Chapter 45- Something Wicked This Way Comes

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If Draco thought the sight of him walking through the streets of Hogsmeade smiling had once startled, the reactions villagers and students had to seeing the foursome strolling toward the Bludger made the prior shock pale in comparison. Gasps, exclamations, and stares followed their progress. On the inside of shops, people pressed their faces to the glass for a better look. Weasley's shoulders hunched in reaction, as though he were trying to become less noticeable. Granger returned the stares with a challenging gaze.

Ginny squeezed his fingers tighter. She said with dark humour that made him smile, "I always wondered how it felt to be a celebrity. I don't think I want to be famous anymore."

Her brother snorted. "Infamous is more like it–and you'd better get used to it." He straightened to his full height. "If Harry can put up with notoriety, so can you. After all, you're a Weasley."

The boy strode ahead and opened the door to the Bludger, holding it open for the rest to enter. Draco stepped into the restaurant decorated in Quidditch memorabilia and stopped in his tracks. Most of the tables and booths were filled with students who normally wore accents of scarlet and gold. If The Broomsticks had seemed to be the hangout of choice for Slytherin House today, The Bludger was the pick of Gryffindor.

Conversations hushed dramatically when the four entered. Spying an empty table in a far corner, Draco offered, "Look, if you want to go sit with your friends, Weasley, Ginny and I can take that table over there, no problem."

Weasley's look was steely. "You saying you don't want to eat with us, Malfoy?"

"No." Although he didn't. "I'm giving you an out. Feel free to take it."

Looking mulish, Weasley jerked his head toward a booth two couples were leaving. "Don't do me any favours. Let's go sit over there."

The girls were exchanging glances of long-suffering. Draco shrugged and followed the other boy, sliding into the booth after Ginny so he wouldn't have to touch knees with her brother. A minute later, the server brought menus and glasses of water. After the group ordered, an awkward silence fell.

Granger asked with determined cheer, "So, Ginny, are you ready for your OWL exams? I studied for ages beforehand."

"Yeah, like years," Weasley said.

"Honestly, Ronald. It was only months."

Ginny smiled at the happily bickering pair. "Draco's been helping me prepare, telling me what to expect. Testing seems pretty straightforward."

Weasley grimaced. "Merlin, that History of Magic exam was brutal. Remembering all the ruddy dates of Goblin riots, as well as wand legislation and mandates of the Confederation of Wizards fried my brain. Who cares about History, anyway?"

Draco kept his expression bland. Beside him, Ginny smirked. "Those who don't want to be doomed to repeat it, brother dear."

Weasley made a face before asking Draco, "Did you get bitten by that Fanged Geranium Sprout threw at us for Herbology?"

Hadn't everyone? He refused to admit it, though. "Of course not."

"Me either."

Granger's gave her boyfriend an 'oh really' look before she told her friend, "You'll do fine. Potions will probably include Polyjuice again. It isn't that hard."

"Especially if Snape doesn't show his ugly mug…er..."

Inwardly amused by Weasley's discomfort, Draco said, "I found the exam less stressful without him hovering, too." The relief on the freckled face almost made him smile. Turning to Ginny, he allowed his amusement to show. "I bet you ace Defence Against the Dark Arts, the way you jinx and hex."

She laughed. "Think I could perform a Bat Bogey for extra credit?"

"As long as you don't expect me to volunteer–once was quite enough, thanks. Ask your brother."

Weasley shook his head in alarm. Ginny laughed. After their food was delivered, conversation dwindled until hunger was blunted.

Picking up his sandwich, Draco almost choked on a bite when Granger asked him, "Will you be coming to our House party tonight?"

He took a long drink after his coughing fit had ended. Levelly, he replied, "I'd planned on Ginny coming to Slytherin House." One look showed that she had thought the opposite. He tried not to envision walking into the Gryffindor common room and being hexed into oblivion. Hoping that his smile didn't seem tense, he said, "We could spend time at both parties, if you'd like."

Ginny's face became beautiful when she smiled. "Very much."

He relaxed and teased, "You might want to keep your wand ready to defend me."

Her laughter drew the attention of a trio entering the restaurant. Behind Potter and MacDuff, Blaise's sulky look transformed. Smiling widely, she edged around the couple and hurried over. "Fancy seeing you lot here! That sandwich looks good, mate. Hello, Ginny–Mr. and Mrs. Freckles."

Draco chuckled over her frantic good cheer. He said in an undertone before the other couple reached the booth, "Having fun being a third wheel?"

She waited until the other two couples were chatting before leaning down to say, "Hell, no, and after lunch, I'm rolling back to school where two's company, if you know what I mean."

"Believe me, I know."

They shared a commiserating smile.

Potter saw a table become available. The couple said their farewells before heading toward it. Their reluctant satellite trailed after them. Turning his attention from the table where his friend seemed startled that Potter had pulled out her chair, Draco saw Ginny eyeing his chips and offered her one. She winked and leaned forward to take it from his fingers with her lips.

Her brother immediately said, "Hermione and I have some shopping to do, so, uh, we'll see you later."

Tossing galleons onto the table, Weasley scooted out of the booth the second his girlfriend stood up. With a grimace that was probably intended to be a smile, he said goodbye. Granger seconded it before she was pulled out of the restaurant.

"I knew a display of affection would get us some alone time," Ginny said, adorably smug.

Giving her a feigned look of disdain, he drawled, "You call that a display of affection?" His mouth covered hers in a greedy kiss. When her lips began moving against his, he whispered, "This is affection."

She didn't laugh like he'd expected her to. She shook her head. "No. This is love."

When Ginny's mouth lifted to his, Draco gallantly allowed her to have the last word.

That evening, after a shower in his dorm, the Slytherin returned to his chamber, towelling his hair. His fringe was starting to fall into his eyes, but memory of the expression on Ginny's face when she had talked about him having long hair made Draco decide not to trim it.

"Why didn't you use the Prefects' bathroom, boss?"

The boys had been waiting patiently for him to finish, by the piles of towels and clothing in their beefy arms. The bathroom had separate showers, but they knew better than to intrude. Crossing to his trunk, Draco said mildly, "It's Hogsmeade weekend, Gregory. Every prefect is lining up to take his turn." Idly wondering if the dead silence was a result of poor comprehension or him using Goyle's first name, he asked, "Does a Malfoy queue up for a bath?"

He surveyed his clothes while he waited for an answer. The black on black striped silk shirt reminded him of Spain. He chose it and black trousers while his cronies pondered his question.

Finally, Crabbe answered hesitantly, "No?"

His slight smile caused the two to grin proudly over guessing the correct answer. Realising that they would stand and smile at him all night if not prodded, Draco pointed. "Got it in one, Vincent, now go take a shower."

They lumbered off. He chuckled and dropped his towel. When he was half-dressed, a loud cawing sound brought his attention to the window. A giant raven was beating its wings against the glass, a black envelope held in its claws. He padded barefoot to the window, a drop of sweat rolling down his back.

Draco opened the aperture only enough to snatch the envelope before he closed the window with a snap and backed away from the evil-looking bird. It seemed to caw mockingly before flying off. Dread pooled in his stomach. Yanking open his bed curtains, he sat on the bed and looked down at the envelope. It was blank.

He turned it over. The sight of the Malfoy seal pressed into blood red wax tied his stomach into yet another knot. Breaking the seal, he took out the note and read the message.

Words cannot express my disappointment. Apparently, the lack of my direct guidance has caused you to forget the duty owed to your name and blood. Rectify the unfortunate situation promptly, or face the consequences.

Draco didn't need to see his father's bold signature to know who had sent the letter. Someone at Slytherin House had owled their parents, who had in turn passed information on to Lucius.

He took the note and envelope to the fireplace. "Inflammo!"

It took only a moment for the stationary to turn to ash, but the message remained burnt into mind. He thought of Mr. Weasley asking, 'How will your father react to the news of your…relationship?' A bitter smile twisted his mouth. Lying back across the green velvet coverlet, Draco rubbed a hand across his face, trying to decide what to do.

"Hey, Malfoy, are you not wearing a shirt to the party?"

Crabbe's thick fingers rose to start unbuttoning his own buttons. Draco chuckled despite himself. "Of course I'm wearing a shirt you–mate." He drew on his shirt, saying while he buttoned, "I've got a secret mission for you two tonight. While you eat, drink, and listen to everyone talk, I want you to remember if anyone mentions my father."

Goyle frowned. "This is a secret mission because…."

Draco clapped the larger boy on a broad shoulder and said patiently, "Because you don't want anyone to know you overheard what they've said. That makes it a secret. After the House party, you can tell me what you've learned."

"And have a secret party?"

Reaching into his trunk for a bottle of Firewhisky, Draco lifted it out. He said before he headed to Gryffindor House, "Yes, Crabbe. We will definitely be having a secret party."

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Ginny finished her shower and returned to the room to find Isabel and Grace gathered by her bed, staring fixedly at a box. While she clutched the ends of her white robe together, they speculated wildly.

"Do you think he sent it?" said Grace.

"Ooohhh, I wonder what it is."

Across the room, Rosaline blew gently on the newly painted scarlet nails of her right hand. "Why don't you ask Ginny? She's right behind you."

The girls whirled around so fast that they staggered and held onto each other for stability.

"We didn't touch it," Grace said quickly.

Isabel straightened her shoulders and said defiantly, "If you hex us again, we'll tell."

The initial kick Ginny got out of having the silly twits acting scared of her had long worn off. She had ignored them whispering, sulking, and glaring daggers since they found out she and Draco were a couple, but she wasn't going to do it anymore. Hands on her hips, she replied bluntly, "I hexed you two because you were drooling over my boyfriend, and I was angry. If you could act like decent Gryffindors instead of tarts, I might introduce you to him during the party tonight."

The girls grew round-eyed.

"Malfoy is coming to our House Party?"

Grace echoed her friend and added, "You'd introduce us? Really? Oh my gods, Isabel, our friends will be so jealous!"

They thanked her profusely and rushed over to their trunks to begin tossing clothing in search for 'just the right outfit.'

Soft laughter brought Ginny's attention back to the blonde who was now admiring her left hand's manicure. "Maybe I am too cynical, Weasley, since it seems you were right to trust Malfoy. You want me to take your picture together sometime?"

"Will you promise not to sell it to a paper or use it for any other purpose?"

"I promise."

Smiling, Ginny said, "Then, sure, I'd love it." She picked up the box. Should she open it? Yes, she should! First, she read the card attached.

G,

I could say I bought the wrong size, but I figured you'd like to know Draco wanted to see you in leather.

B

Slowly removing the lid off the box, Ginny reached down to lift the outfit. It consisted of a leather jacket and miniskirt.

"I like that shade of brown. It'll look good with your colouring," said Rosaline.

Ginny left off stroking the soft, supple material. "I can't wear this."

The other girl reached past her to lift an ivory camisole and a pair of matching leather boots out of the box. "May I wear it?"

"No!"

"Then come off it, Weasley. You know that outfit is tastefully sexy. Stop thinking about what your mother would say and go change."

Ginny smiled. "Thanks." She looked down at the pile in her arms. "What, no knickers?" she quipped.

The other girl laughed. "The camisole seems to have built in support, and–" A quick sort through tissue paper ensued. "As I thought, matching panties were included." Rosaline tossed them on top of the pile, laughing softly as Ginny rushed, pink faced, into the bathroom.

After a bit of makeup and many deep, calming breaths, Ginny descended the girls' staircase. Isabel and Grace, after gushing over her clothes and advising her on makeup, had decided to 'back her up' when she declared that, ready or not, she was going down to the common room.

At the bottom of the stairs, Ron, Hermione, Harry, and Morrigan were chatting with Neville, Bindy, and Colin. Her brother glanced up and then did a comic double take. Creevey gave a wolf-whistle.

She walked over, shaking her head. "Good thing Mindy's not here, Colin."

He grinned, irrepressible. "Yeah, I'm henpecked."

Bindy giggled. "I'll tell Mindy that when we go over to Ravenclaw later."

Colin gave an exaggerated gasp of horror. "Now I'm really in for it!"

Ron said, "Don't need to ask where you got that getup."

He sounded resigned instead of angry, which was a vast improvement. She teased, "Want me to ask Blaise to find an outfit for Hermione?" Ginny expected a shouted denial.

She was shocked when he eyed her and asked in a considering tone, "D'you think she could get one in red?"

Before she could do more than nod, someone said loudly, "Hey, what's Malfoy doing here?"

Ginny looked toward the entrance. With a pounding heart and sweaty palms, she pushed back her hair, moistened her lips, and kept walking through the crowd of staring housemates.

Draco stood just inside the room, managing to look coolly unconcerned that numerous Gryffindors were staring daggers. His expression thawed when he saw her. Elegant and gorgeous in black, grey eyes gleamed silver while taking in her ensemble. Sensual lips curved as he lifted her hand to press a kiss. "You look beautiful."

He kept her hand clasped in his. She held tightly to his fingers. "So do you."

Draco's smile made girls behind her sigh.

"Ahem..."

Ginny waved her free hand, introducing, "Isabel and Grace, my roommates, Draco Malfoy…my boyfriend." The wicked glint in grey eyes said that he knew what a thrill she got out of saying those last two words.

He listened politely to the girls' prattle for a few minutes before saying, "Nice talking to you. Gin-blossom, don't you think we should go say hello to your brother?"

Once she closed her mouth, Ginny replied sweetly, "Sure, Baby Boy, let's go. Bye girls."

She led the way, slanting a sideways glance to see how he had taken her retaliation for the 'Gin-blossom' crack. A platinum brow arched, but otherwise, he seemed amused. Her breath caught and held when his fingers let go of hers to slide beneath the leather jacket and stroke her back through the soft material of her camisole.

Colin met them halfway across the room with a couple of Butterbeers. She accepted a bottle with gratitude, taking a hasty swig of the drink. Ignoring the boys who smiled knowingly at her, Ginny placed the cold bottle against a flushed cheek.

Draco breathed in her ear. "Is it the leather making you hot, or something else?"

Nobly refraining from dousing the seductively insinuating Slytherin with Butterbeer, Ginny allowed her gaze to roam his muscular body. Eyes narrowing, she accused, "You're letting your hair grow out!"

Both white blond eyebrows rose beneath the long fringe. "Are you complaining?"

The image of him rubbing long hair across her skin was making her head spin. Hoping her smile didn't show it, Ginny shook her head. She took Draco's hand and led him to her friends. The group had halted their conversations to watch their progress.

Ron was grudgingly civil. "Ginny. Malfoy."

"Weasley."

The others added their greetings. She and Draco moved to the side, where he leaned with negligent grace against the wall. In a low voice, he said, "Well, this is different. When does the party get started?"

She pointed to the Orpheus spinning Weird Sisters, and all the different small groups laughing and chatting, eating and drinking. "It's started. This is what a Gryffindor party is like. I let you think we danced like Slytherin that time in the Shrieking Shack to make you jealous, to keep you from dancing with Blaise."

"It worked." His gaze flickered around the room, guarded, assessing.

"I'm sorry if I've brought up something that you'd rather forget," Ginny said. "Those pictures–I don't think of them when I talk about dancing. I think about us."

His carefully blank expression changed into a rueful half smile. "Good, because I'm thinking that we don't have to wait until we get to Slytherin House to dance."

Ginny laughed nervously. "Weird Sisters' Fantabulous Moondance is long on the bagpipes and short on romantic melody."

"If I've got you, I don't need music to feel romantic."

She couldn't argue with that. Ginny felt the same way about him. Twining her arms around his neck, she swayed in sync with the rhythm Draco set. They stared into each other's eyes, slow dancing to music of the heart. Distantly, she heard first Ron, and then Neville, before finally Harry ask their partners to dance.

Colin groused about being the odd man out and walked off. A few minutes later, an oldies song that had played during the Valentine's Dance wafted through the room. Colin shouted, "Hey, somebody dim the lights! We've got people trying to get romantic here!"

The atmosphere in the common room became hushed. In a shadowy corner, pale, artistic hands cupped freckled cheeks as Draco bent and kissed Ginny. Her body moulded to his in the same way his mouth was melding to hers. It was sweet, passionate, and apparently, too much for her brother to watch.

Ron said, "Pssttt…Ginny…take that outside, will you?"

She couldn't help but giggle, asking Draco, "Will anyone in Slytherin mind us snogging?"

His mouth curled in an adorable smirk. "No. We're not so repressed."

"Fabulous," Ginny said. "I've always wanted to see a Bacchanalian Blow-out."

She waved jauntily to her unhappy sibling and the rest of her friends, strolling from the room on Draco's arm. Her confidence began to fade when she neared the entrance to the Slytherin common room. She had to remind herself that she was a Weasley and a Gryffindor before she could step into the chamber.

It was like walking into an underground club. Techno dance music pounded. Strobe lighting made the dancers in the middle of the room look surreal–a group of writhing black snakes. The sight was compelling and intimidating at the same time. One girl slithered down her partner's body and back up again in an erotic motion that made Ginny turn to Draco. "You don't expect me to dance like that, do you?"

His smile gleamed white in the near darkness. "Not unless you want to."

They walked around the dance floor. Ginny pointed to what looked like a couple of anacondas spinning another serpent between them. Dressed in black the same as almost everyone else, Crabbe and Goyle were surprisingly light on their feet. When she and Draco neared the other Slytherins, Blaise was affectionately yelling, "Spinning is fine, but if you bounce me back and forth again, I'm hexing your arses!" Catching sight of their 'boss', the boys stopped grinning and stepped back in unison.

Draco scowled. "I told you to keep her company, not maul her!"

The two looked down, abashed.

Blaise hooked her arms through theirs. "Mr. C and Mr. G were dancing, not mauling me, so don't be dissing my homies–or however you say it. I'd ask Morrigan, but she's off with Potter." She turned to Ginny, smiling brightly. "You look gorgeous, but aren't you hot? Here–let me hold it." As Ginny handed over the jacket, Blaise said, "The boys and I will go fetch drinks while you two have a dance. Bye!"

Alone with Draco, and all the other slithering dancers, Ginny smiled self-consciously until he began to move. Soon, she was caught up in the music, and the heady freedom of dancing openly with the boy she loved.

-

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Blaise sat on a table, swinging her legs while drinking a Butterbeer. She watched Draco and Ginny dance and was glad that at least her friends were happy. On either side of her, Crabbe and Goyle were making contented sounds while inhaling platters of food.

Earlier, Vincent and Gregory had declared themselves her date for the evening. Fiona had sniggered, but she'd been touched. The party hadn't been as depressing as she'd thought it would be, because of her 'homies' company. They were endearing and gallant, if bumbling. She put down her bottle in order to ruffle their hair fondly. They were doing Draco's bidding, but they were still sweet. Her 'double date' as Fiona called them, smiled in pleasure at the gesture.

On the dance floor, Ms. Freckles was down shaking in a way that had Draco smiling admiringly and Blaise lifting her Butterbeer in a silent toast. Hearing a group of pissed housemates laugh uproariously in a corner, she smiled wryly. If the newly nicknamed Mr. C and Mr. G hadn't attached to her like barnacles, she probably would've done something stupid like sit all night by the beer-disguised-as-Butterbeer keg and drown her sorrow that she couldn't be with Terry. Once plastered, Merlin only knew what she would have done. Probably weaved her way over to Ravenclaw, crying for Terry.

When her friends left the floor to come grab a drink, Blaise asked about the Gryffindor party, what it was like, what kind of music they played, until Draco interrupted curtly. "Are you drunk? On drugs? Your eyes are too bright and you're talking too fast. What's wrong with you?"

Blaise pressed her lips tightly together, looking away.

Crabbe patted her on shoulder in a gentle way that would probably only leave a small bruise. He said, "She's not on anything, boss. Blaise is just sad about pretty-boy and trying to hide it, is all."

She leaned forward to give him a smacking kiss on the cheek, "You are so sweet, Vincent. I'm going to have to find you a girlfriend."

He blushed and smiled shyly.

Gregory said, "I've been sweet. I want you to get me a girl too!"

"Two girls who like the tall, hulking, quiet type might be hard to find. Would you boys mind sharing?"

They shook their heads.

Draco snapped, "Now I know you're mental. Get over it, mate."

Blaise scowled. She had supported him when he was brooding. Why couldn't he let her have a pity party if she wanted one? She tossed back, "I will, the minute you unbreak my heart!"

"Unbreak My Heart? Gods, no, I never want to hear that song again!" Fiona said, walking up with her boyfriend. "I wanted to break that ruddy orb after Christmas Holiday, when Blaise kept playing it over and over." She put an arm around her roommate. "Go get us some drinks, will you David?" Her boyfriend nodded amiably and walked toward the 'bar.' Fiona's eyes widened when she saw Draco's date. "Hullo, er, Ginny, right?"

"Yes. Hello, Fiona"

Blaise gazed down at her outfit. "This is the outfit I wore the first time I crashed Terry's House party," she said wistfully. The midriff baring sleeveless top and short black wrap skirt with splashes of blue looked just as pretty as it had months ago. Maybe it was because she had only worn it the one time. Whatever the reason, the clothing that she put on to cheer her up with happy memories only made her feel worse.

That beer in the corner was starting to call her name. "Blaise," it whispered. "Oh–"

"What's to stop you from crashing the party again?" said Ginny.

"Terry's under House arrest. He isn't allowed near me."

"So he doesn't leave the House, and you keep your distance. Say you're there to see Luna and Wesley. You could at least see him and he could see you."

That was such a Slytherin idea. Blaise liked it. Could she do it?

She glanced at Draco. He said, "Ginny's right. Go crash. Stop moping."

Blaise felt her spirits rise. Hugging everyone, she asked Draco, "What's the password?"

He whispered it.

Ginny frowned at him. "How do you know the Ravenclaw password?"

The techno music transitioned into a sexy, slow number. Draco led his girl toward the dance floor. "I have my ways."

Ginny waved goodbye over her boyfriend's shoulder.

Blaise returned the wave before accepting Crabbe and Goyle's offer to escort her to Ravenclaw. She asked while they crossed the common room, "What exactly are you boys looking for in a girl?"

Once they arrived at the Ravenclaw corridor, she waved goodbye to her friends who wanted a girl who loved conjuring food and eating it too and faced the guardian painting. The raven sitting on the sill of the opened window turned to the shadowy man sitting in the library chair and cawed. Using his finger to mark place in the book he was reading, the man inquired in an American accent, "Password, please."

"A quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore."

The painting rose. Blaise gathered her Slytherin nerve and entered the common room.

Disco was playing. Overhead, a spinning ball cast sparkles across the dancers lined up to do 'The Hustle.' Standing on tiptoes, she craned her neck to see Terry. He was leaning down to line up orbs, dark hair brushing the musical spheres. Lucky orbs. She wanted to walk over and brush his hair back, but she couldn't. Her throat began to ache. Had Eurydice felt this way gazing upon Orpheus in the Underworld?

"What are you doing here?"

Ignoring the Ravenclaw Chaser who had once offered to keep her company if Terry dumped her, Blaise looked for Wesley and Luna. They were dancing toward the back. She waved until they saw her and hurried over.

"Blaise! What...took you so long?" The charming boy had changed his question upon seeing his surly housemate. Smiling in a way that made the other boy grind his teeth, Wesley steered her toward Terry, asking, "What are you doing here?"

"Unofficially, I'm crashing the party. Officially, you two invited me." Admiring Luna's tie-dyed pink sundress, she smiled. "Love the dress."

"Thanks. I did it myself with a few rubber bands and a spell."

"Groovy."

They ended up on the last row, next to Colin and Mindy. Astonishingly, Mindy smiled when her boyfriend said, "Wondered when you'd show."

Blaise went through the motions of the dance while looking back at Terry. She said too quietly for anyone else to hear, "I couldn't stay away."

It was torture to be so close and yet not be able to go up to him and talk, or touch. Over the next few hours, she danced a little, stood by herself a lot, and relied on Wesley to pass messages from one friend to the other. Before a slow song, he came over, saying that Terry wanted to meet in the Room of Requirement early tomorrow morning, when the other students would be sleeping in. She agreed.

Wesley said humorously, "What am I, your nurse, Juliet?"

She kissed his cheek. "No, you're Mercutio's heir, with charm, wit, and a happy ending. Ask Terry if six o'clock is early enough."

Flashing the engaging smile and adorable dimples that Luna got so dreamy over, he saluted jauntily and headed back to give the message. Blaise told his moony-eyed girlfriend, "Go on, dance, I'm a big girl. I promise not to wander off looking for Snorkacks. I'll just admire the view of my boyfriend. Go!"

Luna went. Blaise watched her and Wesley move toward the dance floor. She saw Colin hand Terry an orb and then grin mischievously over at her before pulling Mindy into his arms. When the current song faded, Terry said huskily, "This is a dedication from a Ravenclaw to a Slytherin."

Tears pricked her eyes and clogged her throat when the music began. The song was one she and Colin had considered for the serenade. It was the Beatles Till There Was You. Blaise started walking slowly toward Terry. When the music ended, she was in his arms.

Wesley's voice broke them apart. "Time to go, Blaise. A prefect just ran to tell Flitwick."

She followed Luna and Wesley into the outer corridor. She took a shaky breath. "I'll be fine. Go on back to the party. Tell Terry I'll see him soon. I just want to be alone, get myself together. All right?"

Blaise wandered the corridors until she knew the Slytherin party would be over. When she entered the common room, she was shocked to see Crabbe and Goyle passed out on sofas.

Draco was sprawled in a chair. His hair was dishevelled, his feet bare. An almost empty bottle of Firewhisky dangled from his fingers. She quickly crossed to his side. "Tell me what's wrong. I know Ginny didn't break up with you."

His eyes were so bleak. The tears she had been repressing rolled down her face.

"I may have to break up with her." Pushing himself to his feet, Draco started to throw the bottle against the wall, and then dropped it with a bitter laugh. "Father sent me a note, expressing his disappointment and threatening to do something about Ginny if I don't rectify the situation."

She slid an arm around his waist. "Let's get you up to your room." The feeling of déjà vu became overwhelming when he sat on the edge of the bed and wrapped his arms around her.

"I don't want to be alone," he whispered roughly.

She caressed his hair, feeling torn between being selfish and doing the right thing. It made her feel good to be needed, but she couldn't give him the comfort he wanted. Only one person could. Blaise pushed him gently back onto the bed, murmuring a question. When he slurred the answer, she said, "Don't worry. You won't be alone long."

Running downstairs in heels, she was grateful to charms that made the activity safe instead of death defying. A quick trip up to her room, and she was on her way to another House.

The girl she awakened said groggily, "Blaise? What are you doing here?"

That seemed to be the question of the night. She answered softly in the dark, "I asked Draco for the Gryffindor password because Lucius sent him a letter that's got him drunk and miserable. He thinks he has to break up with you for your own good. Will you go to him?"

The other girl felt for the Invisibility Cloak, ducking underneath it. "Yes, always"

Halfway back, Ginny said, "Did he ask for me?"

There was a dicey question.

When the answer didn't come, Ginny said, "If he didn't, why did you come get me?"

Blaise couldn't help her voice wavering. "Because he needs you, and I need to let my Baby Boy go."

Ginny's fierce hug made her feel better. Wiping her eyes, she said, "Merlin, what are we, Hufflepuffs? Come on."

Inside the common room, Blaise handed over the Invisibility Cloak and decided to go wait for Terry in the Room of Requirement. On the seventh floor, she went through the motions to open the door.

On the cushioned floor of the tree house, a Wild Man slept. A sense of rightness filled her. She wanted to sleep in Terry's arms and nowhere else. He smiled sleepily at her when she stretched out beside him. His soft kisses made her sigh with happiness. She rested her head on his shoulder, lips curving as her eyes slowly closed.

-

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By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes.

Something about Professor Hook made the quote from Macbeth spring to Luna's mind. Perhaps it was the way he sauntered over to the small group waiting on the side steps. It could be his propensity for dressing in black when not in teaching robes–or maybe it was the hook. After considering the expression on the lean, piratical face, the inscrutable smile and mockingly raised brow, she decided that it was all of the factors, added together, which gave the man a wicked aura.

"Punctuality, after a Hogsmeade weekend, too…how delightful."

The sardonic blue gaze flickered over Bindy, Mindy, and Wesley before lighting on Luna. She asked, "What is our detention to be, sir?"

His mouth curled with private amusement.

Before he could answer, Professor Trelawney stormed out of the school, waving a note. "What is the meaning of this, James? I did not ask you to procure more phlox for my classroom and most certainly do not wish to accompany you into the forest to retrieve it!"

The man placed his hook against his heart. With patently false contrition, he said, "You didn't? I am so terribly sorry, Sybil. I misunderstood last Friday when you said that my scent was overpowering you. Did you mean something other than the Phlox scent was diminishing due to the magical properties of the castle?"

Hand fluttering nervously at her throat, the woman gulped. "No, no, I meant nothing else, nothing at all."

"I'm wondering what my note meant." Professor Lorelei stood behind Trelawney, dressed in a black, hooded cloak.

Hook exclaimed, "Behold our lovely guide! You know, when I sent the owl with a note asking for you to share your vast experience with the fae and lead our party into the forest, I just knew you would accept."

Within the hood, Lorelei's face was pale and set. Her features relaxed when she brushed past the Runes professor to hold a jar out to Luna. "You remember Faery Ointment?"

"Yes. We need to put some on our eyelids to prevent the faeries from tricking us with glamour." Luna took the jar, opening the lid to gather some on her fingertip. Wesley grinned while she smoothed the ointment flecked with bits of four leaf clovers across his eyelids. He returned the favour while Lorelei anointed Trelawney and then tossed the jar to Hook.

The man affected a mournful expression. "I'm afraid I can't hold the jar and apply the ointment, m'dear. Sybil, would you…?"

"Very well. Give me the jar and close your eyes."

Bindy and Mindy had finished by the time the professor began to lightly rub ointment onto her smug colleague's eyelids. Along with everyone else, the girls saw the way Trelawney's expression changed dramatically when disconcerting blue eyes were shut. Mindy smirked knowingly while Bindy grimaced.

Wesley murmured in Luna's ear, "When she mentioned scent, I don't think our dotty professor meant cologne, Buttercup."

Luna smiled dreamily. "The green make your eyes look even more like the sea after a storm."

Unfazed by the non sequitor, her sexy pirate kissed her hand. "You're absolutely right, Bella Luna. We're going to visit a faery ring in the Forbidden Forest. Thinking about anything but romance is…inconceivable." He smiled impishly at Bindy. "Velma, you and Scrappy have Scooby duty tonight. Daphne and I will be–" His eyebrows waggled roguishly. "–otherwise occupied."

Softly rounded face alight with laughter, Bindy nodded. "Sure thing, Freddie."

Professor Hook strode past them, making a shooing motion with his hand. "Hurry up, children. We don't have all night."

Lorelei hooked her arm through Trelawney's in what looked like female solidarity. "I know the way, so I'll lead. You can bring up the rear and protect the students, if needed."

Hook crossed his arms, looking disgruntled at being relegated to the back. He didn't argue, falling into line behind Mindy, who cupped her fingers into a hook shape and pretended to slash her throat with it. Luna found her very amusing.

The gentle tug of Wesley's hand brought the girl he'd called 'Daphne' around. With a smile, she squeezed his fingers and began to walk. The last time she saw faeries, Luna had walked with Harry. He had informed her of all the dangers he'd encountered in the forest. Centaurs and giant spiders were two of the most harrowing. This time, Wesley told her that she looked like a goddess in the moonlight. Artemis, Aphrodite, any goddess she liked, as long as they were kind, and beautiful. What a difference.

He said, "Professor Lorelei, a bloke named William Blake wrote 'By the moon, we sport and play, with the night begins our day.' Is that true? Are faeries nocturnal?"

The woman's answer drifted back to them. "No, that's another misconception. The Fae sleep because they want to, out of whim, not need like we do."

"I'm sure you'd know." Professor Hook's tone was snide.

Lorelei either didn't hear him or chose not to respond. She said, "The way into the forest is narrow so please enter single file, and don't wander off the path whatever you do."

Luna pressed close to Wesley, reaching up to play with the ends of his hair. It looked good down, but she'd bet that pulled back into a short queue would look even more dashing. Tiny shimmering insects glowed in the dense underbrush, darting across the small company and softly illuminating the pathway. One hovered over Wesley's head, making his hair shine golden. The minute insect caught in the bright strands, frantically beating it's wings. Her fingers slid through silky hair, releasing the iridescent creature before continuing her exploration.

Behind her, Hook said dryly, "Unless a swarm of insects burrowed into Mr. Robert's hair, Miss Lovegood, such excessive grooming is hardly necessary."

She lowered her fingers, giggling when Wesley muttered, "It's necessary to me."

They had reached a clearing deep within the forest. The small circle of mushrooms surrounded by sweet-smelling grasses and ferns looked just as Luna remembered it. Inside the ring, tiny flowers in vibrant colours bloomed in a carpet of grass and moss.

Lorelei said, "We need to hold hands around the ring. As Miss Lovegood already knows, when seven supplicants bring stones and song, faeries are drawn to the circle and may grant requests."

While the students spread out, Hook stepped between Lorelei and Trelawney. The Potions professor deposited a handful of colourful stones and gems onto a flat mushroom in the circle before standing and clasping Hook and Luna's hands. She said, "For the song to travel on the night air to the realm of the fae, our thoughts must be free of discord and strife. Think only of those you love." Taking a deep breath and closing her eyes, Lorelei began to sing a lilting Gaelic song.

When glimmering lights began to fill the ring, Luna enjoyed the look of wonder on Wesley's face almost as much as she had her own first sight of the tiny, winged faeries clothed in green. Zipping around the circle, the fair folk laughed at the astonishment and joy their appearance provoked.

One faery that the girl recognised by his startling resemblance to Draco Malfoy flew to Lorelei and pulled her hair, saying, "If you want Faery Phlox from us, we want silver from you." He spied the chain around the teacher's neck. He grabbed it, flying backwards. "We'll take this!"

"No! It isn't freely offered!"

The frantic whisper seemed to make the faery determined to see what was so special about a silver chain. He tugged harder. Luna dropped Lorelei's hand when the woman gently pulled.

Hook held on. "Why can't he have the chain? What's so important about it?"

The fae had tugged the chain free from the dress. Mortal and immortal males wore identical frowns. Puck lifted the objects hanging from the chain. He frowned. "The emerald ring is platinum, not silver, and so is the band with…." Looking up, he cried, "Infinity knots! These are joining rings!"

Luna watched Lorelei's eyes dart around wildly. The other faeries were entertaining the rest of their group. Only she and Hook had heard the pronouncement.

Dark eyes shining with tears implored them to keep silent.

Puck reached out a hand to taste a teardrop before reaching into a pouch dangling from his waist. Tossing some dust at the man and girl after sprinkling some on his own head, the faery chanted, "Secrets not meant to be known will remain untold. So mote it be." He let go of the rings. Lorelei dropped the chain back into hiding.

Flying to Luna, Puck ordered, "Tell me the secret, girl."

She opened her mouth, but couldn't speak. A quick glance showed Hook doing the same.

Luna had to strain to hear him ask, "Did Stuart know?"

Lorelei said, "I'll tell you again. I was in Severus' bedroom, in the middle of the night, when Stuart burst in. All I can say is that he had the poison when he entered, and no one forced him to drink it." Her voice rang with sincerity. "I can't tell you how sorry I am that your friend made that choice. You can question everyone I've ever known, try to access my file from Mushu or our mutual friend at Ministry Intelligence, keep looking for conspiracies, but you won't find any."

Slowly, Hook nodded.

Wesley looked over and asked, "Is everything all right?"

Luna offered the faery her silver Nixi the Pixi bracelet. It was one of her favourites, but the cause was worthy.

Puck took it with a wink. He said, "Impatient mortals!" Shrinking the bracelet with its smiling pixie face until it fit onto his own wrist, the faery commanded, "Give us a dance, and we'll give you the phlox!"

Lorelei pulled her hand from Hook's loose clasp. "Sybil, you dance with James. Wesley will dance with Luna while the girls and I will show the faeries a proper circle dance."

Luna said, "I hope we don't have to sing the school song this time." She felt a sharp tug on her hair and exclaimed, "Ow!"

Satisfied with her reaction, Puck nodded. "That's for thinking we'd allow our ears to be assaulted again. We shall provide the accompaniment, girl."

Golden instruments materialised. Unearthly, beautiful music spilled into the clearing. The chiming laughter of the fae only enhanced the compelling sound.

Luna followed Wesley's lead in a waltz that was spirited instead of stately. She hardly noticed when the faeries began sprinkling dust over the dancers. She was caught up in the music and the look in Wesley's eyes.

When they began to rise, he asked drolly, "I take it this occurrence is supposed to happen?"

"Yes, and the more a couple loves, the higher they float."

He cradled her face in his hands, kissing her sweetly. Forgetting the dance, they clung to each other while faery dust sparkled all around. Luna's eyes widened when she saw that Hook and Trelawney were rising fast, staring intently at one another. She told Wesley, "If they float near us, my happy thoughts will pop like soap bubbles."

Wesley's smile made her temperature, and body rise. He kissed her tenderly and thoroughly, his hands gliding over her hair and down her back. Lifting his mouth for a moment, he whispered, "Our love will lift us up." Her fingers clenched in his hair when his hands lowered and boldly caressed. Their next kiss was a passionate mingling of breath and tongues. Luna opened heavy eyelids to see that they were still rising. She smiled dreamily. "How high do you think we'll go?"

He laughed huskily while bending his head to hers. "With us, Bella Luna, the sky's the limit."

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A/N: I always felt sorry for Luna, in Chapter 8, only lifting a little higher than Lorelei and Dumbledore! I'd been waiting for an opportunity to get her back for a dance with Wesley- hope you're glad I did!