Frankie swung her bag over her shoulder and marched confidently down the outdoor corridor, a swagger in her steps. The stone arches rose above her, and the cool afternoon wind blew across her face, whipping at the loose strands of hair that fell from her tight bun. She inhaled the sharp air, silently delighting as it filled her lungs. She loved being outside. It probably came from living on the streets for so long. Making house on a park bench taught one to be comfortable with nature and the elements, and she grew as comfortable as a person could.

Mentally shaking those thoughts away, Frankie focused on the rest of her day. She'd hidden the note in the bathroom already, informing Bianca that they would be meeting in the divination classroom later on. She had a few more classes, unfortunately Herbology was one of them, and then she could get some food and go to practice. Gary was driving them harder than normal, his anxiousness for the Ravenclaw match showing itself. They'd taken notes during the Ravenclaw-Gryffindor match, and the Ravenclaws had a decent team this year. They wouldn't beat Slytherin, of course, but they might get a few points in.

Turning her head, Frankie gazed out the openings in the stone arches to see the quidditch pitch in the distance. The circles the goalkeeper protected stood tall at the ends, and the stands circled the oval pitch. Footsteps unconsciously slowed down, and Frankie ambled over to the side of the corridor. Her hands automatically rose up and rested on the cold stone as she reached the side, and she stared out into the distance. Past the pitch she could see the snow capped mountains that surrounded the area. To the sides were the Forbidden Forest and the lake. The land was beautiful, but all Frankie could see was the pitch. In her mind's ear she could hear the roar of the crowd as she flew above them, searching intently for the snitch. There was no way they would lose a match this year. No way.

Next year she'd be captain. Frankie leaned against the stone wall. She'd be the first ever muggle-born captain of the Slytherin team. Then, she'd lead them to the best season they'd ever had. They would decimate every team. Her name would be immortalized forever on the quidditch cup as winning captain.

Frankie swallowed as her mind veered off track. Captain. It was part of her plan. It was what she was going to become. Nothing was going to stop her. Bianca's smiling face popped in her head, and Frankie felt a hitch in her chest. She'd told Bianca nothing could stop her from being captain, and she meant it. Would her dating a Gryffindor have the ability to change that? It would be a lie to say she didn't think about that. Was she keeping their relationship a secret because of it? No. There were so many other things that made her need to keep what she felt a secret. What she said about Bianca's friends and house was the truth. Those stupid Gryffindors would probably try to feed her to a dragon for going after one of their precious lions. And how they'd treat Bianca…she did not want Bianca to ever feel like an outsider, and the Gryffindors would make her one. They'd make her an outcast quicker than she could snap her fingers.

If the Slytherins found out…Frankie suppressed the shudder that threatened to go through her body. Loyalty was high among her house. They would see this as a betrayal – a betrayal by the muggle-born against the house of purity. She couldn't lose her house or her friends. She couldn't lose her chance to make captain and get what she ultimately wanted. So, she and Bianca would keep their relationship a secret for now. It was best for everyone. She'd get to have her chance at the life she dreamed of, and Bianca wouldn't have to worry about her own house hating her.

Bianca. Frankie released a soft sigh. She was mental if there ever was one. She was outspoken and unafraid to the point of insanity. But, she was gorgeous. Bianca made her heart starting thumping faster than even catching the snitch ever had. Frankie bit her lip. She'd been surprisingly open the night before on the astronomy tower. Bianca stood there yelling about revealing their relationship and accusing her of things that might be right, but she didn't need to know about them. She'd been honest, though, when she told her how she felt. Bianca made her feel things she'd never felt before – ever. And these feelings kept growing and deepening day by day. It was wonderful and confusing, to say the least. Wonderful, because hey, she was happier than she could ever remember being. She was dating this amazing girl who really liked her. Frankie could even look past the fact Bianca hated quidditch. But, it was confusing, too. These feelings could lead to trouble. They could hurt her chances at winning her goals. If there was one thing she knew, you never let anything get in the way of winning. However, these feelings were making her rethink that. She wanted to be big in this world, and her house could help her get there. But, she was beginning to need Bianca more than she ever thought possible. She knew Bianca was frustrated about their status, even before last night. If they exposed their mutual attraction and caring, she could lose. For the first time in her life, since she arrived at Hogwarts, she was seriously contemplating life after losing.

But it wasn't just her who would lose. Bianca would too. That was something she couldn't let happen. Something else that was confusing, because she never cared that much about anyone before, not even her Slytherin friends.

Running a hand over her smooth slicked back hair, Frankie breathed in the wintery air. Christmas was coming soon. She'd already given her name to Snape about break. Not that she needed to. She gave her name every year. Chewing on her bottom lip, Frankie wondered about Bianca. What was she doing for Christmas? What sorts of things did she wish to receive on Christmas morning? Frankie chewed harder. She'd only just decided on what she would get the brunette. Were they even supposed to give each other gifts? Whatever, she just hoped Bianca liked it.

Taking one last gulp of fresh air, Frankie pushed away from the wall. She still needed to get to class. At this rate she was going to be late, but she didn't really care. It was Binns' History of Magic course. Frankie rolled her eyes. Who hired a ghost to teach history? It was kind of cool, until you actually went to the class. Binns was more boring than watching the grass grow. Couldn't he have gone on after dying instead of tormenting her with the most useless boring class in existence?

Walking along, Frankie barely acknowledged the other students darting around her. Her mind was already back on Bianca. She imagined the Gryffindor's smile, and it produced one of her own. She hoped they'd get to spend more time together that night. It might sound weird, but all she really wanted to do at that moment was wrap her arms around Bianca and hold her. She wanted to feel that warm soft body in her arms. She wanted to hear Bianca's voice and that tinkling laugh. She wanted to taste those sweet lips against her own. She just wanted to be next to her already. Especially after their argument last night, which just the thought of sent a tangle of upsetting unease through her belly. Maybe she didn't show it, but she really did not like arguing with Bianca or Bianca being upset. Frankie rolled her eyes at herself. Listen to her. She was becoming such a sap…but when it came to Bianca, she didn't really care.

"Hey!"

Frankie raised an eyebrow at the almost screeching shout. She looked up to see a rather large group of Gryffindors storming down the corridor, their robes billowing behind them like black capes. She recognized the leader as the girl Bianca spent time with whose loud mouth didn't know when to shut up.

"Who do you think you are?" Simone shouted, pointing angrily at Frankie.

Frankie stopped walking. She quickly surveyed the group that was now blocking the corridor. Bianca wasn't with them. Keeping an eye on them, she casually dropped her bag, leaving both arms free to move about. She plastered a droll look on her face.

The group halted a foot away from Frankie. The Gryffindors glared at her, many of them tapping wands against their hands or thighs in an intimidating manner. Frankie smirked at them, causing a few to bristle at her attitude.

"What seems to be the trouble, officer?" Frankie drawled lazily.

Simone blinked, not understanding the muggle reference. Shaking her head, she reached into her bag and pulled out a piece of parchment. She thrust it out, "What's your snide answer to this?"

Frankie tilted her head to read the words. It was the note she'd sent Bianca. Pushing back against the surge of emotion she felt at seeing someone else holding something that was actually quite meaningful, Frankie stared blandly at them, "I'd say someone wrote on a piece of parchment paper. I don't think they wanted to meet you, though." She faked a shudder of revulsion.

Simone tore back her arm and crumpled the parchment in her hand. Frankie clenched her jaw at the action. "You think you're so smart. You're not getting away with your stunts this time. You may have cowardly attacked me, but you're not attacking Bianca!"

The corner of her mouth twitched. Attack Bianca? That's what they thought? "You brought the entire house to see me? Very brave, Gryffindor."

Simone fumed, "We stick together. When a foul loathsome creature like you threatens one of us, we protect them. We care about more than just ourselves."

Frankie crossed her arms, her finger slipping inside her robe to touch the handle of her wand. "And this is you protecting them? By bringing fifteen against one?"

"Like you've never used those odds in your favor before." Simons spat.

Frankie smirked, but inside she was calculating. Bianca couldn't have sent them after her, could she? Or was this some form of punishment for not agreeing with her? Maybe it was a set-up to make her admit to their relationship. No, Bianca wasn't like that. She was the more in your face type of person. She'd have confronted Frankie, like she had before. But what was this? This must be what got her friends to back off. They thought Frankie wanted to meet Bianca to hurt her.

Fools.

But, this left her in a little bit of a situation. She might be good at defensive spells, but fifteen against one was pushing it. Her best bet was stalling until someone showed up, either a professor or a Slytherin. Besides, she didn't really want to fight against Bianca's friends. Not that she'd let them know that.

"So a Gryffindor is stooping down to a Slytherin level…or it is rising?" Frankie ticked up an eyebrow.

Two tall boys that stood behind Simone stepped up beside her, their wands held firmly. "We'd never sink to your pathetic level."

Frankie chuckled, "Well, look at that. I'm really scared now. Terrified, actually." Now that they moved front and center, they blocked her vision of those behind them, but they also blocked those behind them from being able to throw a spell at her. If she took a half step to the right, she could see around them and still be blocked from attack.

Simone lifted her wand as Frankie took a half step to the side, "I'm not going to let you play your sick twisted games with my friend. You've done enough to us."

Frankie stared at the tip of the wand. How amusing this would be if they only knew that her sick twisted game was to talk with Bianca about their days and then share more than a few kisses. Wrapping her fingers more firmly around her wand, Frankie knew she could get her wand out and cast a spell before the girl could even think of one. She adjusted her other hand so both her arm and hand blocked the hand gripping the wand from sight. "What games are you going to let me play?"

"You filthy toad!" Simone cried out, raising her wand higher. The two boys at her sides followed suit.

All of a sudden, Gryffindors started falling down, their legs wobbling uncontrollably. Frankie and Simone glanced back to see a group of five Slytherins dashing towards them, Gary and Rich in the lead. They hopped through the gap in the Gryffindors, the boys knocking shoulders and viciously bumping people away, and skidded to a stop in front of Frankie.

"Heard ya had a bit o' trouble up here." Rich nodded at Frankie.

"Came as fast as we could." Gary added, pointing his wand at the Gryffindors with serious intent.

Frankie didn't hear them, her gaze locked on the swiftly approaching brunette.

Bianca was… well she wasn't quite sure. She wasn't as happy as she could be, but she wasn't sad either. She'd gotten to see Frankie the night before, and she'd just found the note in the bathroom explaining the new meeting spot. But, she was still somewhat frazzled by last night. Simone still had her letter, which irked her. She wanted it back. Frankie wrote it to her. Ah, Frankie. How could she forget that they'd had a little fight? Frankie's argument made sense, but she still wanted to let the world know who she was with. She didn't like hiding.

Maybe they could still have breakfast together, though. She could get up early and sneak over to the Slytherin table or Frankie could sneak over to the Gryffindor. No one else was awake that early to see them. They'd spend the night together – not like that – and meet for breakfast. The more time she got to spend with Frankie, the better. She only hoped Frankie wasn't wearing herself out. She'd noticed a few circles forming under her eyes. Frankie went to class, practiced quidditch, met her late at night, and still got up early in the morning. When did the girl sleep?

Turning the corner, Bianca bumped into a running body. They both tumbled backwards, Bianca landing harshly on her behind and her bag slamming into the ground. Looking up, she saw Babe scramble to her feet, a worried look on her face.

"Babe?" Bianca grimaced and reached for her bag.

"Bianca, thank Merlin I found you." Babe waved her hands excitedly.

"Why? Did you forget something?" Bianca slowly climbed to her feet.

"You have to come quick, Simone's on a rampage."

"She's what?" Bianca frowned not understanding. A sense of dread slowly filtered into her stomach.

"She's going after Frankie Stone because of the letter. She's with a bunch of sixth and seventh years. They're going to make sure Frankie leaves you alone." Babe explained as fast as she could.

Bianca's eyes widened to the size of dragon eggs and she exhaled sharply, "She's what!" This was bad. This was very bad. Simone was going after Frankie?

Tossing her satchel strap over her shoulder, Bianca began to race down the hall, Babe tripping as she tried to keep up. Where was Frankie at this time? She would be going to Herbology, wouldn't she? But, what was her class before? Was it Transfiguration? Turning sharply to the right, Bianca sprinted down the hall, students jumping out of the way as she sped past. She couldn't believe Simone was taking it this far. She told them she was fine. Oh Merlin, what if they did something to Frankie? Would they? No, Frankie could handle herself. She'd seen Frankie face off against people before, like Novak.

Her feet picked up speed. She had to get there. If Frankie got hurt because of her…she didn't even want to think like that. Bianca could hear Babe panting behind her, their shoes slapping the floor as they ran. Bursting up the moving staircase, Bianca jumped off it before it fully reached the landing. She stumbled along, barely keeping her footing. Up ahead, she could make out the sunlight from the opening to one of the outer corridors.

Breath erratic and mind spinning, Bianca exploded out onto the corridor. Ahead of her she could see two groups facing off with each other. She spotted the Gryffindors first, a few still on the ground. Squinting in the sunlight, she stared past them. She could make out the Slytherins. There, in the middle, was Frankie. She'd recognize that confident slouch anywhere.

"Simone!" Bianca yelled as loud as she could, lungs begging for air.

Simone turned, startled, as Bianca dove next to her. "Bianca?"

"What…are…you…doing?" Bianca gulped in air.

"We're making sure this slithering snake knows to leave you alone." Simone gestured with her wand, "To leave all of us alone, or else."

Bianca bent over, hands on her knees, "I told you I could handle it."

Simone pointed her wand at Frankie, "She's been after all of us since she got here, Bianca. She needs to be stopped."

"Quite a hero you got there." Frankie spoke up. "Of course, that's what all you Gryffindors pretend to be."

Bianca turned her head, worried brown eyes locking with Frankie's hazel. Peering into the deep swirl of green and brown, Bianca searched for something, she didn't know what, while trying to silently tell her she didn't do this. But, then she saw it. Understanding. Caring. Frankie didn't blame her for this – thank Merlin. Bianca shot her a quick smile as Frankie's eyes softened. Frankie gave a quick imperceptible nod. Bianca's belly fluttered, and her heart trembled. She could stare into those eyes all day. The longer she maintained eye contact, the softer those eyes became. It was like she was slowly melting into them. Any previous thoughts about being disappointed or mad dissipated. At that second, she wanted to wrap Frankie in a big hug.

Breaking their stare after a few moments, becoming conscious of the people surrounding them, Bianca looked over Frankie to see if she'd been jinxed, mentally telling herself not to walk over and kiss the blonde. She could see Frankie didn't have her wand out. She was the only one besides herself and Babe who didn't.

Frankie didn't have her wand out.

Bianca's eyes went back to Frankie's questioningly. The Gryffindors were all pointing their wands at her, and Frankie was, for the most part, remaining unarmed. Frankie gave her a faint shrug, and it hit her.

Frankie wasn't going to fight them.

Bianca gazed gratefully at Frankie. The Slytherin didn't raise her wand to her friend. It was rather stupid considering the situation, but it was also really sweet.

"Bianca?" Simone's voice broke Bianca out of her thoughts.

"Go to class." Bianca turned to Simone.

"What?"

"Go to class. I don't need you to do this." She looked at Erin who was a few steps behind Simone, "All of you. I can't believe you'd do this."

"We're helping you." Erin retorted.

"I don't need any help. If anything happens, I can handle it."

"They're Slytherins. They're evil, Bianca." Simone jumped in.

"Evil enough to hex you if you don't leave right now." Gary called out. The rest of the Slytherins murmured in agreement, their wands waving in anticipation of the fight.

Bianca stared at her friend. She knew Simone was trying to protect her, but she also had a feeling this was about revenge as well. "Go to class before a professor shows up and gives you all detention and makes us lose points."

Simone and Erin stared at Bianca, and she stared right back.

"Fine." Erin lowered her wand. She grabbed Simone's shoulder, "Let's go."

Simone glared at Frankie as she reluctantly put away her wand.

Bianca watched the group of Gryffindors grudgingly start to disperse. Babe touched her shoulder, "We should get to class, too."

Bianca nodded, making a mental note to talk to Simone and Erin during dinner. While she appreciated their concern, this was going way too far. Especially since there was nothing to be concerned about. Peeking at Frankie one last time, Bianca tightened her jaw and walked away, making sure Erin and Simone stayed in front of her. That was close.

She reminded herself to give Frankie an extra kiss that night.