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Having barely paid attention during her classes, Beatrice had opted out of lunch, instead going to the library to study. She was proud of herself; she figured her downcast mood would affect her work, but she found that focusing on school and not her emotions proved to be fruitful. She managed to get everything she needed to accomplished, although it may have been too ambitious as when she decided to get some extra studying in, her thoughts would once again float over to Kalder. It was funny, she had decided to repress her feelings for him for so long, and now they came pouring out like spilled water. She wasn't entirely sure how she had managed to do it, but now he seemed to plague her every waking moment. How she wished she could just take her heart out and throw it into the lake. It certainly would have made things simpler, and maybe she wouldn't have had to carry such a guilty conscience.

Running her hand through her hair, she figured she had just enough time to grab food before her next class. At this point, however, she realized she had made a mess of books and paper around her. As she would begin to organize herself, she would catch a dark haired girl looking around. Beatrice recognized her from a few classes from last year, although she couldn't quite remember her name off the top of her head. It seemed she found what she was looking for, however, at the table across from hers. There sat Blake Cornell, a very studious Slytherin who mostly kept to herself. She wasn't exactly the most pleasant person, but was usually polite enough.

The visitor threw herself onto one of the empty chairs across from Blake, decidedly staring her down. Whether Blake didn't notice her or was deliberately ignoring her, Beatrice wasn't sure, but the other girl was looking annoyed. After a few moments, she finally decided to make her precense known. "[color=palevioletred]Don't you ever get bored of doing nothing but homework?[/color]" The girl asked her.

To Beatrice's amusement, Blake didn't even bother looking up from her homework; so she had been ignoring her. "[color=teal]And good day to you as well. I have big plans for my life, and those plans require perfect grades, Deva,[/color]" Blake responded as she would continue to write. "[color=teal]If I'm going to be doing nothing but paperwork for the rest of my life, I may as well get a head start on it now.[/color]"

Deva pouted at Blake, although she would sit up properly now that she had her attention. Her painted nails tapped the table rapidly as she donned a more thoughtful expression on her face. "[color=palevioletred]Can I ask you something?[/color]" She asked, her voice low.

"[color=teal]Even if I said 'no', you would continue, so go ahead,[/color]" Blake replied as she would close her textbook, pushing it aside as she would grab another book and flip it open.

She would scowl at Blake's inattention, although she would decide to continue. "[color=palevioletred]How do you get a guy's attention?[/color]" She inquired, seemingly trying to play it off as an innocent question.

Beatrice decided she didn't really want to hear this conversation. Her notes were now organized, but as she would begin to stuff them into her bag, Blake's response got her attention. "[color=teal]You mean, 'how do I get [i]Kalder's[/I] attention'?[/color]" Blake answered Deva's question with another question. "[color=teal]For one, I would personally avoid hanging myself all over him, he actually likes his personal space.[/color]"

Deva didn't seem to understand at first. "[color=palevioletred]No, it's just...I'm beautiful, I'm intelligent, I have boys throwing themselves at my feet, our families get along well, and he still won't give me the time of day![/color]" She whined, crossing her arms in frustration. "[color=palevioletred]It's unfair![/color]"

"[color=teal]You're also vain, clingy, self-absorbed, you don't get along with any of his sisters--who mean more to him than anyone in the world--and you make no effort to actually get to know him,[/color]" Blake replied without skipping a beat. Beatrice had to bite her tongue to keep from laughing out loud, feigning a cough so she wouldn't get their attention. "[color=teal]You're basically just using him as a status symbol, isn't that what you want?[/color]"

Staring at Blake, Deva shrugged. "[color=palevioletred]It just bothers me that he's never happy to see me,[/color]" She admitted, displeased.

"[color=teal]From his point of view, you're going to end up spending the rest of your lives together. What more do you want?[/color]"

Beatrice's heart seemed to skip a beat once Blake spoke. Wait, so this was the girl Kalder was engaged to? But anytime she saw that girl with him, he would either run away or get agitated. [I][color=crimson]Which means Kalder doesn't like her...so his heart is...[/color][/I] The thought popped into her mind almost immediately, though she felt a pit form in her stomach. [I][color=crimson]Which means...[/color][/I]

"[color=palevioletred]True...He's my ticket to glory,[/color]" Deva's voice snapped her out of her thoughts. "[color=palevioletred]Once we're married I'll be on top of the wizarding world. That being said, it helps that he's fairly popular around here, and I love the look I get when I'm hanging off his arm. The looks of envy just drive me wild, you know?[/color]"

"[color=teal]So on top of all that you want his attention, too?[/color]" Blake echoed Beatrice's thoughts.

"[color=palevioletred]It wouldn't kill him to smile every once in a while, he's always scowling at me![/color]" She insisted. "[color=palevioletred]It's hard enough to get him to go anywhere with me! I'm basically his girlfriend![/color]"

At her comment, Blake would finally stop what she was doing, looking at Deva very seriously. "[color=teal]Except you aren't. You're the girl his parents want him to marry for whatever reasons they decided on. He didn't [I]choose[/I] you out of emotion, you were chosen [i]for[/I] him,[/color]" Blake's words were cold at this point. "[color=teal]I'm not going to pretend I understand the arrangement between your families, but you can't have your cake and eat it, too. I suggest at least [I]trying[/I] to understand him, otherwise you'll find you won't be getting his attention anytime soon.[/color]" 

Deva's own stare became hard as Blake slammed the truth of the situation onto her. Apparently, hearing the truth displeased her. At this point, Beatrice decided that she had had enough, picking up her bag and walking out of the library. Her heart was racing at this point, her mind a jumble of emotion and hope and hesitation and--that conversation between Blake and Deva had cemented what Beatrice wanted to do. If Demi closed the door on her and Kalder's relationship, then fine. But Beatrice wasn't going to give up. She still had a chance, and if anything this was a sign for her.

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Surrounded by his sisters, Kalder was in the middle of gratefulness and regret. Amelie was so happy to see him and was excitedly telling him about her lessons, which he found himself enjoying. Marilyn, on the other hand, was overly emotional and had to be calmed down by Madam Appleton. Apparently the fact that Kalder was not quite ready to spring onto his feet just yet was too much for her, though she was assured that this would likely be his last night. Moving was getting easier as the day went by, but he had to admit, it was nice to have his sisters tend to his every need. Amelie sat at his side with the twins seated around them, all listening to Amelie babble away.

"[color=yellow]--And then I finally got it on my fourteenth try![/color]" Amelie concluded the tale of her thrilling Transfiguration class. "[color=yellow]I think I should study more, though.[/color]"

Kalder nodded, impressed. "[color=springgreen]Just do your best, you're already brilliant,[/color]" He assured her, watching her beam in delight. "[color=springgreen]Everything will fall into place.[/color]"

Rosalyn watched her siblings, deep in thought. Marilyn sniffled, although she was in control of her tears for once. She prodded Rosalyn, noticing her expression. Letting out a sigh, Rosalyn decided to speak. "[color=gold]Mother wants to know how you are doing,[/color]" She stated, watching as a veil of seriousness fell over them all. Letting out a groan, she shook her head. "[color=gold]Don't make those faces, that's our mother![/color]"

Clucking his tongue, Kalder raised an eyebrow at her. "[color=springgreen]It wouldn't do if her 'ticket to glory' died, now would it?[/color]" He said bitterly. "[color=springgreen]You can tell her I'm alive.[/color]"

"[color=gold]It's not like that,[/color]" Rosalyn insisted as Amelie buried her face in Kalder's shoulder. "[color=gold]We've been writing to one another, she's concerned for you.[/color]"

Kalder couldn't quite agree with that statement. His mother was too selfish to care for him as a person, this he was completely convinced of. This would be Rosalyn's first strike--as he often found that for whatever reason she had a tendency to hit all his anger buttons in rapid succession. "[color=springgreen]I don't want to get into this again, Rosa.[/color]"

"[color=gold]Kal--[/color]"

"[color=springgreen]I'm serious. I'm not talking about this anymore.[/color]"

The group fell quiet after that. Rosalyn would break it with an exasperated sigh, shaking her head at him. "[color=gold]All I am saying is that just as you told Amelie, everything will fall into place. I know you weren't thrilled about the engagement, but I think you're overreacting.[/color]"

And there was the second strike. He [I]hated[/I] it whenever she would bring it up.

"[color=gold]The Erebus family has an arm in international affairs,[/color]" Rosalyn reminded him. "[color=gold]It's going to lead to good things for everyone.[/color]"

"[color=springgreen]Because our family is [i]so[/i] lacking in wealth, was that ruby encrusted hairbrush you received for your birthday not fine enough for you?[/color]"

Rosalyn couldn't help but glare at him. Marilyn looked at the two, already knowing what was coming. "[color=gold]Rosa, stop. He's been through enough as it is, you don't need to keep bringing it up,[/color]" She said, frowning.

"[color=gold]He's being a selfish brat is what he is,[/color]" Rosalyn snapped back. "[color=gold]Get your head out of your arse and think about the big picture for once.[/color]"

"[color=springgreen]You know, that's really easy to say considering if it were you in this position, you'd be throwing the biggest tantrum until Father would get involved,[/color]" Kalder replied dryly. "[color=springgreen]There is no big picture if my future is being chosen for me.[/color]"

"[color=gold]You're getting married, outside of that you can do as you please.[/color]"

No, he couldn't. Unlike the rest of his family, he wanted a house full of love, not one where he would dread going home or having to flinch anytime his mother walked into the room. The very last thing he wanted was for history to repeat itself, he wanted to be better than them. But his engagement was also a very sore topic that Rosalyn kept trying to push. He thought that maybe it had some good intentions, but the way she went about it just got him more frustrated with the situation.

Their conversation was interrupted when the curtain moved, a breathless Beatrice walking in. She hesitated as four pairs of blue eyes eyed her with curiosity. But for her, there was only one person she wanted to see. "[color=crimson]You're awake,[/color]" She seemed relieved, slowly smiling.

Kalder found himself returning her smile. "[color=springgreen]You're happy about that?[/color]" He asked jokingly, although he had caught himself much too late.

All three of his sisters immediately caught his statement, much to his regret. Rosalyn in particular didn't seem too happy; the older blonde haired girl would stand, her full height to her advantage as she approached Beatrice. "[color=gold]So [I]you're[/I] the reason my little brother is bedridden,[/color]" She stated, her voice venomous. "[color=gold]How do you fuck up so badly that you manage to poison the best potions master in his grade, hmm?[/color]"

Oh no. Beatrice immediately went on the defensive, her own hostility rising. "[color=crimson]It was an accident. They happen,[/color]" Ah, this could become very chaotic very quickly.

Amelie threw Kalder a look as he decided to try to diffuse the situation before anything happened. "[color=springgreen]Rosa, relax,[/color]" He said, trying to sit up. Of course, that effort made things worse, as a sharp pain surged through his chest. He wasn't quite able to hide how much pain that one movement did, and he quickly laid back down with Marilyn's help.

"[color=gold]He can't even get up, do you have [I]any[/I] semblance of shame? Or are you proud of it?[/color]" Marilyn snapped at Beatrice. 

"[color=crimson]Oh please, you have no idea who I am,[/color]" Beatrice huffed.

"[color=gold]Oh, I know who you are, Balthazar,[/color]" Rosalyn was quick to throw it back. "[color=gold]You've been after my brother for years, did you think I wouldn't notice the way you treat him? So now you get a chance at hurting him on 'accident'--which I find very peculiar considering that getting into Blackthorn's N.E.W.T. level class means you can't possibly be so dimwitted--and you think you can get away with it? Believe me, if I so desire it, I can make your life a living hell. [I]You[/I] have no idea who [I]I[/I] am, child.[/color]"

"[color=springgreen]You're being much too annoying for my taste, Rosalyn,[/color]" Kalder interjected, his patience wearing thin as his voice was raised.

Amelie jumped off of Kalder's bed, grabbing both her sisters by the arm. "[color=yellow]It's time to go,[/color]" She stated, pulling both of them away from Beatrice, much to their displeasure.

The twins glared daggers at Beatrice, who stood firm. Once Amelie successfully led them out of the hospital wing, Kalder leaned back against the pillows, a hand over his face. He stole a glance at Beatrice, who had been looking at him. He opened his arms, looking away from her. In response to her confused look, he would say, "[color=springgreen]Now is your chance to finish me off with no witnesses.[/color]"

Beatrice huffed, punching his chest in response. "[color=crimson]That isn't funny![/color]" She said, although she would take a seat on the chair next to him. "[color=crimson]I came to apologize.[/color]"

Kalder returned her stare for a moment. Maybe now would be a good chance for him to apologize, it worked with Caleb, so why not? "[color=springgreen]Actually...you don't owe me anything,[/color]" He frowned at her. "[color=springgreen]I know it's probably too late, but...I'm sorry.[/color]"

She looked confused once more, dragging her chair a little closer to him. "[color=crimson]I don't understand.[/color]" She admitted.

"[color=springgreen]I spoke with Caleb earlier, and I guess I realized that I haven't exactly owned up to my issues,[/color]" He admitted. "[color=springgreen]We were friends, and you had every right to hate me like you did.[/color]"

Beatrice looked at her hands for a moment, fidgeting with the hem of her skirt. "[color=crimson]...I don't hate you,[/color]" She admittedly slowly. "[color=crimson]I just...felt betrayed. I mean, I know I'm brash and--and sometimes I let my temper get the best of me, but...I thought we were friends at the time, and to see you say otherwise was difficult.[/color]"

"[color=springgreen]I'm sorry.[/color]" His apology hung in the air for a moment as Beatrice seemed content at staring at her own lap. Kalder leaned towards her, wondering why she hadn't said anything yet. Upon closer inspection, her eyes were on the bag of candy Demi had left for him. "[color=springgreen]Want one?[/color]" He asked, reaching for the bag.

Taking in a breath, she put on a smile. "[color=crimson]Are those from Caleb?[/color]" She asked him, politely declining his offer with a shake of her head. "[color=crimson]I wasn't aware you liked Muggle sweets, my father brought me those once from his trip to America--[/color]" Her words came to a halt almost immediately, an understanding washing over her. Clearing her throat, she nodded instead. "[color=crimson]They're--um, they're good.[/color]"

Kalder agreed, smiling softly, though he frowned as he noticed Beatrice's nervous expression. "[color=springgreen]What's wrong?[/color]"

Forcing herself to look at him, Beatrice's smile wavered. "[color=crimson]Um...Noel hasn't--hasn't passed by, has he?[/color]" She asked, suddenly nervous.

"[color=springgreen]I reckon they'll pass by later on, why?[/color]" She seemed to be struggling with something, but the jump from sweets to Noel was too suspicious. "[color=springgreen]What is it, Beatrice?[/color]"

Taking in a deep breath, it seemed she made up her mind to tell him, even if she looked jittery enough that she could fall off her chair at any moment. "[color=crimson]Just that--there's this rumor going around...N-Not that you would know...[/color]" She mumbled, though after a few seconds she steadied herself, a more determined look on her face. "[color=crimson]]For all that 'blood is important' crap Noel likes to spew, he's apparently been spotted with someone 'not of his status'.[/color]"

Great, Noel had another victim under his wing. "[color=springgreen]Who's the unfortunate one?[/color]" Kalder asked.

Beatrice looked him right in the eye. "[color=crimson]It's Demetria Graves.[/color]"

How three little words were enough to knock the wind out of him. There was no hiding his shock, a surge of hurt and rage almost overwhelming him. He had to tear his gaze away from Beatrice, his mind racing. There was no way Noel was with Demi. She was much too smart to fall for his tricks, too clever to be manipulated by him. Demi wasn't some easy trick Noel could sink his hands into easily. The very thought was enough to make a nervous laugh escape him, his denial burying him alive.

"[color=crimson]I found it hard to believe, too,[/color]" Beatrice whispered, a dissatisfied look on her face now.

Clearing his throat, Kalder tried to regain his composure. "[color=springgreen]So is it just a rumor or is it the truth?[/color]" He asked her slowly. "[color=springgreen]You know, don't you?[/color]"

Beatrice looked back down at her lap. "[color=crimson]I...[/color]"

"[color=springgreen]I need to know,[/color]" He pleaded with her, not even trying to feign disinterest.

For a moment, Beatrice would only look at him timidly, but no words needed to be said. The way she acted, it had to be true. How could this have happened? How could he have let it happen?! Devastation seemed to take over him coupled with panic. No, he had sworn he would make things right. Demi couldn't do this to him. Why was she doing this? He wasn't entirely sure, but he needed to know details. He needed to go to the source.

Swinging his legs off the bed, Kalder forced himself off the bed. Beatrice would stand immediately, holding her arms out as he staggered for a moment. "[color=crimson]What--you're not completely healed, you need to rest![/color]" She urged him. Resting had only given Noel a chance to go after his girl. But as strong as his determination was, his body wasn't exactly able to keep up, and he wasn't able to prevent Beatrice from pushing him back into bed. A tranquil fury seemed to overtake him, his hand gripping the sheets as he ignored whatever bullshit Beatrice was trying to give him.

As soon as he had the chance, he would find the truth.