Disclaimer: Yup, still don't own it. I wish I did, but, alas, no luck.

"Oliver, can I talk to you?"

Sigh. "Ok."

A few days had passed since the Quidditch match. Oliver had avoided Arianne, giving her no chance to talk to him. She had finally caught up with him after a difficult Transfiguration lesson, knowing he had a free period next like she did. They walked silently outside to the lakeshore, despite the cold, and sat near the steps to the school.

After fixing his robes and scarf around himself, Oliver said, "So what do you want to talk to me about?"

Arianne took a deep breath. "I want to talk about the other night."

Silence.

"Oliver, you've been avoiding me. Why?"

"I think it's the other way around."

"True, but you've been avoiding any attempts I've been making to be the bigger person here."

"Answer me this then: Do you regret that night?"

She let out a shaky breath. "Will you hate me if I say yes?"

"I won't hate you, but I'll be upset." He paused and turned to look at her. "I already know your answer. If you had doubts, why didn't you let me know?"

"I don't know! Maybe it was the heat of the moment, or something inside me being rebellious. Maybe..."

Oliver turned stern. "I know there's something you're not telling me."

"What?"

"Don't play me. You act... strange... at times. Always outside or in the dungeons... I've noticed something weird with your eyes, too."

"So you've noticed."

"I think everyone's noticed, but only certain people know the truth."

Arianne got to her feet and glowered at him. "You want the truth? Fine. My dad is a werewolf, and I got some of his wolf genes before I was born because he attacked my mother by accident. Happy now?"

"No. Because now I know why something about you always bothered me."

"Oh really? Something about me rubbed you the wrong way?"

"Since we first met."

"Then why didn't you say anything?" she fired.

"I'd hoped it was my imagination."

"I can't believe you're all offended because of this. No one else I've told has been." Arianne was getting impatient.

"I suppose darling Cedric was one you told."

"You leave him out of this."

"You still have feelings for him. I knew it," Oliver spat.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me."

"That's beside the point."

"Huh. I knew you didn't have any feelings for me."

"I wanted to end things differently, but I guess I can't. You're going to be a lonely man, Oliver. Goodbye." Arianne picked up her things and walked away.

I can't believe another relationship ended with me walking away. First Cedric, now Oliver. I walked away and left both of them sitting there. Well, Cedric was standing, but... I wish I didn't sleep with Oliver. But I have to live with that now... Nothing can change it.

Billie and Saralyn stuck close to Arianne following her split from Oliver. She wasn't a wreck, but she needed comfort. As February melted into March, she let him go at long last and looked forward to her birthday on the sixteenth. Professor Lupin told her he was taking her to Hogsmeade the night of her birthday for dinner with himself and her mother, who was leaving the day after to go back to the States. Her friends told her they were going to help her celebrate during the day, as her birthday fell on the weekend.

Arianne's birthday was a week away when she ran into Cedric as he walked out of the bathroom. He was wearing a pair of yellow plaid pajama pants, black slippers and a black robe. His robe was open, revealing his shirtless, muscled chest.

"Oh, uh... Hi Arianne," he said as he turned pink.

"Hi."

"How's things?"

"I broke up with Oliver a few weeks ago."

Cedric nodded. "I know. How are you?"

"Dealing. He just got me so mad. And it's not like I can really get away from him and heal, you know? I see him every day." She leaned against the wall.

Cedric leaned next to her. "How'd he get you mad? That is... If you don't mind me asking."

"He wasn't exactly accepting of my 'condition' as you were. He treated me as though it was a disease. And he brought your name into the argument, which made it worse."

"What'd he say?" he asked gently.

"He... he... he said that I wasn't committed because I still had feelings for you."

He raised his eyebrows. "Do you?"

"I told him it was over between he and I and walked away..."

"And you feel like crap because you walked away from him like you walked away from me."

"I still feel bad about that. I'm sorry."

"It's ok, Arianne. But... You never answered my question."

Arianne turned red and asked, "Which question?"

"The question about what Oliver had said to you."

"Oh." That question. "I... I... " She began to cry.

"Hey..." Cedric put his hand on her shoulder. "What's with the tears?"

Arianne turned and buried her face in his chest. "I told him yes."

Cedric, who had put his arms around her, froze. "You told him yes?" She nodded and he told her, "I never stopped liking you."

Arianne pulled away. "I can't do this right now Cedric. Oliver and I just split, and I'm confused. Maybe after some time, but not now."

"I understand. Your dad was right, wasn't he? You know, about rebound guys not working." At her look, he said, "I overheard you guys talking when I walked by his office back in January."

Wiping the tears from her eyes and cheeks, Arianne told him, "I have an essay to write for tomorrow. Oh, and next Saturday is my birthday and I'm having a little party. You can come if you want."

"Ok. Sure. I'll talk to you later."

Arianne walked away and Cedric felt a smile creep to his lips. She was his friend again, at least. Given time, they might get back together... and that was reason enough for him to smile.

Saralyn and Billie had a field day yelling at Arianne. They didn't approve of her talking to Cedric again, and they were mad at her for keeping it quiet about how she felt about him. Arianne told them she had no way to control how she felt, and reminded them that they had thought they were a cute couple. The argument escalated to the point that they were all shouting at each other, and Professor Snape told them all off and made them go to their respective common rooms.

Saturday dawned bright and oddly warm for mid-March. Arianne woke up to Demi licking her nose. Pushing the pup off her chest, she wondered when Demi had gotten so big. Rolling over, she saw Billie sitting on her bed with a big grin on her face.

"Happy birthday Ari."

"Thanks."

"Come on, let's go downstairs."

"I'm not going down to breakfast in this," she protested, showing her friend that she was only wearing a tank top and a pair of boxers.

"No one's going to care. Come on." Billie gave her friend just enough time to grab slippers before she dragged her to Professor Lupin's office.

When the door opened, everyone inside yelled, "Happy birthday Arianne!" Inside was Arilyn, Lupin, Saralyn, Billie and Cedric. They all wore blue and silver party hats that matched the blue and silver decorations. A pile of gifts sat on the desk next to a cake with a picture of Quidditch related things on top of it.

"Thanks. You guys didn't--"

Billie cut her off. "Shut up and put on a hat."

Doing so, Arianne noticed the look on her parents' faces and saw Cedric had the same look on his face. "Billie wouldn't let me change."

"I can see that," Lupin said uncomfortably.

"Oh, Remus, lighten up. It's not everyday you see your little girl turn eighteen and wearing men's boxers."

"I don't want to see her wearing men's boxers!"

"Oh, Dad. It could be worse. At least I'm not a porker."

As Remus shuddered, Saralyn called out, "Come on, Ari, we have to cut the cake!"

Arianne walked over to the cake. Nineteen candles were burning all around the Bludgers, Quaffles, goal posts, brooms and Snitch. She smiled at the extra candle, knowing it was her mother's tradition for good luck. The group sang "Happy Birthday" to her and she cut the cake, making sure to hand Cedric the Snitch.

"This is such a healthy breakfast."

"We try, sweet."

Arianne smiled at her mother, making sure her gaudy party hat didn't fall off. The cake gone from their plates, Billie handed over a package wrapped in shiny blue and bronze paper. "Open."

As she took the paper off the unmarked box, she remarked, "I swear Billie, if I find anything dirty..."

"Nothing, I swear."

Arianne opened the box, and pulled out an expensive WWN radio. It was the most current model that could pick up a signal anywhere, Muggle world or not. It also ran on a simple spell that needed to be renewed once every few years. "Thank you."

"No problem. Figured you'd need it once you get your own place."

"Awesome."

Saralyn gave her a gift bag that had black tissue paper sticking out of it. Arianne took out the tissue paper and pulled out a carved figurine of a grey wolf. With it was a goodie bag of Honeydukes candy, made up of all the best stuff, like Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans.

Next was the gift from her parents: a Firebolt and a new velvet cloak. Arianne was stunned at the expense of this gift, knowing that Lupin couldn't easily afford it. They waved away her thanks, telling her that it was nothing, wait until graduation. Arilyn laughed, and handed her daughter a small box with a paw print on the top. Inside was an aquamarine necklace and earring set. "Thanks Demi," she said, even though the pup was nowhere around.

Cedric shyly handed her his gift. She opened it slowly. Inside lay a piece of parchment. She picked it up and read,

"This certificate entitles the bearer to take home whatever their heart desires from Quality Quidditch Supplies in any combination of items amounting up to the price of seventy-five Galleons."

Arianne looked up into Cedric's eyes. "I can't accept this."

"Yes you can."

"No... This is too much. Cedric..." She held the parchment out.

He rolled the parchment into her hands and closed them. "I want to give this to you. Please don't make me stick it to you."

"Arianne, I think you'd better listen to him. He's not going to budge," Saralyn said.

The girl averted her eyes. "Thank you," she whispered.

"I found one more package. Here you go." Arilyn handed over a large box.

Arianne grinned at the tag bearing her name on the top of the box. She tore into it, and began to laugh. When Lupin asked what was inside, he shook his head.

She pulled out many different types of Zonko's products, from strange-looking instruments to fake wands and joke gum. In the bottom was a large bottle of firewhiskey, with a note attached.

Arianne, I know this is a year late, but I hope you will forgive me and enjoy. Tell Remus to lighten up. You only live once, and you need to make every day an adventure.

Your favorite Uncle,

Sirius

"I'm going to kill him. I swear to God I am going to kill him..." Lupin grumbled.

"Remus, you need to lighten up, just like he said."

"Lighten up! Lighten up! He's a loony, trying to get my daughter drunk! I'm supposed to lighten up!"

"I guess I shouldn't show him the condoms he sent, too, eh Mom?" Arianne said with a wink. Lupin looked like he was about to blow up.

"Oh, get over it. She's a year past adulthood. The least we can do is treat her like one."

He let out his breath and sighed. "You're right. Arianne--"

"Don't worry about it, Dad. It's your job. Plus, it's making everything all the more amusing."

"I'm glad to be of service then." Everyone laughed.

The rest of the day passed in great amusement, with no cares for homework or school. A few other students, Cho included, stopped by for a while and gave Arianne gifts. Cho was disappointed to see Cedric being friendly with Arianne again, but was distracted by a fourth-year Gryffindor who paused in to say hi.

Everyone left around three so the family could get ready for dinner. Arianne dressed herself in a pair of fitted black khakis and a beige shirt with sleeves that ended at her elbows with flowing fabric attached that reached her wrists. She put on her heeled boots and put in her new earrings. Her hair hung loose to her shoulders. She grabbed a light jacket and headed for the entrance hall to meet her parents.

Lupin and Arilyn met there a few moments later. Lupin was in khakis and a white collared shirt. Arilyn was wearing a dark green shirt and blue jeans. She hugged her daughter and they left for Hogsmeade. The dementors were hardly visible in the rapidly approaching night, but everyone knew they were there. The family headed for the Three Broomsticks and ducked inside.

There was barely anyone inside, so they were able to get a good table near the fireplace. Madam Rosmerta took their drink orders, butterbeer for each of them, and walked off tiredly. Looking around, Arianne noticed that the few people in the pub were just tired- and weary-looking as Rosmerta. "These people look like they've been trampled by hippogriffs."

"They might as well have been, the way everyone in this village is being treated," Rosmerta said as she set the butterbeer down. "Ruddy dementors out at sunset every night, scaring everyone into their homes. It's bad for business."

"I can imagine Rosmerta."

"Plus the Minister has that wretched curfew in place where no one can be out after eight-ish at night." The woman shook her head. "So what can I get you dears?" They ordered their food and started talking again.

"Cedric gave you one hell of a gift," Arilyn said suddenly.

"I know. I don't understand why he gave me something like that though."

Lupin sighed. "I think he still likes you, Arianne."

"I know he does. He told me so."

"This puts you in a unique position," Arilyn commented. "That is, if you like him back. If not..."

"Mom, I do still like him and wish that I didn't toss him aside before, but I don't know what to do."

"Arianne, think about this. You dumped him horribly two months ago. You just broke up with Oliver last month. This makes you look, well, loose," Lupin told her.

"I don't care what other people think about me."

"You may not, but Cedric might. I'm sorry to say it, but he is more popular and noticed than you are."

"Mom, I know."

"Then think about his feelings before you throw yourself at him again. He might just end up hurt worse than the first time."

I know this is getting all weird and whatnot, but there are reasons for things happening the way they are. I know there are questions not being answered, but I will address them in time.