The sky was dark and gloomy when Natalie clambered up the stairs to Divination tower. Raindrops splattered the grounds, soaking her hair and books, so she quickened her pace into the classroom and slumped contentedly into a seat next to Dorcas.
"Lovely weather," Dorcas commented softly. "Let's both pray that it won't hinder our enjoyment this weekend at Hogsmeade."
"Oh yeah," Natalie smiled in remembrance. "I've been craving their Bearty Botts jelly beans for weeks."
Dorcas nodded in agreement. "And I'll finally be able to try the new Hiccup Sweets at Zonkos."
"Dori!" Malorie huffed into the classroom at that very moment. The few students present looked up curiously at her excited expression, and she quickly sat down in a chair splashing everyone in the vicinity with her drenched coat. "You won't believe it!" she thrilled.
"What it is?" Dorcas looked up curiously.
"Well," Malorie blushed, twiddling her fingers in a strand of wet hair. "Guess who just asked me out to Hogsmeade this weekend!"
"No way," Dorcas chuckled and raised her brows perceptively. "He didn't."
"Who didn't?" Natalie questioned, feeling like she was missing something.
Malorie turned to her with a wide grin and bright eyes. "Sirius Black!" she cried in glee.
"Oh," Natalie shrugged. "Well, that's neat."
"Neat?!" Malorie looked taken aback. "It's amazing. I've liked him since fifth year, and he's finally asked me out."
"That's great, Malorie," Dorcas patted her arm reassuringly. "I'm sure it will be a spectacular date."
"Definitely," she responded with a dazed expression.
The class quickly filled up, and within moments, their professor, Arial Celeste, was standing at the head of the group giving out instructions.
"Today you will partner up to read each other's future," the squat woman said, straightening her glasses on the rim of her nose. "You will keep a log of your partners' revelations on a roll of parchment and turn it in at the end of class." She shuffled back to her seat and waved a dismissal. "You may begin."
Natalie and Dorcas opened their journals and immediately got to work.
"Let's see," Natalie said peering into the crystal ball at the center of the table. "I see a crooked triangle. Hmm', I think that means we're having pizza for lunch."
"Right," Dorcas scoffed and examined the sphere. "Are you sure that's pizza? It looks to me like the Eiffel Tower. I think I'm going to win a free round trip to Paris!"
"Pardon me," a voice interrupted their conversation, and Natalie looked up to meet familiar sparkling blue eyes.
"Hey, Phillip," she greeted the blonde Hufflepuff. "This is my friend, Dorcas." Natalie nudged her friend in the shoulder. "Dori, this is my new friend, Phillip Donnelly."
"Hello there, Chap," Dorcas grinned with her usual cheerfulness. "How exactly do you two know each other?"
Natalie looked away in response while Phillip cleared his throat. "We sort of ran into each other yesterday," he said as Natalie held back a laugh. "Anyway," Phillip turned back to Natalie. "I came over here to see if you wanted to be Divination partners?"
"Sure," Natalie nodded at once and quickly stood. "If it's all right with you Dorcas?"
"Go ahead," Dorcas shooed her away. "Malorie needs a partner anyhow."
"Great," Phillip led Natalie to an empty table nearby. "So, you any good at reading the future?" he asked.
Natalie's thoughts flashed back to Meliflua, and she had to grimace. "No," she said firmly. "Not at all."
"Alrighty then, I'll go first," Phillip pulled the crystal ball closer to him and gazed into it steadily. "I see a beautiful brunette," he flashed her a grin. "Although, it could just be your reflection."
"Be serious," she laughed. "I don't think the professor will buy that."
"Alright," he twisted the ball in his hands." I see a sunny day," he looked out the window at the dark sky. "Believable?" he asked.
"Yes," she nodded and scribbled it down onto her parchment.
"I can distinguish…a Hogsmeade weekend filled with Honeydukes, Madam Puddifoots, and the Three Broomsticks," he paused. "I see me asking you that because Saturday is scheduled to be sunny and warm, unlike today, would you like to go to Hogsmeade with me?"
Natalie blinked in surprise and a grin crept onto her face. "By gazing into the crystal ball, can you foresee my answer?" she asked gradually, making him blush.
Phillip let out a soft chuckle and looked deep into the ball. "I have to admit, it is a bit hazy." He smiled, "But I'm sure if you looked, it would become clearer?" He nudged the ball closer to her.
Natalie raised her brows skeptically, and looked into the orb warily. She immediately spotted the obscure form of a dog looking up silently at the full moon, and she had to tear her eyes away. "Um," she started. "I can't quite tell, but I think I can see me giving you a chance."
"So you'll go with me?" he asked with bright eyes.
"Yes," she smiled at his adorable expression. "I will."
"Sweet," he laughed and opened his book. "Now, let's get back to work. We wouldn't want to give Celeste a reason to fail us."
--
Breakfast the next morning arrived with its usual chatter. Natalie and Dorcas quickly cleaned off their plates and then stood to leave the Great Hall.
"So, have you decided what you're going to wear for your date?" Dorcas asked as they walked down the tables.
"It's not exactly a date, Dori," Natalie flushed. "And no."
"If it's not a date, then what is it?" she responded cockily.
"We're just hanging out," Natalie shrugged.
"He asked you out," Dorcas replied, point blank. "It's a date –and well, speak of the devil!"
Natalie looked up to gape because there, standing gracefully at the Great Hall doors, was Phillip himself. "Don't even try to tell me he's not interested in you." Dorcas mumbled, quickly leaving her side to head in a new direction.
Natalie rolled her eyes at her friends departure, and then paused when she realized Phillip was accompanied by a brunette stranger, clad in the Hufflepuff seal.
"Hey," she smiled shyly with a glance at the newcomer.
"This is my best mate, Tobe," Phillip nudged the other boy in the shoulder, who just gawked at her in return. You'd think he never saw a girl before by the way his eyes searched her entire being from her hair to clothes and, unfortunately, chest.
"Hello, Tobe," she said awkwardly, trying to ignore his stare.
"Bugger," he snapped out of his reverie to shake her head feverishly. "Why does Phillip always land the pretty ones?"
Natalie blinked at his remark, while Phillip thumped his friend, bemused.
"Walk you to class?" Phillip asked politely, taking her hand in his.
"Sure," Natalie couldn't help but grin at his chivalry, and they ambled down the hall, their interlocked fingers earning quite a few stairs from passersby.
--
Remus was one of these innocent bystanders. "Who in Merlin's name is that?" he asked his friends bewilderedly as they scurried down the hall after breakfast.
"Dorcas said his name is Donnelly," Sirius replied casually. "He asked Natalie out to Hogsmeade this weekend."
"What?" Remus gaped, turning red. "She didn't say yes did she?"
"Yeah," Sirius shrugged. "So what."
"But," Remus stuttered. "She can't go with him. She doesn't even know him."
"Dorcas thinks he's a nice guy," Sirius said nonchalantly, combing his hand through his hair as they passed a group of giggling girls.
"But I didn't even know they were friends," Remus snapped furiously. "All he wants is to get in her pants."
"Why are you suddenly so upset?" James quirked up curiously. "Is there something you're not telling us?"
"I don't know what you're implying," Remus let out an irritated sigh. "I just don't want to see her get hurt."
"You fancy her don't you?" James grinned cheekily with a nudge to his shoulder.
"Sod off," Remus punched him back. "I just think she deserves someone better than that Hufflepuff bloke."
"Like who, Remus?" Sirius laughed. "Besides, you don't even know the guy. What if Dorcas is right? He could be a right gentleman."
"Whatever," Remus heaved exasperatedly. "Come on, we're gonna be late."
--
Hogsmeade weekend arrived in no time at all. Malorie woke all the girls with tremendous excitement, and Lily immediately got to work styling Natalie's hair, explaining how important it was to make a good first impression.
'Oh yeah,' Natalie thought smugly. 'It's not like I've already butchered my first impression by slamming into him head on like a hurricane in my drenched clothes…'
"Do I really need that much makeup?" Natalie tilted her head in the mirror at Lily, examining her pink cheekbones. "What if Phillip doesn't recognize me?"
"He will," Lily narrowed her eyes and continued to apply the light powder. "Do I dare ask what you're going to wear?"
"Um," Natalie bit her lip in thought. "Dress robes."
"Kill me now," Lily mumbled under her breath. "It's not every day you can get away with a striking outfit and muggle clothing. Isn't there anything endearing in your wardrobe?" Lily left her side to rummage through the closet. "You must have something in here," she said, tossing out various garments.
"Well pardon me, oh queen of fashion," Natalie folded her arms across her chest stubbornly. "No one told me about Hogwarts' annual dress up day."
"Very funny," Lily jeered as she held up a lacy white blouse and some skinny blue jeans. "These will be perfect."
"Lace?" Natalie took the shirt warily. "Is that really the best idea?"
"It's perfect," Lily shoved her into the bathroom. "Now get changed so we can see how you look."
Natalie closed the door and paused to glance in the mirror. The face she saw seemed foreign to her. She was accustomed to wearing a hint of mascara to lengthen her lashes, but the whole glistening eyes, big lips, and cherry cheeks was definitely overwhelming.
She actually looked… cute.
'Weird.' Natalie laughed and then quickly began to change.
--
Natalie descended the stairs to the common room alongside Malorie, who was clad in a mini skirt and tank. "Good luck," McDougal giggled and swept down to greet Sirius.
"Good morning, lovely ladies," Sirius pecked Malorie's hand gentlemanly and winked at Natalie.
"Morning, Black," she responded with a roll of her eyes.
Dorcas was seated on the couch with Remus and James, who both looked up, slightly startled, when they saw her.
"You look great," Dorcas stood immediately to examine her closely. "Lily totally outdid herself."
"My Lily?" James looked up excitedly. "She really is one of kind isn't she."
"yeah, James," Dorcas shoved him off. "Anywho, so Natalie, when are you scheduled to meet Phillip?"
"About ten minutes," she glanced down at her watch necklace. "Gosh, I feel like a friggin peacock with all this paint on my face."
"You look adorable," Dorcas smiled to reassure her. "If you need anything today, I'll be at either Zonkos or the Three Broomsticks. Just come and find me."
"Okay," Natalie nodded, feeling slightly more confident. "Alright, well, I should go now."
"Later," Dorcas winked knowingly and squeezed back into the couch with James and Remus, the latter currently giving her an odd look.
"Bye, then," Natalie smiled and quickly left the common room.
--
It was half past noon when Natalie and Phillip entered Madam Puddifoots tea shop. The entire building seemed to be full of hearts, roses and every pink thing imaginable. A golden cherub floated around above them dropping glitter and confetti on all the impractical couples.
"Wow," Natalie smiled as they took their seats. "This place is really…interesting."
"Yeah," Phillip grinned as he took in the scene himself.
So far, the day had gone by exceptionally well. They started their journey with Honeydukes, where they picked out a bag full of their favourite sweets, and then ambled down the road to Zonkos joke shop, where they engaged in a pleasant conversation about the latest gadgets in stock.
She discovered that Phillip played Beater for the Hufflepuff quiditch team, not exactly a plus, and that he was a Herbology fanatic.
"It sort of runs in my family," he had said when explaining his passion for plants. "For my tenth birthday, I got an Abyssinian Shrivelfig. It is the key ingredient to brewing Shrinking Solution."
Natalie had smiled at his comments, and encouraged him to continue. She wasn't exactly mad about shrubbery the way he was, but it eventually became a fascinating topic.
Back at the shop, a small cupid set down their cups. Phillip gave a legendary toast to plants before they both took a small sip of their herbal tea.
"You know, I'll be honest with you because I really had a great time today." Phillip took Natalie's hand in his, mimicking most of the couples around them. "I didn't know how this whole –date- think would work out. I mean, I only asked you because Freddy said to, but now that I've gotten to know you a bit more, I can not believe how wonderfully amazing you are."
"What?" Natalie yanked her hand out of his grasp in shock. The words came out of his mouth so fast; she barely had time to register what he had said. "Excuse me?" She snapped harshly. "You only asked me because someone told you to? Who?!"
"Uh, Frederick," Phillip blushed furiously. "But I'm glad he did or I wouldn't have met you."
"Frederick, who?"
"My uncle, Frederick Abbot," his blush burned even deeper, and he rubbed the back of his head warily. This was not how he imagined the moment to turn out.
"Mr. Abbot?" Natalie gasped, recognizing the Auror's name. "but why?"
"I don't know," he sighed, wishing he hadn't mentioned the fact. It had been such a wonderful morning, but as he watched the afternoon sun high in the sky, he feared that he would be returning to Hogwarts much sooner than he had anticipated.
"How much?" Natalie interrupted his thoughts.
"What?" he asked, bewildered.
"How much did he pay you?" she folded her arms across her chest.
"Uh," Phillip bit his lip. "Two galleons."
"Effing lunatic!" she slammed her fist down on the table, knocking over their tea cups. "I can't believe Abbot paid you to go out with me!" She yelled and quickly stood to leave.
"I'm sorry," Phillip took her hand assuredly. "But if he hadn't, I would never have been able to spend this time with you."
"Let go of me," she snapped, ignoring all the apprehensive looks they were receiving from the couples in the room. 'Aw, flip,' she thought irately. All she needed right now was more gossip floundering about her. "You are a right nasty git for taking his offer, you know," she sneered and stomped out of the pub.
Natalie strolled down the road in a foul mood. When things finally seemed like they would be okay, everything seemed to come crashing down.
"Bloody idiot," she muttered, furiously. What did Abbot think he was doing paying someone to date her? And why in Merlin's name was he doing it? She couldn't wait to get back to the castle so she could send him a Howler…
Natalie shook her head to hold back a wave of tears. She had been used. She felt vulnerable, hurt, humiliated and, most of all, angry. She was furious, and she needed to let it out on someone or she was going to explode.
Natalie quickened her pace towards the Three Broomsticks, hoping Dorcas would be there. As she pushed open the pub doors, the sound of talk and laughter filled her ears. The room was crammed with dozens of students, and as she scanned the crowd, she frowned when she didn't see her bubbly friend.
"Natalie!" a familiar voice beckoned her in the crowd. She turned to spot Remus sitting at a table with James and Peter.
"Hey," she said as she squeezed through the people. "Have any of you seen Dorcas?"
"Yeah," James rubbed his chin. "We just left her at Dervish and Banges."
"Great," Natalie's face lit up in satisfaction. "Thanks," she quickly began to leave.
"Wait," Remus spoke up hesitantly. "She's going to be meeting us here any minute now. Why not have a butterbeer while you wait?"
"Um," she bit her lip, not really prepared to act civilly around others. "I suppose." She slid into a vacant seat.
"Rosmerta!" James called to the barmaid, and a saccharine lady scooted a full glass onto the table. "Cheers," she winked and bustled away into the crowd.
"Thanks," Natalie muttered and took a small sip.
"So," James smiled courteously, all attention on her. "I thought you were supposed to be with that Hufflepuff bloke."
"Change of plans," Natalie snapped, eyes flashing dangerously.
"Oh," James nodded his head sympathetically and attempted to change the subject. "Say, Remus, what did you think about those new dungbombs at Zonkos? Wicked, eh?"
"Definitely," Remus remarked indifferently. "Although I was rather impressed with the biting tea-cups."
"Here, here," he agreed by raising his now empty glass.
"Wait, Natalie," Peter cocked his head to one side inquisitively. "There's one thing I don't understand. Why aren't you with Donnelly? I heard you two were dating."
"You've been misinformed," Natalie said, choosing to ignore the eye rolls James and Remus sent each other.
"Oh," Peter nodded his head perceptively. "Did he dump y--?" he asked her but was interrupted by a loud thump under the table. "Ow!" Peter rubbed his sore leg, while Remus sent him death glares.
"He most certainly did not," Natalie answered his question smoothly, hating the awkward silence that followed her comment.
"Hey guys!" Dorcas entered the pub just in the knick of time. "And Natalie," she raised he brows anxiously. "What are you doing here?"
Natalie sighed in relief and quickly stood from the table. "You. Me. Outside. Now." She grabbed her friend's shoulders and towed her through the crowd. Dorcas glanced back at the guys accusingly, and then followed Natalie out the door.
"It can't be good," James muttered earnestly. "But look at the bright side. Now you'll have a chance, eh' Moony?"
"Sod off," Remus looked down glumly. "I told you Donelly was a nasty fellow."
"You don't even know the poor kid," James reminded him offhandedly.
"She was really upset. What if he hurt her," Remus stood worriedly. "When I get my hands on that guy…"
"You can't commit murder in public," James told him obstinately, and Remus quickly slumped back in his seat. "You're just heated because of the upcoming moon."
"I know," Remus rubbed his eyes warily. "I hate what it does to me. I over-sense everything."
"Just relax," James grinned cockily. "I'll get you firewhisky or something."
"I don't need a hangover," Remus smiled and rummaged through his Honeydukes bag. "But chocolate should do the trick."
--
"What a git," Dorcas spat as they entered Gryffindor tower later that day. "Boys are complete imbeciles who have no amount of respect for the female population except for their package and as eye candy."
"But what I can't understand is Abbot's position in all of this," Natalie climbed the stairs to their dorm.
"I'm sure you'll find out just as soon as he gets his Howler," Dorcas chuckled but was cut off by the sound of sobbing coming from inside their room.
"Ah, crap," Dorcas mumbled, and the two girls stepped inside to see a tearful Malorie lying on her bed.
"What happened?" Dorcas stood still, quickly preparing herself for an onslaught of grievances.
"He dumped me," Mallorie sniffed, slowly sitting up in the bed.
"What?" Natalie looked around startled. "Who?"
"Sirius Black," she spat and cried into her pillow. Dorcas shook her head, irately, and went over to console the girl.
"Tell me about it," she whispered, sitting down next to her.
"Well," Malorie wiped away her tears. "Everything was just perfect. We visited Zonkos and Madam Puddifoots…" Natalie tried not to gag at the last, but Malorie continued. "We shared our interests, and he even bought me an ice cream cone."
She began to sob harder, and so Dorcas quickly interrupted her. "Tell us where it started to go downhill."
"We were walking up the road," Malorie sat up with a shrug. "And he just… ended it."
"What?" Dorcas asked. "How so?"
"Well, he said that it had been fun, but he only asked me out because he was double dared. His friends said he had to date the first girl that came down the Gryffindor stairs Monday morning, and I happened to be that lucky person."
"Aw, Malorie," Dorcas nudged her gently. "He's an awful git."
"He's your friend," Malorie said accusingly. "How can you befriend such a lowlife scum."
"Hey, don't blame me," Dorcas held up her hands in defense. "I am friends with him because he is a great party thrower, but I do not involve myself with his personal life or female necessities in anyway."
"I understand," Malorie sighed. "But I loved him."
"No you didn't," Dorcas shook her head vigorously. "It was only a slight infatuation triggered by lust. You will be over it in no time at all just like all the other girls he's dated."
"Lesson number one," Natalie spoke up angrily. "All boys are gits."
"Amen!" Lily chose to enter the bedroom at that very moment. Her voice had a mixture of hysteria and fury, and when the girls took in her appearance, they immediately knew why.
Brown goop that highly resembled mud covered her entire being from head to toe. Her once red hair was snarled by chunks of dirty brown, and her shirt and pants had large smears that made her look as if she fell into a grimy puddle.
"Lily," Natalie stood apprehensively. "What happened?"
Lily rushed into the bathroom, ignoring them, to quickly clean up as much as she could. "I'll tell you what," she snapped furiously. "James. Bloody. Potter!"
"Oh," comprehension dawned on all of their faces.
Malorie came closer to examine the brown goop, and giggled when she got a whiff of its scent. "Is that chocolate?!"
"Yes," Lily picked up a wet rag. "Apparently, Zonkos is buzzing for more orders of exploding chocolates and prickly-itchly roses."
"I don't see any roses," Dorcas looked around the room dumbfound.
" I shoved them down his shirt," she snickered as hollers erupted from downstairs.
"Get it out!" a voice that sounded oddly like James cried, followed by a sudden crashing noise.
"Stop thrashing!" Sirius yelled over the commotion. "You'll only make the rash worse."
"Oh Merlin," Dorcas tried to cover a laugh. "Good job, Lil. That leaves us only two boys left."
"Two boys?" Lily looked up, water dripping down her face. "I don't follow."
Dorcas smiled wickedly and pulled out a blank roll of parchment. "Ladies," she addressed Natalie and Malorie solemnly. "It's time to plan your revenge."