Adopting lone puppies (Charles)

[kris]

Kris took the one of the carriages to reach Hogsmeade and stopping by some random stores bought a new quill, some parchment and made arrangements of those things to be sent to the castle for him.
Grabbing a cup of strong espresso on the road, Kris stalked out of Hogsmeade. Sneering at some random girl, who obviously was a third year because no other year would be that annoyingly ecstatic about seeing the Shrieking Shack for the first time, Kris moved swiftly and quietly. The ground was still muddy and rather frozen, but one could already see the grass starting to grow soon and it already smelled like spring. The wind pulled on Kris’s leather-jacket he like to wear while riding his motor-bike and behind his black sun-glasses Kris smiled rather contently.

He had already passed the Shrieking Shack and was headed towards a small spring that flowed by not far from it. It was almost a little river actually and Kris could hear the water rushing forwards already – the creek had a quick enough to current to be free of the ice-cover already. Kris liked this place here – the quick creek that washed around rather sharp rocks, the forest surrounding it. Kris didn’t mind the fact that not very many people wondered here.

What did surprise Kris was a low yip coming towards the creek. For a moment Kris’s stride was interrupted but in less than a heart-beat he was already moving forward even more quicker than before. Reaching the creek Kris felt his stomach turn into a furious knot. Why did people treat animals like this? Kris almost growled out seeing a small helpless animal – a puppy even though it looked more like a rag right now – was half-stuck in a bag and thrown into the creek. Somehow the bag had gotten stuck on a branch in the creek, so the puppy didn’t move. Hitting the rocks in the creek would have probably cost the pup its life.

Pulling out his wand Kris tried the Levitating Charm to get the animal out of the water, but as the bag made a suspicious ripping sound, he quickly dropped the idea. He would have to find an other way to help, as this one would probably do more damage than help.
Shrugging off his jacket Kris also threw his sun-glasses carelessly over his shoulders hearing the glass shatter as it hit earth, but right now Kris didn’t really care.
Kris measured the distance with his eyes and moving forward jumped on one of the rocks in the creek somehow managing to stay in balance, which caused Kris to thank his martial arts trainings silently.
It took two more jumps on rocks, before Kris mentally berated himself for what he was about to do before jumping and grabbing a tree-branch. Moving onto an other branch Kris would be able to reach the pup and distangle it.

Kris climbed over the tree and moved forward on the branch he would have to sit on, trying to not pay any attention to how suspiciously it bended under his weight. Kris placed his legs properly and hanging onto the branch with bent knees lowered himself over the river and the dog as Kris now saw for certain, was out of breath and obviously weak, but he still had character as he tried to bite Kris’s hands that were reaching towards him.
“Damn it, stop it will you? I’m not of those foolishly noble Gryffs, who will save you no matter what,” Kris snapped angrily at the pup, even though there was worry edged in his tone and he didn’t move away. His heart just wouldn’t allow Kris to leave a helpless animal, as curious it would have been for others to see that kind of a personality trait in a Slytherin.

Kris reached for the bag and tried to get it to move gently, as it would be easier to get the dog out that way, concentrating on the task at hand as the puppy seemed to understand Kris wasn’t danger and didn’t bite him anymore. Or he was just too tired to fight any longer. As the branch Kris was hanging on cracked a little Kris swore once again, but didn’t pull away, just praying htat the branch would snap until Kris was on ground again with the pup.

(( ;D I promise I'll try to make my next posts shorter. If anyone else wants to join, then let me know and I'll see what I can do))

[Charles Driscoll H7]

Going to Hogsmeade was still very much an adventure for young Charles. He was only in his third year and it was only this year that he had finally been permitted to visit and explore the exciting wizarding village he had yearned to see since all the older students at Hogwarts had told him of the great times they had spent there. He'd already been to the Quidditch shop with his friends and then to all the other shops to look at the different assortment of items and jokes they sold, and the day was almost over. Charles was on his own as he wanted to get one of his friends a birthday present without the person in question noticing. He walked out of the shop and started walking as inconspicuously as he could in between the people in the streets, trying to look for a less crowded area to hide his package. It was at times like this he was thankful for his small size. It was so easy to squeeze in between people without attracting unwanted attention.

Past the Shrieking Shack went Charles until he was standing with his back to a river leaning against a tree as he carefully shrunk the present and slipped it into his faded blue jeans. He was just leaving when he heard someone cuss angrily and he turned around in surprise and ran closer to the lake to see if the person was in some sort of difficulty. Charles shielded his eyes from the sun's scorching rays and tried to find out where the sound had come from. He heard a low exhausted yelp and saw a boy hanging from a branch of a tree, the branch bending down threateningly looking as if it would snap any minute. It was a minute before Charles took action; he had been paralysed by the sight of the boy and the dog looking as if they were both going to fall and be carried away by the lake. He ran towards the tree and could see no way to get there without having to swim to the other side. How on earth did the boy manage to get into that position – he couldn't possibly have – well there was no other way. Charles jumped onto the stepping stone leading to the trees branches, but it took him a much longer time than Kris as he had shorter leg and he was not as agile as the older boy. There was no way he going to be able to jump any closer than where he was though – the next stone was just too far. So Charles did the next best thing, and wrapped his legs round the stone he was on and stretched out his arms "GIVE ME YOUR HANDS!" he yelled as loud as he could. The boy should just be able to reach Charles if the branch snapped. It was a mercy the dog was still in the bag, at least the boy would be able to grab both of his hands and slip the bag down one of his arms. Kris would undoubtedly fall into the river after that but at least he would not be carried away by the current.

((I'm not too sure I can imagine the situation correctly – tell me if I need to change anything.))

[kris]

Kris noticed some younger guy jumping on one of the stones in the creek, but didn’t comment, as it would have just disturbed his concentration and not have helped him nor the dog.
Kris heard him yelling “Give me your arms” and mentally rolled his eyes, but didn’t comment as he was having trouble enough as it was. The branch he was on was bending more threateningly by a second, but luckily the bag was starting to come loose as well. But as luck would have it, the branch snapped just as Kris got the bag free.
Knowing there was no way he could reach the boy’s hand in time, Kris just showed the bag towards him, almost loosing his breath when he himself plunged into the cold water.

The current grabbed Kris along immediately slamming Kris’s back hard against one of the rocks, causing Kris’s shirt to rip. He had also scratched his skin as blood started to trickle down slowly. Kris had had worse though so he just gritted his teeth and pushing the pain down in his conscious concentrated on the more important problem of getting out of the creek. “Get to the shore with the dog – you have your hands too full to help me right now,” Kris shouted to the boy, who seemed distinctly familiar somehow, even though Kris was sure they hadn’t spoken before.
Taking a deep breath, Kris pushed himself off and swam towards the shore with long and powerful strides. Now the experience of swimming in the ocean near his house every summer certainly paid off as well as the good shape Kris was in.

Kris advanced to the shore and couldn’t stifle a groan as the current slammed him into one more rock between, causing Kris to end up under water for a moment. Pulling himself back above the water once again, Kris went on and reached the shore quickly enough, even though the current had pushed him off course by at least 150 metres.

Kris pulled himself on the shore and resting on his hands and knees coughed out the water he had accidentally swallowed when going under-water and restoring his regular breathing. Knowing he’d catch a cold if he didn’t get some dry clothes or something warm to drink rather quickly, as the light breeze was rather freezing now, Kris pulled himself to his feet and slowly moved to where he had left his jacket and where he could see the boy standing, almost forcing himself to move.
“Is the pup alright?” Kris asked tiredly, taking the pup and wrapping his jacket around the shivering animal, who was also wet, “And you. I guess I own you one now.”<br>Kris observed the pup who was laying on his arms for a moment and took in the bad state he was in. The dog had obviously been beaten before so fury flashed through Kris’s eyes, as he gently smoothened the fur on the animals head, already respecting the dogs character, if he tried to snap at his hand.
“Thank you, not everyone would have done what you did to help,” Kris raised his eyes to the boy and nodded deeply, appreciating his help which was why he introduced himself, “I’m Kris. Kris Graas.”
Kris was very fond of a colder weather, but in his wet clothes the next gush of wind, got him to shiver, besides his back and side were throbbing and would most certainly be rather horrifyingly bruised.

[Charles Driscoll H7]

Charles threw his arms at the bag and captured the puppy at the last moment. He heard a loud splash followed by a rip and knew the boy had fallen into the water, but he had the puppy to contend with and all he could do was hope the boy would manage to save himself. He fell into the water himself in the process of trying to get to the shore but luckily it only reached his waist; the current was strong and Charles was not a good swimmer. Finally he reached the shore and put the dog safely on the soil and pulled the bag off him. He inhaled deeply and turned to look at the dog when the boy threw himself on the soil and Charles looked at him concerned about him. His clothes were ripped in several places and he thought he could see blood dripping from his back.

“You don’t owe me anything, you… you saved the pup’s life,” said the younger boy, looking at Kris like he was some sort of hero. He admired the boy’s bravery and courage and his going through all that trouble to save the poor pup. “He’s, well, he’s still alive I think,” said Charles looking for any signs of life in the puppy. It started whimpering softly, and then it took a swipe with one of its paws at Charles’ hands from under Kris’ coat as he tried to pet it. “Hmm… definitely alive and kicking,” said Charles with a little amusement in his voice. He turned to the boy who looked much worse than he sounded, and there was a lot of admiration in his eyes as he did so. “You saved his life,” said Charles again softly, “Oh um, I’m Charles Driscoll, call me Charlie,” he said. “And you did much more than I did… let’s try and get this pup to the magical creatures shop, they’ll check him to make sure he’s alright, and maybe they’ll have a towel for you or something, don’t you think?” said Charles, trying to think about what would be best to do.

((Sorry for the delay, real busy in RL.))

[kris]

Kris sneered a little at Charlie’s almost admiring look. There was no way he wanted be some hero – heroes were more often fools than anything else: “I’m no bloody hero, so if you are gong to think me into being one, then you are going to be very severly disappointed.” Animals brought out the softer and nicer side of Kris – he had a complex character anyway. He had all the makings of a true Slytherin in him, but he would never leave any animal in trouble, even if it might endanger him and for his rare friends and the people Kris considered family, Kris would be willing to kill.
Just then Charlie’s words moved something in Kris’s mind. It took Kris a couple of moments, before it clicked and he looked at the younger boy a little wonderingly: “Driscoll? As from the Driscoll family line?” Kris observed the young boy now even more curiously, hesitating a bit, before deciding that for his help he deserved the truth: “I know your sister – Samantha. I guess we could be called good acquaintances as friends might be a bit too strong word yet. But we get along nicely.”<br>
Kris smirked holding the pup more securly in his arms, and using his jacket – that would have to be thrown away after this episode – to make sure the pup couldn’t bite or scratch him, before casting one more look towards Charles: “I guess that pretty much should give a hint as to which house I’m from.”<br>Kris glanced at Charles measuringly once more: “You are wet yourself and need a hot drink and warm clothes as much as I do and this fellow does. As a thank you for the help I’ll supply them – a tailor there should have them ready in a matter of minutes. Keep up.” Without waiting for an answer Kris set off towards Hogsmeade, keeping a steady but a rather quick pace. His back and side were throbbing dully but he kept up the speed, knowing the importance of getting dry as quickly as possible, even though his fingers were gently smoothening the pups fur and calming the small animal, who seemed to settle down slowly in his arms.

((No problem. I’m down with flu, so I just have a lot of time in my hands. I’m ill during spring break - bless my timing, eh? ))

[Charles Driscoll H7]

"Yeah," said Charles with a sigh and a nod. He wondered what Kris was thinking. Charles was not a typical Driscoll, and he didn't want him getting the wrong idea. He wasn't snobbish and arrogant like his family, he was the complete opposite. He had just opened his mouth to say so when the boy told him he knew Samantha. Charles closed his mouth and listened to what Kris had to say. He put two and two together and realised the boy was a Slytherin, Samantha never talked to anyone from the other houses except rarely, and even then it was only with people who had the same pureblood beliefs that she did. Charles was surprised to find out the boy was in Slytherin and that he got along well with Samantha, Charles didn't like any of the people Samantha called friends, especially the group of Slytherins who styled themselves "The Queens of Slytherin". Samantha had joined the group that year and ever since then she had become even more full of herself than before if that was even possible. Charles was still angry at her since that scuffle they had had before the trip to Weinig Zug. He had finally realised she was never going to change and that he was mistaken in his belief that she wasn't like his parents.

Charles followed Kris almost having to run to keep up with him. It was a strange coincidence that both Samantha and Charles had taken to Kris from their first meeting, though for very different reasons. Samantha liked Kris because he was strong, intelligent and had a rather brazen attitude and also because he came from a family of wealth and influence in the magical community. Charles saw a person that had risked his neck just to save an unfortunate helpless puppy. Kris might not like it, but Charles had already decided he was a person to look up to and he was glad he had this chance to talk with him and get to know him. He could see why Mary liked him so much. "Slytherin. I have a good friend in your house, she told me she was friends with you too. Mary Evans?" said Charles, remembering his conversation with Mary in the lounge with a smile. "Oh and thanks I told you I didn’t really do anything at all," said Charles blushing slightly. If it had been anyone else he would have refused the offer but he knew Kris was doing it out of charity and he also didn’t want to disagree with him. "I wonder what kind of dog that is. Do you think we'll be able to keep him at school? He's such a nice pup," said Charles, running his finger behind the puppy's ears and patting his head. He wondered what Kris had in mind right now; he seemed to have taken to the puppy as much as Charles had. Though it didn't show on his face Charles could see the gentle way he was stroking the puppy.

((Oh that really sucks. I hope you feel better soon.))

[kris]

“Yes, I know Mary,” Kris answered with a smile appearing at the corner of his lips, “She’s a friend. If I don’t count her annoying habits like greeting me by jumping on my back and calling me ‘Krissy bear’. That girl has serious issues concerning teddy-bears, if she counts me as one.” Actually Mary was sometimes practically a little sister and the only one Kris allowed to act so familiarly towards him. And with all the rough edges and corners in Kris’s appearance he was as far form a cute teddy-bear as one could be as well. But Mary was allowed to act and talk like that.

“And what makes you think I’m keeping the wretched animal? He looks like someone used him to wash the floors,” Kris sneered towards the pup. He was used to only having and buying the very best. Kris was picky and he didn’t even know a different kind of life-style. Even all his clothes were made out of the finest silk. This pup – he was wet, muddy, weak, young, untrained, really did look like a rag somebody had used to wipe the floor with and he had almost made Kris break his neck over the creek.
Kris looked t the pup and realized with a sharp pang that Charles had been right. The pup had some character which Kris respected. Locking his eyes with the dogs Kris knew deep at the bottom of his heart that he couldn’t abandon the pup now. Kris groaned but didn’t acknowledge it out loud.
“I doubt it. I’m not the favorite student of professors,” Kris smirked. He seemed to be in detention 99% of time in a school-year and if the lessons Kris constantly skipped as well as his rather sarcastic comments were added, then he really was a rather annoying student, even though he was rather bright.
“Doubt I would be allowed to keep him. I can drop him off back at Italy during the weekend,” Kris remarked. He hadn’t been planning on going to Italy, but the flight wouldn’t be too hard to make.

As they reached the Shrieking Shack again Kris noticed some third years quarreling. Two gryffindors, one Ravenclaw and two Slytherins as it seemed to be. With the Ravenclaw trying to act as a peace-maker, but wands were already drawn.
“Problems?” Kris’s voice lowered to a threatening hiss, causing all wands to turn towards him momentarily. The two Slytherins lowered theirs immediately, knowing that Kris had a rough temper and a quick wand. Kris turned his level glare at the two Gryffindors, as the Ravenclaws wand was still hidden. Maybe it was the glare or the bigger company, or the fact that Kris was older or that the other two SLytherins had hid their wands quickly, but the two GRyfifndors retreated as well taking the Ravenclaw with them.
“Do pick your fights better,” Kris told the two Slytherins that had stayed quietly – he knew them both. Sometimes helped the girl with her studies, “Go to Maribel’s House of Opened Doors. Tell her that I want her best room and that I want some warmed milk and hot butter-beer and chocolate to be taken to the room. And make sure she invites the tailor over – and that the tailor will have to work fast.”<br>The third year Slytherin girl nodded and hopping onto the broom she had along – she wanted to try out for Quidditch one day – and sped off towards Hogsmeade a lot more faster than Kris and Charles were on foot. But at least a room in Hogsmeade’s most fanciest guest-room would be waiting.

[Charles Driscoll H7]

Charles had to stifle a giggle at the name "Krissy-bear", especially that from what he could see it didn’t suit Kris at all. There was nothing remotely like a teddy bear about Kris, but then he had only known him for a few minutes, still "Krissy-bear"? Mary did have a rather sarcastic sense of humour though so Charles could see her calling him that. He was going to have to ask her to tell him a bit more about Kris, for Charles was a little confused about his personality. One moment he was saving a helpless dog and the next he was telling him he was on good terms with Samantha, who would have probably laughed and jeered at the dog had she seen him and plus Charles could hear that same arrogant note in Kris' voice that was in Samantha's but it was not as prominent. Still, Kris wasn't going to go down in his estimation whatever he decided to do. Right now Charles was too awed by his good deed to be able to see anything except the good side of him.

Charles frowned as he realised Kris was right. Hogwarts was strict about the no dogs rule for some reason. Charles had already taken a liking to the poor dog and he didn’t like the idea that he wasn't going to be able to see him again once Kris took him away. Well, he would just have to make the best of the time he was going to see him in. "Well I'm sure we could keep him for a few days, if only till he gets better. There's not much harm a sick dog can do. And I think he'll need a few days to get over his ordeal though he looks like he was a very strong and healthy dog," said Charles looking at the little pup that was sniffing at Kris' hands from under the jacket. It gave Kris a half-hearted lick and Charles looked up at the older boy and smiled. The pup was beginning to see that they meant it no harm.

"Oh, you’re from Italy?" said Charles in surprise. He wondered what had brought Kris to England and to Hogwarts. But he didn’t get an answer as they advanced on a group of students with their wands held in front of them like swords looking daggers at each other. A look from Kris and a sharp comment was enough to see them running though. Charles was too stunned to say anything and he followed Kris in silence. He really was a surprising person; saving a dog one minute and telling people off haughtily the next.

They soon came to the place Kris had asked the girl to go to and Charles couldn’t help gasping as they walked inside. He was suddenly very aware of the state he was in, his jeans were muddy and completely soaked, his hair was all over the place and there was a long cut across his jacket from one of the trees that had been in the lake. The interior of the – Charles didn't know what to call it really – it was a bit like the Leaky Cauldron but much more fashionable and everyone sitting in the entrance room looked very neat and sophisticated. Charles had never been anywhere like this before. He attempted to smooth down his hair taking in everything, the marble floor, the mahogany tables and the marble statues in the spacious room as he followed Kris to where a woman was waiting for them. "Room 301 sir, you'll find the tailor awaiting your arrival," she said to Kris.

[kris]

“Yes, I’m from Italy. I have a family mansion over there,” Kris said simply – he had came to Hogwarts because his legal guardians and father had wanted it. And they were powerful enough to get allowance for that from the Ministry in Britain and Dumbeldore hadn’t really been against it either.

Slipping a family heirloom ring from the 15th century off from the strong silver chain it was hanging form around Kris’s neck – with his parents dead, Kris was the head of his family as he was the only one in his immediate family, Kris slipped it on with the ring emitting a soft warm glow for a moment, recognizing it’s rightful master. During centuries the ring had absorbed enough magic to be able to do it.
Kris didn’t even raise an eye-brow at the rather luxurious state of the lobby as he walked towards a woman, bowing to Kris, having caught the glint of emerald and the coat of arms picture on it.
"Room 301 sir, you'll find the tailor awaiting your arrival," the woman said clearly nodding to one of her maids to escort them, “I hope everything is fit for your expectations. We are always more than happy to serve you and your family.”<br>
Kris mentally rolled his eyes, knowing that they charged well enough to be more than happy to serve anyone who could pay the price.
“A known name and wealth certainly make life more comfortable and easy,” Kris murmured with sarcasm evident in his voice as he followed the young maid.
“Ah, my dear boy, what on earth is that?” the voice that had so melodically started turned into loathing as the rather fat woman saw the puppy on Kris’s arm.
“Cousin Cheridal,” Kris said. He had hoped not to run into any family here.
“We really must marry you off my dear boy, my daughter is just the right age and so charming. You should really take her out tonight,” the woman continued dismissing the pup and Charles and nodding towards her daughter who was whining about wanting to go shopping.
“I have no intentions of marrying any time soon nor getting more seriously involved,” Kris answered smoothly, placing a hand on Charles’s shoulder and pushing him past the woman almost forcefully, speaking loud enough for his voice to reach the woman’s ears, “Mercantile and desperate relatives are a certain draw-back of family though.” Entering the room leaving the woman shouting in the hallway, Kris placed the pup on the bed.

“SIR! You can’t put that dirty animal there!” the maid shouted furiously. Kris turned his head slowly and looked at the maid, placing his hand purposely so that the ring would be on plain sight.
“I’m sorry, sir, I shouldn’t have bothered you. Is there anything you wish?” the maid ask lowering her head and sounding meek – there was no better teacher about how to scare and influence people than power. And Kris had had power since he was a toddler.
“A strong espresso. What ever Charles wants,” Kris ordered throwing a galleon over his shoulder for a tip before the maid hurried out, “I want a complete outfit – trousers, cloak and shirt for Charles. I know you have shoes as well. I want everything ready in 30 minutes.” The next order went to the tailor who bowed to Kris
before starting towards Charles to take his measurements – considering who well Kris would pay for such quick work with the best quality, Kris didn’t really doubt that his order would be fulfilled in time.
Kris himself pulled his ripped blouse over his head with one sharp movement, knowing a new Slytherin-green silk blouse would be made for him as soon as Charles’s costume was finished. Slowly blood started to tickle from his broken back again as Kris ripped the blouse away from the broken skin, but Kris just grimaced at the sight he saw from three huge mirrors and sat on the bed, starting to unwrap the pup from his jacket.

[Charles Driscoll H7]

Charles let himself be led by Kris to the room, feeling a bit dazed and also a bit worried about the pup who had received no medical care till now. He wasn't making much noise now and Charles thought he was probably exhausted by his unfortunate adventure. Charles couldn’t help but notice the respect that was bordering on reverence evident in the voice and manner of everyone who talked to Kris. No wonder Samantha liked him. She loved people of influence and wealth as did their parents. Charles didn’t really pay attention to material wealth at all and in fact was wary around very rich people in the magical community because a lot of them were snobbish and just like his family.

Just as they were entering the room they were stopped by a woman who Charles discovered was one of Kris' relatives. Kris didn’t even attempt to hide the contempt in his voice as he spoke to her and Charles was amazed that the older woman put up with Kris' insolent attitude and cutting words. He almost laughed at the suggestion that Kris and her daughter should get married, wondering how on earth she wanted her daughter to get married to a boy who probably hadn't even turned sixteen. He almost didn’t blame Kris for the way he was treating her – she was sucking to him in such a sickly manner it was almost comical. By the end of their short conversation he was beginning to get really annoyed with her because at the puppy with disgust and was glad when she left them all. He never could understand people who didn’t like animals.

They walked into the room and once again Charles was amazed at its size and luxury but he didn't say anything, wondering what was going to happen next. He was beginning to feel very awkward and out of place. He didn’t care for the way Kris was treating everyone, bossing them around and acting like royalty, though he had to admit it was quick and effective, and with someone as ridiculous as his relative probably that was the only way to get to her to leave. "Hot chocolate please," he said in a meek voice when the maid asked him what he would like to drink and then he let the tailor start taking his measurements. He took off his denim jacket and placed it on the ground, he was going to have to throw it anyway, and stood for a second letting the tape measure do its job when Kris took off his shirt and Charles noticed he was bleeding heavily from the back. He jumped off the stool he was standing on and turned to the tailor. "Go get a Mediwizard or Healer as fast as you can!" he said and then looked around for a towel or something to soak with water so he could clean Kris' wound. In a cupboard he found some blue potion he recognised was cleansing potion and a clean towel which he soaked from a sink in the adjoining bathroom to the room.

He ran over to Kris who was looking at his wound in a mirror with a grimace on his face. "Why didn't you say something before?" he asked in a surprised voice. He didn’t have a very high threshold for bearing pain himself, at least physical pain. Emotional pain, well he had to deal with that everyday, so he was more accustomed to it. "You have people do all sorts of things for you and yet you can’t get someone to look at a serious wound like that," said Charles in an amazed tone. "Don’t move," he said, then realised he probably didn't have to say that anyway, Kris looked liked he had been bearing a lot of pain and some more wouldn’t make that much of a difference. "I don’t know how to do this with a wand but we have to stop the bleeding till they get someone over here," he said, cleaning the wound and knowing the potion was probably stinging Kris. After that he applied pressure to the wound and hoping it would start to clot soon and that he was doing the right thing.

[kris]

Hearing Charles’s shout Kris turned his head and smirked. The tailor didn’t move – he had worked for Kris long enough to know that Kris absolutely despised all doctors.
“I’ll get right to work on the young sir’s clothes and will return with them and your new set of clothes in 45 minutes,” the tailor said with a bow before leaving the room.
“I want a new leather jacket as well and get rid of this one,” Kris said after him, throwing her ripped and muddy jacket, he had took away from around the puppy to the tailor, who caught it ad left the room.

Kris raised his eye-brow towards Charles when he asked why he hadn’t said anything about his injured back before.
“Well, I had more important things to worry about earlier, like not freezing for example. Besides you could hardly expect to escape a swim like that was without a scratch on me, could you?”<br>Kris glanced in the mirror once again – his back looked worse than it actually was. His back had been bruised earlier as well as Kris had been swimming in the lake again. The Great Squid was friendly and rather intelligent, but he couldn’t really understand his whole strength. “Besides most of it are old wounds, that haven’t just completely healed yet. The cuts will heal by themselves as no doctor is coming close to me,” Kris said dryly –Kris never visited the hospital wing in Hogwarts either, unless while in detention. The only wounds he went to the doctor by himself were broken bones or when he was too weak to argue – Kris would rather suffer through the inconveniences of healing slowly.

Kris stayed still, letting Charles clean the cuts on his back after glancing at the potion he was using. It stung as Charles used it on the fresh wounds, but Kris just forced his teeth together, not uttering a sound. His pain-tolerance was surprisingly high – maybe because Kris was used to romping in forest and doing some rather extreme sports, which often caused her broken skin and bruises, if not much worse things.
“Never thought I’d see the day a Hufflepuff would be nursing a Slytherins wounds,” Kris muttered darkly as Charles reached the worst cut. But slowly the potion seemed to be working.
As Charles stopped cleaning the wounds, Kris just stepped away from him and sat next to the pup. Casting a quick charm on the animal, Kris was thankful to see that none of the bones were broken. But there was a piece of – what was it? Glass? A sharp twig? Whatever it was it was stuck in the pups shoulder and it had to be taken out. The pup whined quietly as Kris probed the area around the cut with his fingers. Reaching down Kris pulled a hunting from it’s sheath on his ankle – the knife stayed there 24/7. After all – there were cases when magic didn’t work or it wasn’t possible to use magic. But a knife as powerful and sharp as this one would certainly be handy on those occasions.
Brushing some of the muddy fur away Kris did two quick cuts and pulled the sharp twig out. Dropping the twig on a stand next to the bed, Kris cut a long string from the bed-clothes: “Clean his wound and put pressure on it until the blood-flow stops. I’ll be right back.”<br>
Cleaning the knife Kris put the knife back with the leg of his pants completely shielding it from view and throwing a cloak he took from a cupboard on his shoulders – there Kris left the room. Only to return a couple of minutes later with a maid carrying their drinks, some warmed milk and incredibly small pieces of meat.
“How is he?” Kris asked Charles after the maid had had while leaving the tray with food for the pup and some snacks for the humans, “Will he be able to eat himself or will we have to feed him? And did the bleeding stop?”<br>

[Charles Driscoll H7]

Charles glared at the tailor but didn’t say anything. He blushed for a minute feeling embarrassed and concentrated on what he was doing, amused by Kris' answer. "As you wish," he said, knowing better than to argue with him. He could see how stubborn he was, and it wasn't like he was the one who would be able to make him change his mind. Charles let out a heavy sigh at his next comment and removed the soiled cloth he had been using on Kris' bronzed back then used his wand to make it fly over to the sink. He was struck by the irony of the situation himself though he hadn’t thought of it all until Kris brought it up. "It's a strange world," said Charles before he could stop himself, Samantha immediately coming to mind. "Slytherin or not, I'm fed up with those stupid labels. And would you have ever imagined a brother and sister in Hufflepuff and Slytherin?" he asked a slight bitterness in his tone. A brother and a sister who've almost forgotten they're related and don’t even speak to each other? That was what was on the tip of his tongue but he just couldn't say it.

Charles went to wash his hand then joined Kris by the dog's side, stroking the puppy's head between his ears and feeling a little jolt inside him at the mournful whimper he heard him make. He removed his hand and let Kris inspect the puppy, wincing when he saw the piece of glass in his back, or wood he couldn’t really tell, and when Kris cut his finger on it. He felt a little nauseous as Kris made the incisions with his knife and pulled it out but got to work immediately when Kris told him what he wanted to him to do. He applied pressure on the wound until the flow of blood stopped completely. He washed his hand again and stroked the puppy's fur, and the puppy turned and looked at Charles, and this time he didn’t try to bite him at all. Instead he just barked, a low bark but all the same a bark, and closed his eyes. Charles tried not to think of the time when they would have to give the puppy up. He was getting attached to him already. Kris was back before long and the puppy stirred at the sound of him coming in and at the smell of the meat and milk the maid was carrying. "Well the wounds have stopped bleeding, and I think he didn’t swallow much water but what he has swallowed is um, well, in your jacket, and you've gotten rid of that, so no problem there. Food, well, we'll try and see. I don’t know how much he'll be ready to eat right now," said Charles, shifting his position so Kris could bring the food closer to the dog.

Charles looked up at Kris watching him as he cared for the puppy and then looking away when he realised Kris might think he was staring. Kris wasn't like anyone Charles had ever met. He was strange. His reactions were rather unexpected. But he had saved a puppy and he was Mary's best friend. And that, at least for Charles, meant he was essentially a person he wouldn’t mind spending time with because Mary's opinions meant a lot to him. And he had saved the puppy which for young Charles was a courageous act whatever Kris said and however much he denied it. He found himself wondering what his sister might have said about him, he had been so sure that she would never admit to having a brother who befriended muggle-borns and half-bloods. "What has Samantha told you about me?" he blurted out trying to sound nonchalant, his curiosity getting the better of him in the end. He hated it when people didn’t like him, and when someone did he went to extraordinary lengths to avoid them or tried to make a better impression. He already had his parents and Samantha hating him, and that was more than enough. A little voice in his head told him that he would have done better to remember Mary's advice about being himself and not caring whether people liked him or not, but he had already asked the question.

[kris]

Kris just nodded at Charles said the dog wouldn’t be ready to eat. Being through what the pup had obviously gone through wouldn’t make Kris want to eat either, but the pup had to force some food down. The animal needed to recover it’s energy before he could start recovering.
“Ready or not, he will eat. Even if I have to force it down his throat,” Kris muttered mournfully almost glaring at the pup. Living with him wouldn’t be easy and the pup needed to et some rules straight quickly – like Kris being master, not being allowed to touch the house-elves and Kris just hoped the dog was house-trained as he thought of the carpets and furniture back home.

Taking the small bowl of milk Kris picked up the puppy and moved the dog to it. “What has Samantha told you about me?” Charles burst out the question suddenly. As the pup didn’t even try to drink, Kris suppressed a sigh and dropped two of his fingers in the milk. Lowering his voice to a soothing tune, Kris quietly sang a lullaby to the pup until he finally started licking the milk from Kris’s fingers and then starting to drink for himself as well, while Kris silently thought of the question while cleaning his fingers on the bed-sheets.
‘I used to have a brother. He’s alive but until he changes some of his ideas my parents will not have him as a member of the family. Not anyone can be a Driscoll’ Samantha’s words – at least their point – and her face when she had stated it flashed through Kris’ mind.

“I knew that you existed, didn’t know who you were or where,” Kris stated raising cold eyes to Charles’ face, “What she told to me about you, was told for my knowledge, not to be told forward to someone, even if it is a relative asking.” One arch of an eye-brow that held a silent warning of not asking anything further and Kris counted the topic concluded: “If it comforts I won’t be commenting whatever you say about your sister to her.”<br>Watching the pup slowly drink his fill for now, Kris placed him back to the bed: “The topic changed to your parents and the new branch of your fathers business in Milan.” Kris eyes Charles curiously – purebloods were usually carefully kept within a certain circle of friends and different ideas and beliefs were stamped into their heads almost before they could think, so they took those ideas for their own. For all the trouble with Voldemort in England, this seemed to be a special problem for pure-bloods in the United Kingdom. So how come Charles had changed so much from the regular that he was taught without a doubt.
“Why don’t you follow the traditions of your family in Slytherin and the general point of view?” Kris asked calmly valuating the Hufflepuff in his head. Then again – it had been a rather personal question, so Kris wouldn’t be surprised if he was not answered.

[Charles Driscoll H7]

Charles smiled a little at the thought of Kris and the pup living together. They were both very stubborn headed and rather fierce, and Charles could see they were going to have a lot of scuffle in the future. But certainly the dog wouldn't forget who it was who saved him. Dogs were like that: faithful to humans to an incredible extent. Charles was a little surprised when Kris cleaned his finger on the immaculate bed-sheets but said nothing. He was still waiting for an answer from Kris who didn’t seem to mind leaving him on tenterhooks at all.

He should have expected what was coming. The truth was he had never asked someone what Samantha thought about him, and had only known her opinion of him from her actions, but he had assumed she had kept their conflicts a secret, and like him had never talked of them to anyone. He hadn’t even told Mary, and he considered her to be his best friend and the one he shared everything with. It hurt to hear what Samantha had told Kris, though he didn't care if his family wanted him to be part of them or not. He was going to abandon them forever when he was old enough anyway. He just had wanted to think about having to abandon Samantha too. It didn’t help that Kris' face was unreadable, and though Charles didn’t want pity, a little sympathy wouldn't have hurt him, would it? The anger and hurt were shunned aside though a minute later as Charles decided he was going to tell Kris what he thought, for if Samantha was going to tell everyone what a bad person he was and that he didn’t deserve to be a Driscoll, he certainly had the right to defend himself.

"I don’t care if you tell Samantha what I tell you about her, the truth is, and I really do mean this, is that I don’t understand Samantha. Not in the least. I don’t understand how she thinks, how she could love me so much for 11 years and then bam, she can't even be in the same room as me without sending me the most hateful looks whenever our eyes meet. I thought I knew her. I thought a lot of things about her and now I'm just confused, but the one thing I do know is that everyday she proves that to me whatever I thought about her was wrong." He looked at Kris steadily for a moment, gathering his thoughts before continuing. "Samantha was completely in charge of me when I was a child. I'm almost six years younger than she is you know, and my parents were always so busy with their businesses and during the evenings they were interested in socialising with the other pureblood families we saw very little of each other. They weren't worried, they knew Samantha thought exactly the same way did, and would bring me up the same way they brought her up. I was young and she doted on me constantly, making sure I had all the toys I wanted, and when I grew up a little she'd take me on walks for hours and we'd talk about everything. We had a very special bond. It was, however, a very sheltered life. We live in a mansion, and I was only allowed to mix with the children of the elite of our society, but I was never comfortable with those kids, they liked things I didn’t, and it was always, 'Who's got the most expensive whatchmacallit, who's got the biggest whatever?', you know what I mean. So you could say Samantha was my best friend. She'd tell me all we'd do when I would join her at Hogwarts, and not once did she ever mention anything about the prejudice purebloods harbour against muggle-borns and half-bloods. I think she and my family thought it was something I would know on my own, like something you are born with and that needs no explanation. But I had a mind of my own," said Charles, and suddenly a stubborn glint, not unlike the one that had been in the eyes of his companions a few minutes ago, entered his eyes. "I made my own decisions. And you see the thing Samantha doesn’t know is that our parents don’t love her. I know that, because I know what Samantha felt for me at one point, and it was very different from what my parents felt for me that's for sure, even before they knew what I was going to do. Which is why I can't figure her out, and I don’t think I'll ever be able to be," he said, the last sentence more to himself than to Kris.

"You know, we should get going really. We don’t want to be too late back, Snape might you cut some slack, but there's no-one to do that for me," said Charles, by way of changing the topic. He'd said a lot more than he intended, but Kris was the one who had wanted to know.

[kris]

Kris listened to Charles’ words silently, slowly valuating and revaluating the info he knew until Kris thought he had a pretty clear picture of everything that was going on. Charles did sound a bit hurt by what his family treated him as Kris just tilted his head and observed the third year Hufflepuff. He seemed to have some character though – more than a lot of people Kris knew.
Kris slowly stroked the pups fur gently working on untangling the dogs fur as he chose words for his answer: “If you are looking for pity now, then you are looking at the wrong person, as I’m going to give you none. You were strong enough to survive on your own and should survive in the future as well. You don’t need my pity. I understand your sister and her way of thinking as it’s much the same as my own but this is not the time nor my place to share my opinions about it.”<br>
Kris turned his wrist and glanced at his silvery wrist-watch. A moment later as if called, there was a knock on the door and the tailor entered with the ordered clothes on his arms.
“You still have time to get to castle before being late. Get into dry clothes and get a move on it – and tell Snape I had use for you if he gives you too much trouble. He can speak to me about it, when I get back to the castle,” Kris told Charles calmly nodding to the tailor who left as quietly as he had came, knowing that the bill would be settled shortly and properly, “I’ll floo to Diagon in some time and take a plane to Italy from there.”<br>Shifting himself to sit a bit more comfortably Kris pulled the pup onto his lap and nodded to Charles – maybe they would see each other again in school, even though they most certainly were friends with different sort of people. But then again - Mary was pretty much the only contact between them.


((I had fun in this post ;D))

[Charles Driscoll H7]

Kris said what Charles had expected and he wasn't upset by his words. Charles wasn't looking for pity, he had already learnt how to live with his problems, all he looked for now was friends who understood him and who he could understand, not people like Samantha or his parents, and what he wanted was friendship and not pity. He wondered whose side Kris was on, and if he really fell into one category or not. He said he shared the opinions of Samantha and Charles had seen how he had dealt with a lot of people today, and it wasn't what one could call kind or gentle. However he had also seen how he had dealt with the puppy, and Charles could see there was another side to his character. On the whole he wished he had more time to get to know him better. He was the only person in the whole school who knew Charles and Samantha were siblings. And who knew what it would be like talking to him at school when they were back amongst their different friends? Though they did have a mutual friend, Mary. That made Charles cheer up a bit, perhaps they would get another chance to talk and Charles would get to know him better.

Charles stripped off the remaining of his clothing and put on the new clothes the tailor had made for him. The material was very soft and the clothes fit him perfectly, and as he got a glimpse of himself in the mirror he could see they suited him as well. He slipped on the new shoes as well and then went over and gave the puppy a final pat, and feeling a little sad when the puppy licked back his hand but knowing he had to get back to school. Charles looked back into the room, not sure exactly how to thank Kris, but wanting to do so all the same. "Thanks, Kris," he said with a small smile, suddenly shy around him for some reason. Perhaps it was because he seemed so much in control and had a way of making people they were much less than him, but he didn’t make Charles feel like that. And then finally, after that final simple expression of gratitude, he left the room and then the hotel then ran off so he wouldn’t be later than he already was.

((As did I. ;D )