IM SO GLAD THAT SOME OF YOU LIKE MY STORY AND REVIEWS ARE APPRECIATED. EVERYTHING BELONGS TO J.K. ROWLING, EXCEPT MY IDEA AND ORIGINAL CHARACTER. ENJOY!
You don't wanna hurt me,
But see how deep the bullet lies.
Unaware that I'm tearing you asunder.
There's a thunder in our hearts, baby.
So much hate for the ones we love?
Tell me, we both matter, don't we?
And if I only could,
Make a deal with God,
And get him to swap our places,
Be running up that road,
Be running up that hill,
Be running up that building,
If I only could, oh...
-Placebo
The next day proved difficult for the sixth-year students, seeing as their workload became extremely heavy. Professor Flitwick was the only teacher not overloading Genoa, having made him extremely happy when they reviewed Cheering Charms. Professor Flitwick could not stop laughing for an hour until Genoa performed the counter charm. Genoa hadn't even had time to eat with the others as she threw her things down in her dorm and prepared for the Quidditch tryouts. In truth, she wasn't that focused on the tryouts even after worrying so much. Her thoughts strayed to Draco again. All she could do was think about the tone of his voice, the look on his face, and Harry's accusations. It scared her, and she was scared for him. Things were becoming more dangerous out there and Genoa feared there wasn't much time left till she was found. Just this morning, poor Hannah Abbott had been notified of her mother being found dead and she hadn't been seen since. Even now, people were being accused as Death Eaters and she, Genoa, felt the ring on her finger becoming stronger. She tied her hair back quickly and grabbed her broom, before she bolted downstairs, nearly knocking into Hermione.
"I was just coming to get you, I figured we could walk down together. Here, eat this," she stated, handing her a muffin.
She took it gratefully, trying to get herself together,"Thanks. Sorry, I'm just a little scattered."
Hermione smiled,"You know, you are overreacting. You're going to make it on the team."
"Yea, I suppose I am. I'm sorry, I guess school is just getting to me as well," she half smiled.
Hermione didn't say anything but looked at her as if trying to search for something, making Genoa pretend to look down and fix a button on her robe.
"Let's go," she said and began walking toward the portrait hole, Hermione following behind.
The weather was unusually cold for September and the sky was a depressing grey as if it was going to rain at any moment. Perhaps the sky was based off her mood today, because she was feeling quite miserable. There were already a lot of people there on the pitch, some she knew and some she didn't. She noticed Demelza Robins, one of her competition for Chaser and Cormac McLaggen, who was eyeing her lustfully. She felt herself almost throw up. Hermione bid her good-bye and Genoa watched her trod up the stands to sit by Luna, and she noticed a lot of other people, especially from Hufflepuff spectating.
"Alright, well, now that everyone is here we can get started,"Harry said and Genoa could tell he was getting rather annoyed by the people in the stands,"We're going to tryout the Chaser's first, then move onto Keeper's and then Beater's. Just because you were on the team last year, does not guarantee you a spot this year. So, if that's going to be a problem for anyone then you can clear off now."
No one made any sign of speaking so Harry went on.
"Right then, so let's get started. Ginny, Demelza, Katie and Genoa, you'll each show me you're passing and goal scoring skills. Whichever three of you gets the most past me will make it on the team. Right, lets get started."
When she was certain no one was looking, Genoa dived into her pocket and retrieved the No Nerve pill. With one quick motion, she shoved it down her throat and instantly felt the effects of it. It was as if everything she was worrying about vanished with a swift cold tingle down her spine. Then she felt an overwhelming warming sensation that caused her to smile gleefully, but also made Demelza eye her suspiciously. Genoa however, knew she could do this. Suddenly, she felt fierce and determined and before anyone could go first she mounted her broom and rose into the air, the cold air wiping her face.
"Ready when you are, Harry!" she shouted, taking him by surprise.
She waited as he got into position, before she felt herself speeding toward the goal post. The feeling was exhilarating. It felt so good to feel this confident, to not have to worry about all the things that were bothering her. She was flying and she was free. Before Harry could even stop it, she had scored the first two goals, nearly knocking him off his broom. She saw him look at her, utter bewilderment on his face. Genoa could hear the crowd cheering and Hermione shouting louder than everyone, causing her to look over to the stands. But what was more pleasing to her was the fact that all the boys on the stands had their mouths open. Ten minutes later Genoa scored the last three goals, making Harry gasp for breath. As she flew down toward the ground, she could see a little resentment in Demelza's face, but ignored it as Katie and Ginny patted her on the back with a well done. She could just make out Cormac staring at Hermione. What a git.
"Well then," Harry said beaming as he flew back down onto the pitch,"Great tryout, Genoa. Alright, Ginny you're next and then Katie and then Demelza."
Without another word, Genoa made her way over to the stands to take a seat between Hermione and Luna.
"That was quite a show," Luna said dreamily to her,"Personally, I think you're talents are better used to help prevent against Nargles."
"Thanks Luna." Genoa replied. She had already been around Luna enough to learn to accept whatever she said. She cared about her very much, and wouldn't have changed anything about her. Genoa herself was odd at times and that just made her who she was.
"Oh you're quite welcome," she said brightly,"I was never much of a flier. Dad says I was always better at fishing for Plimpies."
"What got into you?" Hermione finally whispered to her after Luna looked in the other direction,"You almost killed Harry with those throws."
Genoa shrugged,"I just figured you were right. Being on the pitch really gave me some confidence. It felt good to play."
Hermione sniffed loudly,"Well, there's no way you aren't getting on the team now. You intimidated half the boys trying out."
They watched as the tryouts continued, and if anyone thought Genoa was out of control, it was nothing compared to the behavior of Cormac. She thought that at any moment, Harry was going to hex him. Ron had played brilliantly and saved every goal Ginny threw at him, but Cormac didn't seem to accept that he somehow only saved four. They could hear Harry yelling at Cormac, until he finally slummped off the field, clearly muttering curse words under his breath. After everyone had tried out, and one being sent to the hospital wing after accidentally smacking into the goal post, Harry finally made his decision. Genoa felt her heart soar when Harry called her name first, then Ginny and then Katie. Demelza looked absolutely offended and cast a dark look at Genoa before skulking away. Harry had once again chosen Ron for Keeper and although they didn't compare to Fred and George, Harry found two Beaters whose names Genoa hadn't caught, since she was too busy rejoicing with Katie and Ginny.
"Well, that's my final decision. You all played great, but I think we have got a great team here. I'm sorry to those who didn't make it," Harry added to the few of the sore losers that remained,"Maybe next year."
Genoa watched as everyone started to make their way back to the castle. It started to rain hard and she stood there for a few moments before finally following behind Harry, who called out to her. She joined him by his side, trudging through the grass that was becoming muddy, when she suddenly felt like someone was staring at her. Genoa turned around, squinting, only to catch a glimpse of blonde in the sheet of rain. When she turned back, Harry was already off the pitch, causing her to run to catch up. She wouldn't worry about Malfoy just yet, as she thought of making it onto the team. As far as she was concerned, she had a very lengthy letter to write to Fred and George.
"Malfoy was at the tryouts," Genoa said as she ate her bacon the next morning, taking giant bites.
"What? I didn't see him," Hermione said, not taking her eyes off her book.
"He's following me. I'm seriously thinking about cursing him when he isn't looking," Genoa muttered.
Genoa wasn't the only one voicing her frustrations about Malfoy. Harry had gone to extreme lengths with his Death Eater theory, becoming quite obsessed with where he was at all times. Genoa was all for spying on Malfoy having been given that specific task, but for some reason she wanted to distance herself from him more than ever.
"I've got my lesson with Dumbledore tonight," Harry finally spoke,"Don't worry, I won't forget to tell him about our theory," he added noticing the look on Genoa's face.
"Don't forget about Quidditch practice this week," Ron said, helping himself to more sausages. He had already had six, causing Hermione to throw him a sharp look.
"What? I'm hungry!" he snapped at her, but she simply returned to her book,"By the way, Genoa, wicked tryout. I couldn't believe it, with you being nervous. What gives?"
"Well, I just figured I shouldn't be scared doing what I love. I really need Quidditch right now. Well, I'm off to class," Genoa said, getting up and taking one more swig of Pumpkin Juice, and leaving Ron unable to retort, "I'll see you lot later."
She swung her bag over shoulder and made her way up to the third floor, where unexpectedly, Malfoy was staring out the window directly across from the classroom. He looked disheveled and sick as the light grazed his face. He looked over to see her staring at him and he walked over to her, getting rather close.
"Always wanting what you can't have, Valence." he said tauntingly.
She put distance between them before she spoke,"Oh please. Have you seen yourself lately? You look terrible. Madame Pomfrey needs to have a look at you."
Had she seriously just said that?
"What do you care what's wrong with me?" he said rudely.
In all honesty, she didn't know, but she knew somehow, no matter what she did, she couldn't pull herself away from him. She felt weak at that moment and uncontrollably foolish. What was it about him all of a sudden that drove her mad? She looked into his eyes then, finally seeing them clearly for the first time and it was then that her heart dropped into the pit of her stomach. The eyes she had seen in her dream and or vision, and she was now certain, had been Malfoy's. The boy crying in such a manner that she wanted to comfort him, had been Malfoy. Without even realizing it, as if she was in some kind of trance, she began speaking. Her tone however, was one of a girl who seemed worried and downright terrified.
"I've seen you in my dreams."
Malfoy felt his whole body go numb in that instant. How was this possible? She had been seeing him as he had been seeing her? Without thinking, he grabbed her arm and pulled her into an empty classroom.
"Malfoy! What are you doing? We have class!" she yelled, finally finding her proper voice.
"What have you seen?" he asked urgently, staring daggers at her.
She was lost for words at being asked this question so suddenly. She had not expected this. She had not expected to be dragged into an empty classroom, in the dark with Draco Malfoy boring his eyes into hers.
"What do you mean?"
"You know what I mean, Genoa!" he bellowed, and she jumped back at the loudness of his voice.
He had called her Genoa.
"You've got a lot of nerve asking me to explain things when you're hiding something, so you better start talking to me first before I even tell you anything, Malfoy!" she yelled back and she could see a hint of defeat in his face.
He didn't say anything, but walked over to a nearby desk and sat himself on top of it, burying his face in his hands. What in the world was going on? Hesitantly, she walked over so that she was standing in front of him. She felt herself become tangled in his form as she watched him sit there, looking somewhat helpless.
"How did you know about my mother, Draco?" she asked, using his proper name, deciding it had more of an affect on him.
He removed his face from his hands to look up at her.
"You don't understand the things I've done, the things I'm doing. I wish, but I know I can't-"
Genoa felt her throat clog up. She sat herself on the desk next to him, and when he didn't object she spoke once more.
"Its Voldemort, isn't it?"
He looked up at her wildly,"As if I'd tell you!"
"Stop it. Just stop it. Talk to me! Tell me what's going on! I can help you! We can help you! Whatever it is, you're obviously over you're head. Dumbledore-"
"Can't do a damn thing. It won't matter," he sneered, cutting her off.
After a moment of silence, Genoa couldn't take it anymore.
"You still didn't answer my question."
"What?" he answered sharply.
"How did you know about my mother?"
He looked away from her and removed himself from the desk, walking over to the bookshelf. She watched as he traced his fingers across the spines before he spoke, his back turned to her.
"They know. About you." he turned to look at Genoa and placed himself in front of her as she had done to him not long ago. She felt herself become overcome with shock.
Genoa slid herself of the desk and walked to the other side of the room. Before she knew it she was on her knees, sobbing on the floor. Her worst fears had been realized, but then, what if he was lying? No, there was no possible way. It was the only way to explain it and deep down she knew he wasn't. She needed to see Dumbledore now. She had to warn him, to get help. It couldn't wait any longer. With Voldemort aware of her being alive, it made everything all the more dangerous. And then, why would Malfoy tell her this? What was he gaining? Didn't he want to see her demise?
"W-Why are y-you t-telling me t-this?" she sobbed loudly to him and she lifted her head up to see him leaning down to her.
"I don't know," and she could tell by his face that he was being honest,"I don't want to do this anymore, but I have no choice."
And she could hear somewhat of a cry emit from his lips as he walked away. Before she could say anything else to him, he opened the door and stopped abruptly. It felt like the silence lasted forever until he turned his head slightly, to look at her from the corner of his eye.
"I've dreamed about you too." he said in a whisper that only she could hear and closed the door behind him.
For the first time in Genoa's life, she had wanted him to stay with her.
