Chapter 40: The one where I'm in the snake pit.

Disclaimer: I am just a mere visitor in the sublime world constructed by J.K Rowling. Anything that rings a bell is hers.

Chapter 39

I sucked in my stomach, and I could hear Mi's grunts from behind me.

"Why are you sucking in your tummy?"

"So that you can zip me up."

"Yes Ky, but the reason why I am having difficulty zipping you up is because the bust of the dress is too small. Sucking in your stomach is just making your bust bigger."

"Ohhh, yeah. That does make sense."

"Who doesn't try on a dress before buying it?"

"I told you Minnie and Mona bought it for me."

"And they never asked you if it fits?"

"They did. And I said it did."

"But IT DOESN'T"

"I held it up against my body and it looked like it would fit. How was I supposed to know that they meant to actually try on the dress? I mean I just got into my pyjamas and then I would have to take them off, then put the dress on, and then take the dress off and then put the pyjamas on again. You see my problem, right?"

"Yes. You're too lazy for your own good! Oh, I cannot believe this is happening. The Ball is in forty minutes. And your hair is wet, and your dress doesn't fit. This is why we should have started getting ready at five, but you ran off playing potions!"

"Woah calm down. Look we can fix this. We're smart and you're the most brilliant witch of our age. So, what's our problem?"

"The dress won't zip up because the bust is too small."

"Or is it because my boobs are too big… You thinking what I'm thinking?"

She slapped her hand to her forehead, "Of course."

"I know right. So, I don't really know how to control how small to make them, I mean we haven't tried it on organs. I don't mind them smaller it's just that I still like to have them there you know. To warm my chest-"

"What are you talking about?"

"Aren't we going to shrink my breasts?"

"What! NO! KY! We haven't done that on humans before. I was talking about making the neckline deeper. Just slightly, not too deep…do you want to do it. OK wait no I'll do it. Oh, but I could ruin the dress but then this is you, you will ruin the dress. OK fine I'll do it…. Oh Merlin."

Thirty minutes later we waited at the bottom of the stairs to the dungeons. Mi looked gorgeous and graceful in a blue gown, well she called it periwinkle blue, but blue is blue is blue to me. It was a strapless full length ball gown, which complimented her tiny waist well. The bust was sprinkled with diamonds, or whatever fake things they put there that shone like diamonds. She had her hair up in a complicated do that we had perfected last night. Some was up, some was down, and it all was sleek. She wore simple jewellery and basic make up, only truly noticeable around the eyes where we went for a dramatic look.

"Are you sure I look OK. Maybe I should put on more blush? Or maybe I put on too much? Maybe-"

"Maybe you should shhh. You look amazing Mi. Honestly."

"Oh, Ky it's just that he's dated-"

"Dilyana Popova, yeah yeah, I know the one with the boobs as big as Mt Everest."

She recoiled, "I didn't say anything about her having large breasts. Oh Godric, Ky do you think she has huge breasts, look at me, I'm barely a B Cup. Oh Ky!"

"Mi seriously calm down. Look at me. You are acting crazy and deranged, but you know what. He's not going to care because he is a guy, and you are the hottest girl at this Ball. Tongues will literally wag. So, reign in the crazy and save it for the third date like a normal person."

She took a deep breath, "You're right, I am acting crazy. I mean even if I'm not the prettiest of girls, I am able to hold a conversation…"I zoned her out. She just couldn't take a compliment. "…. really you do Ky. You look breath-taking. I still think you should let me put a little more make up on you."

I glared at her; I practically had to push her off me earlier on. I already allowed her to do so much. After we altered the dress which I knew was sure to send Sev on a tantrum - it showed a bit too much cleavage. Well, it's not my fault I was an early bloomer, that and my Mediterranean blood left me a cup size bigger than most of my peers. I didn't have a problem with it, they were just breasts. Pieces of fat upon my chest. Admittedly they were more of a curse than a blessing, I wasn't fortunate enough to go braless in public without causing a stir. But I wasn't overly shy about them and didn't try hiding them. What good with that do, they would still be there.

I didn't have many complaints about the dress, it was silk and that tickled so at least if all goes wrong my dress could still make me laugh. It was floor length and silver grey, with very short sleeves and it had no detail on it. Not a stitch of work, it was plain and shiny silk and other than the bust problem it fit everywhere. Some places snugger than others but that's something else I couldn't change. If I had it my way, I would have just brushed my hair and be done with it. But much of tonight wasn't my way but Mi's way, and Mi insisted on doing 'something 'with it. So, she had tied a few of the front strands at the back, so people could 'see my face better.' Like they didn't see it before. I allowed her to put eye liner, mascara, and lip gloss but I drew the line at everything else.

If Malfoy couldn't live with the fact that I didn't have perfect skin, then I would graciously point him towards the nearest tower to jump off. I was actually surprised at the fact that I could walk in heels, but then again, the night is young.

I heard a gruff voice saying, "Hermowninny" and I turned towards it.

I greeted him but he barely grunted in response, he was too busy gawking at Mi. I shook my head and told her that I would meet her inside, that's if Krum remembers how to walk. I spotted a head of blonde hair and walked over to it,

"It's not fair you get to use black. I wanted to change this to black but Minnie wouldn't let me, she said something about mourning clothes. Well, I am going to this thing with you, so who could blame me for being mournful."

I laughed at my own joke, but it echoed in the corridor. I looked at Malfoy, who just stared back at me, dumbstruck. He was wearing black dress robes with a high collar that made him look like a vampire. I liked it. I saw him holding one red rose in his hand and groaned,

"Sweet Salazar you did not get me a rose! Oh Malfoy, I'm totally against flowers. Well not in general, I'm against the giving of flowers to me. Seeing as I can't look after them and they just don't bring me any joy. Fine, I'll take it but don't expect me to put them in water and I didn't get anything for you because I didn't know-"

"Lick it."

I looked at him with a raised eyebrow. He finally seemed to have recovered from whatever episode he went through and that's what he says. "Go on, lick it. Or is that too hard for you little brain to comprehend."

I looked at him and shrugged, that was more like Malfoy, and I licked a petal. "Hmmmm…its candy."

"I know. Would you think I would make you lick a real rose? Actually, don't answer that. Don't suck on it, it's supposed to last the whole night. I don't want you running away because you got sick on sweets."

"But it's tasty."

"If you don't stop, I'll take it away."

"Yeah, let's see you try."

I took a large lick to reiterate my point and he groaned aloud, muttering that he didn't think this through. He held out his arm and I looked at it. "What?"

He rolled his eyes, "You hook your arm into mine, so that I can escort you upstairs. To the Ball. You know like we agreed to."

"I know what we agreed on and the last time I checked I can walk just fine on my own. If you need help you may hook your arm onto mine." I held out my arm and he glared down at me. His glare softened slightly, and he gulped, I followed his gaze and laughed, "You know I didn't peg you for a boob guy."

His eyes snapped forwards quickly and he went slightly pink, "I don't know what you're talking about, if you're insinuating that I am looking…there, then you are sadly mistaken."

"So, you weren't looking down my dress?"

"What? Of course not. I unlike you was raised to be a complete gentleman and it would be extremely rude-"

"OK OK I get it. You don't like boobs. Shall we?"

I gestured to the stairs and walked ahead of him, he followed me, arguing that was not what he had said. I quickly turned around and saw that his eyes where blatantly fixed on my ass, he saw me turn around and went pink.

"Let me guess…you were staring at my shoes." I laughed and continued walking up the stairs.

We met Crabbe and Goyle at the top of the stairs, looking like bouncers. They looked at me with their beady little eyes, Crabbe opened his mouth, but I held up my hand,

"I do believe this night will go better if we do not converse…. that means me no talk you." I said slowly and with gestures.

"So, I can't be mean to your friends, but you can be mean to mine?" Draco drawled.

"I'm glad you understand that." He rolled his eyes at me, and we walked into the Entrance Hall. It was weird seeing all the colour, such a change to the usual black, white, and grey. I didn't like it. I spotted a mass of pink descending on us,

"Speaking of friends Malfoy, here comes your snog buddy."

"Draco." I cringed at the piercing voice. She lunged herself on to him, "Oops, I seem to have lost my footing."

I snickered at the blatant lie as Malfoy pushed her off; I just spotted Ron though and told Malfoy to wait a second. He didn't look pleased.

"So, are we going for vintage chic?" I laughed and he turned around.

"Haha, very funny. Saw Hermione?"

"Not since a few minutes ago."

"Who is she going with?"

I didn't reply though because I heard Harry's voice calling out to Ron and took my leave. Unfortunately, when I got back to Malfoy, Parkinson was still there, practically pressing herself against him.

"Thornton we better get inside. Pansy, get off me."

It seems his etiquette flew out the window when faced with Parkinson. She frowned and let go off him, she glared at me and walked away.

"Was it something I said?"

He shook his head. "You don't have to say anything to upset her. She hates you. But who can blame her. You did steal her date."

I looked at him with a smirk, "If you thought that would make me feel guilty, you're wrong. If anything, I'm happier knowing I screwed Parkinson over."

"Well, shall we?" He tilted his blonde hair to the door of the Great Hall.

We walked toward it, and I saw a handful of people that was lined up outside. I ignored the neat brown hair and untidy black hair and went up to Mi.

She smiled radiantly and Krum greeted me as if he saw me for the first time, nevertheless I returned the greeting.

"Granger."

Mi turned stiffly and looked at Malfoy, returning his nod, "Malfoy."

"So, we're going inside. You're probably going to sit at the main table with Nonno, so I'll see you afterwards." I leaned forward to hug her and whispered into her ear, "You know the signal, if anything, anything-"

"I know Ky, thanks…but I don't think I will be using the signal."

She blushed and smiled up at Krum. I rolled my eyes at the sweetness of it all. I turned and saw Fleur Delacour behind me. She was wearing the same dress robes as me.

"I hope you are not here to fight me because we're wearing the same dress."

She frowned down at me, "What? No. We are not wearing ze same dress, mine iz satin, yourz iz silk. And ze cuts iz completely different not to mention mine iz French and yours so veree English. It iz just the colour that is ze same. I came over 'ere to tell you to move, you are in my place."

I didn't realise the spot right by the door had her name on it. I didn't say anything but mockingly curtsied out of the way. As I was straightening up my eyes met a pool of green that burned like lava. I turned quickly and bumped into something hard. I looked up to see familiar grey eyes looking down at me in ire. I didn't back down though and held his steely gaze. He looked away though and apologised to the mop of black hair at his shoulder.

"Sorry about that. What was I saying?"

Did he just apologise to Chang for bumping into me! He did not! Malfoy snaked his arm around my shoulder and whispered softly into my ears,

"You're being too obvious. Tone down the green on your face and let's get inside. Now laugh like I told you something amusing."

I did laugh and we entered the hall. Malfoy smiled at me, as he led me to the table, "You're a good actress. You should have been in Slytherin."

"Actually, I wasn't acting. The moisture from your breath was tickling my ear."

He rolled his eyes and stopped at a table. Seated at the table was the loner guy that I had asked to call Malfoy earlier on, with a very petite, very blonde girl at his side. Next to him was the tall dark-skinned boy that I sometimes saw Malfoy with. He was with a tall blonde girl.

Crabbe and Goyle sat down, leaving two empty seats for us. The two boys stood, and the dark boy hit Crabbe and Goyle on the head and they stood too. Malfoy pulled out a chair which I think he expected me to sit on. I of course sat on the other chair. The dark boy burst out laughing at that and then regained his composure. All the boys sat down after I did, and I smiled at the glare Malfoy was sending at me.

"Blaise Zabini." I shook the hand that the dark-skinned boy held out, he was very handsome, with calculating brown eyes and high cheekbones. He gestured to his date, "This is-"

"Daphne Greengrass." She held her hand out to me and Zabini rolled his eyes. I shook her hand, "I am perfectly capable of performing my own introductions, thank you very much. You of course are Kyrianna Thornton."

The little blonde girl tutted at her in disapproval, but she ignored it. Greengrass was very pretty, with high cheek bones and intelligent green eyes, she was as pale as Zabini was dark and they looked gorgeous together.

"Theodore Nott…but you can call me prat from Slytherin." I laughed at that, he was handsome, but more natural and less model-like than Zabini. He had dark hair that varied from dark brown to black depending on the light, and crafty eyes that looked green at one angle and hazel at another. It seemed everything about the boy was strange, I shook his hand and noticed it wasn't as soft as Zabini's. There was the sound of a throat being cleared next to him and without even looking to her, he introduced his date, " Tracey Davis." She fleetingly shook my hand and smiled a fake smile that perfectly matched her fake blond hair and didn't reach her ice blue eyes.

Crabbe held out his hand and I looked at it, "I thought we had a talk about this." He put his hand down dejectedly. I know I was being mean, but their stupidity needed punishment.

Suddenly the hall burst into applause, and everybody turned to the scene stealers, the champions, and their dates. I jumped to my feet and finally caught Mi's eye and waved and she waved back nervously, her face flush with embarrassment. I heard Davis gasp when she saw Mi but didn't hear what she said has Cedric walked in with Chang. Mona was right. They gave Zabini and Greengrass a run for their money. He was looking forward, whilst she shyly held his hand. I saw Harry nod at Ron as he was dragged across by Parvati clad in bright pink. Everybody stopped clapping as they seated themselves at the main table. I sat back down,

"Was that Granger?" Nott looked at me, his eyebrows raised.

"Yes, that was Mi."

Nott wolf whistled, "Didn't know the mu…ndane little book worm had it in her."

The change of word didn't go unnoticed, neither did Malfoy's glare. It seemed Malfoy had a talk with his friends.

"Mi is neither mundane nor a bookworm…fine, she is a bookworm, but she isn't mundane. And I don't know what you're talking about, she always looks that pretty."

It was the truth; she just wasn't saddled with her usual ten tons of books and the constant worrying about Harry and homework and sometimes she spiced it up with a little House Elf liberation.

"She's right." I looked at Zabini, who didn't look as taken aback by Mi as the rest of the school was. "She was always a hot piece of ass...pity."

I gave him a heated stare, "Please enlighten me as to what the pity is Zabini?"

Malfoy quickly cut in, "Do you want duck or steak…"

"Her inferior blood status of course." I glared at him, picking a spell in my head, "That's what you want me to say right? No Daph, she was ready to pounce long before I said a word."

He was right, I was ready and waiting once Mi came up. Wasn't I trying to mend bridges, not burn them. He smiled at me, but it didn't reach his eyes.

"It's OK. It's her Italian blood, we burst before we even sizzle. All is forgiven cara."

I let the fire leave my eyes but didn't smile back. I muttered my order at the plate and dug in.

Minutes later all was forgotten as Zabini was recounting how he managed to catch his third stepfather cheating on his mother. This didn't seem to bother him in the least but amused him beyond words.

"And then the fat bastard scrambled off the bed and fell on his fat arse. His face was priceless; he actually thought that he was shagging the great great great great granddaughter of Gladison Gungeons."

Malfoy leaned forward and explained, "Gladison Gungeons was a possessive old pureblood wizard that put a curse on his daughter. Any man that violated her…their bits fell off. This was of course never disproved as his daughter's husband passed away just after marriage but that had something to do with splinching. People believe the curse is hereditary to the extent that the Gungeons had to leave England."

"Why did he think he was with Gungeons granddaughter though?"

"Because I was under the bed playing the voice of Gungeons ghost, floating chopped pieces of sausage around the room. You should have seen the way he ran. Ran straight into mother, stark naked and raving about ghosts. Of course, he had to explain why he was in threat of Gungeons ghost in the first place and mother did the ghosts job for him."

He made a snipping gesture with his fingers, and I laughed, Greengrass looked at him in disgust though.

"I cannot believe you hid under the bed while your stepfather was intimate with another woman."

"I guess I shouldn't tell you how I caught my mother cheating on my fourth stepfather then."

Malfoy choked on whatever he was drinking, and I rubbed his back. He nodded a thank you at me and I removed my hand. The plates cleared and everyone's heads turned to the dance floor.

"Want to get out of here?" I looked at Malfoy as if he was serious. Then I looked at Cedric holding Chang's waist and turned to him, a determined look on my face, "OK…. where to?"

A/N: People do stupid things when in a fit of jealousy, don't they? Or brilliant things, depends on which angle you look at it from. On a scale of 1-10, how silly is Ky being ?

Kalina