A/N: Hey, Hales and Bee here with a long awaited update! I bet you are all so pleased with us, but please, we don't appreciate stalking. It is creepy and uncalled for. Now, moving on. Thank you all for reading and I really hope you keep reading after this. The story begins in the chapter. Sorry if the last one was kind of boring, but you needed that info. Okay, moving on.
Disclaimer: We don't and never will own the rights to anything but our own characters in this story. I know you will all come to love Brand. I know I do!
Hating The Enemy:
Chapter 1: Heading Towards Doom
..:Brand:..
God, how I hate it when my parents make plans with out my knowledge. I wake up this morning and the first thing I hear are the five words I hate the most, "The Eberlees are coming over." I don't mind most of the family, but there is one in particular that just didn't mix with me. Parson Eberlee. We haven't gotten along for a really long time. The rest of the family is practically my own. I dislike it when Parson comes over because we always end up fighting. I don't like fighting, but with her I can't help myself. There is just something about her that makes me want to yell and scream and hurt her feelings. I am nice to everyone else, but she just…irks me. I have courteous to all other females and to adults and…well…everybody, but she is just unbearable. They are supposed to be arriving here in several minutes for dinner because my parents wanted to have celebration for the beginning of our final year at Hogwarts. Most likely so they can also brag about me becoming Head Boy. Galahad and Tallys will be happy for me at least.
..:Parson:..
Merlin, what is taking her so long? It's not like we are going somewhere special, sis. We are only going down the road to the Stryker's house. Lyre took two hours just trying to find the perfect outfit, and now she has been in the bathroom about the same amount of time. I've been done three hours ago! I don't want to leave the safety of my home. I hate Brand Stryker with a passion. Everyone thinks he's charming, well behaved, and good looking. Please, gag me! I have to argue with the rest of the world. He's an arrogant prat. Now, Mr. and Mrs. Stryker are great, but they raised a demon child. I have to go to this back to school party with a smile on my face and pretend that I have a somewhat friendly relationship with Brand. My dearest mother is also making me wear this green sundress. Why do I have to get dressed up for the stupid bastard? I don't know. I'm not even allowed to put my hair in a ponytail. My life sucks at the moment. My parents probably only want to go to the party to drink wine and brag about how I've become Head Girl. Great..it's time to leave. At least Lyre is done pampering herself for the party.
..:Brand:..
Ding-Dong. The sound of our doorbell ringing, swept through the house and my stomach almost came up out of my throat from sheer disgust. I hate having to socialize with Parson. My mom called to me down the stairs, "Brand, could you get that? Thanks." Damn, how I hated answering the door. Even more so when I knew who was behind said door because I always feel like I look like an idiot when I answer the door. It's one of the things that I'm not terribly smooth at... I hated answering the door even more so than when I knew the person had the last name Eberlee and the first name Parson. I would gladly open the door for anyone else, but I just want to slam the door shut on her pretty little nose. Yes, pretty. She is a right pain in the arse, but as irritating as she is I can't call her ugly…because she isn't. I reach the door and turn the knob.
Smiling charmingly I swing the door open, "Hey, how goes it, Eberlees?" I kept smiling as Tallys, Galahad and Lyre walked past me. I noticed that Lyre fluttered her eyelashes slightly; maybe she has something in her eye. Parson was the last in and my smile faded and a smirk came back in full force as I whispered so only she could hear me, "Welcome back, Parscum. I hope you enjoy your evening." Then I closed the door with her barely inside and walked away.
..:Parson:..
It only took about 5 minutes to get to the Stryker's home. However, to me it felt like an eternity, each minute adding up with dread. We drove up to the beautiful mansion, but it couldn't have looked anymore unpleasant to me. I reluctantly got out of the car and dragged myself to the front door. The doorbell was pushed and the door was opened by my living nightmare...Brand Stryker. He had a giant smile, that seemed forced if you asked me, and you could tell by his piercing blue eyes that he wanted to be somewhere far from here. I don't blame him. My family filed into the house each one giving Brand a pleasant greeting. I was about to walk in when Brand's "smile" turned into a smirk. I just stared at him with a bored expression on my face. He leaned in and whispered, "Welcome back, Parscum. I hope you enjoy your evening." I was going to say something callous back to him, but than I would be the one who got in trouble. I just ignored his leering face and stepped through the door. Then again, I almost didn't make it through the door and instead almost had it slammed in my face. I turned back to Brand, made an unfriendly gesture with my hand, and strolled into the living room.
..:Brand:..
Great, another dinner from Hell. That meaning any dinner I had to spend in the presence of Parscum. Meals at Hogwarts were fine because, of course, I didn't have to eat at the same table as her, which was excellent. I normally choose to sit in a seat not facing the Gryffindor table, so that I don't even have to look at her while I'm trying to eat. I would loose my appetite at every meal, and then I'd be even thinner than I am. Both my grandmothers already think and tell me that I'm too thin for my own good. Personally, I call myself lean and fit, but I guess they are just looking out for me, right? Oh well. I am, of course, charming to everyone else in the family. I can't let myself sink low enough to be nice to Parscum anymore than I have to. We pretend to get along okay, but I think that our parents know we hate each other's guts. Mostly because of…what happened… Let's forget about that for now…
"So, we have some great news about Brand," I heard my mother say. My head snapped up and I looked back down, knowing what she was going to say. "He's been made Head Boy!" Parscum's face twisted in disgust, at least she normally looks disgusting to me, so it wasn't that big of a change.
..:Parson:..
Just lovely. How come this prat has earned the honor of being Head Boy? How many people did he have to bribe to get this position? I wonder. As you can guess, Brand Stryker is Head Boy. This is probably the worst thing that could happen in my life. I think it is a true nightmare. Somebody, please pinch my and wake me up! Maybe if I scream, I will wake up. However, this isn't a nightmare. I look at Brand and glared at him. This school year is going to be hell.
"Congratulations, Brand," my family said with pleasure," We have great news, too. Parson has been made Head Girl! Isn't it great! You guys are going to be seeing a lot of each other this year." I looked at my parents in shock. That idea didn't come into play until right now. I think I'm going to vomit.
..:Brand:..
Damn my life. I really despise her. Great, everyone is getting up from the table. I hate you family! I feel my eyes narrow as my mother begins to speak, "We'll just leave you two alone to talk about your new positions. Congratulations, both of you." God knows I don't WANT to be Head Boy. They just give me these positions and responsibilities, like when they made me Quidditch Captain. Did I want that? NO! My badge is neat though, because it is a combination between Head Boy and Quidditch Captain. I like that… Moving on…
I look up and find Lyre looking at me from the door, I grin at her and she blushes, before grinning back. Her mom calls to her, "Lyre, come on. Leave them alone." She looks nervously between Parscum and I before glaring at her sister's back and exiting the room. That was odd. Oh well. I look at Parson. Did I really just say her name? Something must be wrong. Again, oh well.
I smirk, "Good job Par-y," she glares at me and I narrow my eyes, making my smirk more effective, "I'm sure you will be EXCELLENT at Head Girl. A real role model. What with trying to blow people up and all, that's great. The school is destined to be so successful. I'm proud of you, I really am." Her glare has turned into a scowl. I am laughing so hard on the inside.
..:Parson:..
He infuriates me beyond belief. He's just sitting there making fun of me being Head Girl. Why, oh why did my parents leave me alone with this jerk! All I can do is glare at him.
"Well, Mr. I'm So Perfect. I wonder, how many people you have to bribe to get this position? And you made Quidditch Captain? Hmm...whoever picked you for that position doesn't have a brain.. I made Quidditch Captain, too. I can't wait till see the look on your face when we win the Quidditch Cup. Anyways, how many people did you have to bribe?" I said, raising my eyebrows at him. I love to watch him squirm in anger.
..:Brand:..
I looked at her innocently. "You know the usual. Non-existent board members and the never persuaded McGonagall. And you win the Quidditch Cup? Yeah, I think not. Ravenclaw has been on a winning streak for three years now; you can't possibly think you are going to break that. You are too low of a person to take that away from us. McGonagall must be off her rocker to have made you Head Girl." My smirk widens as she turned her head in anger. I had gotten her. She hated it most when I said something about her being low or no good. I did this all the time it hurt her every time. She had nothing like this against me, and I relish the fact.
There are few things that she actually can do to actually hurt me. Several she has done in the past, and I will never forgive her for what she did to me. That insufferable bitch. I look down at the table and then stand up. I've had enough of this little chat. Without explaining myself I just walk out of the dining room and I see that her mouth is open like she about to say something rude. I walk down the corridor into the living room and sit down on one of our sofas next to my mother. I put my head on her shoulder and she rests her arm on the back of the sofa and begins playing with my hair. This has always comforted me. It's soothing. My mom has been doing this since I was little. It's like my safe zone I guess...Parscum walked into the room and sat down next to her father.
"So, are you three excited to go back to Hogwarts?" My dad asked, addressing Parscum, Lyre, and myself. I nod noncommittally. I can't wait to see my friends, Fletcher and Kaison, again. They came over and I went to their houses over the summer, but it will be better to talk to them every day. Roomma- Oh god. I have to share dorms with...Parscum. DAMN! DO NOT ACT PANICKED! CRAP! Other swear words that I will not repeat. Crap. That totally sucks. Damn.
..:Parson:..
He just looks at me all innocently and starts going on and on about how pathetic I am. Please, he's done this to me so many times, yet it always gets on my nerves. Now he is talking about Quidditch. Yes, I know Ravenclaw has been in possession of the Quidditch Cup for three years. However, Gryffindor hasn't had me as Quidditch Captain. This year, with all the plans I've been working on, Brand and his team will be running away in fear.
He's just stood up and walked away. Wait, bastard! I was just going to say something rude to him. Fine, he will just have to wait another time for the insults that have popped in my head. I calm myself down and straighten out my dress before walking into the living room. I see Brand next to his mom, with her playing with his hair. I smirk. What a mama's boy. I walk over and sit down next to my dad.
"So, are you three excited to go back to Hogwarts?" Mr. Stryker just asked Brand, Lyre, and myself. I nod. I am excited to go back this year. I will be able to see Hallyn, my best friend, ever single day. I can't wait to stay up late in the dormitories at night, talking about everything. I look at Brand to see how he responds and it looks like he is going to be sick. Well, I'm angry that I have to be Head Girl with him. That means I will see more of him. I mean Heads share a dorm, patrol, and organize together. WHAT! I forgot I have to be living with him. How could I forget that! I get up from where I am and excuse myself to the bathroom. Right now, I'm sitting on the toilet trying to calm myself down. This is definitely going to be the worst year ever.
..:Brand:..
This pretty much sucks everything that you can suck. I, too, excuse myself to the bathroom and bang on the door, yelling at Parscum to get out. "Hurry up, you idiot. I need to puke. If you don't hurry up, I will be forced to throw up all over your ugly dress. I guess that wouldn't really be much a difference and the smell wouldn't matter. You smell, too." Okay, maybe I am going a little overboard, but I am not feeling well. I do try to be nice to people, but she doesn't deserve my kindness. She deserves me to be the worst that I can be. I am not the worst I can be, in case you were wondering. I figure that she wouldn't be able to put up with that. I do have a soul. As a human being, I can't really let myself do unto Parscum the fullest extent of my capabilities. That would just be cruel. Parson is used to me insulting after all these years anyways. We both say rude things. I guess I'm just more talkative today because she hasn't said anything terribly offensive. My Quidditch Team was dumped upon, but we both know that I am better at Quidditch. I always have been. Even though I didn't want to be made Quidditch Captain, I will not take the responsibility lightly. I've been figuring out plays since I found out I was the captain.
I banged on the door with my fist again and the door didn't open. I backed up, preparing to throw my whole weight into the door. I ran forward and never met the door, but air and then something...soft. Oh god. Jesus Christ, she just HAD to open the door right when I went for the body slam. Great. Thank the lord above her that we have a large bathroom or her skull would be in many pieces. That would be better than our current situation. Damn...She is underneath me. I am just looking down at her and her eyes are wide with shock. Of course, she doesn't know look terribly unhappy about this. Her breathing is all funny. I think it's because I am on top of her and not constricting her breathing, so she is breathing all funny because I am close. My hands are on either side of her torso and I can tell that she is nervous. What could I possibly to do the make her nervous in this situation? It's not like I'm going to kiss her. That's disgusting.
..:Parson:..
Right now, I am finding it extremely hard to breath. It must be because Brand is right on top of me. I'm in shock and I can't move. It seems that his intense blue eyes have me hypnotized. He is actually very nice looking, up close...WAIT! I did not just think that! Okay, calm down. No need to panic. Just push him off. Why can't I move my arms to get him off! My heart is racing and I can't stop making this weird wheezing sound. I never knew I could get this light headed.
..:Brand:..
You know, after all these years, this is the first time I've actually gotten a good look at Parson. She isn't that bad looking. I think I've already mentioned this, but back then it was still an insult. Now, though... I am just staring into her green-ish hazel orbs. Her lips are a very nice cherry color. I should like to... I lower my head slightly when there is a bang out by the door and I look back to see Lyre, outraged. She glares in disgust past me to her sister. I wonder why she is so upset. Wait, what am I saying? I WAS GOING TO KISS HER! Something is wrong with me. My hormones are acting up. I am normally pretty good at suppressing them, but I guess I haven't used them in a long time, so they just ran wild. I didn't WANT to kiss her, of course not. She's beneath me. Well, she is physically, but I was not talking about that. I'm talking in the other sense. I shake my head.
"What the HELL are you two doing in here? You look like you're about to start shagging each other, how could you!" She said in a harsh whisper, so our parents wouldn't hear. Parscum pushes me off and I put up on resistance. She stands up and her sister runs away. Why is she running away? It's not like we actually were shagging? I don't think Parscum has ever gotten that far with a guy. Parson turned and glared down at me. I stood up, too, and brushed myself off.
"I wonder what she was so worked up about? This is to leave this bathroom, and Par-y?" I say, stepping closer, she is breathing funny again and I smirk. "Nice knickers." I leave her in the bathroom and return to my spot on the couch next to my mother. I don't see Lyre. I wonder where she went...
..:Parson:..
I am finally able to breath normally again. The moment in the bathroom was extremely interesting. I thought for a moment that Brand was going to kiss me...no that couldn't be. I'm probably imagining.
I wonder where Lyre went. She seemed to get really worked up about the stupid thing in the bathroom. She seemed really mad at me. I can't believe she would actually believe that I would shag that guy, and in his house! Oh well, I better go find her and calm her down. Luckily, she doesn't have a temper like I do.
..:Brand:..
Thank God, they are finally leaving. I love the family, minus Parscum, but I am tired…my parents are saying their good-byes to the elder Eberlees, leaving me alone with the younger. Things seem tense between Parson and Lyre, but it's not really my problem. I don't really care anymore. I force a smile, "Thanks for coming to dinner." I do this mostly talking to Lyre because I dislike Par-y. Lyre blushes and looks at me shyly, smiling. Parscum just looks over and rolls eyes then crosses her arms over her chest.
"Well, I guess we'll see you in a few days, m'boy," Galahad tells me, patting me on the back with force. I smile nervously.
"You will?" I am confused, why am I going to see them in a few days. We never run into the Eberlees at Kings Cross, so I don't know why I would see them…
"Yup, my girls are sleeping over the night before you return to Hogwarts because Tallys and I are going to be away. Your parents have kindly offered to look after them for us. You'll look after them, too, at school, won't you?" He asked, winking. Oh god. Not another night of them in my house. They spend the night enough as it is, but my last night before Hogwarts? That's just cruel. I shoot a questioning glance at my mother and she nods. I gulp and smile again.
"See you then, I guess." Then they left. Parscum looked about as sick as I felt about them coming back.
..:Parson:..
My room is a disaster at the moment. I'm trying to pack everything I will need for Hogwarts, so in the process everything I own is either in the luggage or on the floor. I'm looking for one of my shirts and I believe that my lovely sister has borrowed it. Sigh..my sister has been acting strange to me since the dinner at the Strykers'. Thankfully, she hasn't said anything to the parents, but I'm tired of getting the silent treatment from her. I walk across the hall to my sis's room and begin looking through drawers and the closet.
My parents are leaving, abandoning me in the worst place possible. I know that grandma isn't feeling well, but why did she have to get sick before I'm shipped off to Hogwarts. I have complained many times to my parents, yet they are very stubborn. I've tried every tactic in the book of persuasion, but it's just not working on my parents. I've spent many nights at Brand's place and every experience has been horrible. Ouch! I just tripped over this stupid book. Hmm...It looks like a diary. I will just peek. I mean it can't hurt anybody, right?
..:Lyre:..
08/29/09
Dear Diary,
We just got back from dinner at the Strykers'. Brand was looking good, as usual. Unfortunately, I caught him on top of my sister in the bathroom. That stupid bitch is trying to steal him from me! How can she NOT know that I'm impossibly in love with Brand Stryker! I mean I have been for years. He kept smiling at me tonight so I think I may have a chance. I was so mad at Parson. They looked like they were about to start shagging each other in the bathroom. They also say that they hate each other, but you should have seen that look on that wench's face. She looked like she wanted him to take her right then and there. How dare she. Even if she wanted him to Brand would never date someone like her. She is stupid. And she hasn't had ONE boyfriend. Well, I guess I can't say that she is stupid because she isn't mentally stupid. She is top of her class, Head of the Quidditch Team, new Head Girl, blah blah blah. Like I give a damn. She is always pretending to be nice and sweet and kind, but she isn't. I think she tries her hardest to outshine everyone around her. I know this is sounding like I really hate my sister, but I don't. I just really am SO unhappy with her right now. She was trying to ruin my chances with Brand. Not that they will ever be friends, with what happened between them. I won't repeat it, but it was bad. They have hated each other since. I do actually love my sister when it's just us girls and there is nothing she can out-do me in. When we are home and just hanging out around the house, I really do love her, but sometimes…She is just overly perfect. She is pretty, she is smart, she sporty, she is popular, she is a guy magnet (though I doubt she knows how much she is one), and she just over does things. She sets up a little station in her room before she does her homework. Quills, here, ink bottle, over here, etc. She does that everywhere. Her room is always spotless, too. Like I said, overly perfect. And now she was about to shag Brand. She can't have him he's mine. That evil wench. Right now, I'm so mad I wish she would go to Hell. I don't care how mean that is and I don't care that I may regret saying that later, I really wish my sister would rot in Hell.
On a lighter note, we are going back to the Stryker's house on the 31st to spend the night because our parents can't take us to King's Cross and our grandma is sick. I love spending the night at Brand's house, not just because of Brand (although that is tasty little piece of eye candy I get to see all the time while I am there. I also get to talk to him, which is fun because he is so funny…sigh…) I enjoy the whole Stryker family. They are so nice and funny. The way that whole family is, the way they interact and all that is just hilarious. I love the Strykers. I want to be one. Lyre Elyse Stryker. Oh, my god. That sounds so good! See? I am SO meant to be a Stryker. Lyre Stryker. Parson Stryker. Damn. Her name sounds better. There is another thing she has outshined me in. No, she will not get me down. I will get the man of my dreams. I don't care what I have to do to get that. Brand will be mine. Thank you VERY much. Well I have to go now, that damn bitch is making noise across the hall and I have to tell her to shut the hell up.
Love you tons Diary!
Lyre!
..:Parson:..
I'm stunned. Okay, so maybe peeking can really cause damage. I had no idea my sister felt this strongly about me. I didn't even realize that I was perfect. It's a real eye opener. I love my sister and she wants me go to hell. I can't believe that. What has me dramatized, at the moment, is that my sister is in love with Brand. I guess now that I think about it, it does make a lot of sense. Her spending tons of hours getting ready to go over to the Stryker's house, always blushing when he smiles at her, or how I always catch her staring at him. Whoa! However, I don't think Brand feels the same way she does. I mean, she is pledging her love to him in this book! I think he is just being nice to her, I mean; Brand is nice to practically everyone. I think he looks at her like a little sister not as a snogging partner. OH, no! Lyre is coming up the stairs. What to do! Okay, place book back. Start re-looking for green shirt. Act normal, Parson!
..:Brand:..
I woke up the morning before the Eberlees were coming over to spend the night and I couldn't seem to wake up completely. I swear I walked around the house for a like three hours before my eyes opened all the way. I don't actually think it was that long, but it seemed like it. My parents both made fun of me about it at breakfast. That was fun, not. There I was innocently eating my bacon and my dad asks me what is wrong with my face. No one asks me this question except for people that I am really close to. I told my dad that nothing was wrong with my face and my mama asked, "Then why are your eyes all droopy?" They proceeded to laugh all through the rest of breakfast. The curse of being an only child. You get tormented an extra amount because your parents have no one else to focus on. Sure, some would say that I'm probably spoiled beyond all reason in my state of only child-ness, but they would wrong. My parents don't want to just hand stuff to me. I do get quite a lot because of my parents' place in society, but I am not all that spoiled...
When I was finished with breakfast I went to take a shower because that's what I do. Breakfast, shower, Quidditch practice with dad, shower again, and then going over Quidditch plays. After I had done all that it was lunchtime so I went to the kitchen, where we eat meals when no one is over. I started whistling as I entered. Our house-elves were working busily and then I remembered, what I had forgotten, Eberlees. Oh well. I looked at the nearest house-elf, Tinker, and asked, "Where are mum and pop?"
"They are waiting in the dining room because the guests are here, young master," Tinker replied, timidly. I smiled and gave him a high five and thanked him for his service. I tried to be friendly with the house-elves. I hadn't talked to this house-elf, yet, but he seemed nice. I turned around called out to Tinker, "Call me, Brand, okay?" He nodded and smiled, his eyes watering from happiness. Now I was on friendly terms with all my house-elves. Some of the older ones that I have known all my life even give me sass, and that's funny. I don't get away with much from them. Smiling, I walk into the dining to see Lyre and Parson.
..:Parson:..
I've been to this house too many times this week, and that isn't a good thing for me. It's bad for my health. Brand has just walked in smiling like a fool. I look at Lyre to see what her reaction is. Of course, she has the same goofy grin on her face and she can't stop staring at Brand. It's strange now to see her in Brand's presence because I never figured out how madly in love she is. It's really obvious now. I just shake my head and roll my eyes.
"Hello, girls. So nice to see you again," Mrs. Stryker says, she engulfs us in a bear hug. She smells nice and this somehow comforts the thought of having to stay here for the night. "Brand, can you show these lovely ladies to their rooms please? And don't forget to help them with their luggage," after saying that, Mrs. Stryker walks out of the room. Brand walks over and he helps Lyre with her luggage. I pick up my luggage and start walking down the hall after Brand and Lyre. We've been to this house so many times, and it's so big, that we have our own rooms. I don't really know why Brand has to show us to our rooms. Oh well.
..:Brand:..
Great, thanks Mum. Really, I mean it. They know where their bloody rooms are and not only that you make me a pack mule? Again, I say thanks. I pick up Lyre's trunk since it is closest and she blushes and thanks me really quietly. What is up with her lately? She is being really weird. Lyre has always been like a little sister to me. I think she may be sick. I reach over and put my hand on her forehead.
"You okay, Lee?" I asked, using a nickname I had come up with when I was little and realized her initials spelled Lee. She blushed and just looked at the ground. She looked like she was about to faint and had her walk in front of me even though she tried to assure me that she was fine. "I don't want you fainting on me. Or the floor, that would be worse." I smile and she just walks. When we arrive at her room she looks reluctant to leave us, but eventually goes into her room and closes the door after I have set down her trunk.
I walked down the hall on the way to Parscum's room. I remember something my mum had made me do and smirk and snidely begin, "I hope you like what I've done to your room, Par-y." I open the door. I haven't done anything bad to it. I was bored so my mother made me work on the spare rooms in the house. I hadn't gotten to Lyre's room yet, but that was my next one. I can do magic now so my mother forced me to this as a project. Parson walks into the room and I hear her gasp. I walk away from the door after I set her stuff inside the door. Well, I've done my duty and now I'm hungry. I am on my way back down the stairs and I meet up with Lyre. We walk into the dining room together.
..:Parson:..
I walk into the room and gasp. It was beautiful! I was to busy admiring my room, that I didn't hear what Brand had just said. I wonder why Brand redecorated my room. Maybe Brand is starting to mature a little.
I turn around to say thank you. However, Brand wasn't by the door anymore. Oh well, I guess I will just have to thank him tomorrow morning. I close the door and place my luggage at the foot of the bed. I breathe in the smell of the fresh flowers, which happen to be my favorite flowers, and smile to myself. I know this is one of the most peaceful nights that I've stayed at this house. I will definitely get a goodnight sleep. I get ready for bed and turn the lights off. I instantly fall asleep, dreaming of my new year at Hogwarts and sometimes a certain person would drift in and out of my dreams.
..:Brand:..
My mother came crashing into my room the morning we were to go back to Hogwarts. I sounded like she had brought the whole household with her. I opened my eyes slightly and saw my papa and some of our house-elves and Lyre and even Parscum. Why were they in my room waking me up? I don't understand. I groaned and propped myself up on my elbows, my vision still blurry from just waking up. Everyone pulled out these noisemakers and they went around my bed. Please let this be a really bad dream. A really, really, really bad dream. I would never allow some of these people into my room. That would be Parscum, mostly. Lyre, maybe, but just to hang out. This is just too much. I fall back and pull the covers over my head. Was it just me or was Lyre staring at my bare chest? I think it was just me. I finally poke my head from under the covers and glare at the people around me, scowling at Parson in particular. I threw back the covers and rubbed my eyes, walking groggily to my bathroom.
"Honey, take a quick shower if you must, we only have twenty minutes before we have to leave," my mother told me cheerily. I stopped by the bathroom door part way open. I spun around my eyes large and my lips pierced.
"Twenty? That's all? Why did you wake me up so late, mum?" I could hear my voice starting to sound like a whine. I ran into the bathroom and took a five minute shower before brushing my teeth and combing my hair then rushing out back into my bedroom to find clothes to wear. Everyone was still there, and I only had a towel wrapped around my waist. I grabbed the knot to keep it in place. My mother and father were smirking at me, looking purely evil, as was everyone else in the room. My jaw dropped open, "I have more than fifteen minutes left, don't I?" They started cracking up and I caught Lyre staring at my chest again. She blushed and looked away when I cast a confused look at her. I shook it off.
"I hate you all, I really do, now get out because I have to put clothes on," I told them, ushering them out of the room. I closed my door and got dressed, shaking my head before heading down to breakfast. Everyone was seated at the table. "Nice stunt you all pulled. What time is it?"
..:Parson:..
I'm sitting at the table eating breakfast and thinking about the thing that happened a couple of minutes ago in Brand's room. Ok, I did not want to go in there. However, Mr. Stryker insisted. I guess it's a family tradition to fool their son into thinking he doesn't have anytime to get ready. I think it's a pretty cruel joke, but I mean it was Brand. I had to leave for a few minutes because I couldn't contain my laughter any longer. I should use that prank at school. It will be priceless. I could also remember Lyre going all googley eyed, when Brand walked out of the bathroom with only a towel on. I think she needs to grow up. I doubt Brand will ever look at her with affection. I feel sorry for her. Anyways, Brand is in a grumpy mood and he is glaring at everyone around the table. I look at him and snicker.
About an hour later, everyone's luggage is stuffed in the car and we are all driving to King's Cross. It is very cramped in here. This is definitely going to be an interesting year.
..:Brand:..
Stupid people. Always making me believe I have NO time to do ANYTHING and the worst part? I always fall for it. I am unhappy. We are on our way to school. This will be fun. I don't have to put up with my parents. Don't get me wrong, I love them, but they always do this to me. I have gone through life thinking that I have no time left in the morning, after naps, anytime. I always fall for it, too. My friends are constantly doing that to me too. Why do I associate with these people? I can understand my family because they are my family. I, like, have to love them, especially my mother. Childbirth is painful, from what I hear. I have no personal experience, nor will I ever. I do not doubt that there are people out there that would love me to go gay, but I won't.
Question: Why does being gay automatically make a guy so much hotter than he was before in the eyes of women? Is it that they can't have him anymore because he likes boys or what? I am seriously confused about that. Personally, I would think that they would want to like boys that they can actually have. Namely, the straight ones. I will have to ask a female. I know, I'll ask Lyre. She is good with boys. I turn my head and look at her because she is sitting in the middle seat, dividing Parscum and I. This has always been her position, as a way to keep us calmer in the car.
"Hey, Lee?"
She looked at me questioningly, "Yeah?"
"Why does a guy being gay make him so much hotter than he normally would be?" I ask, leaning in and furrowing my eyebrows, thoroughly interested. She shrugged and gave an "I dunno" I hate that. I never get direct answers from girls. They always say, "I dunno."
..:Parson:..
What in the world! Ok, I wonder if Brand is trying to tell us that he is coming out of the closet. Merlin, what goes on inside his mind? I mean what kinda question is that to ask to a girl that is head over heels with you? I know he is too oblivious to realize it, but why ask anyone that question?
I look out the window and stare at the scenery. I want to get out of this car. I want to get out of this car! The sooner the better. I can than go meet up with Hallyn and I won't have to socialize with the stupid gay man sitting over on the other side of the car. hmm...I'm obsessing over what Lyre wrote in her diary. I know it shouldn't bother me, but it's my sister who wrote all the stuff. Sigh, I want to get out of this cramped car.
..:Brand:..
Thank God, the station is in the distance. We arrive and pile out of the car, hauling our luggage onto trolleys. We walk through the station and go through the dividing wall that leads to Platform 9 3/4. I see my friends and wave them over. After teary good-byes with my parents, we drop off our luggage, but I refuse to part with me owl, Demetrius. The luggage man tries to pry his cage away and I run away. I will not let Demetrius out of my sight. He means more to me then anything else I own. My parents bought him for me after my grandfather died. I named the owl after my grandfather; his name was Demetrius, too. I was so close to my grandfather that I locked myself up for days after he died. The owl has been one of my closes companions since then. After a little accident around a year later he was my only true friend until I came to Hogwarts and found Fletcher. We became best friends and then later became friends with Kaison in third year. I know you probably think it's weird that as a growing boy my only friend was an owl, but my grandfather truly meant that much to me. I love my owl, he's so graceful. A barn owl with a white chest and deep blue, almost black eyes. His wings are a light brownish color that gets darker in some spots. I wish I could fly, but I can't, so I like to watch Demetrius fly. Although I have known the Eberlees for so long, I don't think they know I have an owl, sure they've seen the cage and on occasion the bird that belongs to the cage, but they probably couldn't describe him. They definitely don't know his name. I am talking about Lyre and Parscum here, by the way. Even before I started hating Parson I never showed her Demetrius. He was kind of a baby when I got him and I didn't let people see him.
Wow, I can really talk, can't I? Well, I'll stop now. Let's just say, I love my owl...
After setting down our luggage, with me still holding Demetrius, we walked down the platform and Fletcher threw his arms around me, like a fan girl, "Oh, Brandio, I missed your sweet face for the two week period that I was in America with my family. I know we had that sleep over, "he stopped to wink at me, "right before, but I just missed you SO much." I shook my head at his antics. Fletcher is crazy. I don't think I've mentioned this, but he is. Totally insane. The girls on the platform were whispering and looking hurt because they thought we might be gay. We aren't. I pushed him off, "Lemme go, lover boy." We laughed and I think the crowd of girls relaxed slightly. We found a compartment and made ourselves at home.
..:Parson:..
I walk down the train station and spot a familiar blond haired girl. I run up to her and throw myself on her. Of course, she screams. "Parson, you scared me. I've missed you so much!" she says giving me a suffocating hug, she then steps back and inspects me, "Looking good. Nice healthy glow, beautiful. Looking as radiant as ever. I thought you would have looked like trash after being with Brand. I read your letter. It must have been hell." We laughed.
"I've missed you so much, too! Yes, it was hell. Of course, you look stunning yourself," I say," How Rhys is doing?"
"Great! Now that you've said that. I'm supposed to meet up with him. Let's find a compartment and then I can go find him." I've missed Hallyn over the summer. I haven't seen her because of her boyfriend. I like him and all. He's a great guy, but I feel like a third wheel. Maybe I should get a boyfriend. Then my sister won't have to worry about me "stealing" Brand. I leave that thought behind and follow Hallyn onto the train.
..:Brand:..
I finally got to talk to my friends for a while and we discussed what we did over the summer and they all pitied me having to have Parscum in my house for that long of a period. I think they still try to convince me, without me realizing it, that she isn't that bad, but she is. Only Fletch knows what happened. Kaison doesn't. I don't think he'd care. I've had a hunch that Kai has a secret crush on the Scumster. I don't think he'd tell me if I asked, he knows I hate her. Oh well, his problem, not mine.
"Well, I have to go to the Head's compartment, sorry guys. I'll catch up later," I exited the compartment and headed down the train to where I was supposed to meet the Prefects and my fellow Head. Stupid Eberlee. She's the evil. I hate her.
..:Parson:..
I've been sitting here waiting for my fellow Head and the Perfects to come. Hallyn and I parted ways once we put our luggage in an empty compartment. I wish I could talk to her about all the problems that have come up this past week, but I will just have to wait. Hallyn Scarret has been my best friend since my first year here at Hogwarts. I remember that I accidentally tripped her and for some reason we connected and became buds. If someone had tripped me, I don't think I would become friends with them. My temper would probably make me fast enemies with that person. Luckily, Hallyn is the exact opposite of me. She is very calm and kind, which is great because most of the time she calms me down when the worst of my temper starts to flare up. She has short blonde hair and blue-gray eyes. She is very short, too. Rhys is very lucky to have snagged her.
The door opens and makes me lose my thoughts. Great, it just so happens that Brand has walked through the door. I guess this will be the opportune moment to thank him. "Hello, Stryker," I greeted him with a giant smile on my face, "I want to thank you for redecorating my room. I slept so peacefully last night, probably the most sleep I've ever gotten at your house. The room is gorgeous." I give him another award winning smile. I do appreciate what he did.
..:Brand:..
I blink at her, unable to comprehend what she just said to me. It wasn't...mean. She is actually smiling at me; it's a bit unnerving. I shrug, "Whatever. It's not like I wanted to." Her blinding smile faded and I sat down. Take that, you stupid girl. I can't believe that you thought I actually redecorated. On purpose. That's disgusting, right? I'm a guy, we don't decorate. Unless we're queer, which I'm not. I sit down and spread my arms over the back of the chair and lean my head back.
Sighing heavily I say, "I'm bored. You're boring." I look up and smirk. She is glaring intently at me and I laugh. Haha. You know, I'm hyper, do boys get hyper because I am. I look back at the ceiling and sigh again. There is absolutely zero possibility of getting my hyperness to go away with only Parscum as a source of entertainment. KILL ME NOW! With something very dull and most likely rusty. Soooooo bored. Maybe I should start a conversation. No, that would make it seem like I am trying to be nice. I guess it doesn't matter, I'm that bored.
"So, should we make an arrangement to be at least civil during Head's business? So that we don't end up killing each other? Maybe that will make our parents happy. I mean, they want us to be like this," I stopped and crossed my middle and fore fingers. I snicker and then take my hands and link my ring fingers, "Or maybe like this." She got the idea, knowing full well that are parents want us to hook up. They had been hinting at it for years. Evil parents. Parson finally agreed with me that we should be "civil" during heads business. I think we both knew that that was probably the only time we would be civil.
..:Parson:..
You know, I thought he had matured but I guess not. I realize that we need to be civilized. It will probably make everyone relax around here. Our families and definitely Hogwarts would feel more at peace without us yelling and hexing each other. It is also a known fact that our parents have been like majorly hinting for Brand and I to hook up. Like that would ever happen. I would rather die.
I turn my head and look at Brand. He's just looking up at the ceiling and looks like he is about to fall asleep. I guess he really is bored. Well, that's his problem and not mine. I suddenly look towards the door as the first arrivals of Prefects come through. I stand up and prepare myself for the Heads welcome speech. I don't want to be here right now, especially not here with Stryker.
..:Brand:..
The Prefects came in and Parson and I traded off explaining about patrolling and all the other duties that belong to Prefects. As much as I hate to admit it, we played well off of each other. A…good…team. Oh god. It pains me to say those words…Moving on so we don't dwell on this evil idea. After we told the Prefects what they had to do they set out to patrol the train for a while and Parscum and I just stayed in the Head's compartment, using our superiority to not do anything. Well, that's my excuse anyways. I don't know about Parscum. She may be feeling lazy. Although, she is never lazy at anything. She will do anything if it prevents her from being lazy. She keeps her room spotless, too. The freak of nature. Doesn't she know when NOT to do something like that? Wait, no, because she is constantly tiding things. It's irritating. Oh well, as long as she doesn't start cleaning the compartment, I will be fine.
"Well, I'm done with you now, 'bye," I told her and then left the compartment.
..:Parson:..
He is very irritating. I think he exits like that to gain attention. Well, it definitely has the affect he wants. I guess I should get going, too. I'm getting bored and I absolutely hate not having anything to do. I guess I will go find Hallyn. I doubt that she will be back in the compartment. Hallyn and Rhys haven't seen each other in a while. I bet their reunion is getting pretty heated up by now. So, I'm not going to expect her getting back anytime soon.
I just walk down the halls, patrolling. Luckily, most people are behaving. As I walk along the train, I have this feeling people are staring at me. I guess my sister was right about how people recognize me. Maybe they even admire me. Ha Ha Ha I doubt that.
..:Brand:..
When I got back to my compartment after a short amount of "patrolling", also known as walking down the corridors of the train, I'm glad to find only Fletch and Kai seated. I took a seat opposite Kai next to Fletcher. They were engaged in what appeared to be an intense game of exploding snaps. I remained silent for what could only have been ten seconds before jumping up and shouting, " And now for something completely different!"
I then started doing a jig and it set off the cards because of all the bouncing. I jumped out of the compartment and slammed the door closed. I heard a giant boom and the door flew open. I look back and I saw my friends glaring at me with singed hair and blackened faces from the explosion. I erupt into a side-splitting laughter. Not being able to stand up from laughter I started to back up. I ran into someone, who scrambled backwards. I turned and saw none other than the dreaded Parson Eberlee.
..:Parson:..
Why does it seem that fate always makes me run into Brand? It seems that the more I try to avoid Brand the more we stumble across each other. Nowhere is safe to hide.
"What do you think you're doing? Don't you ever watch where you're going?" I question him, while narrowing my eyes at him.
..:Brand:..
I glare back and snap, "At least I don't want to run into you." I smirk, knowing I've gotten her. I know for a fact that she doesn't want to run into me because she hates me. Well, as far as I can tell she doesn't want to run into me, but who knows. Girls are confusing.
Wait, am I even considering that she doesn't hate me? I must be ill.
..:Parson:..
"Why on earth do I want to have you bumping into me! I despise you. Just having you this close to me makes my skin crawl. Maybe you secretly do want to keep running into me." I glare. He has already gotten on my nerves. I thought we were supposed to try and be civilized. I guess we should just screw that idea.
..:Brand:..
I shrug, letting her think what she wants to.
"Whatever," I say. I walk back into the compartment and shut the door in her face. I smirk sometimes being quiet is more effective than being loud and banging the door. I hear her make a frustrated sound and stomp away. My friends have cleaned themselves off by now. Kaison is looking slightly…pissed off and Fletch is smirking at me. Both had seen my exchange with Parscum.
"What was that about?" Kai asks, slightly hostile. I shrug, telling them it was no big deal. The rest of the train ride was quiet, except for the explosions of our cards.
..:Parson:..
I was relieved when the train finally stopped at our destinations. I had returned to my compartment after stomping around the train. I think that the rest of the ride would have been better just talking to Hallyn, however, Rhys was there, too. He couldn't find an empty compartment. Doesn't he have his own friends to hang out with? I guess, not.
We get out and look for a carriage. Hallyn and Rhys have vanished and I'm lost in a crowd of people. Well, I obviously am not going to be finding my friend anytime soon. I better go look for a carriage. I open one, thankful that it is empty, and get in. A couple minutes later someone opens the door. He seems familiar. When he sees me his eyes light up. He turns around and signals his friends to come get in. Great, I have to sit with a group of guys all the way to Hogwarts. I look at the window, as they all pile in. I guess I should introduce myself. I turn around and cringe. Of course, it's Brand and his friends in the carriage I picked. Fate really doesn't like me.
..:Brand:..
Great. I hate you, too, God. Not really, I promise. Please don't screw me. I don't need that…God smiting me would suck. Stupid Kai and his stupid crush on stupid Parscum. Oh well, what can you do? Not much. I am sitting kitty corner from Parson. I hate her. She is so agitating. Kaison is rambling about random stuff. Shut up already!
Finally, we are here. I get out of the carriage as fast as possible.
..:Parson:..
I laugh as Brand races out of the carriage. I feel eyes on me and look at Kaison. He's giving me this very goofy grin. I give him an uncomfortable smile. The whole way to Hogwarts, Kaison kept babbling on about the stupidest things. I tried to listen to him, but my mind couldn't stay focused on what he was saying. I step out of the carriage and walk with the group into Hogwarts' doors.
..:Brand:..
Fletch and I sit and listen to Kaison blab about Parson. He thinks she may like him. I hope to the Lord that this isn't true. It is highly unlike Parson to fall for Kaison. He doesn't seem to be her type and Kaison is my friend, so that is a double no for her. We would be forced to associate with here and then on top of that I would have to watch one of my best friends snog Parscum in public. Oh my God, I feel the bile rising in my throat. That is disgusting. I can't believe that I even thought that…
..:Parson:..
I finally reunite with Hallyn and we sit down at the Gryffindor table. Headmistress McGonagall went on and on with her speech. I know I should be listening, but I have to many problems. This is keeping me from focusing. Plus, I'm so hungry I wouldn't be able to listen to anyone. I need food. I look around the Great hall…sigh… this is going to be my last year here. The last time I won't pay attention to McGonagall. Crap! Maybe I should listen since this is going to be my last year. I try my hardest and focus all my attention to Professor McGonagall to do.
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