Okay, well I was a bit disappointed with the lack of reviews for last chapter. It got nearly three hundred hits and I got a total of nine reviews, I think. So, I'll ask again: Please just take one minute even a second just to write a little something to let me know what you thought. I'll even be happy with a 'good' if that's all you want to write. I'm also happy to answer any questions as well as I can without giving anything away. IF you're confused on something don't hesitate to ask!
I have the next like nine chapters outlined, not written, outlined. Yay! My original plan was to try and post a Christmas chapter over Christmas and a New Year's chapter over New Year's, but when I did the outlining I wound up with three Christmas chapters and two New Year's ones. So, my new phase of action is just to post as the chapters finish. Please understand that I try and make each chapter lengthy and packed with as much information that it needs. I'm on vacation until the 3rd of January and I will be writing as fast and as much as I can. For now, here is chapter 13, read and enjoy, and when you're done: review
P.S. I re-uploaded because I just learned (Thank you Kristin!) of this new rule that put out about responding to reviewer's in the story. Oops! If you still have questions that would have been answered here jot them in a review and I'll answer them through the new feature.
Challenge
Chapter 13: Dance Like This
Death Eaters Strike Delos
At 10 o'clock, Wednesday 23 November, Death Eaters attacked
the wizarding village Delos, east of Glasgow, England. "They
came out of nowhere," Maree Stephan, 42, told the Daily Prophet
after the attack.
Aurors rushed to the scene and managed to apprehend only seven of
at least thirty Death Eaters that appeared. At around midnight, the
final Death Eaters disapparated from the scene leaving it in complete
disarray. Buildings destroyed, debris lit on fire, and the Dark Mark
(pictured above right) glittering in the sky.
Twenty-seven were pronounced dead at the scene; five Death
Eaters, twelve townspeople, and ten Aurors and
Ministry Officials. Over fifty were injured. Half are in serious
condition at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and
Injuries.
"This was the second attack made by You-Know-Who's supporters
of this magnitude," Millicent Reed, Mistress of Magic told Daily
Prophet reporters early this morning. "We are doing everything
we can to ensure that attacks like these will not become common
and to stop him and his followers once and for all."
We cannot offer the identities of the deceased out of respect for their
families. We will keep you apprised of the injured persons' conditions
as the days move forward.
Joseph Skeeter – Daily Prophet Reporter
"This is bullshit," Rachel exclaimed furiously, crumpling the paper in her fist. "They are no closer to stopping him and his supporters than I am to joining the Giant Squid in the lake for our honeymoon!" Anything further died on her lips as Lucius Malfoy strode past them with his head held high.
Rachel and Lily stared after him disgustedly as he entered the classroom they were using for the Prefects meeting. "Look at him," said Lily quietly, so only Rachel could hear. "He looks so smug and proud—he probably was in on the planning of the attack. I'd like to wipe that smug grin right off his face," she said furiously.
Rachel raised her eyebrows and stared at Lily. "What?" Lily asked noticing the incredulous look on her face.
"Well, you stole the words right out of my mouth considering that's usually my line," said Rachel as they entered the classroom behind two fifth year Ravenclaw prefects.
Lily grinned, "I guess I did, didn't I?" Rachel laughed and nodded before leaving Lily and going to sit next to Remus.
"What's with the grin?" James asked when Lily joined him at the front of the room.
"Nothing," said Lily leaning up and kissing his cheek.
James smiled and then turned to face the prefects and cleared his throat. "We'd like to start with the main reason for this meeting," James began.
"Well, please get on with it before we waste any of our time snoring out of pure boredom. I don't know about anyone else, but I for one can find far more interesting things to occupy my time with," said Lucius snidely.
James swallowed a retort and settled for glaring maliciously instead. He was heading a prefect meeting with Lily, he could not very well haul off and beat the crap out of Lucius Malfoy—no matter how much he wanted to. Rachel however, removed her wand from her pocket and directed it beneath the table at Lucius and was about to mutter an incantation when Remus forced her hand back into her lap. Rachel pouted and James, having seen the exchange, hastily turned a laugh into a hacking cough.
"Winter holidays are about a month away," Lily began, "As most everyone goes home and only a handful of students stay in the castle, it would be rather pointless to plan anything festive for very few to enjoy. So, James and I thought that we could plan something for the weekend before the break so that everyone could enjoy it."
"We thought," James continued, "That on the last night of term we would arrange for sleigh rides for all students and faculty. Dumbledore's already approved the idea and is helping us secure several hundred reindeer for the occasion. Alls we need is your approval and any other ideas you might have." Lily pulled out a piece of parchment and quill to take down any notes. "The floor is yours."
"It'll be cold and most likely snowing so, how about heated blankets?" a sixth year Hufflepuff with long, curly, dark hair suggested.
A fifth year Ravenclaw boy smirked, "Cuddle up with the babe of your choice for a little pre-Christmas cheer, eh?"
Everyone chuckled, "Under wraps maybe," said James chortling, "But probably not something we should advertise on the house bulletin boards."
"So, it'll be directed more at couples rather than groups?" a sixth year Hufflepuff girl with long, blonde hair asked.
Lily and James looked at each other thoughtfully, "How about we take a vote? All in favor of group sleigh rides?" Two prefects raised their hands and once they saw that on one else was following suit, they put their hands back down. "Couples it is then," said Lily writing it down.
Several minutes passed as the prefects gave the Head Boy and Girl plenty of ideas to think about. "Okay," said James, "I think that'll do it. Are there any problems that need to be brought to our attention?"
Rachel raised her hand and James nodded at her. "This isn't a problem or anything, but do you think we could convince the teachers to add mistletoe to the usual Christmas decorations?" She grinned, "Give everyone an excuse to snog in the halls and not earn detention from McGonagall."
Everyone laughed, "McGonagall's gonna love that one," said James still chortling, "Do you have anything to add?" he asked looking at Lily.
Lily shook her head, "Nope, just keep up the good work guys. I don't think we'll have another meeting until after break unless something comes up, so have a good break, and we'll let you know when the next meeting will be."
James picked up his bag and kissed Lily's cheek as everyone began to pack up and leave. "Hi."
Lily turned to him shouldering her bag, "Hi," she said smiling.
"How much homework do you have left?" he asked.
Lily thought for a moment before answering, "A few questions left to answer for Charms, like two problems to do in Arithmancy, look over my Potions essay one last time, and finish up the reading for McGonagall. You?"
"I gotta do my Potions essay conclusion, finish up the reading for McGonagall, and do my Muggle Studies essay," replied James.
"James!" Lily cried, "That essay was assigned two weeks ago! Have you even started it?" James shook his head sheepishly and Lily hit his arm.
"What? I work well under pressure!" James defended himself. "And besides," he added, "You'll help me right?" He leaned down and brushed his lips against hers. "Please?" he murmured.
Lily tried her hardest not to smile, but failed miserably, "Alright. I'll help you. You're lucky James. Anyone else I would have let suffer through it on their own," she teased.
"Oy, lovebirds! You ready to go? We need to check on Alyssa." Rachel called from the doorway where she and Remus were waiting for them.
"We're coming," Lily called back as she and James followed them out of the room.
-
They entered the Gryffindor common room a short while later and began looking around for their friends. "Sirius and Izzy are back there," said James pointing them out to the others.
The four began making there way back to them, passing a group of students who had surrounded two third years who were extremely far along in a game of Exploding Snap.
"What is this?" said Rachel, "Sirius Black actually doing homework."
Sirius looked up, "Ha-ha," he replied dryly.
"Where are Andy and Alyssa?" Lily asked.
"Andy took her upstairs to try and calm her down a bit. Maybe get her to sleep some," said Izzy, "She was too worried to do anything else."
"Still no word then, huh?" said Remus.
Sirius shook his head, "No. She's worried sick that something happened to her brother."
"She's really close to Nick," explained Rachel, "I'd be worried too."
"I'm sure she'll get some kind of information soon," said James, "I'll bet the owl got held up in traffic."
The others nodded except for Lily who looked up in confusion. "Pardon?"
"Owl traffic," said James, "It must be chaos in the skies right now what with everyone trying to get a hold of friends and family. Post tends to come and go a bit slow after events such as this latest attack."
Lily looked mildly surprised, "I had no idea owls could run into traffic jams."
-
"I can't imagine what Alyssa must be feeling right now," said Rachel turning a page in Guide to Complex Transfiguration.
Sirius looked over his shoulder at Rachel from his seated position in front of the couch, "I'd feel the same way if I were in her shoes—and I had a brother that I cared about," he added turning back to a magazine he was perusing.
Rachel looked at Sirius, "I'm going to be one of them."
"One of who?" asked Sirius jotting something down on a piece of parchment.
Rachel sat up and folded her legs Indian style. "One who makes their family and friends worry about them after an attack like this one."
Sirius stopped writing and looked up into the fire, "You want to be an Auror?"
Rachel nodded, "Yeah, I do. I want to help people, protect them, and kick the shit out of the bad guys." Sirius chuckled. "You don't think I can do it?"
Sirius looked back at her, "I didn't say that. I laughed because I was thinking of the look on some guys face when he realizes he got his ass kicked by a girl."
Rachel grinned, "What are you looking at?" she asked leaning over his shoulder so she could look at the magazine.
"Motorcycles," said Sirius, "Well, flying motorcycles actually."
"Really?"
Sirius nodded, "I'm looking at the Electra or the Fireball."
"Hmm," Rachel murmured taking the magazine from him and flipping the page. She folded the magazine to her chest and asked, "Would you give me a ride?"
Sirius pretended to think for a minute, "That depends. Would you wear leather?" he asked in a teasing voice.
Rachel arched one eyebrow and pursed her lips slightly, a gesture that Sirius found incredibly sexy. She leaned over and set the magazine on his shoulder, "Maybe."
"Well, then my answer to your question is maybe as well," said Sirius.
-
"Done," said James throwing down his quill and leaning away from the table.
"Are you happy with it?" asked Lily finishing off her Artihmancy homework.
James nodded, "Yeah, I am. Thank you," he leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. "For helping me. I never would have figured out how arrow-planes stay in the air without you."
"Airplanes," Lily corrected with a smile stacking her books, "And it's called an index." She laughed at the look of wounded astonishment on James' face. The next thing she knew he'd pulled her onto his lap and began tickling her mercilessly. "James!" Lily shrieked through her laughter.
"That wasn't very nice," said James his eyes twinkling. "I think you owe me an apology." Lily could only nod, she was laughing too hard to reply. "What? I didn't quite catch that." He finally ceased his tickle torture.
Still giggling Lily turned to look at him, "I'm sorry."
"Now did that sound sincere to you?" James said teasingly crossing his arms over his chest.
Lily laughed and James thought that he'd never heard anything more beautiful. "I'm sorry," she said softly, brushing her lips against his. "Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?" she asked batting her eyelashes making James laugh.
"I like this," he said, wrapping his arms around her waist. "Joking around and teasing each other."
"Without the name calling or jinx-attached threats?" Lily added teasingly.
James grinned, "We've replaced those with kisses and cuddling."
Lily wrapped her arms around his neck, "I think I like this way better," she murmured.
"Me too," he said kissing her again.
Rachel hurried into the Great Hall the following morning with a sheet of parchment clutched tightly in one hand. She spotted Lily eating breakfast with James and Sirius and quickly made her way over. "Do you want to know who made my day today?" she asked when she'd reached them. Without waiting for a response she continued, "I'll tell you—Illusion."
"Good morning to you too, cheery," said Sirius smiling dryly.
Rachel shifted her attention to Sirius for a moment, "Back at you, broody."
James laughed, "How did the club in Hogsmeade make your day, Rach?"
Rachel grinned and spread the parchment out on the table for them to see. "Hot, Hot, Hot Night," said Lily reading the advertisement. "Salsa the night away to Latin music and Cuban culture."
"Do you want to know what I'm thinking? I know you do," said Rachel tossing her hair over her shoulder, "I propose we sneak out and go. Unwind a little…"
Lily cleared her throat and Rachel looked at her, "Need I remind you what happened the last time you said we'd go and just 'unwind a little'?"
Rachel frowned and raised her eyes to look at the enchanted ceiling, "Okay," she said slowly, "I promise to indulge in dancing, not booze or boys. And you can indulge in James." James choked on his orange juice and Sirius chuckled.
"It sounds fun," said Sirius picking up the advertisement and looking it over again, "I'm in."
"Me too," said James.
Lily sighed, "Oh, alright then, I'm in too."
Rachel clapped her hands together excitedly, "Great. Okay, I'm going to bring this toast up to Alyssa and Andy and grab my books before class," she said wrapping a napkin around a stack of toast.
"Wait, I'll come with," said Lily finishing off her orange juice and pecking James on the cheek, "I want to see if she's heard anything yet."
James and Sirius looked at each other, "Wait, we'll come too," Sirius hollered after them as they stood and hurried after the girls.
-
"Fairy Dust," said Rachel and the portrait of the Fat Lady swung open to admit them.
"What the bloody hell is all this?" asked James as the four made to push their way through the group of Gryffindors clambering around the bulletin board.
"No idea," said Sirius, "Sorry," he added to the first year whose foot he'd stepped on.
"I got it!" a voice shouted over the noise. "I got it! He's okay!" Alyssa exclaimed when the four broke through the crowd.
"Oh, Alyssa, that's great!" Lily said encasing her friend in a tight hug.
Rachel hugged her next, "Good things come to those who wait," she told her smiling, "Oh, I brought you breakfast."
Alyssa smiled, "Thanks, Rach."
"What's with the crowd?" Sirius asked Andy.
Andy shrugged, "Haven't been able to get close enough to see what's got everyone so excited," he replied stealing a piece of toast off the stack in Alyssa's hand.
James looked over at the now thinning crowd around the bulletin board, "Come on," he said already making his way over. The others followed and peered around him at the notice that sparkled with green lettering. It read:
Self-Defense Lessons
Your wand is not everything!
Learn how to properly defend yourself without one!
A different level of self-defense will be taught to
each year of students. (In other words, the first
years will not be learning what the seventh years
are learning.)
First meeting times as follows:
6th and 7th years: Monday at 8 PM
4th and 5th years: Tuesday at 8 PM
1st - 3rd years: Wednesday at 7 PM
ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND
"That's different," said Sirius. "Who's running it?"
"Frobisher?" Andy suggested. "Maybe."
Rachel shrugged, "We'll find out on Monday at the very least, but right now we have class," she said slinging her bag over her shoulder, "And tonight…we salsa," she added to Lily.
The lights flashed swiveling about the room in various shades of neon. Witches and wizards moved their bodies to the deliberate rhythm of the music. Girls were flirting, guys were eyeing, couples were grinding, and bartenders were filling glasses with liquor again and again. The air was heavy and sticky, only adding to the Cuban theme of the night.
Sirius saw that several pairs of male eyes were immediately drawn to Rachel from the minute they'd stepped into the club. He couldn't blame them, he was having a hard time keeping his eyes off her himself. Tonight, however, he was not going to be disappointed in himself for not getting to her first, because he would be first.
He lowered his head so he could whisper in her ear, "Do you wanna dance?" he asked.
Rachel turned her head and her nose bumped his jaw. She tilted her head a little more and whispered, "Yes."
He grinned and grabbed her hand and led her through the crowd to the dance floor. The music seemed to take over their bodies and he pulled her close as they began to move. They moved together in such a way that it was as if they were reading the others mind. He gripped her hips with his hands as her arms moved up around his neck.
Rachel felt like she was dancing the night away in the streets of Spain. The music, the lights, the sticky atmosphere, and the hard male body pressed against her. "I had no idea you could dance like this," she said loudly.
Sirius grinned, "Watch this," he said and he spun her around once and dipped her so low that her hair touched the ground. She laughed as he pulled her back up and closer to him than before.
-
"They look great out there," said Lily.
"I bet we could do better," said James taking Lily's hand, "Come on." Lily hesitated and James stopped. "What you don't want to dance with me?" he pouted teasingly.
"No, it's not that. I do want to dance with you—I just…"
James tilted her chin up so he could look into her eyes, "You just what?" he asked her softly.
"I don't really like dancing in big crowds," she admitted quietly.
"What?" said James looking surprised, "What do you call what you were doing back in September? In this very club no less!"
"That was different," said Lily dismissively.
James cocked his head to the side, "How?"
"I'd been drinking!" she exclaimed.
James gave her a look, "That has nothing to do with it. Dance comes from you, not from alcohol."
"I just feel like everyone is watching me," she said rubbing her arm self-consciously.
James' look softened and he took her hands and led her out onto the dance floor, "No one's watching you but me," he told her pulling her close. Lily's eyes wandered over the people around them. James cupped her chin and turned her head so she was looking at him again, "It's just you and me, Lils." He lowered his head and kissed her.
The kiss was soft, slow, and sweet just like their movements to the music. As the kiss became more intense so did their bodies movements. "You're good," she whispered when he broke the kiss, "Sneaky, but good."
-
"How about something to drink?" Sirius asked as the song ended. They'd been dancing for seven songs straight and he was hot, sweaty, and very much in need of something cool to drink. Rachel smiled gratefully and nodded. He took her hand and linked their fingers and lifted their joined hands above their heads as he led her through the crowd toward the bar.
Rachel couldn't help but smile as she lifted her hair off her neck with her free hand. She'd been very wrong about Sirius for many years. He could still be a prat at times, but he was a really good guy. He was sweet, had a great sense of humor, and was an excellent dancer. He was a rather attractive bloke and she was having fun with him.
No, you cannot fall for him. He's a friend, a good one, but nothing more. She thought to herself. But she couldn't deny that she liked being close to him or that she liked the way his hand felt holding hers. "Oh, stop it," she said and then cringed when she realized she'd said it out loud.
"What?" Sirius asked looking back at her.
"Nothing," she said quickly. Sirius gave her a questioning look as they reached the bar. "They all look busy," said Rachel diverting his attention, "We'll have to wait."
Sirius scanned the bar, "That guy down there is freeing up. What do you want?"
"Daiquiri?"
Sirius smiled, "You got it. I'll be right back," he promised and disappeared into the crowd.
-
"Do you want to sit this one out?" James asked as a song ended and another one immediately started up.
"Mm mmm," said Lily crooking her finger at him.
James laughed and pulled her close again, "Look what I did," he said grinning.
"What did you do?" Lily looked up at him her eyes sparkling.
James kissed her lips, "I've created a monster. A real dancing machine," he said laughing.
Lily laughed and pressed her lips to his. She gently pulled at his lower lip with her teeth and he pulled her closer still to him. Her mouth parted slightly and she let his tongue sneak through her lips. She tasted sweet and the light brush of her tongue against his nearly dropped James to his knees. She pulled away a few seconds later for air and lightly touched her lips to his. He smiled and buried his face in her hair holding her tightly.
-
"Can I buy you a drink?" said a male voice in Rachel's ear.
She looked over her shoulder, "I'm all set thanks."
"Well then, how about a dance?" he asked putting his hand on her arm and flashing her a sexy grin.
Rachel shook her head, "I don't think so," she said politely but firmly.
"Aw, come on, sweetheart, I'm a nice guy," he said moving closer to her.
An arm wrapped around Rachel's waist from behind, an arm she recognized, and she immediately relaxed against him. "Sorry I took so long, love. The line was a little longer than I thought," said Sirius handing Rachel her strawberry daiquiri.
Rachel took the glass from him and turned her head, "Thank you, baby," she said in a low voice. She kissed his cheek and let her lips linger there for a moment. His five o'clock shadow made her lips tingle and the smell of his cologne made her lightheaded.
Sirius smiled and pressed his lips to her bare shoulder. Was that a shudder? Probably imagined it. Sirius thought to himself. He made eye contact with the guy who was still standing there watching them. "Did you want something?" The man blinked, shook his head, and walked away.
Sirius and Rachel burst out laughing, "Did you see his face?" Rachel asked turning in Sirius' arms and wrapping one arm around his neck.
Sirius nodded, "Should have seen his face when I first walked up behind you." Rachel laughed again. "How about a quick game of pool?" he suggested.
She smiled, "Alright." She turned in the direction of the pool tables. "If you think you can handle it," she added.
Sirius grabbed the belt loop on the back of her jeans and pulled her back to him, "Oh, I know I can handle it," he replied, his breath hot on her neck. "Do you want solids or stripes?" he asked when they reached an empty table.
"Solids," Rachel replied taking a cue stick from the rack. Sirius finished racking the balls and took another cue stick down for his use. "You break," she told him.
He set himself up and did just as she said. "Do you know how to use that thing?" he asked when she leaned over the table to take a shot.
She glanced up at him, "I think I can handle it," she replied pulling the cue back.
Sirius exhaled a laugh as the blue ball sank into a corner pocket. "I didn't know you could shoot pool."
Rachel straightened up, "There's a lot you don't know about me."
"Really?" said Sirius walking past her as she moved to take her next shot. "Like what?"
"Like…I love rain showers in the spring," she leaned over the table preparing for her next shot, "And up until I was ten years old I called squirrels—squellers." Sirius laughed. Rachel pulled the cue stick back and pushed it forward sharply. The red ball fell into the opposite corner pocket. "And I love beating boys at pool," she said straightening up.
-
"Hey, there you guys are!" said James as he and Lily joined them a little while later.
"Having fun?" Rachel asked already knowing the answer. "How about a quick game? Boys against the girls." She smiled challengingly at James.
Sirius held his hand up, "Wait…" but James interrupted him. "You're on."
He took two cues off the rack and handed one of them to Lily as Rachel racked the balls for another game. "You know maybe we should start heading back," said Sirius quickly, "It is getting kind of late."
James hit him in the arm, "What? Come on. We'll play one game, win, and then go. We beat the pants off those guys last summer remember? This is like in the bag."
Lily and Rachel looked at each other. "Yeah, Sirius," said Lily, "What have you got to lose?"
"But she's really good," said Sirius as Lily bent over the table and broke the formation. The solid green ball sank into one of the side pockets. "We're screwed," said Sirius hanging his head.
"Beginners luck," said James waving a hand dismissively.
-
"Where did you learn how to shoot pool like that?" James exclaimed as they left the club after the girls beat the boys twice. Rachel and Lily laughed and Sirius stared at James with a look of I told you so. James insisted after the girls won the first match that beginners luck wouldn't hold true for them in a second round. He was wrong.
The sixth and seventh years from all four houses entered the Great Hall a little before eight on Monday night. The four long house tables had been removed and replaced by a simple wooden platform.
"Who's that?" one Ravenclaw asked.
"Never seen him before," his friend replied.
"He's not a teacher at Hogwarts is he?"
James looked up at the man standing in the very middle of the platform with his arms crossed over his chest. He was tall and slim and wore long brown robes. He had longish light brown hair that was flecked with gray. His beard and spiky looking mustache were the same color as his hair and were also flecked with gray. His dark eyes flicked over the students gathering in front of the platform. His gaze paused once, but only for a second, and then moved on. He lifted one arm and with one sweeping motion the doors banged shut and the chatter ceased.
"Whoa," Remus mouthed to Andy who nodded in response. All eyes were drawn to the man standing in the middle of the platform.
"My name is Zebulon Ansgar," the middle-aged man spoke in a loud, deep voice that emitted authority. "I am a master of Martial Arts and of the ancient ways. You are students."
"That are graduating in seven months," said Lucius coolly. He was clearly not affected by the man's sense of authority.
Zebulon narrowed his gaze at Lucius, "You still have much to learn." Lucius said nothing more but continued to glare at the other man. Everyone else could see that he was not a man to be messed with.
"As I was saying," Zebulon continued, "Magic surrounds us. It penetrates us. And it binds us together. But it is not your wand. Magic is born into you. It lives in your heart, your mind, your blood, your very soul. Your wand is simply a tool to guide and help you in all your endeavors. But it is not all. You must learn to defend yourself without the use of a wand."
James' eyes narrowed in confusion behind his wire-rimmed glasses. He knew that his wand was not everything, but he also knew that self-defense wasn't the do all to end all either. "You there." James looked up with raised eyebrows. "Yes, you, with the messy hair." Everyone chuckled. "You look like you have a question."
James looked slightly taken aback. "Well, I was just thinking, uh, sir. You say a wand isn't everything, but self-defense really isn't either."
The corner of Zebulon's mouth twitched, "And why is that?"
"Well, sir, just because you have a good right hook doesn't mean it's one hundred percent effective," said James.
Zebulon looked at James with approval in his eyes, "Mr.—"
"Potter, sir, James Potter," said James.
"Mr. Potter is correct. Does anyone know another way of defending oneself without the use of a wand?" he asked looking around at the group.
Lily raised her hand, "Wandless magic, sir. It's ancient and very difficult to learn, let alone master. It's been noted throughout history that some witches and wizards are born with wandless magic abilities. It is also said that they spend years learning how to use and master said abilities."
"The Head Girl knows her stuff," said Zebulon, his eyes flicking to the badge on her chest. "But tonight is not about history. It is not about wandless magic. Tonight you will learn the basics of self-defense. First, I want to give you a quick demonstration, and for that I will need my apprentice to join me." He paused and he took a moment to scan the crowd of students once more. "Rachel, will you join me please?"
Every single head in the room snapped around to look at Rachel Rabb. Lily, Alyssa, and Izzy stared at their friend with wide, questioning eyes. Sirius, James, and Remus looked at Rachel with admiration but also confusion. Peter looked at her with wide almost frightened eyes and Andy gazed at Rachel with a mix of hurt and question.
Why didn't you tell me? He thought still looking at her. "I'm sorry," she mouthed. He looked away from her and Rachel closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep cleansing breath.
The crowd parted as she made her way to the platform and hopped up on it. Zebulon faced her and they bowed to each other. "How are you feeling?" he asked quietly.
"Good," she replied.
He nodded once, "Good." He turned to face the students again. "Rachel became my apprentice back in June and she has learned a great deal in a very short amount of time. Throughout these next few months she will be assisting me." Rachel nodded. "Now in order for her to give you a demonstration she will need an opponent," he paused, "Any takers?"
It took only a moment for hands to begin rising and Rachel saw that Andy, Alyssa, Sirius, and James were among them. "You there," said Zebulon loudly. A few Hufflepuffs standing directly in front of the stage jumped.
Rachel looked to see who he was motioning to and smirked as Bellatrix Black hopped up on the platform, her wand out and ready. Rachel's eyes locked with a pair of storm gray ones that were clouded with concern for her. She gave him a reassuring half smile and then turned her attention back to Zebulon and Bellatrix.
"Your name?" Zebulon asked her.
"Bellatrix Black," the handsome girl with thick, shining dark hair replied.
Zebulon gave her an appraising look, "Wand away, Miss Black. You won't need it for this exercise," he added when she looked ready to retort. Bellatrix gave a short nod and stowed her wand in her jeans.
Zebulon walked past Bellatrix and paused when he reached Rachel's side, "Remember," he said in a low voice, "Concentrate on the moment. Feel. Don't think. Trust your instincts."
"Rule number one," said Rachel quietly looking up at Bellatrix.
"Bow," said Zebulon. Rachel and Bellatrix did as he said. "When I say stop you will do exactly as I ask. Is that understood?"
Bellatrix only nodded as Rachel replied, "Yes, sir."
"Begin."
-
"He speaks rather highly of you," Bellatrix sneered taking one step to the left.
Rachel moved to the right, "You don't think he should?"
"No." Bellatrix moved quickly and swung hard, but Rachel caught her hand in a surprisingly tight grasp. She twisted her arm down and across Bellatrix's chest.
"I guess I'm just that good," Rachel spat throwing Bellatrix away from her.
Bellatrix regained her balance quickly and faced Rachel again. "With what? Your hips?" She swung again and Rachel ducked, kicked one leg out, and knocked Bellatrix off her feet.
Rachel backed away, "Jealous, Bella?" she taunted.
Bellatrix got to her feet and flew at Rachel. She threw punch after punch and Rachel blocked each one. Rachel caught both of her hands and pushed as Bellatrix pushed back. "You wish," she growled and pulled herself away at the exact same second Rachel threw her.
Rachel smiled mockingly, "Oh, but I think you are, Bella. You could only hope to receive the same kind of attention and praise from your Master as I get from mine."
Bellatrix screamed in fury and flew at Rachel again her hands immediately attaching themselves to her throat. Rachel grabbed onto Bellatrix's hands at the same time she brought her knee sharply up into Bellatrix's stomach. Bellatrix recoiled slightly, but it was enough for Rachel to pull Bellatrix's hands away from her throat. She stepped back and Bellatrix reached out and grabbed onto the only thing she could, Rachel's hair.
She yanked hard and Rachel stomped on Bellatrix's foot hard. Bellatrix slammed her fist into Rachel's upper back and Rachel fell to her knees. Bracing herself on her hands Rachel kicked out with both legs and knocked Bellatrix off her feet for a second time.
Rachel stood and put her foot on Bellatrix's chest. "That's all there is to it, Bella, there isn't anymore," she growled.
"Stop!" Rachel pulled away from the other girl and Bellatrix got to her feet. Zebulon turned to Bellatrix, "Thank you, that will be all."
Bellatrix nodded and all but stomped back to where Lucius, Narcissa, Snape, Regulus, and Rodolphus were standing. "Well, that was embarrassing wasn't it?" said Lucius.
"Fuck you," Belllatrix spat.
-
"What you have just seen is not what you will be attempting tonight." There were several groans from a couple of the students. "Tonight we will be working on what I like to call the dance of opponents. You will learn the proper positioning of one on the attack and of one on the defense. You will learn the proper hand and foot etiquette…"
Rodolphus snorted, "What is this dance class?"
"You're one to talk you great oaf," Narcissa muttered.
The next several minutes passed as Rachel and Zebulon demonstrated the dance of opponents. "Pair up, spread out, and take it slow. Rachel and I will walk around and assist you."
The sixth and seventh years began pairing up and moving away from each other. Lily and James, Remus and Izzy, and Andy and Alyssa all partnered up leaving Sirius to pair up with Peter.
"You did well," Zebulon told Rachel. She started to protest. "Everyone gets hit. Everyone takes falls. It doesn't make you any less of a good fighter. Remember that." He said, and disappeared into the crowd.
-
"Okay, hit me," Lily said to James.
James grinned teasingly, "Are you trying to get kinky on me?"
Lily rolled her eyes, "No," she said laughingly, "Hit me."
"But I don't want to hit you," he said frowning, "I'd rather kiss you."
Lily sighed, "You're impossible."
"Save the sex talk for behind closed doors, eh?" said Rachel coming up behind them. James laughed as Lily blushed. "Remember we're not actually hitting tonight." Rachel watched as Sirius made to punch Peter and instead of ducking out of the way, Peter's head collided with Sirius' fist. He fell backward with a thud obviously knocked out. "Or we're not trying to," she sighed.
"I didn't even hit him that hard!" said Sirius. He looked apologetic, but at the same time he looked as though he were trying not to laugh. "He ran into my fist."
Rachel looked down at him, "Well, just leave him there. He'll come to in a few minutes. I'll be your partner for now."
Sirius looked at her, "You kicked the crap out of my cousin. Should I be nervous?"
Rachel smirked, "You're not on my shit list." He laughed. "And besides we're not doing what your cousin and I did. We're just dancing."
"Right. Just dancing," said Sirius.
He kept his eyes trained on hers as he moved his feet in the opposite direction in which hers were moving. "Good," she said as she advanced with her right foot forward and he stepped back with his left. They moved in tightening circles until there was but an inch of space between them.
Their eyes grew dark and intense and their breathing escalated as the electricity between them seemed to crackle. Pairs had stopped their own dance to watch the two as they circled each other. "Do you see how they never break eye contact?" Zebulon asked. "Eye contact is key. Rule number one in fight situations: you must feel and not think. You concentrate on the moment and trust your instincts."
"How am I doing?" Sirius asked Rachel.
"Good," she said slowing to a stop. Sirius followed suit, but did not break eye contact with her.
"Rule number two…" Zebulon started to say.
Sirius caught a glimmer of mischief in Rachel's eyes a second before she grabbed his arm, turned into him so her back was to his chest, and flipped him over her shoulder. "Never let your guard down," she said.
Sirius stared up at her, "Damn, you're good," he said as she offered him a hand to help him to his feet.
"We will incorporate rule number two next Monday at eight. You are dismissed," Zebulon told the group. Talking ensued as the sixth and seventh years moved toward the doors and out into the Entrance Hall. "What happened to him?" Zebulon asked looking down at Peter.
"He sort of ran into my fist," said Sirius sheepishly.
Zebulon raised his eyebrows in amusement and knelt beside the boy. He produced a wand from an inside pocket of his robes and said, "Ennervate." Peter sat up and looked around dazedly. "Word of advice for next time," Zebulon said, "Duck." Peter gulped as James and Sirius heaved Peter back onto his feet.
"I'm heading out as well. I need to speak with Albus before I leave," said Zebulon straightening up. He turned to Rachel, "I would appreciate your assistance tomorrow and Wednesday night."
"Yes, sir." Zebulon bid them all good night and swept from the hall.
Rachel faced her friends the minute Zebulon was out of earshot. "So, he's the reason for all the bruises then?" Izzy asked.
Rachel nodded. "I'm sorry I couldn't tell you, any of you. He's an old acquaintance of dad's and they thought it might be beneficial for me to start meeting with him. Zebulon believes that I'm not ready mentally or emotionally for some things," she said stressing the word things. Andy and the others, except for Peter, knew that by things she meant powers. "Which is why I don't always have control. He thinks that if I build myself mentally, emotionally, and physically, I'll become in control. It's also a great jumpstart into Auror training," she added, "Are you mad?"
"You kicked ass up there," said Alyssa obviously not mad. Everyone agreed.
"It was luck," a male voice said coolly, "Plain and simple." The group turned as Lucius followed by Bellatrix, Narcissa, Rodolphus, Regulus, and Snape approached them.
"In my experience, there's no such thing as luck," said Lily scornfully.
"Get out of here, Malfoy," said James pulling his wand from his pocket. "And take these bitches with you."
Before any of them could react and before Rachel knew what was happening Bellatrix swung. Her fist collided hard and fast with Rachel's eye. Sirius and Andy caught Rachel by the arms before she hit the ground. James and Remus stepped forward wands out and ready. "Thirty points from Slytherin," James snarled, "And you can bet on a detention when McGonagall learns of this. Now get out." Bellatrix simply huffed and turned on her heel and followed Lucius and the others out of the Hall.
"Bitch," Rachel gasped putting a hand over her eye. "I think she broke the fucking bone."
"I can take care of it. Let me see," said Andy tilting Rachel's face up.
"Wait," said Alyssa, "She has to be taken to Madam Pomfrey. It's evidence of what Bellatrix did."
Andy sighed, "She's right. It'll get Bellatrix detention for a week for sure. Come on, up you get," he said as he and Sirius helped Rachel to her feet.
"I shouldn't have let my guard down," Rachel muttered.
"There was no reason for your guard to be up," Sirius tried consoling her.
"There's never a reason for your guard not to be up," said Rachel.
Sirius watched Rachel trace absently around a picture that she'd glued into her History of Magic textbook. Three bones around her eye had broken as a result of Bellatrix's punch. Madam Pomfrey had taken one look at her eye and immediately sent for McGonagall. McGonagall was furious by the time she'd finished questioning Rachel and the others and left shortly after Madam Pomfrey began healing Rachel's face to deal with the Slytherins.
Rachel's eye was now completely healed and Sirius thought that she'd never looked more beautiful. Bellatrix on the other hand was furious. Not only had McGonagall docked another twenty points from Slytherin, but she'd also given Bellatrix an entire weekend of detention. But as she watched Rachel trace around a picture of her and her siblings, a plot for revenge began to form in her head.
Bellatrix scribbled something on a spare bit of parchment she'd found at the bottom of her bag, crumpled it up, and threw it onto Lucius' desk. Lucius looked down at it and then up at her. Bellatrix smiled wickedly. Lucius unfurled the ball and looked down at the four words she'd written: I have an idea.
"Hurry to your seats ladies and gentlemen! This is a task you don't want to miss!" Luke McBride's voice echoed around the Great Hall.
The four long house tables had been removed and replaced with a giant circular table with at least a hundred covered platters. Bleachers, filled to the max with students lined the walls, and surrounding the table in their respective groups, were the Challenge competitors.
"The fourth task," began McGonagall, "is designed to test your limits—"
"And by your limits she means your stomachs limits," Luke added. McGonagall turned and glared at him, "Sorry, Professor."
McGonagall faced the table in the center of the room and flicked her wand at it. The shiny, silver covers lifted off the platters and disappeared with a slight pop. Groans of disgust from the audience and competitors—some groans even came from a teacher or two—as the contents of the platters were revealed.
"Your names have been put into a random order. Professor Flitwick is holding a bag filled with tiny slips of parchment. Each slip has a number that will tell you how much of one food you will have to consume. You will spin the table once and whatever food lands on the arrow is the one you must eat. You must then successfully consume your appointed amount of food without vomiting. For example, if you pick a number three from the bag and the arrow lands on spiders, you will have to consume three of the spiders. Should you vomit you will be disqualified from this task and your group will drop in the rankings. If two or more competitors in a group vomit, their group will be issued one chance. Are there any questions?"
McGonagall waited and when no one spoke up she picked up a scroll of parchment and unfurled it. "The first competitor will be James Potter."
James' shoulders sagged. "It's best to be first and get it out of the way," Rachel said giving him a quick supportive hug.
"You'll be fine," Sirius said clapping James on the back, "Just don't puke." Rachel elbowed him in the stomach.
Lily leaned up and kissed him hard on the lips, "For luck," she told him when they parted.
"I'm gonna need it," James said.
Professor Flitwick held the velvet black bag containing the numbered bits of parchment out to him. James reached in and retrieved a single slip of parchment. He unfolded it and held it up for the judges to see.
"And James Potter pulls a number five from the bag. I hope whatever he has to eat isn't too bad. I see a plateful of fruitcake on there, maybe he'll get lucky," said Luke.
James approached the table, grasped the edge and gave it a spin. The table spun and spun until it finally slowed. The arrow stopped on a plateful of deer testicles.
"You've got to be kidding me," James said in a frustrated breath. He could see Andy, Sirius, and Remus trying to hold in their laughter and Peter stuffing his fist in his mouth to keep from laughing out loud.
"Here goes nothing," he muttered to himself picking up one of the slippery testicles. He squeezed his eyes shut and opened his mouth.
It was slimy, tough, and rubbery and James had a hard time getting it down. He held back a gag as he popped the second one into his mouth. "Don't puke. Don't puke," Sirius muttered as he, Lily, and Rachel watched with baited breath.
The next two went down quicker than the first. "He's on his fourth one and there is no sign of vomit for Potter. What a man!" Luke said as James swallowed his fourth and started on his fifth.
He swallowed and opened his mouth for Flitwick to inspect. The little wizard nodded and the audience cheered. James walked back to where his group was cheering excitedly for him.
"I gotta say," said Sirius clapping James on the back again, "That took a lot of balls, mate," he said nodding. James glared at Sirius as he cast a tooth brushing charm on himself.
There you have it! Next chapter will be up after Christmas and the only preview I can leave you with is it's title: Slytherin's Revenge. Remember to take a minute and write a little review telling me what you thought, it all starts with a click of that lovely, little button.
I'd like to give credit where credit is due:
To One Tree Hill for the Broody and Cheery nicknames, Rachel's rather bubbly attitude (think Brooke Davis), and the pool scene between Sirius and Rachel.
To Star Wars for Zebulon's first two rules of fight!
Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year everyone!
AlexaRose