Teddy Time. :) Thanks again for all the reviews! Yous must have been coordinated or something this time. Such punctuality I have never witnessed! ;)

"Teddy…" She whispered breathily, the hitch in her voice sending my head spinning. Sensing the warning in her tone; I gripped her tighter, pulling her closer. She wasn't escaping that easily. I ignored her, resuming my attack on her neck with renewed vigour.

"Teddy..." Her protest was fainter this time, I noted with satisfaction.

"Mmmnn?" I murmured non-concomitantly. If she said we had to call a close to this, to meet fucking Nott, I was going to Avada Kedavra myself. And yet I just knew that's where her thoughts were heading.

"Teddy- Nott's waiting. And it's an open corridor. Anyone could see."

Groaning, I rolled my head back, banging it against the wall behind me.

"I know. I'm sorry, it's just I'm nervous about- wait." She cocked an ear. "Did you hear that?"

Her eyes darted towards the opposite end of the corridor.

"Hear what? All I hear is the deafening screams of frustration in my-"

"Teddy shhh. Fuck. Someone's coming."

She pushed me off her vehemently, eyeing the bend in the corridor in alarm. Suddenly she rounded on me.

"And what's more, hexing another student is strictly prohibited under the school's regulations for student conduct."

"What?" I looked at her in bewilderment, just as a few Gryffindor fifth years rounded onto the same stretch of hallway as us. Quickly copping what she was doing, I attempted to look chagrined.

"I-uh- He had it coming." I responded vaguely, floundering under the curious gazes of the approaching girls.

Victoire smirked, sensing my discomfort. I was a horrible liar. Her eyes twinkled mischievously, as she watched me squirm with apparent ease.

"Oh, really Lupin?" The way she spat my last name hurtled me back to three months ago, when the idea of conversing with me, much less snogging in an abandoned corridor, was repulsive to her. The progress we had made was really quite remarkable. Forgetting myself, I smiled at her.

She raised an incredulous brow, looking at me with exasperation and disbelief. "Why, what did he do?" She prodded pointedly. I could practically hear her voice in my head, hissing at me to get my shit together.

"Who?" I asked, still lost in thought.

I think her eye just twitched.

"Oh- yeah- um… he… insulted me. Really… really hurtful stuff."

As the girls reached us, I smiled at them out of reflex, recognising Rose and her friends. Rose offered a taught smile, her friends tittering happily as they beamed back at me.

"Teddy. What's going on?" Rose glanced between us dubiously, glaring at Victoire with as much resentment as she could muster. Victoire barely spared her a glance. I could register nothing but amusement in her countenance at her cousin's hostility. Frowning slightly, I turned to Rose.

"Oh I got in a spot of bother with another… student. Vic- Weasley here just interrupted us."

Rose nodded; her hostility to Victoire mounting. "Yes, she has a habit of doing that."

Vic barked out in laughter as Rose flushed, turning to face the flock of girls with a cool smile. "Run along Rose, before you get yourself into trouble again."

Looking between them in surprise, I smiled nervously around at the group, trying to think of a way to diffuse the situation. "So… where were you off to Ladies? I thought you would be off to Hogsmeade by now. Getting dresses for Slughorn's or something."

The girls giggled happily, a dark haired one simpering up at me. "Well, we'd have to have a date for that Teddy."

I nodded, slightly uncomfortable with her behaviour. I normally wouldn't blink at something like this, but with Vic beside me staring at her in open disgust I felt I had better do something to put her down gently.

"Yeah… well, I'm sure someone will ask you. Nice girls like you." I gave a reassuring pat, smiling at Rose. The dark haired girl batted her eyelashes.
"I certainly hope so. Bye Teddy."

I nodded, coughing awkwardly as they departed, Rose throwing one last angry glower in Vic's direction. Once they had rounded the corner and their giggles faded, Vic smacked me in the arm angrily.

"What was that? God. Fucking nauseating."

I grinned down at her. "What? What did I do?"

She pouted. "You know exactly what you did. I swear if you ask that dark haired girl, I will hit the roof."

Chuckling, I slipped my hand in hers as we made the long advance to our tree by the lake to meet Nott. "I dunno. I think she had a little something going for her."

"A beak nose and attitude problem." Vic muttered starchily. My grin grew.

"Are you… jealous?"

She spluttered in outrage. "Jealous- of that little twerp? I think not." Huffing, she quickened her pace, frowning as I tugged her hand and pulled her back to my pace.

"Don't be angry. It's cute. Especially since you have nothing to worry about. I'm not going to ask her. I still haven't a clue who I'm going to bring actually."

She smiled, mollified. "Good. I actually sorted my dilemma."

My face froze. "Someone asked you?"

She sighed airily. "Not quite- but it's sorted anyways. Nothing to worry about. It's a nice little Slytherin boy that I know isn't going to try anything."

Forcing an innocent and curious expression, I stared down at her. "Anyone I know?" I wasn't sure if I quite hit the light and breezy tone I'd strove for. She didn't comment on it at any rate, still absently peering out of the windows to try and see was Nott already waiting.

"Yeah, probably. He's on the team."

Of course he fucking was. Was it too much to ask that she would have taken a nice Wizard's Chess Champion? Or even McCormack. Now that I was up to speed with his preferences and confident he wasn't going to be trying to pry Victoire away, he seemed like a nice bloke. A bit of an over achiever for my tastes but obviously that wouldn't be an issue for Vic. Honestly this whole dance ordeal was enough to drive me mental. It was torture not being able to stride straight into the Great Hall, kiss her in front of everyone and prove she was mine.

If I had to listen to another debate in the fucking bathrooms about whether or not Zabini was serious in his taboo against asking her; and if it would be worth it anyways even if he was; I was going to punch someone. I hated listening to strangers talk about her like that; uncaring of whether or not she would be hurt or embarrassed if she knew what the disturbed and hormone addled brains of the general male population of the school thought about her. I almost was grateful to Zabini for his ridiculous threat. It saved me the trouble of explaining why I would have personally crippled every boy that plucked up the courage to ask her. Although I was surprised the rumour had reached even Gryffindor ears. It was understandable that the Slytherins would back off out of deference; but that the entire school was so afraid of him that they cooled off was mildly impressive.

A horrible thought occurred to me. If some Slytherin; a Slytherin on the team no less; was willing to risk Zabini- his own Captain's wrath just to ask out Victoire- he must be serious.

Fuck.

"On the team? Who? Which one?" I didn't even try to strive for casual.

She blinked; seemingly having forgotten what we were talking about. "Oh- Scorpius Malfoy?"

Scorpius Malfoy.

Fuck.

Why couldn't it have been Nott? Or Deaton? Someone repulsive enough that I needn't worry. Malfoy was Slytherin's answer to… well, me... or Aelius. He had a horrible reputation for being a player. And loathe though I was to admit it- he was good-looking. Fucking Malfoy. I could see them together now. Tall, blonde, pretty- matching little Slytherins.

"Are you wearing green?"

The question was random, I'd admit, but it popped out of my mouth before I had thought it through. In my head, it was all they needed to be King and Queen Slytherin. A nice green evening gown. Oh fuck. Slughorn was going to shit himself when they walked in together. He fawned over Malfoy, and adored Vic. I wondered briefly how he'd react if I walked in with her.

"No. It's pink. Why?" She looked up at me, amused.

I gave a warped grin. "No reason. I just think you'd look pretty in green."

She snorted. "Alright, Teddy. I wouldn't drop out of school just yet Mr Fashionista. Oh- look. He's already here. Okay- be nice."

She shot me a pleading look. I nodded warily; glancing at where an unsuspecting Nott was munching his lunch on the grass a few metres away.

"Vic- does he have… any idea?"

She shook her head worriedly. "No. But we can trust him. I know we can."

I raised my eyebrows dubiously, but sighed. I had no problem singing about us from the rooftop. It was her risk to take. Sensing our presence as we neared, Nott looked up in welcome, only to harden his gaze as he recognised me beside Vic.

"What's he doing here? Is he bothering you again Vic?" He glowered menacingly at me, not even bothering to check for confirmation from Victoire.

She coughed nervously, the sound so unusual coming from her that I turned to look at her in surprise. She was staring at Nott blankly.

"Um… no, actually, he's not. See… this is kind of why… why I wanted to see you." She tucked her hair behind her ear. Her hand was shaking slightly.

I flashed her a supportive smile as Nott looked between us first in puzzlement and then in mounting horror.

"No." He stared at her in shock.

"Vic… you didn't. You're not…"

"No. You are." I quipped helpfully, unable to help myself. He looked at me stonily, uncomprehending. I cocked my head. "You know- not/Nott?"

Nott blinked. "Is he talking to me?"

Vic stepped forward. "Look. I know this is a shock but... but we do really like each other. We're taking it slow and figuring out what this is but I wanted you to know. You're important to me and I know that I can trust you with this."

He blinked again; aghast. "Wait- you want me not to tell anyone? Merlin- Vic- does Cass know?"

She shook her head quickly. "Of course not!"

His mouth fell open. "What do you mean- of course not? Do you not think this is something that would interest him?"

She covered her eyes with a hand. "I- we broke up! Am I not allowed to move on, ever?"

His laugh was hard and she flinched. "There's a difference between moving on and carving out his heart and handing it to him. Do you know what this would do to him?!"

"Don't act like I had a choice in this. I can't help how I feel about Teddy- or Cass. If I had told Cass, he would never have let it happen. He never would have just allowed me move on and be happy with Teddy and you know it; so don't try and deny it. Was I supposed to miserable and alone to spare his feelings? What about mine!?"

Nott's expression morphed from shock to genuine concern. "Oh God Vic. What have you done? I wish you'd told me sooner. You can't… you've gone and fell for his shit haven't you?"

She stepped forward, hesitantly taking his hand. "Please trust me. I know what I'm doing. You have to believe me when I say that we were both wrong about him."

He shook his head. "We weren't Vic. Everything we thought he'd done- he did do. Carlisle- all of them. I just… you're so much better than that. I don't know how I can keep this from Cass. Partly as his friend; but also as yours. If I can't talk some sense into you… Cass is probably the only person you'll listen to."

Vic shook her head wildly. "No. No please. I will tell Cass. I will. But… just give him a chance. Please."

Defeated, he turned to eye me in disgust. "Fine. I'll hear him out, but I amn't promising anything. I think you should leave though."

Vic floundered. "What?"

He nodded. "Go Vic. We're going to have a chat."

She looked to me for confirmation. I nodded calmly, kissing her cheek in reassurance. "It's fine Vic. I'll find you later."

She nodded back; anxious and concerned, walking quickly away. Nott sighed heavily once she had left.

"Merlin Lupin. You've out done yourself this time."

Uneasily, I lowered myself down beside him, keeping cautious distance between us. "Just to be clear. I meant it when I said it wasn't a game. I really care for her and I'll do whatever I have to to make it work."

He rolled his eyes. "I'm sure. It's all fine for you while no one knows; but you have to appreciate she is going to get a lot of shit for this. We'll see how serious you are about it once the shit hits the fan. I swear to Merlin Lupin; if you leave her high and dry, I will murder you."

I shook my head firmly. "That won't ever happen."

He appraised me silently. "It was for her you gave up the captaincy wasn't it?"

I nodded.

He shrugged. "I thought that some new evidence had come to light or something. But that makes sense. Explains why Cass was so furious. Ryan and Greenwood too."

"Annoyed him did it?"

Nott looked back over at me, the whispers of amusement on his face. "He destroyed our dorm. That and we had to put up with fucking Mathilde in our dorms all the time."

I snorted. "Is that the Mercier girl? I noticed they were quite pally recently."

He faced me brazenly. "Pally? If I was "pally" with a girl like that; I'd be spending a lot less time in locked bathrooms."

I nodded in understanding. "If he's got some new bird why is freaking out about people asking Vic to this stupid dance?"

Nott rolled his eyes, lighting a cigarette. "He's not with Mercier. It's just an agreement. Besides… he's always been infatuated with Victoire. He's gotten used to the notion of her being his and he doesn't know how to handle the fact that she isn't now."

"Sounds creepy."

"Would you be any different? Knowing the way boys in this school are? Especially about her."

I grimaced at his candid question, already reminded of the irritating problem a certain Malfoy poised. "Fair enough. She does seem to draw a ridiculous amount of attention."

He nodded. "I hexed some fifth year in the common room yesterday. He had some loud conversation going where he reckoned she must be amazing in the sack judging by the lengths Zabini's going to ensure she goes with him. A fucking fifth year? The audacity. As if he would ever find out."

"A fifth year? Which one?" I asked, irrationally irritated.

Nott smirked. "Doesn't matter. He won't do it again. Besides; now that you two are going together; you'll get plenty of chances to defend her. Cass seemed to spend his life threatening people. But… you know that better than most."

I swallowed. "We're not going together. She's going with Malfoy."

He quirked a brow. "Scorpius? Fuck. Cass is going murder him. He was one of the players who agreed to back Cass up. Pretty clever though- Cass can hardly mangle his own player, he loves Quidditch too much."

I gritted my teeth. Yes, yes, we all agreed that Malfoy was one slick fucker.

"Surprised you aren't going together though? Keeping your options open, are you?"

I glared at him. "No. She doesn't want everyone to know till she's ready so… it's the waiting game."

He nodded thoughtfully. "I would have thought you'd have shouted it from the roof tops by now. Unlike you to resist any opportunity to rub Cass's face in it."

I rolled my eyes. "It has nothing to do with him. I would never do anything to upset her. Ever."

He appraised me silently.

"Teddy- what happened with her?"

I frowned, confused as I looked up from my parchment into the face of Rose Weasley.

"Who?"

"Victoire?" She allowed sarcasm to colour her tone like it was the most obvious answer in the world. I blinked.

"What do you mean?" My heart beat hitched in speed. Was I sweating? I think I was. Merlin it was hot in here.

"Did she dock points?"

I snapped back to reality with no small amount of relief, finally realising what she was getting at. I shook my head; grinning easily as Rose slipped into the armchair beside me, pushing aside mounds of parchment and textbooks I'd discarded.

"Nah. Just a warning."

She raised a cold eyebrow. "Unlike her."

I frowned. "Not really. She's actually quite cool."

Rose scoffed. "Teddy- please tell me you aren't another dim boy blinded by her looks. She's outright malicious."

"Who is this?" Aelius plonked into another seat, dragging it closer to the two of us to listen in.

"Victoire Weasley."

Aelius grinned slowly. "Oh, what I wouldn't do to that girl."

We both shot glares at him; mine outraged, hers disgusted. He laughed. "She's hot as fuck; don't deny it. What do you think of her Teddy?" He turned to me; faux curiosity in his tone and face.

I smiled tightly. "She's… pretty I suppose."

Aelius scoffed, as Rose's glare intensified. "If she's so pretty- why has she not got a date for Slughorns? No matter how pretty she is- no one wants to be forced to spend a whole night with that cow."

"She has a date." I corrected mildly, before wincing. Fuck! Why was I so horrible at this secrecy crap? You didn't catch Vic making stupid cock ups like that.

"Oh?" Rose demanded haughtily. What was her problem today?

Aelius frowned too, genuinely interested. "Who? I just found out Booth is apparently going with Nott the Gargoyle so… well, not being bad, but who else would piss of Zabini like that for her?"

There was no mistaking the bitterness in his tone at the mention of Nott. Probably shouldn't mention that we had established a shaky truce anytime soon, then.

"Yeah." I mumbled sheepishly. "Scorpius Malfoy. Or, so I heard."

Good save Teddy. Throw them off the scent.

Rose stood abruptly, shock written all over her face. "What? What?"

I blinked, looking at Aelius for clarity. What had I said that could possibly piss her off like that? He shrugged back at me indifferently. I suppose she had been in a pissy mood before. Maybe it was just that she didn't have a date and Vic did.

"Yeah. Malfoy. Look, Rose… don't worry 'bout finding a date. If you're stuck-"

"Teddy, shut up. I am not going with my kind-of-cousin like some kind of charity case. I didn't have a date because I didn't think… I didn't want one."

Taken aback by how angry she was, I tried to backpedal. I really didn't know a thing about women. They were crazy. I couldn't think of a thing I had said that would warrant this kind of reaction.

"Simmer down, Weasley. Don't get your knickers in a bunch. Malfoy's a bit of a slut if you ask me. I wouldn't be jealous of Victoire for snagging a boy with that kind of reputation." Aelius nodded sagely from his seat; reaching over to read the beginning of my essay and see what he had to fix in his own.

Rose stared at him like she was going to say something. Then she changed her mind; her expression much calmer, but all the more terrifying. She batted her lashes at Aelius sweetly.

"Actually- that's exactly what I want."

He looked up briefly; only mildly interested. "Oh?" He questioned, only half listening and not following her drift at all.

"Yeah. I'm glad you agree. Pick me up at eight."

She flounced off as we both looked up in surprise; glancing at each other for confirmation that that had actually happened.

"So… just to be clear. Did Weasley just trick me into taking her to this party?" Aelius frowned in bewilderment.

I nodded slowly. "I… think so."

He rolled his eyes. "Fine. Can you believe Booth is going with Nott? You don't think Victoire was serious when she said..?"

I shrugged. "Who knows?"

He sighed. "Women."

True that.