Author's Note: I made up all of the Hufflepuff girls, save Hannah Abbott. I got this idea from the passage in GoF when a girl tiptoes past with a Bulgaria scarf tied around her waist. Then it blossomed from there. The journal entries are self explanatory, and there is more coming as soon as I organize my thoughts. The development of certain characters is very interesting to try and write. Read at your own risk.
"Come on! Julie Day just told me she saw him heading for the library! He's always hanging about in there; it'll be the perfect time to catch him alone!"
April Yupper excitedly grabbed Marcy Bagnonia's arm, pulling her away from her school books with an energy that she never had in Care of Magical Creatures . As sixth year students, they had a lot work to do that evening, and Marcy was always one to get the hard stuff out of the way. Still, her studious thoughts seemed far away as she absorbed the news and began to shrilly giggle with anticipation.
The two friends dashed down the corridor to the Hufflepuff girls' dormitories and thrust themselves into the room, vying for a spot in front of the mirror. Alison Muster came out of the bathrooms with a towel wrapped around her wet head, and gave a start at the mass of elbowing giddiness in front of the dresser. There was the clear, high voice of the mirror echoing over the mess below, demanding "proper behavior" stuffily .
"What's going on?" asked Alison, unwrapping her hair and perching on the end of a nearby four-poster. Marcy and April stopped short and swung around swiftly.
"It's Viktor Krum! He's been spotted heading for the library, and the correspondents in the bushes near the boat have reported that he told Karkaroff that's e planning to stay for awhile."
"No way! That's so sudden! I'll never have time to get ready!" Alison jumped off the bed and fled towards her wardrobe, pulling robes- all far from Hogwarts regulations- of different colors and styles out and flinging them about the room. Marcy was chattering happily away while trying to match her lip gloss to her eye shadow, and April was flipping through 101 Fresh Looks for the Teen Witch of Today. As she finally found the spell for "Instant Goldilocks" there was a crackling static sound.
"Chick3 to All Units. Subject has taken station in the Library. Subject has taken station in the Library. Over and out." Marcy fingered the bauble dangling on a thin chain from her neck and grinned at Alison's confused face.
"We set up a surveillance system. Members of the fan club have signed up for different shifts and we're all connected by our WT Receivers. He's under constant eye, so we're always ready for a chance to get a meeting. There's also a fund we're working on, to save up for an advanced system that will allow us to set up cameras in his bedroom and shower rooms. It's really a stroke of genius on Hannah Abbot's part. She set up the charms and I began the fund. April keeps the books." April beamed from where she was holding her wand, twisted through knots of her hair, over her head. Alison simply sat back down on the bed, goggling at the two with her mouth hanging wide open.
"That's…that's really…AMAZING! I want to join in!"
"Well, we'll fill you in on the requirements on our way down there. Come on, I can't wait another second!"
April shook her head, newly adorned with silky ringlets, and pursed her lips at the mirror, who insisted that she wipe off some of her rouge. Marcy sprayed some perfume and kissed her miniature figure of Krum (from the World Cup) for good luck. Alison securely tied the knot of her Bulgaria scarf around her waist, and the three set off, talking under their breaths of secrecy charms and entry fees.
Down in the library, however, the mood was not near as light. Harry Potter and Hermione Granger were holed up in a corner, talking in urgent, whispered tones. Behind towering stacks of book, one could view Hermione taking notes and wringing her hands underneath the table. Harry looked like he was a million miles away, and his scar stood out amazingly against his pale white face. Every now and then, Hermione would make a comment and Harry would snap at her, sending her into resentful silence.
The pattern was broken only when Krum walked quietly in. A careful observer would notice the shifty glance that he sent in the direction of the two. He carefully settled himself in a seemingly obscure corner, and yet, the observer would realize the excellent view that the table held of the couple slouched a few yards away. Soon, though, the view was obliterated as Hermione and Harry scooped up their books and hurried away in the general direction of the Gryffindor common room. Hisses of "totally absurd" and "I can only handle so much!" could be heard and Harry steered Hermione away from the group of girls who were tiptoeing into a shelf of books.
Alison watched the more experienced girls with the air of a tiny apprentice, learning from the master of a trade. Marcy grabbed a tool that looked like a hand mirror, but when she whispered at it, some calculations and a tiny diagram showed up.
"It's a Locator," mouthed Marcy. "It shows us the best position to view Viktor from, while still staying hidden." Alison nodded, in awe, and turned her head as a group of loudly whispering second year Ravenclaw's went to stand at the bookshelf directly behind Krum's head. He noticed, and turned back to his book with a scowl.
"Amateurs," scoffed Marcy, and April cooed her agreement, petting her hair. In an instant, Marcy, April and Alison were standing, concealed by a large potted plant, and Alison was amazed to see that, while she had a perfect look at Viktor, he couldn't see her at all. She turned to tell this to April and Marcy, but they were having a conference behind purple, leafy branch.
"Those idiot girls put him in a bad mood, so we would attempt direct contact today. But, his profile is lighted in such a optimal way…" Marcy allowed herself a second to swoon, then she snapped back to business. "We'll expand that visual profile today."
The camera equipment was impressive, to say the least. While she fitted the silencing apparatus onto her hand-held, April twisted one of her curls absently around her figure, murmuring about "passion-filled eyes that bore right into her soul". Marcy flipped through a book of film choices, and finally chose a soft touch, black and white set that was easily manipulated by the editing services they had in their dorm. With a couple of charms and a final click, everything was ready.
Alison could only sit, silently watching, as the two set off on an adventure of film and angles. There were shots of the hair, the chest, the stomach, the face (from as many different views as possible) and the whole of them together. To add to the "Hobbies and Interests" file they had going, they did close-ups of the text he was reading. The entire flutter of activity took about ten minutes, followed by an exhalation of exhaustion from Marcy.
"Wow. I mean WOW. I got some GREAT ab shots today," exclaimed Marcy, and the formally task driven girls collapsed into giggles once more. Deciding to pack out for the day, the girls disassembled their many devices and strutted out of the library with seductive grins.
"That was so much fun," breathed Alison, once they were safely in the corridor. Marcy conspiratorially put an arm around her shoulder.
"Just wait until we DEVELOP it."
(*)
November 21
Today was another "close, but nothing more" type of day. I spent all morning trying to rationalize myself away from my feelings, and did a number of boring things, attempting to take my mind off of it. After I had cleaned my bunk, did ALL of the extra work that was sent along, did 1000 push ups and spent three hours in the lake, I still couldn't stand still. I ran into Karkaroff, and he had another pep talk to give me. I managed not to haul off and punch him when he began talking about "goody good Hogwarts brats". I hope I have enough control next time. After that, I finally folded and went inside. It was warm and, for some reason, it smelled like her. The whole castle. Smelled exactly like her. I headed straight for the library, just like always. I doubt I'll ever get used to the way they run things here, though. The suits of armor kept whispering, and I swear a couple of the tapestries moved as I passed. But anyway, I made it to the library, and wouldn't you know, she was there with HIM. My only consolation is the fact that he looked like death on feet. If only the concern in her eyes whenever she looks at him would leave, then I would feel a little bit better. But no, it's there. He treats her so badly, too. He snapped at her as I was coming in. She looked stung, and I wanted to go and teach him how to talk to a woman like her. Or possibly just teach what would happen if I caught him doing it wrong again. But my nerves of steel held up. One doesn't go around swimming in glacier water and gather nothing from the experience. They left almost as soon as I got there. I'm afraid the attention that keeps following me around irritates her. But I don't know how to stop it. I can't stop anything anymore. Especially my feelings. It's the most helpless feeling in the world. I don't think I've been more pleased to feel helpless. Although, I think that it may make you begin to lose your mind. A bunch of little things, but they add up. While I was in the library, I'm sure I heard a tree talking. A tiny voice, like a whisper, but it was there. Is it some odd Hogwarts thing? Also, I cleaned my bunk this morning, and now I'm seeing all sorts of things all switched around, like my crate of trophies and, the really weird one, my underwear drawer. I think I'm missing some boxers, too. But if it's what comes with being crazy about her, I'll take it. Maybe I just need some sleep. Goodnight.
(*)
"Bright blue, imported silk, rather small waistband, and his initials are monogrammed on the hem of the right leg. Soft, newly cleaned, and we're running some chemical tests to see exactly how often he wore them." Marcy importantly waved the fan club's newest treat, a pair of boxers, right from his drawer. The girls who had borrowed them had come back with exciting stories and an extensive file of pictures. The emergency meeting had brought several new members, and the dormitory was stuffed full of people.
"Now, we need to begin planning on the support package we're planning to send to Viktor before the first task. I was thinking the some sort of flowers will be in due, and we'll need representatives from the arts and literature divisions to compose poems and draw inspiring pictures. Perhaps someone who is good with charms could whip some sort of pleasant smell to waft about. Candies, maybe? Ideas should be brought to the next meeting. Also, I'm thinking of possibly conducting some tests, just to be sure that only the most devoted Viktor Krum fans are joining us in this venture. It is, after all, a top notch gig, and we need top quality people out there helping us. So be thinking about how to best prove your love. That's all for today, thank you."
Marcy and April conferred importantly at the head of the crowd, which was nervously whispering about the ominous tests. A couple younger girls suddenly stood up and left, muttering about "obsessions going to far". Marcy simply looking smug.
"I can thank them for proving my point," she said, loud enough for a few around her to hear. "They obviously did not grasp the importance of our mission. We're better off without them." April nodded solemnly, and Alison followed the older girls as they went down the steps and rounded the common room, discussing the treasury and the newest camera system that Zonko's had put out. The question was, did the system stand up to the standards required? It was really made for pranksters, but they knew that Fred and George Weasley, two of the most notorious pranksters in the history of Hogwarts, had put several Zonko's products to the test, and they had always withstood.
Alison noticed, in the course of the conversation, that Marcy and April were both looking very stressed. The conditions and demands of being the founders of such a fan club were obviously harsh and tiring. Knowing just the thing to help them relax, Alison dashed to the large portrait in the dorm. Whispering the password (Passion Pits), she stood back to allow the picture to slide down into the wall, revealing the large filing cabinet full of picture after picture of Viktor Krum himself. Choosing a meaty file marked HOT HOT HOT, she ran back down and nearly knocked over April and Marcy, who were starting on their fifth time around the room.
"Young Alison. Calm yourself," said Marcy gravely. Alison flushed and held out the file as if it were a peace offering.
"I knew that you were feeling a bit low, and thought some pleasure viewing might help you to relax." Alison kept her eyes reverently lowered until she felt the warmth of a grin on the back of her neck.
"How very clever of you. Perhaps this is the remedy I needed. Come Alison, April. Shall we?" Then, losing her cool as she always did when dealing first hand with footage of Krum, she dissolved into giggles as she and the other girls flipped through the pictures of their oblivious, beautiful idol.
(*)
November 24
Well, it's over. Karkaroff was right, of course. Dragons it was, and MAN was it DRAGONS. I should be pleased, I know; I did fairly well. First place is nothing scoff at…except when you're sharing it with HIM. Ugh, you have know idea how much I hated seeing our scores match up. I'd rather be a hundred points behind him than share a place with him. Maybe my anger isn't healthy, but it sure gives me something to fight for out there. She was there. The whole school was there, of course she was there. Right before I went out, a package was delivered to me by a house elf who was wearing red hearts pinned all over his normal outfit. It was full of hearts and smelly stuff and paintings and poems, all professing love, and for a wild second, I dreamed it was from her. But of course her signature wasn't among those other ridiculous loopy things. Her signature could never be loopy. It's got to be small and no nonsense. Of course it would be. I threw the whole lot away, angry at myself and at the pathetic children who had sent it. I never even speak, why don't they just take a hint and leave me alone! I doubt I would care if it didn't infuriate her; it's never bothered me before, but I've never had her in my life before. I keep going to the damn library and sitting the damn corner and I never say a damn word. WHY? I know why. Because I go out onto the field and I run around- I dip and curse and run and dare and grab an egg and then run for my life- I run around and I do it all for her. Every second I know she's watching and so I try to do my best. And when it's all over it's his tent she's running to, his arms she's happily hugging, and his egg that she exclaims over. Why should I live in the shadow of a tiny runt who has everything I've ever dreamed and still finds things to complain about? I wouldn't do it, if it weren't for her. One day, I'm going to sweep her off her feet. Or at least say hello.
(*)
There was a pounding of feet as a third year girl fled, sobbing, from the headquarters, where a tense meeting was going on. Inside several girls were crying as Marcy stood above them, quite red in the face.
"We aren't TRYING hard enough! The members who were the key players in the assembly of the packages have been removed, and I am raising the standards for this organization! There will be no more of this silly schoolgirl stuff. We are here for results, and I will not rest until one of our exclusive members has had personal contact with Viktor! You, you, and you. OUT!"
Marcy waved her impressive hand around the room, and three more girls sped away, gasping for air as tears flooded their faces. The news had just come in that Krum had not enjoyed the package they had assembled- he hadn't even kept it! Of course, there was something beneath the surface, and the girls had simply failed to strike the right nerve. They would just eliminate the original problem and do better with a higher quality work team next time.
The tiny fan club that had started out with two giggly girls had evolved into something large and structural. The business-like members were strict and rarely allowed themselves to enjoy the fruits of their labor; everything was about making it to the next level. Alison, who had managed to stay on Marcy's good side, was a gopher of sorts, but this meant that she was always on the inside of the newest plans from the diabolical Head-of-Club.
"I've had my eye on that Lauren Kennedy girl for awhile now. She's super-devoted, and she has just the type of pixie build that Krum would go for."
"Yes, but can she deal with the pressures of actually talking to, befriending, and seducing Viktor without folding?" April solemnly asked. Marcy pondered this while adjusting her bra strap.
"I think she could. A few beauty potions and some training, and we might have our candidate." Alison dared to question.
"Candidate for what?" she piped from behind. Marcy and April turned on their heels and stared down at her.
"Do you have my peppermint tea?" asked April sharply. Alison held it out timidly, then looked imploringly up. Marcy sighed in relegation.
"We're going to chose a young girl, fix her up, and send her out to woo Viktor. Once she has him entranced, she will gather personal information and plant visual/audio devices in his room and other places. That will pave the way for other members to introduce themselves. One of the better of us will end up with Krum as our date to the Yule Ball." Alison shuddered with the danger and excitement of the plan.
"Sounds wonderful!" she gushed. Marcy sniffed appreciatively.
"It does, doesn't it?"
(*)
December 17
I don't believe it. I really don't believe it. I talked to her. Had a conversation, asked a question, got an answer. She gorgeous, the way she talks and the way she blushes. She actually blushed when I began talking to her! I was going to try and ham it up, very cool, maybe play the Famous Quidditch Player card, but as soon as I was standing in front of her, I knew it wouldn't work that way with her. So I actually told her the truth, about how I'd be coming there to see her, how I liked her a lot, how I couldn't stand the girls who were always chasing me around. I asked her to come to the Ball with me, and listen to this: she smiled, touched my arm, and said 'yes' in the prettiest voice I ever heard. Up until that point, I had been terribly afraid it was all just a dream. I'm going to the Yule Ball with her. I cannot believe that neither of those horrible children she's always playing around with didn't snatch her up first. Didn't they know the treasure that was hiding right under their noses? What fools, but I love them for being fools, because now I have a chance to open up to the only girl I've ever loved. I think I love her. How extremely frightening. The day was almost perfect, but one of those terrible children managed to ruin it for me. She was a wisp of a thing, and she walked up right as Hermione was leaving. She was wearing an outfit I would never wish upon anyone, certainly not in winter, and had thick make-up caked all over her face. She asked me to go to the Ball with her, and I tried to gracefully refuse, but she accused me of playing coy! With the look on her face, I half expected her to purr and pounce, but she just sashayed away, wiggling these non-existent hips, and when she passed me, she pinched me on my behind! I swear she did, and I jumped way away, but she just grinned and waved and walked away, wiggling again. I'm getting to the point of fear when it comes to these annoying kids. But I'll deal with one thousand of them, if it means I get to see her again.
(*)
She sat in the middle of the circle, crying silently. Marcy and April prowled around and around, glaring her down. The rest of the dwindling members were bunched in groups outside of the action, watching with bated breath. Mission: Bare All had failed, and the tiny, fourteen-year-old Lauren Kennedy was being publicly punished, as an example for the other members of the club.
"I- I- I- I TRIED!" wailed Lauren, but Marcy was remaining dangerously calm. "He said he w- w- was going wit-wit-with s-s-someone else!"
"Did he say who?" snapped April, her eyes flashing. Lauren wordlessly shook her head back and forth, much longer than was necessary to make her point. As Marcy pulled herself a little closer to the Lauren, a few girls slipped quietly out the door, never to return. The action was becoming more and more frequent everyday.
"Well," spoke Marcy finally, in icy tones. "I guess we now know that we need to more vigorously select our sisters in our mission. Lauren, you are dismissed."
"FINE!" she screamed, throwing her ILuvKrum button down on the floor. Marcy jumped back. "I never knew a fan club could be so tyrannical! Next thing I know you'll be holed up in a little Jeep, hysterically going on about KILLING YOUR BEST FRIEND!!!" Pureblooded Marcy was lost on the obscure analogy, but several Muggle borns were biting down on snickers as Lauren ran away.
"I'm glad to get rid of her!" declared Marcy of her former favorite club member. April nodded firmly, and one of the seventh years in the back raised her hand nervously.
"Er- I was wondering…don't you think you're…well, you're…don't you see how hard you're being? Maybe if we relaxed a little, and had a little more fun with it…" She trailed off awkwardly.
"Oh, I see. You all want some fun and games," said Marcy as the girls nodded their heads, relieved she was getting the point. "Fun and games, fun and games, FUN AND GAMES? We are in a competitive business here, my friends! We could be like those fools in the other houses, who sit around and giggle and talk about his bum all day, but they are getting NO GRATIFICATION for their efforts! We have file after file of pictures, we have footage, we have a BLEEDING PAIR OF HIS BOXERS! If you want fun and games, then go form your own club. You can read Witch Weekly and sip butterbeer and giggle yourselves to tears, but I am going to stay here with my nose to the grindstone and GET SOME RESULTS! They can take our dignity, but they can never take those pictures we have of him in the shower!" A ringing cheer rose up from the brave girls who had remained. The club was back in business, and huge results were on their way.
When we return: The Yule Ball, the Fan Club's reactions to it, and the drama underneath the drama at the Third Task.
"Come on! Julie Day just told me she saw him heading for the library! He's always hanging about in there; it'll be the perfect time to catch him alone!"
April Yupper excitedly grabbed Marcy Bagnonia's arm, pulling her away from her school books with an energy that she never had in Care of Magical Creatures . As sixth year students, they had a lot work to do that evening, and Marcy was always one to get the hard stuff out of the way. Still, her studious thoughts seemed far away as she absorbed the news and began to shrilly giggle with anticipation.
The two friends dashed down the corridor to the Hufflepuff girls' dormitories and thrust themselves into the room, vying for a spot in front of the mirror. Alison Muster came out of the bathrooms with a towel wrapped around her wet head, and gave a start at the mass of elbowing giddiness in front of the dresser. There was the clear, high voice of the mirror echoing over the mess below, demanding "proper behavior" stuffily .
"What's going on?" asked Alison, unwrapping her hair and perching on the end of a nearby four-poster. Marcy and April stopped short and swung around swiftly.
"It's Viktor Krum! He's been spotted heading for the library, and the correspondents in the bushes near the boat have reported that he told Karkaroff that's e planning to stay for awhile."
"No way! That's so sudden! I'll never have time to get ready!" Alison jumped off the bed and fled towards her wardrobe, pulling robes- all far from Hogwarts regulations- of different colors and styles out and flinging them about the room. Marcy was chattering happily away while trying to match her lip gloss to her eye shadow, and April was flipping through 101 Fresh Looks for the Teen Witch of Today. As she finally found the spell for "Instant Goldilocks" there was a crackling static sound.
"Chick3 to All Units. Subject has taken station in the Library. Subject has taken station in the Library. Over and out." Marcy fingered the bauble dangling on a thin chain from her neck and grinned at Alison's confused face.
"We set up a surveillance system. Members of the fan club have signed up for different shifts and we're all connected by our WT Receivers. He's under constant eye, so we're always ready for a chance to get a meeting. There's also a fund we're working on, to save up for an advanced system that will allow us to set up cameras in his bedroom and shower rooms. It's really a stroke of genius on Hannah Abbot's part. She set up the charms and I began the fund. April keeps the books." April beamed from where she was holding her wand, twisted through knots of her hair, over her head. Alison simply sat back down on the bed, goggling at the two with her mouth hanging wide open.
"That's…that's really…AMAZING! I want to join in!"
"Well, we'll fill you in on the requirements on our way down there. Come on, I can't wait another second!"
April shook her head, newly adorned with silky ringlets, and pursed her lips at the mirror, who insisted that she wipe off some of her rouge. Marcy sprayed some perfume and kissed her miniature figure of Krum (from the World Cup) for good luck. Alison securely tied the knot of her Bulgaria scarf around her waist, and the three set off, talking under their breaths of secrecy charms and entry fees.
Down in the library, however, the mood was not near as light. Harry Potter and Hermione Granger were holed up in a corner, talking in urgent, whispered tones. Behind towering stacks of book, one could view Hermione taking notes and wringing her hands underneath the table. Harry looked like he was a million miles away, and his scar stood out amazingly against his pale white face. Every now and then, Hermione would make a comment and Harry would snap at her, sending her into resentful silence.
The pattern was broken only when Krum walked quietly in. A careful observer would notice the shifty glance that he sent in the direction of the two. He carefully settled himself in a seemingly obscure corner, and yet, the observer would realize the excellent view that the table held of the couple slouched a few yards away. Soon, though, the view was obliterated as Hermione and Harry scooped up their books and hurried away in the general direction of the Gryffindor common room. Hisses of "totally absurd" and "I can only handle so much!" could be heard and Harry steered Hermione away from the group of girls who were tiptoeing into a shelf of books.
Alison watched the more experienced girls with the air of a tiny apprentice, learning from the master of a trade. Marcy grabbed a tool that looked like a hand mirror, but when she whispered at it, some calculations and a tiny diagram showed up.
"It's a Locator," mouthed Marcy. "It shows us the best position to view Viktor from, while still staying hidden." Alison nodded, in awe, and turned her head as a group of loudly whispering second year Ravenclaw's went to stand at the bookshelf directly behind Krum's head. He noticed, and turned back to his book with a scowl.
"Amateurs," scoffed Marcy, and April cooed her agreement, petting her hair. In an instant, Marcy, April and Alison were standing, concealed by a large potted plant, and Alison was amazed to see that, while she had a perfect look at Viktor, he couldn't see her at all. She turned to tell this to April and Marcy, but they were having a conference behind purple, leafy branch.
"Those idiot girls put him in a bad mood, so we would attempt direct contact today. But, his profile is lighted in such a optimal way…" Marcy allowed herself a second to swoon, then she snapped back to business. "We'll expand that visual profile today."
The camera equipment was impressive, to say the least. While she fitted the silencing apparatus onto her hand-held, April twisted one of her curls absently around her figure, murmuring about "passion-filled eyes that bore right into her soul". Marcy flipped through a book of film choices, and finally chose a soft touch, black and white set that was easily manipulated by the editing services they had in their dorm. With a couple of charms and a final click, everything was ready.
Alison could only sit, silently watching, as the two set off on an adventure of film and angles. There were shots of the hair, the chest, the stomach, the face (from as many different views as possible) and the whole of them together. To add to the "Hobbies and Interests" file they had going, they did close-ups of the text he was reading. The entire flutter of activity took about ten minutes, followed by an exhalation of exhaustion from Marcy.
"Wow. I mean WOW. I got some GREAT ab shots today," exclaimed Marcy, and the formally task driven girls collapsed into giggles once more. Deciding to pack out for the day, the girls disassembled their many devices and strutted out of the library with seductive grins.
"That was so much fun," breathed Alison, once they were safely in the corridor. Marcy conspiratorially put an arm around her shoulder.
"Just wait until we DEVELOP it."
(*)
November 21
Today was another "close, but nothing more" type of day. I spent all morning trying to rationalize myself away from my feelings, and did a number of boring things, attempting to take my mind off of it. After I had cleaned my bunk, did ALL of the extra work that was sent along, did 1000 push ups and spent three hours in the lake, I still couldn't stand still. I ran into Karkaroff, and he had another pep talk to give me. I managed not to haul off and punch him when he began talking about "goody good Hogwarts brats". I hope I have enough control next time. After that, I finally folded and went inside. It was warm and, for some reason, it smelled like her. The whole castle. Smelled exactly like her. I headed straight for the library, just like always. I doubt I'll ever get used to the way they run things here, though. The suits of armor kept whispering, and I swear a couple of the tapestries moved as I passed. But anyway, I made it to the library, and wouldn't you know, she was there with HIM. My only consolation is the fact that he looked like death on feet. If only the concern in her eyes whenever she looks at him would leave, then I would feel a little bit better. But no, it's there. He treats her so badly, too. He snapped at her as I was coming in. She looked stung, and I wanted to go and teach him how to talk to a woman like her. Or possibly just teach what would happen if I caught him doing it wrong again. But my nerves of steel held up. One doesn't go around swimming in glacier water and gather nothing from the experience. They left almost as soon as I got there. I'm afraid the attention that keeps following me around irritates her. But I don't know how to stop it. I can't stop anything anymore. Especially my feelings. It's the most helpless feeling in the world. I don't think I've been more pleased to feel helpless. Although, I think that it may make you begin to lose your mind. A bunch of little things, but they add up. While I was in the library, I'm sure I heard a tree talking. A tiny voice, like a whisper, but it was there. Is it some odd Hogwarts thing? Also, I cleaned my bunk this morning, and now I'm seeing all sorts of things all switched around, like my crate of trophies and, the really weird one, my underwear drawer. I think I'm missing some boxers, too. But if it's what comes with being crazy about her, I'll take it. Maybe I just need some sleep. Goodnight.
(*)
"Bright blue, imported silk, rather small waistband, and his initials are monogrammed on the hem of the right leg. Soft, newly cleaned, and we're running some chemical tests to see exactly how often he wore them." Marcy importantly waved the fan club's newest treat, a pair of boxers, right from his drawer. The girls who had borrowed them had come back with exciting stories and an extensive file of pictures. The emergency meeting had brought several new members, and the dormitory was stuffed full of people.
"Now, we need to begin planning on the support package we're planning to send to Viktor before the first task. I was thinking the some sort of flowers will be in due, and we'll need representatives from the arts and literature divisions to compose poems and draw inspiring pictures. Perhaps someone who is good with charms could whip some sort of pleasant smell to waft about. Candies, maybe? Ideas should be brought to the next meeting. Also, I'm thinking of possibly conducting some tests, just to be sure that only the most devoted Viktor Krum fans are joining us in this venture. It is, after all, a top notch gig, and we need top quality people out there helping us. So be thinking about how to best prove your love. That's all for today, thank you."
Marcy and April conferred importantly at the head of the crowd, which was nervously whispering about the ominous tests. A couple younger girls suddenly stood up and left, muttering about "obsessions going to far". Marcy simply looking smug.
"I can thank them for proving my point," she said, loud enough for a few around her to hear. "They obviously did not grasp the importance of our mission. We're better off without them." April nodded solemnly, and Alison followed the older girls as they went down the steps and rounded the common room, discussing the treasury and the newest camera system that Zonko's had put out. The question was, did the system stand up to the standards required? It was really made for pranksters, but they knew that Fred and George Weasley, two of the most notorious pranksters in the history of Hogwarts, had put several Zonko's products to the test, and they had always withstood.
Alison noticed, in the course of the conversation, that Marcy and April were both looking very stressed. The conditions and demands of being the founders of such a fan club were obviously harsh and tiring. Knowing just the thing to help them relax, Alison dashed to the large portrait in the dorm. Whispering the password (Passion Pits), she stood back to allow the picture to slide down into the wall, revealing the large filing cabinet full of picture after picture of Viktor Krum himself. Choosing a meaty file marked HOT HOT HOT, she ran back down and nearly knocked over April and Marcy, who were starting on their fifth time around the room.
"Young Alison. Calm yourself," said Marcy gravely. Alison flushed and held out the file as if it were a peace offering.
"I knew that you were feeling a bit low, and thought some pleasure viewing might help you to relax." Alison kept her eyes reverently lowered until she felt the warmth of a grin on the back of her neck.
"How very clever of you. Perhaps this is the remedy I needed. Come Alison, April. Shall we?" Then, losing her cool as she always did when dealing first hand with footage of Krum, she dissolved into giggles as she and the other girls flipped through the pictures of their oblivious, beautiful idol.
(*)
November 24
Well, it's over. Karkaroff was right, of course. Dragons it was, and MAN was it DRAGONS. I should be pleased, I know; I did fairly well. First place is nothing scoff at…except when you're sharing it with HIM. Ugh, you have know idea how much I hated seeing our scores match up. I'd rather be a hundred points behind him than share a place with him. Maybe my anger isn't healthy, but it sure gives me something to fight for out there. She was there. The whole school was there, of course she was there. Right before I went out, a package was delivered to me by a house elf who was wearing red hearts pinned all over his normal outfit. It was full of hearts and smelly stuff and paintings and poems, all professing love, and for a wild second, I dreamed it was from her. But of course her signature wasn't among those other ridiculous loopy things. Her signature could never be loopy. It's got to be small and no nonsense. Of course it would be. I threw the whole lot away, angry at myself and at the pathetic children who had sent it. I never even speak, why don't they just take a hint and leave me alone! I doubt I would care if it didn't infuriate her; it's never bothered me before, but I've never had her in my life before. I keep going to the damn library and sitting the damn corner and I never say a damn word. WHY? I know why. Because I go out onto the field and I run around- I dip and curse and run and dare and grab an egg and then run for my life- I run around and I do it all for her. Every second I know she's watching and so I try to do my best. And when it's all over it's his tent she's running to, his arms she's happily hugging, and his egg that she exclaims over. Why should I live in the shadow of a tiny runt who has everything I've ever dreamed and still finds things to complain about? I wouldn't do it, if it weren't for her. One day, I'm going to sweep her off her feet. Or at least say hello.
(*)
There was a pounding of feet as a third year girl fled, sobbing, from the headquarters, where a tense meeting was going on. Inside several girls were crying as Marcy stood above them, quite red in the face.
"We aren't TRYING hard enough! The members who were the key players in the assembly of the packages have been removed, and I am raising the standards for this organization! There will be no more of this silly schoolgirl stuff. We are here for results, and I will not rest until one of our exclusive members has had personal contact with Viktor! You, you, and you. OUT!"
Marcy waved her impressive hand around the room, and three more girls sped away, gasping for air as tears flooded their faces. The news had just come in that Krum had not enjoyed the package they had assembled- he hadn't even kept it! Of course, there was something beneath the surface, and the girls had simply failed to strike the right nerve. They would just eliminate the original problem and do better with a higher quality work team next time.
The tiny fan club that had started out with two giggly girls had evolved into something large and structural. The business-like members were strict and rarely allowed themselves to enjoy the fruits of their labor; everything was about making it to the next level. Alison, who had managed to stay on Marcy's good side, was a gopher of sorts, but this meant that she was always on the inside of the newest plans from the diabolical Head-of-Club.
"I've had my eye on that Lauren Kennedy girl for awhile now. She's super-devoted, and she has just the type of pixie build that Krum would go for."
"Yes, but can she deal with the pressures of actually talking to, befriending, and seducing Viktor without folding?" April solemnly asked. Marcy pondered this while adjusting her bra strap.
"I think she could. A few beauty potions and some training, and we might have our candidate." Alison dared to question.
"Candidate for what?" she piped from behind. Marcy and April turned on their heels and stared down at her.
"Do you have my peppermint tea?" asked April sharply. Alison held it out timidly, then looked imploringly up. Marcy sighed in relegation.
"We're going to chose a young girl, fix her up, and send her out to woo Viktor. Once she has him entranced, she will gather personal information and plant visual/audio devices in his room and other places. That will pave the way for other members to introduce themselves. One of the better of us will end up with Krum as our date to the Yule Ball." Alison shuddered with the danger and excitement of the plan.
"Sounds wonderful!" she gushed. Marcy sniffed appreciatively.
"It does, doesn't it?"
(*)
December 17
I don't believe it. I really don't believe it. I talked to her. Had a conversation, asked a question, got an answer. She gorgeous, the way she talks and the way she blushes. She actually blushed when I began talking to her! I was going to try and ham it up, very cool, maybe play the Famous Quidditch Player card, but as soon as I was standing in front of her, I knew it wouldn't work that way with her. So I actually told her the truth, about how I'd be coming there to see her, how I liked her a lot, how I couldn't stand the girls who were always chasing me around. I asked her to come to the Ball with me, and listen to this: she smiled, touched my arm, and said 'yes' in the prettiest voice I ever heard. Up until that point, I had been terribly afraid it was all just a dream. I'm going to the Yule Ball with her. I cannot believe that neither of those horrible children she's always playing around with didn't snatch her up first. Didn't they know the treasure that was hiding right under their noses? What fools, but I love them for being fools, because now I have a chance to open up to the only girl I've ever loved. I think I love her. How extremely frightening. The day was almost perfect, but one of those terrible children managed to ruin it for me. She was a wisp of a thing, and she walked up right as Hermione was leaving. She was wearing an outfit I would never wish upon anyone, certainly not in winter, and had thick make-up caked all over her face. She asked me to go to the Ball with her, and I tried to gracefully refuse, but she accused me of playing coy! With the look on her face, I half expected her to purr and pounce, but she just sashayed away, wiggling these non-existent hips, and when she passed me, she pinched me on my behind! I swear she did, and I jumped way away, but she just grinned and waved and walked away, wiggling again. I'm getting to the point of fear when it comes to these annoying kids. But I'll deal with one thousand of them, if it means I get to see her again.
(*)
She sat in the middle of the circle, crying silently. Marcy and April prowled around and around, glaring her down. The rest of the dwindling members were bunched in groups outside of the action, watching with bated breath. Mission: Bare All had failed, and the tiny, fourteen-year-old Lauren Kennedy was being publicly punished, as an example for the other members of the club.
"I- I- I- I TRIED!" wailed Lauren, but Marcy was remaining dangerously calm. "He said he w- w- was going wit-wit-with s-s-someone else!"
"Did he say who?" snapped April, her eyes flashing. Lauren wordlessly shook her head back and forth, much longer than was necessary to make her point. As Marcy pulled herself a little closer to the Lauren, a few girls slipped quietly out the door, never to return. The action was becoming more and more frequent everyday.
"Well," spoke Marcy finally, in icy tones. "I guess we now know that we need to more vigorously select our sisters in our mission. Lauren, you are dismissed."
"FINE!" she screamed, throwing her ILuvKrum button down on the floor. Marcy jumped back. "I never knew a fan club could be so tyrannical! Next thing I know you'll be holed up in a little Jeep, hysterically going on about KILLING YOUR BEST FRIEND!!!" Pureblooded Marcy was lost on the obscure analogy, but several Muggle borns were biting down on snickers as Lauren ran away.
"I'm glad to get rid of her!" declared Marcy of her former favorite club member. April nodded firmly, and one of the seventh years in the back raised her hand nervously.
"Er- I was wondering…don't you think you're…well, you're…don't you see how hard you're being? Maybe if we relaxed a little, and had a little more fun with it…" She trailed off awkwardly.
"Oh, I see. You all want some fun and games," said Marcy as the girls nodded their heads, relieved she was getting the point. "Fun and games, fun and games, FUN AND GAMES? We are in a competitive business here, my friends! We could be like those fools in the other houses, who sit around and giggle and talk about his bum all day, but they are getting NO GRATIFICATION for their efforts! We have file after file of pictures, we have footage, we have a BLEEDING PAIR OF HIS BOXERS! If you want fun and games, then go form your own club. You can read Witch Weekly and sip butterbeer and giggle yourselves to tears, but I am going to stay here with my nose to the grindstone and GET SOME RESULTS! They can take our dignity, but they can never take those pictures we have of him in the shower!" A ringing cheer rose up from the brave girls who had remained. The club was back in business, and huge results were on their way.
When we return: The Yule Ball, the Fan Club's reactions to it, and the drama underneath the drama at the Third Task.