you swapping spit with?" Evelyn asked her, laughing softly as she did.
"Brenton Allen, he's the beater for Puddlemere. You didn't recognize him? He's been on the team for four years." Katie asked confused, her hands hanging slack on either side of her chair.
"I don't follow quidditch" Evelyn said absently, her body relaxed, eyes alight as she gazed around the room. Waiters began bringing out plates of food, one table at a time.
Katie opened her mouth to object. Evelyn lifted a slender brow and waited. "You went to the World Cup though?" Katie persisted.
"To check out the hot men" Evelyn said with a wolfish smile, picking at her nails. Wouldn't that give her more of a reason to at least know the attractive Quidditch players names?
The night persisted, and Katie ended up turning down the Falmouth Falcons when they approached her for a reserve position. It was rare for them to even offer a spot to a female player. Several people had stood there flabbergasted that she had turned it down. Katie had wondered if they wanted her for publicity's sake, two exes on a team would bring drama, the fans would love that.
The Harpies offered her an opportunity to try out as a starter, they were honest that she had competition as they had accepted three girls including herself and there was only one chaser position open. The other two would end up on the reserve team. Katie had accepted.
When Evelyn headed towards the bathroom, Brenton approached her "I just realized that I haven't told you how beautiful you look tonight my gorgeous girlfriend." He said with a wink, sitting in the chair next to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
"You don't have to keep pretending you like me, he's not around to hear" Katie said pursing her lips together, a sly cat's glance in Brenton's direction.
He crossed his legs with a lazy grace. "Not to pry, but it's over between the two of you?" His eyes were hard on her, but – a flicker of amusement gleamed there.
Some small, pathetic part of her wished he hadn't asked that. "Of course." Katie flashed a winning smile. A lie and they both knew it.
Those dark, upturned eyes narrowed slightly. "If you say so."
"What does that mean." Katies throat tightened. Speaking normally was an effort.
He didn't look entirely pleased. "I see the way you two look at one another. Clearly something still there." Brenton allowed himself a moment to look at her, although she tried to hide it, he could see the hurt in her eyes, and the guilt.
Her heart sank a bit, tapping her foot on the carpet. Katie winced, swearing under her breath. She shrugged and gave her truth. "He couldn't change for me; he always made the wrong choices." She said flatly.
Brenton only frowned, shaking his head. "Guys don't change for girls, not when they are still that young"
Slowly Katie met his gaze. "When do they change?" Katie asked willing herself to breathe, to blink – to simply look at the moon-bathed room, anything to distract her nerves.
Brenton smiled blandly, unfazed- calculating his next words. "Usually when it's too late."
"Sounds about right." Katie mussed. "So, I guess this is then end of our very short-lived relationship" Katie remarked, with a half-smile.
"Wait we're breaking up already? It's only our first date" Brenton let out a low, wicked chuckle, but Katie wasn't in the mood to laugh anymore.
"And who might this be?" Evelyn questioned when she returned, acting as if Katie hadn't already told her about him.
"Hi. I'm the new guy." Brenton said giving a lazy grin over his shoulder.
"It's great to meet you, but we need to get going" Evelyn said nodding her head towards the entryway.
Brenton blinked – as much surprise as he'd show. He took Katie's hands – dry, warm, callused. Squeezing her fingers gently, peering into her face. From the corner of her eye, she saw Evelyn straighten and turn away, trying her best to blend into the surroundings. Katie flicked her attention back to Brenton. "I hope you will at least consider a second date with me."