It took two days before Bianca found the hidden note.
"Bianca, you're going to the library again? You went there yesterday." Erin said as Bianca broke away from the group. Simone and Babe stopped walking along with Erin and stared at her, waiting for a response.
Thinking quickly, Bianca hefted the strap of her bag higher up her shoulder, "I forgot to get one of the books I needed."
"Which one? The only assignments we have are for potions and charms. We already have the books we need for those essays." Simone put her hands on her hips.
Bianca bit her lip, "It's not for them. It's for OWLs." Which she should be studying for, but who could study for exams that were months away when she could barely concentrate on her current courses? Frankie was turning out to be a distraction, a delightful distraction, but one none the less.
"You're suddenly starting to study a lot for them." Simone stated.
"I want to do well." Bianca replied. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear nervously.
"Guys, leave her alone. If Bianca wants to study, let her." Babe joined in.
Bianca gave her friend a grateful smile. She really did not want to continue this with Simone or any of them. Lying was not her strong suit. At that moment, her feet were itching to walk away so she didn't have to face these questions. All she wanted to do was go see if the note was there with their new meeting place.
"Ok, go study." Simone sighed in resignation. "Are we going to see you at dinner?"
Bianca nodded quickly, "Yes, I just have to pick up this book."
"When you do, can I share it with you?" Erin asked. "I need to get studying more too."
Bianca blinked rapidly. Swallowing, she plastered what she hoped was a convincing smile on her face, "Of course." Great, now she'd actually have to go to the library.
"Great."
Anxious to get away and find the note, Bianca bounced a little in place, "Ok, I'm going. I'll see you all at dinner." She waved goodbye and spun on her heel, racing off before her friends could start another line of conversation.
She didn't notice the confused looks her friends shared behind her back at her sudden departure.
Her feet only picked up speed as she hurried down the hallways. She pushed through throngs of students, apologizing as she bumped into more than one in her haste. Walking as fast as she was, Bianca didn't see the short first year Ravenclaw until the boy smashed into her side. The sudden impact jolted her out of rhythm. Her hands flailed as she twirled around, her bag flying through the air. Her legs tangled together as she attempted to right herself, and she hit the floor hard. Her satchel landed next to her, the contents spilling out all over.
Loud clapping accompanied her fall.
"Bloody good show!"
Bianca looked up to see a group of Slytherins. They had watched the whole thing.
The Ravenclaw stood up quickly and ran off, giving the older Slytherins a petrified glance. Bianca sighed and rolled her eyes at the snakes. She reached out and began to pick up her quills and parchment.
"Brilliant move!" one of the Slytherins crowed.
"Beautiful, really." another called out.
"Look at the Gryffindor, taken down by a Ravenclaw. She's about as graceful as a toad." One laughed, "You the Gryffindor seeker?"
Bianca tuned out the insults, her face red with embarrassment. She had the urge to stand up and tell them what she thought of their petty words, but another voice stopped her. Reaching for her spilt ink bottle, her hands became covered with the black liquid.
"Showing your true filthiness, Gryffindor?"
Bianca froze. Inhaling deeply, she looked up to see Frankie approaching the group, Gary and Rich at her sides. Holding her breath, Bianca felt her insides tumble about. The blonde's face was cold, her mouth screwed up into a cruel smirk. Her eyes, though, hid something. It was only a flash, but there it was. Concern.
Gathering herself, Bianca shot the expanding group a sneer, "I must have touched one of you accidentally. Everyone knows something this dark only comes from Slytherin."
The crowd buzzed.
"You better watch your mouth," Frankie spat. She took a step toward the kneeling girl. "You should wash that filthiness away. There's a bathroom near the library. I'm sure the end sink has plenty of soap. Careful though, wouldn't want you to wash away to nothing. Oh wait, that's all Gryffindors are – nothing."
Frankie stepped back and glared at the brunette. She titled her head and began to walk, her friends following. Rich gave Bianca's bag a violent kick as he passed by. The rest of the Slytherins began to disperse, most still chuckling and mocking Bianca as they went by.
Bianca didn't care. She picked up her items as fast as possible and shoved them in her bag, not caring if it was a mess or not. She stood up, not even taking the time to dust off her clothing before she sprinted down the hall. She dodged around students and faculty, not listening as a few shouted for her to slow down.
Jumping down the stairs, she hit the fourth floor and ran. Her legs and chest burned with exertion, but she ignored it. Her bag swung at her side, and her robes flapped around her back and ankles.
Seeing the library, she pushed her heels into the ground. A few feet passed, she skidded to a stop and cut to the side. Her side rammed into the door to the girl's restroom, the barrier smashing into the wall. Bianca didn't even hear it. Instead, her gaze focused on the row of sinks. Breathing heavily from her run, Bianca walked unsteadily down the line, her legs spent. Reaching the last sink, she griped the porcelain. Her eyes roamed the basin, searching desperately. Ducking her head, she searched the bottom.
If she was starting to understand Frankie like she thought she was, it had to be there.
It took a moment, but she saw it. Sticking out form underneath was the brown parchment. Snatching it, she brought it up to her face. She unfolded it to be met with blankness.
"Oh, right." She had to say the password.
Whipping out her wand, she tapped the parchment, "Firewhiskey."
To her great delight, inked letters began to form. They turned into words and sentences, the scribbled handwriting taking shape.
Bianca couldn't suppress the whoop of joy as she read the note.
The poor second year who scrambled out of one of the stalls could only give her a scared look as she bolted out.
Bianca was much more cautious this time.
She picked out a random book on charms in the library for Erin and went to dinner with her friends. She forced herself to not look over at the Slytherin table during the entire meal. Well, she tried to. She only looked a couple times.
"I can't believe they made fun of you like that." Erin stabbed at her green beans.
"Yes you can. They're Slytherins." Simone chewed on her potatoes.
Babe patted Bianca's back comfortingly, "Sorry we weren't there."
Bianca smiled tightly, "That's ok."
The entire house heard about the incident by the time they gathered for the meal. Many of them shot Bianca apologetic looks, and a few spoke about playing their own prank in return. Bianca accepted her housemates' protectiveness and played along with their thoughts that she as was angry as ever. In actuality, however, she didn't really care. She had other things to worry about.
Like sneaking off again that night.
So, she bobbed her head along to their words while her mind went through different scenarios involving darkened corridors and moving staircases. When she and her friends had their fill of lamb chops, potatoes, green beans, and cake, they went back to the common room. As usual, they gathered before the fireplace and traded stories and gossip. They talked about how awful the Slytherins had been to Bianca and how Frankie was a jerk for what she said. They talked about classes and upcoming trips. When it began to get late, the boys went to their dormitories and the girls theirs. Bianca made up an excuse to stay downstairs in the common area. She had to study for those OWLs with her new library book.
After the sun set and the grounds grew cold in the oncoming winter weather, Bianca crept out of the room and through the castle. It took longer than she expected, roaming professors and Filch forcing her to duck into hiding more than once on her way. However, she finally made it to the base of the north tower.
"Lumos." The tip of her wand emitted light. Bianca flashed it around until she saw the ladder and trap door. Clenching the wand tightly in her hand, she ascended the ladder and lifted up the rather heavy trap door. Crawling inside, the trap slammed shut behind her. She grimaced at the loud noise and paused, waiting with bated breath for someone to have heard and come running.
No one came.
Releasing the pent up air, Bianca stood up and brushed the dust from her clothes. Earlier she had changed into more comfortable attire. The jeans and fluffy scarlet sweater provided her warmth against the cold air. Certain parts of the castle grew drafty and cool along with the weather outside. This room seemed to be one of them.
Looking around, Bianca noted the layout of the room. The note told her to meet in the divination classroom. Trelawney taught this class, and while she never took it, she heard tales about the weird woman. Supposedly she was very strange, but what could one expect from someone who taught you how to read tea leaves and crystal balls? Walking around, Bianca spotted various sized crystal balls, tea cups, and decks of cards perched on the shelves pushed up against the walls. For desks, there were small round tables with cushy looking chairs.
Tired from such a long day, Bianca decided to sit down while she waited for Frankie to show up. Plopping down into one of the chairs, a low groan escaped her lips. This chair was superbly comfortable. She sunk down into the pillowy cushions and nestled her head to the side. As the minutes ticked by, her eyelids slowly flickered closed.
Bianca was dreaming about visiting her family in London, when something softly pressed against her mouth. The visions of Big Ben and the Thames disappeared as lips smoothly brushed against her own. Unconsciously, Bianca tilted her head, silently asking for more.
Regaining consciousness, her eyes blinked open to see gentle hazel orbs inches away.
"Frankie?" Bianca whispered, voice thick with sleep.
"Hello." Frankie grinned crookedly. She was crouched in front of the girl and rocked back onto her hunches.
"What?" Bianca yawned and swiped at her bleary eyes.
"You really need to learn how to sneak around. Anyone could have caught you." Frankie shook her head, but her gaze twinkled with humor.
"You're late."
"Got caught up." Frankie shrugged.
"With what?"
Frankie stretched out her hand to wipe an eyelash from Bianca's cheek, but hesitated a few centimeters away, "Things."
Bianca sighed as the hand dropped without touching her, "What time is it?"
"Midnight."
Bianca's eyes widened at that. She'd been there that long?
Seeing the look, Frankie pushed to her feet, "It's late. No one's around right now. You can get back to your common room easily."
Frowning at that, Bianca grasped Frankie's hand, "Why would I go?"
"It's already midnight."
"I spent an entire night with you in the astronomy tower." Her cheeks heated up as she said that. "I think once more won't hurt me." Something clicked, "Unless you don't want to be here."
"I'm here, aren't I?"
Bianca bit her lip, "If you want to go, you can. I'm not forcing you to be here." It hit her. Their meetings never really amounted to much. Frankie was really late to this meeting. Was it so she could turn around and leave?
Frankie lowered her head and cleared her throat, "I want to be here…with you."
"Frankie," Bianca was cut off as she was suddenly tugged onto her feet. Lips captured hers in a quick kiss.
Breaking apart, Frankie gave her a meaningful look, "I'm here."
Bianca nodded, a smile forming, "Ok."
The room grew silent as they both stared at each other, twin grins on their faces. After a few moments, Frankie must have noticed, because she awkwardly adverted her eyes and shuffled back a few steps. Bianca's smile trembled but didn't drop. She tangled their fingers together and both their gazes went to the joined hands.
Bravely Bianca slid forward and lifted her brown orbs to study Frankie's face. They were so close their breaths mingled. Closing her eyes, Bianca kissed Frankie, nothing more than a simple brush of the lips, experimental in a way. It was tentative and short, but it still made her body tingle and hunger for more.
"You're a very good kisser." Bianca murmured. "Very good."
The corner of Frankie's mouth ticked, "Is that your subtle way of asking if I've been with others?"
Now that she mentioned it, "Have you?"
Frankie wordlessly shook her head.
The tension that appeared in Bianca's shoulders instantly dissipated. Knowing Frankie had not been with anyone else felt…good.
"You?" Frankie asked. Her face looked like she didn't really care one way or the other, but the tiny lilt in her voice gave her away.
"You're the only one to ever get me drunk and make-out with." Bianca replied. "You're the only one I've ever found myself wanting to."
"To what?"
"Kiss." Bianca's voice dropped, "Touch."
Frankie cleared her throat shyly, "Interesting way to get to know each other."
"I didn't," she didn't want to go that far, not yet, "mean it that way. I want to get to know you. Your likes, dislikes." It would be a lie to say she hadn't thought about what it would be like to actually be with someone, and that someone tended to be Frankie in her dreams. But, she wasn't ready. Not yet.
"My likes? You know I like flying."
"And you dislike Gryffindors."
"There's one I like." Frankie's gaze softened.
Bianca beamed, "I heard she likes you, too."
"What else does she like?"
"Chocolate frogs."
Bianca laughed at Frankie's face. She would never forget when, on the train ride to Hogwarts their first year, Frankie opened the chocolate frog Bianca purchased for her, much against the blonde's wishes, and was met with the enchanted frog shaped piece of chocolate. The frog jumped out of the box and nearly hit Frankie's face. She fell out of the way in the nick of time while the box went soaring. The choice words Frankie shouted echoed in Bianca's mind and only caused the humor to grow. Frankie had alternated between scrambling as far away from the frog as possible, and courageously batting at it with her bag. Needless to say, Frankie never actually ate the chocolate.
"Only a moron would sell chocolate like that. It's not meant to move." Frankie frowned.
"I like them."
"You're mental."
"I like you."
Frankie's face didn't change, but her eyes lit up.
"Even if you don't like chocolate. You're the only person I know who doesn't." continued Bianca.
"I like chocolate. I just don't like it when it moves." Frankie's voice lowered, "Everything moves here. Everything's so…"
"So what?" she was curious at the gleam in her eye.
Frankie shrugged, "alive. It's different, that's all."
"Different from where you grew up?" Her muggles studies class talked about how different nonmagical beings' lives were than theirs.
The edge of Frankie's mouth dipped, but she didn't say anything.
Bianca could sense a shift in the mood of the room but couldn't understand why. What had she said? "Frankie?"
The blonde blinked, her gaze cloudy, "What?" The tone was harsher than intended.
She ignored the tone, but her voice still somehow dropped to a soothing whisper, "How is it different?" Remembering how those boys mocked Frankie for her muggle heritage, Bianca had a feeling this was important. It was something she wanted to know.
It took a minute for Frankie to answer, but when she did, it was like a transformation had occurred. With the clearing of a throat, the Frankie Bianca saw nearly everyday in the halls and class was looking at her, "Don't they teach you these things? Besides, I don't live that way anymore."
"But,"
"I'm a witch like you, Bianca. I'm no different." There was a defensive twang to her pitch.
"I know you're not, Frankie. I never said you were." so what if she was born to muggle parents? That didn't change anything.
There was a slight pause as they looked at each other.
"You're only saying that because I stand your trollish tendencies." Frankie snarked, but there was a spark of thankfulness on her face.
"I do not have trollish tendencies!" Bianca gently slapped her shoulder.
Frankie grasped the hand and used it to pull Bianca flush against her, "And you hit like a girl. I thought Gryffindors were supposed to be big tough heroes."
"I am a girl." Bianca's body warmed at their nearness.
Frankie's gaze flickered over her form, "Yes."
Bianca held her breath as their faces drew nearer. Their noses gently bumped, and a smile unwittingly spread across her features. As their lips lightly touched, she felt the tickle of a smile against her own. It stayed chaste, a few delicate kisses shared, but Bianca felt her insides melt.
As another kiss ended, Bianca whispered against Frankie's lips, "Frankie?"
"Hmmm?" she wrapped an arm around her back.
"What's your favorite thing to do?"
She kissed her more firmly in reply.
Bianca fell into the kiss. Getting to know each other questions could wait a little bit.