Enchanted By The Thought

TWENTY NINE: ITS A BIRD, ITS A PLANE, ITS A MOOSE

Make the best of what you have

It was two days before Beth would be free of the constant homework and stress. She had trained herself not to think of ferret and had instead surrounded herself with caring friends. Dean and Seamus seemed content now that she wasn't on the verge of depression. The two boys got along well with her other trio and they were always joking with each other, filling the halls with laughter. Colin and Maggie were still an item and after a few awkward moments, Kat and Colin were okay as well. Of course, when Seamus had finally figured out why Colin acted so tense around his ex, he couldn't stop teasing all of them about it. But then Beth had to remind Seamus that he and Maggie had hooked up, which Colin grew jealous about.

Dean was walking with Beth as they were going to visit Hagrid. She'd managed to drag Seamus along as well for a few visits, which made her favorite half-giant excited. Blimey, Ellie, you'd t'ink that I 'ave become popular! They were headed out of the corridor when Dean paused, his arm out to block Beth. She felt that twisting feeling in her belly that occurred whenever her friends did the gesture and was preparing herself to come face to face with Malfoy but it was Parkinson who appeared around the corner. She tilted her head once, gesturing towards a hallway that ended in a classroom. After a short warning from Dean, Beth joined the Slytherin girl in the dimly lit corridor.

Parkinson was shifting uncomfortably, obviously not wanting to be alone with her. But there was a strong resolution in her eyes and Beth admired it. "Potter," she greeted stiffly, avoiding her gaze.

"Parkinson." Beth answered, crossing her arms. She wondered what the girl was going to say to her.

"Look, I know that Kat already spoke to you and since you're all friends again, I just thought you'd might want to hear it from me as well. I wouldn't have told you-" Her eyes meet Beth's. "In fact, I'm not doing this for you. I'm doing this because Kat asked me and even if she's a Gryffindor and even if she's friends with you lot again, she's earned my trust and loyalty. Kat told me that you won't listen to her so maybe you'll listen to me. Draco isn't someone for you to hang around. He isn't the knight of your dreams coming to save you. He's the darkness the knight is trying to save you from. I can't tell you the truth of Draco, I've been sworn not to, but just know that if you keep playing with the raging fire named Draco Malfoy, you'll end up getting burned beyond recognition."

Parkinson watched Beth, waiting for a reaction. Beth felt her world slowly stop spinning as Kat's words haunted her. "I've already been burnt, your warning came too late." Beth answered acidly, her eyes burning, 

The Slytherin girl shook her head once. "Your arms only got burnt. He's not finished with you and you know the task he has-"

"Yes, the task that he's so desperately trying to accomplish. I know. I shouldn't be distracting him. He's also had this talk with me, you're a little bit late, again." Beth's heart skipped a beat when the girl said 'not finished with you' but she knew that if she ever went back to Draco, she'd come back with a broken heart once again. That wasn't her plan, and she certainly wasn't going to allow him to have that power over her again.

Parkinson rolled her eyes and rubbed her forehead. "Elizabeth, it's not even that. It's something... else." Her voice trailed off and she looked annoyed. "It's something about you and Draco. I can't say much about it but please, for Kat's sake and yours, for your own good, stay away from him. Even if he promises you lies."

The girl turned around and left Beth standing in the hall, more confused than ever. Why was everyone warning her away from him? What had he done?

~

Seamus and Kat were sitting across from her while Dean and Maggie sat beside her. They were all talking animatedly while Beth ate her eggs, listening. Colin had his arm around Maggie and he was talking to Dean about Quidditch tactics. She caught Seamus's eyes and she smiled, crossing her eyes. He let out a chuckle and returned his attention to Kat, whose arms were up in the air as she talked about a dragon that was surrounded in folklore. It was the day before Christmas break and she was excited to see Molly and George. Of course, she would have to go visit Sonya and give her a present. Maybe a chocolate frog, Sonya loved chocolate frogs. And maybe a few pictures as well, Sonya had collections of pictures. They move? She'd asked in shock when Beth had given her her first photo.

She felt the prickling sensation on the back of her neck and resisted the urge to glance behind her; she knew who was looking at her. Was he glad that she'd given up on him? Or did he regret his choice of his reputation over her?She had to see, had to know what he looked like. Her head began to turn and her heartbeat echoed in her ears. She felt Maggie's hand take hers and she gave a small squeeze of reassurance, shooting her friend a look. "He doesn't deserve you." Maggie said softly and Beth nodded once, turning her head back to her friends.

After breakfast, they returned to the common room and Beth sat down on the couch, cuddling with Seamus. Her friend was whispering to her, silly jokes he had acquired over the years. She was giggling quietly, unable to understand how Seamus made her feel so happy. His fingers were idly tracing designs against her arm and she closed her eyes, pressing her ear against his chest. She could hear the steady beat of his heart, unfaltering. Ba-bump. Ba-ump. Ba-bump. Her mind began to wander and she thought of her twins waiting at the Burrow for her, specifically George. She knew how unfair she'd been to him; she'd kissed him right before she went to Hogwarts. She'd probably gave him hope that they'd become more. And it had been in her plan, if she was honest. But then Malfoy had poked his nose into their picture and stole her away.

But that'd been a horrible mistake on Beth's part; she should've allowed herself to fall in love with George and not Draco. Draco was a raging fire that destroyed anything in it's path while George was an iridescent flame, warm and welcoming. "You know, Beth, I'm going to miss you over break." Seamus's quiet voice broke through her thoughts and she felt the wave retreat back into her mind. She tilted her head back slightly, watching him. "You've grown on me, weirdly enough. I think you've grown on Dean too."

She grinned slightly, leaning up to kiss his cheek. "Hey, we're friends, Moose. Both of you have grown on me." She answered and heard him laughing at the nickname she'd given him. "And I'm glad you're my friends. I don't think I would've made it out alive without you guys."

Seamus met her gaze and the strong emotion in them left her breathless. Her heart sank to her stomach as she recognized that look; it was the same look Draco had given her many times. Seamus loved her and she was scared. She would end up hurting him if she pushed him away but she didn't want to give him false hope; she didn't want him to be another George. "Hey, lovebirds. Why don't you just kiss already and get it over with?" Beth heard Dean's teasing voice and her face grew hot.

Apparently, her friends thought she reciprocated Seamus's feelings. Seamus must've seen the look in her eyes because he came to her defense, sending his friend a warning look. "Why don't you just shove a sock in it and leave us alone." Seamus countered and she heard her friends laughing. Thank Merlin for Moose.