Chapter Twelve: Where it begins
Katherine stood in the girl's corridors looking at her reflection. She stood out from the black and green colors surrounding her. Everything surrounding her was dark. She was the brightest thing in the room, standing with a long, form fitting red dress. The color complimented her skin tone and hair. The lace long sleeves looked like Charity would have painted it on her skin. It was perfection, every stich was perfect.
Katherine scanned her slim figure, a figure that was still girlish and not fully developed. Not having all the curves, the boys enjoyed staring at. She was smaller than the average female her age. Katherine could point out every flaw before her. The dress was perfect, but she was imperfect. Starring at her reflection, she critiqued her image.
Not being curvy enough, like Charity.
Not being soft and stylish, like Alice Longbottom.
Not having the soft luscious light hair similar to Rita.
Not being beautiful, like Lily Evans.
She was just plain wanting to feel beautiful. Turning away from her worst critic. Katherine headed toward the charms room. Charity, Lily and herself were planning to group together before the gala. Hogwarts every year at the end of graduation held the formal dance for the students in year four thru seventh. It would be her brother's last gala. Meaning it was Snape's last year too. She lied to Snape, telling him they could attend as a group. Lily, herself and him would all go together. It was a lie. Lily had a date. It wasn't a terrible lie. Lily would be in attendance, just not with them.
Wanting to remind him that he could still have fun. He could have fun with her. Thinking of the situation, the walk to the charms room was quick. Entering the room, expecting for it to be empty. Charity stood near the entrance.
She was remarkable. The dress didn't wear her, but she wore the dress. Brown complimented everything about Charity. The corset complimented her hourglass figure. She looked like a true woman, ready to knock her date off his feet.
Standing in awe, she felt silly for not saying a word. Running to her friend, Katherine's heels clicked on the stone floor. They embraced.
Charity spoke first, "KittyKat you look, amazing. You sure Gryffindor wasn't supposed to be your house…red makes you look like a diamond."
Scrunching her nose from the Gryffindor comment. She was no Gryffindor, her ambition leaked thru her veins. Even if red was her color.
"You… you look stunning." Katherine pulled away to get another look of her friend.
Katherine knew that Remus would regret turning her friend down. He swore he wasn't flaking the last minute that it was the date change making it an issue for him to attend. Katherine didn't believe him. She even tried to get the scoop from her brother on why Remus was not attending. James never budged. The four friends had many secrets at school, and they were all tight lip. James did make sure that Charity would not attend alone. He suggested that she attend with Peter.
Peter wasn't the bad guy in Katherine's opinion. He was a follower to the other three boys. The original plan was that he would take Katherine. She refused. Her plan was to attend with Snape. Even if a lie was used to have him attend with her. James had no idea his sister was going with his number one enemy. Keeping a secret herself gave Katherine butterflies in her stomach.
Both girls turned when they heard Rita Skeeter walk in. Her platinum blonde hair was pinned tightly into a bun. Even she looked gorgeous. The girl that constantly kept crawling back to Black, wore a deep green color. She was a bright Ravenclaw pupil, though at times she seemed more of a Slytherin with each year.
The smile Katherine offered was not returned. Rita quickly glanced down at her clutch. Fidgeting with the bumblebee latch, she finally opened it. Pulling out a napkin. She started to wipe the corner of her eyes.
Was she crying?
Nudging Charity, Katherine asked, "Are you ok?" Hoping it wasn't tears from the boy who did not deserve to be cried over.
Rita pressed her lips tightly, inhaling from her nose. The napkin trembled wiping the tears away before they could leave a trail of black make-up down her cheek. Katherine and Charity stood on each of side of Rita, linking arms with her. No girl deserved to feel this way.
"He-he told me we would come together, but that if someone else, more important wanted to go with him, for me not to get my hopes up."
Katherine straightened her posture. She didn't think Rita slapped him hard enough the other day.
"He's not worth it Rita," Katherine fumed. "Most girls here are realizing how much he is nothing but a player. A boy who will never grow up and become a good man. You don't need someone who makes you feel less than what you deserve. Know your worth," Katherine was out of breath from her rant. She pulled the girl into an embrace. Feeling Charity's arms wrapping around them.
"He can be kind, but he's just so scared of a full commitment." Rita sniffled.
The girls separated from the warm embrace. Katherine couldn't blame Sirius from being scared of a full-blown commitment. Commitments even scared her. Katherine watched Rita second guess everything by defending the boy. Rita wasn't ready to stop chasing after Sirius, it was obvious to Katherine. Rita was hopeless, reminding Katherine of herself. No, she wasn't like Rita. Snape and herself had a true friendship.
"I can't tell you who to go after, I'm the wrong person to give any advice," Katherine uttered.
Charity's laughs filled the room, she was nodding in agreement with Katherine. Her friend knew of the plan with Snape, she disapproved it. Charity didn't approve of Snape one bit, him and his friends were an odd bunch.
Katherine continued, "but I will ask you this, is he worth all of it?"
Rita was silent for a few seconds, her shoulders slumped, "I'd be going alone. It's my last year, how foolish will I look being alone on the dance floor." It confirmed what Katherine speculated. Rita cared about other's opinions. Gossip could ruin any young woman.
The door of the charm room opened. All three girls stopped mid-conversation and looked
"What are you three talking about?" Lily questioned. Her silver dress draped over her body. Lily looked like a goddess before them. Katherine couldn't pull her gaze away. If perfection had a picture, it would be Lily Evans. For once, Katherine could see why Snape and James were enchanted with her from the beginning. Lily smiled at them. James was lucky, he better not damage her, Katherine thought. James never fancied many girls before; Lily was the first one.
Charity and Rita walked toward Lily to hug and compliment her. Katherine stayed back. Even though she wouldn't want James to hurt Lily, Katherine was protective over her brother. Lily didn't seem like the girl to lead him on. As his sister, she had to be protective. They no longer had their mother to protect him. Katherine knew that her mother, would have approved of Lily. Katherine made her way toward the stunning red hair girl. Lily's compliments for each of them made them all smile. Feeling guilty for being jealous of her, Katherine had to look away.
Rita was becoming confident with going alone, until HE walked near the door. Sirius Black peaked in the entrance. His eyes landing on Katherine. Katherine glared even with him flashing her a charming smile. Rita linked arms with Black, allowing him to lead the way. Charity tried to interrupt the awkwardness by suggesting to take photos of everyone individually.
They left the room. Leaving the picture in the classroom, to collect after the night and gossip afterwards.
Peter stood near the stairs, waiting for Charity. He was biting his nails searching for her. He looked nervous to be alone. She couldn't remember a moment where Peter didn't have Lupin, James or Sirius near him. Katherine noticed the shining streak coming down his forehead. Charity gave Katherine's arm a gentle squeeze before walking toward her date. Charity was a full foot taller than Peter, towering over his stocky figure. They lead the way. Walking down the stairs, Katherine made sure to stay a few feet behind them. She watched as Peter slipped his hand around Charity's waist.
Lily stayed at the top waiting for James. Turning to look up once more, she could see the excitement beaming from the red hair girl. It was different than the beginning of James and Lily's year. James had changed his ways to get the girl. Glancing back down, she made her way slowly down the stairs. Not wanting to trip on her dress. Katherine didn't wish to make a fool of herself.
At the end of the staircase was not her date instead, Sirius. Katherine was taken aback, standing on the second to last step, their eyes landed on one another. He could have so much potential. He had the looks but needed to work on how he treated girls. Katherine wanted to shake him, shake the way he treated Rita out of him. He took a step toward her, his hand reaching for her to grab. Katherine didn't move. Looking beyond him, passed Rita, Peter and Charity. She finally saw the one person that mattered. Her date. He stood in the shadows near the grand hall entrance. He looked mysterious in the darkness. She was attracted to him more with out his uniforms. Not wanting to run, but she couldn't help herself from walking fast. Excited that he showed up.
Snape seemed more pale than usual. He was sweating but unlike Peter, it didn't gross her out. For the first time, he seemed confident with himself. His head didn't droop down but instead he held it high. Like he was untouchable. Katherine stepped closer, wanting to touch him. She couldn't stop herself, Katherine touched his left forearm lightly, trying to get his attention. His dark eyes winced before he moved his arm from her touch. Katherine brow rose, not sure what happened. Snape's attention fell on her.
Opening her mouth to speak, Snape's finger slowly rose and touched her lips, resting on them. "Where's Lily" he asked, still wincing from where she gently touched his arm.
He must have a cut, knowing her touch was not hard.
"She's coming." Katherine answered. "I was hoping before she comes down. Maybe you and I can get a drink and talk." His finger still rested on her bottom lip. A part of her wanted to pull herself closer to him, his simple touch made her mind wonder. Glancing toward the stairs where Lily and James would walk down together. Needing him away from the staircase was key. If she could get him alone, get them to have a great conversation, let Snape see how she could be more than just a study buddy. Then it would not matter if he saw Lily with James. It wouldn't crush him. Katherine was confident in her actions.
Snape nodded.
His finger left her lips, allowing her to lead the way. Katherine's stomach turned when she realized who was following them. Avery, one of Snape's friends. Like Snape, the boy was also grabbing his left forearm, wincing in pain. His walk seemed overly confident. Hoping he would trip and fall on his face. Avery was one of her least favorite house-mates.
The table inside the room was simple. A few trays of sweets surrounded the multiple bowls of punch. She fixed two glasses. Turning to hand one to Snape. He scrunched his nose, declining the offer.
Avery reached for the extra glass.
"Are you two alright?" Katherine grumbled. She kept watching them wince from any movement their left arm was making.
How could two boys have the same injury. Both nodded, glancing at one another. Something was off. Katherine sipped her punch, glancing down at their dress robes. She noticed a few specks of dirt upon Avery's hem. Snape's shoes had mud, taking away the shine of cleanliness away.
It all seemed suspicious.
"This dance is so childish" Avery scoffed. He handed Katherine his empty cup, glancing at the punch bowl then back at her. Did he expect her to serve him drinks all night? She tossed the paper cup in the bin.
"No one made you come." Katherine mocked.
Snape watched the pair, his lip curled upward.
Avery step toward her, his sinister glare sent a shiver down Katherine's spine. Snape gently shoved his friend away, shaking his head once.
Avery snarled, "you always protect her."
"She's a good friend, and she is right. No one made you come." Snape deadpan.
Katherine watched the two friends glare at one another for a brief moment, Avery gave up, giving her a look before he walked away. She was finally alone with Snape.
"You will make a lot of enemies Potter, I'd watch what I say and do around certain people, if I was you. A little tip."
Katherine rose a brow. She wasn't scared to make enemies. Not needing to bend over backwards around people and always playing the polite card. Taking another sip of her punch.
"Where is Lupin?"
Katherine shrugged; she didn't care where Remus was. He canceled on her friend. Her eyes stayed on Snape's arm. She wondered if she could lift his sleeve, to see the cut. Snape glanced quickly at her, before moving his arm away from her view. She wanted to question it, but her head started to feel heavy. It felt like something was creeping inside her mind. Placing her hand on her temple, she wasn't sure if she would throw up. The pain was quickly gone.
Snape had taken her punch from her, watching her.
"Where is Lily, you said she would be here. That it would be us three." He questioned again.
It was question after question. She never gave a full answer, not really communicating.
"She's coming. Want to dance?" Katherine asked. Not wanting to stand by the punch table all night being questioned.
Snape shook his head.
The great hall doors swung open, Rita and Sirius walked in the room. Katherine felt Snape's body become tense, looking upon his face she could see the disgust. Turning her attention back to the couple, Black's eyes were on her once again. Rita was full of smiles, pulling Black closer as she waved at her fellow friends. Black's eyes never left Katherine. She felt Snape pull her closer to him. Looking back at her date, she watched his gaze land on Black and then herself. He was silent. But his eyes were piecing parts together. The wheels in his mind were turning. Not knowing what he was thinking about, she couldn't help but wanting to stay this close to him all night. Wanting to rest her head on his chest, she resisted. Snape's fingers drummed on her hip with the beat of the song.
Rita and Black joined Charity and Peter on the dance floor. The dance floor her date refused. Not wanting to sulk, Katherine repositioned her body. She placed her stomach against his torso. He was taller, causing her head to tilt.
"Your brother would die if he saw you in this position." Snape smirked.
The thrill of having James disapproving them, did make her a bit nervous. Nervous and excited. Having something forbidden made Katherine crave it more.
"I like living on the edge." Katherine teased. She bit her bottom lip allowing a giggle escape her mouth. Feeling the blood rush to her cheeks. His face seemed closer; he was so close. Katherine went to lift herself on her toes. Her heart started to beat faster. She longed for his lips to gently touch hers. Snape turned his head away, shaking at his actions. He released her from his grasp. Giving them space.
"You are innocent Katherine; you would never hurt anyone. You shouldn't like me."
But she did like him. Katherine enjoyed his company, his looks, the way he worked and knew how to perfect magic. Trying to keep her expression from showing the hurt she felt. The stung from being rejected made her doubt herself more. Was being nice a crime? He knew she liked him; his statement proved it. Refusing to act like Rita but here she was...trying to convince Snape she was worthy of his attention.
"Why not? What's so bad about you?" running her fingers thru her dark hair, she couldn't help herself from moving around.
His hands grabbed her face, he wasn't angry but smiled. The scent of the earth was coming from his hands. Katherine allowed his hands to stay leaning toward his grasp.
"You are so pure and innocent, the one Slytherin that we all wonder how you got sorted in our house. You are a girl that will need to be protected, some of us are not made to protect. Some of us are made to break things."
Katherine pushed his hands away from her face. She wasn't this pure innocent, girl. Not needing a man to protect her. If anyone was innocent, it would be the girl Snape was still waiting on.
"Lily is innocent" her tone clipped with each word. Jealousy ran thru her veins. Katherine couldn't help it. She didn't understand what made Lily better, why wouldn't he pick her.
"Lily knows how to fight. Her and I have many things in common. We have a history of growing up together," Snape asserted. "You and I, we don't have that, I don't want to hurt you, Katherine. You are a good girl, but." He trailed off.
The doors of the great hall swung open, James and Lily finally entered. Snape took a step away from Katherine. James and Lily kissed in front of the whole school. The room was quiet. Professor McGonagall quickly broke the seventh years apart. Cheers filled the room, Katherine watched boys pat James on the back before the music started to play.
She didn't want to turn and face Severus. Hesitating for a moment. She finally looked at his face. He was full of hurt. The pain in his dark eyes were proof that he watched his worst nightmare occur. Reaching for his arm, he jerked away. Katherine regretted bringing Lily's name up in the conversation, she wished she would of told the truth.
A harsh tone left his tight lips, "Maybe you are more a Slytherin then I gave credit to."
She didn't want him to think it was all a plan. A ruse to get him to watch her brother kiss the girl. Snape left the spot where she was standing. Katherine called out his name, following behind him. He never slowed down. Leaving the great hall. Katherine's feet were sore from running in her heels behind him. Pushing the pain away.
"SEVERUS!" Katherine yelled.
He stopped. Standing in the shadows of the corridor. Katherine walked to stand in front of him, he refused to look at her.
"Did you know she was going with him, you led me here when you knew I wanted to make amends with her." Snape rambled. His voice was low that she wasn't sure if he was even speaking to her.
Katherine started to confess, "I just wanted to go with you to the gala. To show you,"
Snape finally faced her. His eyes narrowing, "Sad part this wasn't even James's idea, it was all yours. Your idea for me to see them together?"
Realizing her choice of words were not the best to use, Katherine quickly tried to explain "No, I just wanted it to be us, I wanted to spend time with you."
Even though Snape's face was filled with rage, his eyes. The hurt behind them stung Katherine's heart. To see the one person, she didn't want to break, become hurt. Snape took a step toward Katherine, his hand reached and touched Katherine's cheek.
"Why would I want to spend time with you, Lily looked stunning, while you." His gaze dropped looking her up and down. "Look cheap, hard and like a worn-down lady of the night." He sneered.
She was taken aback, his words stung. Katherine moved away from him. His words cut her deep. Refusing to allow the tears to leave her eyes. Never expecting him to lash out at her like that. Katherine wanted to crawl in a hole away from everything. She wanted to run away.
"I'm sorry," she whispered.
Katherine couldn't take her eyes off of him. The dream of them getting along and becoming close vanished, now it was nothing but a nightmare. Feeling a presence behind her. She turned her head. Looking behind her she saw an angry Black. Unaware on how long he was around, she kept wondering if he heard what Snape said.
Snape's distaste for both of them did not fade, he growled, "What do you want Black."
Black's anger turned to a devilish grin, the full-moon light shining from the windowpane lit his face. He truly looked like a sculpture. "Curious if you still want to see Remus."
Katherine rose a brow, standing in between both boys. Snape nodded.
Feeling Black's hand grab her arm, pulling her closer to him. "Go to bed, Kat" his whisper was loud enough for Snape to nod in agreement.
Looking at both boys. She slowly backed away. She heard Black tell him they would discuss the plan in the charm room. She took off to the dungeon. Not caring what they were doing. The faster she ran down the corridor toward the wet dungeons. She cried.
She felt stupid for lying to Snape. For leading him to watch her brother kiss Lily. Snape once trusted her and now it was all ruined. Feeling like another Potter in his eyes. Imagining the way, he looked at her made the tears fall faster. He looked at her the same way he looked at her brother. Pure disgust. Standing in her common room she wanted out. Taking out her delicate time turner, she wanted to escape. Time would be on her side. Katherine turned back time.
The same common room looked empty; the fireplace warmed her skin.
"You look beautiful."
His voice, she recognized it immediately. It's what she needed. Turning to look at Tom. Tears stained her face. Katherine didn't move. He came closer, his finger gently lifted her chin. Katherine bit her bottom lip she didn't know how to make the tears stop from leaving her eyes. His thumb wiped a few away from her cheek. Pulling her into his arms. Katherine buried her face in his cloak.
Feeling his mouth upon her scalp "Who hurt you?" he questioned. The way he spoke, the authority in his words. Revenge in the tone. Katherine wouldn't answer. Shaking her head, Katherine squeezed Tom. Never wanting to let him go. She felt safe, wanted. His hand slowly glided up and down her back.
"Let me show you something," Tom said.
His hand intwined with hers. The pair was off into the night. Katherine was amazed how he knew how to discreetly leave the grounds. No one saw them head into the forbidden forest. With each step into the darkness of the forest, she squeezed his hand tighter. Following him. It felt dangerous, a thrill Katherine didn't understand how to explain. The butterflies in her stomach were now in her chest.
A large open space came into view, mountains were far in the background. The beauty of nature was breathtaking but it was the gazebo that was stunning. History was before her eyes. Tom led her closer. It looked exactly like the photo in the book she showed him in the library. Never knowing how close it was to the school.
Standing under the gazebo, the moonlight shined upon them. Tom pulled her closer to him. His left hand rested on her lower back, pulling her to press her stomach against him. Katherine was afraid he would feel her heart beat against her chest. Their bodies swayed to the rhythm of the wind. Swaying like the trees that surrounded the empty ground. Tilting her head to gaze at him. He was forbidden and he felt dangerous. Tom's hand on her lower back slowly rose, his fingers grazed her bare skin where the dressed ended on her back. Resting his other hand beneath her lifted chin. Trailing down her neck stopping at her collarbone, pulling her closer. Each movement he made; her breath was taken away. They danced under the moonlight.
Never taking her eyes off of him, she broke the silence, their bodies still moved, "It's a stunning view out here."
Tom smiled, lifting his hand that held hers to his lips, feeling his mouth upon her hand.
"With you here my darling, it is stunning."
She wanted to object with what he called her, but she wanted to live in this moment. Resting her head on his chest. She listened to his heart beat. Never wanting it to end.
Everything must come to an end. The pair pulled apart, still linked by their arms. Tom walked her to the edge of the railing, looking out into the nature. With a wave of his wand, he made a flower appear. A red rose, Katherine grabbed the delicate rose from him. She could feel his eyes upon her, closing hers. Enjoying the moment.
Katherine hesitated, "I must go and return." Her eyes opened. Tom shook his head.
"Stay, what is holding you back from staying with me."
Continuing to hold the rose, she allowed a soft chuckle to escape her lips. Remembering what she did to Snape a few hours earlier. "You don't want me to stay, I break everything."
"I'm already broken."
He leaned in closer, his breath was so close to her, his lips near hers. Katherine held the urge of pressing her lips against his, she couldn't. With a quick movement of her hand, she took the timer out. His firm grip on her chin turned her toward him. Katherine felt his lips on hers. Intoxicated from his kiss. She didn't want her first kiss to end. Following his lead, his hand found it's way in her hair, gently pulling. His lips trailed down to her neck, she couldn't explain how his touch easily captivated her. Katherine reached toward his chest, placing her hand on him. Feeling his heart race from her touch.
Gently pushing him away, she had to go back home. She planned to return. Staring at him, all of it was wrong, forbidden, and dangerous. Katherine was the future and he was the past.
Allowing her fingers to turn forward the time. She arrived, leaving Tom alone.
Katherine stood in the same spot but the beautiful gazebo was damaged. Every column looked like it was blown up. All of it destroyed. The beautiful art around her broken, she barley could make out the Hogwarts crest. Still holding the rose in her hand, she began to pluck the petals. With each petal being pulled.
To stay, or not to stay. Repeating the cycle. Five petals were left. Katherine looked at the beautiful nature before her, the full moon between the two mountains. It was a picture-perfect moment. Looking down at the small marble table next to a broken cylinder column she saw it.
It was a rose, many roses on the table. Katherine slowly walked toward the table, dropping the rose she was plucking. Scanning each one, most of them were dried up and dead. The only thing left was a brittle stem. Except for one. One rose was perfect. A beautiful red rose. Like they were all placed for her.
Katherine took a step back, was he alive?
A rustling sound was behind her. The hair on her neck rose. She wasn't alone. The only name came to mind.
"Tom," she whispered.
A presence was closer, unsure if she wanted to look. He wasn't the same age as her anymore. It possibly could be someone else. Being a full moon, anything was possible. Turning around slowly, a figure in a black cloak stood behind her. It disappeared in a puff of smoke; she wasn't able to see its face. Whomever it was did not give her a thrill that Tom did, instead the presence reminded her of death.
Katherine woke up. She was holding her godchild in her arms sitting in the cargo crate. The sway of the boat felt like a large rocker putting her to sleep. The dream was a moment she kind of remembered. Katherine remembered the gala perfectly. It was the start of the war between her and Snape. She knew how much he was hurt that night. It took a full year for him to finally show her how it felt to be hurt. Katherine began to trace the scar on Harry's head, watching the toddler stir from her gentle touch.
The red rose, roses were always her weakness. White roses reminded Katherine of her mother and family. Red roses were stunning. Was Tom still alive? Did she leave him in Britain? Katherine thought of each question, no answer made it's way.
Katherine leaned forward to kiss Harry's cheek. His scent filled her nose, reminding her that Tom was just a part of her past. She needed to focus on the present and thrive for her future. The movement of the boat stopped. Samuel lifted his head; Charity was asleep next to him. He turned toward Katherine.
"America," his whisper was soft. He tried to offer a smile but something seemed off.
Katherine knew Samuel was hesitant with rushing everything. Yet he still was willing to help. He gave the girls a picture of the house. The house that they were planning to live in. The photo would come in handy for Charity, to allow her to use her magic to bring them to the home. Samuel would stay at the house getting everything safe and ready. While the ladies and Harry would make their way toward the Ministry of America. They needed to turn in all the paperwork.
Nothing could go wrong, Katherine kept reminding herself. Every plan worked so far.
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Chapter Thirteen: Registration
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