Authors' note: Hi, everyone! This chapter includes Hans/Darla/Liam as well as more of Katie's reign at Hogwarts. We hope you enjoy!
Hans was back in New York City and Darla was adjusting to pretty much being a single mother. Hans called nearly every day to check on her and the baby, which was quite an improvement. But, the conversations didn't last very long.
She was lucky if she could get a few minutes out of him. Liam, on the other hand, had become quite a good friend.
He had stopped by that morning to watch the baby while she took a shower. It was nice to have a few minutes to herself. She brushed her hair and gave herself one last look in the mirror before she went downstairs to check on Liam and Rafe.
He was making a goofy face at Rafe who was smiling back at him in response. "You must have the magic touch," she commented.
Liam laughed. "He's an easy audience."
Darla grinned at her son. "Yes he is. Can I get you some coffee or some tea?"
"Tea would be great," Liam said. "Thanks, Darla."
"Sure," Darla replied.
"So, are you looking forward to Halloween?" Liam asked.
"I suppose," Darla said.
"You wouldn't be interested in going to a costume party would you?" Liam asked.
"A costume party?" Darla asked.
"It's a benefit for St. Mungos," Liam explained.
"Oh," Darla nodded. "Sure. That sounds like fun."
Liam grinned. "I thought so too."
"I'll see if Drew can watch this little guy for a night," Darla said, looking at her son.
"I imagine Chloe would love having him around," Liam said.
"She just adores him," Darla said. "It's so sweet."
She sat down with a tray of tea and biscuits. "So," Darla said. "You know, you could invite someone you're interested in to go to that party with you. I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to find someone, Liam."
"Yeah but I imagine we'd have fun," Liam said.
Darla smiled. "It will be nice to get out. I haven't been able to in ages."
"It's not easy when you're a new mum," Liam replied.
"Well, even before I had Rafe," Darla said. "My healer told me to take it easy and I didn't want to cross him..."
"He sounds like a pretty smart bloke," Liam cracked.
"And he's just a little bit arrogant too," Darla grinned.
"Of course--hey!" Liam said.
Darla laughed. "You are so easy, Thornhart."
"Very funny, Weasley." he said as Rafe let out a cry.
"See, he agrees with me," Darla said picking her son up gingerly. "Hey, buddy. It's okay..."
"I bet he's hungry," Liam said.
"I think you're right," Darla said carrying him over to the icebox. She had expressed some milk for him earlier.
"Already teaching him some independence?" Liam asked.
Darla laughed. "What makes you say that?"
"Feeding him off a bottle," Liam said.
"Ah yes," Darla said.
"It's a good thing," Liam said.
"Well, I'm preparing him for the times when he's with his Dad and not me," Darla said quietly.
Liam looked at her for a moment. "So you two are... you aren't..."
"We're separated," Darla said. "And I think it's going to be permanent."
"I'm sorry," he said sincerely.
Darla sat back down with Rafe while he fed from the bottle. "It's been coming for quite some time."
"But he's your husband and Rafe's father," Liam said. "I'm surprised that doesn't mean more to him."
Darla looked thoughtfully at him. "It does and he shows it in his own way."
"Oh," Liam sat back.
"You don't think so?" Darla asked.
"I don't know him well enough," he said.
"But you have an opinion," Darla pressed.
"If it were me, I'd be here," Liam shrugged. "But I'm not Hans and he does what he's going to do."
"You want to know something?" Darla asked him. "I couldn't believe he was ever interested in me. I mean, he was gorgeous and exciting and almost the complete polar opposite of me."
"What are you talking about?" Liam asked. "You're very attractive!"
Darla blushed. "I'm not a model, Liam. And you should have seen some of the girls he would work with."
"So?" Liam asked.
"It's just how I felt in the beginning of our relationship," Darla tried to explain. "And he would always tell me how much he loved me and I believed it. But, we would fight about all these different things. My dad thought being a model wasn't a real job and so he was kind of distant with Hans and he never really understood how important my family was to me."
"So perhaps he felt like he never fit in and that's why he wants to be over there now," Liam said pensively.
"Maybe," Darla said. "But, I think it's more along the lines of this is what he's always wanted. He worked really hard to get to where he is. I think he never really fit into my world and I never really fit into his."
Liam nodded. "You make a good point."
Darla gave him a half-hearted smile. "I've had loads of time to think about it."
Liam reached over and patted her shoulder. "You're very strong, Darla. Whatever happens, I think you'll pull through it."
Darla smiled. "Thanks to friends like you."
"Of course," Liam said with a grin.
"And this little guy," Darla said as her son finished his bottle.
"He is a cute one," Liam said.
"He is, isn't he?" Darla said grinning. "Of course, I'm completely biased."
"You better be," Liam laughed.
Darla looked at him. "Can you hand me that towel?"
"Sure," Liam said, grabbing it.
Darla draped the towel over her shoulder and patted her son's back. He let out a small burp and Darla smiled. "That's a good Weasley."
Liam smiled. "All boys need a good burp."
Darla laughed. "Oh, the blokes in my family have raised it to an art form."
"So have mine," Liam said wryly.
"Speaking of your family," Darla said. "When was the last time you visited them, Liam?"
"I'm not sure," he said thoughtfully. "Awhile back..."
"You finally have a day off and you could have gone to see them," Darla pointed out.
Liam shrugged.
"You could go today," Darla said smiling at him. "Ireland...just for the day. I'd go if I could."
"Maybe sometime I'll take you with me then," he commented.
"No time like the present," Darla said with a grin.
"You want to go now?" he asked. "With Rafe?"
"Why not?" Darla asked. "I actually have to meet with a bride in Belfast at four."
Liam gave her a look. "Darla--"
"I'm being too pushy, aren't I?" Darla asked, shaking her head. "I'm sorry. It's not my place..."
"It's just more complicated than you know," Liam replied.
"Oh," Darla said. "I'm sorry for intruding Liam."
"It's okay," he said.
"I'm going to put him down," Darla said. "I'll be right back."
"Sure," Liam nodded.
Darla gave him one last look before heading back to the nursery with Rafe. She wondered why she could not have just left well enough alone. It wasn't any of her business if Liam spent time with his family.
She quickly put her son down in his crib, making sure he was comfortable before joining Liam in the kitchen
"Alright?" Liam asked.
Darla nodded. "I am really sorry--" she began.
He held up his hand. "It's okay. Just---not every family is as close as yours."
"That's a shame," she said softly.
"My father had a problem with alcohol," Liam explained. "He spends most of his time in a stupor. Me mum just makes excuses for him. My brother hasn't been back in years."
Darla looked stricken. "I am so sorry..."
"You weren't to know," Liam said quietly. "My graduation from university...he showed up in the middle of the ceremony shouting my name and clapping before he passed out."
"That's awful," Darla said.
Liam looked over at her. "I've never told anyone that."
Darla felt touched that he had confided in her.
"It's one of the reasons I took a job in London," Liam said. "I just wanted to start over somewhere where I wasn't known as that drunk Thomas Thornhart's son."
"You're doing a great job here," Darla assured him.
Liam smiled. "Thanks."
"And if you ever do want to go back, let me know." Darla said. "But I won't push."
"I would like to check in on my mum," Liam said. "Make sure she's getting along."
"I'm sure she would like that," Darla said.
"Did you really have a bride to meet with today in Belfast?" Liam asked her.
"No," she confessed.
"You're a sneaky one, Weasley," Liam said punching her playfully in the arm. "Though, I shouldn't be surprised after that time you cleaned my clock in poker."
Darla laughed.
"I'm going to have to be on my toes to watch out for you," Liam joked.
"I can be sneaky," she replied.
"Can you now?" Liam asked raising an eyebrow.
"Very," she nodded.
"Devious Darla," Liam teased.
"Oh yes," Darla tossed her hair.
Liam reached for the last biscuit on the plate but just before his fingers touched it, the biscuit disappeared. He looked up to see Darla wiping the crumbs from her mouth. "Darla!"
"Sorry," she said. "Told you--"
Liam laughed and shook his head.
"I've got more," she said.
"I'll get them," Liam offered. "Just tell me where they're at."
"Just in the cupboard." she said.
Liam stood up. "You're not going to hex me while my back is turned are you?"
"Would I do that?" she asked innocently.
Liam leaned in and whispered in her ear. "Absolutely."
Darla shivered at his nearness.
Liam met her gaze and for the longest time, he just stared at her. Darla's breath caught in her throat.
"Hello?" Drew called out. "Darla---"
Darla broke her gaze away. "In the kitchen."
Drew came into the kitchen carrying a stack of folders. "Oh, hello, Liam. I didn't realise you were here."
"Just dropped by for a bit." he replied.
"We took a shower," Darla said, her cheeks red. "I mean, while I took a shower. Me. Alone."
Drew gave her sister a strange look.
Liam's cheeks were red as well. "I should probably go. I'm going flying with a few of my mates. Darla, I'll owl you later about the costume party."
"Okay," she said, hardly able to look at him. "I'll... I'll talk to you soon."
"Right," Liam said grabbing his cloak from the chair. "Good to see you, Drew."
"You too," Drew said as he hastily departed.
"Would you like some tea?" Darla offered eager to cut off the interrogation from her sister.
"Okay..." Drew said.
Darla busied herself with the kettle.
"You're going to a costume party?" Drew asked, taking off her cloak.
"Liam asked me to go," Darla said, not looking at her.
Drew smiled and studied her sister. "That's nice..."
"Just friends, you know?" Darla said quickly.
"Mmmhmm," Drew nodded.
"Where's Chloe?" Darla changed the subject.
"With Mum and Dad," Drew replied.
"You should have brought her by," Darla said.
"I will," Drew promised. "Where's my handsome little nephew?"
"Sleeping," Darla answered.
Drew smiled. "Can I go and have a peek? He's so cute when he's asleep!"
"Of course," Darla replied.
Drew hurried out of the kitchen leaving Darla alone with her thoughts.
What had just happened here with Liam? What could have happened if Drew hadn't arrived when she had?
Darla didn't want to think about that. Despite her certainty that her marriage was headed for disaster, she was STILL married at the moment.
And her biggest concern was her son.
Where was Rafe going to fit into all this? How could Hans care for a child over there in New York?
Darla could not imagine letting him take Rafe all the way over there for one night let alone a weekend.
She sighed. "What am I going to do?"
"About what?" Drew asked. Darla hadn't even noticed her sister's reappearance.
"Rafe," Darla said. "And Hans having him in New York."
"Oh," Drew said frowning. "He wants to take him for a weekend?"
Darla nodded.
"How would he have the time?" Drew wondered aloud. "I mean---he's barely able to call."
"I know," Darla frowned. "I'm not having some model or some nanny take care of my son."
"If he wants to see Rafe, he should see him here," Drew said. "I mean, when Rafe's older, you could send him with Hans, but he's just a baby."
Darla nodded again. "You're right."
"I know this isn't easy," Drew said.
"Not at all," Darla said quietly.
"I'm here," Drew said squeezing her hand.
"Thanks," Darla said gratefully.
"And you have people like Liam in your corner," Drew said.
"He's been a good friend," Darla said.
"He has," Drew agreed. "Like the other day when he brought you a cup of hot chocolate at the office..."
Darla turned slightly red.
Drew grinned. "Darla..."
"He's being a good friend," Darla replied.
Drew smiled. "I'm glad."
"How's Brian?" Darla changed the subject.
"He's great," Drew replied. "He's up for a promotion at work."
"That's fantastic," Darla said. "Tell him congrats."
"Just keep your fingers crossed that he gets it," Drew said.
"I'm sure he will," Darla said faithfully.
"By the way," Drew said. "Have you been by the pub recently?"
"No," Darla shook her head. "Do I want to hear this?"
"Well the good news is that Jon and Josh are still alive," Drew said.
"But just barely," Darla said. "Right?"
"Brian and I stopped by there for dinner last night," Drew confided. "Josh was trying to convince Jon that they should get rid of the video games and dart board..."
"What?" Darla asked in disbelief. "People love those!"
"Josh wants to turn the back room into a reading room," Drew said. "They were still shouting when Brian and I left."
"Honestly," Darla said. "What were those two thinking?"
"I don't think they were thinking," Drew said. "They are as different as night and day. It's a wonder they survived living together all those years ago."
"I know," Darla said.
"Not like us," Drew said with a grin. "We've done quite well for ourselves as business partners, if I do say so myself."
"Absolutely," Darla said. "Because we're perfect."
"We are," Drew giggled. "And we were mum and dad's favourites."
"Until Maddie was born," Darla said wryly.
"Ickle Maddie and her little look," Drew said shaking her head.
"She had that perfected by the time she was two," Darla said.
"No one could resist," Drew remembered. "Hell, no one can now."
"Especially Ethan," Darla said, laughing.
"And I bet that little Kiera is going to have that same look down," Drew said.
"Are you kidding?" Darla asked. "Maddie's probably already teaching it to her."
"She's learning at the feet of the master," Drew said reaching for a biscuit.
"Very much so," Darla sipped at her tea.
"I brought over some files for you to look over," Drew said. "You can make your calls from home."
"I feel terrible about keeping you in the office by yourself," Darla said.
"I don't mind," Drew reassured her. "And you come in twice a week."
"Yes I know--" Darla began.
"Its fine," Drew cut her off. "You need to spend time with Rafe, Dar."
"Thanks," Darla said. "For understanding."
"Of course," Drew said giving her a hug.
"I better check on Rafe again," Darla said. "He hasn't been sleeping as long these days."
"I'm going to head on out then," Drew said. "Ring me if you need anything."
"Thanks, I will." Darla hugged her sister again. "Thanks for dropping by."
Drew smiled. "And let me know what you're going to dress up as for that party."
"You'll be helping me put the costume together," Darla said.
Drew nudged her. "Absolutely. You'll look gorgeous."
Darla turned red. "That doesn't matter."
"Yes, it does," Drew said. "This will be the first chance you've had to really get out."
"It'll be nice," Darla said.
"I'll start thinking of ideas," Drew promised.
"Okay, me too." Darla nodded.
"Give my nephew a big kiss," Drew told her.
Darla smiled. "I will. You do the same for Brian and Chloe." she bade her twin goodbye and headed in to check on her son.
Rafe was awake and looking up at the mobile above his crib. Darla smiled. "Hiya, little guy," Darla whispered.
Rafe looked up at her and let out a soft coo.
Darla smiled and picked him up. "Did you have a nice kip?"
Her son rested his head on her shoulder and closed his eyes.
Darla patted his back. "I love you so much, Rafe."
She continued to pat his back and sat down in the rocking chair in the corner. "Your dad is just going to have to come here to visit you."
"I know he loves you," Darla continued. "But, I just don't think I can trust him to keep you safe all the way over there."
"So he's just going to have to come back here," she sighed, closing her eyes as well.
*** *** ***
*** *** ***
After a month of time at Hogwarts, Katie wasn't sure she ever wanted to leave. She fit in quite well with Jemima's group and was even enjoying her classes, much to her own astonishment.
And to her delight, a letter was waiting on her bed when she finished classes that day. She recognised Caroline's writing and she felt a pang of guilt that she hadn't written back to her best friend. She tore into the letter.
"Dear Katie," the letter read. "I miss you so much. School is fun and I'm doing pretty well in my classes. I'm reading 'Charlotte's Web' to Emma now. She says she wants to be a spider now. You can just imagine how well that's going with my grandpa." Katie laughed. She could just imagine how her Uncle Ron was reacting to that given how deathly afraid he was of spiders.
"What's so funny?" Lindsey asked her.
Katie glared at her and turned her back. She continued to read the letter. "Halloween is coming up really soon and I still don't know what I want to dress up as. If you have any ideas, you have to let me know! Emma and Hannah were going to dress up as witches, but now Em has her heart set as going as a spider. "
"She is too funny," Katie said to herself. She missed Caroline and Emma very much.
"I cannot wait until you're home for Christmas," Katie continued reading. "Mummy and Daddy said they'd take us ice skating. Do you remember last year when we went? We had such a good time and we laughed so hard when I kept falling down!"
"WHAT is so funny?" Lindsey asked when Katie laughed again. "Is it something about me?"
"A letter from home," Katie said briskly.
"Oh," Lindsey deflated. "Why won't you talk to me?"
Katie pocketed her letter and said a silent reminder to write back to Caroline that evening. "I'm talking to you."
"Yeah but you never talk to me when Jemima's here," she complained.
"That's not true," Katie replied.
"Yes it is," Lindsey said huffily.
"Linds," Katie said with a sigh. "You tried to ruin things for me the first night."
"I did not," Lindsey denied.
"You did too," Katie shot back.
"I SO did not," Lindsey retorted. "All I did was talk about Caroline."
"And why did you do that?" Katie asked, folding her arms.
"I didn't think it was a big deal," Lindsey shrugged.
"You knew exactly what you were doing," Katie said. "You hated that they took to me so fast so you had to find some way to worm your way in."
Lindsey just glared at her.
"If you want to be my friend again, you're going to have to prove yourself," Katie told her.
"What?" Lindsey asked.
"Prove yourself," Katie said tossing her hair over her shoulder. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I promised Ashley I'd go with her to meet with Hagrid."
Lindsey shook her head as Katie left the dormitory.
Katie found her sister just outside the Great Hall. "Hello," Katie said brightly.
"Hey," Ashley smiled at her.
"I got a letter from Caroline," Katie said. She then proceeded to tell her sister about Emma's plans to dress up as a spider for Halloween.
Ashley laughed. "She is just too much!"
"I know," Katie said. "I hope they take lots of pictures."
"I'm sure they will," Ashley assured her. "Come on, Hagrid's waiting for us."
The sisters set off for Hagrid's hut in companionable silence.
"Is that a new hair clip?" Ashley asked looking at the silver barrette in her sister's hair.
"I borrowed it from Jemima," Katie replied.
"Oh," Ashley said. "It's... it's very pretty."
"She has some really pretty ones," Katie said. "She even painted my nails. See?"
"Sounds like you two are really getting on," Ashley said.
"We are," Katie said. "She and Piper are really great."
"Just..." Ashley bit her lip. "Just keep your own mind with them Katie. Don't let them influence the way you think."
"I won't," Katie said. "What about you? You're going to Hogsmeade tomorrow..."
Ashley nodded. "I can't wait."
"You're so lucky," Katie said. "I wish I could go."
"You only have to wait until you're a third year," Ashley said. "It goes by fast."
"That's what Mum said," Katie said.
"I'll get you some sweets," Ashley promised.
"Thanks," Katie said. "Look! There's Hagrid!"
"Hi Hagrid!" Ashley called.
"'allo, Malfoy girls!" Hagrid called back.
The first time Katie had seen Hagrid she had been beyond intimidated, even though she knew how friendly he was.
"The pumpkins look great!" Ashley told him.
"They're for the Halloween feast," Hagrid said proudly
"They're so pretty," Katie commented.
"They make the best pumpkin pies," Hagrid continued. "Maxime loves them..."
Ashley grinned. "I think she'd love anything you made, Hagrid."
Hagrid's entire face turned red and he kicked up a cloud of dirt that enveloped both girls, making them cough.
"Sorry," Hagrid apologised.
"It's okay," Ashley wheezed, waving her hand to clear away the dust.
Katie didn't like getting dirty, but she couldn't be mad at Hagrid. "That---that was a great lesson today, Hagrid."
"Thank you," Hagrid beamed at her.
"He's a great Professor," Ashley said looking up at him. "Grandpa did say you were his favourite."
Hagrid was so pleased to hear this; he nearly unlodged a boulder as he kicked a rock towards the lake.
Katie giggled. "Hagrid!"
Hagrid looked at them. "Rock cakes?"
"Sure," Ashley said.
"Rock cakes?" Katie asked uncertainly.
Ashley leaned in. "Just take small bites. It would hurt his feelings if you didn't try them."
"All right," Katie said a bit reluctantly.
"You girls come on inside," Hagrid said holding open the door.
Katie looked around as soon as she stepped inside. "Wow..."
"It's great, isn't it?" Ashley whispered.
Katie could only nod. She normally didn't like tiny little cottages filled with clutter, but Hagrid's place was different.
"Look," Ashley said. "He has photographs of Grandpa when he was younger with Uncle Ron and Aunt Cho."
Katie laughed. "Look how small they were!"
Ashley nodded. "Hard to believe they were that young, isn't it?"
"My age," Katie replied.
"Yer grandparents ...best people I know," Hagrid said putting a tray down on the table.
"They always liked you," Ashley told him.
Hagrid beamed at her.
Katie hesitantly took one of the rock cakes and looked at her sister.
Ashley picked up the cake and took a small bite.
When Ashley didn't cry out in pain or anything, Katie took a bite of hers as well. "Not bad," she said in surprise.
Hagrid sat down and wolfed one of the cakes down with one bite.
Ashley and Katie ate their rock cakes in small ladylike bites while sipping at the hot tea Hagrid had also brought over.
Hagrid mad the girls laugh as he told them stories about Harry, Ron, Cho and Neville.
"I can't believe Grandpa sneaked a real DRAGON out of here," Katie said in amazement.
"He always told us he never broke rules, just bent them a little," Ashley said.
Hagrid laughed loudly. "Aye!"
"I'll have to remember that next time I get in trouble," Katie commented.
"Dumbledore always had a soft spot for Harry," Hagrid said. "I don't know if the new Headmaster would be the same way."
"But he went to school with him," Katie said.
"I think he means if Grandpa came to school now," Ashley said.
"Oh," Katie said. "Headmaster Wood is pretty tough."
"He's not too bad," Hagrid replied.
"He seems pretty fair," Ashley commented.
"And of course yer Mum is the best professor here," Hagrid proclaimed.
Ashley grinned. "She is."
The girls visited with Hagrid a little while longer before Ashley claimed to have some homework to get done.
Hagrid smiled. "Yer welcome anytime."
"Thanks Hagrid," Ashley gave him a hug.
"Thanks, Hagrid," Katie said looking up at him. He patted her on the top of the head.
"See you soon!" Hagrid boomed, waving as they headed back towards the castle.
"I really like him," Katie said softly.
"It's hard not to like Hagrid," Ashley said. "Some Slytherins don't give him a chance."
"Jemima and Piper haven't said anything bad about him to me," Katie said.
"Good," Ashley replied.
Ashley looked over at her sister as they walked up the steps to the castle. "I'm going to the library. I guess I'll see you at dinner?"
Katie nodded. "Say hi to Brit for me."
"I will," Ashley said giving her sister a hug. She headed for the library and saw her best friends sitting at their usual table.
"Hi guys," she said, dropping her bag.
"Hey," Brittany said. "How's Hagrid?"
"He's fine," Ashley said. "Told Katie all about our grandpa when he was here."
Brittany smiled. She'd seen the photograph of an 11-year old Harry Potter before. "Your granddad was so cute!"
Ashley smiled and shook her head. "Where's Evan?"
"He's meeting us later," Brittany replied.
"So we get to hear about her braces and how horrid they are and then Evan gets here and reassures her she looks fine," Zander said, rolling his eyes.
Brittany glared at him. "Shut it, Zander."
"Be nice," Ashley told him.
"He's just on edge about tryouts Monday," Brittany said.
"You'll do fine," Ashley said. "You know you're a great flyer."
"I don't know," Zander said. "They're a lot of people trying out, Ash."
"And you're better than all of them," Ashley said firmly.
Zander grinned. "Thanks, Ashley."
"I have to finish this essay," Ashley said. "For Potions."
"That's what we're working on," Brittany said.
"It's hard," Ashley admitted. "Finding twenty five uses for ONE potion..."
"Hard for us," Brittany said. "Not so hard for you."
"Why do you say that?" Ashley asked.
"You're brilliant, Ash," Brittany replied. "This is easy for you."
"I'll help you guys when I'm done." Ashley said. "But it may take me awhile."
"We'll be fine," Zander said. "Don't worry, Ash."
Ashley smiled at him before opening her potions book.
Zander opened up his book and was just reaching for his quill when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned to see Celia. "Hi, Celia."
"Hey," Celia blushed. "What's... what's up?"
"We're just working on our Potions essays," Zander replied.
"Speak for yourself," Brittany said. "I'm thinking of Hogsmeade tomorrow."
Celia laughed nervously. "Me too. Thinking of Hogsmeade, I mean- not of Potions."
"I'm looking forward to checking out Honeydukes and The Three Broomsticks," Zander said.
Ashley nodded. "Definitely."
Celia fidgeted. "Well, um, I came over here because I was wondering if you might---well, if you'd like to ride in a carriage with me tomorrow, Zander? I think we'd have a really great time together...."
Zander looked at her in surprise. "What?"
"I think she's asking you out," Brittany teased.
"Kind of," Celia admitted.
"Me?" he asked. "Really?"
Celia nodded. Ashley tried to concentrate on her textbook, but she couldn't deny the small pang of jealousy she felt toward the other girl. It was true that she'd wanted to just be friends, but it still hurt to think of some other girl fancying Zander.
"I just sort of thought it might be fun if we hung out together," Celia stammered.
"Um, I don't know," Zander said. "Brit, Ash, Evan and me were going to ride together."
"Oh," Celia nodded, crestfallen. "I understand..."
"You're welcome to ride with us," Brittany said. "There's always room for one more."
"Really?" Celia asked hopefully.
"Of course," Brittany said. "The more the merrier."
"Thanks," Celia smiled at her gratefully.
Brittany smiled back at her. "So, I guess we'll see you tomorrow morning."
"I'll be waiting by the doors," Celia said, looking at Zander.
Zander turned red. "See you, Celia."
She grinned at him and hurried away.
Brittany hit Zander hard on the arm.
"What?" he asked.
"She obviously fancies you, you moron," Brittany said.
Zander shrugged, obviously embarrassed.
"You could have had a little more tact," Brittany pointed out.
"I didn't know what to say!" Zander cast a glance at Ashley, who had buried her face in her book.
"See if you can be nicer tomorrow in Hogsmeade," Brittany said. She spotted Evan. "I'll be right back..."
Zander chanced another look at Ashley who looked up from her book. "What?" she asked softly.
"Nothing," he said hastily.
"She seems nice," Ashley commented.
Zander nodded. "Yeah, she does."
"And it's obvious that she does fancy you," Ashley said quietly.
"What do you think about that?" he asked.
"I don't know," Ashley admitted.
Zander just looked at her.
"But it's not important what I think," Ashley said looking back at him. "It's important what you think. If you fancy her..."
"I think she's nice," he said truthfully.
Ashley nodded. "She obviously feels the same."
Zander nodded.
He wanted to tell her that he wanted nothing more than to spend the day with her tomorrow, but that obviously wasn't what she wanted. She'd made herself clear.
"I think I'm going back to my dormitory before dinner," he said.
"Oh, okay," Ashley said.
"See you later," Zander said.
"Bye, Zander," Ashley said softly.
Brittany rejoined her a moment later. "Where did Zander go?"
"To the dorm," Ashley replied quietly.
Brittany studied her for a moment. "Are you upset about Celia?"
"I don't have any right to be," Ashley said.
"True," Brittany agreed.
"If he wants to date Celia, that's his choice," Ashley said. "It's just---strange, is all."
"You guys probably shouldn't have gone out," Brittany admitted.
Ashley looked across the table at her. "What?"
"If you're awkward around each other now, imagine what it's like when either of you gets serious about someone else," Brittany said.
Brittany had a point, but still Ashley couldn't agree with her entirely. "I don't regret what happened this summer with him."
"I'm glad," Brittany smiled at her.
"He was the first boy I ever kissed, my first boyfriend," Ashley said. "And he's one of my best friends."
"Then you want him to be happy," Brittany pressed.
"Of course," Ashley replied.
"Good," Brittany replied.
"Growing up is hard," Ashley said shaking her head.
"Sometimes," Brittany said. "I do enjoy some of it..."
"The snogging part," Ashley teased.
"Oh yes," Brittany said.
"Think this will get any easier?" Ashley asked.
"Not from what I've heard," Brittany said ruefully.
Ashley laughed. "So what do we do?"
"Keep growing up, I guess," Brittany glanced back over at Evan.
"Easier said than done," Ashley mused.
Meanwhile in the Slytherin Common Room, Katie had just joined Jemima and Piper.
"Hogsmeade tomorrow," Piper was saying. "Jem, do you know what we're going to do?"
Jemima shrugged. "Not sure yet."
"Gladrags first," Piper said thoughtfully. "I need a new scarf."
"Hopefully you won't get a ridiculous one like last time," Jemima said scornfully.
Piper glared at her. "It wasn't ridiculous. It matched my green jumper."
"Yes it was," Jemima told her.
"At least it wasn't second-hand like something the Weasleys would wear," Piper chimed in.
Katie sighed hoping that they weren't going to start in on her family again.
"Or that hideous jumper Erin Lindstrom wore," Jemima said casting a haughty look at the fourth year Slytherin who was reading by the fire.
Piper laughed derisively. "That colour washes her out."
Erin looked up from her book. "My mother knitted this for me."
"Who asked your opinion?" Jemima snapped.
"You were making fun of my jumper," Erin started to say.
"And we weren't talking TO you," Jemima said coldly.
Piper giggled. "My father told me that Erin's father was sacked from his job at the Ministry."
"If he dresses like her then no wonder," Jemima muttered.
Katie looked over at the other girl who seemed to be on the verge of tears.
She wondered if she should speak up but didn't think it would stop Jemima and Piper.
"It's too bad we can't kick you out of Slytherin," Jemima said to Erin. "You obviously don't belong. You're more of a Hufflepuff. Weak. Stupid. Poor..."
Erin slammed her book shut and hurried out of the common room.
Jemima and Piper shared a triumphant look. "See, Katherine?" Jemima asked. "That's how you do it. Everything and everyone has a place."
"I guess," Katie replied.
"It's up to us to remind them of that," Piper said.
"Come," Jemima said to Katie. "You can sit with us."
Katie grinned. "Thanks."
Jemima smiled at her as she sat down. "How was your day, Katherine?"
"It was great," Katie replied. "How was yours?"
"Just fine," Jemima shrugged.
"She's in lurve," Piper said to Katie.
"Piper!" Jemima spoke sharply.
"Jem, you are," Piper giggled. "Tristan Stone."
Katie nodded. She knew of the fifth-year Slytherin, though she'd never spoken to him.
"He is soooo gorgeous," Piper said.
"And he's mine," Jemima said.
"No one else would go after him," Katie said. "Not if they knew you were interested."
"They'd better not," Jemima said.
"You'd destroy them," Piper replied.
"Destroy them?" Katie asked. "How?"
Jemima laughed. "Oh Katherine... that's a lesson I'm sure you'll learn sooner or later."
Katie wondered if she should have a notebook with her to take notes. "Oh...okay."
"All in due time," Jemima said straightening up and tossing her long hair back as Tristan came into the common room.
"Hiya, Jemima," Tristan said spotting her.
"Hello Tristan," Jemima said in her sweetest voice.
"Have you seen Erin?" Tristan asked.
"What?" Jemima's face fell.
Tristan nodded. "We're going to Hogsmeade together."
Katie and Piper's jaws both fell as Jemima's face got very red.
"If you see her, tell her I'm looking for her," Tristan said. "See you at dinner."
"That witch," Piper said furiously once Tristan had gone. "Stealing your man that way!"
Katie looked over at Jemima.
"Looks like you're going to learn this lesson a bit sooner than we thought, Katherine." Jemima said, her eyes narrowed.
"I am?" Katie asked.
"Dinner should be very interesting tonight," Jemima said.
"What are you going to do to her?" Katie asked.
Jemima smiled cruelly. "Wait and see."
Little did anyone know, Lindsey had heard the conversation. She thought about what she could do with this information. Truth be told, Lindsey didn't much care for Piper and Jemima.
They had taken away the only person that really bothered to talk to her.
Lindsey hurried upstairs to the fourth-year girls' dormitory. She knocked on the door. "Hello?"
Erin opened the door. "What do you want?"
"I'm Lindsey Gill," Lindsey said. "I'm a first-year. I heard what Jemima and Piper were saying to you earlier. I'm really sorry."
Erin shrugged. "What of it?"
"Tristan Stone came looking for you right after you left," Lindsey said. "I'm sure you know that Jemima fancies him..."
"Who doesn't?" Erin rolled her eyes.
"I overheard her saying that she was going to get back at you," Lindsey said. "I wanted to warn you."
Erin stared at her for a moment. "How did she find out--"
"When Tristan came looking for you," Lindsey said. "He mentioned that the two of you were going to Hogsmeade together."
"Bloody hell," Erin pushed her hair back.
"What are you going to do?" Lindsey asked.
"I don't know." Erin said. "But... thanks for telling me."
Lindsey smiled. "You're welcome."
Erin gave her a half-hearted smile and shut the door.
Lindsey hoped that Erin would do something to stop Jemima or at least make her look foolish.
"What are you doing up here?" a sharp voice asked her.
"I was looking for my cat," Lindsey responded.
"You don't have a cat," Jemima said coolly.
"You don't know anything about me," Lindsey retorted.
"I know enough," Jemima brushed past her.
"Whatever," Lindsey said rolling her eyes.
"You should watch yourself, little first year," Jemima told her as Piper and Katie came up behind her.
"Linds, what are you doing?" Katie hissed.
"None of your business," Lindsey snapped.
Katie glared at her.
"Run along," Piper pushed her aside.
"Gladly," Lindsey said before stalking downstairs.
"And you said you were friends with her?" Piper asked disdainfully.
Katie shook her head. "Was. She showed her true colours and I dropped her."
"Good for you," Jemima said approvingly.
"She traded up," Piper grinned.
"Totally," Katie scoffed.
Jemima grinned, too. "You're going to be a great student, Katherine."