As always, A/N at the bottom of the story...
Chapter Four -Dementors and Revenge-
No one really blamed Dumboldore for allowing Dementors into Hogwarts, nor did anyone question why the Ministry is placing them around school grounds. It was pretty obvious why the blood curdling creatures were at Hogwarts and students were all aware of the culprit--Sirius Black.
I don't quite know how murderous and vicious this Sirius Black bloke is, but judging from the fact that the Ministry's resulted to using Dementors, Sirius Black must be one dark wizard.
"Are you going to eat that?"
Alicia pointed at the plate of toast placed in front of my face and gave me a quizzical look. I shook my head and passed the plate to Alicia, who grinned back and went on chattering with George.
Ange was still a bit confused and worried about my recent conditions, but we decided to put aside our differences and concentrate on other important things, such as Quidditch. It was that time of year again, and Oliver was getting fired up for the match coming up in a couple weeks. Slytherin was always an opponent to be worried about for their use of penalties and dirty tricks. I, for one, did not look forward to the match at all. Quidditch was another way for You-know-who (Not that You-know-who) to manipulate and taunt me while not getting in trouble for it.
Unfortunately, the season had not started well this year. The weather has been drastic lately, and the new, yet unwelcome presences of the Dementors were also just as terrible. Practice had to be post-poned for days due to bad weather or lack of supervision. Wood was not very pleased with this.
As for Wood... Well, it's been a bit odd. It seems not even love can surpass the thick, impenetrable wall known as Quidditch in the boy's mind. Wood's been driving us mad with different tactics on beating Slytherin in the upcoming match. By the end of the week, we were all covered in bruises and wincing at the sound of the word "Quidditch Cup". It was Oliver Wood's last year in Hogwarts, which is a shame, and he was driven to earn the silver Quidditch Cup that we have failed to for the last seven years.
"Have you talked to Wood yet?" Ange whispered under her breath. I shook my head gingerly and told her how I was the last thing on his mind.
"That is true, I suppose. Not the second part. About anything being on his mind right now. I suppose it would be best to wait until after this match," Ange replied bitterly. She took her cup of coffee from Fred's hands and took a sip. I blushed at the sight of Ange drinking from the same cup as Fred. The two didn't seem to mind, however.
"I don't think I can do anything about it until after Quidditch."
"But that's months away! Surely you don't think he's that mental about Quidditch?"
With that being said, we both turned to look at Oliver who was sitting five seats across from us. He was passionately talking to Potter about different moves and tactics Malfoy used in his past matches that he may use in the upcoming match. Potter didn't seem too happy about constantly being tailed by Wood, which was apparent in his tired expression while Oliver continued talking rapidly about the Slytherin team.
"Alright. I take back what I said," Ange admitted. I nodded silently and continued staring at Oliver. It was hopeless.
Just then, the doors of the Great Hall swung open and the whole lot of Slytherins marched in, with Marcus Flint at the lead. A lot of the students quickly ceased all chattering and turned their backs toward each other, pretending to be busy. A couple of first years ran out the door for fear of being picked on. Ange gave me a sort of look and turned toward her food, taking pieces of toast in small bites.
The gang of Slytherins walked past the students one by one, picking on anybody that seemed like an easy target. Not wanting to get caught, I mimicked the others and started taking small sips of porridge. It was a terrible attempt, for Flint quickly noticed my uncomfortable expression and strode over. My stomach plummeted down and I couldn't help but tremble a bit. Images of the kiss flashed in my mind, making me even more nervous then I already was.
"Well, well. Look who it is."
Suddenly, I realized there were about eleven shadows on the table, hovering above my own. From the corner, I saw Wood stop talking, wand at the ready.
I sighed and turned around to face my opponent. Flint was always very tall and muscular, however it seemed as though he was about two stories taller than usual.
"What do you want, Flint? Or what is it, you were too scared to approach me by yourself so you brought the whole lot with you?"
Warrington, who was about twice the size of Flint and three times the size of me, rushed forward with his arms flexed ready to throw punches. With this, Fred, George, Lee, Angelina and Alicia all stood up, wands pointing toward Warrington. Flint held up his hand and halted him, telling him to save physical strength for Quidditch.
"I don't think you're really aware of your position, Bell. Afterall, I have something you need," sneered Flint.
"I don't know what you're talking about," I answered.
"Oh, I think you do," Flint replied, motioning another Slytherin to come forward. The boy came up, and handed Flint a book. My heart sank.
"I believe these are yours, Bell."
He handed me the book, which in fact, actually turned out to be my potions book that I had lost the other day. The memory struck me again, as I remembered dropping it in the broom closet when Flint pinned me against the wall. Ange gave me a look of disbelief.
"Katie, isn't that your...?" Alicia asked, knowing what comes next.
"Where did you get?" I gasped quietly, reaching over to snatch the worn potions book from his grip. Though I knew quite well where it had came from, I had hoped it was all in my imagination.
Still holding the book and avoiding my hand, Flint smiled and replied innocently, "Why, you don't remember Bell? You left it in the broom closet after we made sweet, sweet love. It was a shame you had to leave so early."
With that being said, my life was thrown into another nightmare. All the students, from first years to seventh years, started whispering rapidly about this new found information. Ange dropped her wand and her eyes popped out from shock. Alicia squealed and covered her ears, shaking her head as if she had just heard the devil speak. Both George and Fred's jaw dropped. Lee dropped his cup of milk, which clattered and spilled all over the floor. The whole room was filled with gasps and murmurs of disbelief. Only Flint stood triumphal and pompous as usual, giving me a look of utter satisfaction. His revenge had been complete.
"Well, if you'll excuse us, we've got to practice for the upcoming match. Very busy, you see."
"I—I.... You..." I stuttered, clutching the potions book now handed over.
"I'm sure we can arrange some other time to continue where we left off, love," Flint grinned. Noticing the ripe moment, he placed his hands gently under my chin and planted his lips firmly onto mine.
The Great Hall went wild. Everybody was at a loss for words. Both the Griffindors and Slytherins put aside their differences and stared at each other with amazement. My eyes enlarged at the sight of Flint's mouth landing on mine. His lips gently caressed the touch of my own, though the meaning behind it was unknown. Had he really kissed me for the attention or because he actually liked me? Then again, had Marcus Flint ever like a person? Unfortunately, the answer was no.
I pushed Flint away from me but it was too late; the damage was done. Flint, victorious, gathered his men (or otherwise known as trolls) and stalked out of the Great Hall, leaving me dumbfounded and humiliated.
No. It was not over yet.
Running after the Slytherin gang, I grabbed my wand from my robes and quickly pointed at Flint, screaming "STUPEFY!"
Flint's massive body flew backwards, knocking him against the corridor walls. He was knocked out; his body cold against the brick wall. Warrington and several others had immediately whipped out their wands and within a moment's notice, I heard hexes and jinxes being thrown at each other from both ends. Fortunately, Ange, Alicia, George, Fred, and Lee Jorden had followed me out the Great Hall and managed to repel the Slytherin's spells. Warrington had been hit by George's Jelly-Legs Jinx and was wobbling around helplessly while the rest of the Slytherins were being hit with numerous jinxes.
The large commotion had drawn some students over who also joined in on the catastrophic scene. Professor McGonagall and Professor Sprout came dashing to the scene, hollering and yelling while pulling apart students from attacking each other. Not wanting to get caught as the person who started the fight, I stole away towards the Griffindor Common Room and up the staircase to the girl's dormitory. Moments later I heard someone's footsteps and a knock at my door.
"Katie, Katie! I know you're in there!"
I immediately opened the door to find Ange panting with her robes half torn.
"What happened?" I asked as I let her inside and shut the door. I muttered "Muffliato" to make sure no one was listening.
"The teachers stopped the fight before it got worse. Flint and the others were caught, thankfully, by McGonagall and were given detention. That's good news for you," Ange beamed, setting herself down on her bed. I forced a smile back at her, not wanting to have another row.
"And the others?"
"Everyone's all right. Lee Jorden's got a nasty Bat-Bogey Hex, but otherwise we're all fine. Got a week's worth of detention though... dunno how Wood's going to take that. With the Slytherin match coming and all. But I suppose it's all right compared to what Warrington's got."
Getting up, Ange slipped off her half-torn robes and tossed it aside, grabbing a new black one and putting it on.
"Now tell me," she started, plopping down beside me, "what's this about you and Flint?"
I shifted in my seat nervously; I had hoped the conversation wouldn't lead to this. However, it seems I have no choice but to explain the recent unfortunate events between Flint and I.
Ange listened intently while I confessed what had happened the other day after storming out of the potions class. She didn't cry out in disgust or question the reason for my actions, which I was most grateful for and nodded quietly once in a while. After I had explained the whole story, she merely leaned back in her seat and cocked her head.
"I understand everything... but Katie, tell me something. Do you—er —do you like Flint?" Ange looked at me in an awkward way.
"Heaven's no!" I gasped, suddenly getting up from the bed, "I don't like the stupid git. No! No! Absolutely not!"
"All right, all right. I'm sorry!" said Ange in a desperate voice, "But... do you think Wood saw? You know.... that?"
I immediately remembered Wood's shocked yet slightly disappointed face after Flint had—let us not say—done it. I nodded gloomily and covered my face with my hands. Ange soothingly placed her hand on my back and whispered, "It's all right. You couldn't have done anything, Katie. Wood can't blame you for that."
"I hope so," I murmured meekly, but Ange didn't hear and continued to gently pat my back.
The next day was Quidditch practice and the weather seemed to fit my mood nicely.
The temperature had dropped drastically and the sky was clouded by dark gray rain clouds and the creeping shadows of nearby Dementors. Winds blew furiously against Hogwarts and the windows rattled cowardly against the never-ending rain.
By the time we arrived at the lockers to change, everybody was soaked to the skin and shivering uncontrollably. However, Wood demanded we get practice before the arriving match and therefore, we had no choice but to agree to his demands. There was a certain manic glint in his eyes today, and not even the roaming Dementors or the howling winds could stop him from playing Quidditch. We bitterly changed into our maroon Quidditch robes and headed outside. Madame Hooch was assigned as guardian today, and warned us not to wander off too far or fly too high.
Practice was absolutely terrible.
No one seemed to be able to play today, mostly due to the weather, and everything seemed to get worse and worse by the second.
"What are they doing here?" Alicia whispered and pointed to the small moving shadows down below.
Everybody came to a halt when they realized that Flint had brought his Slytherin team to watch the practice. Wood furiously swooped down from the goal posts to where the Slytherins were and ordered them to go away.
This was denied, however.
The rest of us followed suit and approached the Slytherin team with our sleeves rolled up. Fred and George looked as though they were ready to plant punches on Flint's smug face. Suddenly, black hooded figures flew toward the field in our direction. Madam Hooch pointed her wand at the Dementors and yelled an incantation while motioning us to run.
"Everybody back to the school! NOW!" she hollered, still shooting jets of silvery-white spells at the Dementors.
Slytherins and Griffindors alike, the students frantically rushed toward the Hogwarts castle, stumbling and tripping over each other's robes. The Dementors were closing in and my breath was already running out, my body frozen from the cold temperature and the feeling of helplessness. From a distance I heard Wood calling toward me, telling me to run. It was too late now, for a Dementor was closing in, its hollow mouth closing in.
"This way!"
I felt a sudden jerk in my hand as I was instantly dragged away from the towering Dementor. The forceful figure dragged toward the castle, away from the rest of the lot and away from the Dementors. I merely pushed my weak legs to keep up with the mysterious figure. We ran through several empty corridors until clambering inside an empty classroom and slamming the door shut. Nearly breathless, we collapsed on the wooden floor, panting for air. I rolled over onto my left side to catch a glimpse of who my mysterious savior was, only to find out it was the last person I had hoped to be with.
"Flint? What—what in bloody hell was that for?"
"Are you mental? I just saved your arse back there! I don't think those are words you should be using towards your savior," Flint panted, leaning against the wall for support.
I had to admit. He was right, for once.
"I—er, I guess, thanks," I replied.
"Katie Bell is actually saying thanks? That's a first," Flint laughed as I blushed red in embarrassment.
Then, as if lightening had struck, I shot up from the floor. "The others!"
Flint carelessly waved his hand, "They're all right. After all, they were already in the castle grounds before I grabbed you."
"But Wood—" I immediately clapped my hands to my mouth after realizing what I had just said.
"Oh? Still lovebirds even after what happened yesterday?" Flint taunted. My face turned an even deeper shade of red at this.
"I don't believe it's any of your business. Besides, it was your fault in the first place!"
"My fault? Who was the one stalking around in the corridors? Not to mention the useless need for pumpkin juice?"
"I don't have to listen to this," I started and walked angrily toward the door. Flint quickly grabbed my arm and pushed me down on the floor, locking my wrists against the floor with his large hands.
"Gerroffofme!" I yelled, trying to pull my hands free from his tight grip.
"Calm down," Flint sneered, gripping tighter at my wrists. I closed my eyes to embrace myself for the next blow that I assumed was coming next. Instead, Flint softened his grip on my wrists.
"What are you doing?" I asked. His unusual silence was starting to scare me.
Flint moved closer and slowly placed his lips on my own. It had been the third time but the act had always startled me; my body jumped at the feel of his touch. A small moan of pleasure had accidentally slipped through my lips. Hearing this, he pressed his body closer, the wet clothes sticking together as we drew closer. My heart was fluttering and my mind was absolutely blank. It had not crossed my mind that this was Marcus Flint I was snogging at the moment.
I did not hesitate nor push him away in disgust as I had done on our last encounter. In fact, I felt myself respond to his touch by parting my lips and letting him inside. Excited, Flint slid his tongue inside, exploring the depths of my mouth. While snogging, his left hand slowly crawled down toward my breast, lightly grazing over them with his fingers. I flinched at his touch and found myself pleading, asking for more. Our lips still clasped together, Flint gently caressed the curves of my breast, sending small waves of pleasure between my legs. With every touch of our tongues and his hands on my breast, I had noticed he himself had grown harder and stiffer, his breathing becoming ragged.
However, my mind had suddenly recovered its chain of thought and I realized that I was letting Flint get into my head. I rid my arms free from his grip and shoved him off of my body. He had a quizzical expression on his face as if I had just slapped his face. Ignoring his question, I stood up and ran out the door, trying to hold back tears that had formed and were now streaming down my face. It's not possible.
I had wiped my tears to rid of the evidence and silently walked in the Griffindor Common Room where the rest of the members were waiting. Ange strode over and asked me where I had been and if I was okay, but I failed to respond to her worries. Everybody looked at me in a worried manner and asked if I wanted to go to the Hospital Wing, but I failed to respond to this as well. I shook my head and without uttering a single word, climbed up the spiraling staircase in into the comfort of the girl's dormitory. I threw my heavy body onto the neatly arranged cot. Banging on the door from Ange and Alicia echoed throughout the room. The sudden realization was still stuck in my mind. I had snogged Marcus Flint. The worst part was yet to come.
I had fallen in love with Marcus Flint.
A/N- As you probably can tell, there's a bit of juicy interaction with Katie and Flint. Which, I hope, wish to write more of as the chapters add on and the romance unfolds. So keep checking for new updates.
Cheers.