* * * Wicked Witch of the West * * *
Presently, in coordination with the house-elves' effort to guard High Inquisitor Umbridge per her request, a goblet of magically preserved human blood (apparently procured from a stash of illicit potion ingredients in her possession) silently materializes onto the table next to Edward, right next to a pile of garlic and a couple of feet from the friendly pile of lollipops. Quite evidently Delores is unable to function rationally in a crisis, because this action (accidental though it may be) directly contradicts the ministry's recommendations for such an encounter. What her thoughts indicate was intended as an offering to appease his thirst non-fatally (at least, in regards to herself), instead irritates him by introducing a fragrance that is likely to make Bella nauseous. This woman is getting on his nerves. Strike One. At least he is able to ignore the goblet easily enough- always keeping his focus, first and foremost, on Bella's safety.
In other news, eventually appearing among the gathered portrait characters, are the Masens. Edward's shocked form freezes into stillness, wide eyes trained on the animated images of his parents, as soon as he notices them notice him. Although they aren't able to recognize him right off, what with his sparkling skin and all, his features and mannerisms are subtly familiar enough to get them thinking about the son they lost, once upon a time. They miss him terribly… as much as he has missed them.
While he stands radiantly immobile, with his attention thus occupied, one terrified Delores Umbridge (who has by now inched her way past the side of the head table) seizes the opportunity to slyly target the muggle girl he's holding… in hopes of distracting him even more completely, and for a longer period of time, by causing her to start uncontrollably dancing in his arms. She casts her spell silently (Tarantallegra!) and from a position behind his back where she assumes he won't be able to know who sent the spell. Edward, however, immediately breaks his pose to catch the offending beam of light that had been headed for Bella- thus rendering it ineffective- and turns to look Umbridge straight in the eye with a deadly glare (leaving no doubt in anyone's mind that he knows who threw the spell): "I wouldn't be attacking her if I were you." Strike Two.
Numerous wizards and witches shiver with terror at the clear display of his ability to thwart an attempt at spell-magic without even needing to see it coming. As well, it surprises them that: He was defending her? That confusing response they simply don't understand. Ginny, however, recognizes with shock that this behavior is much the same as his actions in the alley had been. Had he been protecting us, then, too? It's hard to believe.
Surprised at the menacing tone of his voice, a slightly wan-looking Bella softly inquires of him: "What did she do?"
Edward's stance relaxes as he answers her straightforwardly, studying her expression as he does so. "She was trying to make you dance."
Bella looks horrified. And her paled and clammy skin just enhances the expressive effect.
Edward's lips twitch in amusement at her predictable response, thoroughly aware of her aversion to dancing in any venue. Teasingly, he offers her a goblet of water from the table beside them and steps them both (but mostly her) back away from its bloody neighbor. "If it bothers you that much," he suggests, "you could always throw some water on her. Maybe she'll melt." His tone sounds hopeful.
After a brief moment of absolute shock at the unrepentant boldness of his suggestion, Bella abruptly starts giggling at his oh-so-ridiculous yet serious reply (he must have really been irritated by her thoughts!). "That's got to be… about… as likely… as you… turning into… a bat!" she laughs, a fit of giggles promptly attacking her so strongly that she starts choking on them, turning them into coughs. Edward grins in concerned amusement, shrugging in agreeable reply, and sets the goblet back down- watching her carefully. "Breathe, Bella," he half smiles.
Nodding at him, she pauses to catch her breath- her body bent over at the waist and still shuddering with residual humor as she looks down at the floor, supporting herself with her hands on her knees. The lack of sleep must really be getting to her; she feels almost drunk with tiredness. The air smells cleaner down here, though. Edward's comforting hand is on her back, his thumb tracing soothing circles.
When she finally calms enough to raise her head back up to notice Delores once again, it's just in time to see a miniature raincloud suddenly take shape above the witch's head. As Bella watches in surprised amazement, it abruptly begins dumping water down upon the petrified stubby woman- the tiny storm tracking after her every movement no matter how hard she tries to step out from under it- while simultaneously sparing anyone else that is situated in her vicinity. Everyone in the room is astonished by this unexpected enchantment, especially being that no one can tell where it came from or who put it there (which tends to be the case with accidental magic)… but they each also find it so incredibly fitting that the whole room is having difficulty hiding their laughter. Edward & Bella don't have to hide theirs.
A/N: Thanks for reading and sharing your comments with me! Even if you do so signed in as a guest, such that I am unable to respond, I really do enjoy hearing that you enjoy it!