The Consequences We Must Face

A/n: Yes, I know, this is yet another FF. And before the bombardment of questions happen, I would like to say... For Choices one Makes, I'm officially at a block. Every time I go to write something, nothing comes out. It really, really stinks. But I've been dying to write something, so this idea popped in my head and I decided to post it here... Do not worry, I shall continue on with Choices, there is no doubt I just need the inspiration and the fact that school is wearing me out kinda contributes to my no inspiration...

To note, this is not a sequel to Choices, its like a story within a story, Dante's turn to be in the Limelight.... Will explain later...

Hoping that everyone is having a Happy New Year,

Lainne

Now I'm here to introduce, The Consequences We Must Face.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h270/Natasia08/Consequences%20stuff/Consequences.jpg

Disclaimer: I don't own the Harry Potter world, that credit goes to the wonderful JKR. But I do lay claim on the wonderful characters that pop out of my head.





Prologue
"Don't Be Afraid... There's nothing to Be Afraid of"

"Come on Eli, let's go!" A voice called. It came from the young boy who was leaning against his father's 1964 blue mustang, looking rather annoyed as time went by. "I have to get this back before Dad knows its missing."

"Really, Danny! Are you that afraid of your dad?" Eliane Xaviers called back from the ledge she stood on. She was about fifty feet above his head, and a small smirk was present on her face. "Come on, have some fun for once!"

Daniel McQuire glared back up at her, as his jaw clenched. "You've met my dad. You know he doesn't take this sort of ****."

"So what I do is ****?"

"You know what I mean."

"No actually I don't think I do."

Daniel's glare turned colder as he kicked himself off the car. "Know what, I don't care. Headin' home, you find your own way back." He called as he opened the driver’s door and slammed it shot after he got in. The engine revved, Daniel paused to see if Eliane changed her mind and of course, she didn't. He rolled his eyes, put the car in gear and sped off down the road.

Eliane's hazel eyes watched him as he left. "Great." She muttered, but she was determined to finish what she started. She knew that Daniel would get annoyed and leaves, leaving her all alone. As sad as it was, she knew her boyfriend and knew him well. No matter how annoyed it made him. She leaned over the edge, standing on the very tip of her toes as she looked down. Her stomach jumped at the height, her naturally pale complexion turning whiter. She ran her tongue over her lower lip, taking a long deep breath. "It's going to be okay. Rabastan said he was gonna be here, he's gonna be here." She whispered to herself as a small reassurance.

"You really shouldn't stand so close to the edge." A cool, elegant voice whispered from behind her. "Might slip and fall. What a shame it would be if that pretty face was battered."

Eli slowly turned, ignoring the cold chill that ran down her spine. Her eyes scanned over the man before her. He wasn't tall, or even broad. But his aura made him seem more dangerous that his appearance did. He held himself strong and intimidating. Eli gulped. "You're-e late." She replied back.

Rabastan shrugged, "I'm on time in my point of view, and you shouldn't lecture me on tardiness. How many times have you arrived to your classes late, or even skipped a few." He retorted, his dark eyes glaring into hers.

Eli gave a non-caring shrug and crossed her arms over her chest. "What can I say, I like to have fun. And sometimes Magical school gets in the way of that."

Rabastan rolled his eyes at her response and took a step forward, giving her a more clear view of him. "You shouldn't miss school, never know might actually learn something that will save your life one day."

At that Eli broke out into laughter. "Like what? How to turn a mouse into a water glass doesn't seem that important." She retorted as her dark brown hair fell over her eyes. "And anyway, you said you have a proposition for me."

Rabastan nodded. "Yes, I do." He replied while he took another step forward. "My usual associate, Margarita, seems to be lacking in her attempts to turn the two boys I need for my cause. Regulus seems determined for him and his brother not to do anything for me. Their mother I fear, as fallen into a state of depression so she's no help. My wife is very busy training our daughter at the moment, so I need you to do what others haven't been able."

"And what's that?"

"To convince Regulus and Dante LaNoir that my way is the only way they'll survive in this world."

"Ooo, sound so cryptic." She said sarcastically. "Yeah, seems like a waste of my time. Sorry Sugah, but I ain't interested."

"It wasn't a request." He added. But before Eli could come up with a response, she found herself being thrown by an invisible force to the side, slamming against a cement wall, crumpling to the ground. She groaned, struggling to breathe as her body was lifted up once more and went flying into the opposite wall. She gasped for air as her whole body shook in pain. A cool finger was placed under her chin, forcefully lifting her head up so she could look back into Rabastan's cold, dark eyes. "It was an order and if you are rude to me like that again, the consequences will be must worst."

Eli pulled her face out of his grasp as she unsteadily lifted herself off the ground. She brushed off her jeans and dark red hoodie, looking back at Rabastan. "Screw you." She growled. "Like I said, I ain't doing it."

Rabastan raised a brow at her, making him look far more sinister than before. Eliane's heart stopped as she heard a car pull back up and door opening. "ELI!" Daniel's voice called. "Look I'm sorry. Come on, baby, you know I never mean it! Let's just go home. We'll do what you want. Promise!"

Rabastan studied Eli's face before he went to the window, looking down at Daniel, but keeping himself unseen by the boy. "What a handsome young man, you definitely know how to pick them. Sad that he's a muggle."

"Leave him alone."

"Do what I say and I will".

"Do what?" Eli snapped, "Tell two stubborn boys to join you. I don't even want to join you, so why should I tell them too."

"Because it’s what I want."

"You know, you can't always get what you want." She growled, crossing her arms over her chest defiantly.

Rabastan gave her a bored expression. "Is that really all you're going to do?" He added as he pointed his wand in Daniel's direction. "You really should be going to your boyfriend right now. Should get a word of goodbye in."

Eli's brow furrowed as she didn't understand what he meant. But his cold smirk made her feel uneasy. Pausing just for a moment before she rushed out of the room and down the flight of stairs towards the only person who had actually been there in her life. She reached the entrance of the building, to see Daniel standing by the car. He gave her a lopsided grin and waved. "Hey there you are, ready to go?" He asked.

"Dan get back in the car!" She cried but it was too late. Her hazel eyes went wide as she saw a bright flash of green and Daniel's body falling to the ground. "NO!" She cried as she rushed towards his lifeless body. She knelt down, feeling her tears coming to her eyes threatening to escape. Her fingers ran through his golden hair. "Daniel..." She whispered as she wrapped her arms around him.

"I told you to do what I said." Rabastan commented as he appeared suddenly. "Now you have to face the Consequences."

"He didn't do anything." She growled her back stiffening in anger.

"But you did."

"GET AWAY!" She screeched as she pulled out the wand she always kept hidden. "LEAVE ME ALONE!"

"It's your fault that he's dead. That your parents are dead. I can't bring either of them back, but I can offer than name of the one who killed your parents." Rabastan said with ease, as if this was his plan all along. "I can give it to you but you must do the little favor I ask. Or I can just hunt down all those you care for and kill them one by one... “

Eli's wand lowered as she faltered.”All I have to do is convince Dante and Regulus... whoever they are... to come join you?"

"That and whatever that entails."

Eli's lower lip quivered before she bit down hard to hide the fact that she was terrified. What kind of man would just suddenly kill someone he didn't know just to get what he wanted? Obviously Rabastan was that kind of man. Her gaze drifted back to Daniel as she whispered. "I'll do it."

"Good. See how easy that was?" Rabastan added. "I will call upon you when the time is perfect for your job. Have a good holiday." And with that Rabastan apparated away....




.... It's been almost two years since Eli saw Rabastan again. Two long years. Every day, she walked cautiously, always glancing over her shoulder in case he would appear. For two years, he never did. It was to the point where Eli doubted that he would ever come back. But with knowing Rabastan he appeared when she least expected it, the summer before her final year at New York's Academy for the Gifted and the Magical.

Now Eli found herself bunking in Rabastan's home, with his wife and house elves. It felt a little unnerving, to think that tomorrow she would arrive at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry, hunting down Dante LaNoir to convince him that Rabastan wasn't the bad guy. How was she supposed to convince someone that he wasn't a bad guy when Daniel's death still haunted her each day and each night...?

A/N Okay sorry, I didn't mean to post like a paragraph as a post. And my only excuse is that I'm not on a computer that I'm use too. So here's the next post...

Chapter 0ne
“With Every step… It’s another step closer to you”

Eliane stared up at the train with her hazel eyes through pieces of her dark honey hair. Her lips pressed together, her arms crossed over her chest. She was going to spend her last year of learning magic with all these … people? They weren’t even the usual rude people she was use too. At least back in New York, she knew what she was getting. Here, it was a whole new playfield. A new game plan and she doubted that she was even ready for all this. But Rabastan ordered, and she had to jump. Like a pet hamster. She hated herself for it. “Hey? You okay?” Evelyn LeRose asked as she stood in front of her. Evelyn was Rabastan’s daughter and the girl given the assignment to show Eliane where to go.

Looking the girl over, Eli couldn’t see any similarities between Rabastan and his daughter. Well besides the regal aura that they all possessed. But Eli was quickly finding out that all witches and wizards of pureblood ancestry held themselves the same way. “Um, yeah never better. I’m just nervous.” She explained softly as she readjusted her book bag on her shoulder. It felt weird when there were actual books inside.

Evelyn nodded. “No problem. The students at Hogwarts are pretty accepting. Trust me, I’m an Alumnus.”

“Wouldn’t that make you a little biased?” Eli countered with a raised brow.

Evelyn paused, “Maybe a little.” And the conversation ended there. Evelyn took Eli’s trunk and pushed it towards the train. Eli followed quickly behind, her Mary-Jane heels clicking quietly on the gobble stone pathway. The other students stared, forcing Eli to look towards the ground, not really wanting to meet any of their gazes. It was like they were already judging her. She knew she deserved it. There were a lot of things she deserved. But there was nothing she would give to take every bad choice back, to have Daniel back.

“Well here’s where you get on.” Evelyn declared cutting through Eli’s thoughts. “Do you want me to come on and help you find someone to hang out with till you reach the castle?”

Eli looked up at the long train, gulping softly, the nerves deep within her stomach growing worst. “If you could, that’d be great.”

Evelyn nodded and gave her a reassuring smile. “Trust me, it’ll be fine.” And with that, Evelyn handed the trunk to the assistant and stepped onto the train.

Eli followed suit, shaking her head. Evelyn had no idea what she was assigned here to do. She was the devil’s messenger and she was walking the path that didn’t have a return. “Yeah we’ll see.” She muttered making sure that Evelyn didn’t hear. She seemed too happy and Eli didn’t want her negativity to ruin the girl’s mood.

“DANTE!” Evelyn called, her voice rising and mixing with her laughter.

A tall raven haired boy, turned and Eli’s stomach dropped. She didn’t expect to see Dante so soon. She watched as Dante’s eyes roamed over Evelyn’s body and a small smirk appearing on his face. “Evee, what a surprise, what brings you here?” He asked as he made his way towards him.

Eli tucked herself behind Evelyn, trying her best to keep out of sight. Though she didn’t know why, Dante had no idea who she was and the reason why she was now attending his school. Evelyn stepped towards Dante and gave him a warm hug, which only made him smirk more. “Hey does this mean you’re over my brother and want me?” He asked, sounding rather hopeful. The sound in his voice only made Eli more curious, but she held back.

Evelyn gave the young boy a slap on the arm and rolled her eyes. “Now get over yourself, because I have an assignment for you.” She explained as she stepped away from him to allow Eli to come into his view.

Like any other teenage boy that Eli had met, his gaze roamed over her body like it was a piece of meat and they were starving. She walked towards Dante, placing her index finger under his chin and forced him to look her in the eye. “Dude, I’m up here.” She retorted as she stepped back, crossing her arms over her chest.

Dante smirked in response, crossing his arms to mimic her. “And you are?” He asked.

“Dante this is Eliane Xaviers, a new student at Hogwarts. Eliane this is Dante.” Evelyn quickly added, eying the both curiously.

Eli held out her hand. “Eli.” She added.

Dante grasped her hand and being the gentleman he was, kissed it gently. Eli wrinkled her nose and jerked her hand back. “Do you know that chivalry is dead right?” She retorted as she brushed her hair off her shoulders.

“Oh is it?” Dante replied. “I’m out of the loop.”

“And that explains so much of your character.” Eli hissed sending him a shooting glare.

“You know you remind me of my cousin…” Dante started. “Her name is Lena, heard of her?”

“Okay!” Evelyn interrupted stepping in the middle of the two. “Before this get’s nasty, Dante I want you to be nice and make sure that Eliane isn’t alone on this ride over.”

“Do I have too?”

“Out of courtesy to me, yes you have too.” Evelyn countered in a tone that made Eli sensed that Evelyn wasn’t one to cross with. Not only her tone, but that the fact that her blue eyes suddenly turned silver, that act alone made a small chill run down Eli’s back.

Dante frowned, “Fine. Come on. I’m sure some of the Slytherin’s will find you entertaining.”

Eli raised a brow, “Did he mean that as a threat?” She whispered to Evelyn as she placed her bag on her other shoulder.

“Well it really depends on whether or not the Slytherin’s like you or not.” Evelyn quickly explained before she pushed Eli to follow Dante.

“Great.” Eli muttered as she quickly caught up with Dante. His pace was fast, with his legs was longer and more toned than hers was. She cringed slightly, realizing that she was analyzing his body. She wasn’t suppose to focus on that, but on convincing that Rabastan was the better course. Now that she got him all annoyed, she was going to have to work a little harder.

Dante opened one of the compartments, loud laughter greeting both him and Eli. She took a peek inside, looking over each of the students. All were dressed nicely. At least they had a sense of fashion, something that Eli prided herself in. But what surprised her the most was how in unison they all were. Because as soon as Dante opened the door, they all turned to see who was entering their compartment. “Hey.” Dante grumbled as he slipped inside.

But the others weren’t caring about Dante, they were all looking at Eli. She took a deep breath and gave them a small glare. “Do you all have a problem?” She said as she stepped inside.

“Guys, this is Eliane a new student.”

“And why is she here?” A girl asked. Her dirty blond hair didn’t go well with her complexion, making her seem like one big blob of one tone. The only thing that stood out was her dark brown eyes.

“Because I’m supposed to babysit her.” Dante stated, “Get over it Crabbe.”

Eli frowned as slipped into the seat between Dante and a platinum blond boy, who looked about Dante’s and hers age. He eyed her over, just like Dante before returning his gaze out the window. “Leave her alone, Susan. Just because she’s prettier than you, doesn’t give you the right to be rude.” The Blond said as he rested his chin on the palm of his hand.

“Eliane this is Scorpius. Scor, this is Eliane.” Dante quickly added as he closed his eyes.

Scorpius held out his hand, and Eliane quickly shook it. “I prefer to be called Eli.” She explained as she took another look around. The others that were in the compartment didn’t introduce themselves but simply glared. Eli raised a brow and slowly sank lower in her seat. She was starting to realize how long this train ride was going to be.

***

Dressed in her new Slytherin uniform, Eli sat next to Scorpius and across from Dante. It seemed that once she was sorted into their house, the other Slytherin’s were more accepting. Though she wasn’t sure how long that will last. She could already sense that the girls were more catty than the ones’ back home. The Headmistress McGonagal had made her start of the New Year speech which was pretty informative and not the least bit boring, better than the Headmaster back in New York. The food appeared before all and Eli’s mouth started to water. How long had it been since she had a proper meal? At least one where she wasn’t worried about Rabastan? She was still worried about him, but at least she could properly eat.

Serving herself, Eli watched everything carefully. There were plenty of students that were keeping an eye on her but thankfully, others were in their own conversations. Several had newspapers in their hands, reading on the latest attack. Her stomach churned, remembering the headline when Daniel’s death was finally discovered. Rabastan had made sure that there was no evidence that she was there when he died, but there was something deep down inside her that wished that he didn’t. Sitting in prison seemed like a better consequence instead of having to lead another boy towards Rabastan’s grasp. Eli looked Dante over, who was talking Quidditch with the young boy beside him. He was unaware by everything that was revolving around him. She hated to be the one to ruin everything for him.

She felt a small nudge on her arm, forcing her to look at Scorpius. “You look like you’re going to be sick.” He commented.

“Please don’t vomit on me.” Susan hissed, glaring at Eli.

“Trust me; it would make you look so much better.” Eli retorted as she held up her goblet of pumpkin juice as if to toast to her statement.

Scorpius and Dante snorted into their drinks, trying their best not to look amused as Susan slowly turned into an unattractive shade of red. Eli smirked and took a sip. It was good to know that she still had her amazing knack of coming up with quick comebacks. That’s one thing that’s going for her.

A/N okies, completed! I hope you guys liked it. Remember to leave feedback. The Link is in my siggie.

A/N Hey all, Thank you Patrick for the awesome feedback you’ve been giving… and the awesome feedback you always give. So as promised… here’s the next post.

Chapter two
“Staring out on the Horizon, but never seeing the Beauty”

The life at Hogwarts wasn’t like anything Eliane had been through before. It seemed that it was actually required for the students to show up to their first class, with or without breakfast. That’s how she landed in her first ever detention. Never before, had a teacher not fallen under her power of persuasion. Never had her infamous pout did not work. She was starting to realize, that this year, her final year, she was going to actually have to work in her classes.

So now she settled down in the second row in the Defense against the Dark Arts class, pulling out her composition notebook and the book that Rabastan had bought for her. She slowly skimmed through the contents, looking over the spells and the defenses wondering if any could help against the hold that Rabastan had over her. Her fingers stopped at the Unforgivables. She paused, looking over the chapter.

A light breeze came over her, flipping the pages of her book to the next chapter. Beside her, with his wand out, came Scorpius Malfoy who set his leather book bag on the desk. “Don’t want people to see you looking at that. They’ll instantly write you off as one of the people that’s causing all this trouble in the Muggle world.” He explained as he tossed the Daily Prophet on the table. Eli cringed slowly. As far as she was concerned, because of Rabastan, she was one of them. “They’re already doing it since you were sorted into Slytherin. Just be glad you’re not part of the Malfoy family. Just because I have a family history of Death Eaters, doesn’t mean I am one.”

Eli looked him over. It was the first time that he actually talked to her since her arrival. Let alone something that was helpful for her. From what she gathered from the short time she’s been at the school, Scorpius was the current reigning King of the Slytherin House. She would have thought he would be more arrogant. Or maybe he was just treating her differently. She glanced away, feeling a small amount of guilt rush over her. It had been two years since Daniel’s death and not a day goes by that she kept reminding herself that she wasn’t going to fall for another boy once more. But it wasn’t only love that she wanted to avoid, it was friendship as well. If Rabastan was willing to kill her love ones, there was nothing to stop him from killing her friends to gain what he wanted.

The classroom door opened once more, forcing Eli to glance behind her and forget her troubling thoughts for a moment. The other students, along with the other Slytherins’, entered. Susan didn’t seem extremely happy that Eli and Scorpius were sitting together. “It looks like, you’re giving me a new enemy.” She commented as she ran her hand through her hair.

Scorpius glanced at Eli before looking towards Susan, who had taken the seat behind Eli. He rolled his eyes. “Susan? Yeah, ignore her. That girl is only trying to get at me because of my name.”

“How sad.”

“Tell me about it.”

“So you don’t mind me messing with her then?” Eli asked, feeling her old mischievous self slowly coming back. Once upon a time she enjoyed making several girls extremely angry at her. Once upon a time, she used to flirt, to flaunt and be a complete troublemaker. Deep down inside her, she missed it. The thrill, the chance of a fight was something she used to look forward too. Now she was scared to even breathe out of fear of making Rabastan angry.

“Can’t wait to see what you have in mind.” Scorpius whispered before he leaned back in his seat and turned the professor, who now stood before the class. Eli looked forward, lowering in her seat and crossed her arms over her chest. Defense against the Dark Arts was a class she did well in. She had quick reflexes and a good judgment when it came to a possible spell an opponent would use.

The professor, newly appointed to the post, was introduced the night before a Professor Nisteria Samuels. The woman held herself confidently, her arms crossed over her chest as she leaned against the front of the desk. The students slowly quieted down as they looked up at her with curiosity. When the room was completely silent, the Professor kicked herself off the desk and started to walk down the hallway. “This is your final year in this classroom, the final term you will take before you are expected to take your N.E.W.Ts. I am expected to review all that you’ve learned the past six years and go over several lessons, all in a course of a year.” She explained.

Eli rubbed her eyes, forcing herself to stay awake. It seemed that every teacher she had seemed to read off the same cards. It was hard to focus and pretend to seem interested when everything seemed so boring. “Now I want to know what you know, so I’m thinking about making this fun.” The professor added as she returned to the spot in front of her desk.

The other students all seemed to move forward in their seats, while as Eli remained where she was but simply raised an eyebrow. All were wondering how this new teacher was going to make things fun. “I’m going to break you off in pairs, and make a dual tournament.”

The class got more excited, as everyone seemed to bounce in their seats. Eli wrinkled her nose slightly. Duals, as fun as they were, weren’t something she had in mind for fun. But she kept her mouth shut and allowed others to enjoy the moment. “Are we picking our pairs?” Dante asked, he was sitting in the back row.

Eli glanced back, seeing him leaning back in his seat, balancing on the back legs of his seat. His tie wasn’t tied and hung loosely around his neck. His black sweater was open, and his hair was in a small mess on the top of his head. Eli was starting to think that his look was carefully thought out. Only because she knew plenty of boys who would love to be able to pull off the look that Dante seemed to so effortlessly created. Again, she cringed and turned her attention back towards the Professor. She was only here for one thing. How hard was it to keep her mind on the end result?

“I will pick your starting partners, to make things fair.”

A unified groan slowly rose through the class which only made Eli shake her head. If she was at all friends with any of the students in the room, she would hate to have to dual a friend. Embarrassing people she cared about wasn’t fun at all. Least she got a chance to show how much better she was than the others. Not that she liked to show off, but it was something to do. Right?

They were paired off by tables, and the tables were pushed along the wall, to give the duelers more room. Scorpius was her partner. Before he could finish announcing the word three, Eliane had him knocked to the ground and bounded tight with a quick flick of the wrist, she smirked. It was so much easier when they underestimate her.

Round by round went by, and Eliane only got faster. She dodged every attempt of an attack that came to her with elegance and grace which forced others in the other pairs start to stare. Her highlight was seeing Susan’s face quickly grow with unsightly blemishes. Out of courtesy, and to not land herself in another detention, she removed the curse she had place on the poor girl. Soon, there was only one person left, Dante LaNoir. The other students sat on the desks as Eli and Dante stood before them, facing each other. “Well, the new student versus the Slytherin house Keeper. Now, fair fight you two.” The Professor ordered. “On my count of three.”

Eli lightly gripped her wand, letting it roll in her hand, the wood lightly grazing her skin. She looked up into Dante’s smoky gray eyes, not surprise by his egotistical smirk. He was thinking he was going to win. She could already tell he had his victory speech planned out, what he planned on saying her to ‘try and make her feel better’. Why were all these boys so predictable?

“One.”

Her thumb slowly rode over her wand, as she allowed herself to close her eyes a brief moment and to take a deep breath. If Dante noticed what she was doing, he would think she was nervous. It was what she wanted. Him to think that he had this game in the bag, to think that he will win, for him to make the mistake of going easy on her, it was a mistake on his part but she could sense that he was making it.

“Two.”

Dante took a quick glance over her, while she made her movements more rigid. All she needed was for him to fall for her bluff.

“Thr-“

The syllable to the number barely slipped out before Eli waved her wand over her head quickly as she stepped forward, sending a spell hurtling towards Dante. By a powerful force, he was sent flying backwards. He hit the wall above a group of girl Ravenclaws and slid slowly down. His gray eyes were filled with anger. “You said on the count of three!” He growled.

Professor Samuels shrugged her shoulders slowly. “I did say three. I can’t penalize her.”

Eli smirked, “Are you backing out then?” She asked giving him a flirtatious smile. She was in her element; this was the only reason why she loved magic. The rush it gave her when it came down to a fight.

Dante growled louder as he stood up, pushing the poor girls out of his way. “No!” He snapped as he pointed his wand at her. A bright jet of red light went spiraling towards her. She had only seconds to think. She quickly ducked, the stunning spell narrowing missing the top of her head. She sent the leg locker curse towards him as she stood straight up. Without waiting to see if he was going to counter, she sent the viles that were sitting on the window seal by the Professor’s desk. Each vile exploded near Dante, bursting into little flashes of light which forced him to stumble backwards, as he rubbed his eyes.

Eli was ready to send the final spell, nothing fatal, just powerful enough to ensure her win. She stepped forward, moving her wand arm from behind her to in front of her body, pointing directly at Dante, with one graceful swing. The spell was in her mind and she was about to mutter it softly under her breath, when suddenly she went flying forward. She slammed hard into the back stone wall; all the air that was in her lungs went rushing out, making it hard to breath. Her body went still as a plank of wood as her hazel eyes opened wide to see Dante standing over. He had a victorious smirk on his face and a small chill went down her spine. She had lost. She couldn’t bring herself to believe it. She was lifted from the body bound curse and she gasped for air. Coughing and sputtering, she kneeled down to catch her breath.

“Congratulations, Mr. LaNoir. You show excellent skills. I have no doubt that you will do well in this part of your N.E.W.Ts.” The professor declared as she clapped quietly. “And wonderful form of attack, Ms. Xaviers. I am amazed at how fast your reflexes are, and how fast you are thinking.” She added flashing Eli a smile.

Eli frowned; she couldn’t help to but to think she wasn’t fast enough. How did Rabastan think she could turn Dante when the boy could beat her in a small dual? “Well class dismissed. I want you to read the first two chapters of the book and give a brief summary on each.” The professor announced as she fell into the seat by her desk.

Scorpius stood before her, holding out his hand. “You okay?” He asked softly.

Eli accepted his hand and slowly stood up with his help. “Yeah, fine.” She mumbled slipping out of his grasp and snatching up her books and bag. “Hate losing.”

“Should get use to it. I always win.” Dante declared happily as he passed both Scorpius and Eli.

She snarled and held her foot out in front of him, forcing him to trip and fall. “We’ll see about that.” She growled as she stormed out of the classroom leaving both Scorpius and Dante behind.

“You know.” Scorpius smirked as he helped his fellow Slytherin up. “You’re not going to win her over by acting like yourself.”

“Shut up.”

“Just saying.” Malfoy continued as they both exited the class, “If you keep this up, it looks like I’m going to win Ms. Xaviers over and win the bet. Unless you want to give up now, you don’t do you?”

Dante frowned, “Nah, I’m going to get the kiss, the girl and your money, there is no doubt that. Nothing’s hotter than getting a good snog after a passionate fight.”

Scorpius frowned. “This bet you’re going to lose. Eli will be mine by the end of the month.”

“We’ll see.”

***

Eliane was walking slowly towards the castle, her Ancient Runes class had just let out. The other students were far ahead of her but she didn’t care. It was lunch time, and even though she didn’t get a chance to eat breakfast, she wasn’t hungry. She kicked a stone along the pathway, her hair falling over her eyes as a cool breeze blew around her. She tugged her hair out of the messy bun she had it in, and the curls fell gracefully around her shoulders. Her mind was blank, her eyes closed, as she kept walking towards the castle. For now she at peace and she was enjoying it.

But with all good things with Eliane, her peaceful relaxing came to an end. Someone ran into her and they both fell to the ground. “OW!” Eli declared loudly out of frustration.

“Sorry!” A boy declared as he stood up quickly, reaching out to help her up. “Didn’t expect to see anyone.”

Eli accepted his assistance. How many times was she going to fall down today? “Oh… okay…” She mumbled as she looked him over. He was in fact a Slytherin, but one that she hadn’t met yet. He looked vaguely familiar; she suspected that she saw him in the Common room or at the table in the Great Hall.

He held out his hand. “Name’s Zambini.” He added, his hazel eyes twinkling. His brown hair was cut longer than most, with a few pieces falling in front of his eyes. He was a good half a foot taller than she was, with a strong built, it was no wonder that he knocked him down. Unlike most of the Slytherins’ she had seen, he had a natural smile. No smirk, nothing in it showed that he was up to no good.

“You’re first name is Zambini?” She asked as she cocked her head to the side.

He laughed, “No, that’s my last name, my full name is Sorin Italus Zambini. Not a big fan of my first name so I let people just call me by the last.”

“Awe.”

“And… you are?” He asked as he crossed his arms over his chest. The book in his hand came more visible.

“Sorry.” Eli quickly added. “Eliane, but people just call me Eli. Please just call me Eli.”

“Why?” Zambini asked. “I like Eliane; it’s not like the normal names. Like Anne, Rose, Elizabeth…”

Eli shook her head. “Then I get to call you Sorin.”

“Good point,” He added rather quickly. “It’s nice to meet you, Eli.”

“Nice to meet you too, Zambini.” She replied. “Now please tell me you’re not reading, Life and Travels of Amulius Pollux by Diana Ponum.”

Zambini looked down at the book in his hand and shrugged. “Well it certainly looks like Life and Travels of Amulius Pollux but you never no. Could be just a book about how cool I am.” Eli rolled her eyes and took a step forward. She reached for the book but he kept it out of reach. When she raised a brow, he showed her the smirk she was so use to from the other Slytherins. “Now, you can’t go reaching for someone’s book, without asking.”

Eli rolled her eyes once more. “May I please see it?”

“Yes, you may.”

She shook her head and took the book. Her fingers ran over the cover, feeling how smoothed it felt. “My mom use to read the whole series to me.” She explained as she opened to the first page.

“My mum likes it too.” He added. “Maybe they should start a book club.”

“It would be hard.” She mumbled. “Since my mum’s been dead for seven years now.”

“Sorry.”

“Not your fault.”

“Never know.” Zambini countered. “I could be a mass murderer and you wouldn’t know.”

Eli laughed a real laugh. “Oh well I shouldn’t insult you then.”

Zambini smiled. “Finally, a girl who get’s my sense of humor.” He said his smile growing. “Usually girls would look at me like I was insane.”

“You probably are.”

“Ha-ha.” He said sarcastically. “Or they don’t get a good joke.”

“Or that.” She added, wiggling her nose slightly.

A/N: That’s all I’m putting in this chapter. Will post again soon, please remember to give feedback. Real Honesty would be wonderful.

A/N Now thank you so much to Rach and Patrick for the outstanding feedback… I present the next post

Chapter three
“Confessions of an Ice Queen”

Silence could be a blessing or a curse. A blessing when Eli didn’t have to hear Susan and her small gang complaining about everything. Why should a bunch of girls from very rich families have something to complain about? Besides the fact that they all look horrendous with theirs so high in the air, but other than that, the way Eli saw it they had nothing to really complain about. Silence was also a blessing when Eliane didn’t have to hear the insults that Susan constantly threw at her. It was evident that Susan needed to get a life. But silence became a curse when Eli was left to her own thoughts. If dealing with Susan met that she didn’t have to think about how horrible her life was at the moment, Eli would grit her teeth and deal with it.

But while she was curled up in a small little corner of the library, Eli was willing to risk her conscience for a moment, and spend time reading. Also it was the small fact that none of the Slytherins’ enjoyed stepping foot into the library made the place more appealing. In her lap were her Defense Against the Dark Arts book and her notes from the previous lesson. She was reading over the basic defensive spells, which she already knew but with the dual she had with Dante, she needed a refresher course. The whole situation had thrown her off.

Her smoky blue eyes glanced around the room before they flew wide. Her throat tightened until it because almost unbearable to breath, around her neck a black strap tattoo appeared. She gasped for air, struggling, as she jumped up out of her seat and dashed out of the library, leaving her stuff behind. She made her way to the Common room, croaking out the password and pushed her way through. She brushed past Zambini, barely acknowledging the look of concern that had spread across his face as he stumbled backwards to get out of her way. She tossed a handful of floo-powder into the fireplace, muttering a location before disappearing within the emerald flames.

She fell out of the fireplace of Rabastan’s study, gasping for air as the tattooed band around her neck loosened, allowing her to breathe properly. She gulped down a couple breaths of air before she glared up at the man before her. A small snarl appeared on her face, “What?” She said her voice slightly scratchy.

“I want an update on your progress.” Rabastan stated. He was leaning against his desk, a glass of wine balancing in his hand.

“Then send an Owl.” Eli croaked. “Instead of practically killing me on my way here.”

“Progress.”

“He isn’t my biggest fan.” She sputtered, “We’re constantly fighting.”

Rabastan sighed as he stepped away from his desk, setting his glass down. “That’s not what I wanted to hear.”

“I know!” She quickly defended as she stood up, smoothing out her uniform’s skirt. It was really becoming a bother. “I’ve only just started at the school. They still acknowledge me as the new girl, give me more time to situate myself.”

“Situate yourself… how?”

Eli gave him a false smile, only recognized by those who truly know her and Rabastan couldn’t claim to be one of them, “Give myself some time to get into their inner circle. It won’t be hard, a flash of a flirtatious smile, a couple of cute outfits. It’s sad really, at how superficial they all are.” She explained holding herself with confidence that she hadn’t seen in herself in years… well two years to be exact.

Rabastan looked her over as he crossed his arms over his chest and he contemplated of what he should do. “Fine, I will give you a month.” He growled as he waved his hand in dismissal.

Eli smiled as she bowed thankfully, Rabastan not seeing the sarcasm that she held within it. She turned tossing another handful of the powder into the fireplace, heading back to the Common room. Stepping out of the shadows once Eli disappeared from sight, was a woman who only stood a few inches shorter than Rabastan. Her arms crossed her expression and body language full of anger. “How dare you bring her here while I am here, have you lost your mind?” The woman growled, a small piece of honey colored hair fell in front of her eyes. The rest of her hair was bound by a small pale blue ribbon.

Rabastan looked the woman over and rolled his eyes as he passed her to grab his glass. Taking a sip, his dark eyes moved back towards her. “Don’t worry, Jeannette, you’re identity is safe.” He commented sounding bored of the conversation already.

“How is my identity safe when you are summoning my daughter here when I only just arrived?”

“Am I sensing fear?” Rabastan chuckled as he turned and faced Jeannette. “What do you fear? The fact that your husband will kill you once he finds out that you lied when telling that his only daughter is dead. Or of your daughter finding out that you’ve abandoned her when she needed you the most?”

“You promised you wouldn’t!” Jeannette cried as she stormed towards him, her wand raised.

Rabastan stopped her with ease, disarming her instantly. With her wand in hand, Rabastan smirked. “Now, now, don’t worry Mrs. Zambini, all will revealed in good time. Let’s hope you are as slimy as I know you are and will be able to slip out of this unscathed.”

Jeannette glared at him before glancing away, her face filled with worry.

***

Dante stood outside the quidditch pitch, waiting for the rest of the try-outs to finish. He had tried out for the Keeper position, not doubting he would get the position. He was the best, not even the other teams could deny that. But Scorpius still had to view the others, to be a fair captain or to seem like a fair captain. From what Dante had seen, he knew no one could take his position out from under him. So that left him leaning against the wall of the pitch, yawning out of the pure boredom of it all, watching everything around him looking for something to entertain him. His silver eyes looked up towards the castle, only narrowing to get a better vision of whoever was coming.
From the distance, he could tell it was a girl, a girl with long curly hair. The sun was blocking his capability to fully see who it was. The girl waved, obviously a girl who knew him. Though that didn’t narrow down the long list of who it could possibly be, he pushed himself off the wall and crossed his arms over his chest.

His brow slowly rose as he watched Eliane step closer. She was out of the school uniform and into something more flattering, if that was possible Dante did like the way the uniform looked on her. She wore a simple black sweater that hung on her like a dress. She wore a pair of black leggings that were tucked into her brown knee-high boots. Beneath the low-V of the sweater was a deep brown camisole. He took a quick glance over before looking directly in her eyes. “Here to try out?” He asked with a small laugh.

Eliane smiled a real smile. Dante couldn’t sense any hint of sarcasm or insult within it. It wasn’t something Dante was use to from her, and he liked it. Now he was trying to formulate ways to make her smile like that more often. “No, I don’t fly… at least I would much rather be on the ground than high in the air. No actually I came to see the try-outs, cheer on the team and all that Jazz.”

“Well it’s almost over…”

“Seriously?” Eli said a small pout forming on her face. “I have the worst luck, oh well. Do you think Scorpius would let me watch the practice some time? I really like watching the game.”

Dante shrugged. “I’m sure once you’ve proven you aren’t spying on us for another team.”

Eli laughed, “Why would a Slytherin do to another Slytherin?” She asked as she ran her hand through her hair. Dante gulped as he watched it fall back into place around her shoulders.

“Um…” He started. “No idea. Aren’t you cold?” He blurted out, cringing at how idiotic he was starting to sound. He kept reminding himself that Eli was like every other girl he’s been with, and that he had a bet with Scor. Wasn’t he the one trying to make her fall for him not the other way around? Not that he was falling for her or anything…

Eli rubbed her arms slowly and nodded. “Just a bit.”

Dante took the opportunity, shrugging out of his quidditch jacket and placed it around her shoulders. The jacket was big on her, but only made her more adorable… not that Dante thought of her that way. What was happening to him? The last time he felt like this was towards his brother’s girl.

Eli gave him a thankful smile and leaned up, kissing the spot where his jaw connected with his ear. “Thanks.” She whispered before she returned to her normal height.

“Oi! Eliane you trying out?” Scorpius asked as he stepped out of the quidditch pitch. Dante glared at him.

Eli smiled and shook her head. “I don’t fly.” She replied as she shrugged her shoulder.

“Awe, well come on let me show you what your missing.” Scorpius added, waving for her to come to him. “Promise I won’t let you fall.”

Dante rolled his eyes; he knew that Eliane wouldn’t fall for his antics. But it caught him by surprise when she returned his jacket. “Thanks again.” She mumbled before she walked towards Scorpius. Dante’s hands clenched as he watched her take Scorpius hand. He allowed a small growl escape as they both disappeared within the pitch. Kicking the wall, he stormed back towards the castle determined to find a way to make Eli his.

***

Eliane fell into her usual seat in the Great Hall, her body welcoming the warmth of the castle. Her cheeks were flushed and her fingers red after the broom ride she had with Scorpius. She knew that Scor held her closer than he actually needed, after being on several broom rides, but she ignored it. The whole point was to make Dante jealous. From the way he was acting, she was starting to tell that he liked her. Or liked how she looked. If that was going to help her with her goal, then so be it, it was her life on the line and she wasn’t going to risk it.

“You okay?” Zambini asked as he sat down across from her.

She gave him a friendly smile and nodded. “Yeah, why you ask?”

“Because earlier today I could have sworn you were choking. That was until you disappeared in the fireplace and came back. I didn’t have time to see if you were okay because you went up to the girls’ dorm.” He explained, his eyes narrowing in concern. “And as much as I would enjoy rushing up to the girls’ dorm…”

Eli laughed, “No I’m fine. Just a bad Zonko’s product.” She replied with ease. “All fixed.”

“Oh, okay.” Zambini responded, looking as if he didn’t believe her.

Eli placed her hand over his. “Look I’m fine. Stop acting like my older brother.”

“Well someone should, with both Scorpius and Dante after you.” Zambini said as he crossed his arms over his chest defiantly.

A/N And that’s the end of that chapter for you! Hope you like it, and again Honest opinion is welcomed!

A/N Sorry for the shortness of the last post, in all honesty, that was all I wanted to put in that chapter.

Chapter four
“What can I say to show you how I feel?”

If Eli truly thought about it, a month wasn’t as long as she would hope. It would require to actually think about a plan, at least a plan that will work. To make sure that there was no way for error, no slip ups, and no mistakes, it would take her more than a month to formulate a full plan, let alone execute it. It didn’t help that Scorpius was slowly filling up her time. Unlike Dante, Scorpius was in all her classes except Ancient Runes. Many already assumed that they were dating, most of all Susan who seemed to be more rude and sullen around Eli. It was amazing how quickly people just jumped to conclusions, plus Mr. Malfoy wasn’t helping one bit.

Though the situation seemed to be working in her favor, Dante tried constantly tried to get alone time with her. Using many excuses of how he wasn’t getting his school work, especially when Eli knew he knew it better than she did. Which was saying something, because Eli viewed herself as one of the best in their year, after seeing how many students don’t pay attention? There was no doubt that Eli was a procrastinator, but at least she knew what the work entailed.

Now she found herself deep within the library, with Dante sitting right next to her, going over their potions homework. Their potion books laid open, their notes and composition books filling the space on the desk as they leaned in close. “I don’t see anything wrong with this potion.” Dante muttered as he ran his hand through his dark hair out of frustration.

Eli, in response, rolled her eyes. “You’re only supposed to find the ingredient that’s not supposed to be in there and replace it with the one that’s supposed to be there.” She explained softly. “If you follow this recipe, you’ll end up with an explosive potion. Cauldron bits and potion stays are a pain to get out.”

Dante rolled his eyes, mimicking her expression. “Like I need to know how to make a Sleeping Draught.”

“What if you can’t fall asleep do to nightmares?” She mumbled, making sure she didn’t show any emotion as she said it.

“Me? Nightmare?” Dante laughed, “Plus anyway, I’ll go to the nearest store that sells ‘em and use that.”

Eli shook her head. “Stores don’t control the potency of the potion, so you take it and you risk sleeping for days. If you have no food or water while you are sleeping, it’s definitely not good for your body. And what if you don’t have the money to pay for it, what would you do then?” She hissed as she glanced towards the Librarian who was signaling them to be silent.

“Me? Have no money?” Dante added as his laughter grew louder. “You’ve got to be joking.”

His statement annoyed Eli to no end. Once upon a time, she lived with both her parents. Once upon a time, she was able to buy whatever she wanted and have no care what it cost. Then on her eleventh birthday, it was all gone. She was parentless, family-less, and homeless. She had to fend for herself and the way that Dante just stated that he didn’t worry about not having money, it just made her angry. “Well, Dante, have you ever thought of what if all that disappeared? That you end up with nothing but the clothes off your back and the intelligence in your brain? If there is any intelligence in there?” She hissed rather loudly as she started to clean up her things.

“Hey!” Dante said, looking rather surprised. He was unsure what he had said that made her get this way. “What’s wrong?”

“Oi!” Zambini declared as he appeared behind Eli, holding up his books. “Need a study part- Eli what’s wrong?”

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out.” Dante growled, now slightly upset that their ‘alone’ time was over. While both boys sent glares at each other, both for different reasons, Eli was trying to clean up so she could make a quick exit.

“I’m fine, Zam.” She said in a whisper, using the nickname that she gave him to calm him down a bit. “Just leaving, maybe you can work with Dante here; help him get his IQ up.”

Zambini raised a brow, looking between the two. “Oook.” He mumbled in response.

Dante continued to frown as Eli placed her bag on her shoulder. The frown only grew as he watched Eli give Zambini a kiss on the cheek before she quickly ducked out of the Library. He let out a loud groan in frustration as he lightly tossed his quill to the table before him. “You know, if you really want the girl and you’re not just playing games to just add her to your rather long list of girls, you really should look at it in her perspective.”

“How can I look at it in her perspective, if she won’t let me in?”

“She doesn’t trust you?”

“And she trusts you?” Dante snapped as he stood up. The boys were about the same height, the same build so it was much harder for Dante to intimidate the other boy. “Why in Merlin’s name would she trust the boy who would kill if Mother Dearest told him too?”

Zambini snarled, crossing his arms over his chest. His whole demeanor changed. Whether Dante liked it or not, Zambini was smarter and darker than he was. He took a threatening step towards Dante, before he cleared his throat. His voice low, calm and ice cold, he slowly said. “At least Eli knows I will always be there for her. Through whatever that comes, and she knows that I’m willing to die for her. Can the quidditch all-star say the same thing?”

Zambini looked over LaNoir for a brief moment before placing his bag on the other shoulder. He took a step back and turned to leave. He glanced back, “Stop playing games with her, or I will show you how untrustworthy I can be.” He added before heading in the same direction that Eli had left.

***

Eli sat out by the edge of the lake, staring out at the rippling water. The weather had grown significantly colder and Eli was starting to wish that Hogwarts was located somewhere warmer. Her fingers traced along the smooth stone that lay in her hand while she was lost in her thoughts. It had been two days since she had talked to Dante since what happened in the library. She knew that it was the best idea of her to be avoiding him, but she really didn’t know how long she could stay calm. His statement, though as small as it was, still made her blood boil. She had no idea why she allowed him to get to her like he did. If it were any other guy, she would just fake liking him to get everything over and done with. But it seemed that with Dante faking wasn’t going to cut it. She found herself wanting to be more honest with him and that scared her to no end. She couldn’t tell him the truth; she couldn’t admit what she was doing, at least not without causing bodily harm to herself. And bodily harm seemed so unappealing. “Why the sad face?” Scorpius commented as he slowly sank down in the spot next to her.

She glanced over and shrugged. “I didn’t notice that I had a sad face.”

“Well I do.” Scorpius replied as he nudged her shoulder lightly. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“Liar.” Scorpius muttered. “Come on, you can tell me.”

“I find it that it’s better to keep your secrets to yourself,” Eli explained as she shrugged once more. “Keeps them from spreading around the whole school, rather people thought of me as mysterious and intriguing than what I’m truly am.”

Scorpius smirked; her statement did make him curious. He lightly poked her side, “Come on you can tell me. Promise I would keep it to myself.” He said as he started to repeatedly poking her.

Eli bit her lower lip as she lightly smacked his finger away. “Stop it.”

“Make me.” Was the response as his finger dodged her hand and made its way back to her side, this time he started to tickle.

Her eyes flew wide, as she struggled to stifle her giggles. “You really don’t want me to make you…” she managed to say through her soft laughter.

Scorpius nodded in agreement. “Nope I don’t want you to make me, want you to enjoy it.”

It couldn’t be helped; Eli sent him a playful glare before she lightly pushed him. Scorpius’ smirk only grew as he gripped her hand and lightly pulled forward, but with enough force to her in his lap. Before she could realize what was happening, his mouth was pressed against hers. In all honesty, it made her stomach flutter. Not in a romantic, in love sort of way, but in a way that showed how lonely she had been through the past two years. She found herself kissing the Slytherin Prince back, with one arm draped around his neck and the other hand beneath his jaw. Scorpius locked his arms around her waist tugging her closer as he deepened the kiss. What was a girl to do? It has been a long while since any boy showed her this kind of attention, and she forgot how much she missed it. But she had to come to her senses, before the situation went farther than she wanted.

She pulled away, though not getting far with his grip around her. Her blue eyes looked over his face before meeting his silver gaze. “What just happened?” She whispered, thinking out loud more than actually asking the question.

“Well… I kissed you?” Scorpius mumbled, his gaze moved to her mouth, looking like he would like to do it again.

“Why?” He cleared his throat, suddenly looking rather guilty. She narrowed her eyes as she forced him to look at her again. “Tell me!” She ordered, slightly surprised at the coldness that was in her voice.

“Well I did it now, because I wanted too.” He explained. “But if you want the truth, been trying to get you to kiss me for weeks, because of a bet.”

“A bet…” Eli whispered as she forced his off of her, standing up slowly. Her fists were clenched in subtle anger.

Scorpius stood up with her, grabbing her shoulders to make her look at him. “Look it was a silly bet that I made at the beginning of the year. Dante and I were joking around. Before I actually got a chance to get to know you, I like hanging around with you Eliane, and I’m sorry…”

Eli paused. “Did you just say Dante?” She whispered looking up at him.

“Yeah…”

“He and you made a bet to see who would first hook up with me?” She asked softly, her brow furrowing.

Scorpius looked her curiously, “Well snog, I didn’t bet… going all the way… Though that would be that bad.”

Eli frowned. She had spent all this time, worrying about hurting Dante. She was worried about putting him in a situation that would harm him, when he didn’t even care about her. All she was to him was a means in a bet. “You okay? Please don’t be mad at me… Do I get the benefit of the doubt since I was honest…. Usually I lie through my teeth.” He mumbled as he took her hand into his, his thumb tracing over her knuckles.

Eli gave him a sweet smile before leaning up and kissing his cheek. “No I’m not mad, you just helped me figure out a problem I was having.”

“I did?”

“Yeah, you did.” Eli smiled. “It means so much that you actually got the courage to tell me the truth.” She added as she slipped her hands out of his and picked up her bag.

Scorpius lightly grabbed her arm. “Hey, you’re leaving? I wanted to continue what we were doing before…”

Eli smirked. “Um… maybe later, I have something to take care of first.”

“I’m going to hold you to that.”

Eli laughed and pulled out of his grasp once more, heading back to the castle. She slowly made her way towards the Great Hall where she found Zambini sitting. She took the seat across from him, and waited until he acknowledged her. “Hey, how are you?” He asked as he slowly looked up at her.

“Tell me the truth,” She started brushing her hair out of her eyes. “Did you know about the bet that Scorpius and Dante made about me?”

His eyes narrowed as his jaw clenched. “They made a bet about you?” He asked, snarling softly. She couldn’t sense any hint of a lie which made Eli slightly at ease.

“Yes, they did.” She explained with a sigh. “Scorpius just decided to tell me about it.”

“I’ll kill them both.”

“No need. I have the situation under control.” She quickly added. “Don’t worry about Scor, he’s the honest one of the two.”

“What are you thinking?”

“For me to know and for Dante to find out.” She replied sending him a look that told him not to question further. Zambini was slowly realizing that Eliane wasn’t a girl to mess with. He hoped that Dante was smart enough to get on bend and knee and apologize like there was no tomorrow.

***

Eliane sat on the bleachers in the quidditch pitch, watching the Slytherin team practice. Scorpius had them doing several plays. Their first game was against Gryffindor and Scorpius wanted desperately to win. His father and mother were making an appearance at the game, so a win was a must. Eli kept her eyes on Dante; he seemed out of his game. He was catching the quaffle but only barely. There was no denying that she was still angry with him, but it was becoming far easier for her to hide it. She did manage to strike up a whole conversation with him during Defense class.

Scorpius blew the whistle to end practice, ordering all the players to get a good night’s rest before the game. He landed on the bleachers beside Eli and sat down. “So what do you think?”

“You’re really sweaty.”

Scorpius laughed lightly. “I meant the game. But it’s nice to know you’re observing me as well.”

“We’re just friends.”

“Who kiss from time to time.”

Eli wrinkled her nose. “It was once.”

“But you promised we could continue later.”

“I said maybe. It wasn’t a definite yes or no.”

Scorpius just shrugged, her comments not affecting him. “Come on, come to Hogsmeade with me.”

“I’m still not sure whether all this implies to the bet.” She retorted with a sigh. “I just don’t trust you… at least not at the moment.”

Scorpius sighed as he started to remove his equipment. “Well I’m going to get you to trust me.”

“Does Dante know that you’ve told me about the bet?” She asked looking him over.

“No.” Scorpius replied. “As far as he knows, we haven’t done anything.”

“Good.” She declared. “Keep it that way, for now.” She said as she slowly stood up. He frowned but nodded slowly. Eli looked down at him before kissing his cheek. “Fine I’ll go to Hogsmeade with you. It better be fun.” She muttered before she turned and made her way down from the bleachers.

A/N There you go… Hope you like it. If you couldn’t tell… I’m feeling rather lonely at the moment *sighs*