Vic Again! :) On a side note- I probably should explain the ages of all the Weasleys etc but for the purpose of the story; I don't care what age they are. So as a result, they're all a lot closer in age than you'd think. I'd say Rose if maybe... fifth year? Scorpius is sixth. But as I say; very loose interpretations. Just in case people are angry that I've randomly decreed their ages! I do know they're out of proportion.

"Victoire… Aelius said-?"

I turned abruptly, calmly surveying my red haired cousin in the dim glow of the candle light illuminating the Entrance Hall. She looked nervous, chewing anxiously at her lower lip. I guess I could see the appeal for Malfoy. She was short, but curvy; with big eyes, big lips- big everything. Except personality. From what I remembered of her, she was the quiet one- bookish, calm. A real genuine good girl. I never would have guessed she'd be the one to end up screwing the family nemesis.

"Hi, Rose. Thanks for coming. I think we both know why you're here, so let's just skip the awkward build up, yeah?" I spoke as candidly as I could; smiling slightly at her look of sheer terror. She reached out clumsily, taking my wrist in hers and pulling me to the side of the hall as she looked around in a wild panic to make sure we were alone.

"Victoire- I know what you must be thinking- but I promise you; I know what I'm doing! I- it isn't what it looked like, I swear."

"Oh?" I enquired coolly. "You and Malfoy weren't having sex in an abandoned broom closet?"

She gasped. "That's- No, what I mean to say is- It's more than that! It wasn't just some random hook up. You have to believe me, Victoire- I know what you must think of him, but trust me, he isn't-"

"What I must think of him? I assure you Rose; I don't think of him at all."

"You know what I mean- he isn't the monster he's made out to be, okay? Just because he's in Slytherin- doesn't mean he's evil! There's no need to be concerned for me okay? I can handle it. Just don't tell anyone."

I watched her dig her own grave with icy serenity, calculating when best to make my pitch.

"I don't need you to lecture me on Slytherin morality, thanks."

I narrowed my eyes slightly, my smile fractionally more forced. I had hoped to do this the nice way; but she was pissing me off now. Acting like I'd called her out of concern for her wellbeing- a girl who'd actively ignored me for the past six years. Malfoy was in my house- I'd had a lot more pleasant conversations with him than I'd ever shared with Rose Weasley. I didn't need her to inform me that not all Slytherins were dicks; like she was amazed to have stumbled across one that was reasonably human and wanted to share her discovery. Can you believe it; a Slytherin- and he does actually have a nice side? I know, I know; I didn't believe it at first either- but it's true!

Twat.

"And I actually do know Scorpius. He seems like a perfectly nice boy and if he is made out to be a monster; it isn't by Slytherins."

She opened her mouth to say something else; her face chagrined as she finally remembered who she was talking to. I cut her off though; holding up a finger. I wasn't done.

"As for not telling anyone; I think we both agree that that is the crux of the matter. I don't really care about the details."

Her mouth snapped shut. "You… you won't tell?"

I smiled at her, my hair tumbling forward as I leaned closer. "Rose. There's something I need from you first. Do this one, little thing; and I'll carry your secret to the grave."

Her eyes widened with shock. "What? Are… are you blackmailing me?"

My smile grew. "That's exactly what is happening. Well done. But as it happens, this particular deal works out well for both of us. I keep my trap shut; and Malfoy sits out of the next match. So I'm inclined to lean away from blackmail and more towards… bartering."

"But… I'm your family?" She stared at me; aghast. I could read the emotions on her pretty face like a book. Disgust that someone could blackmail their own cousin, disbelief that it was happening to her, shock that things had escalated so fast when only yesterday- no one even knew about her and Malfoy, and anger; anger that somebody knew her deepest, darkest secret and was using it to manipulate her.

"Are you?" I asked stonily.

When you looked around your little family gathering today Rose, was I there? Did you ever once think of inviting me? There was a small part of me that acknowledged that I had never once invited her anywhere either. But there was a more dominant side that didn't care. While she had spent the afternoon basking in the glow of familial love and adoration; I had spent it trying to coerce and manipulate girls I had known since first year into not abandoning me to the torrent of abuse that was surely hurtling down the tracks, coming my way with speed. If she had known anything about me; if she had ever bothered to look outside her own perfect little life; then she would never have had the audacity to try and educate me on the humanity of Slytherins. Nobody knew it's strengths and failings better than I did.

Especially not Rose fucking Weasley.

Not sure of how to answer; she looked around her desperately for some sort of help out of her predicament. "Scorp is a Slytherin- like you? Why would you want him to-?"

"None of your business." I retorted bitchily.

Finally she sighed, defeated.

"He won't do it. He loves Quidditch. And Zabini would never let him. You of all people should know that. Maybe if you spoke to your boyfriend-"

I gritted my teeth. "Zabini and I broke up weeks ago, Rose. Your concern is touching. And Malfoy will do exactly as I have instructed you. Leave Zabini to me."

Anger flared in her eyes. "I'm telling you- he won't. You don't know him. You have no idea- what this is like!" She hissed vehemently, looking as if she was about to come undone.

I lowered my voice to match hers. "You'd be surprised by how much I know, Rose. And believe me when I say; I know that he will do whatever I ask. With a smile if it means I keep my mouth zipped."

"You don't know him-"

"I don't have to. He's a Slytherin. I know better than anyone what a story like this would mean for him. I don't know what he's told you, but he will thank me for this. On his hands and knees."

"Why didn't you go to him directly then? Save yourself the bother of slumming it with me." She spat bitterly, hate pouring from her eyes.

I smiled, saccharine dripping from every syllable. "Because I have bigger fish to fry at the moment. And I don't want word getting through my house that I told Malfoy to sit out, or it could ruin everything. So remember- mum's the word."

Tapping my lips lightly with my index finger, I pushed past her to head down to the dungeons.

One down, six to go.

The next morning, I rose early, surprised to see that Nessa had already gotten up and left the room for breakfast. Sleepily, I got dressed and made to follow her down. Lys never woke before twelve; I doubted I would be seeing her anytime soon.

Nessa looked up with a grin as I entered the hall; motioning for me to sit by her. "Okay, I spoke to Clayworth. You do not want to know what I had to do; but I got him to agree to sit out. He said if everyone else does- he will too."

I beamed back at her. "Excellent! I got Malfoy, last night. Just awaiting confirmation; but he's as good as fucked if he doesn't comply so… two down."

She grinned, nibbling on her toast. "So… if you don't mind me asking- what is it that Greenwood has over you? That he's making you do this?"

I swallowed quickly, lies flowing from my lips with ease as I caught sight of a familiar head of platinum hair entering the hall. "He knows about… that boy. The one I mentioned? He caught us in a less than flattering position."

She nodded thoughtfully; accepting. "And he threatened to tell? Wouldn't it be easier to just find something on him, rather than every individual member of the team?"

I buttered my toast carefully. "I tried. But he's such a flagrant slut that there's nothing despicable about him that the whole school doesn't already know."

She scoffed, sniggering into her pumpkin juice; just as a male voice interrupted our breakfast.

"Victoire- a word please?"

I looked up into the cool steely grey of Scorpius Malfoy's eyes and smiled innocently. "Of course, Malfoy. I'll be back in a minute Nessa."

Her eyes followed us curiously as we weaved through the tables of chattering students out into the grounds. Once we were clear of any spectators, he slowed to a halt.

"Rose told me what you said to her."

His face was a mask; there was no reading it. I sighed internally, wishing it was a team of Hufflepuffs I was attempting to manipulate. Slytherins were too darn experienced. Not that I wouldn't still win; it was just more exerting than it needed to be.

"And?" I arched a brow indifferently.

He stared for another few moments of silence.

"I'll do it."

A slow smile stole across my features. "Excellent. I hope you and Rose are very happy together."

He narrowed his eyes. "It's an odd request to make, though. Turning against your own house?"

I laughed sarcastically; enjoying the sparring. "If you hold this dear house of ours so highly in your estimations; may I ask why you are taking such leaps to prevent them finding out about your extra-curricular activities? Scared that they might not accept you with open arms?"

He lifted an eyebrow in response. "Fair point. But you know as well as I do; they're not a forgiving bunch."

Nodding softly, I lowered my gaze. They most certainly weren't.

When I lifted it again; I could feel him scrutinising me. "You know; I think I misjudged you Weasley." He crossed his arms over his chest, peering down at me curiously.

"Oh? Enlighten me."

He smirked. "I used to think you were a bit of a princess; a bitch when you wanted to be, but generally just out for yourself and your own superficial values."

I scowled at him. "Cheers. And somehow; after I have blackmailed you and manipulated you into doing what I want- you've changed your mind? Are you quite well Malfoy?"

His smirk grew. "You know when Rose came to me this morning, she was in bits. She said you were going to tell the entire school- that you despised her and wanted to see her ruined. She can be a bit of a drama queen."

I smirked back at him. "No kidding."

Still watching me carefully he continued. "See, she didn't really get what was going on though. She's not stupid or anything- it's just impossible for her to understand because-

"She's not in Slytherin."

He paused, considering my words before nodding. "Yeah. She's not. She thinks you're the spawn of Satan for betraying your family and somehow, simultaneously, your house. "

I kept even breathing as he continued. I was going to strangle that ginger twit.

"There are a hundred people in our house who would have ran straight to the common room and told everyone what they'd seen. Hell three months ago- I would have. But you didn't. I won't pretend to know why it is you want Slytherin to lose the next match; but whatever is motivating you, I would guess that it wasn't a factor when you found us in the closet. We were alone, out of bed past hours, in a more than compromising position and scared shitless. We would have promised you anything in that moment. That would have been the time to strike. But you didn't."

I refused to lower my gaze. "I was there. I do remember what happened."

He cocked his head. "You know what I think? I think you weren't going to tell at all. You weren't going to blackmail us, but now something has happened and you've changed your mind."

I blinked. How had he worked that out? "And if I wasn't..? It still doesn't change the fact that I have now. And if you don't pull out of the game; I still will."

Nodding to himself, he finally looked away. "I know. And even if I hadn't worked out that once upon a time, your intentions were good; I still would be grateful."

As awkwardness seeped through the conversation, I followed his lead and averted my gaze. "Yeah… well… There's nothing to be grateful for."

He abandoned protocol and faced me directly again. "There is though. I know that when I do this; you'll keep your word. And I'd gladly do it if it means keeping this secret. Don't get me wrong; I wouldn't exactly welcome the backlash that would come with going public, but I know Rose couldn't handle it. Her family would come round I think; but my friends? Not a chance. They will tear her apart. Look how she handled you last night. A three minute conversation and she's still up in her dorm crying."

Still? Ooops. Maybe I overdid it slightly.

"I know the team will freak out at me but… I owe you Victoire. I won't tell them why I'm sitting out. I'll leave your name clean out of it."

He looked down at me, his shoulders set resolutely. I was beginning to think I had misjudged him too all these years. I guess I let my dislike for Bursnell morph into dislike for the team, when in fact, I hardly knew any of them. Wasn't Nott living proof of that fact? Rose Weasley could do a lot worse, I mused silently.

Smiling bemusedly, I tilted my head as I gazed back at him. "That's sweet Malfoy, but you needn't fret. I doubt they'll tell you why they're sitting out either."

His face fell in shock. "The whole team are going to do it? How are you going to manage that?"

Smirking, we began to walk back to the castle. "Much the same way I convinced you. Ruthless blackmail and coercion. So far we've got Clayworth and you. Nott and Bursnell will follow. Byrce and Deaton… I'll think of something."

"Zabini."

"Oh I don't really know-"

"No- I mean Zabini is coming this way."

My heart quickened. Fuck! Nott said I had until the match! Out here; away from Lys and Nessa- I had no protection, no one to save me from having to give him an answer!

"Aaaaah!" I moaned in panic, as Cass came nearer, spotting the two of us by the tree.

Malfoy looked down at me in confusion. "What? I thought you were on good terms again? You're going to Slughorn's together right?"

I shook my head desperately. "No, no, we're not. But I think he's coming to ask me to it and I can't go with him Malfoy. I absolutely can't! But I can't think of an excuse and - and-"

"Wait- you aren't going together? Who are you going with?"

"No one! Oh God; he's definitely seen us. Think of an excuse- quick!"

"Uh… Just say you're going with someone else?"

"Who?"

"Nott? I don't know. Say you're going stag. It's not that weird; Rose and I are doing it; you know, because we can't go with who we want to-"

"Malfoy can you please shut up about your love life for two seconds? I'm having a crisis here."

.

.

.

"Hey guys. What are you two doing out here? I didn't know you were friends." Cass jogged over to us, smiling lightly as he looked quizzically between us. We faced him with mirrored sheepish grins.

"Oh… it's a recent development. We realised that we have a lot in common." I offered vaguely, giving my most dazzling smile.

Cass stared at me blankly. "Like..?"

My brain grinded to a halt as my thoughts went blank.

Nothing, absolutely nothing.

6 years of magical education and I couldn't even form words. I looked up at Malfoy beseechingly.

"Blonde… hair products. We both… have the same… hair… stuff." Malfoy trailed off feebly; waving his hand as though he hoped to distract from the absolute bullshit he was spouting. Honestly. It would have been better if he'd never spoken at all.

Cass turned to stare at him in confusion; as if Malfoy was speaking an entirely different language. "Okay…"

Shaking himself from his thoughts, Cass turned to smile tentatively at me. "Vic- can I chat to you for a sec?"

"Now?" I frowned heavily. "Malfoy and I were just… debating conditioners." I resisted the urge to glare at Scorpius for giving me such a shit cover story, as Cass snorted.

"Hilarious. But seriously, there's something I wanted to ask you."

I died a little inside. I couldn't think of a single reason why I couldn't go with him that would sound acceptable to his ears. What would Teddy say if I went with Cass? He would kill me. Flip out. Probably end up fighting Cass again and then he would undo all the good work I was doing to get him back on the team. Probably end whatever the hell was happening between us. And it was wrong to lead Cass on like that anyways. But how on earth was I going to say no?

Malfoy placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder; suddenly coming to life beside me. "No problem guys; I'll give you your space."

Traitor. I glowered daggers at him as he began to walk away. But suddenly he paused; apparently remembering something as he turned to give me a very exaggerated thoughtful face.

"Wait- what colour did you say your dress was again? I'll have to get my mum to owl me my bowtie tomorrow if it's going to be here on time."

My heart skipped. Oh my god. I could kiss him. His eyes twinkled slightly as he waited for my response; pleased with his cleverness; but he kept a straight face. Keeping my elation under check I pretended to be exasperated.

"It's pink Scorpius. Pale pink. I've told you a thousand times."

He nodded, grinning. "Cool. See you then mate."

I waved him off with a smile.

"Sorry Cass, what did you want to ask me?"

He stared blankly at me; slightly crestfallen. I could feel the fractures form in my heart. I hated doing this to him. Hated knowing that I was hurting him and being unable to fix it. But it was better this way. Better Scorpius than Teddy.

"You and Malfoy, huh? Didn't see that coming."

I laughed at his silliness. "Don't be ridiculous. He's nice, but he is so not my type. We were both just complaining about how stressful it is asking someone; and then we realised- we both have to go to the stupid thing so we may as well go together. As mates." I stressed firmly.

He nodded, slightly perkier. "Makes sense. I suppose I better get a move on and ask someone too. But anyways; what's been up with you? I feel like we haven't talked in forever."

I rolled my eyes. "Whose fault is that Mr M.I.A? I've been where I always am."

Shaking his head, we began to walk back to the castle together. "No you aren't. You're always off on your secret missions. Even Nott has noticed."

"Has he now? Cute of him. I'm afraid to disappoint but there's not much to tell. Studying for exams I guess. And now that I have my prefect duties again…"

He swallowed. "About that. About what Lupin did- I've been thinking about it and… I would have done it. If you'd asked for it… I just wanted you to know that I would have. For you." He fixed me with sincere eyes and I knew in that instant; he believed what he was saying.

But... you didn't do it . And I should never have had to ask you to.

"I believe you Cass. I just… can't help but feel bad for him. He did the right thing and he's been fucked over for it."

He frowned lightly at my words, the notion of pitying Teddy a foreign concept to him. "I guess. He knew what he was doing though. He's a big boy."

A small crease formed between my eyes. There was no way Cass could paint what Teddy had done in any sort of negative light.

"He did it for me though Cass. He told me as much. And now… it's stupid but I can't help but feel… indebted to him? I keep thinking of ways that I can make it up to him, but there's nothing."

He slowed his pace again. "I know what you mean. After it happened; when he told McGonagall in the Great Hall; there was a mad moment where I considered saying it was equally our fault. But even then… we both would have been disqualified and it would have accomplished nothing."

I stood still. "It would have accomplished something, Cass. But I guess it's too late now. Did you hear about Greenwood's scheme to get the players to sit out?"

"What?"

"Yeah, he's got Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff players to strike. It'll start this weekend- at the match."

He stared at me like I was crazy. "You're joking? But we're playing Ravenclaw? What's gonna happen- they just aren't gonna mount?"

Shrugging, I met his gaze with an indifferent one. "I guess. I think they are gonna make some speech. The Gryffindor and Hufflepuff team are going to march onto the pitch in protest too. But it won't work."

He frowned again. "Why not?"

Laughing, I faced forward. "You know why. It will never work unless McGonagall sees Slytherin and Gryffindor working together. House rivalries set aside- a united front."

Silence fell. When he spoke again, he spoke quietly. "How do you know all this?"

My voice was softer too, echoing his sudden solemnity. "Greenwood told me."

"Why?" His gaze bore into mine.

"He wanted me to convince you to join the cause." I answered honestly, knowing there was no point in lying. Cass knew me too well. And I had to think that I knew him well enough to hope he would do the right thing; just because it was right. I had to think the boy I had known and loved was still in there.

He nodded jerkily, absorbing. "I see. So… what? You were going to manipulate me into helping Lupin?" His tone was scathing, incredulity seeping in.

"No." I responded bluntly. "I was going to ask you to do the right thing. You said that you would have done it if I asked you. Well, this isn't half as big Cass. You sit out one match and then it's business as usual."

He blinked, staring at me hard as I took a cautious step closer, gazing hopefully up at him.

"Cass. I'm asking you now. Please."

Nessa passed me a letter as I slipped back into my seat. She glanced up at me curiously. "Hardly a minute. What was that all about?"

She jerked her head towards the other end of the table, where Scorpius was laughing with Bryce.

I shrugged. "He asked me to Slughorn's. And then we were intercepted by Cass- and guess what? He's on board."

Her mouth dropped to the floor. "What? You got Cass on board? How?"

I smiled at her face. "I asked nicely."

Shaking her head in disbelief, she resumed munching her cereal. "You're fucking magic you know that? I wish I was part Veela."

Shoving her lightly, I slit open my letter, a slow grin spreading at the contents. "Excellent. Time to crack Bursnell ."

Ness looked up eagerly; just as an exhausted Lys plonked down opposite us.

"Oh my god- please let me give them to her! Morning Lys."

Lys nodded blearily in acknowledgment, blinking in befuddlement at the envelope as she poured her tea.

"What's that?" She mumbled.

I grinned wickedly. "Bursnell's downfall. It's your memory of the incident of July 17th. I got copies."

Lys frowned as she tried to remember what I was referring to. She was worse than useless in the morning time. I clicked my tongue impatiently.

"You know… Jorkins?"

Her eyes lit up in recognition as her face contorted in horror. "Ugh. I'd successfully repressed that memory. Thank you, Victoire, for forcing it to resurface."

A mop of dark hair suddenly materialised to Lys's left, arriving with such stealth and quietness that even I hadn't noticed his approach. Aelius smiled smugly down at her and her wild case of bedhead as he leaned across the table to face me, purposefully invading her personal space as much as possible. "Morning Alyssa. You look radiant this morning. I like your… hair."

She glared mutinously up at him.

"Greenwood… Now might not be a good time." I advised soberly. "Lys… isn't a morning person."

As Lys began to produce weird growling noises from the back of her throat, Aelius eyed her warily, moving forward to address me alone. "Understood. I'll see you later, Alyssa. Anyways; I actually was wondering about our… progress?"

He smiled hopefully.

I took a delicate sip of my tea, deliberately stalling, before grinning up at him. "Malfoy, Cass and Clayworth are all in. I'm on my way to get Nott and Bursnell is in hand." I jingled my parcel at him as his face lit up in disbelief.

"Oh my god. Weasley if you actually pull this off…" Words apparently failed him. He walked back to his table in a daze. Locking eyes with Teddy as he looked over at me curiously, I chanced a small smile. I was going to give him the best Christmas present ever.

Nessa startled me from my thoughts, her words shooting alarm through me.

"I know who your mystery boy is." She whispered confidently.

Jumping in my seat; I turned wary eyes on her. Had she seen? Impossible.

"Oh?" I responded vaguely. She smirked.

"Don't look so alarmed. I totally approve. You'd look so cute together- so blonde and pretty. I get why you don't want Cass to know though, him and Scorpius are mates. He is going to flip when he finds out. Can you imagine?"

She shot wide eyes in my direction, smiling to herself.

She thought Cass was going to freak if he found out I was dating Scorpius? Oh Nessa. You really can't even imagine.