A New Perspective ((Weetzie))

[noah]

Noah let out a long sigh as he raked his fingers through his shaggy hair. Books shattered along the bed, opened to various pages. He was too frustrated to get any work done. Pushing the books aside, Noah squatted on his knees in front of his trunk. Unclasping the lid, he pushed the top open, the metal slamming hard against the back board of his bed. Taking out his music crystal from the bottom, Noah closed the trunk a loud bang echoing off the walls. Sitting on the floor, he leaned his back up against the hard wood. Noah still couldn’t understand why he was in such a sour mood lately. After the whole experience with Ryann kissing Drake he couldn’t even look at either of them. Well, Noah never knew Drake to begin with, but it gave him an even better reason to hate the Slytherin. It wasn’t just until recently when he became good friends with another arrogant jerk at Hogwarts. Chris really wasn’t as bad as people thought. People just had to learn not to judge others by their reputation, but Noah couldn’t do that with Drake. Maybe behind his tough, manipulating demeanor there was something else deep down. Noah actually really couldn’t care less about how Drake felt. Maybe he was jealous of him and Ryann? But wouldn’t she know better than to go hooking up with someone like Drake.

Groaning, Noah dragged his fingers through his hair trying not to think about the situation. He needed air. Quickly standing up from the floor, Noah made his way out of the Ravenclaw Tower, descending down the long stair cases. Pulling the headphones over his ears, he turned the music up loud. A large crowd of girls babbled to each other as they passed around Noah. Turning the volume up louder, he just ignored everything around him. Though, he could still hear the arguments from a portrait of men playing wizarding chess. Without even thinking where he was stepping, Noah heard a loud crack, felling his ankle twist oddly. Grabbing tightly onto the railings of the stair cases, he looked down at the ground. His right leg was caught in the trap step, his leg a step below. Cursing darkly under his breath, he pulled his leg free, the force causing him to fall forward. He rolled the rest of the way down the stairs groaning as he hit the bottom hard. Slowly, Noah sat, examining his ankle. It was swelling in size, the veins clearly sticking out from his skin. Sighing, Noah used the wall for support standing up to his feet. He couldn’t remember the curing charm for sore ankles, which only meant that he would have to take a trip to the Hospital Wing.

Hobbling his way over to the wing, Noah stopped outside the doors catching his breath. Pushing the handle forward, Noah limped his way inside taking a seat on one of the nicely tucked mattresses. Leveling his leg, Noah looked around for the middle age women wincing as his ankle began to throb in pain. Hearing the door creak open, Noah looked up seeing a younger student walk in. Wasn’t that the girl that Chris had been hanging out with lately? When she walked by his bed, Noah quickly spoke, “Could you hand me my bag by your feet? I need my wand to put some ice on my ankle….”

[Weetzie O'Keeffe H7]

“I’ve got to go, Crawford,” Weetzie said with a soft tone as Chris continued to squash her. She sat limply beneath him as he wiggled so he squashed her even further into the armchair. The stupid Ravenclaw, because yes – there was such a thing, had seen her in the student lounge and decided, ‘Oh my, Weetzie O’Keeffe looks so much more comfortable to sit on than a chair! I think I shall squash her with my bony butt!’ Regardless, Weetzie had to head to the Hospital Wing to start her internship for Pomfrey. If she wanted to become a healer, which was the most practical profession that Weetzie could think of at the moment even though she mightn’t even go into a magical career, she would have to learn how to be on time and learn how to do half the things healers did. An internship or mini-job type thing with Madame Pomfrey would also look good for any future employers for Weetzie. So, anyway, Weetzie was sitting in an armchair and Chris was sitting on her and she was mildly pushing him away. Finally, either because he gave up and let her or because she was rather strong, Weetzie pushed him off her lap and sent him sprawling to the floor. Chris laughed and gazed up at her as she stood from the chair and straightened her robes, sending him a glare as she stepped over him; “I’ll see you after dinner?” He called as she opened the door and stepped out, waving a ‘whatever’ behind her as she left the Student Lounge.

Her feet carried her quickly to the Hospital Wing as her mind, once more like it always did when she was alone, worked its gears into a frenzy. Weetzie didn’t know how many times she had gotten a headache from thinking about the whole big issue with Ashley and Bryce. It wasn’t something she should have been obsessing over and for awhile Weetzie didn’t know why she was obsessing over it, however last night she had had an epiphany of sorts I guess you could say. She was lying in bed, tossing and turning as she often did, when she realized that the whole issue that she was obsessing over was because she…had stronger feelings for Bryce. Of course, the fact that she had stronger feelings for Bryce wouldn’t have ever appeared if the relationship she had with him at that specific moment wasn’t threatened by one Ashley Hill. Things between Bryce and Weetzie had been perfect prior to Gracie’s death and Ashley’s appearance, but now they were all topsy turvy and Weetzie could honestly say that she greatly disliked it-practically detested it. Practically. Detest was a strong word, but she was on the verge of using it for the verb that she felt so strongly about the situation. Perhaps she was being far too obsessive and blowing everything out of proportion like a gushing school girl, but Weetzie had never been one to ignore her feelings –why on Earth would she start now? Because…it’s better if I do…

Weetzie sighed and opened the door to the Hospital Wing with a quick closing of her eyes. She had to clear her mind of this whole mess with Bryce and Ashley in order to do what she did…well. She wouldn’t say best because she was still squeamish, but…she did this whole healing thing well enough. Weetzie ran her fingers through her hair as she started to pass the beds toward Pomfrey’s office when there came a voice from one of the beds. She paused in her stride and turned to look at who was talking. Noah Bentley, Chris’s best friend. Oh, go figure. Weetzie tilted her head a moment and then looked to the bag on the floor beside her feet before shaking her head; “Sorry, nope, can’t do that.” She pulled out her wand and pointed it at the cupboard a fair few feet away from them, “Accio ice pack.” The ice pack flew to her hands she set it gently on Noah’s ankle before grabbing a pillow and elevating his ankle as well, “Hmm…lemme guess – trick step? That thing is…downright nasty.” She bit her lip as she remembered the last time she had an encounter with the trick step. She had twisted her wrist, sprained it rather, and had come to the Hospital Wing…it was where she had met Bryce. Weetzie pulled herself from her reverie and smiled weakly at Noah, “You’re Chris’s friend right? Noah Bentley?”

[noah]

Noah eyes flickered from the backpack to the younger girl when she spoke. What? She wasn’t going to help him? His eyebrow rose under his hair before a heavy sigh escaped him. Scooting forward slightly, Noah stopped as Weetzie called forth an icepack from one of the cabinets. Smiling gratefully as the girl placed the icepack on his throbbing ankle he winced as she moved his leg. Leaning up against the backboard of the bed, Noah massaged small circles into his aching leg. “Yeah….seven years of already attending Hogwarts I still get caught in the trip steps….” Noah answered looking up at Weetzie. He shook his head roughly, causing his curls to flip back. Noah could almost hear his mother voice. Whenever she would be in the kitchen baking, she would mention him needing a hair cut. Noah just smiled and shook his head in protest. He liked his hair. It was unique…and that’s what people remembered him by. When Weetzie brought up Chris’s name, he snapped back from his thoughts. His eyebrow rose slightly as his fingers continued to press small circles into his leg. “You mean the scrawny seventh year with the bad hair and revolting smile?” he asked containing a laugh from the pit of his stomach. Shrugging, Noah grinned at Weetzie, nodding his head at the same time. “Yeah I’m friends with him. Surprised that he actually has a best friend?” Glancing down at his ankle, Noah adjusted the icepack. Most people that only saw Chris for his arrogant demeanor were normally surprised to know that Noah was one of his closet friends. “Don’t worry. I didn’t like him at first either….you just have too…”

He was cut off at another women’s voice ringing through the hall. Quickly glancing at Madame Promfrey his eyes traced the aging lines across her face. “Mr. Bentley…Don’t tell me you got stuck in that trapped step again?” she asked his eyes fixed on his ankle. Noah smiled weakly nodding his head. “I’m afraid so.....” he replied gazing back toward Weetzie with his lopsided smile. He could hear Madame Promfrey sigh as she took out her wand reciting a complicated charm. Noah ignored her constant rumbling as she left to brew a pain relief potion. Rubbing her leg again, Noah stared at Weetzie. He only knew one thing about her. That Chris was attracted to her. Noah really didn’t know his friends
‘type’ of girl. “This has to be my….um…..third time this week that I got my foot caught in that blasted step.” Nodding he looked down at the stone flooring. His mind was so occupied with thoughts of Ryann. Was she ok with Drake? Had he already broken her heart? Running his fingers through his hair tiredly, Noah’s eyes fell back upon Weetzie. Maybe she could help him with what he was feeling? “Here you go Mr. Bentley….” Madame Promfrey spoke, handing Noah the clear liquid in a gray cup. Taking the cup, he smiled gratefully at the older women. “Thank you Madam Promfrey.”

Taking a long swig, Noah had to keep himself from gagging. The tangy taste dried his mouth as he set the mug on the tabletop. “So…what are you doing here Weetzie O’Keeffe? I hope it isn’t to pester me about Chris….is it?” Noah moved his legs aside making more room for the younger girl to sit down.

[Weetzie O'Keeffe H7]

"Ah," Weetzie said as she leaned against the metal footboard of his bed, "You've got one year on me. I've been here 6 years, and the trick step always gets me. My solution… don't go down that staircase. Avoid it at all costs." Her smile was friendly as she shoved her hair over her shoulder and looked down at her hands with their many bracelets. She hadn't really spoken to anyone who was friends with Chris, granted that was hard to do because Chris had hardly any friends, but she had always meant to speak to Noah and never had for some reason or another. She had always told herself it was because she didn't feel like being social, but then again when was Weetzie ever feeling up to being social? More recently she had been, but other than that she hadn't been up to making best friends with anyone at all. She looked at Noah as he answered her question, and laughed openly when he mentioned Chris's hair and smile, "Aw, come on. They aren't that bad. They could be worse. And I kind of like his smile, when it’s sincere…" she knew she was sounding dangerously close to having a huge school girl crush on Chris, which she honestly didn't have, but she was being completely honest with Noah – which was an achievement no one had gotten lately. She tucked her hair behind her ear and pulled up a chair beside Noah's bed so she could sit beside him and talk comfortably. She wouldn't get up to do anything until Pomfrey ordered her around. From the looks of things, though, it would be a slow day.

She shook her head at Noah when he questioned her disbelief in Chris having a best friend, "No, I knew he did. Chris… has his moments, but I knew there was someone who kept him in check. Though, with Christopher Crawford, I know that's probably impossible." She relaxed into the seat as Noah continued on, saying something about disliking him at first before he was cut off by Madame Pomfrey. She didn't say anything to Weetzie, instead, she administered Noah his medication and then walked out again. Weetzie smiled after her, knowing the nurse would be back in some time later to tell Weetzie to get to work, but for now – she would enjoy the time that she had without having to scrub bed pans. She watched as Noah took a drink of the medicine, smiling a small smile when he nearly gagged on it; "Watch that stuff, it isn't butterbeer." She smirked and sank low into her seat, crossing her arms over her chest as Noah looked at her and asked another question. No, she wasn't there to bother him about Chris, but the opportunity had presented itself and perhaps Weetzie would take advantage of it. She looked out the window a moment before sitting up straight in her seat and staring straight at Noah, "I actually... work here?

"I suppose that's the correct term. I don't get paid or anything, but it goes into my resume for St. Mungo's when I want to intern there…if I want to ever intern there," she answered him with a nonchalant tone of voice. It wasn't that big of deal even though most people would consider their career important and a big deal. It just wasn’t something to that extent to Weetzie. Her future never had been. She liked to live in the moment. And she would until she was forced to live in the future. She tucked her hair behind her ear and looked down at her feet for a moment, nearly whispering; "But… now that you mention it…" she looked back up and took a deep breath, "Does Chris ever… just… be himself?"

[noah]

Noah stared down at his twisted ankle as the icepack began to slowly fall onto the covers. Quickly catching it, he set it aside pulling the rolling the bottom of his pant leg up to his mid calf. Listening when Weetzie spoke, Noah pulled off his shoe letting it fall to the ground. “I can be a bit forgetful at times,” he added, nodding his head at the thought. Most people saw Ravenclaws as organized intellectuals. Noah was structured, and clever, but he had a kind of lazy attitude that kept him behind in most classes. It took almost all his will power just to keep studying for more than ten minutes. “I would avoid that stair case, but its one of the only ways to get to the Great Hall from the Ravenclaw Tower.” Shaking his head, Noah winced slightly as he ankle began to throb madly again. Setting the icepack on his bare skin he rested one hand on the pack to secure it. Smiling as Weetzie denied his description of his friend, he looked up at her with a raise in his eyebrow. It sounded more like she had a crush on him than being a friend. Should he tell her what Chris felt? Noah knew that Chris felt inferior toward Bryce, but he needed to let Weetzie know his feelings. That was going to be the hardest part for his friend, but he had a good reason to keep everything locked up. It was one of his secrets that only Noah knew. If Chris was ever going to be happy with Weetzie, then Noah would have to step in and help.

Watching the back of Madam Promfrey’s dress as he headed back to her office, Noah looked back toward Weetzie. She was now sitting in a chair beside his bed, laughing at his gag on the medicine. Sticking his tongue out, Noah closed his eyes trying not to let it come back up. Swallowing hard on his own spit, he set the cup down beside him on the bedside table. “Actually, once you get past the coarse taste it could have potential to be a new juice to be serves.” Laughing he shook his head to show Weetzie he was only kidding. No one in the whole wizarding world would even take a second sip if the potion was made into a soft drink. Hearing Weetzie say she worked there, Noah watched her intently, listening to the rest of her story. She was only in her sixth year and already knew what she wanted do with the rest of her life. Unfortunately, Noah was still questioning his own choices. “I can see that,” he murmured smiling softly at the younger girl. Noah really could see her as healer. “Or you could always just work with little kids. I can see them telling you how colorful your hair is everyday.” Laughing, Noah leaned his head against the banister of the bed. “At least you know what you want to do with your life. Me, one the other hand, I don’t even have a clue.”

The topic soon changed back on Chris as Weetzie asked if Chris was always so closed. Noah sighed as she readjusted himself in the bed. “No…” he began eyeing Weetzie’s face, his eyes meeting hers. “You have to promise me that you won’t tell Chris what I’m going to tell you now, but it needs to be put out there so you understand him.” Nodding, Noah continued on with the story. “Actually Chris had a girlfriend a while back. Her name was Alyss. Long story short; she broke up with him and then died a couple weeks later.” Frowning Noah ran his fingers through his curly hair. “After that, he was afraid of relationships. He says he doesn’t miss her, but I think he does. So he turned into the Chris Crawford everyone knows as an arrogant jerk. He doesn’t care if people think of him like that, but I bet it does hurt deep inside.” Looking away from Weetzie briefly, his eyes fixed on the large oak entrance doors. “He really does like you, Weetzie, but he’s afraid, and thinks he’ll just always be second best to Bryce. Is that true?”

[Weetzie O'Keeffe H7]

It wasn't like Weetzie didn't want to talk to Noah about things like what she planned to do with her life, or about the potion becoming the newest delectable; she just anxiously wanted to hear about Chris, that was all. She didn't know why she was so interested in finding out things about Chris, perhaps it was because after Gracie's death, he was the first person to remind her of who she really was. Maybe she felt something for Chris that she hadn't ever felt for anybody else. Who really knew? Weetzie sure as hell didn't. Regardless, she was eager to hear what Noah had to say and so when he spoke about everything beforehand she merely smiled and didn't say anything in response. It was when he started to talk about Chris that she was paying complete attention to him. She leaned forward in her seat and rested her hands on the arm rests of the chair slightly, listening to him talk about Chris's past. Chris and Weetzie had never spoken about his past, about anything dealing with his family or himself really. When they were together it was about them two, no one else, or it was about her, which often lead to her talking about Bryce and how much she hated him hanging out with Ashley. She always sensed Chris getting tense when their conversations steered that way and so she tried her hardest to keep those types of topics out of their talks, it got difficult time after time, though. Regardless, Noah was telling her something that Chris hadn't ever mentioned to her before. She didn't even know he had had a steady girlfriend either, and not knowing anything about Chris really didn't sit right with Weetzie – especially since he was supposed to be her best friend. She didn't believe in best friends knowing everything about each other, but… she would have liked to know something. This something would have been nice.

Before she could say anything about that, though, Noah looked away from her and told her something she hadn't even considered. Chris liked her? He had romantic feelings for her? Weetzie sat back in her seat, stunned, letting her hands fall into her lap. She hadn't seen that coming at all. She felt her breath get knocked from her as she watched Noah, but she wasn't hearing a word he was saying. She didn't know why she was reacting to this news this way, but she… felt really light headed. Weetzie shook her head and looked at Noah, "Huh? Oh… second to Bryce…? I…" She ran her fingers through her hair and tried to clear her head before she answered Noah's question. It wasn't an easy question to answer, but it wasn't difficult, either. Weetzie fiddled with a bracelet before answering; "Bryce and Chris are… on completely different planes. Bryce is my best friend before I lost who I was, and Chris is the one who picked up my pieces. Bryce…." She let out a lengthy breath and looked at Noah, "Bryce will always hold a big piece of my heart, not in any romantic sense… but he was really close to me. We were never seen without each other, he was there when I lost Gracie and he was there to pick me up and take me home that day. Everything's just gone so out of whack now that he's dating, or whatever he's doing with her, Ashley. Chris has… I don’t want to say that he filled that hole that Bryce left, because Chris didn't fill anything. He's made his own place in my heart. They aren’t first or second, they are… side by side. Chris could never be second to Bryce…" she looked back down at her hands, "I feel differently about Chris than I feel about Bryce. It's really complicated, Noah."

She felt tears coming and she tried to keep them back. She wished she wasn't so conflicted about her feelings. Everything would have been so much easier if she didn't attach herself to people. Weetzie took a deep breath and stood from the chair, sending Noah a watery smile; "I'm going to go and get to work. I promise I won't mention any of this to Chris if you do… I…" she blinked back some tears and reached over, taking the cup and potion that Madame Pomfrey had given to Noah to drink that he had finished, "I'll be back every once in awhile to check up on that ankle of yours." She turned then and headed toward Pomfrey's office, pausing outside the door to turn around, "Hey, Noah? Thanks…" she smiled and then opened the door, setting everything it's place and then turning to Pomfrey to see what her assignment would be for that day.