Wrath of Roxanne
Celebrations were rife throughout the Hogwarts tower of Beauxbatons castle. Of course know one had anticipated a Hogwarts win. Kevin had come second. He had followed the Kelpie under water and attempted to stun it, but had run out of air. When he tried to resurface the Kelpie had pulled him onto its back and dragged him deeper under water. He eventually grabbed the key and received a 7 from Professor McGonagall, a 7 from Madame Maxime and a 4 from Zukanov. Alek had come last. James informed me that Alek had tried to wrestle the Kelpie, which led to disastrous results of course. He received a 4 from both Professor McGonagall and Madame Maxime and an 8 from Zukanov.
I made my way through the common room, still sopping wet and with a bandaged up leg. The wound was too deep to heal in one go. People were cheering and clapping and yelling my name. But I only had eyes for James, Lorcan and Fred. It didn't take me too long to find Lorcans messy blonde head. Much to my disgust, he was sitting with Roxanne, speaking to her in a hushed voice. "Hi" I said simply, unsure of myself. Of course no one even knew that me and Lorcan where now... what? Together now?
Lorcan stood up and came to stand beside me, putting an arm around my waist. My fears vanishing when I realized he had eyes only for me. "Hi" Roxanne said coldly. I really didn't feel like arguing with her, so I just said "Bye!" in what I hoped was an infuriatingly smug voice and grab Lorcans hand, leading him away from her. Towards a table of sweets. "What did she want?" I say casually, reaching out for some chocolate. "Not much" he says, reaching out for some butter beer "it just seems like she wants to spend some time with me, that's all."
"She likes you" I say, studying him closely for his reaction. "Well that's too bad" he says turning to me "because I like someone else." I laugh and lean forward, kissing him happily. But were interrupted by someone clearing their throat loudly behind us. I break away to see Teddy, looking extremely uncomfortable and am I imagining it... jealous?
"Um..Dom, can I talk to you for a sec" he asks. Lorcans glaring at him but all he wants to do is talk. So I turn to Lorcan and say "I'll be back in a minute."
"What's up" I say to Teddy, my voice still wrought with pleasure. "So you guys are like... an item now" he asks, looking down at me. "Yeah"i say, and can't help smiling widely. "That was quick" he snaps at me "Last time I checked he was with Roxanne." "Well... I was wrong" I say angrily. He's about to say something when we're interrupted by James and Fred coming up behind him. He jumps slightly as James pats him on the back and says "Teddy my man, just the person I wanted to see!"
And I gladly take my opportunity to slip away from the boys. I'm on my way up to my dormitory to take a shower and get changed when I hear it. Susan, the Hufflepuff I share a dorm with is standing in front of a cluster of girls. And by the looks of things is telling them something extremely fascinating, as they all look enthralled. My curiosity gets the better of me, and I hang back to get the jist of what they're saying. "Roxanne told me" Susan says seriously "and she wouldn't lie." "What is it!" one of the other girls positively squeals.
"The only reason Dominique won today" Susan says matter of factly "Is because she cheated." The other girls gasp in unison. I feel my stomach clench and my mouth dry up. What the hell is she talking about? "How do you know?" a rather bold looking Gryffindor says. "Kelpies come from England and Scotland Laura, not France" Susan says, revelling in her knowledge. Laura still hasn't caught on, neither may I add have I. "Professor McGonagall was in charge of the first task and the importation of three Kelpies into France" she says in frustration. "That still doesn't prove she cheated" Laura retorts. And I'm really beginning to like this Laura.
"Roxanne heard Professor McGonagall telling Dominique how to face the Kelpie a week ago, what spells to use and everything. She was outside the door and she heard. Dominique is a cheat." I feel like screaming, I feel like jumping out from where I'm hiding and clawing Susan's eyes out. I still have hope for Laura. But no response comes. They all believe I cheated, they all believe Susan. They all believe Roxanne.
"Hey" I hear from behind me. I turn to see Roxanne standing there, looking completely innocent, vaguely curious. "There's a rumour going around" I say, struggling to keep my voice steady, unaccusatory. "Did you hear?"
She shakes her head as if what I'm saying is completely meaningless. "A rumour about what Dom?"
But I can hear it. The hint of smugness behind the facade, the glint of satisfaction in her eye. The damage is done; there is nothing I can do now. After the fleeting desire to hit her passes (it will only make me look even guiltier) a sense of resignation over takes me. "Goodnight Roxanne" I say weakly. Making it clear that I know everything, but have admitted defeat.
In the shower I let the tears flow freely, mixing up with the water. It was how I used to cry at home. There is something oddly comforting about that.
A/N: Thanks to everyone for the continuous reviews, I love hearing them :D and I hope you all had a lovely Christmas!