All rights and privileges to Harry Potter are copyrighted trademarks and
property of J. K. Rowling, Warner Brothers, and all peoples associated. And
all rights and other stuff to The Lioness Quartet and Wild Magic are
copyrighted trademarks and property of Tamora Pierce and Random House. The
characters of these fictions are used WITHOUT permission for the
entertainment purposes only. This work of fiction is not meant for sale or
profit. As if anyone would actually pay money for this thoughtless drivel.
And even if they like it, it's right here and money is not required. So
there! Bottom line: I don't own them I just like to play God with them.
Like an ant walking back and forth across my feet for what seems like miles
upon miles. Or a bug with a magnifying glass as it slowly burns into
nothingness. *Ahem* Yes, I don't own them. Never have. Never will. *Sigh*
And the title was borrowed from a Savage Garden song, The Animal Song, so
that belongs to them and the same disc applies.
Pairings: Percy/Penny, eventually Percy/Marcus, Cedric/Oliver
Contents: Angst, Slash, POV, Fluffy (sorta), Het
Spoilers: Yup. Books 2 and up.
Summary: Percy may be a freak, but that's not always a bad thing. That, I think, is the worse summary I've ever come up with.
Status: Incomplete
A/N: In here Oliver is a friend and Percy can be normal around him, or so is my skewed view. And I liked the idea of Percy as a Wild Mage too much that I butchered it. Ruthlessly. Also, this is unbeta-ed. Was originally Percy Weasley and the Dominion Jewel. I decided to keep this PG-13, so no sex. Darn. Wait… by mentioning that word, does that mean it's not 13 anymore?
*~* Indicates time change
~*~ Indicates scene change
Indicates the voices in Percy's head… rather his recalling past dialogue
Superstars and Cannonballs
"Percy?" I peer at Penny over my book. She offered to help me on my search about Professor Lupin, even though she still knows nothing of my… talent; she just wants to help.
Everyday since that first day, I have done nothing more than pay strict attention to Professor Lupin's words; he is an excellent teacher. However, I am still nervous around him.
"Yes, Penny?"
"He keeps attempting to approach us," she nods. I follow her head… that is directed at Marcus.
It's Saturday, I'd forgotten.
"Penny, I've forgotten," I explain, "I meet him three times a week to tutor him."
"I remember."
"I'd better be going then…" I scoop up my books and my bag, pecking Penny on the cheek before approaching Marcus.
"I wouldn't expect you of all people to forget," he drawls.
I do have more important things to do that help him avoid…. becoming a Dark Wizard. He doesn't want to be pressured into that group; it isn't his fault he's in the house he is… Ok, maybe that is his fault. The point is he doesn't want to become a Death Eater and he asked for help. Right? The last thing this world needs is another war – pain – and if I can stop it, I'll damn well try. Merlin, I've got to do this.
"I did and I'm sorry." Can we get going? I don't like being in front of this many people.
We've been meeting in my dorm this year, mostly due to the increase in Slytherin population that frequents the library. I really don't mind it, even if it is against the rules…
I just admitted that I didn't mind breaking the rules. What is happening to me?
Oliver minds, though, and he spends every breath telling me so.
"Well?"
I sigh and lead him from the library up to my dorm. I must say that he has been on the most excellent behavior, no deep-cutting remarks, no false moves. Nothing less than friendly. And it's so… unnerving, unsettling, out of character, odd, wrong. Take a pick, they all work.
"How is your werewolf essay coming?" I ask as I spread out my books over my bed and he applies the same treatment to the floor.
Snape has taken over our DADA class and assigned us an essay on werewolves. It doesn't seem right; Professor Lupin was discussing curses before he had taken ill, not dark animals.
Possibly it could just be Snape being bitter. No, he almost always has an ulterior motive.
"I'm having difficulty with the mindset shift," he frowns at the open book in his lap.
He's actually quite sharp, cleverer than one might originally think, and, I confess, what I used to think.
"What about it?"
"How the Wolfsbane Potion affects the mind." Oh, well, that's easy enough.
"The potion, taken before the full moon, is a mind-manipulant, much like a love potion or the Imperius Curse. It takes root in the subconscious of the wolf-human, growing until the peek of the lunar cycle.
"At that time, it takes complete affect, convincing the werewolf that he is truly a wolf and wants nothing more than to curl up in his den.
"Understand it now?"
He frowns, nibbling the end of his quill. How do those feathers feel on his tongue… Gah! What am I thinking? Wolfsbane…. Yes, Wolfsbane.
"How long before the full moon?" he asks around the quill.
"A week. So, if I were a werewolf, I would need to take the potion…" The last full moon was on the… yesterday, so it would have been about eight days ago. "Eight days ago for the full moon… last night."
"I see." He scrawls down a few notes.
"And I would also spend today… recovering." Like Professor Lupin.
"Are you sure?" he asks incredulously.
"Yeah, I just realized something, is all."
So that is what he is. That is what he kept me from finding out, told me to keep out. To not tell anyone…
"You're pale."
"It's nothing. Any other questions?" I really don't want to let this conversation to continue.
"No."
We spend the next few minutes in silence. He stares at me and mumbles something about an earring.
"Pardon?"
"So werewolves only go after humans?" That's not what he said.
"Yeah."
"What about an Animagus?"
"In animagi form, no threat is posed to the wolf or the animagus, however in human form, the animgus is not safe, no."
"So, basically, by mastering the animagus transformation one would be immune to werewolves?" That does make sense.
"In theory," I frown. I guess.
"What about cent- " He stops abruptly, snapping his mouth shut.
Then I hear it too: a giggle.
We look to each other, equally confused. It's probably just the twins to pester me about Oliver.
The door opens and closes quickly as the giggling continues. It's not the twins. It's Oliver and someone with brown-blond hair covering his face. Someone male.
Oliver is playfully thrown to his bed by him, laughing. The brunet laughs in response, jumping onto him, pinning him to the bed.
My eyes dry out from lack of blinking and wide-eyed staring, and my mouth goes dry.
Oliver reaches up and pulls the man to his lips, sucking on them fervently as the other's hands snake up Oliver's stomach and chest under his shirt.
Ok, now someone needs to stop this before this gets too…. unbearable. I just wish it didn't have to be me.
I clear my throat.
Oliver's head snaps up, as does the brown head. He wipes the hair from his… handsome face.
Cedric.
Oliver is groping, being groped by, snogging… everything, with Cedric Diggory.
A blush paints its way across both their faces.
"Didn't see you there, Perce…" Oliver's voice is rough as Cedric crawls off him guiltily.
"Noticed," Marcus grunts.
"Flint!!" Oliver panics.
"He won't say anything and neither will I." I fix Marcus with a steady glare. "Especially since he's in my debt."
"Right," he grumbles.
"Marcus, why don't we continue with our essays tomorrow, it's almost curfew."
He glares, but complies, gathering his books and leaving without snort or lewd remark.
With Marcus out of the picture and Oliver and Cedric as far away as they can be from each other yet still touching, Oliver asks,
"Why didn't you remind me?!"
"It's Saturday, Oliver," I reply stoically. "We meet every Saturday, have for almost two years." I eye Cedric, who's trying his best to disappear.
Oliver follows my gaze and worries his lower lip. He's going to ask if Cedric can stay.
"Just close your curtains and apply a Silencing Charm."
His face brightens; his birthday present just came early. He flashes an award winning grin at Cedric, who in turn smiles back albeit awkwardly.
Oliver then grabs Cedric with quicksilver speed and they disappear behind Oliver's bed curtains.
There is no way that I'll ever be able to continue to focus on my essay while they're so, so very close. I should give them their privacy.
I resign for the night, stowing my books on my desk and going down to the common room with another text to read.
I find a corner, open the book in my lap, and think, ignoring the din of voices and the open book.
Professor Lupin is a werewolf… and Oliver's upstairs with Cedric.
That's too much to wrap my mind around.
I could handle one or the other but not both.
So. Professor Lupin is a werewolf. Harmless since he takes the Wolfsbane Potion. Therefore is nothing I should lament on. He's not a threat to anyone. Harmless. Everything is taken care of, no need to worry.
Oliver and Cedric.
How long have they been sneaking around behind my back? Were they ever planning on telling me?
I can't think about this now; I'll ask them later, Oliver rather. I don't think Cedric will be able to look at me again after that. Even though I do have a meeting with the prefects tomorrow afternoon to discuss, ironically, inter-house relationships in direct relation to common rooms.
Oliver, on the other hand, I have to face every night for the next couple of months before graduation.
Graduation means getting a real job. I need to write a résumé for the Ministry if I ever plan on getting in. I need to get in; it's what they expect. I plan on applying for the Department For The Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. At least that way I'll be able to keep do what I want without reaching the end of my tether.
Well, it makes sense to me.
I can't spend all night sulking down in the common room. I'm going to need to get some sleep sometime.
Bracing myself, I head upstairs, slightly surprised that the twins left me in peace.
~*~
I haven't been able to look Professor Lupin or Cedric in the eyes. In fact, I don't recall ever being able to look Professor Lupin in the eye.
Oliver has yet to explain anything to me; he's been avoiding me, which is really difficult living in the same room. Whatever happened to our soul bearing?
I frown down at my notes, then glower at Oliver studying on his bed.
"Were you ever planning on telling me?" I blurt out before I can stop myself from being downright rude.
"Telling you what?" he asks, not taking his eyes from his text.
"About you and Cedric." About being gay, or bisexual.
He glances at me, then back to his now very interesting text.
"You can trust me Oliver," I plead, "I've always told you everything."
"Not about this, Perce, sorry."
"Why not?" This is not happening. I want to help not hurt.
"I can't, Perce. I just can't." His voice thickens as if he is holding back tears. This is not going well at all.
"Ol?" I shorten his name, hoping the endearment might affect him in some way.
It doesn't.
"I'll ask Cedric," I threaten. I will and he knows it.
"I'm his rebound, and he's mine," he chokes. From what I saw, that wasn't just a rebound.
"You're using each other?"
"Essentially, yeah," he breathes.
"Are you going to leave me in mystery still?" I attempt to joke. I have never been good with humour, that's what Oliver does. Along with talk incessantly, not with clipped words.
"I was planning on it." That's the Oliver I know.
"Enlighten me."
"Can I not?"
"No." I fix him with a severe glare.
He sighs, setting his text aside. "I – well, I tried – for six full years I tried to get this one, singular guy to look at me. Not as a quidditch star, not as a friend. To see me romantically - if you ignore the lameness. Long story short, he became in interested in someone else – someone female."
I didn't know. I had no way of knowing Oliver was hurt that badly. No way of knowing.
Although it is cowardly to be using a person for a pathetic reason such as lowered self-esteem.
"That's really pathetic, Oliver."
"I know," he laughs hysterically. "And very human."
Ok, so we've established that I'm not human, just twist the knife in a different direction.
He's missing something, leaving it out….
"Who was it?" I ask cautiously.
He slams his text closed. "It's not important," he growls.
"Yes, it is," I counter. I want to be able to give this person a talking to. How dare he hurt my Oliver! My Oliver… since when is he mine?
"No, it's not." He gets up and stomps out, muttering angrily, "I need some fresh air."
"Oliver? Do you not trust me?!" I cry after him.
"It was him, Weasley," he spits over his shoulder. "The whole damn time, it was him." And he's gone into the night.
Cedric. Shite.
~*~
I took my problem to the only other human I trusted as much as Oliver: Penny, catching her after class in the Charms hallway.
"Penny?" I ask tentatively.
"Yes, Perce?" she asks sweetly. That's my girl.
"Have you ever spoken to Oliver?" I blurt out.
"On occasion," she frowns. "He is almost always with you unless we're in the library."
"I meant without me present," I clarify, hoping that she will cease her nonchalance.
"Once or twice." So much for false hopes.
"What did you talk about?" Please, Penny, get directly to the point.
"Well, men. It's the only common ground we have, other than you." She frowns again, as if she doesn't approve my motives, which she probably doesn't.
A dark ringlet falls into her eyes, obscuring her face. I gently brush it away, tucking it behind her ear.
She leans forward, kissing me on the cheek in appreciation. She's never done that before, initiate a kiss. Not since the basilisk incident last year. It's always been me.
"Don't distract me," I state, reigning in my growing irritation. "What about men?"
"It doesn't matter," she responds lightly. It does, though.
"It does matter," I contradict firmly. If it doesn't matter, Oliver would still talk to me. If it doesn't matter, Oliver would still be able to be in the same room as me. I would still have a friend. "What was it?"
"I told him to keep his feary hands off you!" she shouts, receiving startled glances from passing students. "I told him that you were mine and that if you wanted him it would be because you would be with him, not me. And I told him that I would castrate him with a spoon if he touched you in any way! What do you think I said?!"
I can't tell if that's sarcasm or truth, all I know is that I need to get away. Far, far, very far away.
I turn on my heel and, without a word, take off. I need to speak with Cedric.
But first, I need to get to my lessons with Professor McGonagall.
~*~
I rush though the halls, intent on getting to Professor McGonagall's room, trying to keep my mind blank. That's a lovely delusion.
Oliver is gay. Might be. Or bi. I don't know. He is physically with Cedric. He has been thinking that he's been in love with Cedric. For six years. Penny knew. And kept it from me. And I was too stupid to see.
Oliver told me to go after Marcus. Sexually. That explains everything, or at least should.
" – improvement, Mr. Flint."
That's Snape's voice. What is he doing out of the dungeons?
Curious, I peer into the classroom. Snape is pacing the room and Marcus is sitting on a desk. He has a look of determination across his face and a slight sheen of sweat forming on his brow.
This isn't my place; I should be going… It feels like Dark Magic.
I need to get to class, Professor McGonagall will wonder –
Pain.
It's sharp, blossoming in my temples, squeezing my mind. It's different than Professor Lupin but just as painful.
I shake my head violently, trying to free myself. It doesn't word, only makes my head more painful.
I escape at a dead run, cradling my head in my hands.
I'm not sure if it's my imagination, but I can almost swear that someone is laughing manically.
~*~
I don't mention anything to Professor McGonagall, even when she claims I'm not myself and very distracted. With Penny and Oliver and Cedric and Snape and Marcus and mind-grippers I think it's understandable. I'm almost done with the animagus transformation so that gives me one thing to brighten my complicated life.
Today she taught me how to mind-speak. It's amazing. We've been working on that for weeks now and today I can finally speak with a creature without opening my mouth.
When lessons are finally over I head directly for the Hufflepuff common room. With any luck, Cedric will be there. With my luck, he won't.
Being Headboy does have its advantages, such as knowing common room passwords.
"Animo," I tell the statue of a young woman. I've long stopped wondering why we have the Fat Lady and Hufflepuff has the attractive one. The woman nods and moves to the side, allowing me access to the Hufflepuff part of the castle.
My presence startles a few third years studying.
"I'm looking for Cedric," I say briskly. It would make sense for the Headboy to be searching for a Prefect.
"He – he went to practice," one of them answers timidly; I think her name is Hannah, if I remember correctly.
"Thank you," I clip, breezing out and down to the pitch.
*~*
"Alanna, I don't think that I can handle this anymore," he said stoically.
"Handle what?"
"Growing up."
"No one can handle that, but it becomes easier after enough experience. It truly does. Actually, you become so accustomed to it, you don't even realize the responsibility any more."
"That was certainly reassuring."
"Don't get cheeky," she warned.
"There's nothing wrong with cynicism," he frowned.
"No, there isn't, if you use it correctly," she agreed.
"Thank you," he said suddenly, bowing his head in respect, "for everything."
"That's what I'm here for."
*~*
Practice didn't last long. I watched from the bleachers and Cedric joins me as his team shuffles into the locker room.
"Hullo," he greets lightly. The sun plays with his hair… I can see what Oliver sees in him; he's gorgeous with a personality.
"Hi," I say, suddenly meek, intimidated by his indifference.
"I'm really sorry about the other night." He has the decency to look embarrassed, and I can't tell if he's flushed from chasing golf balls on a broom or blushing from the memory.
"Actually, that is what I n – wish to speak with you about." I don't think my voice could be any graver; it's like somebody died.
"As Headboy to Prefect or as friend of the person in question to his boyfriend."
Boyfriend? He's serious.
"Friend to – boyfriend." That took more will power than I thought it would.
"I see," he says delicately, as he would have preferred the former to the latter. So would I.
"Yes, I just want to know if you are serious or if you're using him," I say frankly.
"Ah, I was expecting this. Yes, I am quite serious. Much like you and Penelope." Penny and I are not 'quite serious'.
"I came to that conclusion, but I needed confirmation."
I must be frowning because he gives me a measured stare before asking a very firm, very serious "Why?"
"You already know the answer."
"Yes, I do. Tell me so I know my assumptions are correct."
I don't think I have ever known him to be this seriously focused and determined. Not even during a quidditch match. Not that I know him.
"I don't want him hurt, yet at the same time I don't want you hurt. One of you will be." If Oliver is truthful about the rebound, Cedric will be hurt because he's serious about their relationship. If Cedric is lying and really on the rebound as Oliver said then Oliver will be hurt, because from what I've witnessed – his behavior and words – he's serious.
Yet I can fell that both are serious which in itself can lead to complications. I don't know if it's because I know Oliver better than Cedric, but I have a gut feeling that Oliver is going to end up hurting, grieving, in pain. And so will Cedric.
Cedric releases a bark of shrewd laughter. "I know, I think it will be me."
He agrees with my prediction to a degree. Trelawney would be proud.
"I wish you luck," I say truthfully. In life, in love, in lust, and in your match against Gryffindor tomorrow.
"Thank you… I've been meaning to ask you this." I don't trust that for an instant. "But what was Flint doing in your dorm that night?" Oh great.
"Studying." Don't ask any more questions.
"Studying what? Seemed to me that he was studying you more closely than the text." Not thinking that way. Out of the gutter.
"How can you be so sure of that?" I challenge. "You were a tad… wrapped up in the moment." He blushes.
"I saw him approach you on the train…. There's more on his mind than books and I'm sure it's not just Dark Arts," he smirks around his blush.
Somehow with that ridiculous expression he still manages to look good.
"Preposterous. There's nothing. And if there is, I can handle it."
"Of course you can." There is mockery ringing through his voice, but I don't care. I'm used to mockery in this stage of my life. I was used to it by age ten.
"Thank you for taking time from your shower to speak with me about something so personal," I change the subject.
"That sounds so damn formal, Percy," he smiles. "Lighten up." He smacks me heartily on the back.
"Thanks," I smile back sheepishly.
"Now that shower sounds promising." He hops down the bleachers. "Remember what I said about Flint!" And he's gone.
I have always viewed Cedric as a shy boy, but what he's shown me is anything but. Oliver is good for him. They're good for each other.
Too much to think about. Right now I'll concentrate on only two main focuses: NEWT's and the animagus transformation.
Ack! I've forgotten my résumé!
~*~
"Percy," Penny tries after dinner. I ignore her, heading for my room. "I'm really sorry about earlier." I don't want to hear it. "I was just so frustrated after a horrible class and I thought that just maybe I could forget about it with you, but instead you asked that question… I'm sorry."
She sounds so sincere. I turn to face her. Why can't I stay angry? I –
"No, I'm the one who should be sorry." I clasp her hand in mine. "I was too blind to see that you were already harried."
"Can you use a different adjective?" she smiles coyly.
"Upset?" I raise an eyebrow and she giggles.
"That's better."
"What? You don't like being hairy?" I feign astonishment.
"Stop it, you… I really didn't say all those things to him, you know," she admits soberly. I snap my eyes to her face. She's serious. "I – I told him that he would end up hurting himself if he continued to pine. I told him that – that I know what it feels like to feel that way about someone, not knowing if he feels the same but just as desperate."
"Penny?" I gape. Is she talking about me?
She shakes her head, tears leaking out of her sapphire eyes. "I told him that things are so complicated now that we're almost out of school, that we have other things to think about other than relationships. I told him that it was up to you to decide and whatever you went for I would be supportive, even if it wasn't either of us. I told him to go for it."
I pull her close, kissing the corners of each eye as she sniffles. She's even more beautiful when she cries. I then kiss the top of her head.
I must love her, or care a lot about her well being.
~*~
Ab Ab-Bb-C-Ab-C-D-Eb Eb-D-C Bb-A-Bb Bb Bb Bb C-D-C-Bb-Ab G
I need to get that song out of my head! I don't know where it came from, but it's been in my head all day and I can't be rid of it.
And right now it's handicapping me while I'm trying to write my résumé.
So far I've included two years as a Prefect and then as Headboy, for leadership and then about the few languages I am able to use other than the standard two of Latin and English, including Spanish – close enough to Latin, French – close enough to Spanish, German, Chinese, Veela, and Elvish, for communication.
Ab Ab-Bb-C- -
I can't focus on anything but that song. I'll work on this later.
Ab Ab- -
Gah!
~*~*~*~
I apologize for this chapter and the next two chapters. But I promise things will improve, and there will be more slashly goodness.
The song is Chorale and Shaker Dance, composed by John Zdechlik and the part Percy had stuck in his head was the trombone soli. If anyone cares to know.
Wai! Sankyuu to everyone who responded!
Olivia: I'm working on it. ^-^'
Green Eyes: Marcus is supposed to be a mystery for Percy. Don't worry, he'll be explained later on. Promise. And the twins are just being brothers, never fear.
Sciuridae: Thank you. ^^ And as I mentioned before, Marcus will be explained later, but there are still hints here and there.
Cariad: I had to include Lupin's condition somehow, so I'm glad it worked out the way it did.
Rogue: I believe I've answered all of your questions. If I haven't, feel free to email me back.
Kimagure: Thank you and you're welcome. The next chapter will include Marcus/Percy *cough* interaction, promise!
Pairings: Percy/Penny, eventually Percy/Marcus, Cedric/Oliver
Contents: Angst, Slash, POV, Fluffy (sorta), Het
Spoilers: Yup. Books 2 and up.
Summary: Percy may be a freak, but that's not always a bad thing. That, I think, is the worse summary I've ever come up with.
Status: Incomplete
A/N: In here Oliver is a friend and Percy can be normal around him, or so is my skewed view. And I liked the idea of Percy as a Wild Mage too much that I butchered it. Ruthlessly. Also, this is unbeta-ed. Was originally Percy Weasley and the Dominion Jewel. I decided to keep this PG-13, so no sex. Darn. Wait… by mentioning that word, does that mean it's not 13 anymore?
*~* Indicates time change
~*~ Indicates scene change
Indicates the voices in Percy's head… rather his recalling past dialogue
Superstars and Cannonballs
"Percy?" I peer at Penny over my book. She offered to help me on my search about Professor Lupin, even though she still knows nothing of my… talent; she just wants to help.
Everyday since that first day, I have done nothing more than pay strict attention to Professor Lupin's words; he is an excellent teacher. However, I am still nervous around him.
"Yes, Penny?"
"He keeps attempting to approach us," she nods. I follow her head… that is directed at Marcus.
It's Saturday, I'd forgotten.
"Penny, I've forgotten," I explain, "I meet him three times a week to tutor him."
"I remember."
"I'd better be going then…" I scoop up my books and my bag, pecking Penny on the cheek before approaching Marcus.
"I wouldn't expect you of all people to forget," he drawls.
I do have more important things to do that help him avoid…. becoming a Dark Wizard. He doesn't want to be pressured into that group; it isn't his fault he's in the house he is… Ok, maybe that is his fault. The point is he doesn't want to become a Death Eater and he asked for help. Right? The last thing this world needs is another war – pain – and if I can stop it, I'll damn well try. Merlin, I've got to do this.
"I did and I'm sorry." Can we get going? I don't like being in front of this many people.
We've been meeting in my dorm this year, mostly due to the increase in Slytherin population that frequents the library. I really don't mind it, even if it is against the rules…
I just admitted that I didn't mind breaking the rules. What is happening to me?
Oliver minds, though, and he spends every breath telling me so.
"Well?"
I sigh and lead him from the library up to my dorm. I must say that he has been on the most excellent behavior, no deep-cutting remarks, no false moves. Nothing less than friendly. And it's so… unnerving, unsettling, out of character, odd, wrong. Take a pick, they all work.
"How is your werewolf essay coming?" I ask as I spread out my books over my bed and he applies the same treatment to the floor.
Snape has taken over our DADA class and assigned us an essay on werewolves. It doesn't seem right; Professor Lupin was discussing curses before he had taken ill, not dark animals.
Possibly it could just be Snape being bitter. No, he almost always has an ulterior motive.
"I'm having difficulty with the mindset shift," he frowns at the open book in his lap.
He's actually quite sharp, cleverer than one might originally think, and, I confess, what I used to think.
"What about it?"
"How the Wolfsbane Potion affects the mind." Oh, well, that's easy enough.
"The potion, taken before the full moon, is a mind-manipulant, much like a love potion or the Imperius Curse. It takes root in the subconscious of the wolf-human, growing until the peek of the lunar cycle.
"At that time, it takes complete affect, convincing the werewolf that he is truly a wolf and wants nothing more than to curl up in his den.
"Understand it now?"
He frowns, nibbling the end of his quill. How do those feathers feel on his tongue… Gah! What am I thinking? Wolfsbane…. Yes, Wolfsbane.
"How long before the full moon?" he asks around the quill.
"A week. So, if I were a werewolf, I would need to take the potion…" The last full moon was on the… yesterday, so it would have been about eight days ago. "Eight days ago for the full moon… last night."
"I see." He scrawls down a few notes.
"And I would also spend today… recovering." Like Professor Lupin.
"Are you sure?" he asks incredulously.
"Yeah, I just realized something, is all."
So that is what he is. That is what he kept me from finding out, told me to keep out. To not tell anyone…
"You're pale."
"It's nothing. Any other questions?" I really don't want to let this conversation to continue.
"No."
We spend the next few minutes in silence. He stares at me and mumbles something about an earring.
"Pardon?"
"So werewolves only go after humans?" That's not what he said.
"Yeah."
"What about an Animagus?"
"In animagi form, no threat is posed to the wolf or the animagus, however in human form, the animgus is not safe, no."
"So, basically, by mastering the animagus transformation one would be immune to werewolves?" That does make sense.
"In theory," I frown. I guess.
"What about cent- " He stops abruptly, snapping his mouth shut.
Then I hear it too: a giggle.
We look to each other, equally confused. It's probably just the twins to pester me about Oliver.
The door opens and closes quickly as the giggling continues. It's not the twins. It's Oliver and someone with brown-blond hair covering his face. Someone male.
Oliver is playfully thrown to his bed by him, laughing. The brunet laughs in response, jumping onto him, pinning him to the bed.
My eyes dry out from lack of blinking and wide-eyed staring, and my mouth goes dry.
Oliver reaches up and pulls the man to his lips, sucking on them fervently as the other's hands snake up Oliver's stomach and chest under his shirt.
Ok, now someone needs to stop this before this gets too…. unbearable. I just wish it didn't have to be me.
I clear my throat.
Oliver's head snaps up, as does the brown head. He wipes the hair from his… handsome face.
Cedric.
Oliver is groping, being groped by, snogging… everything, with Cedric Diggory.
A blush paints its way across both their faces.
"Didn't see you there, Perce…" Oliver's voice is rough as Cedric crawls off him guiltily.
"Noticed," Marcus grunts.
"Flint!!" Oliver panics.
"He won't say anything and neither will I." I fix Marcus with a steady glare. "Especially since he's in my debt."
"Right," he grumbles.
"Marcus, why don't we continue with our essays tomorrow, it's almost curfew."
He glares, but complies, gathering his books and leaving without snort or lewd remark.
With Marcus out of the picture and Oliver and Cedric as far away as they can be from each other yet still touching, Oliver asks,
"Why didn't you remind me?!"
"It's Saturday, Oliver," I reply stoically. "We meet every Saturday, have for almost two years." I eye Cedric, who's trying his best to disappear.
Oliver follows my gaze and worries his lower lip. He's going to ask if Cedric can stay.
"Just close your curtains and apply a Silencing Charm."
His face brightens; his birthday present just came early. He flashes an award winning grin at Cedric, who in turn smiles back albeit awkwardly.
Oliver then grabs Cedric with quicksilver speed and they disappear behind Oliver's bed curtains.
There is no way that I'll ever be able to continue to focus on my essay while they're so, so very close. I should give them their privacy.
I resign for the night, stowing my books on my desk and going down to the common room with another text to read.
I find a corner, open the book in my lap, and think, ignoring the din of voices and the open book.
Professor Lupin is a werewolf… and Oliver's upstairs with Cedric.
That's too much to wrap my mind around.
I could handle one or the other but not both.
So. Professor Lupin is a werewolf. Harmless since he takes the Wolfsbane Potion. Therefore is nothing I should lament on. He's not a threat to anyone. Harmless. Everything is taken care of, no need to worry.
Oliver and Cedric.
How long have they been sneaking around behind my back? Were they ever planning on telling me?
I can't think about this now; I'll ask them later, Oliver rather. I don't think Cedric will be able to look at me again after that. Even though I do have a meeting with the prefects tomorrow afternoon to discuss, ironically, inter-house relationships in direct relation to common rooms.
Oliver, on the other hand, I have to face every night for the next couple of months before graduation.
Graduation means getting a real job. I need to write a résumé for the Ministry if I ever plan on getting in. I need to get in; it's what they expect. I plan on applying for the Department For The Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. At least that way I'll be able to keep do what I want without reaching the end of my tether.
Well, it makes sense to me.
I can't spend all night sulking down in the common room. I'm going to need to get some sleep sometime.
Bracing myself, I head upstairs, slightly surprised that the twins left me in peace.
~*~
I haven't been able to look Professor Lupin or Cedric in the eyes. In fact, I don't recall ever being able to look Professor Lupin in the eye.
Oliver has yet to explain anything to me; he's been avoiding me, which is really difficult living in the same room. Whatever happened to our soul bearing?
I frown down at my notes, then glower at Oliver studying on his bed.
"Were you ever planning on telling me?" I blurt out before I can stop myself from being downright rude.
"Telling you what?" he asks, not taking his eyes from his text.
"About you and Cedric." About being gay, or bisexual.
He glances at me, then back to his now very interesting text.
"You can trust me Oliver," I plead, "I've always told you everything."
"Not about this, Perce, sorry."
"Why not?" This is not happening. I want to help not hurt.
"I can't, Perce. I just can't." His voice thickens as if he is holding back tears. This is not going well at all.
"Ol?" I shorten his name, hoping the endearment might affect him in some way.
It doesn't.
"I'll ask Cedric," I threaten. I will and he knows it.
"I'm his rebound, and he's mine," he chokes. From what I saw, that wasn't just a rebound.
"You're using each other?"
"Essentially, yeah," he breathes.
"Are you going to leave me in mystery still?" I attempt to joke. I have never been good with humour, that's what Oliver does. Along with talk incessantly, not with clipped words.
"I was planning on it." That's the Oliver I know.
"Enlighten me."
"Can I not?"
"No." I fix him with a severe glare.
He sighs, setting his text aside. "I – well, I tried – for six full years I tried to get this one, singular guy to look at me. Not as a quidditch star, not as a friend. To see me romantically - if you ignore the lameness. Long story short, he became in interested in someone else – someone female."
I didn't know. I had no way of knowing Oliver was hurt that badly. No way of knowing.
Although it is cowardly to be using a person for a pathetic reason such as lowered self-esteem.
"That's really pathetic, Oliver."
"I know," he laughs hysterically. "And very human."
Ok, so we've established that I'm not human, just twist the knife in a different direction.
He's missing something, leaving it out….
"Who was it?" I ask cautiously.
He slams his text closed. "It's not important," he growls.
"Yes, it is," I counter. I want to be able to give this person a talking to. How dare he hurt my Oliver! My Oliver… since when is he mine?
"No, it's not." He gets up and stomps out, muttering angrily, "I need some fresh air."
"Oliver? Do you not trust me?!" I cry after him.
"It was him, Weasley," he spits over his shoulder. "The whole damn time, it was him." And he's gone into the night.
Cedric. Shite.
~*~
I took my problem to the only other human I trusted as much as Oliver: Penny, catching her after class in the Charms hallway.
"Penny?" I ask tentatively.
"Yes, Perce?" she asks sweetly. That's my girl.
"Have you ever spoken to Oliver?" I blurt out.
"On occasion," she frowns. "He is almost always with you unless we're in the library."
"I meant without me present," I clarify, hoping that she will cease her nonchalance.
"Once or twice." So much for false hopes.
"What did you talk about?" Please, Penny, get directly to the point.
"Well, men. It's the only common ground we have, other than you." She frowns again, as if she doesn't approve my motives, which she probably doesn't.
A dark ringlet falls into her eyes, obscuring her face. I gently brush it away, tucking it behind her ear.
She leans forward, kissing me on the cheek in appreciation. She's never done that before, initiate a kiss. Not since the basilisk incident last year. It's always been me.
"Don't distract me," I state, reigning in my growing irritation. "What about men?"
"It doesn't matter," she responds lightly. It does, though.
"It does matter," I contradict firmly. If it doesn't matter, Oliver would still talk to me. If it doesn't matter, Oliver would still be able to be in the same room as me. I would still have a friend. "What was it?"
"I told him to keep his feary hands off you!" she shouts, receiving startled glances from passing students. "I told him that you were mine and that if you wanted him it would be because you would be with him, not me. And I told him that I would castrate him with a spoon if he touched you in any way! What do you think I said?!"
I can't tell if that's sarcasm or truth, all I know is that I need to get away. Far, far, very far away.
I turn on my heel and, without a word, take off. I need to speak with Cedric.
But first, I need to get to my lessons with Professor McGonagall.
~*~
I rush though the halls, intent on getting to Professor McGonagall's room, trying to keep my mind blank. That's a lovely delusion.
Oliver is gay. Might be. Or bi. I don't know. He is physically with Cedric. He has been thinking that he's been in love with Cedric. For six years. Penny knew. And kept it from me. And I was too stupid to see.
Oliver told me to go after Marcus. Sexually. That explains everything, or at least should.
" – improvement, Mr. Flint."
That's Snape's voice. What is he doing out of the dungeons?
Curious, I peer into the classroom. Snape is pacing the room and Marcus is sitting on a desk. He has a look of determination across his face and a slight sheen of sweat forming on his brow.
This isn't my place; I should be going… It feels like Dark Magic.
I need to get to class, Professor McGonagall will wonder –
Pain.
It's sharp, blossoming in my temples, squeezing my mind. It's different than Professor Lupin but just as painful.
I shake my head violently, trying to free myself. It doesn't word, only makes my head more painful.
I escape at a dead run, cradling my head in my hands.
I'm not sure if it's my imagination, but I can almost swear that someone is laughing manically.
~*~
I don't mention anything to Professor McGonagall, even when she claims I'm not myself and very distracted. With Penny and Oliver and Cedric and Snape and Marcus and mind-grippers I think it's understandable. I'm almost done with the animagus transformation so that gives me one thing to brighten my complicated life.
Today she taught me how to mind-speak. It's amazing. We've been working on that for weeks now and today I can finally speak with a creature without opening my mouth.
When lessons are finally over I head directly for the Hufflepuff common room. With any luck, Cedric will be there. With my luck, he won't.
Being Headboy does have its advantages, such as knowing common room passwords.
"Animo," I tell the statue of a young woman. I've long stopped wondering why we have the Fat Lady and Hufflepuff has the attractive one. The woman nods and moves to the side, allowing me access to the Hufflepuff part of the castle.
My presence startles a few third years studying.
"I'm looking for Cedric," I say briskly. It would make sense for the Headboy to be searching for a Prefect.
"He – he went to practice," one of them answers timidly; I think her name is Hannah, if I remember correctly.
"Thank you," I clip, breezing out and down to the pitch.
*~*
"Alanna, I don't think that I can handle this anymore," he said stoically.
"Handle what?"
"Growing up."
"No one can handle that, but it becomes easier after enough experience. It truly does. Actually, you become so accustomed to it, you don't even realize the responsibility any more."
"That was certainly reassuring."
"Don't get cheeky," she warned.
"There's nothing wrong with cynicism," he frowned.
"No, there isn't, if you use it correctly," she agreed.
"Thank you," he said suddenly, bowing his head in respect, "for everything."
"That's what I'm here for."
*~*
Practice didn't last long. I watched from the bleachers and Cedric joins me as his team shuffles into the locker room.
"Hullo," he greets lightly. The sun plays with his hair… I can see what Oliver sees in him; he's gorgeous with a personality.
"Hi," I say, suddenly meek, intimidated by his indifference.
"I'm really sorry about the other night." He has the decency to look embarrassed, and I can't tell if he's flushed from chasing golf balls on a broom or blushing from the memory.
"Actually, that is what I n – wish to speak with you about." I don't think my voice could be any graver; it's like somebody died.
"As Headboy to Prefect or as friend of the person in question to his boyfriend."
Boyfriend? He's serious.
"Friend to – boyfriend." That took more will power than I thought it would.
"I see," he says delicately, as he would have preferred the former to the latter. So would I.
"Yes, I just want to know if you are serious or if you're using him," I say frankly.
"Ah, I was expecting this. Yes, I am quite serious. Much like you and Penelope." Penny and I are not 'quite serious'.
"I came to that conclusion, but I needed confirmation."
I must be frowning because he gives me a measured stare before asking a very firm, very serious "Why?"
"You already know the answer."
"Yes, I do. Tell me so I know my assumptions are correct."
I don't think I have ever known him to be this seriously focused and determined. Not even during a quidditch match. Not that I know him.
"I don't want him hurt, yet at the same time I don't want you hurt. One of you will be." If Oliver is truthful about the rebound, Cedric will be hurt because he's serious about their relationship. If Cedric is lying and really on the rebound as Oliver said then Oliver will be hurt, because from what I've witnessed – his behavior and words – he's serious.
Yet I can fell that both are serious which in itself can lead to complications. I don't know if it's because I know Oliver better than Cedric, but I have a gut feeling that Oliver is going to end up hurting, grieving, in pain. And so will Cedric.
Cedric releases a bark of shrewd laughter. "I know, I think it will be me."
He agrees with my prediction to a degree. Trelawney would be proud.
"I wish you luck," I say truthfully. In life, in love, in lust, and in your match against Gryffindor tomorrow.
"Thank you… I've been meaning to ask you this." I don't trust that for an instant. "But what was Flint doing in your dorm that night?" Oh great.
"Studying." Don't ask any more questions.
"Studying what? Seemed to me that he was studying you more closely than the text." Not thinking that way. Out of the gutter.
"How can you be so sure of that?" I challenge. "You were a tad… wrapped up in the moment." He blushes.
"I saw him approach you on the train…. There's more on his mind than books and I'm sure it's not just Dark Arts," he smirks around his blush.
Somehow with that ridiculous expression he still manages to look good.
"Preposterous. There's nothing. And if there is, I can handle it."
"Of course you can." There is mockery ringing through his voice, but I don't care. I'm used to mockery in this stage of my life. I was used to it by age ten.
"Thank you for taking time from your shower to speak with me about something so personal," I change the subject.
"That sounds so damn formal, Percy," he smiles. "Lighten up." He smacks me heartily on the back.
"Thanks," I smile back sheepishly.
"Now that shower sounds promising." He hops down the bleachers. "Remember what I said about Flint!" And he's gone.
I have always viewed Cedric as a shy boy, but what he's shown me is anything but. Oliver is good for him. They're good for each other.
Too much to think about. Right now I'll concentrate on only two main focuses: NEWT's and the animagus transformation.
Ack! I've forgotten my résumé!
~*~
"Percy," Penny tries after dinner. I ignore her, heading for my room. "I'm really sorry about earlier." I don't want to hear it. "I was just so frustrated after a horrible class and I thought that just maybe I could forget about it with you, but instead you asked that question… I'm sorry."
She sounds so sincere. I turn to face her. Why can't I stay angry? I –
"No, I'm the one who should be sorry." I clasp her hand in mine. "I was too blind to see that you were already harried."
"Can you use a different adjective?" she smiles coyly.
"Upset?" I raise an eyebrow and she giggles.
"That's better."
"What? You don't like being hairy?" I feign astonishment.
"Stop it, you… I really didn't say all those things to him, you know," she admits soberly. I snap my eyes to her face. She's serious. "I – I told him that he would end up hurting himself if he continued to pine. I told him that – that I know what it feels like to feel that way about someone, not knowing if he feels the same but just as desperate."
"Penny?" I gape. Is she talking about me?
She shakes her head, tears leaking out of her sapphire eyes. "I told him that things are so complicated now that we're almost out of school, that we have other things to think about other than relationships. I told him that it was up to you to decide and whatever you went for I would be supportive, even if it wasn't either of us. I told him to go for it."
I pull her close, kissing the corners of each eye as she sniffles. She's even more beautiful when she cries. I then kiss the top of her head.
I must love her, or care a lot about her well being.
~*~
Ab Ab-Bb-C-Ab-C-D-Eb Eb-D-C Bb-A-Bb Bb Bb Bb C-D-C-Bb-Ab G
I need to get that song out of my head! I don't know where it came from, but it's been in my head all day and I can't be rid of it.
And right now it's handicapping me while I'm trying to write my résumé.
So far I've included two years as a Prefect and then as Headboy, for leadership and then about the few languages I am able to use other than the standard two of Latin and English, including Spanish – close enough to Latin, French – close enough to Spanish, German, Chinese, Veela, and Elvish, for communication.
Ab Ab-Bb-C- -
I can't focus on anything but that song. I'll work on this later.
Ab Ab- -
Gah!
~*~*~*~
I apologize for this chapter and the next two chapters. But I promise things will improve, and there will be more slashly goodness.
The song is Chorale and Shaker Dance, composed by John Zdechlik and the part Percy had stuck in his head was the trombone soli. If anyone cares to know.
Wai! Sankyuu to everyone who responded!
Olivia: I'm working on it. ^-^'
Green Eyes: Marcus is supposed to be a mystery for Percy. Don't worry, he'll be explained later on. Promise. And the twins are just being brothers, never fear.
Sciuridae: Thank you. ^^ And as I mentioned before, Marcus will be explained later, but there are still hints here and there.
Cariad: I had to include Lupin's condition somehow, so I'm glad it worked out the way it did.
Rogue: I believe I've answered all of your questions. If I haven't, feel free to email me back.
Kimagure: Thank you and you're welcome. The next chapter will include Marcus/Percy *cough* interaction, promise!