A/N: hey all.

Ilive4cake00: er thanx for the review, I'm glad you like it. You really think it's that good?

Inandout: so you reckon I've got this Plot line lark sorted then? Ace! Thank you for the review, it gave me the warm fuzzies ;)

Disclaimer: I'm not making any money out of this, so why bother trying to sue?

She could see his arm... then his chest... legs appeared, hands, feet and shoulders... his face was blurry, the black hair his only distinct feature. She couldn't make out any features on his face, yet she could sense he was smiling at her... she reached out to touch his cheek-

"Shadow!"

"mmnngh"

"Shadow my darling wake up"

"But..." the covers were pulled off, and Shadow was greeted by Tom's handsome face. He could hardly hide his joy at finding her wearing a small sleeveless vest and tiny shorts. He'd but both the items in her wardrobe purposefully.

"No buts, my darling. Come on, wake up." He sat down beside her, and stroked her hair and cheek.

"Why do I need to wake up?" she snuggled into his caress."

"Because I have a present for you." Her eyes shot open.

"Really?"

"Really."

"What is it?"

"I'm not telling, you have to come and see to find out." Shadow groaned, and pulled the covers back over her. Tom grinned. "Well, in that case..." he jumped off the bed, and turned round, scooping her up, he carried her down the round stairs to the lounge, where a large box was waiting on the table.

"Tom, put me down!" she had been yelling all down the stairs, but he had took no notice. Her skin on his made him dizzy with desire, her arms round his neck, nails digging into his back. Her voice yelling into his ear seemed like a seductive whisper, and he swallowed, hard. He finally released her, and she sprung from his grip.

She edged towards a black box, tied with a green silk ribbon, which was lying on the centre of the coffee table, by the fireside. She threw a glance at Tom, who had collapsed onto the sofa, panting. He nodded, and she untied ribbon, and took off the lid. Shadow gasped.

Inside the box lay a folded up dress, shimmering different colours of green. It seemed a murky jade, until she pulled it out of the box, and the morning light fell upon it. It then shone a vivid Emerald, which stood out against the delicate silver brocade on the corset style bodice.

"It's beautiful."

"There's more. Look in the box." Shadow cast a glance into the box, and there lay a sparkling silver tiara, encrusted with emeralds, diamonds and pearls. The metalwork snaked round the jewels, and formed a delicate point at the front. Gently placing the tiara down, she picked up a pair of stiletto heels that glittered a strange silver colour, and were soft to the touch. She turned around, put down the shoes, and pounced onto Tom, who had been watching her the whole time.

"Agh, Shadow gerrof!"

"Oh Tom, they're so beautiful! What have I done to deserve them? They must have been so expensive! What's the occasion?" she was now sitting across his lap, her left arm snaked round his neck, her right hand lay on his knees. His hands were round her waist, gently stroking her lower back, and stomach.

"Well, it's about time I showed you the rest of the Castle, don't you think? You've been up here 2 days now. I would like you to meet some people as well. Tonight there will be a party. You can meet everyone tonight, and I will show you the castle this morning. I love spending my vast amount of money on you, you make being rich so much fun. I would be honoured to spend such an amount on you. That is, of course, if you would be my partner for tonight." He could sense her hesitation, so he gently lifted her up, and stood her on her feet. He stood up, and gently pulled her up the stairs, to her room. Reaching the bed, he pulled back the covers, and beckoned for her to get in. She did, and Tom straightened the covers, and climbed in beside her. Wrapping his arms around her, he whispered gently into her ear.

"Just as friends, Shadow, just as friends."

He sensed her disappointment at that last sentence, and smiled to himself.

She wanted him more then just a friend. So much more.

A/N: short, I know, but I figured it'd be easier for all of us, if she explored the castle, and did the whole 'par-tey!!!!!' thing as one big chapter, for your enjoyment lol... the next instalment from 12 Grimmauld Place up next.