Forbidden to Love

Juliet turned to see Marcus standing in the doorway, still dressed in his quidditch robes.

"What do you want Flint?" Oliver said sitting up in bed to block Juliet slightly.

"I was looking for my young bride. It seems she has forgotten her place again. Being as she is mine, she has brought up many questions running to you after the quidditch game," he said walking towards them. "She also seems to forget that I have control of what she does when she is not here."

"You do not control me," Juliet responded sharply as she jumped to her feet.

"I have already picked out your dress for the Christmas ball and your father has approved of it. It will be waiting for you when you return home for break," he said crossing to her quickly. She closed her eyes preparing to be struck when she felt someone in front of her. She opened her eyes and saw the back of Oliver's robes.

"Don't think I will not hit you, Wood," Marcus sneered.

"As long as I am around, you will not harm her," Oliver angrily said.

"Is that a threat?" Marcus said stepping towards him. Juliet instinctively grabbed the back of Oliver's robes and pulled him back gently.

"Marcus Flint!" a voice came from the hallway, forcing him to stop and turn.

"Professor Snape, what can I do for you?" Marcus asked with feigned respect.

"First, you should not be in here. I told you to stay away from the Gryffindors," Snape stated as he entered the hospital wing. "Secondly, your presence has been requested in the headmaster's office," he finished looking down at him. "I will accompany you."

"Yes, professor," Marcus said looking up at him. "I will see you later Juliet. Wood," he sneered before following Professor Snape from the room.

"Juliet, are you alright?" Oliver asked as he turned to face her. But she didn't answer. She grabbed the front of his robes and buried her face in his shirt as she began to cry.

"Juliet.." Oliver said softly before wrapping his arms around her. "I won't let him harm you."

"Oliver, you are so sweet. I am afraid you won't always be able to protect me. I will have to return home for the holidays and my parents," she started but trailed off looking at her hands.

"Juliet, did you know that the Flints invite most pure-bloods to their Christmas Ball every year?" Oliver said sitting on the edge of the bed and grabbing her hands.

"I did," she answered softly.

"Juliet, did you know that each year, my family receive an invite and I ask my parents to turn it down?" he asked leaning down to look in her eyes.

"Oliver, what are you trying to tell me?" she asked as her light returned to her eyes.

"I will write my parents and tell them to accept this year. I will be able to watch over you at the ball," Oliver said before gently pulling her into a hug.

"Thank you, Oliver," she said hugging him back.

"Miss Malfoy," a woman's voice came, causing them to jump a part.

"Mrs. Flint," Juliet answered with a small curtsey.

"Unexpected to see you in here, alone with a boy," she said looking down on Juliet.

"Oliver is a friend in my house. He was injured in today's game. I was merely checking on him," Juliet answered as she looked at her feet.

"Is he now?" Mrs. Flint said coldly. "I assumed you would have been placed in Slytherin since you are a Malfoy, but it would seem that assumption is mislaid," she said looking at the Gryffindor cloak around Juliet's shoulders.

"I was sorted into Gryffindor, ma'am. I look forward to the Christmas Ball," Juliet responded glancing up at her.

"As do I," Oliver chimed in.

"I did not think you and your parents would attend, Mr. Wood. They have declined all previous invitations," Mrs. Flint said, shock written on her face.

"Juliet has convinced me how much fun they can be," he said with a smirk. "If you will excuse us ma'am. Juliet was about to help me back to our common room."

"That is alright, I need to be heading to the headmaster's office. My husband and son are already there. I wanted to say hello to Juliet prior to entering the office," she said calmly.

"Have a good day ma'am," Juliet said with a curtsy to her. "Oliver, shall we head back?" she asked offering her arm to him.

"Yes! Let us get back so I can write my parents about the Christmas Ball," Oliver said taking her arm and walking slowly from the Hospital Wing.

"I will see you soon, Miss Malfoy?" Mrs. Flint called after them.

"Yes, ma'am," she said quickly, before helping Oliver back to the common room.

"Are we out of sight?" she asked quietly.

"Yes, we are nearing the common room. You can stop holding on so tight," Oliver said softly.

"O," she said quickly releasing his arm. "I did not realize I was holding on so tight."

"It is ok. You were frightened. I would rather you hold on to me than face fears alone," he told her gently.

"Oliver, thank you for treating me with such kindness. You school year has been so much harder because of me," She said glancing down at her hands.

"Quite the opposite," he started causing her to look up. "My school year has been full of more adventure then before," he said before hesitantly giving her a kiss on the cheek. Juliet blushed and smile softly at him.

"Let us return to the common room. I am sure the other boys are wondering how you are," Juliet said before taking his arm again.

As they stepped through the portrait, they heard many of the members of the quidditch team cheering. Some just because Oliver was ok. Fred and George; however, began to chant something about Oliver having a crush and Juliet released his arm quickly, much to her dismay.

"I will see you later Oliver. I am glad you are ok," she said quickly before running up the stairs to the girls' dormitory.

"Juliet?" Hermione's voice came as she closed the door to their room.

"Yes?" she answered quietly.

"Do you like Oliver Wood?" Hermione asked abruptly after a moment.

Juliet froze where she stood. She knew Hermione was asking for her own knowledge, but she truly did not know the answer. Wood had paid her attention, good attention, but she was too young to have anything but a school girl crush on the boy.

"I don't know. I mean we are still young children. How can we know anything about that sort of thing at this moment?" Juliet responded before crossing to her bed. "All I know is he treats me kindly and it's a change from what I am used to."

"Well, your cheeks are about as red as the bed curtains," Hermione giggled.

"Hermione?" Juliet asked looking over at her. "I have an odd question."

"What is it?" Hermione asked.

"It is strange, but can we be friends? You are the only girl in our year who doesn't run the other way when you see me. Or just wants to be my friend because of my closeness with Harry or my brother."

"Well your brother hates me, so no problem there. I am muggleborn so I only know about Harry because I read up on as much as I could when I found out I was a witch. I would love to be your friend," Hermione said excitedly before running over to Juliet and giving her a hug.

"Well if my brother is ever mean to you, tell me and I will beat him up for you," Juliet responded with a laugh as she hugged Hermione back. "I can't promise you will ever be allowed at my home, but you will always have a friend in me."

"Please tell me what it was like growing up in a wizarding family?" Hermione said as she sat on the edge of Juliet's bed.

"O that is far too depressing to tell you about growing up in Malfoy Manor. Why don't we head down to dinner and you can tell me all about your family?" Juliet said offering her arm.

"That sounds wonderful," Hermione said jumping up and grabbing her arm. "Should we grab the boys?"

"Absolutely not! I want some girl time!" Juliet said with a laugh as they walked down the steps and almost right into Professor McGonagall.

"Professor!" Hermione exclaimed.

"Hello Miss Granger," she said quickly. "Miss Malfoy, you are needed in Professor Dumbledore's office." Juliet turned felt as the color drained from her face and her heartbeat quickened.

"Is everything ok Professor?" Hermione asked quietly to not draw attention to them.

"The Headmaster needs Miss Malfoy. Please stay here Miss Granger," she responded with a solemn smile.

"Professor McGonagall," Oliver's voice came from nearby, but Juliet didn't look up. She felt as if her heart would beat right out of her chest.

"O good. I need you as well Wood. Your presence is requested in the Headmaster's office," she responded quickly. Juliet looked up quickly to meet his eyes. He too looked worried, but she wondered if he could see the fear burning in her eyes. It was not long ago that Mrs. Flint was in the Hospital Wing. They should still be in Dumbledore's office.

"Professor, I thought that Professor Dumbledore was going to keep our names quiet during today's meeting?" Oliver asked quietly.

"He tried to. Marcus brought up your names and Mr. Malfoy has decided that Marcus should get to face his accusers. Since he is on the Board of Governors, Professor Dumbledore must do as he says in that regard. The final decision will rest with the headmaster as all twelve Governors are not on the property." She answered before she turned to see Juliet's face. "It will be fine, Miss Malfoy," McGonagall said quietly trying to calm her. "I will be in the room the whole time. So will Professor Snape and Professor Dumbledore. No harm can come to either of you."

"Yes Professor," she responded quietly looking down at her feet.

"Good. Let us move quickly," McGonagall said as she led them out of the portrait hole.

They moved silently. Juliet watched the bottom of McGonagall's robes as they move quickly towards the Headmaster's office. Out of the corner of her eye she could have swore she saw Oliver's hand reach out to grab hers but she thought she was seeing things.

As the neared the office, Professor McGonagall uttered the password and the staircase began to ascend. McGonagall stepped on first followed by Juliet and then Oliver. As the stood there in silence, Juliet held her breath fearing what was to come. As they neared the door, Oliver brushed his hand against hers, causing her to look at him. His eyes were like fire. She could not tell if it was fear or if he wanted to protect her from everything that was about to happen. She was so busy looking at his eyes that she almost did not see him mouth 'Let me go in first' to her. She slowly shook her head yes and he quickly gave her hand a squeeze before following McGonagall through the door.

"Ah, Mr. Wood and Miss Malfoy. Thank you, Minerva. If you would please stay as well," Dumbledore said as they entered.

"Yes Sir," McGonagall said before moving off to the side.

"Please sit," Dumbledore said motioning to the two chairs that were to his right. Without a word they both crossed to sit down in the chairs.

"My daughter will come stand by me," Lucius' voice came abruptly, causing her to jump. She froze and kept her eyes fixed on the ground, but she could feel her father's gaze burning a hole in her.

"Miss Malfoy," Professor McGonagall started quickly stepping forward but was shushed by Dumbledore's hand.

"I am aware, Minerva. Your daughter is still recovering Lucius. I have strict instructions from Madame Pomfrey that she is to sit as much as possible. She has even been excused from flying lessons for the time being." Dumbledore said looking at him. "You would not want your daughter to have a relapse and up back in Hospital, would you?"

"Very Well," Lucius said staring harshly at her. "You may sit."

"Thank you, Father," she said curtsying. She could see Oliver on her left side. He had a look of absolute horror on his face. As she turned to find the chair and sit down, she quickly told him it was ok and to breath.

"Very Well, now that all of that is settled. Let us have a conversation about how our Young Mr. Flint here as been behaving this fall," Dumbledore started.

Juliet looked up quickly to survey the room. Dumbledore stood by his desk where a very angry Mr. and Mrs. Flint sat along with Marcus and her father. All of them were staring at her and Oliver angrily. Professor Snape was standing off to the side but somewhat between them, as if he was to stop them from attacking them. Professor McGonagall was standing directly across from Snape.

As Juliet looked over at Snape, he briefly gave her a sad look and motioned for her to breath. She gave him a small nod; he was her and Draco's godfather after all. It was only polite to acknowledge his presence.

"I am not sure what you are referring to," her father sneered finally turning his gaze to Dumbledore. "I told you before, what happened with Juliet was no more than a misunderstanding. Marcus was not to be reprimanded for it."

"A misunderstanding!?" Oliver blurted out as he jumped out of his seat. "He almost killed her!"

"Mr. Wood," McGonagall warned.

"Sit down Oliver," Juliet said calmly, wrapping her hand around his arm and pulling him gently back down beside her. He quickly placed his hand over hers so that she could not pull it away and gave it a silent squeeze.

"I see what is going on here," Mrs. Flint said calmly, causing everyone to look at her. "Am I the only one?"

"Please explain my dear," Mr. Flint responded.

"It seems young Mr. Wood holds some feelings for Juliet. And since she is engaged to Marcus, what better way to get rid of the competition then to make up false allegations," she said with a twisted smirk.

Oliver's grip on Juliet's hand tightened and she flinched slightly at the added pressure.

"He is obviously poisoning Juliet's mind against Marcus. I mean why else would the child you raised say such things Lucius?" She added.

Juliet could see the anger rising in McGonagall and Snape, but she also saw the humor in Dumbledore's eyes.

"That was a very interesting tale, Mrs. Flint. However, many witnesses have come forward to tell me how young Mr. Flint has been treating not only Miss Malfoy and Mr. Wood but other students in the school. Miss Malfoy and Mr. Wood didn't report the behavior towards themselves but, ironically, they reported on what was happening to the other. Also, many of the staff have seen it and reported it to me," he said with a small smile. "Now that being said. Miss Malfoy and Mr. Wood are in this room for this conversation, but they will not be taking part in it. I have already spoken to them both and I do not wish to put them on the spot and feel threatened to change their story."

Juliet quietly let out a sigh of relief as Dumbledore finished his statement. She knew if she had to retell anything, it would change because they were in the room staring her down. She did not dare to look up. She could feel her father's cold stare and she knew she was in trouble.

"Now, on with how we shall handle the issue at hand. Marcus, you are suspended from school for two weeks. Upon your return to Hogwarts, you will be on probation. You will not be allowed to play Quidditch and you will have a month long of detention. If during that time nothing happens, you may be able to begin playing Quidditch again. Should things continue to happen, and the next punishment will not be as kind," He said sternly.

"But sir! Slytherin will forfeit every game," Marcus said loudly looking over at Snape for help, but the look Snape gave him told him to expect none.

"Then you have an incentive to get back on the team do you not?" Dumbledore said quickly.

"Yes Sir," Marcus responded through gritted teeth.

"Good. Now, Professor Snape will escort the three of you to the Slytherin Common Room so that Marcus may retrieve some of his items. Lucius, I believe we are done. You may return to the Governors and let them know the issue has been handled. Minerva, you may return to your office, I would like a word with these two," Dumbledore said dismissing everyone.

Everyone left quickly and quietly, leaving the pair rooted in their chairs.

"You can look up Miss Malfoy, they are gone," Dumbledore's voice said calmly. When she looked up, she noticed he walked closer to them. "I wanted to apologize to the two of you. I tried to keep you out of this, but I am afraid Mr. Malfoy left me with no choice."

"He tends to do that," Juliet responded softly.

"It is alright Professor. I am just glad he will be punished," Oliver responded with a small smile.

"Mr. Wood, can you escort out young Miss Malfoy to the Great Hall. I believe she was heading there with Miss Granger before I summoned her," he said as he crossed over to his desk.

"Yes, sir," Oliver responded as he stood up. He turned and offered to help Juliet stand and she graciously took his hand. "Let us get you something to eat," he said as he directed her to the door.

"I think I should be saying that to you. You haven't eaten since morning," she said with a small laugh. They continued their conversation as they carefully descended the staircase. They were so deep in conversation that Juliet did not realize her father was waiting at the bottom.

"Juliet!" he called abruptly causing her to jump as she reached the last step.

"Father!" Juliet exclaimed surprisingly. She turned quickly in his direction, averting her eyes and curtsying low.

"Leave us Mr. Wood," Lucius sneered as he approached Juliet.

"The Headmaster told me to make sure she gets something to eat," Oliver protested.

"Go Oliver. I will meet you at the bench just up the hallway," Juliet said quietly.

"I did not raise you like this!" Lucius bellowed. "Do not speak out of turn! We were talking not you!"

"My apologies, Father," she responded lowering her head even farther.

"I will be a few paces away Juliet. Should you need me, simply call my name," Oliver said before releasing her arm.

Once his footsteps were far enough away, a slap landed across her cheek, causing her to yelp in surprise and almost knock her to the ground. Her hand covered the area where his hand had made contact as he forced her chin up with his cane so that she was looking at him.

"That was for speaking out of turn. Just you wait to see what punishment awaits you when you return home. I will not forget this, and neither will the Flints. You will have one bad Christmas if you continue this game of yours."

"What game Father?" She asked. Crack, another slap landed across her face.

"Did I tell you to speak!?" he screamed at her. "Get rid of the Wood boy. Whatever affection he has for you and you for him, squash it, or I will. Do you hear me?" Juliet nodded her head simply. Tears stung her eyes, but she willed them not to fall.

"Lucius, still hear?" Dumbledore's voice came. "Miss Malfoy, please head to the Great Hall to get some food. Mr. Wood is waiting on you."

"Yes Professor," she responded curtsying. "Good day Father. Please say hello to Mother for me," she said quickly before curtsying and walking towards Oliver quickly. Whatever conversation was about to happen, she wanted no part of it.