AN: Thanks to all the reviews!! I am so glad so many people like this
story!
Mark Of The Snake
Chapter 6: Trouble With Emotions
Written by: V Lynne
echoinghearts@yahoo.com
~ ~ ~
Sebastian was cursing under his breath again, Roe noticed, as she walked into the DADA classroom that unfortunately was the other class period they shared with the Slytherins. The red head's curse was directed at the table that held the unmistakable body of Malfoy, though Sebastian's curse was more in the form of words not to be repeated in front of younger years rather than a actual curse spell. Pulling out the chair to sit next to him, his eyes focused elsewhere she saw the Etienne was in their class sitting next to Trey in the second row that she smiled over at him.
"Keep cursing at him, 'Bastian, and your face is going to turn into that scowl that we won't know the difference between you and Snape." James commented, sitting on the other side of Sebastian.
Snapping out of it, Sebastian gave a shrug.
"I swear I am going to pay him back for that green wart spell."
"It's been two days, 'Bastian, give it a rest. You are fine, the rest of the Gryffindors are fine and we have a Quidditch game tomorrow. Put your mind on more important matters."
Sebastian raised both eyebrows at Roe's mature tone and James looked just as surprised by how Roe was acting. Following her eyes to the Slytherin table, as Gryffindor sat on one side of the class and Slytherin on the other, Sebastian let a smile appear on his face at just who had Roe's undivided attention.
"So, Roe, tell me what did we do last class?" Sebastian wondered, having James see just what he was getting at as Roe sat down and took out her parchments.
"Huh?"
Sebastian's grin widened at her absent-minded answer.
"What color are Etienne's eyes?"
Catching on to what Sebastian was getting at James saw Roe reply without a single real acknowledgement of what she was answering.
"Green, sometimes with gold flecks in them," Roe dutifully replied then cleared her head and stared at Sebastian, "what?"
He was chuckling at her as James had a laughing grin on his mouth.
"Someone got a crush?"
The question came from in front of them by Ian McDonald, who had Wynter sitting next to him.
"I do not have a crush. I do not get crushes."
Wynter nodded, not believing it for a minute.
"Right," Sebastian said.
"Oh, pay attention to Harry, 'Bastian."
As Harry, or Professor Potter as they called him in class, opened the discussion on the right and wrong curses that could be used to command a person to do another's bidding Roe pulled her attention back to the lecture and ignored the feeling that she just might have a crush on the Beauxbatons student. But how can that be, Roe wondered biting her lower lip in concentration, I like James, don't I? But, her mind reasoned, you have been spending the last couple of days with the Frenchie and he is all that and a bag of chips, as what one of her friends from America would say. Though James was no slough in the looks department and how embarrassing that Sebastian and James had caught her staring at Etienne. A faint blush appeared on her cheeks and she heard her name being called that broke her thought pattern.
"Miss Granger? Could you please tell us what spell is used to protect you from dementors?"
Roe pulled together her mind and said the correct answer.
"Expecto Patronum."
"Correct," Harry's attention went back to the rest of the class and Roe sighed.
"Did he interrupt some deep thought, Roe?" James teased quietly.
"Funny, Jamie."
The class was to be put into pairs to go over the correct spells for warding off unwanted magical creatures that Harry had to direct that it had to be mixed house groups. He knew that they hated that, as he had in school, but Dumbledore was still stuck on trying to get peace between the houses especially Slytherin and Gryffindor.
"Alright, I want Mr. Weasley and Miss Montague, Mr. Malfoy and Miss Granger, Mr. Montigny and Mr. Potter, ….."
Groaning that she would have words with her godfather after class with putting her with Malfoy, she gathered her things, as he made not a single move to come over to where she sat and headed to the vacant seat left by Ebony. Opening her parchments on the different spells to use, she saw that Malfoy was leaning back in his chair with a lazy smirk on his face. In front of Roe were James and Etienne that she wondered why she couldn't have been paired with Etienne or even Ebony was better than putting up with arrogant Malfoy.
"Are you going to work?" Roe demanded, as he leaned forward in his chair, righting his position from having the chair on two of the four legs before.
"Thought that was your department, Granger."
"It's a group effort or do you have wax in your ears?"
Standing, Malfoy was a head taller than she was, and she just ignored him until he leaned over her and snatched her parchment from the light resting in her hand.
"Hey!" Roe protested as he examined the spells she had wrote down and at her verbal outburst it, both James and Etienne turned around.
"What are you looking at, Potter?" Malfoy sneered.
"Nothing." James replied, sending a searching look at Roe.
"I'm fine, Jamie." Roe told him and then pulled the parchment out of Malfoy's hands.
"How are we to work when you are so possessive?" Malfoy casually asked, seeing her fold her arms as she sat back down and went over her notes.
"Well since obviously you were too busy doing who knows what with Ebony over here and didn't take notes I don't see why I need to share mine other than to let Professor Potter think you know what you are doing."
"You wound me, Granger, really, straight to the heart." Malfoy leaned his back against the table to observe her.
"You have one of those? Will wonders never cease?"
Malfoy put a hand on the table and brought his body forward so that she had to sit back in her chair to avoid him touching her head with his chest.
"You and Montigny seem to be getting along rather well," Malfoy taunted, "given up on Potter?"
"Have nothing better to do than to wonder about my life?"
"You are a constant source of amusement for me, Granger, you and that pathetic band of friends you have that think you are so much better than everyone else."
"We do?" Roe was now angered at his insulting tone and stood so that with him bending the way he was she was taller, "if that isn't the pot calling the kettle black. Look in the mirror when you insinuate something you are more guilty of than anyone else in this school."
"Not me, Granger, I don't pretend to be something I'm not."
"Oh and you are saying that I do."
"What's that charming saying you used the other day, 'If the shoe fits'."
"Why you….."
Roe made to use her wand against him but he instantly put his hand over hers, locking it to the table top and stopping any further incident that might draw people's curious stares their way.
"Careful, Granger, you don't want people to think you can't take a little criticism what ever would Dumbledore say when he goes over who to make Head Girl next year? A volatile girl isn't exactly Head Girl material."
"To bad your mother didn't drown you at birth, Malfoy, then I wouldn't have to put up with you."
"But then your life here wouldn't be nearly as interesting. Or that we'd meet at the most interesting times, now would we?" Malfoy lowered his tone and put his mouth near his ear but to the rest of the class it looked like they were really in a deep debate over the spells, "still think about that kiss, Granger?"
Swallowing, her throat suddenly dry, she removed her hand from under his and glared at him.
"I've had better, Malfoy."
For the rest of class they went over their parchments until the bell chimed and Roe made a direct exit out of class. Not letting him get to her, she swore she wouldn't let that slimy git do that to her, not again she felt a hand go on her shoulder and swung, to have Etienne duck at her hand full of books.
"Ohmigod, Etienne, I am so sorry, I didn't…."
"I will try to remember, ma petite, not to walk up on you when you are done speaking to Damon."
"Good idea," Roe mused, before casting him an apologetic glance, "I really am sorry."
"He riles you up, does he not?"
Roe shrugged and they walked down the hall, passing staring third and fourth years.
"I guess. You could say that Malfoy and I have a hate relationship, we both hate each other."
Etienne seemed confused at this as they turned towards the empty corridor of the Charms wing.
"It does not seem that either of you hate each other."
"What?" Roe choked, "of course I hate him."
"Why do you hate him? Out of the past days I have come to know you I have not heard you say why you and he do not get along other than his being a Malfoy and you are a Granger. His rivalry with James and Sebastian, I understand, but not with you."
"What's to understand? Malfoy is just a thorn in an otherwise perfect rose bush in my life. He makes me so mad with his little comments and condescending manner about who I am and about Jamie and 'Bastian that I can't help but detest him."
"That is all well and good but why? Has he ever given you a real reason other than calling you that word, 'Mudblood' I think it is, to really earn your hatred? Hurt you physically or caused pain to the people you seem to care so much about? I find it hard to understand just why you do not get along with Damon, even Trey seems to like him somewhat."
"Trey? No, Trey hangs around Damon because of Snape. Trey does not like Damon, he's too smart for that."
"And again I ask why? Do you know exactly why you do not like Damon? Other than his manner, which I must say confuses me, as he only seems to act like a 'slimy git' around only you. He barely tolerates his other Slytherins as I understand cause the group of them are lucky to have enough intelligence to make up one brain, but it does not give me an honest clue as to why you do not like him, ma petite. From what I see I think you both have feelings that neither one of you is willing to express."
"Feelings? For Malfoy? Has he brainwashed you? I do not, nor have I ever, had feelings for the Dragon's Offspring. I never will."
"A very venom response, ma petite souris, for such a person you do not have feelings for."
Disgruntled at what he was insinuating, Roe followed him without another word as he brought up a good point that she didn't want to think about. She didn't like Malfoy, she never had. Malfoy and Granger were not meant to be friends and she was going to keep it that way.
~
Damon watched Roe leave with Etienne following her; he grew a smug smile on his face as he wondered if Roe, who seemed to fancy Etienne, had any clue that Etienne wasn't really into the opposite sex. Just the thought of when she found out was causing him to break into laughter in his head, at least on that front he didn't have any threat from the Beauxbatons boy but still, Damon shot a glance to the disappearing through the doors Potter and Weasley, he had to see just what her feelings for Potter were.
Admitting to himself that maybe he had feelings for the infuriating brunette he also let himself think to what that would do to the whole school if it got out that he, the Slytherin God, had feelings for the outgoing Granger. What a laugh people would get at that. His own father would probably shake his head at the whole thing but otherwise suggest that his hormones were acting up and he was over-analyzing the whole situation. It didn't help that right after he got that powder from Snape's cabinet to blow on the Gryffindor table, that had the instantaneous effect of the green frog-shaped warts, he had to have a private talk with the elder Potter, Weasley and Dumbledore about his conduct then another one from Snape.
Yes, he knew that he was supposed to protect her. Yes, he knew that by linking himself with her that at anytime she could read his thoughts and find out more than she was supposed to. Yes, he was to stay the hell away from her other than to keep a distance to keep an eye on her. No, he didn't want anything to do with her otherwise. No, he was not seeking to get any reward for this.
He was tired of answering their questions about her. How was he supposed to not think about her when at every turn she was brought up in a conversation or he saw her? Alright, so maybe he was attracted to her cause Merlin knew that kissing her had been a very, very very bad idea but hey what was a guy to do when he had right in front of him that one that completely forbidden to him. He was only human and temptation had been a little too great. Not that it was a bad kiss, it was in fact a great kiss. Who knew that the bookworm was so good at snogging and then a jealous thought entered his head without him meaning to let it and that was just who had taught her to kiss that well. Crazy thoughts for sure but he couldn't stop thinking about her. Out of all the girls that vied for his attention, made him feel like he was the center of the universe the one that he wanted to act that way was the one that thought he was the scum of the earth. Not a good ego buster to be sure. The forced one on one time between them by teachers and then in meeting without her Wonder Boy and Weasel only made things that much more complicated when they did have to appear calm, cool and collected around people. Especially people in their own houses. Pretending to be unaffected by her comments was harder and not going off on her right then and there was just as tough. It didn't help that her brother was the one he only talked to truthfully to and bringing up Roe around Trey was not a good idea. Trey hit a nerve when they had talked after the Dueling Without Wands first day about just what he felt for that pixie prefect but he would never admit, even now he didn't allow him to name what he felt for her. Lust, sure. Attraction, absolutely. Anything else was off limits.
Passing by a group of third years as now he was in the courtyard for some much needed fresh air, the book they carried 'Intermediate Transfiguration' telling him their year, he caught the words that drove anger straight to his heart.
"Have you seen that Gryffindor Prefect?"
"The one that James Potter is friends with?"
"Yeah, I heard one of the Ravenclaw Prefect's say that she and Potter were going to the Yule Ball together and that she is spending winter break at his house."
"Wow! Then what is she going with the Beauxbatons guy?"
"Who knows? Probably being all nice and stuff, you know how girls are."
"Hey!" came the protest of the two girls in the group.
"Sorry, but I heard from one of the ghosts that he caught her kissing a guy right near the library a couple nights ago."
"Potter?"
"Probably. I mean who else does she hang around?"
"She hangs around Sebastian, too."
"Nah, he likes her like a sister. James is much more her type I think."
"They do look good together and did you see him picking her up and taking her to the infirmary when she got hurt? It was so romantic."
Groans came from the guys at the female response.
"And I heard she fell asleep in the library that night that she was seen kissing and he carried her to her dorm."
Damon felt his fists clench.
"She's so lucky! I mean he's one of the best looking guys in school and the nicest."
"Not as good looking as Malfoy."
"True, but doesn't she hate him?"
"Yeah. Man, I've never seen people fight like those two trade insults. My mom and dad said that they used to fight like that in school. Cats and dogs."
"But your parents got married and there is no way that Roe would ever date or marry Malfoy. Besides he's a Malfoy, they don't exactly go for Muggle borns to they?"
"No." the group agreed and Damon let them go into their class.
Standing there he leaned against the wall for a minute, closing his eyes.
"That is exactly why I can't have feelings for Granger." He said softly and then out of the corner of his eye he caught sight of a small journal, like the ones he had seen many times in Muggle stores, and picked it up. Inscribed on the inside was 'Ambrosia Granger' that he almost dropped the velvet blue covered book.
Was fate trying to tell him something?
~
The Gryffindor 6th year dormitory was a disaster. Clothes thrown every which way and in the middle of the heap was Roe, brushing back a hair with impatience. Topaz and Velvet exchanged a look that said maybe Roe had finally lost it.
"I lost it." Roe stated.
"I'd say."
"No, I mean I lost something and I can't find it."
"What is it?"
"My journal," Roe saw their lost looks, "it's a small blue book that you write in. I could have sworn I had it……" Roe slammed her fist on the her bed, "it's in the courtyard. I dropped it when I handed Etienne back the dagger. Damn."
"It's probably still there. Why don't you go get it?"
"Because," Roe stated standing up and brushing off her knees, "I have a appointment with Professor McGonagall in less than twenty minutes to work on the dueling and then I have practice for Quidditch."
"We'll go down and look for it for you, Roe," Topaz offered taking out a bottle of nail polish from the mahogany chest at the end of her bed.
"Really? Thanks, guys."
"Sure." Velvet joined in, "why not? It's not like we have class."
"Great."
"Where did you leave it?"
"By the tree," Roe recalled, "two days ago, I hope it's still there."
"No one is ever in the courtyard and it hasn't rained so it more than likely is still there."
"Okay, and thanks," Roe grabbed her broom and Quidditch robes before leaving.
"Think she wrote anything juicy in the book?" Topaz wondered.
"Let's find out."
The two girls' boredom forgotten as well as their planned manicures.
~
As Roe finished her Quidditch practice she landed safely on the ground, her feet stopping her reeling forward movement until she felt a hand catch the end of her broom and she was thrown a little forward on it.
"What the…" Roe called then saw that Malfoy was holding the end of the broom.
"Do you mind?" Roe growled at him.
"As a matter of fact I don't," Malfoy searched the sky for Potter or other Quidditch members but found no one, "everyone left you?"
"Dinner time. Not even I have that kind of power to stop boys and their stomachs."
Malfoy chuckled at her wit before she glanced surprised at him. Standing upright, holding her broom in her hand she took in that he was still not doing anything but standing there.
"Did you want something?"
"If ever there was a loaded question that would be it," Malfoy decided, then added, "actually I came to return something of yours."
"And what could you possibly have that's mine?"
Casually walking to the side of her, as if they were friends, he produced her journal out of his robe.
"Maybe this?" he held it up but out of her reach.
"That's mine!"
"So it would seem. Plus the added information of your name inside of it but tell me, Granger," Malfoy pursued, "what's the poetry for? Must say some of it is actually descent in a warped mind sort of way."
"Gee, thanks for the compliment," Roe grabbed the book and let relief come over her features, "and it's not poetry, it's songs."
"That would explain why you repeated lines several times in some of them."
"Yeah, well," Roe was kinda embarrassed that he was the one to see and even read some of her private thoughts, even if they were in the form of lyrics, "it's not polite to read other people's personal possessions."
"Again with the possessive tone. Isn't it also not good to lay things around that any person could walk by and pick up? Practically an invite to explore just what you think about in that jumbled up mind of yours."
"Oh, really? Leave it to you to see finding my journal as permission to explore its contents."
"I retrieve your misplace item and get a set down. You really must work on your manners, Granger. Most people would have said thank you."
"I'm not most people now am I?"
She regretted that as she caught the appraising look spark in his eye again that had his eyeing her clinging Quidditch robes. Reflexively she brought her journal to her chest in a protective gesture.
"No, I wouldn't say that you are."
His tone was unlike she had ever heard him use before. Almost nice. It startled her.
"Have a good night, Granger."
He was walking across the grass, his feet sinking in slight due to the softness of the ground when he heard her call to him.
"By the way, Malfoy, thank you."
Damon stopped in mid-step and winked at her over his shoulder, seeing her frustrated look before going to the castle.
~
James saw Roe come into the common room with the journal; her diary of secrets was what Winnie always proclaimed the book as, exhausted and with a small smile on her lips.
As he signaled to Sebastian, the fireplace sprang to life and above the mantle was a banner hanging by unseen magical hooks that read:
'Thanks For Winning Us the First Game of the Year, Roe!'
Out of every corner of the common room came fellow Gryffindors and Roe smiled at them for doing this. Putting down her broom she hugged James and Sebastian first.
"We were going to make it a party for your high O.W.L.S and the birthday that we didn't get to celebrate with you this summer but we decided that this was just as good." Sebastian told her.
"You guys didn't have to do this. We have six other people on the team." Roe protested.
"But you did win us the game," James informed her, "even held onto the Snitch when you were injured. You deserve a party."
"This was what I was trying to tell you." Lily said as Roe grinned.
"Yes, I see. Thanks everyone."
"And since we didn't get to celebrate your birthday for the first time in sixteen years," James stated, as they both had the same birth date and she had spent the past summer in New York when usually they celebrated their birthdays together, "we thought we'd throw you one here."
"More presents that way." Winnie added with a laugh.
"True," Carnation admitted, "but you were great, Roe and we all agreed that once you were all better to give you a great party."
"Someone start the music!" Sebastian yelled and the pounding sound of 'Fuel' filled the common room provided by Roe's magically altered c.d. player system.
Never had she guess that this was what they were up to, overhearing Topaz that one day about a party but never suspecting it was for her alone. For the whole Quidditch team, sure, but her?
She was presented with gifts that she didn't expect and thanked profusely to everyone. Seeing Priscilla, Garrett and Forrest coming over with Ian and Lance as James was right behind her, Priscilla set a small gold paper wrapped present in front of Roe.
"To help you stay on your broom this time." Forrest joked to have both Ian and Lance punch him.
It was a pair of soft, feminine dragonhide gloves that had the stitched outline of a Snitch right on the wrist area. Along with small round object that was all yellow that said 'Pull cord to have inflate safety device to prevent injury from falling'. Roe giggled at the gift as Lance spoke.
"That way Malfoy doesn't need to catch you."
For some reason that had a feeling of sadness spread through her body that was seen only by Priscilla before it was replaced by appreciation.
"We got it at Weasley's Wizard Wheezes." Ian warned, "so be careful."
"My uncles make perfectly good devices," Sebastian defended then with a mischievous grin added, "that make people break into laughter."
"Exactly," Roe said, "which means I would need to try this out before I actually need to use it."
"Good idea," James insisted, "and I have just the right two people for the job."
Everyone glanced at Forrest and Garrett who protested as Sebastian took the object proceeded to see just how it worked. Laughter, giggles, and chuckles were heard for the next hour as they all joked around before James took Roe aside, before the fireplace and opened her palm before placing a small item in it. A ring that was so beautiful that Roe glanced from James to the ring twice before she really took in the ring.
It was made of metallic silver-gold, it shown with every reflection of light that hit it. The ring made a small spiral on the top where a ruby was set, and engraved on the inside of the ring was her, James and Sebastian's initials.
"It's a protective ring, like the necklace around your neck," James explained, "it connects both me and Sebastian to you that if you need us the ring with cause us to hear your thoughts."
"Peeking into your head," Sebastian was leaning over the back of the high- backed chair, "like you do to us."
"But only when I need you," Roe countered, "unlike me."
^Be afraid, be very afraid^ James laughed in his head.
^Does that mean she knows about who I dreamt about last night….it was not that graphic really….though seeing Marielle in nothing but….^ Sebastian thought that Roe stared at him.
"Well, if I didn't before I do now," Roe informed the redding red head, "and please try to keep your dreams to yourself, 'Bastian."
James broke into uncontrollable laughter as Sebastian complained under his breath about girls in his head.
"Just two it seems," Roe ribbed, "though the fact that you think I want to know your fantasies leaves me questioning just how graphic your fantasies get, 'Bastian. Should I inform Marielle about your intentions?"
"Roe!"
James was howling with laughter now and Roe was glancing over his shoulder at the Beauxbatons girl.
"You are sure? You don't want me to tell her?" Roe made a step to seem like she was going into that direction to have Sebastian pull on her arm and caused her to land in the chair in front of him.
"Don't, Roe, please."
Roe smiled up at him before slipping the ring in her palm onto her left middle finger.
"No problem, 'Bastian. Though I have to say," Roe leaned up, "that one move where you and her are in your dormitory is very creative."
This caused him to turn the exact shade of his hair that James calmed himself down enough to chuckle every few seconds. Roe kissed Sebastian lightly on the cheek.
"Didn't know you were so imaginative." Roe teased again into his ear before slapping James on the leg to stop his hysterical laughter just as Sebastian tackled his friend yelling that it wasn't that funny.
Marielle's stare at the point left Roe with a chill as she glanced over to the fifth year girl, as each of the Beauxbatons students were from 4th-7th year. The pale haired girl had been watching them and Roe saw that an almost jealous rage took over Marielle's features when Roe had offered James her hand to help him up and he kissed her forehead wishing her a belated happy sixteenth birthday.
"Roe, can I talk to you?" Winnie's voice intruded and Roe turned her attention to her friend.
"Sure, Win, what's up?"
Looking around, Winnie brought Roe over to a secluded corner of the room, as it was near ten and most of the others had headed up to the dorms. Sitting in the comfy plush chairs across from each other Winnie looked so preoccupied that Roe touched her friend on the arm.
"Something bugging you?"
"You know that I …" Winnie whispered, "like Trey, right?"
Roe smiled softly and leaned back in her chair.
"To me it's obvious."
"And you aren't mad?"
"Mad? Why would I be mad?"
"Well, you and Trey spend so much time together…"
Roe could have slapped James and Sebastian cause sure they told her about the Blood Bond but not about Trey being her brother. Though she really knew she shouldn't tell her friend so she inhaled.
"Trey is my friend only. He and I get along because I kinda understand him but the only emotion I feel for him or he feels for me is strictly platonic."
Winnie looked so relieved that Roe had to keep from laughing.
"Cause me and him were talking in the courtyard the other day," Winnie started, "and I asked him to the ball but he hasn't said anything to me back since. I was wondering if I did something wrong or maybe he's going with someone else," Winnie indicated, "maybe I'm not his type he probably goes for those Ravenclaws or something."
"No, Winnie, I'm pretty sure that he doesn't go for Ravenclaws and that he's actually really into a certain Gryffindor," Roe encouraged, "he's just a little shy."
"Shy? Trey?"
"Doesn't seem like the type, right? Well, Trey hasn't really been much into the dating game and so he's a little wary of the whole getting involved even if it's just for a dance. Tell you what, why don't I talk to him and see what's going on and I'll let you know."
"Really? You'd do that?"
"That's what friends are for, aren't they?"
Winnie squealed with happiness and hugged Roe.
"Thank you, thank you!"
"Okay. Now why don't we head to bed?"
Winnie nodded and followed Roe to where the dormitory of the girls divided into the years when Winnie disappeared into the fourth year Roe felt a sharp, cold hand lock on her upper arm and throw her against the stairway wall.
"What do you think you are doing?!" Roe demanded as she saw the fury faced Marielle.
"You leave Jhames alone. He does not belong with you."
"Excuse me?"
"You are moin que rein and I will not have you around Jhames," the blond tossed hair over her shoulder in a haughty manner.
"Listen to me, you French poodle, I will not be threatened about who I can hang out with and especially not from some visiting veela. James is my friend."
"Not for long, mam'selle, not for long."
The blond threw Roe's arm away, reeling back as though burned when Roe realized that her necklace, the one her mother made and the ring were both shining brightly.
"Like I said, you are less than nothing and you will never have Jhames."
With that the younger girl left, as Roe felt a now setting in painful sensation coming from Marielle's touch on her arm. Gingerly moving her robe away from her upper arm she saw the bruising setting in of how hard Marielle's grip had been but what was stranger was the fact that the bruises were pitch black.
~ ~ ~
More chapters….more fun….so do you like this one? Much to wonder about.
January 10, 2002
Mark Of The Snake
Chapter 6: Trouble With Emotions
Written by: V Lynne
echoinghearts@yahoo.com
~ ~ ~
Sebastian was cursing under his breath again, Roe noticed, as she walked into the DADA classroom that unfortunately was the other class period they shared with the Slytherins. The red head's curse was directed at the table that held the unmistakable body of Malfoy, though Sebastian's curse was more in the form of words not to be repeated in front of younger years rather than a actual curse spell. Pulling out the chair to sit next to him, his eyes focused elsewhere she saw the Etienne was in their class sitting next to Trey in the second row that she smiled over at him.
"Keep cursing at him, 'Bastian, and your face is going to turn into that scowl that we won't know the difference between you and Snape." James commented, sitting on the other side of Sebastian.
Snapping out of it, Sebastian gave a shrug.
"I swear I am going to pay him back for that green wart spell."
"It's been two days, 'Bastian, give it a rest. You are fine, the rest of the Gryffindors are fine and we have a Quidditch game tomorrow. Put your mind on more important matters."
Sebastian raised both eyebrows at Roe's mature tone and James looked just as surprised by how Roe was acting. Following her eyes to the Slytherin table, as Gryffindor sat on one side of the class and Slytherin on the other, Sebastian let a smile appear on his face at just who had Roe's undivided attention.
"So, Roe, tell me what did we do last class?" Sebastian wondered, having James see just what he was getting at as Roe sat down and took out her parchments.
"Huh?"
Sebastian's grin widened at her absent-minded answer.
"What color are Etienne's eyes?"
Catching on to what Sebastian was getting at James saw Roe reply without a single real acknowledgement of what she was answering.
"Green, sometimes with gold flecks in them," Roe dutifully replied then cleared her head and stared at Sebastian, "what?"
He was chuckling at her as James had a laughing grin on his mouth.
"Someone got a crush?"
The question came from in front of them by Ian McDonald, who had Wynter sitting next to him.
"I do not have a crush. I do not get crushes."
Wynter nodded, not believing it for a minute.
"Right," Sebastian said.
"Oh, pay attention to Harry, 'Bastian."
As Harry, or Professor Potter as they called him in class, opened the discussion on the right and wrong curses that could be used to command a person to do another's bidding Roe pulled her attention back to the lecture and ignored the feeling that she just might have a crush on the Beauxbatons student. But how can that be, Roe wondered biting her lower lip in concentration, I like James, don't I? But, her mind reasoned, you have been spending the last couple of days with the Frenchie and he is all that and a bag of chips, as what one of her friends from America would say. Though James was no slough in the looks department and how embarrassing that Sebastian and James had caught her staring at Etienne. A faint blush appeared on her cheeks and she heard her name being called that broke her thought pattern.
"Miss Granger? Could you please tell us what spell is used to protect you from dementors?"
Roe pulled together her mind and said the correct answer.
"Expecto Patronum."
"Correct," Harry's attention went back to the rest of the class and Roe sighed.
"Did he interrupt some deep thought, Roe?" James teased quietly.
"Funny, Jamie."
The class was to be put into pairs to go over the correct spells for warding off unwanted magical creatures that Harry had to direct that it had to be mixed house groups. He knew that they hated that, as he had in school, but Dumbledore was still stuck on trying to get peace between the houses especially Slytherin and Gryffindor.
"Alright, I want Mr. Weasley and Miss Montague, Mr. Malfoy and Miss Granger, Mr. Montigny and Mr. Potter, ….."
Groaning that she would have words with her godfather after class with putting her with Malfoy, she gathered her things, as he made not a single move to come over to where she sat and headed to the vacant seat left by Ebony. Opening her parchments on the different spells to use, she saw that Malfoy was leaning back in his chair with a lazy smirk on his face. In front of Roe were James and Etienne that she wondered why she couldn't have been paired with Etienne or even Ebony was better than putting up with arrogant Malfoy.
"Are you going to work?" Roe demanded, as he leaned forward in his chair, righting his position from having the chair on two of the four legs before.
"Thought that was your department, Granger."
"It's a group effort or do you have wax in your ears?"
Standing, Malfoy was a head taller than she was, and she just ignored him until he leaned over her and snatched her parchment from the light resting in her hand.
"Hey!" Roe protested as he examined the spells she had wrote down and at her verbal outburst it, both James and Etienne turned around.
"What are you looking at, Potter?" Malfoy sneered.
"Nothing." James replied, sending a searching look at Roe.
"I'm fine, Jamie." Roe told him and then pulled the parchment out of Malfoy's hands.
"How are we to work when you are so possessive?" Malfoy casually asked, seeing her fold her arms as she sat back down and went over her notes.
"Well since obviously you were too busy doing who knows what with Ebony over here and didn't take notes I don't see why I need to share mine other than to let Professor Potter think you know what you are doing."
"You wound me, Granger, really, straight to the heart." Malfoy leaned his back against the table to observe her.
"You have one of those? Will wonders never cease?"
Malfoy put a hand on the table and brought his body forward so that she had to sit back in her chair to avoid him touching her head with his chest.
"You and Montigny seem to be getting along rather well," Malfoy taunted, "given up on Potter?"
"Have nothing better to do than to wonder about my life?"
"You are a constant source of amusement for me, Granger, you and that pathetic band of friends you have that think you are so much better than everyone else."
"We do?" Roe was now angered at his insulting tone and stood so that with him bending the way he was she was taller, "if that isn't the pot calling the kettle black. Look in the mirror when you insinuate something you are more guilty of than anyone else in this school."
"Not me, Granger, I don't pretend to be something I'm not."
"Oh and you are saying that I do."
"What's that charming saying you used the other day, 'If the shoe fits'."
"Why you….."
Roe made to use her wand against him but he instantly put his hand over hers, locking it to the table top and stopping any further incident that might draw people's curious stares their way.
"Careful, Granger, you don't want people to think you can't take a little criticism what ever would Dumbledore say when he goes over who to make Head Girl next year? A volatile girl isn't exactly Head Girl material."
"To bad your mother didn't drown you at birth, Malfoy, then I wouldn't have to put up with you."
"But then your life here wouldn't be nearly as interesting. Or that we'd meet at the most interesting times, now would we?" Malfoy lowered his tone and put his mouth near his ear but to the rest of the class it looked like they were really in a deep debate over the spells, "still think about that kiss, Granger?"
Swallowing, her throat suddenly dry, she removed her hand from under his and glared at him.
"I've had better, Malfoy."
For the rest of class they went over their parchments until the bell chimed and Roe made a direct exit out of class. Not letting him get to her, she swore she wouldn't let that slimy git do that to her, not again she felt a hand go on her shoulder and swung, to have Etienne duck at her hand full of books.
"Ohmigod, Etienne, I am so sorry, I didn't…."
"I will try to remember, ma petite, not to walk up on you when you are done speaking to Damon."
"Good idea," Roe mused, before casting him an apologetic glance, "I really am sorry."
"He riles you up, does he not?"
Roe shrugged and they walked down the hall, passing staring third and fourth years.
"I guess. You could say that Malfoy and I have a hate relationship, we both hate each other."
Etienne seemed confused at this as they turned towards the empty corridor of the Charms wing.
"It does not seem that either of you hate each other."
"What?" Roe choked, "of course I hate him."
"Why do you hate him? Out of the past days I have come to know you I have not heard you say why you and he do not get along other than his being a Malfoy and you are a Granger. His rivalry with James and Sebastian, I understand, but not with you."
"What's to understand? Malfoy is just a thorn in an otherwise perfect rose bush in my life. He makes me so mad with his little comments and condescending manner about who I am and about Jamie and 'Bastian that I can't help but detest him."
"That is all well and good but why? Has he ever given you a real reason other than calling you that word, 'Mudblood' I think it is, to really earn your hatred? Hurt you physically or caused pain to the people you seem to care so much about? I find it hard to understand just why you do not get along with Damon, even Trey seems to like him somewhat."
"Trey? No, Trey hangs around Damon because of Snape. Trey does not like Damon, he's too smart for that."
"And again I ask why? Do you know exactly why you do not like Damon? Other than his manner, which I must say confuses me, as he only seems to act like a 'slimy git' around only you. He barely tolerates his other Slytherins as I understand cause the group of them are lucky to have enough intelligence to make up one brain, but it does not give me an honest clue as to why you do not like him, ma petite. From what I see I think you both have feelings that neither one of you is willing to express."
"Feelings? For Malfoy? Has he brainwashed you? I do not, nor have I ever, had feelings for the Dragon's Offspring. I never will."
"A very venom response, ma petite souris, for such a person you do not have feelings for."
Disgruntled at what he was insinuating, Roe followed him without another word as he brought up a good point that she didn't want to think about. She didn't like Malfoy, she never had. Malfoy and Granger were not meant to be friends and she was going to keep it that way.
~
Damon watched Roe leave with Etienne following her; he grew a smug smile on his face as he wondered if Roe, who seemed to fancy Etienne, had any clue that Etienne wasn't really into the opposite sex. Just the thought of when she found out was causing him to break into laughter in his head, at least on that front he didn't have any threat from the Beauxbatons boy but still, Damon shot a glance to the disappearing through the doors Potter and Weasley, he had to see just what her feelings for Potter were.
Admitting to himself that maybe he had feelings for the infuriating brunette he also let himself think to what that would do to the whole school if it got out that he, the Slytherin God, had feelings for the outgoing Granger. What a laugh people would get at that. His own father would probably shake his head at the whole thing but otherwise suggest that his hormones were acting up and he was over-analyzing the whole situation. It didn't help that right after he got that powder from Snape's cabinet to blow on the Gryffindor table, that had the instantaneous effect of the green frog-shaped warts, he had to have a private talk with the elder Potter, Weasley and Dumbledore about his conduct then another one from Snape.
Yes, he knew that he was supposed to protect her. Yes, he knew that by linking himself with her that at anytime she could read his thoughts and find out more than she was supposed to. Yes, he was to stay the hell away from her other than to keep a distance to keep an eye on her. No, he didn't want anything to do with her otherwise. No, he was not seeking to get any reward for this.
He was tired of answering their questions about her. How was he supposed to not think about her when at every turn she was brought up in a conversation or he saw her? Alright, so maybe he was attracted to her cause Merlin knew that kissing her had been a very, very very bad idea but hey what was a guy to do when he had right in front of him that one that completely forbidden to him. He was only human and temptation had been a little too great. Not that it was a bad kiss, it was in fact a great kiss. Who knew that the bookworm was so good at snogging and then a jealous thought entered his head without him meaning to let it and that was just who had taught her to kiss that well. Crazy thoughts for sure but he couldn't stop thinking about her. Out of all the girls that vied for his attention, made him feel like he was the center of the universe the one that he wanted to act that way was the one that thought he was the scum of the earth. Not a good ego buster to be sure. The forced one on one time between them by teachers and then in meeting without her Wonder Boy and Weasel only made things that much more complicated when they did have to appear calm, cool and collected around people. Especially people in their own houses. Pretending to be unaffected by her comments was harder and not going off on her right then and there was just as tough. It didn't help that her brother was the one he only talked to truthfully to and bringing up Roe around Trey was not a good idea. Trey hit a nerve when they had talked after the Dueling Without Wands first day about just what he felt for that pixie prefect but he would never admit, even now he didn't allow him to name what he felt for her. Lust, sure. Attraction, absolutely. Anything else was off limits.
Passing by a group of third years as now he was in the courtyard for some much needed fresh air, the book they carried 'Intermediate Transfiguration' telling him their year, he caught the words that drove anger straight to his heart.
"Have you seen that Gryffindor Prefect?"
"The one that James Potter is friends with?"
"Yeah, I heard one of the Ravenclaw Prefect's say that she and Potter were going to the Yule Ball together and that she is spending winter break at his house."
"Wow! Then what is she going with the Beauxbatons guy?"
"Who knows? Probably being all nice and stuff, you know how girls are."
"Hey!" came the protest of the two girls in the group.
"Sorry, but I heard from one of the ghosts that he caught her kissing a guy right near the library a couple nights ago."
"Potter?"
"Probably. I mean who else does she hang around?"
"She hangs around Sebastian, too."
"Nah, he likes her like a sister. James is much more her type I think."
"They do look good together and did you see him picking her up and taking her to the infirmary when she got hurt? It was so romantic."
Groans came from the guys at the female response.
"And I heard she fell asleep in the library that night that she was seen kissing and he carried her to her dorm."
Damon felt his fists clench.
"She's so lucky! I mean he's one of the best looking guys in school and the nicest."
"Not as good looking as Malfoy."
"True, but doesn't she hate him?"
"Yeah. Man, I've never seen people fight like those two trade insults. My mom and dad said that they used to fight like that in school. Cats and dogs."
"But your parents got married and there is no way that Roe would ever date or marry Malfoy. Besides he's a Malfoy, they don't exactly go for Muggle borns to they?"
"No." the group agreed and Damon let them go into their class.
Standing there he leaned against the wall for a minute, closing his eyes.
"That is exactly why I can't have feelings for Granger." He said softly and then out of the corner of his eye he caught sight of a small journal, like the ones he had seen many times in Muggle stores, and picked it up. Inscribed on the inside was 'Ambrosia Granger' that he almost dropped the velvet blue covered book.
Was fate trying to tell him something?
~
The Gryffindor 6th year dormitory was a disaster. Clothes thrown every which way and in the middle of the heap was Roe, brushing back a hair with impatience. Topaz and Velvet exchanged a look that said maybe Roe had finally lost it.
"I lost it." Roe stated.
"I'd say."
"No, I mean I lost something and I can't find it."
"What is it?"
"My journal," Roe saw their lost looks, "it's a small blue book that you write in. I could have sworn I had it……" Roe slammed her fist on the her bed, "it's in the courtyard. I dropped it when I handed Etienne back the dagger. Damn."
"It's probably still there. Why don't you go get it?"
"Because," Roe stated standing up and brushing off her knees, "I have a appointment with Professor McGonagall in less than twenty minutes to work on the dueling and then I have practice for Quidditch."
"We'll go down and look for it for you, Roe," Topaz offered taking out a bottle of nail polish from the mahogany chest at the end of her bed.
"Really? Thanks, guys."
"Sure." Velvet joined in, "why not? It's not like we have class."
"Great."
"Where did you leave it?"
"By the tree," Roe recalled, "two days ago, I hope it's still there."
"No one is ever in the courtyard and it hasn't rained so it more than likely is still there."
"Okay, and thanks," Roe grabbed her broom and Quidditch robes before leaving.
"Think she wrote anything juicy in the book?" Topaz wondered.
"Let's find out."
The two girls' boredom forgotten as well as their planned manicures.
~
As Roe finished her Quidditch practice she landed safely on the ground, her feet stopping her reeling forward movement until she felt a hand catch the end of her broom and she was thrown a little forward on it.
"What the…" Roe called then saw that Malfoy was holding the end of the broom.
"Do you mind?" Roe growled at him.
"As a matter of fact I don't," Malfoy searched the sky for Potter or other Quidditch members but found no one, "everyone left you?"
"Dinner time. Not even I have that kind of power to stop boys and their stomachs."
Malfoy chuckled at her wit before she glanced surprised at him. Standing upright, holding her broom in her hand she took in that he was still not doing anything but standing there.
"Did you want something?"
"If ever there was a loaded question that would be it," Malfoy decided, then added, "actually I came to return something of yours."
"And what could you possibly have that's mine?"
Casually walking to the side of her, as if they were friends, he produced her journal out of his robe.
"Maybe this?" he held it up but out of her reach.
"That's mine!"
"So it would seem. Plus the added information of your name inside of it but tell me, Granger," Malfoy pursued, "what's the poetry for? Must say some of it is actually descent in a warped mind sort of way."
"Gee, thanks for the compliment," Roe grabbed the book and let relief come over her features, "and it's not poetry, it's songs."
"That would explain why you repeated lines several times in some of them."
"Yeah, well," Roe was kinda embarrassed that he was the one to see and even read some of her private thoughts, even if they were in the form of lyrics, "it's not polite to read other people's personal possessions."
"Again with the possessive tone. Isn't it also not good to lay things around that any person could walk by and pick up? Practically an invite to explore just what you think about in that jumbled up mind of yours."
"Oh, really? Leave it to you to see finding my journal as permission to explore its contents."
"I retrieve your misplace item and get a set down. You really must work on your manners, Granger. Most people would have said thank you."
"I'm not most people now am I?"
She regretted that as she caught the appraising look spark in his eye again that had his eyeing her clinging Quidditch robes. Reflexively she brought her journal to her chest in a protective gesture.
"No, I wouldn't say that you are."
His tone was unlike she had ever heard him use before. Almost nice. It startled her.
"Have a good night, Granger."
He was walking across the grass, his feet sinking in slight due to the softness of the ground when he heard her call to him.
"By the way, Malfoy, thank you."
Damon stopped in mid-step and winked at her over his shoulder, seeing her frustrated look before going to the castle.
~
James saw Roe come into the common room with the journal; her diary of secrets was what Winnie always proclaimed the book as, exhausted and with a small smile on her lips.
As he signaled to Sebastian, the fireplace sprang to life and above the mantle was a banner hanging by unseen magical hooks that read:
'Thanks For Winning Us the First Game of the Year, Roe!'
Out of every corner of the common room came fellow Gryffindors and Roe smiled at them for doing this. Putting down her broom she hugged James and Sebastian first.
"We were going to make it a party for your high O.W.L.S and the birthday that we didn't get to celebrate with you this summer but we decided that this was just as good." Sebastian told her.
"You guys didn't have to do this. We have six other people on the team." Roe protested.
"But you did win us the game," James informed her, "even held onto the Snitch when you were injured. You deserve a party."
"This was what I was trying to tell you." Lily said as Roe grinned.
"Yes, I see. Thanks everyone."
"And since we didn't get to celebrate your birthday for the first time in sixteen years," James stated, as they both had the same birth date and she had spent the past summer in New York when usually they celebrated their birthdays together, "we thought we'd throw you one here."
"More presents that way." Winnie added with a laugh.
"True," Carnation admitted, "but you were great, Roe and we all agreed that once you were all better to give you a great party."
"Someone start the music!" Sebastian yelled and the pounding sound of 'Fuel' filled the common room provided by Roe's magically altered c.d. player system.
Never had she guess that this was what they were up to, overhearing Topaz that one day about a party but never suspecting it was for her alone. For the whole Quidditch team, sure, but her?
She was presented with gifts that she didn't expect and thanked profusely to everyone. Seeing Priscilla, Garrett and Forrest coming over with Ian and Lance as James was right behind her, Priscilla set a small gold paper wrapped present in front of Roe.
"To help you stay on your broom this time." Forrest joked to have both Ian and Lance punch him.
It was a pair of soft, feminine dragonhide gloves that had the stitched outline of a Snitch right on the wrist area. Along with small round object that was all yellow that said 'Pull cord to have inflate safety device to prevent injury from falling'. Roe giggled at the gift as Lance spoke.
"That way Malfoy doesn't need to catch you."
For some reason that had a feeling of sadness spread through her body that was seen only by Priscilla before it was replaced by appreciation.
"We got it at Weasley's Wizard Wheezes." Ian warned, "so be careful."
"My uncles make perfectly good devices," Sebastian defended then with a mischievous grin added, "that make people break into laughter."
"Exactly," Roe said, "which means I would need to try this out before I actually need to use it."
"Good idea," James insisted, "and I have just the right two people for the job."
Everyone glanced at Forrest and Garrett who protested as Sebastian took the object proceeded to see just how it worked. Laughter, giggles, and chuckles were heard for the next hour as they all joked around before James took Roe aside, before the fireplace and opened her palm before placing a small item in it. A ring that was so beautiful that Roe glanced from James to the ring twice before she really took in the ring.
It was made of metallic silver-gold, it shown with every reflection of light that hit it. The ring made a small spiral on the top where a ruby was set, and engraved on the inside of the ring was her, James and Sebastian's initials.
"It's a protective ring, like the necklace around your neck," James explained, "it connects both me and Sebastian to you that if you need us the ring with cause us to hear your thoughts."
"Peeking into your head," Sebastian was leaning over the back of the high- backed chair, "like you do to us."
"But only when I need you," Roe countered, "unlike me."
^Be afraid, be very afraid^ James laughed in his head.
^Does that mean she knows about who I dreamt about last night….it was not that graphic really….though seeing Marielle in nothing but….^ Sebastian thought that Roe stared at him.
"Well, if I didn't before I do now," Roe informed the redding red head, "and please try to keep your dreams to yourself, 'Bastian."
James broke into uncontrollable laughter as Sebastian complained under his breath about girls in his head.
"Just two it seems," Roe ribbed, "though the fact that you think I want to know your fantasies leaves me questioning just how graphic your fantasies get, 'Bastian. Should I inform Marielle about your intentions?"
"Roe!"
James was howling with laughter now and Roe was glancing over his shoulder at the Beauxbatons girl.
"You are sure? You don't want me to tell her?" Roe made a step to seem like she was going into that direction to have Sebastian pull on her arm and caused her to land in the chair in front of him.
"Don't, Roe, please."
Roe smiled up at him before slipping the ring in her palm onto her left middle finger.
"No problem, 'Bastian. Though I have to say," Roe leaned up, "that one move where you and her are in your dormitory is very creative."
This caused him to turn the exact shade of his hair that James calmed himself down enough to chuckle every few seconds. Roe kissed Sebastian lightly on the cheek.
"Didn't know you were so imaginative." Roe teased again into his ear before slapping James on the leg to stop his hysterical laughter just as Sebastian tackled his friend yelling that it wasn't that funny.
Marielle's stare at the point left Roe with a chill as she glanced over to the fifth year girl, as each of the Beauxbatons students were from 4th-7th year. The pale haired girl had been watching them and Roe saw that an almost jealous rage took over Marielle's features when Roe had offered James her hand to help him up and he kissed her forehead wishing her a belated happy sixteenth birthday.
"Roe, can I talk to you?" Winnie's voice intruded and Roe turned her attention to her friend.
"Sure, Win, what's up?"
Looking around, Winnie brought Roe over to a secluded corner of the room, as it was near ten and most of the others had headed up to the dorms. Sitting in the comfy plush chairs across from each other Winnie looked so preoccupied that Roe touched her friend on the arm.
"Something bugging you?"
"You know that I …" Winnie whispered, "like Trey, right?"
Roe smiled softly and leaned back in her chair.
"To me it's obvious."
"And you aren't mad?"
"Mad? Why would I be mad?"
"Well, you and Trey spend so much time together…"
Roe could have slapped James and Sebastian cause sure they told her about the Blood Bond but not about Trey being her brother. Though she really knew she shouldn't tell her friend so she inhaled.
"Trey is my friend only. He and I get along because I kinda understand him but the only emotion I feel for him or he feels for me is strictly platonic."
Winnie looked so relieved that Roe had to keep from laughing.
"Cause me and him were talking in the courtyard the other day," Winnie started, "and I asked him to the ball but he hasn't said anything to me back since. I was wondering if I did something wrong or maybe he's going with someone else," Winnie indicated, "maybe I'm not his type he probably goes for those Ravenclaws or something."
"No, Winnie, I'm pretty sure that he doesn't go for Ravenclaws and that he's actually really into a certain Gryffindor," Roe encouraged, "he's just a little shy."
"Shy? Trey?"
"Doesn't seem like the type, right? Well, Trey hasn't really been much into the dating game and so he's a little wary of the whole getting involved even if it's just for a dance. Tell you what, why don't I talk to him and see what's going on and I'll let you know."
"Really? You'd do that?"
"That's what friends are for, aren't they?"
Winnie squealed with happiness and hugged Roe.
"Thank you, thank you!"
"Okay. Now why don't we head to bed?"
Winnie nodded and followed Roe to where the dormitory of the girls divided into the years when Winnie disappeared into the fourth year Roe felt a sharp, cold hand lock on her upper arm and throw her against the stairway wall.
"What do you think you are doing?!" Roe demanded as she saw the fury faced Marielle.
"You leave Jhames alone. He does not belong with you."
"Excuse me?"
"You are moin que rein and I will not have you around Jhames," the blond tossed hair over her shoulder in a haughty manner.
"Listen to me, you French poodle, I will not be threatened about who I can hang out with and especially not from some visiting veela. James is my friend."
"Not for long, mam'selle, not for long."
The blond threw Roe's arm away, reeling back as though burned when Roe realized that her necklace, the one her mother made and the ring were both shining brightly.
"Like I said, you are less than nothing and you will never have Jhames."
With that the younger girl left, as Roe felt a now setting in painful sensation coming from Marielle's touch on her arm. Gingerly moving her robe away from her upper arm she saw the bruising setting in of how hard Marielle's grip had been but what was stranger was the fact that the bruises were pitch black.
~ ~ ~
More chapters….more fun….so do you like this one? Much to wonder about.
January 10, 2002
