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Rise from the Ashes, Chapter 6.
🕑 Added 2024-01-12 20:44:32 +0000 UTCBelladonna sat away from the other children on the playground, already knowing their response to her presence. The five year old girl wore a simple blue dress besmirched with dirt and worn-out shoes held together with tape. With one last forlorn look to her laughing peers she sighed and began to play on her own. Using her power over everything cold she created a crude figure out of snow, followed by a malformed table and chair out of ice.
After sitting down the little girl greeted her only friend. “Hello Frosty.” her face cupped in her hands and her elbows propped up on the table. “How are you doing?”
Of course it didn't answer her, being an inanimate object. That didn't stop the little girl from having a conversation with it. “I'm fine.” she said defensively and narrowed her eyes at her partner in conversation. “I am not lying!” she fired back with a fierce pout, crossing her arms. Whatever she imagined the snowman to say next caused her to look away and her shoulders to slump as she asked. “Why does nobody like me?” she tried to sound unaffected, knowing her peers would only take delight out of her weakness, however her voice cracked a little as she poured her heart out to the snowman.
Nothing came in form of encouragement or comfort, yet Belladonna mumbled. “I guess so.” now looking at the snowman, Belladonna asked hopefully. “Do you really think someone will adopt me?” if that were to happen all the other kids would be jealous of her for a change.
The conversation was stopped as a ball impacted against the snowman, destroying it. The laughter coming from the other children told her exactly who was responsible. Clenching her little hands into fists Belladonna did her best to not lash out, knowing it was useless doing so.
Instead she ran away in the opposite direction, ignoring the jeers and taunts thrown her way.
Belladonna could hardly believe her ears. “You want me?” she asked in disbelief. Eyes wide and full of wonder and her mouth open in shock.
The man nodded, a happy and even eager grin on his face. “Yes, no one else will do!” he said resolutely and with a surety that left no doubt he meant it.
“Are you sure?” the matron, an old hag in Belladonna's eyes, asked. “Won't you at least look at the others?”
Somewhat harshly the man replied. “I'm sure!” he stood up from where he squatted down before Belladonna and said something into the matron's ear the little girl didn't hear. Much too preoccupied with the incredibly warmth erupting inside her chest, a feeling of happiness the now eight year old girl hadn't felt before. A staggering amount of giddiness overtook her, making her incapable of anything but smiling and nodding.
“Pack your things!” the matron commanded sharply, which was her usual tone of voice to the little witch. In a quieter tone of voice she said. “Good riddance to bad rubbish.”
Belladonna did a she was told, ignoring the last comment and wasting no time in dashing down the stairs to the cellar where her room was. Throwing her meagre possessions into a bag and practically sprinting back down.
Soon enough they sat in a car full of other people on the way to her new home. Question after question escaped the little girl's mouth, incredibly excited and anxious at the same time, wanting to please her new family but not knowing how.
None of them really answered back, except the man who got her. Even then it were short monosyllabic replies, more grunt than true words.
Seeing the car going away from the city and into the woods surrounding Magix City, the girl inquired. “Where are we going? Is the house outside the city?” images of a cosy hut in the woods came to mind and she found she didn't mind as long as there were people accepting her.
“Something like that.” came the evasive and gruff answer.
She felt the car stop a little while later. Though, there was no house or building in sight.
A moment later a large hand grabbed her around the neck and dragged her out of the car, followed by being thrown onto the ground. “Wha..” she got out before her rolling body impacted with a tree, releasing all air from her lungs in a harsh gasp.
Coughing and not hearing right from the ringing in her ears, Belladonna tried to make sense of the situation. Though no matter how hard she thought nothing presented itself as a reason. Not that she could think all that much right now, her head hurting too much.
“Just get it over with and kill her.” she heard one say, causing dread to wash over her. Kill? They wanted to kill her? Why? She didn't do anything to any them!
Another voice spoke up, snarling at the first. “Shut up! She is going to suffer like we suffered!”
Struggling to crawl away, the small witch's mind was consumed by panic.
A third voice chimed in. “Let him have his fun. She deserves this after what she and her sisters did to Eraklyon!” the words were lightly admonishing and also held a chuckle in them, as if the situation was amusing in some way.
Trying to profess her innocence, Belladonna forced a statement out after her burning lungs allowed her to speak. “I... didn't do.. anything.” her reply came out slow from her shortage of breath, more a cough than proper words.
“Shut up!” the one that kicked her snarled out. “You and your sisters did destroy enough to warrant this!” his posture screamed danger as he stalked menacingly towards her.
Seeing her short life flash before her eyes the little Witch of Ice tried crawling away, knowing it was futile but trying anyway.
Her actions only got a chuckle from the men.
Overwhelmed by the sheer hopelessness of the situation and a for her unprecedented height of negative emotions Belladonna glowed and icy blue. A second later a freezing wind emanated from her followed by an ice nova, freezing her enemies in their tracks.
Angry shouts came from behind her as she crawled away, slowly pushing herself up and managing to stumble away.
Knowing to run was futile from her experience with older children chasing her, Belladonna decided to hide instead. Luckily, a forest provided ample opportunity to do so. A nearby bush seemed as good a place as any other.
Her breath came in strangled gasps, trying in vain to keep calm as she hid in the greenery. Only made harder by the confusion and fear growing in the form of a stone sitting in her belly, tears pooling in her eyes as a result.
'Why?' the little girl thought, desperately trying to make sense of her situation. However, at the moment nothing let her divine the reason for her current situation.
A rustling coming from nearby caused her to freeze up. Terrified for her life, Belladonna heard their pursuers talk. “Where is that disgusting witch?” one growled out, his voice similar to stone grinding on stone.
Another replied in a vicious snarl that promised violence. “Don't worry we'll get revenge for what they did to Havram!”
'I didn't do anything!' the little witch thought insistently. Not knowing why people treated her the way they did. As she sat there the unfairness of it all caught up with her and something inside her change. Unnoticed by Belladonna herself her tears froze solid, shattering on the stones below.
A few seconds later the protective embrace of the shrubbery was torn away and arms grabbed and dragged her out.
Planet Magix, Citadel of Night.
Icy woke up in cold sweat, sitting up abruptly and breathing hard and fast. Her blue eyes, wild and unfocussed, surveyed the room. Slowly, recognition dawned on her mind. 'Just a nightmare.' she thought in relief mixed with a little annoyance at still having them, trying to calm her fast beating heart and bring it back under control.
Usually she didn't dream of such things. Her normal nightmare was being beaten by Bloom in battle. Victory just so out of reach, but never in her grasp. Even in her dreams she didn't achieve what she wanted.
The memories dredged up by that nightmare were far from pleasant. From a time where she still hoped to fit in somewhere in society and find a normal life and family. The event shattered that hope quite successfully. Luckily, she had escaped them after freezing them solid. Not that such an act would kill them due to her limited proficiency with her powers at the time and their resistance to magic.
She got Stormy and Darcy out of it at least, who had been in the same position. Having met the two somewhere down the line and empathizing with them due to their similar positions. However they are as far from normal as she is. 'Though it seems they aren't much better than the rest.' Icy thought with an angry frown. Both of them rather going with Harry's plan than her own. She shook her head to banish these thoughts.
Later on she and her sisters had learned that these men were people who apparently were out for revenge against the Ancestresses for destroying their precious capital city Havram. Even going so far as to create their own kingdom and splinter off from the rule of Erendor, holding him and his weak rule responsible for the so called tragedy.
Last Icy heard the new kingdom named itself Serenia and forbid any practise of magic, making it punishable by law to practise the mystical arts, due to holding magic responsible for the many tragedies occurring in their history. Most who disobeyed were hunted down like dogs.
Not that these people were the only ones to hate the three ancient witches. Most people did and by extension did the same to the Trix. After all they had the same powers and therefore must've been them reincarnated or some such rot. Icy didn't give a damn what others thought of her anymore.
Magix wasn't a good place for them to be with how much of a hub it was for the other planets to meet. That caused them to abandon Magix early after meeting and leaving for Whisperia on board of a cargo vessel. Whisperia was an unimportant planet that was never attacked by the Ancestresses and the people therefore did not hold a grudge against them.
“Who needs a heart, when a heart can be broken?” Icy muttered, knowing all too well that only those you love can break your heart. Not to mention that a heart of ice was much more fragile than normal, shattering easily. She had loved that pretender, even if only for the time he lied to her. 'What kind of pathetic little thing I was!' she thought derisively. Though she would never admit it out loud that made it all the worse for her that Stormy and Darcy didn't listen to her anymore, despite all they've been through together.
Deciding to ignore the matter at hand and her sisters like the last few days, Icy rose from the bed soaked with sweat, used some cleaning spells on it and prepared for the day.
A cold shower and a quick, early and lonely breakfast later saw her with nothing much to do. Except waiting for evening to come. Once it did she was planning on going to the White Horse again. After asking Darcy for another illusion, of course.
Darcy saw her sister leave again and was beginning to grow a little worried. “Where is she going every evening?” she wondered out loud.
“Who cares? Icy can look after herself.” Stormy replied absent-mindedly, not really paying attention. She rather returned to her dinner and letting lightning flare to life around her body. A habit she recently started to become stronger faster. It was annoying as far as Darcy was concerned.
Expressing her annoyance, Darcy asked. “Do you have to do that even after training?” her golden eyes narrowed at her sister's form. She was as glad as Stormy to become stronger, but there was a limit to how much she wanted to train in a day.
“Yes.” came the reply, causing Darcy to huff.
Harry sat his fork down, finished with his meal, looked at the brow-haired woman and stated. “You want to follow her, don't you?”
The Witch of Darkness nodded but then added. “Just so she doesn't ruin this for us all, of course.”
Grinning, Stormy said mockingly. “Of course.” all the while letting lightning play around her fingertips. It was simply such an intoxicating feeling.
Seeing Darcy ready herself to retort and not wanting an argument to erupt, Harry intervened before it could start. “Then let's do that and find out what she's up to.” Only doing so because it provided him with an opportunity to explore his new surroundings more. It had been a few days since they were out and about. With that decided he vanished the remains of their food.
It didn't take long for Darcy to put up illusions around her and Stormy. A moment later they took the only exit and flew towards Magix City.
Once they arrived they split up to cover more distance. To get in touch quickly Harry gave them a Two-way Mirror while he had the connected one in his possession. It had been surprisingly easy to enchant a pair of mirrors to do that.
Planet Magix, Magix City.
Harry took his time looking for Icy, knowing the young woman could look out for herself. So he was not particularly worried. He simply assumed she was pissed at him for not following her idea and wanted some quite place to sulk. As a teenager he had been much the same after all. Sadly for Icy, Harry was also used to people not sharing his opinion and by now he didn't give a damn. He knew it was better this way and more risk-free.
It was a peaceful night. The sun was setting below the horizon, casting the landscape in a beautiful glow of red, purple, orange, yellow and a little pink. One by one the street lights went on, signalling the slow approach of the night pushing twilight back. Many flowery scents flew on the evening breeze, coming form the nearby park.
A few minutes later into his stroll Harry saw familiar faces. It were the two young women from the clothing store. Bloom and Stella if he recalled correctly. Though, they also had a brown-haired companion in tow.
Stella wore a light green, halter neck style, tank top which was tied into a bow and an orange mini skirt with a yellow belt. She also wore a pair of green wedges with orange sunflowers on them. Bloom wore a casual outfit which was a white shirt with blue-green short sleeves, and a blue miniskirt. For shoes she wore white sneakers with blue-green leg warmers going up to just under her knees. The third girl wore a light green tube crop top, a light pink miniskirt with dark pink strawberries, a thin light green belt which slanted sideways, and light pink wedges for shoes.
Not seeing a reason to avoid friendly faces Harry walked towards them just as Stella apparently lost something and crouched down to pick it up from near the pavement.
A second later the quiet of twilight was interrupted by the roar of engines and smell of gasoline.
Far faster than was allowed inside city limits the futuristic looking cars speed towards Stella without seemingly caring where they drove. The cars looked like the dream of a prepubescent teen with flames painted on them and other such useless changes made to the vehicle.
The young blonde woman looked like a deer caught in the headlights, her body in the process of jumping aside.
Reacting purely out of instinct Harry silently apparated to Stella's location, scooped her body up bridal style and apparated out of harms way in the nick of time. Barely evading being run over himself.
Over the receding sound of the racing vehicles Harry heard the other two girls rapidly approach him after locating their friend.
“Oh my god! Stella, are you okay?” Bloom inquired, frantically looking her friend over for potential injuries.
Shakily nodding Stella answered after being gently put onto her own feet by Harry. “Yes, I think so.” After a few seconds she was calm again. Her experience with life and death encounters serving her well in this regard. Once she was calm enough she turned to her saviour and said. “Thank... Oh it's you!” she exclaimed, pleasantly surprised.
“You know each other?” the brown-haired girl inquired curiously, questioning green eyes directed at Stella and Harry. Her nerves settled after seeing Stella not any worse for wear and glad her friend wasn't any more shocked or upset by the encounter.
Bloom affirmed that by saying. “Yes, he was the man we met at the pizzeria, remember?”
Her eyes lighting up in recognition, Flora clasped her tanned hands happily in front of her. Glad that Stella was perfectly alright and that he seemed like a nice man. “Oh, that's right. I'm sorry for not recognizing you.” her apology was followed by a little polite bow and an introduction, knowing she didn't know his name. “I'm Flora and your name is?”
Only then did Bloom and Stella notice that they didn't know his name either.
Harry waved her apology off. “It is no problem. My name is Harry Potter.” he grinned loop-sidedly at Bloom. “And I wouldn't say we really know each other when I had no chance to introduce myself both times we met.”
Stella grinned right back. Her brush with death already forgotten in the face of a chance to tease Bloom. “Oh, that's because.... ouch.”
Bloom answered after pretending she didn't lightly drive her elbow into Stella's side, but not before glaring at her a little. “That's because we were in a hurry at the time.” she lied smoothly, just a little embarrassed now. Though, her cheeks were flushed nonetheless due to the strange feeling he induced in her. “What brings you here? We were on our way to our usual hangout.”as she said it her eyes roved over his form, noting the new clothes that fit him excellently. She had to mentally shake her head to get back on track.
Still not knowing why he felt so at ease around the redhead, Harry replied after banishing the questions out of his head. “I'm looking for a companion of mine.”
“Anything we can do to help?” Flora inquired, immediately offering her help to the man. It was only right after he saved Stella.
Harry waved the offer off. “No need. I'm not particularly worried, but it's better to check.” Icy could look after herself. “Where are you going by the way?”
“The White Horse. It's a local hot spot and Bloom works there part-time.” Stella supplied, her face contorting at the mention of work together with her inflection changing to distaste. Though, considering the girl was apparently a princess that didn't surprise Harry.
“You can come with us if you want.” Flora offered freely. “It could be that your friend is there.” It was the least they could do to help him.
“I suppose that's a good a place as any to check.” Harry mused aloud and inclined his head in thanks, smiling gratefully. “Thank you.”
With that they were off. Luckily it wasn't a long walk and after just a few minutes they arrived at the locale. It wasn't really a nightclub like Harry imagine the girls would prefer. Instead it looked like a pretty restaurant located at a lake and possessing a jetty from where boat rides for couples were offered.
Though, there was one problem Harry saw immediately. “It seems our reckless driver is also enjoying himself here.” he commented upon seeing the car with flames painted on it, parked before the establishment.
“What?” came the outburst from Stella. Her amber eyes focussing angrily on the car. The other two young women did the same before Stella said. “I'll give that idiot a piece of my mind!”
Flora was quick to intervene, knowing that their evening could become a bad one if Stella was going to do what she intended to. “Stella, please don't spoil the evening for us.” to emphasize her point the Fairy of Nature grabbed Stella's hand and to prevent her from storming off. “Let's just do what we came here to do, having fun.”
Frowning at her friend Stella was visibly conflicted. A sigh later she nodded and conceded. “Alright.”
“Stella!” a masculine voice called out from nearby. Stella perked up noticeably at the sound, looking around and dashing away as soon as she found what she wanted, her long golden mane of hair whipping behind her. All the while calling out. “Brandon!”
Turning towards where the blonde ran off to Harry saw a young man with brown hair, wearing a red and blue midriff shirt with red and blue pants and a matching jacket. The newcomer didn't have a chance to say more before Stella embraced him and kissed him quite passionately. Something he evidently didn't mind.
Bloom and Flora followed the blonde shortly after, causing Harry to do the same.
A cough from Bloom, with a sufficient amount of good humour and exasperation in it, caused the two lovers to separate. “Hello, Brandon.” Bloom greeted the newcomer. “Are the others already inside?”
He simply nodded towards her, his arms still around Stella's waist. Not that the girl was letting go either. “Yeah, though Sky couldn't make it.” he said uncomfortably, rubbing the back of his head. A look behind them caused him to raise an eyebrow and ask. “Who's this?” his posture defensive, but not threatening.
Before Harry could answer, Stella did so for him. “Be nice.” she admonished him lightly before introducing Harry. “This is Harry Potter and he saved me from being run over.” it was said in a tight voice, as if the fairy was choking up.
“What?” Brandon exclaimed shocked, mouth hanging open. “Are you alright?!” he inquired immediately, looking her over and thankfully not finding any bruises or other injuries.
Visibly enjoying the attention from Harry's point of view, Stella didn't answer immediately. Instead she put up a tearful look, biting her lip as if just now remembering the trauma and said. “Yes, but I don't think I can...” a hiccup served to sell her performance even better.
“You don't have to do anything tonight.” Brandon consoled her, hugging her to his body. Turning to Harry, Brandon
Stella meanwhile was very pleased, but fell back into her role when Brandon looked at her again, escorting her inside.
Staying behind, Bloom rolled her eyes and Flora giggled at the display.
“Is she always like this?” Harry asked amused, his emerald eyes twinkling.
Bloom sighed, but a rueful smile appeared on her face as she chuckled. “You have no idea.” for a princess Stella surely didn't act like one. Not that it was a bad thing. Bloom rather liked her first friend. “Stella enjoys attention the most, especially the one from her boyfriend.”
With that being said Bloom's group entered the establishment themselves, going to their own group after biding Harry a good evening. Surprisingly Bloom stayed with Harry outside. “Do you not want to join your friends?”
Bloom shook her head, letting her red hair seem like fire as it caught the light in a particular way. “Not right now. Everyone will have their special someone there.”
“And you don't have someone of your own?” He inquired sceptically. “You seem much too beautiful for that to be the case.” Not quite knowing why he found himself drawn to the young woman.
Bloom blushed at his compliment but frowned a small bit as she answered. “I do have someone, but he doesn't have that much time right now.” that was an understatement if there ever was one. Right now the Summer vacation was in full swing and Sky was nowhere to be seen since day one.
Before he could answer the mirror in his pocket began to vibrate in intervals much like a phone. “Excuse me a little I got to take that call.” he apologized to Bloom as he took the mirror out and stepped away from the masses at the entrance.
“I take it you found Belladonna?” he inquired casually, making sure to use Icy's real name in public as he leaned against the side of the building, out of view from most.
Darcy nodded, a frown marring the face of her disguise while Stormy ground out a curt. “Yes.” glaring away from the mirror to something only she could see.
“Where are you at right now?” Harry asked, not bothering to wonder where Stormy was scowling at.
Darcy answered this time. “We're at the White Horse. It's a restaurant located at...”
Before she could finish Harry said. “Near a lake?” upon her perplexed nod he assured her. “I'll be there shortly.“ He then cut the line and walked to Bloom again after putting the mirror away. “It seems my friends found our missing link and as fate would have it they're all inside.” not wanting to leave her alone he invited her along, unmindful of her past with the Trix. Not that she knew who they were right now. “If you want you can join us until you want to join your own friends again.”
“I'd like that.” Bloom accepted the invitation on the spot. Glad that she didn't have to look as her friends all had their boyfriends with them except her.
“Then let's go inside.”
A moment later they were inside and after a quick survey Harry found the two transformed witches in a booth of their own. He also immediately looked for all the exits out of habit, securing the best way of escape. His time on Earth and especially on Omega having pounded that into his skull.
While doing so he escorted Bloom to the table.
“I see you brought a guest.” Darcy commented tightly, trying very hard not to glare at Bloom. Good thing she was such a good actress.
Harry nodded and after pulling Bloom's chair out he explained. “Yes, this is Bloom. She'll be joining us for a little while.”
“Nice to meet you.” Bloom said with a small friendly wave and a smile. Deciding to introduce herself properly she did so. “I'm Bloom and you're?”
At the mention of Bloom's name and hearing her voice Stormy whirled around so fast Harry thought she'd break her neck. Though a look from him saw her simply turn away again to scowl at someone else.
“Don't mind her.” Darcy said amicably, as she leaned a little towards Bloom. “She's just a little grumpy right now.” a picture perfect smile on her face that seemed honest enough. “I'm Lysslis and this is Tharma.” the Witch of Darkness introduced herself and her sister.
“So, where is Belladonna?” he asked before things got awkward, only having Darcy's attention while Stormy seemed preoccupied with glaring. Noticing her attention was occupied by something else, he looked where her gaze was stuck. There was the disguised Icy practically draping herself over some dude. Sitting together with what seemed to be some kind of wannabe tough guys with questionable taste. This whole world reminded Harry of Dumbledore's rather unique taste in clothes to be honest.
The apparent leader of the group and Icy's target from the looks of it had his hair styled in the 'emo' fashion; his bangs angled sharply towards one eye appearing to be a vibrant mix of black and blue in colour. He wore a ruffled white shirt under a dark blue leather jacket, both of which were tucked into fitted blue jeans. He also sported black leather boots.
His friends didn't look much different. One having wavy green hair and the other blonde. Both still looking like they spent more time in front of the mirror than most women.
“It seems she found an old friend of ours.” Stormy ground out, still glaring at the group. Not knowing if she should feel angry at Icy for keeping it a secret.
Not really all that interested Harry asked anyway, his eyes wandering from Icy to her target and back to his table. “Oh, who's that?”
Darcy elaborated sipping at her drink. “His name is Darko, son of Mazakis, an influential lord hailing from Whisperia.” a little melancholy entered her voice. “It had been our home before returning to Magix to study magic at Cloud Tower.”
Harry suppressed a snicker that threatened to erupt from his throat. 'Darko. That name sounds suspiciously close in personality to another spoiled brat I know.' while he was tempted to disregard the boy as a threat experience told him even pathetic people could become a threat. Pettigrew and Draco specifically. Though, for now he'd wait and see if he was just a poser or not.
“You're witches?” Bloom exclaimed, surprised and more than a little wary.
Deciding to take it into his own hands, Harry asked casually, an eyebrow raised in question. “Is that a problem?” seemingly unaware of Bloom's reasons.
Shaking her head in embarrassment, Bloom apologized while putting her hands up, fearing she offended them. “No, no, it just surprised me, is all.” it had been an instinctual reaction due to her experience with the Trix. Though, she also knew good ones, like Mirta. 'Although, she's a Fairy now.' the Fairy of the Dragon's Flame mused.
Any further conversation was stopped when a waitress came to their table. “Welcome to the White Horse. What can I get you?”
Darcy and Stormy declined to order anything, already having their drinks. Harry and Bloom did though.
“Do you serve Pumpkin-juice?” came the question from Harry, hoping a whole plethora of magical planets would have the drink. He wanted it more out of nostalgia than any real desire for it. Upon the waitress' shaking her head in the negative he asked. “How about Butterbeer?” another shake of the head. “Gigglewater, Firewhisky?” none of the beverages he normally had were available. Even the ones from the Muggle world seemingly didn't exist.
“He takes a Dragon Scale.” Bloom interrupted, just now having stopped wondering just from where he came from. Once the waitress, who was clearly relieved, left, Bloom stated. “You're from Earth.” Some of the drinks he wanted only were called that on her home planet. In Magix they also existed, but under different names. Though, Firewhisky, Butterbeer, Pumpkin-juice or Gigglewater were things she never heard about. “I'm from Earth too. Well, not truly. I'm from Domino actually, but not really.” noticing that she began to ramble she settled with. “It's a long story.”
“I'd like to hear it someday and yes, I am from Earth.” Harry confirmed with a nod. “From Britain to be exact. And you?”
Excited to meet someone from Earth, Bloom giddily answered, leaning forward. “Australia, from a little town located at the coast, called Gardenia.” completely focussed on her partner in conversation Bloom didn't notice the glares she got from the other two at the table. “I never met someone else from Earth in Magix. How come you know of the Magical Galaxy and how did you get here?”
“Well, I came here through magical means, obviously.” To demonstrate he made the glasses on the table dance around, grinning at Bloom's delighted expression. Harry smiled at his successful diversion. “I'm glad you like it.” he said and promptly fished for information, seeing this as a good opportunity to do so. “Out of curiosity. Which year is it on Earth? I haven't been there in so long I lost track of it.”
Bloom thought for a short while, putting her chin on her hand and frowning. The answer not coming easily to her either. Not really having much contact with Earth either in the last few years. “Hmm, I think it is the year 2008 and the exact day should be...” she counted the days on her hands form the last time she spoke with her parents in person. “The 31th of July.”
Harry laughed out loud at that, startling some other patrons of the establishment.
“What's so funny?” Stormy asked curiously, finally joining the conversation. It definitely wasn't because his laugh was sweet and genuine. Not belonging to the mocking or malicious kind she was used to and expected.
After his chuckles died down he explained. “Today's my birthday. Seems I forgot.” he added in his thoughts. 'More than ten years spent in that frozen wasteland. I wonder how Ron, Hermione and the others are doing. Probably busy being married and having sprogs.' all of his thoughts heavily tinged with nostalgia.
“Congratulations.” Darcy and Stormy replied, not really put out by the fact. Not really celebrating their own birthday much either.
More than a bit incredulous Bloom asked awkwardly. “How can you forget your own birthday?” she also shot Tharma and Lysslis a look of confusion at their bland congratulations. “A
Harry shrugged and sighed. “My parents died when I was very young and I didn't know my birthday until I was eleven. It just was never celebrated much and I didn't see a reason to change that.”
“It's pretty much the same for us.” Darcy revealed upon Bloom's disbelieving look. A frown of annoyance on her face. “A birthday isn't a happy occasion for everyone.” for the Trix it never had been.
“It should be!” Bloom replied somewhat sadly, not liking the indifference of them in regards to what should a joyous occasion.
The awkward atmosphere was dissolved a moment later when the waitress returned. “Here are your orders and one extra for you from the gentleman over there.” she smiled, pointing in the direction of Darko. He raised his glass with what he thought was a charming smile. The disguised Icy didn't look too happy with what was happening and from the looks of it let it be known to Darko.
Harry took his drink and his danger sense went into overdrive shortly after. Bells were going off in his mind like crazy. 'Something is wrong.' he thought, subtly glancing around the room, but not seeing anyone making a hostile move. That's when he smelled it. Somehow it reminded him simultaneously of treacle tart, the woody smell of a broomstick handle and the crisps air above the clouds. Despite it being more than ten years ago he still remembered the substance inducing these things. 'Love Potion.'
“Stop!” he did not shout, but his voice, harder than iron, reached them regardless. Unconsciously exuding a commanding presence that saw all three stop, glasses stopping before their lips. He took the drink from Bloom and took a quick whiff to confirm it. “Seems someone put a Love Potion in your drink.”
Bloom, not entirely sure if she should believe him, took a whiff herself and smelled some weird combination of freshly baked cupcakes, burnt wood and pizza. Once confirmed red crept into her vision as she growled, smoke coming out of her nose, much like a dragon. Her eyes narrowed to slits as she looked at the guy he got the drink from.
“Excuse me, I'll be back shortly.” she said, standing up swiftly. Intent to make her way over there and roast him alive.
A hand upon her shoulder stopped her. “I don't think you want to burn this nice establishment to the ground, do you?” Harry asked calmly, taking her in fire coated hands in his own. Naturally he had a Flame-Freezing Charm on. As soon as his voice reached the redhead her shoulders relaxed and she grew calmer.
In the end it was taken out of their hands by Darko.
“Hello, beautiful, how about we go somewhere private.” to Harry his voice had a whiny quality, exactly like Malfoy's own. The rest matched as well.
The last Potter just knew this evening was about to get interesting. The question was in what way.
