Their secret meetings continued on from that night. Nearly every day Bianca would rush to the fourth floor bathroom near the library to find the hidden note depicting where they were to meet that night. The locations tended to change, the blonde playing it safe so they didn't risk getting caught sneaking into the same room all the time. Sometimes it was the divination classroom, sometimes the astronomy tower. It was sort of exciting to never know where exactly she was going to be going that night, but she knew she'd see Frankie there.
The best part of it all was that the meetings were working. Much to Bianca's joy, she was beginning to learn a lot about Frankie and vice versa. While they still ended up kissing – like she would even want to go a day without tasting those delectable lips – they were talking more. It was worth the running around in the dark and lying to her friends. It wasn't easy, but when was anything ever easy?
A few weeks later, Bianca found herself back in the divination classroom. She'd snuck in around ten, the darkness more of a comfort than a hindrance now that she knew her way around the corridors and halls better. It was funny to think it took her five years to be able to learn the passageways so well, but then again, she never had to covertly meander her way through them to meet her…whatever Frankie was to her…before either.
Closing the trap door gently behind her, Bianca straightened up and glanced around. Shadows clung to the walls, and she could hear the whistling of the wind through the windows. Releasing a sigh, she pulled the fluffy sleeves of her warm red sweater down over her hands, relishing in the comfort it provided. Frankie must not have arrived yet. She probably got stuck with her quidditch friends or something. A brief thought of the blonde getting caught entered her mind, but Bianca shook it away. Frankie wasn't the type to get caught.
Turning away from the door, Bianca decided to sit down in one of the squishy chairs while she waited. Her feet were tired from the long day, and it would feel good to relax for a bit. All this sneaking around was nerve-wracking, but if it meant getting to see Frankie, well, it was worth it. As she ambled over toward one of the chairs, she bit her lip. Thinking about Frankie, which was proving to be one of her most favorite pastimes, it hit her. Was Frankie her girlfriend?
They'd kissed – a lot. They spent time together. They talked and laughed. That's what people who dated did, right? But, they never talked about that. They never talked about what they were exactly. Bianca had been pretty clear about her intentions. She said she wanted to date Frankie the first time they kissed after their drunken Hogsmeade affair. Frankie seemed inclined toward the idea. Of course, then she disappeared for the weekend and it took a few more meetings for her to even admit they were something. What was that something, though? Bianca chewed harder on her lip, worrying the tender flesh. Did she want Frankie to be her girlfriend? Did Frankie want her like that? The way she kissed her said yes. She hadn't said the words, however.
Reaching a chair, Bianca lightly placed her hand on the back. She glanced down, making out the inviting cushions in the dark. She should probably get her wand out and light it up. There should be some form of light, right? Maybe she should wait for Frankie, though. In case someone else decides to pop their head in, they wouldn't immediately know someone was there.
Why wasn't Frankie there yet?
Making a decision, Bianca let her hand drop from the chair, intent on retrieving her wand. No one was going to see her, and if they did, she'd handle it. Before she could get her wand, though, two arms snaked around her waist. With a startled gasp, Bianca spun around to see Frankie's face glowing in the moonlight. A tiny smirk played at the corners of the other girl's lips, and her eyes softened as she took in the brunette's face.
"Frankie." Bianca breathed out, her heart pounding at both the surprise and what the surprise was.
"Hey." Frankie whispered.
"Don't scare me like that." Bianca swatted her shoulder, but she couldn't stop the happy smile from forming.
Frankie didn't say anything, but her lips quirked up a touch higher.
"Have you been here this whole time?" Bianca stared into hazel orbs.
Frankie pushed up on her toes, brushing her lips gently against a pliant mouth, "Couldn't hear me over your trollish clomping?"
Bianca accepted the kiss. When they broke apart, she traced a finger down Frankie's arm, "Perhaps if you didn't slither about, I would have seen you."
Frankie chuckled under her breath, "Sure."
Bianca rolled her eyes and grasped Frankie's hand, "How was practice?" She led her over to the chair.
"Good." Frankie subtly pulled out her wand.
Sensing the movement, Bianca raised an eyebrow, "Jinxing the Gryffindor?"
Frankie shot her a look, but didn't respond. Instead, she flicked her wrist and mumbled a few words. Bianca's eyes widened as countless candles scattered about the room, hidden by the night, lit up, illuminating the room with their ethereal glow.
"Frankie," she exhaled, turning around to take it all in, "it's beautiful." It was, too. Small white candles were placed all around, their tiny flames dancing together. There were candles on the floor, the shelves, even floating above their heads. Even using magic, it would have taken quite a while to set it all up. She would have had to find all these candles, or transfigured objects into them. And to scatter them all around like that…she faced Frankie with shimmering eyes, "This is wonderful."
Frankie tilted her head and lifted a shoulder, her voice taking on a hint of bashfulness, "Whatever, just thought we should have some light is all."
Bianca stepped up and cupped her hands around her cheeks, pressing their lips together. She felt Frankie melt into the touch, their bodies molding together.
"Thank you." Bianca whispered when they slowly parted.
"Yeah…well…it's not much." Frankie brushed it off. "It's only a couple candles, Bianca."
Bianca saw the red tinged cheeks, "I still really like it."
"You like a lot of things."
"When it comes to you, I do." Bianca quickly pecked her lips.
Frankie's mouth twitched as she fought against the giant grin wanting to pop out, "Except quidditch."
"Except quidditch." Bianca agreed.
Frankie moved to the chair, sitting down tiredly. She didn't show it, but going straight from practice to enchant a bunch of candles took some energy. "I can't believe you don't like quidditch. You're the only person I know who doesn't." She lifted her legs over the arm of the chair, her feet dangling above the floor.
"Frankie, you're best friends are on the quidditch team." Bianca settled down at the base of the chair, her back against the legs. She reached up and grabbed Frankie's hand. She drew it down to her lap, Frankie's arm resting over her shoulder.
"They're not the only people I hang out with."
No, they weren't. Bianca could clearly recall seeing her…whatever Frankie was to her…walking down the hall with two Slytherin girls. The emotions that bubbled in the pit of her belly were unpleasant, to say the least. "Who else do you hang out with?"
Frankie gazed up at the ceiling. A candle hovered over her head, "People."
"Slytherins?" She absently fiddled with Frankie's fingers.
"Yes." only Slytherins.
"Girls?" she attempted to sound casual.
Frankie frowned at the nearly imperceptible hitch in Bianca's voice, "They do let girls be Slytherins."
Bianca bit her lip. She should just say it. Taking a deep breath, she let it out, "What are we, Frankie?"
Frankie turned her head to look at Bianca, eyes narrowed in slight confusion.
Bianca clasped the hand in her own and peered up at the blonde, "Are you with me? Are we dating? Exclusively? It's been a few weeks now, and I think I've been clear on how I feel about you."
Frankie frowned, "You're jealous."
"I am not jealous. I just," Bianca sighed, "want to know. Am I the only one you kiss? Who you want to kiss?"
Bianca held her breath as she waited for the answer. Two sides flared up, warring with each other. One side said she had to ask this. It was foolish to not get it out in the open and talk about it. There was no reason to be scared about any of this. It was something couples talked about, or so she heard. The other side said she was a fool for bringing this up. What was Frankie going to say?
Unreadable eyes stared down at Bianca, "You think I'm seeing other people? Other girls?"
Bianca shook her head, "No, I don't. Honestly, I don't want to ever think that." She squeezed the hand in her own, "I want to date you and only you. I have feelings only for you. We've never talked about what we are. Am I your girlfriend?"
Frankie stared at her for a moment, the room growing silent. Then, slow as the rising moon, Frankie leaned down. Both girls' eyes fluttered closed as their lips met in a tender kiss. It was short, but both felt the tingle in their minds and bodies.
Opening her eyes, Bianca found herself captured by hypnotizing hazel. Frankie's soft voice floated into her ear, "I care about you."
"I care about you, too." Bianca whispered back. "So very much."
Frankie swallowed roughly, her chin dipping down, "There's never been anyone else."
Gently touching her fingertip to Frankie's cheek, she trailed it down to a strong chin, "Frankie, will you be my girlfriend?"
Frankie nodded with an adorably nervous smile, "Yes."
Bianca felt like she was on a cloud. She brought their mouths together in a long kiss. Butterflies jumped in her stomach and every nerve shivered with pleasure. Flattening her hand against Frankie's cheek, Bianca smiled in awe, "You're my girlfriend."
Frankie shifted uncomfortably and cleared her throat, "Whatever."
"Frankie,"
"It's no big deal. You're ok, for a Gryffindor." The redness of her cheeks and the delight in her gaze gave her away.
Bianca looped a loose dark golden lock of hair behind her ear, "You're not too bad for a Slytherin."
Frankie rolled her eyes and looked around the room. Bianca followed her gaze, halting when she spotted a forgotten bag and pile of textbooks, "Schoolwork?"
"Herbology." Frankie groaned, pushing back into her former position. After assembling the candles, she'd hastily wrote a few parchment lengths worth of an essay.
Bianca smirked at the tone, "You don't like it?"
"It's growing plants, Bianca." Frankie gave her a droll look.
"It's useful." Or so they said.
"It's boring."
"So, you won't be involved in the gardening business when you graduate." Bianca surmised.
Frankie stared at her.
"What do you want to do?" Bianca asked. "I'm not sure what I want to. My stepfather can get me a position in his department if I do well on OWLs and NEWTs."
"What's he do?"
"He works for the muggle-worthy excuse committee. They come up with excuses to tell muggles whenever they see something magical happen."
"Sounds fun." Frankie deadpanned. Where were they when she was younger?
"Well, what are your dreams?" she asked with interest.
There was a flash so fast across her face, Bianca couldn't catch it. "Dreams?"
"Yeah, come on." Bianca nudged her, "What does Frankie Stone dream about doing when she leaves Hogwarts? What's your great master plan?"
Frankie's vision took on a faraway gleam, "I like quidditch."
"You want to play professionally?"
Frankie nodded, "Yeah. We've won the cup every year, and I'll make captain next year. I'm the best seeker this school has. Gary has a few contacts with Puddlemere United, but I like Montrose Magpies."
"Why them?" by her tone, it was clear Frankie had thought about this. It made Bianca happy to hear Frankie so interested in something.
"They've won the British and Irish League thirty-two times, and the European Cup twice. No one else has even come close to that."
"That sounds interesting." Bianca moved to her knees, "I've never heard of them."
Frankie blinked and reached up, twisting her hand in the fluffy sweater, "You don't like quidditch, that's why."
"Oh, is that it?" Bianca allowed herself to be pulled down.
Frankie hummed, "You should watch a match."
"Quidditch is boring." They kissed.
"Not the way I play it." Frankie kissed her again.
Getting lost in the touch and the emotions swirling around, Bianca carefully climbed onto the chair, never losing contact. She settled over Frankie, her hands curving around the blonde's cheeks as Frankie's arms wrapped around her back. A hand tangled in dark brown hair, massaging the scalp and tugging lightly at the locks.
The heat from the body beneath her and the hungry kisses made Bianca's head spin. She let out a tiny moan, sinking further into the welcoming embrace. Her mind shut down and her body took over. Acting on pure instinct, she snaked a hand in between their bodies, the palm slipping underneath Frankie's shirt and skimming over her taut stomach.
Frankie arched into the touch, kissing Bianca harder. Bianca slid her other hand from Frankie's cheek to her jaw, her fingers teasingly trickling up. She traced the shell of her ear; then, she rubbed a tight circle just behind it. Frankie broke away with a gasp, eyelids fluttering at the sensation.
"B-Bianca," Frankie panted, "we should,"
Bianca finished for her, "slow down." She gulped in air.
Frankie nodded reluctantly, unable to stop her lips from seeking out Bianca's, "Yeah."
They kissed again, both whimpering at the touch.
BANG!
They both leapt apart like a fire ignited between them. Bianca stumbled, falling on her butt as Frankie tumbled to the floor with a crash. Both froze, eyes darting around. Bianca felt her entire being grow cold with fear. They'd been caught.
Frankie muttered something.
"What?" Bianca asked panicked.
"The window." Frankie painfully got to her feet. "The wind must've closed it."
Bianca looked up to see that the previously open window had indeed slammed shut. She released a sigh of relief and stood up.
"Nice fall by the way." Frankie snickered. "Didn't hurt yourself, did you? Considering how graceful you Gryffindors are, I'm surprised I don't have to take you to the infirmary."
"Very funny."
"Aww, is the little lion injured?" Frankie teased. She walked slowly toward Bianca.
Bianca rubbed at her sore behind, "Why don't you kiss and make it better?"
Frankie stepped up to her and softly kissed her cheek.
"That's not where I meant." she still smiled.
Frankie smirked at her, "You didn't say where I had to kiss you."
"Tricky."
Frankie brushed their lips together, "Better?"
Bianca answered by pulling her into another kiss. She could feel the world start to drift away when Frankie abruptly darted back. Bianca's eyes shot open, "What?"
"Shh." Frankie brought a finger to her lips. She looked at the trap door.
Bianca frowned in bewilderment. Then, she heard it.
Footsteps.
"Someone's coming." Bianca whispered harshly. Fear churned in her belly.
Frankie swiftly took out her wand. Murmuring, she flicked her wrist and the candles extinguished. In the dark, she grabbed Bianca's wrist and pulled. Bianca lurched forward, stumbling about, practically blind in the blackness. She was tugged down to the floor, her back hitting the stone wall.
"Shh." Frankie ordered.
Bianca huddled against the wall, her eyes squeezed shut. She silently begged that whoever was out there walked away. She clung to Frankie's arm, waiting with bated breath. She couldn't lose her now.
The trap door opened.
Bianca bit her tongue as she felt Frankie shift beside her.
The outline of a head appeared, the whites of the eyes illuminated by the moonlight.
Bianca put her hand on top of Frankie's, both calming the girl and herself.
After what seemed like days, the head disappeared and the trap door closed.
Bianca could have cried with joy. She fell against Frankie and placed a sloppy kiss against her neck. "Thank Merlin. That was close."
"No more candles." Frankie spoke evenly.
Bianca didn't know if she agreed with that. She quite liked the candles. Especially when Frankie set them up for her.