Potions, Dungeons, and Firewhiskey Part 13
Title: Potions, Dungeons, and Firewhiskey
Fandoms: All My Children/Harry Potter
Pairing: Frankie/Bianca
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Um...do you really think I could possibly own any of this?
Spoilers: Nothing really for either All My Children or Harry Potter. Just know the generalities of the Harry Potter World and that Bianca's kinda gay.
Summary: Two Houses Both Alike in Dignity...
“Quite a friend you got there.”
Bianca paused on the ladder, halfway through the trapdoor leading to the divination classroom. Inhaling deeply, she climbed up the rest of the way and closed the door quietly. The entire castle was silent, the wind having died down to nothing and all the occupants either asleep or well on their way.
Turning to face Frankie, Bianca searched the darkness. It’d taken her longer than usual to get there. She had to wait and make sure her friends were asleep. While they’d agreed to leave it be, after a long lecture from Bianca which involved much finger waving and angry tones, Simone and Erin still kept a wary eye on her. It probably didn’t help that she’d demanded the note back, but Bianca didn’t care. She wanted it. The parchment was now safely tucked underneath her pillow, waiting patiently for her to reread it once more before she drifted to sleep later. It might seem weird, but it was comforting to be able to touch and read the note whenever she wanted. It was almost like having Frankie close by.
Speaking of Frankie, her eyes adjusted to the dark. Finally spotting her, she saw the blonde was nonchalantly leaning against one of the tables, her arms crossed casually in front of her. Bianca couldn’t control the smile that spread across her face at the sight. She walked toward her, the smile only growing the closer she got, “Hey.”
“Hey.” Frankie drawled, her gaze flickering as Bianca approached. She uncrossed her arms and moved away from the table.
Bianca quickly reached her and instinctively wrapped her arms around the warm body, pulling her close. Burying her nose in smooth skin, she breathed in the sweet scent of cold night air and Frankie. She felt two hands come to rest almost hesitantly on her hips.
“I’m sorry about before.” Bianca whispered, holding Frankie against her. She still couldn’t believe her friends and housemates had gone that far over nothing. Seeing all those wands pointed at her girlfriend made her heart stop and her stomach plummet.
“It’s fine.” Frankie’s hands dropped from her hips. She took a step back, Bianca’s arms forcing her to stay close. She smirked darkly, “What can you expect from Gryffindors?”
Feeling Frankie shift away from her, one of Bianca’s hands slid around to grasp her shoulder, “Not that. I’m so sorry Simone went after you like that. She was just trying to protect me.”
Frankie snorted, “How sweet. You have your own protector hero looking out for you against the big bad Slytherin.”
Bianca frowned, “Frankie?” She titled her head, wanting to look into those hazel eyes that could tell her so much and so little at the same time, but the darkness only added to the unreadable gaze.
Frankie looked away from her and casually ran a fingertip over the back of a chair, but otherwise remained silent.
Bianca frowned harder. What was this? “Are you angry with me?” Did she blame her for this? She thought Frankie understood she had nothing to do with Simone and Erin’s actions.
Frankie chuckled, but there was no humor in it, “No.”
“Then what…” Oh my. Bianca’s eyes widened and she bit back a gasp of surprise. She didn’t know whether to be flattered by this or amused. She was actually a little of both, “You’re jealous.”
Frankie’s eyebrow ticked up defensively, “What?”
“You’re jealous.” Bianca grinned. It was kind of cute.
“Jealous?” Frankie scoffed like it was the most absurd idea in the world.
“You’re jealous of Simone.”
“You’re completely mental. Crazy. I would never be jealous of that moron.”
Of course, how could she not see it? Simone went to her defense, confronting Frankie, all in her name. “Frankie,” she tugged on her shoulder till the blonde was pressed against her, “do you think there’s something going on between me and Simone?”
With an air of aloofness that would have fooled anybody else except Bianca, Frankie replied, “I don’t think about that nitwit.”
That wasn’t what she asked, “Do you?”
“Should I?” the question was tossed back with projected ease, but there was an undercurrent of challenge.
Bianca stared at Frankie for a moment, gathering her thoughts. Then, she slowly brought her other hand up to cup the side of Frankie’s face. Keeping her eyes locked on veiled hazel, she lowered her head until they were centimeters apart. She could feel warm puffs of breath on her lips, an anxious buzz coming off of Frankie and burrowing into her skin. With fluttering eyelashes, she dipped down and closed the tiny gap, brushing their lips together. She could sense Frankie trying to not give in, but the fight was futile. After a few seconds the lips beneath hers began to move, sliding against her mouth with luscious friction.
Pulling back, their mouths close enough to touch with the slightest movement, Bianca whispered throatily, “You’re the only one I feel this way with. You’re the only one, Frankie.”
Frankie answered by fusing their mouths back together in a searing kiss Bianca felt all the way down in her toes.
Breaking apart, Bianca opened her eyes as Frankie worked to catch her breath. Her hand glided back, dusting over Frankie’s ear before landing on the small patch of skin behind it. The tremble that gently shook Frankie’s body as she tenderly caressed the hidden spot brought another smile to her face and happiness to her heart. No one else knew about this spot or what it did to Frankie.
“You’re jealous. That’s adorable.” Bianca cooed teasingly once Frankie seemed to regain her senses - or well, once Frankie plastered that cocky smirk on her face.
“Whatever.” Frankie rolled her eyes, “Like I’d be jealous of a Gryffindor.”
“So adorable.” Bianca repeated gleefully.
“Yeah, yeah.” Frankie attempted to play it off, but Bianca’s teasing caused a red tinge to coat her cheeks.
“And brave, too.”
“Brave?” Frankie cocked her head, “Careful, someone might think you’re confusing houses. I’m not the one who rode in like a knight on a white horse.”
“No, but you didn’t raise your wand to them.” The reality of the situation Frankie was in before sobered Bianca, and her voice turned serious, “That was very brave of you, Frankie. You have no idea how grateful I am that you did that. You didn’t fight back against my friends even though they threatened you.” Who knows what would have happened if Frankie escalated the fight.
“That?” Frankie shrugged indifferently, “Those Gryffindor losers wouldn’t be able to handle if someone actually threw a spell at them. I didn’t want to have to explain to your head of house why all your dumb housemates were lying on the floor. Such a hassle.”
“Sure,” Bianca nodded along with a playful look, “it was all because you didn’t want to deal with professors.”
“I like to stay out of trouble.”
Bianca laughed heartily at that, “You’re amazing.”
“Been saying that for years. You haven’t even seen me play quidditch, yet.”
“No, but I’ve kissed you, and I must say, you’re really good at it.”
Frankie’s eyes sparkled, and the red tinge spread to her neck. “Just good?”
“I said really good.” Bianca winked.
Frankie gulped.
“Well, thank you anyway for not raising your wand.” Bianca smirked coyly, “It’s too bad you didn’t do it for me, however.”
Frankie’s eyes slid down as Bianca’s fingers trailed across her arm, her voice thick, “Why?”
“I was going to thank you, but I guess I don’t have to.” Bianca pretended to turn away. She giggled as hands shot out and grabbed her, spinning her back around.
“Thank me?” Frankie held her in place.
“Mmmhmm.” Bianca curled her arms over Frankie’s shoulders.
“Not by chocolate frogs, I hope.”
“No, I was thinking a little more like this.”
Frankie whimpered the moment their lips met.
****
Bianca sighed inwardly and chewed on her bite of toast and blackberry jam. She hadn’t yet been able to sneak away and have breakfast with Frankie, and it was becoming frustrating. All she wanted to do was sit down and have a meal with the girl, was that too much to ask? Clearly, it was. It had been a few days since the ‘incident’ as she referred to it in her mind, because Simone-going-after-her-secret-girlfriend-over-a stolen-misinterpreted-note-that-almost-caused-a-war-between-the-two-houses-and-quite-possibly-her-girlfriend-getting-into-a-duel-with-her-friend was a little too long for a name. While things had died down somewhat, as in there had not been anymore confrontations between the Slytherins and the Gryffindors, tensions still were running high. Whenever a student from the opposing house walked by, they gifted the other with a sneer and a few choice insults. The two houses despised each other before, but this was a good enough reason to escalate that hatred.
Bianca had spoken to Simone and Erin that night. Truthfully, she’d forcefully told them to back off in a tone that was a decibel below a yell, but they got the picture. Well, they sort of got the picture. Simone, and Erin to a lesser degree, still kept an eye out, causing Bianca to take longer than usual to sneak away at night and not be able to get away for breakfast, thus her dilemma. It was ok, though. Frankie wasn’t terribly upset about being ambushed by a horde of pathetic Gryffindor losers, as she put it. In the end, she actually found it really hilarious. It’d become somewhat of a running joke between them, Frankie mockingly checking over her shoulder for hidden Gryffindors whenever they met. Bianca still felt that she had to make it up to Frankie, though. If the glazed look and speechless panting was anything to go by, Frankie didn’t mind the extra kisses.
Taking another bite of toast, Bianca felt the jam smear across her upper lip. As she reached for a napkin, the flapping of hundreds of wings filled the air. Glancing up, she wiped the jam from her lip and watched the legions of owls swoop into the Great Hall, deftly flying around and landing at their destinations. Among them, Opal swerved and dove, barely missing the top of a Hufflepuff’s head as she darted down to land at Bianca’s elbow. The sight of the familiar owl brought a smile to her face, and Bianca deftly plucked the letter from her beak. She stroked the soft feathers a few times, earning an appreciative blink from the old bird.
“Another letter from your family?” Babe asked curiously.
Simone rolled her eyes, “It’s always from her family.” She returned her attention to her boyfriend, missing Babe’s less than appreciative look.
Bianca ignored them. Slipping her finger under the edge of the flap, she opened the envelope and took out the piece of parchment. Her eyes scanned the contents, her mouth moving along with the words. It was from her family, one of their weekly correspondences. This one was written by her mother, explaining how she and her stepfather were both excited for her to be home soon with Christmas break fast approaching. Bianca had forgotten, so caught up in Frankie and classes. Erica had already gone shopping a few times, but was eager to take Bianca out to London and Diagon Alley for a trip. The rest of the family was also anxious to hear about her time at school this year.
Folding the letter back up and depositing it in her bag, Bianca’s mind went to the past holidays she enjoyed with her family. They were always good times. Fun was had by all. Her family was a crazy bunch, but they loved each other. Her aunt would always come over early and prepare Christmas supper, since her mother was banned from cooking, even with magic. Her stepfather and uncle would talk about quidditch, and all the rest alternated between each other, gossiping and laughing together. It was the best time of the year.
Smile ticking up even further, Bianca’s mind went the way it always did - to Frankie. She wondered what the Slytherin was doing for Christmas. She was probably going home to be with her own family. Did muggles celebrate differently than them? They hadn’t talked about that in her muggles studies class. Did Frankie have a big family? Did they go to her house or another relative’s? Did they open presents on Christmas morning or Christmas Eve? Oh, there were so many things she still wanted to learn about Frankie.
Than, she couldn’t help herself. Her mind meandered along, taking Frankie from the imagined Stone family gathering and placing her in the Montgomery-Kane family extravaganza. She could see it clearly. Frankie would be sitting in one of the comfy chairs in the family room, trying to look aloof and cool while discussing the finer points of quidditch with Jack. Bianca would be making the rounds among her cousins, but their eyes would always seem to meet. During dinner, they’d sit next to each other. Her family would ask Frankie about school, and Frankie would answer with that cocky grin of hers. They’d secretly hold hands under the table, but everyone would know about it. Her family would easily accept Frankie as one of their own once they saw how great she really was. Then, at night, they’d share mugs of eggnog and soft kisses under the mistletoe.
It would be fantastic.
Coming out of her daydream, Bianca instinctively looked over at the Slytherin table. Of course, Frankie wasn’t there. Her smile faltered slightly, but it went back up when she remembered she’d see the blonde later that night.
Only a few more hours to go.
**********
Finally, quiet.
Bianca walked into the library and breathed in the silent air. When she’d forgotten about Christmas, she must have been the only one. The Gryffindor common room had been transformed into a make-shift party that evening. Students of all ages gathered in the circular room. The fire blazed in the fireplace as they all strung up tinsel and garland. Some sat and watched, chatting, while others played intense games of wizard chess. Someone had brought down a radio, and holiday tunes sung out, causing many of the kids to sing along with varying degrees of success. It was a lot of fun, and Bianca would have been happy to participate in it, except for one thing.
Charms essay.
Another thing she’d forgotten to do during her late night rendezvous.
So, with a full satchel and a wave goodbye to her friends who were huddled together over boxes of chocolate frogs and licorice wands, Bianca trudged out of Gryffindor tower and to the library. All she had to do was finish this essay, and she’d be done with her schoolwork. Which meant she could fully concentrate on Frankie. Always a good thing.
Taking in the large room, Bianca slowly walked around. Tens of thousands of books stared back at her from their perches on the shelves. Up ahead at the desk, Madam Pince, the librarian, stared at her grudgingly from her post. All students learned at one point or another to be on their best behavior in the library. Madam Pince saw herself more as a protector and keeper of the books than anything else. If one did not follow the rules, they were unceremoniously punished, and the rules were many.
Ducking between two rows, Bianca spotted a table at the end of the lane. She went up to it and set her satchel down, her shoulder thankful to lose the added weight. She pulled out the wooden chair and sat down, quickly opening her bag and rifling through it. She took out her textbook, quill, and ink jar. Arranging them on the table, she then took out her parchment and smoothed it out on the flat surface. Opening the book to the required section, she breathed in deeply. Merlin, would she rather be at the festivities right now than alone in the library. But, the essay had to be written, and she’d rather do it now and get to see Frankie afterward.
Bianca dipped the end of her quill in the ink and pressed it against the parchment. She wrote down a few lines, glancing back and forth at her book. They’d been studying silencing spells. Bianca thought it might have come in handy a few times throughout the years, but it wasn’t taught till fifth year. Snape would have been her first choice as recipient. It wasn’t her fault his teaching methods left so much to be desired. Bianca sighed, another class she was behind in.
She had a feeling, though, a couple other students might be using the silencing charm on more than the ravens and bullfrogs who were their test subjects in class. There were probably going to be a number of students sent to the infirmary because they were unable to speak. She sure hoped her friends weren’t among them…or Frankie.
Copying down a sentence from her book, Bianca felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. A strange sensation coursed through her veins, and she rolled her shoulders in an attempt to alleviate it. Writing down another sentence, the sensations only grew. She felt a tingle go up her spine. It wasn’t exactly uncomfortable. It was as if her body was trying to tell her something. Narrowing her eyes in thought, Bianca lifted her head and glanced around.
Books, Books, Books, blonde head.
Wait.
Leaning forward, Bianca stared down the aisle. A few rows away was another table with a lone occupant. Like her, a textbook was flipped open and the person looked to be writing an essay. Casting her gaze on the person, Bianca felt the tingle intensify. The person’s head was ducked down, but she’d recognize them anywhere.
It was Frankie.
Bianca stared at her, wondering how long she’d been there. By the looks of it, she’d been there longer than Bianca. The brunette mentally scolded herself for not looking around more when she sat down. How could she have missed Frankie? Watching her, Bianca saw her scratch out a few words, redip her quill, and finish the sentence.
Then, as if they’d been doing it many times, and Bianca had an inkling they’d been doing it since she’d sat down, a pair of hazel eyes surreptitiously peeked up at her. Their eyes met and held, Frankie’s widening a fraction at being caught. After a moment, Frankie ducked her head, darting her gaze back to the table. Bianca could see her lips quirk up in giddiness, however, and those gorgeous hazels light up. The orbs flicked back up, unable to not look. It took all Bianca had to not melt into a puddle and coo at the charming display.
Bianca absently set her quill down, charms not nearly as interesting as Frankie. It crossed her mind to get up and join the other girl, but as she put her hands on the table to push up from her seat, joking whispers filled the air. She watched as three Slytherins waltzed up to Frankie’s table, all of them dressed like Frankie - still in their school uniforms sans robes. She instantly knew Gary and Rich, and the third she remembered from Potions. The three sat down, both Rich and Gary jovially shaking Frankie’s shoulder and slapping her back. They took out their own books and utensils, and Bianca noticed all the textbooks were the same - Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. They were studying for Care of Magical Creatures. It was an outdoor class that introduced the students to an array of creatures they could encounter in the wizarding world. It wasn’t her favorite, but she had a feeling Frankie might like it. It could be dangerous at times, especially when they learned about dragons. Not boring like herbology.
The Slytherins all began to write on their parchment, alternating between scanning the text and looking at what the person next to them wrote. A few times Gary touched Frankie’s arm and pointed at something in the book, leaning his head close to hers to whisper about the facts. Seeing them so close together, Bianca should have felt jealous. But, she didn’t. Maybe it was because Gary was a guy, or maybe it was because she knew Frankie snuck out to meet her every night. For whatever reason, all she felt was gladness that her girl had a friend like that. It might have also helped that her girl would slyly glance up at her every so often for a split second before returning her attention to the books.
Wait, Frankie was in a library studying.
Bianca narrowed her eyes in confusion. Why was Frankie in the library? The whole school knew the seeker wasn’t very academically inclined. Bianca had never actually seen her scores, but the rumor was Frankie barely passed anything, and she didn’t refute that statement. She knew Frankie had a very busy schedule. She had classes during the day, quidditch practice in the evening, and their get-togethers at night. Bianca didn’t know when she slept let alone studied. Being the Slytherin seeker, there was no way Snape would let her fail potions, and the professor more than likely had pull with the other teachers. At least, that’s the rumor on how the Slytherin quidditch team was academically eligible to play.
But, it looked like Frankie was working. She had three rolls of parchment filled out, and was peering at Gary’s, pointing out errors and correcting them. Maybe the rumors weren’t completely true. Bianca internally rolled her eyes. Hadn’t she been learning that since she began dating Frankie?
A whispered shout caught Bianca’s attention, along with all the Slytherins’.
“Frankie, hey Frankie.” Rich tilted his chin up.
Frankie looked at him lazily, “What?”
“Did ya hear about Chandler, did ya?” Rich chuckled.
The fourth Slytherin answered for her, “Dumped by Annie Novak for a third year?”
“She sure did, she did.” Rich nodded.
“Novak’s little sister?” Gary asked, looking up from his essay. Novak? Bianca frowned. That was the boy who called Frankie a mudblood.
“She hates being called that.” Frankie murmured.
“Why?” the unnamed boy asked. Bianca wondered if he was Rich’s Potions partner.
“It’s Novak. Who’d want to be that useless idiot’s family?” Frankie shrugged. To all others she might have seemed to not care about the conversation, but Bianca detected the tightening in Frankie’s hands and face.
Rich and Gary laughed. Rich’s Potions partner waved his hand, “How do you know she hates being called that?”
“Who wouldn’t? It’s common sense. He’s dumber than a giant.” Frankie replied.
“His father is high up in the ministry, isn’t he? Novak’s are one of the purist bloods out there, right?” Potions boy’s eyes slid to Frankie, “No dirt in his blood.”
Frankie stilled, and her vision iced over. Gary and Rich stared at the boy, gauging his intent. Bianca’s mouth dropped open at what he’d said.
“No, there isn’t. But, he doesn’t have any brains, either.” Frankie spoke lowly.
“SHHHHHH!!”
They all looked up to see Madam Pince glaring at them. “No talking in the library.”
As she turned her back, Rich made a face and mocked her, “No talkin’ in the library.”
The others laughed, Frankie glancing up at Bianca as she did so. The tension had broken in the group. Bianca’s gaze asked if Frankie was ok. Frankie gave a quick nod, her posture showing she was used to it. There was still a glimmer in her hazel, though. Bianca had the urge to go over and smack the boy upside the head, but that wouldn’t go with the story that they despised each other. Besides, Frankie didn’t deserve another scene-making confrontation. So, even though it took all her strength to stay still, she instead shot Frankie a pointed look. Follow the rules. They’d talk later, and Bianca would give her the biggest hug she could, but right now the librarian had already yelled at the Slytherins once. Frankie shrugged with a roguish smirk and twirled her quill, already acting like the arrogant seeker she was.
“Batty is what she is.” Rich spoke up, hooking a thumb to where the librarian had been standing.
“You gonna turn her into a bat, Rich?” the still unknown boy asked. Bianca reminded herself to find it out. If he spent time with Frankie, it was a name she wanted to know. Maybe those seventh years could go after him instead of Frankie.
“He’d have to be able to transfigure something first.” Frankie shot out, causing Gary to chuckle.
“SHHHHH!!!”
“I got a little something better, I do.” Rich reached into his bag, glaring at the librarian again.
Bianca gasped softly and Frankie’s eyebrows rose as he revealed his hidden stash.
“Are those stink pellets?” Gary angled his head for a better look.
Rich nodded, “Think she’d like a few of ‘em?”
Bianca stared at Frankie willing her to meet her gaze. Stink pellets were one of the many practical joke items banned by Filch. While lots of students still smuggled them in, if Frankie got caught with them she’d be in a lot of trouble. Throwing them in the library where the five of them were the only students was a pretty big give-away on who had the pellets.
“Finish your essay, Rich.” Frankie ordered. Bianca breathed a sigh of relief.
“That is it!” Madam Pince appeared behind Frankie. She waved her wand and all of Frankie’s items swooshed into her bag. “Leave!”
Frankie clenched her jaw and looked over her shoulder at the woman, “I didn’t do anything.”
“No talking in the library means no talking. I have had enough. Go.”
“There’s no one else here!”
“Go!”
Bianca watched as Frankie grudgingly stood up, her friends’ pleas falling on deaf ears. She threw her bag over her shoulder and walked around to Rich. She bent down and whispered something in his ear. Patting his shoulder, she meandered toward the exit, Madam Pince a few steps behind, her hawk-like eyes making sure she left.
As Frankie passed by Bianca, their eyes met. Frankie offered a small smile, but there was something else. Her eyes were twinkling. Frankie silently mouthed “Bye,” to Bianca, who gave a tiny nod in reply. Frankie mouthed something else, but Bianca didn’t quite catch it.
Once Frankie was out of sight, Bianca sighed. She actually wanted Frankie to stay in the library. Yes, they’d be meeting later, but it was great seeing Frankie interact with her friends. Not to mention anytime she got to see Frankie was good. It was a little stunning Madam Pince made her leave so fast. Yes, Frankie had been talking, but she wasn’t bothering anyone. Besides all the Slytherins had been talking. If anyone should have to leave it was no-name boy.
Wait.
Why were all the Slytherins standing up and packing their things? Were they leaving in solidarity?
Then, Bianca heard the shriek and the horrid smell wafted to her nose.
Frankie’d thrown the stink pellets.
Bianca couldn’t help but chortle as she too packed her stuff to leave. That was her girlfriend.
Fandoms: All My Children/Harry Potter
Pairing: Frankie/Bianca
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Um...do you really think I could possibly own any of this?
Spoilers: Nothing really for either All My Children or Harry Potter. Just know the generalities of the Harry Potter World and that Bianca's kinda gay.
Summary: Two Houses Both Alike in Dignity...
“Quite a friend you got there.”
Bianca paused on the ladder, halfway through the trapdoor leading to the divination classroom. Inhaling deeply, she climbed up the rest of the way and closed the door quietly. The entire castle was silent, the wind having died down to nothing and all the occupants either asleep or well on their way.
Turning to face Frankie, Bianca searched the darkness. It’d taken her longer than usual to get there. She had to wait and make sure her friends were asleep. While they’d agreed to leave it be, after a long lecture from Bianca which involved much finger waving and angry tones, Simone and Erin still kept a wary eye on her. It probably didn’t help that she’d demanded the note back, but Bianca didn’t care. She wanted it. The parchment was now safely tucked underneath her pillow, waiting patiently for her to reread it once more before she drifted to sleep later. It might seem weird, but it was comforting to be able to touch and read the note whenever she wanted. It was almost like having Frankie close by.
Speaking of Frankie, her eyes adjusted to the dark. Finally spotting her, she saw the blonde was nonchalantly leaning against one of the tables, her arms crossed casually in front of her. Bianca couldn’t control the smile that spread across her face at the sight. She walked toward her, the smile only growing the closer she got, “Hey.”
“Hey.” Frankie drawled, her gaze flickering as Bianca approached. She uncrossed her arms and moved away from the table.
Bianca quickly reached her and instinctively wrapped her arms around the warm body, pulling her close. Burying her nose in smooth skin, she breathed in the sweet scent of cold night air and Frankie. She felt two hands come to rest almost hesitantly on her hips.
“I’m sorry about before.” Bianca whispered, holding Frankie against her. She still couldn’t believe her friends and housemates had gone that far over nothing. Seeing all those wands pointed at her girlfriend made her heart stop and her stomach plummet.
“It’s fine.” Frankie’s hands dropped from her hips. She took a step back, Bianca’s arms forcing her to stay close. She smirked darkly, “What can you expect from Gryffindors?”
Feeling Frankie shift away from her, one of Bianca’s hands slid around to grasp her shoulder, “Not that. I’m so sorry Simone went after you like that. She was just trying to protect me.”
Frankie snorted, “How sweet. You have your own protector hero looking out for you against the big bad Slytherin.”
Bianca frowned, “Frankie?” She titled her head, wanting to look into those hazel eyes that could tell her so much and so little at the same time, but the darkness only added to the unreadable gaze.
Frankie looked away from her and casually ran a fingertip over the back of a chair, but otherwise remained silent.
Bianca frowned harder. What was this? “Are you angry with me?” Did she blame her for this? She thought Frankie understood she had nothing to do with Simone and Erin’s actions.
Frankie chuckled, but there was no humor in it, “No.”
“Then what…” Oh my. Bianca’s eyes widened and she bit back a gasp of surprise. She didn’t know whether to be flattered by this or amused. She was actually a little of both, “You’re jealous.”
Frankie’s eyebrow ticked up defensively, “What?”
“You’re jealous.” Bianca grinned. It was kind of cute.
“Jealous?” Frankie scoffed like it was the most absurd idea in the world.
“You’re jealous of Simone.”
“You’re completely mental. Crazy. I would never be jealous of that moron.”
Of course, how could she not see it? Simone went to her defense, confronting Frankie, all in her name. “Frankie,” she tugged on her shoulder till the blonde was pressed against her, “do you think there’s something going on between me and Simone?”
With an air of aloofness that would have fooled anybody else except Bianca, Frankie replied, “I don’t think about that nitwit.”
That wasn’t what she asked, “Do you?”
“Should I?” the question was tossed back with projected ease, but there was an undercurrent of challenge.
Bianca stared at Frankie for a moment, gathering her thoughts. Then, she slowly brought her other hand up to cup the side of Frankie’s face. Keeping her eyes locked on veiled hazel, she lowered her head until they were centimeters apart. She could feel warm puffs of breath on her lips, an anxious buzz coming off of Frankie and burrowing into her skin. With fluttering eyelashes, she dipped down and closed the tiny gap, brushing their lips together. She could sense Frankie trying to not give in, but the fight was futile. After a few seconds the lips beneath hers began to move, sliding against her mouth with luscious friction.
Pulling back, their mouths close enough to touch with the slightest movement, Bianca whispered throatily, “You’re the only one I feel this way with. You’re the only one, Frankie.”
Frankie answered by fusing their mouths back together in a searing kiss Bianca felt all the way down in her toes.
Breaking apart, Bianca opened her eyes as Frankie worked to catch her breath. Her hand glided back, dusting over Frankie’s ear before landing on the small patch of skin behind it. The tremble that gently shook Frankie’s body as she tenderly caressed the hidden spot brought another smile to her face and happiness to her heart. No one else knew about this spot or what it did to Frankie.
“You’re jealous. That’s adorable.” Bianca cooed teasingly once Frankie seemed to regain her senses - or well, once Frankie plastered that cocky smirk on her face.
“Whatever.” Frankie rolled her eyes, “Like I’d be jealous of a Gryffindor.”
“So adorable.” Bianca repeated gleefully.
“Yeah, yeah.” Frankie attempted to play it off, but Bianca’s teasing caused a red tinge to coat her cheeks.
“And brave, too.”
“Brave?” Frankie cocked her head, “Careful, someone might think you’re confusing houses. I’m not the one who rode in like a knight on a white horse.”
“No, but you didn’t raise your wand to them.” The reality of the situation Frankie was in before sobered Bianca, and her voice turned serious, “That was very brave of you, Frankie. You have no idea how grateful I am that you did that. You didn’t fight back against my friends even though they threatened you.” Who knows what would have happened if Frankie escalated the fight.
“That?” Frankie shrugged indifferently, “Those Gryffindor losers wouldn’t be able to handle if someone actually threw a spell at them. I didn’t want to have to explain to your head of house why all your dumb housemates were lying on the floor. Such a hassle.”
“Sure,” Bianca nodded along with a playful look, “it was all because you didn’t want to deal with professors.”
“I like to stay out of trouble.”
Bianca laughed heartily at that, “You’re amazing.”
“Been saying that for years. You haven’t even seen me play quidditch, yet.”
“No, but I’ve kissed you, and I must say, you’re really good at it.”
Frankie’s eyes sparkled, and the red tinge spread to her neck. “Just good?”
“I said really good.” Bianca winked.
Frankie gulped.
“Well, thank you anyway for not raising your wand.” Bianca smirked coyly, “It’s too bad you didn’t do it for me, however.”
Frankie’s eyes slid down as Bianca’s fingers trailed across her arm, her voice thick, “Why?”
“I was going to thank you, but I guess I don’t have to.” Bianca pretended to turn away. She giggled as hands shot out and grabbed her, spinning her back around.
“Thank me?” Frankie held her in place.
“Mmmhmm.” Bianca curled her arms over Frankie’s shoulders.
“Not by chocolate frogs, I hope.”
“No, I was thinking a little more like this.”
Frankie whimpered the moment their lips met.
****
Bianca sighed inwardly and chewed on her bite of toast and blackberry jam. She hadn’t yet been able to sneak away and have breakfast with Frankie, and it was becoming frustrating. All she wanted to do was sit down and have a meal with the girl, was that too much to ask? Clearly, it was. It had been a few days since the ‘incident’ as she referred to it in her mind, because Simone-going-after-her-secret-girlfriend-over-a stolen-misinterpreted-note-that-almost-caused-a-war-between-the-two-houses-and-quite-possibly-her-girlfriend-getting-into-a-duel-with-her-friend was a little too long for a name. While things had died down somewhat, as in there had not been anymore confrontations between the Slytherins and the Gryffindors, tensions still were running high. Whenever a student from the opposing house walked by, they gifted the other with a sneer and a few choice insults. The two houses despised each other before, but this was a good enough reason to escalate that hatred.
Bianca had spoken to Simone and Erin that night. Truthfully, she’d forcefully told them to back off in a tone that was a decibel below a yell, but they got the picture. Well, they sort of got the picture. Simone, and Erin to a lesser degree, still kept an eye out, causing Bianca to take longer than usual to sneak away at night and not be able to get away for breakfast, thus her dilemma. It was ok, though. Frankie wasn’t terribly upset about being ambushed by a horde of pathetic Gryffindor losers, as she put it. In the end, she actually found it really hilarious. It’d become somewhat of a running joke between them, Frankie mockingly checking over her shoulder for hidden Gryffindors whenever they met. Bianca still felt that she had to make it up to Frankie, though. If the glazed look and speechless panting was anything to go by, Frankie didn’t mind the extra kisses.
Taking another bite of toast, Bianca felt the jam smear across her upper lip. As she reached for a napkin, the flapping of hundreds of wings filled the air. Glancing up, she wiped the jam from her lip and watched the legions of owls swoop into the Great Hall, deftly flying around and landing at their destinations. Among them, Opal swerved and dove, barely missing the top of a Hufflepuff’s head as she darted down to land at Bianca’s elbow. The sight of the familiar owl brought a smile to her face, and Bianca deftly plucked the letter from her beak. She stroked the soft feathers a few times, earning an appreciative blink from the old bird.
“Another letter from your family?” Babe asked curiously.
Simone rolled her eyes, “It’s always from her family.” She returned her attention to her boyfriend, missing Babe’s less than appreciative look.
Bianca ignored them. Slipping her finger under the edge of the flap, she opened the envelope and took out the piece of parchment. Her eyes scanned the contents, her mouth moving along with the words. It was from her family, one of their weekly correspondences. This one was written by her mother, explaining how she and her stepfather were both excited for her to be home soon with Christmas break fast approaching. Bianca had forgotten, so caught up in Frankie and classes. Erica had already gone shopping a few times, but was eager to take Bianca out to London and Diagon Alley for a trip. The rest of the family was also anxious to hear about her time at school this year.
Folding the letter back up and depositing it in her bag, Bianca’s mind went to the past holidays she enjoyed with her family. They were always good times. Fun was had by all. Her family was a crazy bunch, but they loved each other. Her aunt would always come over early and prepare Christmas supper, since her mother was banned from cooking, even with magic. Her stepfather and uncle would talk about quidditch, and all the rest alternated between each other, gossiping and laughing together. It was the best time of the year.
Smile ticking up even further, Bianca’s mind went the way it always did - to Frankie. She wondered what the Slytherin was doing for Christmas. She was probably going home to be with her own family. Did muggles celebrate differently than them? They hadn’t talked about that in her muggles studies class. Did Frankie have a big family? Did they go to her house or another relative’s? Did they open presents on Christmas morning or Christmas Eve? Oh, there were so many things she still wanted to learn about Frankie.
Than, she couldn’t help herself. Her mind meandered along, taking Frankie from the imagined Stone family gathering and placing her in the Montgomery-Kane family extravaganza. She could see it clearly. Frankie would be sitting in one of the comfy chairs in the family room, trying to look aloof and cool while discussing the finer points of quidditch with Jack. Bianca would be making the rounds among her cousins, but their eyes would always seem to meet. During dinner, they’d sit next to each other. Her family would ask Frankie about school, and Frankie would answer with that cocky grin of hers. They’d secretly hold hands under the table, but everyone would know about it. Her family would easily accept Frankie as one of their own once they saw how great she really was. Then, at night, they’d share mugs of eggnog and soft kisses under the mistletoe.
It would be fantastic.
Coming out of her daydream, Bianca instinctively looked over at the Slytherin table. Of course, Frankie wasn’t there. Her smile faltered slightly, but it went back up when she remembered she’d see the blonde later that night.
Only a few more hours to go.
**********
Finally, quiet.
Bianca walked into the library and breathed in the silent air. When she’d forgotten about Christmas, she must have been the only one. The Gryffindor common room had been transformed into a make-shift party that evening. Students of all ages gathered in the circular room. The fire blazed in the fireplace as they all strung up tinsel and garland. Some sat and watched, chatting, while others played intense games of wizard chess. Someone had brought down a radio, and holiday tunes sung out, causing many of the kids to sing along with varying degrees of success. It was a lot of fun, and Bianca would have been happy to participate in it, except for one thing.
Charms essay.
Another thing she’d forgotten to do during her late night rendezvous.
So, with a full satchel and a wave goodbye to her friends who were huddled together over boxes of chocolate frogs and licorice wands, Bianca trudged out of Gryffindor tower and to the library. All she had to do was finish this essay, and she’d be done with her schoolwork. Which meant she could fully concentrate on Frankie. Always a good thing.
Taking in the large room, Bianca slowly walked around. Tens of thousands of books stared back at her from their perches on the shelves. Up ahead at the desk, Madam Pince, the librarian, stared at her grudgingly from her post. All students learned at one point or another to be on their best behavior in the library. Madam Pince saw herself more as a protector and keeper of the books than anything else. If one did not follow the rules, they were unceremoniously punished, and the rules were many.
Ducking between two rows, Bianca spotted a table at the end of the lane. She went up to it and set her satchel down, her shoulder thankful to lose the added weight. She pulled out the wooden chair and sat down, quickly opening her bag and rifling through it. She took out her textbook, quill, and ink jar. Arranging them on the table, she then took out her parchment and smoothed it out on the flat surface. Opening the book to the required section, she breathed in deeply. Merlin, would she rather be at the festivities right now than alone in the library. But, the essay had to be written, and she’d rather do it now and get to see Frankie afterward.
Bianca dipped the end of her quill in the ink and pressed it against the parchment. She wrote down a few lines, glancing back and forth at her book. They’d been studying silencing spells. Bianca thought it might have come in handy a few times throughout the years, but it wasn’t taught till fifth year. Snape would have been her first choice as recipient. It wasn’t her fault his teaching methods left so much to be desired. Bianca sighed, another class she was behind in.
She had a feeling, though, a couple other students might be using the silencing charm on more than the ravens and bullfrogs who were their test subjects in class. There were probably going to be a number of students sent to the infirmary because they were unable to speak. She sure hoped her friends weren’t among them…or Frankie.
Copying down a sentence from her book, Bianca felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. A strange sensation coursed through her veins, and she rolled her shoulders in an attempt to alleviate it. Writing down another sentence, the sensations only grew. She felt a tingle go up her spine. It wasn’t exactly uncomfortable. It was as if her body was trying to tell her something. Narrowing her eyes in thought, Bianca lifted her head and glanced around.
Books, Books, Books, blonde head.
Wait.
Leaning forward, Bianca stared down the aisle. A few rows away was another table with a lone occupant. Like her, a textbook was flipped open and the person looked to be writing an essay. Casting her gaze on the person, Bianca felt the tingle intensify. The person’s head was ducked down, but she’d recognize them anywhere.
It was Frankie.
Bianca stared at her, wondering how long she’d been there. By the looks of it, she’d been there longer than Bianca. The brunette mentally scolded herself for not looking around more when she sat down. How could she have missed Frankie? Watching her, Bianca saw her scratch out a few words, redip her quill, and finish the sentence.
Then, as if they’d been doing it many times, and Bianca had an inkling they’d been doing it since she’d sat down, a pair of hazel eyes surreptitiously peeked up at her. Their eyes met and held, Frankie’s widening a fraction at being caught. After a moment, Frankie ducked her head, darting her gaze back to the table. Bianca could see her lips quirk up in giddiness, however, and those gorgeous hazels light up. The orbs flicked back up, unable to not look. It took all Bianca had to not melt into a puddle and coo at the charming display.
Bianca absently set her quill down, charms not nearly as interesting as Frankie. It crossed her mind to get up and join the other girl, but as she put her hands on the table to push up from her seat, joking whispers filled the air. She watched as three Slytherins waltzed up to Frankie’s table, all of them dressed like Frankie - still in their school uniforms sans robes. She instantly knew Gary and Rich, and the third she remembered from Potions. The three sat down, both Rich and Gary jovially shaking Frankie’s shoulder and slapping her back. They took out their own books and utensils, and Bianca noticed all the textbooks were the same - Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. They were studying for Care of Magical Creatures. It was an outdoor class that introduced the students to an array of creatures they could encounter in the wizarding world. It wasn’t her favorite, but she had a feeling Frankie might like it. It could be dangerous at times, especially when they learned about dragons. Not boring like herbology.
The Slytherins all began to write on their parchment, alternating between scanning the text and looking at what the person next to them wrote. A few times Gary touched Frankie’s arm and pointed at something in the book, leaning his head close to hers to whisper about the facts. Seeing them so close together, Bianca should have felt jealous. But, she didn’t. Maybe it was because Gary was a guy, or maybe it was because she knew Frankie snuck out to meet her every night. For whatever reason, all she felt was gladness that her girl had a friend like that. It might have also helped that her girl would slyly glance up at her every so often for a split second before returning her attention to the books.
Wait, Frankie was in a library studying.
Bianca narrowed her eyes in confusion. Why was Frankie in the library? The whole school knew the seeker wasn’t very academically inclined. Bianca had never actually seen her scores, but the rumor was Frankie barely passed anything, and she didn’t refute that statement. She knew Frankie had a very busy schedule. She had classes during the day, quidditch practice in the evening, and their get-togethers at night. Bianca didn’t know when she slept let alone studied. Being the Slytherin seeker, there was no way Snape would let her fail potions, and the professor more than likely had pull with the other teachers. At least, that’s the rumor on how the Slytherin quidditch team was academically eligible to play.
But, it looked like Frankie was working. She had three rolls of parchment filled out, and was peering at Gary’s, pointing out errors and correcting them. Maybe the rumors weren’t completely true. Bianca internally rolled her eyes. Hadn’t she been learning that since she began dating Frankie?
A whispered shout caught Bianca’s attention, along with all the Slytherins’.
“Frankie, hey Frankie.” Rich tilted his chin up.
Frankie looked at him lazily, “What?”
“Did ya hear about Chandler, did ya?” Rich chuckled.
The fourth Slytherin answered for her, “Dumped by Annie Novak for a third year?”
“She sure did, she did.” Rich nodded.
“Novak’s little sister?” Gary asked, looking up from his essay. Novak? Bianca frowned. That was the boy who called Frankie a mudblood.
“She hates being called that.” Frankie murmured.
“Why?” the unnamed boy asked. Bianca wondered if he was Rich’s Potions partner.
“It’s Novak. Who’d want to be that useless idiot’s family?” Frankie shrugged. To all others she might have seemed to not care about the conversation, but Bianca detected the tightening in Frankie’s hands and face.
Rich and Gary laughed. Rich’s Potions partner waved his hand, “How do you know she hates being called that?”
“Who wouldn’t? It’s common sense. He’s dumber than a giant.” Frankie replied.
“His father is high up in the ministry, isn’t he? Novak’s are one of the purist bloods out there, right?” Potions boy’s eyes slid to Frankie, “No dirt in his blood.”
Frankie stilled, and her vision iced over. Gary and Rich stared at the boy, gauging his intent. Bianca’s mouth dropped open at what he’d said.
“No, there isn’t. But, he doesn’t have any brains, either.” Frankie spoke lowly.
“SHHHHHH!!”
They all looked up to see Madam Pince glaring at them. “No talking in the library.”
As she turned her back, Rich made a face and mocked her, “No talkin’ in the library.”
The others laughed, Frankie glancing up at Bianca as she did so. The tension had broken in the group. Bianca’s gaze asked if Frankie was ok. Frankie gave a quick nod, her posture showing she was used to it. There was still a glimmer in her hazel, though. Bianca had the urge to go over and smack the boy upside the head, but that wouldn’t go with the story that they despised each other. Besides, Frankie didn’t deserve another scene-making confrontation. So, even though it took all her strength to stay still, she instead shot Frankie a pointed look. Follow the rules. They’d talk later, and Bianca would give her the biggest hug she could, but right now the librarian had already yelled at the Slytherins once. Frankie shrugged with a roguish smirk and twirled her quill, already acting like the arrogant seeker she was.
“Batty is what she is.” Rich spoke up, hooking a thumb to where the librarian had been standing.
“You gonna turn her into a bat, Rich?” the still unknown boy asked. Bianca reminded herself to find it out. If he spent time with Frankie, it was a name she wanted to know. Maybe those seventh years could go after him instead of Frankie.
“He’d have to be able to transfigure something first.” Frankie shot out, causing Gary to chuckle.
“SHHHHH!!!”
“I got a little something better, I do.” Rich reached into his bag, glaring at the librarian again.
Bianca gasped softly and Frankie’s eyebrows rose as he revealed his hidden stash.
“Are those stink pellets?” Gary angled his head for a better look.
Rich nodded, “Think she’d like a few of ‘em?”
Bianca stared at Frankie willing her to meet her gaze. Stink pellets were one of the many practical joke items banned by Filch. While lots of students still smuggled them in, if Frankie got caught with them she’d be in a lot of trouble. Throwing them in the library where the five of them were the only students was a pretty big give-away on who had the pellets.
“Finish your essay, Rich.” Frankie ordered. Bianca breathed a sigh of relief.
“That is it!” Madam Pince appeared behind Frankie. She waved her wand and all of Frankie’s items swooshed into her bag. “Leave!”
Frankie clenched her jaw and looked over her shoulder at the woman, “I didn’t do anything.”
“No talking in the library means no talking. I have had enough. Go.”
“There’s no one else here!”
“Go!”
Bianca watched as Frankie grudgingly stood up, her friends’ pleas falling on deaf ears. She threw her bag over her shoulder and walked around to Rich. She bent down and whispered something in his ear. Patting his shoulder, she meandered toward the exit, Madam Pince a few steps behind, her hawk-like eyes making sure she left.
As Frankie passed by Bianca, their eyes met. Frankie offered a small smile, but there was something else. Her eyes were twinkling. Frankie silently mouthed “Bye,” to Bianca, who gave a tiny nod in reply. Frankie mouthed something else, but Bianca didn’t quite catch it.
Once Frankie was out of sight, Bianca sighed. She actually wanted Frankie to stay in the library. Yes, they’d be meeting later, but it was great seeing Frankie interact with her friends. Not to mention anytime she got to see Frankie was good. It was a little stunning Madam Pince made her leave so fast. Yes, Frankie had been talking, but she wasn’t bothering anyone. Besides all the Slytherins had been talking. If anyone should have to leave it was no-name boy.
Wait.
Why were all the Slytherins standing up and packing their things? Were they leaving in solidarity?
Then, Bianca heard the shriek and the horrid smell wafted to her nose.
Frankie’d thrown the stink pellets.
Bianca couldn’t help but chortle as she too packed her stuff to leave. That was her girlfriend.