I still do not own them, although they have a life of their own in my head. This is what happens when they get mad at me. (They even threatened to not come play with me anymore.)

Just a note about this one. It may end up as a short fic in and of itself, but it belongs to the Tears of Pride aka the Harvey Shuttlepants series. It was during this time period that Susan and Blaise became upset over what I had done. They told me I needed to fix it. I also needed to start restoring order in between the House Rivalry.

Tears of Pride – The End?

Susan was walking down the quiet hallway toward her favorite spot. It was a secret alcove hidden on the eighth floor. Thankfully few people ever wandered this far up in the castle. Most just didn't want to walk all of those steps.

Susan loved it. She could get the majority of her work done without interruptions. She could also work on her secret projects without prying eyes.

Susan set her books down in her corner and unfastened her robe. Up here it didn't matter if you were properly dressed or not. She laid her robe on the window. She then set about rolling up her sleeves. She kicked off her shoes and sat down in the window.

Susan opened her potions book to the chapter she was studying. She became absorbed in the principles behind the healing potion. She didn't notice the person walking towards her until he was right in front of her. She saw the feet and looked up the sleek body to his face. "Hello, Blaise," she said quietly.

"Susan," he said quietly looking at her, studying her face. He squatted down in front of her.

"Did you come back to be tortured again?" she asked looking into his chocolate colored eyes.

He put his hands on her knee and studied her face. "Does it have to be torture? You got revenge. I'm a laughing stock in my common room."

"So why are you here then?"

"I can't get you out of my mind, Susan. I close my eyes and dream of you?"

"Blaise…"

He put his finger over her mouth. "It will only be torture if you stay away from me." He leaned in and kissed her lips softly. "Please, Susan, give me a real chance."

"I demand too much, can you give me what I need?"

"Anything."

"Can you be faithful? Give up sex with whoever crosses your path? Can you be with only one person?" she asked quietly, looking into his eyes.

"To be with you…yes. Hell, Susan I followed you up eight flights of steps, passing Merlin knows how many others, quite a few throwing themselves in my path. You are the only person I think about, the only one I want. I can't get you out of my head. I need you," he pleaded, pain coming through his eyes.

Susan looked deeply into his eyes, seeing sincerity written along with the pain. "I'm not sure," she said, her defenses faltering.

It was what he had been waiting for. He leaned in close and caressed her cheek with one hand. She started to say something but his fingers silenced her. "I'll prove myself to you. I won't tell a soul, not until you are ready. I will be devoted to you until you say the word, until you can hold my hand and not feel worry about who I may be with."

She searched his face and silently nodded her head.

He pulled her head down to meet his in a sweet and gentle kiss. His lips caressing hers tenderly, "I'm forever yours, my sweet Hufflepuff."

"Don't promise me forever unless you can keep it," she warned.