TITLE: The Heir of Snape
AUTHOR NAME: Marlena R. Snape
EMAIL: Bloodflame013@aol.com
CATEGORY: Romance
SUB CATEGORY: Angst
RATING: PG- 13 - for language, backstabbing, manipulation, stalking, implied sex down the road, how romantic.
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A/N: Again, I own nothing aside from Lena, and other created characters I credit to their original creators. Nero credited to myself, Angel Raye to my close friend Angel, Nicole Azoff to my friend Nicole, and Stephanie Leoncour to my sister Stephanie.
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Chapter Six: Nugatory Masquerade
It had been a chaotic few weeks since school had started, but the time of year was changing. Fall had became, taking over Hogwarts, and putting everyone in the spirit for Halloween, which was quickly approaching. It was 4 days before Halloween, and you could already feel the spirit in the halls at school. It was early morning on the 27th October at breakfast, when Professor Dumbledore had called everyone's attention to the forefront.
"May I have your attention, please? Everyone." He said, and the students who were seated before him all seemed to find their attention shifting toward the front of the Great Hall. "Thank you. Now as you all well know, Halloween is closing in on us rather closely." He said, which a few of the students let out hoots and hollers of appreciation. It brought a smile to Professor Dumbledore's face. "Which brings me to my announcement. After over going all of the facts, figures and such, talking to the other Professors, and noting your impressive behaviour thus far, it gives me great pleasure to announce that on Halloween, 31rst October, there will be a Old Hallow's Eve Ball, here at Hogwarts." The cheering picked up, but Professor Dumbledore raised his hand to silence the students once more. "And seeing as how it is a Friday night, curfew is lifted, and the ball will be from 9 pm until 2 am. You may come and go as you like. That is all."
As Professor Dumbledore sat back down, the students began buzzing amongst themselves. This was fantastic! No curfew…no time limits…no rules?! Lena, Stephanie, Anna, Angel, and Nicole were talking at the Slytherin table, they were all excited by the announcement.
"I can't believe it!" Anna exclaimed with a smile. "Who are you guys going with?"
"I…don't know." Angel said with a small laugh. "I mean, should we wait and see if any of the guys ask us? Or…"
"I don't know about you, but I'm going to ask someone." Stephanie said, standing up.
"Wait, Steph, who are you asking?" Nicole asked, as Stephanie smirked.
"I say screw it, I'm asking VanBuren…"
"What?!" the girls, all said in unison, appalled.
"Why?" Angel asked, chuckling a bit. "I mean, come on, it's Nero."
As the girls were talking, Draco made his way over to them, sitting down between Lena and Stephanie. He was facing Lena, a smirk on his face. Lena smiled a bit and raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, Draco?"
"I wanted to tell you, that I want you to be my…we'll say, date, to the Halloween Ball. What do you say?"
"I don't see why not." Lena said, as the girls had to contain their laughter and giggles. "Of course, I'll be your date."
"Nice. We'll talk after class about it." Draco said, giving a nod toward the other girls as he slowly stood, and began walking toward back to his place with a couple of his mates. The giggles finally came, and Lena smiled.
"What's funny?"
"It's not funny, it's cute!" Anna said, and bit her lip gently. "You know…I think I want to go with Marcus. Do you think he'd go with me?"
"Of course he would!" Angel said quickly, looking at Anna strangely. "How could you even assume he wouldn't? He's bloody mad about you…" Anna blushed softly, and smiled, which caused Angel to smirk. "I on the other hand, don't have a date."
"I'm sure we can find you someone." Lena said with a smile, and Angel just laughed.
"Like? I'll probably end up going with Goyle." She shivered a bit, "Or I'll just go with Nicole…"
"You with Goyle? That's bloody insane. Sure he's decent, but have you looked at him recently?" Stephanie asked, and the girls actually began chuckling. "Honestly. You're above that." Angel shrugged.
"I guess so."
"No, I know so." Lena intercepted, which brought a smile to Angel's face.
As they were talking, Lena's eye caught a familiar face from the Gryffindor table. Smiling, she waved, and a wave was returned from Oliver. He had a smirk on his face.
"Brilliant plans, aye luv?!" He shouted over to her, and she nodded.
"Bloody well is if you ask me!"
"Ms. Snape, if you don't mind…" Professor McGonagall spoke up, causing the two to look toward her. "People are trying to enjoy their breakfast and don't need your high tone shenanigans…"
"Uh, Professor McGonagall if ye don't mind…" Oliver spoke up, gesturing toward himself. "I caused 'er to look o'er here, and I yelled to 'er, so don't be blamin' it all on one. I 'ad just as much into that as she did."
Professor McGonagall grunted, a wave of her hand speaking for her - she was done with the situation. She didn't really like the fact Oliver was so quick to stick up for Ms. Snape - a Slytherin - part of the same house he had hated since day one. Oliver gave a reassuring smile, as Lena mouthed 'thank you' to him. Turning back to her friends, Angel looked a little shocked.
"Did I just see that right?"
"What? What's wrong?"
"I know Wood is your cousin and all, but did he just stand up to Professor Do-Good to save your arse?"
"It's not the first time…really." She said, and Angel glanced over toward Oliver. Wow…she was thinking now. "Oliver doesn't really have anything against Slytherin anymore…not only because of how I was placed or treated, but from what I've told him."
"Really now?" Angel inquired, as she noticed Oliver looking back. She smiled, and Oliver gave her a respected nod, with a half smile. She may have been brought up a Slytherin, under her father Christian's guide, but her mother Dianne was through and through Gryffindor. Why would this be different? Maybe…just maybe. "Do you think he'd go to the ball with me?"
"Actually I do." Lena said surely, and Angel looked thoughtful. She bit her lower lip, nodding. "Why do you ask? Are you…pray tell, interested?"
"Maybe…" Angel said mischievously, which caused Lena to smirk.
***********************************
Breakfast and classes seemed to pass quickly that day, and by the time anyone paid much mind to the world around them, it was time for Quidditch Practice. Only this time, it was Gryffindor. Nero was set to meet up with Harry and Ron afterward, but he came up upon Lena Snape sitting by herself, for once, out by an old oak tree by the lake. She was writing in a book of some sort, as he walked over.
Lena hadn't written in her diary, since the first day of school. As imagined, her diary entry was long, drawn out, and highly detailed. She didn't even pay second mind to anything around her, not even Nero.
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Date: 27th, October -
Dear Diary;
It has been forever and a day since I wrote, and I really should keep up with this. Then I wouldn't have to take as long to write all of which I need to. The first few weeks of school have been incredible, amazingly enough. I do believe that it's possible - I like Hogwarts far more than Beauxbaton's. Isn't that insane?
I tried out for the Quidditch Team when try outs were, and I made it onto the team as a chaser. Under the training of Marcus Flint (captain) I think I'm doing pretty well. He's actually taken a bit of time out of his schedule to assist me in becoming a better player. As has Draco. Nero VanBuren, Draco's cousin, has tried to - but I know that he'd only be doing it to benefit himself. Not my cup of tea, you might say. Speaking of Nero, it seems to everyone he has been in pursuit of me since we arrived at Hogwarts, and I was sorted into Slytherin. Pathetic, really. He's not terrible, but in a way - he is annoying as all hell knows. For Merlin's sake, I can't get a moment's rest around this place. Rumours always fly about saying that I fancy him back - when did that happen? Why wasn't *I* informed?
Today we found out about this, Halloween Ball that'll take place this coming Friday. Halloween. I'm happy about that. Professor Dumbledore announced that we won't have a curfew that eve, and that due to our impressive behaviour thus far in the year ( seemingly it's better than other years? ) that we earned such privilege. I did nothing, but I'm all for the reward…
Draco asked me to the ball, in which - I graciously accepted. Angel ( Raye ) was worried about who she was going to go to the ball with, but that was until she saw Oliver stick up for me against McGonagall, who was yelling at only me for us talking across the hall. Sure, it wasn't the proper thing to do, and sure, he called to me first, but she yelled at just ME at first. Oliver told her in so few words to sod off, which I enjoyed more than I can even write out here. It was a thing of beauty, really. So yeah, now I'm going to talk to Oliver, and see if he'll go to the ball with Angel. I think that would be lovely, really.
Oh, damn. I have to go. Nero is coming over here. Sigh, what must I do to avoid him? Sometimes I wish I knew…I'll write soon.
-Signed;
Lena A. Snape
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Quickly shutting the diary, and shoving it into her bag, Nero smiled upon her as he walked up. She returned his smile, despite her urge to ask what the hell he wanted now, and he crouched down next to her.
"So, what do you think of this whole, ball idea? Pretty nice isn't it?"
"It is. I'm really excited about it."
"Well, after I heard the announcement, I had an idea."
Oh god, she thought to herself, tilting her head. "What's that, Nero?"
"I was thinking, that maybe you and I could go together? I swear, I'll be the perfect gentleman for the evening, because you deserve that."
"That would be nice…" She said softly, and Nero smiled, though Lena shook her head a bit. "But I can't, Nero."
"Why's that? Is something wrong?"
"No, nothing's wrong. I just, already have a date. I'm sorry."
"Damn, I knew I should have asked earlier. Who's the lucky guy?"
"Draco…"
Nero had finally had it. He was ready to just, explode. Everything was always about Draco! He was older, wiser, better looking, and above all, he knew how to please women. What did Draco have he didn't? He had the money to back him, and the power to take on anyone - but why wasn't that good enough for Lena Snape? Why was it ALWAYS all about Draco? Nero nodded a bit.
"That's cool, Lena. Well. If you change your mind, or whatever - just let me know okay?"
"I will Nero."
That wasn't good enough for him, though. Nothing of the sort was. He got up, and started walking off, he was thinking of something to make his life a whole lot easier. Maybe if Draco wasn't around, yeah - he needed to tell Harry that they weren't just out to hurt Draco, but to completely eradicate him. Destroy him.
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It was after the Gryffindor's practice had finished, that Oliver ran into Lena just inside the welcome hall. She was standing by the house points section, looking at the Slytherin hourglass. They weren't doing too bad, really. She heard someone clear their throat off to the side, and when she looked, she saw Oliver standing in his Quidditch uniform, his broomstick in hand.
"Havin' fun yet?" Oliver asked cheekily, and Lena smirked.
"Not even close. But I'm glad I ran into you." She said, walking over to him. He raised an eyebrow, as she smiled. "Relax, you act as if I'm going to ask you for your entire bank account…"
"Knowin' you?" Oliver said, laughing a bit. "What's the matter? What do ya need?"
"I personally don't need anything. But I wanted to ask you on behalf of one of my friends, a question."
"Oh for Merlin's Sake…" Oliver grumpled, but shook his head. "What is it?"
"You know of Angel Raye, correct?"
"That I do. Hard not ta really…one of the best chasers the Slytherin team saw in years." he quickly paused, and smiled. "And yerself…"
"Don't gimme that," She said with a smile. "Earlier, when you stuck up for me against Professor McBitch, I think you impressed her."
"Really now?"
"Yes really. She, well… don't know how I should say this…" Lena said, her tone dropped, which caused Oliver to look a little worried.
"What? What did she do? Say?"
"Why are you so anxious to know?" Lena asked with a grin, as Oliver just rubbed the back of his neck nervously.
"I hate not knowin' what's goin' on…you get it…"
"Oh. I get it." Lena said slyly. "Look, she thought that you two could possibly go to the ball together. That's really all."
"That's all? You say that like it's somethin' simple." He said, and Lena raised an eyebrow.
"And it isn't? If you want to go with her, then do it. Just ask her."
"Are you serious she'd say yes?"
"Would I SAY she would if she wouldn't? My goddess, Oliver…"
"I guess not. I'll take yer word for it, and I'll ask…"
"Good for you, Ollie." Lena said with a smile, and leaned up kissing his cheek. "You won't regret it. I promise. But I'll catch you later, I need to get my potions homework done before Quidditch Practice."
"Alright luv, I'll see you at dinner."
"See you then."
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Lena walked away from Oliver, but outside, there was another meeting of the minds. It was behind Hagrid's hut, hidden by the massive stature of it. Nero, Harry, a black cloaked figure, and Ron. They were standing around in a circle, but Nero couldn't stand still. He was pacing slightly, just outside the circle. He looked especially aggravated, which caused Harry to look at him offly.
"Nero? What's the matter?"
"Nothing, dude, nothing at all."
"Sorry to inquire, but then why are you pacing? You're going to make yourself a trench if you're not careful…" Ron said quietly, which caused Nero to stop pacing. He just looked at Ron.
"Man, if I was in any less of a mood, I'd probably slap the shit out of you for talking to me like that." Nero said, which caused Ron to wince lightly, and Harry shook his head.
"What's wrong? You can't be acting like a complete and utter jerk, for no reason at all."
"Fine. You wanna know? You really want to know? Draco. Okay? That's my problem!"
It was quiet for a moment, as Ron, Harry, and the cloaked figure all watched Nero, as he went back to pacing. Well, they knew Draco was a problem, but to drive Nero this far insane?
"What did he do?" Harry asked, before pausing. "Now, I should say…"
"It's not going to mean anythin' to you guys, but he asked Lena to the ball and she's accepted. Now, she's going with the bastard child of my Aunt Narcissa, and I'm stuck without."
"Don't worry, Draco's finished after this." Ron said surely, as Nero raised an analytical eyebrow at him. "Believe me! Tell him, Harry!"
"We weren't sure if what we heard, actually did happen. Clearly; it did." He said, and Nero gave a quick nod. He was obviously referring to the Draco and Lena situation for the Halloween Ball. "So, we devised a little plan that'll make him look down on sweet, little, princess Lena Snape."
"Are you going to put a spell on her and let me have my way with her?" Nero asked with a smirk, which actually caused Harry to chuckle.
"No, Nero. We're going to scare her right out of his arms. And henceforth today, we won't have to worry about them ever being around each other. Which, all in all, will make our job a whole lot easier…"
"Ooh, I'm obligated to ask..." Nero said with a smirk, stepping closer to Harry with his hands folded, a devilish smile crossing his lips and interest crossing his brow. "Tell me, now? Please? Today?"
"Well put it this way, Nero…she won't be going to the ball with Malfoy." He said with a smirk, as he pulled out a sheet of parchment. "Thanks to this precious piece…" He gestured toward the cloaked figure. "This, is going to be at her bedside in the morning. And this…" He pulled out a picture of Draco, and Ron handed him a dagger. Nero looked intrigued, as Harry made the motion, of stabbing the picture.
"Whoa, you're gonna kill him? Sweet!"
Harry shook his head, "No. No. We're going to put this dagger, into the picture, while it's on her bedside table. When she wakes up, sees the letter, she's going to see the stabbed photograph. The threat is, if she goes with him, well…" He smirked, shrugging a bit. "Draco will be in some serious pain come November 1rst…"
"Oh. Oh that's good. You two…three…are fucking brilliant! I mean…" He slowly grinned, "You're incredible!"
"Let's just hope we can pull it off easily, hmm?" Harry said, a smile on his face as the group started to separate. Nero was heading toward the Quidditch Pitch, while Harry and Ron were heading toward the castle. The cloaked figure stayed behind the hut for a short while after.
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Dinner time rolled around, as Lena, Draco, Angel and Nicole walked into the great hall, still in their Quidditch uniforms. They expected to get yelled at, considering their dressing. But alas, they made it to their table unnoticed, except from by those who wanted to see. Oliver gave a quick wave to Lena, and then glanced toward Angel, who just so happened, was looking at him. He smiled, a school boy shine to it, which caused Angel to giggle.
Over at the Slytherin table, Lena and Angel were talking over dinner, while Stephanie, Nicole, Anna, and a few others listened. Most couldn't believe what they were hearing, Draco included.
"I talked to him, and he's going to ask!" Lena said in a loud whisper, and Angel exhaled deeply, smiling.
"I can't believe this. I can't believe he's going to ask me…"
"Who?" Draco asked, as Lena and Angel glanced toward each other from him. Angel bit her lower lip, as Lena looked back to him.
"Oliver, Draco."
Draco merely raised an eyebrow. Were they talking about what he THOUGHT they were talking about? A Gryffindor and a Slytherin? A pure blood and a bloody goo- he paused. That was Lena's cousin he was talking about. Rather, thinking about. Goddess, she'd be upset with him if he thought any less of Wood…but he couldn't help it.
"How flattering." He said shortly, and Angel slowly sighed.
"Look, Draco. You don't know about him, okay? He's not as bad as Potter…he's not bad at all…"
"He hasn't proven anything to me." Draco said, before looking at Lena. "Do forgive me, luv, but I have only one impression of Wood engraved into my head, and that's a goodie two shoes nancy boy…"
"Your forgiven…"
"Wait, just a second." Angel said defensively, as she looked at Lena. "How can you accept that? Draco? How can you SAY that?" She frowned, as she looked at Draco. "I thought you cared about what I thought? My opinions? How I judge people? My overall judgment!"
"I do, Angel. But…" He finally sighed, shaking his head. Waving his hand off, he looked toward the table. "Whatever. I don't care. He can prove himself if he finds the need to. Otherwise, it's his own bloody decision. I'll have nothing of it."
"You know what, I'm going to do what I want. And if going to the Halloween Ball with Oliver Wood is what I want, then it's what's going to happen." Angel said, standing up. "I'll see you back at the common room, I'm not hungry."
"Angel…Angel wait…" Lena tried, but Angel had stood up, walking toward the doors of the hall. Lena glanced quickly toward Oliver, who looked a little concerned by what he was seeing. She pointed, mouthing 'Follow her! Go!' to him. Oliver excused himself from the Gryffindor table, and once Angel was out of sight, he followed. Lena sighed, putting her head down on the table. Draco felt a little awkward, but he moved his hand to her back, and was rubbing her back lightly.
"Forgive me for my opinion…"
"It's alright, Draco. Everyone is entitled to them…" He nodded offly, but quickly shook his head.
"No, it's not alright…I've upset the two most important women in my life with speaking of one." He blurted, before trying to cover up. "I mean, I respect the pair of you very much…and if you think Wood is c-"
"Draco…" She interrupted him, raising her head to look at him. "You can't change who you are, or what you believe. So don't try, okay? I can accept that you don't like Oliver, I can accept it well enough because I know you're not alone. He's misguided, I know this, he knows this, my mum and dad know this, everyone…knows this…so you're not alone in thinking he's pussy whipped." She paused, "Excuse my language…"
"You summed up my thoughts perfectly…actually…" Draco said with a small smirk, as he put his arm around Lena's shoulder. She shook her head a bit, leaning against his shoulder.
"I just wish that things around here weren't so complicated, you know?"
"Perfectly well, luv…"
They were receiving some eyes, alright. Harry was glaring at what he had noticed at the Slytherin Table. This little, bond of theirs, was growing. Daily. Momentarily. And it was making his work so much harder. He looked toward Nero, who was shooting bullets at Draco and Lena with his eyes - trying his best to remain subtle and unnoticed. But he was failing, as Marcus and Joshua had picked up on his glaring, and Marcus nudged him with a confused look. Ron was trying to get Harry back to 'earth', so to speak, back to his attention forward instead of on Slytherin. After a few kicks to the shin from under the table, Harry finally snapped back, and Ron gave him a look.
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Outside of the Great Hall and down the corridor, Angel Raye was walking, her arms tightly across her chest as she was muttering to herself. A pair of jogging footsteps were echoing through the silent halls from behind her, but she didn't even look up. She thought it was probably Draco, which if that was the case she was telling him to go straight to hell. She wasn't in the mood.
Oliver was able to finally catch up, and he put his hand on her shoulder firmly. Turning around swiftly, Oliver held up his left index finger - he was winded, and needed to breathe. Angel smirked a little, her guard dropping just a bit, but her arms were still crossing against her chest.
"Well well, what's this? All out of breath already?"
"Y'know, yer not an easy lass to catch…" Oliver said coolly, and Angel smiled. But it quickly dropped.
"What do you want?"
"Just to talk…is that alright?"
"Of course, Oliver. What is it you want to talk to me about?"
Angel spoke softly, as she slowly sat down on the second stair up the grand case. He sat down beside her, taking a deep breath. Goddess, he felt like a little boy asking his long time crush on a bloody date! He was going to make a fool of himself, he could just feel it!
"Well…y'know the ball is a few days away…and er - I heard you don't 'ave a date…neither do I…"
"I would figure a guy like you would have been picked from the market first off…" She said, as Oliver raised an eyebrow.
"By who? There's no demons runnin' round this school, Raye…" He paused a moment. "Can I just call you Angel?"
"Actually, I'd prefer it." She admitted, and smirked. "Go on, why do you think you wouldn't be picked off firstly?"
"Because I'm not the star of my house, perhaps?"
"Nonsense." Angel said, which caused Oliver to raise an eyebrow.
"What's that supposed to mean? I'm not that great…"
"You are to some people, Oliver. And if I can see it…I'm sure a lot of others have noticed it…"
"Ya make it sound like I'm somethin' special, Angel." He said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm not, really…nothin' of the sort. Just yer average guy…livin; with average standards…"
"You're practically Slytherin royalty, Oliver…for pity's sake…" She said, shaking her head. "I mean, Professor Snape is your uncle, yes? That in itself gives you my respect…but how you stand up for what you believe in too…that makes you even more exceptional…"
"I'll take yer word for all that…" Oliver said shyly, as he shrugged. "And he's just my marital uncle…" He was losing his train of thought, the words he was going to say were slipping out of context, so he shook his head. "Look, the reason I'm 'ere is ta ask if ya wanted to go to the Halloween Ball with me…"
"You really want to go with me?" Angel asked, her eyes sparkled. She smiled softly, as she glanced toward the floor. "Wow, I just thought it would be really cool and scandalous…"
"It still can be…" Oliver said, a smirk on his face as Angel looked back at him. "I mean, I'll be willin' to go all out fer a little scandal…" he paused, "Wait, that just sounds wrong…"
"I actually really liked that." Angel said with a giggle.
"Well I 'ave to do stuff ya like then…" Oliver said with a half smile, as Angel leaned closer, whispering in his ear.
"Just be yourself. Your…real, self…"
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Later on in the Slytherin Common Room, the girls were being your typical teenage girls. Lena, Angel, Nicole, Anna, and Stephanie sat in a secluded corner in a circle, their backs to their housemates, gossiping about their day. And of course, the Halloween Ball.
"So you and Draco are still going together right?" Anna asked, as Lena smirked, nodding her head.
"What would change that?" Lena asked, as Anna giggled. Lena raised an eyebrow at her, "Have you asked Marcus yet?"
"I - um, no…not yet…" Anna said sheepishly, but slowly grinned. "He asked me after dinner."
"Oh, score." Nicole said with a smile. "You two going together?"
"Yep…he said he really wanted to go with me because he liked me…and asked, if we had fun at the ball, if I'd be his girlfriend…"
"How cute! I never pegged Flint for the romantic type…" Lena said with a sardonic chuckle. Anna couldn't help but giggle quietly, as Angel slowly perked up.
"I know for sure that I'm going with one of the most handsome guys' in all of Hogwarts…"
"Nero is goin' with me, hon." Stephanie said with a snicker, and Angel visibly shuddered.
"I wouldn't go with him if he was the last 'man' on earth, and there was no cats left…" She said, resembling coldly, as the girls, including Stephanie laughed. "I'm going with Oliver."
"Wood?!" Stephanie and Nicole exclaimed in unison, which caused both Lena and Angel to laugh. Lena already knew what was going on, never had she heard Oliver referred to as "the most handsome guy", though.
"Yes, Wood. Is that so shocking?" Angel asked, before glancing to Nicole. "And don't even look shocked, I saw you eves dropping on us in the hallway…"
"Me? No never…" Nicole said, putting on her best innocent look. She failed to convince her peers, though, and finally smirked, shrugging. "So what? I didn't hear anything interesting. Just the fact you wanted Oliver to be his real self. Whatever in the bloody hell that meant…"
"I just want him to act naturally, you know? Not like a goodie boy…I have this gut feeling he really isn't…"
"He's disgusting, if anything." Lena said gingerly, as everyone looked at her. She smirked a bit. "Well, he is. You've never seen him away from school. He plays these really raunchy practical jokes on people…not to mention he curses like a muggle sailor who had too many pints…" Angel grinned a little as Lena continued. "And he's definitely not a good boy by any means, just feels obligated when it comes to Hogwarts -- for the obvious reasons. That's why my father doesn't have anything against him, because he knows him…"
"So anyway…" Stephanie said with a smirk, as she looked toward Nicole. "Who are you going with?"
"Eh, I have a couple offers, but I think I'm going with Joshua."
"Not a bad choice if I do say so myself…" Lena said with a smile, and Nicole smirked lightly. "You know there's a lot of people pissed you're going with Draco, right? Pansy Parkinson for one MAJOR." Lena smirked deviously.
"Remind me when I should care what others think, Nicole. I mean, there's nothing that's going to stop me from going with Draco…unless he wants other wise. He doesn't, I don't, and we're going together…I'd love to see someone try and stop that…"
( A/N: A tad of a cliffy, but I hope it was worth the wait. I'm so sorry about how long it's taken! I'll have chapter 7 up a LOT sooner! I promise! -MS )