Potions, Dungeons, and Firewhiskey Part 28
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...
Bianca glanced up from her Transfiguration textbook. She couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across her face at the sight of Frankie in the other chair. The Slytherin was silently perusing the stack of notes she’d taken during McGonagall’s class. The little dip between her eyebrows appeared as she took a more intrigued look at a line on the switching spell. Her focused hazel eyes scanned back and forth, rereading with more concentration.
Bianca returned her eyes to the textbook. They were studying for OWLs again. Well, they were trying to study. Bianca was having a bit of trouble keeping her mind focused on History of Magic and the like. How could she think about the goblin riots when her girlfriend was so close? The girlfriend who she loved and who loved her back. Yes! Frankie loved her too. It was amazing, wonderful, terrific, and every other word in the dictionary. Frankie loved her. She could sit there - and she had during the more boring classes - and repeat the words in her head. It felt so…magical.
The brunette bit her lip and peeked back at Frankie. With how happy she felt, and she felt very very happy, there was still a whisper in the back of her head. Late at night after everyone else had gone to sleep and she was lying in bed staring up at the dark ceiling, her mind would drift to the Room of Requirement. She’d replay the same span of time over and over again. Frankie hadn’t reacted like she’d hoped. Of course, she hadn’t exactly told Frankie about her feelings the way she had planned. But, Frankie had outright accused her of saying it because she felt…what…sorry for her? Like she could ever feel sorry for Frankie. Yes, she hated that Frankie had to go through so much, but that didn’t make her pity the blonde. It only made her love her more. Frankie, however, had sneered and grimaced. She’d walked away and tried to close herself off from Bianca. Then, she’d admitted she felt the same. Bianca knew it had to be true. She didn’t think Frankie was the type to throw that word around. Besides, even if she was, she had looked into her eyes. Bianca had stared into Frankie’s eyes and she saw that the other girl was telling the truth. Frankie might try to hide, but she had stopped being able to completely close herself off from Bianca a long time ago. All Bianca had to do was look in her eyes, truly listen to her words and the way they were said, or watch her body movements to know what Frankie was actually feeling.
It had still hurt. She knew Frankie loved her, but it hurt to experience that brief moment of rejection. Late at night when she relived the moment in her mind, it stung worse than anything. It tore at her heart watching Frankie awkwardly walk away and turn her back. Bianca was strong. She would have made Frankie see reason just like when they began seeing each other. But, the tears had come where before they didn’t. This wasn’t about liking someone. No, this was about loving someone. Thinking Frankie didn’t love her back and was leaving, if even for a second, had been terrible.
But, Frankie didn’t leave. She didn’t. She stayed and told her she loved her too. It was great. They’d kissed and Bianca felt like her heart could burst with happiness.
Then, they left.
They went back to their normal lives and everything changed. It didn’t change much. They still met. They still hugged and kissed. Heck, they were sitting together studying. But, just like now, it had been quiet. It was more Frankie was quiet. Frankie barely said anything. She returned each embrace. She grabbed the textbooks and rattled off questions. That was it, though. It was like after the confessions, she’d been systematically stepping back.
It kept Bianca up at night.
Chewing on her bottom lip, Bianca flipped the page and began to scan the next spell. She needed to get this down. She had to do well on the exams. But, her eyes couldn’t help but peek up again. Frankie had barely said anything to her. Did Frankie regret telling her what she did? Did she just say it because Bianca had? No, Bianca knew the words were true. If she thought about it, and she had, this reminded her of the time Frankie disappeared right after Bianca confronted her for the first time in the dungeons.
Oh Merlin, not that again.
Bianca contemplated confronting Frankie about her actions when she heard the slight clearing of a throat. She peered over the top of the book to see Frankie setting the notes down on the table. Frankie blinked and inhaled deeply. With her eyes glued to the piece of parchment flattened on the wooden surface, Frankie spoke softly, “Bianca?”
Bianca closed her book and set it aside, “Yes?” She felt anticipation simmer in her belly.
Frankie breathed out and pursed her lips. Bianca watched her intently. Waiting. Wondering.
After a minute, Frankie straightened in her chair. She turned toward Bianca, “I’m sorry.”
“For what?” Bianca felt her stomach clench at the look. Frankie rarely apologized.
Frankie swallowed thickly before speaking, “I…reacted badly the other day.”
Ok.
“I don’t think you told me you…love me…because of anything but because it’s how you feel.” Frankie continued. She lowered her eyes, “I was…unprepared for your…words and I regressed to that.”
“Why?” Bianca cut in. She reached out and placed her hand on Frankie’s arm. “I thought we were past all that.” She recalled what they talked about before the confessions, “Did it have something to do with Novak?”
Frankie shook her head, “It was me.”
Bianca sighed and smoothed her thumb up and down the stiff white sleeve, “What will it take for me to make you see that I don’t care about your house or your blood?”
“I do know.” Frankie leaned forward. “I’m not going back to that again. Ever. I swear.”
Bianca saw the conviction in her gaze, “I love you.”
Frankie blinked and her jaw twitched. She pulled back slightly.
“Frankie?” Bianca followed her, “What? I love you. I’m going to say it.”
Frankie smirked, but there was no malice behind it, “You like tossing that word out there a lot.”
“Because you deserve to hear it, and I deserve to be able to say it.” Bianca tightened her hold, “I love you. You love me. It’s great. There’s nothing wrong in saying it.”
Frankie tilted her head, “Said like a Gryffindor.”
“What? Because I want to tell the person I love how I feel?”
“Because you jump headfirst into something.” Frankie corrected.
“Jump headfirst?” What?
Frankie stood up, causing Bianca’s hand to drop, “Have you thought about this?”
“Every day.” Bianca got to her feet.
Frankie took a few steps toward the couch, “Really? You’ve thought about what this could mean? What this does?”
“Does?” Bianca trailed behind, “Means? It means we love each other.”
Frankie shook her head, “It’s so like you to dive into something without thought.”
“What am I diving into, Frankie? We’re together. This is supposed to happen. We are meant to fall in love.” She caught Frankie’s arm, “What are you so afraid of?”
“I’m not afraid.” Frankie growled.
Bianca was the one to shake her head, “You’re running away just like before.”
“No I’m not. I’m trying to put this in perspective.” Frankie dropped her voice, “A Slytherin and Gryffindor in love?”
“No, Frankie and Bianca in love.” Bianca slid her hand down to Frankie’s. Their palms automatically slid together, “We love each other. That’s not jumping headfirst; it’s saying how we feel. I know you want to be with me, Frankie, but you stand there and think and plan. You have to come up with some strategy before you even think about making a move.”
“There’s nothing wrong with knowing your situation and the response.”
“Except love isn’t like that.” Bianca pressed into her, “We’re not like that.” Frankie needed to stop thinking so much. It was something she loved about her, but it was also frustrating.
Frankie averted her eyes.
“You said you were done bringing up our houses or your heritage.”
“I am.” Frankie replied. “It’s not that simple.” She and love couldn’t be.
“Yes, it is.” Bianca implored. “You need to stop being so pessimistic about us.”
Frankie’s eyebrow twitched.
Bianca squeezed her hand, “You want to be with me, right?”
Frankie nodded.
Bianca nudged her, “You think I’m amazing, right?”
Frankie’s lips quirked up.
Bianca bumped their hips, “You think I’m pretty, right? I’m sexy and adorable.”
Frankie’s crooked grin and eye roll greeted her words.
Bianca wrapped an arm around her waist and tugged her closer, “And, you love me, right?”
Frankie stared into her brown orbs with fondness, “Against my better judgment.”
Bianca swatted her side, “Very romantic.”
“Haven’t you heard? I’m a cold hearted snake.” Frankie curled her free hand around Bianca’s hip.
“I love you anyways.” Her heart soared at the familiar banter.
Frankie slipped her fingers under Bianca’s sweater vest and began to work at her white shirt, “Considering your housemates…”
Bianca gasped as questing fingers touched her skin, “I’d fall for any Slytherin?”
“Lucky for you, you met me first.” Frankie pushed up and kissed her.
Bianca closed her eyes at the slow kiss. Her lips moved along with each delicious touch. She sighed gently at the unhurried nature.
“I love you.” Frankie whispered between lazy kisses.
“It’s about time you figured that out.” Bianca teased. “Am I always going to have to show you how good we are together?”
Frankie hooked her thumb in a scrap of cloth, “I like how you show me.”
Bianca giggled but tried to sound stern, “Frankie…”
“I love you.” It was open and honest.
“I love you, too.” Nope, no way she could be stern.
Frankie brought their foreheads together, “Being with you is better than anything. I am in love with you. I’ve never felt anything like this.”
“I know.” Bianca kissed her. “Neither have I.”
****
The sun was beaming down and the fluffy white clouds took their time floating across the bright blue sky. The chirping of birds could be heard in the distance, and a light breeze flitted between the buildings of the tiny wizarding town of Hogsmeade.
“Finally! I’ve been dying to get back here for ages.” Simone said.
Dani poked Erin, “She’s been dying to force her boyfriend to take her to Madam Puddifoot’s.”
Erin, Bianca, and Babe chuckled at the joking. Madam Puddifoot’s was a well known haunt for couples. Bianca had never been there - being that her only relationship was a secret. She knew Simone liked to strong arm what ever boy she was currently dating into taking her there during Hogsmeade weekends. She wondered if she and Frankie would ever go there. Frankie wasn’t necessarily the teashop type of person, and neither was she really, but it could be fun. Of course, they’d have to be open about their relationship. So, maybe in a few years.
“Are we all going to the Three Broomsticks?” Erin asked. She glanced at Simone, “Well, all of us except the one who actually has a date?”
Babe and Dani nodded while Bianca bit her lip, “I can’t.” Simone wasn’t the only one with a date.
“Why not?” all eyes turned to her.
“I have to pick some things up from the shops.” Good enough excuse.
“We could go with you. I have to buy my brother something for his birthday.” Erin replied.
Bianca’s eyes widened for a second. They couldn’t go with her. She had to meet Frankie.
“But then all the tables will be taken.” Babe entered the conversation. “I like having a table.”
“She’s right. Everyone will be going there. We could get a table and Bianca can meet us after she’s done.” Dani agreed.
Bianca breathed a sigh of relief. Thank you Babe and Dani. “Great. I’ll see you later.” She turned to go up the street. Her friends’ farewells rang behind her. Taking her time, Bianca pretended to meander up the street, dodging between various students and acting like she was peeking into shop windows. However, after she was sure Dani, Erin, and Babe had gone into the Three Broomsticks and Simone was somewhere else, she darted up the road. Spotting the sign for Scrivenshaft’s Quill Shop, she skidded to a stop and cut back around the side of the building. Running down the thin alley, she didn’t stop moving until she reached the back of the building. She stumbled to a stop and looked around. She bent over as her lungs screamed for air. Running - not her best activity.
“This excited for Firewhiskey? Could be a sign of a problem.” arms looped around her waist.
Bianca caught her breath and straightened in the warm embrace, “I thought you weren’t bringing any.”
“Butterbeer, then.”
Bianca spun in Frankie’s arms and quickly pressed their lips together, “Hi.”
“Hey.” Frankie kissed her back. She failed miserably at suppressing the adoring lopsided grin.
Bianca stepped out of the hug and grasped Frankie’s hand, “I’m supposed to be shopping.”
“Creative excuse.” Frankie grunted as Bianca elbowed her.
“What did you use oh smart one?”
“Didn’t need one.”
Bianca huffed, “Figures you don’t have to use one and I have to come up with them all the time.”
“The perils of having savior-esque friends.” Frankie slowly began to back her up until Bianca’s back tapped the wall of the quill shop, “Need I be prepared for an attack?”
“Simone’s at Madam Puddifoot’s.” she laughed at Frankie’s grimace, “Not a fan?”
“Of either.”
Bianca narrowed her eyes, “When have you been to Madam Puddifoot’s?”
Frankie smirked, “With the girlfriend who screams and uses me as a lifeline when I take her flying.”
Bianca pinched her side, “You better not have another girlfriend.”
“Jealous?”
“I thought that was your forte.” Bianca shot back.
Frankie’s smirk widened, “I am the seeker of the quidditch cup champions.”
“Your cockiness is not cute right now.” It was, but she wasn’t going to admit it.
“Oh? How horrible.” Frankie deadpanned.
Bianca subtly spread her legs and pulled Frankie in between them, “I still get to call you cutie.”
“Course you would.” Frankie grumped, but her eyes twinkled.
Bianca smiled, “Cutie.”
Frankie sighed.
“So, how do you know what Madam Puddifoot’s is like?” Bianca rested her weight against the wall and pulled Frankie into her.
“A few of my teammates have gone.” Frankie leaned into her. “Gary spoke at length about how horrendous it was.”
“So, I won’t be able to get you to go there with me?”
Frankie’s look was her answer, “I unfortunately must pass. I will be quite sad to miss the pink confetti and floating golden cherubs.”
“Really? That’s what’s there?” Bianca snickered at the sarcastic tone.
Frankie nodded sagely, “It’s like a Valentine’s Day Hallmark card come to life.”
“Hallmark?”
Frankie kissed her chin, “Don’t you listen in Muggle Studies?”
Only if she thought it might pertain to Frankie, “Too busy wondering if you ever found that quill you dropped in Potions. You know, the one you were twirling while staring at me.”
“Clever.” Their lips met.
Bianca whimpered softly as their mouths fused together. Kissing Frankie was definitely her favorite thing to do. That and cuddle with Frankie. Talk with Frankie. Look at Frankie. Mostly anything to do with Frankie.
When they separated, both needing air and to calm down, Bianca tilted her head back against the wall. Frankie’s hand crawled up and dropped between the dark locks and the brick, cradling Bianca’s head and acting as a pillow.
Bianca peered around. The small lot was empty save for a few unfilled boxes and such. It was nothing fancy or picturesque. But, this was where she first kissed Frankie. This was where their love began. “It looks different.”
“You’re not drunk.”
Bianca’s eyes landed on Frankie, “It feels different.”
“You’re not drunk.” Frankie repeated.
“You were a bit sloppy.” Bianca jested. They both had been.
Frankie raised an eyebrow, “Yet you still went after me.”
“Lucky for you.” Bianca traced the curve of her jaw, “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” It was a touch more reserved, but just as heartfelt.
“That’s what’s different.” Bianca ran the tip of her finger over Frankie’s swollen lips.
“Mushy.” Frankie’s eyes lit up.
“How many floating candles did you charm for my birthday?” She wasn’t the only mushy one.
The corner of Frankie’s mouth turned up, “You took a picture of each one. Count them.”
Bianca’s hand dropped to the base of Frankie’s neck. She tugged the locket out from beneath the green shirt and held the heart pendant in her palm. “That was the best birthday I ever had.” The picture of them rested safely inside. Without even opening it she could see the two of them kissing. It was an image she’d never forget.
“I was there.” Frankie’s arrogant answer made her chuckle. Frankie laid her hand on top of Bianca’s, “I’m happy you liked it.”
“You were there.” Bianca parroted. She turned her hand, dropping the pendant and griping Frankie’s. Their joined hands fell to their sides, “Want to go shopping with me? I need fudge.”
“Is candy addiction a troll thing?”
“You ate the fudge too.”
“Anything to make you happy.”
Bianca laughed as she remembered how she got Frankie to eat the chocolate. “Sure, Frankie. And I’m the mushy one, right?”
“Whatever.” Frankie’s gaze was pure mush, “Honeyduke’s will be busy.”
“Extremely busy.”
“We’ll have to be careful.”
Bianca tugged her toward the alley, “Come on, Stone. Let’s pretend we hate each other and buy some candy.”
****
The two proceeded to sneak around town. If anyone took the time to notice, they’d see that Frankie and Bianca were never far away from each other. In Honeyduke’s Bianca was at one end of the aisle while Frankie was at the other. They playfully knocked into each other in the check-out line. Then, they went to Zonko’s Joke Shop. There, they proceeded to make a game of seeing who could make the other one laugh first. Frankie’s ability to control her stoicism doomed Bianca from the start, though her eyes were mirthful.
“Here.” Frankie handed Bianca a mug.
Bianca took a grateful sip of the refreshing butterbeer, “Thanks.”
Frankie nodded and took a drink of her own beverage. She’d slipped into the Three Broomsticks and procured their drinks. She’d noticed Bianca’s friends there as well as some of her own while she waited at the bar. Instead of stopping to say hi or even study the people Bianca spent time with, she hurried the bartender, who was not appreciative of that, and rushed back outside. Bianca was waiting.
Bianca leaned against an old fence post, the wood scarred and chipped. In the distance the Shrieking Shack sat gloomily. It was said to be the most haunted place in all of Britain. It was located on the outskirts of Hogsmeade, a safe ways away from the bustle of activity and watchful eyes.
Frankie placed her mug on the top of the fencepost, “Your friends are waiting.”
Bianca took another sip, “You saw them?”
Frankie nodded.
Bianca exhaled, “I’m not going to meet them.”
“Might be best.” How would they treat Bianca when they found out about their love?
“No, being with you is best. I want to be here with you.” She looked over as Frankie caressed her cheek.
Frankie tucked a strand of hair behind Bianca’s ear, “I want you here, too.”
Bianca turned and clasped Frankie’s hand, holding it tenderly to her face, “I love you.” She couldn’t stop saying it, and she didn’t want to.
Frankie’s gaze melted. She leaned up and pressed her mouth to Bianca’s. The mug crashed to the ground as Bianca flung her arms around Frankie, the kiss deepening. Her heart pounded as Frankie trailed a hand up her shirt, skimming over her lower back and following the path of her spine.
Bianca breathed out affectionately, “My adorable girlfriend loves me.”
Frankie peppered her cheek with kisses, “Must be a love potion.”
Bianca nipped the shell of her ear, “You put it in my butterbeer.”
“Pretending to not know Potions to cover up your plan - brilliant.” Frankie’s hand flattened on the middle of her back.
“I learned from you.” Bianca’s words were hot against Frankie’s ear. Her fingers itched to touch her.
BOOM!
Bianca and Frankie jumped apart at the loud clap of thunder. They looked up to see billowing black clouds racing forward across the sky. Where before there had been marshmallow white and chirping birds, there was now thunder and darkness.
“We should go.” Frankie didn’t look away from the clouds.
Bianca frowned, “I didn’t think it was supposed to rain today.” Those clouds were moving really fast.
Frankie stepped away from the post. Her gaze darted all around the storm. Her eyes narrowed and a dip formed between her brows. A harsh wind blasted across the land, knocking the remaining mug off the post. Bianca hopped back as it broke on impact.
“Frankie,” a bad feeling formed in the pit of Bianca’s stomach.
Without warning, streams of black burst from the rolling clouds. They sped through the sky, darting and weaving. One flew toward the duo.
“Frankie!” Bianca threw herself forward. She smashed into the blonde, slamming them both into the dirt as the shadow zoomed by. Bianca whipped her head up, wildly looking around, “What was that?”
Frankie sat up. She blinked, “We have to leave.”
Bianca stood up and reached for Frankie’s hand, “Where did it go?” They started back toward Hogsmeade. “That is not a storm!”
A scream pierced the air.
Bianca’s eyes grew wide and she griped Frankie’s hand, “Merlin!” She took out her wand as shouts sounded. What was happening? She began to run, but Frankie held her back, “Frankie!” They had to go see.
Frankie didn’t budge, “Wait.”
“Wait?” Bianca yelled incredulously. “Something’s happening! Our friends are there! We have to go help.” Babe, Simone, Dani, Erin - everyone was in town. Were they hurt? Was it their scream she heard?
Frankie remained firm, “Do not run in there.”
“Let go!” Bianca pulled and twisted in Frankie’s hold.
Frankie stepped up to her, “Listen. Stay at my side. Don’t be rash.”
Bianca noticed the intensity in her eyes, “We have to help. We have to see what’s going on.”
Frankie drew out her wand, “Stay quiet. We’re going back to Hogwarts.” They’d have to go through Hogsmeade to get there. Bianca opened her mouth but Frankie shushed her, “Quiet.”
Bianca could see the fear in Frankie’s eyes. She nodded. Every cell in her body was urging her to run in and help. Screams echoed in her ears as they methodically made their way to town. Frankie took the lead, her wand pointed and eyes taking in every nook and cranny of the area. They reached the rear of the Post Office and pressed their backs against the cool brick.
“Frankie,” Bianca began.
The blonde held a finger to her lips.
Slowly, they slid to the edge of the building and peered out.
The street was filled with students, faculty, and townspeople all running in different directions. Colored lights streaked through the pitch black sky. It was as if night had fallen on the tiny town, but there were no moon or stars. Storm clouds rumbled overhead. People tripped and fell to the ground, screaming for help as others left them behind. Bianca couldn’t believe what she was seeing. She spotted the cashier from Honeyduke’s racing down the middle of the street. The same one who had sold the piece of fudge she’d shared with Frankie earlier to her. Then, a bright red flash hit the cashier’s back and she fell forward.
She didn’t move.
“Oh Merlin.” Bianca gasped. She moved to run to her, but Frankie held her back.
Wordlessly, they watched as a black robed figure strutted up to the injured woman. His wand was drawn, and he pointed it down the road. He swiveled his head to the side. A grim mask covered the wizard’s face. It was a deathly white skull.
She gasped at the pure horror of the sight.
Frankie pulled her back behind the wall. She stumbled into the brick, her legs shaking in fury and fear. “Frankie, we have to get out there.” Bianca whispered. “They’re hurting people.”
Frankie leaned against the wall. Her head was bent in thought.
“Frankie!” Bianca whispered harshly. Their friends, “The Three Broomsticks. We have to go there.” Oh Merlin, what was happening? “Did you see what he did? He…he…”
“He hexed her.” Frankie replied evenly. “Probably killed her.”
How could she be so calm about this, “Do you know what’s going on? We’re being attacked!” Killed?
Frankie looked up at her, “Stay here.”
“What? No!” Bianca was not going to stay there. Not when everyone she knew was in trouble. Not when she could help.
“It’s dangerous.”
“Our friends are out there!” she moved away from the wall, “I’m going to help them.”
Frankie grabbed her arms, “You want to help? Fine. We have to be careful. We can’t just run out there.”
Bianca squirmed.
“Bianca, you’ll be killed.”
Bianca stopped moving at the desperate emotion that broke through in those words. There was no masking the abject terror in them.
Frankie continued, “We’ll get to your friends. We have to have a strategy.” Frankie’s voice wavered, “I don’t want you hurt.”
Bianca swallowed roughly. “I don’t want you hurt either.”
“Ok, we go fast but cautious. Stay behind walls, trash bins, anything. Stay out of sight.” Frankie said. “Do you remember defensive spells?”
Bianca nodded.
“Good. Use them. Don’t let them know where your cover is. Follow me.” Frankie stared at her, “I love you.”
“I love you.” Her blood raced through her veins and her adrenaline spiked, but at that second, looking into her girlfriend’s eyes, all she felt was love.
“If something happens, don’t turn back,” Frankie tilted her head, “Follow me.”
Frankie slowly slunk to the edge of the wall. Taking in the scene, she crept to the front of the Post Office. Ducking down, she sprinted to a short trash bin in front of one of the shops. The blonde squatted behind the bin. Bianca watched with bated breath as Frankie peeked around. Why did she let Frankie go first? She should have. Seeing her love in danger like that made her muscles tense and her lungs freeze.
Then, she nearly screamed as Frankie lifted her wand and a streak of red shot out. Surveying the scene, Frankie waved at Bianca.
Taking a deep breath, Bianca ran from her spot. Glass from a broken window crunched under her shoes, and she squeezed between the shop wall and a lamppost. She stared at Frankie, her wand at the ready. The Slytherin scrambled away from the bin and joined her.
Suddenly, a window across the street exploded, raining glass down on the street. People running back and forth screamed and fell to the ground as shards landed on them. Bianca ducked and felt Frankie cover her.
Five of the black robed wizards appeared, their wands pointed. Spells flew through the air, hitting anyone in range. Some attempted to run, others stood and fought. The air filled with hurtling spells and voices.
Frankie cursed and pushed Bianca back further against the building.
Bianca pushed back. Frankie was not going to act as some shield for her. However, Frankie fought her, forcing both of them farther away from the battle.
“Frankie, stop.” Bianca bit out.
“Shut up.” Frankie breathed out.
A streak of green smashed into the wall near their heads, causing the brick to crumble.
They both ducked and turned. Frankie raised her wand, “Stupefy!”
The attacker flew back as the spell hit him. He collapsed to the ground.
Frankie turned to Bianca, “Run.” She didn’t wait for Bianca to react as she snatched her hand and dragged her down the road. They bobbed and zagged through the hordes of people.
The masked wizards chased after them.
Frankie pointed her wand behind her, blindly casting spell after spell. Bianca did the same, not knowing if she hit anything. They cut to the right and sprinted down an alleyway. Soundlessly, Frankie used all her strength to throw Bianca to the side.
Bianca landed with a grunt on the hard ground. Her shoulder jammed into the inside wall of a tiny stoop. She looked across the alley to see Frankie lunge into a doorway.
Footsteps beat against the earth as their pursuers entered the alley.
Frankie molded her body to the thin barrier. Bianca peeked out to see four masks searching the passage. She looked over to see Frankie holding a finger to her trembling lips. Bianca nodded, her lungs panting with exertion.
One of the masks drew closer and closer to the hidden girls. Bianca could hear his ragged breaths. When he was within feet of Bianca’s stoop, Bianca pointed her wand, “Stupefy!”
The man dodged the spell and threw one of his own.
Bianca rolled back behind cover as the flash of light hit the wall.
Frankie’s voice called out, ““Obscuro!”
The wizard stumbled as his vision became blocked.
“Incendio!”
The mask’s robes burst into flame. He flailed around, on fire and unable to see. He stumbled down the alley, slamming into his cohorts and causing confusion.
“Stupefy!” Bianca hit him, freed from attack.
The other masks cried out spells, throwing them everywhere, not knowing where the teens were at. Bianca tried to fight back, but there were too many spells. She curled against the wall as the curses flew overhead. She attempted to peer around the edge, but she couldn’t get a clear view. Gritting her teeth, Bianca popped up and launched a hex. She hit one of the black robes, sending him to the ground. The masks saw her, and they jointly descended on her. Bianca couldn’t do anything, hexes and jinxes coming at her so fast all she could do was hide.
One of the masked wizards crept within a foot of her.
“Petrificus Totalus!” Frankie yelled. She stepped out from cover, giving away her position.
His body immediately turned rigid. He fell to the ground, his body straight as a board, his arms and legs unable to move.
The final attacker quickly threw a spell at Frankie, causing her to dive.
“Stupefy!” Bianca knocked the wizard unconscious.
The fight was over.
The alley clear, Frankie jogged over to Bianca. As she passed the frozen wizard, she paused and pointed her wand at his head, “Obliviate.” His mind was swept clean of the past few minutes. He’d never remember fighting them or be able to give away their location.
“Are you ok?” Bianca stood up.
Frankie nodded. She looked Bianca over, obviously checking for any injuries.
As the adrenaline dissipated, Bianca felt the all consuming fear at seeing Frankie open herself up to attack. She reached out for the blonde, pulling her into a hug. Having the warm body against her helped to push away the terror.
“I’m not hurt.” Frankie promised.
Assured that her love was ok, her mind went to her friends. Were they ok? She glanced up at the darkened sky, and her blood froze. There, among the clouds, was the image of a skull. A serpent slithered through its mouth.
More screams sounded.
They swooped behind the shop. The backdoor was locked. Frankie held her wand to it, “Alohomora!” The lock clicked and she pushed open the door.
Bianca faced Frankie as the door shut behind them, “What are we doing?”
“We’ll stay here till it’s over.” Frankie relocked the door.
“I’m not staying here, Frankie!”
“Stop being so stupid!”
“Stupid?” Bianca waved her hand, “Frankie, we’re hiding while others are getting hurt. Stop being a coward!”
Frankie glared at her, “You’re going to get yourself killed. You almost did back there, jumping up.”
“I couldn’t get a good shot!”
“Then don’t take one!”
“I’m not hiding while we’re under attack.” She had to make sure her friends were safe. She had to help. “We just took on four of them and won.” They could do this.
“We can’t be out in the open!”
The front door smashed in.
Bianca shouted, “Stupefy!”
The masked wizard fell to the floor.
A bang sounded on the back door.
No where was safe.
The two jumped over the injured wizard and ran back into the street. They sprinted through the fray. Bianca looked all around. She saw Professor McGonagall dueling with one of the attackers. She saw people huddled in fear, crying. She saw students forming groups and fighting back. Others just stood to the side, watching.
She saw pure chaos.
People rammed into her, trying to flee or fight she didn’t know which.
She looked to her side.
Frankie was gone.
All the air left her body as she staggered to a halt. Frankie! Where was Frankie? She spun around. All she saw was turmoil. Oh no. No, no, no. Where was she?
“FRANKIE!” Bianca shouted as loud as she could. Not this. Anything but this. She had been at her side, hadn’t she? Did she find a new hiding place? She couldn’t have been hit. She couldn’t have been. Bianca refused to even think that. Frankie was smart. She knew spells.
“FRANKIE!”
She began to push back the way she came. She had to find Frankie. Seeing a mask, she viciously waved her wand, “Expelliarmius!”
She didn’t even stop as he flew back, his wand leaving his grip.
She shoved people out of her path. She frantically looked. Frankie had to be ok. She couldn’t be hurt. How did they get separated? How? Frankie was what mattered. If Frankie wasn’t safe…no, no, no!
She loved her.
Then, it all went black.