Love In the Dark
Harry and Fleur watched Astoria and Rosie help little Gabrielle with her footwork. They were in an AKDA meeting, and Gabrielle was now officially their youngest member. She was only nine, but she was so enthusiastic (meaning, she bugged her older sister) that she wanted to be a part of the group. Astoria and Rosie wanted to help, of course, and here they were.
Harry noticed that Fleur was like him, usually choosing to help the others rather than duel and such herself. His research about her hadn't offered much in the way of her training. He knew that she made good scores in school and on her exams- straight O's across the board on her OWLS. She didn't like the press all that much, but she put up with it- she was an Ambassador's daughter, so her Family traveled extensively. He also knew that she was very, very protective of her little sister. Astoria had been allowed to come with Fleur on this trip, because of some reason or another, even though the little girl was too young to be a part of the contingent. She was only a little firstie at Beaubaxtons- they started their schooling a bit earlier there.
Fleur called out to her sister, saying something in french, and her sister responded likewise. Harry did not know French, but some of the others did. It made him wish that that had been part of his training. Most purebloods knew French, Spanish, and Latin...well, the smarter ones did, anyways. Severus actually knew five languages, because he was a smartie-pants. Harry wasn't jealous or anything, he just didn't have time on top of everything else to learn a language.
Fleur pulled her hair back into a tight ponytail, and Harry wondered if the girl hated all the attention she got from guys. Harry wouldn't be surprised if she did. He'd noticed that the girl didn't have a lot of friends. She tended to just hang out with Gabrielle when they weren't in AKDA meetings. He supposed girls would be jealous of her good looks. She kept distant from everyone, except for Harry and her sister. He figured it was to protect herself. He didn't blame her.
"Fleur, has anyone asked you to the Ball yet?"
The girl made a face. "Yes."
Harry stifled a laugh. "Sorry. That bad, huh?"
Fleur crossed her arms over her chest. "Some boys here at this school are very, very dumb." She glanced at Harry, winking at him. "I wish they could be a bit more like you."
Harry giggled. "You flatter me. I'm sure there's a guy out there that's not a complete idiot." He motioned to Dean, who was dueling Hermione. "He's pretty smart, and he's not slobbering all over you." And he wasn't that bad looking, either, but Harry didn't have to say that.
Fleur studied Dean for a bit. "I do not want to go with a boy that could take advantage, and...I think he may have plans to ask that Lovegood girl."
Harry's brows raised, and he looked over at Luna, who was sitting in the corner, marking up old issues of the Daily Prophet, wearing her spectrespects. What was she doing anyways?
"So...who are you going to go with?" He asked Fleur, setting that aside for now.
Fleur sighed, watching her sister with Astoria and Rosie. "Some boy that looks decent enough and doesn't try to grab me anytime we're alone." She offered Harry a small smile. "Too bad you're taken."
"Millie's my girlfriend." Harry pointed out.
"Well, your girlfriend is eyeing up one of your other friends, that Granger girl, when she thinks no one is looking." Fleur stated with a slight quirk of her lips.
"Notice that, did you?" Harry said, dropping his voice even further.
"And I know you have a thing for your Professor...naughty boy, no?" She winked at Harry. "Amour is easy to find, when you know what to look for, and when you're a half-breed like me." She started to walk away, and Harry grabbed her arm. She looked visibly surprised at his tight grip.
Harry glanced to the others in the room. No one was looking their way. Their eyes met, and Harry narrowed his eyes. "You can't breathe a word about this. Our friends don't even know."
"I've known for a while now, 'arry. I am not about to start talking now." She whispered. "I can see why you like him. 'e is probably very dominating in bed, no?" She waggled her eyebrows.
Harry flushed. "I'm not talking about this right now, especially here with you."
Gabrielle spoke up, getting their attention. "Miss Rosie, Miss Astoria, thank you for 'elping me!"
"You're welcome, Gabby." Astoria said sweetly.
Rosie grinned. "And it gives us good practice too. I'm thinking about participating Junior League dueling competition this year. What do you think?"
Dean spoke up casually, as he finished beating Hermione into the ground. "It'll be tough. You sure you'll be able to handle it?"
"Two words. Prize money. I'm not bloody rich, like the rest of the contestants. I'm not in it for the glory."
Dean smiled at this, helping Hermione on. He ruffled Rosie's curls playfully. "That's my girl. Well then, you and Astoria will have quite a bit of work ahead of you."
"Me? Why should I train even more because Rosie wants to be in some stupid dueling competition?" Astoria sniffed.
Harry spoke up. "She's your friend, and the two of you are evenly matched. It would be good for both of you."
x-x-x
Harry was in the middle of charms when there was a brisk knock at the door. Flitwick called out gaily. "Come in!"
Viktor was at the door. "Professor Flitwick. May I ask for permission that Lord Potter be pulled out class for today?"
"...ah yes. Official Tournament business, then? Alright, Mr. Potter, off you go."
Harry got up from his desk, putting his things away quickly. He caught Millie's eye, and shook his head slightly. He didn't know what this was about. He followed Viktor out into the corridor, and the boy led the way.
"Where are we going?" Harry asked, shouldering his bag.
"Dumbledore's office." The boy said brusquely. "The man that submitted your name has been found. He...escaped, though."
Harry internally screamed in frustration, but did not show his anger on his face. "I see."
"Haff you found a partner for the Ball?"
Harry frowned. "I'm going with Millie, of course."
"...Of course." The boy echoed, walking up the stairs. Fleur had accepted an invitation from Rodger Davies, the Ravenclaw Quidditch Captain. He was fairly intelligent, and rather polite, so it was alright. Rumor had it that Cedric was going to ask Cho Chang any day now. They walked in silence for a bit, and Harry spoke once more. He thought it a bit odd Viktor hadn't asked anyone yet.
"Why are you asking?"
"...I am needing a date for the Ball." Harry's eyes went wide at this, and they stopped in the middle of the staircase. Viktor turned to him, eyes to the floor.
"I...am like you." The boy confessed. "I am not...being interested in the girls that follow me."
Harry glanced around nervously. "...I don't know what you mean..." Their eyes met, and Harry sighed. Was he really that obvious?
"Oh...alright. I'll help you get a date. Someone that I know won't expect things." Harry took him by the arm, leading him up the stairs a bit further. "How about my friend Hermione? She hasn't got a date yet, and I think she'd probably ask you more questions about your country and...culture, or whatever, than to flirt with you."
"Ah, your smart friend. The one that is being in the library a lot. She is pretty. No one has asked her yet?"
Harry shook his head. "No, not really. You don't have to ask her if you don't want to, but I think you guys could be friends. You'll have fun."
"...I think I will be asking her." Viktor said with a small smile. They came to a stop in front of the Headmaster's office. "Do you have...lover?" He said this last word very softly, and Harry swore he saw the boy blush.
"Viktor..." Harry sighed. "I do. I've been with him a while now. You must swear you won't tell anyone."
The boy gave him a curt nod. "I am swearing I will not be telling anyone your secrets."
Harry felt the vow click into place, and both boys knew that that vow would cover much more than what had just been disclosed. Harry took a deep breath. "Alright, let's go see what the Headmaster has to say."
x-x-x
Harry came into the Great Hall late that evening, still feeling a bit discombobulated after his long day. After the meeting in the Headmaster's office, he had to meet with a few other people. Barty Crouch Sr. had been arrested on the spot when the real Moody had yelled that the man's son had been the culprit, that Barty Crouch Jr. really wasn't dead. Tonks was very happy to help her old teacher out, and now the two were in the hospital wing, helping him recover from the mess that the fake Moody left behind. Defense Classes would be canceled, and begin again with the new year.
The Bulgarian and French minister had been there, as well as Fudge and the Headmaster, Karkaroff, and Madam Maxine. Fleur and Cedric had been there as well. The news would hit the papers in the morning- Barty Crouch Jr. was on the loose. There would be an international manhunt for him. Unfortunately, Moody was unable to find out what the man's plans were exactly, before he was attacked.
Harry doubted the Deatheater would be found. He was probably with his Master already. His job had already been completed- Harry was in a Tournament he had little chance of winning. Hopefully Lucius would find out something soon about the man, perhaps where he was hiding out, or what he was going to do now. The Mark had been darkening slowly all term, not that anyone was coming forward with that information. But Harry had seen it, not only on Severus' arm, but Lucius' as well. And according to Severus, Karkaroff was starting to panic, as his mark was getting darker. Lucius had been meeting with some old associates, and they were whispering and gathering together privately, trying to figure out what was happening.
He sat next to Millie at the table, frowning as he saw his friend. She looked as though she'd been crying.
"Mil?"
The girl pushed her food about her plate. "What's wrong?" Harry asked quietly.
Millie sighed roughly. "Nothing. I'm going to head to bed." Harry frowned, and followed her. Well, he would just have to wait on dinner, then. The House elves would be happy to help him out. He followed her out of the Great Hall, grabbing her arm and turning her around.
"Mil, what's going on?" He asked, worried now.
Millie started to cry. "Hermione. Krum asked her to go to the ball with him, and she-she said yes!" She wailed.
Harry's eyes widened. Oops. He wiped her tears away, kissing her forehead. "Come on Mil, let's go down to the kitchens and stuff ourselves full of ice cream."
" 'm not hungry." The girl muttered.
An hour later, the two of them sat in the kitchens, feeling bloated from all the ice cream they had eaten. Millie laid back, in a sugar coma.
"Merlin...I ate so much...that's going to ruin my diet."
Harry rolled his eyes at this. "Now, tell me what's going on. You've been acting weird lately."
Millie leant forward, hiding her head in her arms. "I kissed Hermione."
Harry's eyes widened. "What? When?"
"...ages ago."
"What happened? Are you two..."
"...I ran away afterwards." Millie confessed. "I...I was scared."
Harry sighed, running his hand through her hair. "Well...it's perfectly natural, that you were a bit scared. How did she react, when you kissed her?"
Millie's face popped up from her arms. "Well...I...I guess she liked it. I don't know. I didn't stick around."
"...Well.." Harry frowned thoughtfully. "How did it start?"
Millie squirmed a bit, blushing. "We had been dueling. And...I sort of...tackled her to the floor, and... um...yeah."
Harry began to laugh at this, and Millie swat his arm. "Harry! It's not funny!"
Harry hid his grin behind his hand. "I'm sorry Mil, but it is a bit funny. I think it's cute. To tell you the truth, the reason why Viktor asked Hermione to go to the ball with him is because I recommended it."
"What?" Millie asked with wide eyes.
"Well...he's like us." Harry whispered. "He...um...didn't want to go with a girl that expected things, you know? I thought he and Hermione would get along...they're just going as friends, Mil."
"Oh." Millie breathed a sigh of relief. "So...he doesn't really like her?"
"...I don't think so."
Millie gave him a long look. "You didn't shag him, did you?"
Harry blushed hotly, glaring at her. "No, I did not!"
"...just checking." Millie giggled.
x-x-x
With the Yule Ball just a couple of weeks away, there were mandatory dancing lessons hosted in the Great Hall one Saturday afternoon. The boys sat on ones side of the hall, the girls on the other side. McGonagall and Snape were teaching the lessons. Well, it was really McGonagall. Severus was glowering in the corner. Albus had sort of...roped him into doing this.
Harry gave him a little finger wiggle as the man glanced his way. Severus looked away, crossing his arms over his chest. He was not a happy camper. Harry looked across the way to see all of his girlfriends giggling with each other, obviously comparing the boys that sat across from them.
To Harry's delight, Ron Weasley had been called up to assist McGonagall in the lesson. The poor thing was so mortified, Harry almost pitied him. Almost. The twins mocked him, dancing together playfully, making the guys laugh.
Then...it was their turn. Harry was very confident in his dancing skills- after all, it had been drilled into him by both Ella and Narcissa ages ago. And he liked to dance. He smirked slightly as he saw how nervous Draco was.
Harry nudged the blonde. "Scared?"
"You wish." Draco sneered back, straightening his shoulders and lifting his chin.
Harry's smirk widened at this, and as the students began to pair up, Draco extended his hand to Pansy. The girl looked a bit surprised at this, but accepted. He watched them share a slow smile, and begin to dance gracefully. After all, they'd grown up dancing at various parties and balls- this was a piece of cake for them. They looked good together.
Harry extended his hand to Millie with a smile. The girl accepted his hand, and they began to dance. They didn't really pay attention to McGonagall as she hissed out instructions. Millie had been trained well, but she didn't look as though she was really enjoying herself. Harry followed her gaze, and saw Hermione dancing with Terry Boot. Poor girl- the boy was yakking her ear off. To top it off, Boot seemed to be a bad dancer.
Harry whirled the girl in his arms around, making her laugh softly. He pulled her close, and murmured. "I'll have the AKDA do an impromptu dancing lesson. I'll pair you and Hermione together."
Millie flushed. "You don't need to do that..."
"I'd be honored to." Harry gave her a wink, and bowed gracefully. "Switch?"
Millie took the male stance, while Harry took the female. It took a few minutes before everyone had realised what they'd done, and the pair heard their classmates start to snicker. Harry didn't care.
"Spin me again." He said joyfully, and Millie twirled him about. He spun, and stumbled into someone. He looked sheepishly at Severus, who had his hands on his hips.
"Sir." Harry greeted with a grin. "Care to dance?"
The giggling students went silent and/or gasped.
"You must be very brave, or very stupid, Mr. Potter." Severus sneered.
Harry giggled. "I think you're confusing me for a Gryffindor, Sir." Harry joked, and went right back to dancing with Millie. The surrounding Slytherins laughed rather loudly, as did the Twins and a few others- it was all in good fun.
x-x-x
Harry fidgeted a bit in his dress robes, staring at his reflection. It was the evening of the Yule Ball, and Harry was resigning himself to several hours of boring conversation with officials, networking, and possibly avoiding fangirls and the press. He was dressed perfectly, of course, and was looking forward to see what his friends looked like. He knew that the girls had spent the entire day getting ready, so they would likely be perfectly coifed and looking smashing. Harry, on the other hand, did look good, but it was what he wore underneath his clothes that would really knock Severus off his feet later on tonight.
Harry smirked at his reflection, gingerly adjusting his hair. His hair had been lengthened once more, all the way to the backs of his thighs. He'd pulled part of it back, away from his face, somewhat elaborately. What made him look really different was that he was not wearing his glasses!
He no longer had to wear glasses! He was very, very happy with a certain potion he'd been given by Dean, who'd gotten it from a 'friend'. It was the best Christmas present ever! He was very glad to not have to wear the things anymore- they were dangerous and impairing, in a duel.
He'd gone for something rather unique. While the majority of the boys in the ball would be wearing Black or darker colored robes, he'd chosen to wear a white colored set. The outer robes fit snugly across the shoulders and sleeves, loosening at the chest and mid-back. It would billow rather dramatically when he was dancing. What made the robes very special was that hints of color would be seen as he moved, in the light. The outer robes were made of woven unicorn hair, and had been very, very expensive.
Underneath, he wore a white raw silk shirt, with tiny buttons going down the front. He'd paired a pair of light grey pants, and light grey boots. He'd take the outer robe off as the night wore on, having an elf take it back to his room. He knew he looked quite striking- he was certain no one would forget how he looked tonight.
He took a deep breath, and left his room. The common room went completely silent as he entered. He saw his yearmates waiting by the door- it looked as though most of the older students had gone on.
"...Harry, you look great!" Pansy squealed.
"Thank you Pansy. You look lovely as well. Where is Millie?"
Daphne replied, looking at Harry up and down slowly. "Still in her room. She'll be out soon."
Harry raised a brow. "Still? She's not one for primping, that one..."
Tracey giggled. "She didn't even start getting ready until an hour ago, apparently she'd been training all afternoon!"
Harry chuckled at this, looking to the boys. Draco looked at Harry approvingly. "Looking good, Potter. Of course, I look better."
Harry rolled his eyes at this. "Why don't you lot go on? Millie and I will be there soon."
The others left, and Harry waited. He glanced at the clock on the wall, and another five minutes passed. Then, Astoria came running out of the girl's dorms, straight to Harry.
"Wow...you look beautiful!" The girl squeaked.
Harry smiled. "Thank you darling. Have you seen Millie?"
Astoria blushed, ducking her head down. "Yes. Um...she's nearly ready. She...um, changed her outfit."
Harry's brows raised. "She did?"
Millie entered the common room, and it went silent once more. Harry's jaw dropped, and his eyes widened. The girl was wearing pants. Oh...wow. All of the girls in the room completely shocked.
Millie strode into the common room, ignoring the stares, and approached Harry. Harry gave her an approving look. She did look very, very good. Instead of the dark purple gown that her Mother had sent, Millie was wearing muggle clothing, of all things, that they'd picked up during the summer. Black dressy trousers, with black heeled boots. She also wore a dark red button down shirt, a black vest, and a black blazer. She had a bit of makeup on, and she looked absolutely fantastic. The cut of the outfit she wore gave her a great shape, and showed off her awesome bum and legs.
"Wow." They said in unison.
Harry grinned, offering his arm to Millie. "Shall we head out?"
Millie grinned, and the girl accepted his arm. The two of them left the common room together.
"Seeing us dressed like this together makes me feel like I should be the one offering my arm." She whispered to him, just before the arrived to the staircase.
Harry gave her a grin. "Want to play a prank?"
Millie raised a brow, and they switched arms. They walked down the stairs slowly, and the students who were at the foot of the stairs gawked at them openly. Harry saw Dean coming forward. He was wearing a dark blue suit paired with a white shirt. His dreadlocks were pulled back loosely. Luna was attached to his hand, and she wore a pale blue cocktail muggle dress that suited her rather well.
He could make out Dean saying "Oh my God".
Harry squeezed Millie's hand, giving the girl a bit of courage. He could practically feel her nervousness building. Harry could hear the music going in the Great Hall, and he saw the other Champions now. They were all talking quietly to each other, not having seen them yet.
The other students began to hurry into the Great Hall- Harry knew that the Champions were to enter the Hall together, and lead the first dance. Hermione saw him first. She looked rather striking in a dark red dress, her hair tamed in an updo. The other followed Hermione's gaze, and Fleur was the first to react.
"Merlin, you two look so precious!" Fleur murmured, kissing both of them on the cheeks. "So handsome, so beautiful!" Harry didn't know who she was talking to, but he didn't care. Millie blushed hotly as Fleur kissed her cheek.
McGonagall strode into the atrium, stopping short as she saw Harry and Millie. "Ah...all of you, pair up with your partners, and begin your dance. Please...watch your steps. You are representing your schools." She then opened the Great Hall doors. Cedric and Cho led the way, followed by Fleur and Davies, then Viktor and Hermione, and then Harry and Millie.
Harry ignored the stares, grip tightening on Millie's arm as they passed the crowds, and began to dance. Millie began to lead, and the students surrounding them started to giggle. Oh well. Harry wasn't representing any particular school, right? Might as well have some fun tonight while he could.
Harry was twirled about, and then he twirled Millie about in return. It was a bit hard, as she was taller than him- especcially in those booted heels of hers. Others began to join them on the dance floor.
The ball had actually been fun. He'd managed to dance with all of his girlfriends, and even taught the Weasley boys a few moves or two. He thought Ginny and Neville had looked absolutely adorable together, and he could tell Luna and Dean had lots of fun together. From what he understood, they went as friends, so Luna wouldn't feel out, but Harry got the feeling that Dean had a thing for Luna.
As the night wore down, Harry took a break, sitting at his table. He saw Severus brooding in the corner, as usual. He sighed, shaking his head. That man needed to have more fun. He got up from his table. His fancy dress robe was long gone. He avoided the huge crowd of people dancing by the stage- did he just see Flitwick body surfing? Hmm.
Harry approached the Professor, smiling slightly. "Sir." He gave the slightest of bows.
"...You made quite the impression tonight. Are you even trying anymore?"
Harry just gave the man a grin. "I should go see if Millie's ready to go. I'll see you later, sir." Harry said with a wink, and looked around for his girlfriend. He spotted her, dancing in between two French girls. His eyes widened as he saw one of them subtly grope her in the crowd.
He whistled, making Millie jump, and the girl who'd been next to her, move slightly away.
Harry grinned. "Well, I'm heading to bed. Don't have too much fun, okay?" He said with a relish. "Have a good night, love!" He called out, waving to her as headed for the doors. He was going to spend the rest of the evening with Severus. Preferably on his back, in the man's bed, but any other position would work too.
x-x-x
Harry barely had time to enter Severus' quarters before Severus had the boy bent over the nearest table. A hand gripped his hair, tugging his head back.
Harry groaned, eyes fluttering closed.
"Keep those eyes closed." Severus growled in his ear, loosening his grip on Harry's hair. He then grabbed the boy's wrists, and bound them with what felt like rope. Huh. Where had that come from? Oh well. He didn't care.
Harry licked his lips as Severus reached around him, undoing his trousers, tugging them down his legs.
The man stroked the lace on his knickers. "Such a pretty boy..." Severus breathed against the back of his neck, laying on top of him, and Harry shuddered. Hands groped his bum, sliding up and down his back.
Harry groaned as he was tugged by his hair once more, making him fall to the ground. He was pushed into a kneeling position on the rug. Harry kept his eyes closed, just as he was told. He could hear rustling, coming from right in front of him.
Harry licked his lips. "Eager, are we?" Severus purred.
Harry nodded quickly, opening his mouth. "Just wet it a bit. I want it ready for when I fuck you."
Harry groaned, leaning forward as a thick cock slid into his mouth. He bobbed a few times, making sure it was quite slick. He was still wearing her shirt, and his trousers were still about his ankles, caught around his shoes. He was getting hard- his cock was close to poking out of his knickers. A hand shoved him onto his back, making Harry twist slightly, not wanting to land on his bound hands.
Severus grabbed him by the wrists and side, and turned him over on his stomach. He shoved Harry's legs apart ceremoniously, pulling his knickers down. Harry hissed as his bum was slapped. He began to get prepared- he really wanted it skipped over so they could just start fucking, but he knew Severus would take his time...Severus was much more patient than he was.
Harry shuddered, his long hair hanging in his face as he felt Severus' fingers thrusting in and out of him. His breathing sped up, and his bound hands fisted up. He could feel Severus' magic getting stronger now...any minute, and the man would be inside him.
"You ready?"
Harry nodded, not trusting his voice. Hands lifted his hips, and he felt Severus' cock slide into him slowly.
Harry exhaled at the intrusion, toes curling as the man started to thrust in and out at a brutally slow place.
"...Please..." Harry began to bed. "Sir..." He knew Severus liked it when he begged.
He gasped as Severus hit his prostate. He arched his back, pushing back on the man's thrusts. He started to quicken.
"Oh...fuck..."
"You're such a dirty little thing, aren't you?"
"Uh huh..." Harry groaned, and the man slapped his bum, hard, making it warm to the touch.
"You like it when I fuck you?'
"Yes sir." Harry panted. He turned his face as he was pushed headfirst into the carpet- the fucking was quickly turning brutal. It hurt, it burned, but in such a good way...
"You look so good pet...so...good...no one else will ever see you like this, right pet?"
"Yes sir." Harry mumured, opening his eyes slowly. He stared into the fireplace that was so near, into the flames. They looked...so pretty.
"I own you, right pet?"
"Yes sir." Harry groaned, arching up slightly as Severus hit a particularly good spot.
"I want you to cum, exactly when I say."
"Yes sir." Harry repeated, trying to hold off as much as he could. He stared into the flames dazedly, as though he was being pinned down, only to keep him from floating away. He wriggled in the bindings around his wrists, letting out a long groan as Severus thrust eagerly into him.
"Alright pet...I want you to cum...now." Severus grunted, spilling himself inside Harry. Harry followed him a moment later, screaming his release. His cum splattered all over Severus' expensive carpet, not that either of them cared at the moment.
They laid there for a moment, and Severus withdrew from Harry carefully, cradling the boy in his arms. Harry laid his head on Severus shoulder as he was turned around.
"How do you feel?" Severus murmured.
"Good. Very good." Harry whispered, kissing the man's neck. Fuck, he hadn't even undressed fully. He really had been eager, hadn't he? Only Severus' trousers had been undone- he still wore the rest of his robes. Damn, he looked hot.
"Alright, let's get you out of this." Severus said, reaching around to undo the ropes around Harry's wrists. He sat Harry up carefully. "You thirsty?"
Harry nodded slowly, still feeling a bit dazed. Severus summoned one of the teacups from a nearby tea table, and filled it with water. He helped Harry drink it, as the boy's hands were still trembling from adrenalin. Their eyes met, and Severus gave him a rare smile.
"There we are. Alright pet, let's get you to bed." He helped Harry to stand, and the two of them went into the bedroom.
x-x-x
Sigh. What did you guys think? Do you think Millie's actions at the ball (not wearing a proper dress, leading Harry in the dance, ect.) will get her in trouble? Do you think Hermione and Millie will ever get together? And who the hell is Harry's 'special person' for the next task? Let me know what you think.
Please review. I will give virtual treats, in the form of the next chapter, lol.