Dawn broke and at last the weekend had arrived, which meant one very important event was to occur for the students of Hogwarts, the first annual trip to Hogsmeade. Diana stretched lazily as she drew her blankets in closer, the chill of both the fall season and the characteristic breeze that filled the Slytherin halls biting at her exposed skin. Nevertheless, she was content.
"Morning, sleepyhead." Ines called out from the bed beside hers, laughing at what Diana assumed was the state of her unusually collicked hair.
"Mmhm. Mornin."
"Save some drool for potions class, I'm sure your pillow feels as if it's been drowned." Diana suddenly felt like a bucket of ice water had been poured over her head.
"I beg your pardon?" She raised a brow at Ines, who simply waved her hand flippantly in Diana's direction
"Nevermind. You slept well, I assume?"
"Did I wake you up screaming like a Fwooper?"
"No."
"Then I slept well."
"Well I'm glad to hear it," Ines replied, rising now from her bed and making her way to the shared bathrooms "I'm running out of concealer for the bags you check under your eyes."
"Lucky for you we can buy more today."
"Thank Merlin, I'm absolutely buzzin' for a firewhiskey."
By now Zubeida had ceased trying to sleep through the commotion and rather stared off at the argumentative antics of her two roommates.
Ines flawlessly combed through her short blonde locks, her blue eyes aglow with the excitement of a promising day in Hogsmeade before throwing on what was surely on the border of what most other pureblooded witches would consider to be appropriate attire. Off to the side, and still in her bed, Diana tore a brush through her long dark hair, grimacing as the bristles were met with more than one rat's nest. The downside of a good night's rest, she supposed. Apparently when she wasn't met with haunting nightmares she rather thrashed around like a tornado. After having ripped a sizable portion of hair out of her scalp, Diana unravelled herself from the bedsheets, no simple feat, and threw on some clothes glad that for once she could wear something in public besides Hogwarts' monk-like robes. She may even attract some attention; Regardless of the fact that she had no intentions of pursuing anyone, it was still a fun game to play. After all, a girl can always benefit from a guy eating out of the palm of her hand.
"Are you ready yet Di? The rest of the Slytherins have already started gathering in the common room."
"I'm coming, their precious egos can wait a moment longer."
"I'm not sure it's their egos we need to be worried about. Snape is not above leaving a few Slytherin's behind. And my guess is you would be top of that list if he was given the choice."
Diana stuck her tongue out towards Ines but hastened nevertheless. The blonde made a fair point, Snape would be all too happy to forget her at the castle.
"Alright I'm ready, let's go before the dungeon bat seeks his revenge."
The group of girls made their way out of the 7th year dorm and towards the common room where the hum of anticipated students grew louder and louder. Diana lingered behind a bit, still attempting to put on her shoes as her roommates pushed on.
"Girls, how nice of you to finally join us." Professor Snape's voice broke out through the crowd, immediately silencing the once excitable Slytherins to a frightened murmur.
"Sorry, Professor. We were running a bit behind this morning." Zubeida's reply was met with his trademark raised brow and pursed lips.
"My fault, entirely" Diana interjected, falling into her boot as she walked up behind the group, a strand of her hair falling sloppily into her face. She finally stood up then and blew the piece out of her eye line, hands on either hip and only slightly panting, "Slept in."
"Ms. Abbott. Why am I not surprised?"
"As you always say in potions, consistency is a virtue, Professor."
"Tardiness is a vice."
"Hmm, I must've missed that part of the lesson."
"You're quite right, Ms. Abbott. You were late."
Ines yanked on Diana's sleeve before her roommate could cause any more damage to the situation.
"You know, normally Snape likes Slytherins. You're just so damn polarising." She whispered to the brunette.
"Mum always told me I was special." Diana replied wistfully as Ines' eyes practically rolled into the back of her head.
"You're exhausting today."
"I had a good night's sleep."
"Now that we're all here…" Snape spoke over the crowd of students, glaring out of the corner of his eye in the direction of the Slytherin girl still holding one of her shoes.
"Oh! Good call, Professor. Better on than off. "
"We shall proceed to Hogsmeade. The sooner we arrive, the sooner we can depart from that wretched place. Single file. Make your way to the courtyard."
"Volatile, that one." Diana whispered to her roommates and they all looked up with a giggle at the gloomy professor who glared down at student's heads. His head turned sharply in their direction as they quickly stifled their mirth and made their way out. Diana had nearly crossed the threshold when she felt a cold hand wrap around her wrist, stopping her in her tracks.
"I expect you will be on your best behaviour today, Ms. Abbott."
"I'm always on my best behaviour, Professor." She smiled sweetly, using her other hand to caress his own which held her.
He released her immediately, as if having been burnt by the contact, his eyes filling with a similar fury as what she had seen on the hallways only days before. Diana smirked as they stared at each other for a moment before he spoke.
"15 points from Slytherin."
"For what?"
"Go join your classmates in the courtyard."
"But I don't see h–"
"Now, Ms. Abbott."
"And here I thought we were having such a lovely visit."
Diana for once decided that perhaps a moment of silence was best suited to the situation as she followed the group of black and green robes through the dungeons of Slytherin, into the halls of Hogwarts and eventually, with great effort, onto the cobblestoned pathways which led to Hogsmeade. All the while, she tested whether or not it was truly possible to burn locks of hair off of the back of someone's head just by using pure willpower and sheer internalised chaos. The continued presence of greasy black tresses leading the pack mocked her efforts causing her to snarl at the failure. Better luck next time, perhaps her focus was compromised by the fact that she realised that although she had managed to secure both shoes, one sock was noticeably missing. Brain fog was an understatement.
Damn sleep potion.
How she eventually found herself trudging into The Three Broomsticks, was beyond her; and alone nonetheless. Though her thoughts were anything but, still relentlessly plagued by the particularly uptight Potion's Master who was clearly hell bent on ruining her life.
"Hello, Abbott, fancy a drink with a dashing Slytherin? It is Hogsmeade weekend after all."
Diana turned, against her mind's better judgement or necessity, to look at the white haired annoyance. As if his sheer audacity wasn't enough to confirm his identity.
"Course I would; you stake out the outside of the building and I'll handle the bar. Let me know if you see one," She replied, attempting to catch the attention of what appeared to be a rather overworked bartender.
"Caught one's gaze in the mirror just a moment ago." Draco smirked and ran a hand through his staunchly blonde locks. Diana nearly laughed at how the overly primped Malfoy could barely get his fingers through the layers of pomade.
"You're a little young to be developing cataracts, Malfoy." The Slytherin girl replied, now having finally caught the gaze of the employee who was sulking over, a questioning look in his eye.
"Charming." Draco drawled as he took the seat beside her, an overly confident grin plastered on his face. "Father tells me the harder to catch, the better the reward." Diana scoffed and scooted further to the side
"Sounds like a one way ticket to a Ministry harassment prosecution."
"Or to your heart." He replied, closing the distance once again
"Merlin, I'm going to vomit before I've even touched a firewhiskey."
"Better get one in you quick then." She jolted to bite back, but found her tongue quelled by the possibilities. He was aggravating, sure. But she'd be damned before turning down the golden opportunity to get absolutely plastered on his dime.
"As long as you're buying, Malfoy, I have no qualms."
"Oi, I never said I was buying."
"Well we could play for it… whoever vomits first pays the tab."
"Deal, sounds like you're halfway there already."
"That's one way to spin it." Diana muttered before meeting the attention of the bartender. "Two firewhiskeys, feel free to spit in his."
"You think I was born yesterday? Can't be handing out spirits to children, they'll have my license." He took a swig from his cup and slammed it down on the counter beside him. Diana narrowed her eyes and leaned forward sweetly, a pout already forming on her lips.
"Please? Just one little drink can't hurt?"
"Nice try, kid. How about a warm butterbeer, seems a little more your speed."
"I've always preferred to push the limits."
"Not in my bar you won't." He replied, grabbing his glass for another swig and trudging away. He stopped as the newly sweet sensation hit his taste buds and turned towards the Slytherin girl who was now clad in a proud smirk.
"Last I checked the powers that be also frown upon consumption of mind altering substances while on the job, and judging by dilated pupils, sheen on your skin, and the startlingly empty potion bottle in my hand, you'll soon be feeling the effects of the Euphoria Elixir you so recklessly consumed on the clock."
"You little shit."
"Sorry, it slipped. Of course, my silence can be bought at a fair price."
"Never in all my years…"
"Sure, sure. Could you hurry? I can only handle this one for so long sober." She gestured to Malfoy beside her who scoffed in reply, but otherwise held his silence. The bartender filled two pints of firewhiskey and slammed them on the counter, their contents sloshing over the sides.
"I do hope those come at a discount."
"Don't push your luck." He grumbled back, though his gruffness was quickly overcome by uninhibited, and notably unintentional laughter which echoed through the bar as he walked away from the pair.
"Fair enough. Enjoy the ride." Diana yelled, and took her first sip from the conquest.
"You just drugged that man." Draco exclaimed and gaped at the witch. Whether his tone was from disapproval or awe she didn't know, but her ego chalked it up to the latter.
"I know, that was my good batch too. He'll thank me later."
"I'm not sure he will." The blonde replied, swirling the liquid in his mug as if the contents would be tainted by her indiscretions.
"We'll be long gone by then. Drink up, Malfoy. These things have a time limit," She took a generous gulp then leaned forward, "and you're already falling behind."
Ever imprisoned by pride and a challenge, Malfoy forewent propriety and downed the firewhiskey. The Slytherin witch shook her head and followed suit. Might as well jump head first into today's damnation.
The number of empty mugs and chairs quickly grew over the hours, much to the bartender's internal chagrin and the Hogwarts student's absolute glee. It was when Diana missed the handle of her mug four consecutive times the man decided the weight of alcohol poisoning to a minor was far greater than the mostly faded Elixir he had consumed on the job, and the rest of their requested refills were simply cinnamon flavored water.
They never noticed the difference.
"I'm tellin' you, Malfoy. If we stick together on this, we can convince them Umbridge shaved the Puffskein to use it's hair as a wig"
"Why do we need the hair again"
"For the laughing potion!"
"Right, right…" He agreed, fervently nodding his head as the now disheveled locks fell over his brow. "...an' why do we need the laughin' potion?"
"To settle a bet Malfoy, ya said ya didn' think Snape could ever laugh."
"Yes, now I 'member. An' you said you'd bet me 5 galleons you could make 'im laugh in our next potions class."
"Exactly!"
"Brilliant! You'll smash it for sure." Draco beamed at the Slytherin girl and took a long drink from his mug, which he followed with a shiver from his spine. "Damn, tha's a strong brew."
The bartender rolled his eyes and continued polishing the numerous empty glasses.
"He'll never see it comin' " Diana whispered loudly to the man as Draco's head slammed loudly against the bar beside her.
"Alright you two," came his response, picking up the remaining glasses from the students and dumping their contents into the plants. "Closing time, make your way out."
"But we haven' paid." Draco muttered, his head still buried in the countertop, none the wiser to his missing pouch of Galleons that Diana had long ago settled the tab with after a particularly rowdy bout of laughter had sent him flying from his stool beside her.
"It was on the house," She winked dramatically at the bartender who in turn rolled his eyes.
"Better not hear any mutterings that you stepped foot in this bar, you hear?" He replied. Diana mimed her mouth zipping shut, and then opened it to swallow the key with a smile.
"I don't get paid enough for this shit."
"Come along, Malfoy. It's a long way back to the castle." The Malfoy heir groaned in dissatisfaction, but rose nonetheless and simply exited the building, a dizzied Diana in tow.
"Thanks, Elbert!" She called as she stumbled through the doors and onto the streets of Hogsmeade.
Eldric groaned and resisted throwing the freshly polished glass at the back of her head.
The pair of Slytherins stumbled along the cobblestone path back to the castle, accompanied by the welcomed brisk Scottish air which stung at their flushed cheeks. Diana took a greedy breath in, relishing in the cold reprieve from their evening of fiery debauchery and looked towards the warm lights of the school in the distance. Hogwarts really was beautiful, she decided in this moment, and allowed herself a small smile in reply. Malfoy, was having a distinctly different experience on their trek home if the green tint that overtook his features was any indication. She occasionally shoved him aside to hold him up straight as he continued to drunkenly bump her shoulder.
Diana cast a quick tempus charm and huffed.
"Malfoy, get your shit together. It's past curfew." They had now long since breached the halls of the school and were winding down the paths towards the Slytherin dungeons, which meant now was certainly not the time to let on just exactly how drunk they were.
"Mmm. So uptight, Abbott."
"You're not the one with a house target on your head." She bit back, squinting her eyes through the low lit corridors. The candles never seemed to glow this dim before.
"Are we lost?" Malfoy questioned, staring into the same dull distance as his accomplice. No matter how far they walked, it never seemed to lead anywhere productive.
"Of course not. Why would we be lost?"
"Because you walked us into this hall a quarter of an hour ago and we have made no headway."
"Perhaps all that bleach has finally soaked into your brain, Malfoy." To his credit, he ignored the comment.
"We should be there by now."
"I know where I'm going."
"You're drunk."
"You're drunk."
"Right then. Lead on."
They walked in silence for a considerable amount of time, Diana stewing at the insult to her pride and Malfoy trying to sort his doubts through the haze of firewhiskey.
"Another left turn…" he mumbled. Overestimating her sobriety, the Slytherin girl turned on him and quickly lost her balance. His hands, though delayed by drunkenness, grappled to steady her and Diana's body was forced to remember the last time she had shared such close proximity with another.
Suddenly, his hands felt different. Stronger, as long lithe fingers stretched over her arm and waist to hold her within them. The lonely hallway suddenly held the musky aroma of pine and firewood, sending a chill up her spine. Her cheeks flushed as Malfoy's light eyes appeared dark as a pot of ink in the dimly lit space and before she could consider the implications of such a visceral reaction to the change, she leaned forward and captured his lips with her own. Draco quickly met her pace as she clutched the collar of his shirt desperately, pulling herself up in the process and returning her hands to run through his short hair.
She groaned at the inconsistency and closed her eyes tighter.
He met her fervor hastily and fumbled with both of their robes, his efforts were rewarded with a pool of black and emerald green at their feet. The Slytherin girl didn't even seem to mind as his hand trailed lower down her waist in their excitement. His lips made a path down to her neck and Diana took in a sharp breath through her nose as they sucked at her skin.
The pine had grown stronger now. Suffocating, intoxicating. She moaned and positioned his knee between her thighs, the growing pressure becoming all too unbearable. Draco had all but disappeared now.
Diana could almost feel the face of a desk in place of that stone wall. The steam of her latest brew was billowing under her collar. Hot, she was far too hot.
She undid the buttons there and his hands went to help as they always did. Steadying, meticulous, so damn professional in their quest for authority.
She'd be damned if they gave her another failing grade.
Her ears perked excitedly at the soft hum of his billowing dark robes. She wondered how they would sound hitting the floor and stifled her moan in the Slytherin boy's lips.
He cleared his throat in disapproval. An interesting reaction, but forgivable nonetheless. She ignored the sound and continued on, her eyes shut so tightly she feared they may never open again.
The sound repeated, louder now. Diana faltered in her pursuit, though her partner appeared blissfully naive.
The noise came a third time, and her eyes shot open to a sobering reality. She turned her head towards the culprit, who stood frightfully still before them. Draco, who still seemed to be completely lost to the whims of the hardened member at her hip, took a good shove back into reality to recognize their partnership had just become a group project.
Diana took in her surroundings, noting the nausea that filled her when she looked at the disheveled Malfoy heir and the poignant dread that came with meeting those dark disapproving eyes which loomed above her. They drilled into her, their fettered rage promised a tempestuous storm and yet she could not look away from their hold. Draco shifted nervously at her side.
Three was certainly a crowd.
"Having fun, are we?" Snape drawled in a low growl.
"Professor, we were just…"
"Unless your missing assignment is to be found in Ms. Abbott's mouth cavity, I cannot imagine you two were doing anything I would find worthy of excuse, Mr. Malfoy." The potions master gritted out and met the boy's eyes. Draco had the good sense to look away then. Snape turned to Diana, who had been standing quietly to the side. Too quietly.
"And you?" He said lowly, his head tilted in mock interest. "What might your witty excuse be this time?" She met his gaze with widened glossy eyes but gave no response. Snape growled at the silence and stepped towards Diana, his large frame towering above her.
"Well?" He all but whispered, and she shivered as his breath tickled the crown of her exposed collar. His gaze deceived him as he became painfully aware of her state of undress. Her breaths came shallowly beneath his derision, her breasts rising in a slow and sinful ebb and flow.
Diana never broke their gaze as his eyes slowly met hers once more. He stayed there for a moment and then tore away from her, as if the very sight of the young witch had the power to scorch him from existence. She stumbled back at the offense and before another moment could pass Diana and Malfoy found their robes unceremoniously shoved back into their arms.
"Return to your separate rooms. Now."
"But professor, we are lost. We cannot find the way." Malfoy replied, as if it were the most obvious predicament in the world. Snape took out his wand and lifted the enchantment revealing the long and familiar hallway to the Slytherin common room before them.
"...you manipulated the hallways?"
"An easy solution to catching unruly students sneaking in after curfew."
Draco and Diana swallowed and made their way through the hallway without another word, neither one daring to check behind them to see if the Potions Master was watching them. They did not need to look to know, the sting of his piercing gaze striking painfully at the back of their heads.
The door shut behind them with a loud clang as darkness settled between the two of them.
"Well, goodnight." Draco spoke into the silence, disappearing into the boy's corridor without another word.
"Night." Diana replied, not truly caring if it met anyone's ears, and walked blankly into her own quarters.
There would be no rest for the wicked tonight.
