DISCLAIMER : I own nothing but my original character and plot "modifications". I sadly make no profit. This story is rated M. Read at your own discretion.
XOXOX
"Honestly, Andi! It's not like you'll never see him again!" Renae groaned, waiting a safe distance away from where George and I were saying our goodbyes.
"Shut up!" I called back, sparing a second to break away from George's lips.
"She's right you know." He chuckled, playing with the tassels on my Gryffindor striped scarf.
"I know, but I'll miss you." I pouted.
"It's only for a few hours and then you're all mine."
"Oh, is that so? What if I had plans?" I challenged.
"Do you?" He asked, hesitating now that he saw the possible flaw he had overlooked.
"I don't know, do I?" I smirked.
"You most certainly do." George said, a ravishing grin on his face. Lowering his voice so that even I could barely hear him, he continued without missing a beat. "Wear something you won't miss."
"When? Where?" I asked, barely able to speak under the heated glare he sent me. If someone were to light a match, I was sure the entire Great Hall would be inflamed by the ignited sexual tension coiling in the air between us.
"Oh, don't worry about that." George said evasively, obviously very proud of himself and what he had planned.
"What do you mean don't worry about that? How will I know when to be ready? Or where to meet you?"
"You'll know when it's time." He said and then after thinking deeply, said nothing more and instead winked at me.
"Okay?"
"See you tonight, love. Go get a pretty dress." Leaning closer, he added, "Anything you wear will be stunning, but honestly, Drells. You could show up in McGonagall's nightie and you'd still be more beautiful than anyone else in the room."
"Andrella Jade Wendling! Come on! You said we'd leave twenty minutes ago!" Renea shouted, but I wasn't paying much attention to what she was saying or doing, or anything that wasn't George.
"I'll see you tonight." I sighed, leaning away after yet another kiss.
"I can't wait."
"Andi!" Renea called, voicing raising yet another octave. It was like she was practicing her scales.
"Alright, okay!" I huffed back at her, breaking myself away from George. "I have to go. I love you!" I said quickly, already leaning down to kiss him again.
Pulling away, he laughed, "Go!" as he gently pushed me toward Renae. He turned away to go do Gods know what. He never told me why he and Fred decided to stay in the castle today, and I never got around to asking him.
"Thank you!" Renae called out to George's retreating form, while dragging me toward the entrance at the same time so I couldn't get distracted again. I couldn't blame her, after that heated episode in the tunnel, it was hard to keep my hands or my thoughts off George. But I was glad to be going out with "the girls", if you could even call them that. I suppose you could since they were my only female friends, but aside from Renae, I couldn't say I was particularly close with any of the others.
"So glad to see things are going well between you two," Renae said sarcastically, effectively pulling me away from my thoughts.
"I can't even say I'm sorry." I laughed at her reaction to my blase response.
"It's really that good, huh?" Renae asked, not even trying to hide the mystified expression on her face.
"Not that I have or want anyone else to compare him to, but with George-It's everything." I sighed, feeling a swell of emotion rushing through my body at the thoughts being called to attention. It was like my mind had honed in on every intimate detail of every intimate encounter, so that I felt a shutter rack my body at how real the memories felt. Without realizing I was doing it, I found myself talking as I recalled some of my favorite times with George.
"It's everything that's in the books and in the songs. You know when you think they're just being sappy and romantic? Well, I've felt it. I know what they're talking about. It's like, I don't know, when we're together nothing else matters. And like, you know what happens when we uh…"
"Come? Climax? Orgasm? Ride the roller coaster of pleasure? Ji-"
"Yes! Thank you, Renae!" I shrieked, covering her mouth with my hands while hurriedly looking around to make sure no one heard her. Thankfully the only people I saw around us were either much farther ahead or much farther behind us on the path to Hogsmeade.
"When we reach that point, we physically rise into the air like we're weightless. And now, with the flames-
"The flames?" Renae questioned.
Blushing at her concerned tone, I realized I had failed to mention that part to her or anyone, and quickly worked to explain. "Well, I don't actually know if they're flames or just the lights in the form of flames. They're paler and they glow more like the lights than an actual flame, but they're warm. Guess it can't actually be fire because they completely surround us, and we don't get burned or anything like that."
"Don't take this the wrong way. I have no desire to see either George or you naked, much less while shagging, but the way you describe it, that must be one hell of a sight." Renae joked, although I could also tell she was completely serious. From an outsider's perspective, it must be something crazy to behold.
She should ask Fred.
Or not, on second thought. There was enough discussion about my sex life as it was, without inviting more questions.
"Yeah, it feels incredible, too. Like George and I are truly one being and I'm complete again. I didn't even realize I felt like something was missing until then."
"Okay, so, someone's got it bad." Renae laughed, shaking her head at me.
"I really do, though." I replied, sure that the grin on my face had me looking like a lovesick fool. Although not the best look, I couldn't deny its accuracy.
"That's good. I'm happy for you two. You deserve each other."
"I hope that's a good thing."
"It is. You're both weirdos, but in the same way," She explained.
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"You should! Normal is boring." Renae laughed.
"Well, I'm glad you're in a better mood these days. It certainly is difficult to be unhappy around you when you're like this."
"Yeah, well," Renea said in a way as if what I just said was obvious. "I haven't gotten you away from George long enough to tell you that Draco and I have gotten back together!"
"What?! When did this happen?" Seeing her scowl at my reaction, I toned it down. "I just mean the last time we talked you thought he was with Pansy."
"As to when, I'd say about the same time as you and George had your little escapade in the tunnel. When I saw him we got to talk about everything."
"The talk went well, then?" I offered the only non-criticizing comment I could think to say.
"It did. It really made me understand things from his perspective and we talked about everything that had lead to us breaking up in the first place until we were kissing and I know you don't like him, Andi, but I love him!"
"Love him?!" I couldn't keep the shrillness or the disbelief about of my voice.
"I do, Andi. Really. I'm in love with Draco Malfoy." She said in a far off voice, eyes glazed over as she stared into the distance (quite dangerous, considering we were still walking).
I wondered if this was the first time she told someone, including herself. I fondly remembered when I first realized I loved George, even if it was a bittersweet moment and I knew I had to be supportive for her sake. "You're right. I'll never understand what you see in him that's anything worth seeing, but I love you and I'm glad that you're happy." I said as calmly as possible, pulling her side to mine as we walked. Stumbling over each other's feet, we both tripped. We managed to right ourselves, but not without getting a case of the laughing fits that warranted dirty looks from the people nearest to us.
"Well, now that we've got that out of the way," I said, still laughing. "I'm sure this outing will be better than expected. We're supposed to be meeting Ginny and Hermione at the store, right?
"What's that supposed to mean?" Renea asked.
"You know how I hate shopping." I groaned.
"And people in general, yes." Renae snickered. "And yeah, we're supposed to meet them at the shop."
"Great." I said. We then walked in a silence that was so uncomfortable, I found myself asking Renae what was wrong before we entered the village and the awkwardness permeated through the rest of the day.
"I was worried about today, too. Because what I told you about Draco and me." She confessed. We both slowed our pace so we would have enough time to talk before meeting up with the others.
"Were you really that afraid to tell me?"
"Gods, yes! I know you don't like him or like to hear about him a lot, so yeah I thought you'd be angry with me and I really didn't want to deal with that but I didn't want to not tell you either."
"I know, and I'm trying to be better about it. I want you to be able to tell me anything and everything. You know I would burst if I couldn't tell you about George." I apologized.
"I appreciate it because I do want to tell you these things. You're the only person I can really talk to about it! It's not like Ginny or Hermione would be particularly helpful." She sniggered and I couldn't help but to join her.
She then prodceeded to tell me every last detail of their makeup and their long conversation before hand. All of it told in a way to convince me he's a decent guy. But she didn't know about the nasty side of him exposed to me. She didn't know how she was just a pawn in his plan, how she was being manipulated and used to get to me. The worst part was not being able to tell her.
Any of it-not one last single bit could I tell her. Dumbledore forbid me from telling anyone but George and Fred, and I realize how generous that had been. Never before had I reason to question Dumbledore's authority and I still didn't feel the need. Renae was my friend, a true and loyal friend, but I hesitated to spread this secret any further than necessary.
I managed to get through the walk to Hogsmeade without saying more than an occasional "yeah" and "I totally understand, a generous amount of head shaking, and paying absolutely no attention to what she was saying. My mind was busy formulating lies, trying to keep them straight and believable.
"Oh, look at that."Renae broke through my reverie with a nudge to the shoulder and a finger pointing ahead of us, to where a full head of flaming red hair could be seen.
"Oi, Ginny!" I called out, cupping my hands around my mouth to magnify the sound.
Ginny's head whipped around to reveal a mischievous grin. "Why hello there, Renae….Andrella."
"What's up, Ginny?" asked, immediately put off by her smile.
"Oh, nothing." Ginny shrugged.
"No, really. What's up?"
"Been talking late night dips in the lake, have you?" Ginny questioned, face straining to remain neutral.
"Seeing as it's December and there is snow on the ground, that'll be a no." I answered, afraid of where this was going.
"So those aren't battle scars from run-in withs the Giant Squid?" She asked with false innocence, pointing a finger at the part of my neck my scarf left exposed.
"Nope, those would be scars from a very different battle from a very different beast." I smirked.
"Yeah, one with two backs." Renae snickered, just loud enough for me to hear.
"What's that?" Ginny asked.
"A joke you're not old enough to hear." I retorted.
"I'm thirteen, I'm not stupid." Ginny scoffed.
"Okay then, since you want to hear about it, George and I were heading to The Three Broomsticks and instead decided we'd rather have se-" I said in a cheery, matter-of-fact tone until she cut me off.
"EW! Stop! You did not just say that!" Ginny shrieked, face screwing up.
"You should be careful bringing up topics you're better off not asking about." I grinned, all the while pulling my scarf closer in a vain attempt to hide the numerous lovemarks George felt so compelled to leave me.
"Okay, let's just find Hermione and change the subject before I'm physically ill." Ginny huffed, already tearing off down the street.
"Was it something we said?" Renae cackled as we followed behind her at a more natural pace. By the time we caught up with Ginny, she was waiting by the door of the shop talking to Hermione.
"Mornin' Hermione," I greeted.
"Afternoon you mean." She corrected.
"Anything before 2pm on a Saturday is morning." I reassured her, but didn't allow her the chance to correct me again. "So are we ready to get this thing over with?"
"Hear, hear." Ginny concurred.
"Come on, aren't you guys excited even a little?" Renae gushed, pushing the door to the boutique open for us. There was barely room to close it again once we were all inside. The walls were swelling with the abundance of teenage girls hunting for their perfect dress.
"Not really." Hermione frowned, looking completely overwhelmed by her surroundings.
"Well, fine then!" Renae huffed when no one else answered and disappeared into a rack of black fabric.
Everyone then naturally broke off, eyes all drawn to different colors of fabric. I, on the other hand, had no vision guiding me because I had no idea what I wanted, not a cut or even a color.
Not orange or pink, though. That would look hideous with George's hair.
I started with the edges, walking steadily through the sections, thumbing through anything that looked interesting and quickly moving on when the gown didn't speak to me. That was one lesson my mother taught me while shopping for clothes, one of the only ones I managed to remember-"If it doesn't speak to you, sing to you, or move in any way-move on." My mother also used that to describe any type or music, food, art, film, photography and just about anything else you could think of. But that's not the point. The point is I took her advice, and rack after rack, I imagined my mother's reaction to each dress.
I felt a sudden pang of homesickness. I wished my mother could be there to help me pick out the perfect dress like when I was little and she was in charge of making the tough decision of what to wear. My hand caught something irresistibly soft and I forced myself away from my thoughts long enough to look at the material in my hand. Velvet.
Deep, dark, smooth, soft, red velvet.
I looked around to see that I had wandered off into a neglected corner of the store. Somehow, that felt better, as if having too many people seeing the dress before I tried it on would jinx it. It was full length with a halter neckline, and looked rather plain from the front. But in the back, it had a plunging waistline, as the velvet was cut out and replaced with jewel-encrusted gold chains-magically altered, guessing by the impossible lightness of the dress.
I was picturing what it would look like on, running the fabric through my fingers, when I heard a familiar laugh. "You'll never know how it looks if you don't try it on."
"Do you think I should?" I asked, turning to face Renae so I could hold up the dress for her to have a better look.
"Yes! In fact, I'm making you. Then you can help me decide between these!" Renae ordered, directing us to the dressing rooms. That was the first time I noticed the rainbow mountain of fluffy dresses piled in her arms.
I allowed myself to be dragged through the store and shaved into the small cube of a dressing room. I undressed and worked out how to get into the new dress with a minimal amount of stumbling and confusion. When I finally looked at my reflection, I couldn't remember why I hated wearing dresses. I also never realized the difference the right dress could make. My skin was glowing, my curves singing as the fabric clung to every line of my body perfectly. I couldn't believe that radiant smile I saw on the goddess standing before me, actually belonged to me.
The dress must be enchanted. There's no way I actually look like that.
"Andi! Come out! I wanna see!" Renae whined from the otherside of the curtain.
"Okay, but you have to be brutally honest. Promise me." I said with a warning tone, not wanting to get my heart set on the dress if it actually made me look like a bloated giraffe. I began to imagine the types of spells the owner could cast to drive sales, and I knew I couldn't trust the mirrors or even my own eyes.
"I promise. Just get out here already, would you?" Renae huffed, never the patient one.
I sighed, but knowing I had no reason or excuse any longer, I opened the door to find not just Renae but the whole group. Their collective gasp was not encouraging.
"What? Is it really that bad? I can change."
"Don't you dare!" Ginny growled, as everyone else shook their heads in agreement.
"She's right, Andrella. That's the absolute perfect dress for you." Hermione said softly.
"Really? You're sure I shouldn't try on more than just one dress?"
"That's the first dress you picked? Bloody Hell!" Ginny cursed.
"What?!" I asked defensively, feeling uncomfortable as they were all still staring at me.
"After you buy that, you're helping pick one out for me." Ginny ordered more than asked.
"So...I should buy it?" I asked them.
"YES!" came their sudden and sure, although exasperated reply.
"Okay, then. Just had to be certain." I laughed before returning to the stall, whipping the curtain shut on their hands as they reached out to push me away.
After getting changed into my own clothes, I searched the dress for a price tag, unable to find any sort of label, size, or any other sort of distinguishing mark on the inside. I decided to look for the shop owner and found Renae leaving the dressing room, empty-handed.
"They were all so terrible." She explained. "Once you pay for that, you can help me find a dress, too."
"Is this like my official duty now?" I groaned.
"Yes." Renae shot back. She lead me to the counter where a harried looking woman-who, by the looks of it, needed a dozen extra hands-stood watching a group of girls milling about the section with accessories.
"You think I don't have extra eyes around this place, watching out for thieves like you?!" She roared before she had a chance to greet us. Once she had their attention, she pointed at the mounted set of eyes placed around the room, specifically the one on the ceiling directly above where they were standing. She glared at them until they put down they purses and scarves they had no intention of purchasing, and moved on to look at dresses.
"Sorry, dears. Are you all ready, then?" The woman said to us sweetly, changing her demeanor with a turn of the head.
"Yes, I think this one is right for me-"
"No, this dress if perfect for you, Andi." Renae corrected me, positively beaming at the saleswoman. "And she absolutely must get it."
"Well, in that case, let's have a looksy." She said, eagerly clearing a space on the counter for me to set the dress down.
"Oh my," She inhaled sharply as she saw the dress. I laid it down with the back facing upward and the sparkle of the gold and jewel chains reflected in the lenses of her bifocals.
"Ma'am?" I asked gently, after the woman said nothing more and stared at the gown for a solid two minutes.
"So sorry, dears. I just never thought I'd see this again." She apologized, shaking her head to clear whatever image she had recalled to memory. "This dress is incredibly special."
"Special?" Renae repeated, urging the woman to explain.
"Is it invaluable?" I asked, nervously, seeing dollar signs flashing before my eyes. That gold work was no doubt real, and the jewels…
"Strictly speaking, it's not for sale."
"Not for sale? Then why did I find it over there with the rest of the dresses?" This was not making sense and despite what I said before about not getting attached, my heart was broken. This was the dress.
"That's why it's special, or at least a part of it." She smiled, not feeling the need to explain further. She returned to starting at the dress.
"I'm sorry, but I don't understand." I said, glancing over to Renae to see if it was just me and judging by the confused look on her face-it wasn't.
"About sixteen or seventeen years ago, a leggy blonde like you appears in the middle of my shop after I already locked the door. How she got in, I'll never know," It was clear by the way she was telling it, this was a story she liked to tell and hadn't had the chance to share with anyone in quite some time.
"Never in my life had I ever seen a sadder sight. Thankfully, I knew french or else it would have been impossible to understand her, even still it was difficult because she was hysterically crying. I thought she had come to sell me the dress. Sometimes girls in that way come to sell me their garments, trying to gather every last penny they she didn't want to sell it!
" Nope. Not at all. All she wanted to do was have me store it here for her. She offered to pay me for it! Can you imagine?
"Why would anyone want you to hold a dress for them?" Renae questioned.
"And pay for it no less!" The woman exclaimed, clearly still befuddled by the idea. "She refused to give me less than quite a few shiny galleons for it, too. All she asked was for me to follow some simple instructions."
"And those were?" I prompted. I felt an undeniable anxiety beyond what I normally experienced while listening to a story about a stranger, or even while dress shopping, which for me always involved dread and anxiety.
"She enchanted it." The woman said fondly. "Set it down on that rack right over there," She directed her attention to where I said I found it. "Waved her hand, didn't even use her wand, and the dress vanished. She said if I ever saw that dress again..." She paused a minute, staring down at the fabric on the table, as if triple checking that this entire interaction wasn't just some elaborate dream. "She said to give it to the person that pulled it from the rack, free of charge. She said consider what she paid me to cover the cost."
"And that's it? She never explained why she would leave a dress with you or who she was, even?"
"Nothing more. She disappeared as soon as I shook her hand in agreement. Standing here one second, gone the next." She said dreamily, half mystified and half horribly conflicted.
I didn't want to interrupt whatever she was feeling or thinking about, not entirely sure what I could get myself into but knowing it wouldn't be anything good. I looked to Renae but she simply shrugged her shoulders and started scanning through the nearby racks.
A loud crash was heard on the other side of the store as something unseen toppled over to the floor. Cursing, she finally turned her attention back to me. "I have to go attend to that. "She inclined her head in the direction of the commotion. "The dress if yours. Someone out there believes that this dress is meant specifically for you, and only you."
"Are you sure? I don't know if I feel right not paying for such a gorgeous dress?" I hesitated.
"I can't accept anything more for this dress. It was bought and paid for more than twice over. I have simply been keeping it here as per customer's request. But really, I have to go. Come back again, dear!"
"Thank you!" I called out to her retreating form, helping myself to a garment bag before slipping the dress inside delicately, spelling it back to my dorm, where it materialized instantly in my shared wardrobe with Renea. I wouldn't say I necessary enjoy being this different in terms of my magic use, mostly because of the associated drama it seemed to bring with it, but I couldn't deny it had its perks.
The store was too jumbled to notice the sudden use of advanced magic and I was proud to know I don't need to use the crowd to mask my weakness for performing magic like that. There was no usual weakness. I felt perfectly fine, more so with that dress. I was beaming, but only for a second. A blissfully second before I thought of how the dress came into my possession.
I needed to get out of there. There were too many people. I couldn't hear my own thoughts and I was terrified my anxiety might manifest in other ways if I didn't listen to my fight or flight instincts. My feet carried me to the door before I even realized I was moving. An arm reached out to grasp my own, stopping me in my tracks, feet still moving. I looked up to Renae, and although I could see her lips moving I could barely hear her asking me if I was okay.
"Yeah...Yeah, fine. Just have to go for a walk. Clear my head." I mumbled.
"But you didn't help me find a dress yet!" She whined.
I looked around at the rack of dresses I was standing near.. I pulled the first dress within arms reach and handed it to Renae. It was emerald and full length, with intricate black sequin design on the bodice, going down the seams of the sleek skirt. Looking around the store, I pulled my wand from my garter and spelled over two more dresses. "Give the pink one to Hermione and the cream one to Ginny."
"Okay." Renae said, accepting the dresses, her growing concern apparent in the wrinkles appearing near her mouth. "But come meet us at the Three Broomsticks when you're done, yeah?"
"Yeah, sure." I agreed, and without waiting for my mouth to say goodbye, my feet were pushing me to the door again. I didn't even bother to look up when I left the store, despite the sea of students. I kept my head down, feet determined. People almost seemed to leap out of the way. I kept walking where my feet were leading me until I was finally alone with my thoughts.
I was on a quieter street, leaning against the fence separating the village from the cavernous mountains behind them. My sight was focused far into the distance, trying to find where my thoughts had run off to with my sanity.
Why were things like this always happening to me? Events of all varieties that could be described by a plethora of words, none of them being "normal".
That's because you're not normal, came my mind's reply.
"Well that much is obvious," I said out loud to myself.
That woman was your mother.
It wasn't. My mother is a brunette. I shot back at myself, fully aware that a certain line had been crossed and I was officially insane.
Your birth mother left that dress for you.
I don't know it was her.
But you do. You can feel it. She was the crying french lady who left it behind while she was pregnant with you.
Why would she do that?
She must have known that she wouldn't be around to give it you personally and she wanted to make sure you got it. She must have had her reasons. Why else would she have gone to such great lengths?
"What is it then?!" barked, clicking my tongue in utmost frustration with my own brain for talking in riddles and keeping secrets from me.
"I was just coming to say hello but I see it's not the best time." Someone said from directly behind me, nearly scaring me off the fence I was leaning against.
"Merlin's pants! Don't do that, Elliott!" I chided, resisting the urge to slap him. Instead I rested my hand on my chest to feel the thud of my heart against it.
"'Merlin's pants'?" He snorted, coming to lean against the fence next to me. I was hyper aware of how close he placed himself next to me.
"Whatever. I was thinking and I didn't see you coming." I defended myself.
"Thinking about what?"
"My mother." I answered, knowing he wouldn't get the double meaning. It was the only reason I answered truthfully.
"Oh? Is she all right?" He asked.
She's dead, the voice snorted.
"Oh, yeah. Nothing like that. I just miss her."
You never met her.
"It's always hard for me around this time, although usually we get to go home and see them." He nodded sympathetically.
"Yeah, 'Tis the season, I guess." I added, non committed, still not feeling like being in anyone's company but not wanting to be rude. I was hoping he would get the hint when the conversation died but he didn't.
Instead he asked, "Got your dress yet? That's why you came, isn't? What does it look like?"
I couldn't speak or I knew it would be all over. As it were, the mountain were hidden behind a wall of salt water. I couldn't shake my head, afraid the motion would send the tears splashing everywhere.
"Andrella, are you okay?" Elliott asked when I didn't reply, he added, "Is it something I said?"
I had to shake my head then, I couldn't allow him to blame himself. It was just as feared, it was enough to break the dam and with a blink both cheeks were wet to the chin, tearing pouring from my stinging eyes.
"Andi? What's wrong?" Elliott said helplessly, his discomfort and confusion lear to the blind, as I temporarily was.
Now I couldn't answer him because I was crying, to the point of unwarranted hysteria. If it wasn't for the fence holding me up, my legs would have given out at the sudden outburst. As soon as I said that I had missed my mother I knew I had opened a floodgate.
Other me was right. I had never met my mother, how could I miss her? But I knew she left that dress for me. I never really had any doubt about it. When the woman told her story I saw it unfold in my mind like I was there, as vivid and clear as memories revisited with the pensive. It was all just too much, all at once.
"Andrella, what's happening?" What can I do?" Elliott pleaded, showing his ineptitude in consoling a crying woman.
I still said nothing, no ore able to speak now than before. The furthest I got was gaping like I fish. I knew I should be saying something now, anything. But even if my mouth would cooperate, I had nothing left to , he moved so that his arm stretched straight out, hand patting my back in what I'm sure he thought was a comforting manner. It made me feel useless, which in turn caused more tears.
"It's okay. Shh." He said, trying to keep the panic from his soothing words.
It wasn't okay and it never would be. I would never get the chance to meet my mother in the way I wanted to, with the both of us alive, instead of the both of us dead. But only the first was impossible, the latter inevitable, but hopefully avoidable for many years. I fought a fresh wave of emotion, trying to give Elliott's attempts to calm me down the benefit of the doubt. They certainly wouldn't work if I kept getting worked up about everything, or the same thing, over and over again.
Eventually, I calmed down enough to be able to thank him. Thunderous sobbing had been reduced to subdued whimpering, and then at last, numbness and apathy. I couldn't even be embarrassed about my completely public mental breakdown. I could barely care about anything, which was exactly what I needed. I couldn't afford to care.
You can't afford not to.
Shut up.
"Thank you." I said, and even to my own ears, my voice sounded hollow. I would need to work on that the instant I could be bothered.
"For what?" Elliott asked, clearly perplexed.
"For helping me." Again, stony-faced, no feelings in my words.
"That's what mates are for, aren't they?" Elliott laughed it off, but his cheeks colored rosier by the second.
"So we're still mates, then?" I asked, feeling a trace of relief break through my shell of non-feelings.
"You're joking, right? We spend nearly three nights a week studying and you have to ask if we're friends?"
"I meant friends still, after that." I added quickly, surprised at how offended he was.
"I wouldn't be a very good mate if I was upset at you for missing your family." Elliott replied, sincerely yet sarcastically, which was quite typical for him.
"I suppose not."
"Good, then let these two mates...," He said moving his hand which had been resting idly on my back to link his elbow around mine and tug us until we were both upright. "Head over to the Three Broomsticks to get some butterbeer as a pick me up." Elliott finished his suggestion.
"I already had to go there. I'm meeting the rest of the girls for drinks. I only just remembered."
"Aren't you the popular one?" Elliott joked.
"What can I say, the people love me."
"And so humble!"
"Shut up! You're jealous!"
"Of what? Hermione and the girl ginger?" He snorted.
"Hey! Watch it. Those are my friends."
"I know, I'm sorry. I was just trying to lighten the mood." He winced at my harsh tone.
"You're right. I'm sorry, too. Let's not ruin the fun with a fight."
"The fun? The fun of what? Nearly freezing to death?" He asked skeptically.
"The fun of not being stuck in the library all Saturday!" I retorted.
"I don't know if I should take offense to that."
"Oh, come on. When have you ever thought to yourself "I'd rather be studying"?"
"Frequently." Elliott replied, clearly perplexed as to why I was asking.
"Must be a Ravenclaw thing." I said dismissively.
He's a lost cause.
Elliott was clearly moving his lips to form words but they died on his tongue, as if his brain literally reached down to told them back. Thankfully for us both, we had arrived at the Three Broomsticks at last and followed a rather large group of Hufflepuff Seventh years (all wearing Potter Stinks badges). It kept our conversation just this side of the border of awkward and uncomfortable.
All we had left to say was goodbye. That was where it did, in fact, get awkward, me going for a hug, him a handshake. It left us at the perfect angle for him to punch me in the the gut.
"Andi! I'm so sorry!" Elliott stammered, his hands going to hold where he hit me. It wasn't that bad, until we both realized how low his hands were placed on my hips, and then it was dreadful. Stuttering he began to apologize perfusefully, now for an entirely different reason.
"It's okay. I'm fine. But from now on, we'll just wave goodbye." laughed it off, even though my hip stung from where I was hit and my cheeks stung from where he had just touched me.
"I'm so sorry, Andrella." he apologized again and judging by his fire engine red face, he truly meant it.
"It's fine, Elliott, really." I smiled at him, forcing my face muscles to keep it from it turning into a grimace. "Now let's try this again." I waved at him in an exaggerated fashion, channeling her majesty herself. Turning pinker still, Elliott returned a timid wave before heading over to meet up with his fellow Ravenclaws. I scanned the pub and found Renae had already spotted me and was flagging me over to her table in the back corner of the pub.
I took a deep breath to steady myself before heading over, forcing the corners of my mouth upwards into what was hopefully a convincing smile as I closed in.
"Hey, guys."
"Don't you 'hey, guys' us!" Renae shrieked, pulling me into the booth next to her. "What was all that about?"
"What? Oh, with Elliott? Nothing, just ran into him on my walk over."
"You two seem pretty close," Ginny noted and I was not particularly fond of the look she was giving me.
"I have seen you guys at the library quite a lot over the past few weeks." Hermione added, quite unhelpfully.
"I was comforting him." I lied easily. "Poor bloke hasn't found a date to the ball, yet."
"Did he ask you again?" Renae blurted out before I could stop her. Rest assured, the glare sent her way was something fearsome.
"What?!" Ginny asked, nearly choking on her drink.
"No. I don't think he would bother with that again. I've already told him I'm going with George." I answered Renea, ignoring Ginny's outburst.
"What right does he think he has going around asking other people's girlfriends to the ball?" Ginny huffed.
"I don't think he really has many other friends, I mean female friends." Hermione pointed out, again doing nothing to help my case.
"It's a waste of time really. I don't think I've ever seen anymore more obviously meant for eachother than those two." Renea laughed, finally saying something to my credit. That's why she's my favorite.
"It is rather disgusting, isn't it?" Ginny replied, a smile finally coaxed onto her face.
"Anyway, if you're done discussing the "grossness factor" of my relationship." I paused to make sure they understand that this was not a question and it would no longer be a topic up for debate. "How did you guys like your dresses?"
"Not that I'm forgetting that you disappeared on us, but you're a bloody fashion genius, Andi! Why have you been holding out on us?" Ginny whined.
"Sorry. Had to get out of there, too many people. But I'm glad you liked your dress."
"Since when have large groups ever held you back?" Ginny retorted.
Hermione added, "Especially when you're causing mischief with her brothers?"
Thankfully I didn't have to explain myself because Renae let out a knowing laugh. "Andi has claustrophobia, but only while clothes shopping."
"It's most unfortunate." I sighed dramatically.
"However will you live?" Ginny smirked, finishing off her butterbeer.
How long did I talk to Elliott? It only seemed like a minute, but everyone was finishing their drinks except me.
"And did you like your dress Hermione?" I asked.
"Honestly?"
"Of course. I'd be offended otherwise."
"I didn't think I would like it at first, because of how girly it is. I thought I would look horrible in it." Hermione admitted.
"But?" I laughed at how serious she was being.
She patted the garment bag next to her. "But here it is. You really do have a talent."
"Who would have thought? Andrella as a personal stylist?" Renea teased.
"Certainly not me." I grinned in good humor.
"Thanks to you, Krum and my stupid brother will be drooling over Hermione and I won't look like a complete tart in the dress my mom sent me. Thanks for that, by the way." Ginny said the last part in a hurried rush, but I was able to make it out.
I knew she must have been embarrassed when she opened her bag to find the money I left her with a note saying it was for her to buy a dress. Because I knew she wouldn't accept it otherwise and I couldn't tell her the honest truth, I told her the dress was very old and therefore very inexpensive. I'm glad she let me do it because I truly did not need the money, and that mint, fru-fru dress Mrs. Weasley had sent for Ginny was perfectly dreadful.
"Is that really who you're going to the ball with Hermione? Good for you." I smirked once I noticed her cheeks reddening as I complimented her.
"Yes, but it really isn't a big deal." Hermione pleaded.
"Oh, but it is." Renea corrected her, putting two fingers in the air to get Rosmerta's attention. "I'd wager half the student body will be jealous."
"Including my brother." Ginny snickered. "I'm sure he'd love to go to the ball with Krum." Ginny's joke had all of us laughing, including Hermione.
"Speak of the devil." I said, spotting Ron and Harry at the entrance.
"Oi!" Ginny called, waving her hands to grab their attention. Unable to miss the signal, Ron and Harry quickly headed over to our table, pulling up chairs to sit down with us.
"How are you lot?" Ron asked, scanning the room for his favorite barmaid.
"Better now." Renea grinned as Rosmerta levitated the mugs of butterbeer we ordered over to the table.
"Thanks and two more, please." I said, fishing the coins from my pocket.
"You don't have to do that." Harry and Ron protested as I paid Rosmerta for the drinks.
"Don't worry about it. I spent far less on my dress than expected," I reassured him, sharing a meaningful look with Renea, before focusing my attention on the boys.
"Enough about the bloody ball already!" Ron groaned. "Doesn't anyone have anything else to talk about?"
"Still haven't found dates, then?" Ginny smirked and I was delighted to see the expression shadowed on Hermione's face.
"It's got nothing to do with that!" Ron countered, too quickly to be believable.
"Too bad you aren't a girl." Renea mused, confusing the rest of the table.
"Excuse me?" Ron gaped at her.
"It's just that Andi's friend needs a date to the ball, but I don't think he'd be too keen to take you." She giggled.
"Oookay." Ron replied, still confused.
"It's nothing." I said quickly, hoping to change the subject once we had finally managed to move on from it. "So what were you two doing if not finding formal wear?"
"Taking the chance to get away from the castle." Harry said in a darker tone than usual, even for him. I guessed it had to do with the "Potter Stinks" badges going off all around him.
"Don't let it get to you, Harry. There are plenty of people who support you." I reassured him.
"Thanks." he said lamely, eyes flickering to the group of Slytherins laughing loudly, proudly sporting their hateful (and honestly pretty lame) badges. Noticing that the table consisted of the few Slytherins I wished to be dead, or at least permanently suffering, I did not feel bad about what I did next. I pointed my wand at them underneath the table, although truth be told I didn't need it.
Appearances are an important thing to maintain especially in front of enemies.
"What the Hell?" I heard the chorus of protest wash out any previous laughter and knew my spell had worked.I kept my expression neutral as their badges began to sing "Potter For The Win!"
We didn't have a chance to react before they were upon us. Marcus Flint was the one to speak for the group of effected Slytherins that crowded around our table. "Change them back." Flint growled in what I'm sure he thought was a menacing way as more faces turned to see what the fuss was about.
"You know, I don't think I will." I mused casually, but I stood to face him. I noticed that at eye-level, I couldn't hide my satisfied smirk as I saw the anger flash in his eyes.
Good.
"You did this?" He turned his glare from Harry to me and then back and forth again. To his credit, Harry looked just as confused as to why I would stand up for him so publically.
"Yeah, I did. I'm not undoing it either." I broke the heated glare between Flint to let it fall onto each of the others-stopping longer on each of the faces from that night-so they knew just how serious I was. "It's time you take those off and get over yourselves." With nothing more than a smirk I dropped back into my seat and in a tone one might discuss the weather, concluded "We're done here." I then turned my attention back to my friends and more importantly, my drink.
"I wouldn't." I heard Harry mutter darkly beside me.
"Don't worry, Harry." I said, remaining calm. "He's obviously scared if he waited until my back was turned to try something." Turning my smirk to the person in question, I asked, "Isn't that right, Marcus?"
"Why you little-" He started, fists balling at his sides.
"Bitch?" I offered. "Yeah, I've heard that before, but point your want at my back again, and I'll not only show you why it's true, but I'll give you a reason to warrant your fear. Now run along." I shooed him off with vivid hand gestures.
I made to turn around again but catching the sight of his wand arm raising, I whipped back around already sending a barrage of hexes at his chest. I hated to admit it, but dueling practice with Professor Moody had helped. My instincts were sharp fro the practice of constant vigilance and I made sure Marcus Flint was very sorry for that fact.
"I told you you wouldn't like it." I laughed at the sight in front of me.
Even I was impressed by my quick thinking, the hexes I choose on instinct combining to create rather hilarious results. Hilarious for everyone except Flint, I suppose, who only barely resembled a human being. All visible flesh was covered in boils, blisters, and hives that swelled so quickly his wand fell to the floor. Glowing red devil horns sprouted from his head, a scaly red tail grew from his back end, while his feet became hooves. He tried to call out but the only sound he could make was the braying of a donkey.
I turned to the group of Slytherins gaping at their defeated and deformed leaders and addressed them as a whole, "I suggest you get him some medical attention and a lesson in manners." When they made no motion to leave, I growled. "Go! Get him out of my sight or I swear you'll all be next!"
That at least seemed to spark their brains back into the minimal level of function they were capable of to execute my demands. With heated glares and mumbled threatened, they collected their friend and left.
"Listen, not that I minded what you did to them-that was brilliant-but what the bloody hell was that about?" Ron asked in his ever so elegant fashion.
More questions I couldn't answer shot at me through the wide eyes of my friends and it hit me suddenly the severity of what I had just done, in front of so many witnesses, no less. I saw Rosmerta making her way over to us, and by the look in her face it wasn't for a congratulatory drink on the house.
"It doesn't matter. I have to go before I get us all banned." I said quickly, turning my back to their protest on my way to reach Rosmerta in her warpath. I spoke before she could magically toss my arse out into the snow, which by the way she was looking at me I could tell the thought had crossed her mind.
"I'm sorry for causing such a scene at your place of business, Rosmerta. I am leaving now and I promise to never act so disrespectful or create a comotion like that again."
She didn't say anything, just nodded her head in acceptance of my apology. I walked to the door, aware of the eyes on my back. When the door closed behind me, I couldn't keep up the charae of collectedness. I ran back down the path leading to the castle at a dead sprint, feeling the start of yet another panic attack. It seemed like I was plagued with them now, ever since that first note. I prayed to whatever spirits were listening to help keep me together at least until I was alone; I couldn't make another scene today.
I was running faster than I ever had before, even when I still bothered to keep in shape. I could barely feel my feet as they touched the ground. There was no burn in my muscles as I ran too hard without stretching first. I wondered if my magic was somehow aiding in my escape and if so, who was I but to accept the help. I pushed myself faster and faster, until the students milling about were just a blur in my peripheral. I felt the tears well in my eyes, but they couldn't fall as they were being pushed backward with the force of the wind I was creating with my speed.
I wasn't worried for my safety of my magic enhanced speed, because that was one of the only aspects of my life I felt I had control over right now. My mental state was a different story and I felt the panic flourish as the gates to the caste grew larger at an alarming rate.
I couldn't go back yet, couldn't face the faces and the look in their prying eyes.
Don't go back then.
But where will I go?
Anywhere but there. Look how quick you got here. That walk should have taken at least fifteen minutes, not three.
So?
You can go anywhere so what's stopping you?
At the last second I made a sharp right turn, my feet working faster than my mind as I raced in the direction of the Forbidden Forest.
I say you can go anywhere and you choose here?
Yeah, well. I had to make a quick decision. At least I'm alone.
Yeah, with dozens of things ready and eager to eat you.
Bring it.
Not what you'll be saying if a hoard of a acromantulas rolls up on us.
What do I have to do to make you go away?
Fine! Good luck surviving in here by yourself.
Good riddance.
It was odd having a conversation with myself inside my head, and I knew it made my clinically mad, but it was also a nice distraction some of my darker thoughts. Which I was now completely alone with. I slowed my pace due to the simple fact that the roots and rocks of the forest would not allow me to safely run. Now that I was deep enough into the forest that it was dark as dusk despite being midday, I knew I was finally alone.
The immediate threat of being seen was avoided. All I needed to do now was find a quiet place to fall apart just long enough to figure out how to put myself back together again. A few more steps and I entered a small clearing with the perfect resting spot. A large boulder sat in the center without any snow on top, and I knew that this would be the best spot I could find. Without much reason at all to believe so, I had a feeling that this place would be safe enough to stay here uninterrupted.
I lifted myself onto the rock, scooting back as I lifted my legs to my chest to have a place to rest my head. It was snowing lightly, but the flakes were caught on the leafless canopy above me. I didn't care that it was snowing or that I might catch cold. At least then I'd have a physical illness-something I could fight. Because there was no cure to the thoughts that ravaged my mind, but there was no holding them in anymore, either. If I didn't allow them to run their course down my cheeks in the forms of tears now, then I knew they'd burst out at the worst time like in class or in the form of anger, like before with Flint. I had lost control back there because the day had been too much to handle after learning about my mother and being harassed about Elliott. I didn't regret that I made Flint pay in a public way for his neanderthal way, but I couldn't explain the reason why to anyone and I was afraid of what Dumbledore would say.
It was better to do this now, but it did not make it any more pleasant. It was plenty easy though, to allow my questions and negative thoughts to slip out in rapid succession. After all, they had been begging to do so all the time lately.
At least I'm alone. I chanted in my mind like a mantra until a voice in my mind answered back, and it wasn't other me.
Of course you're alone. Who'd want to spend time with someone like you.
I was just with my friends.
Sure, they were your friends but how can you be so sure now? You just showed them all what a psychotic freak you are.
I'm not psychotic and I'm not a freak. I have family and friends who know what I am and still love me.
Renea only knows the half of it and don't get me started about George.
George loves me.
No, George loves your body and how easily you give it to him. But once he realizes how fucked up you are in the head, once he's bored with you, you really think he'll stay? Who would?
She-whoever the hell "she" is-was right. I had those doubts, those fears. I was only just beginning to know what it means to be Ismerte, and the more I learned the more insane my life seemed to get. I had limited knowledge to begin with and what I did know wasn't altogether clear or particularly helpful. There was such I was discovering and already there was so many complications. I already had enemies and I didn't even know the reason I had them. I was having visions, hearing voices, and discovering powers I didn't think anyone-let alone myself-could possess. Who knows what could come next, but I knew something big was coming with Greyback or Malfoy or one of the unknown others gunning to their shot to kill me, since there seemed to be quite the que these days. A shiver ran down my spine as I remembered the last time I had been in the forest.
Why did I ever think I could come here to feel safe?
I couldn't do this to George. I was already asking too much of him and I will continue to do so because I am too selfish to let him go now that I finally had him. But I wouldn't go out of my way to worry hm by putting myself in danger, which i had to admit I was doing at the moment just by being here.
I took a sobering breath, willing the tears to stop flowing so I could make it back to the castle without causing yet another scene. I needed to find George so I could hold him in my arms and not let him leave for a very, very long time.
I started headed west toward the back entrance of the castle in hopes of encountering as few people as possible. I considered making myself invisible and when I heard a twig snap behind me I did exactly that. I also willed my footprints to disappear. As soon as I moved my foot to step again, all traces of my trail vanished as I quickened my pace to get out of the forest. The trees began to thin and I could see the outline of Hagrid's hut. I ran eagerly forward, stopping when I heard a set of familiar voices.
"I'm glad we're finished. I think Drella's starting to get suspicious" I whirled around to find the source of the voice and saw two heads of shaggy red hair a few meters behind me.
"Why'd she be suspicious? You're always in detention." Fred snorted.
I stood frozen to the spot with my own curiosity and inability to do anything without alerting them to my position.
"Yeah, but until recently she's been right there with us." George explained.
"It's hard to get detention when you spend your life with your book in a nose in the library." Fred said, shaking his head disapprovingly at the idea.
I had to keep myself from snorting in indignation.
"Still it's proven useful."
"That they have, my good brother. That they have. But, hey can't say I'm not glad to not have any more fake detentions."
"Seriously. We have enough real detentions as it is." George laughed.
Fake detentions?
I started to feel my blood heat up but I had no time for anger now. They were about to walk straight into me in a moment if I didn't act quickly. I couldn't move to do anything/ There'd be too much to explain. My eyes caught a snow covered branch a little behind where they were walking and knew it was my only option. I willed the snow accumulating on the branch to fall off, but was disappointed when it did not immediately work. Taking a deep breath I tried again and was pleased when the snow came tumbling to the ground.
"What the Hell?" Fred exclaimed as they both turned to look at the cause of the comotion. I used their distraction to move out of their path to hide behind a tree. Even though I was invisible, I couldn't fight the compulsion to hide.
"What was that?" George asked once they checked to make sure they were safe.
"I don't know, but we better hurry if we still want to make lunch." Fred grumbled, but even though he tried to play it off, I could tell it had made him uneasy.
Good. That's what they get for lying to me.
Welcome to the darkside, blondie.
"Do you think Drella will be back from her shopping trip?" George asked his brother.
"Could you not?" Fred groaned.
"Would be easier to not do something if I knew what that something was."
"Act as if the world will stop if you don't see her every two hours"
"I'll have you know it's been four. Besides I don't act like that." George retorted.
"Point made." Fred scoffed. "You are completely whipped."
"You say that like its a bad thing."
"It is! Or it would be, if it wasn't Andi."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Yeah, Fred. What's that supposed to mean?
"I love Andi, obviously not the same way as you but I do. She's totally awesome, wicked smart, absolutely gorgeous and she has the most wonderful a-"
"Watch it!" George warned.
"Ability to make you agreeable in the morning and I get it. But please, please, please be a man about and stop acting like a lovesick puppy!" Fred snapped.
"I am being a man about it." George practically growled, in such a possessive way I knew I should be angry, but all I felt was a rush of heat between my legs.
"Alright, alright. I don't want the details. I can make those out just fine by the marks on your neck, and I must say, good God, man! Have you no decency?" Fred joked, pulling George's scarf up to cover the marks I didn't even realize I left on him.
Looks like we're even then.
"You wouldn't even have to ask if you've seen hers." George snickered. I felt my cheeks burning and knew if I wasn't invisible they would be an embarrassing shade of pink.
"I haven't seen any marks on her and trust me I've been looking."
"Well, they wouldn't be in places she's likely to show you, are they?"
"You scoundrel!" Fred gasped before playfully patting him on the back. "But seriously good for you as long as you're being safe. You are being safe aren't you? And treating her like a lady?"
"Yes, mother." George huffed at the scolding look Fred gave him.
"You're damn lucky not to be having this conversation with mum. She'd lock you away to protect what's left of your defective virtue."
Fred's been spending time with Sir Cadogan, I see.
"Well, I wouldn't be alone would I? Or what about that muggle girl? What's her name? Sara or was it Tara? Does she not count?" George asked, wiggling his eyebrows at his brother suggestively.
"Hey, now. There's no need to bring Kara into this."
"Okay then. So what about Angelina? Don't act like I don't know what happens during your and Angelina's bi-weekly meeting on top of the Astronomy tower." George sniggered.
"Well, at least I don't allow her to leave evidence!"
"If you knew what it was she was doing when she gave them to me, you wouldn't be teasing me. You'd be jealous."
"Stop! I don't want to know about the things you do behind those curtains or any of the ways you've corrupted our best friend!" Fred insisted, covering his ears so he could just barely hear his twin's laughter.
I allowed them to get a ways ahead of me. I had to stop and think about what I was going to say to them when I saw them again, knowing they had been lying to me. Most importantly, I had to let my blood cool down. His words were perhaps a bit too possessive, but the tone he said them in paired with the heated look in his eyes affected me more than angered me. It was like he was proud of what we had done. The thought confused me and excited me further. I wished I could be angry with him, that would be far easier, but I couldn't be. After all, I had talked just as candidly with Renea and usually shared every last detail, because unlike Fred, she wanted to know.
It was easier to recall the earlier part of their conversation, where they discussed that they were lying and keeping secrets from me. The anger caused a distraction from the more confusing emotions I was challenged with, but only momentarily. I couldn't afford to dwell on that either; I needed to calm myself down enough. I needed to be level headed enough to think of a story, keep a secret-be a hypocrite. But I couldn't tell them I was alone in the woods and I overheard everything they had just been saying either.
Once they were a safe enough distance ahead of me that I could be sure they wouldn't hear the snow crunching under my feet, I began to follow their path. I couldn't really be angry at them for hiding something from me, as I intended to the exact thing as second unwanted, unhelpful voice of conscious pointed out. However, that didn't necessarily mean that I couldn't get back at them for it-I just needed to create the right circumstances. The crunching of the snow beneath my feet gave me the perfect idea.
I quickened to close the distance between us just far enough that I could ensure accuracy, before setting my plan into motion. I pointed my wand at the mountains of snow around me and created two perfectly round snowballs that I sent hurtling at the twins' backs.
"What the Hell?" Fred exclaimed for the second time as they both whipped around, eyes ablaze and wands ready.
"Your faces!" Was all I managed to say before I doubled over laughing.
"You think this is funny?" George asked in such a serious tone I knew I should be afraid.
I decided to tempt fate and bait him by scoffing, "Obviously."
"You won't soon enough!" He smirked before sharing a look with Fred.
I didn't have to know them as well as I did to know that their identical grins meant trouble. My laughter stopped as all my focus when into dodging the twin snowballs heading straight for my face. I swerved away from one, but the other clipped my shoulder.
"This means war!" I declared.
"You started it!" They chorused, sending more snowballs my way.
"I'll end it, too!" I yelled defiantly, pointing my wand over my shoulder.
Hearing the crunch of snowballs and defeated groans I allowed myself to turn around, confident the spell had worked. I couldn't contain my excitement when I saw that I had, in fact, constructed a giant snow fortress and a rather impressive one at that. The snow was layered in a compact brick format with spy holes to see outside and openings to send snowballs. It had a second story ledge, a spiral stone stairway leading up to where the snow cannons were mounted.
"Now what?" I called out to them, peering through one of the archways.
After sharing a much less confident look, they replied, "Now we wage war!"
"Ten minutes to assemble your fort and your team and then the battle begins!" I decreed, very much feeling like a snow queen. This year I won't lose!
From our very first winter at Hogwarts, we started a snowball fight. As we grew older and learned more complicated magic, it has escalated to full on snow warfare. It was always a spectacle with crowds gathering hoping to be picked early for their chosen team. This year the crowd was larger than ever and there was an intoxicating buzz from the all the excitement. I peeked a glance back over to the twins who had their head bent together with mouths moving so fast it was impossible to read their lips (something I usually had a talent for).
"Hey!" I shouted, waiting until I had their attention to continue. "What if we mix things up this year?"
"What are you proposing?" George countered.
"Girls versus boys? The numbers are even enough with everyone here."
"Extend the grace period to twenty minutes and you've got yourself a deal." Fred beamed.
"Twenty minutes then." I nodded before redirecting my attention to the crowd, still wondering how world had spread so quickly. "Come on ladies, what are you waiting for? There's work to be done!"
My grn widened as I saw about twenty girls eagerly running to my fort. It didn't bother me that a slightly larger group of boys were running off to join the twins. I saw my friends about the faces-some of the brightest witches in the school and knew we were at least evenly matched. They rounded the back entrance and I let down the snow wall so they could join me in the fortress.
"Okay, so we may be outnumbered, but we will not be outwitted. That is not to say we should underestimate our opponents. We should do the opposite! We should do everything to ensure victory!" I said passionately, invoking the spirit of a determined war general.
"What about having fun?" a Hufflepuff girl I didn't recognize asked.
"That my dear girl, is implied with winning." I laughed, perhaps playing my part too well. "Now. Each and every one of you will have your individual strengths and we must utilize , Angelina, Alicia, and Rebeca will man the cannons. Padma and Parvati can be our lookouts on the ledge.
"Is there anyone else with a particularly good aim?" I asked.
Three girls stepped forward-Cho Chang, the fun-seeking Hufflepuff, and her equally moody-looking friend.
"Good. You guys can go to the roof with the others. You guys are coming to be in charge of trying to make the structure of their fort collapse."
"Hermione, take a group you guys can go with them and block attacks from our own structure. The two of you," I pointed to a group of Ravenclaw third years I didn't know by name, "are in charge of making sure we never run out of snowballs, and you three are going to shoot out with me down here. Luna, you take the roof position." I directed my troops. "Get ready for a group blitz attack in five minutes and remember: No mercy!"
I will not lose this year.
"Aye aye, Captain." Ginny saluted before leading her group upstairs with Hermione to get started on fortifying the upstairs and stockpiling cannonballs.
Looking out through one of the peepholes I could see Fred and George working to construct their fort in between ordering around their own troops. I was serious about this being a war. I was serious about winning this year, too. Too many years now have I felt the bitter humiliation of defeat. But this year was different-I knew I had the team, the will, and most importantly, the power to win.
Positively beaming I returned to the task of preparing for the assault and devising the perfect battle plan. These plans involved catapults and a last resort, code red, plan z, should the boys decide to play dirty. I was hoping it wouldn't come to that, but I wouldn't put it past them. I couldn't put it past myself and they were each as competitive by themselves, but it they only brought it out more in each other.
After finishing the catapults, which when fired would strike the weakest points in their construction, I turned to the group of girls closest to me-more faces I recognized with faces that escaped me. "These are not to be touched until I give you the word. Understood?"
"Okay, Andrella." The blonde one responded.
"But what's the word?" The other asked.
"Only release these if you hear me shout "Code Red" at least three times, okay?"
"Sure thing, captain." The blonde giggled. I nodded at her before rushing up to the second level. I only allowed myself to smile once my back was turned. I know they loved to call me captain, general, commander, and the sort as a way to make fun of how seriously I took what was supposed to be a friendly game, but that didn't stop me from loving it. I couldn't let them know, though; They might stop.
When I climbed the last stair I was pleased to see things were moving along nicely. Hermione was instructing the girls on the most useful spells and charms to help them make their snowballs larger and hit harder. Hermione was instructing the girls on the roof construction. It was flat and solid-the best design to ward off aerial attacks that would undoubtedly be hurtled our way.
"It's looking great everyone!"
"This is the second roof." Luna said airly, not taking her concentration off the ever-growing pile of snowballs she was creating. "Hermione said it would be best to have a back up."
"She was right. Clever, that Hermione." I chuckled, looking around at everything that had been done in such a short amount of time.
"Alright everyone it's almost time." I said loudly, waiting until everyone upstairs had heard me. "Give it everything you got. Show them what a group of girls can do when they work together with a purpose. Today's purpose is victory and having fun as we get it!"
I finished that speech to cheers I went down and repeated a similar one while the seconds ticked down. I was confident and nervous but I tried to only let the first emotion show. I was impressed at the group behind me all working quickly to ensure our triumph despite their playful protests.. They had friends, boyfriends, cousins, and brothers on the other side that they wanted to beat as badly as I wanted to best Fred and George. Unsure of what to do next, I made snowballs and lined them against the wall near the opening where I stationed myself. I did this until the timer I created to hand in midair rand out signaling that the grace period was over.
"There's still a chance to back down, Wendling." George started.
"And save yourselves the embarrassment of defeat." Fred finished.
"Not a chance, Weasley!" I called back to an answering cheer from my girls.
"Don't say we didn't give you the option!"
"Same goes for you, seeing as you're the ones who will need it!" I heard Ginny reply to her brothers from somewhere above me.
"Enough small talk. Are you ready to get your arses kicked?" I taunted them.
"Bring it!" Fred challenged, enticing a war cry from the guys on his team.
Whirling around to face the girls in the room. "Ready?" I asked. A battle cry shook both floors of the fortress as all around me snowballs rushed past me. The blast of cannons shook the ceiling with force, sending ice shavings raining to the floor.
The battle had begun.
XOXO
Author's Note:
'ELLO LOVELIES.
I'm proud to give you Chapter 21 (31 pages!). As always, I am honored you have all invested the time to read my story (255 pgs)! The only thing that makes me more excited than logging onto my accounts and seeing that people from Poland, Italy, Spain, and all over the world are reading-is talking to you guys about it! I'd love to know what you think!
Any concerns about Draco? The twins and their secrets? Most importantly, do you think Andrella will finally win the annual snow fight?
This chapter is dedicated to these three who took the time to tell me what they thought! THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO TOOK THE TIME TO READ THIS. I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU ALL SOON. ;)
lukeskywalker: Sirius Black as a character and Gary Oldman as a man will always be dashing in spite of their age. ;)
Gryffinclawpufferin: Thank you! I'm working as hard as I can to give you the ending you deserve! I can see it so clearly it's just a matter of getting there and doing my vision justice.
tiffyrose: I don't know how long you've been reading (?) but THANK YOU for dealing with my nonsense and sticking with the story! I'm so glad that you've liked my story enough to keep reading through those awful first chapters and that my practice and fancy college classes paid off (lol, no. see disclaimer!). Thank you so much! I hope you like where I'm about to take this. (Muahahaha!)
Ex's and Oh's
Audrey V. Sullivan