Curiosity Didn't Kill This Cat (Katie-May)

[Maryn Livley]

Maryn quickly searched the shelves for a book. She was just curious about some things and wished to clear them in her head. Lately, she had water to know things about The Dark Lord. She didn't like to call him you-know-who or his name. You-know-who was what people used if they were scared of him. It wasn't that Maryn wasn't afraid of him, it was just that she didn't want to look like everyone else. Didn't people realize that by saying that they are basically saying, I'm afraid of you. They are basically saying I can't win. Maryn thought of that as foolish so just kept to The Dark Lord. It was easier for her that way. Maryn had been curious about him lately as odd as it seemed. With all the attacks, she wished to know the truth about his past. Maryn had always been curious, but she had never been that curious.

Maryn continued to look at the shelves, but she couldn't find a thing that would help her. It did make since. Not one really wanted to discuss him, but she was sort of upset that their was nothing on his past. Maryn wanted to know different things. Like, did he always show signs of evil? Things like that. Maryn wasn't afraid to ask questions like that no matter the response. However, she was aware how much she looked like a Ravenclaw at that moment. She had always been a little happy book nerd and Maryn liked herself that way. She finally found something that looked like it could help. So, she took it to a table and sat down. Maryn was flipping through the pages when she heard someone behind her.

[coolasice]

Katie-May slowly brushed her long, white-blonde hair. Her white brush with the fairy on the base ran through it without her hand’s guidance, running on magic alone. After it was silky and soft May snapped a small blue band around it, tying it high on her head in a pretty ponytail. Although it was fine, May insisted on getting it just perfect, doing it three times before accepting. Once done, Katie-May chose her silver earrings, a silver necklace and an off-shoulder dark blue top, and then pulled her slender legs into some white trousers. Once ready she nodded at her reflection in the mirror, brushed her lashes with some mascara then walked out of the dormitory. She darted down the Ravenclaw Stairs, nodding at a few friends before stepping out of the Ravenclaw portrait hole.

After snatching some toast from the Great Hall May slowly walked around the entire length of the Lake, watching as the creature inside sent ripples across the calm surface. Several odd slimy things jumped out at her, snapping minuscule pointed teeth and making anomalous grunting noises. It took a while for May to overcome her small fear of them and to cross a narrow strip of the Lake, although as she went she ran swiftly so as not to fall in. Once she had circled the vast Lake and eaten her toast she left for the Library. She liked it there- a calm atmosphere which she enjoyed just as much as a noisy room full of friends. The books she thoroughly enjoyed- being a Ravenclaw. Some people, her excepted, didn’t realise that Hogwarts had thousands or years of research in just one large room. From information about Chocolate Frogs, to Dumbledore’s beard and back again. It just amazed May- she loved to learn about random things which didn’t make much of an impact on her life, but were just fun to read.

As she arrived she noticed her diminutive tabby kitten Flapjack scampering behind her, and bent down low to pick him up. He rubbed his furry little head against hers, purring loudly for the whole Castle to hear. His long striped tail dangled below him, waving to a fro like a kite in a Force 9 gale. Kissing his tiny nose May scurried up the Library steps, swinging open the large doors silently. She checked the room- it was mostly empty, though at one table she noticed someone she recognised. It was one of her brother’s friends, and May smiled at the thought of meeting another. She had already met Flo and Brook, and looked forward to this new meeting. Just as she reached out a small hand to pull back the chair beside the girl, another person jumped into it. It was a Gryffindor Sixth year, and politely May said, “Excuse me. May you please let me sit here? There are many seats available, if you would be so obliged to choose another.” The boy gave her an odd look, then stood up. Being a sixth year, he towered over the already tiny girl, then strode off. May smiled at his retreating back, then took the chair. Flapjack curled up on the table in front as she spoke.

“Hello! You must be Maryn, I’m Katie-May. You’ve met my older brother Leon. How are you?” May grinned. The girl looked fun and happy, just like May herself.

[Maryn Livley]

Maryn looked to the side of her when she heard voices. Her eyes fell upon a tiny blond asking a Gryffindor to please move. Maryn couldn't help but giggle when he looked at her oddly and then strutted out of the seat. She looked at the girl. Wait, Maryn knew of her. It was the girl Leon was walking with sometimes. This girl must be Katie-May. Leon had told her different things about her. Like, she was very sick a few years ago. But, they found a cure allowing her to go to Hogwarts. Maryn was glad she could come to school. Maryn personally loved the school and knew that many others did. It was more of her home than the Livley house in London. There, her parents constantly judged her. At Hogwarts, people loved Maryn because she was a fun, cheerful girl. That's the way she had always been and Maryn wanted to stay like that forever.

Maryn brushed some lint off her shirt as she looked at Katie-May. Maryn was just wearing her favorite dark wash jeans, cute tennis shoes with red stripes, and her soft red sweater. Maryn loved these clothes. She had decided no to go for the funky style of clothing she was accustomed to that do. Maryn usually wore bright colored shirt, different cotton skirts, bright jewelry, and things of that sort. But, that was for summer. Besides, her parents were always telling her she needed to act like an adult. An adult, at age thirteen? Maryn didn't understand that logic at all. But, that was the Livleys for you. They were never happy with Maryn and always wanted her to change. Maryn, however, wouldn't change for the world.

She smiled as the girl said hello. "Hey, yes I'm Maryn. Leon has told me about you." Maryn said nice and calmly. Katie-May seemed sort of like Maryn. Nice, cheerful, polite, and sometimes a bit crazy. That was exactly what Maryn was like. She looked at Katie-May. She looked sort of like she had been sick. It wasn't that it was very noticeable, it was just different things about her. She was very small for one and pale. Her hair was very light blond and she looked like a fairy in Maryn's opinion. Maryn smiled wider. "I'm fine." She said. "Wow, you really put that sixth year in his place." She laughed. "I don't think he ever saw that coming." She laughed again. Maryn then searched for a topic. "Well, how are you liking your first year at Hogwarts?" She asked closing her book and forgetting what she was looking for.

[coolasice]

Katie-May grinned widely. She already liked the girl before her- she looked fun and great for company, and, like some older students May had already met, oblivious to age differences. She hated some people who looked down their noses at a younger person, thinking them dim and almost stupid just for their age. After Flapjack sniffed Maryn’s hand and settled down, agreeing that the witch wasn’t an enemy, May smiled once again.

“Yeah- but age shouldn’t matter. That guy would probably have left after a minute of reading anyway- they always do. Flapjack-no!” May looked down to see her kitten swatting at a loose piece of string from Maryn’s red sweater. Tugging it from Flapjack’s claw May blew on her kitten’s nose, laughing loudly as the fur ball blinked rapidly and then flicked his rough pink tongue against May’s arm. The sweater safe, May leant back in her chair comfortably.

Several fourth years passed the table, stopped for a minute to tie a shoelace, then walked on. May noticed they had left something, a slip of parchment, and seized it. She ran towards their retreating backs, handed the bewildered people the paper with a smile, then walked slowly back to Maryn, just in time to hear her question.

“Yeah- it’s excellent. I love the scenery- it’s beautiful. Leon told me last year everything about the environment, and I didn’t really believe it was as marvellous as it seemed- but I guess it is. He loves that kind of thing, being an Artist. Have you seen his sketch pad? Since you’re in it I guess you have. I have it here actually, I often look at it for a while when I’m bored.” With a smile May took from her bag the large pad, flicking through it. Inside were lots of sketches- a beautiful one of a butterfly puzzle drawn by Flo for Leon, lots of May herself, a few of Zaphani, Leon’s cat, and the one of Maryn.

[Maryn Livley]

Maryn smiled as they cat sniffed her making sure she was apprperiate company for May. He then settle down and Maryn smiled at him. She listened to what may had to say, but before she could answer, Flapjack bite a loose string on her sweater. Maryn laughed as May pried him from her sweater and then began to reply. "True, but some sixth years aren't very nice to first years." Maryn said. "Believe me, when I was a first year it seemed none of them liked me. I guess I was too giggly for a Gryffindor. I was probably annoying too." Maryn laughed remembering the old days. She hadn't changed much since then. Maryn was still happy and funny, but she was still the same person on the inside. Maryn couldn't help but giggle looking back at her first year at Hogwarts.

Maryn smiled. "I think Hogwarts is the most beautiful place on earth." She said. Maybe she only thought that because she loved it, but it was beautiful in itself. Maryn shook her head at May's comment. "No, I haven't seen his sketchpad." She shrugged listening to what May had to say. "I'm in it? I had no clue." She said. Maryn watched as May took it out and showed her the pictures. One of a butterfly which Maryn knew to be Flo's, a few of cats and things like that and one of Maryn. So it was true. She could see it with her own eyes. "Wow, I could never draw like that!" She giggled looking at it. "How come he didn't tell me he drew me? I mean he did say some things about drawing me one day, but I never knew he would do it." She looked at it. The picture was beautiful and Maryn liked it very much. "Wow, he is very good." She said admiring it.

[coolasice]

May nodded as Maryn talked, then as Maryn looked at the sketch of her, she smiled. It was true- Leon was good at drawing. He drew all the time at home, using it as an excuse to get away from his annoying family that May and he both shared. He drew everything- birds, cats, flowers, people, landscapes- everything. His favourite was people and landscapes, and at the back of the pad a few sheets holding sketches of the Castle they sat in.

"Yep- he's great. And he never told you? He drew it..." She thought hard, a frown on her head. "It must have been just after the beginning of this year. That's how i recognized you, I'd seen this picture. He draws all the time, very creative." May wondered whether she should carry on. "That's the only creative thing he can do though. He has drawing, and i sing." She blushed a little, then smiled at Maryn, kissing Flapjack's head affectionately.

[Maryn Livley]

Maryn smiled as she leaned over to pet May's cat. "No, he never told me." She sighed. "He really is good though." She smiled as she handed the sketch book back to May. Maryn listened as May told her she liked to sing. "You sing? That's really cool." She said. Maryn wished she could sing, but unfortunately, she couldn't carry a tune. Maryn did like to sing along to old rock songs. Sometimes, she had a bit of a rock side. But, lately that had faded and she was getting more preppy and proper everyday. Maryn was truly growing up. She was learning new things about her family and new things about life. She still found it necessary to act fun and crazy every second, but she would never to able to change that. That was Maryn, even if people hated it.

She sighed nicely. "I'm a dancer." She said. Maryn had been dancing for years and was pretty good at it. It was something she loved to do and it made her happy. Maryn knew all sorts of styles. She loved ballet, but could also enjoy hip hop, jazz, and tap. They were new and maybe more like Maryn herself. However, ballet was the oldest and most traditional way and Maryn loved it. "Yep, I guess that's my main thing." She said cheerfully. "So, how long have you been singing?" She asked.

[coolasice]

Katie-May listened with a smile. She loved dancing, and although would never embarrass anyone on the dance floor, she wasn’t good at all and her eyes went wide as she smiled, thinking about what it would be like if she too could dance. “Wow- I would love to be able to dance. I can do simple disco-dancing and some slow dances, but am not very good at either. And singing?” She thought to herself, wondering. She couldn’t remember when she had started singing- her mother told her that even her cries as a baby had had a tune. With a small laugh May told Maryn this, then spoke in a voice a little different from her usual, chirpy tone. “I’m really not sure then, though it’s from a young age. I-I can’t remember much from my childhood…” May didn’t go any further, though knew no harm would come of it if she did. Leon had told her he trusted Maryn and May believed him as she usually did, but she hadn’t told anyone about her horrible illness and wasn’t sure if she could keep her stony face for long if she did.
That was her expression now- stony, emotionless, like a robot with fair skin and blonde hair. She hated the fact that she had missed almost a year and a half off of her life, had to go to a special school where they didn’t mind her missing months from school, and had to watch what she ate constantly. She knew if Leon had been at home during the time everything would have been different- she would have been able to handle the shocks a little better and wouldn’t have minded being around her toddler brother so much. But Leon hadn’t been, and as the memory of the illness washed over her like a powerful wave she knew she looked as if she were in a different world. In a way, she was. In her own little world where she, her friends, her brother and his friends, could forget about everything wrong in the world and where May could brush the missed years from her mind like dust. Eyes glazed and mouth a small line, May felt odd and out of place in the Hogwarts library, and with an almost over-protected look she snatched Flapjack into her arms, kissing his little head and holding him close.

[Maryn Livley]

Maryn nodded and stared at May quietly. She wasn't saying a word and looked very different than she usually was. Maryn had seen her in the halls before and with Leon. She was a little thing. Maryn could never imagine herself that small. Sometimes, Maryn had lost wait from being in a bit of a depression. Actually, the correct term wouldn't even be a depression just more like a low point. Those were the days Maryn just kept to herself and ate what her parents made her. Yes, it was a bit unhealthy, but Maryn's body seemed adapted to those times now as she had gone through the same thing many times. Maryn had always had those low points. It wasn't a depression, but the doctor called it that as there wasn't really a name for it. He just told her it probably wouldn't hurt her physically in the long run, but she should be sure to take care of herself mentally. That was the most sick Maryn had really ever been. She hated to think of those times, but sometimes, Maryn couldn't help it.

Maryn knew a little bit of what May had been through. Leon had told her a few things, but nothing major that would make him feel uncomfortable. Maryn decided not to bring it up as that was the best thing for May and Maryn. "I bet you have always been a great singer." She said calmly. Maryn gave a faint smile trying to figure out a way to change the subject. "So, what classes do you like here at Hogwarts? I know when I was a first year, it was hard for me to choose." Maryn laughed a bit remembering those days and smiling at herself for it.

[coolasice]

May thought as Maryn seemed to go off about the girl before her. She reminded her oddly of someone she knew, almost exactly. With a smile May noticed it was her old best-friend from the school she had attended back in her non-magic days. The two were so similar in looks and personality it made May smile at Maryn, her sorrow from before fading a little. She listened as Maryn obviously tried to change the subject and felt sorry for changing the happy atmosphere which had echoed through the area not so long ago. That was another thing Kristen used to do- change the subject when things got a little awkward. Of course, May didn’t really know anyone other than a few Slytherins who wouldn’t do so, but it reminded her of Kristie none the less. She tried to cheer up as Maryn spoke and smiled a little, warming straight away to the new subject being discussed.

“Charms. Love it. And I have grown to Transfiguration, though a suppose not too much. Though, I do enjoy others, like potions which is actually quite fascinating…” She stopped talking abruptly and laughed cheerily, if only slightly forced. “Yep, its certainly hard for me to choose too! What are your favourites now, have they changed from your first year? Leon sued to be rubbish at Quidditch in his earlier years, but he’s brilliant now.” She smiled at the thought of her older brother and wondered what he was doing at that moment. Most likely polishing his Nimbus 2001, May said with an amused sneer. She didn’t think it unkindly- though was a little jealous at the fact she had the broom one level down from her brother.
(sorry- It's so late))

[Maryn Livley]

Maryn smiled as May explained what subjects she liked. During her first year, Maryn liked them all. It was so hard for her to choose back then. She didn't know what she wanted to be or what she wanted to do then. Of course, that had changed over the years. Maryn couldn't narrow down what she wanted to do, but she think something to do with the ministry would best be suited for her. Perhaps she could even become a Auror in the future. The idea both excited and scared her. It would be alot of work to be such a good witch, but Maryn had faith in herself. She could think of nothing that she hadn't tried her hardest at. Not a one. She then went back to thinking about the first year Maryn. She was so shy back then, not all like the present one. Maryn was though of as the shy girl back then and now it was just the opposite. Back then it was so hard for her to imagine why she had been placed in Gryffindor. That had changed over the years a bit. Maryn had a way about her that wouldn't take anything she knew was unfair. Back then, she failed to notice it, but with age, it became clear.

Maryn smiled at May thinking it her mind. "Hmm, well, I liked Charms since my first day and still do. Potions, well, it would be much better without Professor Snape, sorry Snape." She joked a bit about her professor. She would appreciate him more if he wasn't so strict and mean to Maryn and her friends. Sometimes in Potions Class, Maryn couldn't help but think it would be great if she was a Slytherin. But, then she realized what she would have to be like to be one and that thought rushed out of her head. Maryn continued to think about what classes she liked. "This year I found Divination not to be as bad as some say it is and of course Care of Magical Creatures is great with Hagrid teaching it." Maryn pondered for a second. "When I was a first year, Defense Against the Dark Arts thrilled me, and it still does. But, now I know how dangerous it all can be." She said as her mind drifted off for a second. Maryn had to wince a bit before she came back into reality. Maryn then heard her stomach growl. "Hey, would you like to go to the Kitchens. I'm sort of hungry." She asked nicely.