Previously: Norah, who'd been put into an enchanted sleep, has some flashbacks and visions of the deaths of everyone she loves. When she wakes up, she tells her friends Ben's story and the reaction is colossal. Just when emotions are at their highest, Sirius spills the beans on her secret thing with Regulus and most of Norah's friends turn against her. And, to make her day even worse, what's her dad doing at Hogwarts?

Disclaimer: I don't own the song "Push" by Enrique Iglesias nor the song "Pony" by Ginuwine. Pushis almost as sexy as Enrique, so I suggest you listen to it, whereas I picked Pony for its dirty lyrics and not because I actually like the song overmuch.

Read, review, leave some love! Quite a monster of a chapter, this. And, I hope to achieve a hundred review with this chapter! PLEASE, make an author happy. ;)

Shaken Up Part II – The Calm Before the Tempest

Dear Norah,

It's been a few days since you left and I'm getting a little worried. Where are you?

Missing you and hoping you're alright.

Love,

Lily

Dear Norah,

Seriously, I'm getting angry now. Get your goddamn act together and stop being an illiterate bitch.

Love,

Lily

Dear Lily,

Only you could bitch at me in a letter and then sign off with 'Love, Lily'.

Yeah, I'm sorry. I really do owe you an explanation… but… where to start?

Fine, let's start from when I was ten. Ben was seven. Dad and Mum were fighting loads and he started working later and later every night. On my eleventh birthday, he didn't even show up for the main event. He arrived at eleven pm with rumpled clothes and no birthday presents. He went straight to sleep without even wishing me a happy birthday. I went to sleep crying that night, and Mum got angry. They raged at each other until the early hours of the morning, and the next day, Mum left the house at around seven and only came home at twelve midnight. She told me that I was old enough to know – that she wasn't going to hide the truth from me. Dad had been seeing another woman. She had seen them together. She was filing for divorce.

Now, as far as I know, he left our house and family and ran off with that other woman. He sent a birthday card every year, but I used to tear them up without even opening them. Eventually, the birthday cards stopped. I lost contact with him.

So I think you'll understand why it was pretty earth-shaking for me, seeing him that day.

Oh yeah, and David. Mum met him when I was thirteen and they got married.

I miss you like mad, but the situation at home is….

Well, I'd tell you right now, but I have things to do. I promise I'll clue you in properly soon.

Are James and the others still angry?

Love,

Rae

Dear Rae,

In answer to your question… yeah, they're still angry. I honestly think they're overreacting quite a bit, but nothing I say changes their minds.

James and Sirius are the only really angry ones and I really have no idea what's going on in Marlene's head, but Sirius hated you anyway and Remus, Peter and Hestia are easily influenced. I don't think they have any problems with you, but they won't talk to you, so don't be too surprised by their attitudes when you get back.

I'm really sorry about your father – I really had no idea! I come from a totally different family background, so I can't really empathise, but I can sympathise.

You still owe me an explanation! Why did your father take you away? Where are you? What's going on? You are coming back, right?

Oh, I have some good news for you. Alice and Emm are coming back to school! No news from Ness or Cas, but Alice says their parents are concerned that mail is being intercepted.

Even so, I used magic to extend our dorm so that you and Marlene won't have to move out. I didn't think you'd want to be alone in a dorm with her at this point. At least, not until she's recovered from her petty little betrayal issue.

Love,

Lily

Dear Lily,

Sorry I've taken so long to reply. I have about five seconds of breathing space a day, and I'm using today's one you – so you better be grateful!

I probably should be killing myself over James and Marley being angry with me, but being so far away right now, I kind of feel detached from the whole thing. I suppose it'll kick in when I get back to school – and that's a yes, I am coming back to Hogwarts.

As for where I am right now, David and Dad think I shouldn't say the exact location, but I'm with my parents. Dad only shows up at night to check up on us (God knows why, since David's around!) but David and I are around Mum 24/7. Thing is, Lils, Mum got sick. The Muggle doc says it's nothing serious, and so did the Healer we called in, but she's just not getting better. Don't get me wrong, she's not getting worse either, but that she's not recovering is sort of worrying for us. We're looking into it, but David's been running all over the country to ask professionals their opinions on this sickness and I'm needed to help Mum out and fetch her water and things. I really have no idea when I'll be back – although it's not as if I'm being missed anyway! Except by you, of course.

Take care. Missing you.

Rae

Dear Norah,

I'm really sorry about your mum – give her my love and get-well wishes, will you?

Remember when I said I'd say yes to James next time he asked me?

Well, in light of what he's doing, I don't think I will. I want you to know that I totally don't condone how unreasonably angry he is. He asked me today, as a matter of fact. I just gave him a look and said, "In light of what you're doing to your best friend? I don't think so, Potter."

He sort of had a stunned look on his face. I do feel a teensy bit guilty, but I think he did deserve it.

Hope you come back soon – I need someone with a backbone around here. I'm quite disappointed in Hestia and Remus.

Slughorn asked after you yesterday. I told him I didn't know when you were coming back, and he replied, "Well, that's a shame. It doesn't seem right without something blowing up every day."

See, someone else misses you!

Lots of love,

Lily

My dearest darling Lily,

You didn't have to do that, you silly girl! If you wanted to say yes, you shouldhave, no matter what he's done!

I have two sets of news for you.

The first part is that I'll be coming back in two weeks! Mum has finally shown some improvement and it seems she'll make a full recovery.

The second part is that I've met my old childhood friend, Liam, while I've been staying here. Turns out he's a wizard, can you believe it! He's studying at Beauxbatons. It's been good, having someone to talk to while I'm here.

Can't wait to see you!

Lots of love,

Norah

Dear Norah,

It's great to hear that you're coming back! I'm SO excited. Things really aren't the same without you.

Regulus asked after you the other day. Discreetly. While I was on my way back from Potions. I didn't know what to tell him, so I told him you'd owl him. Please do. It'll look suspicious if he asks me again and things with our group are fragile enough.

Also, here's some sort of disturbing news. I spotted your dad in the Entrance Hall yesterday, talking to Jack Notterdale. I don't know what they were talking about, and I've no proof that Jack's even a Death Eater, but I'd be careful around your dad if I were you.

Missing you and waiting for your return!

Lots of love,

Lily

Dear Lily,

It is sort of worrying, but I trusted my dad about as far as an ant can jump anyway.

I can't owl Regulus right now – tell him I'm safe, not to worry, and that I'll be back in two weeks.

Can't wait to see you!

Love,

Norah

I smiled, flicking through the letters from Lily. She hadn't yet replied to the latest, but I was expecting a reply sometime this evening.

"NOOOORRAAAAAHHHH!" a voice called from outside the window, drawing my attention to the familiar figure at the gate. I opened my window and climbed out, sliding down the trunk of a conveniently situated oak tree to reach the ground.

"Must you scream like that every time you want me to come down?" I asked with a raised eyebrow. "The Muggles probably think you're mad."

"Let them," Liam said with a shrug, pushing his hood back so his face could be seen. "Anyway, there's a party tonight at Catrin's house. Is David home tonight or do you have to stay?"

"David's home," I replied. "Let me check with him." I gave Liam a quick once-over before I went inside, taking note of his dark-wash jeans, black hoodie and the tangle of shaggy blonde hair falling over bright blue eyes. I felt a little thrill of pride. I had a gorgeous friend. The last thought made me want to laugh at myself, but I stopped myself before embarrassment could occur and went to find David.

I ran inside, bursting into the kitchen in my quest for David, and from there to the bedroom and back through the kitchen to the dining room.

"Dave," I said when I found him on the porch, "do you need me or can I go out tonight? If it gets too late I'll crash at Liam's house."

David waved me away casually. "Yeah yeah, go on. Have fun! And be careful. Don't get drunk and go blabbing about wizards to all the Muggles in our neighbourhood."

I kissed him swiftly on the cheek. "Best dad ever," I told him with a wink, jetting out the front door again.

"Am I dressed appropriately?" I asked Liam, motioning to my jeans and sleeveless hoodie.

"You look great," Liam assured me. "It's almost winter, no one will care what you're wearing."

I linked arms with him and we walked in a comfortable silence to Catrin's house. I had never been there before, but I knew it when I heard it – yes, heard, not saw.

Music could be heard from three streets away, and I was sure the neighbours would be calling in a complaint soon if they didn't turn it down. Liam and I looked at each other, wondering whether to knock or not.

Liam shrugged, mouthing something I couldn't hear over the music. He pushed the door open and we walked into the kind of party that is usually only seen in movies, with drinks, drugs, a hot pool and God knows what else.

"Hi!" a perky blonde appeared at Liam's shoulder. From her fake American accent to her overlarge chest, I could tell this was Catrin "Barbie" Barton, who was reputed to be more plastic than flesh.

"Hi, Catrin," Liam said uncomfortable. She had attached herself to his right arm and was grinning at him widely. Obviously Lil' Miss Barbie had a thing for him, and boywas he awkward about it.

"Hi, Catrin," I said exaggeratedly, taking pity on the guy and taking her attention off him for a moment. "Great party."

"Thanks," she said automatically, obviously sizing me up. "Are you two together now?"

Liam sent me a just-go-with-it look. "Actually, yeah."

My eyes widened. "What?"

He squeezed my hand, silently telling me to please,pleaseplayalong.

"Uh… I mean…" I fumbled to fix the situation. "It's actually a pretty cute story. I mean, we've been friends since we were, what, three?" I asked him, batting my lashes. He looked impressed by my performance.

"That's right," he agreed.

"Anyway, I moved house – family problems, you know – and we lost contact, but I came here and guesswhoIraninto!" I squeaked. "It was, like, fate."

"Of course it was, baby," Liam said, nuzzling my cheek. Ew.

"Oh. Well." She looked disappointed. "Drinks are over there, hot tub's free for anyone who's cool with skinny dipping, and the DJ, my brother, is taking requests. Have fun." She slouched off moodily.

"Aww. Liam, you just ruined someone's evening!" I said mockingly. He dropped my hand and took my elbow instead, pulling me to the corner where Catrin had said the drinks table was. Inspecting the drinks available, he offered me a shot of some clear liquid. I looked at it doubtfully.

"Um… I'm not sure," I hedged.

Liam raised an eyebrow. "It's one shot, Norah. Since when have you held back?"

"Well, yeah, but…" I lowered my voice and leaned closer. "I don't want to get drunk with Muggles around!"

"You won't get drunk off one shot!" Liam protested. Taking my hand, he shoved the shot glass into it.

Helplessly, I downed the shot, gasping as the liquor burned down my throat. Liam handed me a slice of lemon and I sucked on it gratefully. While I did so, Liam walked down the table, picking up two glasses and bringing them back to me. He dished out generous amounts of rum into each glass and topped it off with coke.

"Cheers," he toasted. I clinked my glass to his and chugged it down.

Four glasses of the mixture later, I felt relaxed enough to dance. What was a little worrying was that I couldn't really walk straight. It didn't really matter, though. The dance floor was so packed that the dancers were all packed in like sardines and it kept me upright as I danced.

Despite the packed dance floor, I caught glimpses of the people in the room. There seemed to be an unnatural number of pretty blonde girls in the room, and as a couple of them crowded onto the dance floor next to me, I managed to spot brown roots. Ah.Fakebitches. I laughed a little to myself, the chuckles blown away on the tide of bass and high spirits that rocked the house.

At some point, Liam vanished, and I only realised when I turned to look at him and he wasn't there. Slightly alarmed, I turned full circle, finally catching sight of his blonde hooded head beside the drinks table. Relieved, I relaxed into the dancing again.

Spicy cologne invaded my nostrils and I inhaled reflexively. The scent was very obviously a masculine fragrance and it was… very nice, I had to admit. I spun around, looking for the culprit, and found him immediately in the shape of a very tall, very muscular Muggle boy. He had dark hair cropped short and a straight, white smile that, far from making my heart do cartwheels, made me instantly suspicious of him. His smile reminded me of Evan Rosier's. The I'm-going-to-be-nice-to-get-into-your-pants smile.

"Hi," he shouted over the music, still smiling widely. "My name's Ian."

"Norah," I returned, forcing myself to smile back. Maybe he was just being friendly. I couldn't fault the guy at first glance just for having a creepy smile.

As if on cue, just because life decided I wasn't uncomfortable enough, someone knocked into me from behind and I fell into Ian's arms. At that very moment, a new song started up. An unfamiliar Muggle song with a heavy, sensual beat. The lights dimmed and Ian pulled me upright, pressing our upper bodies together.

When you need it

Girl I try to hide it

But I can't escape it, oh baby

Please forgive me

When I think of you my thoughts are so x-rated, oh baby!

This was bad. Very bad. I should get out now, I should really leave… but the alcohol was clouding my rationality and the song was just sosexy.

And Ian was a good dancer, as were most people in the crowd. Letloosealittle!It'llbefun!A little voice urged. So I let go, and danced, and listened to the music as the lyrics got progressively more provocative.

Baby I don't give a damn

I know that your man's nowhere in sight oh oh

And your eyes don't tell a lie

I know you wanna come with me tonight

And I'll see you right

But first you gotta,

Push, push, back up on me.

As the lyrics got hotter, so did the dancing, and soon couples were caressing each other over clothes as they danced. Ian didn't try anything, for which I was grateful, but the intensity of the song and the dances going on around me had my breath coming faster and my heartbeat seeming to thump in time with the bass.

Abruptly, a hand closed over my upper arm, almost painfully tight. I gasped in protest and whipped around to glare at whoever was holding on like that.

To my utter surprise, it was Liam.

Whatthehell? I asked with my eyebrows. He said nothing, simply shoving Ian away from me and dragging me back out of the throng of dancers.

"What?" I demanded as soon as we were out on the porch.

"What were you thinking?" he accused, stabbing a finger in my direction.

"What? What did I do?"

"You were worried about drinking too much and doing something stupid. Dancing with Ian Longstaff constitutes as stupid," he snarled.

I raised my eyebrows. "Well, excuse me for not knowing everything about everyone in this place after living here for two weeks. Dear Merlin, how remiss of me!" I yelled the last part before clapping my hands over my mouth. Ooh. Thank Merlin the Muggles were too busy making out to notice my Merlin reference.

Liam ran a frustrated hand through his hair. "He's not a good guy," he said finally.

"I figured that out for myself, thanks," I replied frostily. "Your point?"

He sighed, messing up his hair even more, a habit I'd realised resulted from nervousness. "I just… I don't think you should be near him."

I studied his expression. A tiny defensive tightening around his eyes and mouth, and hands thrust deep into pockets. "Why are you taking it so personally?" I asked gently. "It was just a dance. I had no intentions of going any further."

"It's a long story," he hedged.

"Paraphrase it," I suggested icily, my temper flaring again. Nice world, it was, when friends didn't tell you things they should.

That said, I had hidden a fair few things from my mates too. A familiar surge of guilt thundered through my pores.

"I can't tell you!" he hissed at me.

I surveyed him through narrowed eyes, giving him a chance to back down. If it had been something to do with him, I would have let it go. But if he wanted me to stay away from someone, he had better tell me why. No one controlled me like that.

"You're not going to tell me," I clarified.

Liam shook his head resentfully.

"Then I see no reason to stay away from a few harmless dances with him," I said smoothly. I nodded to Liam and stepped brusquely around him, heading back to the near-oppressive heat of the house.

"Drink?" a voice asked the second I stepped through the doorway.

"Thanks," I murmured, taking it from Ian's hand and downing it.

"He your boyfriend?" Ian asked me, nodding to where Liam stood, hunched over the porch railing.

I laughed sourly. "No." On impulse, and a rebellious desire to prove to Liam that I didn't answer to him, I grabbed Ian's hand and pulled him to the dance floor, weaving through the bodies to a relatively open spot. Ian slipped in behind me, his hands sliding to my waist. A new song started up and everyone stopped to adjust to the tempo change.

I'm just a bachelor

I'm looking for a partner

Someone who knows how to ride

Without even falling off

Gotta be compatible

Takes me to my limits

Girl when I break you off

I promise that you won't want to get off

Pulling me tighter against him, he brushed my hair to one side and pressed his face to my neck, inhaling the perfume I had applied before leaving home. His hips pressed against mine as we swayed and my cheeks began to heat, although the lights and my dark skin hid the blush.

Sitting here flossing

Peeping your steelo

Just once if I have the chance

The things I will do to you

The song was so provocative in its beat and lyrics, I shivered and pulled away, the intensity getting too much for me. So as not to make him feel bad, though, I pulled him with me, out of the throng of grinding bodies and into somewhat fresh air.

I was feeling dangerously tipsy – borderline drunk, in fact, but I still reached for a brightly coloured Jell-O shot. Anger was still pulsing within me – who the hell was Liam to tell me what to do?

As I tossed the shot back, I caught a glimpse of Liam lighting a cigarette outside the window. My dislike deepened. I hadn't known that he'd started smoking.

The alcohol filtered into my bloodstream immediately and I staggered, leaning back against the wall for support.

"How much have you had?" Ian asked me, taking the glass from my limp fingers and setting it aside.

"I – I dunno," I muttered hazily. "One vodka shot, four glasses of rum and Coke, whatever you just gave me and – oh," I groaned as the world tilted at an odd angle.

"Let's get you upstairs," he murmured, pulling my arm around his shoulders and supporting my weight as I stumbled. Dimly, I registered that I should not be going upstairs with this guy, but most of me was just too drunk to care.

When it became apparent that I was unable to climb the stairs, Ian scooped me up and carried me all the way upstairs in a fireman's lift. You know, torso facing the rear, arse in the air, legs hanging unattractively in front. Had I been sober, that would have really scared me, because I couldn't use magic to escape here and this guy was so much stronger than me.

I wasn't sober, though. I was drunk and the only thing my stupid brain could think of was, Oh.It'snicetobecarried.

A doorknob creaked. The door, too, creaked as it opened. I was vaguely surprised. You'd think a rich girl like Catrin would have people to oil her hinges for her. I heard the thud as the door shut, and assumed Ian had kicked it shut.

As I fell onto something soft, I sighed in relief. The rocking motion of being carried was starting to make me motion-sick. Before I could curl up and pass out, the mattress shifted and sunk under another person's weight. Large, rough fingers stroked up my side, dipping under the fabric of my skin to trace my skin. It felt nice, and I didn't begin to panic until his body covered mine.

He was warm and heavy, and as my panic began to set in, the oddest image flashed in my mind. Ben's smiling face as he ran away from me. I couldn't quite place it, but I thought it was the day we were playing tag in the meadow near our house.

Sadness pierced me like a knife in the guts. I'd never see that face again. Never.

Ian's breath blew across my face. In the back of my mind, I wondered why I couldn't go three weeks without being pawed by some ridiculously handsome guy. But at the forefront of my mind was overwhelming sadness – a raw emotion I hadn't felt since fourth year, when the horror of everything was still fresh.

"Can… can I kiss you?" he asked quietly, the innocent question completely out of place in the situation we were in. It made me want to laugh and cry at the same time; it made me wonder what the hell I was doing, and still I didn't shove him off me.

But… Regulus!A part of me whispered.

The angrier, louder half retorted, He'ssomewherefaraway.Howwillhefindout?Shedeservesabitoffun.

It was the last six words that made me say what I said next.

"I'm drunk and I don't care. Do…whatever…you…want."

His grin was hungry; near-predatory. He leaned in, his lips a breath away…

And the door slammed open.

Ian was yanked roughly off me and I heard him land on the floor with a thud and a loud outbreak of cussing. Gentle hands pulled me to my feet and I found myself looking at Liam. I was too far gone to even be angry anymore and I let me check me over for any sign of injury, waiting passively as he tilted my chin up to read my expression.

"Sit down," he said softly, giving me a gentle push. I thumped back down onto the mattress as he turned to Ian.

"Haven't you done enough?" he asked pointedly. "You stole my girlfriend and now you have to take my best friend too?"

"Yeah, well," Ian said casually as he got to his feet. "I know you. You're like a frightened puppy. All bark and no bite. Ain't that right, brother?"

Even as dazed as I was, the word shocked me. Brother?IanisLiam'sbrother?

"I'm not your brother," Liam replied harshly. "And you have no idea what I could do to you." Sparks began to glow between his fingers, evidence of his anger.

"Liam, relax," I slurred, conscious of the Statute of Secrecy even when drunk. He glanced at me, softening slightly.

"Step-brother, then," Ian continued, acting as if I hadn't spoken.

"Just stay away from her," Liam said, only the tremor in his voice betraying his anger. "And me."

"Oooh, well, that's put me in my place, then, hasn't it?" Ian asked mockingly. He grabbed me by the arm, yanking me upright next to him. I was too weak to resist. "You don't mind me, do you, darling?"

Weakly, I shook myself free. "I'm taken, asshole," I snapped, finally remembering Regulus and feeling utterly relieved that I hadn't done anything with Ian.

His face darkened and his right hand curled into a fist. That was all the warning I had before he swung at Liam, who ducked neatly and karate-chopped him at the junction of his neck and shoulder. Ian fell to his knees, grimacing. "Jesus – you little shit, you actually can do something worthwhile other than flip your hair and charm the girls with your pansy smile. Who would've known?" With a nasty grin, he got to his feet, but we were running at that time, down the stairs and out the door. I waved to Catrin as we dashed away, my senses abruptly clear and sober. As soon as we stopped, outside my house, the liquor in my bloodstream came back in full force. I staggered, turned, and threw up in a bush by my front door. Liam held my hair back, and since there weren't any Muggles around, conjured a damp towel for me to clean my face with. His wet towel routine reminded me of Lily, who'd done the same thing the last time I threw up.

"Here. Hold still," Liam murmured. Pointing his wand over my stomach, he traced a circle and said a spell I didn't hear properly. An unpleasant ripping sensation tore through my veins, but before I could yelp in pain, it was gone, and I was left beautifully sober.

"Sorry. Sobering Charm. Not pleasant, I know." He gave me a hint of a smile and I felt remorse for my petty anger seep in.

"I should have listened to you," I said glumly. I hated apologising. "But I didn't see a reason to stay away because you didn't give me one."

"I know," Liam said quietly. "But I didn't want you to know what he'd done. It's always been a source of… shame… for me."

"Whatever for?" I asked with raised brows. "You're amazing. If a girl you loved ditched you for him, then she had something wrong with her."

He smiled properly then, and it was like a dam had broken, letting light shine through. I was jealous. I wished I had a smile that lit up a room.

"D'you want to stay over?" I asked on the spur of the moment as I noticed him looking nervously at his own house. From what I now knew, I figured Ian would be coming home, mad as a stung bull.

"If that'd be okay," he replied gratefully. I linked arms with him, pulling him up the cobbled pathway to the front door. It was only midnight, and I was expecting my parents to be wide awake, so I didn't bother being quiet as I shut the door behind me.

"Mum? Dad?"

"In here, honey," a voice replied, although not the voice I'd expected.

I entered the living room suspiciously. "When I said 'dad', I didn't mean you," I said to my biological father, tugging Liam into the room with me.

A brief flash of hurt showed in his eyes, but he otherwise ignored my spiteful words. "Was that you were heard throwing up?"

"Yeah," I muttered unwillingly. "Rough night."

"Are you alright?" David asked immediately.

"Fine, Dad," I replied with a smile, blowing a kiss to him.

"Listen, I don't have much time," my father said suddenly, abruptly business-like. "There's someone I want you to meet."

A boy stepped out of the shadows, and my heart leapt into my throat. What.The.Fuck.

"What the hell is Jack Notterdale doing at my house?" I snapped, drawing my wand. I sneered his name, but noticed that he didn't sneer back. If anything, he looked bewildered and a little sad.

"You know each other?" my father asked, obviously surprised.

"Well, yeah, we go to the same school. I knew you were talking to him, but how could you… how could you bring him to my house?" I yelped at him.

"How did you – never mind," my father cut himself off. "Norah, honey, you know that I met someone else and fell in love. And I know you hate me for it, but there's no stopping love in its tracks, is there? And when people are in love… they… well…"

My eyes widened in horror. Oh, surely not…

"Norah, meet Jack. Jack, meet your half-sister."

Coming up: "Potter, what the hell!"

"I did it for you, Lilyflower!"