Chapter 3
Draco continued to stare at Pansy, dumbfounded, "A what?" Pansy rolled her eyes, but was still full of delight. "A fury, Draco, nasty creatures they are. Here I've done some research this morning." She began to read aloud what few notes she had taken and her little summaries, "A fury, are what you can consider as goddesses. They are described to have blood dripping eyes and snake like hair. They hound their enemies to death and can control the elements of weather. They are dangerous and can be mostly found near nature, although most have died off during the Official Fury Hunt of 1153, a handful survived and are being protected by the .." Pansy's voice droned on and on like Professor Binns', but worst, she had a high pitched giggle after every sentence. Her notes were pretty crappy too, choppy and gathered in such an uneducated way. Pansy.. The one that NEVER studies for anything, NEVER does research for anything would actually do something about Clarrisa. its disgusting, Draco thought. "Lacamum Inflamaray" he whispered with a growl. The others turned to look at him, surprised yet silent. Pansy however, shrieked at him, "Hey! I woke up early to do that! Just because you're disgusted with her doesn't mean you can take it out on my work! I wasn't even done with it!" Draco spoke with a steady voice, "No, Pansy, I think YOU'RE disgusting. Does she look like she has bloody eyes or snake-y hair to you? Are you some kind of blind bitch? You are seriously driving at my nerve. All of this just because you like me." He paused to smirk at her while her face grew red with embarrassment. "And pity, I don't even like you one. bit." Pansy sat back down while the other Slytherins sniggered at her, then Malcolm broke the silence, "We should go to class, Transfiguration next, got to suck up to old McGonagall for a passing grade."
Draco walked into class late after Blaise and Malcolm. They were talking before about the whole Clarrisa and Pansy ordeal. "10 minutes late, 10 points from Slytherin." Both Draco and Blaise cringed at the sound of McGonagall's stern voice. But Malcolm, strangely remained unfazed. Sweetly, he made his way up to McGonagall's desk, "But professor, it wasn't our fault, it was just that the staircases changed on us and we sort of got lost." "Please sit down Baddock, or I might have to sort of take 5 more points." Malcolm, at a lost of words, turned and walked sulkily back to his seat. Draco smiled, "What happened to all the Baddock charm?" "Shut up," was all that came out of him. Draco sat and looked around, wondering where Clarrisa was. It's already 15 minutes into class, it just doesn't make sense. "Hey, hey Blaise, where is Clarrisa? First day cutting isn't really that impressive you know." Blaise responded, "I don't know, Malcolm was suppose to be her guide today." "Malcolm, psst Malcolm, do you know where Clarrisa went?" Taking down notes extra neatly, Malcolm looked up, "No, actually, I haven't seen her after she stormed off, remember that?" Suddenly Draco's hand shot up, "Um, Professor, may I go to the lavatory please?" Professor McGonagall's eyes sweep to the back of the room, after looking at him through her spectacles for a few moments, she replied rather grudgingly, "If you must Malfoy, but I expect you to return promptly."
Draco made his way out of the classroom and his way down to the bathroom. But instead of the boy's bathroom, he headed towards to the girl's one. Turning the knob and opening the door, he called out, "Clarrisa? Clarrisa are you in here?" He suddenly heard a cackle, "Nope, no one's in here, no ones in here with lonely moaning Myrtle, would you like to join me? Pretty blonde boy, would you like to join me?" Draco quickly shut the door disgusted and went up the stairs, she must be in the common room, he thought. He half ran up the stairs, and whispered the password quickly after looking left and right. Disappointment soon welled up in him as he took a look at several first years by the fire. "Damn!" he yelled and banging on a nearby table, seeing him angry, the first years scattered and went up the dorms. Two girls hurried up the stairs as Draco suddenly opened his eyes wide with realization, "The girl's dorm, of course!" He practically ran up the steps, but when he hit the last one, it became one huge slide and hurled him off. Remembering last year, when he snuck off to the girl's dorm he thought to himself quietly. He can't remember much, except he got up there once, with Charles to help him get back at Millicent for breaking his jaw and tormenting his owl. He thought and thought, and then it all came back to him. Quickly, summoning up a rope, he tossed it to the top of the banister, securing it around the pole; he began to climb the stairs again. Once again, the stairs melted into one, but he held on to the rope, and managed to pull himself up. Slightly breathless, he mutter, "Well, simple enough." The two first year girls stared at him incredulously, "You.you can't come up here! You're a boy!" "And so are you, shut your mouth and mind your business." Draco spat out, he then moved quickly to find the sixth year's dorm. Since it the way was almost exactly like the boy's dormitories, he did not have much of a problem.
He placed his hand on the knob. It felt cool under his fingertips, and he slowly turned it. He was sure she was here, he can feel it, she just got to be! He pushed the door slightly, there she was, facing her pillow as her body heaved up and down. He felt the immediate urge to rush up and grab her shoulders, to put her head on his, he wanted to make everything, just everything better.but all he could do was stand there, as she cries silently. His feet planted firmly onto the ground, and his voice disappeared. His eyes widen even more so, when she quickly wiped her tears and looked up. Facing her, just staring at her, took his breath away. But his heart cried, it ached and pained as a single tear trickled down her cheek.
Why is he looking at me like that? Clarrisa thought to herself as wiped a teardrop that escaped from her eyes. Not knowing what else to say, she wrapped the blanket she was holding around her tighter, "Aren't boys not allowed?" she said stiffly. "Is it true? Is it true that you are a." He trailed off, yet looking at her intently for a respond. Clarrisa was just about to reply 'yes' in a cold voice, but she felt hot tears building up in her eyes once again. She looked away angrily, and thought to herself bitterly, How could I have even thought he'd be different? How could I have been so blind and stupid?! It overwhelmed her a little, so she decided to stay silent. Biting her tongue back, she turned to the side and looked out the window.
Draco stood there after the words escaped his lips, wondering if he could have been anymore insensitive. He honestly did not know how to start, and he honestly did not know how to fix it. Still standing there, he saw her tears mound in her eyes right before she turned away. Fighting and loosing the battle inside his mind, he felt his heart go up in flames, and in one simple move, he moved towards her. He sat down next to her and pulled her facing him. He gently wiped a tear from her cheek and placed her head on his shoulder. Not knowing what else to do, he awkwardly stroked her hair and let her continue.
Clarrisa's ears pricked up as he heard him move a bit closer, but still looked the other way, the worst thing in the world would be letting him see me cry, she thought. But he sat beside her, and by the shoulders, wheeled her around. And as she felt his fingers on her cheek, she began to melt; the bitterness and coldness began to slowly fade away. She rested her head on his chest and sobbed, a little uncontrollably at first, but soon that faded as well. She picked up her head; her eyes were still wet with tears but smiled, "You technically didn't see me cry, so it doesn't count." Draco smiled back warmly, "Are you ok?" "Yeah, I'm fine, why wouldn't I be?" Draco rolled his eye, "Girls and their pride problems." "Actually only guys have pride prob-""Clarrisa.why were you so upset? So you're a half fury big deal, I...I...still like you," Draco interrupted her and looked down blushing. Clarrisa was speechless for a moment, surprised, "Well, you're sure very tactful." At that, Draco looked up, "No, I just, well I mean, who cares if you're a fury, I'm not going to treat you any different, neither are Blaise and Malcolm, we talked about it after breakfast. And with that little speech I made to Pansy, I doubt that any other Slytherins would treat you different as well." Clarrisa's eyes widen with worry, "What exactly did you tell her?" Draco filled her in as she smiled, "You actually told her that?!" "Yeah, I just couldn't stand Pansy; she's already annoying to look at. But when she talks about those that I care about I just get even more ." he trailed off as the words of him caring about her slipped out. He feared that the feeling might not be mutual and that he told her too soon, but her reaction left it as an open question. Clarrisa's eyes lit up at his words and kissed him on the cheek, "You're so nice to me Draco, it's great that I've made a friend like you." "Well, yeah, um, sure of course, I a very nice loving kinda guy you know." Clarrisa couldn't help but to burst out laughing, "Yes, I have heard the first years describe you as a .now what was it...oh yes, a 'big scary sixth year who is mostly rude and arrogant.'" "I am NOT arrogant!" Draco replied indignantly but laughed with her as well. "So, fury lady, tell me about all that, you still didn't answer my question you know." Clarrisa looked at him weirdly as she was being addressed as 'Fury Lady,' "Well..." Draco saw the look on her face and immediately interrupted, "You don't have to answer if you don't want to, I was just, well." But with a determined face, Clarrisa responded, "No, I have to tell someone, might as well, and then you can spread around nice words about me ok?" She smiled at the thought and continued, "I'm not really a half fury. I have fury blood, from my mother's side, but just a faint trace. I can, well, my friends used to call it zap, it's like, well.wand-less magic. My mother, and her mother, and her mother, they were all part of the fury line, but after so many generations and mixes, none of us are genuinely furies. Our powers aren't as strong, and our blood isn't as thick, and thank god, we don't look anything like them," She chuckled at the thought and continued. "My grandfather actually thought of marrying a Veela into the family once, just to make our descendents look nicer," she joked. But Draco took it seriously, "What? That's ridiculous." Clarrisa ignored him, "I went to school in America, before here of course, and kids there, they found out. I have no idea how, but they did." She told them about what they would do to her, especially the clique of pureblood witches. He winced a few times at her cruel and detailed descriptions. "And I actually thought I would hate it here, my only thing looking forward to is a new start, where no one would know who I am." "How did you come here?" Draco inquired. "By floo powder, duh" Clarrisa laughed. "No, no, I meant, well, why?" At that Clarrisa looked dark, and explained to him the events. "Age 15 and MARRIED?! That's bloody insane!" Clarrisa nodded sadly in agreement. "Your father is even worst than mine, and mine's pretty bad, hey, why don't you marry me? Your father would have a lot to profit from and I sure wouldn't mind!" Draco joked. "You wouldn't mind, but I sure would," Clarrisa teased back. Then she began to frown, "Speaking of not minding, the Professor of Transfigurations let you out to see me?" "OH CRAP!" Draco suddenly jumped up, her words echoing in his head over and over again, If you must Malfoy, but I expect you to return promptly, If you must Malfoy, but I expect you to return promptly, If you must Malfoy, but I ex-"Um, Draco? Are you sick? You've seen to have lost the color in your face." Draco swallowed hard, "I, I uh, ran up here after telling her I was only going to the bathroom, I told her I would be back.promptly." Clarrisa bit her lip, "Well, maybe if I talk to her, she'd understand." "Maybe, but I doubt it, the class is already over," with that he sighed and moved towards the door. "Come on Clarrisa, you shouldn't miss any classes on your first day." Clarrisa smiled at him sweetly and followed him outside, "How on earth did you get up here anyway?" Draco smiled back, "That, Clarisse, is a story for another day, come on lets go." Clarrisa let him drag her all the way across the common room, but then paused a little, "Draco." "What?" "Draco, I've never got to say, well.thank you, for all this, it really did make me feel better you know?" Draco replied, "Oh, its nothing really, least I can do.Clarisse?" "Huh?" "I'll always be here for you, no matter what, you got that?" "Yeah," but deeply, she wondered, will he really? Is this one of those long lasting friendships she needs? Suddenly Draco brightened up and interrupted her thoughts, "You know a great way of saying thank you though?" ".Uh oh.what Draco?" Draco grinned widely, "With a kiss on the lips of course." Clarrisa laughed, "I'm not that thankful, besides, did I not kiss you on the cheek already?" "Yeah, but hey, come on.. You know you want to." "Now you're not even getting a kiss on the cheek, greedy kiss monster." She walked out of the common room smiling. "Greedy kiss monster? What in the world is that? Come on Clarisse, you know you want to." Trailing behind, he half jogged to catch up, bugging her. But with all that annoying talk, she was still thankful; he had no idea how thankful she was. She might even have kissed him, if he hadn't asked in such a rude way. She smiled inside and out, thinking what a perfect morning she had. "What are you smiling about?" "I'm laughing at you Draco, you look funny." "I do NOT." "Oh yes you DO." Draco pouted in an exaggerated way, as he led her towards their next class.
Draco continued to stare at Pansy, dumbfounded, "A what?" Pansy rolled her eyes, but was still full of delight. "A fury, Draco, nasty creatures they are. Here I've done some research this morning." She began to read aloud what few notes she had taken and her little summaries, "A fury, are what you can consider as goddesses. They are described to have blood dripping eyes and snake like hair. They hound their enemies to death and can control the elements of weather. They are dangerous and can be mostly found near nature, although most have died off during the Official Fury Hunt of 1153, a handful survived and are being protected by the .." Pansy's voice droned on and on like Professor Binns', but worst, she had a high pitched giggle after every sentence. Her notes were pretty crappy too, choppy and gathered in such an uneducated way. Pansy.. The one that NEVER studies for anything, NEVER does research for anything would actually do something about Clarrisa. its disgusting, Draco thought. "Lacamum Inflamaray" he whispered with a growl. The others turned to look at him, surprised yet silent. Pansy however, shrieked at him, "Hey! I woke up early to do that! Just because you're disgusted with her doesn't mean you can take it out on my work! I wasn't even done with it!" Draco spoke with a steady voice, "No, Pansy, I think YOU'RE disgusting. Does she look like she has bloody eyes or snake-y hair to you? Are you some kind of blind bitch? You are seriously driving at my nerve. All of this just because you like me." He paused to smirk at her while her face grew red with embarrassment. "And pity, I don't even like you one. bit." Pansy sat back down while the other Slytherins sniggered at her, then Malcolm broke the silence, "We should go to class, Transfiguration next, got to suck up to old McGonagall for a passing grade."
Draco walked into class late after Blaise and Malcolm. They were talking before about the whole Clarrisa and Pansy ordeal. "10 minutes late, 10 points from Slytherin." Both Draco and Blaise cringed at the sound of McGonagall's stern voice. But Malcolm, strangely remained unfazed. Sweetly, he made his way up to McGonagall's desk, "But professor, it wasn't our fault, it was just that the staircases changed on us and we sort of got lost." "Please sit down Baddock, or I might have to sort of take 5 more points." Malcolm, at a lost of words, turned and walked sulkily back to his seat. Draco smiled, "What happened to all the Baddock charm?" "Shut up," was all that came out of him. Draco sat and looked around, wondering where Clarrisa was. It's already 15 minutes into class, it just doesn't make sense. "Hey, hey Blaise, where is Clarrisa? First day cutting isn't really that impressive you know." Blaise responded, "I don't know, Malcolm was suppose to be her guide today." "Malcolm, psst Malcolm, do you know where Clarrisa went?" Taking down notes extra neatly, Malcolm looked up, "No, actually, I haven't seen her after she stormed off, remember that?" Suddenly Draco's hand shot up, "Um, Professor, may I go to the lavatory please?" Professor McGonagall's eyes sweep to the back of the room, after looking at him through her spectacles for a few moments, she replied rather grudgingly, "If you must Malfoy, but I expect you to return promptly."
Draco made his way out of the classroom and his way down to the bathroom. But instead of the boy's bathroom, he headed towards to the girl's one. Turning the knob and opening the door, he called out, "Clarrisa? Clarrisa are you in here?" He suddenly heard a cackle, "Nope, no one's in here, no ones in here with lonely moaning Myrtle, would you like to join me? Pretty blonde boy, would you like to join me?" Draco quickly shut the door disgusted and went up the stairs, she must be in the common room, he thought. He half ran up the stairs, and whispered the password quickly after looking left and right. Disappointment soon welled up in him as he took a look at several first years by the fire. "Damn!" he yelled and banging on a nearby table, seeing him angry, the first years scattered and went up the dorms. Two girls hurried up the stairs as Draco suddenly opened his eyes wide with realization, "The girl's dorm, of course!" He practically ran up the steps, but when he hit the last one, it became one huge slide and hurled him off. Remembering last year, when he snuck off to the girl's dorm he thought to himself quietly. He can't remember much, except he got up there once, with Charles to help him get back at Millicent for breaking his jaw and tormenting his owl. He thought and thought, and then it all came back to him. Quickly, summoning up a rope, he tossed it to the top of the banister, securing it around the pole; he began to climb the stairs again. Once again, the stairs melted into one, but he held on to the rope, and managed to pull himself up. Slightly breathless, he mutter, "Well, simple enough." The two first year girls stared at him incredulously, "You.you can't come up here! You're a boy!" "And so are you, shut your mouth and mind your business." Draco spat out, he then moved quickly to find the sixth year's dorm. Since it the way was almost exactly like the boy's dormitories, he did not have much of a problem.
He placed his hand on the knob. It felt cool under his fingertips, and he slowly turned it. He was sure she was here, he can feel it, she just got to be! He pushed the door slightly, there she was, facing her pillow as her body heaved up and down. He felt the immediate urge to rush up and grab her shoulders, to put her head on his, he wanted to make everything, just everything better.but all he could do was stand there, as she cries silently. His feet planted firmly onto the ground, and his voice disappeared. His eyes widen even more so, when she quickly wiped her tears and looked up. Facing her, just staring at her, took his breath away. But his heart cried, it ached and pained as a single tear trickled down her cheek.
Why is he looking at me like that? Clarrisa thought to herself as wiped a teardrop that escaped from her eyes. Not knowing what else to say, she wrapped the blanket she was holding around her tighter, "Aren't boys not allowed?" she said stiffly. "Is it true? Is it true that you are a." He trailed off, yet looking at her intently for a respond. Clarrisa was just about to reply 'yes' in a cold voice, but she felt hot tears building up in her eyes once again. She looked away angrily, and thought to herself bitterly, How could I have even thought he'd be different? How could I have been so blind and stupid?! It overwhelmed her a little, so she decided to stay silent. Biting her tongue back, she turned to the side and looked out the window.
Draco stood there after the words escaped his lips, wondering if he could have been anymore insensitive. He honestly did not know how to start, and he honestly did not know how to fix it. Still standing there, he saw her tears mound in her eyes right before she turned away. Fighting and loosing the battle inside his mind, he felt his heart go up in flames, and in one simple move, he moved towards her. He sat down next to her and pulled her facing him. He gently wiped a tear from her cheek and placed her head on his shoulder. Not knowing what else to do, he awkwardly stroked her hair and let her continue.
Clarrisa's ears pricked up as he heard him move a bit closer, but still looked the other way, the worst thing in the world would be letting him see me cry, she thought. But he sat beside her, and by the shoulders, wheeled her around. And as she felt his fingers on her cheek, she began to melt; the bitterness and coldness began to slowly fade away. She rested her head on his chest and sobbed, a little uncontrollably at first, but soon that faded as well. She picked up her head; her eyes were still wet with tears but smiled, "You technically didn't see me cry, so it doesn't count." Draco smiled back warmly, "Are you ok?" "Yeah, I'm fine, why wouldn't I be?" Draco rolled his eye, "Girls and their pride problems." "Actually only guys have pride prob-""Clarrisa.why were you so upset? So you're a half fury big deal, I...I...still like you," Draco interrupted her and looked down blushing. Clarrisa was speechless for a moment, surprised, "Well, you're sure very tactful." At that, Draco looked up, "No, I just, well I mean, who cares if you're a fury, I'm not going to treat you any different, neither are Blaise and Malcolm, we talked about it after breakfast. And with that little speech I made to Pansy, I doubt that any other Slytherins would treat you different as well." Clarrisa's eyes widen with worry, "What exactly did you tell her?" Draco filled her in as she smiled, "You actually told her that?!" "Yeah, I just couldn't stand Pansy; she's already annoying to look at. But when she talks about those that I care about I just get even more ." he trailed off as the words of him caring about her slipped out. He feared that the feeling might not be mutual and that he told her too soon, but her reaction left it as an open question. Clarrisa's eyes lit up at his words and kissed him on the cheek, "You're so nice to me Draco, it's great that I've made a friend like you." "Well, yeah, um, sure of course, I a very nice loving kinda guy you know." Clarrisa couldn't help but to burst out laughing, "Yes, I have heard the first years describe you as a .now what was it...oh yes, a 'big scary sixth year who is mostly rude and arrogant.'" "I am NOT arrogant!" Draco replied indignantly but laughed with her as well. "So, fury lady, tell me about all that, you still didn't answer my question you know." Clarrisa looked at him weirdly as she was being addressed as 'Fury Lady,' "Well..." Draco saw the look on her face and immediately interrupted, "You don't have to answer if you don't want to, I was just, well." But with a determined face, Clarrisa responded, "No, I have to tell someone, might as well, and then you can spread around nice words about me ok?" She smiled at the thought and continued, "I'm not really a half fury. I have fury blood, from my mother's side, but just a faint trace. I can, well, my friends used to call it zap, it's like, well.wand-less magic. My mother, and her mother, and her mother, they were all part of the fury line, but after so many generations and mixes, none of us are genuinely furies. Our powers aren't as strong, and our blood isn't as thick, and thank god, we don't look anything like them," She chuckled at the thought and continued. "My grandfather actually thought of marrying a Veela into the family once, just to make our descendents look nicer," she joked. But Draco took it seriously, "What? That's ridiculous." Clarrisa ignored him, "I went to school in America, before here of course, and kids there, they found out. I have no idea how, but they did." She told them about what they would do to her, especially the clique of pureblood witches. He winced a few times at her cruel and detailed descriptions. "And I actually thought I would hate it here, my only thing looking forward to is a new start, where no one would know who I am." "How did you come here?" Draco inquired. "By floo powder, duh" Clarrisa laughed. "No, no, I meant, well, why?" At that Clarrisa looked dark, and explained to him the events. "Age 15 and MARRIED?! That's bloody insane!" Clarrisa nodded sadly in agreement. "Your father is even worst than mine, and mine's pretty bad, hey, why don't you marry me? Your father would have a lot to profit from and I sure wouldn't mind!" Draco joked. "You wouldn't mind, but I sure would," Clarrisa teased back. Then she began to frown, "Speaking of not minding, the Professor of Transfigurations let you out to see me?" "OH CRAP!" Draco suddenly jumped up, her words echoing in his head over and over again, If you must Malfoy, but I expect you to return promptly, If you must Malfoy, but I expect you to return promptly, If you must Malfoy, but I ex-"Um, Draco? Are you sick? You've seen to have lost the color in your face." Draco swallowed hard, "I, I uh, ran up here after telling her I was only going to the bathroom, I told her I would be back.promptly." Clarrisa bit her lip, "Well, maybe if I talk to her, she'd understand." "Maybe, but I doubt it, the class is already over," with that he sighed and moved towards the door. "Come on Clarrisa, you shouldn't miss any classes on your first day." Clarrisa smiled at him sweetly and followed him outside, "How on earth did you get up here anyway?" Draco smiled back, "That, Clarisse, is a story for another day, come on lets go." Clarrisa let him drag her all the way across the common room, but then paused a little, "Draco." "What?" "Draco, I've never got to say, well.thank you, for all this, it really did make me feel better you know?" Draco replied, "Oh, its nothing really, least I can do.Clarisse?" "Huh?" "I'll always be here for you, no matter what, you got that?" "Yeah," but deeply, she wondered, will he really? Is this one of those long lasting friendships she needs? Suddenly Draco brightened up and interrupted her thoughts, "You know a great way of saying thank you though?" ".Uh oh.what Draco?" Draco grinned widely, "With a kiss on the lips of course." Clarrisa laughed, "I'm not that thankful, besides, did I not kiss you on the cheek already?" "Yeah, but hey, come on.. You know you want to." "Now you're not even getting a kiss on the cheek, greedy kiss monster." She walked out of the common room smiling. "Greedy kiss monster? What in the world is that? Come on Clarisse, you know you want to." Trailing behind, he half jogged to catch up, bugging her. But with all that annoying talk, she was still thankful; he had no idea how thankful she was. She might even have kissed him, if he hadn't asked in such a rude way. She smiled inside and out, thinking what a perfect morning she had. "What are you smiling about?" "I'm laughing at you Draco, you look funny." "I do NOT." "Oh yes you DO." Draco pouted in an exaggerated way, as he led her towards their next class.