Fiction Title: Two Worlds Collide
Author: Marionie Hearts and xXNaughty-By-NatureXx
E-mail: marionie_k_hearts@yahoo.com and dragonslayer_25@msn.com
Summary: Marionie Hearts is not your average new kid. She is a French
transfer student from Westminster School for Underage Witches and Wizards
with plenty of secrets and ties to England. Following a chance meeting with
Mikaila Avalon, she meets the Hogwarts gang and has her own adventures with
her new best friend.
Disclaimer: This story is based on the characters and situations created by
J.K. Rowling. I only stake claim to the following character(s): Marionie
Hearts. The following characters belong to my friend(s): Mikaila Avalon
Chapter 15:
When Art Imitates Life
Draco ducked out the doors to the ground walking in the direction of the lake.
Mika stepped out of the library, wondering where she could find Malfoy. She became more and more curious as to what he meant earlier. She decided to take her broom out for a little spin. It was a Thunderbolt 2000, her grandmother had sent for it and it came all the way from Canada. Once she was outside, she summoned it and flew around the grounds, singing at the top of her lungs.
Draco heard something and looked around the grounds. He didn't see anyone. So he continued his walk across the grounds.
Mika continued singing at the top of her lungs, unaware of Draco's presence.
Draco became frustrated and looked around again. "WHO IS SINGING?" he cried not even thinking to look up.
Mika quickly stopped when she heard Draco's frustrated voice. She swooped down close to ground and flew right by his head. She continued flying fancily, doing loops and spins in the air.
"What do you want, Avalon?" Draco asked, watching her on her broom.
"Some answers, Malfoy," she replied as she landed swiftly next to the blonde, who was but a couple of inches taller than her.
"Really? You expect me to answer anything you ask?" he asked her sharply as he shoved his hands into his pockets.
"You're a lot more like me than you realize, Draco," she told him, softening her tone of voice and using his first name. Wow, that was weird.
Draco stopped. "You don't know anything about me to make that assumption," he said, glaring at Mika.
"I know enough to notice that you've lost your edge and I know enough to realize that you're full of anger, like I am." Mika smiled confidently.
Draco thought this over for a moment. "What's your point?" he asked, slightly defeated.
"Why did you back down earlier when I started to cry? And what kinds of problems do you have that could possibly help you understand where I'm coming from?"
Draco narrowed his eyes clearly. "You're my cousin's best friend. Just because she is in Gryffindor doesn't mean I don't care for her. Part of caring for her is to care for her friends," he told Mika purposely ignoring her second question.
"Riiiiight," Mika replied skeptically, then muttered under her breath, "You don't know the meaning of the word caring." Her fierce glare met with Draco's cold, condescending look but it didn't stop her from adding, "What about my other question?" She stared him down with intensity in her purple eyes that would surprise even her closest friends.
"I'm not asking for you to believe me," he said coolly, "Marionie was the best thing for me to find for my family. You'd be surprised about what I know." He couldn't avoid her purple eyes. They were hypnotizing.
"Why don't you enlighten me then, Mr. Malfoy?" she said sharply.
For the first time since she first met him, Draco's baby blues seemed like they had revealed something they weren't supposed to. Instead of the coldness she usually found, there was vulnerability there.
"I'm sure you don't need me to do that for you. I know what that amulet does for you!" he said pulling the locket chain from under her robes.
"HEY! That's the only thing I have left from my mother!" she yelled out angrily, "Don't you dare take that away from me!"
Draco's eyes clouded. "Why would I do that?" he asked angrily, dropping the locket. He shoved his hands in his pockets again and continued walking.
Mika picked up her locket and stuffed it in her pocket. "Wait!" she called out, not knowing what possessed her, "I'm sorry."
Draco continued. "Sure," he said sharply.
Mika watched as Draco walked away. The more she tried to figure him out, the more of a headache she got. As she began to move towards her favorite tree, it began to rain.
"Damn it," Draco said realizing he had to go under the same tree Mika was. Walking over, he stood quietly against the trunk of the tall tree.
Mika didn't realize that Draco had stopped by the tree. She began to sing another one of her favorite Muggle songs.
"What are you singing?" Draco asked slightly aggravated, but at the same time slightly curious.
Embarrassed, Mika replied, "It's just a song I heard on the radio over the summer..." Her cheeks became tinged with pink and she was giggling nervously.
Draco smiled for a second but quickly realized, "Oh well, just like a Muggle born."
"You say it like it's a bad thing," Mika replied as the rain started pouring harder.
Draco shook his head. "Listen, I'm not evil," he said quietly, "There are just certain things expected of me. You can't even begin to imagine how wrong your assumptions about me are."
As she shivered, she replied, "Hey, do you realize you're getting your expensive cloak all wet?" She had hoped it would lighten up the atmosphere.
Draco laughed and took the cloak off, seeing Mika shiver. "Here," he said as he wrapped it around her shoulders, "You look cold."
"Thanks," she told him.
She stood there, frozen, at a loss for what to do. First, with her mother, then with Harry and now with Draco, everything she firmly believed was changing and she didn't know what to think anymore.
Draco looked over at her. "Don't tell anyone about this, Mika, please," he said pleadingly. "If it got back to my father.he wou." he added stopping abruptly.
"Yeah." Mika replied as she nodded in agreement, restraining herself from prompting Draco to continue. She paused then added, "Well.if this is to be kept a secret.nothing has to change between us, you know what I mean?"
Draco nodded as the rain let up. "Thanks," he said quietly.
Mika smiled and replied, "You want this back?"
Draco smiled and took the cloak back.
"Hey, before I go in.just between the two of us, I think you should smile more," Mika said casually before walking away.
Draco watched Mika walked away. She would be a nice person to confide in under different circumstances. "Bye, Mika."
~*~
Harry and Marionie walked down just in time to see Mika walk back in the Entrance Hall. "Hey there," Marionie said visioning a pink glow. What are you so happy about? she thought grinning.
You wouldn't believe me if I told you! Mika thought back and said, "Hey guys!"
Harry smiled. "MIKA!" He ran to her giving her a hug causing Marionie to laugh.
Mika giggled in delight as he hugged her. "Do you realize I'm wet, Potter?" she asked him playfully.
Harry smiled and pulled back. "Did it rain?" he asked laughing at himself seeing he was now damp.
"For a while," Mika said as she squeezed the water out of her hair. Harry would freak if he knew what I was doing in the rain, she thought at Mari.
What where you doing? Marionie thought back raising an eyebrow.
"We were just going to have lunch, do you want to join us?" Harry asked.
Mika replied, "Sure thing!" I'll tell you later, Mari! she thought.
All right. Marionie thought back.
"Great!" Harry said as the three walked into the Great Hall.
Mika walked to the Great Hall with Harry's arms around her. She couldn't help but glance over her shoulder to find a soaking Draco, smirking in his usual way.
"Eat your heart out, Malfoy!" she exclaimed, remembering what she had promised earlier about keeping things the same.
Draco looked at Mika and Harry smirking but his mood sinking a bit as he walked over to them. "How cute, Potter and Avalon."
"You know it!" she replied confidently as she felt Harry pull her closer, as if doing it protectively.
Draco continued smirking, "Just figures you two would end up together." He turned around to run into Marionie. "Hello Mari." He said a bit cold.
What's that all about? Marionie thought to Mika. "Draco," she said warmly, still smiling.
"Leave her alone, Draco," Harry said, still holding Mika. "Just go back to your dirt bag friends."
"Hey, let's drop this," Mika said, "I'm hungry, Harry." I made a deal with the devil, she added as an afterthought for Mari to hear.
"All right, Mika," Harry said smiling.
What do you mean? Marionie asked as Draco shoved past her.
Listen, I can't say. I promised, she insisted stubbornly at Mari as she let herself be led by Harry.
Marionie sent a picture of her pouting to Mika and followed. Meanie! she sent laughing. Being mentally connected to someone was fun.
Mika let her mental laughter ring out, directing it towards Marionie as she took a seat across from her and next to Harry.
"So you two settled on being together now?" Marionie asked smiling.
"Yeah, pretty much!" Mika mumbled, her mouth full of food.
Marionie laughed. "YAY!"
"What's all the cheering about?" Ron asked as he and Hermione sat down next to them.
Mika rolled her eyes and attempted to speak, letting all this cauldron cake spew out of her mouth and into her plate.
"Eww!" Marionie said laughing.
Hermione grabbed his arm pointing to Harry and Mika. "Are you two... you know?" She asked.
Mika nodded as she pushed her plate away. "Yeah, we are, Hermione," she clarified.
Hermione sighed. "That is wonderful!" She said out loud grinning widely at Mika and Harry then caught a glimpse of a pink-faced Ron.
Grinning, Mika asked, "What's going on with Ickle Ronniekins, Hermione?"
Ron looked up giving her a DON'T-YOU-DARE look. "Nothing," he mumbled shoving more food into his mouth.
Shaking her head, Mika leaned against Harry and looked up across the room at the Slytherin table, distracted.
Draco watched from the Slytherin table, his normal smirk on his face, but as he caught sight of Mika, his heart sank. Her and Harry, he thought sadly.
"So you wanna check that portrait out later, Mika?" Marionie asked from across the table.
It took a moment for Mika to answer but she replied, "Yeah, sure..." She hoped that no one had noticed her being distracted.
Marionie shook her head and looked in the direction Mika seemed to be staring at, or through, she thought gingerly. Right in the path was her cousin Draco. Marionie perked an eyebrow quietly and looked back at her friend.
"What portrait?" Harry asked intrigued.
Mika shrugged, still somewhat distracted. "Ask Mari," she mumbled as she decided to take one last bite of her cauldron cake.
Marionie leaned across the table keeping one eye on her friend as she whispered the secret to the others. "I overheard my uncle talking about this portrait that you can walk through and go anywhere. We're going to go check it out!" She finished shoving a bit of cauldron cake in her mouth followed by a gulp of pumpkin juice. Why am I so hungry? she thought.
"Sounds bloody fun!" Ron said startling everyone, he had been so quiet Marionie had forgotten he was there.
Mika tore her eyes away from the Slytherin table long enough to look at Ron and laugh like nothing was bothering her.
Marionie caught up in the moment started laughing but yawned. "If you guys don't mind, I like I'm going up to take a nap before our adventure. I'll catch you later?" she asked getting a bewildered look from Ron. "Ask Mika!" she said laughing as she stood up and walked out of the Great Hall.
Mika wasn't sure why she had started laughing. It was mostly because she didn't want anyone to notice her seemingly increasing interest in the Slytherin table and in Draco Malfoy in particular. "Never mind, Ron!" she exclaimed, shaking her head, still leaning against Harry.
At the Slytherin table, Pansy Parkinson was talking her head off with Millicent Bulstrode while Blaise Zabini was sketching, looking bored. The young brunette looked over at Draco curiously and began to sketch him.
Draco continued to glare at the Gryffindor table. Leave it Draco; there is no way she wou. he cut off the thought as he caught sight of his best friend Blaise from the corner of his eye. "What are you doing?"
"Drawing...Muggle art's a very therapeutic thing," she replied as she put her sketchbook away. "A secret passion of mine," she added in a whisper.
Draco tilted his head, looking at the sketchbook. "It looks nice," he said barely audible before he looked down the table at Millicent and Pansy, who looked his way giggling.
"So what's on your mind? You haven't owled me much over the summer and you've been distant since we met up on the train," Blaise went on as she took a sip of her pumpkin juice.
Draco's only reply was a simple shrug.
"Uh huh...so why haven't you stopped staring at the Gryffindor table since we got here?" she pointed out, grimacing in a really cute way.
Draco faced her direction. "Wh.what are you talking about?" he asked trying to hide the shock he was feeling. "I was plotting something against Potter," he said loosening up a little.
Blaise decided to go with it but gave him a look that clearly said that she didn't believe him completely. "So what did Mr. Perfect Potter do now?" she asked him.
"Does he really have to do anything?" Draco replied a chill in his voice.
"Not necessarily...just catching the Snitch before you usually does the trick," she replied in a teasing manner, then added more seriously, "There's something bothering you, I can tell. Just let it out!"
"Don't worry about it." Draco replied as he took a drink of his pumpkin juice, marking the end of the conversation.
Blaise shrugged and changed the topic of conversation. "We're supposed to have our electives picked by tomorrow. Have you decided on anything yet?"
Draco looked at the exit of the Great Hall seeing Marionie stop by Oliver Wood who said something to her causing her to crack up with laughter.scowling he looked back at Blaise. "No," he replied simply.
"Heh, tough crowd," she commented casually, "Well, if you ever wanna fill me in on anything, I'm going back to the Common Room." She decided not to try anymore when her best friend wasn't confiding in her.
Mika's eyes caught sight of Blaise Zabini, looking slightly upset. She remembered her being his best friend and they were rarely ever fighting. What happened to keeping things the way they are, Malfoy? she wondered privately to herself.
Harry looked at Mika. "Are you alright?" he asked concerned.
"Just perfect," she replied, her eyes lighting up. She reached up to his face and gave him a kiss.
Blaise stopped walking right outside the Great Hall and leaned against the door, hoping to overhear Harry and his Gryffindor friends. She hoped maybe it could give her some insight as to what was upsetting her best friend.
After she walked away from where she had talked to Oliver, Marionie watched Harry kiss Mika back, smiling. She spotted a tall brunette girl standing against the doorway and stopped, looking back in the direction of the Gryffindor table, wondering why she was so interested in the house table.
Blaise took a quick peek at the kissing couple to get a mental image before running off towards Slytherin Dungeon.
Do you know who that girl was? Mari asked through her connection with Mika as she stood against the wall next to the door.
What girl? Mika directed at Mari as she pulled away from Harry to take a drink.
The brunette that was standing against the door. Marionie said as she smiled at a boy that said hello to her. He remembered someone calling him Seamus.
What? The last brunette I saw leave the Great Hall was. Mika could feel her mental voice fading as she realized whom it could be.
Was.? Who? Marionie asked covering a yawn.
Draco's best friend, Blaise Zabini, she replied as she went back to kissing Harry.
Oh geez, cool it with my cousin, girl! she thought sending a laugh with the message. Aw, poor Ron, he looks so lonely! She continued with a sigh.
I have a feeling he'll need a friend right now, Mika told her as she projected an image of herself winking. Is the girl still there?
No, she ran out, Marionie said, yawning, I'm going to the room now; I didn't sleep well last night, she thought before walked out through the door.
Mika didn't reply. She pulled away from Harry and suggested, "Hey, how about we go outside and fly around for a little while?"
Harry nodded. "Alright," he said dragging the R out.
Mika grabbed his arm and dragged him away.
~*~
Due to her photographic memory, Blaise's sketch was very lifelike. She was amazed at how good she had become. She regularly glanced up to see if someone was watching, due to paranoia but no one was around in the Slytherin Common Room.
Draco scowled as he walked into the Common Room silently spotting his friend in the corner. "Who says brunettes don't get confused?" he said teasingly, a smile creeping across his face.
"What are you talking about?" Blaise replied, purposely keeping her sketch in the open, "I know exactly what I'm doing."
"Sure you do," he said, sitting next to her, looking at the sketchbook. "What is that?"
"I'm just doing a sketch for my portfolio.I call it 'The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of'..." she explained, "You like?"
Draco tilted his head, "I looks wonderful, but... what is it?" he asked again quietly.
Blaise grinned and replied, "Look at it carefully and tell me what you see."
Draco blinked and stared at the picture. "WHY WOULD YOU DRAW THAT?!" he asked shocked and appalled at the same time.
"I KNEW IT! So this is what's bothering you? Why won't you just admit it?" she asked with a victorious smile, then went on, "The faster you'll admit it, the faster I can help you make the happy couple suffer."
Draco gagged. "Why would that bother me so much?" he asked, even if he did know the answer, he remembered Mika's statement, If this is to be kept a secret.nothing has to change between us, you know what I mean?
"I don't know! Because Mr. Potter's getting everything, and he's living happily ever after perhaps?" Blaise suggested with a shrug.
Draco stood, "Perhaps you're correct, Blaise, I'm going for a walk. Have fun," he said shoving his hands into his pockets as he left the Common Room.
"Wait! Does this mean you'll fill me in on your plot against Harry?" she asked quickly.
"POSSIBLY!" Draco shouted as he disappeared.
Blaise got up to her feet and followed Draco quietly. She had to get to the bottom of what was going on with him.
~*~
Draco watched as Mika and Harry walked outside arm and arm and stood up from his place walking from the great hall casually.
Mika, still dragging Harry, summoned her broom and smiled brightly.
"Time to show me what you've got, Potter!" she challenged playfully.
Harry shook his head smiling playfully and summoned his broom. "You've got it, Avalon."
Mika darted out the front doors and mounted her broom. She twirled around in the air. For the first time in a while, she felt free. She could feel Harry behind her, following her every move. She knew she no chance of getting away from a seeker as good as he was but she loved trying.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" Harry shouted from behind Mika.
For a response, she yelled out, "Whoooooooo hoooooooooo!"
Harry laughed speeding up as he flew past her with a whooooosh!
~*~
Draco stalked down the hall up to the main level of the castle taking a sharp turn to the left and exited the school heading in the direction of the lake for the second time that day. Maybe it won't rain this time, he thought casually.
Blaise took a deep breath as she followed Draco outside. Where the hell is he going?
Draco continued his path watching the grass as he walked; it was still rather wet and muddy from the prior rainstorm that day. Looking up he saw two figures dash around in the sky.
Quickly, Blaise stopped and ducked behind a tree. She looked up at what Draco was looking at. She opened her sketchbook and began to write on a blank page. Investigative work...it's like NYPD Blue, she thought, remembering a Muggle show she had seen once.
Draco shook his head realizing who it was and looked back at the ground. Things have to be this way, he told himself in his mind.
Mika could feel Harry closing in. She decided to try an old chaser maneuver that her father's friend had taught her. She went full speed straight ahead then quickly dove down to the ground, right by Draco, like a blur of black, her hair flying behind her.
Draco, surprised by the sudden wind against his face, fell backwards into the mud. "UGGGH!" he cried, standing up.
Yet again, Mika looked over her shoulder, this time expecting Harry to be tailing her, but she found a dazed Draco there. Heh, he didn't know what hit him! She flew straight up, creating some distance between herself and the fallen Slytherin.
Covered in mud, he looked up in the sky. "AVALON! YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS ONE!" he cried loudly his voice wavering a little.
Mika landed a few meters away, waiting for Harry.
Blaise rushed over to help Draco up. "Hey, what's the deal, Avalon?"
Dazed at the question, Mika began to look just a touch panicked, which fascinated Blaise.
Draco glared at Mika. "You could have watched were you were going," he pointed out.
"Hey, there's nothing going on between me and Malfoy, Zabini, I was just having a little fun!" Mika explained, almost apologizing but thought better of it.
Blaise continued helping Draco. She whispered, "Are you okay?"
"Yea, I'm fine." Draco said taking his robes off so reveal a green silk shirt and a pair of black jeans.
Mika's jaw dropped. Maybe I should knock him into a mud puddle more often.
"Hey, Avalon, you can close your mouth now," Blaise commented, "I would hate to think of what your perfect little boyfriend would say."
At that moment Harry landing next to Mika. "What do you two want?" he asked, annoyed.
Mika quickly reverted to her Slytherin-hating mode and replied, "An apology, Harry, would you believe that?" She gestured at the mud where Draco had fallen and left his imprint.
Blaise shot back, "All of a sudden, the scenery doesn't look so nice out here to sketch."
Draco put a hand on Blaise's shoulder. "They aren't worth it," he said quietly, "I'll get them eventually."
"You wish, Malfoy!" Harry exclaimed, "We can take you slimy Slytherins on anytime!"
"Well, hey, there is no better time like the present, Draco, wouldn't you agree?" Blaise went on.
Mika gave Draco a challenging look, hoping to jog his memory about the deal.
Draco glared back at Mika just as strongly. "I agree, Blaise," he said, smirking.
"So how do you suggest we settle this, Zabini?" Mika asked the brunette.
Having had a secret crush on Harry for the longest time, Blaise took the opportunity to look at him from top to bottom and back up again. "How about some mud wrestling between Draco and Mr. Perfect Potter?" she suggested mischievously.
"NO! No boyfriend of mine is mud wrestling right now!" the raven-haired girl quickly replied.
Harry had a puzzled look on his face as he looked at Blaise.
Draco looked over at Blaise as well, eyeing her and looking down at his mud covered robes.
"Well?" she asked everyone present.
"I'll take you on right now, Zabini," Mika threatened, dropping her broom and putting her fists up as she slipped into a fighting stance.
"Let's just go!" Harry said, picking up Mika's broom and wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
"Have it your way, Potter! I could have taken you and your little girlfriend on!" the brunette went on.
Mika let herself be pulled away by Harry. She had no idea what happened to her just then. What the hell was that girl up to???
Harry glared at the pair of Slytherins and pulled Mika away from the fight.
Blaise shook her head. She was confused. She knew she almost had Avalon in her place and she almost figured out what Draco was hiding but she failed yet again. Taken aback, she walked away.
Draco ducked out the doors to the ground walking in the direction of the lake.
Mika stepped out of the library, wondering where she could find Malfoy. She became more and more curious as to what he meant earlier. She decided to take her broom out for a little spin. It was a Thunderbolt 2000, her grandmother had sent for it and it came all the way from Canada. Once she was outside, she summoned it and flew around the grounds, singing at the top of her lungs.
Draco heard something and looked around the grounds. He didn't see anyone. So he continued his walk across the grounds.
Mika continued singing at the top of her lungs, unaware of Draco's presence.
Draco became frustrated and looked around again. "WHO IS SINGING?" he cried not even thinking to look up.
Mika quickly stopped when she heard Draco's frustrated voice. She swooped down close to ground and flew right by his head. She continued flying fancily, doing loops and spins in the air.
"What do you want, Avalon?" Draco asked, watching her on her broom.
"Some answers, Malfoy," she replied as she landed swiftly next to the blonde, who was but a couple of inches taller than her.
"Really? You expect me to answer anything you ask?" he asked her sharply as he shoved his hands into his pockets.
"You're a lot more like me than you realize, Draco," she told him, softening her tone of voice and using his first name. Wow, that was weird.
Draco stopped. "You don't know anything about me to make that assumption," he said, glaring at Mika.
"I know enough to notice that you've lost your edge and I know enough to realize that you're full of anger, like I am." Mika smiled confidently.
Draco thought this over for a moment. "What's your point?" he asked, slightly defeated.
"Why did you back down earlier when I started to cry? And what kinds of problems do you have that could possibly help you understand where I'm coming from?"
Draco narrowed his eyes clearly. "You're my cousin's best friend. Just because she is in Gryffindor doesn't mean I don't care for her. Part of caring for her is to care for her friends," he told Mika purposely ignoring her second question.
"Riiiiight," Mika replied skeptically, then muttered under her breath, "You don't know the meaning of the word caring." Her fierce glare met with Draco's cold, condescending look but it didn't stop her from adding, "What about my other question?" She stared him down with intensity in her purple eyes that would surprise even her closest friends.
"I'm not asking for you to believe me," he said coolly, "Marionie was the best thing for me to find for my family. You'd be surprised about what I know." He couldn't avoid her purple eyes. They were hypnotizing.
"Why don't you enlighten me then, Mr. Malfoy?" she said sharply.
For the first time since she first met him, Draco's baby blues seemed like they had revealed something they weren't supposed to. Instead of the coldness she usually found, there was vulnerability there.
"I'm sure you don't need me to do that for you. I know what that amulet does for you!" he said pulling the locket chain from under her robes.
"HEY! That's the only thing I have left from my mother!" she yelled out angrily, "Don't you dare take that away from me!"
Draco's eyes clouded. "Why would I do that?" he asked angrily, dropping the locket. He shoved his hands in his pockets again and continued walking.
Mika picked up her locket and stuffed it in her pocket. "Wait!" she called out, not knowing what possessed her, "I'm sorry."
Draco continued. "Sure," he said sharply.
Mika watched as Draco walked away. The more she tried to figure him out, the more of a headache she got. As she began to move towards her favorite tree, it began to rain.
"Damn it," Draco said realizing he had to go under the same tree Mika was. Walking over, he stood quietly against the trunk of the tall tree.
Mika didn't realize that Draco had stopped by the tree. She began to sing another one of her favorite Muggle songs.
"What are you singing?" Draco asked slightly aggravated, but at the same time slightly curious.
Embarrassed, Mika replied, "It's just a song I heard on the radio over the summer..." Her cheeks became tinged with pink and she was giggling nervously.
Draco smiled for a second but quickly realized, "Oh well, just like a Muggle born."
"You say it like it's a bad thing," Mika replied as the rain started pouring harder.
Draco shook his head. "Listen, I'm not evil," he said quietly, "There are just certain things expected of me. You can't even begin to imagine how wrong your assumptions about me are."
As she shivered, she replied, "Hey, do you realize you're getting your expensive cloak all wet?" She had hoped it would lighten up the atmosphere.
Draco laughed and took the cloak off, seeing Mika shiver. "Here," he said as he wrapped it around her shoulders, "You look cold."
"Thanks," she told him.
She stood there, frozen, at a loss for what to do. First, with her mother, then with Harry and now with Draco, everything she firmly believed was changing and she didn't know what to think anymore.
Draco looked over at her. "Don't tell anyone about this, Mika, please," he said pleadingly. "If it got back to my father.he wou." he added stopping abruptly.
"Yeah." Mika replied as she nodded in agreement, restraining herself from prompting Draco to continue. She paused then added, "Well.if this is to be kept a secret.nothing has to change between us, you know what I mean?"
Draco nodded as the rain let up. "Thanks," he said quietly.
Mika smiled and replied, "You want this back?"
Draco smiled and took the cloak back.
"Hey, before I go in.just between the two of us, I think you should smile more," Mika said casually before walking away.
Draco watched Mika walked away. She would be a nice person to confide in under different circumstances. "Bye, Mika."
~*~
Harry and Marionie walked down just in time to see Mika walk back in the Entrance Hall. "Hey there," Marionie said visioning a pink glow. What are you so happy about? she thought grinning.
You wouldn't believe me if I told you! Mika thought back and said, "Hey guys!"
Harry smiled. "MIKA!" He ran to her giving her a hug causing Marionie to laugh.
Mika giggled in delight as he hugged her. "Do you realize I'm wet, Potter?" she asked him playfully.
Harry smiled and pulled back. "Did it rain?" he asked laughing at himself seeing he was now damp.
"For a while," Mika said as she squeezed the water out of her hair. Harry would freak if he knew what I was doing in the rain, she thought at Mari.
What where you doing? Marionie thought back raising an eyebrow.
"We were just going to have lunch, do you want to join us?" Harry asked.
Mika replied, "Sure thing!" I'll tell you later, Mari! she thought.
All right. Marionie thought back.
"Great!" Harry said as the three walked into the Great Hall.
Mika walked to the Great Hall with Harry's arms around her. She couldn't help but glance over her shoulder to find a soaking Draco, smirking in his usual way.
"Eat your heart out, Malfoy!" she exclaimed, remembering what she had promised earlier about keeping things the same.
Draco looked at Mika and Harry smirking but his mood sinking a bit as he walked over to them. "How cute, Potter and Avalon."
"You know it!" she replied confidently as she felt Harry pull her closer, as if doing it protectively.
Draco continued smirking, "Just figures you two would end up together." He turned around to run into Marionie. "Hello Mari." He said a bit cold.
What's that all about? Marionie thought to Mika. "Draco," she said warmly, still smiling.
"Leave her alone, Draco," Harry said, still holding Mika. "Just go back to your dirt bag friends."
"Hey, let's drop this," Mika said, "I'm hungry, Harry." I made a deal with the devil, she added as an afterthought for Mari to hear.
"All right, Mika," Harry said smiling.
What do you mean? Marionie asked as Draco shoved past her.
Listen, I can't say. I promised, she insisted stubbornly at Mari as she let herself be led by Harry.
Marionie sent a picture of her pouting to Mika and followed. Meanie! she sent laughing. Being mentally connected to someone was fun.
Mika let her mental laughter ring out, directing it towards Marionie as she took a seat across from her and next to Harry.
"So you two settled on being together now?" Marionie asked smiling.
"Yeah, pretty much!" Mika mumbled, her mouth full of food.
Marionie laughed. "YAY!"
"What's all the cheering about?" Ron asked as he and Hermione sat down next to them.
Mika rolled her eyes and attempted to speak, letting all this cauldron cake spew out of her mouth and into her plate.
"Eww!" Marionie said laughing.
Hermione grabbed his arm pointing to Harry and Mika. "Are you two... you know?" She asked.
Mika nodded as she pushed her plate away. "Yeah, we are, Hermione," she clarified.
Hermione sighed. "That is wonderful!" She said out loud grinning widely at Mika and Harry then caught a glimpse of a pink-faced Ron.
Grinning, Mika asked, "What's going on with Ickle Ronniekins, Hermione?"
Ron looked up giving her a DON'T-YOU-DARE look. "Nothing," he mumbled shoving more food into his mouth.
Shaking her head, Mika leaned against Harry and looked up across the room at the Slytherin table, distracted.
Draco watched from the Slytherin table, his normal smirk on his face, but as he caught sight of Mika, his heart sank. Her and Harry, he thought sadly.
"So you wanna check that portrait out later, Mika?" Marionie asked from across the table.
It took a moment for Mika to answer but she replied, "Yeah, sure..." She hoped that no one had noticed her being distracted.
Marionie shook her head and looked in the direction Mika seemed to be staring at, or through, she thought gingerly. Right in the path was her cousin Draco. Marionie perked an eyebrow quietly and looked back at her friend.
"What portrait?" Harry asked intrigued.
Mika shrugged, still somewhat distracted. "Ask Mari," she mumbled as she decided to take one last bite of her cauldron cake.
Marionie leaned across the table keeping one eye on her friend as she whispered the secret to the others. "I overheard my uncle talking about this portrait that you can walk through and go anywhere. We're going to go check it out!" She finished shoving a bit of cauldron cake in her mouth followed by a gulp of pumpkin juice. Why am I so hungry? she thought.
"Sounds bloody fun!" Ron said startling everyone, he had been so quiet Marionie had forgotten he was there.
Mika tore her eyes away from the Slytherin table long enough to look at Ron and laugh like nothing was bothering her.
Marionie caught up in the moment started laughing but yawned. "If you guys don't mind, I like I'm going up to take a nap before our adventure. I'll catch you later?" she asked getting a bewildered look from Ron. "Ask Mika!" she said laughing as she stood up and walked out of the Great Hall.
Mika wasn't sure why she had started laughing. It was mostly because she didn't want anyone to notice her seemingly increasing interest in the Slytherin table and in Draco Malfoy in particular. "Never mind, Ron!" she exclaimed, shaking her head, still leaning against Harry.
At the Slytherin table, Pansy Parkinson was talking her head off with Millicent Bulstrode while Blaise Zabini was sketching, looking bored. The young brunette looked over at Draco curiously and began to sketch him.
Draco continued to glare at the Gryffindor table. Leave it Draco; there is no way she wou. he cut off the thought as he caught sight of his best friend Blaise from the corner of his eye. "What are you doing?"
"Drawing...Muggle art's a very therapeutic thing," she replied as she put her sketchbook away. "A secret passion of mine," she added in a whisper.
Draco tilted his head, looking at the sketchbook. "It looks nice," he said barely audible before he looked down the table at Millicent and Pansy, who looked his way giggling.
"So what's on your mind? You haven't owled me much over the summer and you've been distant since we met up on the train," Blaise went on as she took a sip of her pumpkin juice.
Draco's only reply was a simple shrug.
"Uh huh...so why haven't you stopped staring at the Gryffindor table since we got here?" she pointed out, grimacing in a really cute way.
Draco faced her direction. "Wh.what are you talking about?" he asked trying to hide the shock he was feeling. "I was plotting something against Potter," he said loosening up a little.
Blaise decided to go with it but gave him a look that clearly said that she didn't believe him completely. "So what did Mr. Perfect Potter do now?" she asked him.
"Does he really have to do anything?" Draco replied a chill in his voice.
"Not necessarily...just catching the Snitch before you usually does the trick," she replied in a teasing manner, then added more seriously, "There's something bothering you, I can tell. Just let it out!"
"Don't worry about it." Draco replied as he took a drink of his pumpkin juice, marking the end of the conversation.
Blaise shrugged and changed the topic of conversation. "We're supposed to have our electives picked by tomorrow. Have you decided on anything yet?"
Draco looked at the exit of the Great Hall seeing Marionie stop by Oliver Wood who said something to her causing her to crack up with laughter.scowling he looked back at Blaise. "No," he replied simply.
"Heh, tough crowd," she commented casually, "Well, if you ever wanna fill me in on anything, I'm going back to the Common Room." She decided not to try anymore when her best friend wasn't confiding in her.
Mika's eyes caught sight of Blaise Zabini, looking slightly upset. She remembered her being his best friend and they were rarely ever fighting. What happened to keeping things the way they are, Malfoy? she wondered privately to herself.
Harry looked at Mika. "Are you alright?" he asked concerned.
"Just perfect," she replied, her eyes lighting up. She reached up to his face and gave him a kiss.
Blaise stopped walking right outside the Great Hall and leaned against the door, hoping to overhear Harry and his Gryffindor friends. She hoped maybe it could give her some insight as to what was upsetting her best friend.
After she walked away from where she had talked to Oliver, Marionie watched Harry kiss Mika back, smiling. She spotted a tall brunette girl standing against the doorway and stopped, looking back in the direction of the Gryffindor table, wondering why she was so interested in the house table.
Blaise took a quick peek at the kissing couple to get a mental image before running off towards Slytherin Dungeon.
Do you know who that girl was? Mari asked through her connection with Mika as she stood against the wall next to the door.
What girl? Mika directed at Mari as she pulled away from Harry to take a drink.
The brunette that was standing against the door. Marionie said as she smiled at a boy that said hello to her. He remembered someone calling him Seamus.
What? The last brunette I saw leave the Great Hall was. Mika could feel her mental voice fading as she realized whom it could be.
Was.? Who? Marionie asked covering a yawn.
Draco's best friend, Blaise Zabini, she replied as she went back to kissing Harry.
Oh geez, cool it with my cousin, girl! she thought sending a laugh with the message. Aw, poor Ron, he looks so lonely! She continued with a sigh.
I have a feeling he'll need a friend right now, Mika told her as she projected an image of herself winking. Is the girl still there?
No, she ran out, Marionie said, yawning, I'm going to the room now; I didn't sleep well last night, she thought before walked out through the door.
Mika didn't reply. She pulled away from Harry and suggested, "Hey, how about we go outside and fly around for a little while?"
Harry nodded. "Alright," he said dragging the R out.
Mika grabbed his arm and dragged him away.
~*~
Due to her photographic memory, Blaise's sketch was very lifelike. She was amazed at how good she had become. She regularly glanced up to see if someone was watching, due to paranoia but no one was around in the Slytherin Common Room.
Draco scowled as he walked into the Common Room silently spotting his friend in the corner. "Who says brunettes don't get confused?" he said teasingly, a smile creeping across his face.
"What are you talking about?" Blaise replied, purposely keeping her sketch in the open, "I know exactly what I'm doing."
"Sure you do," he said, sitting next to her, looking at the sketchbook. "What is that?"
"I'm just doing a sketch for my portfolio.I call it 'The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of'..." she explained, "You like?"
Draco tilted his head, "I looks wonderful, but... what is it?" he asked again quietly.
Blaise grinned and replied, "Look at it carefully and tell me what you see."
Draco blinked and stared at the picture. "WHY WOULD YOU DRAW THAT?!" he asked shocked and appalled at the same time.
"I KNEW IT! So this is what's bothering you? Why won't you just admit it?" she asked with a victorious smile, then went on, "The faster you'll admit it, the faster I can help you make the happy couple suffer."
Draco gagged. "Why would that bother me so much?" he asked, even if he did know the answer, he remembered Mika's statement, If this is to be kept a secret.nothing has to change between us, you know what I mean?
"I don't know! Because Mr. Potter's getting everything, and he's living happily ever after perhaps?" Blaise suggested with a shrug.
Draco stood, "Perhaps you're correct, Blaise, I'm going for a walk. Have fun," he said shoving his hands into his pockets as he left the Common Room.
"Wait! Does this mean you'll fill me in on your plot against Harry?" she asked quickly.
"POSSIBLY!" Draco shouted as he disappeared.
Blaise got up to her feet and followed Draco quietly. She had to get to the bottom of what was going on with him.
~*~
Draco watched as Mika and Harry walked outside arm and arm and stood up from his place walking from the great hall casually.
Mika, still dragging Harry, summoned her broom and smiled brightly.
"Time to show me what you've got, Potter!" she challenged playfully.
Harry shook his head smiling playfully and summoned his broom. "You've got it, Avalon."
Mika darted out the front doors and mounted her broom. She twirled around in the air. For the first time in a while, she felt free. She could feel Harry behind her, following her every move. She knew she no chance of getting away from a seeker as good as he was but she loved trying.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" Harry shouted from behind Mika.
For a response, she yelled out, "Whoooooooo hoooooooooo!"
Harry laughed speeding up as he flew past her with a whooooosh!
~*~
Draco stalked down the hall up to the main level of the castle taking a sharp turn to the left and exited the school heading in the direction of the lake for the second time that day. Maybe it won't rain this time, he thought casually.
Blaise took a deep breath as she followed Draco outside. Where the hell is he going?
Draco continued his path watching the grass as he walked; it was still rather wet and muddy from the prior rainstorm that day. Looking up he saw two figures dash around in the sky.
Quickly, Blaise stopped and ducked behind a tree. She looked up at what Draco was looking at. She opened her sketchbook and began to write on a blank page. Investigative work...it's like NYPD Blue, she thought, remembering a Muggle show she had seen once.
Draco shook his head realizing who it was and looked back at the ground. Things have to be this way, he told himself in his mind.
Mika could feel Harry closing in. She decided to try an old chaser maneuver that her father's friend had taught her. She went full speed straight ahead then quickly dove down to the ground, right by Draco, like a blur of black, her hair flying behind her.
Draco, surprised by the sudden wind against his face, fell backwards into the mud. "UGGGH!" he cried, standing up.
Yet again, Mika looked over her shoulder, this time expecting Harry to be tailing her, but she found a dazed Draco there. Heh, he didn't know what hit him! She flew straight up, creating some distance between herself and the fallen Slytherin.
Covered in mud, he looked up in the sky. "AVALON! YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS ONE!" he cried loudly his voice wavering a little.
Mika landed a few meters away, waiting for Harry.
Blaise rushed over to help Draco up. "Hey, what's the deal, Avalon?"
Dazed at the question, Mika began to look just a touch panicked, which fascinated Blaise.
Draco glared at Mika. "You could have watched were you were going," he pointed out.
"Hey, there's nothing going on between me and Malfoy, Zabini, I was just having a little fun!" Mika explained, almost apologizing but thought better of it.
Blaise continued helping Draco. She whispered, "Are you okay?"
"Yea, I'm fine." Draco said taking his robes off so reveal a green silk shirt and a pair of black jeans.
Mika's jaw dropped. Maybe I should knock him into a mud puddle more often.
"Hey, Avalon, you can close your mouth now," Blaise commented, "I would hate to think of what your perfect little boyfriend would say."
At that moment Harry landing next to Mika. "What do you two want?" he asked, annoyed.
Mika quickly reverted to her Slytherin-hating mode and replied, "An apology, Harry, would you believe that?" She gestured at the mud where Draco had fallen and left his imprint.
Blaise shot back, "All of a sudden, the scenery doesn't look so nice out here to sketch."
Draco put a hand on Blaise's shoulder. "They aren't worth it," he said quietly, "I'll get them eventually."
"You wish, Malfoy!" Harry exclaimed, "We can take you slimy Slytherins on anytime!"
"Well, hey, there is no better time like the present, Draco, wouldn't you agree?" Blaise went on.
Mika gave Draco a challenging look, hoping to jog his memory about the deal.
Draco glared back at Mika just as strongly. "I agree, Blaise," he said, smirking.
"So how do you suggest we settle this, Zabini?" Mika asked the brunette.
Having had a secret crush on Harry for the longest time, Blaise took the opportunity to look at him from top to bottom and back up again. "How about some mud wrestling between Draco and Mr. Perfect Potter?" she suggested mischievously.
"NO! No boyfriend of mine is mud wrestling right now!" the raven-haired girl quickly replied.
Harry had a puzzled look on his face as he looked at Blaise.
Draco looked over at Blaise as well, eyeing her and looking down at his mud covered robes.
"Well?" she asked everyone present.
"I'll take you on right now, Zabini," Mika threatened, dropping her broom and putting her fists up as she slipped into a fighting stance.
"Let's just go!" Harry said, picking up Mika's broom and wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
"Have it your way, Potter! I could have taken you and your little girlfriend on!" the brunette went on.
Mika let herself be pulled away by Harry. She had no idea what happened to her just then. What the hell was that girl up to???
Harry glared at the pair of Slytherins and pulled Mika away from the fight.
Blaise shook her head. She was confused. She knew she almost had Avalon in her place and she almost figured out what Draco was hiding but she failed yet again. Taken aback, she walked away.