Potions, Dungeons, and Firewhiskey Part 19
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...
This was crazy.
Absolutely one hundred percent certifiably crazy.
Bianca huddled with Frankie behind the statue, peeking out every once in a while toward the empty stretch of hall. She pressed up against Frankie’s back and could feel the soft even rise and fall of the blonde’s body as she breathed. Bianca had the urge to wrap her arms around her and spin her around into a kiss, but she quickly shook that thought away.
They were on a mission.
Or, at least that’s what it felt like. It felt like they were on some secret undercover operation for the ministry. Hunting down evil wizards or something. They weren’t, though. Nope, they were doing the exact opposite. When Frankie tracked down a bored Bianca, she invited the brunette along to do something fun. Bianca, who was just sitting around the Gryffindor common room eating Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans, with much trepidation after the ear wax flavored one, readily agreed to go along. She wasn’t doing anything spectacularly exciting. Well, eating Bertie Bott’s candy was always a little exciting. When one could either find themselves eating a sweet chocolate or strawberry flavored bean one moment and a dastardly disgusting booger or tripe flavored one the next, there was a sense of caution and thrill. But, it was still boring. And hey, like she was going to say no to spending time with Frankie. She would even get back on that broomstick and do those insane flying maneuvers the seeker loved. Not that she’d tell Frankie that, but secretly it was true. She loved when Frankie shared the things she liked doing - not to mention the Slytherin looked sexy in those green quidditch robes. Almost as sexy as the crooked tie ensemble, which Bianca was furtively missing and the only reason she had to be ok with break ending and classes resuming soon.
Perhaps Bianca should have asked what Frankie meant when she said something fun. The brunette was learning that she needed to ask these things before agreeing to participate in one of Frankie’s schemes. First, it was the early morning daredevil broom ride. Now, it was playing a prank on an unsuspecting Filch. Well, he wasn’t totally unsuspecting. Filch had been suspecting since the rest of the students left for break. That didn’t mean he knew when the tricks were coming.
So, Bianca found herself hiding behind a statue of Boris the Bewildered on the fifth floor. The statue was rather odd looking. It was a very confused and lost-looking wizard with his gloves on the wrong hands. That wasn’t what was important. What was important was the fact Bianca was with Frankie about to play a prank on a school…not exactly a school official but close enough. She never really did this before. Ever.
As she watched Frankie tilt her head around the statue to look up and down the corridor, she was struck by how cute Frankie’s concentration was. There was a tiny dimple between Frankie’s brows when she frowned in deep thought. One corner of her mouth ticked up higher than the other as she planned out the prank. Frankie was deadly serious about this. It was like an art form to her.
It was so adorable! Bianca just wanted to pinch her cheeks and let out a big aww. That and give her a kiss.
Bianca chuckled under her breath as Frankie ducked back behind the statue with a schemer’s glint in her eyes. Hearing the laugh, Frankie frowned and peeked over her shoulder at Bianca, “What?”
Bianca shook her head, “Nothing.” There was that dimple!
Frankie raised an eyebrow, “That’s less believable than Herbology finally gaining meaning.”
Bianca smiled, “Because you don’t like it, it doesn’t have meaning?”
“Does Potions?” Frankie countered.
Yes, to make her life miserable, “Not the same thing.”
Frankie rolled her eyes, “You are a terrible liar. How have your friends and family not figured us out yet?”
Bianca bit her lip. By the latest letter she’d received from her mom and Jack, they were getting a little suspicious. It wasn’t her fault that Frankie’s name appeared over fifty times in the letter she sent them after Christmas! She was spending time with the girl, and they did so many things she just had to tell them about. Besides, they were the ones who sent Frankie all those gifts, not her.
Noticing the action, Frankie studied the brunette’s face, “You told them?”
“What?” Bianca nearly shouted. “No, I didn’t tell anyone anything.”
Frankie had a look of pure disbelief.
Bianca rested her hands on Frankie’s hips, “If my family knew about us, my mom would be at the front doors of Hogwarts wanting to meet you.”
“She would?”
Bianca nodded, “Yep, and you’d probably have to sit through a huge interrogation. Not that she’s ever done that before, because I’ve never actually dated anyone else, but I’m certain she’d want to know who’s courting her daughter.”
Frankie turned around so her back hit the statue. “Courting?” there was a teasing lilt to the question.
“Courting.” Bianca confirmed with a grin. “She’d, of course, adore you and yell at me for not introducing you sooner.” Her family was going to love Frankie when they met. It wasn’t going to happen soon, sadly, but it would happen eventually. She hoped Frankie liked them. She had a feeling Frankie would.
“Adore me? Well, she does share your genetics.” Frankie smirked, but there was something else in it.
Bianca leaned closer, “It’s hard not to when you’re so cute!”
Frankie groaned.
Bianca giggled and peppered kisses to her cheek, “Such an adorable little cutie.”
Frankie squirmed but grinned along with her, “I thought we agreed to stop with those names.”
“Never.” Bianca captured her lips in a sweet kiss.
Frankie kissed her back, eyes slipping closed. She wrapped her arms around Bianca’s back and pulled her tighter against her. Bianca fell into the touch, relishing being like this with the girl. Her eyelashes fluttered along with her heart as one of Frankie’s hands slid up to cup her jaw. The pad of Frankie’s thumb caressed the smooth skin, causing tiny goosebumps to appear in its wake.
“Maybe sexy instead.” Bianca whispered in between kisses.
She felt Frankie’s words vibrate against her lips, “Talking about yourself?”
Bianca smiled as their lips met again, “You think I’m sexy?”
Frankie smirked, “As much as you are nuts.”
Bianca pulled back and glared playfully. She lightly slapped Frankie’s belly, “You think I’m nuts?”
“In a completely sexy way.” Frankie’s hazels sparkled.
“That must be why you kept saying I was crazy before you became my girlfriend.” Bianca trailed her hand up Frankie’s side. “You always thought I was sexy and it was your sly way of telling me.”
“Sexy and cute. But, that could just have been the firewhiskey talking.”
“And after?” their lips met again.
Frankie leaned back and looked into Bianca’s eyes. Bianca gasped softly at what she saw. The burst of emotion was brief, lasting barely a second, but it was powerful. Then, ever so slowly, Frankie cupped both her cheeks and leaned in, gently pressing their lips together in such a way that Bianca had to hold onto her or else she would have melted to the floor.
Footsteps.
Frankie tore away from Bianca reluctantly. She pricked her ears and listened.
Footsteps were louder.
Frankie’s eyes widened, and her hand darted out to cover Bianca’s mouth. Bianca’s eyes grew to the size of saucers at the sudden action, and she stared at Frankie curiously. The blonde turned, keeping her hand in place, and peered out. Down the hall Filch could be seen trampling along, his grim face as gloomy as ever.
Bianca grabbed Frankie’s wrist and removed her hand, tilting so she could watch along with Frankie. It hit her that she should warn the man. That she should have told Frankie sometime that this was wrong.
She had been a little too caught up in her girlfriend, though. Not to mention, she was kind of looking forward to seeing what was going to happen. What? She wasn’t a saint!
So, as quiet as a mouse, they both watched as Filch moved closer and closer. Bianca could feel the excitement grow in Frankie, and strangely enough, within herself. This was intense!
The moment Filch reached a spot a few feet away from the statue, Frankie withdrew her wand from her pocket. She pointed it at the small black box sitting against the far wall. With the flick of a wrist, the box jumped to life. An ear-piercing screech filled the air, and Filch jumped in fright. It screeched again and again, causing Bianca to cover her ears.
Spotting the box, Filch lumbered over to it, a terrifying gleam in his dark dingy gaze. He squatted down and stretched his arm out to the box. Before he could touch it, it scurried away down the hall, screeching every few moments.
Filch glared and went after the box. Every time he drew close, though, it would move away. Frankie’s shoulders shook with mirth as she watched the man run back and forth across the corridor, the black box even zooming through his legs at one point. Bianca watched and couldn’t help but laugh. It was funny seeing this man who hated the students run around. Frankie knew how to play a good joke.
When the box rolled between his legs again, causing Filch to twist and turn, flailing his arms as he fell to the ground, Frankie burst out with a gut wrenching laugh. She slapped a hand over her mouth to muffle the sound. Bianca fell against Frankie, laughing into the back of her shoulder. She bit the soft cotton, trying to stifle her amusement.
Unfortunately, Filch must have heard their boisterous laughter, because his head swiveled around to glare at the statue “I’LL HAVE YOUR HEADS FOR THIS!”
“Oh no,” Bianca whispered, her snickering ending abruptly. He’d caught them!
Frankie smirkingly grasped her hand and pulled. They took off running as Filch leapt to his feet, shaking his fist in outrage. He began to run after them, but the box rolled in front of him. His feet tripped over the thing and he tumbled back to the ground.
*****
Frankie rammed through the door, Bianca stumbling in behind her. Both were breathing heavily, faces red with exertion. Filch had been chasing them all over the castle and shouting at the top of his lungs how he’d have them expelled when he caught them.
Frankie glanced out the door and shut it, “He won’t find us here.”
Bianca gulped in air and looked around. They were in the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. It was large, with rows of desks lined up throughout the room. The skeleton of a dragon hung from the ceiling along with an iron chandelier. Being on the first floor, the windows looked out levelly across the grounds. After taking in the room, Bianca looked at Frankie, “Hide her often, do you?”
Frankie looked at her drolly, “I don’t hide, remember?”
“You just know a lot about it.” Bianca grinned.
Frankie nodded toward the door, “I can send Filch your way.”
“I’m not the one he’s after.” Bianca walked up to Frankie, “Besides, you won’t give me up like that.”
“Presumptuous, aren’t we?” Frankie’s eyes flickered.
Bianca twisted the material of Frankie’s shirt in her hand and tugged her close, “I think that’s a Slytherin trait.” She loosened her hold and skimmed her palm over Frankie’s stomach, “I’m optimistic.”
“Even worse.” Frankie ran her hand over Bianca’s. She slipped her fingers in between the brunette’s.
“We can’t all be gloomy like you.” Bianca gazed at their joined hands. Her eyes ticked up for a moment, and she saw a matching grin on Frankie’s face.
“You are only saying that because you’re still upset I wouldn’t eat the jelly beans with you.” Frankie shot back.
“You need to be braver.” Bianca turned her hand so her palm linked with Frankie’s.
“Because eating vomit flavored candy is being brave.” Frankie deadpanned.
Bianca rolled her eyes, “Your pessimism is astounding. They’re not all bad flavored.”
“Some are.”
“It’s a risk you have to take.”
“Not one I have to.” Frankie began to walk.
Bianca followed, “Some risks are worth it.”
Frankie paused in front of a desk. She ran her fingertips over the polished wooden surface, “Some are.”
Bianca felt Frankie squeeze her hand before letting go. It made her blinding smile brighten even more.
“I sit here.” Frankie moved up a few rows. She tapped her finger on the end desk in the second row from the front. “Gary sits beside me, then Rich.” She pointed to the other side of the room, “The Ravenclaws sit over there, reading their textbooks like they hold the keys to life.” She pointed at the front, “And our dimwit of a professor teaches from up there.”
Bianca sniggered, “You don’t like Professor Lee?”
Frankie hopped onto the desk, “Lee has about as much brains as your housemates…or a flobberworm. Take your pick.”
“Hmmm.” Bianca waltzed up to her. She planted her hands on either side of Frankie, locking her in place, “Such a tough choice.”
“Maybe you should read a book. Ravenclaws say they have all the answers.”
“Or I could kiss you and change the subject.” And Bianca did just that.
Frankie smiled as they parted, “Nicely done.”
“Thank you.” Bianca pointed to the third row, “I sit there during class.”
Frankie looked at where she was pointing, “Third row? Maybe if your friends sat in the second row they’d learn how to properly defend themselves from attack.”
“Because being turned yellow or forced to laugh hysterically happens all the time.” Simone was never going to get over that.
Frankie shrugged and slid off the desk, “Presumptuous.”
Bianca shook her head and let her hand slip across Frankie’s body as the blonde stepped away. “I’m sure that’s what Simone thinks.”
Frankie grinned roguishly, “As much as I don’t care what she thinks, I must say that she does think about me quite a lot. Starting a stalking trend, Bianca?”
Bianca swiped at Frankie, but the blonde dodged out of the way, “I didn’t stalk you. Besides, you liked it when I went after you.”
“Did I?” Frankie jumped back as Bianca darted forward in chase.
Frankie’s back bumped into a very tall trunk as Bianca crashed into her, “You liked it a lot.”
“Still do.” Frankie’s whispered words broke off into a whimper as Bianca kissed her.
Bianca felt Frankie respond immediately. Soft lips pressed against hers, slipping and sliding together. Her knees grew weak as teeth nipped gently at her bottom lip. She felt a heat slowly start to burn in her veins, and her cheeks flushed. She grasped at Frankie’s waist, trying to pull her closer.
Frankie wrapped one hand around the side of Bianca’s neck. Quick feverish kisses escalated into long deep touches. Tongues plunged together, tangling in a wet dance Bianca could feel down in her toes. Frankie’s other hand swung out, pawing at the trunk for balance. Her hand hit something as it landed, and the turning of locks could be heard. The two teenagers ignored the noise until the top of the trunk flung open.
“What?” Bianca gasped as Frankie tumbled into her arms. “Are you ok?”
Frankie steadied herself and looked at the trunk. “I’m fine. You?” She turned her eyes to Bianca.
Bianca’s stomach flipped at the tender gaze, “I’m fine.”
Frankie took a step forward, intent on closing the trunk and continuing what they’d started.
That’s when Professor Dumbledore climbed out.
Frankie paused. Bianca’s face screwed up in confusion, “Professor Dumbledore?” What was the headmaster doing in a trunk in the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom?
Dumbledore didn’t acknowledge Bianca, his gaze on Frankie. But his eyes weren’t twinkling merrily as they usually did behind his half-moon spectacles. No, they were cold, cruel. His mouth was twisted in a grimace like he was being confronted with something awful.
“What are you doing here?” his normally jovial tone was filled with loathing.
Frankie blinked, “We were…”
Dumbledore waved his hand, cutting off her explanation. He frowned, “You don’t belong here. You never belonged here.”
Bianca saw Frankie tense at the harsh voice. Taking a tiny step toward her girlfriend, Bianca opened her mouth to speak, “Professor,”
“Filthy little muggle-born. You think you can do magic?” Dumbledore laughed brutally. “You can’t do anything. You were never meant to come here. Go back to where you came from.”
Bianca had no idea what was going on. How could Dumbledore say those things to Frankie?
“Worthless mudblood.” He sneered. “You can’t do magic. You’re not good enough. You never were. How could you think you were as good as a pureblood? How could you think you belonged in Slytherin? You aren’t one of them. You never were. They don’t accept you. They don’t like you or want you there. They know how dirty your blood is. You are not one of them. You never will be. They are better than you. How could you think that you belonged in this world?”
“Professor,” Frankie’s voice shook. Bianca stepped up beside her and placed a comforting hand on the small of her back. Frankie was clearly at a loss for words. Her eyes were wide and there was a sheen of tears in them. Her body trembled in fear at what she was being told.
“You don’t belong! THIS ISN’T YOUR WORLD!” Dumbledore shouted, contempt coating his words. “Get out of here! Go!”
“Professor Dumbledore!” Bianca yelled. This didn’t make any sense. Dumbledore was one of the kindest people to ever live. He wouldn’t ever say anything like that, especially to Frankie. Frankie belonged there.
Dumbledore never looked at her.
“You shouldn’t be here!” Dumbledore cried out. “Go back to the park! Go back to that bench! That’s all you’ll ever be. GO!”
Frankie was shaking so hard her teeth would chatter if she wasn’t clenching her jaw so tight. Her chin quivered, but she couldn’t look away from him.
Bianca glared at Dumbledore, “Stop it!”
He didn’t look at her. He didn’t even act like he heard her.
“Stop it!” Bianca yelled as loud as she could.
He only stared at Frankie.
Then, a flash of light glinted in the corner of Bianca’s eye. She quickly looked to see the sunlight shining in through the window on the chalkboard. The chalkboard filled with facts on boggarts.
“Merlin,” Bianca breathed out. Boggarts. This was a boggart. Whipping out her wand, Bianca jumped in front of Frankie. Dumbledore looked at her for a second before he rapidly began to transform.
“Ridikkulus!” Bianca shouted the incantation she learned in third year. A spark shot out from her wand and hit the boggart, sending it back into the trunk. As fast as she could, she slammed the lid down and relocked it. A boggart was a nasty creature. It would change into, Bianca looked at Frankie. It would change into a person’s worst fear, feeding off the terror of its victim.
Bianca had just seen Frankie’s worst fear…and so had Frankie.
Oh, Merlin.
Bianca slowly crept up to Frankie, the blonde still shaking. “Frankie,” she reached out her hand. Her entire being was urging her to comfort the girl. Hug her and never let go.
Frankie jerked back, “Don’t touch me.” Her voice quaked.
Bianca bit her lip, “It’s ok. It was only a boggart. It wasn’t real.”
Frankie took another step back, shaking her head, “It’s not true. It’s not.” Her words were mumbled under her breath, as if she was speaking to herself.
“Frankie,” her heart leapt to her throat.
Frankie’s head swung around to face her, “I belong here!”
“I know.” It hurt to see Frankie like this. All the times Frankie reacted, saying she belonged, she was just as good, appeared in Bianca’s memory. “I know.”
Frankie pursed her lips, valiantly trying to hold in her emotions. She turned away from Bianca, “I…we…need to go.”
“Frankie,” don’t do this, “we have to talk about this.” Now more than ever.
“There’s nothing to talk about.” Frankie marched toward the door.
Bianca jogged after her. She caught the back of her shirt and spun her around, “Please, don’t run away. I care about you.”
“Let go of me!” Frankie tore out of her grasp.
Not this again. “I’m not doing that, ever.”
Frankie smirked cruelly. It mixed viciously with the lingering fear in her eyes, “What? Need to save me from the big bad evil? Good job, you did. You need a medal, Gryffindor?”
Bianca stared at her. She was lashing out, much like when they were first dancing around their feelings, “I need you to let me help you with this.”
“I don’t need help. I don’t need anything.” Frankie ground out.
Bianca felt her heart break.
“Let me guess, not brave enough for you? I wasn’t brave enough again?” Frankie laughed humorlessly. It sounded sad, depressed.
Bianca remained quiet. Then, she shot her hand out and griped the collar of Frankie’s shirt. She pulled her in close, “I care about you. No matter what you think or say, I do. Stop being like this and let me be your girlfriend. I’m going to help you, and I’m going to be there for you.” Her voice cracked, “You know nothing matters to me but you. You, Frankie. Only you. I’ve told you that before, and I’ll keep saying it until you understand that.”
Frankie gulped, “Filch…would have heard that.”
Bianca nodded, “We’ll go somewhere and talk.” She released Frankie and tightly clasped her hand. The quill charm on her bracelet calmly knocked against Frankie’s wrist. Bianca glanced over and saw Frankie silently trace the chain on her neck. It made her stomach clench with hope.
Bianca led Frankie out of the classroom, her mind whirling. She’d never dealt with anything like this before. For Merlin’s sake, her boggart turned into a shark after she saw that muggle movie.
But, Frankie’s was so much more than that.
How did she help Frankie with this? How did she make her understand she had nothing to be afraid of?
That her feelings had nothing to do with what the boggart said and everything to do with the person Frankie was inside?
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...
This was crazy.
Absolutely one hundred percent certifiably crazy.
Bianca huddled with Frankie behind the statue, peeking out every once in a while toward the empty stretch of hall. She pressed up against Frankie’s back and could feel the soft even rise and fall of the blonde’s body as she breathed. Bianca had the urge to wrap her arms around her and spin her around into a kiss, but she quickly shook that thought away.
They were on a mission.
Or, at least that’s what it felt like. It felt like they were on some secret undercover operation for the ministry. Hunting down evil wizards or something. They weren’t, though. Nope, they were doing the exact opposite. When Frankie tracked down a bored Bianca, she invited the brunette along to do something fun. Bianca, who was just sitting around the Gryffindor common room eating Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans, with much trepidation after the ear wax flavored one, readily agreed to go along. She wasn’t doing anything spectacularly exciting. Well, eating Bertie Bott’s candy was always a little exciting. When one could either find themselves eating a sweet chocolate or strawberry flavored bean one moment and a dastardly disgusting booger or tripe flavored one the next, there was a sense of caution and thrill. But, it was still boring. And hey, like she was going to say no to spending time with Frankie. She would even get back on that broomstick and do those insane flying maneuvers the seeker loved. Not that she’d tell Frankie that, but secretly it was true. She loved when Frankie shared the things she liked doing - not to mention the Slytherin looked sexy in those green quidditch robes. Almost as sexy as the crooked tie ensemble, which Bianca was furtively missing and the only reason she had to be ok with break ending and classes resuming soon.
Perhaps Bianca should have asked what Frankie meant when she said something fun. The brunette was learning that she needed to ask these things before agreeing to participate in one of Frankie’s schemes. First, it was the early morning daredevil broom ride. Now, it was playing a prank on an unsuspecting Filch. Well, he wasn’t totally unsuspecting. Filch had been suspecting since the rest of the students left for break. That didn’t mean he knew when the tricks were coming.
So, Bianca found herself hiding behind a statue of Boris the Bewildered on the fifth floor. The statue was rather odd looking. It was a very confused and lost-looking wizard with his gloves on the wrong hands. That wasn’t what was important. What was important was the fact Bianca was with Frankie about to play a prank on a school…not exactly a school official but close enough. She never really did this before. Ever.
As she watched Frankie tilt her head around the statue to look up and down the corridor, she was struck by how cute Frankie’s concentration was. There was a tiny dimple between Frankie’s brows when she frowned in deep thought. One corner of her mouth ticked up higher than the other as she planned out the prank. Frankie was deadly serious about this. It was like an art form to her.
It was so adorable! Bianca just wanted to pinch her cheeks and let out a big aww. That and give her a kiss.
Bianca chuckled under her breath as Frankie ducked back behind the statue with a schemer’s glint in her eyes. Hearing the laugh, Frankie frowned and peeked over her shoulder at Bianca, “What?”
Bianca shook her head, “Nothing.” There was that dimple!
Frankie raised an eyebrow, “That’s less believable than Herbology finally gaining meaning.”
Bianca smiled, “Because you don’t like it, it doesn’t have meaning?”
“Does Potions?” Frankie countered.
Yes, to make her life miserable, “Not the same thing.”
Frankie rolled her eyes, “You are a terrible liar. How have your friends and family not figured us out yet?”
Bianca bit her lip. By the latest letter she’d received from her mom and Jack, they were getting a little suspicious. It wasn’t her fault that Frankie’s name appeared over fifty times in the letter she sent them after Christmas! She was spending time with the girl, and they did so many things she just had to tell them about. Besides, they were the ones who sent Frankie all those gifts, not her.
Noticing the action, Frankie studied the brunette’s face, “You told them?”
“What?” Bianca nearly shouted. “No, I didn’t tell anyone anything.”
Frankie had a look of pure disbelief.
Bianca rested her hands on Frankie’s hips, “If my family knew about us, my mom would be at the front doors of Hogwarts wanting to meet you.”
“She would?”
Bianca nodded, “Yep, and you’d probably have to sit through a huge interrogation. Not that she’s ever done that before, because I’ve never actually dated anyone else, but I’m certain she’d want to know who’s courting her daughter.”
Frankie turned around so her back hit the statue. “Courting?” there was a teasing lilt to the question.
“Courting.” Bianca confirmed with a grin. “She’d, of course, adore you and yell at me for not introducing you sooner.” Her family was going to love Frankie when they met. It wasn’t going to happen soon, sadly, but it would happen eventually. She hoped Frankie liked them. She had a feeling Frankie would.
“Adore me? Well, she does share your genetics.” Frankie smirked, but there was something else in it.
Bianca leaned closer, “It’s hard not to when you’re so cute!”
Frankie groaned.
Bianca giggled and peppered kisses to her cheek, “Such an adorable little cutie.”
Frankie squirmed but grinned along with her, “I thought we agreed to stop with those names.”
“Never.” Bianca captured her lips in a sweet kiss.
Frankie kissed her back, eyes slipping closed. She wrapped her arms around Bianca’s back and pulled her tighter against her. Bianca fell into the touch, relishing being like this with the girl. Her eyelashes fluttered along with her heart as one of Frankie’s hands slid up to cup her jaw. The pad of Frankie’s thumb caressed the smooth skin, causing tiny goosebumps to appear in its wake.
“Maybe sexy instead.” Bianca whispered in between kisses.
She felt Frankie’s words vibrate against her lips, “Talking about yourself?”
Bianca smiled as their lips met again, “You think I’m sexy?”
Frankie smirked, “As much as you are nuts.”
Bianca pulled back and glared playfully. She lightly slapped Frankie’s belly, “You think I’m nuts?”
“In a completely sexy way.” Frankie’s hazels sparkled.
“That must be why you kept saying I was crazy before you became my girlfriend.” Bianca trailed her hand up Frankie’s side. “You always thought I was sexy and it was your sly way of telling me.”
“Sexy and cute. But, that could just have been the firewhiskey talking.”
“And after?” their lips met again.
Frankie leaned back and looked into Bianca’s eyes. Bianca gasped softly at what she saw. The burst of emotion was brief, lasting barely a second, but it was powerful. Then, ever so slowly, Frankie cupped both her cheeks and leaned in, gently pressing their lips together in such a way that Bianca had to hold onto her or else she would have melted to the floor.
Footsteps.
Frankie tore away from Bianca reluctantly. She pricked her ears and listened.
Footsteps were louder.
Frankie’s eyes widened, and her hand darted out to cover Bianca’s mouth. Bianca’s eyes grew to the size of saucers at the sudden action, and she stared at Frankie curiously. The blonde turned, keeping her hand in place, and peered out. Down the hall Filch could be seen trampling along, his grim face as gloomy as ever.
Bianca grabbed Frankie’s wrist and removed her hand, tilting so she could watch along with Frankie. It hit her that she should warn the man. That she should have told Frankie sometime that this was wrong.
She had been a little too caught up in her girlfriend, though. Not to mention, she was kind of looking forward to seeing what was going to happen. What? She wasn’t a saint!
So, as quiet as a mouse, they both watched as Filch moved closer and closer. Bianca could feel the excitement grow in Frankie, and strangely enough, within herself. This was intense!
The moment Filch reached a spot a few feet away from the statue, Frankie withdrew her wand from her pocket. She pointed it at the small black box sitting against the far wall. With the flick of a wrist, the box jumped to life. An ear-piercing screech filled the air, and Filch jumped in fright. It screeched again and again, causing Bianca to cover her ears.
Spotting the box, Filch lumbered over to it, a terrifying gleam in his dark dingy gaze. He squatted down and stretched his arm out to the box. Before he could touch it, it scurried away down the hall, screeching every few moments.
Filch glared and went after the box. Every time he drew close, though, it would move away. Frankie’s shoulders shook with mirth as she watched the man run back and forth across the corridor, the black box even zooming through his legs at one point. Bianca watched and couldn’t help but laugh. It was funny seeing this man who hated the students run around. Frankie knew how to play a good joke.
When the box rolled between his legs again, causing Filch to twist and turn, flailing his arms as he fell to the ground, Frankie burst out with a gut wrenching laugh. She slapped a hand over her mouth to muffle the sound. Bianca fell against Frankie, laughing into the back of her shoulder. She bit the soft cotton, trying to stifle her amusement.
Unfortunately, Filch must have heard their boisterous laughter, because his head swiveled around to glare at the statue “I’LL HAVE YOUR HEADS FOR THIS!”
“Oh no,” Bianca whispered, her snickering ending abruptly. He’d caught them!
Frankie smirkingly grasped her hand and pulled. They took off running as Filch leapt to his feet, shaking his fist in outrage. He began to run after them, but the box rolled in front of him. His feet tripped over the thing and he tumbled back to the ground.
*****
Frankie rammed through the door, Bianca stumbling in behind her. Both were breathing heavily, faces red with exertion. Filch had been chasing them all over the castle and shouting at the top of his lungs how he’d have them expelled when he caught them.
Frankie glanced out the door and shut it, “He won’t find us here.”
Bianca gulped in air and looked around. They were in the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. It was large, with rows of desks lined up throughout the room. The skeleton of a dragon hung from the ceiling along with an iron chandelier. Being on the first floor, the windows looked out levelly across the grounds. After taking in the room, Bianca looked at Frankie, “Hide her often, do you?”
Frankie looked at her drolly, “I don’t hide, remember?”
“You just know a lot about it.” Bianca grinned.
Frankie nodded toward the door, “I can send Filch your way.”
“I’m not the one he’s after.” Bianca walked up to Frankie, “Besides, you won’t give me up like that.”
“Presumptuous, aren’t we?” Frankie’s eyes flickered.
Bianca twisted the material of Frankie’s shirt in her hand and tugged her close, “I think that’s a Slytherin trait.” She loosened her hold and skimmed her palm over Frankie’s stomach, “I’m optimistic.”
“Even worse.” Frankie ran her hand over Bianca’s. She slipped her fingers in between the brunette’s.
“We can’t all be gloomy like you.” Bianca gazed at their joined hands. Her eyes ticked up for a moment, and she saw a matching grin on Frankie’s face.
“You are only saying that because you’re still upset I wouldn’t eat the jelly beans with you.” Frankie shot back.
“You need to be braver.” Bianca turned her hand so her palm linked with Frankie’s.
“Because eating vomit flavored candy is being brave.” Frankie deadpanned.
Bianca rolled her eyes, “Your pessimism is astounding. They’re not all bad flavored.”
“Some are.”
“It’s a risk you have to take.”
“Not one I have to.” Frankie began to walk.
Bianca followed, “Some risks are worth it.”
Frankie paused in front of a desk. She ran her fingertips over the polished wooden surface, “Some are.”
Bianca felt Frankie squeeze her hand before letting go. It made her blinding smile brighten even more.
“I sit here.” Frankie moved up a few rows. She tapped her finger on the end desk in the second row from the front. “Gary sits beside me, then Rich.” She pointed to the other side of the room, “The Ravenclaws sit over there, reading their textbooks like they hold the keys to life.” She pointed at the front, “And our dimwit of a professor teaches from up there.”
Bianca sniggered, “You don’t like Professor Lee?”
Frankie hopped onto the desk, “Lee has about as much brains as your housemates…or a flobberworm. Take your pick.”
“Hmmm.” Bianca waltzed up to her. She planted her hands on either side of Frankie, locking her in place, “Such a tough choice.”
“Maybe you should read a book. Ravenclaws say they have all the answers.”
“Or I could kiss you and change the subject.” And Bianca did just that.
Frankie smiled as they parted, “Nicely done.”
“Thank you.” Bianca pointed to the third row, “I sit there during class.”
Frankie looked at where she was pointing, “Third row? Maybe if your friends sat in the second row they’d learn how to properly defend themselves from attack.”
“Because being turned yellow or forced to laugh hysterically happens all the time.” Simone was never going to get over that.
Frankie shrugged and slid off the desk, “Presumptuous.”
Bianca shook her head and let her hand slip across Frankie’s body as the blonde stepped away. “I’m sure that’s what Simone thinks.”
Frankie grinned roguishly, “As much as I don’t care what she thinks, I must say that she does think about me quite a lot. Starting a stalking trend, Bianca?”
Bianca swiped at Frankie, but the blonde dodged out of the way, “I didn’t stalk you. Besides, you liked it when I went after you.”
“Did I?” Frankie jumped back as Bianca darted forward in chase.
Frankie’s back bumped into a very tall trunk as Bianca crashed into her, “You liked it a lot.”
“Still do.” Frankie’s whispered words broke off into a whimper as Bianca kissed her.
Bianca felt Frankie respond immediately. Soft lips pressed against hers, slipping and sliding together. Her knees grew weak as teeth nipped gently at her bottom lip. She felt a heat slowly start to burn in her veins, and her cheeks flushed. She grasped at Frankie’s waist, trying to pull her closer.
Frankie wrapped one hand around the side of Bianca’s neck. Quick feverish kisses escalated into long deep touches. Tongues plunged together, tangling in a wet dance Bianca could feel down in her toes. Frankie’s other hand swung out, pawing at the trunk for balance. Her hand hit something as it landed, and the turning of locks could be heard. The two teenagers ignored the noise until the top of the trunk flung open.
“What?” Bianca gasped as Frankie tumbled into her arms. “Are you ok?”
Frankie steadied herself and looked at the trunk. “I’m fine. You?” She turned her eyes to Bianca.
Bianca’s stomach flipped at the tender gaze, “I’m fine.”
Frankie took a step forward, intent on closing the trunk and continuing what they’d started.
That’s when Professor Dumbledore climbed out.
Frankie paused. Bianca’s face screwed up in confusion, “Professor Dumbledore?” What was the headmaster doing in a trunk in the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom?
Dumbledore didn’t acknowledge Bianca, his gaze on Frankie. But his eyes weren’t twinkling merrily as they usually did behind his half-moon spectacles. No, they were cold, cruel. His mouth was twisted in a grimace like he was being confronted with something awful.
“What are you doing here?” his normally jovial tone was filled with loathing.
Frankie blinked, “We were…”
Dumbledore waved his hand, cutting off her explanation. He frowned, “You don’t belong here. You never belonged here.”
Bianca saw Frankie tense at the harsh voice. Taking a tiny step toward her girlfriend, Bianca opened her mouth to speak, “Professor,”
“Filthy little muggle-born. You think you can do magic?” Dumbledore laughed brutally. “You can’t do anything. You were never meant to come here. Go back to where you came from.”
Bianca had no idea what was going on. How could Dumbledore say those things to Frankie?
“Worthless mudblood.” He sneered. “You can’t do magic. You’re not good enough. You never were. How could you think you were as good as a pureblood? How could you think you belonged in Slytherin? You aren’t one of them. You never were. They don’t accept you. They don’t like you or want you there. They know how dirty your blood is. You are not one of them. You never will be. They are better than you. How could you think that you belonged in this world?”
“Professor,” Frankie’s voice shook. Bianca stepped up beside her and placed a comforting hand on the small of her back. Frankie was clearly at a loss for words. Her eyes were wide and there was a sheen of tears in them. Her body trembled in fear at what she was being told.
“You don’t belong! THIS ISN’T YOUR WORLD!” Dumbledore shouted, contempt coating his words. “Get out of here! Go!”
“Professor Dumbledore!” Bianca yelled. This didn’t make any sense. Dumbledore was one of the kindest people to ever live. He wouldn’t ever say anything like that, especially to Frankie. Frankie belonged there.
Dumbledore never looked at her.
“You shouldn’t be here!” Dumbledore cried out. “Go back to the park! Go back to that bench! That’s all you’ll ever be. GO!”
Frankie was shaking so hard her teeth would chatter if she wasn’t clenching her jaw so tight. Her chin quivered, but she couldn’t look away from him.
Bianca glared at Dumbledore, “Stop it!”
He didn’t look at her. He didn’t even act like he heard her.
“Stop it!” Bianca yelled as loud as she could.
He only stared at Frankie.
Then, a flash of light glinted in the corner of Bianca’s eye. She quickly looked to see the sunlight shining in through the window on the chalkboard. The chalkboard filled with facts on boggarts.
“Merlin,” Bianca breathed out. Boggarts. This was a boggart. Whipping out her wand, Bianca jumped in front of Frankie. Dumbledore looked at her for a second before he rapidly began to transform.
“Ridikkulus!” Bianca shouted the incantation she learned in third year. A spark shot out from her wand and hit the boggart, sending it back into the trunk. As fast as she could, she slammed the lid down and relocked it. A boggart was a nasty creature. It would change into, Bianca looked at Frankie. It would change into a person’s worst fear, feeding off the terror of its victim.
Bianca had just seen Frankie’s worst fear…and so had Frankie.
Oh, Merlin.
Bianca slowly crept up to Frankie, the blonde still shaking. “Frankie,” she reached out her hand. Her entire being was urging her to comfort the girl. Hug her and never let go.
Frankie jerked back, “Don’t touch me.” Her voice quaked.
Bianca bit her lip, “It’s ok. It was only a boggart. It wasn’t real.”
Frankie took another step back, shaking her head, “It’s not true. It’s not.” Her words were mumbled under her breath, as if she was speaking to herself.
“Frankie,” her heart leapt to her throat.
Frankie’s head swung around to face her, “I belong here!”
“I know.” It hurt to see Frankie like this. All the times Frankie reacted, saying she belonged, she was just as good, appeared in Bianca’s memory. “I know.”
Frankie pursed her lips, valiantly trying to hold in her emotions. She turned away from Bianca, “I…we…need to go.”
“Frankie,” don’t do this, “we have to talk about this.” Now more than ever.
“There’s nothing to talk about.” Frankie marched toward the door.
Bianca jogged after her. She caught the back of her shirt and spun her around, “Please, don’t run away. I care about you.”
“Let go of me!” Frankie tore out of her grasp.
Not this again. “I’m not doing that, ever.”
Frankie smirked cruelly. It mixed viciously with the lingering fear in her eyes, “What? Need to save me from the big bad evil? Good job, you did. You need a medal, Gryffindor?”
Bianca stared at her. She was lashing out, much like when they were first dancing around their feelings, “I need you to let me help you with this.”
“I don’t need help. I don’t need anything.” Frankie ground out.
Bianca felt her heart break.
“Let me guess, not brave enough for you? I wasn’t brave enough again?” Frankie laughed humorlessly. It sounded sad, depressed.
Bianca remained quiet. Then, she shot her hand out and griped the collar of Frankie’s shirt. She pulled her in close, “I care about you. No matter what you think or say, I do. Stop being like this and let me be your girlfriend. I’m going to help you, and I’m going to be there for you.” Her voice cracked, “You know nothing matters to me but you. You, Frankie. Only you. I’ve told you that before, and I’ll keep saying it until you understand that.”
Frankie gulped, “Filch…would have heard that.”
Bianca nodded, “We’ll go somewhere and talk.” She released Frankie and tightly clasped her hand. The quill charm on her bracelet calmly knocked against Frankie’s wrist. Bianca glanced over and saw Frankie silently trace the chain on her neck. It made her stomach clench with hope.
Bianca led Frankie out of the classroom, her mind whirling. She’d never dealt with anything like this before. For Merlin’s sake, her boggart turned into a shark after she saw that muggle movie.
But, Frankie’s was so much more than that.
How did she help Frankie with this? How did she make her understand she had nothing to be afraid of?
That her feelings had nothing to do with what the boggart said and everything to do with the person Frankie was inside?