A/N: ACK! It certainly has been a while, hasn't it? And for this fumble on our part, we have provided you with an extra long chapter. Happiness, right? Right, that's what I thought. At least, that what you SHOULD be thinking because obviously Haley and I rock the UNIVERSE! Okay, I won't ramble much longer other than to apologize profusely because we have been busy with school and all that crap that comes with high school. Annoying, isn't it?

Disclaimer: I hate to repeat myself, but here we go: We don't and never will own that world of Harry Potter other than in book form. How disappointing.

Hating the Enemy:

Chapter 4: The Welcome Back Ball

..:Parson:..

I've been walking around the school like a zombie. This past week has been the longest and most boring week of my life. I wondered if it could get any slower. I woke up this morning and I almost screamed my thanks to Merlin that it was Friday. Except that I didn't want to disturb Brand.

Brand and I have not been talking and have avoided each other at all costs. After that day at Hogsmeade, we just can't look at each other. We had to plan this week for the finally preparations for the Ball. It was a meeting from hell! Brand and I wouldn't talk to each other and when we did it was him and I arguing. I ended up throwing something at his head out of fury. I think I scared the shit out of the Prefects. I had to leave the room and calm down. It wasn't pretty.

Another thing that is bothering me is Kaison. The boy is a stalker. Wherever I go, I swear, I see him following. At meals, he tries to sit down with Hallyn and me. He has asked multiply times to carry my books for me and walk me to class. I just smile at him and kindly tell the sucker to get lost. However, big surprise...he's back later following me around. That is why right now I'm up in this tree by the lake trying to avoid the bothersome wart.

..:Brand:..

Well, this whole week has just been awkward. Yelling and screaming or no talking at all. I guess this is what I wanted, but...it was kind of nice actually talking to her like a normal person would. When I see her now, I feel...sick, but it isn't the same kind of sick I felt before. I can't describe it. Again, awkward. The poor ickle Prefects were scared shitless a couple of days ago. They already had to put up with enough crap from the two of us and now this happens? I really do feel badly for them. Most of them are nice people. They deserve better...Oh well, I can't fix that, can I? That is a rhetorical question.

I've been so tired this past week. I can't begin to tell you why because I have no idea. It may have something to do with all the energy I waste trying to avoid Parson. Or yell at Parson. Or glare at Parson. Or do an array of mean things to Parson. With that on top of my late night homework cram sessions, I have been beat. I walk around, almost lifeless now. Maybe some fresh air would help me.

Ahh, got to love the cool breeze by the lake. I sit under a tree and sigh, totally relaxed and at peace. I sit there for a few minutes when I feel something on my head. I flick it off and several seconds later a barrage of pine cones and needles rains down on my head and, when I look up, I see none other than Parson Eberlee, a smirk on her face and a pine cone in her hand. Great, just what I need right now.

"What did I ever do to you, Eberlee?"

..:Parson:..

I just smirk at his upturned face. I absolutely love having the advantage. I'm up in a tree, which provides lovely weapons to beat this sucker. I throw another pinecone down at his face. I erupt into fits of laughter when it gets him straight between his eyes. Okay, I must sound like a crazy person right about now. However, I'm having way too much fun to be concerned about that. So, I'm sitting there laughing like a crazy person when something hits me between the eyes. I'm so shocked that I fall out of the tree and land on top of our dearly beloved prat. He is paralyzed because the fact that I've landed on top of him has yet to reach is brain. I'm not moving either because I'm hurt. FOR CRYING OUT LOUD I JUST FELL OUT OF A TREE! Brand rolls over and that happens to get me caught underneath him this time. Wow, we've been in strange positions recently. I just look at him with my mouth wide open. I'm still in too much pain to move or even say something dashingly insulting to him. Hmmm...he's leaning in...and...gulp...it looks like he is going to kiss me. His nose is brushing mine! My heart is pounding. Luckily I'm not doing that weird wheezing thing. Always a positive! Wait! Do I want him to kiss me? For some reason I'm excited. WHAT THE HELL I'M I SUPPOSE TO DO?

..:Brand:..

Oh crap. Oh crap. Oh crap. This always happens. Every time it does I really have this great urge somewhere deep down to kiss her. Damn hormones. This isn't me talking, it's my...we'll say hormones. Yeah, anyways, my face is so close to hers and all I would have to do is lean that little bit closer and I would be kissing her. Her lips look so soft...Her eyes scrunch up and I hear to moan and she begins squirming. Having the moment be ruined for me, I climb off of her and she curls up in a ball, grabbing her right arm and her left leg. I wonder what's wrong. I crawl over so that I'm facing her. Her eyes arecrammed shutand she is huffing slightly, trying to keep in the sobs that are racking her body. Tears are streaming out of her tear ducts.

Searing pain shoots through me, knowing this is probably my fault. If I hadn't retaliated she would still be sitting in the tree, most likely.

"Parson, are you okay? What hurts? Do you need me to go get Madame Pomfrey?" I ask hurriedly, concerned for her safety.

Her eyes open and lock with mine, a look of helplessness, "M-my l-leg and my a-a-arm. Please, don't leave me, Brand. It hurts so badly." She is whispering, but I can hear her loud and clear.

..:Parson:..

Merlin! Damn! Right, when we were about to kiss, too! My arm and leg start to sear with pain. Way to ruin the moment! I can tell Brand is trying to think of what to do. I mean I just told him not to leave me and then I do need serious help. He just looks at me and takes his hand and brushes my hair out of my face. It came out of the ponytail when I fell to the ground. I just stare at Brand. EEK! Strange thoughts!

"Will you be in to much pain if I picked you up and carried you?" Brand asks me.

I looked up, "No," I reply. Brand comes over to me and gently picks me up to make sure that I'm not going to scream out in pain. Okay, I'm in his arms and all I can think of is what a nice body he has. I swear he has a six-pack. I haven't seen him without his shirt but I'm sure that he's mightily lovely without it. Quidditch practice helps him quiet a bit. Hmm...speaking of Quidditch that starts up after the dance. I will need to start focusing on what I'm doing this year. My house needs to win the Cup this year. I've been making plans all summer long. Okay, we have just entered the castle and I'm suddenly aware many people are staring at us. Okay, I just fell out of a tree so I probably look like crap. But who really does look sexy when they fall out of a tree!

..:Brand:..

Parson is surprisingly light. Not that I expected her to be heavy, she is thin, but I don't know, I wasn't expecting it, that's all. I know that she plays Quidditch, obviously, but I didn't think she would be quite so...weightless. People are staring and Parson is clutching my shirt, her eyes still showing her agony. Damn these people, they are just in the way. Goodness.

"Move, damn it. I need to get her to the Hospital Wing and if anyone is in my way they will be plowed down! MOVE IT, NOW!" I shout, causing surrounding people to wince. I've realized recently that I do a lot of yelling when people get in my way and I am panicking. Parson is in danger and I don't like that idea, I am genuinely frightened. Hauling ass up the stairs, still carrying Parson, who seems to have fainted, I arrive at the Hospital Wing and kick the door open. Madame Pomfrey comes out of her office and I inform her of what the situation is. She immediately takes action, doing all she can to heal Parson. Eventually, I suppose I am hovering because she pushes me out, telling me to come back later if I am so worried about Eberlee's health.

..:Parson:..

I wake up and sit up to see where exactly I am. It is obviously dark. I seem to be in the hospital wing. I look over to the right and I'm surprised. There is Brand sleeping in a chair next to my bed. I smile.

"OH Merlin! Shit all Mighty!" I cry out. My arm and leg sears with pain. I must have broken them. Brand jerks awake and panic is clearly written on his face. He looks at me and rushes to my bedside.

..:Brand:..

"OH Merlin! Shit all Mighty!" Parson screams, causing me to jerk awake in my chair. Rushing to her bedside, I see that she is breathing heavily. I push her back in bed and grab a damp towel, patting her forehead with it. Parson calms down and I become very uncomfortable. Wasn't I just fighting with this girl? Isn't she my mortal enemy? Didn't she ruin my life? Yeah, she did. Why am I here? I couldn't begin to tell you. Slowly, I retract my hand and glare at her, wondering what caused me to act this way.

"Well, see you, Par-y." Quickly leaving, I sigh, confused.

..:Parson:..

I watched his retreating back and my heart dropped with longing. Before I knew it I had words flying out of my mouth. I need to learn to shut up.

"Wait, please don't leave me," I whispered. I saw him hesitate at the door. I closed my eyes and sighed. I have no idea what I'm doing. I can't seem to stop thinking about Brand. I heard someone walk slowly over and sit down. I smiled. I opened my eyes.

"Thank you. I don't think I could bear the night being by myself with this pain," I told Brand, smiling. He just stared at me. I bet he thinks I'm crazy. However, wouldn't that mean he would have left? I wonder what he thinks of me right now? What is going on inside his head?

..:Brand:..

"Madame Pomfrey will be here. Hey, you know what, I'll go find Kai, he'll wait with you. Later," I said, frightened she would call me back again. Scooting out of the room before she could, I headed towards Gryffindor tower and found Kaison, telling me what had happened and that he should make his way to the Hospital Wing. His face was one of shock as he ran out of the tower. I sighed and collapsed on his bed. Fletcher had awoken during this little conversation and I could feel his gaze on me.

"What is it, Fletch?" I look over and his eyes are narrowing.

"What the hell is going on around here?" he demanded. I shrugged and stared at the ceiling, at a lost for words. "I don't know, Fletch, I really don't know." I feel badly for Parson, she hurt herself, but I can't say that I feel like I care. I do, but at the same time, I don't. She did everything in her power to ruin me, tear me apart. A young child who helplessly likes his best friend finds it hard to keep moving forward when the same best friend tears apart their soul, starting from the most important thing in his life. Now, and I hate to admit this, these...feelings are starting to pop up when I don't want them to. I hate her and there isn't anything I can do about it, but I also can't change how I feel the other way, either.

..:Parson:..

I watch Brand run out of the room. I feel rejected and suddenly I want to throw something at him. However, my arm is in so much pain that it isn't even possible. I lay back down and tried to fall asleep. A couple minutes later the door opens and a head pops in. I look at who it is. My heart speeds up at the thought that it might be Brand. Of course it isn't him. It just so happens that the wart has made his grand entrance into the room. He creeps over to my bedside and looks at me with concern. I groan, this he mistaken as a groan of physical pain.

"Sweet Merlin. Are you okay, Parson? Where does it hurt? How did this happen? How did you get here? How long have you been here? Why didn't anyone tell me sooner?" He questioned me. I just glared. I wish he would go away!

"Kaison, I really would like to be here alone. I just want to rest and you being here will just bother me to no end. You need to go sleep and being here will obviously not help. You would be too worried. I'm fine. Madame Pomfrey is looking over me just fine. So please just leave me to rest in peace!" I pleaded. I didn't want to wake up and see his face looming over mine. That would just be a nightmare and quite embarrassing! Kaison looked hurt, however, how can he not listen to the girl he is madly in love with? He can't that's what. He left the room before trying to give me a kiss on the cheek. He also informed me he would be here in the morning. Oh joy...What a thought to look forward to... Soon he left the room and I was able to fall asleep.

..:Brand:..

After only half an hour of rest, I am awake, by no means of my own. Kai is there, shaking me and frowning. "Wake up, you lazy excuse for a human being. Yes, there is such a thing as wakefulness. Up, up, UP, I tell you. Now." I groan and roll over, turning to face him. "First off all, why didn't you tell me that my girlfriend was in the hospital? Second of all, get out of my bed, lazy." He crosses his arms and I scoot over to the foot of his bed, not getting out fully.

"As an answer to your second statement, I don't want to move until I have to, so I won't," he sat on the bed, knowing I wouldn't, " and as an answer to your first question, she isn't your girlfriend. She is just your date to the Ball and I don't think she likes you in that way, bud. You may as well just get over her. I don't think she actually likes boys at all." I tell him, knowing full well that this is a lie. He glares at me and I get up and leave, not wanting to deal with him right now. I am too tired. Poor Kaison will never have Parson the way he wants her, all to himself. She doesn't like him, not like that anyways. I'm not totally positive she even likes him as a person. Dear Kai can really get irritating when he is obsessed with something...or someone. Oh well, what can I do? Not much, that's what. I fall into my bed when I reach the Head's Common's, not even bother to change.

Today has been stressful. That's all there is to it. A whirlwind of emotions have come and gone, most of which, I don't want to be having. Mentally sighing, I close my eyes, only to see the one person I least want to deal with: Parson. Does God hate me? I think so. For over and hour I stay up, trying to get her out of my head. I hate her, but she's so pretty. I wish she would sink into a big hole in the earth, but it was painful to leave her feeling like crap in the Hospital Wing, especially after she pretty much told me wanted me to stay. She broke my heart and my soul, but my younger self used to think I loved her.

Oooooo-kay, that's enough of that. This is leading to bad places. I close my eyes and still thinking these rebel thoughts, I fall asleep eventually.

..:Parson:..

I'm free! I am walking back to the Head's Room. I was hoping that I would be able to get back there soon, however luck is against me. People are staring at me and of course pointing. Some people have even come up to me and asked what happen. I briefly give them an update of my life and continue on my way. The main reason I'm walking so fast is because I won't be able to deal with Kaison. It's not that he's terribly bad. I just can't deal with him right now. I don't have enough strength.

I succeed in reaching my destination and head to my room. It's quiet as usually except for the crackling of the fire. I get into my room and flop down on my bed. I let out a gigantic sigh. I hate being stuck in the Hospital Wing. It's so boring. I get up and grab a book and sit by my window. This is the most I've been able to relaxing in a week! No thoughts of Brand, my sister, or Kaison. Just me and this lovely book. Yep, no worries. GAH! I can't keep Brand out of my mind!

..:Brand:..

I'm sitting in class and Fletcher leans over, since Kaison is still mad at me, "Apparently, our dear Head Girl is going to be released from the hell known as the hospital today. I really think you should try to apologize to Kai. You really messed up, dude. I know that it shouldn't really matter, but you should still say sorry." Fletch returned to his own work and I sighed. See? This is why girls are evil. Life was so much easier when girls still had cooties and were gross.

Taking out a piece of parchment, I began writing:

Kai,

I'm so sorry for the things I said. I don't know why I said them. Tiredness, I guess. Still, that is not excuse and I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. Will you still be my friend?

-Brandio

Did I sound like a girl OR WHAT? As a saving grace, if I had been a girl, I would have said things like "Will you still love me?" and "Love, Brandio" Ugh, girls and their pleasantries. I gave it to Fletch, instructing him to pass it to Kaison. Upon opening the note, Kai frowned slightly then looked up and smiled, nodding his head. Well, I had him back. That was something, right?

Class let out and I headed back to the Head's Commons. What a day. I felt like collapsing on the couch, which I did. A door opened and Parson came out of her room. Damn, I'd forgotten that she was out of the Wing. Having the place to myself was getting nice... Immediately, I stand and cross the room to my bedroom, closing the door before Parson can talk, but not before I glare daggers at her. Damn the female race.

..:Parson:..

Brand just rushes into the room and leaves just as fast, however we can't forget to give Parson the dagger eyes before leaving. It's a strict rule that no one can forget. To bad I can't follow that rule. I guess I can always carry a mirror with me. Well, I've finally decided what my problem is. I think I have fallen for Brand. Okay, hold it, I know what I said must come as a major shock to you. Maybe you have had a heart attack and are on the ground right now. Who knows...Anyways, I've decided I will just keep it a secret and try in all my power to stop liking him. Because we've had a rocky relationship and I realize that us being together...well...it will NEVER happen. It's very pathetic that it's taken me this long to realize what has just hit me in the face right now. Hopefully, I will get over my little, tiny, minuscule crush on Brand in the past week. That way I will be free and can find another lad that will treat me better and me. That way no horrible history with my new mate.

I'm heading to my room and I'm going to finish preparing my outfit for the Ball. The Ball is next week and there isn't any time to spare. I have to look absolutely darling to keep my position as Head Girl. I need to look my best. I'm looking forward to the Ball, just not the prospect of spending the whole night with the wart. Sigh...life goes on, I guess.

..:Brand:..

I sat down the next day after school to write home. My parents will be wondering how my life is. I can't talk to them about my problems. Not my mum at least. She'd tell. I love her deeply, but she talks to Mrs. Eberlee too much...

Mum and Dad,

How are you? I'm fine, don't worry. The workload hasn't been too bad, but with being Head Boy, I'm busy, to say the least. Being Head Boy is great. Running the school and catching the bad guys. Haha, not really. The worst thing that I've seen so far was several people (on different occasions) snogging. Not too bad, right? Parson and I are getting along fine.

A lie of course, but I digress.

We make a good team and the Prefects are more organized than they've ever been. How are the elves? Mr. and Mrs. Eberlee? Are the grandmothers still okay? We'll, I have an essay to write, so I'll write later.

Love,

Brand

I sigh and imprint the hot wax with my family crest. Stroking Demetrius, I proceed to attach the letter to his leg and he nuzzled my hand before taking off. I watch him disappear into the horizon, in awe of the wonder of flight.

..:Parson:..

The school is buzzing with overly excited students. In two more days it will be the Welcome Back Ball. Every time I walk to class, I hear …whisper...giggle...whisper...from all the groups of girls. The guys are all posing against the walls or striding to class and making the stupid group of girls giggle and whisper even more. I shake my head.

"Excuse me, Miss Eberlee," said a quiet voice in front of me. I look down and see a house elf looking up at me with huge, beady eyes. I smile.

"Yes, that's me. How can I help you?" I ask the house elf.

She squeaks. "Headmistress McGonagall is asking for your company in her office. She will like you to be there after your Potions class." I thank the messenger and quickly enter the classroom. I wonder what I did this time? I haven't hexed anyone lately...

..:Brand:..

"Now, as I am sure you are both aware of, the Welcome Back Ball is soon approaching. There is some business to which we must attend. Firstly, how are the decorations going?" McGonagall asks, once Parson and I are seated in her office. I nod my agreement when Parson voices that the decorations will be "fabulous" (her words, not mine). "The attire plans? The food, the music and other entertainment?" The list goes on and on and we just continue nodding to say that we are done with those requirements.

"Well, it seems like you two have everything under control. Good job. You are both going with dates, I assume," she says, completely throwing me off. I resist the urge to look at Parson for her response, but I can feel her eyes on me. What a weird question.

I reply, "Yes, we are. Why do you ask, Professor?" McGonagall stares at us over the tops of her spectacles. This is making me nervous. Why would she ask a question like this? I DON'T UNDERSTAND!

"Not together, though?"

"No, Professor," Parson answers, quietly, staring at the floor. A blush rises on her cheeks. What is wrong with WOMEN? I don't understand them.

McGonagall clearly frowns at Parson's answer and this, too, puzzles, "Well, the two of you will be expected to dance the opening song with each other. Be prepared." My eyes shoot open. I can feel them doing so. This sucks. So hard. How could they do this to me? GOD DOESN'T LOVE ME ANYMORE! I hate this. McGonagall is no longer my favorite teacher. Not that she's ever taught me anything, but I've always been fond of her. Damn. I hate you! GAH!

..:Parson:..

The Ball shall be a very interesting night. Brand and I despise each other, well kind of. Even though I should be very against this dancing the opening dance, I can't help but feel very excited at the same time. It will only be one dance, but it shall be a memorable one. Merlin, I'm sounding like one of those love sick girls that run around gushing over guys. I've got to stop thinking about Brand so much. I have to go with Kaison. I should be thinking of ways to be with him all night and not getting annoyed.

Another thing! I can't believe I blushed when McGonagall told me I'm dancing with Brand. I swear it must be the end of the world. Something has gone completely wrong. I'm become a girly-girl. I'm sixteen years old, I shouldn't be this immature about a guy. Soon I'm going to start acting really strange around him and giggle uncontrollably. It's a good thing I'm so calm and don't get frazzled easily, but what if something happens!

..:Brand:..

Crap. Crappity. Craptastic. Craponzola! I mourn for Zola. This sucks. I trudge into my room after the long and very tense and uncomfortable walk back to our quarters. Collapsing on my bed, I lie there for over half an hour, thinking. A revelation comes to me. It has to do with

Parson. This sucks. It's her fault, too. I am...ANGSTY. It's that wench's entire fault. Damn her...Damn her to hell. I glare at the ceiling and then, when I hear a knock on my door, I freak out. Parson cracks the door open and, with nothing else to do, I pretend to be asleep. I am pretty damn good at this. Faking sleep is my specialty.

She pushes the door open further and walks in, "Brand?" I just lie there, I'm sleeping, remember? "Brand, are you awake?" I crack my eyes open, peering through my eyelashes, she is getting closer. AUGH! Closing my eyes again, I continuing breathing, normally, I should think. A slight pressure on my mattress pushes it down, causing me to feel it. What is she up to? "I guess you are asleep. Why am I talking to a sleeping person? Oh well." Looking through my lashes again, I see her reach over and then I feel her brushing hair out of my eyes. She gets up and walks out of the room. An urge to tell her stop comes over me, but I don't heed the call and just carry on pretending to sleep.

...What has just happened here?...

HOLY CRAP!

..:Parson:..

Oh my freakin Merlin! What the hell did I just do! I'm really starting to freak myself out. How can the guy go to sleep so quickly! He must have been pretending and I was stupid and touched him! He must be thinking I'm mentally insane. Wait...he already thinks that. However, now he probably thinks I'm in love with him, which is true. However, that's beside the point! I've just made a fool of myself. I'm going into my room to hide. I'm going to hide under the covers and never come out again.

..:Brand:..

All night I toss and turn maybe falling asleep for an hour before waking up in a cold sweat, the night's events screaming out at me from a recent dream. The only difference between reality and my REM cycles is that I do call out to her. I call out and she turns, grinning. It's then, in my dream, which I get OUT of bed and walk towards her. Wrapping my arms around her waist, I pull her close and she lets me, almost, I can feel, wants me to. I pull back to tell her something and she is smiling at me a way that makes me speechless. That's when I wake. I am so screwed. Talking to her? I deal. Working with her? It's a pain, but not undoable. DREAMING ABOUT HER? I DON'T THINK SO!

That evil bitch is now haunting my dreams. I hate her even more.

..:Parson:..

Tonight is the ball and the whole school is buzzing with excitement. I am in my room getting ready. I don't feel like getting ready, but I really want to impress Brand. I know I'm a little creepy right now. However, I really want to show him how stunningly beautiful I can be. I picked out a dark green dress with a flowing skirt. It's really pretty and Hallyn says I look smashing in it. I think it brings out my eyes. I've done my makeup and my hair is in an awesome up do that I did with my special magical talents. I take one more look in the mirror and head out of the room. Brand is just coming out of his room. He looks amazing and very studdily in his tuxedo. I smile and head for the door to go meet Kaison.

..:Brand:..

Crap, I hate this collar. I look pretty good in a tux, but the collar is so...annoying. Itchy. So Itchy! Straightening out my shirt by tugging on it, I look in the mirror again. My hair has that sexily disheveled look. I hear a hoot and look over at my window. Grinning, I scratch Demetrius' head.

"Do you think grandpa would be proud of me?" I ask, quietly. Dem coos and nuzzles my hand, so I take that as a yes. "I think so, too, buddy." I tell him to wish me luck then walk out into the Common Room, but not before checking my reflection once more. I look the same as I did three minutes ago. Big surprise, right? Parson is just leaving. She looks pretty, but I can barely stand to look at her. Anger sears through me, remembering our fight. I cannot believe I said she looked pretty. Damn. Leaving the Common Room, I go to pick up Lyre for the dance.

..:Parson:..

I wave to Kaison. I have to admit, he actually is very good looking in a tuxedo. His green eyes are very visible and it makes him look very mysterious. It's too bad, that his personality doesn't match his great quality of looks. I smile, however, and wave to him. He grins and walks quickly over. He hands me a corsage. It's a dark greenish-black and matches my dress. (I've realized that many magical folks have taken many muggle customs when it comes to dances. The whole giving of corsages and many have just ditched the dress robes.) I give Kaison a hug and we link arms and walk into the Great Hall.

I have this goofy grin when we walk into the Hall. The Prefects, Brand, and I worked so hard to transform the Hall into something different. There isn't any particular theme. However, it looks magnificent. I swear, our worked paid off! People are arriving and I see some couple dancing. I hear someone call my name and turn around to see Hallyn. I drag Kaison over with me and give Hallyn a gigantic hug.

"Merlin, you look great, Hallyn," I tell her while giving her a hug. "I miss get ready with everyone and frantically trying to beautify ourselves."

"Yeah! I'm sure you didn't mind not choking to death with hairspray and perfume, though," Hallyn says laughing, "However, it is a known fact that you are the most drop dead gorgeous thing standing in this room. You look great. All the guys will go bonkers." I laugh. We say good-bye and Kaison and I go start to dance a little on the dance floor. Soon enough, the music stops and it is now time for the Head Boy and Girl dance. Kaison goes and sits down, however, not before giving me on last creepy look. I can see Brand disentangle himself from my sister's grasp and come slowly (I swear, very slowly) towards me. My heart is pounding. My head won't think straight. My legs start to shake and I have no idea how I'm going to be able to bring myself to dance. Brand is in front of me and suddenly the music starts.

..:Brand:..

The music starts and I gingerly rest one hand on Parson's waist, taking her hand in my own. I can't believe this. Dancing with her? It SUCKS! She looks amazing. I really don't approve. As badly as I want to hate her right now...I can't. Parson just looks too stunning to be the object of my hate. We whirl gracefully around the room, in time with the music. I spin her and her dress flies out around her. A grin rises on her face and I put my hand back on her waist. The music picks up and several memories of dancing classes withParson flash in my head. We'd been taking lessons since we were young and this situation made the feelings of awkwardness that I'd forgotten rush back.

The song ended and we reluctantly, and, imagine this, very awkwardly, let go of each other and returned to our partners, the Ball finally in full swing.

..:Parson:..

I let go of Brand and in a flash Kaison is right there ready to dance. I sigh and take his hands and begin to dance. Brand started to dance awkwardly, however, we've been dancing together since we were little that it doesn't feel that strange. I might be clumsy, but I love to dance. Once I start dancing I become graceful (the only time I actually am.). Being in Brand's arms, I noticed how well we fit together, in his arms I mean. I know I'm probably just imagining it. I guess liking someone like that can do that to you...

Boy, I'm very hot and my throat hurts. I need to get a drink. I tell Kaison I will be back and go get a drink of water.

..:Brand:..

Lyre is rambling on about something and I stopped processing it a long time ago. All I hear is the occasional giggle. Stupid giggling. It is really beginning to annoy me now. I wish I could dance with Parson again. Her eyes looked amazing with her dress. Lyre is wearing this annoying bright pink thing and it looks horrible on her. Horrible in the sense that it makes her look fat. She isn't fat in the least, a little rounder than her sister, but it just isn't a flattering dress. Poor kid, she doesn't even know it. She thinks she looks amazing. I should not be thinking these mean thoughts, but I just can't help it. I don't know why I want to dance with Parson. I'm supposed to hate her. I hate her for looking as good as she does tonight and making me think things like that. I don't want to think she looks good. It would make hating her easier. Damn.

..:Parson:..

I take my drink and go sit down at a table. I look out into the crowd at the many people dancing. I laugh as I see Brand and Lyre. Brand looks really bored and it seems like he doesn't want to be there. Lyre is giggling and talking away. My sister has never learned when to shut up. I put my glass down and start walking out onto the dance floor. I walk up to Lyre and Brand. I clear my throat.

"Hey Brand I need to steal you for a minute," I say.

"No you may not! Can't you see we are dancing here?" Lyre says with a glare to kill. Brand just looks confused.

"Lyre you wouldn't understand. I need Brand for Heads business there seems to be a problem with the decorations. I don't know why you would think that I would want to be with Brand alone," I say and just to confirm what I said I glare at Brand. Brand just looks even more confused, but Lyre lets him go and he follows.

I turn to Brand and say, "There isn't actually a problem. I just thought you needed to get away from Lyre. Maybe you should grab a drink and go outside for a little. You looked a little uncomfortable back there."

..:Brand:..

Ooooooookay. That's weird. Why does she care? I was FINE. Bored...beyond reason, but fine all the same. Maybe a little scared too... Why would she want to help me? She doesn't like me. I don't like her. What is up with this?

"Why do you care?" Oops. Crap. I didn't mean to say that out loud. Poo. Oh well, she deserves it. I watch her face fall and immediately guilt rises from my very core. She looks hurt and stung and it's my fault. She was helping me, why do I have to be so rude? "Sorry...I meant...thanks. I'll...catch you later." I say, nodding before taking Parson's advice and getting some punch before walking out of the Hall on my way to sit by the lake. I can hear Lyre looking for me. She is asking everyone if they have seen me, and bless the souls of all the students of Hogwarts, they say they haven't even though I have JUST walked past them. Everyone but Lyre can see that I don't like her and want to get away from her. I almost feel sorry for her.

Almost being the key word.

I sit by the lake, staring out at its turbid depths before falling back on the grass and staring at the sky. I sigh. When did life become such a pain in the butt?

..:Parson:..

Argh! Guys are a pain in the ass! I know I'm weird for helping Brand. I'm just going back to acting like a hated him. It was so much easier. Sigh!

"PARSON! Where in bloody hell did Brand go? I thought you guys were fixing some decorations, but now he is gone. Where did he go!" Lyre demands.

I roll my eyes. "Merlin, he just went to the restroom. You don't need to freak out. He will be out soon," I tell her, exasperated. She then takes off and I know she went to go stand outside the guys' bathroom. Pathetic really. Everyone knows that Brand doesn't like Lyre like that. She's just too thick to see. However, I've decided to just be mean to him again, since everything I do doesn't end up happy anyways.

..:Brand:..

Ahhh...How nice. No nagging girls forcing me to dance closely with them. God. When did Lee become such a SKANK? I wish I had known so I could have stopped it. Goodness. Maybe if I tell her that guys like a chase, she would leave me alone. I should try that. For now, however, I should go back in. I've been out here by the lake for at least...twenty minutes? That's awful. I didn't know time had passed so quickly. I head back to the Hall refreshed and more ready to deal with Lyre. Well, as ready as one can ever be. She is one scary girl. Stupid people are blocking the way into the Hall. What the hell is all the commotion about?"Move it people. Move, please. Excuse me, thank you. FOR CHRIST'S SAKE PEOPLE MOVE!" I finally yell, pushing my way through the crowd of idiots also known as the students of Hogwarts. Jerks. When I finally make my way through the throng, I gasp. Lyre was holding an empty cup in her hand. I look to see who is standing beside her and I see Parson and what looks like the previous contents of the cup all over her. Lyre gets a look of sheer disgust on her face and I'm sure she was going to get more rash at that point. "Lyre, what the hell are you doing?" At least three head snap in my direction. Those heads belonged to Parson, Lyre and Kaison, who is livid. Parson takes this chance to scramble away and out of the Hall. Lyre looks absolutely shocked; she hadn't wanted me to see that. Kaison starts walking towards me, looking ready to kill.

She just bumped into me and just kept going...Great for you, Parson. That's great, leave me to get killed by your boyfriend...boyfriend...she shouldn't have one. It's wrong. Kaison comes at me, rolling up his sleeves. Oh god, he's going to try and have a fight with me. He's supposed to me be MY friend...WHAT THE HELL! I put my hands up and Kaison opens his mouth.

"Look what you caused. How could you, Brand? You sent your wench after Parson and I can't stand for that, "he growled. I could feel my eyes fly open. Oh my god, he wanted to fight me...This was not happening. Since when does he like her better than me, his best friend? Isn't this backwards? He isn't supposed to attack me because Lyre dumped juice on her sister.

"What happened, Kai? I have no control over Lyre. She isn't attached to me any way. Lyre Eberlee is not my girlfriend, so what she does is her own business. I don't know why she dumped crap all over her sister. Why are you willing to fight with me over something I have no control over?" I ask, approaching him slowing, trying to soothe his angry attitude. I grab his arm and look into his eyes. He turns his head and yanks his arm away.

His face is dark when he finally looks me in the eye again, "You have no idea, do you?"

"What? Any idea of what?"

A look filled with more hate and disgust that any I have ever received crosses his face and he hisses, "You idiot. How could you not tell? All these years of hoping more than anything in the world that you would disappear and all of that attention you get for being so perfect would fall on me. Girls would look at me, not you. You have EVERYTHING and I have nothing. You even have the one girl that I've coveted more than a small child covets his friends' toy. Go to hell, Brand Stryker. You are nothing to me and I refuse to hide behind this mask of friendship any longer. I hate you, with everything I am. I hate you." He stormed away and I can't believe what just happened. My best friend just told me he hates me. Oh god...I feel a hand on my shoulder and I turn to see Fletcher. I give him a questioning look and he shakes his head, confirming he had no idea.

"Go after her, Brand, Kaison can wait," is all he tells me before disappearing into the crowd, in the direction that Kaison just flew. This is a mess.

A/N: Okay, I will admit it. I lied. This chapter is not longer than the rest, but shorter, I believe. It isn't my fault. I meant for it to be longer, but then I found a better stopping place. One that would be more a cliff-hanger because you don't have the slightest clue as to what will occure after this. Because, as Brand says, the things that happen in this chapter pretty much make life for them a disaster. Tune in next time to see what will unfold. I am hoping we won't take so long next, but we might have some problems...Love you all and the reviews we KNOW you will give us, Haley and Brittany