A/N: Hey guys! I'm so sorry this took so ridiculously long, but thanks for sticking with me! This is a longer one, so I hope you enjoy!
Please review!
Silvanus Kettleburn spent more time than he liked to admit thinking about the newest addition to Hogwarts. Even at this moment, he was pacing his rooms trying to figure out the woman who goes by the name Minerva McGonagall. He had always been a difficult man to please, Kettleburn himself would admit that. However, there was something about this woman that he'd immediately disliked the moment she walked into the room at the first staff meeting. He didn't trust her at all. McGonagall had this air about her that Kettleburn couldn't place, and anyone he couldn't read he was immediately suspicious of.
Something must be done about her that much is certain Silvanus thought for what had to be the millionth time.
No one will listen to him though, even the Headmaster and his deputy. Silvanus was positive this girl was a spy; her name didn't even exist in the Ministry! How could she not be? But miraculously, her records showed up. His proof had been airtight, he was sure of it. Yet still, McGonagall got away scot free. It infuriated him.
It was even more frustrating that she was so suspicious and hyper aware of her surroundings. It made finding anything out that much more difficult, but Silvanus was determined. He didn't care that Albus Dumbledore had adopted her as his new favorite, the fool. He would expose her for what she really was, and he would take great pleasure in it. He knew in his bones that she had a secret, and whatever it is was the key to doing so. He simply had to figure out how to do it. In the many fights they had, he could see the mood she tried to play off: Confident, powerful, and indifferent. Silvanus could see the fear behind that, though. Even if no one else could, he knew she was afraid. Afraid of what, he wasn't sure. But he was going to find out.
As much as I've come to love this job, I couldn't have been happier to see the students leave for holiday break. The last two days without anything pressing to do have been wonderful. I've tried not to think about my fight with Silvanus, but I find the whole thing so utterly bizarre it's difficult not to. If Kettleburn were the Slytherin head of house, I may be able to understand his outburst, but he's a Hufflepuff! Why in the hell would he be so offended? I can tell he's reaching some kind of breaking point, and I'm going to need my guard up in the future.
Of course, almost as soon as Kettleburn left, Riddle showed up for detention. Thankfully, nothing of major consequence happened during his time in my classroom. I gave him his task and he did it. I tried to ignore the fact that he was glaring at me the entire time, but it became difficult when his face changed into one of pure hatred. I swear the boy wanted to kill me right then and there, and I finally looked up at him and warned him to stay on task or he'd have plenty more detentions during which he could glare at me in the future. That finally made him stop, thank Merlin, because he was starting to make me uneasy. I don't understand why he was so angry. Sure, there were probably many other things a sixteen-year-old boy would rather have been doing, but for heaven's sake, it was only a detention. It was hardly a life or death situation.
I open my door only to find Albus Dumbledore standing there, his hand raised as if he was about to knock on my door.
"Albus?"
"Ah, hello Minerva. I was on my way to the Great Hall and thought I would ask if I could escort you."
I laugh, "Albus, you're crazy. But yes, I would like that very much." He nods his head, spreading his hand out in an indication for me to take the lead.
We walk in silence for a few minutes before Albus decides to speak. "Are you enjoying the holiday without the students, Minerva?"
"Oh, it's wonderful. As much as I like the students being here, it's nice not having any responsibilities for a while."
"I know what you mean."
I raise an eyebrow at him, "You're the Deputy Headmaster. Don't you have responsibilities no matter what?"
"Well, yes. But I have to admit that my job is easier and quicker when there are no students in the castle."
I laugh again before falling silent.
"How were your last few days before break? Easy, I hope." Albus asks.
"I wish. I had to give out a detention two days before break, I had the student sitting in my classroom for two hours the night before they left."
"Really? Who was the student?"
"Tom Riddle. I found him out of bed at three thirty in the morning."
Albus stops walking, and I walk at least three more feet before I realize it. I look back at him, confused. Now his face looks suspicious and alarmed. Oh hell, he's not going to tell me I was wrong, too, is he?
"Minerva, you should have told me."
"Why? Should I not have given him consequences for being out of bed after curfew?"
"No, not at all. You did what you should have, but if Tom is involved…"
I pause, realization dawning on me. He's not alarmed because I gave a student detention, just because the student was Tom Riddle.
"Albus, relax. I can handle Mr. Riddle."
He doesn't comment on what I said, instead asking, "What happened?"
"Nothing really. He was looking for something, I don't know what it was, and I never found out. He was speaking Parseltongue again, though. When I found him he was not happy about it, nor was he happy about getting a detention. His reaction made me think I interrupted something and the detention didn't give him the opportunity to finish before he left. He didn't care at all about the thirty house points I took."
"That's all?"
I shrug, "Well he was highly disrespectful, but yes, that's about it. There was a moment when I thought I saw him reaching for his wand, but I ended that quickly. As I said, I can handle Mr. Riddle."
Albus sighs, "I know. I just wish I'd known. I would have been present at the detention."
"There was no need. Nothing happened except Riddle glaring at me the whole time. Besides, I don't think you would have wanted to be witness to Kettleburn's outburst."
"What? What did Silvanus do?" Albus asks, the concern back in his voice instantly.
Shit. I told myself I wasn't going to tell him about that part. "I shouldn't have told you that. It's really not something you need to worry about. I took care of it."
"Minerva." The way he says my name tells me he's not going to let it go.
"Oh, fine." I roll my eyes, walking back toward Albus.
"Before Riddle came for detention Silvanus came in, ranting and raving about how he would report me and I was being unfair to Riddle by giving him a detention."
"Why?" Albus looks confused.
"Yes, I was confused too. Riddle told him that he was only two minutes past curfew, and I had punished him unfairly. And of course, Silvanus completely fell for it either because he favors Tom or hates me. Whatever his motives, he was very angry and accused me of being prejudiced against Slytherins and other things that were more of an annoyance than anything else."
I can tell Albus wants to say something, but I cut him off. "Albus, it's not a big deal, I promise. As I said, I took care of it. Silvanus is obviously up to something, but you've got enough to do. Just as I can handle Mr. Riddle, I can also handle Kettleburn. It wouldn't be the first time someone has hated me enough to try something stupid."
Albus pauses, looking back at me. "Minerva…"
I hold up a hand, stopping him. I shouldn't have made that last statement, but what the hell. It's out now and I can't take it back.
"Stop, Albus. Relax. I'm fine, there's nothing Silvanus can do that I won't see coming. And Tom Riddle is just a boy. He may think he's dangerous and glaring at me will intimidate me and make me afraid of him, but he is sadly, laughably mistaken. I appreciate you trying to help me, but you're Deputy Headmaster. You've got enough to do without playing referee between two employees and a student."
"Minerva, you're also my friend."
While I knew this without it having to be said, the fact that he openly said it catches me a bit off guard, and I pause.
"I know. And I appreciate that, but my point still stands."
Albus just stares at me, and I can tell he wants to spend more time arguing this, but I don't let him.
"Now, Albus Dumbledore, Deputy Headmaster and friend, can we please put an end to this and get to the Great Hall before lunch is over? I'm starving."
Finally, there's a hint of a smile on his lips, and the twinkle starts to return to his eyes.
"Yes, Professor McGonagall, let's."
I smile back at him, walking with him down the halls toward the Great Hall for lunch.
Silvanus Kettleburn walked silently through the halls of Hogwarts. When he reached his destination, he walked to the portrait, looking down both directions as if he were afraid to be seen there.
"Nessarose." He spoke the password quietly. The portrait opened for him, and Kettleburn stepped into Professor McGonagall's chambers.
It was quiet in the room, something Kettleburn hadn't been expecting. After a quick inspection, Silvanus discovered McGonagall was not there.
Odd, he thought to himself. He decided against leaving, though. Although his original purpose for coming would have to wait, he now had a new one. What better way to find out more about McGonagall then when she wasn't there to stop him?
Upon first look, he found nothing of interest. His eye was eventually drawn to a bookshelf, where one book seemed very out of place. It wasn't even on the shelf correctly. As if McGonagall had hastily tried to conceal it, but failed.
The thought intrigued Kettleburn. He looked back at the door, half expecting McGonagall to show up. When she didn't he reached for the book.
It was massive, bigger than most of the books in the Hogwarts library. The book had no title on the front, making it impossible to tell right off what it was. It was covered with dark brown, ancient-looking leather, embellished with golden hasps and pins and tooled with silver leaf. It was by far the most elaborate book Silvanus had ever seen in his life.
When Silvanus opened the book, he stopped dead in his tracks. The book was almost vibrating with powerful magic. It was practically visible. The pages were purple and written in silver ink. When he looked at the text, he was shocked to find he couldn't read it. Literally couldn't read it.
What the hell? The book was written in a language he didn't know. He didn't even recognize it. Silvanus was immediately convinced it was a language that didn't exist, at least not in the Wizarding world. He would be surprised to find it in the Muggle world as well.
McGonagall can read this?
Kettleburn doubted it very much. But logically, why would she have it if she couldn't read it?
He didn't like it. There was something about the book that made him uneasy. He'd never before seen a book that had such magical properties that he could feel the effect on his skin. This must be dark magic, Kettleburn decided, basing this conclusion only on the strength of the magic. Why on Earth did McGonagall own such a book? He knew it must have been hers, because he'd never seen it at Hogwarts before. He remembered the rumor that went around when McGonagall suddenly appeared in Diagon Alley. She was carrying a book and a pair of shoes…
Kettleburn realized that if this book was the one from the rumor, McGonagall was an even bigger danger to them than he once thought.
Very suddenly, the book flew from Silvanus's hands. Before he even had the time to be shocked, a voice made him nearly jump out of his skin.
"What in the hell do you think you're doing?!"
He turned to find Minerva McGonagall looking at him incredulously.
"Oh, hello. I… well… you see…" Her eyes were narrowed into slits, and Silvanus couldn't help but stutter.
She raised her eyebrow at him.
"I… I wasn't expecting…"
"You weren't expecting me? Forgive me, but I'm fairly certain we are in my quarters. Indeed, I wasn't expecting to find you snooping around my room!"
Despite himself, Silvanus looked offended. "I wasn't snooping! I-"
"No? Well,I certainly wasn't here, and you were looking through my things, so what precisely were you doing?" Her voice was shaking with rage.
"I was coming to discuss something with you, but you weren't here so…" Silvanus pauses for a moment, his eyes returning to the large book under McGonagall's arm. He'd been planning on making an excuse and getting out of the room as quickly as possible, but then he looked back up at the witch in front of him. She was bloody pissed, that much was obvious, but he saw something else too. Fear. The same fear he saw in her eyes despite her facade she fools everyone else with. Something about him finding that book frightened her, and Silvanus smelled blood.
"What is that book?" He said it less like a question and more like a demand.
"Excuse me?" At first, Minerva looked surprised.
"What is that book? I could feel dark magic the moment I opened the book, McGonagall!" His tone turned accusatory.
"Dark magic?" The shock melted to her anger once again. "You imbecile!"
"What?" He hadn't been expecting that.
"You have the audacity to demand things after I've caught you barging into my rooms and snooping through my personal belongings-"
"I most certainly did not barge in!" Silvanus protested immediately.
"Really?" Her eyes narrowed again. "Well I most certainly wasn't here, and I absolutely did not invite you, and seeing as we're currently in this situation that means you didn't leave when you saw it was empty. Not to mention the fact that you looked like a child caught breaking the rules when you saw me, so tell me, Kettleburn, what would you call it?"
He took a step forward almost threateningly, pointing at her. "Now look here, McGonagall, I've tolerated you long enough! I will not allow you to disrespect me like this, you have no right-"
"You have no right!" Minerva thundered, effectively drowning out whatever else Silvanus was about to say.
He took a step back, eyes widening a bit as he looked at Minerva in front of him. Her magic was coming off of her in waves. It was almost palpable. He could feel the vibration of magic in the air and crackling around them. He could swear that he just saw some of the objects closest to her move, just as a few of the glass objects around the room shattered.
Shit.
"I am going to give you exactly five seconds to get the hell out of my sight before I make you regret coming into this room." She didn't yell exactly, but her voice had a power in it Silvanus had never heard before.
Despite the fear Silvanus suddenly felt, the anger and defiance was back full force at her words.
"Is that a threat, McGonagall?" He tried to make his voice sound threatening, but it paled in comparison.
Minerva's grip on the book under her arm tightened, and she quickly took a couple of steps toward him, and though she was still a few feet away, Kettleburn found himself backing away.
"No, Silvanus. That is a promise. Now get. Out."
Silvanus decided that it would probably be better at the moment to do as she said, and he moved around her, but he didn't quite move away. Instead, he leaned closer, learning toward the back of her head and spoke in a low voice.
"You know, McGonagall, I always knew there was something off about you. I saw it from day one. You act so tough and confident, but do you know what I saw the first time I looked at you? Fear. You're nothing more than a frightened little girl, Minerva. You try to deny it, but I see it. And yes, you're angry, but I saw the fear in your face the moment I turned around and saw you standing there. The fact that I found that book means something, and you are terrified. I want you to remember who made you feel that way."
Kettleburn's tone was smug, as was his smile, but nothing prepared him for what Minerva did next.
Before Silvanus could take a breath, Minerva spun around on her heels. It was so sudden it was a wonder to Kettleburn that she didn't lose her balance. Her eyes were blazing the most intense, frightening green he'd ever seen.
"I said, get out of my room!" With no wand in hand, her magic picked him up off his feet and flung him across the room like a doll.
Silvanus flew through the door Minerva left open and hit the wall opposite her room hard, knocking the breath from his lungs as he hit the floor of the hallway.
Still on the floor trying to catch his breath, he managed to see McGonagall standing in the same spot staring at him with her eyes ablaze, just before the entrance to her quarters slammed shut.
Albus Dumbledore was having a perfectly wonderful day. He'd just finished the work he had on his desk, meaning he had nothing to do for the rest of the day except relax. He sighed contently, rewarding himself with a delicious lemon drop.
His peace shattered when the door to his office was thrown open, startling him, along with the voice that accompanied it.
"ALBUS!"
It was enough to make him jump, the lemon drop he was about to enjoy falling to the floor, useless. Albus had only a moment to be sad about this, before he looked up to find Minerva McGonagall storming her way up to him.
A very, very angry Minerva McGonagall.
"Minerva?" He asked, confused.
She made no notice of hearing him. "I've had it, Albus. This was the last straw; I swear to Merlin, it took everything inside of me not to hex that arrogant fool to pieces! I will not stand for this!"
She was pacing his office, not even looking at him as she spoke. She was speaking so quickly Albus had to concentrate to understand her. He could feel her magic radiating off of her.
"Stupid oaf, I want to…"
"Minerva!" Albus said, finally making his way over to her quickly enough to grab her by the shoulders before she could move away again.
"What?" Her voice was frustrated, but she finally looked at him.
She was furious, he could tell, but she was also scared. This was something Albus had never seen before, and it concerned him.
"What is wrong? What happened?"
Minerva took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. "I… He…"
"Who?"
"Kettleburn."
Albus sighed. "Again?"
"No, I… Albus I wouldn't even be bothering you, but he just…" She paused, taking another breath.
"He broke into my rooms."
That got Albus's attention immediately. "What?"
"I was away, and when I returned, the portrait door was open, and he was in my rooms. He found…" She shakes her head. "He was snooping through my things. He takes pleasure in trying to make me miserable, Albus. Normally I wouldn't care, but I cannot, and I will not allow him to get away with breaking into my rooms and rifling through my personal belongings just because he seems to think he can do whatever he bloody wants!"
"Okay, Minerva, please calm down. You're staring to make the books on my shelf shake. Do not worry, we will deal this."
"How? I don't understand how he got my bloody password, but if I catch him in my rooms again…"
Minerva did not finish the sentence, but the tone of her voice was enough to make Albus think that whatever she had planned, Kettleburn would likely lose a limb or two.
Albus turned away for a moment before turning back to Minerva.
"Albus?"
"I think I have a solution. The portrait outside your rooms isn't able to interact much, is it?"
"No?" She said, raising her eyebrows at him. "You're suggesting we switch my portrait, aren't you?"
"You disagree?"
"I'm just unsure how it will make a difference."
"Well, portraits have varying degrees of interaction depending on the power of the person who painted it. Some have very limited interaction and thus just open as soon as a password is given regardless of who gives it. However, some portraits are capable of much more interaction with the living world. Perhaps if one of these guarded your rooms instead..."
"It would be better protected?"
"Yes, I believe so. You could instruct the occupant who is allowed or not allowed entry into your room regardless of being given the password.
"So… Even if Kettleburn does know my password…"
"The portrait would refuse him entry unless you said otherwise."
Minerva slowly nodded. "Let's do it. Please. Can we do it today?"
Albus nodded, "I just need to find a portrait currently without a post. It should take a few hours at most."
Minerva sighed, obviously relieved. She turned to leave, but she hesitated and turned back to him.
"Albus, I should warn you…"
"About what?"
"Kettleburn will probably be coming to tell you that I threw him across the room."
Albus barely hid a chuckle at the thought, "What? Why?"
"Because I did."
Albus stared at her open mouthed. "You did what?"
"I know, I know. I don't know how it happened, I wasn't trying to, I just wanted him the hell out of my room and my magic just kind of… reacted."
"Your magic? You didn't have your wand?"
"No, not in my hand at least. He just wouldn't shut up and he wouldn't get out. I lost my temper. Next thing I know he's flying out of my room and across the hallway."
Albus stared at her. Her magic had to be extremely powerful to literally pick up a grown man off his feet and fling him across the room. That would take a tremendous amount of energy without a wand, and Minerva didn't look the slightest bit fatigued. She was breathing a bit heavier than usual, but Albus was sure that was due to her anger toward Kettleburn.
"Not to worry, Minerva. I'll take care of it."
Now it was Minerva's turn to look shocked. He wasn't going to reprimand her at all? She just admitted to essentially assaulting a fellow Professor! It may have been an accident, but it still happened.
"What?"
"If Kettleburn decides to bring up the incident, I will deal with it."
"Albus, no." This reminded her too much of when he lied about her records in the Ministry. She wasn't going to let him fix her problems for her again.
"Minerva." He looked at her. The twinkle in his eye had dimmed a bit, but he didn't look upset with her at all. He was studying her, and for the most part he just looked thoughtful.
"Kettleburn broke into your rooms. You asked him repeatedly to leave and he chose not to. You may have thrown him across the room, but it wasn't intentional and all you wanted to accomplish was to get him out of your room. You did not do so intending to cause him harm, correct?"
"Of course not! But-"
"I'll handle it, Minerva. That's all I need to know. Thank you for telling me beforehand. That will be helpful."
"Wha… I don't…" She sighed.
"Alright." Minerva was speechless, and she wanted to argue with him further, but his expression told her not too.
Minerva stared at him a moment longer before turning to leave, wondering once again what had just happened.
When Albus knocks on my door a few days after our meeting, I'm not surprised. Two days prior Albus showed up for our weekly chess game, and during the game suggested he and I take a trip to Diagon Alley today.
Albus acted completely normal during the visit and didn't say a word about Kettleburn. While I knew the odds of him not mentioning our altercation to Albus or Professor Dippet are slim, I chose not to bring it up. I've begun to feel like every interaction Albus and I have turns into a conversation about a problem with either Kettleburn or Tom Riddle. I refused to let this happen again, so I forced myself to forget everything else and enjoy the game.
At first when Albus suggested the trip, I was skeptical, but he insisted it would be fun, a way for us to de-stress. Perhaps he's right about it being fun, and it's been so long since I've left the castle.
Albus knocks again, finally prompting me to open the door for him. "Hello Albus."
"Hello Minerva. Are you ready?" I nod, and Albus leads the way through the halls and out of the castle.
We travel in silence for a while, but finally I look at him. "Albus, what made you suggest this?"
"I don't know, I thought it might be fun. Besides, you really should get out more."
I raise an eyebrow at him as we arrive at the Leaky Cauldron, but he only smiles at me.
Albus wastes no time in the pub, only nodding to a few people that he recognizes on his way to the back of the building and outside, where a brick wall blocks our path. I raise another eyebrow; this time out of confusion, but Albus only smiles again and pulls out his wand. He taps the bricks in a pattern and they move. Quickly the rest of the bricks shift out of the way, revealing what looks to be a small town. The buildings look slightly run down and in the distance I see a tall white building with columns that desperately look like it is in need of repair; each story is more lopsided than the last.
"Welcome to Diagon Alley, my dear."
We walk through the passageway and slowly down the cobblestone street. There are many people here for a Thursday, but everything looks a bit familiar.
"Have I been here before?"
"I was wondering if you would remember. This is where you appeared in front of me the day you arrived."
"Oh!" He's right, that's why this is familiar. I lost consciousness quickly upon arrival, but I do remember thinking how strange it was.
Albus pauses for a moment, looking at me. "So my dear, where would you like to visit first? Flourish and Blotts? Fortescue's? The Sweet Shop?"
I chuckle at his enthusiasm. "I have no idea. You've been here more than me, so I'll follow your lead." I tell him, noticing his blue eyes twinkling like mad as he takes my hand and leads me even further into the Alley.
Two hours later, I'm exhausted. Albus has dragged me into every single one of his favorite stores. I did get some new Transfiguration books from Flourish and Blotts, though, and Albus bought a ridiculous amount of sweets at the sweet shop he was talking about, so he was very excited. Now Albus and I are back at the Leaky Cauldron resting for a bit. When the server comes, Albus looks at me.
"Would you like a Butterbeer, Minerva?"
I stare at him. "A what?"
"You've never had one?" He looks shocked before coming to his senses and ordering two of them.
While we wait, I notice Albus studying me, which is making me a bit uneasy.
"Albus? What's wrong?"
"Hmm? Oh!" He smiles, but I still see a bit of worry in his eyes. "It's nothing, Minerva."
I raise an eyebrow at him, and he chuckles. "Really. I just notice you've seemed a bit tired recently. I do hope everything's alright?"
My eyes widen. Is he starting to notice just like Poppy? "W-what? I mean… I didn't sleep well last night, but everything's fine."
My answer is not the most convincing, but Albus seems to let it go. "Alright, my dear. I was just checking."
A few minutes later the server sets a mug of liquid in front of each of us. Albus drinks it immediately while I stare at mine.
"Albus… What is this?"
"Butterbeer."
The drink is a light brown color with foam on the top. It looks very odd, so I look back up at Albus.
"What's in it?"
"Butterscotch, sugar and water. Try it."
Well, it seems pleasant enough… I take a drink and find myself pleasantly surprised by the taste.
"Do you like it?"
"I do! It's very good." I smile.
"So, what else would you like to do, Minerva?"
"I'm not sure, Albus. Did you have something in mind?"
Albus thinks for a moment, "Maybe we should go look at pensieves."
"Pensieves? Why?"
"I want to look at some of the new ones. Poppy also said you might be interested in one."
My smile falters. Poppy wouldn't have told him about the nightmares, right?
"Did she? What else did she say?"
Albus looks confused. "Nothing. Should she have?"
"No." I shake my head. "Of course not. I am interested though. Let's go."
I finish my butterbeer and stand, waiting for Albus to do the same.
When we get to the correct shop, Albus immediately goes to find what he was looking for, leaving me alone. I'm still unsure about this whole pensieve business, but I'm not quite sure what else to do. The break has helped a little, but I'm still not getting the sleep I need, and these dreams are starting to mess with my mind. Albus is starting to notice too, which is exactly what I've been dreading. In the end I decide to get one. It's still a risk, but Poppy assured me there are ways to safeguard it.
I wait outside for a few minutes before Albus comes out.
"I have one more stop to make, Minerva. If you'd like you can wait here and I'll come meet you."
"Sounds good, Albus." I agree, smiling.
After Albus leaves, it doesn't take long for me to get bored, so I decide to explore. I look through multiple shop windows, but after a few minutes of walking I find myself in a much more deserted part of the alley. Out of the corner of my eye I see a sign pointing to a side street. The sign reads "Knockturn Alley."
I look down the street. It's much darker and more depressing, which is fitting considering what I've read about it.
I'm about to turn around when I see a familiar face several feet away. Silvanus Kettleburn is in Knockturn Alley. What in the world is Kettleburn doing here? I know he's not a dark wizard, so I'm confused as to what business he could possibly have in this part of town.
He looks around to see if anyone is following him before he ducks around the corner quickly.
He's definitely up to something, and I have a feeling it has something to do with the fact that he found the Grimmerie in my room.
I look behind me, but I don't see anyone. This is probably a bad idea, but my instincts are telling me something is wrong.
I quickly follow Kettleburn's path. This place is even creepier the further I go in, but I force myself to ignore it. I turn the corner just in time to see Kettleburn walking down a flight of stars before turning again.
I get an uneasy feeling, but I move on, following behind him.
When I turn the next corner, he is farther away, but I can still see him and he seems to be walking with a purpose. Whatever he's looking for, he knows exactly what it is and where to find it.
Just as I move to continue down the narrow street, a hand grabs me by the arm fast, pulling me into yet another small side alley. Shit. I was so busy following Kettleburn I wasn't paying attention.
I nearly lose my balance, and being grabbed so roughly makes it hard for me to keep calm. My immediate reaction is to be annoyed, and I attempt to turn around to face the idiot now holding my arm, but I do not get a chance.
"Get off of me!" I yell at him. The hand around me tightens and turns me around so I cannot look at him, as another hand comes around to cover my mouth in an attempt to stop me from protesting again.
My annoyance is fading and I'm starting to panic now, so I do the only thing I can think of, and scream as loud as I can.
A/N: There you go! I'll try my best not to keep you guys hanging for long. Thanks for reading, and please review!
Love you guys!
Until next time...
~Neve