I Only Wanted

The final week of the school year was like heaven for the Weasley Twins. Without classes to hold them back, they were more rambunctious than ever. Katie reasoned quickly to just steer clear of them. But about midweek, the heat and mischievousness of the Twins was so unbearable, that Angelina decided they should take it outside. And since the area by the lake was Gryffindor Land, that's where they headed.

But Katie had to be dragged outside by Fred and Lee. They only stopped when she explained her reason for resistance.

"Guys, its hot, and I can't very well push my sleeves up," Katie said, tears welling in her eyes.

She knew that the scars were who she was, and therefore a permanent part of her, but there were ways to avoid having them seen. Staying inside was one of them. Before she realized it, Fred had pulled her into a tight hug, with Lee joining to make it a group hug.

"If anyone says anything, I'll curse them," Fred said seriously.

"So will I," Lee said from behind her.

Katie let out a giggle and escaped the hug, which resulted in a high speed chase through the castle and onto the grounds. Once outside though, Katie stopped and waited for Fred and Lee, catching her breath. She busied herself with loosening her tie, as she waited. Fred and Lee appeared behind her and they walked over to where everyone else was; lakeside. Katie unbuttoned the cuffs of her sleeves, but refused to roll them up, contenting herself with plopping down on Oliver's lap. He smiled and leaned down next to her ear.

"You decided to join us," he whispered, causing Katie to laugh and nod.

She looked over and spotted Percy and Penelope beside them. "Hey, Penelope," she said smiling.

"Hey. How are you feeling? Percy told me about Professor Lupin," she said, honestly concerned.

Katie glared at Percy, before turning to Penelope. "I'm alright now. What's done is done."

"Kate!"

Katie looked around to see where the shout came from and saw Cedric and Cho walking over. She gave Oliver a pat on the arm and rushed over to them. Cedric leaned down and pulled Katie into a tight hug before speaking.

"What are you guys doing out here?"

"Gryffindor Land. We're having as much of a beach party as we can. Ang's idea. But since Penelope already invaded our ranks, I'm sure no one will care if you guys hang out too," she said smiling at the both of them.

"That's sweet of you. We were actually going over to the pitch, but on the way back, we could stop by," Cho said, a teasing note in her voice.

Katie arched an eyebrow at her. "Well, since you've never been to a party involving those two," she said pointing over to the Twins, who were now attempting to poke the Giant Squid with a long stick, "I'll let that remark slide."

They both nodded, and walked through the Gryffindors, heading for the pitch. Katie looked over to her rock, which was presently occupied by Angelina and Alicia, to see Angelina watching Fred intently.

"If that thing pulls you in, I'm not saving your stupid ass," she yelled at Fred, whose toes were in the water.

Fred just gave her a cheeky grin and continued his assault on the Giant Squid. Katie ran over and climbed up onto the rock.

"Budge up a bit," she told Alicia, "This is my rock, girls."

"Yeah, yeah. So, you decided what you're doing over the summer? My parents would be happy to take you in you know," Angelina said, shielding her eyes from the sun to look at Katie.

"Oh, Ang, I'd love that. But I have to stay here over the summer," Katie said sadly.

"Why?" Alicia said, thoroughly interested.

"Well, because I have a godfather who lives here and I have to stay with him now. My parents transferred responsibilities to him."

"Who is it!" Angelina yelled in a whisper.

Katie sighed, looking at them both. "When I tell you, you guys keep your mouths shut. Don't repeat what I say, or give any reaction, ok?" Katie said and watched as they nodded, "Ok, its uh. Well- Alright, its Snape."

Angelina and Alicia gaped at her, but true to their nod, didn't say a thing. Angelina was the first to recover.

"Oh, you poor thing!" she said, placing a hand on Katie's shoulder.

Alicia just nodded in agreement. But Katie was having a problem of her own. The sun was beating down on her, making her very uncomfortable. Seeming to read her mind, Angelina looked at her concernedly.

"You alright?"

"I suppose so. Merlin, its hot."

"That's why I've gone sans uniform today, dear friend," Angelina said smiling at Katie.

"Oh screw it," Katie said raking up her sleeves, "I'm not worrying about what anyone else thinks."

"Good girl," Angelina said, turning to yell at Fred once more, "I swear to Merlin, Fred! Leave the squid alone! What did he do to you?"

Katie looked over to where she had left Oliver, only to see that Paris had joined the group there. "I'll be back," she said hoping off the rock and walking over to Oliver.

Oliver grinned up at her as she approached. "Welcome back, sweetheart."

"Thanks, Ol," Katie said, plopping down on Oliver's lap once more.

Paris stood from beside them. "Merlin, Katie, cover up your arms."

"Why?"

"Because no one wants to see that, you freak!" Paris said viciously, pointing to Katie's scars.

Oliver made a move to get up, but Katie stopped him from doing so.

"You don't want to see it, than don't look. It's hot. And I'm not going to suffer because you can't handle it."

"I agree with Wheeler," a voice said from behind Oliver, "Don't ruin everyone's good day."

Katie stood at that, and faced the voice. As always, Marcus Flint had to show up. But his presence had not gone unnoticed. The Twins and Lee were approaching fast, and Oliver was standing behind Katie now.

"Well, no one gives a shit about what you think, Flint. And you are not welcome here," Katie said coolly, masking her anger.

**

- I am

Little bit of loneliness

A little bit of disregard

A handful of complaints

But I can't help the fact

That everyone can see these scars -

Linkin Park - "Faint"

**

Marcus sneered down at her. "Merlin, Bell. You make me almost wish I hadn't passed this year. Without Romeo here to protect you," he said motioning to Oliver, "but no matter. My offer still stands. When you're through with him, come and find me."

Katie went to cause some physical harm to Marcus, when Fred and George intervened.

"Don't waste your time, Kate," George said, narrowing his eyes at Marcus.

"Besides, he'll get his. In due time," Fred said, mimicking his twin.

Marcus just let out a short laugh and turned on his heel, heading for the castle. Katie turned Fred around by his shoulder.

"What was that all about?"

"Hey, we just saved your ass from a fight. Anyway, we've got big plans for Mr. Flint," Fred said mischievously.

"Yeah, now sit and enjoy yourself. No more picking fights," George joked and received a smack from Katie before he could escape.

Paris walked off with a huff.

"Oh, no one wanted you here anyway, you evil wench," Penelope said angrily at her retreating back.

Percy looked at her startled. "Penelope?"

"Hey, she was mean to Katie," Penelope said honestly, smiling at Katie.

"Thanks, Penelope," Katie said happily.

****

Katie wandered down the now familiar corridors toward Dumbledore's office. She had to ask him if she would be able to visit Hogsmeade to see Oliver before everyone left. Having stopped by McGonagall's office, she had the password in her possession. Stopping in front of the gargoyle, she gave the password, and stepped onto the moving staircase. Once on the landing, she heard voices conversing inside the room. She froze when she heard her name mentioned.

*

"Katie is a very independent young woman, Severus. She seems to appreciate her privacy, and I think we are going about this the right way," Albus said, looking at the man currently seated in front of him.

Severus nodded and looked up at the Headmaster. "I'm not worried about her so much as myself. I've said this before, but I'm not cut out for this, Albus. And now she hates me for what I've done. Something I did without a thought of how it would affect her. Always thinking about myself-"

"Severus, can you honestly expect to just transform into the perfect parent overnight? With no experience in your history. My dear boy, you expect too much of yourself. Katie knows this, and in time, she will forgive you. But I know she won't forget," Albus said wisely, surveying Severus carefully.

"What am I supposed to do?" Severus said, honestly lost.

"When she feels time to forgive, she'll let you know. Katie Bell is one of the most intelligent students in this school. And with a temper to boot. Just let her calm down. She still has to say goodbye to all of her friends in a few days time. I think I can assume, forgiving you is not high on her priority list," Albus said chuckling a little, stopping when Severus glared at him angrily, "Oh, learn to take a joke, Severus."

Severus stood sighing. "Fine, I can only heed your advice, and hope you're right."

"Exactly," Albus said smiling, "We're through. Go on."

Severus crossed the room to the door, and upon opening it, was met with a sight he hadn't intended to see at all.

*

Katie jumped back startled as the door opened and looked up at Snape, confusion crossing her features. How exactly was she supposed to respond to what she'd heard?

"How long have you been out here?" he asked, closing the door behind him.

"Long enough," Katie said defiantly.

"Miss. Bell, I believe I owe you an apology. Not that I expect you to accept it," Snape said, holding himself in a professional manner, "I also don't expect you to be able to trust me, but I hope in time, that whatever trust you had in me can be rebuilt."

Katie cocked her head to the side and looked up at him. "Oh, Professor, you do have some version of a heart," Katie said sarcastically, "Now, if you would excuse me," she said walking around him and entering Dumbledore's office.

She closed the door and leaned against it, looking across the room at Dumbledore. She hooked her thumb over her shoulder and looked at him curiously. Dumbledore merely shrugged and motioned for her to sit.

"Professor, I just wanted to ask you about an idea Oliver thought of," she started out carefully.

"Go on, Miss. Bell."

"Well, he had this idea of a way we could see each other over the summer. He could Floo, or Apparate to Hogsmeade and we could meet there for lunch. Just short visits. Just to be able to see each other."

"Am I safe to assume that you and Mr. Wood are dating?" Dumbledore asked, a twinkle in her eye.

"Yes, we are. And I know you don't like having students in the castle over the summer and you are being very kind allowing me to stay. So, I thought it was a brilliant idea to use Hogsmeade. Seeing as its so close and all," Katie said, finding herself rambling.

Dumbledore smiled kindly at her. "Mr. Wood is a good boy. I'll see to making arrangements for these visits. I don't want you going to Hogsmeade alone now. So, maybe someone can escort you there and back."

Katie looked at him, knowing exactly who he was going to suggest. "Let me guess, Professor Snape?"

"Perhaps, Miss. Bell. But if you wouldn't be comfortable with that, I can make other arrangements," he said kindly.

Katie sighed. "Whatever you feel is appropriate, Professor."

"Alright then. Off with you, I'll let you know of what I've decided," Dumbledore said kindly.

Katie stood and left, but once she was in the corridor, she bolted to Gryffindor Tower. She had to tell Oliver the semi-good news. Visits, but possibly chaperoned visits. 'Hell,' Katie thought, 'Its better than nothing at all.' As she approached The Fat Lady, she saw Fred and George exit.

"Hey!" she said loudly, laughing as they jumped.

"Merlin, Kate!" Fred said, glaring at her.

"Hey, you didn't see Filch by chance, did you?" George said intercepting his brother's glare.

"No, its clear. I know where you guys are headed and you don't have to do anything, you know," Katie said crossing her arms across her chest.

Fred walked up to her and gripped her upper arms. "Oh, but we do. He's going to get his, Kate," he said leaning in and kissing her cheek, "Love you, Kate," he said walking past her, "Come on, George."

George walked up to her smiling and kissed her other cheek. "He's right. Love ya," he said before jogging off to catch his twin.

Katie shook her head and rolled her eyes, idly wondering what she would do without the Twins in her life. She gave the password to The Fat Lady, who unsuccessfully tried to get where the Twins had gone out of her. She entered the common room and spotted Oliver immediately, sitting on the couch, a book in his hands. She walked over and sat down beside him. He shut the book and placed an arm around her, and by instinct, Katie cuddled against him.

"I talked to Dumbledore," she said.

"And?"

"He agreed to the visits, but I have to have an escort to Hogsmeade."

Oliver grinned down at her. "Well, at least I know you'll be safe getting to and from the castle," he said before placing a kiss on her lips.

When he pulled away, Katie laid her head on his chest and tried to relax. She just wanted to spend as much time as she could with him before he left. 'But you'll see him over the summer now,' the optimistic voice in her head said. She had to agree. Things would be alright.

****

Katie adjusted her robes one final time before joining everyone in the common room to head down to the Farewell Feast. As soon as they were out in the corridor, Fred threw an arm around her and leaned down to talk to her discreetly.

"I got a glimpse of Marcus today, and our prank was successful. He looked absolutely humiliated, and he has to show up at this feast. You'll see, its great," he said, extremely please with himself.

"He's going to know you did it."

"Oh, I sure he has suspicions, but there's no evidence. He can't pin it on us."

"You're too much," Katie said smiling at him.

They entered the Great Hall and took seats at the Gryffindor Table. Katie noticed Ron, sitting beside Harry, a few people down. She hadn't gotten a chance to see him at all since he had his leg broken.

"Hey, Ron," she said gaining his attention, "How's your leg?"

"Good as new," Ron said smiling.

"Good," she said turning to look at the twins, who were eyeing the door to the Great Hall anxiously.

A moment later, a hooded figure entered the Great Hall and sat at the Slytherin Table. Fred scowled, and George glared at the hooded figure. The next moment, Professor McGonagall walked by the table and stopped when she found Katie.

"Ah, Miss. Bell. Professor Dumbledore wanted me to tell you that he's going with your first choice. Whatever that means," she said smiling, "I'm sure you know."

"Yeah, I do, Professor. Thank you," she said, slightly disappointed.

"Oh, Professor," Fred said as she was walking away, "We have a very disrespectful person over at the Slytherin Table. Isn't it against the rules to have your hood up at dinner?"

Professor McGonagall looked over at the Slytherin Table and nodded at Fred. "Right you are, Mr. Weasley," she said and headed over to the far side of the room.

Fred and George were wearing identical grins as they watched McGonagall. Oliver looked at the Twins and then back at Katie.

"What's going on?"

"All I know is that Marcus is the one with his hood up, for some unknown reason," she said nodding her head at the Twins.

Oliver smiled knowingly. "I've got to see this," he said, joining the Twins in their gazing.

Katie watched too, unable to resist. Marcus seemed to be putting up a fight, but McGonagall is nothing if not stern and persistent. Eventually though, he gave in and the hood came down, revealing a head of maroon and gold hair compared to his normal black hair. Katie smacked her hand over her mouth to avoid laughing loudly, but once the rest of the hall got a glimpse of Marcus, it erupted into shouts of laughter and Katie's was the least noticed. Fred and George were right, he was humiliated.

McGonagall took her seat at the faculty table and looked at Fred and George sternly, but there was a glint in her eyes, as if even she believed it was deserved. Katie looked over at Snape and saw him smirking and shaking his head. Dumbledore then stood up to make his speech.

"I see, that even the Slytherins are supportive of our House Cup and Quidditch Cup winners this year. Congratulations to Gryffindor House," he said and the hall, minus the Slytherins, burst into applause.

Dumbledore continued, but Katie didn't hear a word of it. She was so happy to see Marcus humiliated for a change that nothing could bring her down.

****

In her dorm that night, Katie had the inevitable thought upon seeing Angelina and Alicia's trunks packed. The day she had been dreading had come all too soon and she would have to face it. Tomorrow, she would be alone.