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May 5, 2011 18:21:45 GMT -5
Post by kittypatter on May 5, 2011 18:21:45 GMT -5
Sirius Black stretched out casually on the sofa, yawning extravagantly as he did so, letting one hand fly back to knock against the preoccupied head of Remus Lupin. He was absorbed in another one of those tatty books he found at the back of the library - some even looked like the kind only possible to be found at the back of the restricted section, but the benign and honest Lupin would never forge a note, and no Professor had allowed permission. No students were vaguely interested in learning more than necessary, anyway.
The shaggy Gryffindor gave a wolfish grin, glancing over his shoulder towards Moony. ‘Time you got your nose out of those books.' an obvious past time of Moony had to be books - or rather, learning. Sirius on the other hand didn't have to try hard - or was it that he didn't want to? - either way, he got away with it in the end, after a helping hand from the rest of the Marauders. Everyone sought help from one another. Except Wormtail; he was a mystery.
‘Its almost midnight, the time for reading should be over when you leave the classrooms - or never, if I had my way.... '
That wasn't right. The room had gotten darker, even with the flame roaring in the grand fireplace and the few torches scattered around. The light outside had diminished drastically, now a sea of dark blue and dotted silver stars, far across the back, an almost black tinge to the cloudless sky. He'd fallen asleep. And he could feel it now, the ache of his limbs and neck as he'd slept at an awkward angle, and the way Remus was craning for more light, whereas earlier he had simply sat central, now over to the left towards the fireplace.
That's when Sirius noticed her, the figure sleeping close to the fire, curled up protectively in one of the padded armchairs. It'd been moved to angle closer to the heat and, although it was February, soon March, the chill did catch you sometimes, especially at night. Dark haired and wrapped inside a pale cream jumper was Charlotte Kane, a sixth year Gryffindor, one of her arms flopped over the side of the chair carelessly.
Pretty. In her own little way. Not that Sirius cared for anything like her, anything plain and like the rest. He liked... a challenge, something spirited and difficult. But most of the time, admittedly, he'd settle for anything that caught his eye, just because he could. Only two females in this school hadn't fallen at his feet: Charlotte, and that booky girl that liked getting into fights. aoifey aoiferton. Easy on the eyes, from every angle, but impossible to tolerate for too long - she had so many views that were obviously wrong. Stupid views and opinions - always wanting to argue and fight to prove things. Especially if Sirius got involved, which he did, most of the time. As he said: he was a man who liked a challenge.
James would argue that she just liked to stand up for what she believed in. But what did he know about women? He couldn't even charm Lily. Lovely Lily. ‘Come on,' Sirius grinned, cracking his back as he stretched from head to toe. ‘I want to do something exciting-' was that a ‘no' look Remus was giving him. Sirius tipped his head to the side, almost in a pout. ‘Come on, Moony! Where's your sense of adventure!' after a pause, he ran a hand through his already messed hair, glancing over his shoulder towards Charlotte. 'We can bring her if you like.'
Why did everyone fall asleep with their bloody books? What was it about them that everyone loved and understood, and Sirius didn't. You learnt things by doing - and Sirius had done a lot - rather than reading about it in stupid, ancient books. ‘One day, you're going to regret not having fun while you could, and you're going to be swept up into the Ministry and, before you know it, you'll be seventy and sitting behind a desk filled with complaints from other Wizards who are actually out living-'
There was a shuffle from somewhere in the Common room, hard to pinpoint exactly because the darkness distorted their views. Sirius swung around, chuckling to see it was simply Charlotte stirring in the chair, rolls of parchments toppling to the floor. So someone was preparing for exams - life waster. Sirius was intelligent without endeavour. But the noise continued: feet. They'd woken someone up, or a student was making a late entrance to the common room.
i55.tinypic.com/ju75go.jpg - pew pew pew.
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May 8, 2011 18:42:49 GMT -5
Post by marcofuckingpolo on May 8, 2011 18:42:49 GMT -5
There wasn't a sound in the 6th year Gryffindor girls' dorm, save that of the slight breeze outside the window and the strange creatures that inhabited the forbidden forest. Noelle Brett shivered under the covers of her four-poster bed. It was a cold night and she wasn't particulary looking forward to what she had to do tonight. However, needs must. She took a deep breath and gingerly pushed her bedclothes down, slipping out of bed, fully clothed. It was late enough now, she felt, to make her way downtairs. No one would be in the common room and she could escape unnoticed. She tip-toed across the room to the window for a quick peek outside. The sky was bright thanks to the full moon but heavy with clouds. Sighing she turned away, pulled her small sachel over her shoulder and made her way towards the staircase. Towards the end of her fifth year in Hogwarts Noelle had been approached by a seventh year Slytherin. Nicholas Norrington. Although they were from rivaling houses she had fallen head over heels for the charms of this handsome young man. Young and naive she had really believed he loved her too. Noelle wasn't exactly the type of girl to fall in love, he had been her only exception in these past seventeen years. Of course he had only being using her. Two months into their secret relationship he had asked her to do him a favour. She was quite friendly with the young grounds keeper, half-giant Hagrid who had been expelled before she had entered the school under mysterious circumstances but allowed to wait on as a worker. Nicholas asked her to get Hagrid to take her deep into the forest asd show her a rare plant, Lymphaticus. The small fruits it beared were hallucinogenic for a short period. Relatively harmless except they were known to have the effect of inducing pyromania in takers and for this reason had been banned among the wizarding community. Professor Sprout required them for her class as did the potions master, Professor Slughorn so they were permitted at the school as long as they were out of the reach of children. He asked Noelle to retrieve some for him, strictly for medicinal purposes of course and reluctantly hse had obliged. This continued for a few months before she realised he was seeing Tracy Smith behind her back. Now his younger brother, Norbert, who was in seventh year was paying him to do the same job Nicholas had tricked her into. She refused at first but relented when he threatened to tell professor Dippet exacty what she had been up to all those years ago. Noelle made this trip, once every month. Usually it was two days before the full moon, just to be on the safe side. However, it had been raining the last two nights and she had postponed her trip. Not that it mattered, there was no way there was any werewolfs at Hogwarts. She quietly made her way to the common room fighting fatigue. A great lover of her sleep, this witch had been known to main those responsible for waking her. Suddenly she paused at the door. She coud hear voices, "Come on, I want to do something exciting!" Groaning inwardly she rolled her eyes. That bloody Sirius Black. Cocky git that he was, she should have known <i>he'd</i> still be up. Her heart clenched suddenly. If he was here James was sure to be close by and of course. . . Remus. James, she could tolerate. Sirius she despised. But Remus, well Remus wasn't like the others was he? Quiet and witty. Charming. Friendly. Handsome. She felt a smile creep onto her facejust thinking about him. Of course, despite their common interests and despite her subtle hints he had never once even suggested the feelings were mutual. Slightly down-trodden she tuned back into the conversation. "We can bring her if you like." She stiffled a gasp, had they seen her? No. He was looking towards the fire, she craned her neck from the shadows to get a better look. Charlotte. Her heart sank. Of course. Clever, pretty Charlotte. She wasn't surprised Remus liked her. That didn't stop her suddenly hating this girl. In this rapid rage she turned to leave. Abandon her stupid quest for another night but in her haste she crashed straight into a wodden chair behind her. It only moved a little, but in the quiet of the common room it was enough to reval her location. She winced and slowly turned to face the room, cursing her own haste "Evenin' Gentlemen." Oh well, she'd been caught, might as well make the most of it. "What has ye up so late?" she asked raising an eyebrow feigning coolness, quite well too. She took several, slow deliberate steps into the room. Remus didn't look up from his book despite Sirius' constant banter. Over the years he had become accustomed to blocking out annoying sounds. He had heard it all before, how could he not have. His two best friends were the biggest messers in school. They considered it an achievment if they made it to the classroom. He actually liked books, a fact that he knew was wasted on Sirius. That child had never learned an appreciation of the written word. He flicked aimlessly through the pages. He knew that Sirius had finally had enough and he was soon be forced to abandon his book. He inhaled deeply and sat well back into the seat. It was so comfortable and the warmth of the fire was making him dozy. The full moon was only TWO DAYS AWAY (see so it was almost full and to silly Noelle it would look full) and he was already dreading the thought of returning to the shrieking shack. Just as he was about to fall asleep Sirius said someting that actually caught his attention. "Her?" he asked under his breath, he looking in the direction the other boy had geustered. Oh Charlotte was here, he hadn't even noticed but now his cheeks began to feel warm. He hoped it wasn't too noticable in the dark of the common room. "Shut up Padfoot," he said rolling his eyes. Suddenly they looked up towards the sound. Someone was standing at the entrance to the girls' dorm. "Noelle?" he asked curiosly. He smiled. He was very friendly with the girl, despite hers and Sirius' continuous feud. Remus actually thought they were cute. Everyone in the year could see there was somthing there, they just didn't realise it. Always bickering like an old married couple, trying to rise eahother, get a reaction or just the others' attention. Both too stubborn to do anything about it.
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May 8, 2011 19:53:46 GMT -5
Post by kittypatter on May 8, 2011 19:53:46 GMT -5
‘The fair maiden awakes.’ Sirius did a whimsical bow, winking at Charlotte who settled her books on the table in a neat stack and pulled her cardigan back over her shoulder. As everyone else looked up towards the stairwell, she sneaked a glance at Remus, turning away quickly to cup the stacked literature into her arms. Black slipped his hands into his trouser pockets, suddenly feeling a challenge coming on - anything he had to say to this witch, to him, always seemed like a battle of the wits. Even if it was the middle of the night, he’d never let any of his words slip. She’d hold it against him. His lip twitched, upturning into a smirk. Nodding his head the Gryffindor took a few steps forward, taking in the girls appearance.
She’s always sneaking out. Charlotte thought, almost bitterly. Why was she suddenly feeling conflict for someone she hardly even spoke to? Maybe it was the way Remus looked at her- Clearing her throat, she went to leave but James jumped up from his seat, moving to block her route out, standing shoulder to shoulder with Sirius.
‘Where do you think you’re going, Brett? I know you like to be first to class, but this is a bit over the top.’ ah, he’d got her.
James elbowed his friend with a wink, glancing over his shoulder towards Remus who seemed to not want to get involved. Charlotte continued to stay behind them, staring down at her books and then back up towards the girl. Where did she keep going? Every other month she heard the girl climbing out of her bed and passing her ( their bunks were opposite one another ) but to go where? One night she’d followed her - intrigued or bored, it didn’t really matter. She hadn’t gotten anywhere. Someone from the boys dorms had clunked down the stairs minutes after, hidden under a cloak, followed by three other figures. The Marauders. It was easy to define them, not by the numbers but the shapes. Wormtail was definitely easy to identify - he’d tripped over one of the armchairs and waddled, a clumsy S shape.
Where was Wormtail anyway? He was usually by Sirius side like an obedient lapdog, taking two podgy stomps to every saunter Black took. Giving Remus a sideways look, Charlotte adjusted the books again, trying not to drop them.
‘Boys, if you excuse me.’ she was off without a word, elbowing past James who only just managed to get out of her way enough so they didn’t horribly collide. Meeting Noelle on the steps, she gave the girl a forced smile, eyeing the satchel over her shoulders. This wasn’t just a night-time stroll - almost a mission? What did it matter, this had nothing to do with her.
‘Yeah.’ Black pulled his gaze from Noelle, realising he’d be smirking too long now - or was it a smile? A wide, boisterous grin. His cheeks ached whatever the case. ‘We wouldn’t want to interrupt you, after all, it must be somewhere secret for you to have been hiding from us. Meeting Snivellus behind Hagrid’s hut, are you? Or planning on joining Lucius’ little clan?’ he was back to his cocky little ways, hands still deep in his pockets, stroking the thick wood of his wand. It gave him a powerful feeling to have one up on someone. Even if he hadn’t guessed correctly - and he knew he hadn’t, he was just taking the piss - they had caught her in the act.
James sniggered along with this pal, always one to enjoy a bit of teasing. Maybe Lily would wake up - but then she’d only yell at him. Still, he’d get to see her. Lovely Lily - he was daydreaming again, glasses knocked askew as Sirius beat the side of his head, indicating they move. She was at the foot of the stairs now and they could all see the satchel she was trying to hide. James and Sirius had formed the same idea and casually they strode back towards the opposite staircase for the boys dormitories.
‘Don’t go wandering too far, wouldn’t want you to get into any trouble, now, would we?’
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May 9, 2011 13:18:42 GMT -5
Post by marcofuckingpolo on May 9, 2011 13:18:42 GMT -5
Remus craned his neck in the direction of the sleeping girl. Indeed Sirius was correct, she was just waking up. She glanced up at him but quickly away, not before they made eye-contact. His heart gave an uncomfortable squeeze. Trying not to dwell on her quick glance away he turned back to the stairwell. "Remus," the only other girl in the room nodded her head in greeting towards him. Her gaze then slid across the room to land on the pair now blocking her path. Disdain crept across her features.
Her eyes flicked towards the girl in the armchair, "Hi Charlotte?" she smiled as warmly as possible but there was a question in the hello. What was she doing down here with these boys? She rarely saw her in their company. Few girls hung around with them for any great length of time. Noelle herself was quite friendly with Remus but she had little time for the others and had never quite breached their inner circle. Not that she had particularly tried. James was always pinning after Lily Evans whom Noelle was good friends with but she couldn't stand the sight of that Severus Snape. Unfortunately Severus and Lily were practically joined at the hip these days so Noelle wasn't seeing too much of her. The only other females were conquests of Sirius who tended to avoid the foursome after he was finished with them. Most of the Hogwarts girls fell into the last category.
"Where do you think you’re going, Brett? I know you like to be first to class, but this is a bit over the top." The girl scowled in response, waiting for a good reply to hit her. Unfortunately it was too late and she was too tired to come up with any notable witty retort, "Class? Ha! And what exactly would you know about that? Perhaps if it was detention you'd have a better idea. . . " This was a case of the pot calling the kettle Black. Noelle spent plenty of time in detention thanks to her love for "heated" debate and affinity for the Furnunculus curse, that causes boils to sprout up everywhere on the unlucky victim. On more then one occasion Sirius had been on the wrong end of her wand. Thinking Abbot this she slipped it out of her pocket. Mahogany, 13 inches, Dragon Heart-string.
"See those of us who go to class actually learn from our mistakes," she continued. "So if you don't want Madam Pomfrey vanishing boils from your arse till all hours again you'll get out of my way," she flashed him a bright smile. Remus snorted from his seat. "The lady has a point," he began pushing himself up. There was no need to start something this late right in the middle of the common room. He was gearing up for a showdown. There was no way Sirius would leave it at that.
"Boys if you'll excuse me," Remus' gaze flicked back to Charlotte. She was leaving. He tried not to look to crestfallen. After all it was well past midnight, she was bound to be tired. "Goodnight," was all he managed to reply and a feeble wave that he doubted she even noticed. "We should probably go too-" he began but Sirius was already speaking.
"Night," said Noelle, stepping to the side as she walked past her. The 6th year wondered what was up. It wasn't like her to be so cold. She brushed it off to turn back to the boys. Sirius was still staring at her. Shit. She knew she was in for it now. Three on one, she didn't fancy her odds but she wasn't one to back down.
"I believe his name's Severus," she said coldly, frowning at Black. She was no fan of Snapes but there was no need to torture him the way they did. She was sure it was simply because Lily was such good friends with him and James was jealous.
"And you James, I don't see what you're laughing at. If anyone was sneaking out to see him it would be Lily," she shot Potter a glare. Part of her felt guilty but on the other hand he had no right sticking his nose in her business. The pair of them were nothing but cocky meddling gits. "If you must know I am going to meet a Slytherin," she smirked darkly, "Dashing young man. So handsome. He definitely inherited all the looks in his family, you might know him... Regulus Black? He's great- if you know what I mean," she winked cheekily at Sirius as she passed him making her way to the portrait hole.
Remus bit back a smile. The Black brothers were infamous through out the school for their mutual hatred of eachother. Noelle had aimed low and he had a feeling she'd come to regret it. She smiled at Remus as she passed but he just shook his head with a smile. There were few people who dared take on Sirius in a battle of wits.
"C'mon I think it's time for-" he began urging the pair to go to bed but much to his surprise they were already making their way to the staircase to the boys dorm. He narrowed his eyes suspiciously but didn't voice his concerns. "Goodnight Noelle, they're right. Be careful," he said, pausing at the bottom of the stairs. Noelle exhaled slowly, "Don't worry about me," she replied lightly without looking back as she pushed open the entrance.
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May 9, 2011 15:01:33 GMT -5
Post by kittypatter on May 9, 2011 15:01:33 GMT -5
Ah, detentions. Sirius Black shrugged his shoulders, looking down at the floor with that permanent grin he flashed around the ladies - a killer. Plus, when she was around, he couldn’t not do it. It was either a smug smirk or a lovestruck grin - his eyes flashed, momentarily troubled. Lovestruck? ‘oh, yes, very funny aren’t you?’ he humoured her, looking back up with defiance.
And then suddenly she was threatening him, holding her wand at a height, waiting to strike like a coiled serpent. His hand continued to stroke the nib of his wand, calm exterior, pulse soaring with the prospect of a duel inside. ‘The lady-’ he snorted back at his friend, out of absurdity. To call such a thing a lady, ha! - ‘does not have a point, Rem. She is out of bed just like the rest of us. We are all breaking a rule, as you will put it.’ his wand snaked out of his pocket, rising to the game. And for a moment he thought about doing it, doing anything, just to tease. But he put it back after watching her bold face and that was when it hit him. They’d pretend to leave and then, when she was gone, follow.
Charlotte muttered ‘yeah, night’ back, but it was barely heard over Sirius’ proud voice, soul attention on him. As always. Sitting halfway up the stairs, she could only just hear them talking, and the footsteps as the boys changed their minds and went to bed.
"And you James, I don't see what you're laughing at. If anyone was sneaking out to see him it would be Lily," Something in James suddenly felt like it was going to snap and involuntarily he lunged forward a little, too tired to even compose his emotions and act the slick stud he usually was. There was always so much talk about his Lily and that slimy Slytherin. Ever since James had met her that day on the train, the grease ball had been one step ahead of him, winning her heart before he even managed to get a look in. He clenched his fists, only stopped as Sirius put his arm out.
‘Nice going, Brett. Smooth - now watch it, or I’ll have to set him on you. And you know when it comes to insulting him and Evans you don’t stand a chance.’ there was an anger hidden deep at the back of Sirius’ eyes, only flickering as James gave in besides him. Low. James, arrogant to everyone else, was easily weakened when you mentioned the glossy redhead. The one thing that could break a man was a beautiful woman.
James turned to look at Sirius instantly and it took a moment for Black to realise that Noelle had spoken again. ‘Regulus?’ he repeated. Perfect little child, a picture of what a member of the Black family should be - the polar opposite to Sirius, the disappointment of every Slytherin family, the Muggle’s black sheep. His brother had darker everything - eyes, hair, thoughts. Evil little bastard. And it was because he hadn’t been like his darling brother that Sirius had been exiled. Not that he cared, no, Sirius wasn’t hurt or annoyed, he was angry, pissed off. But better than all of them. He had his own family now - the Potter’s. Shaking his head to rid himself of his thoughts, he released his tense hand from James’ arm, from where he’d grabbed him in case he started on the girl again.
James shook his arm a little, trying to bring it back to life, but said nothing. She was touching many of a nerve tonight.
‘Don’t go wandering too far, wouldn’t want you to get into any trouble, now, would we?’ Remus had suggested they go, but they were off before he could finish his sentence. ‘Nice going, Moony, really stuck up for us there, didn’t you?’ Sirius snapped, unable to help himself. He just felt so angry. She was meeting with his brother? No, surely that was a lie. But why would she say it, just to spike him? Yes, that was something Noelle would do. He bit his lip, listening as he heard someone on the stairs sneeze, the sound echoing around the concrete flooring.
‘I thought you’d be listening.’ he muttered under his breath, running a hand through his shaggy hair and watching as Charlotte came back down the stairs. A grey cat streaked past her and she rubbed her nose unhappily. Allergies. The cat pounced into the seat Remus had just left, still warm and comfortable the feline was instantly asleep.
‘She’s going to the forest- she has her boots on and its raining outside’ a small shrug and she glanced at the rest of the boys. ‘I don’t have a problem with her, I just want to know what she’s doing. I don’t want us to lose anymore points if she gets caught-’ ( maybe she got caught going out and lost points? Fuckknows. ) ‘I’d like Gryffindor to win this year’ another small shrug, honest words brought on as she remembered a bet she’d made with a fellow Slytherin that Gryffindor would win the house cup.
'Lads, the Marauders are going on a trip.' Sirius chuckled.
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May 9, 2011 18:27:09 GMT -5
Post by marcofuckingpolo on May 9, 2011 18:27:09 GMT -5
The anger in Sirius eyes wasn't lost on Noelle. She'd seen it before but rarely directed at her. No, she knew it wasn't nice to poke fun at a man's failed attempts to woo the woman he loved but for Sirius to even dare lecture her on the fragility of a heart in love was too much to take. She had seen him disregard countless young girls' feelings, using them and throwing them away when he got bored. Fair enough, she reasoned, they didn't have a decent braincell between them but it wasn't right to toy with peoples emotions. How stupid you'd have to be to fall in love with Sirius Black. Even stupider to think he would love you back. She winced at her own thoughts. Why? He meant nothing to her. But she couldn't get the image of the hate in his face out of her mind. "...wouldn't want you to get in trouble..." Funny how when he said the words that was exactly what it sounded like he wanted.
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"Padfoot! Watch it, that's my foot!"
The four of them made their way rather uncomfortably across the grounds. They were used to making this journey especially at night but usually they were in their animagus forms and it wasn't necessary to take James' cloak with them. Charlotte, however, didn't know about is furry little problem, so the mauraders were forced to try and fit four people under it. Turns out they'd all grown quite a bit since third year.
"What do you think she's doing in the forest?" asked James ignoring Remus' outburst. "I knew she was no angel but this... well I don't know what this is about," he said thoughtfully. "Maybe she's a werewolf," said Remus ruefully. The others smiled, knowing the joke would make no sense to Charlotte. James trekked on absent-mindedly and without noticing it walked straight into a branch sending the four of them to the ground.
Luckily by now they were just under the cover of the trees so no one could see them but they would have to move fast to keep up with Noelle. "Ok we don't have time for messing around, Moony, Charlotte? The pair of you will just have to go wait for us behind Hagrid's Hut ok? Keep out of sight. Well not that it matters, Hagrid won't turn us in. Sirius, we'll find out what Brett's up to. C'mon..." and with that he through the invisibility cloak over both their frames and they promptly disappeared.
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Noelle trudged as quickly as she could through the dense undergrowth. It wasn't too cold but it was drizzling persistently. Her jeans were soaked though but her boots kept her feet lovely and dry. Her thick hoody was also quite warm and the knitted hat kept her hair under control for now. She thought of anything and everything to distract her from where she was now. It wasn't easy traveling through the forbidden forest at night, all manner of dark creatures dwelt here. It had been easier with Nicholas, even if he was a giant dickhead.
She braced herself as she neared the clearing. He would already be here. Ned fucking Norrington. She despised him. Just as slimy and cocky as his big brother but without the looks. She stumbled to a halt on the outskirts of the clearing. There were too figures there already. Her heart skipped a beat and she slipped silently behind a tree. Her breath caught. It was at times like this that she wished she had someone to help her but who could she trust? Lily, she knew, would understand but she was too wrapped up in Severus. The other girls, well they all thought being caught snogging behind the tapestry was a big deal. They'd have a conniption if they knew she ventured into the Forbidden Forest alone several times a year. She sighed sneaking a peak again. Yes. One of them was Ned. She felt herself relax. Who was the other? She took a few small steps closer for a better look and smirked. Well. This was an interesting development. . .
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"I'm sorry about dragging you into all this," said Remus, gesturing aimlessly with his hands. "Those two...when they get an idea...unstoppable." He sighed softly. It was more difficult to talk to her than he had anticipated. He half wondered if James had set him up on purpose, thinking he was doing Moony a favour. Quality time with the girl of his dreams. Funnily enough this wasn't how Remus had imagined it.
"Here," he slipped his jacket off his shoulders, "You should have this, it's cold," he explained holding it out to her. He wasn't going to take no for an answer so he hoped she just took it. He felt bad enough for being the reason she was here, she shouldn't have to freeze to death too.
He suddenly thought of something and scratched his head nervously. "Merlin," he breathed, "I hope they don't actually catch up with her. When her and Sirius go at it... Well I'd like to think he'd never hurt her. That's not to say he wouldn't disfigure the poor girl. Usually I can rely on James to reign Sirius in but after the comment she made about Lily I can't see him being too sympathetic." He exhaled slowly, rubbing his temples. "Damn."
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"Well if it isn't Regulus Black," said Noelle brightly as she entered the clearing. She had spent a further five minutes gearing herself up before moving in but now she was confident. Tonight was the night. She was giving it up. No more late night walks in the park. No more dodgy dealings. No more Slytherin bullshit.
"You're late," replied Ned coolly. "Any more poor conduct and I'm docking your pay." His icy blue eyes scanned her features suspiciously. "Is there someone with you?" he demanded, glaring into the darkness behind her. "What do you think?" she snapped, pulling her satchel from her shoulder as she neared the pair, "Yeah I invited Dippet along for the craic and he decided to bring Dumbledore," said Noelle sarcastically. "Hold this," she thrust the satchel at the fifth year. A small glass rod in her hand. "What's he doing here?" she jerked her head in Regulus' direction. She hadn't had many dealings with Regulus' in her years at school but she never much fancied the idea of him. A slytherin Sirius Black, could it get much worse than that? Conceited, loud, charming, reckless and evil on top of that. At least Sirius' ideals had some degree of moral standing.
"I'm a friend of his," said Regulus in a calm tone. He gave little away in his expression either but the way he watched her. It gave her the feeling he was looking for something but what? "I have friends too," she pointed out, feeling around the outskirts of the clearing for the wooden post that marked the tiny hidden herb patch. "Ah," she said triumphantly as her hand hit it. She rummaged in the darkness for a moment.
"Tell me again why you can't do this yourself Ned?" asked Regulus without taking his eyes off her. Noelle was beginning to feel uncomfortable. "The skewet," said Ned simply with a shrug. "Ah yes," said Regulus, seemingly remembering a snippet of information he had already been given. The youngest Black finished, "And Hagrid introduced it to her. So she can access the garden and it won't stop her. But if one of us were to try..." "It would take your hand off," finished the girl with a smirk.
She finished quickly and handed the fruits to Ned who had a large bag ready. "That's more than usual," he pointed out, not sounding disappointed. "Well," said Noell as she began to back away. "That's because you won't be getting any more for awhile," she tried to play it cool but even she could hear the worry in her voice. They may have been the year below her but there was only a few months between them in age and whatever about Regulus she knew Ned wasn't one to be trifled with. But she had had enough.
"What did you say?" hissed Ned advancing on her, pulling out his wand. Noelle already had hers bared but she hoped it wouldn't come to that. One of them she could take but two? She wasn't so sure. "Keep the fuck away from me!" she warned him. A few crimson sparks were emitted from the tip of her wand. Ned stopped in his tracks. Regulus was standing next to him, his own wand bared, expression looking less than pleased. "I have had enough of this shit Norrington! Two years! Two years I've been trekking in and out of this forest and for what? I don't care any more. I was scared of your brother but you? You don't frighten me." She glared at him defiantly. Ned looked at her. He almost seemed to be smiling, what was he smiling for?
"Not scared of me eh?" Suddenly his hand flicked up and a shot of blue flew towards her from the tip of his wand, she just managed to get the counter in on time. "Petrificus totalus!" her curse hit him square in the chest and he creeled over frozen. However, before she had the chance to compose herself she heard the word "Expelliarmus!" and her wand flew from her hand into the dense trees behind her. Panicked she watched where it landed but her attention was immediately distracted by the advancing Regulus Black.
"You know I have a brother, you almost remind me of him," he said in a cool, acidic tone. "He's a fucking Gryffindor too. Perhaps you've heard of him, Sirius Black?" Noelle didn't say a word but tried to subtly edge towards her wand. Without it, she didn't stand a chance. "Yes I think you do know him. I hear you hate him almost as much as I do. I had quite hoped we could be friends," he said as he stopped several paces from her. Wand pointed at her heart.
"No we don't quite get on," she agreed. Her eyes narrowed as she snapped "But even I can see he's twice the man you are!" The frown on Regulus' face deepened. Suddenly he raised his wand, Noelle squeezed her eyes shut and her hands into fists as she waited for the impact.
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May 9, 2011 18:47:01 GMT -5
Post by kittypatter on May 9, 2011 18:47:01 GMT -5
They were all squashed under a shimmering cloak that, for the first five minutes, Charlotte had been amazed by, but she had learn that there were more urgent matters to be dealt with, and quietly fell in line besides James and Remus. James was clumsily, stumbling over everything like a rhino, but Sirius knew every spot to jump and to dodge, to dive and weave, as did Remus. She followed them closely, hopeful not to trip and humiliate herself. It was on their way down the slopes of the grounds that Remus toppled back into her, knocked sideways by a jumpy James. He was still annoyed about what Noelle had said, muttering her words under his breath in an angry hiss, asking his friends what she could mean. Oh, the poor fool was head-over-broomstick for Evans.
‘There’s no chance of a werewolf in Hogwarts.’ Charlotte said, almost certainly. How could there be? There were unicorns and deep, despairing monsters - but werewolves? To be a werewolf, there would need be someone to turn them into such a creature, something to get it all rolling, to create a pack. And if there was really one lurking in the woods, would they really let the pupils so easily stray towards its home? As for a student being such a creature, it was ridiculous - wasn’t it? She glanced at Remus as he gave a nervous laugh towards his friends joke but then instantly they came to a halt and she gasped as they all turned to face one another in the darkness.
Wait behind Hagrid’s hut? Charlotte was going to give a whine to complain but thought better on it. Maybe she didn’t really want to know what was going on after all. Nodding, she shrugged her shoulders. ‘Sure - lookouts, eh?’ she smiled, pulling the cardigan tighter around he waist, feeling the wand in her pocket. Ready for anything.
~
Then it was just them, left alone in the darkness by the edge of a pitch black hut. Hardly romantic, the air was icy and the creatures all stirred in the woods, the noises loud and echoing. If that wasn’t bad enough, the conversation seemed stiff and hard to work - why was it so difficult? Her smile was genuine as she took his jacket, feeling the warm material beneath her skin she didn’t even hesitate to slip it over her shoulders. ‘It’s okay, I wish I had friends like yours.’ that was truthful too, she really did wish it. ‘they’re real genuine, y’know? Always got your back, even if they do drag you into the forest in the middle of the night to search for a rampant witch, its still fun.’ laughing, Charlotte tucked her hair behind her ear.
‘And thank-you.’ she indicated to the jacket. ‘But now you’re going to get cold-’ stopping herself, she closed her mouth. Don’t ruin it, Charlotte. Shuffling along the side of the hut, she slid down and sat herself on the floor, knees out before her, waiting for Remus to join her, just as a nasty thought hit him and worry creased his scratched features.
‘He wouldn’t.’ certainly he wouldn’t, Sirius wasn’t like that. ‘Have more faith in your friend - maybe he’s mad, but - there’s more to him and her than just arguing, y’know.’ was she just imagining it, and would it be stupid to say. Slowly, she picked her words. ‘but I think they like one another, maybe… I don’t know, I think I’m being silly. Just sit down.’ smiling, Charlotte glanced at her knees, knocking them together and resting palms on her tight-clad legs.
~
Sirius and James followed her in silence, having lost her for a bit, they were cautious when they found her to not doing it again. Maybe it was because her words had stung, or because there was really nothing to say, but both stiffly trudged onwards quietly. Something in the back of his mind truly believed she was going to see his brother. Black didn’t have a lot to do with him, but he was a Black, he was a Slytherin and they were bad.
‘What we gonna’ do when we find her?’ James finally asked, now more comfortable under the cloak, although their ankles kept swishing into view. What were they going to do? Sirius shrugged, putting a hand out to stop his mate as they came to a slight clearing. They’d had to be careful passing all the trees, the gnarled branches grabbing at the cloak, trying to rip it from them to expose their identity. ‘Siri - look.’ James frowned, indicating his head towards the gathering, although Sirius didn’t need any help to spot his own brother.
It was true.
Whatever was in the bag, Sirius didn’t really care about. He was more worried in the way his brother spoke and watched her, eyes sharp, piercing and threatening. And the way that Noelle quickly did her job, lost the coolness in the way she stood. She was scared. James just watched, but Sirius itched closer, training his ears to understand fully. The other guy was a prick, there was nothing more to it - Merlin, you could tell he was a prick just by looking at his face. They were dealing something that magical world had deemed unsafe. Regulus had reached a new low.
Everyone in the space grabbed their wands, James and Sirius pointing there’s from under the cloak. Surprise attack? His friends breath was hot on his neck, adrenaline and anxiety filling his body. When to make a move, should they even make a move? They were hidden well enough behind the trees and slowly Sirius slipped the cloak from his shoulders, a shocked Potter ushering behind the tree just in case, for more protection. They were going to fight. James loved to fight.
A wand landed by their feet, Noelle’s battle seemingly over as a petrified Ned dropped to the floor and a cock-sure Regulus sauntered towards the Gryffindor. Sirius grabbed the wand before James even had time to register it, as though he felt he was the one that needed to give the wand to her. Like he owed her something because it was his brother threatening her. Ears pricking, Sirius heard his name.
James was still holding his breath besides him, undecided in what to do. Quietly he whispered a spell, pointing it at the gangly Slytherin laying on the floor, slowly the weeds crept and bound themselves to his legs, dragging him behind Regulus and strapping him to the side of the tree. Something one of the Ravenclaw girls had taught him - okay, showed him, personally, after his hand had slipped up her skirt. What did it matter?
"But even I can see he's twice the man you are!"
That was it. Sirius lunged out from besides the tree, backed up by Potter who kept his wand trained on Regulus. A backup, a help. As he collided with his brother, knocking him completely off his feet, he flung Noelle’s wand towards her, not caring where it landed, just as long as she got it. The impact of the ground knocked them both unsteady but it was Regulus that took the brunt of it all, smashing his head against the dry dirt. Sirius had him pinned down, the hand containing his wand, smashing into his jaw. He wasn’t going to use magic and this wasn’t to do with Noelle - she’d just helped move things a long. This was a fight he had waited for, for so long. A battle of the Black’s, to who was best, the mightiest, the most powerful, righteous and the wise. This was to prove that Sirius was bigger and better, and just because he was a Gryffindor it didn’t make him a damned pussy!
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May 9, 2011 19:12:32 GMT -5
Post by marcofuckingpolo on May 9, 2011 19:12:32 GMT -5
Remus found it difficult not to cringe at himself. The words wouldn't come and when they did they were flustered and hasty. Half the time they made no sense and when they did he found himself wishing she didn't understand. Ugh. Girls were hard work. It wasn't easy being a marauder. Sirius, well he never had any problems with the ladies. They loved him. James? Well he was the quidditch captain with the ruffled hair and sparkly eyes that every girl wanted. So naturally he had to go and find the only girl in the entire school that wasn't interested and fall deeply in love with her. Remus chuckled, typical Potter. Knowing him they'd end up married one day, despite Lily's constant protests.
He watched her closely. "My friends?" he let out a laugh. "I never imagined anyone being particularly jealous of me for the company I keep. Except for. . ." he paused for a moment and his smiled faded a little. "Well except for the girls. Don't feel bad, you're not the first," he tried to disguise his disappointment. "Everyone falls for them eventually." He shrugged trying to look nonchalant and failing miserably as he slid into a sitting position beside her.
"What do you mean more?" he asked cocking an eyebrow. Their shoulders were now pressed against each other. He wasn't sure if it was the warmth or contact with Charlotte that was providing him with the comfort. He leaned slightly toward her. "Oh like like?" he asked with a chuckle. "Well I always felt the tension there was very much of a sexual nature myself. I guess it's true what they say..." he followed her gaze down to her knees. Noticing the tights and realizing how cold she must be. "It's a thin line between love and hate."
-----
Noelle trembled slightly but tried her best not to show it. Fear wasn't something she respected or would ever bring herself to respect in anybody never mind herself. In that moment she wished she wasn't that girl. The one who couldn't keep her stupid mouth shut. Who couldn't admit when she was wrong. Who couldn't admit when she liked someone. Obviously he wasn't going to kill her but she wouldn't put it past him to try out a few unforgivable curses. She wouldn't scream. She wouldn't give him the pleasure.
Suddenly there was a thump. She waited for the pain but it didn't come. All she could feel was her heart hammering behind her ribs, attempting to escape. Suddenly something thin and hard smacked her in the face. She opened her eyes a crack and her heart gave another unexpected jump. Sirius Black. For a moment she just stood there aghast. Her lips slightly parted, eyes wide as a thousand questions ran through her mind. What was he doing here? Had he followed her? Was he alone? How much had he seen? What in Merlin's name had hit her face. She searched for the source of the throbbing in her nose and found it. Her familiar old wand thrown at her feet. She looked up at the brothers again baffled.
Regaining her senses she swooped to the ground retrieving her wand. She stood up searching for Ned. That little git was going to pay in blood and/or money. He would certainly need those Lymphaticus fruits when she was through with him. Her blue eyes were drawn to the fist fight going on in front of her. The Black brothers. For once she found herself on Sirius' side but knew better than to intervene. This wasn't about her. It never had been. He didn't care if she got hexed in to oblivion, Sirius just wanted an excuse to fight his brother and considering he was as big a bollocks as he was she wasn't suprised.
She crouched and circled round the warring pair when suddenly she collided with James. Both Gryffindors jumped pointing their wands at each other. Realizing it wasn't the enemy James grabbed her wrist and silently led her toward the tree where Ned was now strung up. Noelle didn't waste time wondering what they were doing out here and followed obediantly. She considered apologizing for this evening's outburst but decided now really wasn't the time. She'd get the chance to make up for that later by putting in a good word with Lily.
She finally got close enough to Ned to speak to him, releasing herself from James' grip she dreq her wand up to his neck, barely an inch from the skin. "Look out for Sirius," she instructed James from the corner of her mouth as quietly as possible in case, merlin-forbid, Sirius heard her express concern for his well-being. Her life wouldn't be worth living. He'd convince himself she was in love with him or something equally absurd.
"Now, now, Ned," she whispered breathlessly. "I told you I had friends..."
[It's shit. My bad. Don't hate me]
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May 10, 2011 12:15:54 GMT -5
Post by kittypatter on May 10, 2011 12:15:54 GMT -5
‘You know what I mean-’ she giggled at his mistake, shaking her head back and forth. Obviously he didn’t. ‘they’re loyal to you - good friends that will still be with you when we finish here.’ if they finished. So much circulation was going around about a new war, and it frightened her. Following suit, she leant against him, still groggy from her previous nap, nonchalant about anything. There was no one here to judge the two of them. Shifting a little, she fit her head snuggled against his shoulder, hair tickling under his chin. They rested snugly together like a little jigsaw.
‘Everyone here’s full of tension.’ she was laughing again. He worded things so softly, not realising how much of a statement he could make. Why was someone so wonderful, so afraid of himself? ‘Sexual tension, especially. It was fine, when we first arrived and girls were ‘icky’ but now Black just can’t help himself, can he? He’s just one of those people-’ a rustle behind them and she craned her neck, cautious, hands gripping onto her knees for some kind if support. ‘Hey, Remus?’ she asked, still staring into the darkness. ‘Do you really think there are werewolves?’
"It's a thin line between love and hate." Charlotte shook herself, regaining back sense of everything. ‘Yeah, lets just hope they don’t get in any trouble, though. If they are destined to be together, it’d be a shame for one of them to get hexed into oblivion.’ But the way Noelle had looked at Remus.. as if they shared something, a bond. Was it because they were both smart, because Charlotte could be smart too, if she wanted. She bet she was smarter than Brett. Smart enough not to get into bad situations in the middle of the night, for sure.
~
Sirius and Regulus tumbled over the dirt, crashing into a tree stump which violently knocked Sirius off of his brother. Elbow throbbing with pain, his wand had slipped away from him, but this wasn’t a duel and he couldn’t care less. Rolling up his sleeves, they both glared at one another, each Black a picture of the other. Sirius was taller, more handsome, but Regulus was broader, more threatening. He got the girls, being a Quidditch player, but also for his dark and mystery air he held, like he had a constant secret to keep. Sirius, however, made his cockiness shown, told the world he was here and he was available.
‘Oh, brother dear, what are you doing out the castle at this time of night. Come to rescue Brett, have you? How sweet. Didn’t think she was your kind? She actually had a few brain cells - but perhaps not smart enough to realise the stupid mistake she’s made.’ he wasn’t going to glance at her, he knew his brother would take him if his back were turned. James was with Noelle, heeding her word and keeping a close eye on his best mate. While Noelle bent down to talk to Ned, James clumsily struggled for his wand, pointing it in front of him, one eye closed as he tried to aim. It’d be too risky, and Sirius would kill him for interfering. But it wasn’t any fun when James didn’t get to play. But maybe if he joined in, he could get a war wound and Lily would come and comfort him. Maybe even kiss it better? The idea got him excited and his wand went off, scarring the tree inches from the quarrelling siblings.
‘You’ve always been so full of yourself, Regulus-’ ‘You can talk-’ Regulus scoffed but Sirius continued over the top of him. ‘Getting little girls to help you and your mates do dirty deeds-’
‘What about you and your friends? The tubby one, and the one covered in scratches? I’ve seen you sneaking about all the time. Oh, yeah, I’ve followed you, but you suddenly disappear without a trace. I know you know all the secret passages, but where could you possibly be going? You’re just a boring little Gryffindor, after all-’
Taking back all he’d said, Sirius whipped his wand ( i dont care, he never dropped it, k? ) around and pointed it at his brothers chest, yelling a spell, he watched as he flew backwards, slamming against a tree trunk, but it had knocked Ned lose and the boy crawled from his entrapping. Up in seconds, Regulus hissed under his breath, catching Sirius’ shoulder. Lights flashed everywhere as the two prowled around one another, like lions from opposite prides. They may be of the same family tree, but they had whole different values.
James fired a shot, and it barely missed Regulus’ head by inches - he turned on Potter with a snarl, firing and watching as the amber spiral flew towards Noelle instead. Ned was behind her and happily he cursed her in the back. Cowardice.
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May 10, 2011 13:10:58 GMT -5
Post by marcofuckingpolo on May 10, 2011 13:10:58 GMT -5
Remus frowned, he thought he knew what she meant. Now he wasn't sure. Of course her head resting on his shoulder didn't make the situation any easier to comprehend. She smelled sweet and her long hair tickled his chin and neck slightly. He smiled closing his eyes. "Yes they are. The best friend I've ever had, I know everyone just thinks they're cocky gits but..." he paused. They had been there for him when no one else was. He was a werewolf after all, they weren't exactly celebrated in polite society but that had never bothered any of them. Even after they found out they didn't look at him any different. He was still just boring old booky Remus. Smiling he continued, "They are cocky gits but they're the best cocky gits to have on your side in a fight."
The young Gryffindor couldn't stop himself from laughing out loud. She had Sirius down to a T. He couldn't stop himself. It just wasn't in his nature. He saw a pretty girl he went after her and inadvertently they fell. However, Remus secretly believed that sometimes he only flaunted these girls around the common room to make a certain Gryffindor jealous. He couldn't honestly expect them to believe he followed Brett all the way out to the forest just on the off chance that she was meeting his brother, very doubtful. It wasn't the first time Regulus' name had been dragged into a fight. Seeing as Noelle only had three older brothers there wasn't much Sirius could do in the line of poking fun at them. They were all out of school but he guessed they wouldn't mind making a day trip to Hogwarts if someone was messing with their sister, not that she couldn't take care of herself.
"You've summed Sirius up in one line, I'm afraid. 'Just can't help himself' It's sad but true," he said quietly looking out into the darkness of the night. "Sexual tension? Everywhere?" he swallowed nervously. "I- eh- well I don't know about that," he said flustered, feeling his cheeks burn. Did she sense what he was thinking? Or perhaps even feel the same way.
Do you really think there are werewolves?’ His heart sank at her words. He didn't want to lie, not to Charlotte. "You probably shouldn't go wandering in the woods on a full moon," he said in a more serious tone. "You never know what's going on in there," he stared into the depths of the forest. Wondering where his friends were.
"Destined to be together? I don't think Sirius is really the destined kind." He sighed mockingly, "And here was me hoping he'd a find a nice quiet girl who'd settle him down. No chance." He chuckled hoping to disguise the worry in his expression. He couldn't help being concerned about his friends, including Noelle. What the hell was she playing at?
----
Ned glared at Noelle, unable to speak because of the vine wrapped around his jaw. The rage flashed in his blue eyes but Noelle felt no remorse for him at all. "Yes it's not so funny when the sides are a little more even is it?" she demanded jabbing him with the tip of her wand. Her mind quickly went through a list of the most horrible hexes she could remember, all of them too good for him. Suddenly she picked up on the jargon of the two boys wrestling. "Little girl?" she asked in disbelief, "Little girl?!" Ned snorted behind her, "You prick!" she shrieked at Sirius. "I'll show you who's a little girl," she pushed the sleeves of her jumper up to free her wand arm.
While she was distracted the tree Ned was fastened too was struck shaking enough to allow him to escape. Neither Potter nor Brett were paying her much attention so he chose to sneak around her to retrieve the bag of fruit that he had dropped only moments ago.
Noelle glared furiously at the Blacks. Fuck them, she thought venomously. "They deserve each other," she spat. Little fucking girl. Who was he to call her a little girl? Suddenly she noticed movement behind her, she'd forgotten all about Ned. Spinning on the spot she was just in time to see him reach the bag only a few feet away. She turned his wand on him but he had already seen her and was too fast. He dove at her knocking her to the ground. "See what happens little girls who don't play be the rules," he whispered in her ear as the full weight of his body pressed against her, pinning her to the ground.
The words made Noelle's blood crawl. The feel of his breath on her cheek, warm and dark. Goosebumps erupted across her skin as she thrashed beneath him trying to free her arms. Unfortunately she was no match for his superior strength. "Get off me," she hissed between her teeth, looking for James to help her but even as she watched he sent a dodgy curse at Regulus Black, missing but coming dangerously close to both of them. Maybe she was better off where she was. The sound of his dark chuckle filled her ears and made her stomach drop. "I think you kinda like it don't you?" he whispered, grabbing he wrist and holding it above her head. Suddenly she brought her knee up and drove it into his crotch. He let out a yell before tumbling off her. "That's how much I like it you-"
A flash of amber caught her eye. She sung her wand around in front of her, a counter charm that barely managed to deflect the curse. Her eyes searched for the culprit. Regulus. She should have known. Glaring she aimed his wand at him, just as her lips parted to recite the incantation she was struck in the back. The force of the blast threw her across the clearing. She landed face down. Completely still.
Ned frowned from his position. "Whore." He breathed, wand still held out at arms length, the position he'd been in when he cast the spell. None of this had been part of the plan tonight, although he had suspected she was thinking of quiting. He had assumed that bringing the infamous Regulus Black would scare her into keeping her mouth shut, that was why he hadn't let on that his friend would be joining them for the midnight tea party. Then again she hadn't been so forthcoming with the guest list either. Typical, the one night they decide to bring back up and both of them bring a Black. This could last longer than World War II.
He grasped the satchel to his chest, wand held out menacingly. Noelle still hadn't moved. "Regulus!" he barked. "Leave it," he ordered as he edged toward the outskirts of the clearing. "They can sort this mess out themselves," his chin jerked in the direction of the girl. Regulus followed his gaze, momentarily taking pity on Noelle before returning to glare at Sirius. Reluctance was written across his features. He hesitated for a moment then cursing he relented, "Go!" he shouted as the two of them raced in the same general direction. Leaving the two Gryffindor boys to sort out the girl.
Noelle tried to force her eyes open. She could feel the cold damp earth beneath her cheek. And more worryingly a burning sensation below her left shoulder blade. Pain ripped through the left hand side of her body. She let out an indistinct cry of pain, her whole body tensing. Her wand was just out of her reach. Blinded by pain she didn't even look up instead she edged her fingertips closer to her wand trying to block out the agony.
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May 10, 2011 16:58:21 GMT -5
Post by kittypatter on May 10, 2011 16:58:21 GMT -5
James heard Noelle’s voice, full of anger as she was referred to as a ‘little girl’ but he was too busy keeping watch to even turn to her. ‘The matter in hand.’ he hissed, before he started firing. The boys had quarrelled, leaving Sirius with a cut lip and dirtied uniform, while Regulus had escaped safe, save a few bruises that’d show up in the morning. His lip felt swollen and he was sure he’d bitten his tongue, but as the younger of the two sprinted off with his companion.
And Sirius had seen how Ned had easily, and excitedly, pinned Noelle to the floor, forcing himself against her, enjoying every moment, and every second of it made something in Sirius roar. What did that prick think he was doing? If it wasn’t for the matter with his brother, he’d have hexed him into Merlin-knows-when. But that was before he realised how stupid he was being. Noelle was one of the lads, a joker, a trickster, an annoyance. Why did he care - it was her fault they were even here in the first place. A thud. Noelle had almost flown towards the opposite side of the clearing, a sickening crack as she hit the floor, and her opponent decided that it was enough. It was only now, heading towards her, that Sirius could see she had been seriously hurt, not just a scratch. James had tried to run after them but decided against it, Sirius was giving him a sideways look and he quickly put his wand away, not before doing a few crude gestures. ‘Cowards!’ he yelled, voice hoarse.
"You probably shouldn't go wandering in the woods on a full moon," Charlotte tensed up. The seriousness in his voice was more than the normal, knowledgeable tone Remus used, but rather an honest, and saddening statement. As if him telling her they were true had unleashed a nightmare and he felt a burden to be the one to say such a thing. If it were anyone else, she wouldn’t have believed them. But this was Remus. Remus knew everything. Sometimes more than he would let on..
‘We’ll just have to make sure we look after each other when the full moon comes, yeah?’ she tried to joke, but instead snuck closer towards him. Such creatures were lurking around? They could attack at any moment and.. The thought was easily ripped from her mind as she heard heavy panting. Thought replaced with fear, her heart started to beat, heavy inside her chest. Forgetting all about the cute idea Remus had built up for his pal, she gripped her wand, the footsteps getting closer. It wasn’t Sirius, that was for sure.
'Remus.' Charlotte moaned, reaching out for his hand, eyes fixed ahead of her. Although they seemed hidden, who knew if anyone would pass and see them. Or something..
~
Falling onto his knees, Sirius grabbed the wand that desperate fingers were trying to clutch and he slipped it into his back pocket without a word. James stood behind his friend, staring down with worry. She was still breathing, he could see as much from here, but what had happened? Leaning closer, he blocked the moonlight and Sirius knocked back an elbow, snarling for him to get away. Everything had fucked up so badly and he didn’t know what to do. He wasn’t good with things like this. Where was Remus, with his little books and knowledge. He’d probably prescribe some magic mushrooms or wave his wand and make everything okay.
Cautiously, and for the first time, Sirius reached out a hand and touched her. His fingers softly felt her shoulder blade and he grunted as she moaned in pain.
'Someone finally got the better of Noelle Brett.' Sirius scoffed, quietly. 'Shame it wasn't me.' ‘We need to get her back.’ he told James who had moved to the other side. Pushing her hair behind her ear, he frowned and shifted onto his haunches. Potter looked down, arms crossed. Again he felt pushed aside, unneeded. Everyone had their little battles, and their women, and James had nothing. James was just there to watch, to keep look-out, to yell things. Nothing ever happened to James, good or bad. He was sick of it. But she was stirring, even in pain trying to argue.
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May 15, 2011 14:17:33 GMT -5
Post by marcofuckingpolo on May 15, 2011 14:17:33 GMT -5
Noelle winced on the ground. The noise had died down slightly but she was trying not to focus too much on the voices that remained. Black and Potter owed her nothing. If anything they had followed her to get her in trouble, she wouldn't blame them if they had ran. Although the idea of being left with Ned made her feel physically ill.
There was a searing pain on her back. It seemed to have just been an incendio curse. Simple but effective. The skin on her back was definitely severely burned and the shirt was most likely beyond repair. Pity, she had been rather fond of it. Too much movement aggravated the pain, if she could just reach her wand. He fingers were only centimeters away from it when suddenly a hand swooped down, picking it up. She gasped clenching her fist. Now, she was in trouble.
---
Look after each other? He sighed. That plan had backfired a bit. He shouldn't have said anything. Now she'd be watching out for the full moon. She'd notice he was always gone and before long she'd figure out his secret! Remus rubbed his temple slowly, cursing his own stupidity. "Yeah, I suppose so. . ." he mumbled eventually. Luckily the sentence was soon followed by the thudding of footsteps and the sound of heavy breathing.
In the darkness he could see Charlotte reach out her hand for him to take, without thinking about it he took it and pulled the girl in close behind him. He felt suddenly very protective. Whoever this was it wasn't Remus and James and he didn't trust anyone who would be out in the forest in the middle of the night. The footsteps ceased and he heard one voice shush the other.
A wand tip illuminated the darkness. Remus considered staying quiet and hoping they wouldn't be noticed but some deep primal instinct told him to man up. "Lumos," he said commandingly. His eyes widened. Ned Nottingham and Regulus Black. Had Noelle actually being going to see them? That didn't make any sense. She was a fierce Gryffindor, she wasn't the type to be meeting up with two Slytherin boys late at night. Suggestive to say the least. "What are you doing out here?" he demanded in his best Prefect voice. The boys snickered.
"Not the same thing you two are," said Ned grinning broadly. "Not exactly a classy place to bring your date now Lupin is it?" said Regulus holding back a laugh. "Now really, I wonder what Dippet would say if he heard about this?" asked Ned mockingly. "I fear my brother's had a worse effect on you than I thought. Him and his womanizing ways," said Regulus with a wink, "I think you've done better than him if I'm honest. That slut Brett. . . " "Black," said Ned in a warning tone. "He'll find out eventually. Bet those marauders share everything don't you Lupin?" asked Regulus smirking. "Bum chums eh?"
Remus was seething, "Yes I'm sure the pair of you know all about Bu, chums," he snapped. "Now if I were you I'd be good little Slytherins and get to bed before you end up in detention for the next month!"
---
She squeezed her eyes shut against the pain. Her eyes were watering and she prayed it wasn't enough to make her cry, to cry in front of them, that would be too much. As for them, well she wasn't entirely sure who that was, suddenly the person kneeling beside her that had picked up her wand brushed her shoulder blade. She groaned. The skin was blistered and raw beneath her charred shirt, of course he probably couldn't see that. "Stop it!" she hissed quietly.
'Someone finally got the better of Noelle Brett.' Sirius scoffed, quietly. Her eyes flashed open, rage blocking out the pain. Sirius bloody Black. She should have known. The one person in the world who could possibly make her situation any worse. "That's it you prick, stick your big bloody fingers in my wound!" Her whole body trembled, she hoped he couldn't tell, she hated looking weak.
"Potter?" she called cautiously, "James?" The dark haired boy looked over. What did she want him for? She had Sirius. Why would she be looking for him? He edged closer to her, even though moments ago his best friend had pushed him away. "Yeah?" he asked looking down at her. The moonlight glinted off his glasses, "My left pocket," she said quietly. "I can't. . . " any movement on the left side of her body sent waves of pain across her torso. "Yes, what about it?" asked James with a confused expression. "I need you to get something out of it," she explained. "Wha- I er- I. . ." James' cheeks flushed scarlet. He looked uneasily at her rather fitted jeans. "I- sure. What do you- eh need?" he asked avoiding making eye-contact with Sirius. Noelle smiled "Thanks, it's a small glass rod. You can use it to find me some Mellowdock leaves in the teacher's secret herb garden just past the clearing. Tell it what you want and it will light up when you reach it, the mellowdock will heal my burns," she spoke quietly and hurriedly. If he could get her those leaves and heal herself and there would be no need to go to Madam Pomfrey, save them all a bit of bother.
James flexed his fingers looking nervously at her pocket. He could just about make out the bump of a small stick, right at the bottom of course. He would try and do this as quickly as possible. At least he felt slightly needed again, even if it just was so she wouldn't be felt up by notorious Black. He slowly slipped his hand into her pocket, trying not to think of it as her leg, or being anywhere close to her... Even Noelle felt her cheeks blush slightly but there was no way she could have asked Sirius to do this, he'd love the feeling of superiority. He probably would have refused anyway. "Got it!"said James triumphantly. Noelle relaxed slightly. "Thank you so much James," she breathed as he pulled the glass rod from her pocket. "No bother. Any time- well not that I want to put my hand- I mean I don't mind," he caught Sirius' eye and frowned, "I'll just go get those leaves then shall I?" he forced a quick smile before scurrying off into the forest leaving Noelle and Sirius alone. Hoping they'd both still be alive when he returned.
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May 15, 2011 16:27:04 GMT -5
Post by kittypatter on May 15, 2011 16:27:04 GMT -5
Charlotte felt their fingers lace and for a moment was helpless to the smile across her face. Lay low and they’d pass, and Remus and she would be okay - that was the plan, that was a good plan. A safe plan. But something in Remus, something indifferent to his usual self awoke and he pulled both of them into the wand light. This was the Remus that fought alongside his friends, an almost alter ego to the one that she would see sitting in the library, burdened with books. This was why Remus Lupin was a Gryffindor.
With her other hand, Charlotte found her feelings and pointed her wand, illuminated into the darkness. The two Slytherin’s stared, nasty, sly grins on their faces. So Noelle had been to see them, everything was true. But where were they now? Why weren’t the coming back - what had happened?
Regulus was a little scuffled and Ned had visible red marks over his arms and neck, dirt plastered to one side of his face, where the tree had attacked him.
"Not the same thing you two are,"
Ned gave a dirty smirk towards Charlotte who lifted her wand, blinding him. Cheeky bastard, what did he think he was looking at? As Regulus threatened Remus, the other two onlookers stared at one another, defiant not to let the other win. Charlotte had never really spoken to many Slytherin’s, bar Snape - she didn’t really feel she was missing out, either. ‘What you doing with this little boy, eh? You need a real man.’ Ned advanced a little further but Charlotte stuck her wand under his chin, daring him to make another move.
‘Noelle isn’t a slut.’ Charlotte said, defending. Whether she was or not, it wasn’t fair for someone to be spoken about like that, by someone like that. ‘You don’t know what you’re talking about - all talk and no trousers-’ a muggle saying that the wizards were monetarily confused by. ‘Some bollocks you made up because she wouldn’t hop in bed with you. You’re jealous, just because she likes your brother. Maybe you could learn a few things from him? Manners, perhaps? Or how to wash behind your ears, how to talk to the ladies?’ the list was endless and she had begun counting things off on her fingers before Remus had interrupted her.
Defending his title as prefect, Remus stepped up to his duty, threatening them with what they’d most hate - detention. What would Dippet make them do this time? 'Run along.'
~
Sirius gave a growl of frustration as she yelled at him - how the fuck was he supposed to know what had happened to her? Shouldn’t have got herself hexed, serves her bloody right. All the same he recoiled, trying to wipe the anger from his face, but she caught it, the same heated gaze fixed on him from the ground. Could she never just be grateful? ‘I’ll leave you here to rot, next time.’ he muttered under his breath, looking up as James came over.
As she asked him to check her pockets, Sirius followed his friend cautiously, his eyes spitting daggers. Why didn’t she ask him? Was she scared he’d laugh and say no, or was she worried about the contact. A smirk graced his lips, but he found himself turning away as James slipped his hands into her jeans pocket. What Sirius Black wouldn’t give to be the one caressing Noelle Brett’s soft thigh - the thought only lingered for a second before he looked back and caught his friends gaze. James seemed so nervous that he wasn’t sure if he should be mad, or laughing at him. Was he always this rigid around females?
‘Something wrong with my hands, Brett? I have two of them - I could have easily got that for you, and done plenty more besides.’ Sirius couldn’t help himself. As James ran off into the forest, the words had just toppled out. Trying to keep his cool, he tried to glaze over the jealously with a laugh but ended up coughing and turning away. ‘Where’s the thank you, you owe me?’ he asked after a few minutes, back to his cocky self again. He had her now, she was practically helpless and couldn’t walk off like she always did.
Running his fingers over her wand, he gave a small smile, though his eyes sad. It was different to his, the soul opposite. Maybe he could mess around with it a bit, toy with her, teach her a lesson. But inside he placed it down on the ground, rolling it under his palms. ‘And meeting my brother, of all people-’ his anger rose but he managed to contain himself, biting his cheek. ‘What’s all this about? You can tell me - Potter’s off collecting magic mushrooms.’
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May 15, 2011 17:28:14 GMT -5
Post by marcofuckingpolo on May 15, 2011 17:28:14 GMT -5
"What you doing with this little boy, eh? You need a real man." Remus practically snarled at the younger Slytherin. Boys like Ned disgusted him. He might be beautiful on the outside but inside he was the real monster. Remus, however, would forever be a beast and no amount of penance would fix that. "A real man? Yes Ned and where would you find one of those? You're what? Fifteen?" His grey eyes glared at the blonde, unable to disguise his disgust.
He was surprised to hear Charlotte sticking up for Noelle. She hadn't been all that friendly towards her earlier on in the common room. None the less his admiration for her soared. Few girls were brave enough to stand up against two Slytherins like that. Out of all the girls in their year Noelle, along with Charlotte he supposed, was one of the few who never mentioned any other males to him. He wondered why that was?
"You’re jealous, just because she likes your brother." Remus laughed out loud at that. If there was one thing in this world that could piss off one of the Blacks it was mentioning his brother. He felt it was best to interject here before it went too far.
"Detention yeah?" asked Regulus with a bark of laughter. It unsettled Remus how much it reminded him of Sirius. "If anyone deserves to be in detention it's Noelle Brett!" spat out the Black brother venomously. "I bet Golden Sirius wouldn't be so interested in her if he knew what she was really like-" Suddenly Ned swung out his fist and backhanded him in the chest "Shut your stupid mouth!" he hissed. "We're finished here," snarled the blonde as he pushed Regulus ahead of him, towards the castle.
Remus breathed a sigh of relief as he watched the pair leave. "C'mon," he said quietly. He tugged gently on Charlotte's hand. Smiling. He hadn't quite realized that he had laced hands with Charlotte untill just now. But he was feeling empowered and had no desire to let go so he simply continued leading her towards the forest, the direction the others had gone. "Something must be wrong if the others aren't back yet."
---
She tried her best not to move, she could clearly see Sirius beside her now, scowling as usual. "I’ll leave you here to rot, next time." She rolled her eyes, "I'd probably be better off," she muttered in response. James shook his head. They were worse than children. Sirius was the little boy pulling his crushes' pigtails and Noelle was the little girl name-calling and sticking her tongue out at the boy she fancied. When were they going to grow up and get over themselves? If they didn't do it soon they'd end up miserable forever. Or at least the rest of their time at Hogwarts.
Strangley enough Noelle wasn't awfully bothered by James' hands in her pocket, she was more concerned with Sirius' reaction. Not that it should bother her. But it did. She had wanted him to get jealous, or mad, or insist he be the one to do it. The elder Black, however, remained silent. Although his eyes glared at James she wasn't sure what that meant. Did he not want James to help her or was it something different. No. It was just Sirius. And she was just another potential notch on his belt.
She cringed at the silence when James left, what could she say? She decided not to let Sirius get to her and began pushing herself up off the ground. Wincing against the pain. "Something wrong with my hands, Brett?" She laughed finally sitting up. "That is precisely why I asked him to get it and not you. I can almost trust his hands not to wander." The thought of Sirius' arms around her waist, his hand sliding down her leg, pressed against her thigh. Her heart was now hammering in her chest. Her cheeks noticably pink. She cursed herself. James' actual hand in her pocket hadn't managed to provoke such a reaction but just the thought of Sirius. . . That boy did things to her. And she hated him for it.
She gasped managing to sit up. Her shirt was stuck to her back, a mixture of blood and merlin knows what congealing on her burn. It was a checkered blue shirt, with a black tank top underneath. Gingerly she began peeling it back. "What would the Great Sirius Black want to put his hands in my pocket for anyway?" she asked sarkily rasing an eyebrow. Tears picked at her eyes as she could feel skin pulling away with the shirt.
"Where’s the thank you, you owe me?" Her gaze snapped over to him, he was sitting just a foot away from her. "Thank you!?" she asked with a laugh, "Oh sure Black, thank you sooo much," she said sarcastically shaking her head with a smile. That was so Sirius. Looking for praise and glory. "Where do I begin? Hmm, thanks for secretly following me out here, what were you looking for anyway? Thanks for starting a big bloody duel when you got here. Oh and thanks for practically ripping all the skin off my shoulder, that was fun!" She pasued watching him playing with her wand for a moment and burst out laughing. "You are something else," she muttered under her breath as she reached for the rest of her shirt, not realising he was close enough to hear. She'd just have to rip it clean off.
"And meeting my brother, of all people- . . . You can tell me. he said the words in such a genuine way. It was a tone she didn't recognise from Sirius Black. The bane of her life. If he wasn't laughing at her he was shouting at her. Noelle did love to argue but you didn't get to know someone by fighting with them the whole time. "I didn't know he was going to be here," she admitted quietly. She couldn't tell him why she was here. He'd think she was an idiot. No better than the dicks she was working for. She couldn't tell him about Nicholas, Ned's older brother who had started this entire thing. He'd really think she was a tramp then. "Sirius I. . ." she paused. She never used his first name, ever. Frowning she decided to do it now. She ripped the shirt from her shoulder with a cry of pain. Gasping she fell forwards clutching her shoulder.
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May 15, 2011 19:19:24 GMT -5
Post by kittypatter on May 15, 2011 19:19:24 GMT -5
As she tried to sit herself up, Sirius found himself almost reaching out to help her, but he’d had years of restraining himself, learning not to run to a woman’s cry like a little lapdog, and so nonchalantly continued to watch her. It wasn’t that he liked her to be in pain - Merlin, it was making him feel nervous and a little awkward. What was he supposed to do? If he went to help her, it’d make her feel she cared, and he’d probably knock him out. Even if she was injured, Noelle Brett would summon the strength from somewhere.
‘My hands are perfectly well controlled. I’ve never had any complaints before.’ memories of all the hips, thighs, legs, stomachs that his hands had caressed flashed before his mind. All the same, dull and boring. It was like holding a glass, each glass looked different, but they all felt the same. His eyes flickered down towards her fitted jeans, so tight and … teasing- stop it, Black! He warned himself, snarling inside his head, his features scrunching as he mentally yelled at himself. It was late, that was it. It was late and he was delirious and he just needed a good sleep. He tried not to notice the way the shirt clung to her, or the vest that showed off her fine stomach. The way her hair hung in tendrils down her shoulders, or when she moved how every part of her looked so perfectly shaped. She was like a Siren, calling him in with her beauty and charm.
Sirius gave a laugh, almost a choked snarl. She was acting the injured little witch! Sirius the big bad ogre come to ruin her little plans. ‘If you hadn’t have sneaked out, we wouldn’t have needed to follow you. Remus is a prefect.. It was his idea! He’s only doing his job. If you weren’t such a rebellious little witch, there would be no need for any of this. That shoulders your fault. I saw the way you were looking at me, as if I was to blame for everything. Can’t take the blame for yourself. Can’t you see you got yourself into this mess? If you hadn’t have been giving me daggers, you’d have seen him coming for you. You’re a little girl, Brett. A little girl that can’t handle anything on your own.’
He sucked in a breath, not caring if he was babbling or if he was wrong, just glad that he was speaking. Regulus had gotten him so wound up and here was this little girl being so ungrateful. ‘We came to help you…’ he was choosing his words carefully now. Don’t show you care, just… show you were in the right. ‘Remus and Charlotte are somewhere in this forest, and so is James, looking for some fucking plants - for you! Accept that you need us and that we’re helping, and maybe next time you won’t be in this position again.’ he wanted her to say he needed her. Say it!
He believed her telling the truth about Regulus, strangely. He just turned up, wherever he thought he was needed. Merlin, they were a like. It sent shivers through him to even think such a thing - they were connected by blood, if not house. Did that mean they were as bad as one another? A cry of pain snatched away his memories and Sirius turned his head to her, eyes wide with fear. ‘We’re going to need more than a plant to cure this.’
'Sirius, I...' As his name slipped from her lips, she fell forward and he was instantly there, like Potter catching the winning snitch. His hands grabbed her middle, cautious, trying to avoid every injured point of her body. He held her awkwardly for a few seconds, before letting her rest fully against him, all of her tiny weight. He could feel the heat coming off her, the wounded sections hotter than the rest. Lips next to her ear, he gave a sigh, feeling her reluctant to give in to him. ‘I’ve got you.’ the words weren’t like him, and he quickly shut his mouth, swallowing.
‘They’re going to be alright, Sirius is with them. And Sirius is never in trouble.’ there were some doubts to Charlotte’s words as she followed Remus through the overgrown forest. Their hands were still linked, but the awkwardness had never followed. Their wands still ahead of them, they walked silently for a while before they found the clearing. The ground was flattened, a tree root upturned and a smatter of blood against one of the tree trunks. It seemed to them as if an animal had been injured and galloped off into the night, but it was then they both saw the Gryffindor’s. Sirius was holding Noelle - something bizarre, and her shirt had been ripped, the expression on her face unable to be seen, her back to them.
‘She can’t be dead.’ Charlotte felt herself whisper, gripping tighter onto Remus’ hand. The danger had gone, but the worry still clung to the air. Had Regulus done this? It was something unreal to see notorious Sirius Black, holding onto the girl he told himself, and everyone, he solely despised. The zinc scent hit the air almost instantly and it made something in Charlotte’s stomach turn upsettingly. Not blood - she couldn’t handle it. The grip on Remus’ hand was intense as they got only a foot away - they’d jogged the small distance. Sirius was too busy holding onto Noelle for dear life that for the moment he couldn’t care less. That was when Charlotte’s grip instantly loosened and the bile raised in the back of her throat, her head clouded, nostrils full with the sickening smell of foul blood. ‘Remus-’
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