Victoire now :) Not really sure how I feel about this one but I'm sick of staring at it so here you go! :) I figured it's about time we started to see why the Slytherins are afraid of Victoire. :)

"Are they gone?"

Lys poked her head of wild curls around a bookcase as I jumped upright in my seat. My heart still pounding at the surprise of her appearance; I motioned for her to sit down and pipe down. Honestly; was I the only student in our year who actually understood library etiquette?

She plonked into a seat opposite me in relief just as the backs of our three new Gryffindor buddies disappeared behind the entrance door.

"Thank God. It's borderline stalking what that boy is doing." She gestured to the door that had now firmly shut behind Aelius. I rolled my eyes at her nonchalant expression.

"I'm sure it's torture for you." I observed dryly. She shot me an injured look; sticking out her tongue.

"Well it isn't fun. I can't go anywhere without him coincidentally bumping into me. I don't know how he does it but he just seems to know where I am. Even when I don't know where I'm going-he does."

"Sounds like true love." I mused teasingly, although a little of what she was saying did ring true for me too. Like how Teddy always bumped into me on the grounds. Or how he'd found me on rounds last night. Or even how he'd known I was in the library… I'd never properly considered it, but when you added it up… it was all pretty suspicious.

Making a gagging noise; she glared over at me. Her lips betrayed her heavy scowl however; as almost with a will of their own, they curved upwards into a smirk as she looked fleetingly at the seat he had occupied only moments before. Cocking my head to the side; I smirked gently over at her until she copped that I had noticed.

"What?" She demanded in exasperation, a faint pink travelling through her tanned face. My smirk grew.

"Are you… blushing Lys?"

Her mouth fell open comically. "As if. Don't try and turn this mess around on me. You are completely alone in the Gryffindor infatuation."

I nodded, silently, a knowing grin on my face as I pretended to turn my attention back to Ancient Runes. She spluttered for a minute. "Stop- stop that! Stop smirking like you know better, 'cus you don't."

"Course not."

"God you're annoying."

I laughed, liking how the tables had now turned. "Well go on. I can tell you're dying to complain about him. Tell me everything."

She huffed for a moment. "There is nothing to tell. He's really annoying and I've been avoiding him like the plague. I don't even know why he's doing this all of a sudden."

I smiled at her. "Teddy said you put him down in potions a few weeks ago and now he's decided you're the one."

"Oh Teddy did, did he? What's going on there then? I feel like I never see you anymore."

I laughed; pointing an accusing finger at her. "You first. What did you say to Aelius?"

She scoffed. "He had it coming- he asked was I wearing space pants; because- get this- my ass was out of this world?"

I nearly choked I laughed so hard. "What? Isn't he supposed to be good with girls?"

Lys laughed; her brown eyes sparkling. "I know right? But in his defence I think he was just trying to embarrass me- not actually pull me."

I inspected the ends of my hair; twirling strands in my fingers. "So what- you told him to fuck off?"

Lys grinned widely. "No- I told him very sincerely that they were not space pants. They were Quidditch pants. Because my ass was way out of his league."

My mouth fell open as I dropped whatever strand I had been fiddling with and looked her head on. "You did not. That is so… I love it."

Her shoulder slumped glumly. "Yeah. I wish I hadn't though. Because now he's determined to prove that that is not the case. It's giving me a headache."

I grinned delightedly over at her. "Oh give him a chance Lys. He's actually kind of sweet. In a twisted little way. And he was so nice to me when Teddy introduced me to his dorm."

She shot me a sceptical look. "Was he?"

I nodded quickly. "Well… he did try and get me to eat the brown Bertie Bott's bean but… aside from that. I actually think he's quite keen on you."

"Just copping onto that are you?" She asked sarcastically.

"Just be civil okay? I doubt he's ever actually liked a girl before. He just doesn't know what to do."

"Clearly." She muttered. But still. She couldn't supress a slight smile. Every girl has an ego after all. As much of an idiot Greenwood was; he was pretty handsome.

"Where have you been Vic? I feel like since you and Cass broke up; I haven't seen you at all. Which I totally get by the way- keep your head down and all that. Rumours can be vicious."

Nessa smiled in sympathetic agreement at Beatrice's outburst as they both hastily moved in their seats to allow me sit in my usual arm chair by the far side of the common room. I took a deep breath; reminding myself that I needed them in check if I was ever going to tell the world about whatever was going on between me and Teddy.

"I know; and I'm sorry girls. I should have told you everything that was going on but… It was just too raw, you know? Anyways, I was thinking- I'm gonna make it up to you. What do you say we all go to Hogsmeade together tomorrow? A girl's day out."

Excited squeals met my suggestion as several nearby students looked up from their respective conversations in curiosity. I grinned at them.

"Oh my god. That sounds so good! Then you can catch us up on everything that's going on with you!"

I met Nessa's beam with a strained smile. "Of course. Can't wait! See you tomorrow?"

They nodded enthusiastically, wishing me goodnight as I rose to leave. I was less than feet away before I heard them break into speculation as to what I was going to tell them. Nothing I don't want you and half the school to know, Nessa sweetie.

Nott looked up from his seat as I passed; catching my wrist. "What was that?" He eyed Nessa and Beatrice suspiciously. "Have you girls… made up?"

I stared at him oddly. "We were never fighting."

He frowned. "Oh… I just always got the impression you didn't like them."

I nodded with a smile. "I don't. And they don't really like me. Yet." He looked even more confused. I gave him a reassuring pat.

"Don't stress about it. Anyways there's something I wanted to ask you…"

He blanched. "You're not going to ask me to Slughorn's party are you?"

I laughed; kind of offended. "No. But would it actually have been so horrible?" Seeing as this had actually developed into a conversation, I slipped into the seat beside him, my knees curled up to my chin.

He shrugged. "Not really. But I don't fancy pissing off Cass like that." Fixing me with a stern gaze, his tone became more solemn. "You know… He will ask you. As your friend, I think I know that that isn't what you want. If I were you; I'd find someone else fast. Say… before the next match?"

I winced. That soon? "Okay… I'll find someone… inconspicuous. Thanks. What about you? Who are you bringing?"

He shrugged again. "I was planning on asking Booth actually. I figured you'd both want her there and she's a decent bird. Just as mates obviously."

I nodded. "Good idea. I know she's pissed she hasn't been asked yet too, so she'll be excited. But back to what I wanted to ask you- what are you doing Sunday?"

He narrowed his eyes. "Nothing. Why..?"

"Will you meet me by the big tree? Say like three?"

"Why?"

"You'll see."

"Okay… Oh and Weasley- Malfoy is looking for you."

Just as I reached the bottom step, tucking my scarf up under my chin, a strong pair of arms wrapped around my waist and pulled me down a side corridor. Breathing in the familiar woody musk and enjoying the warmth spreading from underneath his jumper, I turned smiling into Teddy's face.

"Hello stranger."

"Pleased to make your acquaintance."

"Why don't we skip on up to my dorm and get more acquainted." He waggled his eyebrows, whispering into my neck as he kissed it lightly. I sighed against him; so very close to giving in and dragging his pretty ass up to the Gryffindor dorms.

"Can't. I have a date."

He pulled back. "Should I be worried?"

I smirked deviously. "Very. I have a girl's day planned. With Nessa and Beatrice."

He nodded; relieved. "Why- where's Lys?"

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Who's asking? You or Aelius?"

He laughed, his eyes crinkling adorably and he grinned lopsidedly down at me. "Me. I doubt I'll even see Aelius today. I'm supposed to be hanging with the family- and he has some date in Hogsmeade."

My ears perked up. "The family..?"

He suddenly stiffened, looking slightly uncomfortable. "Yeah. Every third Hogsmeade we all go together…"

Wow. No one had even mentioned that to me. The entire family? Dom and Louis included? How had I not even heard mention of it- or seen it? It's not like they're a small, quiet and inconspicuous family.

"Do you wanna come?" He eyed me hopefully, excitement colouring his tone.

Choosing my words, I fiddled with the hem of his jumper, not meeting his eyes. "I don't think that's a good idea just yet. I mean… meeting your friends was one thing but… coming out to the whole Weasley-Potter clan?" I gave him a sceptical look, and he swallowed, smiling quickly.

"No problem- I just thought… Doesn't matter."

I smiled tentatively back. "You sure? I did talk to Nott… He's going to meet us by the big tree at three tomorrow ok?"

He groaned; burying his face in my scarf. "Do I have to?"
I laughed. "Yes- and you're going to play nice too. Now; I have to go- they're probably waiting for me. I've lots to do today! I have to find a dress for Slughorn's party; woo Nessa and Beatrice and find a date to this stupid dance."

His head shot up. "What do you mean? I just… I thought we'd go together..?"

I froze. Why would he think that? I thought it was pretty obvious why that was not a good idea.

"But… Teddy, Cass will be there. As well as around fifty innocent by-standers."

He frowned slowly down at me. "So… what? We're both finding other dates?"

I nodded hesitantly. Why was he making a big deal of this?

"Vic… you are planning to tell people someday right? As in- before we leave Hogwarts?"

I gasped. "Yeah- yes of course I am. Just… not so soon. It's not fair on-"

"If you say his name I will literally scream. If you ask me it's exactly what he deserves."

I placed a soothing hand on his cheek. "Teddy. I will tell people. But not yet okay? Just… a bit longer."

He sighed; nodding glumly. "Yeah. Okay, fine. Who are you bringing?"

I shrugged. "I have no idea. I don't know anyone who'd want to come at this short notice."

He scoffed. "I can think of a few people who'd go with you."

Quirking a challenging brow; I indicated he could continue. He smirked. "McKinley?"

Making a gagging noise; I glared at him. "Not a chance am I getting dressed up to be groped by that twit. Try again."

"McCormack?"

Laughing in his face; he fixed me with a defiant stare. "I'm telling you- I know these things."

I smiled indulgently at him. "Teddy dearest… I think Liam would actually prefer to go with you."

His face contorted in confusion; before lighting in understanding. "Oh. Oh. Well can't say I blame him. The only one who doesn't want to go with me seems to be you."

I laughed for a second before catching the implication. "Wait- people have asked you?" The thought was irrationally irritating. I mean; I obviously knew he was good-looking- and he was funny, nice, and popular. Of course other people saw that in him too. Of course other girls wanted him. But the thought of some simpering Gryffindor idiot gushing on his arm for the whole night made me want to stab something.

"Well yeah. A few. I thought we'd be going together though so I said no."

"How many?" Was I developing a twitch? I couldn't tell. It definitely felt like one was coming on. I had never had this problem with Cass. Namely because he was completely and undisputedly mine; and anyone who questioned it learned quickly to shut the fuck up.

"Um… I dunno- does it matter?"

"Ye- no. No, just curious." I smiled sweetly up at him. "Why… how many?"

He shrugged, running a hand through his hair. He always did that when he was nervous. Or awkward. Oh god. There must be millions.

"Um… eight? Maybe?"

Eight.

Eight?

Dear Merlin! What happened to playing coy? Hard to get? Girls aren't supposed to ask boys! That's not how it works! If eight girls had plucked up the courage to ask him then surely twenty- maybe fifty- more had wanted him to ask them! Sweet divine; I'd been judging him by his admirers in Slytherin- I'd forgotten he was practically king of the Gryffindors! Girls in that house must throw themselves at him constantly. Look at Carslile for fuck's sake. He caught sight of my face.

"Vic- really- it's not a big deal. Look- I'll go stag if you want? Besides loads of people must have asked you."

"No- don't do that. Take someone you'll have a laugh with. I'll think of something." I gave a reassuring smile; my head still spinning.

"Come on; don't give me that. Someone must have asked you." He looked down at me sceptically.

I shook my head, slightly embarrassed. I didn't like it at all when the scales tipped like this and gave him the upper hand. I hated being the weaker one. Why had no one asked me? I hadn't even thought about it before, but surely someone wanted to go with me?

He paused. "Well… someone will. Just wait and see."

I thought of Nott's warning and cringed. Yeah. Someone would. But I needed to find an alternative before they did.

"Okay- I have to go now Teddy, I'm late! Don't worry, I'll think of something."

I dashed away after giving him a quick peck, before skidding to a halt. "Wait- Teddy- is Rose going to be at this family thing?"

He looked back in surprise. "Yeah- I assume so. Why?"

I smiled. "No reason."

"Oh my God Vic. That looks so beautiful on you." Nessa eyed the dress enviously, her eyes raking it's figure hugging fabric. The dress consisted of a layer of pale pink silk, covered in a thin layer of pale pink chiffon; form flattering- tight enough to give shape but loose enough not to constrict. The end of it's skirt barely grazed the floor in the silver strappy heels I had donned, and it's arms were bare; the dress starting as a strapless tight band around my chest and loosening to form a floating skirt, straight to the floor. It was the perfect colour too; it's pink doing wonders for my tan, glowing a dark golden in the light of Gladrags Wizardwear.

I smirked at her. "I know right? Are you going to get the green dress? It looks lovely on you."

She beamed back at me. "I don't know. I'm not as lucky as you Vic. I need a date to bring me." Sighing dramatically, she gazed out the window wistfully.

"Oh. Well… I might know someone who would love to take you Nessa. If you really want to go?"

Her face lit up. "Really? You would do that for me?"

I nodded, smiling at her angelically. "Of course I would Ness, that's what friends are for silly. But you'd owe me." Giving a tinkling laugh, I turned away, examining my reflection with satisfaction. I noticed something flash across her face and I knew she'd caught my drift.

If she wanted the benefit of my friendship then she'd have to be all in. I wasn't doing shit for her if she wasn't . This was going to turn ugly eventually; and I wanted her guarantee that when it did- her bet was on me.

"You know I'd do anything for you Vic." She played with the hem of her new dress, buying time. I smiled serenely at her.

"Oh I know."

"Oh- I think I see Clemence! Sorry guys I'll be back in just a minute!"

I blinked as Beatrice rose from her seat; dashing outside to greet Bursnell and her cronies just beyond the fogged windows of the Three Broomsticks. Nessa looked up uncomfortably as her friend's chair scraped the floor. Silence fell between us.

"Don't you want to say hi?" I asked her calmly.

She shook her head slowly. "No. I don't."

Sitting back, I examined her thoughtfully. "Why? You used to be such tight friends. Shame to let that slide."

She met my gaze evenly, taking a sip from her butterbeer. Stalling again. "People grow apart. They change, don't they?"

"Do they though? Really?"

She smiled tightly. "I would think you of all people would agree that they do."

Good answer. Cocking my head; I considered her carefully. It had crossed my mind that as soon as the general public became aware of Teddy and I, Cass would probably lift his protection. As it stood, the scandal of our break-up had quietened down somewhat but I just knew Bursnell's silence was due to him. Once he learned of me and Teddy I knew he wouldn't be able to forgive me or understand my point of view. He probably would be angry enough to agree with whatever she said. If I wanted her to leave me and Teddy alone once and for all- I would have to shut her up alone. And to do this, I needed more than Lys. I had stolen Nessa from Bursnell once before. I could do it again.

"Nessa… We've never really been that close- have we?"

She surveyed me. "No. I guess we haven't."

I nodded. It was a good sign that she'd answered that honestly. That she didn't try and pretend she didn't know what I was talking about. We were both being unusually blunt. Unusually trusting. But someone would have to be brave enough to make the final leap.

"Why do you think that is?" I pushed quietly.

She shrugged. "We both know exactly why." Her eyes drifted meaningfully to the window where Bursnell was talking animatedly with an excited Beatrice.

I smiled again, the warmth not reaching my eyes. "I wasn't aware you had a problem with her too."

She blinked. That was further than she'd intended to go. She's never meant to out and out say she had an issue with Bursnell. But she'd got herself in too far and she couldn't back out. She turned wide eyes on me.

"I'm sure there's a lot of things about me you're not aware of."

Grinning slowly; I took another sip. "I'm starting to think it's a pity we don't know each other better. Seeing as we have so much in common and all."

She smiled cautiously back, flicking dirty blonde hair behind her shoulder. "Tragic."

I fixed her with a plaintive stare. "Want to get out of here?"

"Without Beatrice?"

I shot another glance to the window. "She seems fine to me." My tone was dismissive; the meaning clear. The offer was to Nessa- not Beatrice. Deliberating for a minute; she downed the rest of her drink.

"Let's go."

"No- I'd love to go with him! Head Boy? Are you kidding? My mom would die!"

I shot her a worried look. "He's a disgusting pervert. Just so you're warned."

She smirked. "I hope so."

"Nessa!"

She rolled away from my smack, our laughter dancing around the empty dorm. She looked up at me from the end of my bed.

"So I'm assuming you didn't bring me here to deliberate on my potential date?"

And there it was. We had reached the purpose of the entire afternoon. I had wanted to bring both Beatrice and Nessa to my side; indisputable allies. I had just wanted people I could trust not to turn on me once the inevitable cat fight erupted. But I thought I would just manipulate them both into loving me. This was so much better. I would willingly sacrifice two fake allies for one real one. I had no idea that Nessa had any reason to hate Bursnell. Merlin if I'd known years ago… I might have been more receptive to the girl.

Don't get me wrong; she'd been fake and superficial to me for years, just as fake as I'd been to her. I didn't suddenly think she was a Samaritan or a Saint. She was just as much of a bitch as I was; but we both understood what it was to fight for your place.

"All cards on the table?" She quirked a questioning brow.

"No. Not all just yet. But… more than I would have ever dreamed of telling you." I stared back at her emotionlessly. I was not telling her about Teddy. I didn't care how much progress we'd made. We weren't there yet.

She appraised me in silence. Then she nodded. "Okay. I'm listening."

"After the Christmas break… things are going to change. Cass is going to hate me for a while. I can't do anything to change that and I can't tell you why yet."

"Another boy." She guessed shrewdly. My face neither confirmed nor denied. She continued nodding to herself. "So… once you have another boy; Cass isn't going to bother holding back the floodgates."

I nodded.

"And you want..?"

"Bursnell. I need to have her boxed out. I'm not going back to third year again Nessa. I won't."

She shrugged. "Then drop the boy. You need Cass."

I smiled through gritted teeth. "It's not that easy. I… I can't."

"You love him?" She frowned at me.

I remained silent.

"Whatever. Where do I come in?"

"Why do you dislike Bursnell?"

She laughed bitterly. "Isn't always the same? Merlin we are pathetic."

"A boy?"

She nodded, eyes downcast as she scowled at my bed sheet.

"But… Who?"

When she looked up at me, she stared like I was a blast-ended skrewt. "Who do you think? She's only had one boy for three years!"

My mouth fell open. "Daniels?"

She nodded glumly. "He grew up beside me. I've… It's always been him. She's fucking horrible and he doesn't even see it!"

A slow grin spread across my face as the pieces fell together. "Nessa… I think I know exactly how we're going to get what we both want."

"So you'll take her?"

McKinley blinked in shock at the hand now grazing his forearm. "Um… Well, I'd hoped to ask… someone else."

Actively restraining myself from gritting my teeth in frustration; I forced another dazzling smile, being as charming as I could be. Laughing, I tossed back my hair as though he'd just said something really witty.

"Oh, I knew you'd have loads of girls to ask! But she's a really close mate and I really want her there. I couldn't think of anyone else I was close enough to to ask to take her? And I know she'd be thrilled if you did. I mean, you're Head Boy, handsome, funny…"

I trailed my fingers up his arm, as I bit my lip hopefully.

He blinked at me a few times, dazed; before smiling toothily at me. "Well… I suppose, you know, for you."

I smiled in excitement. "Oh thank you McKinley. You're my saviour."

Dashing out of the room as quickly as I could, I crashed headfirst into a startled looking Aelius. "Greenwood. Watch where you're going would you?"

"I was standing still?" He shot me a sceptical look, fixing his carefully styled hair.

"Yeah; loitering outside of rooms where private conversations were being held!"

"Are you accusing me of something?"

"Are you denying it? How did you even know I was here?"

"Am I denying that I just bore witness to the most disgusting display of flirting I have ever seen? No. And I didn't know you were here- I was just passing."

"Fine. Then get lost."

"Wait- I was looking for you though! I… need your help with something."

I paused, looking curiously up at him. Frowning, I tapped my foot impatiently. "You have two minutes. And this better be good."

"It's about getting Teddy back on the team."

I froze. "I'm listening." And I was. I wanted to give him back Quidditch more than anything. I still felt slightly guilty that he'd lost it in the first place.

"Well… it wasn't easy, but basically everyone on the team called in every favour they have and got the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff teams to agree to go on strike until they agree to reinstate him. He's actually quite friendly with some of the Ravenclaws- Daniels and Harrington in particular were good about it- and the Hufflepuffs weren't hard to convince really. The problem is obviously… Slytherin."

My frown deepened. "They won't go for it. If everyone else resigns- they win."

He nodded eagerly. "Yeah- and we also reckon McGonagall won't go for it if Slytherin aren't involved too- you know; show the House rivalries are all behind us. So we thought… you might be able to help."

"How?" I asked suspiciously.

"Well; I asked Lys- purely out of loyalty for Teddy- and she said that the only way they are going to do it is if they're forced to. And I thought of how we could blackmail them into doing it- and you came to mind."

My eyebrows sky rocketed as I glared frostily at him. "You… thought of blackmailing and I came to mind?"

"Not just blackmailing. Bribing too."

"Asshole." I muttered, walking away. He caught my wrist quickly.

"You won't be sabotaging them- they can still win if they are the best team. You'll just be giving Teddy back something that means the world to him. He wants to do it professionally you know. He hasn't picked any subjects for any other career; he was so convinced he'd play Quidditch. If he doesn't get signed he's fucked. No other options. And if he plays- he will be signed."

I sighed, already defeated. "What had you in mind?"

He shrugged, smiling hopefully at me. "Nothing in your dark twisted head is leaping out at you?"

I frowned, thinking quickly. I could get Nott on side. He wouldn't take a lone stand against the entire team but if enough of them were forced to, he'd do it willingly enough. Bursnell, I could bend with the threat of revealing her summer indiscretions. Cass… I could probably convince- but not without an argument. And I'd have to find him first- he was avoiding me like the plague recently. I was fairly sure Nessa had once dated Clayworth… she might know something useful. Who else was on that team? Deaton. I didn't know much about him. I could do some digging I supposed. I knew even less about Bryce. And then Malfoy.

An idea occurred to me.

"Greenwood. Run and fetch Rose Weasley. Tell her to come meet me by the Entrance Hall."