Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
Of Broomsticks and Break-ups
I am cold and I am wet. Two things I despise. And yet, I still found myself in the quidditch stands on a frigid rainy day. As it was the first quidditch game of the school year, there was a lot of hype amongst the student body leading up to this event. Especially because the first match was scheduled to be between Slytherin and Gryffindor. Or at least it was until the Slytherin team pulled the 'our seeker is injured' card and now Hufflepuff is being called to step up to the plate.
Before I had an in with the Slytherin quidditch team, (and wasn't that a peculiar thing to say) I would've accused them of being a bunch of divas that didn't want to play in the rainy weather. But after watching Adrian let out a huff of annoyed air paired with an irate eye-roll he told me Malfoy was the sole inventor of this idea to not play. And Flint was allowing it to happen because he knew it would drive Wood mad.
"If you're not playing, why am I even here?" I complained with a yawn as I curled into the side of my boyfriend, trying to steal warmth from his cloak. Both of us had water repellant and warming charms on our clothes. But despite that, I was still shivering and slowly losing feeling in my fingertips.
I dug my chin into Adrian's house scarf that I still haven't returned for extra protection as he pulled me in tighter with the arm he had wrapped around my waist. "Because you have two brothers who are playing", he reminded me; only sounding vaguely judgmental.
Oh right, them. Speaking of Fred and George, they were currently standing on the center of the pitch as they waited for Wood and Diggory to shake hands. In between the two of them stood Harry; barely noticeable considering he was a good head shorter. Hmm. In this order of things, there are no dementors at Hogwarts. Tilting my head back to look up at the chiseled jaw of one Arian Pucey, I said, "I'll bet you that Gryffindor wins. And if I win you have to take me for a swim in the prefects' bath".
Adrian snorted in dry humor as he glanced down at me; Adjusting ever so slightly so his body was in a position to do so. "Why would I make a bet with someone who presumingly knows what's going to happen?"
Good point. So, I shrugged; willing to let it go. It also wasn't surprising. As shrewd as he was, Adrian wasn't the sort to gamble if he wasn't sure he could win. Turning my attention back to the pitch, I watched as the players mounted their brooms and kicked off the ground. Now, Madam Hooch just had to throw up the quaffle and the game could begin.
Though, I was pleasantly surprised when Adrian lowered his head and whispered into my ear, "Nevertheless, I'll accept your bet".
I chewed on my bottom lip. For the first time since leaving the castle, parts of me were starting to warm up. Look who was finally catching on. Pleased like Great Aunt Muriel when she is left alone with a bowl of spiked punch, I was ready to waste the next hour or two watching Fred and George smack bludgers into the paths of others as I waited for Harry to snatch the golden snitch right out from under Diggory's nose. If I got bored, I could pass the time imagining what type of swimwear I was going to wear.
"Careful, lovebirds", A mocking voice said to announce their presence from somewhere on my left. Adrian retracted his arm, and the cold quickly returned. Damn it, I thought as I turned to face the newcomers. "I believe the young lady refused to sign your contract, Pucey". Flint approached as he pushed past other students in the stands to reach us. What was surprising was the company he had with him. "So, you two probably shouldn't be so open in public". Flint's crooked teeth were in full display when he came to a stop next to us. He had his hands shoved in his pockets as he held his shoulders in a relaxed posture. The raindrops bounced off his clothes. A sign that a repellant charm was in full effect. But that didn't stop his hair from being soaked. His two companions were in a similar state. Behind Flint was Percy with Clearwater attached to his arm. Which was one trio I'd never thought I'd see.
"Flint", Adrian greeted cordially. Despite the fact it was Flint's being here that was now preventing him from keeping me close. "Weasley, Clearwater", Adrian extended the same greeting to my older brother and his girlfriend. When did he meet Clearwater?
I didn't get the chance to ask him that question. Too distracted by the very disgruntled and uncomfortable expression on Clearwater's face. And the way she was clutching Percy's arm; so territorial, so uncertain…. Something was going on. I also had the impression that I didn't have to look too far to find the person who was causing this something.
The students around us and from all over the pitch erupted in cheers as the players took off. "And the game begins!" Lee comments in his usual role as commentator.
"Dreadful day for quidditch", Percy said; seemingly unaware of the plight of his girlfriend. He was smiling. Smiling like he does when Mum sends him baked goods from home. And in the presence of Flint of all people. What was happening?
"We'd be more comfortable if we stuck with our original plans", Clearwater groused. The tightening of her jaw muscles was a clear sign that my brother was on thin ice. Sadly, I'm not sure he was aware.
"And miss all this excitement?" Flint asked as he spared the time to look at the seventh-year Ravenclaw; his upper lip curling back in…triumph? I glanced to my right to see if Adrian was seeing the same things I was. But he was too busy maintaining an amount of space between us now that we had been caught. Sighing, I turned to face Percy and company once again. Honestly, it's one step forward and two steps back with this one. "I couldn't possibly let the two of you miss out", Flint said. His eyes left Clearwater as he glanced at the pitch. "Though, I have to agree with Weasley", he continued as we watched Wood block the quaffle; mud splattered all down his front. "I'm grateful Slytherin isn't playing today".
Very, very annoyed by the fact that Flint is here and that there was currently some scheme afoot involving my brother that I couldn't figure out, I glared at the older Slytherin. "Yes. How convenient one of your players is currently injured despite magic healing his injuries weeks ago". If the sarcasm in my words wasn't abundantly clear, I'd lose faith in my abilities.
It was a needless worry. Flint locked eyes with me and grinned. What a calculating creep. Swinging my attention to Percy, a person who didn't make my skin crawl, I asked, "How did Flint of all people get you to come here? You hate quidditch. Rain or sun". Adrian's elbow made contact with my side. Yes. Yes. I'm aware that was a rude question. But I don't see the point of tact when a blunt approach will get me answers faster.
As if he couldn't understand why him being here with Flint and towing Clearwater along for the ride was bizarre, Percy smiled light-heartedly. "Flint found us in the library. He stopped by to inform me that my application had been received by his father's law firm".
"Yes", Flint agreed; smug in his words and actions. The crowd surrounding us cheered as Lee announced points scored in Gryffindor's favor. "Father was very impressed with what he saw". Was Flint Jr. in on whatever his father's plan was for Percy? Because this was starting to feel like a team effort. But I don't get it. What benefit do the Flints gain from having Percy intern in a law firm?
Percy blushed as he nodded his head; completely unaffected by the hurt puppy-dog eyes Clearwater was flashing at him. This was…. Should I find a way to tell Percy about Clearwater's unhappiness? "Flint offered to tell me more about his father's firm, but he really wanted to attend today's match. So, here we are".
"Here you are", I agreed with a hapless shrug; completely at a loss about what was going on right in front of me.
"Right on time too, it would seem", Flint continued; far too confident for my liking. He clapped a hand on Percy's shoulder as if they had been friends for ages. I might have to do something about that. Flint smirked over my head in Adrian's direction before glancing back at Percy. Clearwater remained to be an ignored presence. "Not only do you get to see your brothers play, but now you can chaperone your sister and the wizard she is currently not promised to". Asshole. I definitely needed to do something about this. Maybe covering Flint in glitter and locking him in a room full of nifflers would do the trick.
Adrian cleared his throat. Probably not appreciating his propriety being called into question. "I've been very clear in my intentions", Adrian defended himself. His voice held the same self-assured confidence Flint's did. Unlike Flint, Adrian's confidence didn't make me wonder about his sincerity.
Reaching behind me, I flapped a hand at him. "We're dating. You don't need to defend yourself", I tried to assure my boyfriend without looking at him. The sight in front of me was much too thought-provoking to turn my attention away from. And that's including the quidditch game currently taking place. The next thing I said was directed solely at Flint in the hopes that Percy wouldn't pick up any of the seventh-year Slytherin's ideas. "And we don't need a chaperone".
Quick to take any side that wasn't Flint's, Clearwater jumped in to aid me. "We've never had a chaperone", Clearwater reminded my brother. "It's an archaic principle, don't you think?" There was a certain edge in her question; subtext I doubt Percy was comprehending.
"Er", he stammered as he adjusted his glasses again. Percy glanced at Clearwater but quickly looked away. He looked at myself and Adrian. Where I raised an eyebrow, silently daring him to tell me an answer I wouldn't agree with. "Um". Percy looked in Flint's direction who nodded at him encouragingly. He turned back to Clearwater. "My mum did ask me to keep an eye on my siblings".
Bloody hell. With a scoff, I turned around so I could hide my face in Adrian's chest; closing the distance between us that Adrian deemed socially unacceptable. However, considering our audience, Adrian did not embrace me. Instead, he decided to take up the role of a statue. I highly doubt me flirting with my boyfriend is what Mum had in mind when she asked Percy to keep an eye on us. Mum's concerns were more of a psycho rat and revengeful teacher variety.
It may have just been my imagination, but I could have sworn I heard the sound of Clearwater grinding her teeth. "I'm going back to the castle", she declared. Glancing over my shoulder, away from the safety of Adrian's chest; I was just in time to watch Clearwater release Percy's arm in a fury. With heavy high-lifted feet, she stomped away from our group. Pushing third-years out of her way in order to do so.
"Um, wait. Penelope!" Percy called after her. But he made no move to follow and gave up calling her after that first attempt. How did he ever manage to keep her this long if that's the best he could do?
"Best give her space", Flint said as he gave Percy's shoulder a small shake. The smirk on his face was so broad it could function as a skewed line on a graph. "It's the best thing for emotional witches".
It was Adrian's hand suddenly resting on the small of my back and applying pressure that kept me silent. Shame. Because there's a lot I could say to a wizard who chose to describe his female counterpart as emotional.
Percy sighed as he turned to face the pitch. Flint dropped his hand from Percy's shoulder and followed suit. "I suppose you're right", he said; his voice sounding a bit confused.
Again, it was only Adrian's hand on my back keeping me from commenting. For an older brother that was supposed to be smart, Percy sure was being an idiot.
The game continued with Percy and Flint joining us in spectating. Gryffindor scored some points. Hufflepuff scored some points. Fans cheered. While the two seekers continued to circle the pitch in an attempt to spot the elusive snitch. At one point, a time-out was called and all the players sent their feet on the muddy ground. No doubt, Hermione used this time to charm Harry's glasses so he could see through this onslaught. Adrian used the time to switch places with me in the stands; creating a human barrier between me and Flint.
Flint had been chatting my brother's ear off ever since Clearwater fled the scene. Going on and on about what separated his father's firm from all the others. The connections that would be available to Percy if he spent just one year working for his family. The type of skillset Percy would learn that would surely help in whatever career path he chose. Occasionally, Flint would redirect Percy's attention to the game. Making some sort of comment about Wood's tactics or Diggory's broommanship. Percy never got a word in. He'd start to ask a question or add to something Flint said, but Flint would talk right over him and Percy was too polite to force his voice to be heard. A fact that was getting under my skin like an infectious rash.
It was Adrian's solid presence that kept me from doing something that would surely disappoint and embarrass Percy. Now that we were being 'chaperoned' the only thing Adrian felt comfortable with was holding hands. Which we did so throughout the whole game. Every time I became tense or started turning in the direction of the two seventh-years, Adrian squeezed my hand so hard that the bones in my fingers started to ache. But I couldn't be annoyed at him for it. Adrian was probably the only thing keeping me from doing something I'd regret further down the line. And while I didn't understand this weird…tolerant amusement Flint and his father seemed to possess for my family, I didn't want to find out what it would be like to lose that tolerance. So, even though it was extremely hard to the point that it was borderline painful, I bit my tongue. But the idea of locking Flick in a room filled with magical creatures was becoming more appealing every minute he spent with my brother.
"Ohhh", the crowd echoed as George sent a bludger flying into one of the Hufflepuff chasers.
"And Gryffindor intercepts the quaffle in an excellent feat by Weasley", Lee commented over the loudspeaker.
"Your brother has a good arm", Flint complimented over the sounds of the crowd.
"Um, yes", Percy agreed. "Fred and George always practice-"
"Anyway, lunch will be provided at the law firm every day. My father hires caterers from the best of local fare to keep all of his employees satisfied and productive". Flint interrupted, turning the conversation back to why Percy was spending time with him in the first place.
Adrian squeezed my hand when I opened my mouth. "Better him than you, right?" He said lowly so Flint and Percy couldn't overhear. And he was right. I didn't want Flint's attention, therefore; I shouldn't do something to attract it.
So, I kept my eyes on the game as the rain continued to soak everyone who had yet to learn the water-repellant charm. Come on, Harry. Catch the snitch already. And the golden boy didn't disappoint. As a clap of thunder echoed across the sky two figures, one in red and the other in yellow darted through the air with one of their arms outstretched. Each trying to outdo the other. "They've seen the snitch", Lee's voice yelled through the magical intercom.
A bludger flew at Diggory; George's attempt to aid Harry. And it worked. As Diggory rolled to avoid getting hit, Harry dove. With his broom handle pointed straight to the ground, being one with the rainfall; he snatched something out of the air. "Harry Potter has got it!" Lee cheered as Harry pulled his broom out of a nosedive. "One hundred and fifty points to Gryffindor. The match is ours!" Lee celebrated as the Gryffindors in the crowd clapped their hands and stomped their feet. Other fans of Gryffindor joined in as well.
"Thank Merlin, it's over", I said as I turned to Adrian. "Now, let's get out of here". Anyone who heard me probably assumed my hurry was because of the weather. But Adrian and I both knew it was because I rather not continue to listen to Flint trying to sell his family's business to my brother.
Nodding quickly, like he understood I would not wait for him if he took too long, Adrian led the way; my hand still encased in his. "Remember Pucey", Flint called after us. "Weasley hasn't signed your contract yet". I watched as Adrian's shoulders tensed under his cloak. Ugh. I really need to get my hands on glitter and some nifflers.
Despite that it was only the first quidditch game of the school year, the aftermath party in the common room was epic. With the help of Ron and Lee, Fred and George nicked enough sweets, snacks, and butterbeer from the kitchens to fuel the Gryffindor population for hours. Wood gave a rousing celebratory speech that stirred the masses. At least, until Angelina and Alicia cut him off when he started to make promises about future matches. Sirius, more than happy to encourage and take part in a Gryffindor party, brought his own personal wizard-wireless to the common room so we could have music. Lupin, who gave into Sirius' whims but felt he better supervise, enchanted the wireless so every note of the Weird Sisters' top hits could be heard in every corner of the common room.
"McGonagall would never let us do all this", Alicia giggled as we stood in a small circle with Katie and Angelina. All four of us bobbed and bounced to the music. Which, interestingly enough, constitutes as teenage dancing no matter what generation you're a part of.
"I love this song", Katie shared as we continued to jump about like a bunch of dorks. "Myron Wagtail has the best voice".
Slightly out of breath, I pushed some loose hair out of my face as I studied my dance partners. As far as physical shape goes, these girls put me to shame. Especially since all three of them had participated in a grueling game of quidditch earlier today. Maybe I should take up running…. Nah. "Okay", I said to draw their attention to me before I introduced a new game. "Heathcote Barbary, Myron Wagtail, or Gideon Crumb. Kiss, marry, or kill? Angelina, go".
Caught a bit off guard there was a small pause before Angelina accepted. "Alright", she said before pondering her choices. "Um, marry Heathcote, Kiss Myron, and kill Gideon".
"Poor Gideon", Alicia rejected. "Why would you kill him? Have you seen his hair?"
Angelina shrugged as we continued to move to the music as the rest of our house moved all around us. "He plays the bagpipes. Who would want to live with a bagpipe player?" And, point.
"I'd kiss Gideon over Myron", I commented; knowing it would be a controversial opinion. And judging by the half-hearted frown on Katie's face, I was right.
"Why?" Angelina asked as if she was genuinely interested in my reasoning.
"He's a bagpipe player. Think about how strong his lungs must be. He could probably snog a girl for minutes without coming up for air". My answer had the other girls giggling with color on their faces as they now all imagined the very thing I had described.
Alicia held up her hands as one song ended and another started. "Alright, Alright. Let's go again", she said as her eyes scanned our group to find who should go next. "Um, Katie. The Weasleys; Ron, Percy, or Fred and George?"
"Gross!" I immediately complained as my nose wrinkled. I didn't want to hear this. And why were Fred and George roped together as a singular person?
Katie blushed and refused to look at me, probably realizing that I, a Weasley, was about to hear how she envisioned my brothers as romantic partners. But that didn't stop her from playing. "Marry Ron, kiss Percy, and kill Fred and George. Sorry Holly", She tacked on at the end. Merlin, that didn't take her long to answer. And what exactly was she sorry for? Killing Fred and George, or marrying Ron? Ron, who was currently standing in the corner of the room arguing with Hermione about…. Something. Interesting choice, Katie. Interesting choice.
"Why Fred and George?" Angelina asked. "Why not Percy? Sorry Holly". Oh, the woes of having six brothers.
Katie stopped swaying to the music as she rubbed the back of her neck. "Well, I just don't think I could handle two of them". Her answer, while innocent, had a double meaning Katie didn't pick up on until the three of us were busting a gut. Well, Angelina and Alicia were busting a gut. I was oscillating between awkward laughter and feeling sick. I'd need someone to cast a memory charm on me after this conversation. "I just meant… um… er", Katie tried to explain herself. Although, she probably realized that saying anything else would only make it worse.
"It's okay, Katie". I offered a lifeline. "There are times I want to kill them too". Which was a complete lie. Without my brothers, I'd have nothing.
But Katie accepted my humor with a relieved sigh and a nod of her head. "Okay, Holly's turn". She moved on. Clearly, I should have let her stew in her embarrassment a bit longer. "Kiss, marry, kill; Professor Black, Professor Lupin, or Professor Snape?"
I slouched my shoulders. "That's a hard one".
Alicia giggled. "And we all know Holly's feelings regarding Snape".
I looked upward in mock annoyance. Make one joke one time. But the answer was clear enough in my mind. "Marry Lupin, kiss Snape, and kill Black". Because if I married or kissed Black, Adrian would probably kill us both before he went insane.
Assuming that I was continuing with my Snape joke, Angelina scoffed. "You need to let Snape go. Kiss Black".
"Nah", I said; drawing out the sound as I shook my head. I couldn't explain my real reasoning to them since it involved Adrian's past life. So, I had to come up with a different one. "If I kissed or married Black, think about what that would do to Potter. I'm not ready for children".
The thought was absurd. But it was also effective. Amused grins broke out on the faces of all my friends as we giggled like the bunch of schoolgirls we are.
Another song ended. The radio DJ came on to introduce the next set. At that time our group was approached by Lee and the two Katie said she would kill only a minute before.
"Ladies!" Lee greeted as he held his arms out; as if inviting us to give him a group hug. It must be a nice fantasy world he lives in. "Care for a dance?" he asked with a waggle of his eyebrows.
While he was the only one who verbally asked, he wasn't the only one offering. Fred held out his hand to Alicia. While George did the same to Katie. After everything that happened last year, they were still being careful with Angelina.
Probably remembering her turn in the kiss, marry, kill game; Katie was bashful when she accepted George's hand. "That sounds fun", she said as George led the way to be further in the mix of dancing students.
"Why not?" Alicia said as she too accepted the offer to dance. She and Fred soon followed after George and Katie.
Angelina shrugged. "If I must", she said. Except she didn't accept Lee's hand. "But your hands better not go any lower than my shoulder blades".
Lee nodded. Making me wonder how long he'd be able to control himself. But before he could spin Angelina away, Lee turned towards me and held out his hand. "I have two hands", he told me, wiggling his fingers.
"I have a boyfriend", I said quickly. Before turning and stalking off to the edges of the common room; not waiting for Lee to respond.
In my retreat, I found Percy sitting all by his lonesome at a table in a corner with about three empty butterbeer bottles on top of it with one half-full one in his hand. He looked glum with his head bowed and a sort of stiffness in his limbs. I guess whatever caused this mood is partially the reason Percy hasn't broken up the party yet.
"You realize butterbeer isn't alcoholic, right?" I asked as I dropped into the seat next to him. I was a little warm from all the dancing, and it felt nice to step away from it a bit.
Percy shook his head. "Alcohol is actually a depressant", he shared as he rolled the butterbeer bottle in his hand. "You shouldn't consume it when you're upset". Good grief. Whatever caused this down-in-the-dumps mood must have been a big deal if Percy is eluding there is a time you should have a drink.
"What happened?" I asked carefully. Not because I was trying to be respectful of his feelings, but because I wasn't sure I wanted to open whatever can of worms this was.
But I asked and it was too late to take it back. Percy shifted in his seat as he turned towards me, giving me a good look at his face. He had a few disheveled hairs that were unusual for him, and the lens of his glasses was slightly dirty. Though the most alarming was red rims around his eyes. Has Percy been crying? Why would my big brother cry? Big brothers aren't supposed to cry. "I found Penelope after the game to apologize and she broke up with me".
"Oh, Percy", I said as I reached across the table to put my hand on top of his. Although, I wasn't surprised. Clearwater was clearly unhappy at the game.
Percy shook his head as he took a swig of butterbeer. When he lowered the bottle, he expressed, "I don't understand what happened. We've been seeing each other since our fifth year. I loved her".
That was… news to me. "Did you tell her?"
Percy nodded. "I did. But Penelope asked that if I was in love with her, why was I only paying attention to Flint?"
I didn't have an answer for him. But I understood the sting of having your heartbroken for the first time. "Come on", I said as I plied the bottle from his hands. Latching on to the sleeve of his robe, I pulled him to his feet as I stood. "The best medicine for a break up is ice cream, so we're going to the kitchens".
"The kitchens are out of bounds", Percy reminded me. But he made no protest as he let me drag him through the party to get to the exit.
"Live a little", I told him as I pushed open the portrait door. "Besides, you're head boy. If we get caught, just say I was going to the kitchens and you were giving me detention". As we left the common room, I couldn't help but add, "It may be too soon, but you strike as the type of person who would like the name Audrey".