((Writer's Note: Is it too late to warn you all about the horrible- and i mean just god awful - preteen drama? I mean, that's bad enough as it is, but for Kieran..i mean, she's not only dramatic, but also mentally tormented - and naturally only crazy people could be her friends, so you can imagine how this is going to end up. Anyways, you're still reading this far, so you are literally accepting the torture - which either means i'm actually writing a decent story, or you just like the abuse.. i suspect the latter.
Enjoy it!))
The Slytherin dorms were always a calming place, with its green gloom- fed by the color of the lake and the green flame lanterns- to the soft churning of the lake against the massive windows, that lulled the mind. At night, the lake outside was dark, and only the silhouette of kelp could show the stirrings of the wind up above. One could tell what type of day it would be, just by the tint of the lake and how hard the greenery was being knocked around. For some people, who looked hard enough, they could even catch a glimpse of something more exotic than the common fish - either it would be the Giant Squid, playing in the distance, or even the Selkie, hunting for their meals, with their purple hair and silver fins swaying madly behind them.
The Common Room was always filled with chatter, but the girls dorm was a nice, quiet place where Emelia could focus; the ambience and atmosphere helping her mind unclutter, and tune into her work effortlessly. Hogwarts wasn't a far stretch to what Emelia was accustomed to, as was as the environment was concerned- her family was an ancient line of Wizards and Goblin folk, who spanned back to the days of royalty, and when she wasn't cooped in the the giant castle of her forefathers, reading ancient texts, she would merely slide through one of the hundreds of bookcases and find herself in the decrypted victorian add-on, to find something else to fill her unquenchable thirst for knowledge with. Though, there too, Emelia was haunted by ghosts, and pestered by unbearable family members - Her Grandmother and her pet zombies, her cousins and their cursed objects - with all their crazy antics that drove her mad. Comparatively, Hogwarts was a step down in the way of colorful characters, that was, apart from Nathair..
Emelia missed home, oddly enough, but here she had more of the quiet to focus on what needed to be done, that is, when Nathair wasn't around.. On queue, the loud Kieran came barging in, and Emelia's precious silence was thwarted. Sighing sharply to herself, she sucked in those last few moments and focused in harder on her assignments, trying desperately just to finish the next sentence before Kieran had reached her. It wasn't Kieran that bothered her, not entirely, it was missed opportunities to work, to read- to indulge in that well sought out silence she so craved.
Kieran was predictably short-tempered, her outbursts were legendary- and yet, after only two days of knowing the girl, Emelia still appreciated her, but much in the same way she appreciated a good adventure novel; full of its ups and downs that kept her at the edge of her seat, hanging onto every word to see what happens next. It was no wonder Roary took a shine to her, she fed his everlasting need for attention, and she was the bold sort, outspoken, and loud- It was the 'type' of girl Roary had always seemed to get on with- and even Emelia had to admit the girl was entertaining, she hadn't merely hung around Kieran simply because they lived in close quarters, or attended the same classes. Kieran was actually someone she got on with, for the first time since Roary.
The reckless Kieran made her was toward Emelia, walking in great strides to reach her, then pausing, just at the foot of her bed "Hey.." said Kieran, hanging off the snake-carved bed poster. "You alright?" her voice was soft, like the type of tone a person has as they attempt to sooth a distraught beast. Emelia cringed - but her face spoke nothing of the pain she felt. Closing her books, she directed her attention at Kieran, with that same dull expression she could only ever muster. "Did i do something - I mean, i wouldn't be surprised if i had.." Kieran added, her face falling.
With a sharp sigh, Emelia shook her head "It's nothing you did… It's Roary-" she explained, glaring at her books "-He's unbearable- he makes it impossibly hard to focus."
Kieran was silent for a moment, lost in though "You like him, don't you?" she decided quickly.
The sudden accusation made Emelia's eye widen "I never." she cringed, but Kieran had already made up her mind and was grinning coyly. Emelia fumed "-His ego is everlasting, he doesn't care about his studies - He's like an annoying cousin i can't seem to shake - and besides, he doesn't like girls like me - and i don't like boys like him." Emelia defended, perplexed.
Kieran slid onto Emelia's bed and rolled her shoulder seductively "Oh come on, you know you like him - You've known eachother forever-"
"Which is precisely why i know he doesn't like me."
"So? Make him like you." Kieran shrugged, her expression almost malicious. Emelia's brow twitched. "Seriously - have you ever even told him you liked him? Guys are thick like that, they wouldn't know what was good for them if it came crashing down on their head."laughed Kieran
"Ironic, to be coming from you." Emelia glared "- I mean, you can't even tell that the person Roary likes, is you - Let alone me liking him - what would make you think that? It's revolting." Emelia scoffed.
Kieran stared, dumbfounded by the new information. Her face contorted into an uncomfortable sort of snarl, then she sat up, facing away from Emelia "I doubt that - No one ever likes me. I'm surprised you can tolerate me at all - i mean, you probably have to, seeing as we live together now, and have classes together..." Kieran's face looked dark with despair.
Emelia was quiet for a moment "You're reckless and foul-tempered, but.. i suppose you mean well. Perhaps being raised around Hart has soiled my judgment - and besides, i have Warlocks for Uncles that are more insufferable than you." Kieran gave Emelia a hopeful look, and Emelia attempted to smile, her lips twitching "Perhaps.. we could call this friendship - just to clear up any confusion. I mean, Roary gets on with you, and i suppose you are awfully entertaining.."
Kieran became misty-eyed, and before Emelia could counteract, Kieran was squeezing the air from her lungs and gripping her back like a constrictor. "I've never had friends before." said Kieran, teary-eyed. Emelia was limp during the hug, like an animal feigning death, and sucked in a well needed breath as Kieran pulled away. "I'm sorry. I keep making all these mistakes, i just don't know how to act." Kieran explained, wiping the tears from her face, using her sleeves.
For Emelia, Kieran was like the eccentric family members she had back home- always causing trouble - manic and insufferable - But Emelia couldn't help it, she enjoyed the girls company, despite her better judgment of only knowing the girl for a brief few days. "It's understandable-" Emelia began, trying that whole 'consoling' thing she had never been very good at "Change can make people act out, and you seem like the type who doesn't accept change easily."
laughing, Kieran nodded "I guess not - I've been outside of Oregon only a few times before, and i've never been away from home for this long.. It's giving me strange dreams. Honestly, i don't know how to act with people, i'm not sure if it's because you're a Witch too - like Trinity, or the others - But i just feel like i get along better with you. Muggle kids.. kids back home where i'm from, they've always been horrible to me - i mean just awful."
Understanding, Emelia sighed "People tend to think i'm too direct - Roary doesn't mind it, much, but everyone else tends to avoid me. My family isn't well liked in the Wizarding community either, which only adds to my stigma.."
"Well, i like you." Kieran defended, beaming at Emelia "-We can be unbearable together, alright?"
Without even realizing it, Kieran had flipped the conversation, and had been consoling Emelia - and what's more, it had worked, Emelia felt relieved, somehow. Emelia understood Kieran, she had never found the right sort of people she could just get along with- even Roary had picked on her when they were little. Kids never seemed to like her, for one reason or the next, and Emelia always felt like she had the talent of making people feel bad. But that same honesty had the opposite effect on Kieran - seeing as she had a perfect time making her own self feel horrible- Emelia's honesty couldn't do any worse.
"I think perhaps, we should start heading to Astronomy." Emelia said, putting her things away and grabbing her telescope.
Something still bothered Emelia about the way Roary was acting - he was more insufferable than usual, and she had the feeling Kieran's attitude was what was encouraging him - but the very idea of it being her 'liking' him, was atrocious. Besides, she knew Roary better than anyone, and she could see the way he jested with Kieran, talking about her even when she wasn't in the room. It didn't bother Emelia, she wouldn't let it.
The two girls were some of the first to start heading out to the Astronomy tower, but both of the girls liked to be at the places they needed to be early - which Kieran beamed about "See? We both like to be unnecessarily early." said Kieran, rambling on about any similarities they shared, trying to solidify the friendship "-If i don't get someplace early, it makes me really anxious, and depending on what it is, sometimes i have to be there an hour early."
"That's a bit excessive, even for me." defied Emelia.
"Better to be over prepared, than under." Kieran shrugged.
"I suppose that's true." agreed Emelia, to which encouraged Kieran to beam even more brightly, forcing Emelia to squint through the intensity of it.
Like a bat out of hell, Roary came running after the girls "I did it!" he screeched, sprinting towards them. "I did it! I convinced Aubrey to consider me!" out of breath, he rested on his knees and breathed deeply.
"That's awesome!" Kieran cheered "-but isn't Quidditch season like a month away?" she asked, only having remembered the fact, because it was all Roary spoke about - and interested her too.
The boy's face fell, but he quickly shrugged it off "Yeah, but the point is she'll consider me. meaning i'll get to do the tryouts - Well, she said she'd 'consider me for tryouts', but i'll convince her, don't you worry."
Emelia sighed "If only you could use that ambition on your studies." she scolded.
"You always say that" Roary groaned, resting his hands on the top of his head.
"-Well, i mean, it is important." Kieran defended, more for the benefit of gaining Emelia's points.
"Oh no, not you too!" Roary gasped dramatically "She's gone and brain-washed you."
"-and you're next." Kieran grinned, waggling her fingers at him. Squealing, he ran off, Kieran half-heartedly chased him, only to trip over a loose stone, fumbling to catch herself - Roary barely managed to catch her with an 'oof!' and the two fell back, their laughs echoing down the corridors.
"My bad-" Kieran heaved, meekly accepting the boys help up. "Oh, Trent-"
Trent stood several feet from them, staring coldly at the pair. Kieran felt uneasy under his gaze and let Roarys hand drop. It was utter silence as he strode past him, his long legs carrying him far away from the trio.
"What did i do?" asked Kieran, puzzled.
"Don't take it personally, Nathair." said Roary, glaring after the taller boy. "C'mon, let's get to Astronomy-"
"You forgot your telescope." pointed out Emelia.
"I forgot my telescope!" Roary repeated in a shout
"Just share mine, with me." Kieran offered, thinking nothing of it - But, reading more into, Roary's face lit up like christmas, and he grinned at her. The trio continued their way to the Astronomy tower, and by the end of the seemingly endless flight of stairs, Kieran was a mess.
"it's...lucky..you always-" Kieran heaved, rolling on the ground "-know where yer goin'." she finished in a huff.
"Emery's always been good at finding...her way." breathed Roary deeply, wiping his brow.
Emelia stood there, graceful and unphased by the journey. Kieran grimaced bitterly at her "Why don't you look how i feel?" asked Kieran, barely managing to pull herself up.
"I live at a castle - I'm used to this amount of stairs." stated Emelia very plainly.
"A castle?" Kieran gawked.
"Yeah, her family is like wicked old, and filthy rich." Roary clarified.
"Lucky." groaned Kieran, finally on her feet again, and peeling her robe off.
Emelia simply shrugged, already dragging her supplies out for the class.
The night was cold, but felt refreshing after the excruciating trek. The air had the telltale scent of autumn in the air, signaling winter would be coming very soon. Whether an enchantment had put on the sky, or it was just clear from the lack of light pollution, the first years could see sky in pristine condition, so bright, it lit up the tower and the castle in bright silver.
"Woah.." It stole Kieran's breath away as she stared up at it with Roary. They looked at eachother and saw the stars reflecting in each others eyes. They grinned at one another, and watched as a star shot across the sky "Holy crap! Did you see that!?"
"Bloody brilliant!" Roary beamed..
As the rest of the first years began to make their way to the top of the tower, Kieran noticed Trent in the corner, sitting against the towers wall. The boy was fixed on his own telescope, his face shadowed under his hair, making him look ominous. Kieran was hesitant - but she didn't want enemies if they weren't deserving, especially not Trent - and if she had wronged him, she needed to know how.
Approaching in her obvious, direct sort of way, Kieran approached Trent and knelt down, sitting beside him with an audible 'thud', as her back hit the wall. "-Hey.." she began. Trent nodded in recognition - He was quiet, but even Kieran couldn't help feel like he was particularly aloof right now, and why wouldn't she take it personally? "Did i do something?" she asked slowly, drawing out the words "-I seem to have a talent for messing things up. But usually, i know why." she defended, hurt. "Although, Emelia has pointed out i'm a bit more thick headed than i realize- so my point is, have i done something to upset you, if so, i don't know what?"
The tall boy was quiet for a moment, as his eyes founds Kieran's - The starlight made her eyes twinkle, and illuminated her puzzled expression - with her barely parted lips - it sent him on edge. He looked away quickly. Trent was upset, he had to admit, but he couldn't explain to her that he was jealous - they hardly knew each other, he had no right. Kieran was just nice to him, because she was just nice. Not any other reason. Roary liked Kieran, too, and the guy made it damn obvious. Trent didn't want to mess with that.. but he couldn't help how Kieran made him feel-
When Kieran came to see him in the infirmary that first day, bringing him food, and being kind - he was shocked. When she left after discovering his family bloodline, Trent couldn't help but feel hurt - But, Emelia sat there with him, and quickly explained - "Kieran doesn't seem like the sort to care about bloodlines - It's probably something else." - So he let it slide, and when he saw her next, with her eyes red and puffy, and her robes soaked, Trent could just tell she had beaten herself up over it- and he was touched.
The girl even went on to apologize, and naturally Trent played it off. Kieran lit up though, relieved - and then they began passing notes, Trent was hesitant, he had never passed notes with anyone, and Kieran especially made him nervous. But by the end of their conversation, he had gotten up the courage and asked her to visit his home. Trent discovered that Kieran did care about what Trent was, but not in a bad way- she admitted she was jealous, and told him about her passions for magical creatures. It was the most he had ever opened up to someone, after only knowing them a few brief hours.
Trent couldn't blame Roary for liking Kieran, she was pretty, and funny, and lit up the room with her fiery nature. He wanted to tell her how he felt, but it was too soon - she would just turn him down, and he couldn't bare that. Turning to Kieran once more, he shook his head firmly "You haven't done anything." he began, watching her eyes light up with hope, and starlight. "-I'm just.. not very good at talking with people." he explained, which wasn't a lie.
Kieran beamed at him, and he felt his heart skip a beat. "Is that all?" She laughed "Join the club." she chuckled, bating him softly "How about this - i do all the talking, and i'll just annoy you sooo much, you'll have to talk, just to get me to shut up - then it's a win win."
Her smile was infectious, and Trent felt his face involuntarily light up. "Oh my god, you do smile!" gasped Kieran. He quickly turned his face away, only to have it pulled back by Kieran, who held it close "-no, i like it! you're super handsome!" she gauwked.
Trent pulled her hand away slowly, his heart thundering in his chest - He couldn't help himself, and he pulled her closer-
"Alright everyone! Let's get our telescopes out!" Aurora Sinistra, their Astronomy Professor said; she was a beautiful woman, with dark skin that reflected the starlight like titanium, and her purple robes were covered in a galaxy of twinkling stars, that shifted as the cloth flourished.
Kieran couldn't explain it, Trent had made her heart leap and soar - his breath on her face, his lips parted softly. She gushed, flustered, and ran off to find Roary "Where did you go?" he asked, having only just realized she had gone.
"No one!" she barked, fumbling to get out her notebook and quill…
Astronomy was a soothing class, they stared at the stars for an hour, listening to Professor Sinistra talk about the constellations and their origins, and only having to write down information every so often. It would have been very relaxing, if not for the feeling of eyes on Kieran, as she sat amongst the crowd. Her eyes kept finding their way to Trent, who subtly glanced away, looking back through his telescope as if he hadn't just been looking at her, too.
Conflicted, Kieran let her heart settle, and when Trinity finally came up the stairs, red faced and wheezing. Kieran helped her the rest of the way. "You're nearly thirty minutes late, Miss Uniper." Sinistra scolded.
"-Sorry!" Trinity squeaked "-I fell asleep." she apologized, now red faced from the embarrassment, too, as people chuckled.
"Ignore them." Kieran hissed "Sit with me." she encouraged, practically picking the girl up to bring her by Roary and Emelia.
"Thank you.." said Trinity, sheepishly.
"You're my sister now, remember?" beamed Kieran.
"You forget yours too then?" asked Roary quietly, watching the girl fumble through her book bag, to no avail.
"Mhm.." Trinity blushed, accepting the telescope from the boy meekly. He beamed at Trinity, and whether it was just the lighting, or Kieran's imagination, she could have sworn Trinity's eyes twinkled as she watched Roary. Kieran grinned mischievously and snickered behind her hand.
"What's wrong?" asked Roary.
"Nope, nothing." Kieran denied, shaking her head furiously.
The rest of the class went by rather silently as they listened to the Professor recite the histories of stars. Kieran watched Roary and Trinity talk quietly amongst one another as they helped each other with notes, and Kieran couldn't help feel like a matchmaker of sorts, as well as a proud big sister - But, at the same time, it bothered her, and not for any particular good reason, either. Kieran just felt..envious. Roary was her friend, and she didn't particularly like him, more than that - and even though Emelia said he liked her, it didn't add up. Kieran was unlikable. Besides… there was another who made her heart do cartwheels..
When class let out, it was miserably late for Kieran, but she noticed something significant - Trinity was an absolute night owl; The girl was bubbly, bouncing slightly and talking more as she made her was out of the Astronomy tower with their group. Roary laughed, and the two looked very chummy. Kieran rubbed her eyes and spoke with Emelia about her notes, pleading for Emelia just to let her borrow hers, before the next class. Kierans words slurred, and she just wished she could apparate to her bed and be done with it.
By the time they got to the Entrance Hall, Kieran was melting against the rails. Trinity jumped excitedly as she waved them goodbye, heading off towards the Kitchens to the Hufflepuff Common Room. As quickly as she was able Kieran made it back to the dungeons and into the common room - She didn't remember saying goodnight to Emelia or anyone else, and before she realized it, she was in her bed, awake, not even remembering she had fallen asleep.
By the darkness of the lake, and the sound of the girls sleeping, Kieran could tell it was very early, or was it very late? Feeling like her bladder might burst, Kieran hurried to the bathroom and relieved herself. At night, when everyone was asleep, Kieran couldn't help but notice how eerie the dungeons were, no matter how nostalgic and comfortable it made her feel, usually. Going to wash her hands, she sleepily ran her hands through the cold water - and suddenly she was too scared to look up into the mirror.
Kieran had seen horror movies - she adored horror movies, but she knew a cliche when she felt one. Despite her better judgment, Kieran swallowed her fear, and glanced up quickly into the old rusted mirror. To her relief, and almost disappointment, no one, or no thing was behind her. She sighed and laughed nervously to herself, quickly turning off the water - as she glanced back up into the mirror, the person looking back was not herself.
Kieran flinched, but her reflection did not - there, gazing back at her with dark eyes, was a boy about her age. He was a handsome boy, with jet black hair - and Kieran couldn't help but notice the similarities in their faces. She also couldn't help but think the boy resembled Damien, in a way. Quickly, moving her hand in front of the mirror to see if it would mimic her, it did. The boy stared at her with the same bewildered look. Too afraid to look away, Kieran back away - but the reflection did not.
Heart racing, head throbbing - mouth thick with the taste of ash. Kieran watched in horror as the boy changed, first he grew, and matured - the mirror shuddering so violently Kieran thought it might explode - Then the boy, now a man, began to change even further, his face becoming less and less human, until at last, all that was staring back at Kieran was a snake-like man with scarlet eyes - those familiar slit-pupiled eyes that haunted her dreams…
Waking up in a fit, Kieran flung her comforter off, and looked around the dorm - Emelia stared right back, making her jump. "Strange dreams?" asked Emelia, unphased, as usual. Kieran nodded, flustered. "You were hissing in your sleep." added Emelia, standing up, her uniform and bathroom stuff in her hands. "You should probably start getting ready."
The next morning went by in such a blur, Kieran felt like she had just gotten out of bed by the time Herbology came around. Trent, who stood next to her, patted her arm softly. Kieran looked up at the boy, totally dazed. His expression made her heart do a little dance and she was brought crashing back down into reality. "Kieran?"
"Hm? What?" Kieran looked down at the strange plant in front of her "-Sorry, what are we doing?" she asked Trent.
"Mandrake." Trent stated "We have to repot them-"
"Oh, easy enough."
"I would suggest-" Trent tried, but Kieran wasn't listening.
Kieran grabbed the plant firmly around the base of its leafs then pulled it straight out. It began screaming, and without wearing her earmuffs, Kieran fell straight back, her vision going dark-
When Kieran awoke some time later, he head throbbed, and her mouth tasted of iron. Her head felt heavy, as if she had been knocked around, and let to roll to the side. Trent was sat in the chair beside, watching her wild mild concern. "You're awake?" he asked, standing.
"What on earth made yo think it was a good idea to pull out a mandrake without your earmuffs, honestly." Madam Pomfrey rushed over to Kieran with a strange elixir, which Kieran reluctantly accept, gagging on it half-way through.
"I didn't realize-" Kieran said, sitting up, holding her heavy head on her knees.
"Are you alright? I mean you weren't listening - that's not like you." Trent pointed out.
Kieran rolled her head slowly to look at him "I haven't been sleeping well-"
"Not sleeping well? I have just the solution-"
"No, thank you. I just need time to adjust." Kieran explained, dreading the thought of another strange potion, full of strange things that made her stomach turn.
With his sympathetic look, Trent patted Kieran's back affectionately "Do you want me to bring you something to eat?" Trent asked. Kieran looked up at him, her heart stirring. he shooked her head softly.
"No.. i can't eat right now." she explained limply.
Trent nodded, understanding. "I get that.." he leaned in slightly, so as not for Pomfrey to overhear "Her potions make me feel worse, too." he smirked. Kieran grinned.
"Tell me your heroism at least bought us some house points." Kieran groaned.
Trents disheartened look made her squirm then fall back onto the pillow. "We actually lost points, for you not listening.." he explained. "You told me you had read the entire Herbology textbook-"
"I have, but i also wasn't paying attention." groaned Kieran, resting her hand on her forehead. The realization hit her then, and she stared at Trent, her face red "Did you.. carry me here?" she asked, covering her mouth from shock and embarrassment. Trent nodded. "How embarrassing!" Kieran flailed "i'm so heavy - was i heavy!?"
Trent shook his head firmly "Not at all."
"-yeah but you probably have like super Troll strength or something." Kieran defied, flopping on the bed like a fish.
Trent stifled a laugh, the sound of air between his hands a lip sounding like someone who had just passed gas. Kieran stopped abruptly, and gazed at him with bewilderment - then she started cracking up, and the two broke out in laughter..
Kieran was released quickly, having clearly been better by her exuberant behavior. The two talked about Herbology, and the type of plants they had back where they lived, outside of Hogwarts. Trent seemed to open up when they were on their own, and Kieran made sure to speak with him privately more often. He spoke about herbology in the same passionate manner she had, when she spoke about magical creatures. Her fingers twitched as they walked side by side - she wanted to hold his hand, or for him to hold hers, but it was wishful thinking..
Lunch time had come and they headed to the Great Hall, and the moment Roary spotted the Kieran, he looked furious at Trent, and came bustling towards them. "You alright?" he asked Kieran, Kieran merely nodded, scratching her head awkwardly, which she realized now had a swelling bump.
"Pomfrey made me leave - She said you needed rest." Roary fumed. " -Why was he able to stay?"
"I carried her." Trent stated simply, his own gaze heated. Kieran looked between the boys, unable to understand the conflict. To break the tension she laughed, and grabbed Roary around the neck "Awe, you care!" she laughed off, messing his hair up with her fist. Roary turned red, squirming in her grip.
"Yeah, i do!" he spat. "I saved your plate for you, let's go." and with that he pulled Kieran down the table. Trent followed behind, sitting opposite them.
"Nice job with the whole fainting bit." Jackie tried to contain a laugh as Kieran found her seat. Kieran glared in return.
"Oh shove off, Jackie!" barked Roary.
"Oh i'm sorry, did i offend your troll girlfriend?" scoffed Jackie, her friends snickering.
Roary's face turned scarlet as he attempted to ignore his sister. She merely snickered and went back to her gossip..