CATS at Hogwarts

Chapter 20: Oksana

Did Hunter really not trust him? Sławek knew what he was doing! And now he is lying in a pool of blood.

Although I have to say, if I was risking everything for my friends and one of them went and betrayed me, I would probably freak.

Sławek was not working for Miles. Not even close to it. And if Hunter had actually given Sławek a chance to explain, he would be on his knees, begging for forgiveness.

But I can't say that.

Because this is all my fault. Every single little bit.

Let me back up a little. Before the picnic, I had visited Sławek in his common room (which, by the way, is way prettier than any of the others. I should've been a Ravenclaw, just because of how beautiful and airy it is in there... and I bet they have the full Lord of the Rings series!). I noticed he was acting really shifty, like before, but now he seemed even more nervous. He cleared his throat and began to speak. And let me tell you, I did NOT like what he was saying.

"Fox... you know they're never going to get anywhere the way they're going about things. They'll never find Miles Van Loo. We need an insider."

"NO! You could be killed, or worse. You idiot, no, no, NO! I won't let you. I will kill you." I slapped him across the face without any hesitation. He needed some sense knocked into him. Didn't he realize that he was the only person I had left that wasn't falling apart? I love Gabi to death, but she can't give me the sense of steadiness that Sławek gives me, because she (OBVIOUSLY) is dealing with her own problems.

"Owww. Please Oksana. You know I'll do it anyways. Why force me to do it while your bitter about the idea?"

"Sławek, I swear to God, if you try to spy on Miles... I'll... I'll break up with you." my voice was barely a whisper.

"You don't mean that."

"I do."

"Oksana... you're the only thing that I have going for me in this world. Don't leave me. I am doing this for John."

"Please. There has to be another way!" I turned my back on him, barely holding back tears. How dare he mention John? How dare he say that I'm the only thing he has going for him when he knows I feel the same exact way? Why must he do it?

I volunteer James as tribute. What? He is the most annoying. Although Fred is running a close second.

His hands, strong and steady, came to rest on my shoulders. Really, I was surprised he didn't burn two holes in my shirt, that's how electrifying his touch was. I shuddered but refused to turn around. I was stubborn. And I wasn't going to let up.

"I will do it, even if you break up with me." He told me. I stiffened. I didn't actually mean that.

"Sławek, is this why you were so.. out of sorts?" I asked out of the blue.

"Yeah. I don't want to leave you. I really don't. But you're thinking worst case scenario. I won't be killed."

"Fine... you can do it." I almost broke into tears as I said the words, but I knew he was going to do it anyways. I just couldn't... anything that put Sławek out of sorts meant that he didn't want to do it... but he felt honor bound to do his duty.

I know what you're thinking. You literally just said two seconds ago that you wouldn't let up! Well, it's kind of pointless arguing with Sławek. And... I was touched that he wanted my 'permission' to go over to the dark side. Wow, that sounded so Star-Wars-ish. Come to the dark side, Luke.

I never actually watched those movies. Gabi would go ballistic if she knew.

"What?!"

"I said, you can do it. As long as you promise not to get yourself killed."