"Have you seen Lys?"

I stretched out a hand; grabbing Nessa back to me. She spun around quickly; overly concerned in an instant, as she placed a sympathetic hand of her own on my wrist. Pulling to the side slightly to allow the swell of students past us; she leaned casually against the stone walls.

"No- sorry I haven't. Are you okay Vic? Do you wanna talk? Is it-?"

Already looking past her to scan the heads of the chatting students further down; I waved away her concerns. "I'm fine- if you see her will you tell her I'm looking for her?"

Her grip tightened on my wrist. "Are you sure? Is it Cass? I heard-"

Now she had my attention.

"You heard… what?"

Her face froze for an instant before she began to backtrack hurriedly; dropping my hand as though it burned her and anxiously tucking dirty blonde hair behind her ear. "Oh- nothing- I just meant- in general-"

Narrowing my eyes I took a menacing step forward. "What did you mean? Nessa. Spit it out. If you're my friend- you'll tell me."

She bit her lip; hesitant. "I… I heard that you had a massive row again today. About… about how you didn't come back last night? Not that I believe any of it. I know you would never- you know… but people…"

My blood chilled as her implications sank through my shock. People thought… Pepole thought that's what the row was about? That I had cheated on Cass. Merlin's beard. Who on earth would-

No. Fucking. Way.

I took a step forward; almost threatening.

"People Nessa? What people?"

She paled considerably; green flecked eyes determinedly avoiding my steely blue gaze. I stared her down. I didn't need her to answer. I already knew. But for some stupid reason- I needed her to say it. I needed to hear it.

"I… Clemence."

"Is it true though Vic?"

Victoire stared down at her feet; unable to meet the curious gazes of her dorm mates. Her eyes were puffy; it was clear she'd been crying again. But she'd learned quickly that tears earned her no friends or sympathy in this dorm. If anything, the more she cried; the less respect she got. Not that there was much she could do to gain respect. She wasn't entirely sure why her new dorm hated her so much. Their scorn only served to affirm what she had already suspected. Slytherin was a house for horrid people. She wasn't sure what was worse- that she would be forced to stay in this house for the rest of her Hogwarts career; hating it and being hated- or that maybe, with time, she would be accepted. Would that make her as horrid as the rest of them? These girls that taunted her for crying; laughed at her for her silence; teased her for anything she volunteered. Did she even want to be accepted?

"Come on Vic. Don't go all quiet on us. Just tell us. No one really cares anyways. Don't make a big deal of it."

Sighing; Victoire relented. Shuffling her position on the floor of the dormitory room she glanced up at the faces peering down at her from Nessa's bed.

"Yeah. It's true. He married my dad's sister so… he's family. My uncle."

Nessa peered curiously down at her. "Seriously? But he's like… famous."

Victoire stared at her. "Yeah. I guess. I don't know him that well to be honest. We spent most of our childhood in France."

She shrugged indifferently in response. "Well; he was famous, I suppose. Once upon a time. No one really cares now I guess."

A murmur of agreement passed through the group. Vicoire supressed the urge to defend her uncle. No one really cares? Really? He saved the entire wizarding world- but that's no biggie? She bit her tongue.

"What? Something to add?" Another girl watched Victoire carefully; her flash of indignance not gone unnoticed. "I suppose you wanted applause?"

The blonde's mouth fell open in shock and protest. But no words came out. She hated this. She hated them. How powerless; how insignificant they made her feel. Unable to think of a retort; she could feel her cheeks flaming crimson as she blinked away the sudden stinging in her eyes. She stared mutely at the girl, the group watching in silence. Once it became apparent that no one was going to intervene, she rose quickly, walking quickly to the bathroom.

Splashing her hot face with cool water; Victoire breathed deep, shaky breaths. She would not cry. She would not. A soft rap at the door stole her attention. Clemence stuck her dark head around the door. "Vic sweetie- Are you okay?"

Swallowing, Vic nodded silently; unable to meet her friend's gaze. Because as far as she was concerned, Clemence was the only Slytherin worth knowing. The only one who showed any sign of sympathy. She smiled in response.

"Good. We're all heading to Hogsmeade tomorrow; so... I'd hate for you to be sick and miss it." She giggled happily as Victoire's stomach dropped. Hogsmeade. She'd been planning on skipping it; enjoying a full day's respite from the gaggle of Slytherin girls. But looking at Clemence's face; she could tell she was excited for the outing.

The thought had occurred to Victoire, that although Clemence was her only friend; she was not Clemence's. What if in her absence, the others managed to finally turn her against Victoire? What if they became closer and she was left entirely on the outs- with no one to talk to or sit beside?

She had to go. Voicing her dislike of the others was not an option. What if Clemence thought she was a bitch? What if she told the others? No, Clemence was her only friend. If she wanted Victoire to go to Hogsmeade; then that's what she would do.

"For sure. I'm really excited."

"I heard it was Nott. A friend told me that Cass was screaming at him at their practise yesterday. Apparently he made some comment about Victoire and Cass just flipped out. Nearly came to blows. If it's true; then I think it's absolutely despicable of her. Coming between friends like that? I mean, I know she's supposed to be like, incredibly vain- but destroying their friendship to satisfy her sick ego is just, totally detestable."

A murmur of agreement met this statement.

"And apparently, Nott is always flirting with her. And I've heard she doesn't make any effort to discourage it. It sounds exactly like her, to be honest. I think-"

I'd heard enough. Slamming open the cubicle door, I let it bang loudly against the adjoining cubicle as I walked confidently to the sink; ignoring the two girls standing in front of the mirror, adjusting their make-up. One of them I recognised. The other was a complete stranger. They watched me in unabashed shock; clearly unsure as to whether I had heard. As I finished drying my hands; I turned to them.

"Something you wanted to say Carlisle?"

She exchanged a panicked look with her friend, before collecting herself. She drew herself up to her full height (all three feet of it) and tried to stare me down.

"I have nothing to say to you. I try my best not to associate with sluts."

I crossed my arms; surveying her casually, my signature smirk in place. "Do you indeed? And they say Gryffindors don't appreciate irony."

She scowled; huffing angrily. "What is that supposed to mean?"

My smirk grew. "Do you not understand how it's ironic that you would call me a slut? Or do you just not understand what irony means?"

Her glare intensified. "I know what it means."

I nodded curtly. "Well do you understand that if you fuck someone who is not your boyfriend in a broom cupboard; it makes you a little less than a lady?"

Her mouth fell open. "I… that was different! I thought he- we still haven't- and anyways- I broke up with my boyfriend straight away. Being with him any longer wouldn't have been right- and-"

"Oh I see. See- I thought you were just stringing him along until you were certain you could do better. I see now that you were being noble. Belfour must be so grateful."

Her face flushed red as her companion averted her gaze; looking very uncomfortable with the situation. "What about you? You don't think fucking your boyfriend's best friend is disgusting?"

I scoffed. "Fucking Nott in any situation is disgusting. Not to mention probably emotionally scarring. But I have never touched him and I would never touch him."

Harriet pulled her most intimidating glower. "I'm sure. You don't have the best character record you know. I haven't forgotten what you did to Teddy. Maybe you should watch your back, Weasley."

I smirked in response. "Maybe you should spend less time on yours, Carlisle."

As it transpired; Carlisle wasn't alone in her suspicions. For the rest of lunch I found my steps were followed by the stares and whispers of the school. It had been years since I'd had to put up with this level of scrutiny; this level of judgement. But I wasn't a wimpy little kid anymore. I was Victoire Weasley. I was better than this. Above it.

It didn't make it easier.

"-for months apparently- while he's at Quidditch practise-"

"-not in school anymore- he works for the ministry- he's supposed to be loaded-"

"- then where was she, eh? Patrols all night? Doubt-"

I swallowed; trying to maintain my cool. Ignore them. Ignore them. Who cares what those losers think? Scanning the dungeons for Lys's curly head, relief crashed over me as I spotted it by the supply cupboard. Then I frowned. What was she doing over there? Our seats were at the back. She had her back to me; chatting to some boy I couldn't quite see. Had she… ditched me for some boy? Today? Really?

A sharp tap on my shoulder made me whip around quickly.

"Woah Weasley! I didn't mean to startle you. I just- are you okay?"

Teddy peered down at me dubiously, his soft eyes crinkling in concern. He took a step forward, placing a strong hand on my arm. "What's up? You look awful. "

"Christ Teddy your tact is boundless."

He grinned happily down at me. "Hey- you called me Teddy! I was sure you'd revert in the cold light of day. Oi- where's my cloak?"

I smiled wanly back, still waiting for Lys to rush over. Why was she still over there? Who was she even talking to? "I forgot it. It's in my dorm- I just… It's been a crazy day." I offered weakly.

He frowned down at me. "Why? What happened?"

"He dumped her- good riddance if you ask me. How could she humiliate him like that? Who the fuck does she think she is?"

My response died in my mouth as the latest "Victoire is the worst" conversation piped up to our left. I glanced downwards, embarrassed; as Teddy turned to stare at the two girls gossiping over their cauldron. They averted their gaze quickly; giggling nervously at each other as he stared blankly at them. Then slowly, I watched the pieces fall into place in his head. He turned back to me, about to say something.

I cut him off; for some reason, unable to stand his judgement. Or worse. His pity.

"Look I should get started. I was just waiting for Lys- but she's obviously found her partner so I'll need to get cracking if I'm going to-"

"Oh- alright. I just- I thought seeing as her and Aelius had partnered up that- you know… "

I glanced back at my friend, now recognising the slicked black head of hair beside her. I sighed. "Right. Yeah, of course. That bench there?"

He nodded; smiling brightly. "Lead the way."

I crushed the newt's eyes under my blade; loosing myself in the method of the potion. Potions always made sense. Follow the steps. Stick to the instructions. It would all work out. Why wasn't life a potion?

"So I'm guessing you and Zabini haven't patched things up yet."

I shot him a sidelong look; as he smiled wryly over at me. "Not exactly. To say things didn't go to plan is… an understatement."

He nodded. "Wanna talk about it?"

I snorted. "Seeing as you are responsible for nearly the whole thing- I don't with you."

His brows shot up in surprise. "What? What did I do?"

Sighing; I returned to my crushing. "Nothing really. It may have escaped your notice but Cass isn't your biggest fan. He isn't pleased that we're… I dunno what we are really. Loose acquaintances?"

He laughed outright. "Merlin- why are you so odd? Loose acquaintances? Really? We're friends Weasley. Deal with it." Nudging me playfully, he turned back to his brewing; still chuckling slightly.

I stared at him blankly. I wasn't the odd one here- he was. How was he constantly so… happy? Racking my brain; I tried to remember an instance when I'd seen him gloomy. Apart from when we'd rowed; I couldn't remember anything. Even after I'd put him in the hospital wing; he was still nice to me. And just now- how easily he'd included me as a friend. Friends weren't casually added after a few conversations. They were formed over time- much longer than a few weeks.

I wasn't odd. He was.

It occurred to me that all this time; he might not have been playing some game. That he might genuinely be this… enthusiastic.

Merlin.

"So you don't want to talk about it. Do you want me to hex him?"

Startled from my thoughts, I jumped as he caught my gaze. I had totally been staring. I laughed, cheeks flushing slightly. He grinned curiously at me. "I learned this great boils hex from this total loon I was once with. I'd be happy to oblige."

I shook my head; smiling ruefully. "Don't stress yourself. Although… I might watch out for a little while. Cass… when I say he's not pleased with you- I mean, like, really not pleased."

He nodded; thoughtful. "I reckon I'll be fine. You said yourself- I haven't done anything."

I bit my lip. "Actually… I hope you aren't mad, but… I kind of told him about Duelling Club. Remember when I told you I'd tutor you? Well I was angry- and I might have let on that that was a much more realistic probability than it actually… was." Glancing up at him nervously; I frowned in confusion when his face broke into a wide grin.

"Victoire. I am scandalised. Do you mean to say that you are using me as a piece of meat to bait your boyfriend? Dis-graceful."

More relieved than I'd care to admit; I grinned over at him. "It is rather despicable isn't it? But it's no worse than what he's doing. Besides- I'll make it up to you."

He quirked an eyebrow; smirking down at me. "I'm listening."

I rolled my eyes. "I'm helping you now aren't I? You wouldn't have a hope of achieving adequate grades in this class with Greenwood."

This earned me an affronted look. "We did alright without you. And anyways; I thought you and Aelius were bezzies now."

Scoffing; I turned away.

"Oh Aelius! The way you stir that potion is simply mar-vuh-lous! I could watch your anticlockwise motions all day!" He batted his lashes flirtatiously, pouting and thrusting out his chest as he mimicked me in a sing-song, high-pitched coo.

I stared him in shock. "Was that… supposed to be me?"

He nodded; batting his eyelashes again, and simpering at me.

"You know what? I think your jealous."

His face faltered for a moment; a brief flash of a darker colour in his eyes, gone so fast I couldn't be sure I'd even seen it. "W-what?"

I nodded confidently; continuing on. "You just can't stand anyone stealing away your precious Greenwood. I assure you Teddy; my intentions towards your darling were purely professional."

His face lit up in understanding; cracking an easy grin. "Reassuring to hear. Let's keep it that way Weasley, or I might be tempted to renegade on our Duelling meetings. I have a busy schedule."

I fixed him with a stern glare. "You'll come. Or that cloak you love will spend the rest of it's days at the bottom of the Black Lake."

He whistled lowly. "A hard bargain. Alright. I'll be there. Where am I supposed to be anyways?"

I shrugged. "I don't really care. Room of Requirement?"

Surprise flitted across his face. "You know where that is?"

Rolling my eyes I nodded. "My uncles were all… a bit wild in school. They know all the tricks. Don't ask how- I don't have a clue."

He nodded. "George does always seem a little odd. And Harry was definitely too reckless for his own good."

It was my turn to look up in surprise. "How… How do you know that?"

"Oh- I've only met George once or twice- but Harry is my Godfather. Did you not... know that?" He frowned down at me curiously.

I shook my head mutely. How had I not known that? Sure- we weren't the closest with the rest of the family- most of our childhood was spent in France. The other Weasleys had grown up together; the rest of our cousins living in close proximity- and all of a much closer age. Dom and Louis had grown closer to them in school of course; nearer to their age group and all in the same house; it was only natural that they would be closer with our cousins. Dom had even gone to the family Christmas time party with Louis and Dad the last few years. I hadn't ever seen the need. Throughout the early years of my life; our Christmas's were spent with Gabrielle and her family in France, as well as most of the rest of the year. Even when we were home; Shell Cottage was quite removed. I had never really bonded with my dad's family. After I was sorted into Slytherin… I dunno. I guess I hadn't really wanted to face them. I'd always been quiet- my boisterous younger cousins seemed incapable of understanding how sensitive I was about being placed in Slytherin and I was at a loss of how to handle them. Visits became uncomfortable so I just stopped going.

Even as Louis and Dom made fast friends with them; I refused to attend parties and gatherings. Originally because I was embarrassed and uncomfortable and young and insecure. But after third year… when I stopped trying to hide my looks, finally got a boyfriend and started to embrace my inner Slytherin; I didn't attend because frankly, I didn't want to. What did I care if James Potter thought my boyfriend was an asshole? What did I care if Molly thought I was unnecessarily harsh to her friends? All of their opinions were always voiced in "concern" and "in my own best interests". Sanctimonious prats. If they had even an inkling of how hard I had had to work to get here; they wouldn't dare lecture me. Eventually though, they learned to shut up and leave it alone. On Dom and Louis insistence, they stopped trying to challenge the fact that I was finally popular in Slytherin. They learned to be civil instead of open. And I welcomed the distance; eager to put as much of it between myself and the whole Weasley clan.

If I was honest, the fact that we weren't close only helped me find a place in this house. There were a lot of people here with a lot of reasons not to smile when they heard the names "Potter" and "Weasley". Not that I wasn't proud of my family's achievements and accomplishments. I was just clever enough to realise broadcasting the fact would make me no friends. Even with- and especially with Cass- I learned quickly that the subject of my family would only cause awkwardness. It seemed as long as I was in Slytherin; away from the others; he could forget my family existed. In fact it was how we functioned. Except for that one visit over Christmas- Cass didn't come near my family. Even during the visit, he kept quiet.

I had never been to visit his grandparents' house. He had never invited me.

"Earth to Weasely? Calm down, it's not like we're related. I don't even live with Harry. I live with my Gran. He just visits a lot with Ginny and the kids- and I go to some of the Weasley gatherings. Sparingly though. Your crazy family is a lot to take."

I smiled weakly. "Tell me about it."

"No; in sincerity. They are fucking mental. Did you know that one time James made us all play Quidditch and actually played the whole "friendly" match with a broken arm? Nuts."

My smile grew a bit. "That sounds like him. Quidditch nut. I'm surprised he's not on your team."

He laughed. "He hasn't tried out yet. He's dying to though. Ginny won't let him try out until his grades come up and he stops getting detentions. He's a shoe in for next year though. Maybe even if someone gets injured. Is it bad to hope one of your team has a serious accident?"

I smirked. "Only if it isn't Greenwood."

"So the Room of Requirement? Eight o'clock?" He smiled down at me; his bag slung lazily over one shoulder. I glancing over at him as we walked up the steps, away from the dungeons and nodded.

"Yup. You won't need to bring anything but your wand."

He nodded, grinning happily. "And maybe an anti-concussion potion. At least there won't be witnesses this time."

I shoved him lightly as we turned onto the first floor, making for the Great Hall. After missing lunch; I was looking forward to dinner with ravenous enthusiasm. It was bizarrely easier to avoid the stares of the year with him smiling by my side. It was hard to stay glum in his company. He was like some sort of puppy- ridiculously enthusiastic, trusting and easily pleased.

"Don't worry; the screams you'll make will attract a big enough crowd. You'll get your audience." I smirked cockily at him as he snorted in response, about to retort when our path was blocked. A group of girls stepped out of the corridor just ahead of us. Spotting Teddy and I, they paused suddenly; glancing around at each other. I steeled myself.

Just fucking wonderful.

As they moved towards us Teddy leaned in to me. "Merlin- look at that blonde one. She looks like she's just jizzed herself in excitement."

I gave a fake smile at his joke; suddenly feeling slightly sick. Flicking my gaze to the girl I saw she did indeed look pathetically excited. But it was the dark haired girl in front of me who attracted my immediate attention. She smirked confidently at me; brown eyes alight with malice.

"Vic, so good to see you've finally made friends more suited to your… standing." She smiled sweetly at Teddy. He stared suspiciously back at her; unsure of what was happening.

"Bursnell. Fuck off." I made to push past her, Teddy hesitantly following suit.

She grabbed my arm tightly; halting me. "Don't you feel like having a chat today? Why so glum? Surely you knew this day was coming. Surely you had to have known."

I glared at her; waiting. Whatever she had to say, she'd soon spit it out.

Her smirk grew. "It was only a matter of time before everyone saw past this whole act. I knew from the off. And now Zabini does too. And it just warms my heart to see you back where you started. Well; actually; you're even further back now aren't you? Before you were a silly snivelling cow; but at least you had standards. Nott? Really Vic?"

I clenched my jaw. Just ignore her. She can't get to you if you don't let her. She stepped closer; her breath grazing my face. I didn't blink.

"But then; if that's the best you can do. And it probably is. Nott may be a revolting, slimy pervert but I can't imagine who else is going to go near a Weasley whore like you now."

I stared at her as if she'd slapped me. I couldn't connect my brain and mouth. She was so… fucking horrible. I was going to end her. If it killed me- so help me God, I would destroy her. Teddy stared at her in open shock. And then his shock turned to outrage. "What the fuck did you just say?"

She turned her smiles on him; clearly delighted by his reaction. "But of course. Gryfindors won't mind that you're a blood-traitor and a tramp. But I'd be careful if I were you." She jerked her head towards me. "Don't know where this one's been."

As her friends giggled at her audacity; Teddy took an angry step forward. "Who the fuck do you think you are, you deluded little troll?"

"Teddy leave it."

He shrugged me off; still glaring at her. Looking around I saw our altercation had attracted attention. People were lining the walls, trying to discreetly listen in. "Teddy; come on." I urged. The last thing I needed was Cass stumbling across this.

As if on cue, I could make out a dark head of curls pushing through the students; as well as a smaller, more feminine form urgently pulling at his uniform. The crowd feel silent as he neared the centre of our little drama.

"Zabini- leave it!" Alyssa looked frazzled; trying to keep pace with his long angry strides and failing. Spotting me; she shrugged helplessly. I nodded; switching my gaze to Cass. He ignored me completely; focusing the brunt of his heated glare on Teddy.

The crowd inhaled in anticipation as Bursnell; Cass; Teddy and I stared at each other.

"Cass- look-" I adopted a reasoning tone; raising a calming hand.

"You can leave if you want to Vic. This isn't about you." He glared past me; still staring down Teddy. Floundering, I looked around us; slowly realising there was a distinct lack of Gryfindors around. Slytherins out-numbered every other house 2 to 1. We're in the dungeons, I realised slowly. If this kicks off… I glanced in concern back at Teddy.

He seemed unfazed; glaring coolly at Cass. "Don't talk to her like that."

Cass tilted his head; scowling heatedly. "She's my girlfriend Lupin. I'll speak to her how I want. What- did you think we'd broken up? Thought you'd make your move did you? You're fucking deluded if you think she'd go near you with a six foot pole."

"Cass." I warned. "Teddy hasn't done anything."

He turned on me. "So it's Teddy now is it?"

"Cass, don't be like this."

"Like what? Am I not allowed be pissed at some prick trying it out with my girlfriend?"

"That's not what-"
"Like hell it's not what he's doing!" He jabbed an accusing finger at Teddy; now much too close for comfort. "Stay the fuck away from her."

Teddy cocked his head lazily. "Or what?"

There was another intake of breath. Bursnell smirked over at me from behind Cass's back. "Tut tut, Vic. What a mess."

Teddy glared over at her. "Shut the fuck up."

Cass closed the distance between them getting right in Teddy's face. "Watch what you say Lupin. You're not exactly surrounded by friends in case it's escaped you. I think you should apologise to Bursnell."

Teddy clenched his jaw.

Just apologise you silly boy. Just do it.

But I guess therein lies the difference between a Slytherin and a Gryffinor. Back to the wall; a Slytherin will say whatever they have to, to escape and fight another day. However bad your pride is hurt; someday you'll wound them worse.

But these Gryfindors. No sense of propriety.

"I think you should make me."

It was hard to tell who threw the first punch. But suddenly the scene erupted as Cass and Teddy were slamming against the walls and swinging for each other. Swarms of Slytherin sixth years began to flock forwards; anxious to make sure that only Cass was walking away from this fight. Panicking; I rushed forward, being nearest to both of them. I could hear Lys calling to me over the chants of the crowd. A few Hufflepuffs had scrambled forward to help Teddy as well as one or two Ravenclaws- but there wasn't a Gryfindor in sight. None of the tall, strong boys that I normally saw flanking Teddy were anywhere to be seen; the only ones that would have been any assistance to him. Bless the Hufflepuffs, but they were less than useless.

Now thoroughly fearful; I called back to Lys. "Get Greenwood- Find him Lys!"

Nodding; she tore away through the crowd; racing up the steps, as I tugged desparately on Cass's shoulder. "Cass- Cass STOP!"

He ignored me; both boys still wrapped up in their conflict. I let go; reaching for the fist that was now raised; aimed at Teddy's face. Latching on to it, I pulled back with all my might. To my surprise it gave away easily; Cass whirling round to face me.

I barely had time to register relief at finally getting through to him; when his other hand came whipping around to connect with the side of my face. Staggering back in shock; I leaned back against the wall, clutching my face.

It hurt. So fucking bad.

How did boys fight so often knowing how much it hurt? That was my first thought. Followed swiftly by overwhelming disbelief that Cass had hit me. He stared down at me in muted horror; apparently frozen in shock.

Teddy straightened up slowly behind him; watching me carefully.

"Vic… Vic I am… I'm so sorry. I didn't mean- I thought it was someone else. You have to… I'm so sorry."

The crowd had fallen into a stunned silence as the watched him struggle to apologise; the fight now thoroughly abandoned. Footsteps came pounding heavily down the staircase above us. Standing upright in a bolt of panic I tried to think of a way to explain this to McGonagall. She was going to suspend us for sure. My prefect badge…

It was with great surprise that I recognised the face the first rounded the top of the corridor. Lys. She stared at me in confusion.

I was bleeding; I realised numbly. Odd.

An anxious Greenwood skidded around the corner after her; followed by that odd boy who came to Duelling Club. Greg or something; and then about 8 other Gryfindor sixth years. A little late; but still.

Teddy glanced at them in relief as they all pushed through to his side; some glaring at the Slytherins, some looking him over anxiously, and about three of them flicking between my bloody lip and Teddy's angry expression worriedly. Greenwood whispered something in his ear; placing a calming hand on his shoulder, before locking eyes with me. I tried to communicate how sorry I was. He nodded. Greg spoke up. "Come on Ted. Think of Quidditch- we have to go."

He ignored Greg; still staring at me, waiting.

"You should go too." I ordered Cass softly, not quite meeting his eye.

"Vic; please." He reached for my hands.

"She said go." To my surprise; it was not Teddy who spoke up, but my own little brother. Normally so intimidated by Cass; he now stood at his eyelevel, meeting him head on with a glare of his own. I hadn't even seen him arrive. He had come to back Teddy up? Against Cass? I didn't know how I felt about that.

Cass turned to him, unsure of how to react.

"Are you fucking remedial? Leave." Lys slipped through the now dissipating crowd to stand by my side, looping her arm through mine and squeezing my hand, eyes narrowed bitchily at Cass.

"I'll… take you to the hospital wing." He looked down at me, pleading.

"Mate- she can't go to the hospital wing! They'll want to know what happened. Quidditch starts next week- remember? They find out about a second fight and we're all fucked." Nott leaned into to Cass, placing a meaty paw on his shoulder as he eyed the entire group meaningfully, including the Gryfindors and at last resting on me. Cass lifted crestfallen eyes to mine.

"I'll take you." He repeated quietly, now looking completely miserable.

I shook my head; wincing as my lip smarted at the motion. "No, you won't. I can fix this myself."

He nodded; hesitating before he stepped forward. "Thank you." He had the decency to look ashamed as he whispered the words to me.

I summoned the last of my strength. "I amn't doing it for you."

Author's note: less flashbacks I know; but more drama! I meant to explain Cass a bit more, as well as Bursnell but I got swept up in another idea. Rats. oh well- next time. ;) also perhaps a return of Dom in the next one and some more of the Gryfindor crowd. just thoughts... :)