Disclaimer: JKR owns everything and I don't.

Chapter 25: I Love You, I Love You Not

"So what did the megalomaniacal bastard want this time?"

"He gave me permission to seduce you," Adrian said lazily, as his fingers skimmed over the smooth flesh of her back.

Alicia laughed as she pulled on her knee socks. "Really? Well, I wish he would have chosen another time to dish out his orders that didn't interfere with our mid-day shag."

"Yes, it was quite rude of Alexander," Adrian drawled. "What's worse is I had to pay Ter 100 galleons for first shot at you."

"That's quite a handsome sum. Are you sure I'm worth it?" Alicia slipped her shoes on and smoothed her long blonde hair back.

"Come back to bed and we'll see," he answered wickedly.

"It's tempting, but I have other plans."

Adrian frowned as he watched Alicia check her appearance in the large wall mirror. "What plans? Meeting up with your fellow Gryffs to debate 'What would Godric do'?"

Alicia turned away from her reflection and scooped up her school bag from the floor. "No. As it so happens, Angelina and I are skiving off to meet Fred and George in Hogsmeade," she said airily. "You better hurry up and get dressed. I don't want to chance Lee almost catching us again." Noting Adrian's furrowed brow, she continued, "Remember…the Hufflepuff he meets? It's almost that time." She tapped her wrist impatiently.

Adrian pushed back the covers angrily. "Can't they use a broom closet," he grumbled.

"I think she prefers the Room of Requirement…something about shagging properly." Adrian looked at her, a confused expression marring his handsome features. "In a bed," Alicia sighed, watching Adrian pull on his trousers. "Despite what you males may think, women actually prefer to have their backs against something soft and not some cold stone wall that grates against their skin."

"Really? I don't remember you complaining last week when I shagged you up against the wall of the Potion's classroom. However, I do recall you saying that it was possibly the best sex you've ever had."

"Exciting Adrian…that was the term I used. Professor Snape could have walked in at any minute." Alicia blushed a deep crimson, that night's events still fresh in her mind. "I have to go meet Angie."

Adrian pulled his jumper on and tousled his dark, wavy hair. "Oh yes, wouldn't want to be late to meet the Weasels. Tell me that story again of how darling George left your warm embrace here at Hogwarts to peddle fake wands to snotty-nosed little brats. It's so romantic," Adrian sneered.

"I'll admit I was angry with him, but the shop is doing really well. He's building a future for us."

"A future? Yes, I can just see it now. You stuck in some hovel with Johnson next door, raising a brood of orange-haired, muggle-loving hooligans while your husband spends his days locked in a room with his twin/lover developing candies that turn people into giant sneezing, purple elephants."

"Jealous?" Alicia's amber colored eyes sparkled with mischief.

Adrian snorted, "Jealous of a Weasley, please. What could he ever have that I would be jealous of?"

"Me."

"Yes," Adrian drawled, "Alicia Spinnet, his loyal girlfriend, who just so happens to spend most of her free time with my cock in her." He watched for the usual indications that he had overstepped his bounds with her, but instead of retorting angrily she ran her free hand through her hair and sighed deeply.

"What do you care Adrian? I mean really, so what if I'm with George? So what if I marry him and breed a bunch of ginger-haired children? It's not like we could ever be together."

"Why not? We're together right now."

"We shag Adrian…in secret. That's it. Besides, it would never work."

"Why not? You're a pureblooded witch."

"And a Gryffindor and a muggle-lover, and friends with Harry "I'm-A-Threat-to-Everything-Your-Parents-Believe-In' Potter."

"You're not that close with Potter."

"Adrian, I'm training to be a member of the bloody Order of the Phoenix! I'm not exactly the type of girl you would bring home to meet your parents."

"So I won't bring you to the Manor," he shrugged. "We can send them an owl after the wedding. I doubt they'll visit much, seeing as you are a muggle-lover."

"Wedding? Darling, why do you think I would ever marry someone like you?"

"Because you love me."

"I love you…that's rich, Adrian. Next, I suppose you'll try and convince me that you're in love with me."

Adrian slipped on his Italian loafers as he regarded Alicia. "I do love you. I love everything about you. I find you utterly fascinating. I can remember the first moment I laid eyes on you at Ter's house. We were six and you were tagging along with your sister Althea to Anastasia Higgs' tenth birthday party. You were wearing lavender dress robes that your mother had bought you in Paris. You didn't want to be at the party. You told your sister that you would rather be at home playing with your kneazle. Althea pulled your hair and told you to behave. To get back at her, you turned the teapot into a rat and let it loose among the guests. Terrence and I thought it was brilliant! I can still picture Anastasia screaming like a harpy when someone knocked over the cake during the melee."

"That was a long time ago."

Adrian took a step forward and looked deep into Alicia's amber eyes. "Yes it was, but even back then I knew you were the smartest, mischievous, most beautiful girl I had ever seen. I knew one day I had to have you."

"Your parents would disown you." Alicia's heart was viciously pounding in her chest. She had never seen this serious side to Adrian.

"It doesn't matter. I've already turned seventeen and taken control of my trust. I have more galleons than you could even spend and a townhouse in London where we could live. We'll sit across from one another in the dining room, picking at our food and drinking expensive wine, while you tell me some asinine scheme you've concocted in that moral head of yours that will enable the wizarding world and muggles to live in harmony. I'll poke holes in your precious theory until you're too angry to speak because you know I'm right. Then we'll retire to our bedroom, where hopefully you'll take your frustrations out on me and finally I'll fall asleep to the sound of your breathing."

"And when war breaks out?" she asked softly.

Adrian shrugged. "Fight for the light if that's what you want. I don't care. Just as long as it's me you come home to every night and not Weasley."

"You bare the Dark Mark, Adrian. How's your master going to feel about you marrying a blood traitor?"

Adrian reached up and gently stroked her face. "Let me worry about that, luv."

Alicia gazed into his pensive eyes. It was crazy. It would never work, but she couldn't help the next words out of her mouth. "I think your forgetting one thing, Adrian."

"And what's that?"

"I think its custom to offer the girl a ring," she smirked.

Wrapping his arms around her, Adrian pulled her closer, his forehead resting against hers. "Is that a yes?"

"We'll see."

hr

"Five is the number of instability and imbalance, indicating change and uncertainty. Fives are drawn to many things at once but commit to none. They are adventurous, energetic and willing to take risks. They enjoy travel and meeting new people but may not stay in one place very long. Fives can be conceited, irresponsible, quick-tempered, and impatient."

Aurelia read the description slowly, her stomach churning. Well, it certainly does describe some aspects of his character, but I would disagree that it is an entirely accurate portrait. I mean he has committed to me; we're to be married in less than a month. Married…huh. Am I doing the right thing? I was so sure before, but now? Bah! What am I talking about? Marrying Cassius provides me with a degree of safety and protection…besides he loves me. He must love me…well, at least a bit. More than a bit? What does it matter? In time, he'll grow to love me more. We make a good couple…a strong couple. He will look after me and protect me. That's what matters.

Aurelia leaned back against the soft pillows of Cassius' bed. She was glad she had a free period today. Her heart and head were embattled in turmoil. She sighed deeply, running a hand absentmindedly through her blonde hair. Married…it sounds so final…so permanent. He'll be my husband and I'll be his wife. Merlin and Morgana…his wife! Am I ready to be someone's wife? We're not talking about the childhood game of playing house here. I'll be his wife…Mrs. Cassius Warrington. It sounds so old and I am so young; just fifteen. Fifteen for Rowena's sake! Stop it! It's not too young. My Mother was the same age when she wed my Father. I will make a good wife…a very good wife. Aurelia nodded her head as she drew herself up straighter. Pursing her lips, she ran her thumb idly against the soft skin of her fingers. I just wish…I wish I could finish school…at Hogwarts with my friends. It would be nice. It's too bad our betrothal doesn't guarantee Cassius the Ballantine fortune. Then we could wait till I graduated. Maybe if I spoke with him about it…maybe we could wait. Perhaps there is some wiggle room that would enable him to lay claim to the inheritance. Then I could finish school! Aurelia smiled brightly, but was snapped out of her reverie by the click of the door handle.

"Cassius," she breathed happily, eager to discuss her thoughts with him. The miserable look on his face though silenced her. He gazed at her, his normally sparkling aqua eyes now lifeless. His tie hung loose around his neck and he clutched a sheaf of parchment in his hand. Thoughts of school and marriage instantly disappeared from Aurelia's mind. "What's wrong?" she asked hesitantly.

Cassius remained still, his expression pained. Aurelia felt as if he was staring right through her, trying to focus on some unseen object in the distance. His eyes closed briefly and when they reopened he strode across the room. Grabbing a half-empty bottle of Firewhiskey, he poured a generous serving for himself and greedily drank it down. Refilling the glass, he set the bottle on the mantle and rested his arm against it, glaring into the hearth's ashes. "My Mother…she's dead," he whispered.

Aurelia stole next to him as swiftly as a cat. "No," she cried. "My gods, I'm so sorry, Cassius. I'm so sorry." Silent tears leaked from her eyes as she tenderly smoothed her hand across his back.

"Don't apologize. It's not your fault," he replied dejectedly. He turned to her then, his eyes filled with pain, a grim expression adorning his chiseled face. "I can't believe she's gone," he muttered before wrapping his arms around Aurelia and pulling her closer. He buried his face in her hair, drinking in her scent. Her arms enclosed around him, one hand continuing to rub gentle circles on his back.

"She was a wonderful woman, Cassius."

"Yes, she was," he said quietly. He pulled back slightly and gazed at the tear stained face of his fiancée. "I love you Aurelia…you know that, right?"

The look of desperation on his face melted away any fears Aurelia had. "Of course I do, Cassius. And I love you as well." Her pronouncement was met with a small smile before he drew her tightly against him again. They remained as they were, embracing, shielding one another from the harsh reality of the outside world.

hr

"Homework?" Alexander asked.

Lucretia glanced up from the large book settled on her lap. She was curled up on the Head Boy's couch basking in the warmth of the fireplace. She would never understand how even in the warmth of spring the castle was cold as ice. "No, just some side reading. Did you have rounds tonight?"

Alexander shrugged off his jumper. "I had to cover for Cassius."

"Where was he…off shagging Aurelia?"

"His mother died."

"Really? How awful. He must be very upset. Is Aurelia with him?"

"Yes. They've gone home to be with Cassius' father. The burial will take place this weekend. I told him we would both attend." Alexander undid his tie and cast it onto a nearby chair.

"Of course." Lucretia looked back down at her book before asking, "How did she die?"

"I don't know. I didn't ask."

"Was she sick?"

"Not that I knew of."

"Hmm, well it's too bad. Aurelia said Mrs. Warrington was a very kind woman."

"She was. I never knew her to raise her voice or say a harsh word." Alexander turned towards Lucretia and eyed her wearily. "Unlike some people," he added.

Lucretia snorted. "Take me or leave me, I am what I am," she retorted with a cheeky grin.

Alexander gave her a half smile as he shook his head. "Yes, I know luv, and I wouldn't have you any other way. Well, I could do without the swearing and the occasional mouthiness, but I would say your assets do make up for your faults."

"I'm so glad you approve," she muttered.

Alexander pulled the cushion out of from under her feet and took a seat. He pulled her legs across his lap and brushed his hand against her smooth skin. He seemed content to stare into the dancing flames of the fire and Lucretia went back to reading. Let's see, where did I leave off? Oh yes, here we are. "An actorius is a non-precious mineral stone found in the gizzard of capons (young, castrated roosters). It is believed to be an effective amulet, granting the wearer a heightened sense of courage and boldness."

"I've been thinking that we should marry."

Lucretia's neck snapped with such fierceness that she knew it would be sore later. "What?"

Alexander moved his head to look at her, his expression vacant. "I've been thinking we should marry, after graduation perhaps."

"Who's graduation?"

"Mine, of course."

"No!" Lucretia cried, quickly disentangling herself from Alexander. "No, this is ridiculous."

Alexander watched calmly as Lucretia paced in front of the fire. "What's so ridiculous?" he asked. "They'll be no qualms about it at home. We're both young, purebloods of good family. We enjoy each other's company. Besides, I love you."

Pausing, Lucretia sneered, "No, you don't."

Alexander rose, his expression still blank. "Of course, I do," he scoffed.

"No, you don't!" Lucretia shouted at his hulking figure.

"Stop acting like a child," he chided. "I love you and you love me."

"Stop saying that!"

"Saying what?"

"That you love me."

Alexander moved closer to her and smoothed back a stray lock of Lucretia's dark hair. "But I do love you."

"We've been over this before. You don't know what love is, Alexander." Noting his frown, she continued, "You don't understand what really constitutes love. Granted you feel some affection towards me, but by no means is it love. Love is pure and untouched. Your idea of love is twisted and warped." His expression grew darker as Lucretia kept speaking. "It's not necessarily your fault…you probably think your parents have a normal relationship."

"And just what exactly do you think I believe love to be?" he questioned, his voice low and menacing.

Lucretia didn't back down but stared into his obsidian eyes. "Love is not wanting to possess someone or hold power over them. It's a coming together of two people who respect one another and are willing to share themselves equally. You don't see me as an equal. You see me as something that you want to covet, so that no one else can touch me."

"I don't see a difference in your definitions," he sneered. "Despite what you may think, I do respect you. You are the cleverest witch I have ever met. Do I not often ask for your opinion on various subjects and discuss with you my thoughts and ideas?"

"You do, but that's different. Yes, we are both intellectual and I do find our conversations stimulating, but that does not mean that you value me as more than a suitable debating partner." Lucretia tried to better explain herself. "You do things that involve both of our lives and futures without so much as a word to me. Did you ever stop and think that perhaps I would have liked to have some say in binding my life to yours? Or that I might want to decide whether I wished to pledge my life to his service? Did you Alexander?"

"Everything I have done for you has been in your best interest, Lucretia, and I will continue to do what I have to in order to guarantee your safety and wellbeing," he answered in a determined voice.

She stared back him dejected. She was sick of fighting him all the time. "Alexander, please, I don't wish to argue with you. I do care for you, very deeply, but I'm still young. There's so much I want to do before I marry. I want to finish school, Alex. I want to be given a choice about my life. Please don't make more demands on me right now. I'm so tired of fighting." Lucretia thought she saw his eyes soften a bit and she added in a quiet voice. "If you do in fact love me, then let things be as they are for right now. Please, Alex, for me."

"For now," he replied hesitantly.

"Thank you."

hr

We brought nothing into this world,

And it is certain we carry nothing out.

The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away;

Blessed be the Name of the Lord.

Book of Common Prayer

Off to the side, Lucretia listened idly to the homily as Cassius stepped forward and placed the silver coin beneath his mother's pale tongue. He whispered a few words, muffled to the crowd by his ornate funeral mask. His father followed after and placed two more gleaming coins over Adara Warrington's eternally shuttered eyes. Gaius regarded the corpse in silence and finally moved to rejoin Cassius and Aurelia. The aged wizard presiding over the funeral blessed the body once more before igniting the dry wood of the pyre. The kindling caught quickly and soon flames were licking at the tender white flesh of Adara Warrington's earthly remains.

Sweat trickled down the sides of Lucretia's face. Although it was dusk, the air was sticky and warm, assuring the masses that summer was indeed upon them. Combined with the heat of the fire and her heavy black dress, the temperature was rapidly becoming unbearable. I cannot wait to take this bloody veil off. Gods, Aurelia must be dying next to the fire. Why did they insist on cremation anyway? Couldn't they just bury their dead in the ground like everyone else?

The Warringtons are descended from an ancient Roman family. They take their ancestry very serious, Lucretia, as we all should.

Lucretia peered through her black crepe veil only to see Alexander's dark eyes on her. You've never told me much about your family's history, other than that incident between your Great Uncle Alcaeus and the Succubus.

Alexander cracked a smile behind his mask. That's more of an anecdote, Lucretia, not history. The crowd around them began singing a dirge, and Alexander terminated their conversation. As the eerie melody came to an end, the crowd began to disperse, some heading for the nearest apparition point and others toward the house for the funeral feast. Alex noticed Cassius remained behind by the burning pyre. He beckoned Lucretia to go ahead with Aurelia and the others as he went to offer his personal condolences to Cassius.

Lucretia tugged her veil off as she linked arms with Aurelia. "Gads, you must be dying!"

Aurelia groaned as she wiped her sweat-laden brow. "If that's what Hades is like, remind me to behave better from now on."

Lucretia giggled and glanced up at the imposing mansion in front of them. Noting the bunches of yew branches decorating each window and doorway, she remarked, "They sure do everything by the book around here."

Aurelia nodded her head. "Trust me, I know. Each bunch had to be tied with one of Adara's ribbons, blessed, and hung. We can't even sleep in the house. We're staying in the guest cottage, until the sweeping out."

"How horrid. Will the wedding still take place here?"

Aurelia brushed back a golden lock of hair. "Yes. Cassius said his Mother would have wanted it that way, besides every Warrington for five generations has been married on the property. Heavens forbid, we do something original," she added dryly. "Listen, I have to play hostess for the meal, will you give me a hand?"

"Of course."

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"Gaius did it, you know," Cassius said quietly, his aquamarine eyes still trained on Adara's burning corpse. The sun overhead dimmed as streams of thick black smoke billowed into the air, obscuring its golden rays.

"Did what?"

"Killed her," Cassius answered calmly, his eyes never straying from the flaming pyre. "He told me the whole sordid story last night after Aurelia went to bed. Seems they disagreed over the course of my future. She didn't want me to follow in Father's footsteps. Gaius told her that it wasn't a choice for them or me, for that matter, to make. We are his servants. We will always be his servants."

Alexander pondered his mate's remarks. "I take it she didn't let the matter rest?"

Cassius' eyes darkened and the corners of his mouth tightened as he stared at the pile of melting flesh that once held and comforted him. "No," he answered grimly. "She wouldn't let it drop…fucking foolish if you ask me. She had to know what he would do, she had to!" He paused, his large hand wiping away tiny beads of sweat that dotted his furrowed brow. "She tried to send an owl to Dumbledore, but the house-elves intercepted it and brought it to my Father. That was the final straw."

Alexander glanced at his friend wearily. What did he expect him to say? He was not exactly the sort to provide comfort. "Gaius only did what he had to, Cassius."

Cassius shifted his gaze, his eyes settling on Alexander's serious expression. He nodded slowly, his voice eerily composed, "I know. The scary part is I don't blame him one bit."

Alexander tipped his head in agreement, clapping Cassius on the back good-naturedly. They were men, servants of the Dark Lord. Their paths were chosen, straight and defined. Things such as love and family connections could not and would not be allowed to alter their course. If such occurrences bread the untimely death of a close family member it must be born. This was their fate.

Their eyes were both drawn back to the leaping flames, lingering for a moment while dark thoughts continued to invade their minds. Finally Alexander broke the heavy silence. "Shall we go into the house then?"

Cassius merely nodded and with one last look, he turned and walked away from his Mother's burning body.

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"Just look at him," Pansy hissed. "He looks absolutely pathetic. One day away from her and look at him…pining away for that red-headed bitch…ridiculous! I never thought I would see the day that he would be reduced to this."

Blaise drew a weary breath while his eyes drifted across the Warrington's formal parlor and appraised the down trodden appearance of Draco. He sat slumped in a high-backed chair, ignoring everyone around him, a tumbler of whiskey in his hand. His trademark white-blonde hair was in disarray, his tailored robes extremely rumpled. Blaise had kept an eye on him most of the day, observing that Dray barely paid attention to the funeral, never mind the horde of elite Death Eaters that were present. He appeared distracted. It did not bode well.

"We can't just sit idly by," Pansy muttered, her emerald eyes narrowed in disgust. "We have to do something…anything!"

Blaise nodded his head in agreement. "You're right. He's hopeless. We have to take action." He paused and turned to her, "I suppose you have something in mind?"

"I've been mulling it over, trying to puzzle the best way out of this mess. What's the most important thing to Draco?"

"Besides the blood-traitor?" Blaise asked sarcastically. Noting the scowl on Pansy's face, he relaxed against the couch, stretching his long legs out in front of him. What was most important to Draco? Well, before she came along, all Draco yearned for was to uphold his family's honor and serve the Dark Lord. He had been proud back then, proud of his heritage, proud to bow before their Lord, and grateful for the chance to excel. Blaise smiled, thinking back to those easier days that now seemed so distant. "His pride," he answered slowly. "His pride was most important to him. I remember his face the day we took the Mark. He was so proud to have it bestowed on him, to stand up in front of the others and declare himself dedicated to the Dark Lord. His Father was the only one in the room that could have possibly appeared more satisfied."

"Exactly," Pansy cooed, "and if the Weaselette wounds his pride he would be done with her in a second."

"And just how do you propose we facilitate that?"

Pansy reached her hand over and carefully caressed Blaise's crotch area through his black trousers. "When was the last time we played with Polyjuice, luv?" she giggled.

Blaise's eyes widened as his cock hardened significantly. "You naughty, naughty witch," he said appreciatively. "However you do remember luv that it takes a month to brew?"

"Oh don't you worry, I have a plan for that as well," she answered wickedly, her eyes flashing with mischievous delight.

"What would I do without you?" Blaise asked, as he stroked the side of her face lovingly.

Pansy grabbed his hand and dropped a warm kiss onto his palm. "Be lost…just like I would be without you," she replied seriously.

Blaise smiled at her, his dark eyes filled with admiration. "So how do we get the Polyjuice?"

Pansy stood and smoothed out her dress robes. "Follow me and pretend you can't keep your hands off of me."

Rising to his feet, Blaise quirked an eyebrow, "Pretend?"

The pair made their way across the crowded parlor, their hands entwined. Pansy glanced around searching for that unmistakable mane of curly golden locks, her eyes finally settling on the scantily clad back of Daphne Greengrass. With a tip of her head to Blaise she indicated the witch seated alone by the liquor cabinet.

"I should have known," he chuckled.

"Hello Daphne darling, enjoying yourself?" Pansy inquired as the couple sidled up to the tall, blonde beauty.

"Fuck no! I hate funerals, bloody boring as hell, plus I look horrid in black…totally washes out my color," she whined. Daphne downed the rest of her champagne in one gulp and grimaced as she perused the crowd. "If you're looking for Anton, he's playing darts in the library with Teddy."

"Actually, we are need of your services and not Anton's," Blaise supplied as he nabbed another glass of champagne from a passing house-elf. He handed the glass over to Daphne, a debonair grin gracing his handsome features.

"And just what can I do for you two?" she inquired, her amber eyes narrowing in suspicion.

"Oh stop acting like Umbridge," Pansy quipped. She moved her body closer to Blaise as he wrapped his hands around her little waist. "Blaise and I were looking to spice things up a bit. We're hoping you could help us."

Daphne's eyes widened, a wicked grin steeling across her heavily made-up face. "You've come to the right woman. What did you two have in mind? Whips? Chains? Bondage? Mind you I don't supply virgins anymore. It was getting too risky modifying all those memories."

"We were thinking more along the lines of Polyjuice."

Daphne wrinkled her nose. "One of my favorite things to play with, but I'm warning you, the shite tastes like old socks," she giggled. "Going price for two vials is fifty galleons."

"Fifty?" Blaise questioned. "Sounds a little pricey Daph."

"Then wait thirty days and brew your own, Zabini."

Blaise gave her hard look, but nodded his head. "Fine, fifty it is."

"Did you need hairs to go along with it, or are you all set? I have a wide selection. However, they will cost you extra," she added, her gaze reverting back to Blaise's.

"I trust that any requests or sales we make will be kept absolutely confidential," Pansy asked.

"Of course. I'm not some Knockturn Alley amateur, Pansy."

"We want Potter and the littlest Weasley's hairs."

"You're joking right?" Daphne gazed at the serious looking couple before shaking her head. "That's a hefty order."

"How hefty are we talking?"

Daphne paused before replying, "Five hundred galleons."

"That doesn't sound too bad."

"A piece."

"Five hundred a piece…you can't be serious!"

Daphne's eyes narrowed as she dropped her voice. "This is the boy savior we're talking about Blaise, it's not like I acquired his hair easily, or the Weaselette's for that matter. What do you think; I can just swan into Gryffindor tower at my leisure?"

"Fine," he spat, "but if they aren't genuine I swear you'll regret this."

"Don't I know it," she answered in a sickly sweet voice. "What time are you two heading back?"

"Snape said we had till ten o'clock."

"Fine, I'll come by Blaise's room around midnight with everything. I expect full payment on delivery. Are we agreed?"

Blaise shook her hand. "Agreed."

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"And Cassius originally wanted to stay till Monday, but I told him absolutely not. I mean OWLs begin on Monday! Ideally, I would like to go back tonight so I have tomorrow to study, but I suppose one can't be too particular," Aurelia drawled, as she reclined lazily against one of the many couches dotting the packed parlor. "Are you listening to me Lucretia? Lucretia? Did you hear anything I just said?"

Lucretia glanced at her friend, her mind overly occupied. "Pardon?"

"I asked you if were listening, but it's apparent you weren't. What's with you this evening?"

Lucretia grimaced at the question as her eyes drifted back to a couple across the room. Alexander leaned against the empty marble fireplace, a glass of firewhiskey in his hand. His attention was solely focused on the chattering witch in front of him, whose face was concealed from Lucretia.

Aurelia followed her friend's line of sight and chuckled, "Ah, looks like an interesting conversation."

"Who is she," Lucretia muttered through gritted teeth, her eyes narrowing dangerously as she watched the young woman caress Alexander's shoulder.

"My third cousin once removed, Isabelle Rosier. She's a seventh year at Durmstrang and thinks she's the goddesses' gift to wizardkind," Aurelia replied bitterly.

"Related to you or not, if she puts another hand on Alexander I'm going to rip her hair out," Lucretia hissed murderously.

"Be my guest." Noting the look of surprise on Lucretia's face, Aurelia explained, "She's a habitual boyfriend-stealer. I swore to myself that if she stepped within two meters of Cassius this evening I would make her regret it."

"Well, then, I think it's time to introduce myself," Lucretia said wickedly, her blue eyes sparkling with dark amusement.

Aurelia laughed and shook her head as she watched Lucretia make her way towards Alexander and Isabelle.

Lucretia kept her eyes focused on the couple as she dodged the numerous other guests gathered in the parlor. Approximately halfway to her target, she felt a strong hand grasp her by the upper arm and steer her towards a secluded alcove. Her temper ready to boil over at the intrusion, Lucretia wheeled around ready to attack the unknown assailant. Her mouth opened and then closed in surprised as Bellatrix removed her fingers from around her bicep.

"You really ought to learn to control that temper of yours Lucretia," Bellatrix drawled lazily, "charging around the room like a stampeding minotaur, you look ridiculous."

"What?"

"Don't say what, say pardon," Bella corrected sternly, "you don't want to sound like muggle trash. Now as I was saying, what were you planning on doing to stop that vicious poacher over there…make a scene? I don't think that would endear you to Alexander or the other seventy people in the room, including some very high-ranking servants of Our Lord. No, use your brain girl. You're cleverer than that!"

Lucretia worked at composing her features, allowing her blood to cool and her thoughts to clear. "Your right Bellatrix, I was going to make a fool of myself. Thank you for stopping me," she said quietly.

Bella smiled as she smoothed a pale hand over Lucretia's cheek. "Now go over there, claim your man, and make me proud."

"Yes Bella, thank you." She gave the older woman a chaste peck on the cheek before retuning her attention to Alexander and Isabelle. She strode confidently towards the laughing couple, a small smile gracing her lips. "Darling," she whispered with a delicate kiss to Alexander's cheek. Lucretia smiled as he glanced down at her, his eyes slightly glazed from the alcohol. She wrapped an arm securely around his waist, pressing her body firmly against his as she gave him her best bedroom eyes.

"Lucretia," he answered hoarsely, "where have you been?"

"Helping Aurelia oversee the cleanup from dinner. Are you almost ready to go? I'm awfully tired," she said, her pink tongue darting out to moisten her lips.

Alexander practically growled his consent as he reached around and pulled her flush up against him.

"You're leaving….so soon?" simpered a forgotten Isabelle.

Lucretia turned to their guest, "Oh forgive me, I didn't even see you there. I'm Lucretia Davenport, Alexander's girlfriend." Lucretia flashed a dazzling smile at a frowning Isabelle before returning her attention to an aroused Alexander. "If you need to stay, I understand," she offered. "I was just hoping you would want to tuck me in," she added wickedly.

"It was nice meeting you, Annabelle," Alexander said in a hurry as he grabbed Lucretia's hand and began to drag her towards the exit.

"My name is Isabelle!"

"Whatever," he muttered, and behind him Lucretia smiled delightedly.

hr

"Alicia, what are you doing here so early tonight?" Angelina questioned in a sing-song voice.

"It is Saturday, right Katie?"

"That is correct Lee."

"What? Is the library closed on Saturday nights now?" Alicia asked sarcastically.

Ginny inwardly groaned, her concentration broken by the older Gryffindors' conversation. She rubbed her eyes and adjusted the book in front of her. For Godric's sake, she had chosen this table for its seclusion. She had a novel length Potion's essay to write, not to mention the beginning of a migraine. All Ginny wanted was peace and quiet, but no, instead she had listened to idle prattling for the past thirty minutes. Not that it would be any different in the common room. No, it would be far worse. Then I would be forced to listen to Granger and her incessant chatter about how hard OWLs were going to be and poor her. Yuck! No thank you.

"I think what Katie and Lee are trying to say is that we're surprised to see you. We assumed you had a previous engagement this evening."

"Previous engagement…I like that Angie. It's so much more refined than say, 'Fucking that heartless Slytherin bastard'," Lee chuckled.

"Shut it, Lee. Just be happy its Alicia doing the 'undercover' work and not you," Katie interjected.

"I didn't realize Pucey plays for both teams," he quipped.

From the loud thump and following yelp, Ginny imagined someone had thrown a book at Lee. She leaned back in her chair, trying to catch more of their conversation. Alicia is shagging Adrian Pucey? That doesn't sound right. What in Hades is going on?

"Real funny Lee. If you're so anxious to volunteer, I'll see if I can set you up with Medea Bletchley."

"Alicia, how can you be so cruel? She would rip me to pieces, vicious harpy that she is!"

"Ali, where is Pucey tonight? You haven't had another row with him, have you?" Angelina interrupted.

"No. Warrington's Mother passed away and he's gone to the funeral. He won't be back until later. I told him I'd meet him tomorrow night instead."

"For a shag-a-thon?" Katie giggled.

"Yes, is it true that Slytherin males try to devour their sexual partner after they've cum?" Lee asked wickedly.

"Again, two words Lee, Medea Bletchley," Alicia replied threateningly. "Besides, we do other things besides shagging."

"Well I would hope so Ali," Angelina retorted just as Lee asked, "Like what?"

"We talk. That is why I began this ridiculous tryst with him, remember Lee, to gather information."

"And what does the great orator Adrian Pucey discuss? Does cashmere make a better fabric than silk? From which angle does he appear at his best vantage?"

"Ha ha! You're too funny for words."

Angelina cleared her throat, "What have you been discussing with Pucey lately?"

"Well for starters, they know about the D.A."

"What? How?" Katie cried, suddenly all business. Behind the shelf of books, Ginny nearly fell off her chair.

"I'm not sure, but they're very curious. Adrian hasn't pressed me yet for information, but I know it's bound to happen sooner of later. Montague's even gone so far as to suggest Pucey and Higgs seduce one of us in order to acquire details," she snorted.

"One of us?" Angelina whispered. "Do they have a roster of our members?"

"I can't be sure. I don't believe so. Adrian only mentioned you, me, and Katie. Who's to say though that Montague doesn't have an idea as to the identity of some of our other members?"

"True," Angelina muttered. "He could have other Slytherins working on this besides Higgs and Pucey. It would be just like that cunning bastard."

"What are we going to do?" Katie asked quietly. "Should we go to Harry and tell him what we've been doing?"

"Not yet. He's got enough on his mind as it is," Lee replied. "Let's try and sniff out the leak for now. Find out how Montague and his minions found out about the D.A. to begin with."

Ginny inhaled sharply, her palms coated with sweat. What if they found out it was her? What would they do? Oh goddess, how did I get into this mess!

"We should also keep a close eye on those closest to Harry, like Hermione and Ginny," Angelina added.

"Oh come on Angie, you can't think either of them would fall for the charms of one of those Slytherin snakes! I mean Granger is clearly attached at the hip to Ron and well, everyone knows Ginny's mad for Harry," Lee laughed.

"You can't be too careful Lee."

"Too true," Katie agreed whole-heartedly.

Ginny's stomach churned viciously. They were going to be watching her. Surely they would find out about Draco. Ginny slammed her book shut. I have to find him and talk to him! He'll know what to do. He always knows what to do. Bugger it; he's at that funeral with the rest of the Slytherins. It'll have to wait till tomorrow. Ginny began to pack up her things, knowing that she wouldn't get anymore work done this evening. I'll send him an owl telling him to meet me tomorrow night. Then we can decide what to do. With that settled Ginny slung her satchel over her shoulder and headed to the Owlery.