Bianca felt like she was going out of her mind.

Life should not be this hard. It just shouldn't. This was unfair, uncalled for, and just plain wrong. Why did this have to be happening to her? To them? For Merlin's sakes, all she wanted was to be able to kiss and touch her girlfriend without the entire castle bearing down on them like they were doing something treacherously evil. Who was she kidding, she just wanted to kiss and touch Frankie period.

Bianca sighed to herself quietly as she walked through the dungeon hallways, Babe chatting lightly at her side. Simone, Erin, and Dani strolled a step ahead of them, gossiping about Simone's boyfriend. Babe was going on about Transfiguration or something, Bianca couldn't be sure. Her mind was more focused on the fact that she hadn't been able to meet with Frankie in over a week. A week!

It wasn't for lack of trying. Merlin knows both girls wanted to see each other. But, it wasn't like Holiday break. There were a lot more obstacles now. Bianca's friends always seemed to be there, wanting to hang out and talk. They stayed up late in the common room, sharing stories and studying for classes. Bianca would have loved to spend all this time with the girls…but not when it meant missing out on sneaking to wherever she could see Frankie. If it wasn't them, then Frankie got caught up with quidditch or her own gang of friends and followers. They were back to their lives of friends and obligations, schoolwork and classes.

So, they didn't meet. It'd been a week since they were able to hold one another. A week since their lips tasted each other. A week since Bianca was able to hear that charming voice whisper in her ear and feel gentle fingers caress her face. A week since she'd run her hands through wind imbued locks and teased the tender spot right behind Frankie's ear.

This stunk worse than a dung bomb!

With another sigh, Bianca entered the Potions classroom. Unlike all the other Gryffindors, though, her face grew a bit brighter at the cold stone walls and intimidating dungeon setting. Why? Because of the cool blonde perched on the Slytherin side of the classroom. Frankie was at her desk. She leaned back in her chair, the quidditch team huddled around her and Gary. They were laughing and joking, jostling each other good-naturedly. Frankie had a calm confident smirk on her face, but the second Bianca stepped through the entrance, those hazel eyes flickered with life and happiness. Bianca felt her own mouth twist into a grin as she locked gazes with her girl. She languidly moved along, Babe almost having to push her to their desks. Frankie's eyes followed her, not once leaving the shimmering browns.

Bianca absentmindedly set her satchel on the wooden desk and lowered herself into her chair, her eyes taking in the other girl. She could feel Frankie doing the same, orbs gently smoothing over her face like a breath of fresh air.

SLAM!

Everyone jumped as the door to the professor's office smashed open. Snape stalked out, his dark cold eyes ticking over the students as they hustled to their seats. "Turn to page seven hundred and sixty two." He droned without emotion.

Bianca reluctantly turned to her satchel and pulled out her textbook, quill, parchment, and ink well. She flipped the book open to the announced page and bit her lip. In a span of a minute she was faced with both the reason she loved this class and the reason she hated this class. She dipped her quill tip into the ink and began to take notes, and Snape droned on about the potion they would be concocting later in the class period. Babe worked diligently beside her, not seeming to have noticed Bianca's stare contest with a certain quidditch seeker or even that Bianca hadn't been listening to her ramblings before Snape appeared. Babe was writing away, her face twisted into a look of deep, nearly lost, concentration. Bianca remembered how Babe said she was trying harder in classes. She silently wished her friend luck.

They both were going to need it.

Peeking up from her parchment full of notes, Bianca hazarded a look across the room. Frankie was hunched over her book, for all intents and purposes appearing as if she was scanning the material. But then, Bianca saw a swirl of green and brown peer out of the corner of her eyes. They held on Bianca for a few seconds then swept back to the book. Bianca bit her lip to hold back the giant smile that threatened to spread. She looked back at her notes for a moment then tilted her head to look at Frankie again.

Bianca watched as Frankie picked up her quill and dunked it in ink before scratching out a series of words on her parchment. She followed the firm grip of the fingers on the feather and smooth bend in the wrist as each letter was formed. Her imagination took over, and she could feel those hands wrapping around her waist. Strong yet soft palms flattened against her belly and slowly worked up, sliding over hidden curves. She felt her cheeks begin to burn as she recalled the night they shared the bottle of firewhiskey in a room down the hall. The illicit kisses they shared, wet and wonderful. Her heart thumped loudly and she had to swallow against her suddenly parched throat. The hand set down the quill and rose to the base of Frankie's throat. Bianca watched her fiddle with the knot of her tie, only making the angle of the green and silver striped cloth worsen.

Frankie peeked over at her, and Bianca was met with an adorable little half-grin. Bianca bit her lip harder to stop herself from both melting into a puddle at the endearing display and marching over in the middle of Snape's lecture and tugging Frankie up by that silly tie and pressing a kiss to those inviting lips.

Babe's quill tapping the back of her hand brought Bianca out of her daydream of making out with her girlfriend in the middle of Potions. She swiveled her head around, the thought that Babe had seen her shared gazes with Frankie causing a burst of fear to bubble in the pit of her stomach. Would she tell the others? Would they go after Frankie again?

Babe leaned over and whispered, "Can I use your ink?"

"What?" Bianca frowned in confusion. She was not expecting that.

Babe motioned toward her ink well. Bianca noticed it was empty. Oh. "Yes." Bianca nodded.

"Thanks." Babe flashed a smile and dipped her quill into Bianca's ink before returning to her notes.

Bianca released the breath she didn't even know she had been holding. She couldn't help but glance back over at Frankie. The blonde was watching the interaction, one eyebrow raised in question. Bianca subtly shook her head and the eyebrow dropped, Frankie acknowledging the answer to the unspoken inquiry.

Frankie went back to her book and notes, and Bianca went back to studying her. The dip between her eyebrows as she gave a bit more thought to the information. The twitch at the edge of her mouth as she understood what she was being told. How, when she became bored or was struck with inspiration, she would draw out quidditch plays in the margin of her notes.

The way she could not stop peeking over at Bianca with those beautiful caring eyes.

If Bianca leaned her body just so and bent her head just right, she could get glimpses of Frankie's paper. She could see the tiny dots on the margins with arrows and lines directing them to victory. She wasn't the only one. From time to time, Gary would sneak a look at the drawings, nodding with approval when he saw something he liked.

Bianca knew without a doubt that Frankie was going to make a great quidditch captain. She would go on and become a professional player, probably a really famous one. She'd probably be on posters and quidditch stores would fight to get her to help sell their products. She truly loved the game.

Bianca blinked as her mind took a detour from Frankie's potential future. It went back in time, instead. Back, to when the blonde coaxed her onto a broomstick and lifted her up to the clouds. Closing her eyes, she could feel the cold air spraying her face in the early morning sky. The gorgeous sunrise bathed the backs of her eyelids in a palette of color. A warm phantom body pressed into her front, and her hands dipped under clothing to rest against rippling muscle. Her heart fluttered and she felt a scorching intensity flame up in her chest.

"Bianca? Bianca, are you awake?" Babe shook her arm.

Bianca's eyes fluttered open and she looked at Babe, her lungs strangely lacking air. Babe smiled friendly, "Snape's done. It's time to make the potion."

"Oh," Bianca tried to plaster a smile on her face. She pushed up from her seat, her legs a bit wobbly. She held onto the edge of the desk and waited a moment, her heart rate slowing down enough that she could move without making a fool out of herself. Babe moved to gather their cauldrons. So, Bianca went toward the ingredients cabinet. Other students bustled by her, talking and going over the ingredients list. Bianca didn't pay them any mind, too worried about her sudden jelly legs caused by the girl she was missing…and who was in the same room as her.

Bianca made it to the ingredients and squeezed between two Gryffindor boys. She gathered a few bottles before it hit her. She didn't bring an ingredient list. Merlin, she didn't even know what they were making!

A hand grazed over her knuckles and someone curled around her side. "Montgomery." An arrogant voice greeted with a twinge of contempt. Bianca's head whipped to the side to see Frankie. The blonde had a look of disgust and loathing, but her eyes were filled with longing. Bianca swallowed thickly as Frankie's hand, now holding a container, swept back across her knuckles.

"Stone." Bianca greeted back, putting as much dislike in it as she could.

Frankie turned to grab something from her other side. Their arms and shoulders bumped together. Bianca let her hand slip from the tabletop and hang against her side. She felt a wave of emotion course through her as fingertips gently landed on her wrist and traced the curves of her hand. She twisted her wrist and captured the questing fingers, giving a caring squeeze to them. Frankie glanced at her. Bianca felt her chest hitch at that gaze. The mixture of brown and green with tiny flecks of gold contained such utter…affection. She could see the hinges of Frankie's jaw work as the blonde reeled in her feelings. They were, after all, in the middle of a busy Potions class with both their houses and friends in sight.

Breaking her gaze, Frankie let go of Bianca's hand and picked up all her items. She shot the brunette a parting sneer and walked away.

Bianca watched her leave, a sense of emptiness seeping into her. She knew they couldn't stay there much longer. Most of the students had gathered their items and were starting to make the potion. Not to mention Simone was probably watching them like a hawk, preparing to swoop in and save her. Facing the table again, she saw something was there that wasn't there before. A piece of parchment. Picking it up, Bianca read it over. It was a list of ingredients…in Frankie's handwriting. Merlin, she adored this girl.

Scooping up all the items listed, Bianca made her way to Babe and their cauldrons. She gave one last look to the Slytherin side, where she saw Frankie watching her while Gary poured something into a smoky cauldron.

That's it. Enough. She was meeting with Frankie that night no matter what.

Dinner had been another yawn inducing event. Simone alternated between talking about her boyfriend and harping on the Slytherins. Erin and Dani joined in, along with the rest of the table. The Slytherin-Gryffindor quidditch match was soon, and both sides were gearing up for a showdown. Which meant Bianca had to listen to nearly every single Gryffindor from the first years to the seventh years go on and on about how horrible the Slytherins were and how Frankie Stone was one of the most evil seekers to ever play the game. Bianca probably ate twice as much as she usually did, stuffing spoonfuls of mashed potatoes into her mouth to stop herself from telling them all how wrong they were and how Frankie was better than most of them could ever dream of being. Other than that, it was boring. That was all they talked about. Really, what was so important about this one quidditch match that it had to eat up all conversation? She'd rather talk about Potions and compliment Snape than have to sit through one more piece of dialogue on how the Gryffindor team was prepared and ready to win. Good for them. Didn't mean Frankie wasn't going to beat them.

It only made a long meal longer. Bianca had a plan for after the meal. One that involved her telling her friends she was going to the library for a book when she was actually going to the dungeons to find Frankie. After dinner Frankie would be at practice, the Slytherins only able to get that time booked for use of the pitch. She'd wait for Frankie to come back and corner her on her way to the Slytherin dorms.

It was a good plan.

With that in mind, after eating enough mashed potatoes to last a lifetime, Bianca bid her friends goodbye and headed toward the library. Simone was wary of letting her go alone, but Bianca informed her that she was fine and didn't need an escort everywhere she went. Really, Simone was going overboard on this Slytherin hatred. It took longer than she planned to get them to go ahead and leave her alone, but they eventually did.

With a watchful eye, Bianca snuck down to the dungeons. She crept through the eerily dark passageways. The flickering torches provided the only light and cast shadows across the glacial walls. She clutched her robes tighter around her, the freezing temperature of the area causing bumps to rise up on her skin. Keeping close to the wall, Bianca went in the direction of the Potions classroom. Not knowing exactly where the Slytherin dorms were, she knew Frankie would have to walk past that room to get to them. It made sense to wait there.

"I think Paul should start as goalkeeper."

Gasping at the voice, Bianca jerked back against the wall. It was so close, right around the corner. She couldn't get caught down here. She wasn't necessarily scared of what the Slytherins might do…though she wasn't naive enough to think it wouldn't be painful…she had to find Frankie. Spotting an alcove in the shadows, Bianca ducked inside it and held her breath.

Gary and Frankie ambled around the corner, both dressed in their practice quidditch robes. Gary had a piece of parchment in his hand while Frankie toyed with her leather flying gloves.

"Paul's faster than Jeremy, but he's dumb as a giant." Frankie replied.

"You'd start Jeremy against Gryffindor?"

They both stopped walking. Gary leaned against the wall as Frankie stood before him, her face serious. "Gryffindor's faster than us. They're also a lot stupider. Have the beaters focus on their top two chasers and they won't score anything."

Bianca tried to follow the conversation. She knew a bit about quidditch, but had a hard time remembering all the rules and positions. That didn't matter too much. She was happy being able to see and hear Frankie.

"Jeremy it is." Gary folded the parchment and slipped it in a pocket.

Frankie smirked, "You worry too much. I'm going to catch the snitch."

Gary stared, "We can't underestimate Gryffindor."

"Or overestimate." Frankie waved a hand, "You give their speed too much credit. Speed only works up to a point then strategy comes in. The smarter team wins."

"I still want double practices beginning next week."

Double practices? Bianca did not like that.

Frankie exhaled, "You'll overwork the team."

"They can handle it." Gary responded.

Frankie rubbed at the back of her neck, her hand trailing over the necklace chain, "Whatever."

Gary moved away from the wall, his face turning more somber, "You still want captain next year."

Frankie let her hand fall to her side, "I'm the best player this team has."

Gary crossed his arms, "You and Novak today…"

"Novak's a pompous idiot." Frankie interrupted him. Her jaw tightened, "He deserves what happened to him."

Bianca frowned. Something happened with Novak? When?

Gary glanced down the hall, "Something's happening. You need to be cautious."

Frankie's eyes hardened, "I will make captain. It's not up to them."

Gary looked back at her, "You know what I mean."

Bianca didn't know what he meant, but by the waver in Frankie's eyes, she did.

"Gary! Frankie!" Rich's loud voice shouted, "Oye! Practice is over."

Rich and another boy walked up to the duo. Gary and Frankie shared one last meaningful look before stepping back and allowing the two to form a circle with them. Bianca recognized the boy from the library before break. What was his name? She didn't know, but she recalled he'd been rather piggish toward Frankie because of her bloodlines. She didn't like him.

Rich slapped Frankie's back jovially, "You're not having a team meeting without me, you're not."

Gary shook his head, "We're only talking."

Frankie nodded, "Gary's not sure I'll win the match against Gryffindor's pathetic seeker."

Rich gaped, "He said that, did he? You crazy, Chancellor? Frankie's gonna wipe the floor with him, she is."

Gary rolled his eyes, "I did not say that."

Frankie smirked, "He thinks the Gryffindors have a good team."

Rich shook a finger at Gary, "You're making us do doubles again, aren't you."

Frankie snickered as Gary stared nonplussed, "It's for the best."

Rich groaned, "Here we go again, we do. Ain't nothing but more work and less sleep."

"Perhaps it is for the best." The unnamed boy finally spoke up, "You wouldn't want to chance a loss because you have…inferior players." He glared at Frankie.

Bianca's head whipped around at that. What did he just say?

Frankie's mouth dropped to a thin line. She returned his glare with stony eyes, "Slytherin is never inferior."

The boy shrugged, "It's not meant to be. Sometimes, a few slip through the cracks and mix with those of better birth."

Frankie took a step forward as Rich and Gary stared daggers at the boy. Gary made as if to stop Frankie, but she stopped moving before he could reach out, "Sometimes those who think they are of better birth find out they are nothing more than the insects crawling on the ground."

"You think you're better than me?" The boy puffed out his chest. "Filthy mudblood."

Frankie didn't hesitate, "I know I'm better than you."

The tension between the two was thicker than the stone walls surrounding them.

Gary stepped between them and stood in front of Frankie, "Curfew's soon."

"Righty-o." Rich nodded. He gave the boy a stiff push, "Best get back before Filch comes."

Gary turned to look at Frankie, "Let's go."

Frankie shook her head, "I'll be there soon. I forgot something during Potions."

Gary nodded, "Fine. See you soon."

Frankie nodded and watched as he walked away. When he disappeared around a bend, Frankie turned and walked…away from the Potions classroom. Bianca squinted in confusion. Where was she…

Wordlessly, Frankie darted into the alcove.

Before Bianca had time to react, Frankie was pressed up against her. Her arms hungrily wrapped around her and sweet lips captured Bianca's in a searing kiss. A tiny surprised very untroll-like squeak sounded in the back of Bianca's throat, but it was soon replaced by a whimper of need.

Eyes slamming shut, Bianca tucked her hands into Frankie's robes, pulling the girl until there was nothing between them. Any form of thought flew out the window as lips, teeth, and tongues met, dancing and dueling with unrepentant vigor. Desperately their mouths fused together, wet and sloppy but just what both girls needed. Bianca's body sung at the touch and feel of it all. Her skin hummed with electricity and her blood throbbed with joy.

Bianca felt her back hit the rocky wall, and she arched into Frankie, craving more. Butterflies flocked in her belly and heated desire raced through her being. This was what she had been missing. This and so much more.

Their mouths broke apart, both gasping for air. Bianca felt their foreheads press together and the tips of their noses bump lightly. Breaths puffed against her swollen lips. A bare hand skimmed over her arm and unwrapped it from the thin waist. Bianca opened her eyes a fraction as Frankie locked the hand with her own, carefully holding it against the wall behind her.

"Frankie?" Bianca whispered, her words crashing over a luscious mouth.

Frankie kissed her softly, "Hey."

"Hey." Bianca replied with a loving smile. She brought her free hand up to Frankie's face and cupped her cheek. Her thumb brushed over the reddened flesh, both soothing and igniting. She pulled the face back to her own, giving Frankie a kiss that had the blonde leaning further into her for balance.

Fueled by instinct, Bianca spun them around, forcing Frankie up against the wall. Their combined hands rested near Frankie's head, the grip tight yet supple. Frankie swung her other arm around Bianca's back. Bianca tore her mouth away from Frankie's and tenderly nibbled the path traced by her thumb. She swirled her tongue over a delicate cheekbone and grazed her teeth across a smooth jaw line.

"Merlin, I've missed you." Bianca inhaled.

She felt Frankie's smirk, "Impatient?"

Bianca kissed the edge of her mouth, "Very."

Frankie laughed softly, "Must be a Gryffindor."

Bianca nipped her bottom lip, "You know you missed me."

"Did I?"

Bianca gave her a hard kiss, receiving a moan in response. She pulled back with a triumphant grin. "Yes, you did."

Frankie playfully rolled her eyes, "Whatever."

Bianca walked her fingers up the side of the blonde's face and tangled them in silky locks. Their eyes met and held, affectionate smiles adorning both their faces.

"How did you know I was here?" Bianca asked.

Frankie gave a tiny shrug, "I always know when you're there."

"Aww, that's so sweet." Bianca cooed. How could someone not like this girl? So adorable.

Frankie's ears turned red and she turned her face to the side, "Shut up."

Bianca pecked the now exposed cheek, "Cutie."

Footsteps.

Bianca's breath caught, and she froze at the sound. In the distance she could hear voices. They were coming closer.

Frankie untangled herself from Bianca and pushed away from the wall. She placed a finger over her lips, signaling Bianca to be quiet. She peeked out of the alcove, listening for where the incoming Slytherins might be. Pulling back in, she glanced at Bianca, "You need to stop coming down here."

Bianca shot her a look, "I wanted to see you. You wanted to see me, too."

Frankie shook her head, "It's not safe." She pointed in the direction of the stairs, "I'll distract them. Give me two minutes, then go."

Bianca sighed and ran her hands through her hair in frustration, "You just got here."

Frankie's face softened. She reached up and planted a chaste kiss on Bianca's cheek, "Soon. I'll figure something out." She winked, "Patience."

Then, she was gone.

Bianca waited the two minutes. She could faintly hear Frankie coming upon the Slytherins and engaging them in conversation. With a longing gaze down the hall, she darted out of the alcove and to the stairs. She made her way to the seventh floor, but instead of turning toward Gryffindor Tower, she went the other way. She didn't feel like dealing with her friends at that moment. The only person she wanted to talk to was Frankie.

She touched her still tingling lips. She wanted to keep kissing her forever. It felt right. It felt wonderful. She wanted to see that roguish grin and hold her hand again.

Why couldn't they be together? Why? Why did everyone have to be so against them? Her friends made complaining about Frankie into some sort of art form, and the Slytherins were a group of snakes. What that boy said to Frankie, implying she was inferior…Bianca could smack him.

Walking along, Bianca went past a tapestry depicting Barnabas the Barmy teaching trolls to ballet. She stopped and looked at the tapestry. Trolls. She released a sigh. She just wanted to be with Frankie. That's all she wanted. She wanted to walk to class with her and study together. Merlin, she would settle for being able to give her a kiss without worrying about being found or what people would do to them.

Bianca slowly began to pace back and forth. Society was stupid. Plain and simple. It was because of society that they were somehow forbidden from being together. They weren't even supposed to be nice to each other. Not a Gryffindor and Slytherin. It was because of society that Frankie kept being talked to like that boy talked to her. No one should be told they're inferior just because they were born to muggle parents. No one chooses they're parents. And, Frankie was in no way inferior. She was pretty amazing, actually.

If only there was someplace they could go. Someplace they could just be them. Not have to worry about what others would say or think. Not have to wonder how someone else was going to treat them because of who they were or who they were dating. Where it could be like break was. The two of them together and free. No worries. No doubts. No meddling friends or ignorant jerks.

Just them.

Just…love.

Turning to take her fourth pass in front of the tapestry, Bianca looked over at the other wall. She stopped walking. There was a door there. It hadn't been there before. Slowly, she approached it. She grabbed the door handle and swung the door open.

Inside was a comfy looking room. A cushiony couch sat in the middle with a few chairs scattered about. There was a table and a fireplace. Walking in, she noticed a bunch of what appeared to be quidditch equipment stockpiled in a corner. A radio sat on the table, and when she flicked it on, a dance tune began to play. The room was bright and cheery. Green and silver mixed with red and gold to give it a unique and inviting feeling. Warm blankets were thrown over a few chairs, and pillows doted the floor in front of the fire. A set of wizard's chess and exploding snap littered the table along with a brand new box of sugar quills.

It was perfect.

Bianca had discovered the Room of Requirement.