Curiosity Never Killed The Cat ((Forget-Me-Not))

[Harmony Chan H6]

Harmony dug at her food without much interest, her fork upturning the uneaten vegetables over the now-cold chips. A certain event a few days ago still weighed heavily on her mind and refused to leave her alone, even when she was attempting to have dinner. All appetite was gone, which was rare of Harmony. Even with the noisy bustle of the students surrounding her, Aurora’s loud laughter in her ear, Harmony could not be distracted away from a warm arm circling her waste tightly, almost protectively, nor could she dispel haunting blue eyes and a twinkling smile. It lay in her head, waiting to be remembered again and again, and it unnerved her, that afternoon with Rex Carter that she hadn’t even told Ari and Aurora about. Ari would cause an uproar, since not only was it a boy, but a boy like Rex Carter at that, and Aurora could not be told without telling Ari first; Ari was her sister, first and foremost, and Harmony had to confide everything to her before anyone else. It had always been this way. In fact, Harmony had to confide everything to Ari, but as she grew older, she was beginning to harbour little secrets to herself, locked in her chest and not to be told to anyone else.

Little things like Rex. Harmony sighed half-heartedly. She didn’t enjoy keeping secrets, but yet she couldn’t bring herself to tell Ari that she had shared a dance with Rex Carter. If anyone knew about Rex, it was Ari; they were in the same house, after all. Harmony was downright worried. What would happen when Ari did find out? Because Harmony had no doubt her sister would wangle it out of her sooner or later. Ari was Ari. Harmony couldn’t really keep anything from her older sister, because Ari could read her emotions like an open book. On the contrary, Harmony found her sister rather difficult to understand sometimes, especially recently. Admittedly, Harmony had been rather downhearted herself from the summer’s incidents, but it had affected Ari more so than her, what with the brutal accident she had brought upon herself with their father. Harmony and Ari hadn’t really spoken to one another since their visit to the hospital their father was still in; they had conversed, but not about their mother, not deeply. It seemed Harmony had grown up so much in a matter of weeks… even days. It was so sudden, the change, Harmony hadn’t really noticed it until now. Once back at Hogwarts, Harmony had been too sucked into the school system once again she had barely had time to think about her mother. Of course, Ari was sure to get the truth out of all, whatever the cost…

“What’s wrong?”

Harmony jumped visibly, the fork clattering against the wooden table as wide eyes sought dark, worried ones. Blinking in the face of a concerned, demanding Ari, Harmony managed to stutter a lame reply, faking a slight smile to reassure her older sister. “Um, nothing, Ari. I was just thinking, that’s all.” Averting her eyes quickly, Harmony’s nervous gaze swept around the table, where most of the other Hufflepuffs were staring in confusion at the siblings. Aurora too had directed her concerned gaze to Harmony’s bent head.
“You really okay, Harmony?” Aurora questioned in worry as she placed a hand on Harmony’s shoulder gently, reassuring and comforting. Harmony nodded her affirmation furiously, her eyes staring at her plate of food as she picked up her fork again. “Losing your appetite…” Aurora frowned. “That’s not like you…” Harmony tried not to shift uneasily under her cousin’s close scrutiny. “Look, I don’t know what’s distracting you so much, but don’t force yourself to eat it all if you’re not that hungry.” Aurora advised as she retracted her hand and looked at Harmony’s barely touched plate. “However, you must stomach at least a little, because you’ll starve tonight if you don’t. No one could last till breakfast.” Harmony nodded sharply again in understanding, stabbing a chip and drawing it to her mouth. She hardened her resolve to look at the silent Ari again, hoping she could finish her meal as quickly as possible and leave the awkward silence surrounding the three Chans. At least Leo wasn’t there too; that would’ve been even more awkward…

Harmony was just making progress with her fourth chip, mentally telling herself she could probably avoid Rex Carter all her life in Hogwarts, pretend that day had never happened, when a hand clapped over her shoulder from behind. Startled again, Harmony jumped and uttered a low squeak of surprise, sending her fork hurtling across the table and into someone’s plate whilst the newcomer’s hand retracted. “Sorry, sorry.” Harmony shook her head helplessly, before leaning across the table to retrieve the cutlery before Ari and Aurora’s startled eyes. Smiling apologetically, Harmony turned around to face the person who had attracted her attention, wondering who it could be, when the smile faded immediately from her face, as if it had fallen off and couldn’t be retrieved. It was none other than smiling Rex Carter, with that disconcerting blonde hair falling over those twinkling blue eyes. Harmony wanted to utter something, but found she couldn’t. She was simply speechless, and motionless from shock too. Beside her, Harmony felt Ari rise too. ”Oh damn.”

[rex]

If there was one thing Rex hated about the Great Hall, it was that the tables were segregated. Sure, he could easily go sit at another table and probably nothing would come of it. But it was just a known rule, you didn't normally just go eat lunch with someone in another house; it just didn't happen. Rare were the times, and most often someone would simply go to table just to say a quick hello to a friend or something of the sort. For Rex, this meant breakfast, lunch, and dinner away from the two friends he spent all his time with. Of course, for Stacey and Billy, the same sort of isolation was inevitable as well. Thus, the trio had sometimes opted to taking their food elsewhere, but that always meant that they needed to clean up their mess. Rex would have just left it as it was, probably, but Billy and Stacey would surely insist that they take the dishes and such back to the hall. Anyways, today was another of those terribly boring meals. Deprived of the chance of chatting with his best friends, Rex poked at his meal in a bored manner. Most of it was gone by now, and he was quite full anyways, having downed two servings of beef brisket and a side of potatoes. Then, he had two different desserts with a goblet of pumpkin juice to wash it all down; a healthy appetite at the least.

Standing from the table, Rex peered around, wondering if either Billy or Stacey were there and done eating as well. He didn't see either of them though, which meant that they had already been there and left or decided to skip dinner. Regardless, as he was looking for Billy at the Hufflepuff table, his scanning eyes stopped once he noticed Harmony. The look on her face suggested anything but happiness, however Rex was sure that he had rarely seen her with a smile as of late. Even that day when they had danced together, she was devoid of any noticeable emotion, rather quick to escape his presence. A smile forming on his own face, Rex moved toward her table from her back side such that she hadn't seen him coming. He reached out and placed his hand on her shoulder, ready to greet her with a smile before she jolted so quickly to send her silverware air-bound. Rex bit his lip and let out a quick laugh. "A bit jumpy, eh?" As the words left his mouth, Rex felt all eyes shift towards himself. It was then that he noticed Ariane. What was she doing here? he thought, knowing that she was a Gryffindor like himself. Of course, it also made more sense for her to be sitting there, seeing that she was related to both Harmony and their cousin who was also in Hogwarts. Rex didn't know her name, or if he had known it once, then he had, at some point, forgotten what it was. "Not hungry?" he asked, noticing that Harmony had just barely made a dent in the food on her plate. "It's because you've picked all the wrong foods," he said with a knowing grin. "Should try the brisket. Was pretty tasty."

[Ariane Chan]

Ariane tried not to become distracted by Harmony’s lack of appetite, but failed to restrain herself yet again from worrying. The one thing Ariane was always worrying about was Harmony. The one thing Ariane felt belonged to her and only her was Harmony. The one thing Ariane had always protected was Harmony. Even their mother’s death didn’t change that, despite the fact it had affected them for a while. The sisters had somewhat recovered now, but still those after effects remained omniscient in their conversations, their presence of one another. It disturbed Ariane, and she felt that same tension right now as Harmony failed to make it obvious that she was avoiding all contact in any way with either her or Aurora – but especially her.

Ariane wasn’t stupid. She was quite the opposite in fact. Ariane had always been a naturally bright and gifted girl, very intuitive and wise for her age. She had on a sensible head, having matured over the last few years, though that growth had almost been thrown into turmoil with her mother’s death. Now what frightened Ariane was that Harmony was growing up too. She was so sure Harmony was distancing herself, staying away from her like the plague. The younger Hufflepuff hadn’t been eating right for a few days, and it was hard for Ariane to miss, or for Harmony to hide, as they ate together every day, three times a day unless there were special circumstances. Harmony had no excuse to not eat with them (which would have made it even more suspicious, and she knew it), but Ariane could still see through her plans.

Yet Harmony was not an open book to her right now. Perhaps Ariane wasn’t on the right page, but she knew she was close. She had asked Harmony yesterday several times in concern for her, but Harmony had shaken her off every time in persistence. Ariane knew Harmony – she folded in the face of her older sister; she told her everything. So what was so terrible now that Harmony couldn’t bear to even face her, talk to her? It annoyed Ariane, worried her more so, and just wanted it rectified. Although she wanted to say to Harmony that she never had to tell what it was so they could go back to normal, Ariane knew her conscience would not rest until she discovered the source of the sorrow Harmony appeared to be suffering. Nothing escaped Ariane.

Ariane tried to ask Harmony again after a quiet few minutes from both her and her sister as Aurora rambled on in obliviousness (or was it really?) in the background. Finally, Ariane couldn’t stop herself from asking the same old question again – and she expected a straight answer. She expected a straight answer every time. But she never got one. Ariane sighed in frustration as Harmony fiddled with her cutlery. She was rarely this nervous – especially around her and Aurora. Obviously their Hufflepuff cousin noticed that something was amiss with Harmony too, and decided to pursue the topic even further. Ariane gratefully listened to her best friend talk and lapsed into her characteristic silence, knowing she would get little out of Harmony today as long as she ate her dinner, when suddenly Harmony jumped up in the air like she had been electrocuted. Her cutlery flew down, food went everywhere, flying from her plate like a spitting volcano. Ariane blinked in surprise at the scene whilst Harmony shrieked, still shocked from… from what? Ariane’s eyes quickly scanned around, only to fall on a familiar figure grinning behind Harmony.

”Rex Carter.” Ariane’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. What was this boy doing here? He wasn’t the type to amble over to the Hufflepuff table, especially not to this section, where sat Harmony, so timid she probably had never spoken to Rex before; Ariane, antisocial freak and renowned for it; and Aurora, whom everyone knew and probably thought was very nice, but very, very weird too. Came with the status of being Ariane Chan’s best friend (and even relative!). Ariane highly doubted Rex Carter came across to their table (well, not technically hers, but did she really care about divides?) for Harmony, or for her, so perhaps he wanted to speak to Aurora (funny, Rora had never mentioned Rex before), or even maybe to cause some chaos (which was happening already). Never in Ariane’s wildest imagination would she have thought Rex Carter to address her little sister in such a friendly, open way. That smile was simply too charming for Ariane to stand as he looked at an obviously shocked Harmony.

So maybe Ariane’s assumption that Harmony had never conversed with Rex before was a wrong one. Damn. Ariane was not happy, and suddenly everything clicked into place. Harmony’s weird behaviour and Rex’s sudden arrival and friendly behaviour triggered Ariane’s disbelieving thoughts. Slowly, she stood up as Harmony continued to look like a deer caught in headlights. “What do you want with my sister?” She demanded coldly, staring at Rex fearlessly. Ariane was going to strangle it out of Harmony after this. How did she come into contact with Rex Carter, and why his friendly behaviour. ”So this is what you’ve been hiding from me.”

[Harmony Chan H6]

((I know it's short; sorry! Not much else to do with the post. Will PM you further details now.))

Harmony stared at Rex nervously as he spoke, trying not to back away – not because she didn’t want to, but the table was kind of in her way. She was trapped. Trapped between Rex in front of her, Ari on her left and Aurora her right (though, Harmony knew, her cousin would let her run if she wanted to; she doubted the other two would be quite so easy on her). Harmony pondered over how to react to Rex’s questions for a moment, wondering what suitable responses there were in front of Ari and Aurora. There were none. Harmony almost laughed out loud at the ridiculousness of the situation she was in. However, she couldn’t summon up her amusement or her laughter. “No, not really.” Harmony finally settled on as a lame answer, her voice quiet and subdued as her eyes shifted anywhere but Ari, Aurora and Rex’s gazes. “I—“ Harmony was just about to speak again to annihilate the horrible silence surrounding them… and it seemed, the rest of the Hufflepuff table, who were staring at the scene in unhidden interest. Rex Carter, Harmony Chan and Ariane Chan? What a clash of characters. No doubt the rumours after today would be rather outrageous, Harmony thought glumly. Anyway, where was she? Oh yes, attempting to speak again – when Ari interrupted with an icy voice that made Harmony visibly flinch. She felt her older sister rise beside her, and face Rex with no doubt a glare that could rival a Slytherin’s.

Harmony quickly struggled to keep her sister at bay. She was wary of Rex, but there was still something intriguing about him. He had only come over to speak to her in a friendly manner, and Harmony wished to give him a chance before Ari shot him down. Aurora could understand her, Harmony thought, but how could she explain to her sister? Rex was someone Harmony doubted she’d really grow close to, so a bit of conversation wouldn’t hurt, especially if Rex initiated it. Harmony would hardly fall into his flirtatious traps if that was what he intended, and if that was what Ari was worried about. Harmony didn’t wish Rex the wrath of Ari, so she had to get her and him out of the situation alive. She just had to try. “Ari, it’s fine.” Harmony swiftly intervened in reply to her sister’s question before Rex could. Harmony flashed him a quick first-time glance, as if to say, “Work with me. Work with please.” Before she smiled nervously up at Ari. “He’s not, um… here to cause trouble or anything. Are you Rex?” Harmony glanced back at him again with a pleading look. “He’s just here to talk about some homework… we’ve been paired in Herbology.” Nodding somewhat frantically, Harmony turned to Rex with a plastered smile. “It’s tough.” She swallowed. “Please don’t cause a scene, Ari. There’s no need to send him away, he’s not going to cause any trouble.” Harmony finally whispered so Ari could hear her. “Nothing is happening. Please don’t be paranoid.”

[rex]

After Harmony provided an answer to his rhetorically intended question, Rex was quickly interrogated by Ariane as if he were a criminal of sorts. He hadn't been aware that stopping to say hello had ever become something that needed a good reason for. Though, Ariane's reaction was somewhat expected. Rex knew her personality quite well from simply being in the same house as her for four years. They never really spoke, but you didn't need to speak with her to realize that she wasn't the warmest of people. Rex wasn't bitter towards her or anything, but it angered him a bit that she was quite condescending in her questioning of his motives. His mouth open, about to give a somewhat cutting response, Rex was cut off by Harmony as she shot him a smile. That was a first.

"Trouble?" Rex asked, both trying to act as though it were a ridiculous idea that he, Rex Carter would cause trouble, and at the same time, his question was secretly hiding the curiosity of why that would be the first thing that they would think of him. Yes, he was known for his occasional trouble-making, but it wasn't the only thing he was good at. "No trouble here," he finally offered with a smile of his own. If Harmony had flashed him a smile, it must have implied that he should agree with what she was saying, even if he had no clue what Herbology assignment she was referring to. "Yeah... no need for a scene Ariane," he agreed, turning to give the older Gryffindor a wide-eyed look that hid the real truth. For some reason or another, Harmony hadn't wanted Ariane to have any reason to think that both he and Harmony would be conversing for a reason besides homework. He made a mental note to find out why eventually.

"So then, Harmony, when would you like to meet for that homework project?" If she was going to use it as an excuse, Rex figured he would get the most out of it, even if that meant having Harmony plan a meeting with him right there in front of her sister. "I really don't have any particular times that are better than others. Evenings are all open for me," he added with a shrug. His eyes flashed back and forth between Ariane and Harmony, quite interested in picking up any possible cues of anything that might help him figure out more about either of them or the relationship between them and why Ariane was so defensive of Harmony.

[Ariane Chan]

Ariane turned her steely gaze on Harmony, cynical of her sister’s obviously forced answer. “Really now?” She drawled somewhat lazily, her other eye landing on Rex again to note his reaction. “I never heard you got paired with him.” Ariane stated coldly as she turned her full glare in Rex again. “Don’t you normally tell me everything, Harmony?” She asked, though her words were sent in Rex’s direction. “Tell me, Rex. How much of this Herbology assignment are you doing? Or is it just Harmony doing all the work?” Ariane couldn’t stop the simmering anger and dislike in her chest, threatening to overflow if it wasn’t for Aurora shooting her subtle glances and Harmony’s pleading eyes and words. “You’re using her, aren’t you?” Ariane deadpanned factually, not caring how much trouble it’d stir up in Rex; if he started to be aggressive, she would have an excuse to hit him. However, Harmony’s defence of Rex riled Ariane; why would she stand up for this boy? Ariane knew Harmony didn’t like Rex; she feared him, she didn’t know him. So what had happened to change this?

Ariane glared at Rex again in the face of his next words. That boy was just asking for her wrath, but seeing as so many people were around, and with Harmony beside her, Ariane attempted to calm herself. “You should know what Harmony is insinuating, and she has every right to.” She stated calmly, before snapping again, “Stop echoing her every word.” She ordered. “She can speak for herself.” Rex’s obviously fake innocent smile was irritating every fibre in her body. How could Harmony even defend him? How? “No.” Ariane suddenly interrupted at Rex’s proposal. Her over-protectiveness was surfacing quickly now that Rex was making a tangible move on her. “Don’t you dare step an inch closer to her.” Ariane stated and moved to shield Harmony from view of Rex, before leaning forward to whisper to him. “She isn’t going to associate you anymore. What interest you have in her, forget it. Don’t deny it, I know there is no such Herbology essay. I see you near Harmony again and you can taste why people think I’m made for a house like Slytherin. I don’t usually carry out threats, but when I do, I mean it.”

Ariane’s words were cold and unfeeling, ringing between her and Rex even though she had merely whispered it. Drawing away, her eyes focused on Rex’s again. What would his reaction be to that, she wondered? Would he cower and obey, or rebel and hit back? Most likely it would be the latter, knowing Rex Carter’s personality. Ariane had heard about his violent outbursts and menacing ways. She doubted these rumours were false, unfortunately for Rex, there was too much evidence to back his problems up. Ariane steadied herself for any onslaught in return, feeling Harmony’s wavering emotions from behind her. ”I’m not letting you any where near him.” Ariane vowed to herself. “You can leave now.” She spoke again, louder this time, directed again at Rex as she noticed Aurora opening her mouth in the background. Ariane’s words sliced through any hope of her cousin speaking, so she shut up again quickly. “You’re not welcome here. Ever.” Ariane concluded without remorse.

[Billy Brady H6]

Argh, potions was evil, in every single way possible! The teacher was evil, the practicals were evil, the theory was evil, and the exams were evil! Heck, even the fact he was sharing the lesson with the Slyths, who themselves were evil, was evil in itself! Not only were they evil, his friends were all in Ravenclaw (Stacey) or Gryffindor (Rex). Hopefully next year he'd be with one of them again. He'd been with the Slyths in first year, the Ravens in 2nd year and the Gryffs in 3rd year...so he was kinda expecting it, but it didn't make the situation any better, by any stretch of the imagination. The fact was, there was nothing to enjoy about Potions, not one bit...a fact that Snape had identified and constantly picked out in every lesson.

Even beng with Stace was better than being with nobody...well, he did have 1 or 2 Huffle friends, but they had better friends than Billy to sit with and do practicals with. It was the same in DADA, but he actually ENJOYED that, and was GOOD at it. The other thing was that while he was completely miserable in Potions, Rex was in DADA with Stace, probably having a great time. Herbology and Transfiguration were the best though, as he was with Rex...and they were fun subjects too, especially Transfiguration And that was the time when Stace was with the Slyths. He felt sorry for Rex though when he was in History and Charms...it was then his turn to be with the Slyths. And Billy was with Stace. Astronomy was alright, as he was with both of them, and he enjoyed both of his options-COMC and Divination, so they were alright.

Potions was the reason why Billy was late to lunch that day. He'd somehow managed to completely mess up a practical...he'd added things in the wrong order, somehow, and Snape had made him stay behind to have another go. Luckily the second time it had worked well, and Snape had dismissed him with a look of annoyance...he was probably fed up of Billy being so awful at the subject, and yet he probably wanted him to at least pass...if an O was the requirement to do the NEWT, then anything below an A was simply awful! Even an A was pretty bad in Snapes eyes. But finally he'd been excused, and having dumped his bag in the common room, went up to the dining room, wondering if Rex would still be there.

Pushing upen the heavy doors to the great hall, he searched the room to see if he could see Rex anywhere. At first glance, he didn't see his friend anywhere, and so decided to make his way over to the Hufflepuff table. Getting closer to it, he finally caught a glimpse of Rex...now why would he be at the Hufflepuff table without Billy? He didn't really know any Huffles other than Billy...except perhaps some of the boys in their year, as far as he knew, so there was no real reason for him to be there...or so he thought. Maybe he'd gone to ask someone about some Herbology homework...they had it next, so it was the last chance they had to do it. But going closer, he saw that Rex was surrounded by 3 Chinese girls...Ariane, Aurora and

Harmony...now what was he doing with her? They'd never talked to each other! Rex always paired himself with Billy in lessons, unless the teacher paired them, and Rex was always paired with one of the other, less mischievous, boys. Never Harmony. So what was going on then? Had Rex been hiding a secret from his best friend, going to see her now, when he probably thought Billy would never turn up, with it being so late on? Admittedly, he had no reason to believe that Billy had feelings for Harmony, beyond Friendship, but...why her?? She wasn't his type! She was just too...shy and quiet and, well, just generally placid for Rex, what did he think he was playing at??

And that's what Billy asked him as soon as he got over there. Clearly Ariane didn't approve of the pairing, Aurora was just trying to be the peacemaker, by the looks of it. Harmony was protesting to her sister...but for once, Billy wasn't on her side. Rex was totally NOT going anywhere near Harmony, for more reasons than one. Billy asked the group what exactly was going on-was what it seemed like true-were Rex and Harmony an item, without letting Billy know? Or was Ari just taking a completely innocent visit to the Huffle table from Rex way too far? For all Billy knew, Rex could just be asking about Herbology work, but he had no idea. But what worried him most was that if Rex and Harmony were an item, it meant the end of Billy's dreams of the past three years or so...

[Harmony Chan H6]

Harmony was somewhat relieved as Rex helped back up her quickly-composed excuse for his presence, but judging from the look in Ari’s eyes, Harmony knew she didn’t believe it; it had been a close call from Harmony anyway, she knew the chances of success with gaining her sister’s trust about Rex were pretty much nil. Ari had too little faith in anyone but her and Aurora, and possibly Leo and their aunt and uncle, and she was much too used to rising above Aurora and Harmony’s frequent lame excuses in defence of other people. Aurora especially made it here job to convert Ari to the side of good – trying to see past others’ weaknesses and evils and see the goodness inside; the real reasons why people were who and what they were, and what had made them that way. Harmony knew Aurora had always had much more success in persuading Ari’s beliefs, even if Harmony could control Ari to do her bidding more (since Ari was usually extremely soft-hearted against her pleads), because Aurora was darn good at arguing, she was, and she made very valid points. Harmony was always swayed by Aurora’s overly long, sometimes going off on tangents speeches. They were filled with excitement and enthusiasm, even if Aurora solemnly claimed afterwards she was a person devoid of passion.

Harmony managed a faint smile at Rex when he offered to meet her for this ‘Herbology homework’, inwardly wondering if she would indeed stick to her word if they agreed on a time and date (because she had been avoiding meeting Rex too, but right now getting Ari to calm down seemed more important). However, before Harmony could reply, Ari had jumped in with what Harmony was dreading – cold, calculated, hard words. They lisped off Ari’s tongue, quiet words, sometimes even whispers, and yet they were so powerful and destroying that they caused Harmony to flinch and look away from Ari in shame. Ari was normally a passive, non-aggressive and fair person, but when it came to people like Rex and her darling little sister... Ari could turn into a monster, one whom Harmony was terrified of. Even though Ari didn’t unleash her wrath on Harmony herself, it still caused her to worry about it at night when she even talked to a boy. It seemed... forbidden, in a way, for Harmony to make friends with what Ari deemed the ‘wrong sort’ of people. Recently Harmony had been wondering... was this really the way she wanted to live all her life? Was this even fair on her?

“I forgot.” Harmony lied easily through her teeth, though she hid her shaking hands behind her back and resisted the urge to bounce on the balls of her feet in apprehension. “We’re sharing the work, Ari.” She continued strongly, holding her head high and directing her mock-firm eyes on Rex rather than Ari’s; she knew she would falter if she looked into Ari’s eyes. “He’s not making me do it all.” Harmony shook her head frantically at Ari’s next accusation. It was so typical of her to insinuate it, and Harmony hoped Rex wouldn’t hold it against her, though she highly doubted he could resist lashing back, knowing his personality. Before either Harmony or Rex could react again to Ari’s fast-falling words, Ari had moved swiftly to shadow Harmony from Rex’s view, much to her distress. “Ari…” Harmony started in a tone of pleading which she had been forced to use many a time all her life when Ari did this. What happened to ‘standing on her own two feet’, Harmony wondered regretfully, until Ari started talking directly to Rex again. Harmony listened down-heartedly, wondering what to do. She felt helpless.

The more Harmony listened, the more she realised what was happening, and although she knew Ari wanted what she thought was best for her, she found herself getting angry. Harmony knew well what Ari’s plan was – arouse Rex’s anger so it made him seem like the bad guy. Normally Ari wasn’t like this, and it hurt Harmony to think her saintly sister was resorting to such Slytherin-like tendencies. So she had to voice her thoughts. Harmony didn’t want to hold back anymore, and she had always been an honest child. Plus, she felt the need to defend Rex; no matter who or what he was, it wasn’t right to target someone like this. “Ari, stop.” Harmony demanded calmly, stepping from behind her sister and between her and Rex. She turned to look at Ari with moist eyes. “Do you really have to live up to your ‘Slytherin reputation’? You’re better than that… You know you’re no Slytherin, and I refuse to acknowledge my own sister as this person right now. Please,” Harmony returned to the begging tone of voice so as not to hurt or anger Ari, “Please leave him be. If Rex wants to talk to me, he can. Just don’t do this, Ari. Please.”

It was then Billy Brady came along to address the issue at hand, which was attracting quite a bit of attention from the other diners in the hall. Billy was a fellow fourth year Hufflepuff like Harmony, and also Rex’s best friend since Day One. They were inseparable, along with a Ravenclaw in their year, Anastasia Castlerock. Stacey, as she was known to her friends, was a girl Harmony generally avoided; she was quite pompous and arrogant in her own way, a very odd child, and one whom had never made the effort to speak to Harmony despite Harmony’s few attempts to make conversation. As they had grown older, Stacey had appeared even more dominating and fearful to Harmony, so she had learned to stay away from her. Billy on the other hand Harmony quite liked; he seemed a really nice boy, even if he was best friends with one Rex Carter. Harmony could tell there was mischievous quality in him, evidence materialising in the form of pranks that would occur around school and within lessons. However, from what she knew of Billy, although she had rarely spoken to him because every time she had he had rushed off soon after in a dreadful hurry, he seemed like a kind, sweet boy, who had a really good heart buried inside. Harmony attempted a thin smile to him now as he came along, not wanting to alarm him. “Hi Billy.” She forced out. She knew the situation probably looked confusing to him, and wanted to explain herself properly, yet could not at the moment. Hopefully he would steer Rex away as she calmed Ari down.

[rex]

At Ariane’s quick accusation directed at him, Rex felt the heat of his temper begin to flare inside of himself. He was sure his face was likely reddening with the emotion that quickly escalated in him with each cutting word that Ariane threw his way. Soon, she was stepping in between he and Harmony, and out of instinct, Rex inched slightly forward, not afraid of the older girl. He would never resort to hurting her, but she had done enough to anger him quite easily. Despite Harmony’s continued lie about the Herbology homework, Ariane seemed dead set on having Rex leave the table.

“I have every right to be here as you do,” he shot quickly, pointing his finger at the Gryffindor colours that trimmed the robes Ariane was wearing. “You can’t make me leave when I’ve done nothing wrong.” He eyed her prefect badge, figuring that she might try to use that as some sort of excuse. Though, she seemed set enough on him not being there that he wasn’t even sure that she would try to use her authority as much as she just used her venomous attitude.

He heard Harmony’s voice from behind her older sister. It was small, yet forceful as Harmony almost sounded desperate to get Ariane to listen to her. Attempting to convice her that the two of them were doing equal amounts of work on the inexistent assignment, Rex was quite sure by now that Harmony was at least standing up for him. Whether the reason was to simply save him from Ariane’s wrath, to avoid causing a scene, or because she really wanted to be able to talk with Rex, he wasn’t sure, though something told him it was likely a mix of the first two options.

By this point, Rex was surprised to see his best friend Billy join the group, asking what was going on. Rex was almost too angry to even offer an answer, but then he turned to Billy with a scowl and offered one. “It seems as though some people think they have to power to control where others are and are not allowed to go.” His voice dripped of cynicism. Turning back to Ariane and the rest of the Hufflepuff table, Rex stared once more into the threatening eyes of his fellow Gryffindor. “Why don’t you just let your sister make her own choices,” he inquired unkindly. “We can set up a meeting time for the assignment later, Harmony,” he said, wondering if she would actually do so. He knew that there was no use revealing her lie now, even if it meant that he would not get to talk to her. “Let’s go Billy,” he said to his friend, wanting to get out of there before he was unable to stop himself from acting on the impulse of anger.

[Ariane Chan]

Ariane just about managed to refrain herself from rolling her eyes when Harmony claimed she had ‘forgotten’. It was such a lie; Ariane could tell from the constant fidgeting Harmony’s hands did, the shuffling of feet, the awkward look in her eyes that indicated quite clearly to the older girl that her sister was lying outright, and expected to get away with it. Ariane assumed Harmony was not stupid enough to think this, but the fact she was defending Rex and looking like an idiot in front of her made Ariane admittedly afraid of Rex’s influence over Harmony. The worry in her was building like an inevitable avalanche, and although Ariane was not only knowledgeable, but fearful of her own capabilities and the lengths she could go to to protect her sister in the way she thought best, she could not... simply could not stop herself from being the person she was. Ariane had never ever tried to be anyone else, and that was why she was so unaccepted in this modern day society, and the truth was, she couldn’t care less. She did worry about how Harmony saw her; what example she was giving; but at the end of the day, Ariane was selfish. She needed to be heard. Her thoughts could not be suppressed.

“Harmony,” Ariane tried against testily, her steely gaze fixing onto her sister, “You’re lying. Stop it.” Her command successfully caused Harmony to close her mouth. Not feeling particularly triumphant, Ariane returned her gaze to Rex as he began to speak again, this time heatedly. Yes, he was getting riled; Ariane recognised the fire in his eyes she had witnessed in many individuals. Hearing Rex’s words, Ariane knew what he stated was true, but, “But that doesn’t mean we can’t leave so we can get away from you.” Ariane deadpanned coldly, “This is not about you being a Gryffindor. I am a Gryffindor myself, as you have so observantly noticed. This is about you being the infamous Rex Carter. You’d think the obvious would be obvious.” Ariane paused for a moment. “The truth is, Rex Carter, I don’t like you. Simple as that. And because I don’t like you, I want you to stay away from my sister.” Ariane watched Rex’s eyes linger over her prefect badge, and guessed his thoughts, “I will not use my powers irresponsibly or abuse them. If you break the rules you will be punished. Don’t judge me like everyone else and think I would gladly initiate powers I have been bestowed against my will.”

Ariane didn’t enjoy being prefect, though she supposed the responsibility had its perks. However, she refused, as she had honestly informed Rex, to use her special powers against people she didn’t like – even Rex Carter, whom now she frankly detested. Ariane turned in surprise when Harmony spoke again, her voice stronger than she had often heard it. In fact, Ariane had barely ever heard her timid younger sister use any force or strength in conversations against anyone, especially herself. Harmony’s words struck Ariane painfully, though she wouldn’t quite describe it was ‘an arrow through the heart’. Ariane was no hopeless romantic, unlike Aurora. She indulged in no fantasies, liked to look on the bleak side rather than the positivity. Rex’s following words made Ariane even more angry. He had no right to say what he did. He had no idea what he was getting himself involved in. Ariane hated feeling like he and her sister were conspiring against her; on the other side, just as she had feared. She could already sense Harmony slipping away to Rex, and the pain of that made Ariane feel empty and hollow inside.

Silence hung in the air. It was Ariane’s move. Rex had just declared to his arrived friend that he wanted to leave (Ariane had paid little, if no attention to Billy, a boy she knew was in Harmony’s house and year, and couldn’t be good because he was Rex’s best friend). However, Ariane refused to not have the last say; she would not let Rex Carter walk out of here before her. Harmony’s words stung, but Ariane, being the stubborn person she was that she had unknowingly inherited from her hated grandfather, refused to be cowed by her sister. Ariane believed she was right, and she would carry that belief through to the end. “I am your sister, whether you like it or not, Harmony Lily Chan.” Ariane ordered in a scarily quiet voice, “I have been beside you since you were born, for fourteen years. We share the same blood. I have the right to do this because I am your guardian, your only immediate relative left. If you don’t like my judgement, you may stay. But I deem this boy unacceptable company, and I can’t stand another moment of this.”

With a last scathing glance at Rex, Ariane brushed away from Harmony and briskly walked out of the Great Hall. She could feel several pairs of eyes on her, but shrugged them off inwardly. She was too angry, too upset to care – not that she would’ve cared had she not been this emotional. Harmony’s words, her expression... Rex’s presence, it all drove Ariane mad. How could Harmony do this to her? How? Ariane didn’t even look at her sister when she left; her back remained facing them until she was out of the Great Hall and halting at the stairs to think for a second. She had left Harmony behind with Rex and Billy, and that couldn’t be good, but after that, Ariane doubted Rex and Harmony would have a nice conversation. At least she had succeeded in that much; it comforted Ariane somewhat, however evil the thought would be considered. Plus, Aurora had refrained from following her. Ariane wasn’t hurt by this; in fact, she had anticipated this, had counted on Aurora being her typical self. It was just like the Hufflepuff to want to run after Ariane, but first she had to sort out Harmony, and therefore report back to Ariane and give her what she wanted to hear. Ariane blew out a long, heavy sigh of frustration and started up the stairs. She didn’t want to speak to Harmony for a while, but her eye would be kept on her at all times.

[Billy Brady H6]

The arguement continued around Billy as he just stood there in awe. He still had no idea what exactly was going on. For some reason Rex had come over to the Hufflepuff table-something he never did without Billy around, seeing as he was the only Hufflepuff Rex actually talked to, other than the odd hi, or in the case of girls a cheky, flirty smile or wink. He tended to only really interact with other Gryffindors seeing as he spent a lot of time with them-like Billy did with the Hufflepuffs-and Billy and Stace. As he stood at the table the others basically ignored him. Harmony managed a faint "Hi Billy" but the older girls said nothing to him, and Rex only looked surprised to see him there, and said nothing until he planned to leave. Billy just felt like, if anything, the middle-man in the situatiion...except he didn't really understand the underlying roots of it all. Ariane had obviously hated Rex since the day they first met, and Billy had the feeling that the hated was mutual, so he wouldn't cme over here to visit her. Aurora, well, he didn't know at all. His thoughts then returned to why he'd be there to see Harmony...

Then answer came when Rex was planning to leave. So that's the excuse Rex had made to visit the Hufflepuff table. He'd told the older girls that he'd come to visit Harmony as they'd been paired in a Herbology lesson, or at least something to do with Herbology. But why would he lie about being paired with her? And if he'd got the wrong end of the stick and he hadn't said they'd been paired, why would he go to Harmony for help? Billy was hardly a Herbology expert, but he knew some of the boys that Rex knew well enough to talk to were...why go to someone he barely knew? Or maybe he did know her, he just hadn't told Billy. Nothing could be going on between them, right? They were like chalk and cheese, complete opposites! Well, he'd heard that opposites attract, but surely there was a limit to that, beyond which Harmony and Rex had gone...they were just OVERLY opposite. Rex, the cheeky, mischievous, flirty, respectless in some respects (no pun intended). Harmony, the sweet, kind, thoughtful, shy, caring, respectful girl that kept herself to herself. They had nothing in common at all, so what was Rex playing at?

The arguements were continuing as those thoughts were going through Billy's head. Rex explained that “It seems as though some people think they have to power to control where others are and are not allowed to go”, obviously implying that he disapproved of Ariane constantly taking over Harmony's life, hence why he hated her. Billy somewhat agreed with Rex, in that he thought Ariane should be that little bit less protective over her sister. Easier said than done, seeing as Ariane probably saw it as her duty as the older sister, especially after the loss of their mother, to take care of Harmony, and keep her safe, for which he didn't blame her. He just thought she was taking it too far. Harmony was 14 years old, old enough to make her own decisions and to somewhat take care of herself, despite being more innocent and shy than most people of their age. He couldn't hellp but tell his thoughts to the group, not caring what Ariane now thought of him. She probably already disliked him simply for being a friend of Rex, his best friend at that.

It was soon after that that Rex decided the 2 boys should leave. No, Billy wasn't going to take any of it. In general he was a fairly peaceful boy when he wasn't pulling some prank or other. But this was just one step too far. "No, Rex, I'm not leaving" he said, rather aggressively. "Well, not until you give me an explanation. Why the hell are you over here? There was no need to talk to Harmony specifically about the Herbology assignment-you could've gone to one of the other guys that you normally ask, but no. Why, Rex. Why have you lied to me? I get the impression that you've told them you were paired with Harmony, when you weren't. And you would have no reason to come over here to talk to her unless you'd previously interacted with her, which from what you've told me you haven't, but it's now obvious that you have. I want an explanation, and a truthful one at that." There, the rant was over. Whether Rex would tell him was another matter, but he'd got what was bothering him off his chest. "On second thoughts, maybe we should go somewhere else...you've already attracted enough attention here."

With that, the 2 boys left the room, not long after Ariane who'd stormed off after declaring that Rex was unsuitable company for Harmony or herself, and that she has the right to tell Harmony what to do as she's her legal guardian. Legal guardian or not, Billy still thought that she was taking it too seriously-you could have much worse company than Rex, even if Billy was biased about that-and with those thoughts the boys left the room, leaving Harmony and Aurora alone at the Hufflepuff table.

((I hope this is an acceptable time for Rex and Billy to exit the scene...and that it's OK to leave Harmony and Aurora alone at this stage =) )).

[Harmony Chan H6]

Harmony shut up. What could she do? She couldn’t argue back; the courage she had summoned a second ago vanished as quickly as it came. Ari wanted the floor, and she would get it. Ari had told her to shut up, so Harmony shut up. Her mouth closed tightly, lips sealed and not about to speak again. She should’ve known Ari wouldn’t buy her story… she was so transparent. Hopelessness and dread filled Harmony’s stomach; would she get out of this unscathed? Surely not… Ari would… she would kill her afterwards. Or she wouldn’t speak to her. Harmony couldn’t imagine which was worse. She couldn’t imagine Ari hurting her physically, couldn’t imagine her screaming at her, couldn’t even imagine her reprimanding her coldly. Harmony just couldn’t imagine Ari ignoring her.

Harmony almost groaned aloud when Rex said he also had the right to be at the Gryffindor table. Not that Harmony didn’t agree with him. In fact, she couldn’t agree with him more! But the problem was, saying something like that to Ariane Chan would only go down the wrong way. The best thing to do when up against Ari would be to simply back down; that was Harmony’s advice, anyway. People may still think Harmony was a wimp, but what she thought was true; Ariane didn’t lose arguments. One wrong move, one wrong word, and she would bite, and bite hard. Harmony feared for Rex even more now, but listened with bated breath to Ari’s reply to this. Of course, it was derisive and sarcastic, exactly the attitude Ari took on when she was severely angry. Ari didn’t scream or shout; she just turned so cold you could feel the decrease in temperature in the air, and her sarcasm was so sharp it could slice anyone’s words into shreds. Harmony felt for anyone at the brunt of Ari’s temper.

Harmony flinched slightly when Ari said she didn’t like Rex. The words were pronounced so clearly, so definitely, it gave no room for doubt. Harmony knew Ari didn’t like Rex, but wasn’t she overreacting. Then again, this was Ari. Harmony shifted her eyes to Aurora, who was standing beside her, a line of a frown across her face, obviously worried and perturbed. Harmony caught her gaze, and Aurora sent her a questioning look, which Harmony couldn’t find the heart to answer to. Instead, she turned away to concentrate again on the warring conversation between Ari and Rex.

However, matters took a turn for the worse when Ari turned on Harmony again with probably the coldest words she had ever directed at her sister purposefully. Harmony felt her gaze lock on Ari’s angry ones, before she left the room in quickly, leaving shattered silence behind her. Harmony’s eyes slipped to the floor in shock as she absorbed Ari’s words; Ari was angry, angrier than Harmony had ever seen her, besides incidents relating to their father. A rush of guilt occupied Harmony’s mind for several seconds, her eyes seeking a departed Ariane, wishing to take back everything that happened. Suddenly, a separate voice spoke up, and Harmony turned to see Billy speaking in an annoyed tone to Rex. It seemed he was just as confused as Aurora was, who had sunk invisibly onto the bench again. Harmony was about to come to Rex’s defence concerning the lies, when Billy ordered his best friend to leave, the two rushing off out of the Great Hall in the wake of Ari’s departure.

Silence settled again between Harmony and Aurora, until the elder spoke up. “Well.” Aurora blinked, hands on lap as she stared up in concern at Harmony’s visage, which was stricken with worry, disbelief and fear all at once. “That was… chaotic. Care to talk about it, Harmony? Or would you rather…” Aurora trailed off as Harmony began walking away quickly with a tearful look in her eye. “Harmony?”
“I’ve got to go, Aurora.” Harmony whispered with a tight voice. “I’ll see you later.” With that, Harmony departed the Great Hall rapidly, disappearing into thick throngs of people. Aurora stared after her worriedly, before turning back to the rest of the Hufflepuff table, who were all staring still. “Don’t ask me, I have no idea.” Aurora gave them a slight warning glare.

((This is the end of the thread, unless Rex, you wish to do a ‘final post’ as your reaction to Billy’s words as you and him depart. Thank you so much again for your help.))