AUTHOR NOTE: Apology time. I started a new job and the hours have been a bit ridiculous, so this is coming out very late. But hey! Here ya go. And thank you to everyone who has followed, favorited, or reviewed. You guys are da best. And to yall who have done all three, well, lets just say, if I could, I'd buy you a beer. Cheers and Enjoy!

"Okay, now list out the ingredients for the Armadillo Bile Mix."

"Uhhhhh…. Okay so you have the bat wings. Armadillo bile, duh of course. The freaky spider venom.."

"Acromantula."

"Right, sorry Ms. Kaldrskra."

A polite smile graced Elsa's lips as Anna watched her from the Hufflepuff breakfast table. The prefect had been tutoring a very bulky 5th year Ravenclaw all morning ever since he had fumbled up to her as she walked into the great hall, his face red and eyes downcast as he pleaded for her help with his accelerated potions classes.

Anna's attention kept being drawn away from Rachel and Olaf who were harassing Marshall with questions about the Qudditch match this upcoming Saturday. The way those blue eyes slowly shifted from polite and distant to so warm and enthusiastic the further they got into the study session was mesmerizing her.

I am a fucking piece of shit.

Sighing, she rested her hand on her chin and forcibly kept Elsa out of her thoughts as she tried to make conversation with Sven who had shown up to try and save Marshall from the grilling his brother was giving him over which Slytherins he was going to "destroy" on the pitch with extra heavy handed hits.

The large boy kept shaking his head and attempting to get a word in edge wise about how he didn't like to "go for the kill shot" when Olaf proceeded to call him a big marshmallow, making Rachel spew out her orange juice. The scene of Olaf being wrapped in a headlock with Rachel tying to whisk away the orange juice from her uniform vest and Sven attempting to save Olaf's noggin from extra noogies made Anna's heart ache.

Kristoff was conspicuously absent, as he had been for the entire week. Anna had been too prideful and frustrated to give Kristoff the validation of being correct in his accusations, and practice had been tense for the entire weekend and on Wednesday. Their interactions were curt, with both obviously hurt by the other's cold treatment but refusing to admit that eachother had a valid argument.

Rachel was at her wits end by Sunday but seeing that she couldn't get Anna to budge about what had happened, she decided Kristoff was her best bet for figuring out why the hell her two stars were playing worse than the Transylvanian's in the last world cup. She pulled Kristoff aside on Wednesday's practice to chastise him about his sloppy backbeats and acting like a "bloody hermit" and not joining their friends for any meal or get together other than classes.

Kristoff had looked so utterly downcast walking back to the locker room that Anna had wanted to latch onto the boy like a spider monkey and admit that he was so right about Elsa, and that she was pushy to try and get involved in his old business with Wren and that she was sorry sorry sorry.

But her throat clamped up, seized by shame's vice grip. The blond had merely looked at her expectantly as she opened her mouth to speak. When nothing came out, he grunted and clenched his jaw as he strided past her into the smelly changing room, the sound of snapping towels and Frank causing a raucous with Jeffery echoing in the background, til the door shut and left the muted red-head in silence.

She was desperate to make up with Kristoff, but to do that she had to first admit that he had a point. And to admit he had a point would be to confirm to herself that she was truly interested in Elsa. Which she staunchly refused to do.

Despite the clash of will going on in Anna's mind, business had carried on as usual with Elsa the entire week. Laughs were shared, hugs were given, and Elsa continued to entrance Anna every single time the blonde shot her a curious, gentle smile.

The stress from not being able to vent to Kristoff was compounding with her own stubborn refusal to ruin Elsa's newfound confidence around strangers (students were actually greeting the prefect in the hallways instead of scurrying around her) by trying to attempt a relationship.

She had gotten to the point that on Thursday, the day before Halloween, Anna had seriously considered trying to distance herself from the girl.

Anna had been delaying at the end of her last class of the day in Greenhouse 6, packing up One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi into her bag, and getting frustrated that it wouldn't fit due to all of the scraps of paper sitting in the bottom.

Roughly pulling them out with a disgruntled snarl, she glared and started crumpling them all to toss in the bin until she came across the entwining, impossible geometric patterns Elsa had absentmindedly sketched out all over the old parchment.

The pair had been sitting quietly several weeks ago (a rare, but not impossible occurrence with Anna around) in one of the well-lit circular stairwells near the Astronomy tower, listening to Anna's iPod as the redhead had been cleaning up her broomstick when she stated how impressive the pattern was. Elsa had gifted it to her with a pleased smile and a blush.

The edges of her mouth had just begun to turn up when Anna snapped her eyes shut and ran a hand over her face, before pinching the bridge of her nose and spinning on her heel to mope out of the now empty glass room.

Why. Why can't I just stop thinking about her for a minute? Fucking Hell. Too Much. I can't keep doing this.

"Wow, Professor Avens held you late today. I thought your Wiggenweld powder presentation was in two weeks, it wasn't today was it?"

Elsa had just fallen into step with Anna as she walked at a totally-not-unreasonably-fast pace past one of their usual meet up spots in the courtyard.

"No, it wasn't today."

"Oh good. So, I read up on some of those bands you told me about, with the big fluffy hair and face makeup? And if you wanted, I could do you this charm for-"

"Elsa, hey, I know we were supposed to work on my costume for Franklin's thing, but I erm told Gabby I'd be fixing up her…uh old broomstick, because it's broken. Like, mega-broken. Donezo. Haha."

"Ah, well do you want to meet up later then?"

"No, I can't, gotta…work on this herbology paper- presentation. The presentation."

"Anna, are you okay, you're turning really red?"

Stop being so observant you perfect little stinker.

"Totally! I'm just-so busy. And I've got a lot on my mind, and you're always- wait…"

Wow. Nice awkward pauses and obvious lack of eye contact. She'll never know. Fuck you McKay.

"Shit, that wasn't-"

A crestfallen look raced across the seventh year's face when Anna finally drug her gaze over. The book Elsa had been attempting to pull out of her cracked leather satchel was hastily shoved back down as she reigned her face into that cold polite mask, giving a slight nod and "right then" as she stared straight ahead.

Anna wanted to jinx the nearest suit of armor to cut her down where she stood. Of course Elsa could tell when she was lying, that was one of the things she pointed out the very first time they met.

"Well, Goodnight then. Good luck…"

This is for the best, don't say anything.

Elsa let out a deep exhale, the wind from her sails apparently breezing out of her, as her features became marred with something akin to disappointment. Anna watched as Elsa pulled her shoulders up and crossed her arms tightly across her chest as she began to lengthen her stride to speed away from her.

Fuck. Why am I doing this to her? She doesn't deserve to be left alone because it's easier for me. This isn't her fault.

Miraculously, she sucked up her pride, grabbed Elsa's hand and apologized for trying to lie to her face. Those deep blue eyes finally met aqua, and the ache that their sincere gaze caused Anna was only deepened at Elsa's admission that she was "used to it" before imploring Anna to not let her monopolize all her free time.

"I know I'm somewhat of a burden for you. And it's my fault for not taking your feelings into account. Studying isn't nearly as fun for you as it is for me. The last thing I want is for you to miss out on time with your friends, so please, don't feel bad about cancelling on me. Ever. Okay?"

She wondered what her freckled face had looked like in that moment, as Elsa's neutral mask broke, worry etching her features. Anna shook her head quickly, twin braids swaying side to side as she tried not to release angry tears over the fact that the beautiful, kind, and restrained girl before her saw herself as anything other than the best part of the Hufflepuff's day.

But, just like earlier with Kristoff, Anna's words failed her when she needed them the most.

Away after no response seemed forthcoming, Elsa parted from her with an "I'm sorry. I'll see you later. Goodnight."

A thick, blonde braid swung behind her as she ran a pale hand through her hair, somehow making her messy bangs more ordered, yet leaving Anna's mind once again a chaotic mess of Elsa and guilt.

All Anna had received from Elsa by way of greeting this morning was a small, closed off smile and a nod.

The fact that her friend felt the need to restrain herself was creating a huge crack in the red-head's heart. Elsa thought she was a burden to her, but the Anna knew it was the other way around.

This was her own fault. She hated herself for it.

"No chocolate this morning? I thought you loved Halloween candy."

Anna thought her neck might have a crick in it from turning it so rapidly. But hearing Kristoff's voice coming from next to her was worth it.

"Kristoff."

The blonde had sat a a full space to her left, but was watching her with a passive calm face. He looked tired.

Suck it up. Stop being a child. Just speak.

Anna scooted over slowly, like she was approaching a proud, wounded Hippogriff.

"I'm…I'm so sorry."

His weary face seemed to brighten a bit. Anna felt her chest lighten immensely, like a giant had ceased sitting on her.

"You were right."

"You're right."

Their voices had combined as they blurted out simultaneously, and they laughed. It was warm, it was comfortable, and so damn easy.

"Christ, that's hard to admit, but you are. I apologize as well. Sorry I've been such an idiot. I'm fairly good at that."

"Well we both are then. But hey, the first step is admitting it. And the second step is doing something about it." Anna said with a wry grin, poking her finger into his fraying uniform vest.

"Right. I'm swearing to you now that I'll try and talk to her before her match tomorrow. So hold me to it, McKay." He brought her into a bear hug and when she finally was released, she found a brightly wrapped muggle candy bar tucked in at the nape of her neck.

"How did you get a Kit Kat!?"

Cheery, booming laughter echoed across the table as Anna ripped open the package with her bare teeth and snapped off a bar, scarfing it down with a deep moan.

"It was my extra peace offering, just in case you weren't so inclined to forgive me. I had my Uncle Pabbie send me a bunch of halloween candy you Americans like since he owns a corner shop. Almost didn't get here in time, but he and my aunt always have had trouble figuring out how to send stuff by wizarding mail. They don't like owls."

"You are so forgiven, I could kiss you. Dear god above, I haven't had muggle candy since I left North Carolina."

"Well don't go doing that, you'll just make Elsa more mopey than she already is."

"Wait, what?"

The big blonde settled in his seat, after Rachel and Olaf finally welcomed him back to the table with a "Missed you mate" and a "Finally for fucks sake."

Lowering his voice, he inclined his head towards an expectant Anna.

"I saw Elsa last night. I was gonna ask her if you liked white or milk chocolate better. When I brought you up, she looked so….I suppose deflated is a good word for it. She covered it up right quick enough, but still. I asked her if you two were in a row and she just kinda brushed me off. So what happened?"

"I tried to lie to her last night and she saw right through it. I mean, I've been kinda losing it over here, what with trying to not kiss her stupid face, and me being a jerk to you and not being able to talk to you about it. Anyway, last night I was having a rough time, and I told myself I needed to just get some distance between us so it would be easier for me, you know?"

"And you made up a terrible lie, instead of just asking for some space."

"Well duh! What would I be asking space from? Our friendship? Friends don't tell each other they can't hang out with them 'because they need space'."

"Fair enough. Anyway, you're a terrible liar, so I'm guessing she didn't handle it well."

"Right. The idiot just tells me that she's sorry for taking up all my time. Now she thinks that I think she's a burden or something. Which is so fucking ironic I may vomit angsty Daughter lyrics."

"I have no idea what Daughter is. But still, just tell her that." Kristoff said it so flippantly, like it was the easiest thing in the world to do.

"It's a big step for me to admit I have feelings for her, but it's another thing entirely to tell her. I just can't okay. Not yet anyway." Anna hissed back, smoothing two hands down her face and pulling her cheeks down into a distressed position.

She felt a gentle hand come around her and pull her onto a broad shoulder. She just leaned in and sighed.

"I understand. Don't worry so much about it. When you're ready and it feels right, just go for it."

She leaned back away from Kristoff and frowned down at the nicks on the old worn wood.

"What if I'm never ready? What if she doesn't even see me that way?" Anna mumbled, munching on the last bar of her candy bar, and began sucking the melted chocolate off her fingers.

"I've got faith in you McKay. You're a brave little thing. And as for Elsa, if her face is any indication right now, I'd say you probably have nothing to worry about."

With one finger still in her mouth, Anna snapped her attention to where the blonde was sitting earlier.

Elsa was biting down hard on her bottom lip, with her deep blue eyes somewhat glazed over and both dark sculpted eyebrows slowly arching up. She was staring so intently at Anna that she apparently didn't hear the Ravenclaw boy ask her a question.

Wait, she…is she looking at my mouth?

Oh my god.

Anna pulled her index finger out of her mouth quickly and swallowed down the nervous, hopeful lump in her throat. This seemed to snap Elsa back to attention. Her darkened eye's flicked quickly to Anna's surprised teal gaze, and then darted away.

Even from halfway across the hall, Anna could see Elsa's face flush about the same shade as her own red hair. The blonde abruptly excused herself from the table, and breezed out the hall, musing her hair and scratching her scalp several times.

"Like I said, nothing to worry about. Elsa just eyefucked you so hard she had to leave."

It was a good thing the hulky boy had been getting faster at running, because he at least made it out the hall before Anna's trip jinx hit him square in the back and he tumbled gracelessly into the entrance hall.

He was stopped from smacking the back of his head right into the balustrade of the marble staircase in the entrance hall by a pair of quick hands catching his cranium and stopping his momentum.

This is too fucking priceless. Brilliant aim, McKay.

Anna had the biggest shit eating grin plastered onto her face as she watched Wren gently lift Kristoff's head and then the rest of his giant form back to his feet.

"Easy there. I gotcha" she chuckled.

He eloquently thanked her with a "Ummm, bughh, ermm."

"Goodness, did Anna actually hit your head with that one?" She threw an incredulous smile at the red-head who had finally waltzed herself over to the pair and clapped Kristoff on the back.

"Nah, he's just like that around girls he thinks are hot."

Kristoff suavely chocked on his spit and then moved away from the girls hacking. Wren shuffled over to pat his back lightly, grimacing.

"Mierda, McKay you're just knocking the sense out of everyone today. "

Anna turned to her, eyebrows furrowed. "Wait, what?"

As Wren gave a final pat to Kristoff after he muttered out something that sounded like a thank you, she sauntered up to Anna with her light brown eye gleaming with mischief, and her golden orb glinting just as brightly in the morning sunlight.

As she moved past the anxious red-head, she lowered her voice and motioned with her head towards the dungeons.

"I don't think I've ever seen Elsa move that quickly in her life. I tried to say hello but she couldn't even answer me in English, apparently. I think she said something in Norwegian about not feeling well, but I'm not sure what the words are for Kit Kat bars or sexually frustrated, so I could have misunderstood."

"Ummmm, Buuhh, Whaa" Anna retorted.

Anna observed through her stunned haze that Wren had a rather pleasant loud laugh, as it boomed out while she entered the great hall for breakfast.

"I think we're square now." Kristoff said, finally having gathered himself enough to come back to Anna's side.

"We are so hopelessly fucked."

"Clearly."

"Happy Halloween, Kristoff."

"At least nothing will be as traumatizing for us the rest of the day as that lovely encounter."

"I sure hope so."

It was only much later in that evening that Anna found that, much like hoping for rain at a funeral, wishing for a smoother holiday was a request that was God or whoever was up there chose to ignore.