The Life of Isabella Potter (COMPLETE)

Chapter 6

After about two hours of waiting, I finally decided to go back down to the Common Room and see if the others had gone to bed yet. Slowly, I crept down the stairs. So far, I didn't see anyone. Carefully and quietly, I made my way downstairs. It was just as I was about to exit the Common Room to head into the hallway, that I heard Harry's voice speak up behind me.

"Going somewhere?"

I jumped, spinning around. My heart was pounding and I stared at him, open-mouthed. "I was... I just..."

Harry nodded, knowing he had caught me trying to sneak out. "Mm-hmm. Go back to bed."

"Harry, please, just-"

"Now, Bella," Harry stood there, staring at me. His arms were folded across his chest and he looked a bit annoyed as well as angry. Though I couldn't really blame him. I had been a bit of a handful lately.

Sighing, I trudged back up the stairs, Harry following me the entire way. Just before I headed back into the girls' dorm room, Harry spoke up.

"Don't even think about trying to sneak out again, Bella. I'll know if you do."

His words made me wonder how exactly he would know, but I didn't look at him, only stood there listening to what he said. When I heard the door to the boys' dorm room close, I spun around. Harry was no longer there, so I knew he must have gone to bed. Again, I started heading down for the Common Room, knowing if I was quick, I'd be able to make it this time. Just as I was about to step down on to the second step from the top, a voice rang out behind me.

"Bella..."

I closed my eyes, sighing in defeat. I should have known that he hadn't gone into the dorm room. I spun around, but before Harry could say anything, I cut him off. "Yeah, yeah, I'm going."

"I'll make Hermione watch you, Bella. You know I will."

"I'm well aware," I snapped.

"Bella, just go to bed," Harry sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. This time, I didn't try and sneak out again. Knowing that if I did, Harry would be there to catch me in the act every time, I just decided that tomorrow I would tell Draco why I was a no-show. 

The next morning, when I woke up, I quickly dressed, wanting to see Draco as soon as possible. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were already down in the Common Room when I came down the stairs. The three of them looked up at me, but I avoided Harry's gaze. If I looked at him, I would see anger and exhaustion in his eyes from having to deal with me all night.

I headed for the door, wanting to get as far away from Harry as I possibly could at the moment. But, unfortunately, Harry and the other two started following me the minute I stepped out into the hallway. I walked quickly, hoping I could lose them in the throng of students trying to get down to the Great Hall for breakfast.

Looking back, I rolled my eyes. Harry and his friends were still right behind me. As I sat down at the Gryffindor table, Harry sat next to me, Ron and Hermione across from us. A minute or so later, I caught a flash of blonde hair, and knew that it was Draco. Sitting up a bit straighter, I searched for him, hoping I could catch his eye. It wasn't after until breakfast, however, that I was able to meet up with him to talk.

"Draco!" I called out his name, hoping he would hear me. He looked back, then rolled his eyes, a look of anger crossing his face before he turned away again. "Draco, wait!" I caught up to him, and blocked his path. "Can I talk to you for a second?"

He didn't bother meeting my gaze. "Why? So you can tell me you're sorry for not showing up last night?"

I paused, caught off guard by his question. It was then that he looked down at me. "Look, Draco, I-"

"Save it, Potter," he snapped, his eyes flashing angrily. "I don't need your pathetic excuses," With that, he walked off, leaving me standing there in the middle of the hallway, tears beginning to form in my eyes.

I stormed into the Common Room and headed for the stairs. Harry was standing near the fireplace, speaking with Ron and Hermione. When he caught sight of me, he immediately came to my side, stopping me from going any further.

"Bella, what's wrong?" he asked, placing a hand on my arm.

"Nothing, I'm fine," I snapped, jerking away from him.

He stopped me again. "No, you're not. You're crying. What happened?"

"I said I'm fine," My voice broke on the last word, and fresh tears stung my eyes.

"Bella, please, tell me what's wrong," Harry pleaded.

I turned on him. "Everything is wrong, Harry," I was nearly shouting, but I didn't care at the moment. "Draco's mad at me, and you won't leave me alone."

Harry frowned, caught off guard by my words. "What are you talking about, Bella?"

"You know what I'm talking about!" I said, glaring at my brother. "But you wouldn't let me go!"

Harry shook his head. "Bella, it was late. We were both tired and-"

I glared some more. "And nothing, Harry! I may be your little sister, but you can't order me around forever. I do have some rights. And a little freedom would be nice every now and then, too!" With that being said, I turned and ran up the stairs, leaving Harry standing there in shock, while I, on the other hand, ran to my bed, letting all of my tears flow endlessly.