Chapter 17 ~ Defence.

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Maxine awoke to the usual bright light flooding in through the narrow bay windows of the Ravenclaw tower, sitting up in bed to experience those few blissful seconds before everything comes flooding back to you. And once those few seconds had passed, once again Maxine's head began to whirl once more.

The weekend had been awful, and this Monday didn't look to be heading for anything better. Quarter to nine. She'd definitely missed breakfast and would probably be late to retrieve her post, not a good thing as nosy classmates and brother's liked to cart it off and read her letters.

Friday night, after the now famous explosion between her and Stefan, had been one of anger, fury, and then shame for Maxine. Her stupid temper was the cause for her shame, and later sadness, regret. At first she'd sobbed into her pillow with rage and fiery anger, hatred. And then Stefan's face had come to mind and the whole thing suddenly changed. Furious tears were replaced by sad, bitter drops that had soaked her pillow and exhausted her into sleeping deeply until late the next day.

Over that weekend, Maxine had been able to hide in the library most of the time, or some other place, maybe chat to Moaning Myrtle in the bathrooms - though that didn't always help. But now, it was Monday, and Maxine faced the inevitable torture of having Stefan as a desk partner. 

She wanted to apologise. She was sorry. But she had no idea where to begin.

Climbing out of bed hurriedly she paused only to pull on some clothes and grab her wand before sprinting downstairs. The common room was empty, meaning she was most definitely in trouble. After the quick glance around the room, Maxine grabbed her bag and raced out of the common room, coordinating the shifting staircases pretty well if you took into account that she was running and reading her charms textbook at the same time. Well, at least that was her homework done.

Reaching the hall, though, blueness increased. Heading for the Ravenclaw table, she could see no letters and no classmates trying to sneak a peak at them. She couldn't even see James. 

Great. Nick still hadn't contacted her and even her parents had neglected their writing duties for a week. 

Once Maxine had stopped staring at her empty place at the long table, she realised that the whispers had increased again, and there, by her seat, sat Stefan, glaring at her with such threat that all the sorrow was driven from her heart. Maxine sent a look of pure patronisation over to her former friend, earning titters from her classmates, before turning on her heal to stalk out of the hall. But she only got as far as the entrance, walking about six metres before an unpleasant confrontation occurred.

''Bonjour, little sister.'' James stepped into view, sneering expression on his face, bereft of loyal supporters but gaining an admiring audience from the Gryffindoor table, though Maxine saw Albus frowning and shaking his head. This simple gesture gave Maxine a little light to her heart and she lifted her head defiantly, dark curls falling back. 

''Good morning, James.'' She replied in an slightly drawling tone, as if the current tension between them did not exist. She'd had enough of this.

''Awww, what happened to calling me Jimmy?'' He asked in a mockingly innocent voice.

''I could ask the same question about our old friendship.'' She retorted, seeing James waver slightly. ''What happened to it James?''

''Lovely day, isn't it?'' Her brother attempted at a witty comeback, but seeing as the change of subject was so ludicrous, Maxine couldn't help smiling. Heavy rain was hammering on the castle windows from an ashen sky that morning. 

''I see your judgement has not improved.'' She answered, the smile on her face becoming wider. However, James recovered quickly and retrieved his taunting tone.

''Oh, dear sister.'' He answered. ''You never had very good judgement. Especially in the friends department.''

Maxine felt anger rise in her throat, dropping the cool act. So that's what James was here for. Well, she should have expected it. 

''I didn't think you'd tread on that dangerous ground, but obviously you're not as clever as you'd have everyone think.'' She answered bluntly. ''Piss off James, take you're hypocritical ways some where else for a change.''

James smirked. ''Is that the only comeback you can think of? Oh my dear little-''

A sharp echo filled the hall as Maxine slapped her brother with intense delight and anger, the sound ringing through the hall. She now had an audience, but wasn't putting on a show for them. Taking hold of James' collar, she brought the dazed boy up close.

''Now you listen here, brother.'' She spat threateningly. ''I know there's still that Gryffindoor part of you some where, the part of you that isn't a total moron, but until he shows up, I'm going to have to deal with this side of you. And this is the way I'm going to do it.'' She glared at him with ultimate fury before continuing.

''Even if Stefan isn't my friend any more, if you as much as jinx him you'll have me to answer to. And don't even think about trying it on with me, James. I won't run and tell tales, no, you'll have something much worse coming for you. Trust me, you won't know what has it you.''

For once James was silent, Maxine pushing him back with a thump, sending him an ominous parting glare before walking deliberately out of the corridor and up the stone stairs.

It was only when Maxine reached the potions dungeon and actually had time to think that she realised how much she'd contradicted herself. She'd said she wasn't Stefan's friend. And there she was, defending him. 

Whatever happened, Maxine felt that she would never end her friendship with Stefan Burkhardt.