"So," I staggered to a halt as a voice chimed in my ear, "Why are you punishing yourself?" Potter breathed heavily as his chest heaved.
"Eh?" I wiped off the sweat dripping down my brow.
SP: 5/300 – [1 SP Per Second]
When my stamina points hit zero I feel a burning in my thighs and legs as the air in my lungs burns a fuckload as I wheeze myself to death.
I will curse the first man who decided that running was a good form of exercise. That will be my endgame.
Why did I think this was a good idea? Sure I learnt something new about the gamer system, I can unlock new skills when I first do them, but I really think running shouldn't be one of them.
Again why did I think this was a good idea?
Black…
Well time to run till I see a light, or maybe I should bathe myself with fire, honestly that seems preferable right about now.
"I've never seen you run," Potter shrugged as he took a sip off his handheld water bottle, "then again I've never seen a witch or wizard other than quidditch players willing run." He gives me a small grin, "So I'll ask again, why are you punishing yourself?"
Do I want to tell Potter? No, not really. Can I get the image of Black's face out of my head? I've tried everything and by that, I've tried two things, one was running and the other was a private moment to myself, yet her fucking face appeared alongside Lily's, why couldn't it just be the beautiful redhead?
"I had a weird moment with a bird." His small grin quickly faded and from what I can tell he was trying his hardest not to scowl, should I correct his thoughts? Nah, I'm kind of sour about the uniform prank.
"Really?" He cleared the wobble in his throat, "Anything you want to talk about?"
A no was on the tip of my tongue but I bite down on it, if he was going to try I should be the bigger man and do so too, if that isn't being the bigger man then I don't know what is.
"Me and this bird," I digested the words in my mind, "we had a moment." Let's not mention the fact I was 'half-mast' when the knife touched my skin.
I can ponder on what the fuck is wrong with me later.
"Did you." He sucked in his breath, "kiss?"
"No," I shook my head, "but that's not to say it wasn't going to happen, we just, uh, caught ourselves. Now I can't get it out of my head, the image of it."
His jaw was tightly clenched but he took a deep and calming breath, alright I feel bad now maybe I should tell him who it was, "It sounds like you need to talk it over with this, girl, otherwise it will drive you crazy." He gave me a curt nod before taking off in a sprint completely outpacing me with ease.
Yeah, I should totally talk to Black about the weirdest moment in my life, that's a good way to get shanked by the witch.
Nope I'm going to ignore Potter and his sound advice
Anyway, I've got better things to think about than Black and her pale skin flawless skin, get some sun you hag… and now she's naked in my mind.
"Uh, Alton. Why did you slap your forehead?"
"My mind needs to be punished, Remus."
"Okay then." He said without missing a beat, how desensitised is he to people acting weird?
I turned towards him when I felt his gaze on me, "Aren't you freezing?" He said as he regarded my jeans, boots, thin sweater, and open windbreaker, as not exactly ideal clothes for pelting down snow.
"I'm a winter baby," I said with ease and a stupid smile that got the reaction that it was fishing for.
Lily lets out a small giggle, "That doesn't mean you're impervious to the cold."
I gasped, "It doesn't. I've been lied to my entire life." I put on a faux voice of shock, before slipping off my coat and turning it inside out showing them the large rune I etched onto it, "A heating charm is fucking boon." Not to mention the sweet 225 experience points I got for etching it.
"Wow that's genius," Lily ran her hands across the rune before looking slightly annoyed at herself, "Why haven't I thought of this?" She passed me my jacket allowing me to once again fight off the cold, "Alton will you help me, etch a few of clothes?"
"Yes Al, help Lily sort through her delicates," Pandora said with a calm and easy voice never once losing her smile.
She's either the best or the worst wingman, but there's one thing she isn't, subtle.
"Lovegood," I commanded our quiet tail, and the blonde sixth-year nodded with a dopey grin like his other half, before tucking his arm around one of hers, leading her away on an impromptu date.
Lily was playing with her hands, a bright red face a shade akin to her hair, "Sorry about that Lils, Pan has made it her life mission to find me a girlfriend," I shrugged, "I guess she likes you."
"How come?" Remus said, "I mean how come she wants you to have a girlfriend." He quickly backtracked not to offend Lily.
"Who knows because I certainly don't, as much I love her I cannot ever claim to know her mind."
"Who could?" A deep voice spoke out. A tall man with tanned skin, short-cropped hair and amber eyes leaned against a wall as he stuffed his hands in a large overcoat, "She's a sweetheart, but I would never want to read her mind."
A snort escaped me, "You shouldn't be reading the minds of young girls, uncle."
"Ha," He let out a bark of laughter, "fucking bastard."
'Observe.'
Name: Artic Geur
Level: ?
Race: Pure Blood Wizard – [Werewolf]
Reputation: 90 (Pride for the man you're becoming) - Cheeky not-any longer little shit.
Huh, if only the friend's quest counted family… actually scratch that, even I know that it sad as all hell if I counted my uncle as my best friend.
He walked over, towering over me as he placed a hand on top of my head and ruffled my hair, I swatted his hand away, "Damn it, uncle."
Both Lily and Remus chuckle at my bastard uncle, "Lily, Remus, this is my uncle, Artic Geur." I motioned towards the tree of a man, "Uncle these are my friends, Lily Evans, and Remus Lupin."
He placed a hand over his heart and wiped away a fake tear, "To think it only took five years but you have a friend and a girlfriend."
I let out a tired sigh before slugging him in the stomach, "I have friends-"
"Other than Pandora, and the muggle acquaintances you used to have, name one."
"Well that's fucking bullshit," I put on a bad impression of his deep voice, "Oh name all of your friends but don't name any of the ones you have."
"So what are you doing here, Mr Geur?" Lily questioned as she tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear.
"One of our suppliers lives in Hogsmead. Just sorting out some orders for the sanctuary." He said as his eyes were solely on me, I simply nodded in return, before turning to Lily.
"There are a few farmsteads around here that raise non-magical animals to be used as feed for carnivorous creatures."
"Oh." Lily let out a sad noise as her mind probably forced her to a bloodier place.
"Alton, a word before I leave you to your-"
"Say it and get a stunner to the face."
He scoffed with an amused face, "Whatever you say brat." He motioned away from the hustle and bustle of Hogsmeade at the weekend.
"I'll catch up with you two in a bit," I nod to Lily before turning to Remus having an unspoken conversation with the younger werewolf.
I'll broach the subject of talking to Remus with my cranky arse bore of an uncle it's the least I can do for my friend.
Uncle Artic led me to a little dingy pub with a goat's pen out at the side of the building because what everyone wants is the smell of animal shit while they drink their booze. Uncle gave the surly man behind the bar a small nod of acknowledgement.
"Geur." The man nodded in return.
"Firewhiskey," Uncle ordered as he raised two fingers up.
The man's blue eyes peered at me before quickly giving my uncle a bored stare, "He pukes you clean it." He said as poured the amber-coloured liquid a small steady amount of smoky air wafted from the top of the glass.
My hand reached for the glass as I stared at my uncle waiting for him to stop me, when he didn't I spoke out my thoughts, "Mum is going to kill you," I warned the man.
He simply scoffed, "As if you're talking to her."
I took a sip of the liquid and almost instantaneously I was forced to cough out my lungs. He slapped my back as I hunched over, "Small sips, you nurse it, not gulp it down."
"A bit of forewarning would've been great." I wheezed out.
He snorted with amusement, "Where would be the fun in that?" He asked.
"So how are things at home?" I said lamely trying to soothe my sore voice with my hands rubbing the skin of my throat.
"Why don't you respond to your mother's letters? You'll know then." He said with a slight bite to his voice.
My mother and I would usually send letters to each other at the very least twice a week, but for the last fortnight I've pretty much ignored all letters sent to me, well except for the one uncle Artic sent to confirm that I hadn't died and Hogwarts forgot to notify my guardians.
"You've always been such a mummy's boy and now all of a sudden you're not even talking to her like a perpetual child throwing a strop, I don't like it when big sis is upset and because it's you I sure as hell can't throw my hands down to solve it."
"Because that solves all of your problems, doesn't it?" I snipped as the man took a calming breath.
His eyes narrowed and I couldn't help but wonder if I would look as terrifying as he does right now, people, being mum, always say I look like the spit of him when he was my age.
"Why are you acting like a fucking twat?" He grounded out.
"My father," The angry look on his face turned into confusion.
"What about him?"
I turned to him and stared him dead in the eyes, I needed to know if he had also lied to me, "My father sent a letter to me."
Uncle Artic scoffed, "He's a muggle how could he have?"
"Because he's not." I snapped and the older wizard gave me a warning stare forcing me to take a deep breath, "He confirmed that he isn't human,"
"So you're a half-breed." He stated with indifference, "Where's the shit and why are you so pissy about it?" He sure has a way with words.
"The shit," I huffed, "is the fact she lied to me my whole life, I have a right to know where I came from or what I am."
"Oh please, you're a teenager. You shit stains don't know the fuck you want next week."
Thankfully the pub was nothing compared to its Hogsmead counterpart and was almost a ghost town, and I noticed the barkeep had made himself scares the moment we had gotten heated in the corner of my eye.
"She could've had told me when I got older, she could've treated me like an adult."
"Oh yeah, he's an adult, pouting and ignoring his mother." He grumbled into his glass.
"Oh, and you're so much better, flipping your lid at the drop of a hat." Instead of retorting he ground his teeth, dropping a few coins on the desk and slid the bar stool under walking out of the bar without uttering another word to me.
The barkeep walked over and took away the now empty glasses, "Family." He said with an almost sympathetic voice.
I nodded in agreement, "Family."
Bellatrix Black POV
I cannot even stare at a fire without being reminded of the half-blood bastard, the colour of the flickering flames similar to his beady eyes, the smell of the firewood very much comparable to his mongrel scent.
My wand slipped into my palm and I sent a blasting hex at the fireplace, showering the empty sub-common room with brick and mortar.
"What pray tell did the fireplace do to offend you?" Andi snarked as she tightened the shawl around her neck to cover up the multiple love bites she thought she's hidden from me.
My scrutiny fell onto Regulus as he tried to sink further into his book, he's been avoiding me since last night, but Andi being the glue of our quartet dragged the boy along.
He let out a deep sigh and closed the book setting it aside before meeting my gaze, "Which one first?"
More important matters call for attention than the Mongrel, "How could you not tell me of the harassment?"
"Harassment?" Cissa questioned as she furrowed a brow.
"A bunch of seventh-year lions have been making Regulus their target dummy."
"What?" Andi uttered in a dangerous whisper as she stared down at our younger cousin, "Who in Merlin's name would dare?"
I ignored her, my sole focus on the boy, "Why did you not tell me?"
Regulus sighed, "I don't wish to cause trouble."
I love Regulus, I truly do, but if Sirius continues to be a disgrace then I fear for the future of House Black with Regulus at the helm, the kind passive boy would ruin our house. Despite all of his numerous flaws, Sirius could wrought the wizarding world if he accepts his role as the heir of the great house he is, instead, he gladly accepts his place as Potter's lackey.
"How could you be so foolish you-" Andi stood in front of him, she reached forward and placed a hand on my shoulders gently pushing me back.
"We will speak of this later." She stated in a calm voice, I am sure that was code for; without me.
"We're not done here." I grounded out pushing my sister away, as I levelled a glare down Regulus he let out a long tired breath.
"The Mongrel-"
"Don't call him that." Regulus snapped at me completely out of his norm.
"Who are we talking about now?" Cissa questioned with her interest peaked.
"Alton Geur." Regulus supplied.
"Why are you so chummy with him? Why would he of all people defend you?"
Andi looked confused, "Defend you?" She questioned.
"Alton found me when I was being bullied, he was quick to defend me from them all."
Andi didn't say anything, but she did let out a sound of appreciation.
"And why did he do that?" I need to know why the Mongrel would do such a thing and then I can deal with whatever this all is.
"Because he's my friend," Regulus whispered out in a soft voice.
I felt a pang of fury run through me, "He's your lesser-"
"No! He is not." Regulus rushed to his feet in defence of the Mongrel.
"What makes you say that?" Andi questioned with a calm voice as she tried to put herself in between us, Cissa got to her feet but stayed in place.
"I- I cannot say."
"You cannot say." I said in a low voice causing the youngest of my sisters to back away, "You do not hold secrets from us, not for someone like him."
"I cannot tell you, I promised Alton."
My wand raised up in a snap but as always Andi could read my movements and she stood in front of Regulus shielding him from my legilimency attack.
As she pushed back with her impressive shield I caught a glimpse of a surface memory, while the picture wasn't clear I could feel her elation as she was held by a boy, a Puff at that.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Andi growled something dangerous in her voice, if I'm an unstoppable force, then my year younger sister is an unmovable object, "Cissa, Regulus, leave us."
The youngsters left in a hurry not bothering to look back most likely in fear of one of us.
"Andi," A deep breath left my lungs as I tasted the words on my tongue, my siblings would be the only people I would ever utter these words to, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean-"
"To what? Legilimency me?" I nodded weakly, "You were going to hit Regulus with it." She spat raising her voice, her brown locks softly swaying against the light breeze coming from the open window.
"Yes."
"Because of what? He's keeping a secret. We all have goddamn secrets, you have some and none of us pry, so what the hell gives you the damned right."
"I wasn't thinking." I tried to keep my voice strong but it came out pitifully.
"Just like mother." All of my dolefulness evaporated in place a calm rage took its place.
"Don't you fucking dare compare me to her!" I spat.
"Then talk. Don't bottle up turning your wand on those you care about you."
"Talk about what?" I said with gritted teeth as my thoughts betrayed me and he appeared on the forefront of my mind.
"Talk about why you flipped, turning your wand on Reggie the moment the conversation regarded Alton Geur."
My face hardened at the mention of the firewood-scented boy, memories of last night when Slughorn forced us to work together.
The Mongrel provoked me as per his usual akin to his annoying existence, and something fierce burned in me, just as I was about to sink a knife into his throat, I stopped, not because I was scared that I was about to kill the boy.
I spotted it because, well, I don't know why I stopped.
A compulsion, a feeling in the air, I don't know but when I felt the heat of his firm body against mine, once my eyes locked onto to his fearless amber gaze, while magic roared in my ears in response to his, the knife's weight suddenly became unyielding.
"Are… you blushing?" My hands cupped my right cheek and I could feel a heat on the surface of my skin, "Do you like, Geur?"
"No." My teeth clenched as I denied the claim, "I could never like or even tolerate someone like Geur."
Andi shook her head, "Okay fine," She motioned for me to be silent, "but what do you think of him, I don't know, he looks?"
His looks? As much as I loathed to admit he's attractive, all pure-blood boys seem to have the same look, prim and proper, but Geur, while he has a few aristocrats' features it's under a mass of rough exterior. Hell, he even has a nice body, most wizards have what some call a runner's body slim and athletic, but Geur, he's built for strength with his broad chest and shoulders.
"Despite his blood, he is handsome," I uttered slowly and collected.
Andi nodded, "Good, it makes it easier."
"Makes what easier?" I questioned.
"Makes fucking him easier." My jaw dropped at her blasé at intercourse.
"I don't wish to court him." I snapped at her.
Andi scoffed with an amused smile, "Oh sweet deluded sister, who said anything about courting him? You sound like you simply have a load of pent-up frustration towards Geur, fuck him, get it out of your system."
"Why would I?" I refused to entertain the idea, despite the sudden dampness in my undergarments.
"Because if you don't," Andi suddenly looked worried for me, "you'll probably end up killing the poor half-blood." With that, she walked towards the exit but not before turning back to me with her wand raised, I was floored at the leg-locking hex, "fucking bitch." I didn't retaliate to her fair revenge, I owed her that much, Regulus too.
Still long after she left her words lingered in my mind, fuck Geur, the thought of the half-blood mongrel ploughing me, left me with a sense of desire.
Compared to the likes of Lestrange, my intended. Geur set my soul in fury… in lust.