TheBoondocksRox: Beast, huh? That's quite a compliment. Thank you. In regards to this being only your second comment, I take that to mean you will be commenting more...which makes me happy...and also I might now be expecting comments. Don't let me down! Just think, if you keeping leaving comments I might keep giving you shoutouts. As for Babe, she might know, she might not know. Frankie is a pretty good quidditch player. You think all her bragging wasn't real? :)

Bianca burst into the Room of Requirement, sleep still in her eyes at the early morning hour. She looked around and spotted a bemused Frankie at the table, the Daily Prophet held open in front of her.

"Good morning." Bianca chirped as she bounced over to Frankie.

"Hey." Frankie greeted, accepting the quick kiss.

Bianca dropped into a seat beside her and placed a letter on the table followed by all the items she needed to write in response.

"Your application to troll school?" Frankie remarked dryly.

Bianca rolled her eyes, "Letter from my parents. We're writing back to them. I want to send it out at breakfast."

Frankie turned the page, "We are?"

"Yes, we are." Bianca smoothed out the folded edges, "They wrote to both of us."

"Your parents wrote to me?" An undercurrent of disbelief tinged the words.

"Yes, they did." Bianca nodded.

Frankie folded the newspaper and set it aside next to the empty cereal bowl and plate full of crumbs. She'd more and more taken to eating breakfast there instead of in the Great Hall, "Why?"

"They want to know how you're doing." Bianca dipped the quill tip in ink, "I wrote out my part already, but I want to get your answers correct."

Frankie stared at her.

"What?" Bianca held the quill over the parchment.

Frankie blinked and after a moment, "What do they want to know?"

Bianca beamed. She was a little hesitant about what Frankie's response would be to this. But, her parents asked about Frankie a lot. That's what happened when their daughter wrote about the blonde nonstop. She couldn't wait for them all to meet. She knew they'd all take to each other instantly. Her parents were great, and who couldn't love Frankie? And…maybe…Frankie wouldn't have to be so alone anymore. Yeah, she acted like it didn't matter, and maybe to some degree it didn't. But, to not have a home to go to was horrible. Not anymore, though. Frankie might not know it, but she was gaining a home.

She gestured for Frankie to come closer, "First, I told them how awesome you were during the quidditch match. Jack said good job and," she peeked at Frankie, "he could use a good seeker in the family pickup games."

Frankie's eyes flickered at that. Bianca held her breath.

"I'm better than good." Frankie finally responded with soft slightly vulnerable orbs contrasting the cocky answer.

Bianca released her breath and laughed in relief at the familiar response. She looked back at the letter, "They want to know how you are."

"Fine." Frankie replied, moving close enough that her side brushed against Bianca's.

She adjusted so their arms pressed together, "They want to know how you liked classes resuming."

"Mediocre except for Potions. I'm happy that class is back."

Bianca bit her lip, "Why's that?"

"I get to see something truly beautiful every class."

Bianca stopped writing, "You think I'm beautiful?" She absently pinched the quill charm between her thumb and forefinger.

Frankie averted her eyes, "I believe I told you that before."

"You were drunk." That night down in the dungeons with Gary's Christmas gift.

"I was when I first kissed you, but you still believed in it then."

The beginnings of a blush dusted Bianca's cheeks, "I think you're the most gorgeous girl I've ever met."

Frankie ran her fingers over the chain of her necklace, "You do live with Gryffindors." The flattered tone belayed the words. She cleared her throat and nodded at the parchment, "Anymore?"

Bianca took the subject change in stride, "They…um…want to know when they'll get to meet you." She found herself holding her breath at that. Yes, she was adamant that Frankie and her family would get along splendidly, but this was Frankie still. This was the girl who had a way of closing herself off as only a Slytherin could. Taking a peek at her girl, she saw that Frankie's face was stoic. Oh, had this been too much of a question? Was it too early still? Yes, they'd been together for months, but it did take them years to even acknowledge that they wanted to talk with each other let alone date. When she had read the question her mom and stepdad posed, it made her heart flutter. They might not know the full extent of her relationship with Frankie, but just the fact that her family was eager to meet her girlfriend was amazing. Did Frankie want that, though? She had to. She had been so happy when she got all those gifts at Christmas.

"Meet?" Frankie finally asked.

Bianca nodded, "They already like you, Frankie. They just want to put a face to the name."

"They know?"

Know? About them? "No, not yet." Bianca set down the quill and reached for Frankie. She gently touched her arm, "They know you're important to me. And I want to, someday, tell them how important you really are."

Frankie glanced down at the fingers resting on her forearm, "How much do they know about me?"

"They don't care about what house you're in or where you come from." Or that the touch of your lips makes my head spin.

Frankie kept her eyes averted.

"You don't have to if you don't want to." Bianca added.

Strong fingers covered Bianca's, "Is there anything I need to know beforehand? Troll greetings perhaps?"

Bianca felt her body relax at the teasing words. She nudged the blonde, "We're not trolls."

"Giants then."

With rolling eyes, she arched into Frankie and pecked her cheek, "You are kind of short."

"Helps with the slithering." She turned her head and caught Bianca's lips with her own.

Bianca gave into the kiss, her mind retreating as her senses took over. The feel of the soft flesh molded to her mouth, the hint of orange against her tongue, and the tiny whimper that rang in her ears all whirled in her head. A hand cupped her cheek and the pad of a thumb smoothed tenderly over her rosy skin.

Pulling back slowly, Bianca opened her eyes and gazed into swirling hazel, "You really want to meet them?"

Frankie continued to stroke her cheek. She gave a tiny nod.

"Thank you." Bianca kissed her again.

The brunette broke away and turned back to the letter, but a hand stilled her movements. She looked back to see Frankie staring at her with so much affection and desire it nearly knocked her off her chair, "Frankie?"

Frankie grasped the hand with the bracelet and pressed the metal against the pliable wrist, "I think we should finish the letter later."

Bianca felt the intense look in her veins, "Why?"

Frankie rubbed her thumb over pale skin, "I want to give your parents my full attention. I can't do that right now."

Bianca let go off the quill she'd just picked up and reached for Frankie.

A few days later Bianca merrily skipped into the Room of Requirement. Well, she didn't necessarily skip. It was more of a dragging motion. The fifth year was laden down with books, notes, and anything else she could use to study for OWLs. The exams were coming quickly, and there was not much time left to cram for all the information that could possibly be on the tests.

She exhaled loudly as her satchel was taken from her, lightening the load enormously.

"I see you came prepared." Frankie hefted the bag into her arms and walked over to the table. She dropped it onto the wooden surface, causing the bottle of water she'd been sipping on to shake.

"OWLs are a huge deal." Bianca followed her study partner.

"They're tests."

"That determine what classes I can take next year and what jobs I can get after school."

Frankie shrugged, "Still just tests."

Bianca let the rest of her things fall to the floor and flopped into a chair, "Spoken like someone who doesn't need them." Every fifth year in Gryffindor was busy studying. It was like an epidemic of academia.

Frankie smirked, "I could teach you how to be an excellent quidditch player." The smirk deepend, "If you weren't terrified of flying."

"I'm not afraid of flying." Bianca huffed.

"It was my other girlfriend who was clutching me like a lifeline and screaming when I took her flying over break?"

Bianca glared at the teasing eyebrow, "I didn't scream, and you don't have another girlfriend."

"Nearly deafened me."

Bianca grabbed the bottle of water and took a healthy swallow, "You were trying to kill us! Oh, and you are not allowed to do that move anymore." She waved her hands to emphasize her point.

"That move?"

"You know what I'm talking about." Bianca twisted the cap back on the bottle, "I know you're quidditch player extraordinaire, but it's dangerous. You could get hurt."

Frankie stepped up to her, her legs bumping against Bianca's bent knees, "Your worry is appreciated but unwarranted. I know what I'm doing."

Bianca set the bottle on the table and snagged the green and silver tie. She yanked Frankie down so their faces were level, "Quidditch is dangerous enough." The image of the bludger heading for Frankie popped in her head. "I know you're good enough, but it's still scary to see you hurtling toward the ground. It's something I don't want to see."

Frankie sighed and placed her hands on the arms of the chair.

Bianca gave a small tug, "I don't want something to happen to you."

"It won't."

"Please?"

"I'll work on another maneuver for next year." Frankie relented.

"Thank you." Bianca pulled her in for a kiss. She felt Frankie melt into her, and her body reacted instantly. Before she fell completely under the girl's thrall, though, she pushed her back, "We have to study."

Frankie leaned back in, "We will."

Bianca turned her head and brought her hand up to cover Frankie's mouth, "I need to do well, and I can't concentrate if you keep kissing me like that."

Frankie snickered against the hand.

Bianca saw the glint in her eyes, "Kissing me at all. We have to study. You said you'd help me."

Frankie shot her a look.

Bianca took back her hand, "I'm serious. I'm really nervous about this."

"I remember." Bianca had basically suffered a 'moment' which resulted in Frankie assuring her they'd study and she'd help Bianca pass.

Bianca blushed as she remembered.

Frankie straightened and slid into the open chair. "Charms first?" She reached for the textbook.

Bianca nodded, "Ok." She knew charms. She was good at that class.

Frankie flipped open the book to a certain chapter. Finding the spot she wanted, she settled the book in her lap and plucked out a quill, ink, and parchment from the satchel. She slid them over to Bianca, "Here."

Bianca offered her a grateful look, "First question?"

Frankie skimmed the text, "There'll be a written and a practical for this exam."

"I know." She would get this.

"Good." Frankie put her finger under a line, "What is the incantation for a color changing charm?"

Bianca bit her lip.

"A bowtruckle is small. It has long sharp fingers and eats insects."

"Where does it live?"

"Trees."

"What sort of trees?"

Bianca paused.

"Ones usually used in the making of…"

"wands!" Bianca finished for Frankie.

"What is a Banshee?"

"It's a dark creature. Um…it has the appearance of a woman, and its scream can kill a person."

"Sort of like you flying."

Bianca flicked a scrap of parchment at Frankie's laughing face.

"A key ingredient in a strengthening potion?"

"Salamander blood."

"Very good." Frankie closed the Potions textbook.

Bianca exhaled and leaned back in her chair. They'd gone over Charms, Care of Magical Creatures, DADA, and Potions. Her head felt like it was ready to explode. As if reading her mind – or body language – Frankie set the book aside and slid the bottle of water to her. Bianca hastily unscrewed the cap and drank the rest of the liquid.

"A little more on Potions and you'll be fine." Frankie spoke up. They'd tackle the other subject another day.

"I hate Potions." Bianca grumbled.

Frankie formed one of those tiny crooked grins that made Bianca feel light as a feather, "Doubtful."

Bianca tossed the empty bottle into the trash bin near the wall, "Everyone hates Potions. I bet even you Slytherins don't like it."

"I'm supposedly not even passing the class, so I must despise it immensely."

Bianca rubbed at her tired eyes, "Have I told you I missed you today?" It was one of the days Potions didn't take place, so she didn't get to see Frankie all throughout the school day. Even at lunch she hadn't been able to spot the blonde across the room. Probably because her friends had been insistent in including her in their gossip session. Which was fine, except for the part where she barely got a glance toward the Slytherin table.

"Too busy kissing me."

Bianca chuckled, "I missed you."

Frankie's voice softened, "I missed you, too."

Bianca stretched out her arms, "We have to take the same classes next year."

"If I pass."

"Oh, stop." Bianca stood up. She rolled her eyes at the smirk, "We both know you'll get outstanding scores on all your OWLs." She stepped over to Frankie and tumbled into her lap, "Hi."

"Hi." Frankie automatically wrapped her arms around her waist.

Bianca kissed her, "How was your day?"

She didn't miss the flicker in Frankie's eyes, "Fine."

Bianca brushed the tip of her nose over a firm jaw, "What happened?"

"Nothing."

Bianca curled her palm around Frankie's face and locked their gazes, "When you say nothing it means something."

"Why must something have happened? Need to play the hero?" Frankie bit out.

Bianca tightened her hold as Frankie tried to look away, "Stop." She brought their foreheads together, "Did something happen to you today?" She hadn't heard anything in the hallways, but the gossip mill was known to miss vital information. Like the fact that Frankie was actually doing well in class. Or that they were dating.

Frankie lowered her eyes, "It's nothing. Just…."

"Just what?" Bianca coaxed. It was clear the Frankie didn't want to talk about it, and that she actually wanted to tell Bianca. Bianca felt special knowing Frankie felt she could confide in her about things she normally refused to talk about.

"Just Novak and his loser friends."

Bianca felt her blood freeze, "What did he do?"

Frankie raised her eyes, "Nothing I can't handle."

"Did he make fun of you again? Try to hex you?" the ice in her veins was turning to boiling lava. "That's it!" She suddenly burst to her feet and began to storm toward the door.

"Bianca," Frankie jumped up and followed. She latched onto her arms, halting her.

"Let go, Frankie. I'm tired of those people saying stuff about you."

"Stop." Frankie intoned, "Calm down."

"Calm down? He keeps going after you because of what? Some stupid pureblood thing?" Bianca wriggled in the grasp.

Frankie held on, "So a Gryffindor is going to attack a Slytherin for a Slytherin?"

"No, I'm going to attack him because of how he treats you."

Frankie pulled her back against her body, "I can handle him, Bianca."

"You shouldn't have to."

"I don't need a hero."

Bianca spun to face her, "I'm not a hero. I'm your girlfriend." No one treated someone she loved like that and got away with it.

"Listen to me. I do not need you to protect me. I can take care of myself."

Bianca bit her lip, "You don't have to anymore. I'm here for you, Frankie."

"Then be here for me."

Bianca felt the raging fire in her die at the vulnerability hidden in that statement. Slowly, she wrapped her arms around Frankie, "I am here for you."

Frankie returned the embrace, "I don't need some halfcocked Gryffindor heroics."

"I know." It went against everything her heart and body told her to do, but she understood. "I'm sorry Novak went after you again. Was Gary with you at least? The team?"

Frankie pressed her mouth to the side of Bianca's neck, "Arrived just in time to see that idiot slam into a wall." Gary had supported her, but his look told her she needed to be careful.

Frankie could protect herself, "Did you knock him out?" Frankie knew more than one defensive spell.

"That question sounds slightly vicious."

Bianca shrugged, "Must be the troll in me."

After that they returned to the books and studied for another hour. It was fast approaching dinner time, and both could feel the hunger gnawing inside. Bianca was rereading the portion on swelling solution for Potions while Frankie checked her notes.

As she read the ingredients for the potion, it was like a tiny light bulb went off in Bianca's head. "Merlin, I forgot!"

Frankie glanced up, "What?"

Bianca tossed the book aside and reached for her satchel, "The mail! The letter from mom and Jack came in today."

"Oh," Frankie appeared to not really care, but her eyes watched raptly as the envelope appeared.

"I wanted to read it with you, since we both wrote to them." Bianca scooted her chair closer to Frankie - so by about three inches.

Frankie blinked and smoothed out the parchment of notes, "No big deal. It's only a letter."

Bianca gave her a quick knowing peek as she tore open the flap and pulled out the parchment. She grinned at the familiar handwriting. Her stepfather had written this one.

Frankie casually spoke, "Anything interesting?"

Bianca worked out the creases in the letter, "Maybe. Want to read it to me?"

Frankie shook her head, "It's your letter."

"It's our letter, Frankie. He wrote to the both of us. See," she pointed at the greeting, "it says Bianca and Frankie."

Frankie peered at the words, "You did make us both sign the previous one. Probably thought he had to."

Bianca handed the letter to Frankie, "You know that's not true."

Frankie cautiously took the letter, "Doesn't mean anything."

Bianca snuggled up against her, "What did they say?"

Frankie blinked at the writing, "Your stepfather is happy to hear we are both enjoying our time here. He thinks your mother has spent every last knut of his paycheck on the new spring fashion line coming out."

"That's my mom." Bianca snorted.

Frankie hesitated, "And he…wishes me luck with the quidditch cup and can't wait to see me play sometime."

Bianca brushed a kiss to her shoulder, "Anything else?"

"He and your mom love you and…they can't wait to meet me sometime. Your stepdad promises to make sure your mom doesn't cook whenever I visit."

Bianca hugged her side, "My mom is a horrible cook. He just saved your life there."

Frankie stared at the letter.

Bianca watched her face flash with emotion, "I told you they like you."

"They're nice." Frankie got out. She folded the letter and handed it back to Bianca.

Bianca took the letter, "Wait till they find out you helped me pass OWLs." She set the letter on the table and grasped Frankie's hand, "I bet Jack's already planning on coming to your matches next year. We'll be the two crazy people in the stands with signs."

"Doubt it." Why would he go to her matches?

"You haven't met Jack." Bianca squeezed her hand, "Just don't listen to his tips. He's only ever played chaser. He knows nothing about seeker."

"I don't need tips."

"He'll give them to you anyway." Bianca kissed her ear, "He has all summer to come up with chants, too."

A moment. "No glitter." Frankie ordered.

Bianca smiled at what she meant, "Extra glitter." Yep, Frankie was gaining a family.

Frankie grinned softly as Bianca kissed her temple. The grin grew and her eyes narrowed as Bianca pulled away with a gasp, "One more thing!" Bianca had been waiting all day to look at these, "The pictures came back!"

"Pictures?"

Bianca produced an envelope from her satchel, "The pictures from my birthday."

Frankie stared at the envelope, "The day you broke your camera?"

"I didn't break it." Bianca pulled out the stack of pictures, "It just needed to rest afterward."

Frankie scoffed, "The mechanical machine needed a rest after taking two hundred photos."

"Hush. I did not take two hundred." More like one hundred and thirty-eight. She held up the first photo, "You look so cute."

The picture was of Frankie, blinded by the many flashes, stumbling into the back of the sofa. The mini Frankie staggered into the couch and bounced back.

"Funny." Frankie rolled her eyes. It still was weird at times to see pictures that moved, but seeing herself move was even weirder.

Bianca spread out a handful of photos on the table. Frankie plucked one up, "Here."

This one was of Bianca. The small brunette was sitting in a chair near the table. She gave a wave to the camera and flashed a huge smile.

Bianca looked at Frankie, "You like that one?" Frankie had picked one of her.

Frankie shrugged, "It's not me running into something. And," her voice softened, "I like your smile in it."

Awww. "You are such a cutie!"

Frankie shook her head and set the photo down, "Whatever."

Bianca waved her hand over the array of pictures, "We have to pick one for your locket."

Frankie absently touched the silver and gold tinged chain around her neck, "From this many?"

Bianca scanned the group and picked one up, "You look so adorable."

It was of Frankie crouched near the fire. She poked at the flames and her head turned to give the camera a lopsided grin.

"My ego isn't so big that I'm going to put a picture of myself in a heart-shaped locket." Frankie took the photo from her and set it down.

As they looked over the different pictures, Frankie said, "Hogsmeade is next weekend."

"I know. I'm so excited." Bianca clapped her hands. It was the last trip for the year to the small town close to Hogwarts.

Frankie nodded, "Need more fudge?"

Yes, she had a slight craving for Honeyduke's chocolates, "And a butterbeer from the Three Broomsticks." Her friends were already talking about meeting for a pint of the drink at the pub.

"Drinking alone?" Frankie picked up one photo, but quickly set it back down.

Bianca glanced over at her, "I don't know. Maybe a sexy Slytherin will whisk me away for a shot of Firewhiskey."

Frankie's eyes twinkled, "Thought you wanted butterbeer."

"I'll take both if she's the one drinking with me."

Frankie looked up, "We'll have to be careful."

There would be students and faculty everywhere, not to mention the town's residents, "Of course."

Frankie returned her vision to the photos, "Meet behind the quill shop?"

Bianca touched her charm, "Are you bringing alcohol?"

"Do I need to?"

No, Bianca would definitely kiss her without it, "Do you?"

Bianca found herself in an intense kiss. Before her body could respond, Frankie had pulled back and was nonchalantly looking at the pictures again. She smiled and touched a fingertip to her tingling mouth. Merlin.

Frankie pursed her lips and held up a photo, "How about this one?"

Bianca tore her eyes away from the endearing face to see. A gasp escaped. It was the picture of them kissing. She watched as the miniature Frankie kissed her with such…emotion. She felt mesmerized by the way the blonde's lips moved against her own with so much confidence, yet there was care in the touch. There was everything she had ever wanted to feel in that simple embrace. And when they pulled away, the look in the little Frankie's eyes…

"Merlin, I love you." Bianca breathed out.

The air in the room immediately tensed.

Oh no. Bianca's eyes widened as her brain caught up with what her heart had said. Her eyes instantly went to Frankie. Frankie was staring at her. Her eyes were unreadable, and her face was as closed off as if they were back in the dungeons, Bianca forcing Frankie to see what was between them, what they could be.

They stared at each other in stunned silence.

Without a word, Frankie dropped the photo on the table and awkwardly stood up. She paced over to the fireplace, putting distance that seemed as wide as the ocean between her and Bianca.

"Frankie?" Bianca got to her feet. What had she done?

Frankie kept her back to her. She stared into the fireplace, the logs long burned out and only blackened embers in their place. She crossed her arms over her chest.

"Frankie." Bianca took a step. This was not how she had planned on confessing her love to Frankie. She took another step, then another, "Honey."

Shoulders tightened at the term of endearment.

This was not what she had planned at all. There were supposed to be candles and candy. There was going to be music and it was going to be really romantic. Frankie was supposed to hold her and kiss her, not…this. Not close herself off. It was too soon. How could she have let that slip out? Yes, she adored Frankie. She loved her more than anything. It hurt to see Frankie acting like this. Frankie didn't feel the same. Frankie didn't love her back. Oh no.

"You…" Frankie's voice trailed off.

Bianca stopped a foot away from her, "What?"

Frankie's head shook.

She needed to see her face. "Can you look at me?"

Frankie didn't budge.

Bianca carefully palmed her shoulders and slowly turned her. She was met with a clenched jaw and the most emotional gaze she'd ever witnessed. The browns and greens swirled with confusion, doubt, anger, and fear. But, there was also hope and something she couldn't describe but it made her stomach clench and her heart pound. All of these things battled as Frankie fought for control, fought to hide the battle from sight.

Bianca lovingly smoothed her hand over Frankie's cheek, "I meant it. I mean it."

Frankie pursed her lips in scorn, "The brave Gryffindor confessing her love for who? The homeless muggle-born?"

"Frankie, no."

The sneer deepened, "Trying to be the hero, are we? Get your parents to write to me. Declare your willingness to fight on my behalf." Her voice became choked up, "Such a perfect little lion. You found your…perceived hopeless victim…and you became the white knight. Save me from Slytherin. I'm not hopeless. I don't need saving."

Bianca smashed their lips together, cutting off whatever words she might say next. Though Frankie tried, she couldn't stop herself from responding to the kiss.

"I love you, Frankie." Bianca whispered strongly. She gazed into her eyes, "I want to be with you. It has nothing to do with anything but you as a person, and you know that. Stop talking like that, because you know how I feel about you. We're past believing we're together because of anything else."

Frankie attempted to look away, but Bianca stopped her, "I love you."

Frankie released a harsh breath and jerked out of her hold. She rapidly moved away from her.

Bianca watched her, "You were the first person I met at the train station to Hogwarts." She felt like crying, and the tears coated her voice, "I've only ever cared about you. Even then, we fit so well. It's you, Frankie. It's always been you."

Frankie leaned against the side of the sofa.

Bianca gulped past the lump in her throat, "I love you, Frankie. I fell in love with you, and I can't stop. I'm always going to feel this way." She couldn't hold down the sob anymore, and tears rolled down her face. "And you know why. You know it." She could see it in Frankie's eyes. This hurt so much. It hurt worse than anything. She wasn't going to give up, but at that second her heart felt shattered. She wiped furiously at her tears, but they kept falling.

After a few seconds, lean fingers grasped her wrists and gently guided her hands away from her face. Thumbs spread over her cheeks, wiping at the fallen tears. Bianca stared out of watery eyes at Frankie's. The hands cupped her face and she wept as their lips met in the most loving kiss she'd ever shared.

"I love you." Frankie whispered hoarsely.

"You don't have to say it because I…"

Frankie interrupted her with another kiss. She gazed at her, and Bianca knew it was true, "I love you."

"Really?"

Frankie rubbed the tip of her thumb along her cheekbone, "I've never…loved anyone." No one had ever loved her. Her eyes glimmered, "I love you."

Bianca threw herself into Frankie, "I love you."

Frankie held her. She threaded her hand in Bianca's long hair and griped her back. Bianca wrapped her arms around Frankie as tightly as she could. Frankie closed her eyes and took in the warmth that enveloped her from the declaration. When she said it back, Bianca had never felt more whole in her entire life. When they kissed, it felt like heaven.

Frankie pressed her mouth to Bianca's ear, "I know how you see me. Know that I do love you."

She was sixteen, in love, and her girlfriend loved her back. Could it get any better than that?