Hello! Thank you all for staying along with the story. Here is chapter eight for your entertainment! All i own is my plot and few select characters. “I'm fallin' down,
Fallin' down,
Fallin' down,
It's in your head,
All the voices mistaken,”
- Falling Down, Atreyu
I don’t know how I got into my bed last night or who carried me there. All I remember of last night was spilling out all my stupid problems to Regulus and crying. He must have carried me to Gryffindor Tower but after that Russ or Adam or maybe even Lily or Remus took me the rest of the way to my room.
It was about five when I woke up and I felt as if I was hung-over. My body ached and my head hurt but at least the weird strange-familiar voices were gone. I looked at the calendar that hung next to the clock. It was Saturday, November first which meant it was the first Quidditch game of the season; Gryffindor against Slytherin. I cursed under my breath. Why couldn’t it start next week?
I walked to the bathroom and splashed some water onto my face. I forced myself into the hot shower waters hoping it would loosen up my muscle, which thank Merlin it did. When I finished, I pulled on my Gryffindor Quidditch robes, along with my seeker gloves, and walked out of the bathroom.
I went to my nightstand to collect my wand to find a piece of folded parchment. I could tell it was from the Ministry of Magic by its seal. I prayed that it had nothing to do with Moody being hurt or worse. I gulped as I read…
Dear Nikki,
I am fine; I just have Ministry business to do over winter break. I know I had promised to see you then but it cannot skip this. I have to go. I can’t say anything about it except I will be out of the country for a few months and I will write to you during winter break as often as I am allowed.
Now as to where you will be staying; I know you don’t like staying by yourself at Hogwarts so I suggest bunking with one of your friends. Let me know what the plan is. Also I suggest paying a visit to the Black Family; even if it is only for an afternoon. I know you don’t want anything to do with them except for their youngest boy but I was practically jumped by Orion Black, if not threatened. I don’t know why but they are extremely adamant about seeing you. I think they’re hoping you and their younger boy are going to tie the knot.
Anyways, I love you and I heard that you will have your first Quidditch game on the first. Good luck on that. Write me back as soon as possible and let me know the plan.
- You’re Godfather, Alastor Moody
I groaned and thought about my possible options to seek refuge. Saph is going to Australia to visit her grandparents and I doubt they would let me come along, and as for Lily, I believe she is going to spend the first week in Germany. My only other options are staying here or going to the Black Family home. I shivered at the thought but maybe they would get off my back about it if I did.
I pulled out two sheets of parchment and address the first to Moody.
Thank you Moody,
I will be sure to kick some Slytherin ass, pardon my language, and win for sure. Anyways I have decided that I will stay with the Black’s for a week until Lily comes back home. I’m sure she won’t mind if I bunk there. It’s practically my third home (yours and Hogwarts being the other two).
I’ll send a message to the Blacks notifying them on this. Good luck on your mission and stay safe. Please let nothing happen to you and I love you.
- Nikki Redwood
I sealed it and address the second one to the Black family with a sigh.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Black,
Thank you for the invitation and I would be happy to stay with you. I can only stay for a week and I wouldn’t want to intrude any further. The offer is really nice and I thank you for being there for me after all these years.
After a week I will walk to my friend’s home who live close to you guys. She lives in Spinner’s End and it only an hour walk or a fifteen minute automobile ride. They are muggle and do not have a Floo System. I know you guys don’t agree but Alastor insisted and I cannot refuse my Godfather.
Thank you so much again and I can’t wait to see you all.
- Nikki Redwood.
After sealing the lie filled letter I decided that I would send them before breakfast. I collected my wand and exited the dorm. I walked through the castle and went to the Owlery. I don’t have my own owl so I use the school ones. Owls seemed like too big of a responsibility to me.
One inside, I selected two owls and sent both messages off. I didn’t want Moody or the Blacks seeing the other message just in case. Just as I was about to walk out and bumped into a tall figure and practically fell down. Luckily they caught my arms before I fell onto the nasty Owlery floor. After steadying myself I looked up to see Gear. I groaned.
“Funny how we keep bumping into each other isn’t it.” He said smiling down at me.
“I’d like to think of it more as you stalking me, which by the way, needs to stop.” I retorted, crossing my arms.
“Look, are you still mad about the yesterday?” He asked, his face softening into a sincere one.
“Yeah, you know what? I am. I got into so much drama because you wanted to mess around.” I growled as I narrowed my eyes at him.
“If I remember correctly, you were just as enthusiastic as me and I wasn’t trying to mess around Nikki.” He said holding his hands up in surrender.
“Really, then what was it?” I hissed.
“Are you really that thick? I thought you were a bit smarter.” He said rolling his eyes at me dramatically.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked defensively.
“Did you ever stop to think, that I might actually be genuine? I like you Nikki! I don’t know you but I want to! Heck if it’s Quidditch in the way, I’ll wait for you.” He said, taking me completely by surprise. “Look you seem like someone I really want to know and I’m actually attracted to you!” He seemed to have lost control of what he was saying because when he said every sentence his face got a darker shade of red. “I just want to get to know you! If you have a boyfriend, I’ll back off. I mean I don’t want to get in the way, especially if it is one of the Blacks.”
“Really?” I asked shocked. My heart was beating loudly in my chest from nerves. I didn’t really know Gear but from what I heard he didn’t seem like to bad of a guy plus he was really good looking, sweet, and funny.
“Yeah.” He said smiling at me again.
“Good thing I don’t have a boyfriend.” I felt myself smiled back and then I walked up to him. I stood on my tippy toes because of his height and wrapped me arms around his neck, pulling him closer to me. An inch before our lip could touch I whispered, “Then you’re going to have to wait until after our Quidditch game.” I let go of him and ran underneath his arm and down the stairs. I looked behind me to see him standing the in Owlery with a huge smile on his face. It was a goofy smile and I couldn’t help but smile back. That smile will be sadly wiped away after Quidditch today though.
I walked into the Great Hall and food was filled on the tables. As my stomach rumbled, I looked and saw Russ, Adam, Seth and Abraham. Russ of course was pacing in front of the table and forcing food on everyone. He was eating nothing as always.
I walked to the table and pick up a bagel and shoved it in his hands. “Eat.” I order him. He complied and ate the bagel then looked over at me.
“Okay thanks, by the way, where are our two other chasers?” He asked me with a nervous edge in his voice.
“Am I supposed to be in charge of them?” I asked sarcastically.
“No but I don’t see them here.” He responded anxiously.
“Do you want me to get them?” I sighed.
“Please?” Russ begged. I nodded my head and he hugged me. “Oh you’re the best little seeker every!”
“I know, I know.” I muttered as I left the busy Hall and back to the common room. Once inside I climbed up the stairs and went to the boys’ dorm. I knock and no one answer. I finally swung opened the door to find them all asleep in their beds. Actually they looked kind of like little kids, in a cute way.
I smirked evilly as I pulled out my wand. With an exaggerated wave a jet of wand pour out and drenched each one of them. Black was the first to jump up out of the bed. Potter and Remus soon followed, but Pettigrew still laid there, asleep to my amazement.
“What the hell, Redwood?” Potter yelled when he saw me standing there.
“We got a Quidditch game, remember?” I reminded them. Potter’s eyes widened as he dove for his trunk and found his robes. Black repeated the motion. Remus just shook his head as he went to wake Pettigrew. I left the room laughing and found Lily in the commons. She was sporting a red and gold striped scarf for Gryffindor.
“Do I want to know why you’re up there?” Lily asked wearily.
“That all depends on if you care?” I laughed and she just rolled her eyes before tugging me forward.
We made it to the Great Hall again and it was full and busy. The entire Gryffindor table was colored in red and gold as were the majority of the Hufflepuffs, and Ravenclaws. The Slytherins were the only in green and silver with a few Ravenclaws and even less Hufflepuffs. I looked over at the Slytherin table and caught Reg’s eye. He was looking at me as if I might collapse and I gave him a reassuring smile which he returned, although his seemed a little cockier.
Lily and I went to where my Quidditch mates were and started to eat. Through the meal, after Potter and Black showed up, Russ ran over drills and reminded us of everything that could possibly happen. I tuned out as I always do and focused on eating and keeping my emotions in check. I need to push them out of my mind until after the Game and the After Party.
Whatever might happen with Adrian would have to wait. Sure he is sweet and really cute but he was the enemy right now. There is no point in pursuing until after the game anyways.
Black and his strange effect would also have to wait. I didn’t know why but every time he did something to me, I felt all sick and my head hurt. I was now starting to hear voice and that worried me. He never had this effect on me until after my parents’ death and even afterwards it was so miniscule that I barely noticed it. I decided that as soon as I could, I would do research on what is happening. Maybe there was a logical answer or maybe I was just going insane. It was probably the later; it was bound to happen anyways.
“Nikki? You okay?” I heard Adam ask as he nudged me with his elbow. I looked up and met his gaze. I nodded my head then gave him a grin.
“Let’s kick some Slytherin asses.” I said with a huge smirk.
After breakfast, I said goodbye to Lily, as the rest of the Quidditch team and I made our way to the locker room. The game would start soon and every now and then Russ would give us a tip or start to ramble. I looked over at Adam for the okay and he nodded his head.
I walked over to Adam’s locker and pulled out a bottle of Firewhiskey. I handed it to Russ who took a swig before sitting down with his head in his hands. He handed it to Adam who then took some then Seth, and Abraham followed the procedure. The bottle was passed to Potter who looked for confirmation before taking a swig himself. Black took it and drank without waiting. I grabbed the bottle and before I could think about it I took a large gulp myself. The Firewhiskey burned my throat and I loved it, craved it but it would have to wait until the After Party. I ignored the fact that I had drank out of the same bottle as Black and put the bottle away, and besides it our pre-game ritual.
Russ didn’t even do a speech. He was too nervous.
Finally Seth stood up. “It’s time.” He said. We got into our formation and exited the locker room. With a quick glance at the Slytherin players, I flashed the sign with my two finger twisted around each other. Potter and Black nodded their heads. I focused on Russ.
After the incident along with hearing the voices and feeling the strange pain, I could do really weird things. I could read most people’s emotions like reading a book, although there were a few people that I could never get, like Black. I also could sense other’s minds and speak in them only if I focused hard enough and they let me in. Nobody knew about it exactly. Russ knew the plays because I whispered them in his head but he didn’t know exactly if and how I did it.
I sent him the play and I saw him nod his head in understanding. It was time to show the Slytherins what we are made of… again. When will they just accept defeat?
When we got to the pitch we spread out. Madam Hooch came and looked us over. The two captains shook hands and we lifted off the ground. The seekers always go further up in the air then the other players so Regulus and I were eye to eye without anyone else there. I threw him a cocky grin, similar to the one he showed me earlier. The whistle blew and I flew straight at him, knocking him over and ascended up to the sky.
I ignored to commentaries, only listening for the score. I need to focus on finding the Snitch. I circled in the sky for a bit without any sign of gold. I would from time to time watch the game. It was starting to get pretty brutal.
Russ took a Bludger to the gut, Adam was hit hard with the Quaffle that wasn’t even directed at a hoop and Rosier was almost knocked off his broom. I listened to the commentary hoping for a score.
“Potter has the Quaffle. He barely misses a Bludger from Yaxley as he makes it to the goal and Nott just misses! That’s 10 points to Gryffindor with them in the lead!” Lily’s voice cheered through the stadium.
I smiled then continued to search for the Snitch. I was vaguely aware that Regulus was circling above me like a vulture. I decided to pretend to see the Snitch and zoomed to the imaginary Snitch at the end of the field. I had heard about this move before and I figured it was as good as I time to try it as any. Reg took the bait and followed me. I steeply dived down and he did as well. I kept flying toward the ground and pulled out of it, just before I hit the ground. I was so close to doing so that my toes grazed the pitch as I started to ascend. I looked back to see Reg getting off the ground and jumping back onto his broom. Sucker.
I flew up far above the pitch and away from the action. Regulus stayed below me but kept his eye on me. Occasionally I would make faces at him or vice versa. Suddenly I saw a flash of gold out of the corner of my eye. I looked over and say it hovering right above the middle hoop on the Slytherin side. It was like a halo to their keeper Nott.
I dived toward it and Regulus was fast to react because he was right behind me. He must have saw it too because he wasn’t following me but looking straight at the Snitch. Suddenly it darted down the hoops and into the middle of the action. I followed without even considering the consequence of injuries that could occur.
Wherever the Snitch flew I did as well. Out of nowhere a Bludger slammed into my arm and I was knocked off course. After I steadied myself again I looked around but couldn’t find the Snitch. I looked for Regulus to see if he was still after it but he was hovering above Adam at the Gryffindor hoop and was scanning the field. Shit it’s gone.
I flew up again and the adrenaline I had earlier when going for the Snitch was gone and I felt the real pain in my right arm. I knew it was probably fractured at the point it hit but I would get it checked out later. I just pushed the tears that were collecting in my eyes and soldiered on.
I looked at the game and watched for a little bit. Black was weaving through the players and Bludgers with the Quaffle under his arm. I couldn’t help but watch awestruck as he moved with such easy. I was in pure amazement. I couldn’t even stop myself from watching and I kind of didn’t want to. I probably looked stupid and I hoped no one was watching me. Good thing my jaw wasn’t gaped open.
“Hey! Stop watching the game and look for the Snitch!” I heard from below me. I looked to see Russ giving me a look then throwing a suggestive wink. I blushed and turned back to the pitch. I wasn’t attracted to Black anyways.
For about ten minutes I was circling the pitch and still no sign of the Snitch and I was getting desperate. Even though we had a score of 130 to 30, Russ had a bloody nose that was still bleeding freely, Adam had sprained his wrist, Potter’s glasses were cracked, Black had been hit by four Bludgers and the injuries were about equal for the Slytherin team.
Finally I saw the Snitch. I knew Regulus was yet to spot it, but he would soon. I carefully drifted closer and closer the Snitch that was floating in the middle of the pitch by the ground. Finally Regulus saw it and darted for it and I too did. We were practically neck and neck as we dived down. I couldn’t hear anything but the wind whistling in my ears. The Snitch didn’t move and if one of us didn’t soon we would crash on the ground, not that it would matter; I had to get that Snitch no matter what.
Neither one of us had pulled out as we crashed to the ground, hard. Regulus was on top of me and I felt my leg and arm snap painfully as he crushed me. Using my fractured arm and held the Snitch that I had caught right before falling to the ground. Cheers erupted around us and a weak smile played on my face. I could hear Lily cheer, “GRYFFINDOR WINS! GRYFFINDOR WINS 180 TO 30!”
Regulus slide off me and patted my back before limping off to his team. I tried to get up but I couldn’t. My leg was defiantly broken, if not my left arm and my right arm was fractured. My team landed down beside me and I held up the Snitch even if my arm was killing me. I gave them a smile and Russ laughed.
“I knew you would get it!” He cheered excitedly. I knew if I wasn’t as injured he would be flinging my everywhere and running around the pitch.
“Was there any doubt?” I managed to get out and winced slightly as I adjusted the pressure on my arm that was holding me up. I couldn’t even push myself up with it.
“No but you took some fall. Are you doing okay?” Seth asked as he kneeled down beside me. Abraham was on my other.
“My leg and arms hurt pretty badly.” I told them vaguely. To my surprise Potter walked up and picked me off the ground bridal style.
“Come on let’s get you fixed up.” He said giving me the first genuine smile I ever got from him except for the first time I met him on the train. “By the way, that was an amazing dive, even if you never pulled out of it.” He grinned.
“Um thanks?” I said confused. So in Potter’s arms with the whole team in tow we walked to the Hospital wing. To our right was, Russ, Seth and Abraham while Black and Adam were on the left. To forget the pain in my limbs I started to hum to distract myself and celebrate a bit early.
I hummed as loudly as i could until I stopped at the looks my team gave me. “What? You can’t enjoy quality music?” I asked.
“Isn’t that from a muggle song?” Seth asked.
“Yeah! Lily showed me the show when I snuck into her house during the summer when her parents weren’t home. I love muggle shows, they are so funny! Especially the one I got this song from.” I smiled deviously.
“I like it too!” Adam announced jumping up and down as he swung his arms around Potter and Black’s necks before humming with me. Soon Russ, Potter, Abraham and Seth join us. After a while Black even gave up the act and hummed along.
We hummed the entire thing four times before we made it to the hospital wing. Poppy has us all fixed up in half an hour and even let us out early to celebrate; as long as she couldn’t hear our song again. I didn’t see why though. We were amazing sing-hummers.
When we walked out it was about noon. We all walked to the common room. We started to head to our dorms when I remembered something. “Guys!” I called and waited for them to turn around.
“What?” Russ asked.
“Meet me in the common room so we can talk about the Party, when you all finish changing of course.” I said to him.
I raced up the stairs and burst into my dorm. Lily and Saph attacked me in hugs.
“Oh that was amazing!” Lily cried. “Especially that dive you did in the beginning. Regulus Black didn’t even see that coming.”
“Thanks!” I hooted back. “We are planning the Party in a little bit and you guys are welcome to help.” I informed them as I stripped off my robes and changed.
“Sure we will help!” Saph asked. “Are the Marauders going to help too?”
“Ug don’t remind me.” I moaned. I pulled on a pair of blue jean and my clean Gryffindor Jersey. I fumbled around my bag until I found my stripped Gryffindor scarf, gloves and hat. Just as I was about to leave a picked up my black jacket.
Together the three of us climbed the stairs to the common room. Once inside we could see on the main couches we saw the whole Quidditch team and Marauders decked out in causal but Gryffindor inspired clothes. Nobody else was in the room as the three us sat down amongst them.
“Okay so tonight we celebrate.” Russ told them. We sat in a circle; me, Russ, Adam, Seth, Abraham, Potter, Black, Pettigrew, Remus, Saph and Lily then around again. “Okay, Adam, Lily and I are going to set up shop in the common room. Abraham you’re going to make sure none of the prefects or teachers interrupt anything with Peter and Seth. Remus and Saph, you are going to get the food. Nikki, you are going to get the drinks. Black and Potter are going to go with you.”
“Why?” I whined.
“Because it’s a three person job to carry everything from Hogsmeade to here and before you went with Daniel and Tyler but they aren’t here anymore are they?” Russ challenged, crossing him arms. “Besides I hear these guys get their way around the school.”
I sighed. “Fine but I am in charge of this mission.” I warned, looking at Potter and Black.
“Do you even know how to get into Hogsmeade from the castle?” Potter asked unsure.
“Yeah, how else do you think we get all the Firewhiskey and Butterbeer?” I asked like it was obvious.
“Alright, is that everything?” Adam asked.
“I need the prize money.” I told them as I held out my hand.
Abraham and Seth reached into their robes and pulled out a fist full of golden Galleons and silver Sickles. Russ handed me a pouch of Galleons where I put Abraham and Seth’s money. Adam gave me a few Sickles and said he would be back with more and walked off. I then held my hand out to Potter and Black.
“Um what are we using the money for?” Potter asked without handing over a single Knut.
“We all put in a share of money to buy some huge prize. The winner gets the prize.” I told him.
“The winner of what?” Black asked.
“Our Quidditch player addition of Truth or Dare.” I smirked. I saw a smirk form on both of their faces as well. Potter handed some galleons and a few Sickles but Black gave me fifty Galleons. I stared at the money before pulling out my own, which was about ten Galleons and fifteen Sickles. I poured all the money into the bag. Lily and Saph even contributed. It was our largest amount of money to purchase the prize, ever. “All we need now is Adam to give us the rest of his share and we are off.” I informed them.
“Okay everyone, let’s get to work. The Party starts at eight.” Russ reminded everyone. At once we were all up and working on getting ready for tonight. Adam burst in after a while and handed me a fist pull of Knuts, Sickles and Galleons.
“Where did you get this?” I asked.
“I had a bet and I won because of you, little bugger!” He cheered as he gave me a friendly peck on the head.
I rolled my eyes and signaled Potter and Black to follow me. Once we were out of the common room, I lead them down the hall. We walked in silence and right before I was about to reach the stairs to the Defense Against the Dark Arts class I stopped in front of the one eyed witch statue. I pulled out my wand and tapped the hump and said, “Dissendium.” A slide appeared and I turned to the two boys. “Ready?” I asked. Without waiting for a response I slid down the slide.
I waited for them and was surprised that they came almost immediately. Once they got up Potter looked at me with a strange look.
“What?” I asked.
“How do you know about this? I thought we were the only ones who knew.” He asked, gesturing behind him.
“Oh Moody told me about it before my first year.” I explained vaguely.
“Oh my dad told me.” Potter said. I nodded my head and we walked in silence. My thoughts wandered slightly. Would my father have told me about the passage way if he was still alive? Of course he would, right?
An hour passed and we reached the end. I moved the loose floor board above my head and climbed up. The boys followed. I walked up the stair with them in tow. I swung open the door to see the owners of Honeydukes.
Mr. Flume, the owner of Honeydukes gave me a smile which I returned. “We won!” I told him excitedly.
“Excellent dearie, I knew you Gryffindors would.” He responded kindly. “Who are they?” He asked, pointing to Potter and Black.
“Oh they are my Quidditch mates and we are getting our prize and drinks for the Party.” I explained.
We walked out from behind the counter and Mrs. Flume walked up and gave me a hug. In my ear she whispered, “The one with the glasses is cute but not for you, although the other one looks like a keeper and not the Quidditch kind.” She said with a wink. I felt a blush form on my cheeks and just nodded my head before ducking out of the store.
I led the two Three Broomsticks and walked in. It was empty being that none of the students were there. Madam Rosmerta was wiping one of the tables when she noticed us.
“Why hello, Nikki.” She said as she positioned herself behind the counter. “I take it you guys won?” She asked as she bent down behind the counter.
“Oh we didn’t win.” I told her. “We killed.” I smiled. She resurfaced from behind with two small bags.
“I knew you would.” She winked at me before turning to the boys. “Who wants to carry Firewhiskey and who wants to carry Butterbeer?” She asked gesturing to each small bag. Potter took one of the bags, expecting it to be light but practically dropped it at its weight. “I put a spell on the bag so that it all fit in there.” She winked and Black took the other.
Once they both had the bags, we walked out. I walked back to Honeydukes to see Mr. Flume waiting. “So decided to buy you prize here?” He grinned.
“Yeah and since I’m defiantly going to be the winner, I’ll take however much fudge this gets me.” I said as I passed him my huge bag of money.
He looked inside and his eyes were about to pop out of his head. “Let’s hope we have enough fudge.” He smiled. He came back with a huge box filled with fudge. “I threw in a few Pumpkin pastries for you.” He winked.
I took the box and headed for the stairs. We made it back to school and hour later. When we go in the common room, music was already playing and people were already dance. Food was laid out and I led the boys over to the drink table. Together we unloaded the drinks. Russ silenced everyone.
“Alright everyone, we won!” He cheered. All of us hooted in agreement. “I believe our lovely and fearless seeker should toast us!”
Immediately I climbed on the drinks table hold a bottle of Firewhiskey in my hands. I unscrewed the lid and held it up. “I really don’t know what to say except, no Slytherin can ever beat a Gryffindor!” I cheered and I took a giant gulp of Firewhiskey. Everyone cheered with me and came to me with empty cups. What a crime that was?
Potter, Black and I worked to fill everyone’s drink before joining the Party. About thirty minutes in, I was standing on the table with Abraham and Adam sing and dancing, with Seth laughing on the floor and Russ, Potter and Black, joining us from the other table across from us.
Once enough Firewhiskey was in everyone’s system the games started. Basically it was like regular Truth or Dare. Only the Quidditch players played though. If you refused a Truth you had to drink Veritaserum and were out although we rarely did any Truths. If you refused a Dare you were out. If a Dare took place outside the common room then two others, the Darer and his or her choice, have to come and witness it. The last player wins.
We claimed the couches in the back of the common room for our game. There were two couches and three arm chairs. Remus and Saph squeezed into one of the arm chairs and Peter and Lily took the other two. Russ, Abraham, and Seth took one couch while Adam, Potter, and Black took the other one. I sat on the floor with my fourth Firewhiskey bottle of the night. I drained the last of it and set it on the table.
Upon popular belief, I could hold my liquor very well, as long as it was Firewhiskey.
“Who is up first?” I challenged.
The first couple of dares were warm ups including, Adam singing “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” By Elton John and Kiki Dee, Seth chugging a bottle of hot sauce Remus got from the kitchens and Russ getting duct tape ripped of his legs.
Finally it was Russ’ turn and the bottle landed on me. I threw him a smirk. “Come on; make this on hard, I don’t need a warm up.” I reminded them.
Russ just laughed. “Fine, go down to the main stairway and the first guy you see, that isn’t a teacher, give them a nice little kissy on the lips.” He laughed.
“Oh child’s play!” I laughed. I got up along with Russ. He motioned for Black to come along. “You all keep playing, this won’t take long.” I smirked.
We walked down to the main stairs. While Russ and Black hid, I waited patiently. Finally somebody came. It was a little first year Hufflepuff boy and I couldn’t help but groan. Great I’m going to end up being his first kiss.
I walked up to his and without saying anything, gave him a nice big smooch on the lips. When I pulled away he looked at me shocked and I just laughed. Russ and Black came with ridiculous grins on their faces. “Told ya it child’s play.”
“More like child molesting.” Black mumbled.
We walked back and announced I had passed. This time it was my turn to spin the bottle. I spun it and it landed on Abraham. A huge smirk formed on my face and he groaned along with Seth. Every year I dared them the same thing and they knew what was going to come. “Give your old cousin and little kissy on the lippy.” I howled in laughter as I tapped my finger to my lips. They complied and I held in my laughter as they pulled away as quickly as possible gagging.
“Oh you’re going to pay.” Abraham warned as he spun the bottle. Luckily for me it landed on Potter. An idea sprung in my head and I knew if Abraham did what I said I would be doomed but I didn’t care.
I ran over to Abraham and in his ear whispered, “Dare his to kiss Lily. She will be so mad!”
To my surprise Abraham did and even more to my surprise, Lily let Potter kiss her but she wasn’t happy about it.
When Potter sat down again he looked as if he were the happiest person on Earth, which he probably thought he was. Lily looked down right ready to kill me. I just threw her a charming smile.
The game went on for a while with a few more dares. Abraham forfeited out when he was dared to go into McGonagall’s office and find the most embarrassing thing in her drawers. Finally Adam got the bottle and spun. It landed on Black.
“Sirius, I dare you to treat the person you hate the most here as if they were your girlfriend for, let’s say a couple of years now. By the way we all know that’s Nikki. Nikki I think everyone here agrees that if it lands on you next your excused and this is your early dare. If either one of you doesn’t do it then your both out.” Adam smirked and Russ, Potter, Seth, Abraham, Lily, Remus, Saph and Pettigrew, cheered in agreement.
I was still on the floor and I looked up at Black. He just looked down at me before motioning me over and patting his lap. My stomach flipped but I got up regardless. I walked over to him and he held his arms open for me to go into. I sat onto his lap and his arms wrapped themselves around me. I turned so I had my back leaning against the arm of the couch and rested my head, affectionately, on his chest. I breathed in and I could smell the Firewhiskey and something else on him.
I heard everyone laughing but I ignored it. My pulse was racing and my skin was burning up. I felt my head start to hurt so I grabbed a Firewhiskey bottle and opened it, taking a drink. The pain numbed and my head stopped immediately. A smile went onto my face and I felt, not heard, Black laugh at me.
I looked over at Adam, “Does that mean Black and I are a team now?” I asked.
“For now.” Adam smirked. “As you can imagine most of the dares to you guys will most likely make things more awkward for yourselves.”
“Fair enough.” I responded before turning to Black. “Babe?” I said quietly, cringing at the pet name. “Do you want me to spin or you?” I asked a sweetly as I could which turned out to be easy. I fluttered my eye lashes seductively.
“It’s up to you, Nikki.” He responded. It has been five years, two months, one day since he had called me by my first name. It was on the first year train ride. Oh he was good. Using the first name showed that he was fully committed to doing this but it only made me more determined to outlast him. No matter what happens or what I am dared, I’m going to win.
“You go ahead.” I offered, showing him I was unaffected by him calling me by my first name.
A few turns later and it was uneventful again. Occasionally Black and I would have to act like an in love couple which usually involved me snuggling him or him whispering sweet but false things into my ear. After every one of those moments I had to take a swig of Firewhiskey to numb my feverish state. I knew everyone was picking up on it but I didn’t care. Whatever stopped me from vomiting was good enough for me.
Seth had gotten out during the time period and it was only Potter, Adam, Russ, Black and I left. Potter spun the bottle and it landed on Black and I. A smirk formed on his face but it wasn’t directed to me, but to Black.
“I dare you to give Redwood or your ‘girlfriend’ a kiss on the lips.” Potter smirked as he patted his lips and I heard Black give an almost incoherent groan.
I looked up at him but he just stared at Potter before turning to look at me. His eyes met my and I felt my pulse speed up slightly. His eye color kept changing. One second it would be light and the next it would be dark before a flash of light gray would come. I was entranced.
One of his hands cradled the back of my head and guided me to him. I wrapped one hand around his neck and use the other to grab his Gryffindor stripped tie that I just noticed he was wearing. I yanked on the tie, sending his lips crashing into mine.
His lips felt the same as they did last night; soft and hard, sweet and bitter, repulsive and addictive. Thoughts that weren’t my own entered my head, I love this song! What happening over on the couches in the back? Pads, is going to kill me. I shouldn’t like it but I do.
When he pulled away my eye widened in horror. I looked around and Black looked at me confused.
“Are you okay?” He asked me sweetly. I ignored him. I recognized one of the voices completely. It was someone’s thoughts. It was Potter’s thoughts.
“It’s nothing.” I waved my hand. I grabbed my half empty Firewhiskey bottle and took another gulp. “Let’s keep going. “Do you want to spin or me?” I asked sweetly again, but in the back of my head I couldn’t stop but think, I heard Potter’s thoughts without even trying. Why was Black going to kill him though?
The game dragged on. Adam, than Potter got out of the game and finally it was down to Russ, Black and I.
Russ made an announcement as it was his turn to dare us. “Okay I forfeit but my dare to you guys is to be as affectionate as possible and whoever backs off first loses.” He grinned.
I felt everyone’s stares on us and I looked over at Black. He looked practically in pain, exactly how I felt about this, but I was determined to win. This was bound to get awkward for everyone very fast.
He was first to move as he moved one of my legs to his other side so I was straddling him. I stared at him but all he gave me was a smirk to keep going. My heart was beating hard in my chest and I would be surprised if he didn’t hear it. I felt my skin grow warmer and warmer but it didn’t matter at the moment, winning did.
I put one of my hands behind his head and pushed him to my lips. I kissed him gently before sliding off his mouth and kissing down to his neck where I sucked gently each time I landed a kiss until I was at his collar bone. I kissed all the way back up to his mouth again but this time he pushed his hand to my head and kept me there.
It was strange about how passionately we were being to be claimed the winner. I guess we both wanted to win badly. Thoughts flooded into my head again but they weren’t mine, Are Sirius Black and Nikki Redwood making out on the couch? I love Firewhiskey and Butterbeer mixed. Why is the music so loud? Maybe Russ should have made them get a room as part of the dare. Padfoot is going to be on a rampage tonight. Again I recognized the last one to be Potter’s again.
It was Black’s turn and I felt myself growing sicker by the second. I felt one of Black’s hands move down to my hip and slowly crawl under my shirt. His hand slid over my stomach and up my side. It stopped at my bra where it played with the lacey fabric. His hands were so close to crossing the border but he never did. He only played with the thought of it. I shivered but didn’t stop kissing him. I had to win.
Before I could stop myself, I slowly started to rock back and forth on his lap. I instantly felt him tense up and I knew I was close to winning. A smile formed on my lips despite myself and I whispered in between kisses, “Is something wrong?” I slide my hand down his chest and under his shirt. I traced over all his muscles that have been toned from Quidditch practice.
He only kissed me harder as if to stop himself from backing off. I fought back by sliding my tongue into his mouth when the thoughts came back, why is everyone kissing and I am so single? Gryffindors, by far, throw the best parties. Maybe I should get a fire extinguisher but even then I doubt they would stop. She is driving me crazy because I want her so bad but she will never want me; I’m not more than a game and that will never change.
Finally I felt him pull away and stop. I pulled back and look at him. We sat there frozen looking at each other. I was still straddling his lap and he still had his hand up my shirt and the other pushing me against him. “You won.” He whispered without removing his gaze.
I climbed off him awkwardly off him and turned to look at everyone. Potter, Remus, Pettigrew, and Adam were laughing uncontrollably hard. Lily and Saph looked at me smiling. Russ looked like I murdered someone.
I looked around the common room and it had died down a lot. Everyone was practically asleep. We were the only people left. “I guess I won?” I offered.
“Nah I think Padfoot won either…” Potter started to say but a mixture of Pettigrew, Remus and Black jumped him into silence.
Adam just laughed as he handed me my prize of fudge. “You still got to help clean up.”
For the next hour we cleaned. Adam, Lily, Saph, Remus, Potter, Pettigrew, and Russ sang songs while cleaning. Black and I stayed quiet. I didn’t know his exact reasons but I was quiet because I didn’t trust myself to speak. I kept thinking about how I could hear thoughts whenever I touched him.
Finally we finished cleaning and everyone was off to bed. Right before I was about to head up stairs I decided to solve one of the many questions running through my head. I ran up the boy’s stair case taking two at a time and pounded on the fifth year boy dorm. Black opened it and I felt myself get nervous and fidgety. Why am I nervous?
“I need to talk to Potter. It’s important.” I told him. I wouldn’t meet his eyes and I doubt if I tried to he would. I heard him yell back into the dorm for Potter and then left.
Potter slid out and closed the door behind him. “Hey Redwood, what’s up?”
There seemed to be only one way I could say this, “Why is Black going to be pissed off at you and be on a rampage?”
Potter froze and his eyes looked ready to pop out of his head. “How did you know that?” He gasped.
“I heard it.” I told him honestly.
“How?” He asked. “I never said that out loud.”
“I guess I heard your thoughts but I don’t know how.” I confessed.
Potter thought for a moment then responded. “I have no idea how Redwood. Maybe you should ask Dumbledore he might know. He may be a bit off his rocker but he is a bloody genius.” He suggested. He turned around and before he opened the door he looked back on me. “Pads, is angry because he likes you. Not on a mental level but a physical one and he hates it. He is embarrassed by it and tries to act like he doesn’t. Why do you think that yesterday and today he got nervous and anxious every time you guys touched. He is…sexually attracted to your…figure. Don’t go overboard with it though.” He told me with a wink then slid through the door.
I stood there frozen. So much for him answering and solving any of my questions. He just added more but Potter was lying. He couldn’t be telling the truth. He couldn’t be talking about the same Black who is disgusted by me and flinches whenever I’m in a two foot radius. But deep down I knew he wasn’t. Black liked me.
Whoot! Another chapter completed! I love this chapter for obvious reasons but mostly because of how it was written. I dont know i just love it. Anyways a bug mess of drama and hints are given away in this chapter which is almost why i love it so much. Some of these hints won't become appernt until later chapter but just remember as much as you can from this chapter ;)
Now it is time for the question!: What do you think about Black's new interest? Will it develop into something more or not? Also, the voices are getting stronger! Did any of your recongize some because again, they are all people we know and love!
The next chapter will be up soon and please don't forget to review, they always make my days.
Write a Review Becoming Alive: All the Games We Play
Printer Friendly Version
