well, this is a tad awkward... long time no see? between university, being sick, attempting a social life, writers block, and just general forgetfullness this story has been mostly abandoned. i've been going around editing some of my older works on occasion and totally abandoned updating anything. hard to write when you're just depressed out of your mind for no reason all of the time... but i'm hoping to re focus on updating and writing again, feel like my old self. I hope some of my old readers come back and give me a chance, i'm sorry for abandoning everybody. but here it is, I don't remember where I was going with this story but im going to do my best to make it awesome. here you go.
I've never been particularly gifted at handling awkward situations. Almost immediately after talking with Alexander I made up a lame ass excuse to leave, something about homework. Which would have been a good idea actually considering I had a four page paper about comparing and contrasting the wand techniques for levitation spells and summoning
charms. Oh well, some other less stressful time.
Instead I found myself outside of Hagrid's hut, and into the woods behind it finding my way to the Hippogriff pen. I'd always had a certain fondness for magical and non-magical creatures. I wandered over to the fence and leaned up against it, watching the majestic creatures graze around, completely ignoring my presence. Watching them interact was always something that id found calming.
"Thought I'd find you here. You're so reliably predictable Gracey." I heard a familiar, very welcomed voice from behind me.
"Gosh Freddy, you sure know how to charm a lady." I mumbled, nervously running my hair through my curls and adjusting my posture ever so slightly.
I felt Fred's arm brush against mine as he came over to stand next to me and watch the Hippogriffs, there were two young ones who had clearly just mastered the art of walking playing a game of chase. I couldn't help but smile as they stumbled over their own hoofs in attempt to catch each other.
This smile was quickly accompanied by a blush as I felt Fred's eyes on me, I didn't dare look up so I can't tell what he was thinking.
"So why did you come looking for me?" I questioned, daring to turn my head to look up at him as I raised an eye brow.
"Id have to be blind, deaf, and daft to not know that you were upset. What did he say to you?" He demanded, his hands balling into fists as he stared fiercely into my eyes.
I bit my lip instinctively, I was still confused and upset and ashamed about the entire ordeal. My gut was telling me to trust Alexander, but id harbored this fear and anger for so long I almost simply didn't want to give it up. it was familiar, and my brain was still working over how he could be lying and what he'd have to gain from all of this. Even if I decided to tell people he was gay and it was just a lie, it was still seriously damage his reputation and knowing the Slytherin's it would most certainly get to his parents. Rumor or not, pure bloods did not tolerate this sort of disgrace.
I could feel Fred's gaze on me and I sighed.
"He was just being a prat as usual, I just let it get to me today for whatever reason. its okay though, really."
Fred just looked down at me and I could see he wasn't fully believing my excuse. Honestly I probably wouldn't have believed it if I was in his position either.
I reached out and put my hand on his forearm and smiled up at him, "But it really means a lot that you cared enough to come looking for me Freddy. Thanks." I managed to squeak out, totally freaking out inside that I was touching him in a semi intimate manner.
I thought id surprised him from the look that went across his face, but seconds later it was replaced with a grin as a laugh escaped his lips.
"Anything for you Gracey." he boasted, turning around bring his arm around me and roughing up my hair.
"You jerk!" I exclaimed, hurriedly trying to get my hair back into place, feeling a small sinking feeling in my chest. A part of me had hoped he'd take that gesture and maybe realize my feelings, or perhaps realize magically that all this time he'd liked me the way I liked him. But that only happens in books and films, in real life you just have to wait, or accept that you'll always be just his friend. And nothing more.
FREDS POV
Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit.
I'd totally blown it and I damn well knew it. I felt my chest tighten and was completely caught off guard when she held my arm, and the way she smiled at me, she had to feel something for me. That's not just a look or action you do with a friend, right?
Girls are so confusing.
I should have kissed her right then and there. If she liked me she'd have kissed back, if not, shed push me away and I could have played it off as a joke. What was wrong with me? I've dated girls before, Merlin knows I've had my fair share of experience, I never messed up. and I'm always busting on George to man up and go after the girls he fancies.
Confidence was never something I lacked, but something about Grace and the fact she's my best friend just messes with my head.
That's it. I'm asking her out to the next Hogsmeade trip. Tomorrow I'm going to ask her for a date. What's the worst that could happen?
GRACES POV
After we walked back to the castle I made up another excuse to leave, it was hard to look at him after id been rejected so obviously. I know I could be more direct and just tell him how I feel, and who am I to just decide that he should be a mind reader and know what my hints mean? But it still hurt, and I just needed some time alone.
Barney was in a seemingly aloof mood when I entered the dorm, I poured some treats onto the window sill and crawled into bed. The stress had gotten to me because sleep came almost instantly.
"Could you manage to not take the longest showers in history Katie?" I heard Angelina yell from the bathrooms.
This was certainly not the most ideal way to wake up, it was better than being clawed by the cat though, so complaining is just obnoxious I'd say.
"I'm sore from practice, excuse me for trying to get some relief!" Katie shouted back as I slid out of bed and stretched, hearing my joints pop and crack in protest.
"Gee, waking up to you two ladies is always a treat. It's almost like I'm at a fancy resort where they play soothing sounds from around the world." I grumbled with sarcasm laced in my voice as I stumbled into the bathroom.
"Bloody hell you scared me!" Angelina shouted, hand to her chest in mock panic.
"Sorry to inconvenience you love." I replied as I mimicked her gesture and curtsied.
"Well aren't you in a lovely mood." Katie said, walking over to us wrapped up in a towel, rubbing her eyes.
"Somehow waking up to you two shouting is about as pleasant as dung pie." I answered, heading over to the mirror to fix my hair and get ready.
Soon after my hair was braided to the side, and mascara was applied as I slipped into my uniform, which today consisted of just the skirt, white shirt, loosely done Gryffindor tie and scarf with black flats.
The girls decided to stay out of my way the rest of the morning as it was decided that I was "on a war path", and around my study hall period I found myself alone in the library at my usual table, staring at a blank piece of parchment. maybe if I stared at it long enough the paper would write itself?
"Stare at that parchment with any more hate and it will set on fire." came a familiar voice.
I looked up startled, Alexander looking down at me with an amused smirk, which turned into an awkward smile as he looked at the empty chair next to me.
"Take a seat, I don't bite." I said, trying to sound normal.
"That's not what I hear." he responded with a wink, managing to get a small laugh out of me.
"I was hoping we could talk?" he asked as he sat down.
"Why do you even care what I think anymore?" I questioned. he was a Slytherin, our houses were essentially mortal enemies and here he is trying to get my forgiveness. and if I didn't know any better id say he was trying to be my friend.
"Why do I care? Just because I happen to be in your enemy's house doesn't mean I'm a total ass. If you remember from the house descriptions my house and I are clever and make true and trustworthy alliances, or friendships as you'd say. That doesn't just apply within our house. Believe it or not though, I do have a conscience and I do actually give a shit about making you that upset this whole time and not knowing. I'm not completely soulless." all of this was stated so matter of factly I felt ridiculous for asking the question in the first place.
How does this guy manage to make me feel so guilty or stupid with just his words? Does Snape give private lessons or something?
"Way to make me feel like the ass" I grumbled, leaning back in my seat and staring back at my black essay.
"Let's agree were both terrible people and move on then." he suggested.
"Works for me." I answered, grinning at him from across the table.
He held his hand out expectantly, and I reached of and we shook, both of us breaking out into laughter.
Who knew making a deal with the devil could be so simple?
Thank you so much to everybody who reads this, and a bigger thank you for anyone who reviews. I havent written in what feels like years so feedback would be amazing. REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW