Hey! Hello! He's now in third year! You'll see him in 4th pretty soon! Oh, and there's a small treat for you in the middle...just read it. It's not a conventional one but it's something! :P Also, any incident mentioned in HP-Prisoner of Azkaban...the time in which it happened has been altered and/or made up to suit my story.

Chapter Eight-Firewhiskey and Apple Pie

~Now in Colin's third year...(early January) in an empty room, and Miles is in fifth year~

"Ow! Quit hitting me...with...those... fucking...cordials!'' Justin retorted as he childishly pelted Dennis with the five that pinged him on the head.

''Ouch, you hypocrite!" Dennis remarked, rubbing his head.

''Come on you two, knock it off...trying to work here." Colin chided as he and the others were scribbling down the last paragraphs of their Charms essays. Apparently, Dennis smuggled the boxes full of cherry cordials his great-aunt gave him and was bored. Combine disgusting projectile candy, boredom and Dennis, things could get annoying.

"And we're done!" They set their quills down in rapid succession.

Colin put his work away and stretched from his sitting position "Man, I thought we'd never get it done."

Susan sighed. ''Tell me about it. I swear, Flitwick's getting a little too happy with these essays. So, what you guys doing tonight? It is Friday."

Cormac shrugged "Probably gonna work out and lay around."

Zacharias snorted "Don't you do that enough?..in between studies and gawking at Warrington?"

"Heh, what can I say? He's fine and has a fine arse."

Dennis quipped "Dude, you're thirteen. How the hell do you know what you like?"

"Well, for one, I know what I DON'T like."

Hannah poked Colin's bicep. "Hanging with Miles tonight?" After Colin's petrification, Miles told him about his friends following him when he visited, but left out the crush and kiss on the forehead. Colin thought 'Oh, what the hell?' and told his friends, and to his luck...they were all cool about it.

Colin responded "Yeah. We're meeting tonight at our special spot."

"God, bro. You make it sound all romantic and shit."

"It's not, Dennis...just our hangout. We've been going there for nearly three years now."

The snarkier Creevey replied "So...where is this special spot of yours?"

"Now if I told you, it wouldn't be special nor a secret anymore."

"Lame!"

Colin merely shrugged and continued fiddling in his bag. He couldn't exactly put off Dennis's earlier statement...it did sound a bit romantic.

Lately, the blonde has been re-evaluating his friendship with Miles. They were so close, closer than a lot of other people, like very best friends should be. But now, something felt different. Inside, Colin would feel warmer with Miles when it was only the two of them. He'd get excited when it came time for them to meet up during the week. Even with the way they'd speak to one another, it would feel more intimate...at least to Colin it did.

'There's no way I could...could I? Am I starting to crush on Miles? Maybe...probably. If so, how could I not? He's a very nice guy, attentive, interesting, articulate, handsome...all of it. But, what am I supposed to say? "Hey Miles, I brought snacks...oh and I think I have a crush on you"? No, that won't do. He'd probably stare at me and it would be an awkward night. Then, he'd want to stop seeing me and our friendship would be over. I can't risk losing the first friend I ever made here. So, no matter if I do end up having a total crush on Miles...I'm not going to tell him.'

Cormac nudged Colin "You there, mate? You went silent on us."

"Hm? Oh, I'm fine. Just letting my mind wander."

"Uh huh." Cormac left the response where it was. 'I'll weasel the truth out of him later.'

"Big game against Gryffindor tomorrow, eh?" Colin smiled as he sat next to Miles on their sofa. There were no longer any pillows and a blanket on the floor since it was due time for a change in décor. Miles wrapped one of the large sofa blankets around him and Colin.

"Oh yeah. Flint says Wood's gonna be stomped this time. Although, he says that every time we face Gryffindor and it has yet to work since Potter has been Seeker. I want to tell him that, but I can't wreck team morale and risk a blow to the gut...or my face."

Colin's face pinked faintly at their close proximity. He'll just let Miles attribute that to the wool blanket and the fireplace heat. "We don't want that, now do we? Speaking of, how's Terence?"

Miles replied "He's doing very well. Still a tiny bit miffed but all that's leveled out from being with Ad-...his boyfriend."

Colin smirked "You're still not gonna tell me who he's seeing? Come on, our mates already know we're hanging out."

"I know, but I swore I wouldn't say anything about him."

"Do I have to do some investigating of my own?"

The Keeper shook his head, playfully tugging on a lock of Colin's rapidly-lengthening golden hair.

''I don't think it would be wise to go sniffing about. I'll just tell you but you can't say anything...ok?"

"Gotcha."

"All right, well...Terence is seeing Adrian."

Colin narrowed his eyes in thought. "So, he's the one Terence got blackmailed over."

"Yep. Terence's dad is not too keen on homosexuality."

The blonde scrunched his face in disbelief "Nothing's wrong with Terence. So what if he's seeing a guy? At least he's not dating a total stranger."

Miles appeared slightly surprised, inwardly he was shocked at his answer. "You're ok with it? Ok with same-sex relationships?"

Colin answered "Yeah, why wouldn't I be? Wait..is it because of where I'm from?"

He nodded.

Colin smiled reassuringly "Well, don't you worry about that. I'm one of those who believes a person can love whomever they please. Besides, it's very unrealistic to think everyone is straight. As long as people are happy, why does it matter? Uh, why is his dad so against it, anyway? I know it's not all that frowned upon here."

Miles sighed "I guess for any reason there is in the muggle world, excluding religious grounds. The Wizarding world isn't exempt of bigotry...especially for the blood purity shit you've heard here. And also, you've heard of male pregnancy, right?"

Colin returned "Yeah, a little. I haven't exactly looked into it."

"Well, it takes a special fertility potion for guys to have children. The problem is that it takes longer for men to solely have babies as opposed to straight women or any woman getting inseminated by a donor's sample. It could take anywhere from a few weeks to a few years depending on the bloke all because they're not natural child-bearers. Some lords or ladies are quite adamant about when they want an heir produced...so that's why a bit would rather their children be straight."

Colin scoffed. "That's stupid. There will still be an heir. I don't see the issue if the baby is a few years later than expected."

"I know, but they can be demanding and it's just ridiculous overall."

"Heh, you could say that again. You know, that was an interesting sidebar. I learned something new."

Miles smiled softly "Glad I could implant more knowledge into that inquisitive little head."

"On another note, the weirdest thing happened in History today.." Before curfew, they boys headed back to their dorms.

Miles took one last glance at Colin 'Yes, he doesn't have a problem with it! But I still don't know whether or not if HE swings that way.'

In the tower, Colin was slowly buttoning his pajama shirt as he sat on his bed. 'Miles is very accepting of gay people. That's good to know. Unfortunately, I haven't the slightest clue if he flies on that side of the pitch. If I knew, it would make things so much easier.'

Before Colin could turn in, Cormac crawled through his crimson bedcurtains and snuggled beside him underneath the covers. Colin stared. "What the hell are you doing?"

"What's it look like? I'm wanting to talk and I'm cold...thus here I lay beside you. You and I need to discuss a few things."

"Ok, my brave and vulgar housemate, what is it that you want to talk about?"

Cormac smirked "First, Silencio!" All outside noise ceased immediately. "Now, we're good. No one else needs to hear. Anyway.." he faced Colin.

"Remember the conversation we all had earlier?"

Colin raised an eyebrow. "Yeah. What about it?"

"Well, your last response to Dennis was rather interesting. 'Now if I told you, it wouldn't be special nor a secret anymore.' Dude, I may be barking up the wrong tree but I have this slight idea that you and Miles have more than friendship going on. Am I right?"

Colin nervously rubbed the fringe of his duvet with his thumbs. "Well...sorta."

Cormac snapped his fingers. "Knew it! Now how come you never told me?! I would have given you my blessing!"

"It's because we're not exactly dating. You see...I...I think I have a crush on Miles."

This piqued further interest in Cormac. ''Oh really? You think you have a crush on him. Explain this to me."

Colin sighed "What else is there to explain? I mean, Miles is very sweet, we get along great and we have so much in common. I just can't help but feel a little more, you know? I dunno how else to say it. I've never felt this way before about anyone."

Cormac rubbed his shoulder. "Listen mate, I've never felt for anyone before either. Sure, I've flirted around...kissed a couple girls and copped a feel or two but those small instances don't compare. I'm sure if you tell him, he may give you a chance."

"That's just it, Cormac. I can't tell him. I know he doesn't have a problem with guys liking other guys but I don't know if he swings that way. Even if he does, how am I so sure he'll go with me? He probably thinks of me as his friend and only that.'' he laid his head down in frustration.

Cormac gazed at his discontented friend. "You don't know and you won't unless you ask him. He may or may not see you only as a friend if you tell him. Either way, he'll still know that you think that much of him. Now, I can't force you to spill it...that's up to you. But, if he is gay and there is a chance you could date, seize it."

Colin smiled softly. "Thanks, Cormac. You really are a great friend...you know that?"

He retorted haughtily. "I know I am. Well, I'm going to bed. We've got a game to see tomorrow."

Chuckling, Colin laid back down 'Classic Cormac...gotta love him.'

Saturday's game was a rough one. Apparently, dementors shown up and Harry fell out of the sky. Unfortunately for Oliver, Slytherin won and he went to the showers in hopes of drowning himself. The Serpents were fucking elated since they've hardly won a game against their rivals in two years. To celebrate the occasion that night after dinner, there was a wild party third-years and below weren't allowed to attend. Music and loud chatter rang throughout the dungeons while Firewhiskey was slung about.

To be honest, there was a bit more action of an adult nature taking place in the Snake Pit but at least they had the decency to take it elsewhere. Of course, not every student remained in the lively dungeon. Seven of them were hanging around and goofing off in the corridor, as tipsy as can be. Miles however, he was a little more...fuck it...the boy was wobbling around and giggling stupidly as he drunkenly wandered away to the Room of Requirement.

Colin was inside, putting away the last of his developed pictures. Willing the dark room away, the furniture returned in place of the darkroom. He readied to leave until he saw a door reappear.

''What the hell? Who could be coming in?'' he asked aloud.

The door opened and Miles entered, his eyes unfocused. ''Heeey...Colin! Did ya hear? We won the game!"

Colin had to contain his laughter. 'Louder than normal, unsteady, unfocused and glassy eyes, and a slight slur. Yep, Miles is drunk. I know there had to have been a party down there but the better question is...how the fuck did he manage to make it all the way over here? Without falling into shit?' He's got more talent than I thought.'

Lumbering his way over, Miles wrapped his arms around the blonde to steady himself. ''Ya hear me? We won the game.''

Colin silently exhaled at the powerful alcohol aroma. 'Oh yeah, you've definitely been drinking.' ''Oh, I heard and saw. Malfoy caught the snitch."

Miles grinned, gazing into Colin's eyes. "Yep and I'm so fuckin' happy too. We nev...we never win a game with them and today...we finally do! Haha! Yay..."

The Lion tried to keep them both from teetering over. Since Miles was twice his size, it was getting difficult. ''How about we take a seat? Right over here." he led the swaying Keeper over to the couch and sat next to him. "There we go. Now, why aren't you back at the party with all your mates?"

"I didn'..I didn't wanna stay with 'em. I wanted...I wanted to find my buddy..my sweet, sweet buddy." Miles slurred slightly, laying over Colin's right shoulder.

Colin nodded. "I...see. I'm glad I can see you too." He had to keep the conversation cheerful. It would not do to argue and get mouthy with a drunk person. That never ends well.

Miles locked half-lidded green eyes with him. Taking his large and faintly callused hand, he gently threaded his fingers through Colin's near-shoulder length hair. "You know, you should let yer hair grow out more. I think it suits you better. The short look you've sported before was bloody terrible."

Colin responded, nervously taking note of their close proximity. ''You think so? Well, I am glad my hair grows pretty fast.''

Miles continued, allowing his hand to slowly graze the lion's face. "Yep. You're very pretty, you know that?"

"No, I did not. Th-Thank you."

"Mhm...very...very pretty. You also have very nice lips." Miles whispered as he settled his eyes on them and leaned closer.

Colin's breath quickened slightly as he gulped ''M-Miles...I.." Within a second, Bletchley's lips were on his, moving slowly yet sloppily. 'Oh my god, he's...he's actually kissing me!' Colin rapidly thought as the Snake's tongue entered his mouth.

'Shit! There's tongue too! Huh? Is that...sweet apples and cinnamon I taste? Hm, Firewhiskey and apple pie...not bad, actually. It tastes rather nice. Wait...I can't! This isn't right! Not like this.. Colin pulled away from the Keeper, making him pout.

"Aww..."

Returning a smile, Colin patted Bletchley's hands. "How about I take you back to the dungeons? It's almost curfew and I'd hate for either of us to get in trouble. You being caught drunk in the corridors will make it worse."

That stupid drunken grin resurfaced ."Ok...let's go." They stood and Colin allowed Miles to lean on him as they exited the ROR.

Traipsing carefully downstairs, Colin had to make sure Bletchley wouldn't lose his footing while he simultaneously cast a 'Lumos'. 'Damn, this bloke is heavy. I've seriously got to consider working out.'

Upon reentering the dungeons, six boys were still chilling in the corridor and laughing about something. At the present time, Terence was pulling Adrian in for an impromptu snog. Hearing footsteps, they turned to see them. "Hello, guys. I think this belongs to you." Colin smiled as he handed Miles over to a snickering Cassius.

"Long time no see, mate. How'd you find him?"

"I didn't. He found me."

Thankfully, Warrington and Montague were more sober than Flint, Bole, Pucey and Higgs at this moment.

Montague began to prop Miles on his arm. "Alright, Bletchley...off to bed you go."

"Wait a minute..." the Keeper slurred before removing his arm and swerving to Colin. "Can I get another kiss?"

Graham and Cassius mouthed to each other silently ''Another kiss?"

Knowing that Miles would most likely not remember this tomorrow, he gave in. "Ok, come here.." Colin leaned in and claimed his lips briefly. Grinning victoriously, Miles allowed the Beater and Chaser to haul his drunk arse to bed, with four giggling Snakes in tow.

Approaching the Gryffindor Common Room, Colin was stalled by Percy. "You do realize that it's curfew now?"

"Yeah, just uh...had to lend a helping hand in the dungeons."

Amused, Percy responded "Bletchley, wasn't it?"

Colin nodded. "Yeah, he was gone. A little too much drink."

"How'd he make it all the way from the dungeons to your dark room without getting hurt?"

"I have no idea."

"Well, we can talk about it later. You need to get inside before another Prefect sees you. I'm not taking points since you're mere feet from the entrance. Goodnight."

"Night.." 'Oh yeah, this is going to be an interesting anecdote for tomorrow morning.'

Oh yes...a big fat drunken kiss from Miles! XD Hm, will he remember it when he wakes up? Stay tuned to find out!

Percy knows Colin has a dark room, but he didn't tell him where it's located!

Your thoughts? :P