Wanting Something More
Chapter Nine: Wanting Letters
Brittany sighed. Sitting at her desk quill in hand she had no idea how to start these letters. She had to write to Fred and George, Heather, and whoever all else needed to be in on the plan. She groaned loudly and slammed her head on the desk. She was thrown off because of her brother and Draco's fight. Their father was going to be so furious with Blaise it was not even funny.
"Don't beat your head on the desk Brit, we need that brain of yours." Scarlett laughed, trying to cheer her friend up.
"I would be fine if people were not stupid making me worry about them." Brittany explained.
"You need to forget about that. You said it yourself Snape is on your side, I am sure he will be fairly easy on your brother." Serena reasoned.
"It's not him that I am worried about. It's our father. He's going to go berserk when he finds out." Brittany explained.
"Oh." Both s replied seeing where their friends worry was coming from.
Brittany sighed again and picked up her quill. She needed to do this and the sooner she started the sooner she could make plans about how to get out of the arranged marriage.
Dear Fred and George,
I've got a huge problem, and I would like some help. Scratch that I need it. My parents have me in an arranged marriage to Malfoy. I managed to get a way out of it though. If someone falls in love with me, and proposes I can get out of it. Unfortunately he will need to have father's approval. So this is where you two come in. We have decided a Gryffindor is better than anything because they won't be afraid of Malfoy. So I need your help to get on their good side. I have a hope of becoming friends with your younger sister, and I am friends with her best friend. I figure if I can befriend her then the other Gryffindors will warm up to me as well. Your brother Ron is another story. I rarely speak to him at all, and I was hoping you would help convince him I am not such a bad person. Please help, I do not want to get stuck with Malfoy for the rest of my life.
Brittany Zabini
With that finished Brittany gave a small triumphant smile. She actually finished a letter. Now she only had a bunch more to go. She decided not to stop now, because if she did she would lose her nerve. She did not want to start worrying about her brother again.
Dear Heather
Hey it's me. I was wondering if you could help me. As I am sure you have heard I am supposed to marry Malfoy. I have a way out of it though. If I can get a worthy enough male, for father, to fall in love with me and propose, then I can actually marry him instead. I was hoping that you could help me get on the good side of the Gryffindors. They are the only ones who are really good enough for my father, that won't be afraid of Malfoy. So could you help me? I was hoping to become friends with Ginny. You said she and I would make good friends, so I figure it's a good start right? Please Help.
Brittany
Brittany smiled quite proud of herself, being able to get out more than one letter. She was now on a roll. It was time for one more. She decided a letter to her brother was in order. Might as well yell at him for being such a dork.
Blaise
Are you stupid or something. I mean I know you are trying to protect me, but if father hurts you who else will help me when I need it desperately. You need to be more careful. I have sent letters to some friends in regards to the loophole. Hopefully I will be able to hear back from them later on this week. Please do not do anything stupid for a while. Father is going to be so angry with you when he finds out. I love you Blaise.
You Loving Sister
Brittany finished her final letter and was very proud of herself. She managed to get out three letters in one hour. She even had time to get them out, and get some sleep. Things were beginning to go her way, and that made it bearable.
Kari hid her hateful glare from Blaise. He was still one of the two most powerful Slytherins, and to cross him would be bad. She had no idea as to why he was there, and he would not tell her. Snape was simply sitting at his desk with his hands folded in front of him.
"Miss Williams, you may go now." Snape finally declared. "And I expect that you will refrain from anymore acts in the future."
Kari nodded and left the room. She was ready to get out. "I wonder why Zabini is in there though?" She asked herself aloud.
Snape then turned to Blaise and sighed. "Your father is going to be furious."
"I know sir." Blaise replied.
"You need to be more careful. Without you your sister will be much less driven to get out of the marriage." Snape explained.
"I understand. It's not my fault that Draco is such a prick." Blaise argued.
"Yes that is one of his less redeeming qualities. He gets that from his father." Snape grumbled. "That is beside the point. You need to inform me about what you all have planned."
"Brittany is going to befriend Ginny Weasley in hopes that a Gryffindor will fall for her." Blaise told him.
"Ah. A clever idea, truly Slytherin worthy." Snape praised.
"Actually it was Seth Black who came up with it."
"Hmm, that is interesting indeed. But there is one problem. I do not think that Weasley's big brother is going to stand for his sister being used." Snape warned.
"This is my sister we are talking about. It's not like she would befriend her for only that reason. She's too kind to let that happen. Besides Ginny Weasley would be a nice friend for her." Blaise argued back.
"I know, I was just warning you what could happen if Weasley was befriended for the wrong reasons." Snape said trying to calm the easily angered brother.
"I'm sorry professor. I just can't help but defend her. She is my only little sister. No one else will." Blaise apologized.
"I understand. Just be careful, alright. I do not want to see another person destroyed because of the Dark Lord and his plans. So who did you have in mind for you sister?" Snape asked curiously.
"There are a select few candidates, but one stands out a little more that the rest."
"I think I know who you mean." Snape declared with a snake like smile. "I just hope you know what you are doing Mr. Zabini."
"I've watched my sister enough times to see how she thinks. Besides how hard could it be to get Potter to fall in love with her?" Blaise asked jokingly.
"You'd be surprised Mr. Zabini. Potter is quite stubborn. Your sister is still a Slytherin."
"Yes, but right now she is just a girl in need of someone to love her. Also, though they seem oblivious to it they have a connection." Blaise countered.
"They've spoken? And Potter has not rashly gone off the handle at her mere presence? That is something. You think this plan of yours might actually work."
"I doubt very much even Potter knows where his offer to help is coming from. I intended to show him." Blaise smirked as he popped a candy into his mouth.
"At least your heart is in the right place. I'll let you go in a few minutes. Until then just relax. You are going to need everything you have to help your sister." Snape told him.
"Understood Professor." Blaise responded.
After a few minutes Blaise was allowed to leave from 'detention.' Blaise smiled as he left Snape's office, and was on his merry way to the Slytherin Dorms. On the way he heard voices and sighed. He was not about to get caught again.
Harry, and Ron rounded a corner as Blaise tried to get away. He accidentally backed into one of the suits of armor and groaned. Harry and Ron looked at the elder Zabini at that moment. All three looked guilty.
"What are you doing out here Zabini?" Ron asked accusingly.
"I am on my way to the dorms. I just finished my first detention with Snape." Blaise explained. "What are you two doing?" Blaise asked curiously.
"Nothing that concerns you." Ron shot back.
"I didn't mean anything by that Weasley, calm down. I'm not Draco I won't turn you in or anything. Just breathe." Blaise eased.
Ron looked disgruntled by that comment and Harry took the opportunity to say something. "So what was that all about earlier, with you and Malfoy? Did he find out your sister is going to be able to outsmart him?"
"We are, or were. Draco is just so intent on making my sister his, he refuses to listen to reason. I did what any big brother would do, defended her honor. No one else will." Blaise explained.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked, despite Ron elbowing him in the gut. Harry knew Blaise was helping him feign ignorance in front if his more volatile and slightly biased friend.
"No one else looks out for her. She has her friends, but they can only do so much. No one cares for her enough to take on the world for her. It's up to me to watch over her. Until I can find someone who will do it just as well as I do." Blaise explained.
"She can take care of herself." Ron laughed. "She's cunning enough for it."
"Well if she weren't as nice as she is she would be fine. She'd fight Draco and win hands down. She does not know how to play very dirty." Blaise sighed. "Sometimes I wish she did. It'd make life a little easier on her."
"Psh. A nice Slytherin? You're crazy Zabini." Ron laughed.
"Think what you want. She's an angel born to a family hell bent on corrupting her. It's not her fault. I do what I can. At least she has friends in all four houses. Can you say the same?" Blaise laughed.
"Who wants to be friends with a Stuck-Up Slytherin anyways?" Ron growled. "Let's go Harry."
"Never judge a book by its cover Weasley, you might miss the treasure inside." Blaise stated. Blaise then turned and began walking away before throwing out. "She's kicked him in the nuts twice you know. Normally her friend does it, but she will gladly put him back in his place.
"Oh, well, at least she has taste." Ron grumbled to Harry.
Harry turned to Ron. "He may be right." He whispered.
"Oh not you too." Ron groaned. "Slytherins are all the same and you know it. Just because she hates Malfoy does not mean she could be a nice person."
"Nah. She seems like she's nice to her friends. She really cares about her big brother too." Harry offered.
"First Ginny, now you? You've gone all soft on me Harry." Ron complained.
"No just being open to ideas."
"Now you sound like Hermione."
"Maybe you're the one who's wrong."
"You really need to get some sleep Harry. It's starting to mess with your mind." Ron sighed in sympathy.
You know, you're kind of a bigot Ron. Malfoy and his gang have poisoned you against the Slytherins like they did me. Hate only breeds more hate.
Thee two walked back to their common room. Everyone was sleeping peacefully, minus one Draco Malfoy. He was pissed beyond belief that his best friend was talking with Potter. Oh he'd kick both their asses now. It was not like Blaise was stupid enough to try and make one of the Gryffindorks fall for his sister. Was he? Draco would just have to make it a point that Brittany Zabini was his, and his alone. No one else was to have her.
Morning arrived and many students were still buzzing about the incident between Blaise and Draco the previous night. Brittany was eagerly waiting for her replies, but knew it would take some time. That still did not keep her from smiling at breakfast.
"Calm down. You're going to fall out of your seat." Seth teased.
Brittany sighed and shook her head. "I know."
"What are you so excited about?" He asked her.
"Nothing much, just a little more help." Brittany stated casually.
"She sent out some letter last night." Serena clarified.
"Well no wonder she's excited." Seth laughed.
"Same old Brittany, never one to wait easily." Scarlett teased.
Blaise entered the Great Hall alone, and the whispers silenced for a moment. He shook his head and laughed silently while walking over to his sister.
"I promise to watch out from now on little one. No more stupid fights for your honor." Blaise chuckled.
"Good." Brittany stated.
"Oh look the owls are here." Scarlett told them.
"Great." Blaise sighed.
"You are so getting a howler." Seth teased.
"It's worth it." Blaise smirked. Do your worst father.
Owls poured in and dropped letters and gifts to students from their families. Blaise was not the least surprised when a red letter was dropped in front of him. He sighed and opened it up ready to take his fathers angry words. The howler proceeded to channel Mr. Zabini's angered voice.
"Blaise William Zabini, You had better have an excellent reason for your actions. How dare you fight Draco Malfoy. He is going to be marrying your sister. If I hear you step even a toe out of line, I will come there and make sure you never meddle in this matter ever again! Do you understand? And Brittany you better behave yourself as well. No schemes! Or I'll force you to marry him the next day! And another thin…" The howler cut off for a second and changed to a feminine voice.
"Just behave. Love you both." The howler proceeded to rip itself apart after this.
Brittany and Blaise just laughed joyfully. It was better than they had imagined. It seemed their mother was monitoring their father's use of the howler. She had cut him off before he was allowed to rant and embarrass them more.
"That was fairly anti-climatic." Blaise snickered.
"Don't think its over yet." Seth groaned. He pointed towards the door. "My dear cousin is up to something."
Sure enough Draco was strolling into the Great Hall with a bouquet of Roses in his hands. Pansy was behind him grumbling to Millicent. The whispers began in a much more hushed tone. It seemed the school was getting its dose of excitement early on this year.
Draco walked up to Brittany and began to get down on one knee. "I am very sorry about fighting with your brother Britt. Please forgive my rudeness. I decided to send for the most beautiful flowers as a gift to prove my sincere feelings."
"The only sincere feelings are mine." Brittany sighed. She took the bouquet and tossed them to Pansy. "Take these, I'm allergic to these roses and to B.S. as well." Brittany smirked.
Draco glared at the back of her head when she turned around. He muttered some choice words under her breath and stormed to a table farther away from the little group. This caused said group to burst out into giggles and laughter.
"Nice one." Serena cheered.
"I'm proud of Blaise. He did not even make a fist to punch him." Seth teased.
"I told Brittany no more stupid fights." Blaise declared.
"Well good. It's time we should be going. Hey are you free to tutor me tonight?" Brittany asked her brother.
"After practice just meet me at the Library." Blaise told her.
"Thanks." Brittany smiled and walked out of the Great Hall.
Seth, Scarlett, Serena, and Phoenix who was watching the exchange, followed after her. The quiet buzzing of gossip grew in volume to a dull roar. Blaise just smirked.
Harry had to keep from visibly shaking as he watched Malfoy attempt to woo Brittany. He glared with all his might at the male. When Brittany accepted the flowers he almost threw his glass. When she said something then tossed them to Pansy his body relaxed. She had denied the prick. He wondered why he was so worried. He rationalized it as fear that Brittany may relent in public to quell the rumors. He had no idea why, but he wanted her rejection of Malfoy to be known. A grumbling in the back of his mind he could not discern had started. He ignored it and after a few minutes it had passed.
The school day passed as normal as it could have. With Draco being openly rejected after the fight the previous night, gossip was floating in every corner of Hogwarts. Blaise and Brittany were studying together in the library. Scarlett and Phoenix were working together at another table.
"I just don't understand this!" Brittany complained.
"Well yeah, its not going to come to you right away. You need to work on it." Blaise explained quietly.
"Look Scarlett and Phoenix are working on it. And it looks like she understands it." Brittany sighed.
"That's what happens when someone you like explains it to you. He knows her so well that he knows how to explain it to her." Blaise told her.
"You mean to say you don't know your own little sister." Brittany pouted cutely.
"I'm not saying that." Blaise chuckled. "It's just that they have been studying together for a while. Besides Scarlett is happy to be getting the attention from Phoenix and you know it." Blaise teased.
"Yeah, maybe I'll get someday." Brittany laughed.
"I'm sure you will it we have out way." Blaise smiled back at his little sister.
"They do look so cute together." Brittany smiled.
"Enough changing the subject, little one, let's get back to Charms." Blaise smirked. "We'll work on Transfiguration later on."
"Fine."
The next day during Breakfast when the owls came, Brittany had two letters. One from a Brown Barn Owl, it was Heather's, and one letter and a small package from Erol. Brittany eagerly opened the letters. She read the one from Heather first.
Dear Brittany
Yes, I did hear about your situation, but I never knew if you got another guy to propose you could not marry Malfoy. I think you and Ginny would great friends. I think it just may help your chances. We are hanging out tomorrow after the Slytherin Gryffindor Quidditch match.I've asked her if you can join us and she agreed. She's actually pretty up for the idea. That whole fight between your brother and Malfoy where you bitched at him really helped though. Were meeting in the Great Hall after the match. Hope to see you there.
Heather
Brittany smiled and turned towards the Gryffindor Table. She found Heather and waved at her. She nodded her head and mouthed the word 'yes'. Brittany turned back and looked at the other letter.
Dearest Brittany,
Fred and George here ready to help you with any means necessary. Malfoy is a prick and we would hate to see one of our great customers, and friends stuck with him for the rest of your life. Besides we would not want you to turn out like him. So we have a few ideas to help you become better friends with Ginny, and gain little Ronald's trust. How about you come over for Christmas this year. Our older brothers will be there are well. Hopefully that will be a start. We are sending Ron a little present today and you something to help him. Hope you'll enjoy the show. Good luck.
Fred, and George.
Brittany's smile grew. She passed the letters to Blaise. As the group read the letters they smiled. Things really were beginning to look up. Until there was a shriek from the Gryffindor table. All heads turned to see Ron Weasley jumping around with his hair on fire.
Brittany opened the package and laughed. A bottle of cooling hair gel. Brittany walked calmly over to the Gryffindor Table. She gripped the bottle tightly. This was it, the beginning of making a good impression. Harry one on one was one thing. The whole group at once was intimidating.
"Um, Ron. Your brother's sent me this. They said it would help you." Brittany stated masking her nervousness with confidence.
The Great Hall once again went into a hush. "Why did they send it to you?" Ron asked in an angry tone, taking the bottle of hair gel.
"I'm not entirely sure. Maybe they thought I would make sure it would get to you. Or the fact that they trust me. But you'd have to ask your brothers. But I'd use it before the fire reaches your skull." Brittany chuckled offhandedly. "Or maybe they sent it because you'd be so hesitant you'd go bald."
Brittany smiled and walked away. She turned and smiled. "Oh and I think your brothers are sending you a message with the hair gel. Good luck in the match tomorrow. My brother's got a few new moves, so bring your all. See you after the match Heather, Ginny." Brittany smiled sincerely and continued over to her place between Scarlett and Blaise.
"So we've now got some outside help." Scarlett surmised.
"Yes, and now I have some place to go for Christmas this year." Brittany explained.
"I think you made a good impression." Serena remarked.
"Yes, and my wonderful cousin looks absolutely furious." Seth chuckled.
Brittany looked over at the Gryffindor Table and smiled as she watched Ron put in the hair gel. Her eyes met the emerald of Harry Potter and she turned away blushing a very light pink. His stare was intense and slightly confused. She had made sure not to speak to him in case his friends decided they did not like her. She wanted to make sure he could back out if he wanted. Being her friend seemed to come with Malfoy issues.
"Well now we are finally getting somewhere." Blaise smiled. He noticed the look as well. A silent cheer went on in his head. It seems the seeds were planted. Now it was time to help them grow.
"Hey Ron the gel works for you." Ginny laughed.
"Whatever." He grumbled.
"I told you Brittany was not bad." Heather smiled.
"I'm still not going to trust her because my brother's do." Ron growled.
"I think he's sour because a Slytherin helped him out." Heather teased.
"Oh piss off." He grumbled.
"See I told you." Heather teased.
"So you are going to hang out with Zabini after the match?" Hermione asked ignoring her boyfriend.
"Yes. I invited her. She needs more friends, especially given her situation." Heather replied.
"Yeah, having to Marry Malfoy right?" Harry asked finally turning his attention on his friends.
"That's right Harry. The rest of the details are best for her to explain." Heather smiled.
"So what Snape said was a lie?" Ron asked.
"Well yes, I think he may feel sorry for her." Ginny laughed. "Malfoy is a prick.
"You got that right." Ron hissed.
"If you want to join us you are more than welcome Harry." Heather offered.
"I'd like that. She's pretty." Harry realized his mistake and acted as if he was thinking of the word. "Pretty alright I guess." Harry told her before turning back to watching the strange Zabini sister. Ron would kick my ass. Perhaps if she spent some time with us he might learn to at least tolerate her. He really does need to learn to give up his Slytherin hate. We are about to be out in the world at the end of the year.
Hmm, I think I may have found the perfect candidate for you Britt. And your father would approve of the Boy Who Lived.Heather smirked.
Edited 1-14-2016