Chapter 21: Some horrible news

Claudia was ultimately very lucky in her misfortune, the hex being well cast but with little intent to harm the victim, earning Claudia only two days of stay in the hospital wing. If it had been me casting the curse, the effects would have been present for weeks.

Noah Hart, the beater who had been as thick as to curse Claudia, was not as lucky. First off, he got cursed mercilessly by George Weasley, who had earned himself two months of detention for his actions.

Secondly, he got a month of detention himself, with Umbridge. Good luck with that.

And thirdly, perhaps the worst ailment he had suffered, pardon, which he was still suffering, was the wrath of Arielle Hayes. It seemed like she had a different potion for him every time he decided to eat or drink, and the effects varied from cactus mimicry, experienced before due to his foolishness concerning Luna Lovegood, to tentacles sprouting from various places in his body, a rather funny sight, to constant whistle sounds when he talked. And it seemed that she wouldn't be stopping any time soon.

I was a little upset about this, seeing as I was the only one who didn't get to play with him.

My sister and Claudia seemed slightly disturbed as well, for it had already been a week since the incident and Arielle was not relenting even a bit. To me, and Arielle I was sure, this was just amusing.

But aside from these misfortunes of one very thick Raven, there was some peace once more in our lives.

That is, until one lunch time in the Great Hall that got interrupted by a loud bang directly outside the doors.

I jumped to my feet immediately, Serpen looking up at me and quickly slithering his way up to my shoulders as I pulled out my wand, sharing a look with my sister and my two friends. There was a high chance of this being just another in the long row of student scuffles, but if it was not, we would need to be ready.

We hurried after a crowd of students out of the Great Hall and as we were moving, I noticed from the corner of my eye something that reassured me and worried me in the same time.
George Weasley was grinning from ear to ear, his brother giving him several pats on the back, yelling something over the noise of the students and staff making their way out of the room.

This was one of their stupid tricks, that much I knew, but I was also sure that there was a high chance of the victim being one of my housemates.

What greeted me in the Entrance Hall was a fireworks display of words in neon blue colour, created of small bits of fireworks that kept on exchanging positions.

The message read:

"Come to Hogsmead with me Witty Girl, I promise to entertain. "

It was obvious who Witty Girl was, as this was the nickname I had heard the boy used when referencing Claudia, but I was left in wonder to the purpose of the message. Was it meant to humiliate her, for it certainly managed to do this? Was it meant to be a real invitation, and if so, exactly how thick was the boy to be able to conclude that Claudia of girls would be impressed by this kind of a show?

I turned to see Claudia with tears welling in her eyes, a distraught Melody trying to ease her mind, whispering soothingly.

But her efforts were in vain as George himself appeared next to them momentarily, and I walked over to them, the crowd parting before me and the hissing snake that resided on my shoulders.

"Reply in the same form if you will." Spoke the boy, not even bothering to address her while facing her, speaking to her back instead.

I could see her face, and I felt pity well up inside me. She did not deserve to be humiliated in such a manner and the worst part was that the boy was genuinely interested in her, but he single-handedly managed to destroy any chance of dating her.

Her eyes were brimming with tears as she spun about, wand drawn at him.

I watched as his eyes widened in surprise and heard her hiss "I hate you George Weasley!"

She then turned once more on her heel, making her way outside. Melody made to follow as I observed the small marten darting around, making her way after Claudia around people's feet, but got stopped by Arielle, whose panther too seemed cross with George.

"Don't" spoke Arielle, putting a restraining hand on Melody's shoulder. "she needs to be alone right now."

Merlin was observing the scene with interest, his onyx eyes following every move around his mistress.

"That was a seriously uncalled for move George" spoke Arielle, turning on the boy next.

He opened his mouth and closed it once or twice, a helpless look settling on his face.

"I was aware that your family was not particularly bright Weasley" I spoke and earned myself a glare from Fred who appeared next to his brother. "but I was not aware until this day to the extent of your stupidity. To invite a calm, studious, unassuming girl out in front of all these people and in such a flashy way was not just stupid, it was downright idiotic. And you would have to be an idiot to even think about talking to her again."
With this, I turned around, making my way to my dorms before I could be chided by my sister about my choice of words. The boy was a fool, the kind I had no patience for.

I had felt pity for Claudia and in the same time remained completely oblivious to the amount of pity I would be feeling for myself that very same night.

I had been resting in my couch with Serpen on my lap, petting his head gently as I stared at the roaring flames.

It was too clam, no attacks, no missing people, nothing. They were looking for us, on their guard.

If that were true, we had to be extremely careful. And yet living as if any spell cast in a duel between students, any hidden message, any scream meant the start of the war that was sure to come was no way to live.

I was so lost in thought that I noticed Zabini approaching me all too late, when he was two steps away from my couch. I wouldn't have noticed even then, had Serpen not slithered away from my lap, approaching his favourite wizard.

"Hello Roseycheeks "spoke the boy, sitting down all too happily. This could never bode for well, and I was immediately on edge as I watched Serpen slither up his hand and settle on his shoulder. He had gotten longer, now at least three quarters of a metre, and was begging to be too heavy for me to carry. Zabini seemed not at all bothered, and as I remembered how strong his torso looked, I decided that he probably did not even feel the difference. Bloody brute.

"And hello to you too Serpen" spoke he, reaching one finger to pet the snake.

"Zabini" I greeted, remembering my manners.

He turned to grin at me, his eyes shining. Curses, this was worse than I could have assumed.

" I bring excellent news Roseycheeks" spoke he, and I felt dread claw at the very pit of my stomach. This news could by no means be excellent, I thought, and noticed that Serpen was observing the scene with curiosity. Traitor.

He noticed that I was cross with Serpen and gave me one more brilliant smile.

"Don't glare Rosey, you are by far too beautiful for such a hateful expression." Spoke he, his voice dropping in tone, assuming a flirtatious manner.

"If you could focus Zabini" I snapped, angered by his way of talking "I trust that these news are very important."

"I am sorry Rosey, your beauty is simply such that it renders me incapable of coherent thought." Responded he and Serpen hissed out a laugh. I was seriously not going to talk to him again, he could become Zabini's bloody familiar.

"Then I suggest closing your eyes "I snapped, receiving a deep, rumbling laugh in response.

"Always so impatient Rosey." Smiled he, and this turned into a downright grin as he spoke next, "I talked to Draco."

I felt cold sweat appear on the nape of my neck. He had fulfilled his part of our agreement, now it was my turn.

I struggled to remain collected, raising my chin up in pride. I had given him my word, I would fulfil it.

"What have you to report?" I asked, my tone guarded.

"He is… his father's son" spoke the boy, his voice turning serious. "He believes that the Dark Lord will win, he believes that he is superior because he is a pureblood, but he… he seemed to be doubting some of his beliefs. I believe that you shook him up with your little stunt." He said, and gave a pointed glare to my left arm. "That is all."

"Thank you Zabini." I responded, waiting for him to respond and when I saw him break out in a grin, I knew what he would ask.

"So Rosey," spoke he, smiling at me "are you available next Thursday?"

"I can arrange it so." I responded, looking away from him in fear of losing my calm.

"Great" grinned he and I fought back a sigh "dress formally Roseycheeks."

"Alright." I agreed, wishing to kick myself.

"I can't wait Roseycheeks" grinned he once more, getting up. "sweet dreams."

I watched as he left, Serpen once more slithering up to me. This was going to be positively torturous , I could already tell.

I never thought of myself as a fool, so naturally, it never occurred to me to do something as downright foolish as telling a single soul about my upcoming meeting with Zabini. They would surely bother the life out of me, my friends and my sister would, and they would surely find out after the blasted thing was over. Therefore, I chose to enjoy some peace and quiet until I sealed my own damn fate.

But it is true indeed that bad luck rarely comes alone, and on the afternoon of the Tuesday before the blasted meeting, I had come to understand just how true this saying was.

It was supposed to be a simple matter, a chat between friends in an abandoned Charms office on the second floor. Apparently, according to my sister, we had been spending little time actually having fun with each other and not training or duelling each other. So this was just that, four friends having fun.

Our familiars were present as well, Serpen resting on the floor next to my chair. Claudia's marten was running around the room desperately, now chased by a pretty large panther, with Merlin soaring through the room. Apparently Melody would not let him fly around the castle, only outside, and this was a welcome chance to spread his wings.

It was a peaceful event, laughter ringing through the empty room.

Until Claudia turned towards me.

"Hey Linds, I need a favour." She spoke, giving me a hesitant smile. I arched an eyebrow at her, Serpen raising his head in interest.

Claudia was hardly the type to rely on others, and asking a favour from me was rather atypical.

"Yes?" I asked, seeing that Melody and Arielle had also turned around with interest.

"Well, I'm afraid that my skill in duelling is deteriorating, so I'd appreciate it if you could duel me." She spoke, looking down and wringing her hands. She seemed rather nervous, as if she expected me to snap at her. Was I truly this frightening to her?

Her marten suddenly darted out from bellow this or that chair, jumping on the desk and then from the desk on her shoulder, sniffing in my direction.

"I would be inclined to help you" I spoke, nodding to her and blatantly ignoring the roll of the eyes in my direction from Arielle. Apparently, I was too formal.

"Great "spoke Claudia, beaming at me. "How does Thursday night work for you?"

I could have sworn that my heart had stopped in that second. Out of all times she could have possibly offered, why did it have to be the time of my blasted meeting?

I quickly assessed the situation. I was in the room with one of the brightest witches of our age, possibly the brightest, but who had no experience with reading people, with my sister, who knew me well but could never tell when I was lying, therefore I would have had a pretty good chance of lying my way shamelessly out of this, were it not for Arielle.

The freak seemed to have some sort of a charm to sniff out any matter concerning Zabini, and I knew that I'd have to tread very, very carefully, if I wanted to leave this room with my secret remaining just that.

"I am sorry Claudia" I spoke, and I saw Arielle narrow her eyes at me, which was a horribly, horribly negative sign in itself "I have every intention of helping you, but you will have to choose another night."

"Why?" spoke Arielle, and I knew she had sniffed something out. Curses.

"I am otherwise engaged." I spoke, assuming my best haughty tone, trying to divert her attention. But as I saw her grin appear on her lips, I knew that I was not doing well.

"With whom?" She asked, advancing towards me, and I drew my wand, ready to hex her if she were to come any closer.

"No one" I spoke and in the second that I had spoken my wand flew from my hand to my grinning sister, Arielle lurched towards me and Claudia slammed the doors shut. Arielle must have given them some sort of sign for they acted in the same moment, making a deal against me.

I tried to side step her, but Arielle caught up with me easily, throwing an arm around my neck with her panther jumping happily around me, forcing me to bend down at the force of her arm and walk in a bloody circle, doing my best to set myself free of her grip. She was bloody strong, and no matter how much I tried, I could not win against years of playing Quidditch. Claudia and Melody approached us, giggling at a singing Arielle.

It is worth mentioning the phrase which she was singing, just to show her mental condition: "Liar, liar, pants on fire."

This was perhaps the best testimony to the sheer stupidity she simply radiated with.

"Let go of me Hayes!" I hissed, trying to summon my wand and glaring at my grinning sister who held it tightly, her own wand aimed, a silent shielding charm between us.

"Not until you tell us!" exclaimed she, and then added, to further annoy me I was sure "Teeeeeeell us Roseycheeks!"

"I already said!" I hissed, completely helpless and having half a mind to tell the curious snake observing us to bite the blasted feline holding me bound. "no one! Relashio!"

She got flung away from me , but landed on her feet, drawing out her wand.

"Now Roseycheeks" spoke Arielle, drawing her wand with a wicked grin "there are three of us and one of you. We have wands, you do not. Now, because you were as naughty as to preform wandless magic, you will tell us who you're going with, or we start throwing cheering charms."

Damn her and her stupidity!

I narrowed my eyes at them, gave them all a death glare and spoke.
"I have a business dinner with…." I spoke and I could see that Arielle had guessed from the positively obnoxious grin that found its way to her face. "Blaise Zabini."

My sister's eyes widened and she waltzed towards me, giving me a beaming smile.

"What are you wearing?" was the question that first came to her brilliant mind.

"My coat!" I snapped, annoyed that it was the first thing that came to her mind. As if this was, Merlin forbid, a date.

"Only your coat?" I heard Arielle say and I snapped my head to her, hearing an annoyed hiss from my snake. "How bold of you Roseycheeks!"

I swear, had I been in possession of my wand, I would have duelled the idiot to death. Now, I was left to seethe in silent rage as there was nothing I could do against three fully armed, fully trained witches.

"I swear to Merlin Hayes, the moment I get my wand back is the moment I start throwing killing curses!" I hissed, seeing that Serpen approached me, he too angered by the situation.

"How did he ask you out?" asked Claudia, a note of curiosity to her words.

"He did not ask me out, nor is this a bloody date!" I hissed "This is a business deal ."

"Whatever you say Roseycheeks." Smiled Arielle and turned to my sister, "I think she should go with something black."

"Really? I was thinking light blue, to match her eyes?" she responded and I felt like I was going to physically assault them any second.

"Melody!"I hissed, but she completely ignored me.

"Well it all depends on where they are planning to have this not date." Spoke Clauida, and the three of them seemed to be on the verge of a proper discussion.

"MELODY!" I hissed once more and they turned to see me boiling with rage. "give me back my wand!"

She arched an eyebrow at me and held it out for me to take, as if she was not expecting me to use it.

Well, I hated to admit it, but she was right. All this talk about dates and colours and what not was sickening and I marched out the doors like the Dark Lord himself was on my heels, my snake hissing on my shoulders and the laughter of my friends in my wake.

The dreaded thing had not even occurred yet and it was already causing me headaches.

I had decided that avoiding my sister and the two idiots would be the best course of action I could take, so it was with great consideration that I treaded across the Hogwarts halls, calculating and analysing every step, thinking at least five steps ahead of the three of them. I had even employed all my resources, such was my determination to keep the three of them out of the already altogether too torturous event.

But I knew that I had little chance of winning, after all Arielle was like a bloody hound when she had to be, she'd find me sooner or later.

Therefore I decided to get up early Thursday morning, to get a head start for she would surely hunt me down that day as I had managed to evade her, Claudia and Melody for the rest of Tuesday and the entity of Wednesday.

And as I was exiting my dorms at five in the morning, Serpen sleeping still on my shoulders, I came face to face with two raven haired girls.

I could tell from the moment I noticed them that they had spoken to Arielle, Daphne was just barely hiding her excitement while Astoria was positively beaming at me. It was sad really that we were of the same height.

"Good morning Linda" spoke Daphne, giving me a beaming smile, the kind that reminded me of how young she still is, how young we all still are.

Astoria on the other hand spoke not, simply beaming at me and almost jumping where she was standing with excitement.

"Good morning to you as well Daphne, Astoria" I spoke, taking up a guarded approach. If I could stop them from asking the question, I would need not answer it. "I trust you've spoken to Arielle."

Astoria nodded vigorously at that, but her sister was the one to have voiced the answer.

"We have. She told us some interesting news." Spoke Daphne, beating around the bush, testing my mood and trying to determine the best way to ask something horrendous. I was not sure as to what she would ask, but I knew it would be related to the dinner meeting, and therefore I had no wish to hear the question ,let alone answer it.

"All lies and misinterpretations I am sure." I spoke, making to move past them, but Astoria suddenly jumped in my way, not bothered at all by the glare she received.

"Now Astoria, if you could be as kind as to move, I have some serious matters to attend to." I spoke, but the smiling girl made no move to get out of my way.

"But Linda" spoke Daphne, and I noticed that she was the only one talking, which in turn made me consider just how carefully they had planned this conversation. "we really wanted to talk to you. Can you find not a moment of your time for your dear cousins?"

I looked over to her, my eyes narrowed. She knew that there was little to nothing I could deny them, and she knew how to ask so that I would not deny. A sly person, that was for sure, if only she could employ that trait on other people and not me.

"What is it that you wished to talk to me about?" I asked, and noticed from the corner of my eye that Astoria seemed to have enough of this evasiveness.

"Can we do your hair?" she asked, her eyes simply glistening in her excitement.

No. Simply no. There was surely no need for me to get my hair done, and having read well into her question, having my entire appearance fixed for the evening.

But as she stared at me, those big eyes of hers boring into mine I found myself answering "I suppose."

No. Was that really a word I could not pronounce when it came to my cousins or Melody? Curses.

"Brilliant!" exclaimed she, giving me one more beaming smile and waltzing away to her dormitories, presumably wishing to have at least an hour or two of sleep more.

I sighed heavily, the snake on my shoulders still slumbering, only having woken up shortly, seen my cousins and decided not to bother with staying awake.

"Don't worry Linda" spoke Daphne and I looked up slightly to meet her eyes as she too had the advantage of height over me. "I will assure it that you look classy."

"I have no intention of dressing to impress Daphne, simply make me appear as I usually do in public." I spoke, my tone almost begging.

"Of course" smiled she, she too turning on her heel and disappearing.
But as talented as a liar Daphne was, I could see right through that last lie of hers. Oh Merlin.

I found it laughable just how easy it had been to acquire a written permission from the Headmaster of Hogwarts himself to leave the school premise for one night in the middle of a school week. One well written letter to my grandfather, asking for his assistance in the matter of attending a business meeting on this night, and I was free to go.

It was not my custom to ask for help from my grandfather, I preferred to do things with my own connections, making a name for myself in circles I was officially never acquaintanced with, but this one time, I decided that it would be wisest to call in a favour. I did not have time to deal with these matters personally, and I knew my grandfather would not be asking questions. He would simply make it happen.

I had no fear while dabbling in affairs so dark most wizards and witches would run away screaming in fear, yet I dreaded each and every step I took in the direction of my own blasted common room. I knew that Daphne and Astoria would have called in help, and I had no wish to face the three grinning faces that were sure to welcome me.

The blasted meeting was a lesser concern, my thoughts were more focused on the charade my cousins, my sister and my friends would surely be making. This was no bloody date, no matter what my sister or any of my friends would make of it. But the trouble was, I could not convince them, and that fact alone had me on the verge of desperation.

I came to a sudden stop a few paces away from the entrance to my own common room, the snake that was now slithering behind me, having become too heavy for me to carry, hissing up at me in question.

I knew what I had to do, and I knew that it was unavoidable, but I still dreaded it.

But a Kersey does not go back on his word and I hissed the password at the wall, walking confidently through the small hallway and entering my common room.

My eyes immediately searched the room, focusing on a group of students that were settled in the far corner of the room, huddled together, heads bent, whispering. One of them looked up, made eye contact with me, paled significantly and whispered something that caused her friends to stiffen in instinctive fear, silence ruling in their little group.

I recognised those girls instantly, but found myself in wonder as to why my roommates would be in such fear of me. They had gotten used to Serpen somewhat, trusting me enough not to allow him to roam free in the castle, so that could not be the reason.

But as I walked, I thought of one more reason. They were scared of me, but not because of me. They must have done something truly unwise, and my name had been used as a threat. And now they feared the possibility of me having found out about their misdemeanour.

They were in luck as it seemed, for I had no knowledge of what they had done, and had no time to address the issue at present. Goblin's riots waited for no one, as they say.

I walked up the stairs to my dorm slowly, preparing myself mentally. I would survive this. I would. Hopefully without having the appearance of a porcelain doll.

I took a deep breath, glanced down at Serpen who offered a reassuring glance that guaranteed his support, and lightly pushed the doors open.

I found my sister's grinning face waiting on the other side of the doors, and I felt cold sweat wash over me. This could not be good. Daphne and Astoria walked in my line of sight, and I narrowed my eyes at them, a silent message surely conveyed. You will bloody pay for this.

I stepped forward, then once more and once more, and as soon as Serpen passed the threshold of the doors, they slammed shut behind me. I spun about on my heel, my wand drawn, immediately flying from my hands up into the air, where I saw my sister's falcon catch it lightly in its beak.

"My, my" I spoke, watching as the falcon landed lightly on my sister's shoulder, handing her my wand. "what a flashy greeting. I would have settled for a simple good afternoon cousins, Arielle, Claudia."

I then slowly turned around, meeting the loop side grin of none other than Arielle Hayes and the hesitant smile of Claudia Beck. They had been standing guard at the doors, waiting for me to enter the room to slam the bloody doors behind me, nearly killing my familiar in the process.

"Oh no Roseycheeks" grinned Arielle, observing as the rather large panther that served as her familiar lunged playfully towards poor Serpen. He merely twisted out of the way, having the panther land gracefully on the other side of him. It was a favourite game of theirs, and the small marten that observed them with curiosity was more than likely to get caught up in the crossfire in a few moments. Only Merlin, my sister's falcon, stood apart from the small group, standing watch over my wand. "this is completely necessary."

"We were afraid you'd run." Added Claudia with a smile, explaining the situation. But that was unnecessary, I had already caught up.

"I am a Kersey, in case you have forgotten." I spoke, addressing my still smiling friends. " I never go back on my word."

"But you never promised us anything, if I may be as bold as to remind you." Spoke Arielle, giving me a smug smile.

"You are always by far too bold." I spoke, walking past my sister and my cousins and taking a seat on my bed. "But indeed, I have made no promise to you, nor have I any intention of doing so. My promise was with my cousins, and I am here to see it through."

"Always so formal Linds" smiled my sister, walking up to me and plopping down to have a seat next to me, "we only came to help."

"And we asked them to." Agreed Daphne, taking a seat on my other side.

"I hope that you are not angry with us Linda." Spoke Astoria, showing me those sad eyes of hers.

"Oh no matter." I spoke, waving the comment away and petting the snake that slithered up, settling behind me and laying his head in my lap. "Let's just see this matter through."

"Goodie" spoke Arielle, bouncing towards us and taking a hold of my hand, rather unwisely. I had no wand but I still had my teeth, and by Merlin I would bite her. "Claudia if you will."

I looked up, only to see Claudia waving her wand casually, summoning an armchair from mid-air and having it settle in the middle of the room, her marten jumping up on it immediately. He sniffed at it once, twice, three times curiously and then turned to his mistress, his small head tilted in contemplation, as if inquiring about the origin of the odd recliner.

"Upsy daisy!" exclaimed a grinning Arielle, pulling hard on my arm and having me jump to my feet, my poor arm nearly pulled out of its socket. Merlin, I was moments away from seriously biting her.

"Let go of me you freak!" I hissed, but followed as she dragged me towards the unfortunate recliner.

"It's useless to resist her, you know that." spoke Claudia, walking up to a suspiciously large trunk.

"But it will still give me immense pleasure to hex her red head off once I get my wand back" I huffed, landing painfully in the bloody chair, forced to sit down by Arielle. And before I could gather my thoughts, my sister and Astoria emerged in front of me, holding identical small bottles, from which a horrible, poignant smell violated my nostrils.

"I do hope you have no intention of using whatever that foul thing is on me." I spoke, trying to get as far back as possible in the chair from the two girls and the foul paste that appeared on the fingers of my young cousin.

"It's good for your skin." Concluded Astoria, stretching her hand in the direction of my face, the brown paste smelling horribly, instantly evoking a strong urge to vomit inside of me.

"I'd rather have my skin fall off than have that foul paste on it!" I hissed, wriggling in my chair and trying to get away from Astoria, who was now joined by Melody in her quest to empty the contents of my stomach.

"Behave Roseycheeks" came a voice and Arielle's red head popped into view, a grin sprawled across her awful face. "or we'll be forced to throw a cheering charm on you, why, then you'll surely be smiling all evening!"

Smug git.

"Perhaps we would be doing Blaise a favour" spoke Daphne, she too appearing in my line of sight, holding her wand in her hands and staring at me in contemplation. She was seriously contemplating casting the charm on me, and if she were as bloody thick as to do that, I would seriously outdo myself in wandless magic and hex all witches present.

Astoria and Melody had in the meantime somehow forcibly smeared the bloody stench across my forehead and nose and were currently working on my cheeks.

I bloody hated them.

It did not help them in the least bit that I could not move my lips while I stated a threat, accompanied by a death glare towards my cousin.

"If you even so much as lift your wand Daphne, I promise you retribution the kind of you had never felt before." I spoke, but since I could not move my lips, my words were distorted and my voice strained, something that appeared to be so funny to Arielle that she hollered with laughter, shaking as she was bent over some trunk and the sod was forced to sit down on the floor to keep her balance, her eyes closed and tears from laughter rolling down her face. Curse the idiot.

"Say… it… again!" demanded the idiot through fits of laughter, her panther licking her face, most likely trying to get the moron to come to her senses. The poor animal knew not how farfetched that concept truly was.

I let out a hissing breath, closing my eyes and trying to calm myself instead of thinking about all of the different kinds of torture I could already see coming from those horribly large trunks.

I felt Serpen sliding over the floor and as I opened my eyes, I found him settling on my bed, laying down his head and closing his eyes. He knew, as well as I did, that this would be a horribly lengthy process.

I sighed in relief as my sister wiped the paste off my face with a wet towel, but Astoria appeared immediately behind her, Claudia in her wake, both of them holding several more bottles and several more containers. I seriously debated bolting for the doors in that moment.

It was another hour of creams and pastes applied to my face, but not only to my face, to my arms, hands, neck, even my cleavage.

Naturally, I inquired as to what exactly the purpose of this last action was, as I was seated in the chair with my torso covered only by my bra, and received a bewildered look from Daphne and Melody.

Apparently, this action was self-explanatory and my next question was another cause for hollers of laughter from Arielle.

"What, exactly," I spoke, trying to keep as calm as possible "do you lot imagine will happen on this business meeting?"

A blush appeared on my sister's cheeks, and instead of answering me, she spun about on her heel, making her way to another horribly large trunk.

"We were hopping you'd at least let him hold your hand" spoke Daphne, a matter-of-fact note to her words, and all eyes were on me as she spoke, awaiting my reaction. She, on the other hand, did not seem worried at all. "And in the best circumstance, we were hoping for a kiss."

The look of disgust was surely apparent on my face as I bristled, responding :" I would rather kiss a goblin."

"That's great!" spoke Arielle, a wicked grin on her features "Blaise is by far too tall for you! A goblin would fit your height perfectly!"

Claudia was positively choking with laughter at this, and my sister and Astoria burst out in delighted giggles. Daphne was, on the other hand, very busy with a trunk, rummaging through its content.

My head snapped to the side at this, and I pointed my hand at Arielle, hissing out in pure rage "Furnunculus!"

My snake hissed as well, but out of amusement as Arielle danced out of the way of my curse, laughing still. A complete mental case.

"But really, he'd suffer an injury to his spine if he really did end up dating you, imagine how much time he would have to spend bending to reach you!" giggled she.

"Then it is a good thing I would rather die than have him less than a foot away from me." I hissed, my head snapping back, my features set in stone. Bloody idiots.

The next in line of my positively torturous experiences proved to come from none other than my own sister. Her falcon, a creature I detested more and more with every second it spent guarding my wand, was seated on my bed, my wand laying beneath his feet.

The five of them were scattered across the room, each busying herself with this or that trunk and as I turned to my sister, I saw her standing with her wand pointed at the content of a trunk. One decisive flick of her wrist, and the dresses, for those were the dreadful items that made for the content of the trunk, soared from the bloody trunk, a dozen of them spreading themselves out in the air.