Chapter 15
Yay! Another chapter! -dodges flying tomatoes- I ish seeeew sorreh! DX I had most of it written and everything, I just kept putting it off and off and off…. Ya'll prolly want to kill me, huh? Lol.
Guess what! I'm 18 now! Yay. And I graduated =DD yay! Anyway, for those of you who wanted to see my facebook page for Will of the Willow, its: www. facebook .com/pages/Will-of-the-Willow/387110852992 ... cept... you know... without the spaces. lol. for some reason it wont let me put in the actual address. lol
It needs more fans… lol. And I'll be updating the status with snippets of the upcoming chapters =)
I'm thinking about making a page for it on glogster… that'd be cool.
Ooh! This chapter has my first cliffhanger! Normally I try to resolve things by the end of the chapter, but on this one I decided on a cliffie. Sew, I'm excited about that =3 I'll try to update faster so you're not stranded for too long XD
Thanks to …
CorianderSpice (I love yew!)
Shaya
Narniagirl18
IceCreamDragon
Monkeyillusion
Dangermouse92
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Sam
for reviewing! I loves yew! BTW, who besides me friends, reads this that are from Kansas? Just wondering =)
Anywayz, Enjoy!
Pictures framing up the past
Your taunting smirk behind the glass
This museum full of ash
Once a tickle, now a rash
-Pink
I woke to hushed, terrified whispers. I opened my eyes to see light streaming through the window, my bed hangings pulled aside, and my three roommates crowded around me.
Spoons was staring at them, occasionally flicking his tongue.
"Uh, good morning," I said uneasily.
"Willow," Hannah Abbot whispered, frightened, "there's a snake on you!"
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.
I didn't really want to send Spoons home, but I couldn't let anyone know that I was a Parseltongue. Nor could I tell them that Spoons was my pet because we weren't allowed to have snakes.
"Oh, lookey there," I feigned mild surprise.
"Don't make any sudden movements!" Hannah said.
Then, I really did roll my eyes.
"He's one of those harmless kind, not poisonous. Don't worry. I'll just go feed him to the owls."
The girls looked terrified but not suspicious as I picked up Spoons and put him in a box. Then I got dressed and took the box with me.
Thinking I was out of earshot, one girl turned to the others.
"She's so weird," she said and the other two agreed with her. A familiar pang settled itself in my heart at their words. They never knew how much their words hurt…
Spoons hissed from inside the box and, making sure no one was looking, I let him out. He curled up comfortably in my pocket.
"Good morning," a sleepy voice said behind me.
I turned around to see Cedric Diggory standing there rubbing his eyes. He yawned.
"Good morning," I mumbled back.
"What's in the box?" he asked.
"Oh, nothing. Just a box…" I laughed, showing him the inside of the empty box.
Cedric just shook his head and went to breakfast. I chuckled lightly.
I threw the box away and made my way to the Great Hall. I was pretty early, so not many people were there. I ate in silence, occasionally slipping a piece of sausage into my pocket for Spoons.
Suddenly, a shadow loomed over my shoulder, blocking my light. I had been studying my schedule; I had Herbology with the Gryffindors, Transfiguration, and then Charms with the Slytherins.
"Doesn't look like a very fun day," George Weasley commented, grabbing my schedule. I just shrugged and picked at my eggs. My cheeks were burning.
"Especially Charms with the Slytherins," he continued, sitting down next to me. I took a quick glance around, but didn't see his twin anywhere.
George caught my look and laughed. "We aren't attached at the hip, y'know."
I laughed with him. "I know. It's just… unusual to see one of you by yourself."
"Not that strange, surely," he chuckled. I just smiled but offered no reply.
My face flushed and I couldn't think of a single thing to say.
"Catch you later," George said before the silence could grow awkward. I was grateful and smiled at him as he left.
Once people started to trickle in and disturb my peace, I got up and left, heading to the library.
I knew the weather wasn't about to get too warm as the school year went on, so I needed something to keep my pockets warm for Spoons. Snakes are cold blooded, so Spoons wouldn't like the cold too much. And a spell that would give him more space would be good, because at the rate how was growing, he wouldn't be able to fit in the pockets of my robes for much longer.
I wasn't quite sure where to start, so I just pulled a bunch of Charms books from the shelves. Charms is my best subject, so I knew that, with practice, I could master any spell in the book.
Although I found several interesting and/or useful spells, I found none close to what I was looking for. With a sigh, I left for Herbology.
Draco caught up with me outside of Charms after a rather unpleasant Herbology lesson.
"Why didn't I see you at breakfast?" he asked. Although I had a valid reason to miss breakfast with him, I had an ulterior motive, also. I was embarrassed and confused about the kiss. This was the first time I had seen him since.
We sat down and Draco looked at me expectantly.
"Oh, I ate early and went to the library. I needed to find a spell to keep my pockets warm for Spoons," I explained quietly.
"Did you find anything?" he asked. I glanced at Professor Flitwick who was demonstrating how to control a levitating object. It looked easy enough, and we were divided into pairs to practice it.
"Not really," I told him, "but I found one we could use to pass notes, even if we're across the school. We will have to practice it, though."
"That's good," he replied, distracted with trying to get the spell to work. The cushion would move right and up, but if he tried left or down, it would spasm and go in a random direction.
"Here, let me show you. You need to flick your wrist less and straighten your stance more," I told him while putting pressure on his back so he would stand straighter. He was so… tall, I suddenly noticed.
After that, the charm worked better.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw Pansy working with Millicent Bulstrode. Pansy caught my eye and motioned for me to talk to Draco. I realized what she wanted and nodded.
"So… Draco?"
"Yeah?"
"What do you, er.. like?" I asked awkwardly.
"What do you mean?" he asked, his face fixed with concentration as he tried the spell again.
"What do you like in a girl?" I clarified for him.
The cushion he was levitating went flying and hit Susan Bones in the face.
I sighed and fixed his fingers. He had let them slip which had caused the object to hit Susan.
Draco was quiet as I did so. I could feel his breath tickle my neck. I suddenly thought of his breath on my face, his lips on mine... I blushed at my train of thought.
"Stand a little straighter… There. Now try it again." I was proud when my voice didn't betray my thoughts.
"Why do you want to know?" he asked, attempting the spell once more.
"No reason," I lied. "I just haven't seen you date anyone, so I wondered if you were picky or something."
I grinned at the strange look he gave me.
"Um... er... well... I like... girls that are shorter than me," he started uncomfortably. I laughed.
"Draco, that's almost all girls. What else?"
"Dark hair is nice, I guess... and good... skin," he stumbled. He was clearly uncomfortable with the subject. "What about you? What do you like?"
"In a boy?"
"No, dummy, in a goblin."
I stopped and thought for a moment. I hadn't really given it much thought.
"Well, I like tall boys. Um... I like... red hair?" I said, suddenly thinking of a certain red-haired twin.
The cushion went flying again and hit Susan Bones in the back of the head. Angrily, she threw it back at Draco.
I sighed. "What's wrong with you today? You're acting weird."
He just shook his head and we dropped the subject.
Soon, the bell rang and everyone fled the classroom. Draco barely said goodbye before we went our separate ways. I woke up Spoons, who had been sleeping comfortably in my pocket the whole day, and I dropped him off in my room, telling him to stay put and keep quiet under my bed where I made a little nest for him.
Later, while heading to dinner, Draco suddenly yelled.
"Weasley! Hey Weasley!"
Ron Weasley, Granger, and Potter all turned around to see Draco and co. looking pleased. I frowned. If this was about the article he saw in the paper...
"What?" Weasley said shortly.
"Your dad's in the paper, Weasley!" Draco then took out his Daily Prophet. "Listen to this!"
He read the article out loud in a mocking manner. It was about Moody and Arnold Weasley. I hadn't read the article yet, but I had seen Draco waving it around earlier. The writer did a good job at making them look bad.
"And there's a picture, Weasley!" Draco taunted, flipping the paper over and holding it up. "A picture of your parents outside their house- if you can call it a house! Your mother could do with losing a bit of weight, couldn't she?"
Weasley was shaking with fury.
"Get stuffed, Malfoy," said Potter. "C'mon, Ron..."
I put my hand on Draco's arm, trying to urge him to stop, but he just brushed it off and continued.
"Oh, yeah, you were staying with them this summer, weren't you, Potter?" he sneered cruelly. "So tell me, is his mother really that porky, or is it just the picture?"
"You know your mother, Malfoy?" Potter said-both he and Granger had grabbed the back of Weasley's robes to stop him from launching himself at Draco-"that expression she's got, like she's got dung under her nose? Has she always looked like that, or was it just because you were with her?"
Draco's face became slightly pink. I tried pulling on his arm and hissed his name under my breath, but he shoved me off him angrily.
"Don't you dare insult my mother, Potter."
"Keep your big mouth shut, then," Potter said, turning away. My eyes widened as I saw Draco whip out his wand and aim it at potter's back.
Realizing what he was about to do, I pushed Draco's arm in an attempt to stop him. He barely moved, his stance like a rock.
BANG!
Several students screamed, and I glimpsed Draco's curse as it grazed the side of Potter's face. Before he could even touch his wand, another loud BANG sounded and Moody, who was coming down the stairs, roared loudly.
"OH NO YOU DON'T, LADDIE!"
I looked at the spot where Draco had stood, gasping in horror to see a trembling pure white ferret in his place. No one moved or spoke.
I wasn't paying attention when Moody asked Potter something. Crabbe bent over to pick up the ferret, Draco, when Moody shouted, "LEAVE IT!"
Crabbe froze and I glanced at Moody. He was facing the other direction.
The turned and started to limp towards us. Draco gave a terrified squeak and started running toward the dungeons.
"I don't think so!" Moody roared, pointing his wand at Draco. He flew up ten feet, smashed into the floor and flew up again. I stared wide-eyed as he squealed in pain.
"I don't like people who attack when their opponent's back's turned," Moody growled, bouncing Draco higher and higher. "Stinking, cowardly, scummy thing to do…"
Draco's legs flailed helplessly. "Never-do-that-again-"
"Professor Moody!"
A shocked Professor McGonagall came down the staircase, her arms full of books.
I barely noticed her as I kept my eyes worriedly on Draco as he was bounced up and down.
"What-what are you doing?" McGonagall asked, her eyes watching the bouncing ferret in disbelief.
"Teaching," Moody replied.
"Teach-Moody, is that a student?" she shrieked, dropping her books.
"Yep," Moody said.
"No!" McGonagall pulled out her wand and a moment later, Draco reappeared lying on the floor. His hair was a mess and his face pink with embarrassment.
He winced as he stood, his gaze remaining on the floor. I resisted the urge to run to him.
"Moody, we never use Transfiguration as a punishment! Surely Professor Dumbledore told you that?" McGonagall chided.
Moody scratched his chin, unconcerned. "He might've mentioned it, yeah. But I thought a good sharp shock-"
"We give detentions, Moody! Or speak to the offender's Head of House!"
Moody glared at Draco. "I'll do that then."
Draco glared back and muttered something.
"Oh yeah?" Moody limped foreword. "Well, I know your father of old, boy… You tell him Moody's keeping a close eye on his son… You tell him that from me… Now, your Head of House'll be Snape, will it?"
"Yes," Draco sulked.
"Another old friend," the professor growled. "I've been looking foreword to a chat with old Snape… Come on you…"
Moody grabbed Draco by the upper arm and hauled him away. Anxiously, I followed them.
I kept my distance as they made their way to the dungeons. Moody suddenly stopped, yanking Draco to a halt.
"Is there a reason yer followin' us?" he growled. It took me a moment to realize he was talking to me, especially since he was staring straight ahead. Draco twisted around to see me. The painful humiliation was evident in his eyes.
"Uh..." I stammered.
"Then git," he growled.
I hesitated, looking at Draco for direction. He nodded, even though his eyes begged me to stay.
Without commenting further, Moody dragged him away.
I made my way back to the Great Hall, but once I reached the crossroads between the Great Hall and Slytherin Common Room, I chose the later. I wasn't really hungry, and I didn't want to hear 3/4 of the school laughing at Draco's expense.
So instead, I went to the Slytherin Common Room and sat on the green couch in front of the warm fire and waited.
I was falling asleep when Draco came in and shook me awake. I looked at him with sleepy eyes and he gave me a small smile.
"What's the verdict?" I yawned.
Draco sat by me and I snuggled against him for warmth. The fire had gone out and it was a bit chilly.
"Mad-Eye just grunted warnings and insulted Snape and said I was a coward and blah blah blah. I didn't get punished, though. Just wait till my father hears about this crazy loon teaching classes," Draco ranted. He didn't sound quite as confident as he usually did, but he was quickly turning back to his usual self.
"This is all Potter's fault. If he would duel like a man and-"
"Potter!" I exclaimed, not believing my ears. "Potter's fault? You've got to be joking! Draco, this is all your fault."
"My fault?"
"Yes, your fault. Draco, you've got to stop provoking people. Professor Moody shouldn't have done that, but I'm not going to let you think it wasn't your fault," I scolded. If he wasn't such a git, then this never would have happened.
"So you're taking their side, then?" he demanded angrily.
"What? I didn't say-" I started, pushing myself away from him.
"You said I deserved it!" He interrupted.
"I didn't say that!" I yelled back, frustrated. "I said you deserved to be punished, not bounced around as a ferret! Why couldn't you just leave them alone?"
"Because I was angry! And his mum really is a porker," he said hotly.
"What do you have to be angry about?" I snapped, crossing my arms. "And you should leave people's mums alone."
"You're the reason why I was angry! Besides, he insulted my mother, so I can insult Weasley's," he replied childishly.
We stood, glaring at each other. My arms were folded across my chest and his hands were clenched at his sides. I resisted the urge to tear my hair out.
"Me? What did I do? And you insulted his mother first, so of course you're going to get the same!"
"Well, it's not like you would understand," Draco sneered, "you don't have a mother!"
I felt as if he has slapped me across the face. I was speechless. Draco had never said anything like that to me before.
As soon as he said it, he was fumbling with his words stupidly. Hurt, I turned away to hide my tears.
"Willow..."
"Maybe I should go," I managed to choke out.
"Willow!" he called as I left. "Willow! I didn't mean it!"
But I was already out the door.
The students had just started coming out of the Great Hall, so by the time I was close to the Hufflepuff wing, the halls were deserted.
My footsteps echoed loudly in the empty hallway. I stopped suddenly and stood there, holding myself. I tried not to cry, but wasn't quite managing it. Suddenly, a hand landed on my shoulder. I screamed.