Another long chapter *o*
So, I've started working on the character bios for Kitty, Nikolai, and Daisy. They're still in the first stages so if you want to know something now would be the time to tell me your question. Otherwise I'll just let you know when they're done
Anyway enjoy :) I would've posted it yesterday but the website has been having some problems in that department...
I walked until I reached Moody and Draco. They didn't seem to notice my presence until I pulled Draco by the back of his robes. He stuttered back making Moody lose his grip on him. Both turned. Draco looked to have a mixture of relief and irritation on his face. Moody on the other hand was just scowling. I stared at him as I pulled Draco closer to me. The professor gave me a look but I stood my ground. Draco looked between us
"You're Mikhail Volkov's daughter aren't you?" Moody commented limping to close the little space that had grown between us
"I am" I answered keeping my grip on Draco's arm. Moody looked down at the hand holding Draco then looked up giving me a scornful smile
"You think that because of your father you can—"
"I am my own person and I speak for myself" I interrupted watching him carefully. "Yes he is my father but I don't see why he matters at the moment. The reason I am here is because you hurt Draco. You don't do that to people; you shouldn't at least."
"Yeah you—"
"Shut up" I snapped at Draco. He pulled away from me a little but deciding it was safer with me than with Moody he slowly leaned back. "I am not happy with you at the moment. You don't attack someone, especially like that. I know what spell you were trying and you should know better"
"He—" Draco tried to defend but one look at my face stopped him
"I don't care." The tone of my voice made him shrink back again. "You don't treat people like that Draco. You deserve detention. But only detention" I said turning back to Moody. "I don't trust you and I am not leaving you alone with him. Now I am going to Professor Snape's office too whether you like it or not. If you want to give me detention too then so be it but I am not leaving and if you insist then you're going to have to use force"
He didn't answer, though I noticed acrimony in his eyes, and led the way through the dungeon. I wrapped an arm around one of Draco's. He stayed quiet and I let him lean on me as we walked to Professor Snape's office. We turned a few corners in the dungeon on the way to find Professor Snape. Despite being new to Hogwarts, Moody seemed to know exactly where to go. He must have really wanted to talk to the head of our house. Either that or he had come to Hogwarts himself during his youth; however long ago that was. Considering his kindness to Harry and poor attitude towards Draco I assumed, if he had come to Hogwarts, he had been a Gryffindor. We turned one last time, into Professor Snape's office
"Hello, Severus" Moody greeted with an eerie smile on his face. Professor Snape looked up from his parchment to frown in his direction. He wobbled into the professor's office and Draco and I followed behind
"Alastor Moody. And what do I owe this pleasure to?" Professor Snape replied, though the way he said pleasure contradicted the word itself
"Detention. McGonagall said I should talk to you about these two" he growled looking at us with distaste. I contained myself from giving him a look and stayed quiet. Snape raised an eyebrow
"For what, may I ask" he asked stepping closer to us. While he wasn't the sweetest kid, to others at least, Draco rarely got into trouble. And I had never been to a professor's office for anything that wasn't a positive remark
"For attempting to curse a student. And for disobeying a professor" Moody answered and again I had to keep my face from showing my amusement. As if disobeying a professor should be a punishable action
"How do you know it was a curse?" I asked defiantly, allowing myself that much. Being the one who taught it to Draco I knew it was but Moody couldn't know that
"I was an auror, Missy. I know a curse when I see one" he snarled apparently not liking being questioned on his abilities
"It's Katerina, not Missy. And you were an auror. Don't you think over the years your talents may have… faded?" I asked with small smile. He gave me an almost enraged look. A small smile appeared on Professor Snape's lips but it disappeared just as quickly as it came
"Miss Volkov," Professor Snape called seriously, though I caught a hint of amusement in his tone, "I suggest you not make such remarks when your punishment has not been yet decided"
"I was simply asking a question, Professor Snape" I said with an innocent smile. "Isn't it encouraged for students to ask questions when curious?"
"In the classroom perhaps but certain questions can get you killed if asked to the wrong person" growled Moody. I kept my smile as pure as I could manage
"Are you suggesting you are such a person? Are you implying you want to kill me?" For a second Moody stared at me as if he wouldn't mind doing just that. Draco pulled on my sleeve slightly, not wanting me to go on
"I am suggesting you be more careful who you speak to like this" he grunted. My smile remained sweet as he turned annoyed to Professor Snape. "What do you say to their punishment then?"
"I am assuming Mr. Malfoy was the one attempting the curse" said Professor Snape turning to me and Draco. We both nodded. "That being the case I agree he deserves detention."
"Very well" Moody muttered as if he would've hoped for a worse punishment. There was something about this man… Something was really bothering me but I couldn't place my finger on it
"However," Snape continued, "Miss Volkov was only defending her friend, something we encourage here at Hogwarts." A part of me wanted to reply 'since when?' but seeing as he was on my side I didn't bring that up. "I don't think she deserves punishment for her actions"
"And I say she does" Moody growled at him. My guess was, considering the tension surrounding the two, Professor Snape was only defending me in an attempt to annoy Moody. I didn't really care since I would take the detention if it were given to me. I wasn't just going to stand by and watch him hurt Draco like he did
"Perhaps you do but I am in charge of my House and my students." Snape started walking back to his desk as if the matter was settled
"Give me one good reason why she doesn't deserve detention" Moody demanded frowning at me. I smiled in return and did as he requested
"While my actions may have been disrespectful they are not, by the current rules of Hogwarts, punishable" I replied and watched his frown deepen. "Yours on the other hand may be as transfiguration of a student for punishment is not just frowned upon but overall not allowed within these walls." I smiled still keeping a kind expression. He looked to be getting more flustered by the minute though trying to contain it. I knew it wasn't wise but I wanted to see how far I could push him before he decided to take action. There was something not right about this man and I was going to find out what
"You should watch your tone girl. That mouth of yours will get you into trouble someday"
"I was simply answering your request. You wanted to know why I was not to be punished and I told you why. Wasn't that what you asked?" I asked innocently. His breathing began to pick up and Draco noticed too
"We'll go back to the Great Hall then" Draco said quietly, pulling me slowly back by my robes. Moody stepped closer with his arm outstretched to stop him from leaving. I stood between them
"Don't" I warned pulling Draco behind me. From the corner of my eye I saw Professor Snape watching us from his table. Looking at Moody's expression I could tell my attempts to aggravate him had worked to perfection but… "Professor Snape, I think I should get detention"
"And why is that?" he asked wondering why I had decided to take it after all. The truth was Moody was being taken close to his limit of annoyance and though I didn't think he would attack me I wasn't sure. Draco was here too and I didn't want to bring him into this. But rather than say all that, instead I answered Professor Snape with another comment
"Though disrespecting a professor is not necessarily against any current rules I am at fault for another. I was wandering the halls during dinner without consent."
"Were you not with Moody?" he asked frowning at the last word, finding his name distasteful. Not that I blamed him…
"We may have been in proximity of one another but he never allowed my presence therefore I am at fault of breaking a rule. And therefore I am eligible for detention."
Moody stared at me not understanding why I was willingly accepting punishment. That, to my relief, looked to be more important to him than holding on to the anger he had shown not too long ago. Professor Snape looked at me too and then to Moody. Something appeared in his eyes as if understanding why I was taking detention. He stood up
"Very well, Miss Volkov. Both of you have detention. Your punishment will start by having you two head over to the common room immediately. I will inform you of the specifics of your punishment later"
"What about dinner—" I hit Draco in the stomach and gave him a look. He returned it but stayed quiet. I headed out of Professor Snape's office and Draco followed obediently towards the common room
We walked a little before reaching the stairs leading down to the stone wall entrance. Once the password was give the passage to the Slytherin common room was revealed. I pulled Draco inside. He didn't argue. It was empty except for the two of us. Everyone else was still having their dinner I suppose
"So what—" his sentence was cut short as I quickly, and a little roughly, smacked my hands on either side of his face. His eyes got a little wide from the pain. "Ow!"
"Don't complain as far as I'm concerned that was a light punishment" I snapped back. He didn't reply, just rubbed his face as he stared at me passive aggressively. "Why did you try to use that curse on Harry? I told you it was only to be done in self-defense"
"It was in defense, just not mine" he grumbled to the ground. I put my hands on either side of his face, this time a little more gently. He flinched a little but let me hold his face when he realized I wasn't going to hurt him
"What exactly happened?" I asked bringing his face up to look at mine. He sighed and looked down at me
"He insulted my mother" he growled making me sigh too. Without saying anything I linked our arms and guided him to the sofa. I sat us down and turned to him. He stared ahead not wanting to look at me
"I know you hate it when someone says something about your mum. That doesn't justify your actions but at least I understand them now." He continued to avoid my gaze, still annoyed. I hit him in the stomach because of it. That seemed to get his attention
"Ow! What?" he snapped turning over to me
"Look at me when I'm talking to you" I scolded. He did but I could tell he was trying hard not to roll his eyes. "You got me into trouble too, you know"
"That was your own fault for having such a big mouth! No one asked you to butt in" Draco snapped. I crossed my arms slowly and gave him look. He sighed and raised his hands in defeat. "I'm sorry"
"What was I supposed to do?" I retorted. "Just leave you there with that man? He could've hurt you"
"He did hurt me" said Draco quietly. He leaned against me and I rolled my eyes. The boy had a lot of pride but he just loved being babied. I blamed his mother. Still, I started running my hand through his hair comfortingly
"Well maybe next time you'll listen to me when I say not to use a spell" I muttered. He made a 'humph' sort of sound and stayed where he was. And I hit his head a little
"Stop hitting me!" he complained pulling back and sitting up. I stared at him
"I just realized you made me miss dinner!" I yelled back crossing my arms again. This time he did roll his eyes at me
"What is it with you and food? How are you not fat—Ow! I said you're not! Quit hitting me!" He stood up and stared down at me. It's not like I was hitting him hard but he was used to being given special treatment. But I was different and wasn't at all afraid of his family. And whether he admitted it or not that's why he liked me
"Lev!" I called turning towards the stairs to the girls' dormitories. Draco's eyes got a little bigger. He quickly sat back down next to me
"Okay fine keep hitting me"
"It's not for you" I smiled though his expression almost made me laugh. "Lev!" I called again hoping he wasn't sleeping. My puppy ran down the steps and through the common room stopping directly in front of me. He gave a look to Draco but I picked him up bringing his attention back to me. "We're missing dinner right now. Do you mind going to the kitchen to get us something to eat?"
"Of course that pig would know where the kitchen is" mumbled Draco. Lev growled and Draco jumped a little. I giggled not paying attention to Draco's glare. If he was so afraid of Lev then he should keep his insulting comments to himself
"Go get some of the house elves. And make sure you get both of us food" I reminded him realizing that Lev would most likely come back with only enough for me. "Whatever you bring we'll just split between the both of us. So if you only bring enough for me I'll really only be eating half of that, understand?"
Lev barked in reply though it didn't sound too happy. My guess was he would've loved to leave Draco without any food. I wasn't sure if it was because of all the insults or simply because he didn't like him but Lev had a particular distaste for Draco. But that was his decision and I wasn't going to try to convince him otherwise; Draco was more of an acquired taste. I brought Lev up to my chest for a hug. He barked happy as I kissed the top of his head. Lev snuggled against me for one more second before making his way out the door. Draco frowned in his direction as he left
"Why are you always kissing that mongrel? Do you know how much time that thing spends in the dirt?" he muttered still looking towards where he'd left
"Are you jealous of my puppy?" I teased remembering my mother having offered that as an explanation of why the two didn't like each other. Draco made a face
"Why would I be jealous of that demon mutt of yours" he replied turning back to me
"Do you want a hug too?" I asked stretching my arms out to him. He gave me look and leaned away
"I'm fine" Draco grumbled but I pulled him to me anyway. I hugged him to my chest like I had with Lev. "I said I'm fine!"
"You are now" I giggled running my hand through his hair. He struggled a little but finally sighed and let me hold him. I snuggled against his hair like I did with Lev's fur
"I'm not a dog" he mumbled quietly
"I know; you're a ferret" I giggled not helping myself. He pulled back to give me a look. It would've probably been scary, to someone else at least, if not for his blush and undone hair.
"Shut up!" he barked. I smiled a little and pulled him back to me. I could tell he was still angry with me but he let me hold him anyway.
"I'm kidding. You're not a ferret" I cooed playing with his hair again. He gave a grunt of agreement. "Although, I'll admit, you looked really cute as one. And if you were, I would be more than happy to make you my pet. Though, if you think about it, you already kind of are my pet. Aren't you, Deedee"
"I said shut up" he growled. I kissed the top of his head and rested my cheek on it
"It's cute how you think you can tell me what to do" I giggle
"Please" Draco said sarcastically, though slightly muffled against my clothes. "I gave up on that years ago. Now I just say things and hope you're not too selfish to actually listen"
"How's that working out so far?"
"It has its moments" he replied pulling away. His face still looked blushed as it did whenever he had an unnecessarily long amount of human contact. I smiled and started fixing his hair. "Stop touching me already. That comes off as needy, you know." I laughed at his comment
"Well you have grown on me over the years" I teased. "Admit it, we do need each other"
"Maybe" he muttered patting my head. I smacked his arm away. "See, you don't want to be treated like a pet either!"
"Shut up" I told him and stuck out my tongue. He laughed and turned towards the entrance of the common room. I did too having heard the sound of someone entering
Lev had come back. He barked and happily ran to me, jumping onto my lap. Behind him a few of the Hogwarts house elves appeared, all with dishes full of food. I imagined the tables in the Great Hall all held the same food. The house elves set the plates on one of the low tables in the room. It looked like a nice set up too. We dismissed them and kneeled near the table to eat. I set a plate on the ground near the couch for Lev, which he took graciously
"Well this was a bad idea" I muttered noticing the mark on my hand; or rather the rune. It still looked fresh as if just written it. I brought my hand closer for a better look
"What was?" Draco asked wiping some gravy from the corner of his mouth. I smiled at him then looked back down at my wrist
"Chaos" I muttered running my thumb over the rune
"Yeah it was" he replied in agreement though I assumed it wasn't because of my rune
"My guess is they do work" I said to myself. Draco looked over curiously
"What works?" I shook my head and continued to eat
A little while later some of the Slytherins began to come back into the common room. They mostly avoided us, probably not wanting to start anything with what had happened upstairs. Draco and I were still eating so we ignored them all too
"Look it's the little ferret being fed by his owner" Blaise called out. Behind him the others were trying to hide their amusement. I rolled my eyes though let out a small smile. Draco on the other hand didn't
"Shut up, Blaise!" Pansy screamed defensively. He smiled at her not finding her threatening. All of them walked up to us but paused when Draco stood up
"Look, Zabini!" Draco threatened with a glare
"What, Malfoy?" Blaise replied casually not looking the slightest bit scared
"Draco, sit down" I sighed standing up too. Neither of the two moved in the slightest
"Way to keep your pets disciplined" Blaise commented sarcastically at me, though continuing his staring match with Draco
"Draco" I warned again
"Stay out of this!" he yelled moving his hand as if to shove me away. I grabbed it by the wrist before it touched me, pulling it down roughly. Draco's body bent because of the force making it so that when he turned to look at me we were at eye level
"Try to push me and I will rip your arm off" I growled and let go. He stayed quiet for a second, trying to decide what was more important, his pride or his limbs. Apparently his limbs won since he moved to quietly sit down, though with resentful looks to both me and Blaise
"See that's—"
"Shut up, Blaise! Or so help me I will tell everyone what my father had to do for you and your mother last year." His smirk disappeared. From the look on my face I was sure he knew I wasn't bluffing.
"What did he do?" Daphne asked eagerly. Blaise shot her a look and she soundlessly moved behind Theo
"Now," I continued sitting back down next to Draco, "if you're done behaving like the spoiled arrogant children you both are, I still haven't finished my meal."
"So what happened with Moody?" Daphne asked excitedly ignoring the very recent tension and coming to sit on the ground next to me. Pansy moved next to Draco as the rest spread out on the seats nearby
"We got detention" I answered taking a bite of my chicken. Daphne gasped dramatically putting her hand over her mouth. I rolled my eyes at her
"How did you get this food down here?" Theodore mumbled reaching for a piece of Yorkshire pudding
"Well after we got detention Professor Snape sent us straight here instead of to the Great Hall. So I sent Lev to get some of the house elves for us. They brought the food here and now we're eating it" I answered biting into my chicken again. Theo nodded and leaned back against the couch
"Wait" said Daphne putting her hand up. "We have house elves?"
"Who did you think did all the cleaning around here?" Draco muttered still sounding annoyed. But maybe that annoyance had shifted towards Pansy. He kept flinching away from her as she tried to touch his hair.
"I guess I never thought about it" Daphne muttered
"Shocker" Blaise muttered sarcastically. She turned to give him a look but otherwise stayed quiet. "Well that should be an interesting class tomorrow, shouldn't it" he smirked again reminding us of our very recent coming Defense Against the Dark Arts class.
Draco shot him a look and I grabbed his robes from under the table keeping him in place. He turned to give me a look too but I kept my attention on my food. Draco was mad at me but it wouldn't last for long. The only problems our relationship faced were when I was angry with him. One thing about my family that many had learned was we could be nice but we also held grudges. And if someone got us angry it usually didn't end well for them. Which was why it would be in Moody's best interest to behave in class tomorrow. If not… well, I'd find a way to deal with him later