WARNING sexual content towards the end. Underage & dub-con. It ins't a proper lemon or meant to be smut in the way most smut is written. It should make you a little uncomfortable.
Chapter 12 - Bête Noire
The hour was late and the town of Oldham stood frozen in time. Snow had just begun to fall there in the north of England making the night all the more unclear. And in the dim orange glow of the streets lights stood a solitary cloaked witch. Her mouth was taut in an expression of discomfort and hesitation.
Despite the many muggle settlements in the area the witch was certain she had found the right place. She stared at the rows of semi-detached houses stacked together like the red bricks they were built from. Faint as it was, only one of the home possessed a magical aura. And yet for all her certainty the witch was sure she would not be welcome inside the house she faced.
With a deep indecisive breath she walked up the the path and knocked twice on the frosted glass door. After a moment she could hear some movement inside, the opening and closing of an interior door and the approach of one of the residents.
The door swung open, revealing a man with thick glasses, light brown hair and a moustache; just as barrel chested as she remembered.
"You." He said in gruff surprise, one eyebrow twitching slightly.
"Edward." The witch greeted as politely as she could with a thin smile.
"Never thought I'd see you here. Better come in out of the cold." The man said as he turned his back on her, leaving the door open so she could follow.
The witch did so. With one last glance to be sure she hadn't been followed, she shut the door behind her.
"Who is it Ted?" A female voice was carried through the open double doors of the living room and into the kitchen the witch now found herself in.
With keen eyes the witch could see there were very few instruments of magic that were common in most wizarding homes. Only the photographs on the walls moved. They showed a woman with long dark curly hair and heavy eyelids, her husband thinner and younger, and a young girl with lurid pink hair. She watched in astonishment as the young girl's hair colour switched to a baby blue with a mischievous grin.
"You're going to want to come in here Dromeda." He said loudly, leaning back against the kitchen table.
There was the sound of a gasp as red liquid pooled on the wooden floor. "Cissa?" Andromeda Tonks stood in shock from the doorway, the wine glass by her side was barely hanging between her fingers.
Narcissa Malfoy lowered her hood. "Sister."
"You haven't called me that in twenty two years." Andromeda still hadn't moved.
"Twenty two years ago I was still in school. You are the one who decided to run away and get married." Narcissa said with a pointed look at Ted.
"I'll leave you two to it." Ted Tonks backed out of the doorway slowly. His wife nodded in agreement.
"You could have written. No one was stopping you."
"Not with how controlling mother and aunt Walburga became after you left." Narcissa's replied frostily.
"And why now? Why come after all this time?" Andromeda took out her wand and with a quick wave cleared the spilt wine from the floor.
Narcissa scowled. "My son is in a death game." It was an understandable question, one where the answer only seemed simple. "Lucius has not been able to find out anything, he has done everything in his power but we still know no more than we did over a month ago. If he continues to fail without result... I have no one else I can turn to Andi, I don't know who I can trust." She looked her sister dead in the eye.
Andromeda sighed. "Does your husband know you are even here?"
"No." She pursed her lips.
"So, Crouch has been stonewalling your every attempt to have someone from the DMLE investigate the matter?" Andromeda summarised. She tapped her finger on the side of her empty glass.
"He is refusing any interference and for once Fudge has been agreeing with him, despite Lucius' behest. To do otherwise would be to admit something went very wrong. Crouch is only trying to protect what is left of his reputation. Although… his behaviour has certainly been very odd in the ministry lately." Narcissa commented.
"This incident has come down on him hard no doubt; vultures will already be circling his position as department head. He won't last much longer." The dark haired witch tried to reassure her sibling.
"Crouch is the least of my problems sister, a warrant for an investigation isn't why I am here. Severus and Alastor Moody have already examined the goblet. While I dislike taking Dumbledore's word for it, it appears a powerful confundus charm was used. By whom is another matter though. Severus reassured me that the perpetrator will reveal himself eventually."
"And Severus is a dear family friend now isn't he?" Andromeda shook her head in disappointment.
Narcissa ignored the insinuation. "That is not why I am here Andi. I need to find Sirius."
Andromeda froze, her heavy lidded eyes turned wild in alarm.
"And what makes you think I would know where he is hiding?" She turned to her sister with a sharp gaze.
"You were his favourite in the end."
"I wonder why that is? You were nothing but cruel to him in the end." She replied dryly, unable to even mention Bella's name and her part in their childhood.
"Please Andi, don't." Narcissa averted her gaze unable to look her in the eye.
"After he broke out do you not think the aurors already came knocking on my door to question me? Scrimgeour threatened put my daughter's academy training on hold if we didn't co-operate. Amelia herself showed up, it is fortunate she and I are good friends. I know nothing of where he is hiding sister. I am just glad he hasn't been caught." She said keeping her temper.
"As am I."
Andromeda didn't look convinced. "Really? I would have thought you were secretly glad when he was sent to Azkaban."
"Of course I wasn't!" The younger witch glared with her fierce blue eyes. "He was family, I still loved him and after poor Reggie died..."
"Regulus got himself killed. Wasn't that a wake up call enough for you?" Andromeda raised her voice.
Narcissa looked like she had been slapped in the face. When she learnt it she began to have doubts, but Lucius and his silver tongue calmed her. But that did nothing to others of the Black household growing disillusioned with the Dark Lord.
"I may have believed but I was still trapped. You cannot imagine what I felt during those last years, carrying Draco, our family torn in two."
Andromeda had to remind herself that Narcissa wasn't as soft as she let herself appear. She recognised Narcissa's hand behind Lucius' rise on the political ladder, they both flourished in the uncertain climate left by the war. "Why are you looking for Sirius, Cissa? What are you planning to do should you find him?"
"I knew he was innocent of betraying the Potters all this time, Andi. But recently I've learnt that Peter Pettigrew is still alive. I want justice for our cousin." Narcissa said clearly looking into Andromeda's eyes.
"Where did you hear this sister?" The dark haired witch asked calmly. Andromeda always had her doubts, just before the Potter's murder she had been in frequent contact with Sirius. They were the only real family they had left. She remembered his joy and excitement when he told he was going to be the boy's godfather, Sirius had never been so happy. She had always held a grudge against Barty Crouch since.
If Narcissa was honest she had enjoyed watching Lucius push Crouch of control over the following years as he built Fudge up from nothing.
Now the he is throwing tantrums like a child and being as stubborn as a mule. The minister has forgotten his place. She thought sourly.
"When Draco was selected as champion with Potter, I told him the best thing he could do for the time being was to stay close to him. To shadow him, to learn what he could and make best use of whatever protection Dumbledore would afford them both."
"Don't sugar coat Cissa. You told him to spy on the boy." Andromeda folded her arms with a cold look.
Narcissa didn't deny it nor did she bat an eye. "You are aware of the several break-ins that occurred at Hogwarts last year?"
A dark eyebrow rose as Andromeda set the empty glass aside."Yes, I heard about them."
"I believe Sirius manage to contact Potter and proved his innocence. From the way Severus avoided the subject when I spoke to him during the first task… I know now that Pettigrew was the rat in Dumbledore's forces. If we can prove it Andi-"
"Narcissa, what are you plans?" Andromeda cut her off.
Narcissa was unlike both her sisters. She was not wild like Bella or defiant and righteous like Andromeda. Instead the youngest sister was always the perfect picture of a dutiful daughter and when she married she became the dutiful wife and loving mother as she had been trained to be. All the while beneath the beauty was the calculating political mastermind behind the man she was forced to marry.
Andromeda rolled her tongue as she waited for an answer that never came.
With the recent deaths of their Aunt Lucretia and Lord Arcturus the family patriarch, the black family fortune and all its holdings were now in control of their venomous mother Druella. Until Draco came of age that was.
Even though Andromeda had turned her back on the family and vice versa, even she could see why that could be a problem for many. Druella was still a firm supporter of the purist movement, along with the wives of the Notts and her maternal family the Rosiers.
But if Sirius was acquitted he'd rightfully assume lordship and control of the house of Black, unless he died and Arcturus' last will and testament could finally be opened, and who knew what was sealed in those documents.
Bringing Sirius into the light was not a move Andromeda could have ever imagined Narcissa taking if it meant there was less for her son. Meaning there was something afoot in the Malfoy house that had Narcissa seeking their cousin. Something Narcissa was playing close to her chest if her silence was to be her only answer.
Andromeda sighed in defeat. "Remus Lupin. The werewolf, you know he was best friends with Sirius and James. I hear that he has gone underground with others of his kind, more likely somewhere close to Sirius - that is if he is even in the country. I think you better leave this one to me, Cissa. Neither are likely to trust you as far as they could curse you."
"Thank you Andi. I should be leaving, Lucius will wonder why I have been gone so long already." Narcissa stood up. "My niece, what is her name?"
"Nymphadora, though she hates it." Andromeda said fondly.
"You can be so mean Andi." She smiled. "Thank you."
"Cissa... visit again if you can. I have missed you, you know. You can meet my daughter yourself then, she is a remarkable witch." The older sister returned the smile.
"I am sure she is." Narcissa said with the curl of her lip and with that she disappeared out of the door.
Andromeda's smile lingered still as she heard the soft pop of apparition outside. She turned from the door to look at the front page of the two week old issue of the Daily Prophet still sitting on the table. Pictured on front was Harry Potter stood seemingly so small and insignificant in front of the the great white dragon he had reportedly faced.
Dark Horse or Dark Lord?
It has been another revolutionary week for Britain and for the image of one our most celebrated national treasures to the world. However despite the incredible win for Hogwarts during the first task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament it has come to the attention of this reporter that very little is still known about the resident orphaned hero, Harry Potter aged fourteen. Even after our interview not even a month ago much about him is still shrouded in mystery. Like where has he been for the ten years before he showed up on the steps of Hogwarts for the first time? But do not fear dear readers, I fully intend to get to the find the truth about the tragedy of Harry Potter.
While the fresh faced Champions of Gryffindor and Slytherin flew through the first task with an incredible display of aviation and teamwork, Harry even going as far as saving his fellow champion and classmate Draco Malfoy, also aged fourteen, from the very jaws of death. One could not already help but think there is more to this wizard than one would think at first glance. Underneath a his unruly black hair and hiding behind unearthly green eyes is a deeply troubled child steeped in his own self importance. Speaking with some of his Professors and peers has shed some much needed light on his time at Hogwarts, where it appears his rebellious and anti-social behaviour is much worse than this reporter had been led to believe.
So just what has Albus Dumbledore been hiding from us about Gryffindor's disobedient champion? As seen by many during the first task on November 24th, it appears there is much that has been kept from us. Namely that Harry Potter is none other than a Parselmouth, a dark gift he shares with the deceased He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. This is a fact readers, verified by Hogwarts students and teachers alike. For those who are not aware, Parseltongue is the hereditary ability to talk to snakes, and has long been a calling card for practitioners of the Dark Arts around the world. Armed with this Potter then went on to face his dragon head on and used this dark power to subdue the beast - walking through the rest of the task with unnatural ease. Both impressive and terrifying when you consider this is a feat not even You-Know-Who had been able to achieve. And as the only known Parselmouths of our age it brings to question what relation they must have to one another.
Is this a sign of a future terror to rival that of the last Dark Lord? The circumstances surrounding Harry's survival that fateful night on Halloween in 1981 are still clandestine as best. A mere child destroying one of the greatest wizards of our time? Could Harry Potter possess powers greater and more horrifying than that of the very wizard who murdered his parents?
Full story continued on page 2
"So you told him?" Hermione asked in a hushed whisper after hearing Harry's recount of his detention with the headmaster the night before.
Their conversation took place at the back of the transfiguration classroom, both having already copied the homework down from the blackboard and succeeded in their cross-species switching spells. Their guinea fowls were now guinea pigs sitting on the desk in front of them.
Minus a few minor details, Harry had updated her on just about everything from meeting Daphne to freeing Lilith with Dumbledore's help.
"Yeah I told him, he wants me to record them as best I can when they happen." Harry muttered as he thought of the mysterious third man. The more he was unable to put a face to the stranger the more it frustrated him, like a bone that just wouldn't crack.
"Good. That's good." Hermione hummed though she was disappointed the Headmaster didn't have a reason or theory for why Harry's dreams were happening. Or why he wasn't sharing it if he had.
"Weasley will you pay attention?" Professor McGonagall's voice cut across the classroom, making Ron's head snap up in alarm.
"Now that Mr Weasley has woken himself up," Their head of house sent him an angry look. "I have something to say to you all. The Yule Ball is approaching - a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament and an opportunity for us to socialize with our foreign guests. Now, the ball will be open only to fourth years and above - although you may invite a younger student if you wish -"
Lavender began to giggle and Parvari turned to look at Harry, as did Padma causing Lisa Turpin to turn pink.
Harry's stomach began to feel uneasy.
"Dress robes will be worn," Their head of house continued, ignoring all their reactions. "and the ball will start at eight o'clock on Christmas Day, finishing at midnight in the Great Hall. Now then -" She looked around at them all sternly. "The Yule Ball is of course a chance for us to let our hair down." She said with reproach. More snickers erupted around the classroom. Harry couldn't help a grin; he could see the irony of McGonagall saying this with her tight bun sitting atop her head.
"But that does NOT mean that we will be relaxing the standard of behaviour we expect from Hogwarts students." She went on, "I will be most seriously displeased if a Gryffindor student embarrasses the school in any way." Her eyes flashed dangerously as they fell on Seamus and then Ron.
Finally the bell rang, everyone made to gather their bags with the usual loud clatter of chairs scraping against the floor in the rush to leave for lunch.
"Potter - a word, if you please." Professor McGonagall raised her voice above the noise.
Harry gave a shrug but waited for the room to empty and proceeded to her desk.
"Potter, you should know the champions and their partners -"
Harry could feel his stomach plummeting. "Oh no."
"Yes Potter, dance partners."
"Please, just - no." pleaded Harry.
"Traditionally the Champions and their partners open the ball."
"Professor I hate to be the one to break it to you - but I don't dance. I genuinely don't even know how, the ball is much better off without me."
"I suggest you learn quickly. You are a Hogwarts champion, and you will do what is expected of you as a representative of this school. It is non negotiable so make sure to ask someone to the ball. You will look extremely foolish should you try to dance by yourself."
"Fine, I'll see what I can do Professor... And thanks again for all your help last week." Harry said over his shoulder as he hurried out of the door.
As he stepped into the corridor students visibly jumped back upon seeing him. Since Harry and Draco went from being the tournament's underdogs to front runners, to say their reception been mixed would be an understatement.
They had firmly held onto the image of 'those who do not conform to the approved standards of behavior' - as Hermione put it. There were many who were convinced Harry was getting into some serious dark arts. The silver lining in that being that those foolish enough to believe it steered clear of him. Overall it was an even split down the school, causing many arguments and disagreements between students of all houses.
Harry considered it as just one more annoyance. Much like the strings of titles he had been given since the task, dragon whisperer was used most commonly by the Puffs, the Claws and the foreign students. The Slytherins on the other hand were calling him the Black Lion of Gryffindor. In retaliation the more stubborn lions themselves had dubbed him the True Heir of Slytherin. Meaning Harry was both desirable and hated in accordance to the personal views of either factions.
And the rift was noticeable, making Hogwarts more divided than ever, much to the confusion of those from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons.
Stupid tournament, stupid school, stupid traditions. Harry thought as an image of Lisa Turpin smiling and winking at him ran through his head. Stupid parselmouth.
As he reached the grand staircase he spotted Hermione stood waiting for him with a knowing smile. "Thinking about who you are going to ask already?" She teased.
He realised the pained look he was wearing likely a dead giveaway.
"Looks like I don't really have much choice in the matter, again." Harry clicked his tongue.
"Don't worry, you have plenty of time and I am sure you won't have a problem finding anyone to go with." Hermione reassured him as they walked.
"I don't want to ask just anyone... I think I'll just pick someone entertaining enough to keep me in a good mood all night," he said with a wink.
"Why not ask Greengrass, I'd imagine she'd be your first choice at this point."
"True, but our friendship is supposed to be under wraps still. I'm fairly sure showing up with her would ruin that and cause a lot of problems for her. You girls have it so easy you just have to wait until someone asks you."
"Girls can ask boys too." Hermione replied making Harry snort. "Do I need to remind you I was put in gryffindor for a reason?" She warned dangerously.
"Definitely not, no, sorry." Harry chuckled.
When they arrived at the entrance hall Harry had never seen so many students signing up to stay at Hogwarts over the holidays, it seemed now everyone in fourth year above had put their name down.
They're all obsessed. Harry thought, after he too signed at the bottom of the list just as he always did.
"You won't find her on there you know." A musical voice said from behind him. Tracey Davis leaned in under him and jotted her name in an untidy scrawl much like his own.
Harry gave her a confused stare, while avoiding asking the obvious question.
"Daphne was taken out of school last night." The witch informed him.
"A week before end of term?" He turned in surprise.
"She's not well - it was quite sudden so can't really be helped." She said sadly.
Harry's brow furrowed. "It's so bad she wasn't even taken to the hospital wing? She seemed fine with me last night."
"Not quite that serious, she fainted, don't know why. Her father just wants to have her looked after by private healers, best in the world etcetera. She would likely have wanted me to apologise on her behalf for any inconvenience." Tracey shrugged "So, may I join you for lunch?" she then asked brightly.
"It's an open table you don't have to ask." Harry said, his head still warped in confusion and concern.
"Thanks, I don't particularly feel like being ridiculed as I eat today."
Hermione cast her gaze curiously as they entered the great hall towards their table. "Why would you be ridiculed?"
"My atrocious table manners and the unanimous opinion that I don't act like a slytherin 'should', whatever that means. I think I am very Slytherin like." She said with an air of loftiness.
Harry listened, "I fail to see how that's bad thing?" only now able to pick up on the slight inflection of an American accent in Tracey's voice.
"It's hard for a half-blood to get any respect unless you are nose deep in dark arts or genius smart. So when it comes to me a lot of them can get quite unpleasant."
"And it's only a problem when Daphne isn't here?" Hermione asked sympathetically.
"Well anyone who knows who Daphne is knows not to cross her, but as it is right now I'm fair game unfortunately."
"And what is it about Daphne exactly that makes all the big bad Slytherins stay away?"
"You don't know?" Tracey turned to him with a smirk, holding her hands behind her back. "Well I won't spoil the surprise. You're just going to have to ask her when she is better."
Harry ignored her inference."Don't you have other friends who'd stick up for you?"
"Maybe, but why not avoid the trouble in the first place? I suppose that's actually something of an impossible task for someone like you, trouble seems follow you like a lost puppy. Then there's also the fact they might get singled out... Anyway my point is the bitches on that table may want to humble me a bit - no thank you." Tracey was still smiling wickedly as they sat down on at the fifth table.
"Who is this cute little snake?" Oliver asked immediately upon noticing their arrival.
"Ignore him. Everyone this is Tracey." Harry introduced her to the table. "Tracey, this is everyone."
"Shh Harry, we're observing." Fred grinned.
"Oh observing what exactly?"
"Seamus and Lavender." George answered in a hushed voice.
"Ah. You can tell he's already asked her to the ball by looking at her." Harry shook his head, Lavender was in tears of joy and clinging to Seamus' arm excitedly. "You wait she'll be talking about it all night in the common room."
"And in the dormitory." Hermione sighed heavily with a half smile making Harry chuckle.
"Unlucky Mione" Harry grinned back at her.
"Least Seamus got in early. He's really shown his Gryffindor colours this year hasn't he? Aren't we proud George?" Fred winked at his twin.
"Absolutely brother of mine. So, thought about who you are going to take yet oh mighty champion?" George continued without missing a beat.
"Not really. I am sure someone will come along though, you?" Harry grabbed a pulled pork sandwich and bit into it.
"A gentleman doesn't tell Harrykins." Fred winked.
Tracey snorted into her bowl of soup. Harry looked back to the twins and shook his head. "Then why are you asking me? I'm twice the gentleman than you two put together."
"Because the sooner everyone knows you aren't available, the more options there are for rest of us." Oliver answered.
"You overestimate the public opinion." He countered with a false smile.
"Please, girls will be clambering over each other in hopes you'll ask one of them." He fired back his trademark grin.
"Don't worry Oli. Snake charmer or not, I'm sure Harry isn't planning on asking Selwyn anytime soon." Sophie elbowed him in the ribs.
"Oh! You're the one who invited the Slytherins to the afterparty!" Tracey said suddenly with great interest, her gaze tearing from Harry and towards the Ravenclaw chaser. "You have a thing for the head girl? Or just red heads in general?" Her eyes were shining bright and a sinful grin spread across her lips.
Oliver suddenly felt very, very afraid of the witch. "You. Don't you say anything to her - I've only just got her to notice me."
"Oh no, of course not." She crooned insincerely. "But if you want I could arrange a good word put in for you."
Her silky tone was more threatening than her offer and Oliver, who was usually quiet smooth, choked on his pumpkin juice.
"Do you really think you should be meddling in strangers love lives?" Sophie asked pointedly as she patted Oliver's back.
Tracey blinked once and smiled again. "Is it really meddling when the case is close to hopeless? I know Stephanie, believe me it's charity."
"And none of your business." Sophie said, chastising the slytherin girl.
"Mm touchy. Could you perhaps be the best friend, hopelessly in love, waiting for him to finally notice you?"
Sophie turned a violent shade of pink. "That is absurd. Oli and I are-"
"Are just friends, we've all heard that one before." Tracey giggled manically. "Relax I'm only playing, that face you just made is positively adorable." She winked at Sophie who was now just as pink in the ears as Oliver.
"I zink zat ees enough from you," Fleur lightly reprimanded the younger witch from across the table.
"You win, I'll try to behave." Tracey sighed, clearly not meaning her words.
"Per'aps someone should teach you some manners no?"
"Fleur Delacour, you can teach me anything you like." Tracey bared her teeth with a predatory grin.
A look of shock and a blush spread across Fleur's face. Harry couldn't help but laugh as he clocked the horror on Hermione's face.
"Remember I only said I'd try." Tracey managed to say before Fleur could open her mouth again.
Recognising the same quickness of the tongue, even if their personalities were vastly different, Harry decided it was about time he intervened before anything took a turn for the worse for the Slytherin girl or anyone else. "You know Davis, I'm impressed, I don't think I've met anyone quite like you before."
"You bet," Tracey laughed. "And you know Potter, if your princess charming doesn't show up you can take me to the ball if you like. Unless you want Turpin to carry on thinking you're going to ask her. She is very certain of that. I still can't believe you asked her to show you her underwear, too shameless. I almost died when I heard."
"Harry you didn't!" Hermione exclaimed with a look of serious disappointment.
Harry's eyes widened and mouth hung open, unable to speak in his defence.
"So not only are you an aspiring evil wizard but a sexual deviant, nice one Harry!" Oliver laughed heartily, momentarily forgetting Tracey's transgressions against him.
"It wasn't like I was being serious... We were in a broom closet so it wouldn't be like I could see much and I was just trying to shake her off as quick as I could - believe me if i was going to get girls naked I'd choose somewhere with appropriate lighting."
Yeah that and I fucking hate enclosed spaces. Harry thought as he fought a shudder.
"Well that backfired, so you have a choice. Yes or no Harry Potter?" Tracey grinned.
Harry looked around at the others. "When you put it like that, I might just have to take you up on that offer."
"See? Not so hard was it?" Tracey winked.
"What getting a date?" But Harry couldn't be sure if she was being serious or not.
"Seeing as you're sat here I can't imagine you'll get many offers. Nice job on backing him into a corner." Sophie smirked.
"What are you talking about? Everyone who knows me loves me." Tracey looked at Sophie with false surprise.
"That's a very high opinion of yourself you have there." Oli snorted.
"Maybe you should take her up on the offer of a good word Oli, she doesn't seem so bad" Alistair said quietly.
"You really should Oli."
"I'll think about it." Oliver chewed on his tongue. "So, what gives on you being here in the first place anyway? I thought you Slytherin girls had the whole clique-hierarchy thing going on?"
"Me? Definitely not, I am just a step above the dirt on their shoes." She said cheerfully.
Harry tuned out of the flow of the conversation. He had no desire to listen to all that was wrong in the snake pit, Daphne had told him enough. Instead his thoughts turning to the fact she had gone home with such little warning.
In the strangest way it was almost relief, he had been telling himself they needed space. But at the same time he was also despondent with the way it had been so unexpected. He sighed heavily hoping it really was nothing serious, no one was ever sent home unless it was really bad.
At least she wasn't taken to St. Mungo's.
"A sickle for you thoughts 'Arry?" Fleur asked him with a kind smile, noticing his exasperated expression.
"Stupid dances and forced social situations. I'm not a fan of being paraded." Harry ran his hand through his hair as he overheard Tracey divulging the details about Pansy and Draco's break-up to Fred and George.
"It seems zis fiery witch knows exactly what she wants." Fleur said quietly with a small smile.
"She does. It isn't a far shout to say all Slytherins have an agenda. I doubt Tracey is much different." Harry whispered back.
She is a laugh though I'll give her that.
"-so now she thinks she isn't pretty enough along with a long list of other needless insecurities. She's been depressed and practically starving herself in Myrtle's bathroom since - the idiot." She finished grimly.
"What was that?" Harry asked unexpectedly as he tracked what was said.
"I was just telling them how Draco probably won't be taking Pansy to the ball since he dumped her. Did you not know they were together?"
That wasn't what Harry had meant; everyone had heard about the breakup which didn't come as surprise to Harry given Draco's situation. "Not that, the other bit."
"She's not been eating? Millie practically has to drag her out of bed in the morning, Daphne tried to talk her out of it last night, after your tutoring session we sort had a long talk but then Daphne fainted then all that happened... Pansy's being stubborn. She refused to get up on time earlier; she can cry all she wants for all I care."
"Shouldn't someone inform her 'ead of 'ouse, is zat not why zey are 'ere?" Fleur asked.
"Tell Professor Snape?" Even Hermione seem a little wary despite him being faculty.
"That won't work." Harry looked to the absent chair at the staff table. "Think about all the girls who have come through Slytherin since Snape has been here. The boyfriends, the hormones, the endless shit that goes on with everyone growing up normal anyway. Do you really think that old bat concerns himself with any of that? If you want to get involved and sort Parkinson out you need talk to our beloved head girl." He said.
"See, Potter understands how things work." Tracey had a ghost of a smile as the others shared a look of confusion.
"Why didn't Daphne go to her from the start?" Harry asked.
"Their relationship is... complicated - and you know what she can be like, thinks she can fix everything herself." Tracey answered with a noncommittal shrug.
Harry nodded and stood up. Without another word walked down the centre of the great hall and left, leaving more confusion in his wake.
"Does he do that often?" The slytherin witch pouted.
"Suddenly disappear? Yeah sometimes." Alistair said off offhandedly as if it was nothing.
"Most of ze time." Fleur corrected him with a small grin.
Tracey grew more curious. "I wonder what's bothering him so much, I mean - it's Parkinson."
"Should 'e not care?"
"Skeeta quoted her in the prophet's last article on the tournament, a hatchet job on Harry making him out to be the next dark lord." Hermione explained. "Parkinson gave her every bit of dirt on Harry that's been going around the rumour mill since he started school."
"It's been one of her nastiest smear pieces to date; Skeeta really does make her discredit campaigns an art form. But let's not forget Harry also hexed Parkinson's face not long ago for calling Granger here a chipmunk." Tracey pursed her lips. "Do you know where he stormed off to?" She directed her question at Hermione.
"No. Believe it or not but I'm not his keeper and if did know I still wouldn't tell." Hermione said as if it was obvious.
"Note taken."
"Tracey is right though, his reaction just now doesn't make much sense." Sophie said thoughtfully.
"Doesn't it? Do you really think you know him that well?" Hermione said rhetorically, challenging them.
"Harry can take anything people throw at him insults, accusations – all of it. That doesn't mean he likes to see people needlessly suffer." George nodded.
"But does zat extend to people 'e should rightfully 'ate?" Fleur quietly asked.
"I don't think he wants to eat her Fleur. That would just be weird." Fred winked making both the French witch roll her eyes.
"Now that's an image I didn't need." Tracey shuddered.
"You and I both." Hermione muttered. "I think I just lost my appetite." She said and politely excused herself.
When Hermione stepped out under the arches of the Entrance Hall she did not expect to spot Harry standing alone across the courtyard, she had to stare harder to be sure it was Harry. Then it occurred to her that he was just waiting for her to finish eating in peace.
He didn't turn to face her as she approached. The soft crunching of snow beneath her heels told him enough.
"Want to tell me what that was about?" she asked, her dark cheeks barely turning rosy and pink from the punishment of the cold biting wind.
"It was nothing." Harry replied still staring dead eyed across the lake, the forbidden forest standing bare as it lined the shore.
"It is okay to be concerned you know Harry, even if it is Parkinson you're allowed to care." Hermione could see snowflakes settling in his raven hair clearly.
"I'm with Tracey on this, Parkinson doesn't deserve a second thought from either of us Hermione. So watch me as continue unconcerned by her turmoil of getting dumped." He could sense she remained unconvinced or least a little disturbed by his objection. "What goes on between her and Draco and the rest of that house shouldn't concern us. It'll just never end otherwise."
"So is this about Daphne?" Hermione paused, unsure how to actually address the subject with him. "It's seems like there is still things she still hasn't told you."
"She's told me enough. It isn't like she knows everything about me either, she's my friend. I think..."
"Perhaps. So, I assume we'll be on need to know basis with them? Clearly she and Davis come in a two as much as we do." Hermione grinned despite herself.
"You think I should be more careful with how much I tell them about myself?"
"I do." She said. "I don't trust her just yet, I didn't think Daphne to be someone dubious or sinister… But her motivations are still unclear, she said she is helping you by proxy of helping Draco, but as far as we can tell she dislikes him as much as we do. Don't you find that a little strange? I still can't help but wonder if she'd have involved herself with us if it had just been your name that came out."
'My interest right now is in you, and I protect my interests.' Harry recalled Daphne's exact words.
"What are you saying? She had a hand in the Goblet that night?" He looked to Hermione, his muscles tensing.
"No… but something must be up if she scares even the older Slytherins." Hermione tilted her head, thinking back to her further observations of Daphne Greengrass and all the little information she had gleaned from Harry or overheard from Pavarti and Lavender.
Hermione, though she hadn't spent that much time with Daphne, could tell from the way Harry was drawn to her that was a connection between him and the witch - and not just about her knowing about the cloak and map. She wasn't jealous in the sense she wanted to share in that connection but it worried her. She hated unknowns but she loved Harry, so she could only accept it, trust him and ask the right questions to make sure he shared the same concerns.
"So what if she scares them? These days I frighten half the school… and I am just a regular ray of sunshine aren't I?" A devilish smile appeared on Harry's lips stretching into an amused grin.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Well at least you found a date a with someone interesting enough to entertain even you for an evening just like you wanted, almost in record time too."
"Mmm. I smell plotting and sense dire situations surrounding this ball… you wait and see." Harry said in a fake mystical voice.
"First things first though Harry, you're going to learn how to dance." The bushy hair and dark skinned girl teased him.
Harry groaned. "Thanks for putting things into perspective for me Mione."
When they turned around they could see Tracey practically skip out of the Great Hall to where Blaise Zabini and Theodore Nott stood waiting and watching them. She gave him and Hermione a broad smile as they disappeared from the archway.
"Maybe you're right about not trusting her." Harry said quietly. "Still, I look forward the the mess that will be the ball with her on my arm, I hope she enjoys making Draco squirm."
"And I'm sure you'll enjoy telling me all about it." Hermione laughed, "Come on, Transfiguration homework, if we head to the library now we can probably get a good start on it before Defence."
The Slytherin common room that lunch was mostly empty again, leaving Draco alone in the gloomy dungeon. He sat by the fireplace keeping himself from the cold, unaffected by the uncomfortable stone floor.
All was quiet save the violent game of exploding snap Crabbe and Goyle were playing in the corner. It was a strange situation he had found himself in, as though things had gone back to normal, yet he knew that was far from the case. Ever since the first task all he felt was a constant state of unease, a limbo in which he lived, trying for once to not draw attention to himself.
Instead he focused on his wand work. The young Malfoy had surrounded himself with the badges he had collected from the other Slytherins. Many were compliant enough now that they would do what he wanted without a word from the prefects or the head girl, while others demanded to know why before grudgingly relinquishing the inflammatory accessories.
He threw another finished badge into a box and listened carefully as he heard the passageways door slide open. Already he could hear Tracey Davis giggle as she talked before she inevitably spotted him.
"So this is where you've been hiding!" She said gleefully as she came to stand behind him along with Theodore and Blaise.
"There's no need to avoid her forever you know Draco." Blaise commented hopping onto a nearby sofa.
"I'm not avoiding her. I've been working."
"As you say, how are the new badges coming along?" Theodore took an armchair.
"Finished. Whoever made the first ones had no skill. Here, try seeing if you can change this in anyway." Draco tossed a badge at him.
The token had no mention of Draco and now read 'Potter Stinks' with his face coloured green. He couldn't say for sure what it was that prompted to take on such a task. Perhaps he was just holding onto something familiar, looking for some form of normality. That was all it was. He knew it was petty, but he never had a problem with petty before he thought and smiled despite himself.
Theodore snickered as the badge he tried to modify made sound of passing gas and changed to say 'Potter REALLY STINKS!'.
"I didn't realise you had a competence for charms Draco." Blaise noted with a laugh.
Draco ignored him. "Crabbe, Goyle take these and start handing them out, then you can go and eat."
The two large boys grudgingly got up from their corner. "Where should we go?" Crabbe's low bass of a voice rumbled.
"First floor boys bathroom corridor, where most of Hufflepuffs and Slytherins go after lunch." Draco commanded, not bothering to hide the fact he was bored.
Tracey's eyes positively glowed as the they lumbered out of the passageway, "And all is right in the world again." she declared dramatically and laughed "Right, I'm going for a nap, I'll see you boys in defence, yes?"
"Wait! So you're really not going to tell us anything about your time on the other table?" Blaise grabbed her arm and pulled her down on the sofa, practically onto his lap.
"Absolutely not Blaise." she playfully, slapping his shoulder "You know, I really consider myself as an ambassador to the other houses, or a liaison. Yes definitely a liaison. And so, I cannot divulge information on dates, gather dirt or any facts for either side. None what so ever." The witch closed her eyes and sealed her smiling lips.
"You're no fun today Tracey." He pouted with an attempt to stretch his arms out around her.
Tracey's cheeks flushed with pink as she slipped from his hold, springing to her feet. "Torrrii!" she squealed affectionately as she saw the raven haired girl leading a group of second year girls into the common room.
All of them were wearing the new badges Draco had just released pinned to their cloaks. With a nod the girl of short stature let her group of friends go ahead so she could approach the group of fourth years alone.
"Sit down." Astoria took a seat and crossed her legs, like a blue flame her eyes glared at the auburn witch.
Tracey's look of relief fell as sat herself back down opposite her in obedient silence.
"Talk, it is what you are best after all."
"That hurts me Tori!" Tracey frowned.
"Daphne wasn't due home until after the ball, I want to know what happened."
There was no mistaking the anger emanating from the young witch. Tracey gulped as she felt the threatening aura encompass her.
The witch knew things had gone unexpectedly awry, and Astoria was the one person in the house of snakes she could not hide that from.
"She fainted?" Tracey said with unease under the unyielding glare of youngest Greengrass.
Astoria composed herself. "So I've been told. I'd like to know the circumstances."
Tracey chewed her tongued and made an uncharacteristic face of annoyance. "Fine."
"Good evening." Daphne greeted tiredly as she entered the dorm room, slipping out of her cloak.
"Hello my lovely." Tracey beamed up at her friend from her bed, sheet music surrounding her. Daphne, already out of her shoes and tie, was unbuttoning her blouse and ignoring the appraising look Tracey was sending her way.
Millicent looked up from her game of wizard's chess with Sally. "Another productive evening coszying up to Potter?"
Daphne nodded. "Has she been like this since dinner?" She tilted her head towards Pansy who was laid facedown on her bed.
"Yep." Tracey replied, "The seniors announced the Yule Ball on behalf of Professor Snape when we returned to the common room, so... she's back to catatonic."
Pansy removed her face from where it was buried in her pillow in order to face Daphne. "I can hear you." She grumbled with a short temper.
Daphne stepped in front of Pansy's bed, one hand on her hip. "Oh? Perhaps you will listen to me when I tell you that you need to get over yourself already?"
Pansy growled, rising to her knees and reaching for her wand.
Daphne narrowed her eyes as they stared at one another.
"Do it." The blonde witch urged. "Get angry. Anything is better than this pitiful state you have resigned yourself to. Do you realise how your mood is affecting the rest of us Pansy? Or do you not care?"
"Give me a break!"
"We've given you plenty of time and space, so stop this misery. I'm sick of it." She pressed, her voice bitter and cold.
"Shut up. Just shut up, shut up!" Pansy cried angrily. Her wand was shaking, tears welled in her eyes and threatened to fall.
Millicent stood up. "That's enough, leave her alone Daphne."
Daphne turned her glare towards the larger girl. "No. She needs to hear this. It is unfair that he dumped you as soon as you were supposed to be together again. I understand that Pansy. Your feelings are valid. But as it stands right now you have only two choices. You can continue to weep, to feel like you're worthless when you aren't. Or you can pick yourself up and do better."
"Better?" Pansy lowered her wand and stared dumbly, her cheeks still flushed with colour.
"You need to want more for yourself. Aside from a boy who cast you aside the second you became an inconvenience for him."
"That's not how he feels!" Pansy screeched. "I know him, better than anyone! So how can I want more when all I wanted was him? We can't all be born with everything like you- to a good family, you never want for anything, you'll never have to worry about taking care of your parents - of losing everything. Me and Draco made sense, he was the one good thing in my were supposed to marry-"
"No Pansy, you weren't. That future you dream of is nothing more than delusion, one you even made yourself believe. You think he'd ask for your hand when so much can go wrong between now and coming of age? Do you honestly believe Lady Malfoy would let a daughter from a lesser house marry her only son? You need to understand, you were nothing more than plaything for him. Draco knew this, his mother and father knew it that was the reason they allowed your relationship to continue. This is why he isn't worth the tears, not a single one." Daphne's voice finally softened.
Pansy's eyes glowed with fury. "It must be so easy for you mustn't' it? Being such a heartless frigid bitch!"
Daphne stood unfazed for a moment. "You think I'm heartless? Who is -"
But Daphne never finished what she was about to say. She swayed for a second, her breath unsteady before she collapsed to the floor.
"Daph!" Both Pansy and Tracey called out at the same time.
Tracey rushed over to the unconscious body of her friend. "Pansy go get Professor Snape, tell him it's Daphne and that it's an emergency."
The dark haired girl stood frozen in shock.
"Pansy go!" With that she rushed from the dormitory.
Calmly levitating Daphne onto her bed, Travey checked her wrists, then her pulse, taking a deep breath she lifted the lids one of her eyes. "Lumos."
Seeing Daphne's pupils fixed in their dilation Tracey sighed in relief.
"And that's what happened. The rest you know." Tracey finished telling her story, holding Astoria's gaze.
"Very well. Second matter." Astoria said, her voice barely audible. "Is it true?"
"Is what true?" Tracey turned away from her penetrating blue eyes.
"Did you really ask Potter to the ball?" The young witch questioned with dead seriousness.
Tracey averted her a gaze and placed a finger to her lips. Hm news really travels fast. Good. She stood up and before anyone could stop her for a third time, she left for the dormitories with a sullen gloom trailing behind her.
"Hmph." Astoria crossed her arms.
Blaise and Theodore shared a look, it wasn't a strange occurrence for Daphne or Astoria to occasionally be taken out of school outside of term time. It had happened once the year before too. With Antares Greengrass being a parent and on the board of governors among other things it wasn't questioned. But never had anyone witnessed Daphne in a condition to warrant the mysterious disappearances in contrast to Astoria's more well known weaker constitution.
"Boys, leave us. I wish to speak to Draco alone." Astoria waved them away with a lazy hand.
Blaise and Theo both nodded to each other and got up, leaving Draco still sat on the floor watching Astoria carefully.
"You shouldn't blame yourself you know." She said kindly closing her eyes for a brief moment.
"I don't." Draco averted his gaze. "I hope you've been well since summer."
"Mm, very well thank you. I may not have been if it wasn't for you that night." Astoria's brief smiled faded. "But right now I am worried for my sister. When I briefly saw my father last night he forbade me from accompanying her, which means she's displeased him."
"If that is true it was her own doing." Draco stared from under his blonde hair.
"Well you aren't wrong." She replied sourly. "And yourself? You've secluded yourself so much, I feel like we haven't spoken in forever."
"Mm it has been a while, I hope I haven't caused you too much worry." Draco looked up to her with sad grey eyes.
"It can't be helped, but please, tell me what is going on. I didn't expect you to break up with Pansy for some time - I know you were close... and as they say talking soothes the soul. It's no burden to me." Astoria said as if she had plucked those fears from his mind.
"It's strange Toria, I don't feel guilty or ashamed. Even though I know I should. That's likely the reason I'm looking for other distractions this way I don't have to think about anything then." He admitted.
"You will need to let go if you wish to move forward. Growth is a tricky thing." The small witch said.
"Forward?" Draco's expression turned to one of confusion.
Astoria tapped the badge pinned to her cloak. "I've been watching you closely, it hasn't escaped me how hard you've wasting your time on these distractions. You're afraid of change and it has made you lose sight of yourself. I liked you much better when you were sure of yourself Draco."
Her words weren't harsh, she only said it because she cared. They had known each other forever after all.
Still it stung him a little. "I know exactly who I am."
"And who is that Draco? All I see in front of me is a lost boy, his pride wounded, his position questioned. The Draco I knew would never stand for such weaknesses. This isn't you." Astoria gave him a coy smile. "I know why you took on this task without it being asked of you and it wasn't about status or being useful, it isn't even about your loathing for Potter." The young witch rose from her seat and closed in on him, leaning down so she could see him more clearly. "Change is inevitable. I am not asking you to reconsider your feelings, just don't hold onto your hatred. Don't let it define you or you'll remain lost forever. "
"What have you seen?" Draco asked carefully, his grey eyes searching her expression.
She was so much like her sister in many ways, but Astoria was always softer, kinder, he had always liked that about the girl who was facing him.
"Not enough. Which troubles me. My vision has been shrouded from me for sometime now. Something unforeseen has happened and now there are many unknowns, you should never have been made champion. I would have known otherwise, I am sure of that." Draco watched as Astoria's eyes darkened "The fates have been whispering to me though when I asked them about you. You need to prepare for what is coming. The dream you've dreamed will flower, blooming under blood. When the time comes you cannot be afraid to act."
Draco stared at her with astonishment and not for the first time. He didn't know if he believed in powers greater than men and magic but Astoria Greengrass always made him question that belief. He had prided himself on the fact he was one of the very few she trusted to confide in about her talent.
The young witch's eyes returned to focus as she shook her head. "Forgive me, I lost myself for a moment there."
"There is nothing to forgive Tori, I appreciate the advice." He studied her slightly pained expression carefully.
"We will speak again soon, I still have one more matter to discuss with my other sister. Blessed be Draco."
"Blessed be." He repeated to her, watching curiously as the small girl crossed the common room leaving him alone once more.
He looked down at the badge Theodore had left on the armchair and sighed heavily. Maybe it is about time to put away such games.
When Astoria reached the girls dormitory she opened the door silently. For a moment she thought about retreating until a better time. The reason for this was because in front of her eyes was Tracey. She was sprawled across her bed in ignorant bliss, legs apart, gasping while fingers moving fervently in tandem to her hips.
Astoria coughed into her hand loudly, making her presence known. Tracey's head shot up in fear eliciting much laughter from the younger witch.
"Couldn't you have at least knocked?" she groaned, hiding her blushing face with her arm.
"And missed seeing you in the throes of ecstasy? Never." Astoria's wicked smile held in place as she sat on the bed beside her.
"I knew I should've have closed the curtains, I don't think you appreciate how rare it is to have the dormitory all to myself." Tracey pouted leaning up, her bare chest exposed from her unbuttoned blouse. Sweat glistening on her skin.
Still grinning villainously Astoria, with a flourish of her legs, span around and straddled Tracey, pinning her down with the little weight she had.
"Would you like a hand?" Astoria asked with a voice like satin, blue eyes gleaming.
It was all Tracey could do to look up at the girl sat on top of her. Her mind was still half blank from the unexpected interruption.
"And risk your father finding out and removing my toenails one by one?" Tracey's breath hitched as she spoke due to Astoria placing her hand on the inside of her thigh.
Tracey knew what was happening was on some level wrong, but she still made no move to stop the smaller girl.
"He wouldn't dare, I'd protect you. Daphne too. Just as we always have." Astoria leaned in closer and whispered into her ear with a tickling breath.
Tracey, still frozen under Astoria's small from, made a low whine. "What did I do to deserve the love of you two devils?"
"It's the freckles." A soft bell like laugh escaped the black haired girl, her fingers inching further under Tracey's skirt.
Tracey seized Astoria's hand. "I'm happy they please you, but I think you've witnessed one too many Beltane festivals."
Astoria pushed down on Tracey's chest, nails digging into her skin.
"Tori please," Tracey begged as the girl began to snake her tongue along her collarbone, "don't."
"Why not? You and Daphne do this sometimes too right? It isn't like you have to return the favour, I'm not the one in heat like a beast." Astoria's smile was cruel.
When Astoria's fingers finally reached the damp fabric between her girl's legs Tracey moaned in anguish.
Pulling herself together she pulled the smaller girl to her chest, holding onto her tightly so she could no longer move.
"That's besides the point Toria." She said forcefully, turning over the younger witch so they were laid faces inches apart, arms pinned to her sides. "You're.. well-"
"Too young?"
"I wasn't going to say it in those words exactly but yeah."
"That isn't fair; I've started my cycle, we've all been together for the same amount of time. And we both love you beyond measure, you know that." Astoria pleaded, her doe eyes still piercing the auburn witch.
"I do know that." Tracey pressed her lips to the girl's cheek and then her neck, breathing in her scent. "I think I know what this is really about. So please stop misbehaving, okay?"
Astoria squirmed in Tracey's arms. "I don't know what you mean-"
"Shh. You think I haven't noticed that Daph's distanced herself from you since the world cup? Not used to not being the centre of her world are you?" She murmured.
"I- that's – ugh of course you'd notice or she told you, whichever." Astoria grumbled after stumbling over her words, realising she had been successful baited. "Do you know why at least?"
"I am sure she just feels guilty about not being there when you needed her. She didn't tell you but your father gave her hard time. Now she's realizing you're growing up and as much as she wants to she can't protect you forever."
Astoria let out a whine and buried her face into Tracey's chest.
Tracey began to stroke her long raven hair, enjoying the feeling of black silk through her fingers. "You're very cute when you're jealous, you know that right?"
"That's not it." She muffled in weak protest.
"Liar. You've already made it clear you don't approve of her current fascination with Harry."
"That's not it." she insisted again. "Even though I'm supposed to marry… I suppose I- well, I just became used to the idea that she would never even give anyone a second glance."
"See, you're afraid she's going to develop feelings for him and will forget about little old you. My my, you can be so greedy sometimes Tori." Tracey teased.
"Will it get that far?" Astoria looked up with her large blue eyes.
"Who knows, Harry seems resilient so maybe he won't die this year, on the other hand we all know how fragile relationships can be…" Tracey shrugged, almost losing herself in her gaze. "As to whether she will want him in that sense, I am fairly certain she already does even if Daph is oblivious to it right now."
"She has been smiling more often lately. She hasn't smiled like that since mother and father were still together." Astoria said sadly, letting out a soft sigh.
"Mm. The same number of years she's refused the very notion of marriage. It's no coincidence.."
"That was for good reason though, mother took me and left." She raised her voice a little, "And anyone who has shown an interest in Daphne's hand has been after one thing. None of them care about who she is underneath the Greengrass name. No suitor is worthy of her."
"And how much do you think Harry knows of your house? So shouldn't we at least let her decide for herself?" Tracey asked softly.
"Fine," Astoria relented a little, "say she starts courting Potter and say she manages to convince father to accept her decision. Potter will still bring around nothing but suffering and calamity. I know that much."
"She is already suffering Tori. Right now at this moment she's in pain. Your father sees her as his tool and successor and since your mother left Daph put it all on herself. Which means we're all she has, we keep her going. As her sisters isn't it our duty to support her whatever way we can? We're in no position to deny her even the smallest happiness no matter how brief and fleeting or long lasting. If there are consequences we'll be there for her again."
"You're right, I hate it when you make sense..."
"Of course I am, I'm Tracey Davis love guru extraordinaire."
"Do you honestly think he will be good for her?"
"She is smiling again isn't she? You said it yourself." Tracey grinned.
Astoria closed her eyes and held the auburn witch's cheek. "When did you get so wise?"
AN - So there you have it, I did have a long meta written here about Astoria's behaviour in regards to openness with sexuality within paganism coupled with the way younger siblings can idolise and try to imitate their older ones but I figured I'd delete it. Over-analysis can be a bad thing sometimes.
Please don't assume that just because a character is doing something that I approve of it/ romanticizing it.
Shouts out to Shadowz101 for keeping me motivated and pestering me, you've been great
MORE FLEUR NEXT CHAPTER SHE FINALLY GETS THE SPOT LIGHT.
Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to review you