Two Can Play That Game ((Open))

[Melinda Calloway H7]

Melinda was bored. Absolutely, incredibly bored. She didn’t like spending her Hogsmeade visits working, but she knew her mom was short on the cash at the moment and Melinda couldn’t just sit there and not help out when she knew she could. “Melinda dear, don’t forget to wipe off table three.” Madame Rosmerta said as she and Melinda’s mother attended to the other costumers (Melinda’s friends from school) that were all waiting on their butterbeer. It was slightly embarrassing seeing all her friends enjoying their Hogsmeade visits at the Three Broomsticks, but Melinda had long since gotten over that. Now that she was seventeen, Melinda got to bartend sometimes and all her younger friends loved her for it because she was now able to get them any drinks they pleased, which really stopped any sort of heat Melinda would have gotten for working at the local pub. Melinda wiped down the table and was about to turn around and get to the next table when she noticed her mother stand right in her path. “That’s alright sweetie, I’ve got this one. Why don’t you just take my place behind the bar for awhile, k?” Melinda’s mother Linda said in a rushed and nervous tone. Linda had always been terrible at lying, and she didn’t particularly like Melinda working behind the bar, so it was obvious something was up. She smiled cheekily at her mother. “No it’s fine mom, I got it.” Melinda said, trying to step out of her mother’s path only to be blocked by her again. She rolled her eyes and after about a minute of the same little game, Melinda was finally able to get past her mother to reveal what she had been trying to hide from her.

It was when she saw what her mother had been trying to hide that she regretted trying to push past her to begin with. There he was, Melinda’s ex boyfriend going out for a butterbeer with the little tramp she’d caught him cheating on her with. Melinda never knew it was even possible to both love and hate a person with such an intensity at the same time until she found those two on the grounds of Hogwarts. Michael had absolutely no remorse for what he was doing to her, Melinda could tell. This was all just some big funny joke to him. Michael was never the smartest of boys in her year, but he was definitely smart enough to see the pain that was so obviously etched in her eyes every time she had to look at him now. He knew she had feelings and he knew how much it hurt to see him here like this with that little tramp. He tried to avoid her gaze. Michael looked a bit nervous being in there, probably because he knew he was being stared down by both his ex girlfriend, her mother, and her mother’s boss. Madame Rosmerta appeared from beside Melinda. “You know, I could have them thrown out if you like. Seems like he knows just how unwelcome he is here.” Melinda shook her head, her eyes narrowing into angry slits as she watched the date progress right in front of her. Not only was it a complete insult that he was dating that tramp just months after his longest relationship, but what really got Melinda angry was the fact that he actually had the nerve to show up at the Three Broomsticks. The Three Broomsticks was their spot. It was where she met Michael, where they spent half their lives, and where Michael knew both Melinda and her mother worked. Did he want to rub it in her face or something? “Oh no. He can stay. Just…go take their drink orders.”

Melinda’s mother stared at her daughter with confused eyes, but walked over to the bar to fill up two huge mugs of butterbeer. Melinda stole both the drinks from her mother’s hand and carried them to Michael's table herself. She wore an obviously fake smile on her face as she approached the new couple. Michael noticed her immediately and groaned, rolling his eyes. He was obviously expecting some trouble, and Melinda didn’t exactly disappoint. She placed one of the glasses down in front of the blonde girl and the other she simple poured onto Michael’s lap. “Enjoy.” She said bitterly before walking away toward the bar. Melinda’s mother smiled at her. “You should have gone for the face. I think the cold sting of the butterbeer would have probably awoken whatever sense he has left in him. Good job, sweetheart.” She said with a smile before taking a dishtowel and going to clean up some of the tables. Melinda stationed herself at the bar. She was sick of wiping down tables.

Madame Rosmerta busied herself with a group of wise, elderly looking men while Melinda handled the next costumer. She smiled flirtatiously at him. “You wanna play Michael? It’s fine, two can play that game.” She muttered to herself before attending to the customer. Madame Rosmerta rolled her eyes. She was used to Melinda (and her mother, who was probably the most shameless flirt over thirty Melinda had ever seen) flirting with the costumers. “Hey, I’m Melinda. What can I get you?” She said, twirling her hair. Her mother gave her a look from across the room, but Melinda ignored it.

[Merrick Marr]

Merrick wasn’t in the best of moods as he pulled on a pain of black pants and a button up blue and white dress shirt. It was the weekend, sure, and even a Hogsmeade weekend on top of that, but that didn’t help the fact that he was still sour over...wait, what exactly was he sour over? Shaking his head he growled at the image in the mirror as he stuck is hands in his hair and gelled it up into a spiky do. He was in no mood to try very hard today and as such as he stuck his glasses on he merely turned his back on the mirror, grabbed his wand, and headed out of the door. There was only one thing he wanted to do right at that moment and that was to grab some firewhiskey at the Three Broomsticks. It was the only place he knew he’d feel better at, a place where he could get his thoughts under control and figure out just what exactly was bothering him. Of course at this point it could be a number of things both good and bad.

Pushing that thought from his mind Merrick pushed through the doors and out into the brilliant sun. It was an automatic squint. Of all the times to have the sun shining brightly it was the day where he wanted it to rain and the wind to blow. The weather should have been miserable; just like he felt, but for some reason it was going to spite him. Rolling his eyes he headed down the path, not even bothering to move as he bumped into a few younger students that were headed down. They probably would have protested a little more if they hadn’t seen the look on his face or the fact that Merrick’s reputation to be a cold-blooded cousin torturer preceded him. It was rather disappointing actually because Merrick wanted some sort of action. Whether it was to hex a few bystanders or if it was to get some girl to go away into another room…it didn’t matter as long as he had something to concentrate on.

That ‘something’ was about to make itself known as Merrick slipped through the door of the Three Broomsticks and took a seat at the bar. ”Hey, I’m Melinda. What can I get you?” The voice was familiar and as Merrick looked up he found the familiar face of a 7th year Hufflepuff. “Melinda Calloway…So nice to see you here,” Merrick leaned forward as he spoke, smiling that devastatingly adorable grin he saved only for those few girls that peaked his interest. “And you can get me…a smile… I always love a good smile. Maybe even your company when you get off work even. It’s been too long since we last had a conversation.” Truth was that even though they were in the same year and knew each other Merrick had never really had a conversation with the girl, never really felt she was important enough to have a conversation with, but he was making an exception today.

[Melinda Calloway H7]

Melinda had always been one who loved competition. Most things just had to be a competition with Mel, though she didn’t exactly know why. Trivial things like who could finish their morning chores first were a thrill for Melinda. Even if she didn’t win, she still enjoyed the thrill of the game. It was because of this habit of hers that Melinda often got herself into a world of trouble, like she probably would now. Merrick Marr was the perfect pawn, or perhaps knight in his case that would help Melinda win the war against her ex. Michael had been ahead of the game for quite awhile, considering he had been the one to break Melinda’s heart, not the other way around. He was the one who cheated multiple times and Melinda was the one who was left in the dust to hurt and feel the sting of heartbreak. But she was determined to get back ahead of the game, no matter what it took. Sure dying her hair black and pink was meant to get her ahead of the game, but that was mainly for her own satisfaction. Michael always used to rave about her long blonde hair while they were dating. After they broke up, she didn’t want any sort of similarity between her and the tramp Michael left her for. The hair hadn’t really received the expected satisfaction, but it did get her a few guys, which in Melinda’s eyes really helped in her favor in the end of it all. Then there was the smoking, partying, and drinking. Melinda had always been a lover of fun and parties, but not like she did now. Melinda snuck off Hogwarts campus multiple times to go drink and party just so she wouldn’t have to think about him. Those kind of helped her little game, but not like this. Michael was a Gryffindor. He was a prideful, arrogant Gryffindor. One who absolutely couldn’t stand the Slytherins, especially those that were in his year. This was absolutely perfect.

Merrick Marr was someone Melinda usually only barely acknowledged. They were in a few classes together in the past, but because of Michael, Melinda made it a habit never to associate herself with Slytherins. Now she found them interesting, temptingly forbidding, and even attractive. Not to mention this particular Slytherin seemed to be the most intriguing of them all. He seemed to have the true Slytherin persona; the foreboding scowl, the glasses that somehow made him seem even more interesting. It was all so enticing to Melinda, especially now that her ex boyfriend was right here to watch the scene unfold before his (and his new blonde bimbo of a girlfriend‘s) eyes. All the other Slytherins Melinda had come in contact with were either sociopaths or just flat out arrogant spineless jerks. She smiled widely, chuckling quietly as she did so. He was the charming type, the kind that any normal mother would want to keep away from her daughter. Of course Melinda’s mother was probably even more attracted to this boy than Melinda was. But that was just how her mother was. Ever since Melinda could remember her mother was playing cat and mouse with the men of Hogsmeade village. You’d think that after almost eighteen years of living in such a small village that she would have dated all the available men by now, but for some reason the men were still lining up at their door.

“You know, now that I think about it, I don’t think we ever really did have a chance to have a decent conversation. Nothing longer than maybe ‘can you pass me a cauldron’ in Potions class I guess. But I don’t think that counts.” She said with a smile, cleaning a small shot glass as she spoke. “And I’m sure I’d love your company. I get off work in about fifteen minutes.” She glanced discreetly at Michael’s table where his stupid girlfriend was helping him wipe his shirt clean. Melinda only had enough time to notice the girl’s feminine hand creep up his shirt before she tore her eyes away from the table. She was not going to let Michael and his stupid girlfriend win this competition. She leaned forward a bit, probably giving the Slytherin boy a rather enticing view considering what she was wearing. Even though Melinda worked in Hogsmeade, she still made it a habit to dress in her muggle clothes. Right now she'd chosen a pair of tight ripped jeans and a low cut baby blue blouse she'd borrowed from her mother. It was odd, really. For a woman who hadn't even seen the muggle world within the last seventeen years, Linda Calloway did really have the trendiest closet. Melinda stole on last discreet glance at the table to notice Michael had been looking up at her at the same time. There it was. Hurt. Melinda resisted the urge to grin in triumph before turning her full attention to her new Slytherin friend. Now that she was sure she got Michael's attention, she knew she needed to step her game up. “So where do you propose we go?” Melinda asked with interest, her mind wandering to her home just down the street that would be empty due to her mother's full work schedule. But Melinda wasn't all too sure she wanted to lead this boy there just yet. That was pretty risky even for Melinda.

[Merrick Marr]

Merrick couldn’t stop the smirk that pulled at the corner of his lips as she played right into his hands…or perhaps he was playing into hers. With some women Merrick could never tell. It seemed Melinda was that sort of woman, or perhaps she was the sort that just wanted to be called a tease. Merrick sat forward on his stool watching her wipe the shot glass clean before he took it out of her hand, making sure to caress his thumb across the back of her hand as he did so. He set the shot glass on the bar his finger running the rim of the glass. “So Mel why don’t you grab another shot glass and have a shot of whiskey with me,” Merrick said as he watched Melinda with mischievous blue eyes. “Start our conversation of early…not to mention make your last 15 minutes of work well worth it. What do you say?”

It was right at that moment that he caught the flicker of her glance. It was subtle, but when someone was watching you as closely as Merrick was it was impossible not to notice. Blue eyes darkened slightly as he followed her gaze, a smirk working across his face. Now this was too good to be true. Merrick knew that Melinda had been dating someone before…but now he knew for a fact that it was simply a game to her. Little did she know that he loved games…especially ones with no strings attached. So this was why she seemed so interested in him…well now he was going to have to see how far she was willing to take this little game. He waited just a moment or two before she had her eyes back on him and now it seemed her full attention was back on him. This was exactly what he wanted…and even more so he wanted to be sure that ex of hers was watching every single minute of the next 15 minutes.

Merrick’s hand reached out and grasped her hand, turning her palm upward one finger of his free hand traced the lines on her palm. “I know a few places we could go…question is Mel, what exactly you have planned for us to do? There are a few things I can think of doing, but I think I’ll leave that decision up to you,” he said, a sly smiling pulling at his lips as his finger traced up her forearm at that time. Merrick’s reputation for being a player was probably fairly obvious at this point in time…if Melinda didn’t know about it before now then that was her own fault. Merrick had played enough Hogwarts’ girls’ to know that his reputation preceded him for the most part. So if she was really looking to really hurt her ex than she would know that Merrick would go as far as she wanted to…further than that if it meant a good time. “How about pouring those drinks while you decide on what to do?” He kissed the palm of her hand lightly before releasing her hand.

[Melinda Calloway H7]

It seemed to Melinda that not only was she participating in a battle of the exes, but she was also participating in a battle of the players. Ever since Melinda and Michael broke up and even before that, Mel knew how the male mind worked. She took pride in the fact that for the most part, she knew what was on Michael’s mind. With Michael being the only exception, Melinda made it a habit never to get too attached to a man. Sure she enjoyed the thrill of the catch, the foreplay as it was sometimes called. She loved testing limits and pushing boundaries when it came to men. After the breakup, Mel vowed that she’d never let a man play her like that again. And she stuck to her word. Nowadays, she was known as the school tease; always giving away just enough to keep the men worshiping the ground she walked on but never enough to hurt her. She knew how men like Merrick Marr worked. They too worked in quite the same manner Melinda did. They were all talk. After they got whatever it was they came for, they’d leave the girl high and dry with not so much as a phone call. But what most didn’t realize was that these were the types of men that suited her well. If they chose not to become attached to her, she would never become attached to them. It was the perfect little game, especially when Melinda’s ex boyfriend and his new toy were right in view.

She took note of the cheeky smirk on his face—the player’s smirk. She was right; he was the perfect little piece in her game. A boy like Merrick Marr would be delighted to play along. In fact, she was almost positive he’d taken some sort of notice of Michael’s presence at the Three Broomsticks. As she polished off the frail little glass, she noticed it being coaxed out of her hands with the touch of another hand—one that was masculine and stronger than hers. She let the glass go willingly with a smirk on her own lips as his fingers brushed past hers. His eyes pierced hers as he leaned in close. Her breath caught for just a moment before her mind realized what was going on again. Melinda’s instant suspicions about his “player” reputation were immediately confirmed through that one long stare from those blue eyes of his. Although Michael’s eyes had more of a green hue, they had similar effects on her. The temptation for complete surrender. She wouldn’t let that happen. She’d become immune to a player’s charms by now, but that didn’t stop her from playing along anyway. “I’d love to.” Melinda said, pulling out a bottle of whiskey and filling the clean glass with the liquor. She drank it all in one quick swig and placed it back down on the table as it burned pleasantly in her throat. She placed another glass on the table and filled it. “Your turn.” She said with a smile, pushing the glass his way.

Melinda took only brief notice of the fact that both her boss and her mother were in the pub as well, probably both staring right at her every free moment they had. But Melinda wasn’t worried about that. Her mother was the type that encouraged this sort of thing. She wasn’t exactly okay with the vast amount of attention her daughter received, but she knew Melinda was old enough now to care for herself and make her own decisions. As for Madame Rosemerta; well she was fine with anything as long as business kept running smoothly and her customers and employees were safe. She thought for a moment. She was too smart to lead this boy to her room in Hogsmeade. Besides, what good was that? Michael needed to know that Melinda didn’t care for him anymore, even if she secretly did. He wouldn’t know where they were going when they left the pub and he wouldn’t be able to see a thing if Melinda and Merrick were locked in her room. She could feel the piercing stares of at least two pairs of eyes on her back. She knew one of them had to be her mother, and if she was lucky the other was Michael. “Well there is one place…but only a few very special people get to see it.” She said with a teasing smile. “I’m still debating on whether you’re worth it or not.”

[Merrick Marr]

Merrick knew by the look on Melinda’s face that he was in for the night of his life. She was perfect to lighten his mood and this was exactly what he needed. Everything needed to be forgotten…all of his problems, everyone that was on his mind. He needed this night of freedom and Melinda was the perfect one to bring that freedom to him. There wasn’t much that Merrick needed in life, but sometimes to get away from life’s dirty little problems there had to be just one night of freedom, one night of reckless abandon that would just lead to the epiphany of life. At least that’s what Merrick was hoping as he sat there at the bar, his blue eyes never straying from the girl in front of him…his attention focused on her and not on the Gryffindor 7th year he was purposely trying to tick off now that he knew he was paying attention. Either way he figured the night would end the way he wanted it; either in bed with this girl or in a fight with her ex. Whichever way the road led he was more than pleased to travel it.

As Melinda smiled and agreed to a shot Merrick’s hand ran over hers as she poured herself a shot and downed it before hiving him his. Now this was definitely a girl who knew how to drink. That only made her more attractive to Merrick. This was definitely going to be a good thing later on. Merrick reached out and took her hand in his, his free hand finding a saltshaker on the bar and sprinkling some on the crevice between her thumb and forefinger. He smirked devilishly up at her before his lips wrapped around the area on her hand, tongue flicking across the flesh, as he tasted the added salt. As he released her hand, fingers grasped the glass and pulled it up raising it a little to her before downing it in one fluid motion. It was definitely burning in all the right places as it worked its way through his body, lighting his blood on fire. He adjusted his glasses in a slow manner, his blue eyes fixed on her as he held the glass back up. “How about another round beautiful?” he asked with a sly smile, his tongue sliding across his bottom lip briefly.

Yes, it was true; Merrick really was a player, probably more so than a lot of other men. After all he was known for his two to three girls in a month’s time. It was amazing he hadn’t worked his way through the entire school by now, but enough girls resisted his charm to still keep him working. “Worth it?” Merrick feigned insult. “Of course I’m worth it…more than worth it Gorgeous. How about you and I head to this “special people place” and I’ll show you exactly what I’m worth?” He didn’t really wait for her to reply as he found her hand once against and turned it over kissing the inside of her palm, before pulling her forward just enough so he could mumble in her ear. “I can guarantee it’ll be the best night of your life.” The words were barely a whisper as he drew back to looked at her face, to wait for her reaction as he nodded toward the door ready to leave. “Let’s get out of here beautiful.”

[Melinda Calloway H7]

((I changed Melinda’s ex-boyfriend’s name from Matt to Michael. It was really bugging me. Will edit her bio in a minute.))

Melinda should have learned by now that actions have consequences. It was one lesson she never seemed to learn. Michael always used to tell her that, and it always used to get under her skin because even though Melinda used to deny it like it was the falsest accusation in the world, she knew it was true. She knew she was in for a bit more than she bargained for during this little game from the moment Merrick poured the salt onto her hand and she felt the smooth tickle of his tongue brushing against her soft skin. She stared him in the eye, their gazes meeting as she felt the silent conversation in waves from across the bar. She knew what was on his mind before he even opened his mouth and suggested it. But she still played along, despite knowing exactly what his intentions were. She didn’t think about the consequences of what she was about to do….she rarely ever did. She smirked as she filled another glass. Once again, drinking whiskey on the job in front of a very persuasive and very handsome Slytherin seventh year boy wasn't the smartest of ideas, but she went along with it anyway. It was all in the spirit of the game.

“Well if it’ll get you to do something that again, then I think another round is a necessity.” She said with a smile, raising her glass and drinking a second shot of straight whiskey, wondering when it would finally get to her. Her mom glanced nervously at her, but Melinda merely winked in her direction and her mother nodded, knowing her daughter sort of had it under control…or at least she thought she did. Melinda was perfectly in control until Merrick said those few words that made her freeze for a moment. Melinda didn’t make it obvious that she regretted leading him on. In fact, as far as she knew no one could have noticed the sudden pause in her flirty behavior. Her flirtatious stare remained stoic, the same as it had before he mentioned leaving the bar to go to her “special people place.”

But before Melinda could even think about answering or even get in enough time for a reaction, Michael and his stupid nameless new girlfriend were approaching the bar, one with a big stupid grin on his face and the other with a meek almost scared expression on her face. She didn’t want to fight Melinda back, but he did. In any other situation, this dislike for a confrontation would have been almost admirable. But this girl was the enemy, not Melinda’s friend. There was nothing that girl could ever do that would change that. Michael spoke up confidently as he approached the bar. “So this ‘special people place’ of yours Mel…how many so-called “special” guys have seen it? I mean, I remember when that cute little bedroom of yours used to be like my home-away-from home, but as the boys at school tell me, there have been more and more “special” people around town than there were back when we were dating. Though I’m sure there were quite a few while we were dating anyway.” He said smartly. “Oh, and let me get a whiskey, unless you’ve already finished the bottle. In the glass please, my lap has had enough.” Melinda was fuming. She hated to admit it, but his words stung.

Melinda’s eyes narrowed into angered slits. She was sure Merrick probably wanted a piece of this action, but she wouldn’t let him. This was a battle between her and Michael. Melinda knew he’d take the bait. Michael was too much of a thrill seeker not to. “First of all, my personal life is none of your business and those who I chose to spend my time with isn’t any of your concern either. And you are the absolute last person that should be talking about infidelities, Michael. You’re standing here with the tramp you were stupid enough to end our relationship over. Now if you’ll excuse me, my shift is over. If you want a drink, good luck asking my mother. I can’t promise she’ll be polite.” Melinda snapped, throwing her work apron on the floor and walking out from behind the bar with the bottle of whiskey in her hand. “I’ll pay you back for it, Rosemerta.” Melinda growled as she walked toward Merrick. “You still up for coming?” Melinda didn’t even care what she was doing at this point. There wasn’t much of her body left to protect anymore, not after Michael took all that was good and pure left in her. Whatever was sacred about her was all gone now, so what was the point of trying not to give it away anymore?

[Merrick Marr]

Merrick knew the moment when he had taken control of the situation. She may not have realized it, but he did. It put the power in his hands and made him far more entertained than if she had continued to possess the quaffle. He smirked at her comment, knowing she was hooked…knowing that this would end the way he wanted to and no way else. Feeling a strong bit of pride seep into his veins he watched her fall into his hands as she began pouring another round of shots. This was exactly what he wanted and now she was going to have to endure another part of his test…a challenge from him to see if she really would be more interested in him tonight than the guy she was trying to make jealous. Hazel orbs watched as she tipped back her glass and took the shot quickly. Digits slowly reached out to caress her hand once again as he picked up the salt. This time however he brought her hand to his mouth first, his tongue sliding over the pulse on her wrist before tapping lightly on the salt shaker to dispense a small amount on the wet spot on the inside of her wrist.

Merrick grinned up at her as he picked up his glass, tipping it to her in a salute of some sort before downing it and letting his tongue return to the salt and her wrist. His teeth gently slid against her skin a bit more than before as he flicked his tongue against her pulsing flesh. As he drew back Merrick thought for sure he had seen a questioning look pass through her, but he wondered if he had been imaging it as she continued on in the same flirtatious way. He wondered if she really was going to continue on with this game or if she was going to rethink things. Truth was, a part of him hoped she wasn’t just screwing with him…or trying to screw with him. He was really in need of company and the girl before him was good enough to be invited. Most girls would be honored to be his chosen shoulder for the night, but he wasn’t sure if this girl would be one of those, so he felt content just to continue playing out the game until he could find out for sure if she was really going to at least let some fun happen between them. It wasn’t like he was looking for anything serious.

Just at that time the whole moment was ruined by Melinda’s old boy toy. Merrick couldn’t suppress the amusement written on his face. This Michael was helping Merrick’s case in more than one way. This was certain to get her to leave with him and that just made him ten times more entertained. Not to mention that Melinda was extremely quick on her feet, fending off his attack with one of her own. Though, he had to say calling the girl a tramp was rather a low blow, not that he didn’t recognize the girl standing beside Michael. He smirked at that point…he could really deal Michael a low blow if he wanted it, but Melinda seemed to be handling things fairly well as she grabbed the whiskey and bolted around the counter. As she called to Merrick he couldn’t help but smile as he followed her, waiting for her to get out the door before he turned back to Michael and his tramp. “By the way it was a pleasure seeing you again m’dear. It’s been too long since those secret meetings in the lounge. Maybe we can go back to those when you’re finished with this dirt bag,” Merrick said with a smirk before slipping out the door, letting it shut loudly behind him.

He smoothly moved to Melinda’s side and wrapped an arm around her, pulling her tight against his body as his free hand brushed some of the hair out of her face. “You’re a very strong woman Calloway…I admire that,” he said in a low, husky voice, his lips inches from hers as he slowly brushed them with his own. “Now…where was this special place you made mention of?” Merrick had yet to lose the smirk that had appeared on his face, his brain losing precious blood cells as they pooled in a much different part of his body. If she was willing then he wouldn’t refuse…couldn’t would actually be the more correct term in the situation. He was never one to say no and he most certainly wouldn’t turn down something she seemed so freely to give in that moment. So he brought her free hand to his mouth and kissed it lightly. “Now Princess, lead me away so that we may spend some time together alone.”

[Melinda Calloway H7]

Melinda was confused and overwhelmed. And she was finally starting to feel the effects of the whiskey. She was angry and she was hurt, but she felt wild and free all at the same time. Melinda never knew it was possible to feel all of those emotions at one time. It seemed unbelievable. She didn’t want to believe that Michael could be so cruel to say such words to her. She would have never believed things could have ended this way. She always knew her relationship with Michael was probably not going to be one that lasted a lifetime; or even half a lifetime for that matter. But she would have never guessed things would turn out that way. Melinda tried to feel comforted by Merrick’s supporting arm that was wrapped around her as she held the bottle of whiskey tightly in her hands. She took a quick but generous swig, knowing she’d have to work extra hours to pay for the bottle she’d borrowed from the Three Broomsticks. She sighed as her feet took her and Merrick along with her to the little two bedroom home that wasn’t too far off from the main streets of Hogsmeade. It seemed Merrick was very eager to get to this “special people place” of hers. So eager in fact, that he really didn’t seem to mind much how upset his current partner was. Melinda wondered what she was getting herself into right now. Even someone as carefree and adventurous as Melinda knew, for the most part, where to draw the line. She knew that there were certain subjects and certain people that shouldn’t be messed with. Merrick Marr with his devilishly handsome face and dangerously charming persona was not a good person to be around during times of vulnerability. But here she was, walking down the streets of Hogsmeade, leading him to her home.

But it wasn’t even really that matter that bugged her the most. Ever since the big breakup, Melinda had spent her time with many men to keep her company during her time of loneliness and need. But there was one thing she didn’t mess with. Although she’d spent time with many random boys in the past, she’d never truly “been with” anyone since Michael. Something about it seemed wrong to her. Even after all that Michael had done to her, it seemed like she was betraying him in a way. But then again, Melinda needed the company right now, she craved it. She wanted to be held and caressed and told she was beautiful because Michael sucked every bit of pride she had left in her body. She sighed, looking up at that boy’s intense blue eyes that gave her chills. She sighed. Melinda didn’t want to be used, but she didn’t want to be left alone without any sort of male company either.

And of course, she’d been stupid enough to lead this boy on in her sick, twisted little game to get back at Michael that just ended up hurting her more than it probably hurt him. She could tell Michael was taken aback, seeing Melinda flirting so openly with a Slytherin boy he probably couldn’t stand; but he probably wasn’t hurt at all. Melinda’s plan had backfired, just as any sort of attempts at revenge usually did. But what was she to do now? She smiled weakly at his compliment. This was exactly what she needed. Company, reassurance. As they approached Melinda’s door, she knew that she had to decide. It was either one or the other. Or maybe…she could compromise? Melinda wasn’t quite sure how she’d manage a compromise in a situation like this, but she was willing to try.

As she stood right in front of the gate that led up to her small home, Melinda eyed Merrick then the house very nervously. She took a deep breath and spoke. “Hey, I know I led you on before, but I just want to make a little thing clear before we go in there. The whiskey is starting to get to my head and before that really happens, I just want to let you know I’m not planning on going all too far. Alright?” Melinda said, sweetly but sternly as she noticed her voice slurring. She looked at him, genuinely hoping this boy wouldn’t turn around and decide to go home because of her request. This was pathetic. Absolutely pathetic. She was depending on a total stranger to keep her company. She really needed to get some help.