They were screwed.
Bianca had come to this conclusion the second break ended and everyone returned to Hogwarts for the rest of the school term.
She and Frankie were absolutely one hundred percent screwed.
It wasn't like they didn't plan for this. They both knew break was coming to an end. How couldn't they? They both knew that they would have to become more discreet with all the other students and prying eyes around.
But, she didn't think it was going to be this hard.
Ever since the boggart incident, Bianca had been happier than she could ever imagine. It was like someone had flipped a switch on their relationship. They might have been close before, but afterward was crazy. Frankie, her adorable little girlfriend, had let her in. Bianca didn't even know how closed off Frankie still was from her until then. It wasn't a huge change. It wasn't like Frankie suddenly blurted out her entire life story before getting down on one knee with a ring and proposing her eternal love. That…only happened one night in a dream that left Frankie teasing the brunette all day for because it left a silly grin on Bianca's face. So no, it wasn't obviously apparent like that. But, there were changes. Frankie did her best to not show it. It was charming how the Slytherin attempted to remain cool and aloof. But, her eyes had softened and never went back. There was so much affection in her gazes it took Bianca's breath away. Whenever they were within reach of each other, Frankie would grasp her hand immediately. And Merlin, those crooked little grins she made were going to be the death of Bianca. How many times could someone's heart skip a beat before they went into cardiac arrest?
It was wonderful. Bianca gave as good as she got, too. If they weren't holding hands, Bianca had an arm swung over Frankie's shoulders or draped around Frankie's waist. She never failed to give a kiss when they met, and if she was honest with herself, nearly every minute they were together. They spent all their time roaming the grounds or cuddling in the Gryffindor common room. She finally even got Frankie to make a snow angel. Frankie grumbled the entire time, but after she stood up and took in her perfect snow creation, she spun Bianca around in the snow and gave her a kiss that curled the Gryfffindor's toes.
Bianca got her back later on with a kiss that turned Frankie's cheeks redder than a tomato and made her gulp soundly.
And New Years! Oh, New Years had been fantastic. They hung out in the common room playing games of wizard's chess and curling together in front of the warm fire. Frankie beat Bianca three out of the four games of chess they played. Based on how Frankie moved her pieces the first three games, Bianca had a feeling Frankie sacrificed the fourth game, but she wouldn't admit it. Frankie told her she was too aggressive with her game. She needed to sit back and use a little more subtle strategy. Bianca didn't care all that much about winning or losing. The smirk on Frankie's face as she internally gloated over her wins only caused Bianca's heart rate to pick up. Which, in turn, led to a small make-out session on the couch. That was what Bianca actually cared about. They also snacked on candy and treats Frankie snuck in from the kitchens. They roasted marshmallows again, and Frankie, again, caught more than one on fire. Bianca helpfully showed her how to perfectly roast a marshmallow without burning it to a cinder. The lesson just so happened to involve her sitting behind Frankie with her arms wrapped around her. How else was she supposed to teach her?
The best part, however, came at midnight. Bianca had been so excited. She finally had someone to kiss! All the times she heard about the famous midnight kiss, and she never could do it! But, now she actually had a girlfriend. When it was getting close to twelve, Frankie forced Bianca to her feet and wordlessly dragged her from the common room. Bianca, of course, was very confused by this. Why weren't they staying in the common room? It was warm there and it was close to midnight. She wasn't going to miss this. It was her first New Year's midnight kiss! For all she knew Frankie had set up some elaborate final prank for Filch and wanted to see it take place. She got her answer, though, when Frankie brought her to the top of the Astronomy Tower. The blonde didn't give some sappy explanation or any explanation at all. She just gazed at her with those tender hazel orbs, and when the clock struck midnight, pulled Bianca into the most loving kiss possible. They stood there beneath the starry night sky in each other's arms, and it was perfect. It was the midnight kiss Bianca dreamed of.
Frankie shrugged it off later as only an idea she'd suddenly had and that it was no big deal, but Bianca knew she'd planned it. Knowing something like that made her like the girl even more. And, she did know it. Somehow, she was really getting Frankie, and Frankie was really getting her. It was like, after the boggart, they'd become in tune with each other in a way they hadn't before. They had simple routines down. For example, at breakfast Bianca would go to the Slytherin table. Frankie was always there before her, still warm from her morning shower after flying outside. Frankie would set her newspaper aside and pour them both a glass of orange juice as Bianca scooped spoonfuls of scrambled eggs onto both their plates. They'd hold hands under the table while they ate, and Frankie would tell her about anything interesting she read in the newspaper. They'd make plans for the day, Frankie usually going along with whatever came to Bianca's mind.
It was more than just routines, though. Bianca could just look at Frankie, and it was like she could read her mind. She knew exactly what the blonde wanted. By Frankie's actions, she had the same thing happening to her. It was amazing.
And it was something that Bianca clung to as classes started again.
It was really nice to see her friends again. Really nice. It wasn't so nice that Frankie couldn't sneak back into the common room, but they'd talked about it. They had to stay discreet. Frankie was still afraid of how Bianca's friends would treat her if they found out Bianca was dating the infamous Slytherin seeker. She didn't want Bianca ostracized in any way. It was something Frankie was adamant about. Bianca, for her part, was wary of how the Slytherins would react to the muggle-born being with a Gryffindor. So, with that in mind, they both agreed to go back to the way things were before break happened.
Easier said than done.
"Break was so boring." Erin complained.
"Tell me about it. My parents stayed home for New Years, and they made me stay with them." Dani frowned.
"I had fun with my parents." Babe offered with a smile.
Simone rolled her eyes, "I was barely home. My boyfriend's parents were on vacation in Greece, so he had the house to himself."
"Oooh." Erin and Dani playfully called as they leaned forward. They glanced at Simone's boyfriend across the room, who was laughing with a few other boys.
Bianca just sat back and listened to her friends gossip and chat. They were seated in the comfy chairs of Gryffindor common room. The room was busy with all the newly returned students. Music played from a radio, and chatter filled the air. A few games of wizard's chess and exploding snap were being played, and the friendly banter mixed in with the conversations. A few people were showing off their Christmas gifts, and she could faintly hear someone whispering excitedly about what they did New Year's Eve.
It was great being able to be like this with her friends. She had missed them. Simone, Erin, Babe, and Dani had a lot of stories to tell from their break. Many of them were funny, and Bianca found herself laughing from time to time. She mostly stayed quiet, though. What could she tell them? Oh, and Frankie did this and Frankie did that? Everything she did involved Frankie.
She missed Frankie. They hadn't seen each other since the night before everyone arrived back. She bit her lip as the memory of Frankie leaving the common room for the last time swept into her mind. They'd hugged near the entrance, Bianca staying behind while Frankie would creep past Filch and sneak into the Slytherin dorms. It was the last time they would be like that. Frankie wouldn't be coming back to Gryffindor Tower anytime soon, unless she wanted to face a horde of angry Gryffindors armed with wands. Frankie wasn't afraid of them, but it might put a dent in their being discreet routine. So, Frankie had to leave and Bianca had to stay. That didn't mean either wanted it. Bianca's arms refused to let go, and Frankie wasn't inclined to back away. They stood there for what seemed like hours just holding each other. Then, finally, Frankie broke away. She pressed a chaste kiss to Bianca's cheek and uttered a heartfelt goodbye. Bianca could see that the blonde was desperately trying to not reveal how much this was affecting her, but it wasn't working. The same sadness Bianca was feeling reflected in Frankie's eyes.
"So Bianca, I can't believe you stayed here for break." Simone glanced at her.
Bianca shook off her thoughts and smiled, "It was great. They really decorate the place for the holidays." Singing suits of armor, magical falling snow, a delectable feast…that she shared with Frankie.
Simone raised an eyebrow, "Wasn't it boring?"
With the amount of pranks Frankie played and the kisses they shared, no way. "No, it was fun."
"I bet it was boring." Erin broke in.
Babe spoke up before Simone could ask another question, "That's a nice bracelet, Bianca."
Bianca looked down lovingly at the silver bracelet and quill charm, "Thanks. It was a gift from Fr…my stepdad." Oh, Merlin that was close.
"What's with the quill?" Simone and Dani both asked at the same time.
Bianca shrugged, "I guess it's about studying hard or something. You know how parents are." And hers did care about her grades, but that had nothing to do with this. Another thing she couldn't tell them, yet.
Babe nodded, "Yeah. My parent's weren't too happy about my grades. But, it's ok. They hugged me and told me to try harder. They believe in me."
Simone smirked, "Your parents believe everything that's printed in the Quibbler, too." The Quibbler was the tabloid that printed the most outlandish stories ever heard. The last edition had articles on sightings of crumple-horned snorkacks. They were an elusive magical creature believed to live in Sweden.
They were also a myth.
"They do not." Babe looked at Simone, "Even though there are some very good stories in there."
"Like what?" Dani couldn't help herself.
Babe replied, "Well, the one about trolls trying to take over the world was rather good."
Bianca pressed her lips together. Troll.
Simone, Dani, and Erin couldn't help but snicker. Babe didn't seem to get it, as she looked between them all like they were crazy, "What?"
"Nothing." Erin turned her attention back to Bianca and the bracelet, "It's very pretty."
Bianca stared silently at the charm. The quill rested gently on her upturned wrist, and she rubbed it softly between her thumb and forefinger. It was pretty. It was…so much more than pretty. "Yes, it is."
She released a sigh and glanced around the room. Her eyes instinctively searched for the short blonde with the lopsided smile, but she wasn't there. Of course she wasn't there. She couldn't be. Bianca felt her chest hitch and returned her gaze to the bracelet.
"Are you ok?" Babe asked, the others already in another conversation about Simone's boyfriend, who'd just looked their way with a smirk.
Bianca nodded, not wanting to lie again so soon.
She couldn't wait to see Frankie. Classes began tomorrow, and she'd surely see her then. She knew Frankie's schedule by heart. Accidental run-ins happened all the time, didn't they? And knowing Frankie, she should be on the lookout when she went by any innocent looking statue. How many times had the girl pulled her behind one? Bianca chuckled internally. She was learning all the good hiding statues it seemed. Frankie either pulled her behind it to give her a kiss, or dragged her behind one to watch Filch walk into another prank.
What was Frankie doing now? Was she sitting around wondering about her? She was probably with Gary and Rich, maybe the rest of the Slytherin quidditch team too. They were more than likely talking about broomsticks or something. Frankie was surely regaling them with tales about her ever expanding list of pranks she played on Filch. It was said Filch had a list of 437 items that were banned from the Hogwarts premises. Most, if not all, of the items were jokes such as exploding dung bombs. Bianca was almost certain Frankie was methodically making her way down the list.
The urge to get up and make her way down to the dungeons seized Bianca. She just wanted to see Frankie, take her in her arms, and give her a kiss. It'd been so long since they were apart this long. Bianca snorted. Look at her. Less than twenty-four hours and she was ready to storm the Slytherin dorms all in the name of a simple kiss. A simple kiss which could turn into so much more.
Tomorrow couldn't come fast enough.
And yes, they were totally screwed.
Bianca had forgotten how boring classes could be.
It wasn't that she didn't like learning. She did. She had the make-believe story about her quill charm to prove it. But after spending so many days without even cracking a book open, the idea of sitting at a desk for hours on end and listening to lectures wasn't very awe-inspiring. Some, like Professor Binn's monotone lessons on History of Magic, were downright depressing.
Not that she was depressed. Far from it. She was with her friends, whom she had missed. Their cheerful chatter brought a smile to her face whenever she heard it. The empty hallways of Hogwarts were filled up once again with students, bringing the somewhat cold and dreary stone corridors to life. Things were getting back to normal.
Which meant not as much Frankie time.
Bianca couldn't help it. She missed her. She didn't see her all of the day before, and she had missed breakfast that morning. Simone, Babe, Erin, and Dani stayed up till the wee hours of the morning talking, and Bianca was right there with them. She couldn't leave in the middle of Simone's story. While listening about her escapades with her boyfriend were kind of cringe worthy at times, they were also very funny. Bianca caught herself more than once about to add her own tidbit involving Frankie and something the two of them had gotten into. But, she had a feeling the others wouldn't think Frankie's reaction to snow angels was as cute as Bianca did.
Ah, Frankie. Bianca was pretty sure it was against the rules to be away from the other girl this long. Yes, they had agreed to be discreet, but this was ridiculous. Her fingers itched to wrap in clothing or glide across smooth skin. Her lips silently begged to taste that winsome mouth.
To top it off, they didn't even have Potions that day! She would have endured a hundred evil Snapes to be able to spend an hour or more with Frankie.
Walking down one of the many painting adorned halls of Hogwarts, Bianca didn't pay much attention to her friends' conversation. It wasn't that she didn't want to, it was more like her mind was on the blonde like of her life. Yes, like. It was a deep like. Very deep. Never ending sort of deep.
Oh, Merlin.
"Three pages of parchment? Three?" Simone groaned and waved her hands, "We just got back."
"OWLs are coming soon, and he wants us to be prepared." Babe explained, reciting what their Charms professor had told them earlier in class.
"This is ridiculous." Simone shook her head.
"You're just upset because you were going to sneak out to the common room tonight to meet with your boyfriend." Erin pointed out.
"Do you want to write this essay?" Simone shot back.
Bianca glanced at her friends out of the corner of her eye. Yep, school was back in session. Essays already. Soon it would be OWLs and then summer break. A break filled with long days and nights without Frankie.
The urge to hunt down Frankie and wrap her arms around her popped up. Bianca bit her lip and fought against it. She had to stop thinking like this. She couldn't be thinking about Frankie so much. Her friends already shot her slightly worried looks during Charms when Bianca sat there silently staring off into space. They didn't know she was daydreaming about her girlfriend. Way to be discreet, Montgomery.
No, she just had to go back to the way things were before Christmas break. She could think about Frankie, but she had to keep people from being suspicious. Well, ok, she didn't do that well before break. Simone did find that letter and all. But still, break was over. She couldn't spend all day with Frankie, walking along the grounds outside or roasting marshmallows before the fire. She couldn't kiss her whenever she wanted to or fall asleep pillowed in her embrace.
Why did break have to end?
Turning a corner, Bianca noticed her friends stop walking. She paused, watching as Erin and Simone dug through their bags, intent on exchanging parchment and quills. Bianca let her gaze wander away from them, taking in the hall. Students buzzed around, talking and laughing while they rushed off to lunch. Whispers of beef casserole and apple pie filled her ears as a group of Ravenclaws skittered passed.
Another meal she wouldn't be able to share with Frankie. Would Frankie even be at lunch? Would she be able to see her over the din?
Bianca mentally sighed. She had to stop. She'd drive herself mad if she didn't. Crazy, mental…that's what Frankie called her. Of course, Frankie's tone was decidedly affectionate when she did.
She had to stop.
Blinking in hopes that the action would clear her mind, Bianca studied the rest of the area. There was a gaggle of giggling Gryffindor first years racing toward the stairwell. A pair of Hufflepuffs waltzed by them, the Daily Prophet newspaper held open between them. Off to the side against the wall was a group of Slytherins.
A group of Slytherins with a blonde hazel eyed girl in the middle.
Bianca's mouth curved up into a giant smile and her breath caught at the sight. Frankie was there! She was standing near the middle of the group, her perpetually wind swept hair pulled back into a loose bun. She was dressed in the regular school uniform but had chosen to go without the robes, even though it was rather chilly that day. So, it was just the white shirt, grey sweater vest with the Slytherin badge, and green and silver tie. Bianca could see her mouth moving as she quietly talked with who appeared to be Gary and Rich along with a few others she didn't know. A finger absentmindedly touched the gold and silver tinted chain on her neck.
Then, Frankie tilted her head as Gary started to reply to whatever she'd said. Frankie scanned the room, a small serious frown on her face.
The frown fell when her eyes locked with Bianca's.
It was like the world stopped for a few moments. Someone waved their wand and made time stand still. Everything faded away and it was just them. Just Bianca and Frankie. Bianca felt her smile grow even more, and she nearly bounced in place with glee. The familiar crooked knot of the tie around Frankie's neck made her laugh tenderly and tear up a bit. That was her girl. Merlin, she just wanted to grab that crooked old tie and pull her into a kiss. Frankie's whole body seemed to melt when hazel locked on brown. Her lips formed into a merrily lopsided grin, and her soft captivated eyes glimmered.
Neither noticed as they both took a few steps forward. All Bianca could see was the most important person in the whole world a couple steps away. She had missed her so much, and she could tell Frankie felt the same. She could see Frankie start to raise her arms, ready to pull her into a hug. Bianca felt her body hum in response. She wet her lips, preparing to give her a hello kiss. She leaned forward slightly, eager to have the warm body against her own.
Then, as quickly as time stopped, it began once again.
Some boy, Bianca didn't know who or what house he belonged to, darted between them. The flash of movement caused their gazes to break apart. Frankie immediately stopped walking and dropped her arms. Bianca did too, her eyes widening at what just happened.
"Bianca?" Babe's voice filtered in. The friendly Gryffindor placed a light hand on her shoulder.
"Slytherins." Simone sneered as she slid up beside her, "Break was so nice I forgot these snakes even existed."
Erin and Dani joined them, each with a wary yet defiant look directed at the blonde.
Bianca opened her mouth to stop her friends, but Frankie's sharp look had her closing it. Instead she watched as a tiny transformation took place. She was the only one who noticed it, but it made her chest hitch. Frankie's smile dropped into a sly smirk. Her body stance became more cold…more arrogant. She held her head high at a cocky angle. The entire aura around her changed to one of calculating tenseness. The ease with which she approached Bianca was gone. The only things to stay the same were her eyes. A glacial coating began to form over them, but it disappeared when Frankie rapidly peeked back at Bianca. And unlike before, she couldn't get the softness to leave.
"What are you doing here, Stone? Trying to hurt another unsuspecting student? I thought you had to wait till their back was turned." Simone jeered.
Frankie slowly raised one eyebrow at her, the smirk deepening, "Don't you need a bigger army to face me, Torres?"
Simone bristled, "I thought I told you to stay away from my friend."
Bianca clenched her jaw. Not this again. Obviously she was going to have to have another talk with Simone about backing off.
"The hero flying in to rescue the poor damsel." Frankie chuckled, "How lovely. Do you feel like you're not such a pitiful loser now?"
Simone took a threatening step forward, "You're the loser, Slytherin."
Frankie merely tilted her head, "Such a creative comeback. But, what can you expect from a Gryffindor?"
"Go away, Stone. Leave." Erin joined in.
Frankie looked at her drolly, "I was."
"You were walking toward Bianca." Dani glared.
"How scandalous. Someone walking in a hallway." Frankie sarcastically answered.
By the glint in her eyes, Frankie actually did want to be near them…well, she wanted to be near Bianca.
Simone reached into her robes, "We said to leave."
"Well, lookie here. It's the legion of losers, it is." Rich called out as the Slytherins approached.
"I'm surprised Hogwarts even allowed you pathetic rats back in." another one added.
Gary and Rich flanked Frankie while the rest huddled around in a half circle. Outnumbered, Simone still didn't want to back down. She snarled at each one of them, her hand wrapped around her wand. Before the confrontation could escalate further, however, Professor Sprout happened upon the groups. With an authoritative eye, she ordered them to disperse. The Slytherins left snickering. Gary pushed Frankie along; her feet didn't seem to want to move on their own. Simone and the girls converged around Bianca, protecting her from the perceived threat. Bianca watched as Frankie left, their eyes meeting once again before Frankie was guided around the corner.
Bianca got the message loud and clear. Frankie had been thinking about her just as much and didn't want to go.
Bianca felt her heart drop the second Frankie was out of sight.
Oh, Merlin. Things were back to normal.
They were screwed.