Author's Note: Hmm, something big happens in this one. I don't want to give
away too many hints, but let's just say that some reviewers get their wish
granted...
I'm going away for the Easter Break, so during that period of time I won't be anywhere near a computer and therefore unable to update for a while. Hopefully I can get this up before I leave.
This entry is dedicated to herringprincess, the second person to add me to her favourite authors list. Thank you for your kind comments as I've been feeling unsure about my last two entries in particular.
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Entry Eleven: Hogsmeades and the Shrieking Shack
Natalia goes through a pre-date scenario that all us girls can relate to and goes to Hogmeades, where she has an intriguing encounter in the Three Broomsticks. Some Draco jibes and Adrian pining in this one.
6:47 AM, September 30th
Well, as the above states obvious, is the fricking last day of September and since arrived on first of this month, if do not take drastic action will mean that have not been laid for an entire month tomorrow, which will be the first time has happened, since...well...I think you'd rather not know.
Drastic action required.
7:24 AM
Spotted Clearhead and Percy Weasley on way to breakfast, holding hands *shudder*.
Perhaps not quite "that" drastic.
Marcus Flint sitting at Slytherin table shoving sausages into his trough. Perhaps if used charms so that had no sense of sight, or hearing, or smell, or touch...
*No I just can't do it*
And when the male in question is Flint, trust me, "do IT" sums up the scenario perfectly.
9:51 AM
On way to Potions when encountered Draco Malfoy still gloating about highly unfair victory over us. Have not seen him or any other Slytherins all weekend since with remainder of Ravenclaw team hid in common room library going over every single Quidditch game plan from 1749 with Roger and sulking. Little bastard has hired foursome of Oompa-Loompas to follow me around school singing pathetic victory song. I don't even know why am recording it except that it is hopelessly stuck in my head.
* * * * *
"Oompa-Loompa doopity-do,
Why is Natalia so blue?
She lost to Slytherin and with the potion she drank,
Even tried to hit on the one that is gay.
Oompa-Loompa doopity-do..."
* * * * *
Oompa-Loompa doopity-do, Natalia is royally screwed...
Damn.
12:27 PM
Cho Chang has just run into Great Hall crying. Apparently bumped into Malfoy and his Oompa-Loompas, who promptly burst out into obscene song about things Slytherin team want to do to her. Bar one, that is.
"Ooh, he's so nasty," she sobbed. "I almost had the Snitch last friday when he leant forward and pinched my bottom and I dropped it. He's such a nasty, nasty little shit." Looked up and spotted my mouth hanging open. "Oh come on, "you" swear all the time."
"Yeah, but it's me we're talking about," I told her. "And don't worry about Malfoy. Believe me, I have something special planned for him the next time we play Slytherin."
2:03 PM
Roger finally dismissed Oompa-Loompas on way to Herbology by turning them into tires and sending them rolling down the stairs. Draco Malfoy ran off screaming. Always knew Slytherins were cowardly little shits.
Love Roger.
7:23 PM
Finally went temporarily insane after dinner and begged Adrian to sleep with me. "Er, Natalia," he began, shifting awkwardly from one foot to the other, "not that I'm not flattered, but you see, if you were a car you'd be a Rolls Royce. Great body, but without a vital piece of equipment that I'm used to having. The clutch, namely."
Ewwww. Can never face Adrian again.
# # # # # # # # #
8:34 AM, October 4th
First trip to Hogmeades today, and previous three days have been hell. Roger has been in good mood during practices, but suspect that is on account on laughing at me for being desperate enough to hit on obviously gay guy. Know he knows about it since came up to me on Thursday night and asked if that's what I meant by my "special plan" for Malfoy, since he would have credited me with better taste than that.
Roger sarky bastard a lot of the time, actually.
My beautiful smooth legs are also littered with bruises since Alessandro Bombardino bombards me with every Bludger he can get his club to. Roger said this necessary as have to get used to not just hitting Bludgers, but having them come at me. Makes sense, but would prefer to have someone other than Alessandro slinging them at me as is still very obviously very pissed about getting up at 4:30 AM for The Morning Practice That Wasn't.
Or perhaps just wasn't huffing that Hufflepuff as much as Roger though.
On plus side, did manage to smash Bludger into my arm on Thursday, which gave Luc Delacourt opportunity to escort me to hospital wing while walking behind me and wrapping his arm around my midsection to support my elbow, sigh...
Luc and Malcolm Brocklehurst also got into argument over who exactly should take me to hospital wing after Bombardino broke my arm that day. Roger insisted that he should since he was the captain and therefore responsible for me. Very nice to be fought over by three males instead of frightening Adrian off from confronting his Hufflepuff, who hasn't owled him in two weeks. Cho then lost temper and said it didn't matter who took me to the hospital wing as long as I got there. Suspect she may have been jealous, but quite relieved she stepped in as arm becoming quite painful by then.
Also received owl from ex-boyfriend, saying that he has new girlfriend which means am now not only not getting any, but have to not get any in knowledge that ex-boyfriend is.
Bugger.
9:11 AM
Right, had enough. Can't spend all day taking advantage of evening practice and lying in bed until dinnertime. Or can I?
9:16 AM
Well, lying in bed will involve skipping meals, and have been thinking of going on diet recently...
9:24 AM
What is that annoying noise on my door? Great, now going to have to get up.
Found Cho waiting outside, fist poised to knock and assault my headache a third time. "Yeah?" I snapped.
"Sorry to disturb you, Nat, I know you're not a morning person," she said sweetly, making me almost feel bad for my earlier rudeness. I said "almost." "I just thought you should know that Luc Delacourt is downstairs and wondering if you would like to go to Hogsmeades with him."
Breathing, check. Pulse, check. "Sure." I gulped. "Do you mind just going back downstairs and telling him that I'll meet him soon? I just have to get ready."
"Fine," Cho shrugged, taking in my dishevelled appearance. "You do realise that the bus leaves in half an hour, don't you?"
Oh hell.
"It looks like you might be a while," Cho continued. What tact, bless her. "Should I tell him to meet you on the bus?"
"That would be better. Thanks, Cho." Closed the door behind her departing back and leant heavily against it.
Now to create a goddess in under thirty minutes...It can be done...
9:28 AM
What to wear, what to wear...Underwear! Yes, for a start, and for a finish (wink), underwear would be good.
9:29 AM
Can't find bra to go with knickers.
9:31 AM
Screw the bra. And hopefully, in the process, Luc.
9:32 AM
Now, what else to wear besides underwear?
9:34 AM
Don't know what to wear.
9:37 AM
Still don't know what to wear.
9:38 AM
Have decided to wear hat since haven't time to wash or comb hair. Nice sky blue one with matching scarf would be cute. Now to find where I put it...
9:40 AM
Hat nowhere to be seen. On plus side, have now located matching bra so if all else fails will at least be decent and co-ordinate. But still don't know what to wear.
9:41 AM
Jeans. Jeans are very good. Failure-proof really, my hat (if only I could find it) goes off to the great Levi Strauss. Got those on...*puff* *puff*...great. Top button will no longer do up. Really must consider that diet. And speaking of "tops," wearing one of those would be terrific idea, just which one is the question...
9:45 AM
Nine forty-five already? Bloody Merlin! Alright, time for drastic action. Grab peasant-style blouse as can simply pull over head since don't have time to do up any buttons - now the ivory coat or the grey? Grey coat fortunately was best choice as hat and scarf hiding underneath. Now shove money and lip gloss into pockets (check), quickly whip blush over oh-so- delectable cheekbones (check), pat concealer over suitcases under eyes (far too serious to be labelled mere "bags") (check), curl lashes (check) and toss hairbrush and breath mints into bag for later.
9:52 AM
Oh My God, did the bus just pull in?
10:01 AM
Clattered onto bus in the Nearly-Headless-Nick of time [sorry, couldn't resist - A/N] and under the disapproving glare of the Dewhine Miss Clearwater. Thank Merlin bohemian look fashionable right now is all I can say, with savvy women's clothing designers obviously anticipating situations like mine well in advance and selflessly creating a look which takes very little time to throw together.
Luc had saved a seat for me and beckoned me over. Just as got over to him, bus swerved around a corner and I stumbled. Luc caught me by the arm. Our eyes met for a moment. Roger rolled his. Is one of those things which is cheesy unless it happens to you, so really don't expect him to understand.
"Salut," Luc greeted me, helping me onto the seat. When French people first meet each other, they tend to say "Bonjour," but as they get to know each other better they become less formal and say "Salut" instead. So I'm on "saluting" terms now? Aye aye, captain. "I was beginning to think you weren't going to make it."
"So was I," I said. Well, how you can answer that in a sexy way? Really. "So is there anything you need from Hogsmeades today?"
"No, I just wanted to explore the place a little," Luc replied. He can explore me anytime. "If nothing else it would be good to get out of the castle. I was beginning to feel a bit cooped up in there."
"I know what you mean," I said. "I've been here all month." Caught Roger and Adrian sniggering and rolled eyes. Really, those two have been hanging out together so much you'd think they were dating.
And what cute babies they would both have. Blerk.
11:25 AM
Got off bus and wandered around for a bit with Luc, but is really hard to be flirtatious with Roger and Adrian walking around behind us arm-in-arm and saying things like, "Oh darling, regard that feather boa over there," "Oh, isn't it beaaauuutiful..."
Can't wait until Roger finally gets a crush then can tease him mercilessly about it. On other hand, may be too much of a cold-blooded reptile to ever fall for somebody.
Luc finally dragged me up behind the Shrieking Shack and shacked me rotten - okay, that last part should be filed under "Wishing Thinking" category - and whispered in French that we should split up and lose the two morons by meeting up in the Three Broomsticks for a Butterbeer later. Or was it Honeydukes? Jeez, sure wish I hadn't spent so much of French class playing footsies with Thierry.
3:56 PM
Venue the Three Broomsticks. Luc nowhere in sight. Madame Rosmerta, apparently noting the pathetically large amount of third years around, has decided to cater to the kiddies and is blaring the sound system, unfortunately with that annoying "Humphrey the House Elf" song which has been huge hit in Europe. Think "Hampton the Hamster," but sung by one of the chipmunks.
On way in snuck past Adrian, who is sitting at outdoor table with Slytherin Beater staring wistfully at group of Hufflepuffs clustered outside Honeydukes. Almost cute really. Would really like some company though.
Penelope Clearwater has advanced (Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it). "Is this seat taken?" she asked, pointing to the seat across from me. Said yes and put my foot on it. "It's not taken!" she cried. "You just don't want to sit next to me!"
"Well, jeez, Penelope, why ask a question when you already know the answer?" I asked, my voice reeking of sarcasm.
"Why are you so mean?" she demanded, her lower lip beginning to tremble. "And why doesn't anyone want me anymore?" She burst into tears and ran out of the room, causing several occupants to give me dirty looks. Would have felt quite sorry for her if wasn't Penelope.
"That was very cold, calculated and cruel," drawled a voice from above me. Looked up to see the dark-haired Beater who had been sitting with Adrian near entrance. His face split into a grin. "I like your style."
"Thank you," I respond, taking my foot off the chair. "And you are?"
"Carlson Warrington," he said, bending down and taking my hand. Is unremarkable, but not unpleasant looking. And his smile does have an intriguing quirk to it. "May I have the pleasure of your company? I've been sitting outside with Pucey, but he's been moping around about his Hufflepuff all afternoon. Most unpleasant."
I looked outside the window to where Adrian was still sitting. Cho had walked by with a couple of friends, but had paused and was looking in the same direction as Adrian. No, Adrian didn't look as though he'd notice if I borrowed Warrington's presence for ten minutes or so, much less if Warrington stripped and performed, "Happy Birthday, Mr President" in front of him.
Okay, given his inclinations, he "may" notice then.
"Well?" Warrington said, quirking an eyebrow.
"Sure," I said, waving a hand at the chair my foot had now vacated. "Make yourself comfortable, but not too comfortable. I don't know you that well yet." Since Luc not here may as well warm up by hitting on decent-looking and rather lippy Slytherin. "Would you like a Butterbeer? First round's on me."
"Ah, a woman who takes charge," Warrington smiled. "I like that. Especially in some matters."
He should be so lucky.
6:34 PM
Am still at the Three Broomsticks since fifth years and above are not required to take five o'clock bus back to Hogwarts so long as they return by midnight or Snape will turn them into a pumpkin. Luc, however, is not at the Three Broomsticks. Has stood me up. Bastard. But perhaps I misheard? Perhaps did ask me to do something other than meet me here at three o'clock?
Oh come on, Natalia, what else could, "Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir?" mean?
Warrington's eyes, meanwhile, have developed interesting flecks of gold in them.
8:46 PM
"...So then Quentin Montague performed the Rodentius Curse, which made a swarm of rats run around the classroom floor, and Lockhart leapt onto his chair shrieking at the rest of us to dispose of them," Warrington was saying. "Said he wanted to simulate a situation in which the person in charge would become paralysed with fear and the underlings would have to take over, but we all know better. And Alicia Spinnet from Gryffindor, who's meant to absolutely loathe me, screamed and jumped into my arms. She was trying to crawl up me to get away from the rats, which was a nice experience as she is rather "mature" for a fourteen year old." He burst into laughter, then glanced over at me. "You right there?"
"Mmm-hmm," I mumbled, not bothering to raise my head from my arms. Around four-thirty got bored with Butterbeer and switched to Goblin Screwers, which in hindsight was very, very bad move.
"Um, as much as I like the possibilities of having an gorgeous, inebriated woman in front of me, I think I better get you some water or they won't let us back on the last bus," Warrington said. Heard his chair scrape then his footsteps as he strode away.
"Natalia," someone was shaking my arm mercilessly, "Natalia, ca va?"
"Wha?" I groaned and raised my hand.
Luc was staring down at me with concerned blue eyes. When am drunk tend to develop beer goggles, and since even Flint was beginning to look only slightly ugly before he headed out around seven, well, the affect they had on a guy like Luc was pretty much near mind-altering. "You are so gorgeous," I slurred.
"Natalia, who is here with you?" he demanded sharply. "Who did this to you?"
"I did," I replied, trying to force some coherency into my head. "I mean, Warrington was sitting with me just now, but he's at the bar getting me some water." I began to slip back down towards the table. "My head hurts. I'm just going to sleep here for a while."
"Not, you are not," Luc insisted, grabbing me by the arm and pulling me to my feet. "We are going to leave and go for a walk." He half-steered, half- carried me out of the door and into the street outside.
The coldness shocked me into something a little closer to sobriety and I started to shiver. "I lost my coat," I whined self-pityingly, and instantly felt Luc's draped around my shoulders.
"Here, you will drink some of this," he said, closing my hand around an open bottle of Butterbeer. "It will warm you up and it is not as good as water, but it will get some of the alcohol out of your body."
"Thanks," I said, then titled my head back and drained the bottle.
A few minutes later I felt only slightly tipsy and looked up at Luc. Nope, still gorgeous. But what is that bloody rotten feeling in the core of my stomach? "Oh, effing Merlin," I groaned, appropriating one of Adrian's sayings, then shoved Luc out of the way and began to empty my stomach. Luc's hands pulled my hair back out of harm's way. "I seem to be doing this a lot lately," he said and I laughed weakly.
Once had finished Luc tightened my scarf around my neck and led me away. "I think we better go indoors somewhere since it is getting very cold," he said. "I cannot take you to Honeydukes or anywhere like that though, because you are still drunk. Is that old building in the centre of the town safe to go into?"
"The Shrieking Shack?" I asked. "Yeah, Victoria Abbot was telling me the other day in Herbology that it was haunted, but who listens to those kinds of things from a Hufflepuff?"
We were at the front entrance when the moon came out from behind the clouds, illuminating Luc's eyes deliciously. I decided that I just couldn't take it anymore. There's usually an awkward pause between the time when you know you're going to kiss someone and you actually do it, and maybe there was from Luc's perspective, but these things happen very quickly when you're drunk. His body jolted with shock and he drew back instantly, but I grabbed his hair and pulled him back to my mouth. "So, about going inside?" I breathed gustily.
"Natalia, you're drunk," Luc's voice was hesitant in the dark.
"Oh, c'mon Frenchie, alcohol doesn't affect us girls in the way it does you," I joked. "I'm still able." He still paused, so I decided to take a serious tact. "Look, I've wanted to do this with you since I've first met you, I've done it before and I've done it sober. There's no harm done. And if you're still not sure about it afterwards, then wait until I'm sober and I'll do my best to convince you otherwise."
"Alright then, cherie," Luc finally caved in. He grinned and pushed his lips against mine for a quick, hard kiss, then we sprang into the abandoned building together.
So that's why they call it the "Shrieking" Shack...
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Woo hoo, I've finally done it! (Well, Natalia has anyway). Hope it was all you've been waiting for and that I didn't disappoint anyone. A crack about being anti-climatic is in my mind, but I don't want to give this an "R" rating, so I'll keep it to myself for now.
You may think this event means the end of this fic, but it doesn't. Despite what Natalia seems to think, the sole purpose of her being at Hogwarts is not to find a decent shag and I have plenty more in store for her, so stick around.
I'm going away for the Easter Break, so during that period of time I won't be anywhere near a computer and therefore unable to update for a while. Hopefully I can get this up before I leave.
This entry is dedicated to herringprincess, the second person to add me to her favourite authors list. Thank you for your kind comments as I've been feeling unsure about my last two entries in particular.
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Entry Eleven: Hogsmeades and the Shrieking Shack
Natalia goes through a pre-date scenario that all us girls can relate to and goes to Hogmeades, where she has an intriguing encounter in the Three Broomsticks. Some Draco jibes and Adrian pining in this one.
6:47 AM, September 30th
Well, as the above states obvious, is the fricking last day of September and since arrived on first of this month, if do not take drastic action will mean that have not been laid for an entire month tomorrow, which will be the first time has happened, since...well...I think you'd rather not know.
Drastic action required.
7:24 AM
Spotted Clearhead and Percy Weasley on way to breakfast, holding hands *shudder*.
Perhaps not quite "that" drastic.
Marcus Flint sitting at Slytherin table shoving sausages into his trough. Perhaps if used charms so that had no sense of sight, or hearing, or smell, or touch...
*No I just can't do it*
And when the male in question is Flint, trust me, "do IT" sums up the scenario perfectly.
9:51 AM
On way to Potions when encountered Draco Malfoy still gloating about highly unfair victory over us. Have not seen him or any other Slytherins all weekend since with remainder of Ravenclaw team hid in common room library going over every single Quidditch game plan from 1749 with Roger and sulking. Little bastard has hired foursome of Oompa-Loompas to follow me around school singing pathetic victory song. I don't even know why am recording it except that it is hopelessly stuck in my head.
* * * * *
"Oompa-Loompa doopity-do,
Why is Natalia so blue?
She lost to Slytherin and with the potion she drank,
Even tried to hit on the one that is gay.
Oompa-Loompa doopity-do..."
* * * * *
Oompa-Loompa doopity-do, Natalia is royally screwed...
Damn.
12:27 PM
Cho Chang has just run into Great Hall crying. Apparently bumped into Malfoy and his Oompa-Loompas, who promptly burst out into obscene song about things Slytherin team want to do to her. Bar one, that is.
"Ooh, he's so nasty," she sobbed. "I almost had the Snitch last friday when he leant forward and pinched my bottom and I dropped it. He's such a nasty, nasty little shit." Looked up and spotted my mouth hanging open. "Oh come on, "you" swear all the time."
"Yeah, but it's me we're talking about," I told her. "And don't worry about Malfoy. Believe me, I have something special planned for him the next time we play Slytherin."
2:03 PM
Roger finally dismissed Oompa-Loompas on way to Herbology by turning them into tires and sending them rolling down the stairs. Draco Malfoy ran off screaming. Always knew Slytherins were cowardly little shits.
Love Roger.
7:23 PM
Finally went temporarily insane after dinner and begged Adrian to sleep with me. "Er, Natalia," he began, shifting awkwardly from one foot to the other, "not that I'm not flattered, but you see, if you were a car you'd be a Rolls Royce. Great body, but without a vital piece of equipment that I'm used to having. The clutch, namely."
Ewwww. Can never face Adrian again.
# # # # # # # # #
8:34 AM, October 4th
First trip to Hogmeades today, and previous three days have been hell. Roger has been in good mood during practices, but suspect that is on account on laughing at me for being desperate enough to hit on obviously gay guy. Know he knows about it since came up to me on Thursday night and asked if that's what I meant by my "special plan" for Malfoy, since he would have credited me with better taste than that.
Roger sarky bastard a lot of the time, actually.
My beautiful smooth legs are also littered with bruises since Alessandro Bombardino bombards me with every Bludger he can get his club to. Roger said this necessary as have to get used to not just hitting Bludgers, but having them come at me. Makes sense, but would prefer to have someone other than Alessandro slinging them at me as is still very obviously very pissed about getting up at 4:30 AM for The Morning Practice That Wasn't.
Or perhaps just wasn't huffing that Hufflepuff as much as Roger though.
On plus side, did manage to smash Bludger into my arm on Thursday, which gave Luc Delacourt opportunity to escort me to hospital wing while walking behind me and wrapping his arm around my midsection to support my elbow, sigh...
Luc and Malcolm Brocklehurst also got into argument over who exactly should take me to hospital wing after Bombardino broke my arm that day. Roger insisted that he should since he was the captain and therefore responsible for me. Very nice to be fought over by three males instead of frightening Adrian off from confronting his Hufflepuff, who hasn't owled him in two weeks. Cho then lost temper and said it didn't matter who took me to the hospital wing as long as I got there. Suspect she may have been jealous, but quite relieved she stepped in as arm becoming quite painful by then.
Also received owl from ex-boyfriend, saying that he has new girlfriend which means am now not only not getting any, but have to not get any in knowledge that ex-boyfriend is.
Bugger.
9:11 AM
Right, had enough. Can't spend all day taking advantage of evening practice and lying in bed until dinnertime. Or can I?
9:16 AM
Well, lying in bed will involve skipping meals, and have been thinking of going on diet recently...
9:24 AM
What is that annoying noise on my door? Great, now going to have to get up.
Found Cho waiting outside, fist poised to knock and assault my headache a third time. "Yeah?" I snapped.
"Sorry to disturb you, Nat, I know you're not a morning person," she said sweetly, making me almost feel bad for my earlier rudeness. I said "almost." "I just thought you should know that Luc Delacourt is downstairs and wondering if you would like to go to Hogsmeades with him."
Breathing, check. Pulse, check. "Sure." I gulped. "Do you mind just going back downstairs and telling him that I'll meet him soon? I just have to get ready."
"Fine," Cho shrugged, taking in my dishevelled appearance. "You do realise that the bus leaves in half an hour, don't you?"
Oh hell.
"It looks like you might be a while," Cho continued. What tact, bless her. "Should I tell him to meet you on the bus?"
"That would be better. Thanks, Cho." Closed the door behind her departing back and leant heavily against it.
Now to create a goddess in under thirty minutes...It can be done...
9:28 AM
What to wear, what to wear...Underwear! Yes, for a start, and for a finish (wink), underwear would be good.
9:29 AM
Can't find bra to go with knickers.
9:31 AM
Screw the bra. And hopefully, in the process, Luc.
9:32 AM
Now, what else to wear besides underwear?
9:34 AM
Don't know what to wear.
9:37 AM
Still don't know what to wear.
9:38 AM
Have decided to wear hat since haven't time to wash or comb hair. Nice sky blue one with matching scarf would be cute. Now to find where I put it...
9:40 AM
Hat nowhere to be seen. On plus side, have now located matching bra so if all else fails will at least be decent and co-ordinate. But still don't know what to wear.
9:41 AM
Jeans. Jeans are very good. Failure-proof really, my hat (if only I could find it) goes off to the great Levi Strauss. Got those on...*puff* *puff*...great. Top button will no longer do up. Really must consider that diet. And speaking of "tops," wearing one of those would be terrific idea, just which one is the question...
9:45 AM
Nine forty-five already? Bloody Merlin! Alright, time for drastic action. Grab peasant-style blouse as can simply pull over head since don't have time to do up any buttons - now the ivory coat or the grey? Grey coat fortunately was best choice as hat and scarf hiding underneath. Now shove money and lip gloss into pockets (check), quickly whip blush over oh-so- delectable cheekbones (check), pat concealer over suitcases under eyes (far too serious to be labelled mere "bags") (check), curl lashes (check) and toss hairbrush and breath mints into bag for later.
9:52 AM
Oh My God, did the bus just pull in?
10:01 AM
Clattered onto bus in the Nearly-Headless-Nick of time [sorry, couldn't resist - A/N] and under the disapproving glare of the Dewhine Miss Clearwater. Thank Merlin bohemian look fashionable right now is all I can say, with savvy women's clothing designers obviously anticipating situations like mine well in advance and selflessly creating a look which takes very little time to throw together.
Luc had saved a seat for me and beckoned me over. Just as got over to him, bus swerved around a corner and I stumbled. Luc caught me by the arm. Our eyes met for a moment. Roger rolled his. Is one of those things which is cheesy unless it happens to you, so really don't expect him to understand.
"Salut," Luc greeted me, helping me onto the seat. When French people first meet each other, they tend to say "Bonjour," but as they get to know each other better they become less formal and say "Salut" instead. So I'm on "saluting" terms now? Aye aye, captain. "I was beginning to think you weren't going to make it."
"So was I," I said. Well, how you can answer that in a sexy way? Really. "So is there anything you need from Hogsmeades today?"
"No, I just wanted to explore the place a little," Luc replied. He can explore me anytime. "If nothing else it would be good to get out of the castle. I was beginning to feel a bit cooped up in there."
"I know what you mean," I said. "I've been here all month." Caught Roger and Adrian sniggering and rolled eyes. Really, those two have been hanging out together so much you'd think they were dating.
And what cute babies they would both have. Blerk.
11:25 AM
Got off bus and wandered around for a bit with Luc, but is really hard to be flirtatious with Roger and Adrian walking around behind us arm-in-arm and saying things like, "Oh darling, regard that feather boa over there," "Oh, isn't it beaaauuutiful..."
Can't wait until Roger finally gets a crush then can tease him mercilessly about it. On other hand, may be too much of a cold-blooded reptile to ever fall for somebody.
Luc finally dragged me up behind the Shrieking Shack and shacked me rotten - okay, that last part should be filed under "Wishing Thinking" category - and whispered in French that we should split up and lose the two morons by meeting up in the Three Broomsticks for a Butterbeer later. Or was it Honeydukes? Jeez, sure wish I hadn't spent so much of French class playing footsies with Thierry.
3:56 PM
Venue the Three Broomsticks. Luc nowhere in sight. Madame Rosmerta, apparently noting the pathetically large amount of third years around, has decided to cater to the kiddies and is blaring the sound system, unfortunately with that annoying "Humphrey the House Elf" song which has been huge hit in Europe. Think "Hampton the Hamster," but sung by one of the chipmunks.
On way in snuck past Adrian, who is sitting at outdoor table with Slytherin Beater staring wistfully at group of Hufflepuffs clustered outside Honeydukes. Almost cute really. Would really like some company though.
Penelope Clearwater has advanced (Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it). "Is this seat taken?" she asked, pointing to the seat across from me. Said yes and put my foot on it. "It's not taken!" she cried. "You just don't want to sit next to me!"
"Well, jeez, Penelope, why ask a question when you already know the answer?" I asked, my voice reeking of sarcasm.
"Why are you so mean?" she demanded, her lower lip beginning to tremble. "And why doesn't anyone want me anymore?" She burst into tears and ran out of the room, causing several occupants to give me dirty looks. Would have felt quite sorry for her if wasn't Penelope.
"That was very cold, calculated and cruel," drawled a voice from above me. Looked up to see the dark-haired Beater who had been sitting with Adrian near entrance. His face split into a grin. "I like your style."
"Thank you," I respond, taking my foot off the chair. "And you are?"
"Carlson Warrington," he said, bending down and taking my hand. Is unremarkable, but not unpleasant looking. And his smile does have an intriguing quirk to it. "May I have the pleasure of your company? I've been sitting outside with Pucey, but he's been moping around about his Hufflepuff all afternoon. Most unpleasant."
I looked outside the window to where Adrian was still sitting. Cho had walked by with a couple of friends, but had paused and was looking in the same direction as Adrian. No, Adrian didn't look as though he'd notice if I borrowed Warrington's presence for ten minutes or so, much less if Warrington stripped and performed, "Happy Birthday, Mr President" in front of him.
Okay, given his inclinations, he "may" notice then.
"Well?" Warrington said, quirking an eyebrow.
"Sure," I said, waving a hand at the chair my foot had now vacated. "Make yourself comfortable, but not too comfortable. I don't know you that well yet." Since Luc not here may as well warm up by hitting on decent-looking and rather lippy Slytherin. "Would you like a Butterbeer? First round's on me."
"Ah, a woman who takes charge," Warrington smiled. "I like that. Especially in some matters."
He should be so lucky.
6:34 PM
Am still at the Three Broomsticks since fifth years and above are not required to take five o'clock bus back to Hogwarts so long as they return by midnight or Snape will turn them into a pumpkin. Luc, however, is not at the Three Broomsticks. Has stood me up. Bastard. But perhaps I misheard? Perhaps did ask me to do something other than meet me here at three o'clock?
Oh come on, Natalia, what else could, "Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir?" mean?
Warrington's eyes, meanwhile, have developed interesting flecks of gold in them.
8:46 PM
"...So then Quentin Montague performed the Rodentius Curse, which made a swarm of rats run around the classroom floor, and Lockhart leapt onto his chair shrieking at the rest of us to dispose of them," Warrington was saying. "Said he wanted to simulate a situation in which the person in charge would become paralysed with fear and the underlings would have to take over, but we all know better. And Alicia Spinnet from Gryffindor, who's meant to absolutely loathe me, screamed and jumped into my arms. She was trying to crawl up me to get away from the rats, which was a nice experience as she is rather "mature" for a fourteen year old." He burst into laughter, then glanced over at me. "You right there?"
"Mmm-hmm," I mumbled, not bothering to raise my head from my arms. Around four-thirty got bored with Butterbeer and switched to Goblin Screwers, which in hindsight was very, very bad move.
"Um, as much as I like the possibilities of having an gorgeous, inebriated woman in front of me, I think I better get you some water or they won't let us back on the last bus," Warrington said. Heard his chair scrape then his footsteps as he strode away.
"Natalia," someone was shaking my arm mercilessly, "Natalia, ca va?"
"Wha?" I groaned and raised my hand.
Luc was staring down at me with concerned blue eyes. When am drunk tend to develop beer goggles, and since even Flint was beginning to look only slightly ugly before he headed out around seven, well, the affect they had on a guy like Luc was pretty much near mind-altering. "You are so gorgeous," I slurred.
"Natalia, who is here with you?" he demanded sharply. "Who did this to you?"
"I did," I replied, trying to force some coherency into my head. "I mean, Warrington was sitting with me just now, but he's at the bar getting me some water." I began to slip back down towards the table. "My head hurts. I'm just going to sleep here for a while."
"Not, you are not," Luc insisted, grabbing me by the arm and pulling me to my feet. "We are going to leave and go for a walk." He half-steered, half- carried me out of the door and into the street outside.
The coldness shocked me into something a little closer to sobriety and I started to shiver. "I lost my coat," I whined self-pityingly, and instantly felt Luc's draped around my shoulders.
"Here, you will drink some of this," he said, closing my hand around an open bottle of Butterbeer. "It will warm you up and it is not as good as water, but it will get some of the alcohol out of your body."
"Thanks," I said, then titled my head back and drained the bottle.
A few minutes later I felt only slightly tipsy and looked up at Luc. Nope, still gorgeous. But what is that bloody rotten feeling in the core of my stomach? "Oh, effing Merlin," I groaned, appropriating one of Adrian's sayings, then shoved Luc out of the way and began to empty my stomach. Luc's hands pulled my hair back out of harm's way. "I seem to be doing this a lot lately," he said and I laughed weakly.
Once had finished Luc tightened my scarf around my neck and led me away. "I think we better go indoors somewhere since it is getting very cold," he said. "I cannot take you to Honeydukes or anywhere like that though, because you are still drunk. Is that old building in the centre of the town safe to go into?"
"The Shrieking Shack?" I asked. "Yeah, Victoria Abbot was telling me the other day in Herbology that it was haunted, but who listens to those kinds of things from a Hufflepuff?"
We were at the front entrance when the moon came out from behind the clouds, illuminating Luc's eyes deliciously. I decided that I just couldn't take it anymore. There's usually an awkward pause between the time when you know you're going to kiss someone and you actually do it, and maybe there was from Luc's perspective, but these things happen very quickly when you're drunk. His body jolted with shock and he drew back instantly, but I grabbed his hair and pulled him back to my mouth. "So, about going inside?" I breathed gustily.
"Natalia, you're drunk," Luc's voice was hesitant in the dark.
"Oh, c'mon Frenchie, alcohol doesn't affect us girls in the way it does you," I joked. "I'm still able." He still paused, so I decided to take a serious tact. "Look, I've wanted to do this with you since I've first met you, I've done it before and I've done it sober. There's no harm done. And if you're still not sure about it afterwards, then wait until I'm sober and I'll do my best to convince you otherwise."
"Alright then, cherie," Luc finally caved in. He grinned and pushed his lips against mine for a quick, hard kiss, then we sprang into the abandoned building together.
So that's why they call it the "Shrieking" Shack...
# # # # # # # # #
Woo hoo, I've finally done it! (Well, Natalia has anyway). Hope it was all you've been waiting for and that I didn't disappoint anyone. A crack about being anti-climatic is in my mind, but I don't want to give this an "R" rating, so I'll keep it to myself for now.
You may think this event means the end of this fic, but it doesn't. Despite what Natalia seems to think, the sole purpose of her being at Hogwarts is not to find a decent shag and I have plenty more in store for her, so stick around.