A/N: Sorry for the horrifically late updates; the weather where I live has been terrible, and affecting my concentration on these stories.

Thankfully the nights seem to be better.

I hope you all enjoy this next installment in these two lovers lives.

Onwards.

Disclaimer: Characters belong to J.K. Rowling

1994

Lavender squealed loudly and practically tackled Theo when she finally reached the tall youth.

"Theo!"

The boy groaned and braced himself for the onslaught; chuckling softly as the overly excited girl practically tackled him; her chocolate locks wild as they flew about her soft features. Several adults chuckled softly as they watched the cute show of affection, making him blush even as he held her close.

"I can't believe we get to watch the finals together!" She gushed; her warm brown eyes bright with excitement.

Theodore couldn't help but grin at the sight. "Father stated as long as I stayed with the Malfoy's afterwards it was fine."

In all honestly both were excited about the game; if only because they would be allowed to interact together without worry. The adults wouldn't be able to tell what houses they belonged to and no one from school would care as their focus was diverted over Ireland and Bulgaria.

Lavender grabbed hold of his hand before grinning, she dragged him towards the stands; too excited to stay still. "Good!" She smiled brilliantly at him. "It's so frustrating not being able to see you in the summer! And it doesn't help that we can't really talk together in class."

Theo nodded in agreement; having missed the girl in his lonely summers. "At least we can have fun here."

"Exactly! Now I demand you to buy me anything I wish because of it!"

He couldn't help but groan, though his eyes glinted in amusement. "Whatever you wish milady."

She narrowed her eyes at him before laughing. "Well come on! We have to but the best souvenirs before the game starts!"

Lavender woke up abruptly as she looked around in confusion; a tall figure stood on the side of her bed; roughly shaking her awake.

"Theo?"

The boy frowned in concern before looking to the entrance of the tent worriedly.

"We have to go."

She frowned at him but sat up quickly after noticing how tense her friend was. "But why? Where is everyone?"

Theo cursed and grabbed her hand; dragging her out of bed while holding his wand close to himself; preparing for an attack. "There isn't time to explain! We have to go!"

Lavender couldn't help but shiver in fear as she saw his fear filled look.

"Theo… what's wrong?"

He grimaced and turned towards the door. "Deatheaters… they're here."

Her world stopped for a moment. The monsters her parents would tell her about; spoken in hushed whispers as even their very mention could fill the adults with fear. Those gruesome monsters of the dark were here.

She trembled as she looked up at him. "W-what should we do?"

He held out his hand to her and tried to smile; though it came of as more of a grimace.

"I promised to protect you… Just follow me."

They both ran out of the tent and she couldn't help but gasp in horror at the destruction around her.

Muggles were being tortured as people in black capes laughed maniacally at their pain. Some were being thrown in the air while other writhed in the ground screaming in utter agony. She almost sobbed as she noticed they had children under the crucatious curse.

A fire had started up on the camp ground; and her eyes widened in fear as she saw it swallow the tents whole... along with anyone inside.

She couldn't help but shake her head in disbelief as tears fell from her eyes.

"They're monsters!" She cried to Theo as they ran towards the forest; ducking from any spells that flew their way. "How could they possibly do this!?"

Theo grimaced but held her hand tightly; scared of what would happen should he let go for even a moment. "They're not like us!" He looked back at the destruction surrounding them; a cold glint in his eyes. "They will never be like us!"

He looked at Lavenders tear stained face as he pulled her deeper into the forest, trying to dodge and hide from anyone that could be a potential threat. "They don't care or feel the same way we do." He pulled her close and hid them behind a tree. Quickly he wrapped his arms around her waist and tried to calm her sobbing form. Her small shoulders were shaking as she clung to his shirt, tears spilling from her eyes.

"It's scary… it's so scary Theo."

He hushed her, rubbing soothing circles on her back as he placed a small kiss on the top of her head. "I'll protect you… they won't ever hurt you Lav."

"I don't think he did it."

Theo shook his head, his face one of fond amusement as he watched the girl pace along the deserted corridor. "I swear each year you become Potters spokesman more and more."

Lavender pouted before plopping down next to her friend. It was close to midnight now and both of them still couldn't sleep after the champions were announced. Lavender couldn't help but frown at everyone's reactions from earlier, finding it all too suspicious.

"It just doesn't make any sense for him to do it! He's quieter then a mouse and he always grimace whenever someone mentions his 'fame' like he hates it." She shook her head and grumbled. "I think someone set him up."

Theo nodded. "That's a good point." He smirked at her. "The way you study Potter however; I swear you know more about him then even his friends do."

Lavender giggled as she laid her head on his lap. "And I owe it all to you!"

Theo frowned in confusion. "Why me?"

She hummed, lazily running a hand on his robes. "Because of you; I learned how to sneak about without being seen; so I can easily study Harry without him or anyone noticing. And you like things quiet; barely speaking unless I force you to, so I had to learn how to read what you're saying with your body instead of your words." She looked up at him with a soft smile. "Harry's the same way; his body is literally screaming help and his innocence in this whole tournament; but everyone just sees what they want."

Theo shook his head, amazed at her deductions. "Seriously; you are such a little snake."

She blushed and smiled at him. "I think I'll take that as a compliment!"

The room was filled with soft music as the young teens danced together. Long trailing dresses swayed elegantly around lithe bodies as the boys twirled their partners around; magically made snow fell softly around the dancers; the snow disappearing before it touched their bodies. A soft glow shone on the dancers in the ballroom, for all intents and purposes making the scene a winter wonderland.

Lavender sighed as she danced with Seamus. To anyone else; this would be a dream. Yet she simply couldn't wait for the night to end.

She looked over to the side longingly. Theo was dressed in long dark dress robes that complimented his growing frame; his wiry hair was brushed back and he danced with an elegant grace that not many possessed; even Malfoy could not dance as regally.

"You know… you're different then I thought you would be."

Lavender plastered on a fake smile as Seamus twirled her around. "What do you mean?"

The boy smirked knowingly. "You're not the only one able to see what people are hiding; it's obvious you're bored to death right now."

Lavender blushed at being caught before frowning. "Why aren't you mad then?"

Seamus shrugged and smiled. "I get to dance with a pretty girl who won't bore me with nonsense." He grinned. "The night could have been worse I imagine."

Lavender smiled at him; her eyes darting back to Theo.

"He's the one you like then?"

She blushed and shook her head, her chocolate ringlets dancing about wildly. "Of course not! We're just friends."

The boy hummed and smiled knowingly. "Well best go after you're 'friend' then; he's about to disappear I wager."

She looked up and saw Theo leaving the hall; thanking Seamus quickly she ran off after the boy.

Seamus watched her go before shaking his head and sighing.

"I'm such an idiot."

"Theo!"

Once more his name was the only warning he received before he was bodily attacked.

"Oof! Lav!?"

The girl smiled at him; making his breath catch at how beautiful she looked; even with her hair flying all over the place.

"You didn't dance with me!"

The boy blinked at her in surprise. "We already talked about this; we can't risk getting caught together." He frowned and looked away, not wanting to admit the jealously he felt at having to watch her dance with another.

The girl pouted before wrapping her arms around his neck; secretly smiling at the faint blush that lit his cheeks; in the distance they could just barely hear another song starting.

She looked around carefully before letting a sly grin grace her lips. "Well… I don't see anyone here; in fact, we're probably all alone."

Theo shook his head as he put his arms on her waist, loving how her body felt against his.

"You live to drive me mad don't you."

She hummed as she laid her head on his shoulder. "Maybe~."

As they danced with only the moon as company, she couldn't help but smile at how right it felt.

Secretly; though she would never admit it to Theo as they parted ways for the night.

Secretly… she wished he had kissed her.

They sat against each other quietly; taking comfort from the other.

"Everything… it's not going to be the same anymore is it?"

Theo swallowed thickly before shaking his head as he held her close, wanting to memorize how she looked to him before the start of their summer hols.

"No Lav… not anymore."

Lavender nodded in acceptance before grabbing hold of his hand tightly. Tears filled her eyes as she looked at him pleadingly.

"Please!" She sobbed, not able to hide her fear any longer.

"Please don't leave me!"

Theo pulled her close to him and blinked furiously, not wanting his own tears to spill over.

"never." He whispered hoarsely to her hair.

"I'll never leave you."

Too late, too late would those words prove to be a cruel lie.

A/N: And so another year passes and the story grows ever darker. Once more I sincerely hope you all have enjoyed this tale thus far and please leave a review if that is the case?

Thank you for reading this tale.

Till next time.