"CLAIRE!" The heads of students turned as the sound of loud laughter echoed against the walls of the Great Hall. The sixteen year old girl ran right through the entrance, a certain red head closing right behind her. She squealed as she felt his fingers brush against the back of her white button down uniform shirt until she noticed a certain someone's untidy jet black hair.
"Harry!" She laughed again as she grabbed the boy's shoulders and used him as a shield to halt the other boy's motives. "What did you do now Claire?" Harry wore an amused smile at his two friends as she hid behind his back, something not really well thought seeing she was a few inches taller than him, more now that she wore her heels. "I didn't do anything, I swear!" Ron stopped but reached out to grab her hand to which she moved it off Harry's shoulder and behind his back.
"Bloody hell you didn't do anything! You should see what she did to Scabbers!" She laughed at the image of that disgusting rat who now sat in his cage, pink fur now replaced its usual brown one and its nails were colored a baby blue. "He looks beautiful now Ronnie, you should be grateful." Harry rolled his eyes and was going to say something when a harsh, teasing voice interrupted him. "Well, well, well what do we have here? Are you children playing nicely?"
The trio halted their playing and turned towards Draco Malfoy and his lackeys. "Ah I was beginning to wonder when you were going to make your presence known blondie." Her smirk appeared when she saw the deep frown and she just loved how mad he got over a silly little nickname. His gaze flickered over her quickly at the change she had made to the uniform. Even though she wore the standard girl's uniform, Claire had accommodated it to her own taste.
It was mandatory the skirts be exactly at the waist unlike hers which was high waisted, hovering a few good inches above her knees. Her black stockings gave her legs a teasing color and her heels made her long legs look even longer. She placed her hands on her waist as she stared at him back and with a grin said, "Like what you see Malfoy?" Draco lifted his gaze away from her chest; the two loose buttons gave a gracious view of skin, and dug his hands deep into his pockets.
"Who would?" He taunted back and signaled to his two other mates that it was time to leave. Staring at his retreating figure she allowed a small smile appear on her lips as she stared at his back which looked tense and she knew that it took all of his self control not to drag her away and take her to their 'spot'. Not that she would have complained though but their relationship had to remain a secret in fear of ruining their reputation.
An arm wrapped around her waist and lifted her off the ground, shaking her slightly. "Change Scabbers back!" Ron's playful voice yelled at her as she laughed loudly and smacked his arm. The Tower chimed signaling for them that their free time was over and that they were to make their way towards their next class. "Open to page 245." Professor Snape's monotone voice said as he walked towards the front of the room and brought down the slide.
With a flick of his wand the shades were drawn and the light of the over head showed a picture. "Today we will be studying about the use of cauldrons when there are none…" Placing her chin on her hand she stared at the pictures and texts but in just a few seconds Snape's voice was nothing but small noise and her mind became hazy with images and thoughts. An image of her backyard back home came to her mind, its many animals roaming free in the many acres, her four years here in Hogwarts and when first meeting her friends. "Miss Dupree I would appreciate it if you did not day dream in my class." She didn't flinch when he addressed her but her eyes followed to the side of the class where he was glaring at her.
"Sorry Professor Snape." He stared at her for a few seconds then continued speaking. She could hear a fluttering noise by her left ear and when she noticed there was a small little origami bird that landed on her shoulder. Taking the bird in her hands she opened it and saw a little drawing of wand performing a spell that spelled out, 'Tonight. Astronomy tower.' Tilting her head just enough to look like she was paying attention when really she was looking to her left, where Draco wrote down the notes that were in front of the class. She wrote something quick and passed her hand over the paper, making it fold into a spider this time. The paper-creature crawled down the leg of her table and onto the floor, rushing up his pant leg and onto his thigh.
Holding the tiny spider the paper unfolded itself and right under his message she had written, 'Can't. Have plans.' He crushed the paper in his hands and shot a glare at her before his attention went back to his notes.
Laughter resonated off the walls of the Gryffindor Common Room as the bowl was passed around. "Come on Seamus, pick one!" The boy looked around as he shoved his hand in the round bowl and took out a green jellybean and popped it in his mouth. Everyone, including Claire and her favorite pair of twins whom sat on each side of her, leaned forward waiting for him to open his mouth and when he did everyone cheered as the snapping of an alligators jaws came out of his mouth.
"Come on Claire," Fred took the bowl out from Ron's hand and held it in front of her, "Your turn." George continued after his twin. Moving the jellybeans around, her fingers enclosed in a white one and placed it in her mouth. After chewing and swallowing the small candy she felt a vibration in her throat which caused her to open her mouth and let out a purr a large cat would make and everyone fell over laughing when she nuzzled her cheek against Fred's arm. As the night went the room was filled with jokes and stories, opinions on classes and the upcoming Quidditch games that began next week.
"Well my fellow Gryffindors, alas I must leave you." Claire stood by the door and bowed dramatically to the remaining people in the room. A quick glance to the clock told her it was somewhere around midnight and they had class tomorrow, especially she who had Prefect duties early in the morning. With goodbyes said and kisses blown, she had very dramatic friends; she walked down the halls towards the Slytherin wing. With only the clicking of her heels she silently thanked the quietness until she spotted a fleck of white a few feet away from her.
"Cloud? What are you doing outside?" The shifter chirped at her as it climbed up her leg and unto her shoulder, its white fur gleaming in the moonlight. In its mouth it held a small, simple envelope that held her families emblem in the back. Entering the Slytherin Common Room she sat in one of the large chairs in front of the fireplace and opened it carefully.
Dear Clarisse Melina Dupree,
We request your presence in the Dupree Mansion on the day after Hallows Eve.
From, Markus and Lucia Dupree.
Cloud chattered and chirped when it felt its master's distress, nuzzling its small furry head against her cheek. "I'm alright Cloud; it seems that we are heading home sooner than we thought."