In the Era of a Legend :: (Closed to LadyShalott) :: WARNING: 18+ content

George nodded and closed the door, blushing a bit more than before. Not just because he was going to see her again without her shirt on, but because of the great respect he had for her. He wasn't like other guys, he wasn't just thinking about her body as an object, but as something that should be respected until the time, if it ever came, that she would allow him to explore it.

He sighed, knowing Cormac probably wasn't as respectful towards her.

He smiled at Maria as he went over to her and nodded, putting a gentle arm on her shoulder.
"I know, I rather you trust me than some random." He laughed and helped her take the vest and the shirt off. His hands trembled slightly, but he was able to keep a calm face as he inspected the bandages. Slowly he took them off, to see if she had a bruise on her rib, which thankfully she didn't, but he couldn't help but want to keep unraveling the bandage to see if her other bruise was still there, the one he increasinly suspected was from Cormac. He bit his bottom lip and decided it was best for it to leve it alone and be a bit more careful with the topic.

He but the bandage back on, bit tighter than it was before seeing as it was recently hurt again. Once he was finished he sat on her bed and smiled slightly at her.
"That was pretty scary, Cormac I mean... Has he ever acted this way before? You say he has a firm grip, has he ever hurt you before?" He was hoping his question wouldn't be too obvious, but Maria was a smart girl and it made him kind of nervous.

--------------------------------------------
Tears ran down my face, one hand to my cheek and the other on my mouth as I sobbed. Pansy and Millicent Bulstrode held on to me so I wouldn't colapse to the floor. I couldn't believe what had just happened, I couldn't believe I kissed Fred and I couldn't believe Marcus would slap me with such brute force, I felt the effects of the firewhiskey vanish with that slap, I was sober now, and completely aware of what was going on.

But still all I could do was sob as I watched Fred beat up Marcus. Pansy and Millicent were obviously pissed off that the most popular boy in school and Slytherin Quidditch Team captain was being beat up by some Gryffindor, but they were still there for me. It got me thinking that maybe I didn't need Marcus as much as I thought.

I wasn't going to leave him, though, not over this. This was all my fault, and Fred hadn't even returned my kiss, or at least he was starting to when Marcus pulled me off him. It was quite clear that Fred didn't feel the same way about me, and this was all my mistake. Marcus wasn't to blame for any of this.

I continued to sob, the slap was so hard it even made my neck hurt, I felt my cheek was on fire and I was pretty sure it would stay red for a long while.

Fred guided me out of the Hufflepuff common room and to be honest I was glad to be out off there, not just because of what happened, but I felt like I couldn't even breathe down there.
"I am so sorry, Fred." I cried once we were alone. "I shouldn't have kissed you, I don't know what came over me, it was out of line, I was out of line."

-----------------------------------
The music stopped and a Hufflepuff girl stood on the table Fred and George had earlier, she pointed her wand to her neck and amplified her voice.
"I think that will be all for tonight guys, this was a night of fun and unity, we never meant anyone to get hurt. Muggle borns please make sure you're escorted by a pure or half blood on the way to the common rooms."

The people there didn't groan, they'd just seen what had happened, the royal couple was in the brink of ending and they were sort of mourning it already. Quietly they walked out of the common room, leaving the firewhiskey behind.

Cormac went over to Marcus. Alexandria had kissed Fred, and Maria left with George, the night was sucking epically for both of them. He took out his wand and cleared his throat.
"Finite Incantatum." I small light shot over to Marcus, causing him to unfreeze. He pointed his wand at his face. "Episkey." The cracking of Marcus's nose was pretty loud, meaning it had succesfully fixed itself. He gave Marcus his hand so he could help him up. "Rough night, huh?" He asked with arms crossed. "Alex kisses Fred and Maria leaves me here for George, sounds to me like we need to do something about this."

I flinched lightly when he put his hand on my shoulder, letting out a sigh, relaxing. Why was I still skittish? It's just George. Shaking my head, I blushed even more as he helped me remove the vest and the shirt- cautiously. And I knew why he was being cautious. Hell, I was being cautious as well.

"I'd trust you with my life," I laughed lightly, but frowning lightly, feeling him trying to keep his hands from trembling- but why? He shouldn't be that nervous around me. "Are you cold?" I questioned him, "Or just incredibly pissed off? I don't know. You looked like you were going to kill him earlier," I laughed lightly, "Either way, your hands are shaking. You have more clothes than I do, you shouldn't be shivering!" I pointed out stubbornly.

I shivered under his touch as he reapplied the gauze- his hands grazing my skin. I let a smile cross my lips once it was tight enough, moving to my chest and opening it as he sat on the bed, pulling out a shirt- a gray v-neck with the Batman symbol on it. Cautiously, I put it on, aiming not to mess up the bandages before moving to sit beside him, looking at the floor.

"Well..." I murmured, my hand moving to my upper arm, "A couple of times- I mean... It's usually not throwing a tantrum. But he can be pretty... Violent. When he's mad," I murmured, "I mean... He hasn't... Hit me, per say. He's gotten really close to slapping me- but he has a habit of grabbing my arm when I'm trying to walk away," I laughed weakly, "I guess... I just..." I shrugged, then looked to him, putting my hand on his cheek, "I'm okay, George. I'll be okay. We just... Have some unresolved issues, I guess," my gaze turned downwards.

------------------

Fred was incredibly pissed off. He was fuming- steaming, practically. How dare Flint! He wanted to fucking kill the bastard. Hell, he wanted to kill him slowly- he wanted to castrate the bastard. With a spoon- then he wanted to cut off his eyelids, then to slowly cup out his eyes with the same spoon, all whilst dripping water into his permanently opened eyes.

Then, he would cut his heart out, and burn it, scattering the ashes across a burning fire, forever forgotten to the world. Yeah, he really wanted to cause pain to the boy.

"Alexandria," Fred spoke, listening to her speak, his eyes softening.

Maybe she didn't like him.

But he wasn't going to make her believe he didn't in case she did.

He sighed, putting his hands on her shoulder, "You don't have to apologize- you... I... I didn't mind. I don't care. I'd rather you kiss me then that bastard right now," he smiled weakly at her. "You weren't out of line. Come on," he spoke, before he frowned, his hand moving to her cheek- a blunt red handmark on her cheek. He, cautiously, carefully ran his hand over it, "I'm so sorry," he murmured, before taking her hand, starting back towards his common room. The walk from that point was mostly silent, until they made it to the common room, to which Fred quickly mused the password, walking in.

"Come on, Alex," he smiled weakly at the girl, bringing her up to his dorm. He didn't want her to be alone, and he knew she wanted to cry. And it'd be easier than carrying her from the main room to a bed if she fell asleep, so once there, he led her to the bed, bending down and taking his shoes off, then sitting beside her, just hugging her, kissing her head. "I am so sorry, Alex. I am so fucking sorry."

---------------------------------

Marcus was pissed, incredibly.

Not only was he beat up by a blood-traitor, his drunk girlfriend made out with said blood-traitor, and now he wasn't going to get lucky tonight.

At least, not with her.

He simply glared when Cormac helped him out- ignoring the kids hand and pushing himself up. "Yeah," he scoffed, "Fucking Weasleys. Where do they get off stealing them?" he rolled his eyes, "I don't care about that mudblood of yours," he spoke, "But I do care about getting rid of the blood-traitor. And I can obviously see you care about that to," he spoke, looking at the younger boy. "What do you say we join up?" he suggested, his hands shoved in his pockets.

He couldn't suspect this to be a great idea. But it was the best he had.

"Take down the Weasley's once and for all. With them in our life right now, I'll never get what I want from Jolie. And you'll never get what you want from the mudblood," he narrowed his eyes. "Truce- for now?" he put his hand out.

George blushed at her mention of his shaky hands and gave a chuckle.
"I'm pretty pissed off at the moment, at him of course, not at you." He smiled at her. He listened to her speak and nodded, his anger increasing with every thing she said Cormac had done. The guy was a total douche and he didn't deserve such a sweet girl, he only wished he would just pick her up and take her way from him, and tell her how much he loved her.

This was his own fault, he didn't realize what he had until she was taken away.
"If he ever lays a finger on you, ever, I'm going to kill him, Maria. I really hope you realize that. You may be strong, but I know that your heart hurts easily and I'm not willing to watch him destroy you little by little." He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. I need you to promise me you won't leave the common room without me in the mornings, I need to at least know you're alright before breakfast so you two don't get into any fights so early in the day." He stood up from the bed upon hearing footsteps. "Looks like the party's over, I probably should head back to my common room." He went to her and kissed the top of her head. "Remember, no leaving without me."

He smiled before walking out the door.

------------------------------------------
I shook my head as I cried, he was apologizing and it was so stupid of him to do so. He had no fault in this, if anything I was proud of him for kicking Marcus's ass and caring so much about me.
"I'm the one that's sorry." My voice trembled as I spoke, no matter how much I tried to keep it normal so he wouldn't feel worse. "I'm the one that kept drinking, I'm the one who kissed you, I'm the reason you two fought." I hugged him tightly, crying on him, both because of how I felt and the burning pain on my cheek. To make things worse everyone in the school had seen what happened. I had made a fool of myself and Fred was here apologizing to me for it. "I want to thank you, though, I... I don't think I would have been able to fight him off me if anything happened, I want to thank you for standing up for me even though it's not even your responsibility to do so."

We layed there on the bed, hugging each other. My head to his chest as he stroked my hair.
"I love you so much," I said in a low whisper, "you're such a great friend." I said before slowly drifting to sleep, hoping it would be better in the morning.

------------------------------------------------
"I don't care much for your spoiled brat either, Flint. But since our goal is pretty much the same I agree, we should join up." Cormac extended his hand to shake Marcus's, sealing the deal. "Truce," he grinned. Teaming up with a Slytherin might have been a stupid idea, but for now it was the best bet they had against the twins.

I smiled weakly as George spoke, my hand falling to my side, giving a sigh, "I know, George," I murmured, "I just..." I shook my head, "I'm just tired, George. I don't know if I have the energy to deal with fighting anymore," I sighed, "But I'll try. I'll be okay. And I promise," I smiled at him, sighing as he kissed my forehead. "I'll remember," I told him, watching as he started to walk off, "And George? Thank you," I smiled, waiting until he left before pulling the curtains around my bed shut, pulling my sketchbook out from under my pillow and opening, seeing the drawing I was currently working on.

"Thank you so much," I whispered, taking my pencil and continuing to outline the drawing I was currently on.

----

Fred smiled lightly, just holding her to him, "Only because I care for you so much," he whispered as they laid together, his hand caressing through her hair, "I love you, too, Alexandria," he whispered on, before allowing them to fall asleep together.

----

Marcus nodded, immediately snatching his hand away from the Gryffindor. "Don't expect us to be friends after this," he spoke, before shoving his hands in his pockets, walking off.

-------------------------

I sighed, looking at myself in the mirror of the common room. I didn't feel much like myself- I mean, sure, I wore skirts- but not often- I even got Dumbledore to agree to let me wear pants instead of a skirt with the uniform. But I was wearing a skirt now- it was a slightly baggy, shortish gray skirt- with, thankfully, pockets subtly hidden in them. I was also clad in a skin-tight gray v-neck, with various quidditch-related symbols on them- but I still kept my converse. I sighed. I felt like I was conforming- but what could I do about it?

"You're not acting like yourself," Cho pointed out, looking at me, sitting on my bed, beside the gauze that she had reapplied this morning. "You aren't this girly."

"Meh," I shrugged, taking a black fadora off of my chest, putting it on. "I just felt like being a different person today, I guess."

"If you say so... Are we walking together again?" she questioned, I simply shook my head.

"George made me promise I'll walk with him from now on," I laughed weakly, "I think he should be out there now," I simply nodded to the girl, "I'll see you later, Cho," I then grabbed my wand, and left the dorm, as well as the common room- only to see my suspicions were proven. "Ready?" I asked the Weasley, shifting awkward.

Sighing, I adjusted the collar of the shirt, pulling it up slightly before shoving my hands in the pockets of the skirt, walking towards the Great Hall with him. "I'm sitting with him today," I spoke, then looked to him, "I know you don't want me to. But Alex and I aren't going to make up any time soon- and he's the only other person I have to sit with," I smiled weakly. "I mean, I could sit with Ron and them, but I don't know... I'm not really in their crowd."

George loved Maria dearly, and he thought she looked good with the clothes she'd been wearing recently, but it made him pretty sad. This wasn't the old Maria he had fallen in love with, this was a girlier Maria, though he had no complaints about it, but he didn't want her to pretend she was something she clearly wasn't.

"After all the stuff that happened yesterday, and you're going to sit wit him?" George asked with a sigh. "I know you and Alex aren't exactly seeing eye to eye, but I'm pretty sure even she doesn't want you sitting with that git. Believe ir or not Alex cares about you, we all do, and it hurts us to see you having to forcefully change for him." He took a deep breath and shrugged, thinking she had enough already with Cormac telling her what to do all the time. "Sit with him if you must, but remember we're still your friends, we're still your family." He tried to smile at her and decided to change the subject. "Love the hat, by the way, gonna have to borrow it some time." He smirked, taking it off her head and putting it on his. "Bet I look smashing." He winked at Maria before leading her through the doors of the Great Hall.

He sat down in his usual spot in front of me and Fred, his brow furrowed as he looked at me.
"What happened to you?" He asked concerned.

"It's nothing." I said to him, giving him a weak smile. Before I shifted my attention to Maria as she made her way to her boy friend, we made steady eye contact for a few seconds but I looked away once her expression changed. I sighed, at least we made some kind of progress.

I layed my head on Fred's shoulder, as per usual I could feel Marcus's gaze on me, watching my every move. I closed my eyes and bit my bottom lip, trying to just focus on the boy sitting next to me, the one who acted so bravely last night.

I opened my eyes though, when I heard someone raise their voice. To no suprise it was Cormac.

"Oh there you are, eh?" He said standing up, arms crossed and his look as serious as ever. "All the shit going around the castle, all the petrifications, I take you to a party to make you relax and this is what you do!? You sneak off with Weasley and you leave me, your boyfriend, alone! I get that I need to change, but you need to stop being so selfish and concentrate on my needs too!"

George took a deep breath, thinking it was best to just stay out of it. But if Cormac hurt her, there would be hell to pay.

"I know..." I shrugged, sighing, shaking my head, "I just... If we're ever going to work this stuff out, I can't just avoid him constantly. I don't want to sit with him. I really don't," I looked at George, "But if I don't, then I'm going to keep avoiding this, and I just... I'm sick of the fighting, George," I frowned firmly.

I giggled lightly when he took my hat- my face turning a light shade of red. He was really cute in that hat, "You look beautiful," I joked lightly, twirling and taking the hat back, putting it back on my head, and sticking my tongue out at him, laughing and walking through the doors, my face falling and giving off a sigh, "I'll see you later, George," I smiled weakly at him, before heading off towards Cormac- my gaze going to George's end of the table- catching Alexandria's gaze.

She looked sad- and pissed off. I heard about what happened at the party from Cho, but as my gaze went to her cheek, my eyes narrowed- and she looked away. I was going to kill Flint- my gaze turning to Cormac as I saw his attention go to me, I sighed lightly, watching as he stood up- his voice raising, yelling at me. Aware of the attention gained from the whole hall.

I really wasn't in the condition to deal with this right now.

"I went to the party for you," I spoke, trying to keep my voice soft and steady. "But I'm not a partier, nor do I drink, for specific reasons that don't involve you," I clenched my fists in my skirt, biting my lip, tilting my head down- aware the hat was blocking my eyes. Which is what I needed. "For reasons that I'm sure you don't want to hear about. I know I need to change. I know you want me to change. I know you're my boyfriend, but I'm not like Lavender, or Cho, or Alex. I'm not going to cling unto you for all my needs or issues. I already did that once, and it didn't end well." I closed my eyes tightly.

"I'm sorry, Cormac," I apologized. "But its too difficult to not get angry when you hate everything about me, it seems," I then closed my eyes, "But that doesn't matter anymore. I'm sorry. I'm done fighting with you. You don't want me to be Maria, so I won't be. Happy?" I questioned, my eyes still hidden, still trying to keep my voice from wavering.

---

Fred frowned when his brother walked up with Maria- the girl in a significantly girlier outfit than what he was used to; but he simply looked to George when he sat down, offering a small smile. "Hey, brother," he spoke, his grip tightening on Alexandria's shoulder- pulling her closer to him, frowning when George questioned Alexandria.

He was still really pissed off at Marcus. He wasn't allowing her around him right now. And he told her this- not while he was still being a jerk, not while he was around. He didn't want her to get hurt, but about to open his mouth, he was cut off when Cormac started yelling at Maria, causing him to scrunch his eyebrows in irritation- changing the topic, aware that Alex didn't want to talk about Marcus right now.

"He's been really brutal to her lately," he murmured, then looked to his brother, "Speaking of which, what's been up with you lately?" he questioned his brother, "You've been so protective and nosy towards her and her relationship. I know you like her, and I know you know she probably likes you back, but you're usually not this cautious or gentle to her. You know she's strong- hell," he laughed, "We've seen her jump out of a high tree and be fine. So what's up with you, George?" he questioned his brother, before sighing.

"And don't make up some excuse this time. I'm your brother, I know somethings up. And since Maria's been dressing girlier..." he trailed off, "The two of your combined is starting to make me worry- more than I already was."

George shrugged and sighed, he looked at Maria and Cormac, then at Alexandria and his brother. He took a deep breath and looked Fred in the eyes, he was going to be honest.
"The day of the dueling club, Cho went up to me and told me she'd seen a bruise on Maria's abdomen the day she walked in on her at the bathroom. She said that she suspected it was Cormac's doing and with the way he has been acting lately I'm starting to believe it." He looked at me, I knew something was coming. "You hurt her, really hurt her. I don't know why you did it, but she had to be sent to the hospital wing, she had a broken rib which is still healing," he looked at his brother again, "and it's taking longer to heal because Cormac keeps grabbing her like she was a rag doll, he doesn't know how to take care of her and it's pissing me off to no end."

George looked pretty sad, I don't know if it was the after effects of the firewhiskey but I felt like crying for him, for all of us. We'd been destroying ourselves just because we were too stubborn or too shy to say what we felt and what we wanted, and we just ended up making desisions that were ruining our lives.

I took a sip of pumpkin juice, again I wasn't feeling up for eating so I just kept an eye on Maria and Cormac, keeping an eye out for her safety.

Cormac's expression softened, he placed both hands on her shoulder and shook her head.
"Maria, I don't want you to stop being you. I mean, sure I don't agree with the pink hair and the clothes you usually wear, but I fell in love with your sense of humor, the way you express yourself. I don't want you to change that, and I don't want to lose you. I'm just... worried I'm going to lose you over something stupid." He hugged her tightly, and sighed. "I want you to be mine forever."

George looked at them and his brow furrowed, there was Cormac being so fucking careless again. From a distance he could tell Maria was hurting, he stood up but someone grabbed his arm.

I looked him in the eyes and shook my head, hoping he would sit back down.
"George, I know you love her, but you can't be too pushy if you want her in your life." I said to him and again I tried to smile, "give her time to realize the situation she's in, she hasn't reached rock bottom yet, when she does she'll come to you."

Fred's eyes darkened as George spoke.

He may not be near as close to Maria as his brother was, but he still cared about her. And the thought that Cormac would be hurting her was irritating her- not just that he could understand why George thinks it's plausible, but because he knew that she wouldn't get out of it.

"She's been holding her gut a lot, since before the duelings," he spoke up, "And I've noticed that she's not been as adventurous or active- or just very careful. Are you sure that it wasn't broken before?" he questioned, and bit his lip, "I do understand though. I can't stand him. If he is the one that hurt her, then you need to get her away from him," he spoke, frowning, "Because we all know that she won't tell us if he IS hurting her like that. It took her a long time to tell us that she was having issues at home, and I don't think we even know a fraction of what's been going on," he spoke, giving off a sigh.

He couldn't worry about this though, he has more things to worry about- such as Alexandria.

He couldn't let the girl he loved get abused like she was. George would deal with Maria- he knew his brother. He knew his brother wouldn't let Maria go on with the bastard. Fred just had to make sure that he could get Alex away from Flint. Fred frowned, though, when Alexandria grabbed his brothers arm, sighing. "She might," he spoke, looking in Maria's direction. "But I think she already realizes it," he sighed lightly.

--

I flinched when he hugged me so tightly- feeling myself tense- his grip hurt. Especially around my waist- considering the side that was still aching lightly from his grip last night, and the bruise that was still healing. Though the bones may be healed, I had to admit, it still throbbed. A lot.

I just sucked it up, weakly hugging him back. "You aren't going to lose me over something stupid. I'm not high strung like that, Cormac," I sighed lightly, "It just seems like everything I do is wrong. And I just... I'm sick of the fighting. If you don't want to lose me, don't keep treating me like you are," I murmured, "I don't want to ditch my friends for you, but I don't want to ditch you for my friends," I then lowered my voice. "I know you're jealous of him, but you have no reason to be. I chose you, Cormac. But he and I are best friends- he knows things about me I'm not near ready to talk to you about- so yes. I hang around him a lot. But he's not my boyfriend. You are. And I'm not about to dump you just because he and I are close," I then- cautiously- pulled myself from the hug, wiping my eyes.

I then smiled lightly at him, looking at him, "I'm not really hungry. But I think we've directed the halls attention on us long enough," I laughed weakly.

George understood Fred's point, and because of this he felt sort of helpless. Sure Maria told him she trusted him with her heart, but did she really? He felt like there were so many voids to fill when it came to Maria and her background, had she told her evertything, truthfully? He sighed and put both hands to his head.
"I'm not going to give up, I just... I need a strategy." He said frustrated, wishing he'd spoken to her sooner about how he felt. Neither of them would be in so much pain.

I was about to speak before the doors of the Great Hall opened with such force that they banged against the walls, causing everyone to shut up and look in that direction. There stood a handsome man and an incredibly gorgeous woman, both dressed in fancy clothes.
"What?" Was all I could say as my eyes widened, I quickly hid behind Fred's figure, hoping I wouldn't be seen by them.

"Vere is my dau'ter?" The woman demanded, her thick French accent only adding more to her beauty. "And vere is zat little coward who 'urt 'er?"

Dumbledore quickly stood up from his seat and went over to the couple, with a kind smile he welcomed them.
"Mr. and Mrs. Jolie, quite an unexpected visit."

The Great Hall was full of murmurs at the last name, I could feel the eyes of everyone on me, and I just wished I could apparate out of there.

"Ve got 'ere as soon as ve could after ve recieved ze owl telling us ze news," Mrs. Jolie stated, "ve are not going to just let our dau'ter be slapped around like some toy!"

"Clarisse, calm down, s'il vous plaît?" Mr. Jolie pleaded.

"I vill not calm down until I make sure my dau'ter is alright, Roel." She said, appearing to be almost to the verge of tears. "Vere is she, Dumblydore?"

I sighed and stood up, not wanting to cause any more unnecessary drama. My mother gasped and quickly went over to me, hugging me tightly and inspecting my face.
"Mon cher, look at you! You look so much older, and pettite! And zis mark on your cheek!? 'O did zis to you?"

"Mom, it's nothing." I sighed, this wasn't happening, this couldn't be happening, I was not being embarrassed like this. "It was an accident." I looked at my father with pleading eyes, hoping he would calm her down.

"Mon amour, maybe ve are exagerating a little? If she says it was an accident, then it was an accident." He rubbed his wife's shoulders, smiling at her.

"Ce n'était pas un accident, un garçon l'a giflée!" Clarisse said hugging her daughter again.

I rolled my eyes and hugged her back. Regardless of her embarassing me or not, I missed her terribly and I needed to hug her ever to tightly.

But the hug was interrupted by a boy screaming and a cat screeching, we all turned to see Impossant basically attacking Marcus. My mother's eyes narrowed and she made her way to the Slytherin table, over to him. Impossant immediately stopped attacking and went over to me.
"You! You did zat to 'er!?"

Fred sighed lightly, looking at his brother with sympathy. He hated seeing George so beat up- but he knew that George knew what he was talking about. There were still a lot of things about Maria they didn't know. And he suspected that they weren't happy dandy. He just wished that she would talk to them more.

His eyes widened when the two people sauntered in, especially as Alexandria hid behind him, "Alex?" he murmured to her, having to move his arm from Alexandria's shoulders due to this, but immediately, his attention went to Dumbledore when he spoke their names, and he actually viewed the two.

There was, what was obviously, Alex's father- he was a handsome man, yes. But her mother... He could see where Alex got it from. And he was sure positive the whole population of the school interested in girls felt weak in their knees- including him. He was positive that Alex was veela now, especially with her mother.

His attention turned to them when Alex stood up though, smiling lightly. They loved her so much that they came down here to see if she was alright- however, when Imposant started attacking Marcus, he couldn't help but chuckle.

"FUCK! Demon!" Marcus shouted, swatted the cat away from him. "Alexandria, get the bloody cat awa-" he trailed off when Clarisse came up to him, his eyes widening. "I assure you," he spoke, putting his best gentleman voice on as he stood up, "It was a complete accident, Ms. Jolie. I was getting us some drinks, and when I turned, she was behind me, and my hand went across hers," he smiled innocently. "I assure you, no harm was met. And I gave your daughter the sincerest apology I could."

He was full aware of the glares that he received.

Fred was furious. And not only Fred, me as well. Pushing myself away from the table, ignoring the looks I got as I walked over to Marcus, my eyes glowering towards him, aware of the horrified stares I got for being a muggleborn. "Excuse me, Mrs. Jolie," I murmured to the girl softly, walking up to the Slytherin boy.

"What do you want, Stoner-"

My fist then connected with his nose. Hard.

And trust me, I took fighting lessons, and I lift weights. My punches were hard.

"You lying little shit," I glared at the boy, "I've tolerated a lot of things you've put Andri through. But going and slapping her? That's what happened?" I scowled, "You're not worth her time. Fuck, Flint, if you do one more thing, I'm going to kick you so hard that my own damned foot castrates you. Now if you excuse me, you're not worth my time," I rolled my eyes, turning on my heel and walking towards her spot beside Cormac again.

"Why- you!" Marcus growled, holding his now bleeding nose. Looking at Clarisse, he tried to soften his expression, "Don't listen to her. She's not worth it," he sneered, "Everyone in this school knows that she's crazy. She's lying. I swear to you."

The entire hall gasped at Maria's actions, but I was pretty sure no gasp was louder than mine. I was in shock that she would actually punch Marcus like that for me. I fought back the tears of happiness, this meant that not all hope was lost, I could still have her back!

"Thirty points from Ravenclaw." Snape said as he calmly walked over to Mr. and Mrs. Jolie. "What seems to be the problelm?" He said, his face straight as ever despite the beauty that stood before him.

"Zis boy slapped my dau'ter, regardless of it being an accidenr or not, 'er face is burised!" Clarisse answered. "I expect to see punishment!" The punch from the girl was almost enough to soothe Clarisse, almost, but she couldn't hide her smile, that girl must have been Maria, the girl Alexandria talked about so much during the holidays. She'd make note to invite her to France some time.

Snape nodded and placed a hand on Marcus's shoulder, he gave him a tight squeeze.
"Yes, Mrs. Jolie, I can understand the worry concerning your daughter, and I will make sure Mr. Flint gets appropriate punishment. Marcus Flint shall have detention for an entire week bathing the petrified muggle borns, so he will learn not to be so... careless."

She looked at Dumbledore and at Snape and nodded.
"Very well zen, but anozer accident like zis and I expect 'im to be reported to 'is parents!" She then looked at Marcus with her big and beautiful eyes, "please take care of my dau'ter, I don't know vat goes on between ze two of you, but she's my first born, and I von't stand to see 'er suffer."

Roel took hold of her hand and gently pulled her to him, before looking at Dumbledore.
"Dumblydore, ve vill be needing a ride back to King's Cross station, I'm sure you wouldn't mind arraging zis for us?"

Dumbledore shook his head and chuckled, even though they basically came here without permition he had to admit that they cared deeply about their daughter, so with a motion of his hands he let them go before him tot he doors. But Clarisse went to her daughter and hugged her again.
"'O's ze boy?" She asked me, I could hear the grin in her voice.

"The one next to us." I whispered to her, trying to make sure Fred didn't hear.

She let go of me and looked at Fred, she smiled at him and gave him two pats on the shoulder before going to her husband and leaving with Dumbledore.

Imposant meowed after my mother, but stayed put next to me. It was obvious he was missing Zara, but he knew he had a job to do. I picked him up and sat down next to Fred, the common room was back to being it's loud self and I could finally breathe.
"That was so bloody random," I said with a laugh, picking up a grape and popping it in my mouth. My appetite had returned.

Fred's eyes widened when he saw Maria punch Marcus- a smirk forming on his lips. He had to remember to thank her later.

Marcus, however, was incredibly pissed off, momentarily smirking when Snape took the points away from Ravenclaw, but then frowning firmly when the teacher put his hand on his shoulder- his eyes widening and looking at Snape immediately when the teacher spoke his punishment, "It wasn't my fault!" he exclaimed, his hand still over his nose. "For hell, if anything, that stupid mudblood should get worse than that! She deliberately hit me!" he exclaimed.

He was about to speak more, but his attention turned to Clarisse as she spoke, his eyes widening- a tingling sensation inside him. She really was like a veela, and he couldn't help but feel dazed, "Don't worry, ma'am," he smiled innocently at her, "It won't happen again. I promise you," he added on, then sighed of relief when the couple left towards Andri, sitting down and looking at Pansy, who rolled her eyes and casted episkey on him, immediately he took a napkin and started wiping his nose.

He was going to fucking kill that mudblood.

Fred smiled as the couple walked up to them again, saying a goodbye to their daughter- however, he felt himself blush lightly when Clarisse smiled at him- she really was pretty. But he scrunched his eyebrows in confusion when the girl patted his shoulders, simply smiling in return instead of questioning it, watching them leave and grinning with Alex sat back down, putting his arm around her shoulders when she sat beside him again, "It was. Your parents seem really nice," he smiled, "And Maria..." he trailed off. "We told you that she didn't hate you," he spoke, his thumb caressing her shoulder, watching as said girl stood up, "Didn't we?" he smiled as she walked over.

"Hey, George?" I spoke, my hands in my pockets, my head tilted down- so as to keep Alex from looking at me. I had no idea how she was going to respond to my hitting her boyfriend. For all I know, she'll freak out on me, "I kind of want to see Hagrid... And I figure you're going to want to walk with me, so... If not, that's okay, I can see if Cho will, but..."

I smiled at Fred and nodded, maybe there really was hope. All I had to do was be patient and try not to push her buttons more than they already were. But I frowned slightly when I noticed Maria was doing her best to avoid me again, I sighed and popped another grape into my mouth.

George nodded and stood up, a smile decorating his face.
"Of course I'll walk you, I mean I told Cho to look after you, but I think you're in safer hands with me than with her." He looked at Cormac who was looking at them too, glaring actually. George couldn't help but smirk at that. He knew Cormac was jealous of him, and that sort of boosted his ego quite a bit. "Shall we, then?" He asked, lacing his arm with hers so bump up the jealousy meter.

I looked at Cormac and supressed a giggle at his face, clearly he was pissed off, but the fact that he didn't do anything about it was quite admirable. At least to me it was. Which made me look over at Marcus who hadn't come here to bug me about being with Fred, my stomac hurt when I didn't see him sitting, he was actually coming this way.

I bit my bottom lip and prevented Imposant from seeing him, I didn't want this cat going crazy again.

-------------------------------
Once out of the Great Hall, George moved his hand to Maria's and smiled at her, still happy she decided to walk with him instead of her boyfriend. It was quiet most of the way, but he didn't mind. Though he didn't want to be boring either.
"So... why are you going to Hagrid's?" He asked, making conversation with the girl.

I smiled lightly, nodding my head, "Alright," I spoke, turning to walked out of the Great Hall, blushing lightly when he laced his arm with me. I was completely aware of the look of jealousy that Cormac was giving me- but I was also aware he wasn't going to do anything about it. I told him I was going to ask George, because I know he doesn't particularly like Hagrid. And I don't particularly want him to question me as to why.

I sighed lightly when George's hand slipped into mine, smiling, lacing my fingers with his, my attention going to him, "He has this special chocolate that he gave me first year- before we become friends," my grip tightened, my gaze going to the ground, "It's supposed to ease the aftereffects of nightmares. At least, that's what it does anyways. Anywho," my free hand went to the back of my neck, "I ran out of it last night, and I... Didn't particularly want to explain to Cormac why I needed it," I sighed lightly.

I then bit my lip, walking on a little further before closing my eyes. "I got an owl last night, from my godfather," I murmured, "My sperm giver finally came back into existence," I elaborated, "Apparently he's newly married. And his new whore has a daughter, about five," I added on, my grip on his hand tightening, "If he lays a single fucking finger on that child, I'm going to fucking castrate him to the point where even thinking about trying to shove himself somewhere where it doesn't belong will send him writhing in pain," I murmured, glaring daggers into the floor.

I don't know why I decided to go off on this. But I've been so stressed lately, I guess I just need to get something off of my shoulders.

----------------

Marcus was incredibly pissed off, heading over towards Alexandria and Fred after her parents had left- positive she had owled them, or at least, positive Fred had. How dare they? And that stupid fucking mudblood bitch, he stopped in front of this, his arms crossed, glowering at the two- and at the arm that tightened around her shoulders.

"So," he started, "My own fucking girlfriend decides to get herself drunk, kiss another man, run off with him and cry to her parents?" he spoke, giving the girl crap. "How the hell does that look on our image?" he rolled his eyes, "Or what impression does that make on you, huh, Alexandria? A drunk slut?"

"She's not a slut, Flint," Fred glared harshly at the boy. "What about you, huh?" he tightened his grip on Alex again, "I told you time and time again she had enough. And you? You just kept on letting her drink so you could have a go at her. Unlike you, I respect her. Quit putting the blame on her. You're just jealous and mad that you didn't get lucky," he glared harshly at Marcus.

Marcus returned the glare, rolling his eyes, "Enough of you, Weasley," he spoke, looking then to Andri, "Listen. I'm sorry. But you don't go kissing just anyone- drunk or not. Come on, Alex," he spoke, "You should be other there with me. I'm your boyfriend. I know that he's your friend, but now, of all times, you should be with me," he tried to smile.

George was enjoying himself with Maria, and the fact that she was telling him new information about her life just brought a bigger smile to his face.
"Wait, what?" George blinked a couple of times, his smile disappeared and in it's place was a scowl. He didn't think he understood clearly, or at least he wished he didn't. He stopped her and gave a nervous chuckle as he put his hands on her shoulders. "What?" He asked again, looking into her deep blue green eyes. "Please tell me you're not telling me what I think you're telling me, please do." His heart was racing painfully.

Such a good innocent and pure girl, being a victim of her father's perversion? He felt his eyes about to water as he looked at her, her sweet young face, her tortured soul. He bit his bottom lip.
"Please." He said again, unwilling to believe it.

---------------------------------------
"I didn't owl them, Marcus." I said unable to look him in the eyes. "And I'm sure Fred didn't either, he didn't even know my parents until now." I bit my bottom lip and stood next to him so he wouldn't keep fighting with my best friend. I looked at Fred, my eyes watering, longing to stay with him. But it would just make things complicated, more complicated than they already were. "I- I'm sorry Marcus, I wasn't thinking, I wasn't thinking about us a- and our image." I looked up at him and tried to smile regardless of the tears that wanted to escape.

I looked at Fred and with that same smile I shook my head, my lips quivered as I attempted to speak. I closed my eyes, a few tears gliding down my cheeks, and took a deep breath before looking at him, smiling again.
"I'm sure those weren't Marcus's intentions, he... he just wanted us to have fun." I gripped my arm, trying to keep the nervousness in. "And he's right, I- it did make me look like a drunk slut, and I'm sorry." I pinched my arm, trying my best to not cry in front of them.

I flinched slightly when George stopped me, but kept my gaze down- only looking at him when he put his hands on my shoulders, my gaze slowly meeting his- only revealing the wet stains on my cheeks- I simply blinked, trying to keep back other tears that wanted to fall- but his expression sent my heart breaking- the worry, the panic, the desperation and the anger. Something that I wasn't used to.

After all, why would I be? There was only four people that knew before him; one of them is too busy hooking up with every guy she can to care, ones dead, and the other two weren't around me when they found out. I've never actually seen a reaction like this.

I simply kept looking up at him, aware of the tears already cascading down my cheeks; closing my eyes tightly, "I.. I'm okay," I murmured weakly, tilting my head downwards, unable to face him anymore. "N-not like it matters, r-right?" I laughed bitterly, "A-after all. I was five, I was seven- I was nine- whatever age h-he decides. W-why should it matter now?" I spoke, weakly trying to break away from his grip- but failing quite drastically. "It... Doesn't. I..." I trailed off holding myself, my hand covering my face- trying to choke back the sobs. Fuck. Why did he have to care so much- and show it in his face? "I... I j-just..." I felt my knees get weak, immediately falling into his arms, balling, "I hate h-him so much."

I continued sobbing into his chest, my hands gripping his shirt, "A-and they fucking denied ch-charges. They fucking s-said they cou-couldn't prove it. So n-now he can do it a-again and again and get aw-away with it scotch free," I spoke, unable to keep my voice from cracking, my grip on his shirt tightening.

-----------------

Marcus's smirk widened when Alexandria started to agree with him. When she started complying with him, it grew. He was finally getting what he wanted. Getting Alex away from Weasley, getting her to change herself for him, to agree with him. Fuck, it sent his ego sky high.

But while Marcus's expression was rising, Fred's was falling. Falling into anger, and into sadness- worry. He could see her trying not to cry. He could see her conforming just to prevent confrontation. He could see her fear.

And it made him want to murder Marcus, especially as those tears escaped, his teeth grinding together as he stood up.

"That's right, Weasley," Marcus smirked, ignoring the sadness his girlfriend was currently drowning in, focusing simply on his own ego and his desire for sex. "Now quit meddling in whats not your business. She's my girlfriend- she's not yours, and she never will be. So quit acting like she will be."

Fred growled lightly, "Alexandria- can't you hear yourself?!" Fred snapped, "You're trying not to ball your eyes out, and your own damned boyfriend is ignoring all of it. I'm your best friend, Alex. Listen to me- please!" he cried out, his voice full of desperation.

"Stay in your place, Weasley," Marcus glared at Fred, "Come on, Jolie. You have no place around this liar and manipulator. He's just trying to get you to conform to what he wants you to be," he rolled his eyes.

"Alexandria- don't listen to him. Please!" Fred begged. He wasn't going to let Marcus take her away from him. He wouldn't. He didn't- he needed Alex to listen to him. He just... He had... He needed her to. She had to. Fuck. How he wished Lee was there to help him with this- but the damned git was probably still sleeping with a hangover in the dorm.

George held her close to him, his head rested atop of her's to comfort her, with his thumb he stroked her shoulder as she spoke. His eyes were looking out to nowhere, he let his tears run freely just as she was doing just now.

He couldn't quite explain his emotions at the moment, so much anger and sadness, so much pitty and sorrow. His heart felt like it was about to explode, his breathing was hard as he tried to contain himself. This was something he definitely didn't expect, sure he knew there were problems at home but never had he expected something of this magnitude, never something so brutal.

And through all of this he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride, she had been through so much with her father that it was a miracle she trusted any other man, that she trusted him so much. She should have hidden her body from everyone, but she allowed herself to let him see more. Sure, George didn't have any kind of intentions like that with her, and all he did was help her with the bandages, but still she allowed him, preferred him than even Cho. He realized now that he had something that Cormac didn't, her undying trust.

He stayed quiet and just let her continue, after all there wasn't a word he could say to make this better. What had happened, happened, and there was nothing to change that. The only thing he could do was keep her comfortable in his arms and let her empty herself of bottled up emotions.
"I won't let anyone hurt you, Maria." He whispered. "I'll protect you even if it kills me, but I won't allow anyone to hurt you like that again, I won't let anyone make you cry." He looked into her eyes and managed a smile. "You can always count on me, alright? No matter what happens I'll be there for you." He wiped away her tears and bit his bottom lip, desperate to show her what true love was, how he could try to erase the pain.

-----------------------------------------
A sob escaped and I tried my best to play it off as a chuckle, I shook my head and took hold of Marcus's hand, trying to keep his attitude down a notch. It was so painful to see Fred like this, so worried about me. I wished he didn't, I wished that he could just accept me with Marcus since apparently he didn't really like me. The kiss last night proved resistance, meaning there was probably no chance of me being with him.
"I-I'll be okay." I still smiled at him. "Marcus is... he's looking out for me, Fred. He cares about me as much as you do, b- but he's right. I need to sit with him at the Slytherin table, we have an... image to uphold and I can't let it slide over a silly little accident." I put my hand to my cheek. "It's fine, it... it doesn't hurt anymore, really, I'm okay."

Oh how I wanted to run into Fred's arms, how I wanted to kiss him again, how I wanted him to take me away. I was, admittedly, afraid of Marcus now, afraid of what else he could do to me. My neck still hurt because of that slap and my cheek was still bruised, this guy was strong, and if he wanted to beat me up he easily could. I just had to make sure that I kept him happy so nothing would go wrong.

My eyes asked for help, regardless of the words I spoke, and I wished Fred could understand my fear so he could somehow help me out of this mess. But I didn't want him getting hurt either, not for me...
"I'm sorry I can't be what you want, Freddie." I sobbed again.

I could feel my heart slowly ripping to shreds as George started speaking, my knees still weak as I let go of the back of his shirt, pulling away from the hug slightly- my hands on his chest- feeling my face pale as I saw the tears that were running from his own eyes.

He cared about me that much?

I honestly couldn't feel like it was true. Or want to. Yet I knew it was. It was a conflicting feeling- I simply offered a weak smile in return, one hand moving to his cheek, the other moving to his collar bone, distantly touching the nape of his neck. The fact that he cared so much, the fact that he was crying, that he was willing to die for me. I couldn't help but feel for him more. It made me wish he cared in a more romantic way for me. But what if he does? What if that's why he's been so... Different towards me lately?

I lifted myself up on the tip of my toes- my hand moving further to the crook of his neck- my thumb caressing the wetness off his cheek- "George, I-" I started, my forehead resting on his, just looking in his eyes- the possibility of the thought lingering in my mind, as I moved my lips towards his- then stopped, hovering inches away- his breathing taunting me.

He'd never feel the same. He had no reason to.

And after all, I was with Cormac. Whatever chance I stood with George was never there. I'd just have to deal with what I had.

I bit my lip for a moment, reluctant, before I gave up- kissing halfway on his lips, half on his cheek, wrapping my arms around his neck and resting my chin on my arm, looking at the wall behind him, "I love you so much," I whispered. "I have... I have no idea where I'd be without you," I added on, "I don't know why you chose me to care about so much. But I am so glad you did."

------------------

Fred felt tears brim his eyes as he watched Alexandria. As he listened to her. He felt like his heart was breaking. She couldn't be doing this to him- she was breaking right in front of him. She was losing herself. And he understood why- she was so afraid of Marcus that she was doing anything to make him happy. And he couldn't stand it. He was going to murder that boy. He was so angry right now. So angry... Angry and sad.

"But- Alex-"

"Shut up, Weasley. She's my girlfriend. Get out of our way," Marcus sneered. his hand pulling Alexandria closer to him.

"Alexandria!" Fred exclaimed, ignoring Flint, "I'm not the one trying to change you- It's the bloody bastard you're dating, dammit!"

"Oh, sod off," Marcus glared, "Come on, Alex. You don't have to put up with this liar. Let's go to the common room. Safer down there," he spoke, smirking. He had the girl in the bag now- whether it be from fear or not, he wouldn't have to worry about Weasley anymore. He simply led her out of the Great Hall, his eyes frequently glancing at the low-cut of the dress she was wearing, his hand grazing cautiously upward once they made it outside. He was more excited just thinking about them, alone, especially as he continued moving her hand towards her figure.

Fred felt the tears escape his eyes, though, as he collapsed back into a sitting position- his hands over his eyes- until he banged his fist on the table- sending a shock from the group around them, standing up and storming out of the great hall. His destination his own common room, trying to make himself not cry in the process.

George's heart beat faster, but for an entire different reason now. He had her so close right now, if he wanted to he could have easlily kissed her right there. Forgotten about the world for just a few seconds of bliss. He bit his bottom lip, though, when she kissed him half way. More tears escaping his eyes. He hugged her back, wanting to keep her there safely. But he couldn't, she was taken and if she wanted kiss him she would have right there.
"I love you too." He whispered, closing his eyes hard to squeeze out the last of his tears before clearing his throat. "I think we could both use some of that chocolate now," he chuckled as he wiped away his own tears, he smiled at her again trying to lift her spirits. He took hold of her hand and laced his fingers with her's before continuing their walk to Hagrid's Hut.

Even though they didn't kiss, George couldn't help but feel like the luckiest man in the world with her right now. If things kept going this way then maybe, maybe, there could be something there. But for the time being he'd take things slow, let her chose her own path and hopefully it would involve him.

He knocked on the door and Hagrid opened aiming a crossbow at them.
"Hagrid, it's us." He said with wide eyes, standing in front of Maria.

He put the crossbow down and smiled.
"Sorry, can' blame me fer being too careful." Me moved aside so they could pass through. "What brings you two here?"

---------------------------------------
Imposant hissed at Marcus as his hand made his way up my torso, but the boy obviously ignored him. I closed my eyes as we walked, desperately wanting to brush his hand off but unable to due to fear. I could feel I was losing myself more and more with every second I spent with him, but there was so much of me gone that I couldn't even fight it.

I tried to convince myself that Marcus did love me, and that he wasn't trying to take advantage of me like Fred had said. After all I only stood a chance with Marcus, I was destined to be his and rule everything before us, he and I made sense. Or at least that's what Marcus constantly told me, and I was beginning to believe it. No one would love me like Marcus did, not even Fred.

We reached the common room and I felt myself unable to breathe right, we were alone now, with no one to help if anything were to happen. I bit my bottom lip as he guided me inside, afraid of whatever might come next. Marcus was unpredictable.

I nodded, plopping back to the bottoms of my feel before sighing, "That sounds like a good idea," I smiled weakly, happily accepting his hand and tightening my grip when he laced his fingers with mine; walking close beside him as continued towards Hagrids hut.

He hadn't backed away. He hadn't treated me wrongly for nearly kissing him. Maybe he didn't like me back. Maybe he just saw me as family. But at least he didn't treat me wrongly.

At least he cared about me as much as I cared about him. Now if only it was in the same sense.

I smiled once we made it to the hut, happily hiding behind George as I wiped all of the excess tears from my cheeks, popping my head out from behind the taller boy once I was positive I had removed all the evidence, "Hey, Hagrid," I smiled weakly ,"Have anymore of that special chocolate you gave me?" I questioned him.

"Oh, uh," he then offered a smile upon seeing me- his smile faltering slightly upon seeing the tear stains on both of their cheeks, "O' course! C'mon," he spoke, letting the two come inside- Fang barking excitedly upon seeing the girl, to which I laughed lightly. That dog can cheer anyone up, "Back, bloody hound," Hagrid scolded.

"Oh shush. You're just as adorable as ever," I laughed, my hand moving from George's as I put them on the sides of Fang's head, scratching on the crook of his ears, "Sorry I haven't been coming around often, Hagrid," I spoke, standing up straight and moving back beside George, "With the petrifications and all..." I trailed off, watching as Hagrid started shimmy-ing through cabinets in his kitchen.

------------------------

Marcus's smirk widened when he felt her tense- but not struggle. For some reason, her fear excited him further, and that just made him more impatient as he fingered the side of her breast, his other hand moving beside his crotch- as if that would keep him from getting further excited.

Then, upon entering the common room, he smirked, seeing it being completely vacant, he then led her to the couch, pulling her to his lap, his hand on her thigh, the other one wiping her tears away. "You're okay now, Alexandria," he murmured, his fingers caressing her inner thigh, slowly, cautiously moving upwards.

Though he had no need to. She was his.

"He's not going to hurt you inside anymore, love," he murmured, manipulating her, his hand moving steadily downwards from her cheek, his eyes on her breasts rather than her eyes, "He's just trying to change you, morph you to him. He undoubtedly knows your secret crush on him and is trying to take advantage of it," he whispered, "Don't listen to him. I'm then one who loves you. I would never hurt you purposefully," he added on, bringing his lips to her neck.

Hagrid smiled at the girl and shook his head.
"No need to be sorry, Maria, I've been busy tendin' to the Mandrakes and takin' care o' Mrs. Norris and Alice, mostly tryin' to keep Fang from playin' with 'em." He said as he continued to look through his kitchen. "Aha!" He exclaimed once he found the jar he was looking for, he went over to Maria and handed it to her. "That there should keep you stocked for at least a month, just remember to keep the lid on it at all times."

George looked around, it'd been a while since he was there. Nothing had really changed except Fang had gotten bigger, and a few new cups were lying about. He looked at the cable where the two cats layed and his thoughts went over to Fred and Alexandria, wondering if Fred had made a move or not. But he returned his attention to Maria and Hagrid, he had his own problems too.
"So how long til the Mandrakes are ready?" He asked, making conversation.

"Oh, it shouldn't take too long, couple o' months, give or take. And I'm no potions master but I'm sure brewin' the potion would take some time too." He said with a sigh. "But don't you worry, yer friends and pets will be back to normal before you know it."

George put an arm around Maria's waist, thankful that she hadn't been a victim. He'd be hating himself right now if that ever happened to her.

---------------------------------------------------------
I felt like I was drowning myself and there wasn't a lifeguard in sight. I closed my eyes, trying to concentrate on breathing rather than what Marcus was doing. He seemed so sweet when he spoke, but his hands seemed to be telling me a completely different story.

His touch on my thigh made me get goosebumps, wether that was good or bad I didn't know, his hand running down my neck to my chest made it even harder to breathe, I shuddered but tried to maintain my composure, I didn't want him getting angry at me again
"I know," I whispered, my voice slightly shaky, "I know you'd never hurt me, you love me too much." I was talking more to myself than to him, trying to convince myself everything he did was out of love. "I love you too." I swallowed hard and took a deep breath so as to egulate it.

I bit my bottom lip and felt myself unable to move, unable to stop him. This is what he wanted, then I might as well give it to him, right? Then, maybe if he was still by my side afterwards I could know if it was true love.

"Of course," I smiled lightly, taking the jar, "Thank you, Hagrid. It means a lot to me," I nodded slightly, sighing lightly when he mentioned the cats, frowning. It killed me that I knew Alice was petrified and I couldn't do anything to comfort Alexandria. I lowered my gaze for a moment, then looked at Hagrid as George continued speaking, smiling weakly.

It hurt that there were so many petrifications going on; all people I knew. People I saw just hours before. People like me. I will admit, I was scared- I was really terrified. I mean, I don't let on that I am- but I always am. I don't know what the creature was, and I'm too afraid to find out.

My face burst up in flames when George put his hand around my waist, though- a smile softly crossing my lips as I moved a little closer into him, biting my lip, "Have you guys head anymore on whats been doing the petrifications?" I questioned.

Hagrid frowned, giving a sigh, "No," he answered, "'Reckon they'll figure it out so'ner or later. Dumbledores go' a lot o' things to deal with- but I 'ave no doubt that 'e'll get it," Hagrid spoke, and Maria smiled, nodding.

"I'm sure he will to. I just hope that no one else gets petrified," I sighed lightly, "Anyway, Hagrid," I spoke, bowing my head for a moment, "I thank you again for the chocolate. You have no idea how much it helps. I smiled, "George and I should get going now. You seem pretty busy, so..." I hummed lightly, nodding a goodbye as George and I left, my hand slipping into his, giving off a sigh.

"Do you think we could go by my common room?" I asked George once we were away from the hut, "I really don't want to be in this skirt anymore. And I kind of want my sketchbook..." I trailed off, my gaze going distant.

Bad idea Maria.

Immediately, I stepped on a misplaced rock. Yes. It's misplaced. Shut the fuck up. And no, I'm not breaking the fourth wall- shut up about that too.

Gasping, I fell back, the jar falling out of my arm unto the grass- thank god the glass was sturdy against breaking, Immediately, though, I put my hands out behind me- landing on my ass, "Fuck," I laughed, blushing out of embarrassment. "My ninja skills are failing me, George. They're failing me!"

---------------

Marcus smirked when Alexandria responded to him, still simply kissing her neck- trailing upwards until he met her mouth, his hand moving further up her thigh, the other one further down her chest, his smirk widening as he caressed the side of her breast, kissing her mouth hungrily.

He wanted this badly- and the excitement slowly coursing through his lower regions probably proved that greatly to Alexandria. He couldn't describe the desire he had for her body. He found it ridiculous, how gullible she was. But she was fourteen, after all.

He made a good choice.

His grip on her tightened as he moved his hand further over her chest, groping her as he pressed his lips rougher against hers, his hand moving more unto her thigh- up her skirt, until he found the fabric blocking his hand from her being- deciding to be cautious with her, he didn't want to shake her up too much. Though she was vulnerable, he didn't want to erupt a false reaction; so he kept his hands over the fabric for now.

His other hand, however, was sliding the sleeve of her dress down, slowly bringing the top of it down, moving over her breast once again; over her bra- feeling more hormonal excitement course through the boner that was pressing against her.

Then the door opened and shut.

"Alexandria, are you in here?" Pansy's voice called, much to Marcus's frustration, his playing hands stopping immediately on here, feeling him slowly go limp. "I really need to talk to you! It's urgent!" the girl pleaded, walking in slowly.

Marcus simply glared harshly, "You may go," he growled. "But I'll be expecting you later," he added on, moving her off him and standing up, immediately heading towards his dorm to manage his frustrations.

"Of course we can." George answered with a smile, but then Maria fell and obviously his face wasn't showing any happy emotions. He tried to grab her before she hit the floor but he didn't reach in time. Though her ninja comment made him laugh. "Come here," he said extending his arms to her so he could help her up.

She was lighter than he expected. He pulled too hard and fast and ended up smaking his lips with her's, they stayed like that for a few seconds before George backed away; his eyes wide and his face red. He scratched the back of his head.
"I'm sorry, that... that wasn't my intention." He laughed nervously, hoping Maria wouldn't yell at him for his stupidity. She prided herself on being faithful and he didn't know how she would react to this.

But regardless of her reaction, he had to admit that her lips felt amazing, and that if he could he would pull her to him and kiss her again like he truly wanted to do.

-------------------------------------------
I could feel my chest open, I was finally able to breathe again. I looked at Marcus, clearly pissed off. I bit my bottom lip wondering if I was going to pay for this later or not. I fixed my dress.
"Going!" I shouted as I got off Marcus, he sounded so menacing, as if he would be more forceful next time we were alone and it honestly scared me. "I love you." I said to him before he stormed out and I sighed hoping he had heard me, maybe it would calm him down if he knew I wasn't about to go anywhere.

I wiped the tears that escaped away and tried my best not to start crying now, nothing happened, there was no reason to cry. But even though nothing had happened, he'd gone farther than any other guy had, and that left me feeling a bit... off. I wasn't going to lie, it was exciting, but I really wasn't ready for it, I wasn't ready for Marcus.

I walked down the stairs and saw Pansy waiting for me, I smiled at her, mostly because she saved me from probably making a mistake, or prolonged the time it would take.
"What is it, hun?" I said sweetly to her, a bit curious as to why Pansy would ask for my help.

I laughed lightly as George extended his arm, grabbing the jar and happily accepting it- gasping slightly when he pulled me up with the force he did- however, my eyes went as wide as saucers when our lips pressed against each other- my skin spewing over in white with nervous excitement, my heart beat increasing drastically and my breathing going just as fast- accident or not, this was something I've always wanted, and it was... Different.

Compared to the rough, forceful kissing that Cormac put me through- the kissing that I wasn't sure felt right or wrong- George's lips felt.... Brilliant. Ecstatic- and I desperately desired to bring it further, and I almost did. I swear I almost did.

But he pulled away before I could- And I felt almost like crying. It was just an accident, and I had a boyfriend. And chances are, he didn't like me like that. He had no reason to.

But despite this, I couldn't help the smile that crossed my lips, bringing my hand up to my mouth slightly, looking down to hide it- distantly aware I was probably failing epically, "Don't... Don't worry about it," I murmured, moving my hand down from my mouth, slipping it in his, continuing on my stride, the bright red blush still thoroughly on my cheeks- trying to hide it, trying to keep from shaking and to keep my breath calm.

Fuck. Compared to Cormac- it was amazing George wasn't the heart-throb of the school. I might be biased though.

Giving off a goofy smile, I continued looking to the ground, my fingers laced with his as we continued to walk on in silence.

-------------------------------

Pansy frowned firmly when she saw Alexandria's appearance, studying her. Marcus.

"Come with me," she murmured, taking the girls hand and heading towards their dorm, shutting the door behind them and locking it, moving her to sit on the bed, embracing her in a hug. "I saw you, Marcus and the Weasley earlier. I saw you walk off with him..." she trailed off, "I know we aren't that close of friends. But I feel some sort of responsibility for you and your well being. What are you doing to yourself?" she whispered, holding the girl to her- waiting for the metamorphmagi to start crying.

"If he's doing this to you, he's not worth it. You're breaking, Jolie. I'd rather you be with the Weasleys and the muggleborn than tormenting yourself like this," she whispered to her, her tone of voice in a 'final' sort of way, staying silent and just hugging the girl.

She didn't like seeing the girl like this. It was hurting her. It was hurting everyone- and no one knew how to fix it.

She didn't freak out at him and that was a good sign; hell it was more than good, it meant there was more evidence pointing to Maria really liking him. He wasn't going to get ahead of himself though he couldn't wipe the grin off his face. Accidentally or not, they kissed and that definitelly made his day.

-------------------------------------------
I lowered my head and began to cry in her arms, I felt free with her, I had nothing to hide from her, no reason to lie to her. I could cry to my hearts content without worrying about hurting her feelings or pretending to be alright.

This was so unexpected of her, to show she actually cared about me more than she did about Marcus? The fact that she rather me hang out with 'blood traitors' and 'mudbloods' meant that things appeared worse than I thought to people. You knew things were bad when Pansy Parkinson defended you instead of the most popular guy in school. And it had me wondering if people were just as worried and disturbed by my relationship.

--------------------------------------------
Detention was awkward with Marcus, or at least it only seemed awkward to me. Bathing the petrified bodies of the students wasn't my cup of tea, but it sure beat detention with Golderoy Lockhart. But still, though, Marcus kept eyeing me as if pressuring me to continue what he had started. And I was glad Pomfrey was keeping a constant eye on us.

It was time for dinner and again I didn't feel like eating, my mind was distracted with all kinds of emotions and thoughts, this seemed like a vicious cycle from which I couldn't get out of. With a sigh I put my towel on the bed and got dressed, putting up a tight black t-shirt and a frilly black short skirt. I looked at my shoes and I swear I couldn't contain a smile from forming from my lips when I saw some black sneakers called 'converse' that Maria had once bought for me. Maybe if she saw me wearing them, she'd know I still cared? I decided it was a good idea and put them on. It felt kind of weird to not wear heels.

I put on my eyeliner and black lipstick before walking out of my dorm, thankfully it was empty so I wouldn't have to worry about Marcus. I walked alone to the Great Hall where everyone chatted happily as they dined, I stood there at the door, my mind and heart debating as to which table I was supposed to sit at: Gryffindor or Slytherin?

» Stones, Basilisks, and... THE GRIM?! [HP 3rdYear, Closed to LadyShalott]
» The Resistance :: Closed to Michael1983
» For Alexandria [Closed to MissGuided, 18+]
» Dark Times Are Close (Closed to Alex Johnson)
» Written in Stone (Closed to xRainbow-Injectionsx, Harry Potter next gen)