The Curse of Love

Chapter 2

Harry slipped into the seat beside Ron who was already stuffing food into his mouth as if his last meal was years ago and not hours. Glancing at Ginny, he nudged Ron’s elbow.

“Mmphh..whhaar?” Ron mumbled distractedly, trying to chew and breathe at the same time. Harry looked pointedly at Ginny.

Ginny sat at her usual spot at the table, but she wasn’t eating. She didn’t feel like eating. Hell, she didn’t feel like doing anything. She stared at her plate, willing it to turn into something so scrumptious that she wouldn’t be able to resist eating it. Maybe then, will Harry stop nudging Ron and looking pointedly at her.

Idiot. Ginny grumbled to herself. She lifted her head up and let her eyes stray around the hall. Like magnetism, her gaze settled on a certain blond Slytherin.

Harry frowned.

Goddammit. Harry is still looking at me. When will he learn to leave me alone?!

Her eyes narrowed angrily when she saw Draco eating and drinking as usual, throwing scathing remarks at anyone who dared disturb him.

Ooh! That lil’…Fine! Two can play the “nothing-happened” game!

Snatching up a chicken drumstick, Ginny chomped down on her food angrily.

Glancing away from Ginny, Ron turned a munching, blissful face to Harry and finally swallowed his food.

“Ginny looks fine to me Harry.”

“No, she isn’t. She’s too quiet.”

Ron gave a snort of laughter. “Quiet?! You should hear her at The Burrow. Like a trumpet!”

Harry frowned. “Exactly. Ever since the second day back here at Hogwarts, Ginny has been…” he searched for the right word “…glum.”

Ron eyes widened. “ Hey Harry, you don’t think…” he made gestures of a book.

Harry gave Ron a death glare. “Ron, Voldemort is dead. He’s gone. Defeated. Destroyed. And that goes for all his umm…tools.”

“Hehe. Yeah. You took care of him last year. Harry,” Ron said with a solemn face, placing a hand on Harry’s shoulder, “You truly have met the expectations of the wizarding world. I am proud of you, Harry Potter.” Ron mimicked Cho’s high voice, fluttered his lashes at Harry and gave a girlish giggle, exaggerating all his actions.

Harry blushed bright red and turned back to his food, Ron’s guffaws blasting near his ear. The subject was dropped but Harry’s mind was still on Ginny’s weird behavior.

I better ask Malfoy what is the matter.

*************************

Ron’s laughter died down after a minute. No one was laughing along with him. Oh well. He shrugged. He had more important things on his mind. His mom had sent him an owl a few days ago containing some shocking news. He had hardly believed what he read and re-read so many times. He actually had it memorized down to the commas and full stops. Taking a big bite of his bun, he chewed thoughtfully and went over the letter again in his mind.

Ron dearest,

How are you and my little Ginny? Having a wonderful time back at Hogwarts? Actually, your dad and I have some rather sudden news to tell you. We hope that you will be grown up about it. Well, no point beating around the bush so I might just as well get on with it. Ron, our family is going to get a little bigger now.

Ron chuckled to himself, looking back at his first reaction to that sentence. He had thought his mother was pregnant.

And no, no one is getting married or giving birth. A you your age is going to be part of our family from now on. Her name is Stefenie Courdo. She will be joining you at Hogwarts soon and no doubt she’ll be in Gryffindor too! How nice, don’t you think so? Well, she’s just lost her parents so I expect you to take her under your wing a little bit? Show her around maybe? On second thoughts, maybe Ginny should do it. Or Hermione. Oh by the way, do ask Hermione to come over to stay for a few weeks during the hols. I do want to see that sweet girl again. Oh, I’ve got to go. Your father is calling. Take care of your sister Ron! And remember to put on an extra sweater if it gets chilly! Don’t want you getting sick or you’ll be receiving a howler next!

Love,
Mum.

P/s: Please let Ginny know about Stefenie will you?

Ron sighed. No doubt this girl is going to be a pain in the ass. It’s bad enough to have Ginny to look out for and adding another girl will be simply horrendous. I bet she’s either the really quiet and mousy or really clingy, whiny and oh-pity-me type and…Ron swallowed suddenly, making himself choke. Hermione thumped his back and rolled her eyes.

I forgot to tell Ginny.

Ron gulped nervously, not sure how Ginny will take the news. He had always thought that Gin liked to be the only girl in the family. Besides, she gets the most attention from her brothers and mother at home. Ron threw a glance at Ginny, who was still chomping away angrily as if that slice of blueberry pie was her worst enemy.

Oh well, there’s always time after dinner to tell her.

Dumbledore stood up from his dinner seat, the loud chatter and noise in the hall dying down immediately. Ron glanced up in surprise. Dumbledore didn’t usually interrupt in the middle of dinner.

“I have an announcement to make and I hope that all of you will be able to lend me your ears and eyes for a moment,” Dumbledore’s voice rang out loud and clear. Making sure everyone was paying attention, he continued, “ I am glad to announce that there will be two new 7th year students joining us as from today.”

Ron froze.

“They have already been sorted to their respective houses. I trust that all of you will give them a warm welcome?” Dumbledore’s eyes twinkled merrily.

Raising his hand, he beckoned to two figures standing silently at the back of the hall. All heads turned to look at the two shrouded in shadows. No one moved. After a few silent moments, a boy stepped out from the shadows and into the light.

A collective murmur breezed through the hall.

The boy stood tall and proud in front of thousands of eyes. His face was half-turned from the light, casting his handsome features in bronze. His body was well-toned and powerful, rigid and inflexible in character. His strong features held a certain sensuality that captured the attention of many girls. Including those sitting in that very hall. His eyes and hair were as black as midnight, his hair tousled and falling over one eye, giving him a dangerous, bad-boy look.

Ron swallowed hard. Glancing around at numerous star-struck girls, he concluded that the other figure that was still hidden in the shadows was his new sibling and that she won’t quite stir up a response like the new boy did.

He was wrong.

A girl stepped out from the shadows and into the light.

And there was dead silence in the hall.

All eyes were on her. Yet, she stood bravely, looking around at everyone. Ron’s mouth dropped open. He was not expecting this. Ron swallowed hard again.

She was small compared to the imposing figure next to her. She was only up to the new boy’s chin. Her hair was the colour of rich, dark chocolate, streaked with highlights caused by the sun giving her a healthy, glowing look. Her hair fell in silky waves pass her shoulders and curled under sweetly at the middle of her back. Her eyebrows arched delicately over her rounded, almond-shaped eyes. The light caused her chocolate eyes to seemingly flicker with golden dancing flames. Her lips were full, soft and inviting. The ill-fitting robes she wore could not hide the slim, shapely figure beneath it. In fact, it roused one’s curiosity to see what was concealed beneath those confounding robes.

Ron’s mouth suddenly went dry.

“Come,” came Dumbledore’s voice.

**************************

Harry stared at the new stude mes mesmerized just like everybody else. But something at the back of his mind nagged at him. There was something strange about those two. Something…different.

Oh right Harry. An outstanding looking guy shows up and all you can say is there’s something different about him. Harry thought to himself. And that goes for the girl too.

He watched them walk down the hall towards Dumbledore, all his senses coming alive when he focused on the girl. She moved with a certain confidence and in a relaxed manner. Her small, firm body glided naturally in perfect coordination, her hips swaying seductively. Her robes swished around her when she walked, giving glimpses of her attire beneath. Her black slacks were disturbingly snug around her thighs and her white blouse fit all too well on her upper torso. The worst thing was, she seemed as if she was oblivious to the effect she was producing from all the students.

Harry grabbed his goblet and gulped some pumpkin juice to cool him down.

**************************
Ginny looked up from her food, puzzled that the hall was so quiet. Oh, she heard Dumbledore all right. But what was all the fuss about? Just two new students. No biggie. She glanced at the new girl and suddenly felt a pang of envy.

If I looked like that, Draco wouldn’t be able to tear himself away from me.
A horrible thought popped up in her head and Ginny stole a glance at Draco. True enough, Draco’s eyes were glued to the new girl, a queer expression on his face. Anger and jealousy started to bubble up in her. Looking away, she turned back to the newcomers and her gaze settled on the new boy.

Ginny’s pulse quickened.

He was walking down the hall in long, powerful strides; his back and arm muscles rippling with movement. His midnight black hair fell dangerously over one eye. He seemed oblivious to everyone around him. In fact, he seemed as if he just wanted this whole damn thing to be done and over with.

Ginny smiled slyly.

**********************

Dumbledore smiled down at the boy and girl standing in front of him. Gesturing for them to turn around to face the other students, he straightened up and surveyed the hall. The expressions on the students’ faces were as expected. Dumbledore knew that probably these two new students were arguably the best-looking people Hogwarts had ever seen. He knew of only three others who managed ter eer evoke a response like this.

Tom Riddle, Rowena Ravenclaw and Draco Malfoy.

Smiling kindly, Dumbledore announced, “I present to you, Jaime Mortimer…” Excited twitters broke out among the girls but Jaime Mortimer kept a bored expression on his face. “…and Stefenie Courdo.” The boys sucked in their breath when Stefenie smiled sweetly. Jaime rolled his eyes.

“Miss Courdo will be in Gryffindor,” a loud applause and cheering erupted from the Gryffindor table as Stefenie grinned and walked quickly to a seat, “ And Mister Mortimer will be in Slytherin.” Another round of loud cheering came from the Slytherin table with loud sighs from the girls when Jaime gave a roguish grin and ungracefully plopped himself down in an empty seat.

“Now, I thank you for your attention. Please carry on with your dinner,” Dumbledore concluded and sat down again.

***************************

Draco’s blood ran cold and he gripped his cup so hard, he thought that it would break soon. He couldn’t care less about Jaime Mortimer. Sure, he’s good looking. Undeniably one of the best Hogwarts had ever seen. But, Draco thought smugly I am still the best-looking guy in this school.

And Draco knew that it was true.

Jaime Mortimer could not compare to the devilish good looks Draco had and all the girls, even Hermione could testify to that. No, it wasn’t Jaime that’s causing his sudden grip of anxiety. It was the girl.

Stefenie Courdo.

Draco swept his hard stare over her face, observing her as she smiled politely and shook hands with the Gryffindors.

She looks just like her. No, it’s impossible. People can’t come back from the dead. Even if they are witches. Still, how can two people look so exactly alike? Draco frowned.

There’s something different about her though. Draco realized. She doesn’t have that cornered, frightened look anymore.

Draco’s eyes turned a dark shade of gray with anger. He stood up abruptly from his seat, brushing away Pansy’s fluttering hands roughly. He took one last hard stare at Stefenie before he spun around on his heel and stalked out of the hall, his mouth set in a hard line.

He will get to the bottom of this.

***************************

Ginny stared daggers at Stefenie. Ginny was the most beautiful, wanted, and protected girl in Hogwarts, making her the most popular girl there.

Well, she was, until Stefenie came. Plus, Ginny had Draco as her boyfriend.

Though many don’t know about that, Ginny thought to herself.

Ginny glared at her sullenly, but to her irritation, Stefenie was oblivious to her. She was too surrounded with people to notice. Ginny saw the Trio going up to Stefenie. They were talking and laughing. All four got up to leave the hall, linking arms as if it was the most natural thing to do even though they have only met Stefenie for a few minutes.

Another surge of jealousy overwhelmed her.

In 10 minutes, that bitch managed to make more friends than I did for the past six years, gain more popularity than anyone else here, break into the tight circle of the Trio and earning their trust, which even I can’t do although I’ve tried for so long, and on top of that, she captured the attention of my boyfriend. MY boyfriend! Ginny narrowed her eyes nastily.

She took up her fork and stabbed it into the remains of her pie.

***********************

Jaime Mortimer flung himself on his bed in a groan of relief. Finally, that whole stupid episode is over, Jaime thought moodily.

“But, my role to play here is only just beginning,” Jaime whispered slyly to himself. He dragged himself out of bed and towards the mirror. Peering in the mirror hard and long, his mind started to wander to a sulky redhead that had caught his eye earlier that evening.

She certainly is a delicious piece of pie I would like to get my hands on. I er wer who she is. No one else has that kind of fiery red hair…et fot for that boy…must be her brother or something.

“My, aren’t you handsome,” the mirror sighed, startling Jaime out of his train of thought. Ignoring the mirror, he flounced back to his bed and spread out, folding his arms behind his head. He let his mind wander again.

Stefenie Courdo. Bah. No doubt half the guys in this school have their eyes set on her already. Sure, she’s pretty but she is so…so…

Jaime frowned irritably.

Fine, she isn’t JUST pretty. She’s outstanding. Jaime grudgingly admitted to himself. Too outstanding. I’ve never seen someone like her before.

He closed his eyes and laid back on the bed completely relaxed, images of Stefenie earlier this evening playing in front of his eyes. In his mind’s eye, he saw the way her breasts gently rise and fall with each breath she took, the way her hips swayed when she walked, her wet tongue licking her full, soft, red lips nervously…Jaime smiled in amusement.

Every guy’s wet dream. He thought mockingly.

Pushing thoughts of Stefenie away, his mind focused on a handsome blond Slytherin he had seen.

I wonder who that guy is. Seems to me he’s like the boss around here in these god-forsaken dungeons. Jaime chuckled. Looks like he’ll be competition, Jaime thought sleepily.

Jaime yawned. He was tired. Throwing his robe to the floor, he turned around on his side and was sng byg by the time his dorm mates came in to sleep.

**************************

Ron turned on the shower to full blast. He didn’t care that it was late and that it was freezing cold. He needed a bath.

A really cold bath.

The hard needle-like water took some of the tension in his muscles away. Ron sighed in relief and stood still, letting the water pound on his back. To his horror, Ron’s mind started to drift. Dark fantasies started to fill his head.

Ron groaned. He scolded himself for being so weak.

Sliding his hand over his rock-hard cock, he started to pump himself slowly. Closing his eyes, he leaned back against the shower stall and let his mind and senses take over. Biting his lower lip to keep from moaning out loud, he moved his hand faster.

Up, down, up, down, up, down.

Ron squeezed harder and increased his speed, moaning out load, forgng wng where he was. Finally, he tensed and shouted out loud when he came, his seed spurting out strongly all over the shower stall. Ron leaned his hot head against the cool wall and gasped, trying to catch his breath.

A few moments later, Ron stepped out of the prefect’s bathroom, perfectly composed.

Walking back to his dorm, a guilty smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. Damn, she’s hot.

********************

Stefenie shook her hair back, critically peering at her face in the mirror. Frustrated, she wondered what was wrong with the way she looked. Everyone seemed to be staring at her queerly so surely there must be something weird about her. But what is it? Everything seemed normal to her. Her face was ordinary, nothing unusual.

Maybe it’s the way I stand. Or maybe the way I walk. Or talk. Sheesh. She took a step backwards from the full-length mirror and surveyed her posture. Making a face at the mirror, she was startled when the mirror retorted sarcastically, “Same to you, honey.”

“Oh!” she breathed in surprise, “I didn’t know you could talk! I’m so sorry. I wasn’t trying to be rude. I…erm…well…I was making faces to myself. You know, for fun.”

“That’s quite alright then, dear,” replied the mirror, its tone somewhat softening, “You must be new.”

Smiling awkwardly at the mirror, Stefenie retired to her bed. Hugging her pillow to her chest, she smiled contentedly as she replayed the past week in her mind, her life, as she now knows it.

Mrs. Weasley had been very kind to her. Mr. Weasley too. She felt safe with them. At home, comfortable. Of course, she hadn’t met any of their children yet. Except Ron, she reminded herself. Ron was quite good looking and he was fun to be around. Stefenie was glad she had someone to show her around a bit. Ron was very friendly to her and he made her feel welcomed. Well, Harry and Hermione were very nice too. The moment she met them, she liked them immediately. And she was ecstatic when they welcomed her into their tight little circle as if she was an old friend. She had a feeling that they had very rarely, possibly never, allowed anyone else into their trio. And now I’m a part of them! she thought excitedly.

Suddenly the door flung open and a girl burst into the room. She was slim, small-sized, very pretty and very angry. She was ranting and raving about something, her hands flying wildly around in the air. Stefenie could not make out a word she was saying.

Clearing her throat loudly, she said, “Excuse me. Are you looking for someone?” The angry yelling stopped abruptly. As if seeing her for the first time, the girl turned to look at her in surprise, her eyes suddenly blazing with anger when she saw her. Both girls stood stock still, staring at each other in silence.

Stefenie glanced at the other girl’s fiery red hair and a bell went off in her head. “You’re Ginny! Ron’s sister!” she blurted out before she could stop herself, “I’m so glad to meet you! Hermione said you are really pretty but I didn’t take her seriously, but now I see why half the guys in this school are drooling all over you! Hi, I’m Stefenie but you can call me Stef.” Stefenie felt herself turn red with embarrassment at her outburst and struggled to appear normal. I don’t exactly feel very normal now though.

Ginny felt more and more surprised by each passing second. No doubt Ron had told this chit about me already. Regaining use of her tongue, Ginny said rather coldly, “Where’s Lavender?”

“Um, well, I really don’t know. Sorry. I don’t even know who’s Lavender,” Stefenie said softly, puzzled by Ginny’s hostility.

Amazingly, Ginny’s countenance softened and she smiled at Stefenie, extending her dainty hand in a friendly fashion. “Hi, Stef. I’m glad to meet you too. Sorry for being rude. I’m just a bit…angry, that’s all,” Ginny said smilingly.

“Oh,” Stefenie breathed in relief, “I thought you didn’t like me. Who’s gotten you so angry anyway?”

“Just some git,” Ginny laughingly waved off with her hand, “No one you know. Say, would you like to come down to the common room with me now? I could introduce you to some of the girls I hang with, what do you say?”

Stefenie smiled gratefully. “Alright. Let’s go,” she said happily. Ginny linked her arm through Stefenie’s and breezed out the door to descend to the laughter downstairs.