If I was J.K. Rowling, why would I be writing fanfiction? Especially this shit? I don't own it, guys. Sue me, and I might just cry. Maybe. Tiny, tiny tears.

"Hugo Weasley!" Olivia finally snapped as he continued walking behind her, apologies flowing form his mouth faster than she could hear them. She rolled her eyes impatiently. "Shut the hell up, alright?" she demanded. "I'm pissed off at you. Stop sending flowers and apology letters. If I wanted to talk to you, I would have responded," she said. Hugo's face fell and he hung his head, taking on the appearance of a small child being told off by an adult. "My best friend and I aren't speaking because of you and your dumb ass cousin's stupid bet."

"How did you know about Al?" Hugo asked, eyebrows arching slightly in question.

"Arianna mentioned something that suggested she and Al had something going on. What other reason would a Potter be taking interest in her?" Olivia rolled her eyes. "She's just too dense to see what's obvious."

"Maybe he really does care about her and regrets ever making the bet," Hugo suggested pointedly. "Maybe he's even told her about the bet, and she was reasonable and realized that by telling her, he must really, really care about her."

"If she's reasonable she'll realize that it's complete bull shit so he doesn't taint his oh-so-important family name," Olivia suggested. "No one wants to think the son of a war hero is a scum bag," she pointed out.

"Olivia, you have no idea how sorry I am for hurting you," Hugo said, casting off pretense. He took her hand, surprised that she didn't immediately wrench it away from him. "But I told you, didn't I? I didn't let things go too far before telling you." Olivia mumbled something unintelligible under her breath.

"I'm sorry," he said again, verbally prodding her for some sort of answer. Olivia looked up the short distance from her eyes to his.

"I don't know, Hugo. I don't think that's a good idea, honestly," Olivia sighed. "Bet aside," she added. "We're just not anything alike. We won't last, so what's the point?" she asked.

"Well, you can't go into every relationship with that mindset, Olivia," Hugo pointed out. "All I know is that I like you, a lot, and I think I might even love you."

"I really wish you wouldn't say that," Olivia mumbled, looking at a spot a foot above his head, eyes not wavering towards him. "It's not true." Hugo heaved a sigh, running a hand through his reddish hair.

"Fine, I've got a proposition. Go to the Yule Ball with me. We've got another two and a half weeks. And if I'm really that dreadful, we go on Christmas break the next day," he reminded her, smiling hopefully. Olivia had to admit, the persistance he was showing was both sweet and rather flattering. Maybe he did like her a little. And maybe, she could find a way to make up with Arianna before Christmas.

"I'm sorry I kind of freaked out on you in the Room of Requirement," Arianna mumbled as Albus played with her fingers a little. They were sitting at the edge of the grounds, hovering near the Forbidden Forrest.

"It's alright," Albus murmured, turning his attention from her fingers to her smooth blonde hair, running his fingers through it.

"That feels nice," Arianna said, sitting between his legs and leaning on his chest. She loved when he played with her hair. It just made her feel so calm and genuinely happy.

"I'm just looking for bugs," Albus chuckled. "Got to make sure my monkey's clean," he smirked, kissing the top of her head. "So," he began, a tad awkwardly. A silence stretched as Arianna waited for whatever he was going to say.

"So...stuff. Stuff and things," Arianna teased, turning her head slightly to look at him. "What's on your mind?" she asked.

"Well, I was wondering if you were going to the Yule Ball," Albus finally admitted.

"Yes," Arianna muttered, looking at her hands, lacing she and Albus' fingers.

"Who with?" he asked, sitting up straighter, looking rather offended. Arianna smiled, but he couldn't see it.

"Oh, Micheal Nott," she said conversationally, shrugging her shoulders. "He's really been rather nice lately."

"You're kidding me, right?"

"Yes," Arianna smirked, turning around slightly and kissing him. "I'm not going with anyone."

"Wouldn't feel right," she added. "I know we can't go together, but I don't want to bring another date just for the sake of having one." Albus couldn't deny the rush of relief he felt at the words.

"Save me a dance?" Albus asked with a grin, knowing she was right. They couldn't go together. Well, they could, but he didn't think either of them were really ready to go public with their relationship yet. He most certainly wasn't ready to deal with the consequences of actually dating a Malfoy.

Arianna grinned. "I might be able to do that," she shrugged. "That'll look strange though, don't you think?"

"No, not really," Albus smirked. "I have a feeling you'll look fantastic. Every guy will want to," he shrugged. "I'll just swoop in there: the son of Harry Potter charmed by the lovely Miss. Malfoy."

"And I suppose I'm just expected to fall into your arms," she challenged, then giggled.

"That's the plan," Albus agreed, leaning down and kissing her lightly. He had been worried about getting too passionate with her lately, not wanting another repeat incident. Merlin, he had been so close.

Okay, crap chapter, but I'm about to leave for a week in approximately ten minutes, so I finished this hastily. Next chapter is good, I swear :)

Cunning and Ambition