Chapter Eleven

Rumours, Revenge & Hidden Talents

Dear Diary,

Today is the day. My daemon potion is sitting under my bed, hissing silently. It'll take seven hours for it to come to life. Hermione says I should sleep, but I keep on peeking under my bed to see any change. No such luck.

It's midnight now, and I'm feeling restless. I think I'll take a walk. I know it's risky, but….

I slipped silently out of my bed and padded across the dormitry in my fluffy purple slippers. I proceeded into the common room and walked out of the tower. Cautiously gazing around, I took a tentative step in the direction of the library.

"Parvati!" a voice suddenly called from the blackness. I whipped around, my hands trembling slightly.

"Who's there?" I asked, my voice quavering.

There was a rustle, like a cloak being removed and there stood Harry Potter.

I nearly gasped in shock. "Harry…what? Is that an invisibility cloak?"

Harry put his finger to his lips. "Shhh…"

I tapped my foot against the stone of the floor. "Alright," I began, whispering, "why you here?"

Harry shrugged. "I had to clear my mind up, that's all."

I gazed at him shrewdly. "You were meeting Luna Lovegood, weren't you?"

Harry laughed, but then glanced at me, his green eyes thoughtful. Must admit I felt like hugging him at this point, just apologising…just to be friends again, but something held me back. Maybe it was my pride, but it there wasn't much left of that. Padma always told me I could never hold a grudge for too long; I was a very scarifying sort of person.

"So…you're talking to me then?" he inquired uncertainly.

"I could ask you the same question, Potter," I replied coldly.

Harry raised his eyebrow. "Oh, so I'm Potter now."

"Yes." I said firmly.

Harry and I stood in awkward silence.

"Why are you here, then?" Harry ventured, slightly hesitant. It was weird, just standing in the middle of a Hogwarts corridor, nearly midnight, not speaking to each other. I remembered the good times, at Quidditch, the latter part of the Yule Ball and that walk in the courtyard…I suddenly felt a yearning for all Harry-ness to engulf me.

Instead I just shivered. "My Daemon juice is brewing, so I'm waiting for it to get started," I finally explained.

"Oh…you're getting a daemon?"

To glaze over the awkwardness, I launched into a complicated speech about daemons and ravens. But the strange thing was, Harry actually seemed interested.

"That's cool, but I never thought you were the Transfiguration type of girl." Harry said, when I had nothing else to say.

"Well, everyone is full of surprises, aren't they?" I pointed out succinctly.

Harry just stared and then burst out suddenly. "Look Parvati. Luna and I are just friends, until you showed up with Malfoy and then I kind of lost control—"

"You're not Luna's friend, Harry. Daphne Greengrass told me that you two were snogging." I accused, that little piece of gossip still stung.

To my surprise, Harry smiled at that.

"Can you really picture Luna and I snogging?" he questioned, the corner of his eyes crinkling up.

I remained resolute. "Yes. And just so you know. Draco Malfoy is the best thing that ever happened to me!"

Harry shot me an odd glance.

" You might have been my crush, but it's over, Harry! I'm through of waiting for you and mooning over and tripping over my heels for you." I shouted and then wheeled around and walked smack into a pillar.

"Ouch!" I exclaimed, pain shooting through my forehead.

Harry grasped my arm and looked me in the eye.

"Parvati…"

I wrenched my arm from his grasp. "No more, Harry!" I said quietly, massaging my throbbing forehead.

Then I walked away, and in the background I heard Harry say something like,

"We were nothing to begin with, Parvati."

A solitary tear trickled down my cheek and my shoulders lighter, but my heart heavier I rushed back to the dormitry.

Only four more hours to go for Eclipse, the raven to come to life.

Yours,

Parvati

Dear Diary,

A gorgeous morning. I actually finished homework and the best part is the daemon juice is done! When I woke up this morning to the blinding sunlight pouring through the dormitory window (Hermione has this annoying habit of leaving the curtains open in the morning) a beautiful Raven was staring back at me. It was a most lurching sensation-triumph, nervousness and slight giddiness. I launched out of bed and began to doing a crazy little dance-my hands flailing wildly and my mouth turned up. Lavender glanced at me groggily, her curls rumpled.

"Everything alright, Par?"

So shocked I was to hear her voice, I skidded and landed in a heap before my majestic daemon.

"Isn't Eclipse gorgeous?" I sighed, straightening myself out to glance at the black-feathered bird that was perched precariously on a post of my four poster bed. Lavender followed my gaze, her eyes widening.

"Ahhhhhhhhhh!" she shrieked, jumping out of bed, covering her head with her arms.

I sighed, reaching out to stroke a bewildered Eclipse.

"That's my friend, Lav," I informed Eclipse. "She's slightly nutty, but so I am I!"

Eclipse just nodded regally and cawed in response.

However Eclipse couldn't completely distract me from the goings-on of last night and the effect it had on today.

I passed Harry in the halls indifferent and determinedly looking away. It hurt to look into those dazzling green eyes and not to burst out crying. So much pain you have caused me, I thought inwardly, yet so much pleasure…I felt suddenly nostalgic for the previous Hogwarts days when the war wasn't looming over top our heads and we were young carefree kids….

I made a left into my recently acquired haunt-the loo-I reckon I've been spending more time in it then Moaning Myrtle.

I placed my hands gingerly on the brim of the sink and glanced into the mirror in front of me. I looked different…in a sense. My long, raven black hair fell to my waist and my skin the same coca brown, yet my eyes seemed bleary. My expression, confused. The girl in the mirror wasn't me anymore. She seemed older-touched by grief-and I'm not over exaggerating as usual! Sighing, I turned away from the reflection and began absent-mindedly rummaging into my bag for a spare tube of lipstick. I'm particularly fond of Rubicund Rouge…

Instead my recently manicured nails brushed against the spell bound (ha ha-get it?) book. I pulled it out and recognised the bold orange cover immediately. In large golden letters I had magicked-

"The Hogwarts Handbook-To At-hand Guys"

I nearly laughed-Lav's crazy idea. I was surprised I even actually listened to her! Can you believe it? A silly book to hook up with boys!

Actually..it sounded like something I might have thought of-back when I was that girl in the mirror….

I flipped it open casually…past curly letters, photographs and hand-drawn illustrations to magazine-kind of writing…I had done it all just a few short months ago!

"Seamus…Neville…" I murmured. That made me think of Draco. I hadn't seen him once in Hogwarts this morning. I felt a yearning for his broad shoulders and classic sneer and then I brushed off the feeling as quickly as it came. This can't be happening, I can't believe it-am I actually falling for Draco Malfoy? Slytherin, snarky…blond (dark hair is more my type) and a bully? Yet still…there is something between us-Eve was right. Suddenly, a door creaked open, followed by a clatter and a lot of muttering.

"Gosh-I dropped my lipstick-"

"Bloody bullocks! You're the clumsiest person, Eve!" came a whiny voice.

"Shut up, Pansy-"

In panic I fumbled, hurriedly zipping up my bag and pulling it up. Then I heard another creak, my heart thudding frantically I did not realise that the Handbook with my name boldly stamped on the front had slipped like butter from my fingers-until I was locked tight in a stall and Pansy and Eve had entered. I squeezed my eyes shut praying they wouldn't see the book.

It was at a time like this I regretted my choice of bright, eye catching colour like orange.

At least it isn't pink…or neon green…I thought-a feeble attempt to console myself.

"Do I look good?" Eve demanded outside the stall, probably tossing her mane of brown and eyeing herself in the mirror.

"Gorgeous-rubicund rouge looks smacking good!" Pansy gushed, smacking her own fat lips together.

I vowed never to use that lipstick again.

"Did you see hotcheeks today-he's looked utterly booty-fulll………" a long moan issued from Eve's mouth. I assumed 'Hotcheeks' was Draco Malfoy.

I squeezed my eyes shut and attempted to do the same for my ears. However, Draco in candy cane boxers popped into my head. I allowed myself a silent giggle.

"Hmph-Draco's a bad boy, Evee. Going out with Patil and all….-" said Pansy.

Ha! I was victorious! I thought inwardly.

Surprisingly Eve tittered. "That Gryffindor might have the man of my dreams-but her life is going to be very miserable and short."

Honestly, I felt like laughing. I seemed like a bad line from a muggle movie!

"He like lurves her," Pansy added snippily. I shuddered-really-those Slytherins are vindictive!

But Pansy's words 'lurve' put a new spin on things. Draco liked plain old me…that much? I was full of hope….then I remembered that handbook….

"Hey, what's that-?" questioned Eve suddenly. Footsteps thudded against the floor and I could sense Eve bending down to scoop up my handbook.

I was doomed.

Doom. Doom. Doomed! Odd how doom and gloom seem to rhyme….

"The Hogwarts Handbook to the At-Hand Guys…hmmm….interesting…." read Pansy, presumably over Eve's shoulder.

I heard Eve flip open the book-my hearts was thudding rapidly against my ribcage….my nails were piercing into my skin-

Suddenly Eve gasped; I squeezed my eyes so hard a tear trickled down my cheek.

"Parvati Patil-very interesting indeed….

"I'mmm the most stupiiid person in the world, Ecclipsee!" I sobbed into my pillow, kicking my foot against the mattress. I was as good as destroyed. What Pansy and Eve would do with the handbook in their hands I didn't know.

Honestly-I did not want to imagine….

Eclipse cawed next to me. In a flash I remembered Professor McGonagall beaming down upon me earlier that day when I told her about my daemon juice...oh if only I could turn back time…. I wonder if I could ask Professor McGonagall for a time turner now that she likes me and all.

I was like this, sprawled on my bed, my face stuck into the warmth of my pillow when Lavender entered.

"Crapola-Par-you've done it this time-" Lav cried, approaching me, her face twisted into a grimace.

"Me!" I nearly screamed in frustration."The whole idea was yours!"

"This is the first time you've given me credit for something." Lav replied quietly.

I groaned. "Please not the speech again how I am so controlling-"

"Well, you are-but that's why I'm still your friend."

"What's that supposed to mean?' I snapped, jerking my head up. Eclipse flew off his usual perch and landed with a soft click of his claws on a window sill.

Lavender reached out and hugged me. We really couldn't stay mad at each other for long. I allowed myself a very tiny, tiny, twitch of the mouth.

"So, what did you see?" I whispered urgently.

Lavender seemed hesitant, she fiddled with a golden curl absent-mindedly. "Well, Parv, I saw it in my mind, being psychic-'

I peered up at her impatiently.

"They've made copies, Par. They're selling it. Except they've added all kind of little stories-they make you seem like..like…slutty tramp." Lavender declared softly.

I felt my heart drop in chest-a giant lump. I gulped painfully.

All of a sudden the door swung open and Hermione stood her expression uncertain.

"Oh, Parvati..you've heard." She said , seeing my stunned expression.

I nodded miserably and let her give me a quick hug.

"So, what are you going to do?" was Lav's question.

I shrugged.

"She's going to forget about, ignore Pansy and her little friend and live life as if this incident never happened, right, Parvati?' came Hermione's suggestion.

"No, she's going to hide out here until the rumours die down!" said Lavender.

"What, are you going to suggest that she disguise herself as Professor Dumbledore-?" snipped Hermione irritably.

"Well, actually, that wouldn't be bad idea-" snapped Lavender back hotly.

I sighed.

"Yeah, I think I'll just lie low for awhile, guys," I put in tiredly.

Hermione and Lavender looked towards me-almost as if they had forgotten I had been there in the first place.

"Parvati-"

"It's final, Hermione." I said firmly, "I'll come out later-I just want to be alone for awhile."

Hermione sniffed, reaching over to stroke Eclipse. Lavender positively beamed at me.

"You're a good writer, Parvati. You should enter the annual Hogosmeade poetry competition-better than magazine writing-" began Hermione hopefully.

"Maybe," I replied wearily. Normally I would be interested, but couldn't Hermione see my life was doomed here?

"Ok-see you later then," I said pointedly. I didn't care if I was being rude-I was in the middle of a crisis here!

"At dinner-" said Hermione as Lavender shepherded her through the door.

As soon as Hermione and Lavender left and just as I had laid my head against the pillow for a few moments of peace, the door opened up again. I turned to see…Draco Malfoy. Wordlessly he approached me, his expression unreadable. I winced-I had almost forgotten his reaction…

"How did you get here?" I asked.

"I have my ways, Miss Patil," replied Draco mysteriously.

"You're not mad are you?" I said hesitantly. Considering he was sitting beside me on the bed, his hand clasped over mine, it didn't look too likely…but still.

Draco let go of my hand and looked away. "Why didn't you do me?" he muttered.

I couldn't believe my ears. "What?"

Draco glanced at me, his cool grey eyes piercing into my own. I stared right back, slightly stunned. Then slowly a tiny smile spread across his features. He looked-like Eve put it-booty-full….

Then he leaned forward and planted a tender kiss right on my lips. My eyes widened further, pushing him back.

"I'm not a slut, Malfoy-so you better treat with some respect!" I suddenly exclaimed, a dry kind of hurt filling into my heart.

Draco seemed taken-aback. "But you're my girlfriend…can't I treat my girlfriend with a it's-going-to-be-okay kiss?"

I watched him carefully.

He like lurves her-Pansy's voice floated into my brain.

I shook it off, still watching Draco. He was staring at me sincerely-it was almost too good to be true…Yet…

I grabbed him by the shoulders and began kissing him with all my heart. He had called me his girlfriend. He had stuck by me when though there were nasty rumours circulating around me. Who cared, anyway? As long as I had Draco and he liked me and I liked him, I would always be on the winning side. Eve would never gain a proper revenge.

"You're beautiful, Parvati," murmured Draco softly.

I buried my head against his comforting shoulder and we remained in that position for the longest time….

Yours,

Parvati

The next day, I travelled with Draco to the Hogosmeade post office and posted my entry for the annual writing contest Hermione was telling me about. I poured my heart onto paper basically-writing about Harry and Draco and everything else going on in my life. The title was simple- "Being Me". It wasn't my best, but I liked it because after a long time…I wrote what I felt.

Draco and I walked hand in hand along the cobble stone path. He kept squeezing my hand as people walked by me, throwing me strange looks or tittering. I wanted to kiss him deeply every time he squeezed. He is so irresistible!

"Well, I should go, Parv," Draco said, looking especially cute that day with his white blond bangs falling to his eyes.

"Ok," I said easily, especially cheery to even be suspicious.

Draco dropped a kiss on my lips just as Harry came into view, looking very sullen. My heart felt heavy again. Maybe we should just make amends. I mean, it didn't matter. I was with Draco and he was with Luna…..

Draco turned and left in the other direction, so he didn't even see Harry. Suddenly, I felt very exposed without Draco at my side. I shuddered; I'd never thought myself to be clingy….

"Hey," said Harry quietly.

"Hey," I returned, equally uncomfortable.

"Let's just forget this, okay?" I said tiredly.

Harry shrugged. "Whatever." He looked away.

"What have you heard?" I inquired suddenly.

"Wh-" he began.

"About me! That I'm a slut? A tramp? A tart? A smutty little-" I spat out angrily, too disgusted to even continue the sentence.

Harry merely looked surprise. "Well… that's what those girls, Pansy and Eve, think."

I snorted. "Well, that makes me feel better."

Harry immediately looked guilty. "The point is-I don't think you're those things."

I was silent, slightly touched, but:

"One opinion-big difference-" I said, almost testing him.

"Well, I'm the one that counts, right?" Harry said so quietly I could barely hear him.

I gaped him.

"Since you…I mean, you love me-" started Harry and then broke off looking horrified. "I'm sorry, Parvati-"

I was furious, not to mention humiliated. Was I really that obvious?

' I don't love you. I've never even liked you!" I screamed. Passer-bys looked on interestedly.

A blatant lie-but what mattered any more?

Harry gazed at the ground and then walked away without a word. I stomped off in the other direction, toward the school.

Once inside the school, I began scanning all the classrooms for Draco. I had already checked the great hall, common rooms and corridors. I longed for his face. His touch. His arms around mine. I know it sounds extremely corny, but I truly felt the yearning….

The transfiguration room-only Professor McGonagall feeding her own daemon Finks, the cat.

The classroom next to the transfiguration room, housed Peeves going on a destruction spree.

And the next featured the gobstone club.

And the one after that…was Draco! Except-

He was kissing another girl.

Shock and disbelief spread throughout me like a rapid fire. The girl was Eve! And the both of them looked as if they were having a snog fest on one of the desks.

My shock turned to anger.

How dare he! He didn't lurve me after all. He didn't even like me enough not to cheat on me…!

My anger transformed into self pity and hurt.

What an awful life I had!

All these thoughts ran through my mind while Eve and Draco felt each other up. I was absolutely disgusted-I felt hot and horrible standing under the dim light watching them. I had to leave-of course-I chose the moment just as Draco turned and saw me.

"Parvati!" I heard him gasp as he detached his mouth from Eve's.

I thought heard Eve chortle as well. I just ran away, tears streaming down my face. Happiness has a way of temporarily lifting you up and then bringing so cruelly down….

Author's Note: Eventful chapter, eh? Wait till the final deciding chapter! Sorry this took for eternity-but here it finally is. Basically about love(lurve). Oh, by the way the Hidden Talent is Parvati's poetry entry-not a big part now…but…well wait and you'll see in the next few chapters. Hope y'all liked it and I love your comments too! So, post, post, post! The next chapter is called-'Harry Potter'-not very original-but captures the essence.