Challenge Me; I Dare You

Chapter 13

The world can be a wonderful place if you know where to go. Waking up at sunrise, watching it rise over head of the countryside. It’s absolutely breath-taking.

Imagine a collage of orange, pink and blue. All the colors were combined into layers, the luminescent sun just pulling over the clouds below.

“Amazing isn’t it?” I heard his voice breathe. I watched from the corner of my eye as he sat up, bare-chested and only in his boxers. My cheeks lit up in a fiery red as I remembered we had fallen asleep together in my bed.

“Yes, quite beautiful indeed.” I agreed, shifting so my back was to him, on the edge of the bed, facing the window.

I began to think: What if this never worked out? Would this last long? Could I fall for this trickster?

“Love?” he called. “Hm?” I turned my head part-ways to glance at him, still caught in my faze. He must’ve caught the look in my eye because he turned my chin to face him fully. “What’s wrong?” he questioned, genuine concern lacing his features.

My green eyes flickered over his face, my lips easing into a soft smile.

How could I ever doubt this man?

“Nothing, absolutely, nothing.” I reassured.

“Ginny, Piper?” I heard Molly’s voice call out. “Yes?” Ginny and I echoed. “Arthur and I are going to the Ministry for a quick meeting. Would you like to come?” Molly questioned, already dressed formally in a floral dress. Ginny and I exchanged looks, shrugging we agreed.

We headed up the stairs a second later, departing to our individual rooms to change. In my room George and Vince chatted easily, stopping as I entered.

“What’s up, Pip?” Vince questioned, sounding genuinely curious. “Heading to the Ministry with Ginny.” I murmured in reply as I pulled out a pair of leggings and a button-up white blouse along with a black skirt.

Through the mirror I watched as George grimaced. I continued to apply my eyeliner carefully. “Fred and I aren’t allowed to go to the Ministry with or without mum and dad. I suppose testing our Exploding Balloons there wasn’t the brightest idea.” George mused weakly.

I smiled, imagining Fred and George running wild around the Ministry, the Minister chasing after the boys, wand in hand. I chuckled, shaking my head.

I kicked both the boys out so I could change, dressing quickly I pulled my hair back in a loose bun. I slipped on a pair of flats, jogging down the stairs to join Molly, Arthur and Ginny.

“Ginny, stay with Piper. Arthur and I have to go in, don’t get in trouble.” Molly warned. Ginny nodded, watching along side me as Molly and Arthur slipped into a concealed room.

I hooked my arm with Ginny’s, gazing down at her fondly I questioned her lightly; “Care to explore with me, Ginny?” Interest sparked in her eyes. We walked along side each other in silence, jumping at the sudden sound of contained screaming as we turned into a different corridor.

Ginny glanced up at me. “You’re in Gryffindor, correct?” A mischievous glint I had seen so many times in the hazel eyes of both George and Fred appeared in the girl’s eyes. I narrowed my eyes at the girl. “Are you questioning my bravery, Ginny?”

Her lips tilted up in a smirk. “Want to check it out?” She gestured to the Court Room where the screams and yells still echoed. My eyes narrowed further. ”Bravery and curiosity differ in many ways, Ginny, but...” I hesitated for a second. “Okay, let’s check it out.” I muttered.

Without a second word I pushed the door of the court room open, exposing us to the screams and yells. Before we could even have a view of what was happening we were blocked by a large, lanky man. “No under-age wizards permitted in the court room for this trial.” His words were directed at Ginny.

”I am of age; she’s with me so she has every right as do I to be here.” I snapped, grabbing Ginny’s hand lightly before shouldering past the giant, much to Ginny’s amusement.

There, chained to a metal chair, her face red with rage, struggled a young brunette girl. Her dark brown hair falling in wisps down her red cheeks. Fire ignited in her eyes as she bared her teeth at the very Delores Umbridge.

My next words tumbled free from my mouth without regret or acknowledgement, “Adrianna.. is that you?”

Her black eyes snapped to mine. Her eyes scanned over me, lighting up in acknowledgement, lips easing into a relieved smile. “Piper.”