The smile on Bianca's face was a mile wide the next day. She woke up with her cheeks crinkled and lips turned upward. They hadn't fallen since. She smiled as she prepared for the day, showering, dressing, and gathering her books. She smiled as she joined with her friends and walked through the halls to breakfast. She smiled as she sat down at the long Gryffindor table, absently spooning a pile of scrambled eggs onto her plate.

"What are you so happy about this morning?" Simone groused. She'd had a particularly annoying fight with her boyfriend the evening before, so seeing her friend's giddiness was rather irritating.

Bianca shrugged and picked up her fork, "Nothing much."

"Nothing much? You've been smiling like that all morning." Erin sipped at her pumpkin juice.

"Maybe she's just happy." Babe spoke up with her own grin.

Simone shot her a look, "Why? Because Binns is giving us a quiz today?"

"Well…no." Babe frowned in thought. Binns' quizzes were never fun. His entire class was never fun.

"Come on, Bianca. What's with the happy face?" Simone looked at her.

Bianca, who had been scanning the other side of the room for a certain blonde quidditch player, quickly brought her eyes back around, "Pardon?"

"Why are you so happy?" Erin asked.

Bianca bit her lip. What was she supposed to say? That she'd found out the girl she liked felt the same? That the girl wanted to get to know her and spend time with her, too? Oh, and that said girl was a Slytherin who might have been instrumental in the prank that turned Simone yellow and whom most of Gryffindor despised.

Yeah, like that was going to happen.

"Spill." Simone ordered.

"There's nothing. I'm just in a good mood." Bianca ducked her head and stared at her food. She had agreed to keep her meetings with Frankie a secret. She couldn't go back on that less than twenty-four hours later.

Simone and Erin shared a look as Babe continued to munch on her bacon obliviously. Bianca noticed the shared look, and hoped they didn't ask anything more. She really didn't like lying to them. But, she couldn't exactly come right out and say – hey, I have feelings for that girl you don't like, and I can't wait till potions because I get to see her again. That wouldn't go over too well, she was pretty sure.

It must have been a very good day for Bianca, because before her friends could restart their little interrogation, the day's mail arrived. Flocks of owls swooped into the great hall, the sounds of their flapping wings reverberating against the walls. The creatures flew about, diving down to deposit their loads on different students.

Bianca's eyes lit up as she spotted Opal, her family's owl. The reddish brown bird landed at her side and held out the letter in its beak. Bianca thanked her and took the letter. She gave the long feathers a few strokes in appreciation. With a few blinks of her large eyes, Opal took off, having done her duty.

"Letter from home?" Babe asked, pointing at the envelope.

Bianca nodded, "My mom and stepdad." They tended to write every week or so. They would update her on the goings-on in their tiny village as well as any family issues. The last letter explained that her stepfather, Jack, had been promoted. He worked in the Ministry of Magic in the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes. Her mother was very proud of him and they celebrated by having a weekend in London.

"What did they say?"

Bianca waved off Babe's question and slid the envelope into her satchel. She'd read it later when she had more time. She loved her family and cherished each and every correspondence she received from them. She didn't want to have to read the words while hurrying to class, which was what they would have to do since transfiguration was in five minutes.

As she gulped down the last swig of pumpkin juice and picked up her satchel, Bianca quickly peeked over at the Slytherin table. She spotted Gary and Rich laughing over something, the boys heartily patting each other on the back. No Frankie though.

Only a few more hours till potions.

The moment Bianca stepped into the potions' classroom, her eyes instantly darted to the Slytherin side. The tables and chairs were full of students chatting and preparing for class. Walking up the aisle to her own spot, Bianca fought to keep her head forward and feet moving. However, her eyes slid to the side.

She felt a burst of giddiness as her gaze landed on Frankie.

She bit her lip as her mouth threatened to smile even wider. Her hands wrapped around the strap of her satchel, lest they reach out to touch the girl. Bianca let her brown orbs roam over Frankie. She was slouched in her seat, twirling her wand between her fingers. She looked bored with the conversations floating around her, barely reacting as Gary slapped her shoulder and gestured emphatically to their friends. Her clothes were a tad rumpled from whatever she had been doing earlier, and her tie was askew. Bianca immediately decided that she absolutely found it adorable.

"Bianca," Babe gave her friend a confused look.

Bianca felt her cheeks heat up as she averted her eyes to see her friends had already sat down. She was the only one still standing. At the speed of light, Bianca fell into her chair. Embarrassed, she scrunched up her shoulders to hide her reddening features. Oh, no. She'd been so busy trying to not seem like she was staring at Frankie, that she'd ended up standing there peeking sideways while everyone else sat down.

Bianca placed her satchel on the table and hid her burning face behind it. She pulled out her quill, ink bottle, and parchment, doing her best to not look over at the other side. What would Frankie think seeing her staring like that? They were keeping whatever it was that they had secret, and she stood there like some…well, she didn't know what exactly, but it wasn't good.

Something else she wasn't too good at…not looking. Try as she might, her eyes slowly turned to glance at the Slytherins.

She felt her heart skip as her eyes connected with Frankie's.

Frankie's fingers stopped twirling as their gazes met. The wand didn't, however. Frankie started as her wand clattered to the floor. She quickly bent down and picked it up, shooting her friends a smirk and a few words Bianca couldn't hear as they looked at her quizzically. Unbeknownst to them, though, Bianca saw a flash of sheepishness in those hazel orbs as Frankie bent over. She was certain she had been the only one to see it.

She was ok with that.

A loud bang jolted her out of her thoughts, and Bianca looked up as Snape stormed into the classroom, his black robes billowing behind him. His thin angular face was pinched into a frown, and his dull eyes were cold as stone. "Turn to page four hundred and seventy-two."

The rustling of pages filled the room as the students flipped to the requested page. As Bianca opened her book, she snuck one last look at Frankie.

This was going to be a long class.

She had been correct. It was a long class. Pretending like she was focused on the lecture and writing notes while she actually was doodling and daydreaming was not easy. Especially when it was in potions - not one of her top classes. She hazarded more glances over at Frankie then she did at the blackboard Snape used to write whatever he deemed worthy enough to not just be spoken in his monotone yet somehow sarcastic tone.

She wondered if Frankie had the same trouble.

She wondered a lot about Frankie. Considering the blonde was all she really thought about, that wasn't saying much. And to think, she believed she thought of Frankie a lot before the girl confessed to having feelings for her as well. Now, all she could do was count down the minutes until they were set to meet.

They didn't get to talk a lot during their last meeting in the trophy room. Even though both were more than interested in starting their talks…or maybe doing something else with their mouths, Frankie had practice and Bianca's friends would worry if she disappeared for a long period of time. So, they agreed to meet the following night.

Which meant Bianca suffered once again through a delicious meal of lamb chops for dinner while plotting how exactly she was to escape for a few hours during the night. Her plotting continued as she left the great hall with her friends and returned to the Gryffindor common room. The group plopped down in front of the fireplace, trading gossip with a few third years while the fire roared before them. Bianca didn't hear any of it, too preoccupied with her plans.

There was a curfew in place, and while she broke it when she spent the entire night kissing Frankie in the astronomy tower, she wasn't too inclined to break the rules again. But, it was either that or not see Frankie. It was fairly obvious which choice she was going to make.

She would have to sneak out of Gryffindor Tower without anyone seeing her. Then, she would have to slip down to the third floor to the trophy room without any professors, Filch the caretaker, ghosts, or anyone else spotting her. She knew the Hufflepuff prefects were on duty that night in that area. Prefects, students chosen to be in charge of their houses, roamed the halls at night to make sure no one broke curfew.

She had a lot of people to dodge.

As the hours ticked by, Bianca grew more and more excited. The idea of seeing Frankie was enough to get her heart pounding. When the clock struck nine, her friends spoke up.

"Well, I think it's time to go to sleep." Erin stretched her arms above her head with a yawn.

"Tell me about it. I've been tired ever since Binns' class. How is it possible for a quiz to be so boring?" Simone stood up.

Babe followed suit, and stared down at Bianca, "Are you coming, Bianca?"

"No, go ahead. I'm not tired, yet." Bianca gave what she hoped was a convincing smile, "Besides, I still have to read my letter."

"Ok, don't stay up too late." Babe waved goodnight as the three headed toward the dormitories, Erin and Simone already halfway there.

Bianca released a sigh of relief as they disappeared from sight. Scanning the common room to see most students had gone to bed, only one or two remaining, she stood up. As casually as she could, she strolled over to the exit. Once she was within reach, she darted out.

Jumping to the side and pressing her back against the wall, Bianca inhaled deeply. She waited for her eyes to adjust to the darkened hall, the paintings and tapestries taking shape as the seconds passed. Once sure she could see enough to get to the trophy room, Bianca pushed away from the wall and began to creep down the hall. She did her best to quiet her breathing, listening intently for any other footsteps or voices.

It was slow going. She would take a step, wait, then take another. She did not need another detention after Snape's. However, as it became clear no one else was around, her bravery kicked in. Her footsteps became faster, and she stopped waiting to listen for anyone coming by. Soon, she was speed walking down the halls, mind firmly on the girl she was going to meet.

Reaching the third floor, Bianca raced to the trophy room. As she got closer and closer, her heart beat faster and faster. Her eyes lit up and her mouth twisted into a giant grin. She was so close.

Rounding the final corner, Bianca felt an arm wrap around her waist as a hand slammed over her mouth.

Her startled yelp was muffled by the hand as she was unceremoniously yanked to the side. She struggled as the unknown assailant wrestled her back, practically dragging her into a nearby room.

Bianca's mind spun. She flung her arms about and cried out against the hand. Merlin! Did someone find out? Was this some Slytherin who caught her? Someone else? Where was Frankie?

Terrified, she swung her elbow back, hitting the person. A quiet pain-filled oomph sounded in her ear as the person tightened their hold. They maneuvered her so her back hit a stone wall. The arm around her waist dropped away, the hand against her mouth still holding fast.

"Bianca,"

For Merlin's sake. "Frankie?" Bianca's muffled voice said in confusion.

The hand left her mouth, "Shhh."

"Frankie? What?" What was going on? Why would Frankie do this?

Then, she heard them. Footsteps.

"Filch." Frankie whispered, pushing closer to her.

Bianca's eyes widened. Filch the caretaker, the man who hated students with a passion and always reminded people that he supported corporal punishment for any offense, even though it had been banned for many many years. If he caught them…

The footsteps grew louder. Bianca squeezed her eyes shut and silently wished for them to pass by. She felt Frankie huddle closer. Their bodies pressed up against each other. Bianca's breath hitched at the feeling. Having a mind of their own, her hands curled around strong hips causing her arms to envelope Frankie. A shiver broke through Bianca as the body moved. Warm breaths suddenly puffed against her cheek, causing her eyes to flutter at the sensation. In the darkness, her senses heightened, and her body reacted to the touch. She griped the hips harder and pulled until they molded against her own.

Fingertips came into contact with her chin, and Bianca inhaled sharply. Unable to see, all she could do was feel. Feel as the fingers danced up her cheek, a thumb brushing against the soft skin. Feel as the warm breath washed over her nose and mouth.

Feel as she bent forward and captured smooth lips with her own.

All thoughts of footsteps and evil caretakers disappeared as Bianca kissed Frankie. They alternated between short hot kisses and long deep touches. Bianca's hands slid around Frankie's back as she tasted sweet lips again and again. Bianca tilted her head further to the side, deepening the kiss. Frankie's hand curved more fully against her cheek, the thumb drawing back and forth.

Her body took over and her mind shut down.

Gently breaking apart, both girls gasped for air. Bianca dropped her head to rest on Frankie's shoulder. She inhaled the scent of fresh soap and Frankie. She buried her nose into the soft cotton covered shoulder, wanting more. Her eyes sparkled as a kiss pressed into her hair. This felt so…amazing.

Her entire body froze when her mind returned, "Filch?"

Frankie held her breath for a few seconds. Then, she exhaled, "Gone. Can't hear him out there anymore."

"Thank goodness." Bianca sighed. Then, she hit Frankie's side, "I can't believe you did that!"

"Ow," Frankie squirmed, "What?"

"You attacked me in the dark." Bianca lifted her head to glare at Frankie, "You could've said something. Or is that the Slytherin way of getting someone's attention? Pulling them into a dark room?"

"Is the Gryffindor way of sneaking around to clomp about like a troll? I could hear you all the way down the hall. If I could, Filch could." Frankie shot back.

"Did you just call me a troll?"

"Yes, Bianca. I called you a troll." Frankie deadpanned. That's what she heard? Seriously?

"A Slytherin, what should I have expected?" Bianca's voice responded lightly, holding in her snicker. Was it wrong she was picturing Frankie's droll look? "Of course, I don't know many Slytherins, let alone witches, who enjoy kissing trolls."

Hearing the joking tone, Frankie smirked, "You know Slytherins?"

"I'm beginning to know you." Bianca teased, "It's good to know you're attracted to trolls. I know my competition." She ran her hand up and down the spot she hit, the heat of the warm body trickling through Frankie's clothing.

"You're nuts."

"I'm not the one who dropped their wand in potions – more than once." And it certainly wasn't because she had been staring at Frankie all through class.

Frankie swallowed thickly, "I didn't…it wasn't…" She saw that?

Bianca chuckled, "It was cute."

"Yeah…well…whatever." Frankie took a step back. She cleared her throat, "We need to find a better place to meet. Filch has been by twice and a prefect once already."

"Where?" She had been that close to being caught?

"I don't know." There was a crinkling sound, "We can use this, though. To talk."

"To talk?" Bianca felt a piece of parchment get shoved into her hand.

"Lumos." Frankie's wand lit up. She pointed the beam of light at the parchment. "It's simple. We write a note and put a password on it. If you want to read it, tap your wand against it and say the password. We'll use the same password so we'll always know."

Bianca's eyes flickered up to see the blonde in the light. Her cheeks were pink and lips puffed from their kissing. A crooked grin covered her face. Unconsciously, Bianca stretched out a finger and traced it down a firm jaw.

Frankie's eyelids drooped for a second, "Stop."

"Why?" she cupped her chin.

Frankie bit her lip, "I…I need you to stop."

Bianca stepped up to her, "Why, Frankie?"

"I," she took a deep breath, seemingly fighting with herself, "can't concentrate when you do that."

Bianca melted.

Frankie jerked her head back. Regaining her composure, she took the parchment back, "So, tap and say the password."

She really wanted to continue talking about how her touch affected Frankie, but she let it go…for now, "What's the password?"

Frankie's gaze shone with mirth, "Firewhiskey."

Bianca's eyebrows shot up, "Firewhiskey?"

Frankie shrugged, "Yeah."

"Ok." She actually liked it. Firewhiskey, it's what brought them together again. Well, Frankie's ability to illegally procure the liquor and their drunken kissing in Hogsmeade was what brought them back together, but it all started with Firewhiskey and hidden feelings.

Frankie nodded, "I'll send you a note when I find a new place. I'll hide it in the fourth floor bathroom by the library."

They looked at each other. Bianca licked her lips, and Frankie's gaze darted down at the sight of the pink tip.

In the distance, footsteps sounded.

"You should go." Frankie intoned, gaze on Bianca's face.

"Ok."

Neither moved.

"Try not to clomp like a troll." Frankie's grin softened the words.

"Try not to attack anyone." Bianca titled her head in challenge.

"You're a Gryffindor. You should be able to handle it."

Bianca's eyebrow ticked up, and she traced her hand down Frankie's arm, "I thought I was a troll."

The look Frankie gave her made her heart speed up, "Just be quiet when you sneak around."

Bianca nodded, but didn't move.

Frankie rolled her eyes, "You just don't know when to go, do you?"

Bianca shrugged, "Maybe I don't want to go without you."

Frankie's face fell for a split second. Her voice lowered, "Someone's coming. Stay close to the wall and be quick."

Bianca noticed the split second, "Frankie?"

"Nox." The light extinguished.

Bianca couldn't see anything. But, she did feel Frankie step away.

She felt her leave…but not before their hands brushed one last time.