Ginny
I was sitting in the Gryffindor Common Room with Hermione and Neville, the three of us were the early risers of the group, and we were seated by one of the many fireplaces, enjoying the warmth of the morning fire. We had been discussing the various members in our groups and luckily for the both of them their teammates didn't much care about winning the Competition.
They had just asked me how I was going with Pansy and I realized it was probably time I explained what was going to be happening over the coming months. "I don't know how to say this other than just to come out and say it; Pansy really wants to win. She wants to win so we're going to be training every day during breaks and after classes have finished, so I won't be able to hang out with you guys for a little. And before you say anything it's not just because Pansy told me that that was what was going to happen, I came to the decision myself that I actually kind of want to try and win."
I was half lying, but I didn't want to share my actual reasoning for going along with Pansy's selfishness, mostly because I was ashamed by how I felt towards the older girl just last night. Then there was that desperate look, that look that had haunted my dreams the whole night and had me waking up in a cold sweat this morning.
Thankfully neither Neville nor Hermione questioned my motives and continued talking amongst themselves as I got lost in my thoughts. My mind was once again filled with the vision of a humiliated Pansy as she trudged, broken, off of a field, Hannah and I smirking from the sidelines as the rest of the school laughed at the defeated girl.
I shook my head and rose from my spot by the fire, "I'm going to head down to the Great Hall, get an early start to the day," I explained and left before they could stop me. As I walked down the revolving staircases, I felt tears prick my eyes, "What have I become?" I asked myself sadly. I couldn't understand why I felt such a strange satisfaction in fantasizing about a defeated and humiliated Pansy.
"Ginevra!" The familiar voice sent a shiver down my spine, and I turned around, the black-haired girl coming into my vision.
I gave a little nod to the older girl as I started thinking, "Uh, Pansy, why do you call me Ginevra now?" I asked, hoping that I could be civil with the girl since she is on my team.
The Slytherin stopped in her tracks, a blank look on her face for a few moments, "I just do," She said, with a sneer, "Anyway that doesn't. We have our time; we are to meet Alastor at One in the afternoon today, so we can head to him right before Lunch break ends. Professor Snape has already organized with the Headmaster and our Professors for us to be out of class for that hour." Pansy's news had confused me, and she had quickly realized as without me needing to ask Pansy started to explain. "Yes, I mean that Alastor, the Heads of Houses have to help with the Competition so they each chose a 'specialist' or whatever. The point is we need to meet him at One, and we cannot be late."
I ignored Pansy's condescending tone as we walked towards the Great Hall, "Why are you awake so early?" I asked, as over the past few years I couldn't help but notice the girl always seemed to arrive with the last few stragglers and she always looked the same, like she had just crawled out of bed after being in a coma for three years.
The Slytherin was silent for a few moments before she grabbed my shoulders and pushed me against the wall. My heart started pounding in fear as Pansy's menacing face came within centimeters of my own, her warm breath tickling my skin. My eyes were locked on the emerald orbs in front of me as I began to imagine Pansy moving forwards those last few centimeters, her lips connecting with my own. My heart now beating intensely for an entirely different reason as the image continued to play in my mind over and over again.
"That's none of your business," Pansy finally said as she backed away, a contrite look on her face, "I'm sorry for… I shouldn't be attacking my teammates like that."
"Ohh… No… No that's, well it's not really okay but it… Is?" I was confused; my mind was in a jumble as I got over the shock of what my imagination had shown me. I wasn't sure what had actually happened as my memory became hazy, the only thing that seemed to stick being the image of Pansy's face directly in front of mine. Our lips connected in a chaste kiss that for some reason set my whole body on fire.
"I'm just going to..." I nodded my head towards the Great Hall before running off, leaving an understandably confused Pansy behind.
I entered the almost empty Great Hall and saw that Hannah was sitting at the table that was usually the table for the Gryffindors. She sat alone with just a glass of untouched milk in front of her; she appeared to be rooted in thought as she sat there. I sat down across from her but she didn't seem to notice, and I found myself staring at her in no time at all.
I stared mostly at her lips and imagined myself kissing the other girl; I imagined her hands slipping around my waist and pulling my body towards her so it was flush with her own. The same sensation that I had with Pansy quickly began to overcome rational thought and, not knowing what else to do, I pinched my leg to focus my mind elsewhere before I lost myself in the fantasy. I could feel that I was blushing profusely and quickly buried my head in my folded arms, hiding my face as I calmed down, changing my pinch spot to my arm as I did so.
"Good Morning Hannah," I heard Pansy's voice as someone sat next to me.
No don't sit there, I thought hoping to control the girl somehow, I cursed as I felt the warmth of another person's leg pressed against my own and it took all of my concentration to keep my mind clear.
"Morning," was Hannah's response, "Oh, Ginny, when did you get there?"
I lifted my head to look the girl in the eye, "Just before Pansy, you seemed to be thinking about something, so I didn't say anything," I replied, fighting the blush that threatened to envelop my face.
"Are you okay? You sound a little on edge," The blond had a clear look of worry in her eyes.
"I'm fine," I said with what I was hoping was a convincing smile, "Just a little tired is all, rough night of sleep."
"Looks like all we're waiting for is Emmaline then," Pansy changed the subject.
"How do you know her name? You weren't there when she spoke," Hannah asked with genuine curiosity.
"Are you an idiot?" Pansy asked seriously, "Everyone's name got called out when the teams were decided."
Hannah rolled her eyes at the Slytherin, "I'm sorry I didn't think of that," She spoke sarcastically, before looking Pansy straight in the eyes, "But there is no need to be a bitch."
"Well don't ask idiotic questions and I won't have to be," The two girls were now glaring intensely at each other, and I could just see that our team was going to fall to pieces before the whole Competition even got started.
"Onto another matter," I sputtered, as Emmaline joined us at the table, "We have a time to meet Alastor."
"Yes, that's right," Pansy said as she slowly stopped glaring at the Hufflepuff sitting across the table. She continued talking, but once again I was distracted as I felt Pansy move her leg slightly, sending an odd feeling of electricity through me.
I stood up abruptly at the feeling and made a move towards the door having forgotten about food altogether. I could vaguely hear my teammates asking me something but ignored them as I practically ran out of the Great Hall. Running through the Halls I tried to push everything from my mind as I felt my body heating up but to no avail. I stopped running and leaned against a random wall, my eyes closed and breathing heavy as I tried to cool myself down by fanning myself with my hands.
"Ginny," I could hear someone's voice through my haze but ignored them as more images started to flood my mind. I grabbed my head between my hands as I sunk to the floor, "Ginny?" The voice spoke again, this time sounding worried as I started to rock back and forth. But it was too much, and my mind continually barraged me with images filled with Pansy.
"Why her?" I asked out loud.
"Who?" The voice asked as someone's hand rested against my back.
I rose my head and found myself looking into Harry's green eyes; his dark brown hair draped over his forehead as it usually did. Without thinking I lunged forwards, pressing my lips against the boy's, startling him enough for him to jump backward in shock. I pulled back myself and pressed my fingers to my lips.
"Nothing…" I spoke softly
"Nothing?" He asked still in shock over the kiss.
"Yeah…" I looked back up at the boy, stood up and smiled awkwardly at him, "I felt… Nothing?" I asked, still kind of confused by what it all meant.
Harry scoffed, "Oh, well thank you very much for that," He said in a huff.
"No, no that's not what I meant… Okay, it is but, I'm sorry… For the whole kiss thing, can we forget about it?"
Harry still looked kind of embarrassed, but he nodded anyway, "But are you okay? It looked like you were kind of, losing it, you know, until the… Thing."
I chuckled sheepishly, grabbing my arm in embarrassment, "Yeah, I'm fine now," I was, of course, lying through my teeth. I had just come to a rather shocking revelation, something I definitely didn't expect to happen, but I guess it did explain quite a lot… I am gay.
Pansy
Pacing outside the Great Hall I continued to mutter under my breath, it was nearing the end of the Lunch break, and Ginny still hadn't shown up yet. Even after I told her explicitly that we couldn't be late for Alastor, she was nowhere to be seen. I'd sent the girls that followed me around to find her, but they hadn't had any luck and quickly took off after I started cursing them out.
"Pansy, we should probably get going," I whipped around and glared at my young Ravenclaw teammate, watching as she recoiled immediately.
"No. Ginevra needs to be here," I spoke with finality, we were a team, and I would make Ginevra realize that one way or another. Even if that meant that none of us get any practice and I have to carry our team through the Competition.
"I'm going," Hannah huffed, I whipped my wand out threateningly, delighting as the girl turned pale under my gaze.
But before anything could happen, I heard loud footsteps approaching from behind the girl I was threatening with my wand. I looked passed Hannah and saw Ginevra running towards us, a panicked look set on her face as she jumped between Hannah and myself.
"You're becoming quite the brave one, aren't you?" I asked, fixing the red-head with a glare as I sheathed my wand. The girl just continued to glare at me, "Whatever," I said with a shrug, "Onto serious business, where the hell have you been? We were supposed to meet for every break to train!" I yelled letting my anger slip.
"I had things to take care of," I waited expectantly for further explanation, but with none forthcoming, I turned on my heel and waved for the trio to follow me.
The walk to the outside field was quick and silent, at least I was silent, the girls behind me on the other hand just continued to whine about me, thinking I couldn't hear them. I smiled to myself, but all the while I could feel a slight pang in my chest, a sting that I had successfully ignored for the last fifteen years of my life. I forced the pain away, instead choosing to focus on the look on Hannah's face when my wand was pointed directly at her, her fear lifted my spirits, and before I knew it, we were standing in a large open field, a man standing before us.
"Alastor Moody?" I asked.
The slightly portly man turned around and sneered at me, "Who the hell else would I be?" He asked as he hobbled over towards us, his fake eye staring at each one of us for mere moments before moving to the next. "I'm only here because I have great respect for Albus and Snape, I don't give two shits about any of you students so do as I say and no one will get hurt. I assume you all know basic defensive Charms, so we shall go on to the more advanced spells. I can see that you have a younger girl amongst you as well so if she needs help I expect you three to help her if she needs it."
"Alastor, if I may, might you teach us some Dark Magic? I mean you are-"
"No," The older wizard cut me off.
I looked at the man, thoroughly confused, no one of importance ever denied one of my requests, "But-" I started but was cut off once again.
"I said no, and before you bring up some bull about your family let me just say that I don't care if your father was the fucking Minister of Magic. I was brought in by your Defense against the Dark Arts teacher, and that is exactly what I shall teach you. Now raise your bloody wands and prepare to cast the Defense Charm."
I rolled my eyes as my anger bubbled over, "We all know the Defense charm, I thought you were going to teach us more advanced skills." I spoke even though I knew I was alone against this man, my teammates were happy to take direction from Alastor, but if I wanted to win, I needed more than the defensive charm.
"You listen here girl," Alastor spoke gruffly as he grabbed my robes in a fierce grip, "One more outburst and I'll turn you into a bloody rat and leave you with your friends. You got that?"
Begrudgingly I nodded, I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, no one had been so harsh on me since the last time I was at home with my father. I fought back the tears that threatened to spill as the man walked a few paces away, never knowing the emotional storm he had conjured in my mind.
I listened as much as I could to the man's words, but his earlier actions had utterly terrified me, and as I went over it in my mind, all I could see was my father. We parted ways with the Auror soon after, and as my teammates walked towards the Castle, I simply dropped to the floor and closed my eyes.
"What's wrong with her?" I heard Emmaline's voice as my mind took over.
"What the hell was that!?" My father roared as he stomped towards me, I had collapsed on the floor, my breathing labored as I gripped my wand in my hand. I could feel the cold air sting as it blew against the various cuts and bruises over my body.
My father's hand gripped my collar, and he ripped me to my feet, "That is not the way I taught you! If you don't want to listen, then I will be forced to make you!" He said as he threw me to the floor. "I don't know why I even bother; you're not good for anything…" His words turned to a mumble as he paced in front of me.
I sat there for a few moments, trying to regain my breath while my father walked back and forth before me, his eyes never once leaving my own. With my breathing under control, I tried to speak but was silenced as my father cast the Langlock Jinx on me.
"You do not deserve to speak, now get to your feet and leave your wand where you are," I did as my father commanded. "Good," My father raised his wand and without him telling me I knew what was expected of me. I jumped to the side as my father cast a curse at me, over and over again I jumped, dove and ducked, dodging curse after curse, all the while my lungs screaming for a break until I could take no more.
With a scream I collapsed as a searing pain spread across my upper arm, my shirt quickly stained with my own blood, and I grimaced as I pressed my hand against the open wound. Hot tears slipped from my eyes as my father calmly walked towards me, holding my wand between two fingers.
He knelt beside me and rested his hand on my shoulder, pride shining through his usual dark eyes. I smiled back up the man as he cast a spell on my arm to lessen the pain. "Very good child, you almost lasted till your ten-minute goal."
I grinned up my father, "I will get their soon father, I will make you proud!" I yelled excitedly.
"I know you will my child, you are my sole heir, after all, it is your duty to make me proud," I hugged my father happily.
"I will daddy," I said, indulging in the rare moment of warmth the man was showing me.
I awoke with a start, shooting up from the bed I was in I looked around, shocked to find myself in the infirmary. But beyond that I was more shocked to see a head of brown hair resting against my bed, I moved the hair to the side and saw that it was Emmaline that was sitting with me. I looked around and watched as Madam Pomfrey hurried towards me, a worried expression on her face.
"Don't worry," I spoke quietly, not wanting to wake the Ravenclaw girl, "It was just another 'episode.'"
"'Don't worry' she says, 'Just another episode,' you listen here Pansy, this," The woman said as she pointed to my head, "Is very fragile, especially for someone in your situation. What happened?" The Nurse demanded.
I sighed as I gripped the sheet in my hands, "I got a letter from my mother," I quickly motioned for the Nurse to be quiet, "I know, I should have told someone, but I thought I could handle it… They are coming to the Competition," I continued. "Said they were disappointed that I hadn't told them about the Competition… Like it was up to me." I felt hot tears prick at the back of my eyes, but I held them back.
"And then Alastor grabbed my robes… Much like father used too… In-In the letter they said they were going to be at the Competition… Is that true?" I asked worriedly.
Madam Pomfrey shook her head, "No, they are still imprisoned in Azkaban."
"They can't be if they were then… then how could they have sent me that letter?" Madam Pomfrey was silent for too long, so I quickly lay back down and closed my eyes, "Don't worry about it, I'm okay now." I said as I reached out a placed my hand under Emmaline's taking comfort from the warmth that I could feel from the girl.
"I'm sorry…" Madam Pomfrey said as she poured the putrid potion into my waiting mouth. I drifted off into a dreamless sleep, hoping for a better tomorrow.
A.N. Chapter was a bit short this time, but we had some pretty heavy stuff for both the girls so I didn't want to force the chapter up to my usual of around 4k words.
Also, If you are confused by Pansy and her parents and everything that is going on, just wait a little while, it will be explained, just later.