YEA YEA I'M BACK I KNOW I KNOW!
SHEEZ I'VE JUST BEEN BUSY DOING COLLEGE APPLICATIONS!
-tears her hair out- AHH I HATE THIS!
Kis da muse: -shakes her head- The poor thing has been so busy with looking at colleges, forgive her ya'll.
Lady KK: -sniffs- Well…I'm back now! YAY! And the hits just keep comin! Oh my god, this is the first time I've ever posted -3- chapters for any story!
Kis da muse: -is in shock- Uhm….?
Lady KK: -beaming- I'm so proud of myself. Not only did I finish HBP in a DAY but I also am writing a –THRID- chapter to BTHRG!
Eli da otra muse: Even though only like –TWO- ppl has reviewed so far?
Lady KK: -determined look- Yes, and I give my love to Lady P! You are my lifesaver and if it wasn't for your reviews I would have given up! –bows- And to answer your reviews LaAmateredeTrappes….-bows extremely low- I don't have an editor and please trust me that I read over my fics about a thousand times but…as my English teachers always say, it is better to have another set of eyes to read over your work, so if you would like to have that job it would be an utmost pleasure for me because I need the help –bows lowly again-. I, sadly, took notice to all the errors as I was reading it not logged in.
Now I feel I should explain all of the things you, shall I say, questioned to help further explain the budding plot –squeals with joy- (which I can't believe I actually HAVE) of my story. You mentioned the fact that I introduced him as Percival to my character, am I correct? Well, seeing as the fact that his full name is Percival Ignatius Weasley and that 'Percy' would be classified as one of his two nicknames the other being 'Perce' which is only really used by Fred and George (and you may correct me if I'm wrong on this), which I know all of this you already know so let me get to the point, being as it was a childhood nickname to ease the seriousness of the original name, if you've ever had to read any classic like A Separate Peace by John Knowles you'll see that the childlike, somewhat naïve, character Phineas aka Finny keeps his childhood nickname in an era of such great strife, showing the immaturity he poses. So, in order to show that Percy has left that immaturity of his family and himself completely behind he would introduce himself as Percival instead of Percy to show he is truly an 'adult' and therefore belongs to the adult world. Now, more than ever, because he wants to prove to his family he can do just fine without them, am I correct?
-sighs- I hope you're proud of me Ms. B….aha that's 3 yrs of grueling English classes for you…
Moving on…because I plan to answer everything you had to say no matter how long it takes, ppl who don't care can just move on to the story…I don't mind, but I like breaking apart a story to get a look at the juicy insides and it pleases me to see that I DO have JUICYNESS. I would die if I were to just write some mindless shit and post it like it was a work of art, wouldn't you? Which brings me to the next point; you said it seemed OOC of Fudge to not want Percy to suck up to him. Listen, trust me it could've been –WORST-, in the first draft I actually made Fudge sound WISE –laughs like mad-, can you believe that? Now that you mention it, it does a little, but I can see him saying it for some reason…and besides Fudge is a hard character to get right cuz you don't want to bash him even though his a stupid conceited egomaniac….And again moving on…
I FINALLY KNOW WHAT A 'MARY SUE' IS! I think…is a Mary Sue a self insertion? Because if –THAT'S- the case the –ONLY- thing Kalima has on me is her skin color and her last name, which is my mother's maiden name. Because I'm –not- bitchy like that…at ALL! But to be very candid, she has a little piece of me, but all characters have little pieces of their creators, nes pas?
NOW THIS IS THE –MOST- IMPORANT THING I MUST SAY ABOUT YOUR –WHOLE- REVIEW! SO IF YOU DIDN'T READ ANYTHING ABOVE YOU MUST READ THIS!
I don't care –WHO- they are, as long as they're a living, breathing, STRAIGHT –MALE- they would MOST DEF look and notice ANY WOMAN'S BODY, –ESPECIALY- one like Kalima's! Now he mostly takes a NEGATIVE view of her clothing, as Percy used the word 'wild' to describe it. But, a man, especially a man like Percy…who probably hasn't…um…had the 'touch' of a woman in a –VERY LONG TIME- would take notice. You know, all that work and… stuff (which is what he keeps –sayin- to me lol). And he mostly did it in a subconscious manner, because he still is a…-cough- growing –cough-…boy/man with…hormones. –cracks up with laughter- So you get it now? I just gave you a hint to further chapters…hehe. And don't worry about other characters, you'll see other characters I give you my word as a writer. Now…is that all…sheez…after reading this you probably want to take a brake to read the real story huh? Haha… the age thing…well he's not 'babysitting' her, more like 'insuring her safety' because she –is- the Secretary's daughter and like he said he knows most of London and he did get, what, like a hundred O.W.L's? Meaning he paid attention in History of Magic and that's all I'm saying –winks-. Now for the last and final point I make to you my dear LaAmateurede, I think that's just an older witch/wizard thing because of the muggle clothing the younger kids wear, and I took a leaf outta my dear Lady Peregrin book on this. I think that most young wizards and witches
-do- have some sense of fashion, but JK can't really be bothered worrying about describing wizard Vogue, or else she wouldn't be the millionaire she is now. And the fact that the uniform for Hogwarts is so much like a muggle private school's I take it they probably have suits that go with robes. Now that's just a logical guess. But I'm sticking to the suit thing. –sticks out her tongue-
Kis: -taps her foot impatiently- Are you –FINALLY- done?
Lady KK: -sighs- Yes, finally! Now, don't think I said anything out of anger but on the contrary, I am so happy to get –criticism- that I had to go point by point and explain because it meant that I really have a good plot going. So thanks from the bottom of my heart!
Eli: OKAY OKAY ENOUGH TALK AREADY DAMNIT! I WANNA HEAR THE STORY!
Lady KK: -jumps for joy- THEN ROLL FILM!
So without much further ado, it is with the utmost please I give to you….drum roll please…-drum roll-…CHAPTER 3!
(A/N: I've never been to London –sniffles-, so please break me some slack here…I'm just guessing!)
'thoughts'
"speech"
-------------By The Horn Rimmed Glasses------------
Chapter 3: Try Again
The voice of the tour guide droned in Percy's ears. She was too perky for his liking. He looked at the now elated girl on the left side of him and glared down at her. Muggle tourists camera's were flashing like hundreds of stars as they went through several different rooms.
From the room where they had been live births, to where the present queen takes her tea on some occasions had he suffered through. They had to be half way through the tour when Percy lost all interest. He had been interested when he saw the portrait of a well known wizard in on of the state rooms but after that he again felt into a very sullen mood.
'How dare she think that I hate muggles. For Merlin's sake my father loves muggles and all their little nonmagical gizmos!' His thoughts turned cold at the memory, and he once again looked a Kalima.
He once again glared at the black haired girl now oh-ing at a painting of Queen Elizabeth 1st. He rolled his eyes at her amazement.
'Hmp. I happen to have nothing but the utmost bloody respect for muggle borns. Why, my brother's best friend is one and she's the brightest witch I know!'
Hermione Granger was the smartest witch he had ever met, and though she might be muggle born she wielded magic better than even most pure blooded adults could.
"Next on the tour we have the ballroom, which many social events are held in." The perky tour guide smile got incredibly wider. "Maybe one day, you all might have the honor to attend."
"Sure," he muttered darkly. "And that day will come when pigs fly."
Kalima glared at him. "Hmp, you'd probably fit right in with all the big heads, gloating about just how special you are and not having a care in the world."
Percy could hardly contain himself any longer.
"Listen, you have no right place such a judgment on my head just because I do not wish to do whatever you desire!" His voice echoed through the ballroom, making Kalima twinge with embarrassment. And anger.
"How dare you! First off, you gave me that impression! With you pompous 'I'm so important' attitude what else was I suppose to think?" She yelled back at him, not caring if the whole tour now was watching them with as much interest as if they were play tennis at Wimbledon.
"And second off, I think this is a great tour and very informational! How could you call yourself a Londoner if you haven't even been here?" She watched as Percy's face turned a violent shade of red.
"Furthermore if you'd take your head from out of your ass just for once you'd see that muggle history is very closely related to ours!" She added venomously, in a tone that only Percy could hear.
Percy sputtered. "I know that! That's what's been bothering me, the fact you think that I," he lowered his voice, "dislike muggles or muggle borns."
Kalima looked taken aback. "Then…why didn't you want to come with me on the tour? And why did you seem so against it back in the car?"
"Well," Percy looked up at the ceiling. He didn't want to tell the real reason, because of his father and his obsession all it would do was remind him. So he thought up a lie quickly, hoping it would convince her. "I just…wasn't sure it would be all that interesting."
"Oh." Came the short reply.
No 'I'm sorry' but right now it didn't matter to him whether or not she felt shame. He studied her face, and could see no hint of doubt. He uttered a sigh of relief.
"Well that was the most interesting thing I have ever seen taken place in this ballroom." A regal voice came from behind them.
"Why, it's the queen herself!" The tour guide gasped and placed a hand to her heart, looking quite faint.
Even the tourists had enough sense no to go blinding her with their flash cameras.
"Uhrm…your majesty…" Kalima bowed uncertainly.
She laughed. "Oh my goodness child, it's not the 1600's. You don't have to do that. I had just come from my afternoon tea when I heard the row you two lovebirds were having. And I must say, it was better than anything I've ever seen on the telly." She laughed in her rich way and patted Percy's arm. "I'm just happy you too made up. Ah, young love." She smiled at the pair.
Percy looked nervous at the Queen unsure what to say. He knew they hadn't really made up, but at least "Well…um… I guess we did."
The Queen smiled graciously. "Well I must be off, they'll start to wonder about me. Take care." And with that she walked out of the ballroom.
The tour guide cleared her throat, breaking everyone out of their trances.
"Next on the tour you will see the Throne Room…"
----------------
An hour and a half later, Percy found himself under a mountain of bags.
'How could one woman have all these bags.' He thought, shooting icy glares at the now bouncing woman in front of him. His new mantra to keep himself at calm was 'I will get my promotion'. It was that or else his patience would crumble beneath him and he would just Apparate away from the living nuisance on legs.
"Oh! That's so cool! How much for it? Oh I'll take it!" Kalima said in the same breath.
As the cashier rung up hopefully the last of her purchases, Percy wanted to bang his head on something hard.
"If I hear on more 'oh' it will be the death of me." He muttered darkly under his breath. As if she needed all this. 'She probably thinks this a good way to torture me, with an opulent display of wealth. Then smother me with it.' He thought acidly. It didn't really bother him, he didn't see anything attractive. And even if he did, he had no muggle money so he couldn't buy it anyway. But, to see her want something and without thinking just buy it was annoying him beyond normal levels.
"Hm, what was that you say, Percival? You wish for the death of me?" She feigned sadness and began to sniffle. "Why do you wish me dead, my dear flaming redhead?"
Percy growled. "I did not mean your death… if only that could be arranged."
Kalima smiled wickedly. "Oh poor widdle Percy must be tired from all that fighting." She threw another bag at him to carry. "Deal."
Cackling madly she leaped away to where the exit was.
"I will get my promotion, I will get my promotion, I will get my promotion..."
Kalima was thanking her lucky stars she had chose a limo. She was on one side, Percy the other and all her bags in between. She had brought keychains for her friends, jewelry for her mother, a golf ball with Buckingham painted on it for her father, and God only knows what else. She had lost track around the 7th bag. But, it would all be worth it. She was almost penniless in muggle money, but rich beyond compare in wizards. She looked at Percy with intent, bored with the now growing dark streets. His suit looked a little tight, and his robes, which he had put back on, looked a little frayed.
A guilty feeling suddenly rose within her. And no matter how hard she tried to push it away, it nibbled at her insides. Her indulgent behavior couldn't have effect him, right? Besides, he had his pride to keep him warm right? But for some reason, she couldn't rid herself of the feeling.
'God I hate having a conscious sometimes.'
The car was uncomfortably silent. Kalima pondered over her actions, while Percy thought of what the next day would bring. He was about to ask her about it when the limo stopped.
"The Green Dragon Hotel, Miss." The limo driver had stopped in front of a very fancy hotel. Lights glimmered from everywhere as Kalima stepped out. There were goblins dressed in bell hop outfits taking her bags. One by one they took at least 5 or 6, until the car was empty.
The last one stood impatiently by Kalima.
"Oh!" she said as though she had forgotten something.
She took out a galleon and placed it in the goblin's upturned hand.
"Thank you." he said gruffly and joined the rest of his brethren.
Percy stepped out of the car and looked around.
This place was a lot fancier than the old Leaky Caldron. Lights around the front of the building, and goblins taking your bags. Even the name of the place, Green Dragon, rang money. He was just about to imagine the inside when Kalima cleared her throat.
"Well…um…I guess you can just Apparate home from here."
Percy tore his glance away from the hotel to the woman in front of him. He could hardly believe his eyes when he saw that she was looking down and not haughtily up like she was just a minute ago.
"Percy…um…" She hesitated. "I would like to offer my apologies for er…jumping to conclusions earlier. Maybe, we could…um…try again tomorrow?" Kalima now was starting directly in his eyes. "Well, I mean, getting along." She added, a strange look in her eyes.
Percy's eyebrow rose in disbelieve. "Try again? I guess I'm game for that. I'll only try if you do."
"Oh, I will try. But if you say one thing to annoy me, it's back to being a pompous idiot, understand?"
"Hmp, I understand alright. And if you don't try it back to be an annoying spoiled brat."
Kalima smirked. "Oh well see about that. Good night, Percival."
She was about to turn when he glared at her so fiercely it almost burned her.
"Listen, will you quit using my name as if it was a curse word?"
Her grin faded, but not much. "You introduced yourself as such. You'd rather me call you Percy that much, huh?"
He glared at her. He knew what he did, but didn't know why he did. At the time it seemed more…grown up. But now he regretted it.
"Oh alright you big baby."
Then she did something unexpected. She stuck out her hand and said,
"Hello, my name is Kalima Naomi Maia Grant. But most people call me Kali. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Percy just looked at her hand.
"Well," she rolled her eyes to the heavens. "Are you going to introduce yourself or are we gonna stand out here all night?"
Hesitantly he took her hand into his own for the second time today. This time it felt friendlier than before.
"Well, I must say it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Percival Ignatius Weasley. But most people call me Percy."
Kalima graced him with a genuine smile, and for the first time he could truly smile back.
With a slight squeeze, she gently shook his hand. Her hands where smooth, but rough in places, telling signs that she was not all that she seemed.
Kalima could say the same of Percy's. But where she had thought they would be smooth, they were calloused and rough. Suddenly something shot through her, and she began to pull back from his touch.
She couldn't look in his eyes from some odd reason after that.
"Um, well….goodnight Percy." Her voice was softer than before.
"Goodnight." He replied, but she was too far away to notice, and before he knew it he was all alone.
Sighing he summoned the magic to take him to his flat. And in an instant the bright lights of the hotel faded and the warm darkness of his apartment enveloped him.
He muttered an incantation and a soft light came on.
Without a second thought, Percy fell on the comfortable sofa in his living room and sprawled his length out to its fullest extent. He felt every muscle ache and began to stretch hoping to work out the tense.
It alleviated some of it, but still left a lot still taunt. He would just have to work it out tomorrow morning. He had taken to early morning jogs, the morning air cleared his senses and had his adrenaline pumping, ready for the days work. He might never have been good at Quidditch, but he wasn't one to let his body become weak.
'I will especially need one before I meet Kalima…or Kali.' He shifted to his side.
Percy began to wonder what had made her so much…nicer after Buckingham. Surely they had resolved the misunderstanding from the limo ride, but not all of it.
He sighed and rubbed his temples in slow, circular motions. 'Thinking of her makes my head hurt."
Kali…she was spoiled, completely obnoxious, wild, flashy, and quick to judgment.
Well…maybe he too was a little too quick on judgment but wasn't the way a person looked a sign of who he or she was?
'But then I wouldn't be who I am, if it came down to looks.' He thought bitterly. He only had three good suits and five good robes. And most of them had to be re-fitted because he had grown an inch since last year.
Percy shook his head, pushing the pounding thoughts inside his head away. He got up with a grace only known to himself and began the journey to his bedroom.
After stripping down to his boxers, he fell exhausted onto the bed, and knew nothing more.
-----------------
But while Percy found sleep with ease, on the other side of town, Kalima was wide awake, pondering over the day.
"God what an asshole!" She flopped down on the couch. Her white owl, Serene, swooped low and landed softly on her lap.
"Hello there gorgeous, how was your day?"
Serene hooted her reply. Kali smiled and began to stroke her.
"I'm happy you had a better day than me. I met this pompous jerk today, and get this, he's was supposed to be my babysitter!" She laughed. "Can you believe that?" She laughed again, this time a little less.
Her face grew solemn, and began to stroke Serene absently.
"But you know something, there's something…I don't know…intriguing about him…." Kali thought out loud.
She pondered the thought until she felt Serene nip at her hand gently.
"Oh! Sorry about that dear."
Kali got up, Serene on her arm, and walked over to the suitcase with all her food in it. Rummaging through the bag with one hand she found what she was looking for.
"Aha!" she exclaimed triumphantly as she pulled out the bag of owl treats.
Serene hooted and looked at her with impatient eyes.
"Uh-uh, go long," Kali pointed with her finger to the opposite side of her room.
Serene hooted gleefully and with a great beat of her snow white wings lifted off Kali's arm and took flight. She soared through the air and Kali counted off.
"FIVE….FOUR….THREE….TWOO…OOONEEE!" She threw four treats into the air. And all four were caught immediately by the very eager mouth of Serene.
"YAY!" Kali smiled at her now very happy owl.
After two more rounds, Kali began to feel the effects of her travel.
"Well m'dear," Kali yawned. "I must be off to bed."
Serene gave a tired hoot and Kalima laughed.
"I see it's not just I who's tired eh. Well come on, to bed with you."
And with that they headed into the bedroom and to sleep.
-----------------
Lady KK: -wipes brow- Urgh…FINISHED! –passes out-
Kis: -shakes head- Well at least there won't be anymore annoying author notes. I guess this is goodbye for now….DON'T FORGET TO R&R! She really needs the support. Thanks! –drags Lady KK away-