"Rise and shine sleeping beauty."

Groaning, I turned away from the voice whispering in my ear, desperately clinging to the last whispers of my sleep. The voice was persistent.

"Come on. Up you get."

I mumbled something incoherent about more time. The voice chuckled; wrenching back my blankets and leaving my bare skin exposed to the chilly morning air. Yelping in surprise; I bolted upright, staring around me wide-eyed and furious.

"Aelius give me my fucking blankets back or I swear-"

My mouth fell open as I watched my lovely warm red duvet topple out of the window and plummet the height of the Gryffindor tower to the ground beneath. I rushed to the nearest window; staring in shock at it's mud-streaked ruin; lying like a red stain on the grass beneath us.

I turned slowly; murderously. "Aelius."

He smiled innocently. "I thought you would want me to wake you. Thought you might want to hear the news."

Scowling as I kicked open my trunk; searching for clothes- anything to cover me. The draught from the window, still ajar across the room; was giving me goose-bumps all across my arms and chest. I plucked out a random jumper and pulled it over my head roughly, not caring to fix my unkempt hair or dark eyes. I was too tired to bother searching for sweatpants.

"What news?" I inquired tersely, sitting cross-legged on my bare bed. He grinned, entirely too pleased with himself for my liking.

"The news. About Malfoy."

Yawning; I rolled my eyes. "What news?"

"The news about him and Zabini. Apparently they had a pretty big argument this morning while some people were up here snoozing the day away. Luckily, I was awake and chirper and witnessed the whole thing."

I glared at him. "Why would I care if those two gits are fighting? Can only be good news in my book. Saves me the hassle of having to do it myself."

"What do you think they were fighting about?"

Flopping back onto the bed; I groaned in frustration. Why had I been woken for this shit? It was pretty obvious what they were fighting about.

"Betrayal of friendship? Bros before Hoes?"

Aelius's smile dipped slightly. "Well… yeah. But guess what happened then?"

Already half asleep again, I made a disinterred grunt in response.

"Victoire came in and pulled Malfoy away. Which meant that Booth was completely alone."

I sat up slowly. Vic had left with Malfoy? Not Zabini? That was odd. Normally Vic was all about sparing Zabini's imaginary feelings. That she'd placed Malfoy above him was worrying. But also slightly heartening. I was starting to think Zabini was going to get a free pass for the rest of his life just because she felt guilty about breaking up with him.

"So, I was going to go over to her but your cousin intercepted me- and to say she was keen is an understatement. I have no idea what has gotten into her Teddy, but you might wanna have a word with her. I obviously wouldn't go there out of respect, but the facts are that Rose is pretty hot and if she keeps this up- I mightn't have a choice. But anyways- after she left and Vic returned, I went to ask her about the plan- uh- the plan for… the after party. And Booth asked about Rose- like were we together and stuff- and I played it cool and the gang and she was so fucking jealous Teddy- I swear- I-"

"Vic left with Malfoy?"

Aelius's face dropped as he paused mid-sentence. "Seriously? That's what you took from what I just told you? I am this close to cracking Booth and you're fretting about Victoire?"

I shrugged, feeling mildly guilty that I wasn't more excited for him. But then I remembered my crumpled duvet currently gracing the lawns of Hogwarts.

"So… Booth has shown interest then?" I recapped.

He nodded, grinning smugly as he stretched out on his own bed. "Yup. I think Slughorn's party is the time to strike. No girl can resist dress robes."

I winced. "Fuck. I forgot to get dress robes."

Aelius rolled his eyes. "Teddy- you don't even have a date. The dance is tomorrow. You have bigger concerns than a lack of dress robes. Who are you going to ask?"

I sighed. "I don't know. I don't know anyone that isn't going to piss off Vic by acting like it's a date. I actually don't have many girl friends? As in like, friends that are girls?"

He stared at me expressionlessly. "I got that. Well… what about Carlisle? Tobias asked her last week and she said no because she already had a date. I was talking to Gwen though and she confirmed that she doesn't. She's waiting for you to ask her mate."

I grimaced. "Not a chance. She still is kinda…"

"Obsessed with you?"

I chucked a pillow at him. "No. Well... A little."

Aelius frowned. "I don't see the problem. If she's totally into you, it's only going to make Vic jealous. It's not like you actually have to sleep with her if you bring her."

Shooting him a look that clearly stated he might want to shut the fuck up soon, he raised his hands in defeat. "Fine. Fine. What about Gwen then?"

I fiddled with my hoodie, lost in thought. "I dunno mate. Remember she was kind of... forward at the start of the year? And if she tries flirting with me, I think Vic will hex her into oblivion. And then you guys are fucked for the Hufflepuff match."

Aelius tilted his head; considering. "Not necessarily. If Gwen dies- James can be Seeker. It's not a bad tactic." He offered a speculative look that had me seriously questioning whether he was seriously weighing the pros and cons of staging Gwen's murder.

Blinking, I shook my head. "No. Not Gwen then. What about… Damn. We need to make more female friends!"

Aelius shrugged. "Speak for yourself. They are all lunatics. After the last few weeks, I am seriously considering cutting back my quota of female friends."

Craig swung open the door, with Gregory in tow.

"Hey man, did you hear about-?"

I smiled quickly at Gregory's question. "Yeah- I did. This dolt is after informing me."

Gregory paused. "Where's your blanket?"

"What's up Teddy?"

Looking upwards; I squinted into the face of my cousin, glancing down at me in amusement. The common room was filled with people chatting excitedly about the dance tonight. Against their happy bustling, I guess I struck a pretty forlorn figure. I must have if James was noticing it. The only more emotionally obtuse person I knew was Nott.

I stared dejectedly back at the floor. "I have no date for Slughorn's. And the dance is tonight."

James laughed easily as he sank into an empty seat beside me. His laughter was laced with derision, I noted sourly. What was it about my predicament that people struggled with?

"What? Well Carlisle is an obvious option. Or I think I heard Vermance talking about how she wanted to go with you."

Groaning, I buried my head in my hands. "I don't want to go with any of those girls. I just want to bring someone as a mate?"

James frowned. "Well; what about the girls on the team? Alice- or Gwen?"

I looked up, staring blankly at him. "Alice is like thirteen. And Gwen... it's complicated."

A slow frown crossed his face as he folded his arms, almost menacingly. "Why?" He coughed. "What... did something happen between you two?"

I shrugged, looking miserably around the common room, already buzzing with excitement for the dance. "No. Though I don't get the impression she'd exactly mind if it did; if you know what I mean?"

He shuffled uncomfortably, looking slightly pained before he smiled brightly at me. "Yeah. I get you. Well you should ask her then. I mean, she's fit, she's funny... and she likes Quidditch. What more could you want?"

There was a slight edge to his question that had me doubting his motives. But beyond that; the plaintive and matter of fact way with which he praised Gwen did have me thinking. She was an alright bird; just a bit forward. I would just have to be very clear about us just being friends.

I frowned at him curiously. "Maybe. I'd take Moaning Myrtle at this point. Who are you bringing?"

He rolled his eyes, the first glimpse of the carefree James I knew so well creeping through. "Dom. She wanted to go and it saved her dodging Flannery all the time. He's a bit of a tosser to be honest. And she's way too good for him."

"Which one's Flannery?" I scrunched my face in concentration, trying to place the name.

James shrugged lazily. "Some Ravenclaw 5th year. Don't worry, Fred and I had a word with him. Which leads me to my purpose here, Teddy."

I laughed. "You mean you aren't here to play match maker?"

I knew he was way too thick to notice my melancholy appearance.

Frowning seriously, he shook his head solemnly. "Aelius, Teddy. If he so much as blinks at Rose; we will break his legs."

My mouth fell open. "What?"

His grave expression never faltered. "I mean it, Teddy. Rose is family. And we all know Aelius. Don't get me wrong, he's a great guy, fantastic Quidditch player and we like him; but none of us particularly fancy him with our cousin. At least not Rose- you know her. She's far too sweet to be used by him. So you make sure he knows." With a plaintive nod, he rose from his seat; pausing at the door to his dormitories.

"You should ask Gwen, Teddy. She's actually... pretty great."

Staring after him in confusion, I found that my head was beginning to pound. Why was the world so intent on giving me a headache? Why couldn't everyone just agree on what they wanted and stick to it! Why couldn't they say outright what they wanted instead of expecting people to read between the lines?

"Hey Teddy! Excited for the dance?"

I snapped my head around, grinning in relief as I recognised the small red-head coming through the door, followed only paces behind by a flustered looking Rose.

"Hey Lily- Ow! Lily! God, since when are you such a ruffian?"

Jabbing me ruthlessly in the ribs; she slipped into my armchair beside me, ignoring the several free and empty armchairs around us. She cocked out her chin, glaring up at me defiantly.

"Look Teddy; I don't know what James told you- but Bernie had it coming. It's just the one detention and even Dad-"

I laughed. "You got detention? In second year? Crazy." I ruffled her hair fondly as she scowled furiously.

"Yes, in second year! I'll have you know that-"

"Lily, I still haven't ever gotten detention. I'm in fifth year." Rose stared plaintively at her cousin; patient but firm and humouring none of Lily's bravado. Lily snuck a glance up at me for a reaction and I smirked.

"What did you do?" I asked with a devilish grin.

"Teddy! Don't humour her!" Rose's scandalised expression was enough to send the both of us into peals of laughter.

"Aw Lils. You know you can't keep getting detention or your dad will be breathing down my neck. Or Rose."

She snorted at my words of caution, fixing me with her giant puppy-dog eyes that I just couldn't say no to. Not her. Not my favourite little cousin. In many ways, my little sister.

"Find a date yet Teddy? My friend Vermance was saying-"

I cut Rose off with a groan. "Please lets just not talk about it yeah?"

Lily sat up straight, her hair slightly ruffled from where she'd been leaning against my shoulder. She turned alert eyes on me.

"A dance? You need a date? Bring me!"

Shrugging casually, I smiled down at her. "I'd love to Lils. We could get all dressed up and have a cheeky dance or two. But I'm not allowed bring someone lower than fourth year, you know that."

Her face contorted in a frown. "Who will you take then? Harriet?"

My smile froze. "Why would you think that?"

Her little button nose crinkled in distaste. "All of the girls say she's your girlfriend. They say she has to be because she's so pretty and you two kissed."

She looked down at the floor, slightly disheartened as she scuffled one shoe on the carpet. I couldn't believe that Lily had heard that. She was in second year for Merlin's sake! How were people in second year aware of my involvement with her? I cringed internally. I sincerely hoped that they only told Lils we'd kissed. A wave of panic washed over me as I considered what other rumours she might have heard about me. I didn't want my little cousin hearing that crap! She was supposed to look up to me. She was actually one of the only people who just blindly believed that everything I did was right and cool.

I shot a worried look at Rose who gave me a small sympathetic smile.

Swallowing, I leaning forward conspiratorially. "Lily… Harriet isn't my girlfriend. And between the two of us- you're much prettier."

She smiled quickly, before pouting. "That's nice. But you'll still bring Harriet."

I shook my head at her audacity with a shaky laugh. "No I won't. I promise you."

Mollified but not satisfied, her frown deepened. "Promise?"

"Of course."

"Who then?"

"Vic- I need your help with something."

Pulling her into the classroom, she blinked in surprise at being plucked from Booth's side, before looking up at me incredulously.

"Seriously Teddy. That had better not be your idea of a proposition." She smiled indulgently up at me, before reaching up to kiss me. I jumped back, knocking a chair. She frowned at me in concern.

"This is important! I still haven't asked someone to the dance!"

She peered up at my frazzled appearance calmly, blinking once in surprise at the statement.

"Oh. Teddy... the dance is tonight..?"

"I know!" I exclaimed, moving away from her and pacing the floor awkwardly. "I know- and I'm thinking of asking someone- but I don't know who would upset you and who wouldn't and then I thought- you should pick!"

She blinked again, this time in bewilderment. "You want me to pick your date?"

Nodding vehemently at her, she laughed at my anxious expression, taking a step forward and placing a soothing hand on my cheek. "Relax Teddy. I wouldn't have been angry no matter who you took. What on earth would make you think I would be?"

I shrugged, flushing slightly as I realised exactly why I thought she would be. Because every time I saw Malfoy I wanted to rearrange his stupid pointed face. I opened my mouth to say "nothing" and "Malfoy" just slipped out.

"Malfoy? What has he to do with anything?" She frowned lightly, trying to work me out.

I crossed my arms; suddenly defensive. "I just... I overheard him saying some things and I just... I just don't like him going with you. That's all."

She bit her lip; trying not to smile. "Saying things? Very illuminative Teddy. And trust me; you have nothing to worry about with Scorpius. It was... mutually beneficial for us to go together. As the new leper of Slytherin; I either went with him or alone."

I winced, linking my hand around her waist. "You're not a leper. If it weren't for Zabini, I would have had a serious problem with this dance."

"What's this? You and Cass on common ground?" She looked up at me in incredulity, a smile tugging at her lips.

Tilting my head, I frowned down at her. "You actually don't know? I thought you'd have heard by now. He put a... what's the word? a sort of... ban on asking you to the dance. To the whole school. I would have thought-"

She took a step back; scowling dangerously. "He did what? Who the fuck does he think he is?!"

I swallowed. "Um.. I dunno."

"Sorry, sorry, I'll deal with him later. You... need a date. Well, what are your options?" She forced a calm expression, but her eyes were still glinting furiously.

"Um... well there's Carlisle, Gwen, or someone called Vermance? Apart from that... pretty much anyone. I will take anyone."

She nodded absently; I could see she was still fuming over Zabini. "Right, right... well who's Gwen?"

"She's on the Quidditch team."

Her eyes snapped to me. "Perfect; then take her. You're obviously mates, and if she's a Quidditch player then she probably is a more... tomboyish sort right? She'd probably love to be asked to a dance. Problem solved."

I hesitated. "Are you sure? She can be a bit-"

"It's fine Teddy. You worry too much. Now if you'll excuse me; I have an ex boyfriend to castrate. And then a dance to get ready for."

She made to storm out of the room, but I grabbed her hand, pulling her back to me in a whirl of blonde hair and flaring skirts. She looked up at me in surprise as I gave her the most gentle and loving kiss I could muster.

Pressing my forehead against hers, I whispered softly. "Just in case I don't get to tell you later. You look beautiful."

She grinned slowly. "You haven't even seen the dress."

I grinned back. "Don't need to."

"I heard he swung for you, man? He's going to kill you at practise. Probably me too now, I guess. Guilty by association."

An indifferent chuckle met this statement. "Nah he didn't. Looked like he thought about it though. But fuck it."

Noticing my presence they both turned to nod at me, Malfoy inclining his stupid blonde head politely.

Dick.

I nodded curtly back and returned to facing forward. I would just post this one owl and leave. I was not going to hang around eavesdropping on Malfoy like some third year girl. I had dignity. I had principles.

I choose a tawny, cheerful looking owl and rooted through my pockets for Harry's letter, doing my best to drown out Malfoy's drawl. Why does he speak so fucking posh?

Ponce.

"Why though? That's what I don't get. I mean, you barely have spoken to the girl before and now you want to get in her knickers so bad that you're willing to get kicked off the team?" Bryce glanced curiously at his friend as Malfoy plucked his owl out from the crowd. I stared at it for a moment. It looked vaguely familiar- I was sure I'd seen it's stupid fat head around the place. It had weird googly eyes as well, black as coal. Or it's master's heart.

"There has to be a reason?" He retorted sarcastically. I clenched my knuckles.

"Well… I guess not. I mean, no one is denying she's fit but… It just seems out of character is all."

Bryce made a valid point. A crude, but valid point. What the hell was Malfoy playing at?

He shrugged in response. "Out of character… how exactly? She's fit, she's single and she's on the rebound. Let it go mate. There's nothing else to it."

"You're disgusting. But you'll tell me the details yeah? Victoire Weasley… what I wouldn't- are you alright Lupin?"

I blinked, unaware for a few moments that I'd even been addressed. They both turned to squint at me, eyes narrowed with suspicion and concern at my dark hair and eyes. Malfoy took a step forward.

"Lupin- do you… need something? We can take you to the hospital wing if-"

I grunted in response, pushing past the both of them and stomping down the steps. The sooner Vic told the world, the better.

"Merlin, what now?"

"Malfoy." I spat the name as though it was contagious.

Craig glanced up, amused. "Are we supposed to know what that means?"

I glared at him. "He's been bragging about Vic again."

"Again? I wasn't aware this was a regular occurrence." Craig returned to his book, smiling faintly.

My glare deepened. Why did he have to be so reasonable and sensible all the time? Couldn't he tell I just wanted to vent?

"Well… You just know that he does." I declared childishly. He set aside his book, sighing as he turned to look at me.

"Teddy. Malfoy is a single boy taking a single girl to a dance. She is pretty. He has said so. As far as he knows; he is doing nothing wrong. Your problem isn't Malfoy."

Crossing my arms and scowling, I looked away. "Yes it is. Stupid Malfoy."

He shook his head. "No. Your problem is that no one knows about you and Vic. And the fact is that you knew when you were getting into this, that this was how it would be. Don't through a tantrum because things are exactly as promised." He nodded sagely, picking up his book from it's precarious perch on the armchair.

"But I-"

"And for the love of God do not go complaining to Victoire. It will only cause an argument that will set you back months. She'll tell people when she's ready. And furthermore, she actually got me to pass that Ancient Runes exam last week, so if you do anything to fuck up my progression; I will literally murder you."

I looked up in surprise. "You passed? That's… great. Really great, mate! Merlin, the last time you passed Ancient Runes…"

He grinned, chuffed with himself. "I know, I actually can't remember either. I owled my mum straight after it happened and she hasn't replied yet. I'm kind of worried she's died of shock or something."

"Don't you two look dapper."

Gwen smirked over at us, rising from her seat to appraise us properly. I scanned her over once before remembering that I am not single. Kind of.

"Thanks. You look great." I smiled warmly, meaning the compliment. She was wearing a dark red dress and her hair was shiny, a smirk across her face as she slinked closer to me.

She grimaced. "I'm so relieved you asked me Teddy. I thought I was going to have to accept Jorkins. He asked me yesterday. Well, actually he asked me weeks ago but I was hoping for a… better offer."

I nodded, somewhat awkward. "Oh… well… yeah, the food is really good at these things."

What? Sometimes I don't even know why I open my mouth.

She glanced at me, puzzled. "Yeah… so I've heard."

Aelius checked his watch, glancing suspiciously at the steps to the girl's dormitory. "She doesn't expect me to go up and get her does she?"

Glancing over at where James and Fred were leaning casually against the wall of the portrait door, observing our group coolly; I hazarded a guess that someone expected him to go up and collect Roes properly.

"Yeah. I guess so. And mate- um, James mentioned something earlier to me about... behaving with Rose?"

Aelius shot me an amused look. "Did he indeed? The cheek. I spent three weeks last summer practising the Wronski Feint with that tosser. Means nothing now I suppose."

I laughed awkwardly. "Well... I gave you the message. Don't come crying to me."

"Do I ever?" He shot me an injured look.

"Yes. Every single time. I'm not finishing your fight with my cousins though."

Slightly miffed looking, he turned back towards the stairs. "Fine. Don't expect me to leap between you and Malfoy either."

Gwen looked up in interest. "Why? What's your issue with Malfoy?"

Aelius muttered something noisily as he stomped up the stairs. Something that sounded distinctly like "banging the girl of his dreams".

I shot a dark look after him, before grinning brightly at Gwen's confused face. I hoped she hadn't heard what he'd said. It would be awkward as fuck when it was Vic who walked in with Malfoy at the dance.

"Nah, no issue. Just Quidditch stuff."

She frowned. "What Quidditch stuff?"

Fuck! I forgot she was on the team! That was usually such a fool proof answer. In all honesty though; why was I so bad at all this secrecy? Vic seemed to do it in her sleep and I could barely go five minutes without tripping up.

"Oh... um he was just kind of mean. About my... departure."

Her frown deepened. "Mean? How so?"

"Name calling." I answered abruptly, eager to end this conversation.

She placed a small comforting hand on my shoulder. "Well if everything goes to plan; you'll be back in no time."

She was already turning to greet Rose when I caught up with her words. Everything goes to plan...

What the fuck had Aelius done?