Crushed
Chapter 3
By: EckoStalker
Disclaimer: --sigh-- I don't own Harry Potter, you know who does. The song used is Avril Lavigne's.
You know what I DO own if you've read (and you better have) the other two chapters. The only new one is Nathan.
Author's Notes: Last chapter was mostly getting the important stuff out of the way, as is the very beginning of this one, but I intend to make this one more interesting. This one is a bit lengthy, but please don't get bored!
Not sure how many chapters I'm gonna have yet, was thinking maybe five or six but, we'll see! Hope you like it!
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"Oh, come on. Please? You hang out with them all the time! Come with us for once!" Jason pleaded, looking down at Alexis. She was at a loss for what to do.
It had been three days now since she was suppose to meet Artimis, but she hadn't seen her in those three days, always being with Jason and the boys. Not that it was boring or anything. She was in her glory. He liked to take her out at night on long broom rides, flying slowly and over the land. During those times, they rarely talked, just drank in the beauty of nature and pleasantness of each other's company. He grabbed her after classes and they went on trips to Hoggesmeade, taking her to the shops and showing her stuff she didn't know the people had. Once, they even trekked down to the Shrieking Shack, sticking close and being cautious due to the rumors they had heard numerous times. They had a blast. Alexis had almost never been happier.
Yet, she felt and knew something was wrong. She hadn't been with her other friends since she and Jason had hooked up. Not with the Twins, Harry and his group, or even Artimis.
But this was different. A guy liked her. It was different than her and Artimis's friendship, but that didn't make either of them better or worse. Alexis actually felt more accepted socially now that she had Jason -for he introduced her to many of his own friends, and they would stop in the halls for her and say hello or even have conversations with her. Alexis loved it. But she did want to see Artimis again. Artimis had tried several times to get Alexis alone with her, but either Jason or one of his three buddies would be there to drag her away, and Alexis told Artimis mentally that she still hadn't said anything to Jason about themselves, but stuttered on the explanation as to why. But Artimis could never comment back, which weirded Alexis out.
Right now, Alexis was in the Common Room, on the weekend, listening to Jason's pleas. She was asked earlier to join a meeting with the Twins, Apollo, and Artimis, but Jason wanted her to go with him. He told her they had a surprise, and needed her help on something, that is, after he got back from his own meeting. Alexis tried to tell him she couldn't today, but no words came as she gazed into his eyes. She sighed and looked away. "Alright. But I really need to talk with someone later today, alone."
Jason smiled, and held up his hands. "Awesome! And I'm not stopping you from talking to anyone!" He grinned, and pulled her to him. "I've got to talk to some people first, but I'll come back for you here at 3:00 sharp. Love ya, gotta run!" With a soft kiss, they parted, and Jason strolled proudly out of the Common Room. Alexis watched him go, and then sat heavily in a cushioned chair, supporting her head in her hands. She was supposed to meet the Twins and everyone at 3:30. Faintly, she heard an old clock chime 2:00 pm, and winced. She knew Jason, and also knew they wouldn't be back before then. She shook her head slowly, then arose and walked out the portrait hole, intending to take a short walk and think things over.
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Artimis was pissed. She couldn't get anywhere near Alexis without that Kinsler boy or his 'buddies' interfering. And Alexis still hadn't said anything to him! Three days ago this was suppose to be settled, but Alexis always stuttered and looked away when it came to the issue that Alexis mentally discussed with Artimis. What freaked Artimis out was that she couldn't talk back to Alexis, always blocked out of her head by a wall of strong emotions. So, she was cut off from her best friend, and she was starting to get worried.
What, doesn't she trust him as well?!... Or maybe... it's something else... me, maybe...
Artimis was thinking this over in the library, the time about 2:00pm, and was passing the time until a private meeting with the Misfits and the Twins, knowing Alexis was busy. She was jolted out of her reverie by two familiar voices right behind her.
"Early, I see..."
"Well, when is she not..."
"True, true. Either early or already there..."
"Alexis not here?"
"No, guess not. Though..."
"It does make this a tad easier..."
"... To explain."
Artimis turned and grinned at the two red haired fifth year boys. Artimis looked puzzled at their reference to Alexis, it being all she really understood. Alexis being the one who understood the Weasley dialect.
"Well, let's get this over with already..."
"Yes, though we needn't worry of Alexis's appearance..."
"Knowing Jason, he'll keep her plenty busy during this..."
"What? We're not waiting for Alexis?" Artimis asked in confusion. The twins looked around secretly, and pulled her out of the library and to an abandoned classroom. Artimis went reluctantly, still wanting to wait for Alexis. Once safely hidden, the Twins started, slowly.
"Artimis, we have something to tell you..." (Fred)
"About Jason and Alexis hanging with him." (George)
"They seem very close, no? Not a good thing..." (Fred)
"Not at all..." (George)
"Well? What's the problem with that? Besides that she never hangs with us anymore..." Artimis interjected, a bit sullenly. The Twins sighed.
"Jason and his buddies were once candidates for our protégé scheme." (Fred)
"But we studied the content and civility of their pranks closely, and didn't like what we saw." (George)
"Many of their pranks were done to those they wished to payback for past problems, some even over an accidental shove in the hallway." (Fred)
"Most of their, subjects, were single students, and they loved to gang up on them." (George)
"Pretty low and pathetic, don't you think?" (Fred)
"Anyways, those pranks were not up to par..." (George)
"Many of their subjects..." (Fred)
"... or victims, shall we say..." (George)
"... Ended up in the hospital wing for quite a number of days." (Fred)
"They're out to hurt, not to prank. And they don't mind drawing people up into it..." (George)
"... To place the blame on." (Fred)
"Tis why most never heard of Jason and his buddies being the cause of such 'accidents'." (Fred)
"Never heard, or too scared to say anything." (George)
"So, we're worried about Alexis." (Fred)
"Everyone knows how good you two are at tricking people, teachers especially..." (George)
"... and most know that Alexis is only a little desperate for a boyfriend..." (Fred)
".. And, as good as she is at persuading things out of people, she is also almost as easily persuaded..." (George)
"... especially when it comes to Jason." (Fred)
"Whom we heard Alexis had a major thing for a while back." (George)
"So, we have a bad feeling that Jason and his buddies are up to no good." (Fred)
"And Alexis was deemed perfect as their distraction and blame, or so we predict." (George)
"And unfortunately, our predictions of these boys are usually correct." (Fred)
"We don't know how to explain such to Alexis herself..." (George)
"Which is why we made sure Jason heard of the meeting and took Alexis out of the way." (Fred)
"So we could tell you in hopes that you get to her and try to warn her." (George)
Artimis listened to this conversation in growing anxiety. She had seen Jason and his buddies bullying others a few times, but never around Alexis. And Alexis never seemed to see their little 'pranks'. Now she was really worried. She knew Alexis would be heartbroken if she found out she was being used by Jason, but had to protect her. She quickly thanked the boys, who nodded gravely, and ran out the room, searching for Alexis and get her away from Jason long enough to tell her.
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Alexis was silently walking the corridor halls, listening to the echoes of her footsteps and murmurs of passing groups of students. She was mulling over a conflict in her mind as she strolled past one of the girls' lavatories, and there was a sudden whoosh, and an arm wrapped around her shoulders and a hand over her mouth. Before Alexis could even draw in a breath, she was dragged into the bathroom and thrown against the wall. She struggled instinctively against her captor, and the person stepped away, still holding her shoulders. Alexis gazed into the solemn face of Artimis Callabella. Alexis grinned widely and spoke.
"Artimis! I've been waiting to get to you! I'm sorry about not telling Jason yet, but, I'm... trying to f, find a way to... Gosh, I've haven't seen you in three days!"
"Alexis, Jason is not what you think."
Alexis shut up at this statement and squinted in suspicious confusion. Artimis looked back into her eyes, dead serious.
"What do you mean?"
"The twins told me about him and his buddies."
Then Artimis stood back and proceeded to relate to her the entire conversation the Weasleys had passed to her, angry at the tried scheme of the boys. Alexis listened on in growing shock and anger, but it wasn't directed at Jason, but at Artimis.
Artimis finished the piece and looked at Alexis warily for a reaction. Alexis looked at the ground, her green eyes blazing, but retaining a deathly calm. She calmly looked up into Artimis's eyes, a glare etched across her face. Alexis whispered almost inaudibly, "Liar."
"What?"
"Y, you're just s... saying that. I k, know what you're gee... getting at, Artimis. I haven't b, been hanging with y... you enough. So you're hoping to get me away from Jason."
Artimis was taken aback and shouted back defensively. "Why the bloody hell would I do that! Sure, I'm a bit disappointed, but I wouldn't do it because of that! Have you any common sense!?"
Alexis looked away, now in doubt. No, she didn't think Artimis would do that to her, but she didn't believe Jason was like that. "Jason is a good kid. I, I just can't see h, him doing any of that. He loves me!"
Artimis looked at her sorrowfully. "Alexis, he's using you for, for something! We just know he is! The Weasleys know him enough to see all the clues. And you're too damn gullible to him, everyone sees it!" Artimis spoke, instantly regretting the last remark. She remembered she had just hit a sensitive spot there, Alexis was hell-bent on expressing that she was gullible to no one, and Artimis just pushed the already half sunken button.
Alexis glared viciously and growled.
"I. Am. Not. GULLIBLE!! I do what I want!! Jason is NOT like that!! He wouldn't lie to me." They were silent for a moment, both bristling and staring at each other. Artimis said softly." You have to leave him. I'm not going to see you used like that."
Alexis backed up, her back against the wall, and she uttered." N... no. No way... You know how long I've been waiting for a boyfriend? For Jason? I'm not giving him up that easily. If you are my best friend, you'd know that, and wouldn't even think about saying that. No..." With that, Alexis walked past Artimis, a few tears slipping down her face. Artimis tried to stop her, but Alexis yanked away, running out the lavatory. Artimis stood there, sad and angry at this new predicament, realizing that Alexis was too deep into Jason's mysterious scheme to be talked out of.
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"You've been really quiet. Did that Slytherin chick mess with you again?' Jason asked worriedly. They were more than halfway down the road to Hoggesmeade, and Alexis remained staring at the ground in great contemplation, barely talking.
Alexis looked up quickly and smiled smally. "Yeah. Bugging me about us. Didn't think we are right together. That you are just playing with me."
Jason stopped her and pulled her into a tender embrace. "Don't believe anything anybody says. I love you, and wouldn't dare do that. I wouldn't be able to live with myself."
Alexis smiled, blushing slightly, and he leaned down, kissing her passionately. They parted, Alexis's emerald eyes shimmering like jewels in the bright sun. Jason looked behind him, and smiled at a sight.
"I have a job to take care of Alexis, and I need your help. Will you?"
"Of course."
He grinned and they walked towards a shop where several figures stood. They were William, Krinston, and Brad. Jason went business. "Is he in there?"
"Yep, been watching for the past fifteen minutes." William answered, and smiled kindly at Alexis.
"Hello Alexis. Alright there?" Krinston asked, looking a little concerned. Alexis smiled thankfully and replied. "I'm fine, thank you. What's that job Jason?"
Brad looked at him quickly, and Jason gave him a look. He then took her aside from the guys and led her to a small window that was for the shop they were standing at, which was an eatery. He put his hands on her shoulders and looked into her eyes.
"Okay. There is this one kid in here that needs to be taught a lesson. Don't worry, we're not gonna beat the hell out of him, but he needs to be taught. He has done something to us that don't sit well. But we need your expertise in getting certain people out of the way..."
Alexis listened warily, but trusted Jason. If this dude had done something bad enough to taunt the wrath of all four of those boys, then the kid must've deserved it. She pushed aside Artimis's earlier warnings. Jason told who she had to distract, and what the kid looked like, and Alexis evaluated the situation, as if it were her and Artimis doing a regular prank.
"So, you got it?" Jason questioned.
"Yeah, just tell me when to start."
Jason smiled thankfully, and kissed her on the forehead, then rushed back to the dark corner where the other boys waited. Alexis took a deep breath and went into character and stood by the entrance. Jason nodded, and Alexis walked in.
The eatery was dimly lit and a few people sat at several tables, Alexis knowing most of them. She saw behind the cashier counter the kitchen and about four or five cooks slaving away. Alexis put a scowl on her face, picking out the deemed student, who was sitting at the bar table with two other friends. Alexis sauntered up and leaned against the bar, glaring curiously at the boys. The lady behind the counter watched as she flicked her wand, organizing a few shelves. After a moment, the boys looked at her and the offending student, named Nathan, stared at her in perplexity. "Um, is there a problem?"
Alexis looked taken aback and stood angrily." Nathaniel Rikket! How dare you! I've waited almost two hours for you! And you left without me!" Alexis shouted, hands on her hips. Nathan looked shocked beyond disbelief as the people in the cafe stared at them, his two friends backing up a tad. Nathan stammered, "I... I don't k, know you..."
"I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU!! You said you'd never forget me! How dare you, you bastard!" At this Alexis, jumped up on the bar, and kicked someone's food off the table, Nathan almost fell off his chair. The cashier lady immediately rushed up and yelled at her to get off. Alexis glared. "BACK OFF LADY!! I have business to settle with this jerk!!" The lady grabbed for her, but Alexis dodged and shouted back. After a moment, the woman went to the window behind the counter and called for a few of the cooks, who rushed out. Alexis laughed and raced up and down the bar, bouncing and dodging around the outstretched hands of the adults. One took out a wand and tried pointing it at her, but Alexis kicked it out of his hands and knocked him back onto another, while the remaining two cooks watched in amusement from the window.
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At the first yell of Alexis, Jason and his boys rushed in the diner and stood by the back doors of the kitchen, listening to Alexis's ranting and yelling. When the cooks left or were distracted, they entered the kitchen.
"Find his plate." Jason ordered.
"What for?" Krinston whispered in confusion.
"He's severely allergic to most types of spices, especially garlic. Guess what we got here." Jason picked up a loose bottle of garlic powder. They smiled, and Brad glanced out the door discreetly, telling them, "Look for plate #12."
"Got it!" William whispered, picking up a dish of several portions of foods. Jason grinned and poured some of the garlic on, covering it up as much as possible. All four ran back out the back door after setting the plate back.
Brad snickered." Can't believe Whyte done it so willingly."
"Shut it." Jason growled, a bit protective.
"Oh? What's this? Much affection, I feel." Brad taunted.
"I've already told you, I can like her as much as I want. Don't push it."
Krinston asked to break the growing conflict. "Hey, Jason. Don't think Alexis will take too kindly to this prank. What are you gonna tell her?"
"Simple. That we didn't know it would affect him this bad, and we're really sorry. She'll trust me. It's fool proof."
Brad snickered to himself, and he glared at him.
William spoke up, watching Alexis from the window. "See the act? Brilliant ideas she gets..."
"We chose wisely." Krinston said prophetically, while they laughed.
Jason watched a bit proudly, speaking. "She's perfect. For the real prank, that is..."
Brad grinned evilly. "Not too bad a test though for her, been wanting to get this kid for a while."
"What'd he do again?" William asked sheepishly. Jason slapped him across the head as Krinston replied matter-of-factly. "Remember? He caught us jinxing those Ravenclaw brooms before the match and squealed on us. Got us detention for two weeks with Snape and Filch."
"Oh. Forgot, it was a while ago. I hate those teachers." William said, rubbing his head.
Brad said happily, "But this next prank will get them real good."Bout time too."
"Well, we've been waiting for the perfect distraction. It's not going to be easy." Jason warned.
"The distraction and the blame." Brad corrected, smiling and watching Jason warily. Jason smiled weakly, and turned to the window, a slight frown on his features. Alexis looked out the window and Jason gestured happily for her.
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Alexis was on a roll, and she chuckled as the boys sneaked into the kitchen. She managed to stay out of the reach of the peoples, who were getting a tad angry. She decided to spice things up, and started singing horribly to Avril Lavigne's 'Skater Boi'. She glanced out the window and saw Jason outside waving for her. Alexis nodded and 'tripped', landing in the arms of one of the cooks. She looked up and smiled innocently. "Oh, hello! How's it hanging?" She pulled out her wand. "Sorry 'bout the mess." With a wave, she cleaned the spilled food and repaired a few broken plates, while the adults stared in confusion. One grabbed her again and dragged her to the door, shoving her outside. Alexis crept back in, and bowed deeply to the customers. Most all of them laughed, and clapped as the adults muttered and scowled in anger and perplexity. Nathan was pale with shock, but sat back at the table with his buddies.
"That was awesome!" Krinston yelped.
"Amazing!" William spoke also, grinning.
Brad nodded in agreement, and Jason wrapped her in a hug. "Thank you bunches. Now, watch the after effects."
They all watched discreetly from the window as the mess was cleaned and everything was settled again. Nathan's food was brought out to him, along with his friends. They were a bit unnerved, but commenced eating. Alexis stared in slight confusion at Jason and his buddies mischievous grins and eager expressions. She turned and continued watching.
After a few moments of eating, Nathan stopped in perplexity. He stared at his plate fearfully, and then spit out his mouthful of food, practically turning red, and downing his drink, he bent over, struggling for breath, clearly in pain. His friends jumped up in fearful confusion, Nathan was turning bright red, and grasping his throat. His friends hollered for the adults and they rushed out. Nathan's eyes rolled in the back of his head, and he fell to the floor, breathing rapidly and shallowly. The adults quickly produced a stretcher, flooing someone in the well used fireplace. Alexis stared in terrified awe. Brad, William, and Krinston fell back, laughing their heads off, Jason smiling widely and hardly suppressing chuckles. Alexis yelled, "What did you guys do to him!?"
They slowly stopped laughing, and Jason hurriedly took Alexis aside as she glared at him angrily. "You said you weren't going to hurt him! He might be dying!" Alexis started to pull away to check on the kid, but Jason held. She looked up at him angrily, and he looked sorrowful. "Alexis, we didn't know! We knew he was allergic to certain things that we put in his food, but had no clue it was this bad! Honestly!! If we had known, we would have totally disregarded doing this. I'm sorry, don't you trust me?" Jason pleaded with her. Alexis looked wary and glanced at his grinning friends. Jason turned her head to him. "Don't mind them, they take nothing seriously. You watch they'll be some of the first to be asking if he's alright tomorrow. And I'm nothing like them. I'd go in and help, but that would be suspicious. Better to confront him later with a truce. Forgive me?" Alexis looked up into his brilliant silver-grey eyes. She couldn't stay angry with him, plus, she did trust him, almost fully. She sighed, and he took her hands. "Yes, I was just confused."
"That's alright. I don't blame you. But that was a genius plan back there, you have to admit."
Alexis blushed, and smiled minutely. No, there was no way she could stay angry with him for too long. He pushed up her chin and she glanced up as he kissed her. Alexis fell into him, tasting the sweetness of his lips and warm breath on hers. The familiar feeling of helplessness shook her body softly, and her eyes fluttered close as she leaned on him supportively, totally disregarding anything else. After a moment, he pulled away, smiling. Alexis smiled as if in a trance, and they both strolled down the street, leaving the thoughts of the kid behind with the adults. They visited one or two shops, and Jason stopped them after the last one. He looked around, and then looked down, grinning at her confused expression.
"Come over here. Here's that surprise I told you about."
They had arrived at the town and proceeded towards a dark, comfy little shop, Alexis passing into it too quickly to catch its name. The walked in, hand in hand, and Alexis noticed cases of gold, silver, and other precious metals in the form of hundreds of types of jewelry of every variety. She gasped, her eyes widening at a thought. She looked up at Jason and he grinned tenderly. He led her over to a counter where a grizzled old man with bright yellow eyes sat in his wizard robes, watching the two with a knowing glint in his eyes. Jason told him his name and the wizard summoned up a small red velvet case, setting it on the counter before him. He gestured to Alexis, and she timidly stepped forward. He smiled, and gently opened the case, pulling out a ring. Alexis gazed at it, mesmerized.
It was made of two, small, twisted, bands of gold and sterling silver, the bands interlacing to the front, where they shaped themselves into a miniscule outline of two wolf heads upraised as if howling, their noses supporting a small green jewel. She stood in shock as the jeweler took her hand and smoothly slipped the ring on the finger of her left hand. "Ah, perfect fit Mr. Kinsler."
"Thank you, sir. Handsome job, it is." Jason spoke softly, eyes on Alexis. She touched the ring with a shaking hand, caressing the twists and smoothness of it. She looked up at Jason, tears of happiness shimmering in her eyes. She whispered. "Thank you... it's so beautiful..."
"Suits you well."
She quickly wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him tight as he hugged her back. She thought joyfully.
Artimis and the Twins were wrong... how could I doubt him... he loves me, I've known this... everyone has their problems, and I'm willing to live with his.