Dare You To Disturb ((Hayley))

[Dakota Fox S6]

The quill paused briefly over the parchment. The nib leaked black and it was quickly deposited back in the bottle, half full. It was left there as she sat back and read over her work. Curved green eyes stared along the parchment, falling from line to line, eating the words in the process. As she reached the end, a small, satisfied smile perked at her lips and she put it down. The quill was picked up again and it began to write.

Dakota did not, on first impressions, seem at all like a hardworking girl. Quite the contrary, she gave strangers an air of... well, as though her head was filled with nothing but air. She was an airhead - or rather, she acted like an airhead - exaggerated expressions, a beautiful, flirtatious smile and a disregard for anyone but herself gave her the surface image of a pampered little princess. Which, admittedly, Dakota was. But the youngest Fox was not just an airhead. She was so much more.

For one, Dakota was smart. Intelligent, clever, bright - all of those things. No one would have guessed it - not her fellow students anyway. She seemed capable in class but not to the extent of a genius. She didn't ever give the impression that she worked for her grades. In fact, everyone thought Dakota didn't work at all. They assumed she spent her time with her 'friends', her minions, stalking around school in a high and mighty air as though she owned everything and everyone, and all was below her. The truth was, Dakota spent a good amount of her time studying. She didn't want to, really. If she could've chosen, she would've much rather have been with a boy, making out in an abandoned classroom or something similar to that. But Dakota knew the importance of education. She wasn't stupid, after all. She knew if she wanted to be better than everyone else she would have to earn it sometimes. And educating herself was a number one priority.

So she worked hard. Dakota always completed her homework and she completed it well. She kept to herself in class, attempted the activities with generally fair success, and ensured she gained the professors' favours even if they disliked her outside of the classroom. Dakota was careful to portray an image of conscientiousness with her professors, but she was equally keen to act like a bimbo with her peers. She enjoyed manipulating people like that. It was fun. Gratifying actually. Dakota didn't see anything wrong with it. It was the fault of the people around her for not seeing past her facades and deciphering her true self. They were just stupid if they couldn't see the true intent lurking behind those pretty green eyes.

Studying in the Student Lounge was a rare event for Dakota, but the Common Room had been taken over by some very annoying First Year boys who she hadn't had the energy or motivation to shut up. The Library, unsurprisingly at this time in the afternoon, was full of students, mainly Sixth and Seventh Years with their no doubt increased workload. Dakota knew the NEWTs would be a big step from her OWLs, but she was equally sure of her ability to pass them all with flying colours. All of her brothers had received outstanding qualifications and Dakota was determined not to let her family name down. She would be just as great - better than her brothers. She would not lose to them. Dakota relied on her own strength and no one else's.

The Student Lounge was pretty full itself, and Dakota had grabbed a table all to herself by the window. No one had, as of yet, dared to ask to sit with her or share her space, so when a girl sat down opposite her, Dakota was irritatedly surprised. What gave this person the right to be in her company? Dakota's eyes lifted and fell on the face of a younger student, and after a few seconds of scrutiny, she recognised her as a Fourth Year. Silence only reigned for a minute before Dakota's mouth was unleashed upon the younger girl. "Blake, isn't it?" she stated rather than questioned, sitting back but her quill still between fingers. "Did I say you could sit here?"

Dakota was smirking, though; she did not at all appear annoyed with the girl. Unlike a lot of her Slytherin peers, it took a lot to frustrate Dakota. She appeared to many as a fussy perfectionist, but she didn't have the energy to be perfect. She could just act it, right? Dakota was quite a laidback individual, unknown to most. So, unlike other Slytherins who would no doubt have snapped at this daring younger girl for sitting where they shouldn't and then shooed them away angrily, Dakota found the situation somewhat entertaining. She had never spoken to this Blake kid before; maybe she would be interesting to talk to.

"If you're going to sit with me, you had better know my name," Dakota said, smile turning haughty as usual. "Please tell me you know it. Otherwise I might really have to ask you to leave." She half giggled, then explained vaguely, "I don't like sharing space with people who don't know me. Don't you?"

[Hayley Blake S5]

Hayley walked into the Student Lounge and looked around. Almost every table was full, mostly with older students probably studying for OWLS and NEWTS, except a few tables where only one spot was occupied. Well, I need somewhere to sit, Hayley thought. She decided to sit at a table near the window, where she recognized a fifth year Slytherin, Dakota Fox. After all, better to sit with someone from your own house.

Hayley threw back her long blond hair and made her way over to Dakota's table. Hayley was completely confident when she walked; head held high and always looking straight ahead, but never at anything in particular. For a split second, she began to doubt whether Dakota would let her sit with her. What if she tells me to leave? That would be so embarrassing! Hayley didn't let her worries show through her runway-model-stare.

Hayley slid into the seat across from Dakota. She made sure to look unphased when Dakota scrutinized her and asked, well, it sounded more like a statement, "Blake isn't it? Did I say you could sit here?"

Hayley didn't want to look scared. Oh no, Hayley was never scared. Instead, she slipped on a cocky half smile and tilted her head to the left.

"If you're going to sit with me, you had better know my name. Please tell me you know it. Otherwise I might really have to ask you to leave." Hayley kept her composure when Dakota said these words. "I don't like sharing space with people who don't know me. Don't you?"

Hayley shook her bangs out of her eyes with a little toss of her head and let out one short, quiet laugh. She folded her hands on the table in front of her and leaned in closer. "Oh yes, I know you're name. You're Dakota Fox." Hayley leaned back. "And I'm Blake. Hayley Blake. Now you can share you're table, since we both know each other." The air around was tense. Hayley knew Dakota thought Hayley should be afraid of her, but Hayley wasn't scared of anyone or anything.

[Dakota Fox S6]

Dakota raised an eyebrow at the Fourth Year's arrogance, then mirrored her smirk. If this was going to be a battle of wills, then Dakota would no doubt win. "Share? Darling, I don't do share." She leaned back in her chair and gave Hayley a long, scrutinous stare. "But you're right in one aspect. I am Dakota Fox. And seeing as you've got enough guts to sit with me without even asking or grovelling at my feet, you can share with me." Dakota giggled to herself. She liked this kid, Hayley. She was wilful and D liked that about her. Weaklings were, admittedly, fun to use and stamp on, but sometimes it was entertaining to associate with stronger individuals. She hadn't expected Hayley to be so feisty, but Dakota wasn't going to complain. She expected she and Hayley could become 'friends' of sorts... Friends in Dakota's dictionary being closer acquaintances to manipulate when the time was right. The younger they were the more control she had over them as well. Not that she would ever need Hayley for anything - the Blake surname was not at all familiar to Dakota, so she doubted Hayley originated from an infamous, pureblood family. Probably just your average Slytherin.

"So, tell me, Hayley," Dakota said with an air of pompousness, reverting to the girl's first name without even asking. "What makes you think you have the right to associate with people like me? A Queen of Slytherin, especially." Dakota rolled the title around in her head in glee. She had been initiated into the group at the beginning of the year. She had not been at all surprised. Dakota had expected to be made a Queen since her First Year. They were such an infamous group, filled with wealthy, aristocratic Slytherin purebloods, that it was impossible not to include Dakota. "You know what we're capable of." She gave a wolfish smirk. "Just don't get on the wrong side of me and I will deem you bearable to be with." Dakota turned away from Hayley, picking up her quill again and began to write. A few moments later, though, she was speaking again, though her eyes was focused on her work. Dakota was especially good at multi-tasking.

"And don't assume that we're friends," Dakota added breezily. She graced Hayley with a brief glance, but her eyes fell to her essay quickly again. "Because we're not. Don't assume you have my favour or I'll do any favours for you." Dakota was sick of suck-ups who pretended their loyalty so she would help them with something or another, or used her popularity to make themselves well-known. Dakota didn't have time for such imbeciles. She could immediately see through anyone who tried to latch onto her purely because of her name. If she was going to have minions, they had to be the stupid type - the ones who would never question but always remain loyal to her. As for 'friends', they were a higher class by a margin; they were individuals who Dakota was forced to respect, but she always manipulated them in the palm of her hand and they were all ignorant to it. Finally, there were the boys - not just any man, they had to be of good material. Dakota didn't like anything less than a handsome, older boy to give her all the attention she wanted.

Dakota finished her essay in another ten minutes and stretched, bored. She put her quill down and looked across expectantly at Hayley. "Tell me about yourself," she said. It was more an order than anything, but a smile was on Dakota's face as she spoke. She was bored and she wanted the younger girl to entertain her. "Who are you?" Smirking, Dakota flicked her hair and shuffled her parchment together. "I'm sure you know who I am already so there's no need for real introductions." Dakota was curious but she was also aware that the more people she knew of, the better. Hayley Blake was next on the to-know list.

[Hayley Blake S5]

Hayley worked on her Potions homework in silence, occasionally flipping her hair or looking at her manicured pink nails. Hayley got the faint impression that she had done something right, for Dakota had not shooed her away. Maybe the fifth year even thought Hayley was worth a bit of time... That, or she just wanted to have a little fun with her.

At last, Dakota appeared to have finished with her essay and broke the silence, asking Hayley to tell her about herself. Hayley shook her head and smirked. Looking at Dakota, she said, "Well, Dakota, you asked quite a few questions there. If I didn't know any better, I would think that you were curious about me." Hayley cocked her head to the right. "But what would a Queen such as yourself want with little Hayley Blake?" She threw her head back slightly and laughed softly.

Hayley paused a second and made sure she was totally confident in herself. Of course she was, everytime Hayley looked in the mirror her confidence level grew, and it was already at a dangerous high. "I believe the first thing you asked is why I think I have the right to associate with someone like you. Well, the answer to that is simple. I don't think I have that right, I know. You may not know me, but I think you know my father." Hayley raised her eyebrows at Dakota. "We don't have the same surname, you see. He's Thomas Edwards, head of the Department of Mysteries and close to the Minister for Magic
himself."

Hayley's father, Thomas, had graduated from Slytherin and became the Junior Assistant to the Minister for Magic. Today, he is head of the Department of Mysteries and was offered the posistion of Minister. He's quite well known and Hayley is very proud to be her father's daughter.

"My mother is Elizabeth Blake-Edwards, but you may or may not know her as Beth Edwards. She works with the Magical Law Enforcement, writes for The Daily Prophet, blah, blah, blah..."

Hayley gathered her Potions assignement before continuing on. She could not tell if Dakota was a good audience, just pretending to listen, or actually cared about where Hayley came from. "Am I forgetting something?" Hayley pulled her face into a look of confusion. Fake, of course. Hayley always knew what she was talking about.

"Oh yes. Me. Well, I fit in the middle of it all, the only daughter of wealthy, famous Minestry personnel. I'm not sure what you meant by 'who are you'," Hayley mimmicked Dakota's tone. "But I assure you, this time was not wasted." Hayley herself wasn't sure what she meant by that, but figured it sounded good and made her sound sure of herself. After all, there was no one more sure of herself than Miss Hayley Blake.

[Dakota Fox S6]

Dakota smirked and shrugged carelessly. "Am I? You tell me, Hayley. Why would I need to be curious about you? Or maybe I'm just bored and I want you to entertain me." Propping her chin in her palm, Dakota looked at Hayley challengingly. "I've got nothing better to do, after all." A dramatic sigh and fluttering of mascaraed eyelashes. "Let's hope you keep my attention for more than five minutes." Dakota watched Hayley laughing and felt a pang of irritation; this girl was a typical Slytherin, certainly. Her arrogance was obvious, at least. "I may be a part of the Queens, but I'm not constrained by their rules," she told the younger girl coolly. "I can do what I want. Find out what I want. Associate with who I want. It won't stop me from speaking with you, though I'd never go as far as to proclaim we were friends." Dakota sneered the latter word derisively. She so hated the useless trash that were 'friends'. "I don't want much, Hayley," Dakota continued lightly, smirking. "Just a bit of fun and entertainment. That's what life is about, right?" Her eyes twinkled dangerously in the firelight.

"I do?" Dakota's eyebrows shot up again. "And who is your almighty father?" She had not heard of an important figure by the name of Blake. "Ah." When Hayley finally gave her father's name, Dakota nodded in recognition and smirked. "So your father is the Thomas Edwards? I had no idea." Hayley Blake just notched a few centimetres up her respected list. However, since Hayley was younger than her, Dakota would never acknowledge her the way she did others such as Ruby Lehane and Mary Evans. Age was such an important factor to be used against people, after all. "You can give Mr Edwards my father's regards," Dakota smiled proudly. "As well as my brothers', Roland Jr. and Lucas. My father and Ro have been, as you are sure to know, established in the Ministry for several years. Lucas has only graduated, but he will surely make his impact soon." As will I, were Dakota's inner thoughts.

Her lips curled into another familiar smile. "Ah yes. I know your mother also. My brother, Jacob, is one of the most successful aurors of his generation. I believe he has met her before. Again, I am sure he sends his regards." Who knew such an insignificant little girl could have such connections? Dakota smirked to herself. Still. She was not even close to Dakota's league. On the other hand, she thought to herself, perhaps the Queens would consider initiating Hayley after Mary Evans graduated. She seemed a popular candidate, if she was telling the truth about her connections. Then again, there were plenty of other girls vying for the title of Queen of Slytherin, and Dakota didn't really care who got it as long as their entry would not damage her own reputation and popularity,

Dakota graced Hayley with another smirk. "So. Tell me. How is it that you do not share your celebrated father's surname? Are you not proud of the Edwards name? Not that your mother's surname is not respected, but I would be devastated to not be known as a Fox. My mother came from a well-known pureblood family, but her surname does not even half match up to my father's. I come from generations and generations of infamous Foxs and I would hate to break the chain. I am the only daughter, after all. Women need to establish themselves amongst men." Dakota was rather curious about how Hayley had come to be Hayley Blake rather than Hayley Edwards, and wondered if the younger girl would dilvuge in her such information. Most likely not. Well, Dakota wasn't really concerned. She would take what she could get and be satisfied. It was not as though she needed Hayley's loyalty. Her father and brothers could contact Thomas Edwards if need be. And Dakota doubted Hayley would be in the future useful to her.

"No, of course it was not wasted," Dakota smiled regally, brushing aside any tension Hayley may have tried to introduce. She found herself speaking to Hayley easily, but was still aware of the age and maturity difference. Not that she let it show... For now, Hayley could be an equal of sorts. "My time is precious. Learning that you are the daughter of Mr Edwards was certainly not a waste of time." Nodding at Hayley, Dakota continued smirk. "It's a small world, is it not? To think. Our fathers work in such close proximity to each other and we attend the same school, in the same house."

[Hayley Blake S5]

Hayley paused. Talking about why she didn't have the surname 'Edwards' wasn't a very easy topic for her. Hayley decided she might as well tell Dakota. After all, it was sort of dramatic and maybe that's what Dakota wanted. Drama. Excitement. To know that this Slytherin fourth year wasn't just another boring girl. Hayley sighed. Perhaps she would just graze the surface. Maybe your audience will be begging for more, said that annoying, optimistic voice in the back of her head. Yeah, right.

"It's not a particularly easy topic for me to talk about...But since you're family is so connected to mine, I'll share." Hayley returned Dakota's smirk. "And of course, I'm honored being my father's daughter and only wish I could become Hayley Edwards. I pester my mother all the time about it, actually. She's the reason. It's not very interesting, family issues on my mother's side." Hayley hoped this would be good enough for Dakota, she didn't want to get too far into it.

So far, Hayley liked Dakota. She had heard of her before, but this was the first time they had actually spoken. Hayley always got good ideas of people by their first imperssion, and Dakota's impression left a mark on Hayley. It was admiration, almost like a role model. Hayley saw herself looking up to Dakota in the future, from afar. How Dakota would react if she was Hayley's idol, she did not know.

Hayley was relieved when Dakota told her she was not a waste of time, even though she had a smirk on her face. Hayley nodded. "Time is of the essence, as Father always says. I hope you have found entertainment in our little discussion." Hayley leaned back in her chair and smirked. "I know I have."

[Dakota Fox S6]

Dakota smiled. So Hayley was going to 'share'. Lovely. Despite her Slytherin-esque exterior, she was a lot softer than she tried to appear to be. Despite this vulnerability, Dakota also sensed this was to do with her age, and when she matured, she would probably learn a few lessons about not divulging particular pieces of information to other people - lest they use it against her. Dakota was always careful about what she told and who to. You never knew who was going to backstab you, betray you. Dakota found it hard to trust - women more than men. Men were dense; she disliked them because they were the 'dominant' gender and yet they were riddled with flaws. They said women were emotional - but men let their aggression overcome them. They were just as flawed as women and yet they claimed to be the more powerful. Dakota didn't like it. With men, though, because they were so stupid, she could win them over easily. Their lust was another factor to take advantage of. Women, though, such as Hayley, were different; they, like Dakota, were manipulative, cunning, thoughtful. Clever, intelligent women such as Dakota herself could utilise their emotions for better use than to be manipulated by men. Women were, basically, just as strong as the opposite sex, and men were completely naive if they thought otherwise. A wise man never underestimated a woman for her gender.

"I see," Dakota nodded as she absorbed Hayley's brief but telling story about why she could not take her father's surname. "It must frustrate you ever so much." She shook her head with some pity and flicked away a strand of blonde. "My mother, thankfully, is very obedient to my father." And she is a fool most of the time because of it, she added in her thoughts. Dakota had sworn a long time ago she would not be like her mother. Lauren was a bimbo, through and through, and had married Roland for money, fame and basically everything but love. Ironically, she'd fallen in love with him too, eventually. Now she acted more like a slave to her husband than anything. However, Dakota's mother was not just a bimbo. Like her daughter, Lauren could still be as malicious as she wanted to be like she was in her teenage years. Marriage and children had merely softened her... a great deal. "What my father wants, he gets," Dakota continued to smile mildly. "He is, after all, the head of the family." Although she acted proud of her father, Dakota was determined she would not be bested by her brothers.

Dakota gave a small, amused laugh at Hayley's 'compliment'. "I certainly have. It's been fun. And informative." She half grinned, half smirked. "I like learning about people," she said simply. Then, without further ado, thinking she'd not get much more about of Hayley that would entertain her, Dakota stood. She picked up her things and put them into her bag, then flashed Hayley a smile she bestowed on peers she did at least have some respect for. "Well, Hayley, it's been real. Like you said, time is of the essence." She smirked approvingly. "Bye bye." And, with a backhand wave as she walked away, Dakota left the Student Lounge.

((Um, sorry to end it, don't think there's much else to do. (: Thanks for the postie, it was great.))