Riddle had somehow orchestrated it so that I was either in a group with him, Malfoy or both of them in every class Hufflepuff shared with Slytherin. Stuck in a deep depression after enduring both the snickers from the Snakes and hisses of jealousy from the female population of my Herbology class, I sunk into a chair in the Great Hall. Jennifer hadn't arrived yet from whatever class she had, so I was sitting alone with great gaps between myself and the other Hufflepuffs. It seemed that the first years had already been told about the need to keep away from me, or suffer the wrath of Slytherin, as a group of them had moved when I sat near. And not a moment too soon, the second I reached for a jug of water it exploded in my hand. Rather than react, being used to this particular trick, I calmly pulled a piece of china from my hand. Grabbing my wand I waved it over my hand, murmuring a small healing spell several times until it worked.
Jeremy had helped me learn that particular one, practicing with me patiently for an age until I finally managed it without injuring myself further.
"I'm never going to get this!" exasperated I tossed my wand next to me, watching as Jeremy calmly knitted together the larger cut I had made on his hand with barely a mummer of a spell. "I don't understand why we can't just practice on my hand; people are going to think that I am hurting you on purpose." Already we were garnering some strange looks from others, who were outside also enjoying the fresh air.
Laughing, Jeremy stole a kiss from me. "We both know you take more care when you try and heal me, if you practiced on yourself you wouldn't care enough to try harder."
I glared at him beneath my lashes, "do you always have to know me so well?"
"I will always know you, my little angel, more than you will ever know yourself." He smiled down at me, once again bringing his wand to his palm and non-verbally casting a spell to slice into it. "Now, prove all those watching wrong and heal me."
Jeremy was right, people were watching. In the background I heard Jenny accepting bets on whether or not I would heal him this time, or blow something up like I had several times before.
Bitch, I thought fondly. Francesca was standing next to her, calmly watching me.
Raising my wand, I pointed it at his palm.
"Repero," I held my breath. The flesh began to twine together until the skin was left far healthier looking then it had been before the cut.
"She did it."
"No way."
Annoyed yells came from the crowd, as Jenny collected her winnings, having bet in my favour.
Jeremy gripped my chin lightly, pulling my face up and kissing me lightly, "Told you could do it."
Lost in a memory, I blindly reached for a bread roll, not even wondering if it had been tampered with. The rich buttery taste brought me back to the present, I didn't bother hiding my shock when the roll didn't try to eat me back or do something equally frightening. In my third year Malfoy cursed a pumpkin to chase me around for Halloween, seeming to take great joy in watching me scream every time the enchanted teeth tried to gobble me up. Even Riddle had cracked a smile, only losing it when Malfoy was given detention for that evening. That result was blamed on me, Riddle cursing me with some terrible stomach pain which meant I missed the evenings feast as well.
At the Teachers table voices were raised, most of the hall turned to watch, myself included.
Professor Catti was almost violently shaking what must be the diamond tether in his hand, gesturing in all directions as he spoke with Headmaster Dippit. A Headmaster who seemed to be barely paying attention, only nodding occasionally to make it appear he cared.
Finally Professor Catti took his seat after not receiving permission to do something from the Headmaster, probably capture another Unicorn. I smiled inwardly at this win, knowing he had little chance of finding another.
I piled potatoes onto my plate, some of the Hufflepuff girls snickered at me, imitating me by puffing up their cheeks. I ignored them; long ago accepting that when not starved I would always have a curvy body that required more food than most.
I could feel somebody watching me more intently then was normal; I risked a glance at the Slytherin table. As per usual many of them were looking at me, only this time in all the males eyes there was an almost curious glint, whereas EVERY female was glaring at me with hatred usually reserved for their times of the month. But those weren't the eyes that burned the most; Riddle and Malfoy were watching me intently.
It was the interest in their eyes that scared me the most, I knew in that moment that I would have to discover exactly what they had been talking about before Riddle found out and forced me to do his bidding.
Determined, I stood, startling a few who had been forced to sit near me as the Hall filled. Grabbing an apple I stormed out of the room. Quicker than I had ever bothered to before I practically ran towards the library, somehow feeling who would be following me soon. I just rounded the corner to the library door when I heard footsteps behind me, slipping inside I was greeted by Madam Flippard.
"No dinner tonight?" She was always suspicious of anybody who was here when they didn't have to.
"Have to get some work done, Care of Magical Creatures." I replied, hopping nervously from foot to foot and hoping she wouldn't force me out of the room.
She smiled though and for a second I could see what she might have been like, had being a librarian apparently require a stern disposition. "Always good to see a student getting a head start. Ah, Mr Malfoy must be Miss Zima's group partner."
I froze, finally noticing the heat radiating from behind me. Fingers curled around my neck, softer than anything I had felt before. But then it made sense that Malfoy had soft hands. That was generally what happened when one had everything given to them and done for them.
"Yes, we thought it best to get our homework done early. Head start and all that," he must have flashed an extra charming smile, because Madam Flippard smiled even more.
"Well enjoy your evening, Mr Malfoy, do tell your mother I say hello." The Librarian nodded her head at us, and walked out the door.
Ignoring Malfoy, I stormed over towards my favourite section. Deciding that if I were to figure out what I was, it would probably be in this section. I knew I was followed over there, but didn't care to acknowledge the arrogant snake.
Fingers tracing over the books, I selected several I hadn't read before. With 'Mystical Beasts and their Ancestors', 'What Creature is it?' and a rather strange one 'Beasts and their Mates', I sat down on the window sill, the cushions softening my angry movements. To my chagrin Malfoy sat down next to me, his thigh alongside mine. Determined to pretend he wasn't there, even though he might curse me at any moment, I opened the first book 'Mythical Beasts and their Ancestors'.
"You won't find anything in there, "teased Malfoy, snatching the book from my hands and tossing it perfectly onto a nearby table.
Clenching my teeth, I grabbed the next one and opened it. Skimming over a few passages in 'What Creature is it', it had little on humanoid beasts though and seemed to mainly focus on Nymphs and Mermaids when it did.
"Not that one either," the devil next to me flung that one away as well, leaving me with only one choice.
I touched the leather bound cover carefully; it was a much older volume than the rest. The leather front depicted a woman being mounted by a Minotaur; her face was covered by a vine so it was impossible to see her expression.
"Did you know that every mythical creature has its own mate?" Queried Malfoy, settling back on the comfy seat. Apparently he was willing to let me read this one. "Some people believe that wizards and witches also have 'mates', an interesting concept but only ever proven if said witch or wizard has some sort of mystical ancestor."
I opened the first page, only partially listening to my tormentor. The image of the Maiden and the Minotaur appeared again, only this time her face was uncovered and seemed to be rapturous in its joy. Blushing, I turned the page and tried to concentrate on the writing, but my 'partner' kept talking.
"It's a rather unfair life a Minotaur lives. Cursed by some 'god' to be forever alone and undesirable." Next to me, he flicked his hair back from clear blue eyes; one thing was certain, Malfoy would never be alone. "They were once wizards, turned into foul beasts so as they cannot bed or mate with another willing female again. But they used their hideous visage to their advantage, convincing Muggles that they were themselves gods or demons, ones who demanded sacrifice." I had stopped trying to read the book, watching Malfoy speak though the corner of my eyes. "So, of course, the small minded Muggles gave them sacrifices of food and wealth. But that wasn't enough, because even beasts have desires." He met my gaze, "they demanded virgin sacrifices."
"W—what did the Muggles do?" I could already sense the horrible answer.
"They gave them. Young females, old females, it didn't really matter so long as they were virgins." Eyes hooded, Malfoy shifted closer, I hardly noticed. "Soon though, the Minotaur's got tired of simply being handed their prey, so they used what little magic they had to create great mazes, the centre of which was their home. And they told the sacrifices that if they could make it to the other side without being caught, then they were free to go."
"Nobody got to the other side, did they?" I whispered, knowing that I looked both horrified and entranced. Malfoy's voice was deep and smooth; my eyes were becoming drowsy despite my efforts.
He smiled, perfect teeth set in a cold face. "No, the Minotaur's took them all, keeping harems of great size."
Now I was confused… "They didn't kill them?"
"Why kill something that can still bring you pleasure or entertainment?" Malfoy tilted his head, staring far too much at me for me to be comfortable.
"Oh," hands shaking I turned the page and kept studying it. Next to me Malfoy picked up one of the tossed away books, thumbing through it slowly. "Why did you follow me?" It was too hard to concentrate when I kept expecting a curse to fly at my face.
"You know the answer to that," he gave me a patronizing smile.
Hands shaking slightly, I laid the book on the table in front of me. "Riddle doesn't want me to find out what I am before he does?" I rushed to add, "Even though I am a witch, despite what you both believe."
Tapping his nose, Malfoy placed his book down as well. "That and he is furious that you released that unicorn and wanted me to keep an eye on you until he has finished Head duties and can properly… reprimand you."
I glanced at the door, relieved to see it was still clear of people and I might be able to slip out if I could disarm the man next to me. Said man let out a sigh and slipped his hand into my robes pocket, grabbing my wand and slipping it into his own pocket before I could stop him.
"Give that back," frightened I made to grab it. Malfoy caught my wrists in one hand, holding them together and pulling me closer. I was now half leaning over the aristocrat; grabbing the curtains that would hide us from sight, he pulled them shut.
"Silencio," my words were sucked back into me before I could even properly scream. Looking far too amused, Malfoy brushed my wild hair away from my face. I tried to bite him, missing by mere inches. Laughing he snapped his hand back, "my, what a wild Mudblood you are." He gipped my chin hard, leaving instant marks. "Nott was correct; you have forgotten your place."
Face flushing red in fury; I slammed my head as hard as possible into his stomach. Letting out a huff of air, Malfoy lost his grip on me. Scrambling up I kicked him in the shin before darting out from the curtains, and practically bolted towards the door, hearing muffled curses behind me.
"No running in the lib—" missing the rest of Madam Flippard's warning, I darted around the door.
Like clockwork Riddle walked around the corner just as I fell out of the library door, we stood frozen staring at each other for a moment, then both moved. Riddle to get his wand, and me to run in the other direction. A blue curse flew past my head just as I reached the corner, it smashed into the wall, leaving a deep grove behind.
Where my feet carried me my mind didn't know, all I knew was to escape Riddle and I didn't have enough time to think about where to hide considering he was blocking the way to the Hufflepuff common rooms. The halls empty because of dinner time, I didn't have to worry about bumping into anyone. But then again I wouldn't need to run if people were around, the Head Boy wouldn't risk his reputation cursing me if somebody witnessed it and reported him. Running footsteps came from behind me; Malfoy must have recovered from his injuries.
About to turn another corner and pray somebody was there, a door appeared on the wall next to me. Skidding to a halt, I risked a glance behind me. Both men were rounding the corner; my eyes met Riddle's just as I opened the door and darted inside. He looked angrier than I had ever seen.
Slamming the door I waited with my body pressed against it for them to try and push it down, but nothing happened. Hesitantly I released it, and again nobody stormed through or blew it off the hinges. The door creaked open when I dared test it, I was shocked to see that instead of being on the first floor I was now on the third. A quick glance behind me confirmed that the room was just a simple broom closet, neater than average yes, but not in any way special looking.
Thank you Hogwarts!
The Castle truly was a blessing. I only had to walk a few steps to reach the Hufflepuff common room entrance, the portrait of Helga Hufflepuff smiled down at me.
"Password dear?" asked Helga.
Panting a little, I blurted out "friendship," apparently Malfoy's curse had worn off.
She smiled brightly, instantly making me smile in return. "Have a nice night dear," she swung open.
Most people assumed that the Hufflepuff common room was all yellow and black, that wasn't true. Sure the carpets were in an oriental pattern using those colours; but we have giant brown couches, chairs and desks to do homework on or socialize. At the moment there were only a few Hufflepuffs in the room, the second they saw me they immediately threw their bags onto the chairs next to them. Ignoring the hurt in my stomach, I trudged up the stairs to my room. I wasn't surprised to see that the room had already been split into two sections, the section of the popular girls who only spoke to me when they wanted to know something and the section of the 'losers' AKA Jenny and myself.
Emma Abbot glared at me from her bed, before turning away and continuing to file her nails. Jessica and Isabelle were slightly kinder, giving me small smiles before closing their curtains.
"Tony!" Jenny practically jumped out of her bed, "Where have you been?"
Giving her a sad smile, I allowed myself to be dragged onto her bed. Before I had to ask her Jenny closed her curtains and cast 'Silencio', giving us some privacy.
"Riddle and Malfoy decided it would be fun to torture me more, apparently they have gotten even better at mind games." I flopped down onto her pillows, Jenny stayed seated and seething.
"Those slimy bastards, you know they have managed to pair you with them in all of your classes! Stuck me with that rotten Nott in most of mine too," her fists clenched "what are they playing at?"
My stomach plummeted, every class? "I only knew about Potions, Magical Creatures and Herbology... How did he manage to get us paired in every joint class!?"
She gave me a sad look, "Riddle convinced Headmaster Dippit that Hufflepuff and Slytherin relations are causing too many disputes and fights." I already knew this, "and then he pointed out, like with Catti, that he as 'Head Boy' knew which relationships needed the most work."
"I—I thought I would only have to endure working with them in a few of our classes, but every class." I must have looked desperate; Jenny grabbed my hands and pulled me up.
"You listen up, Zima. You have endured far worse than a few boys and their mind games, what did they tell you anyway?"
I contemplated not telling her, but then two heads were better than one. "Riddle doesn't think I am a Witch," she made to scoff but I cut her off, "no, listen. I hate to say it but a lot of what he says makes sense, I mean I can't even do simple spells, but I can charm animals and grow just about anything faster than it should be able to grow…"
"Don't be stupid, Tony. Do you think Dumbledore would have given you a scholarship if he thought you weren't a Witch?"
I had considered this, "What if this 'other side' of me, is just more powerful than the Witch side?"
"Do you have any history of magic in the family?" I looked guiltily to the side, "Tony?"
"My Grand'Mere used to be able to make things happen…" I remembered back, "Whenever the weather got bad or we couldn't afford to eat, she would leave and come back with a basketful of fruits and vegetables. It was only after the Gestapo put us into that barren camp, that she lost the strength to help us anymore."
Jenny gripped my hand, hearing the wavering in my voice. "So, do you suppose she was a Witch?" she looked excited for a moment, "do you think you might not be a Muggleborn?! If you're not, then Riddle and Malfoy's insults mean nothing, not that they don't already mean less than what comes out of a dogs bottom."
"I don't think she was a witch, I think she was something… else."
"What then?"
"I don't know, but I know animals used to love her and people brought their pets for her to heal. I always assumed it was just herbs and luck that helped us and those animals, but with what Riddle is saying I can't help wonder—"
She finished, "if you are the same as her."
"Exactly, can you help me find out? I mean, we will have to look separately, Riddle won't keep quiet about Francesca if he sees you investigating with me."
Jenny's eyes hardened, "That bastard won't even know I'm around…Why do you want to know so badly, you always seemed content with the knowledge you were just a horrible Witch." She didn't mean it as an insult, or a joke, it was simply a fact.
"If Riddle finds out before I do, and figures out if I am useful to him, then I don't even want to think about what he will do to force me to work for him." My mind was whirling fast, "But if I find out first, then I can hide anything in my nature that might alert him to the truth."
My best friend smiled, and for a second I was looking at Jeremy. My heart hurt for a moment, I missed him more than I thought possible.
"Don't worry, we'll find it out."
Jenny and I both giggled; actually a little excited at the idea I was something more than human, something that wasn't useless.
