Crushed
Chapter 2
By: EckoStalker

Disclaimer: No, I don't own Harry Potter. J. K. Rowling does. IT'S NOT FAIR!!! I WANT LUPIN!!! --cough, cough-- okay... anyways... I DO own Alexis and my bud Deep Shadows owns Artimis. I also own Jason (sounds cute don't he? hehehe...), Brad, Krinston and William. Got it? Great!

Author's notes: I know, this chapter is a bit less on the action side, but that's coming up!! So read this, get it over with, and go on to the next! Pweeeeeese!! It gets better...

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Alexis practically threw her clothes on and gathered her books hurriedly in an attempt to catch Jason in the Common Room. Wait... I don't want to make it look like I'm his little puppy dog, drooling after him... ok, I am a little... but I've got to play on it...

Play on what?

(Hey! get out of here!)

So-rry!! You bombarded me! You sound very happy... What's going on... and what's was with that Jason dude...

(I'll tell you later... just... don't follow me or come looking for me... I'll find you. )

Oookaaay...

Alexis checked herself and slowed her pace, deciding to choose the path of 'fashionably late' as she approached the Great Hall doors. She sauntered in casually but gracefully, receiving very few looks. She saw the Twins move aside to make a space for her, but Alexis shook her head and smiled apologetically, the Twins watching her walk farther down the table in perplexity.

Jason told his buddies William and Krinston to move down a bit and he gestured to the vacant spot, standing up politely. She sat happily and he after her, smiling at her tenderly and sitting close enough they touched shoulders.

That induced quite a few stares and whispered comments. Artimis gawked in shock, but scowled shortly after, due to a few Slytherins gazing at her for a reaction.

A grim look passed between the Weasley Twins, and Fred turned to Apollo and whispered something, followed up by George. After a moment of contemplation, Apollo also wore a grim look and they all glanced a bit concerned at the obliviously happy Alexis.

Jason leaned over and kissed her neck softly," Sleep well?"

She blushed slightly," Never better."

He sat back, eyes sparkling, and turned to his friends. "Alexis, these are my buds, Brad, William, and Krinston." He gestured to each in turn and they smiled at her, she smiled brightly back.

Breakfast passed on this way, and pretty soon all four got up to leave, passing the High table, and receiving a confused but slightly amused glare from Snape and a concerned and wary stare from Lupin. Once they were outside the doors, Artimis dismissed herself and quickly ran to catch up with them. She skidded around the corner to see Alexis strolling down the hall, hand in hand with Jason while his three friends tagged along behind and to the side.

Reminds me almost of Draco and his goons...

"Hey, Alexis!" Artimis shouted, walking briskly towards the group. Alexis turned, and a look of panic overcame her features. I haven't told him yet about me and her... but... I, don't really want to... she'd hang out with us all the time, and draw me and Jason apart maybe... no, he doesn't have to know just yet...

Jason saw Alexis's look of panic, and practically bristled at Artimis's approach. She felt the vibe and stopped cautiously. Jason stepped in front of Alexis and growled, "Back off, Callabella. You're not messing with her now that I'm around."

Confused, Artimis stepped to the side and stared in perplexity at Alexis, who shook her head minutely and remained behind Jason's tall frame.

Jason took a step forward and his buddies closed around him in a loose semi-circle. "I said back. Off."

Artimis drew herself up and glared at each of the boys in turn. Alexis sent a silent plea.

(Please Artimis. Go. I didn't tell them yet...)

What!? Aren't you with him!? Why didn't you! Draco knows about us... what's the big deal?!...

(Um... I, it's complicated... but, I'll t, tell him soon... Dinner! Yeah... meet me after...)

Artimis frowned in disappointment at her hesitation, but agreed slowly. She scowled intently at the guys while they still glared at her.

"Nice bodyguards, Whyte. But they can't hang around you forever." With that, Artimis turned on her heel, black hair swishing, and stalked regally back down the hall.

Jason turned to Alexis, and she smiled weakly.

"You've got us now. If you need help, just holler." He smiled tenderly, and Alexis took his hand, nodding gratefully. They continued walking, Jason snaking an arm around her waist protectively. Alexis sent another remark to Artimis. (Thank you... sorry...)

Yeah... no problem... Artimis replied, though a tinge of hurt laced her thought-voice. But Alexis soon pushed it aside as Jason pulled her aside in a darkened corner and proceeded to kiss her passionately, the other boys continuing on their walk. Alexis lost herself in his embrace and tenderness, pushing all coherent thoughts aside.

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That night, Artimis waited late after dinner... and waited... and waited some more. When she heard the old clock chime 10:00 pm, she sneaked back towards Slytherin dorms, fed up. She tried sending a remark to Alexis, but was, for once, blocked out, all she felt was a wall of mixed emotions emanating from Alexis.

What the hell!? She never bails on me... then again; she never had a boyfriend...

Artimis's anger at her friend subsided a little at that thought.

I'll find her tomorrow... she probably forgot...

Artimis snickered at that thought, and continued into her dorm.

During this time, Alexis was actually in her own Common room, sitting snug with Jason on one of the overstuffed couches, sipping hot cocoa and watching the fire lazily. And she didn't tell him about her and Artimis's friendship.

They talked now and then, but mostly cuddled. Alexis knew she had to go meet Artimis, but hadn't the heart to leave Jason so soon. Every time she looked in his eyes, it was hypnotic. She couldn't bear to say no to anything. She had waited so long for him and this to happen, it wasn't about to be short lived. Alexis thought again of Artimis.

She'll forgive me... this is important to me. She'll understand... I'll catch her sometime tomorrow... she thought, happiness at her new 'friend' clouding up all other thoughts.

Note: We are having some problems with not letting me do brackets.... Sorry if it's confusing..... (EckoStalker)