Good News for People Who Love Bad News ((FWW))

[Luke Dallan H7]

((With the help of Cait, , I finally came up with a title. This post is for Zara and Caitlin in Flying Without Wings plot. Which is why its entiled FWW.))

Warning: This thread may contain some PG-13 material later on, which we will specify when the time comes. If you are under thirteen years of age, please refrain from reading at your own discretion. Thank you.

Wrapping a towel around his lower half and tying the ends together Luke stared at his reflection in the mirror. Extending a hand toward the glass, he wiped the fog aside, a clearer image of him looking back. This would be the first night that he had with another girl after Caitlin. If Luke hadn’t met Zara that night on the Quidditch pitch, he would still be sitting in his bed, critiquing Bryce on his outfit choice. His best friend had gotten himself into quite the pickle lately. Kissing his best friend, then not telling his girlfriend and on top of that, his feelings for both girls were just mixing together. The way Bryce’s mind worked was a mystery to Luke, but he wasn’t going to tell Ashley his secret. He knew for certain she wouldn’t take it well. Maybe there would be a catfight resulting after it? Sighing, Luke ran his fingers through his stringy hair before heading out of the boy’s laboratory and up the stairs. Closing the door behind him, Luke grabbed another towel from the heater, rubbing it through his wet hair. The other boys were still getting dressed, talking about their dates, and the recent Quidditch match. Luke would have loved to try out for the Hufflepuff team, but he just decided against it. There wasn’t any real reason why. It just was. With his mind racing with Quidditch thoughts, Luke tugged on his Appleby Arrows uniform, smoothing out the crimson sweater. Ryder had sent him a pair just a few days ago. He was preparing his little brother to join the team. Shaking his head, Luke then suited up in his boots, pulling his gloves as the late ensemble peace. It normally wasn’t unusual to see Luke dressed in Quidditch robes, but Zara and him decided to go as a famous couple that both played the wizarding sport.

Quickly drying his hair with a simple charm, Luke bounded out of the common room and down the stairs. He still had time before meeting up with Zara outside the Great Hall. Spotting Bryce heading his way, Luke grinned, shaking his head at his friends costume choice. “I can’t believe you’re wearing that,” he joked stepping back as Bryce drew out his sword. “Be careful with that! You can kill someone with that!” Laughing, Luke turned toward Ashley as she made her way toward the two boys. Winking at Bryce, Luke watched as the two went off to be announced in front of the school. “Don’t trip!” he called after Bryce noticing the time himself. Quickly running forward, Luke made his way toward the Great Hall noticing a flash of bright red hair waiting for him. “Zara!” Luke screamed over the crowd, waving his hands around as he made his way toward her. She was also wearing Quidditch robes, but her Gryffindor colors shinning through. “You look great. Not everybody could pull off wearing Quidditch robes.” Nodding Luke held out his arm for her to take before heading into the hall. Just as they walked through the doors, Luke’s mouth dropped open in awe. The Hall looked absolutely wonderful. Almost like a winter wonder land. “Everything looks amazing,” Luke whispered looking over his shoulder at Zara, smiling brightly.

As the lights dimmed down, Luke turned his attention to the court members that were filing down the isle. “I’m glad I wasn’t nominated,” he whispered softly closely to Zara clapping as he saw Bryce and Ashley walk in front of them. “I don’t do well in the spotlight.” Chuckling lightly, he looked across the room at Professor Dumbledore as he announced the titles, using his wand as a microphone. Clapping, Luke whistled upon hearing his best friend crowned king. Once the court members filed out, Luke looked over at Zara, “Come on lets get something to drink.” Tugging on her arm, he pulled her toward the refreshment table, handing Zara a cup. “Iced cider….” Luke mumbled shivering at the thought as he went for the pumpkin juice. As he poured the liquid into the cup, Luke glanced over at his date. “So how have you’ve been lately, Zara?”

[Zara Phoenix]

((Goodness, as usual it ended up longer than I expected!))

Zara took a deep breath as she sunk into the mattress of her bed, her hands gripping the mirror tightly as she stared into it. Her reflection looked back passively, waiting for her next move, waiting to follow. Finally, Zara decided to put the heavy object on her bed and stand, choosing not to meddle with her image anymore. She looked fine. She believed she looked fine. Zara had never been self-conscious, nor had she ever dressed to impress; she was a down-to-earth girl who didn’t believe appearance was everything. However, the fact she was attending the Winter Ball tonight with Luke Dallan made her usually confident, self-assured thoughts fade into the background, replaced by nervousness and apprehension. First of all, she was wearing Quidditch robes to the Ball. Quidditch robes. Zara was a self-confessed Quidditch fanatic, but she wondered if this seemed over the top, even for her. She was sure most girls tonight would be attending the Ball in beautiful, over-accessorised dresses with heaps of glittering jewellery, and this meant Zara would stand out like a beacon… if her bright red Gryffindor colours didn’t already do this. Luke would most likely be wearing the Hufflepuff version. They had planned this that night they had met in the Grounds; a famous Quidditch couple in wizarding history suited the event’s needs and their personalities, so it was a perfect choice.

Secondly, although Zara did normally attend such Hogwarts events with a partner of sorts, they had always been boys she had never been particularly attracted to. When you’re at such an age and know no one of romantic interest, it was common for girls and boys to seek a momentary partner out merely to take to the event that was to take place. Zara knew the Winter Ball with Luke would be no exception, but there was one thing that changed this – she liked Luke. Not only as a person, but she felt she was romantically interested in him. It wasn’t like her hormones had only just kicked in; no… he was just different than all the other boys she had interacted with so far. No one had ever caught her eye, but Luke had now. Yet, Zara was afraid. Scared wasn’t the word she would use to describe her feelings, but she was certainly wary of falling for Luke by accident. Although she was unwilling to distance herself from this budding friendship for such a pathetic reason, Zara was still feeling worried about the Caitlin Martinez issue that no doubt hung over Luke’s head. Zara wondered if her fellow Gryffindor classmate, and Luke’s ex-girlfriend, would be attending the Ball tonight; and if so, would she have a date too? Zara was also sensitive to the fact that Luke may have asked her to the Ball on the spur of the moment rather than because of true chemistry; perhaps he wasn’t really over Caitlin and needed an escape.

Zara didn’t want to be an escape. This may have been the reason she had failed to find any romantic feel for anyone until now; most of the boys in the past had failed to meet Zara’s expectations. She didn’t think they were too high, but evidently there weren’t many decent men in the world. Zara sighed to herself as she paced her dormitory. She had had enough of thinking, enough of pondering herself to death. Zara didn’t do overindulgence in worry. She was a confident young woman and this certainly should not be able to sway her so much. Banishing all repetitive and anxious thought from her mind, Zara adjusted her Quidditch robes one last time, before descending the stairs to the Common Room. She wondered if she’d even get the chance to see Sapphire tonight; she had hoped to receive her opinion before the Ball itself, but this chance looked slim. Zara walked briskly out of the portrait door and down the corridors, her boots a soft thud against the shiny corridor floor sheen. Passing a large decorative mirror, Zara paused momentarily as her eyes caught themselves in her reflection. Her hair, normally a reddy-brown (dependable, to be honest) was a shiny sleek red, the brown outshined by the light falling against her long ponytail. Her normally straight locks were tied in a high, and cascaded against her back in a loose mass of waves. A few curled bangs fell across her pink cheek, her lips accented by a hint of gloss.

Besides this little preening Zara had done tonight, she had refrained from any more jewellery or makeup besides the fake ‘wedding ring’ on her left hand; if she were to dress up as a famous couple, she needed to try her best to look the part. It was merely a band of gold, thin and shiny on her slender finger, and it would probably be unnoticeable, even for Luke, but Zara felt it was necessary, seeing as she hadn’t done much else to make her outfit interesting and outstanding besides don her usual match kit. Hurrying down the stairs to the Great Hall with a throng of over students, Zara positioned herself by the end of the steps, having swept the entrance hall and not seen Luke’s familiar shock of sandy blonde hair. Sure enough, Zara didn’t have long to wait in anticipation as Luke arrived about five minutes later, when the Ball was soon due to start. He waved his arms around erratically in the air, causing Zara to smile to herself as he called her name through the crowd. Afraid he’d be swept away, Zara pushed her way determinedly towards him until they stood side by side. She ran her eyes down his attire and found herself smiling easily again. He certainly looked the part, and coupled with her, the result was effective. A small weight lifted off Zara’s shoulder; now she wouldn’t worry about being unusually self-conscious for the rest of the evening. Luke’s further comment made Zara happier, and she replied to it with a playful grin. “Thank you. The same goes to you, Mr Dallan.”

Zara did a quick 360 of the fellow students around her, noting the dresses with little care, before smilingly accepting Luke’s extended arm. She let him lead the way as she continued to scan her surroundings curiously, and when they entered the Great Hall, like Luke, Zara felt her breath hitch. They had really pulled out all the stops this time. “It does.” Zara agreed when Luke turned around and whispered. Resting against him as they came to a stop and the beginning ceremony began, Zara took comfort in Luke’s presence without realising it. There was something calming about being with him, something about him that made Zara smile so easily. It felt natural, this, even though this was only the second time she had spent with Luke in such close proximity. Feeling her nerves get the better of her again, Zara swallowed them, very much like she would have done in a Quidditch match. She felt herself begin to relax once more, and hoped she would stay that way, because she wanted Luke as a friend at the moment… and nothing more. Just because you went to the Ball with someone, didn’t mean anything more – Zara knew that from experience. “I can’t say I enjoy it much either.” Zara whispered back in Luke’s ear as they watched the Courts being announced. Spotlight was something Zara would endure, but not enjoy, it was as simple as that. They both cheered loudly when the four royals were announced – Bryce Alexander, Luke’s best friend, being named the King. Zara wasn’t surprised when Luke excitedly joined in the clapping, and she followed him with a smile. She could remember Bryce hitting plenty a Bludger at her during the recent Quidditch match, but all was forgotten back in reality. What was played in Quidditch was left behind on the pitch.

“Sure.” Zara nodded when Luke began to tug on her arm. They went to the refreshments table, where Luke began to pour pumpkin juice into her cup. “Thanks.” Zara smiled, raising the glass to her lips and taking a small sip. The atmosphere was growing and heating up, and she found the cold drink refreshing to the throat. “Not bad.” Zara spoke with a small smile in reply to Luke’s enquiry, “I’ve been busy as usual… had that Quidditch match the other day too. Were you there to see it? Or is that even a question I need to ask?” Zara teased. “And you? How have you been? You have been taking care of yourself since the last time I spoke to you, right? You didn’t look too good last time.” She cast him a pointed concerned glance, before shading it with a smile. “But anyway, I hereby make a toast,” She raised her glass to Luke with a twinkle in her eye, “To Quidditch, and to this Christmas and New Year. May it be a happy one.”

[Luke Dallan H7]

Luke set the ladle back into the punch bowl hearing the familiar ‘clank’ of the plastic clashing together. Another couple came up toward the punch bowl, pouring pumpkin juice into their own cups. Smiling politely at them, Luke turned over his shoulder at Zara as she spoke about the Quidditch. That was most definitely a great match to start off the upcoming Hogwarts season. Each team player to their fullest potential, and he could remember Zara chaser skills improved since he’d last seen her. Nodding, Luke cocked his head to the left, a sly smile curling onto his pink lips. “Me? Miss a Quidditch match?” he asked disbelief dripping on every word he spoke. Luke would never miss a match at Hogwarts. The only thing that he would skip was class, which he did often. “Of course I went,” Luke added smiling playfully as he brought the cup up to his lips. Taking a small sip, he sighed silently as the cold liquid slid down his dry throat. The hall was beginning to become clammy and dry from all the body heat. “You did a really good job out there, Zara. Even took a couple bludger attacks.” Shaking his head slowly as Luke recalled any memory from the game, he could remember Zara getting attacked by a couple bludgers. Branden was on top of his game, but the Hufflepuff beaters were not exactly a force to be reckoned with. One thing about Hufflepuff was that they never gave up. Even though they played fairly, they wouldn’t give up on each other. “Though…we need to work on your intercepting passes.” Squinting slightly, Luke sighed as he started sounding like his brother more everyday. There was just something about Zara that Luke wanted to help her. He saw the potential in her, but maybe it was just an excuse to be with her? Whatever Luke was feeling, it was taking him by surprise. He was still expecting to be lost without Caitlin, but now Zara mad this entrance, he wasn’t. Luke wasn’t the kind of person who dwelled over things that didn’t work out. He always tried to move on because it was the best thing for him and for the people around him.

“I’ve been fine,” Luke answered taking another sip of his drink. “Have I told you my brother wants me to practice with the Appleby Arrows for the winter holidays?” he asked grinning with anticipation of her excitement. Luke wanted nothing more than playing professional Quidditch on his brother’s team. “He’s the assistant coach of the team. Without him I don’t know how on earth I would be as good as I am today.” Staring down at the ground, Luke smiled to himself. It was true. If Ryder hadn’t pushed him past his limits, Luke wouldn’t be as great as he was today. “Who’s your inspiration to play?” he questioned, looking into Zara’s eyes that shinned brightly underneath all the sparkling lights. He gulped silently, taking another long sip of his drink. Luke was fighting back the urge to move the few strands of red hair that fell into Zara’s eyes. Would it be to forward if he did? Ignoring the feeling, Luke’s eyes grew wide as he noticed the small figure of Caitlin Martinez in the distance. She was talking to a few of her friends her newly cut short hair falling into her face. Glancing quickly over at Zara, Luke took her hand guiding her away from the refreshment table so other students could get their drinks. “Sorry. Didn’t want to be the reason for angry-punch thirsty students.” Smiling slightly Luke leaned against the wall, his hand still clasped gently around Zara’s. He didn’t want to let go. Not unless it was the only thing that she wanted, or made her feel uncomfortable.

Noticing a few students glance their way as they walked by, Luke rolled his eyes at their confused faces. “I don’t think people understand our costume choice,” he said staring at a group of girls looking their way. Adverting his gaze, he stared onto the dance floor, his eyes watching the couples dance. Luke wasn’t much of a dancer. Actually, he had two left feet, and he hoped Zara wouldn’t ask him. If she did, it would take a lot of coaxing on her part if she didn’t want bruised feet for the night. “So what other choices did you had in mind for us to go as? I already see at least a dozen King Arthur’s and Queen Guinevere’s. I’m more of a Lancelot fan.”

[Zara Phoenix]

Zara laughed, not surprised that Luke had witnessed the Quidditch match, but feeling a little self-conscious that he had seen her entire performance. She had made mistakes during the game, mistakes she knew she shouldn’t have made. “Thanks.” Her free consciously went to her other arm, rubbing the light bruise that was in the process of fading. “Quidditch is a risk. Most of us can’t get through a match completely uninjured. Those Bludgers exist to hurt us. They got me a few times… nothing major. Bryce and Ashley were real good on that day.” Zara smiled lightly and tilted her face to look at Luke. After all, Bryce was his best friend, and Ashley was Bryce’s good friend. Zara didn’t know if her fellow seventh years were an item, but it seemed that was the case much of the time. “I don’t begrudge them or anything. It’s their job to hit me.” Zara grinned wryly when Luke pointed out her weaknesses. “Yeah… I wasn’t having a good day, to be honest. I hadn’t gotten enough sleep, and I made loads of mistakes. Though I can’t blame everything on ‘not having a good day’. You know what Quidditch is like; you have to be at the top of your game every single match; no excuses.” Zara sipped her drink again and smiled at Luke over the top of her glass with a teasing twinkle in her eye. “You could help me before the next match. This time I won’t be against Hufflepuff.”

“No, you haven’t mentioned it before,” Zara grinned, excited for Luke, “That sounds amazing.” She didn’t know Luke had an older brother, or any siblings for that matter. “Who’s your brother? Did he come here?” Zara asked curiously. Evidently the Quidditch fever ran through the Dallan family. This was something Zara had always lacked… Sapphire was reluctant towards the sport ever since their second year at the World Cup, Belgium versus Ireland. The incident had failed to dampen Zara’s passion for Quidditch and flying, but Sapp was near close to hating anything to do with it. There were times Zara felt alone in her love for the sport, but then she had joined the Gryffindor house team, and there were people there who felt the same way she did. And then there was Luke; he obviously loved Quidditch. Even though he wasn’t on the house team, his love for it was genuine. “Who’s my inspiration?” Zara blinked in surprise at Luke’s question. She mused for a moment, pondering how to answer him. “Well… I never did have anyone to inspire me,” She finally said wryly, “I’m half blooded. My dad is a muggle, and my mother is the type of witch that doesn’t indulge much in magic and things like Quidditch. I’ve never taken after my mum. Sapphire takes after her in looks, as you might have noticed; I think I got my red hair from my dad’s blood.” Zara shrugged casually. The topic of her family and background was neither a uncomfortable or uncomfortable one. “I suppose my love for Quidditch is purely instinct. It’s a natural fire in me.” She smiled at Luke, hoping he’d understand. “I’m the first in my family; Sapphire, you could say, hates flying, for her own personal reasons.”

“Your brother is your inspiration?” Zara proceeded to ask with a small smile at Luke, “I think I’m my own inspiration.” She finally announced proudly, a determined look on her face. Her eyes caught Luke’s and stayed there momentarily, struck somewhat speechless by the intense gaze he was giving her. Feeling a little self conscious, Zara suddenly felt the room was extremely hot, and proceeded to drink a long draught of the pumpkin juice. She averted her gaze coyly, turning to interest herself in the dancers on the dance floor, until Luke suddenly grabbed her hand and led her away. Zara’s hand tingled from the intimate contact, but didn’t say anything; she let Luke lead them to a corner of the room, wondering what was wrong. She laughed at his explanation, watching as he leaned against the wall. She expected him to let her hand go, but he continued to hold it gently. Swallowing, Zara sent Luke a small smile, to show him she wasn’t uncomfortable… in fact, she quite liked the sensation. She laughed when Luke rolled his eyes. “Do we care?” She joked, tugging at her costume with a confident smile. “I had worried about it before, but as long as you’re accompanying me, we look fine. I don’t care what they think.” Zara squeezed Luke’s hand reassuringly, before smiling.

“I didn’t have anything in mind, actually. I hadn’t even thought about tonight until you asked me.” Zara sighed a little. “So much work this year, I’ve little time for anything else. Quidditch always comes first after education, but I want to put it before work all the time.” Zara laughed. “You’d make a good Lancelot. I’m glad we at least look original, and that I’m not in a revealing ball gown or something…” Her eyes drifted to a passing girl with a dress made of literally no material. “I’m surprised the professors have allowed some of them.” Her gaze lingered away to smile at Luke. “Did you have anything else in mind? For costumes, that is. I’ve never been an appearance person, so I made a special effort for tonight. I just feel like I’m getting ready for a match though.” Zara joked, before stopping her sentence. Suddenly she was awfully close to Luke; somehow whilst talking she had stepped forward, and now she was literally pressing him against the wall. Only a few inches separated their faces. Looking up at him in surprise, Zara felt the silence fall over them for a few seconds, until she broke herself out of the trance. “Dance with me?” She offered lightly with a smile, putting her glass down on a nearby table and reaching for his other hand. She pulled her body away, increasing the distance between them, and tried to lead him to the dance floor. “I’m not a dancer, but… I haven’t had a dance for a long, long time.” She smiled hopefully at Luke. Something was happening, and Zara couldn’t say what, but whatever she and Luke were doing, or whatever they had, she couldn’t deny she didn’t like it.

[Luke Dallan H7]

A small smile curled on his lips at the sound of excitement in Zara’s voice. She was really one of the only people that understood Luke’s love for the game. Bryce wasn’t so obsessed, but he had his own personal problems to worry about. “Well now you know,” Luke spoke gently with a slow nod of his head. “He says the team is full, but there is always more room for reserves. Plus, I could probably get a starting position is I worked really hard.” Bring the plastic cup to his lips taking another long sip his mind thinking back to his night conversation with Bryce. His best friend wanted him to try out for the Falmouth Flacons, but Luke was turning the tables and trying to convince Bryce to join his favorite team. When Zara asked about Ryder, Luke nodded in response to the second part of her question. “Yep…my brother went to Hogwarts as well. He’s only a year older than me, but was in Gryffindor as well,” he began setting the cup on the empty table next to him. “His name is Ryder Dallan. He isn’t mentioned much in the papers, but my father is. He coordinates all the Quidditch matches that go on around the UK. So our family gets free tickets to the games. I’ll make sure to get one extra to take you along.” Smiling, Luke winked at her. The only part he left out about his family was that his mother was dead. No one really knew that about Luke. Only two people did; Bryce, and Caitlin. Pushing the sad thoughts that entered his mind aside, Luke listened to Zara as she talked about her own past. “Isn’t Sapphire in Ravenclaw? I think I’ve seen her around. She hangs out with the Ravenclaw Quidditch captain.” Squinting in thought, Luke shrugged listened once again as Zara said she was her own inspiration. Smiling brightly at her, he nodded at the other comment of Ryder. “You’re the type of person who can push yourself, me on the other hand; I need that extra moral support from someone. I can get very lazy and cocky at times.” Laughing, Luke elbowed Zara gently on the side, “If I ever get that way, I give you permission to knock me off my broom or aim a bludger my way.”

Quickly glancing away from the sight of Caitlin, Luke took hold of Zara’s hand leading her to the far corner of the Great Hall. He smiled at Zara’s confidence in not worrying about what others thought of them. Luke liked that about her. Most girls he’d known would just worry all night. Actually, he the most surprised when she said yes to them going as a famous Quidditch couple. Zara loved the game, but Luke now Luke believed her passion was just as great at his. Feeling the light squeeze of her hand against him, he smiled lopsidedly at her, squeezing back with the same amount of power. Leaning in down toward her ear, he breathed shortly for silence before whispering, “I don’t care anymore.” Grinning, Luke stood up, leaning back against the wall, his right knee bent slightly so the back of his boots were against the stone. “I think you should try out for a Quidditch team after seventh year-” he spoke, his thumb slowly brushing across her smooth creamy skin. It felt so gentle against his hardened hands. “You’ve never told me your favorite team…so let’s start there…unless you have other ideas instead of professional Quidditch.” Zara changed the topic back to their other ideas of couples to go as. “I really didn’t have any other ideas. I like our idea. It’s different, and I don’t see anybody else in Quidditch robes.” Staring at the girl that Zara pointed out, Luke sighed at the thin piece of material she was wearing. Keeping silent, Luke just nodded at her comment. His blue eyes glanced across the room, staring at each dancing couple. Feeling Zara step closer to him, Luke glanced down at her as her body was now pressed up against his own. Luke’s eyes widened slightly, but he fought back his to wrap his arms around Zara’s slim waist. Staring into Zara’s own glimmering eyes, he tried hard to keep calm. Smiling he shook his head as Zara pulled on his arms, tugging him toward the dance floor. “Zara…I really can’t dance,” he protested sighing as he wouldn’t give up her pursuit to dance. Anyways, the song was slow, so he wouldn’t have to make a fool of himself at a fast paced song.

As they stepped in the middle of the dance floor, Luke took a step forward toward Zara, closing the gap between them. Smiling, he tucked the loose strands of her red hair behind her ear. Luke stared into her eyes for a moment before wrapping his arms securely around her waist. Luke’s fingers laced together as he waited for Zara’s arms to encircle around his neck. Just as he took one step to the side, he felt his feet crush onto of her hers. Blushing, Luke stopped laughing nervously. “Sorry…” he whispered hoping that she would at least make the first move. “I warned you that I wasn’t the best at dancing.”

[Zara Phoenix]

“I’m sure that you would get in eventually. You have natural skill and the passion. Plus, you’ll work hard if you want it.” Zara smiled encouragingly. “Oh, I think I know who your brother is!” She suddenly exclaimed when Luke mentioned his brother’s name. “Ryder… yeah. It’s easy knowing people in your house around your age.” She smiled, trying to recollect anything more about Ryder Dallan than the fact she had known his name and face. “I remember what he looked like, but I never knew his surname, or spoke to him. That’s probably why I never made the connection.” Zara gave Luke a wry smile, but her eyes lit up at the mention of Quidditch games. “Flying really runs in your blood, doesn’t it?” She grinned enthusiastically. “I’d love to come along, and to meet your family. Say hi to Ryder too; see if he remembers my face.” Zara fiddled with a strand of stray red, brushing it off her shoulder, before nodding with a smile. “Yeah, she is. Jasmine is one of her best friends. Sapp and I may be twins, but are different, and yet we’re close.” Zara wondered again if Sapp was here tonight, but didn’t have another thought to spare about it. The topic switched to discipline, and Zara laughed. “I force myself, but really, I’m a lazy girl.” Her eyes twinkled in amusement. “I will do. I’m a Beater secondly, so I’m not bad with a bat. I won’t stand for too much cockiness.” She joked, realising the way they spoke it was as if tonight was only the start of a friendship… in the very least.

By the wall, Zara felt Luke squeeze her hand in return and smiled softly at his comment. It had been whispered into her ear, causing her to shiver at the pleasurable sensations that tingled her spine. Ignoring her inner emotions, Zara gave a small shrug at Luke’s next suggestion. “I want to… But my goal was always to be an Auror. I didn’t discover Quidditch until the end of first year, but the moment I came to Hogwarts, what I wanted to be was an Auror. Don’t ask me why. It’s gotten me into too much trouble, having to take Potions.” Zara sighed quietly. “But I intend on Quidditch being a factor in my life. I couldn’t possibly let it go just like that. I’m just too ambitious.” Zara grinned wryly. “Hm… well, favourite team… I don’t have one…” She felt Luke’s fingers run across hers slowly. “I’m guessing you want to go into professional Quidditch?” Zara smiled cheerfully, not really daunted by her own choices.

“I don’t mind.” Zara laughed when Luke tried to protest. She pulled him along harder, until they were about in the middle of the dance floor. Many couples swirled like teacups around them. “We can just… sway… or something.” She sent him an aloof smile, and he seemed to warm to the idea. Really, Zara wasn’t a dancer either; it wasn’t something she had ever excelled at or enjoyed. However, on these occasions, she liked to have a good twirl. Zara was about to put her hands on Luke’s shoulders, when a hand rose to tuck a few of her bangs behind her ear. Blushing a little at the intimate contact, her heart hit her ribcage painfully. Dismissing it again, Zara tried to steady her nerves as Luke’s arms wound round her waist, holding her strongly. Giving a weak smile, her emotions high from the adrenaline that pumped through her veins, Zara eventually let her hands go round his neck. She was glad Luke had no intention of dancing properly – ballroom or whatever it was called. Zara much preferred it like this. She let her head fall on his left shoulder, her chin just about resting on his tall frame. She was about to move, when Luke took a step sideways and accidentally stood on her left foot. It hurt slightly, but not too much, and immediately Zara heard and felt Luke’s apology brushing against her ear. He was nervous. “It’s all right.” Zara giggled, stifling her amused laughter, “Just move slowly. That didn’t hurt anyway… it’s a good thing I’m wearing Quidditch boots tonight.” She turned a little to look up at him and smiled reassuringly, before pressing her cheek against his; it was hard to avoid, really, standing so close to each other, and Luke didn’t seem to mind.

They danced slowly to the soft music in the background for some time; Zara eventually lost track of when it was, so soothed and calmed by Luke’s warm body pressing into hers. There was something very therapeutic, being able to rest and trust in someone else so intimately. Zara wasn’t sure if this was the best idea… her sensible head told her she was jumping way too fast into this… ‘relationship’. Luke was evidently interested, and Zara knew she was physically interested too… But… it was going so fast. Still, Zara’s heart, as usual, won over. Her heart wanted to do this, and so Zara gave in and let it happen. She enjoyed this sensation of being protected and being safe, anyway. Zara had never known anything else… most of her life she had stood on her own two feet, with only Sapphire to help her up in the hardest of times. The twins relied heavily on each other. Zara’s eyes scanned the room as she danced with Luke, inhaling what she guessed was the smell of him, when, just as she closed her eyes to revel in the sensation, she bumped into someone softly. Alarmed, Zara’s eyes shot open and her arms disentangled from Luke, though one hand still remained on his chest, above the crest of Hufflepuff. “Sorry,” Zara apologised quickly with a wide smile, turning to see who it was. However, when her eyes met the familiar ones of Caitlin Martinez, Zara’s heart suddenly panged with fear. Luke’s ex-girlfriend. Would she be angry? Caitlin didn’t strike her as the type to be like that, but… who knew what jealousy was like, and how close Luke was with Caitlin before. Maybe he had drawn Caitlin in just as quickly…?

[Caitlin Martinez G7]

Caitlin had been lying in her bed in the Gryffindor girls' dormitories when everyone else had gotten ready. There was chatter from her dorm mates, but she didn't listen to any of them. Perhaps if she had, she would have realised that Zara was going with Luke, but Caitlin's mind had been elsewhere that entire evening. Or perhaps it hadn’t been as elsewhere as she would have liked it to be. Her mind practically did loops around Luke and her breaking up with him. She hadn't been able to get the break up off her mind. Caitlin had decided that she was doomed to live her life alone after the break up, simply because she didn't think she deserved anyone. After the whole thing with Colin, Caitlin had been completely heartbroken – not that she and Colin were ever a couple, but they had been…nearly there. Hadn't they? There was something there. And then there was Luke, and Luke had been this kind of… thing that just drew her to him. Like a moth to a flame. And she felt safe with Luke and she felt happy with Luke, but then she felt guilty for feeling those things for Luke or with Luke and she was torn down and Caitlin hated feeling torn down. So what had her solution been? To break up with Luke. All that time it took for them to get together, it took 30 seconds to break up with him. Caitlin sighed slightly presently and ran her fingers through her brown hair, standing from her four-poster and walking over to the full length mirror. All of her dorm mates were gone, they had all left for the ball already, and she was the only Gryffindor girl seventh year who hadn't gone. Hell, she was probably the only girl period that hadn't gone.

Caitlin looked at her reflection. She wore torn and ragged jeans with a simple t-shirt, converses, and her hair was down. Her nose ring reflected the light and she smiled slightly at it. She did love the thing and she hated the fact that she had to take it out during classes. Caitlin sighed once more before looking around the empty dorm room and then decided she was going to go to the ball. It was a spur of the moment thing, and she hadn't planned on getting an outfit for it – it wasn't like she was Cinderella, but she had wanted to talk to Luke for awhile now. Caitlin seemed to gather all of her courage and left the dormitory, heading down into the common room. It was nearly empty except for a first year doing his homework. She eyed him a moment a then hurried out of the common room into the corridor. Her feet were carrying her faster than she thought they ever could and soon enough she had reached the Great Hall. There was laughter and music trickling from the open double doors and Caitlin felt extremely out of place. Her eyes scanned the crowd of dancers and immediately she spotted Luke, dancing with someone else. She hadn’t thought much about it and so she continued her quest forward – pressing through the twirling bodies to get to her destination.

It wasn't until she realised who Luke was dancing with and how close they were dancing together that Caitlin stopped in her tracks. Luke hadn't spotted her, but she was only a foot away from them. People snapped at her to move but everything was a blur and she couldn't move. She couldn't move her feet. Luke and Zara danced closer to her, each step they took bringing them that much closer to Caitlin. Finally, they were so close that Zara bumped into her. Caitlin stumbled backward slightly and stared at her fellow Gryffindor dorm mate as she apologised and then seemed to realise who it was. Caitlin stood there, her hands at her sides, shaking like a leaf. Her eyes flickered from Zara to Luke, where they stayed for a moment or so before flickering back to Zara. She hadn't expected them to be at the ball together, but then again Caitlin hadn't been keeping up with anything Luke wise for the past couple of weeks. She didn't feel like feeling even more guilty. But now she found herself wishing she had kept up on anything new. At least then her world wouldn’t feel like it was being ripped at the seams. Caitlin felt her jaw drop slightly as she looked back and forth, "Oh," was the single syllable that came out of her mouth. She looked at Luke again, staring slightly before whispering; "What was I thinking? I'm stupid. I'm sorry," she turned to walk away when this huge urge overpowered her. She didn't want to talk away. So what if Luke had a date to the ball? She needed to talk to him, to get everything off her chest.

And so with this realisation in the front of Caitlin's mind, she turned around and walked back toward them, a semi-sweet but more awkward smile on her face, "No, um, I'm not sorry. I mean, yes, I'm sorry for ruining your dance and I'm probably going to be sorry for talking to you later on tonight, but at this specific moment I'm not sorry for asking if I can talk to you, Luke." Her eyes remained on her ex boyfriend as she waited for his answer, trying to completely ignore Zara. She didn't have a vendetta against the girl, her focus was on Luke, and her mind was whirling around what she was going to say to him. She needed to say something. She couldn't just tear him away from his date without anything to say. That was if he agreed to talking, which he very well might not.

[Luke Dallan H7]

Silence. Well there wasn’t exactly a cricket chirping quiet because the soft music in the back ground, but it was the kind of stillness when two people were together, not speaking, just…simultaneously. Luke had never really felt this kind of calming sensation before. His and Caitlin relationship was very different. He was the one trying to make it work, chasing after something that he couldn’t have for long. Zara wasn’t running from him though. She was just within his grasps; literary. Did this mean that he felt something more than friendship for Zara? Luke did feel a little flicker of flame deep within him, but it wasn’t strong enough to completely decipher. They still needed more time. Luke didn’t even know anything about Zara. All he could remember that she had a twin in Ravenclaw named Sapphire. He didn’t know anything about her parents, other hobbies, or even where she liked to hang out. But, Luke felt this uncanny attraction to her. Like her couldn’t help but get enough of Zara in his day. Luke just felt extremely confused by his feelings. Did he want to start a new relationship with Zara, or get back together with Caitlin? Was Luke even ready for a new romantic relationship? He didn’t know. All he knew that he was dancing with Zara having an enjoyable time. It was just then when Luke had stepped on Zara’s foot. There was a small blush on his face as they stopped swaying, Zara looking up into his face. She reassured him it was alright. Luke was glad she wasn’t mad at him. Most girls would just quit dancing after he stepped on their feet a couple of times. Though, it was understandable. Luke wasn’t wanting sore feet all night. Feeling Zara’s warm cheek press into his, Luke smiled as he leaned comfortably against it.

They continued swaying to the soft melody, Luke pressing his cheek comfortably against Zara’s. He skin felt so smooth across his, bringing peace. Smiling softly at the thought, Luke closed his eyes as he gave into the sweet song. Flinging forward slightly as they stopped abruptly, Luke opened his eyes to see what had happen. It would be extremely funny if they had bumped into another couple. Feeling his hopes drop, Luke stared into the face of Caitlin Martinez, his blue eyes meeting her brown ones. What was she doing here? What could she possibly want to say!? There was silence between the three, Caitlin’s jaw gaped open in shook from Luke and Zara. Looking over at Zara she looked almost just as shocked as the other Gryffindor was. Sighing, Luke ran his fingers through his messy blonde hair. Stopping midway through his fingers as Caitlin spoke, Luke watched as she was about to turn away but stopped. Well, what was new? It wouldn’t surprise Luke if she had walked away. It was just Caitlin running away from what she wanted again. Her slight rude words stirred anger inside of Luke. It wasn’t too rude, but her actions were. Laughing an airy laugh, Luke shook his head at his ex-girlfriend. “What could you possibly want to talk about Caitlin?” he asked in an annoyed whisper, his eyes never leaving hers. “I’m tired of chasing you around like some kind of love sick dog,” Luke began taking a step closer to the brown haired seventh year, looking down at her in the eye. “I’m tired of you never being open with me. I’m sick of it all, and most importantly, I’m sick of you.”

Luke’s words were harsh, but they were the truth. He was just tired of it everything that involved Caitlin Martinez. She didn’t know that pain he was put through after she had broken up with them because she was afraid again. “We don’t have anything to talk about. Were through. Have a nice life.” Luke turned sharply on pushing couples aside as he sped out of the Great Hall. He knew he had left Zara behind with those nasty words, but Luke just had to leave. He just needed to clear his head. Reaching the stairs, Luke stopped as he heard his name being called from behind him. Turning around as he noticed Zara making her way toward him, Luke stood still, shaking from the latest confrontation with Caitlin. He shouldn’t have said what he did, but it was how he felt. Luke waited as Zara caught her breath, both of them staring into each other eyes. Before Luke could even think things through, he pulled Zara closer to him, leaning into toward her lips and dropping a sweet, subtle kiss upon them. Pulling away, Luke sighed as he shook his head at his stupid actions. He was doing alot of irresponsible things lately. “I’m sorry, Zara,” he apologized looking at her in the eyes.

[Zara Phoenix]

Zara was, to say the least, surprised by Caitlin’s appearance. She watched her fellow Gryffindor’s own shock illuminated clearly on her face, and felt her heart go out to her. This was a horrible position to be in, for all three of them, and Zara suddenly wanted to fade into the background and be forgotten. Caitlin looked like she was about to turn and leave, when she changed her mind and declared she had to speak to Luke. Evidently she wanted a private conversation without Zara’s presence. Her chest constricted as she suddenly felt overprotective of Luke, a little possessive, but knew it was ridiculous of her. Zara’s primary thought was to de-tangle herself from Luke’s tight grip around her waist and leave, letting him talk to Caitlin in private; Zara could not deny them this. But, as she heard Luke speak, she realised this was not what he wanted. Rather, as she looked at him in surprise, she saw anger reflected in his eyes. Evidently their break up had not been a friendly one. A little afraid of Luke’s building anger, Zara remained silent as he spoke in scathing tones to Caitlin. His bitterness surprised her, his harsh words surprised her, but something told Zara that everything that came out of Luke’s mouth was the conclusion of his pain and misery, caused by this one girl. Zara’s eyes fell on Caitlin again. How much of an impact had she had on Luke’s life? How much of an imprint did she leave?

Zara had always been quite indifferent towards Caitlin. She was a quiet girl who stuck to herself. Zara barely knew anything about her, really, despite being in the same house and year for almost seven years – their entire Hogwarts life. Zara hadn’t given much thought to it when Caitlin was dating Luke either; she didn’t know Luke Dallan well enough. He wasn’t quiet, but he wasn’t loud either, and he had his bunch of friends. Zara couldn’t believe it had taken till now to meet him properly and have this chemistry between them. Still, that could be ruined by Caitlin Martinez. Zara wasn’t afraid of her influence on Luke, as it was obvious he despised her… yet it was possible Luke still harboured intense feelings for her, and whatever their relationship, Caitlin made him angry – angry enough to push himself away from Zara.

Zara’s thoughts were broken when Luke began to move away and out of the Great Hall at an alarmingly fast speed. People flung aside to let him stride away, and immediately Zara darted after him without a thought. Her mind raced… and her heart worried. Even though somehow she felt cast aside, somehow inferior to Caitlin in a way despite those harsh words he had just uttered, she still was anxious about Luke… even if he didn’t feel the same way. “Luke!” Zara shouted as she ran after him out of the Great Hall. Gradually the buzzing noises faded away as all Zara could see was Luke. Slowly she approached as he stopped, looking up with worried eyes. “Luke?” She whispered, scared about his reaction as he stood there, still. Eventually he looked at her, and Zara could see the pain in his eyes. She didn’t feel angry at him… just pain too. His pain was almost tangible. Suddenly, without warning, Luke pulled Zara into him. Noise faded to silence as she looked into Luke’s eyes. The moment was palpable, and Zara could hardly breathe. Then, his lips was on hers, and Zara had no idea what she was feeling. The moment, sweet as it was, was over in a second as Luke pulled away. He apologised, and Zara’s eyes softened, bending her cheek into his soft touch. “It’s fine.” She whispered, not wanting Luke to leave; she wanted his warmth, his lips on hers again. She wanted to know again he wanted her, and not someone else. She didn’t know why this feeling was so strong. She didn’t understand why she cared so much. But still… “It’s fine.” She repeated, before closing the distance between them by leaning forwards and kissing him again.

Drawing away, Zara gave Luke a small smile, before motioning up the stairs. “Maybe we should leave the party, hm?” She smiled reassuringly, her hand squeezing his. She didn’t want Luke to go back and be angry or upset. She wanted him to remain happy. “There wasn’t much else to do anyway. And we could always dance in the corridors to our own music.” She joked, a little disappointed she and Luke weren’t in the same house. If they had been, they could’ve stayed in the Common Room together. “And Luke…” Zara began again as they started up the stairs. “You don’t have to answer this question now, but…” She looked away; she didn’t feel awkward about asking these things, but after Caitlin’s appearance, Zara knew this was probably the wrong thing to ask. “What are we?” She finally said softly, looking up at him. “And what is…” She wanted to say Caitlin’s name, but decided that was going too far, and waited for Luke’s reply.