In the Era of a Legend :: (Closed to LadyShalott) :: WARNING: 18+ content

Lee watched as the girl entered the great hall.

He heard about what happened earlier that day- hell, when Fred came in in tears... It was rather disconcerting to him. And when he found out... Well, he got incredibly pissed off, and he was about to go kill the boy- when Fred had stopped him.

He looked to the boy beside him- the gingers eyes glued to the table, his appetite vacant. Biting his lip, he looked up to Alexandria, waving her over- maybe if he was there too, the girl might come with them. He hoped so. Judging by her appearance though, specifically her shoes, it looked like she might.

However, Marcus was still frustrated. Despite relieving himself in the shower earlier, he was still severely frustrated. He needed her. He wanted her- and it was just her body that he wanted. Right now his reputation was iffy from the slap the other day, so he couldn't just have anyone right now. Besides, he was a persistent man.

And he wouldn't let that blood-traitor have her before him.

Immediately, he gave her a look, knowing she would come to him easily.

Though she wasn't wearing the type of shoes she usually does, she still looked sexy. He would let it fly for now. He needed her, badly. And waiting longer was really pissing him off.

-------

I sighed lightly as I walked into the Great Hall, Cormac at my side, my arms crossed over my chest. I was significantly uncomfortable with what I was wearing- the blue jean shorts? Not TOO bad. But the low cut shirt, off-the-shoulder shirt that threatened to make me pop out if I bent down? Yeah, my arms were staying over my chest.

Trying to keep this boy from being mad at me wasn't helping my mental state. However, thinking of the accidental kiss earlier sent a small smile on my lips, giving off a sigh. I officially decided George was perfect. Now, if only I was with him instead of Cormac...

But I shouldn't think about that. It's never going to happen between him and I. I had to focus on Cormac.

At least I still got to wear my converse.

I looked longingly over towards my group of friends, but sighed, in case Alexandria sat over there, I couldn't. So I simply sat beside the boy with his group of friends. The group of friends that I thoroughly did /not/ fit in.

"That's a... Different shirt," Lavender randomly pointed out, "Differen't for your.... Usual attire," she criticized, looking me up and down, the best she could. I simply sent a glare her way before looking at the floor, hugging myself again.

I flinched when Romilda opened her mouth, my gaze going to the table again, my arms still covering my chest. "That's true," Lavender spoke, then rolled her eyes, "Quit covering yourself like some brat. You don't want to do that to your boyfriend, do you?" she sneered obnoxiously, my glare going to her for a moment, then to Cormac before softening, looking down again.

Just stay silent, Maria. You wouldn't want to cause any more drama than you have been.

However, when Percy spoke, I couldn't help but feel relatively... Upset.

Maybe that's why I never stood a chance with George- maybe they all thought I was secretly in the closet?

I bit my lip, then looked at him, "I once had a flirtatious relationship with my sister," I commented randomly, "But it was weird, because I don't have a sister," I added on matter-of-factly- a smirk crawling on my lips at their horrified features, watching as they went silent.

That's one way to shut them up.

Immediately, my attention went to Cormac when he spoke, "I can?" I questioned him, my eyes wide, "You're actually giving me..." I trailed off, realizing that Alexandria was sitting with them- my expression falling- until I saw the shoes she was wearing. The black converse I gave her. That I gave her!

I smiled again, "Thank you, Cormac," I spoke, momentarily moving my arms and hugging him before I stood up, hugging my chest and making my way over there.

---------

Fred smiled when Alexandria came over to sit beside them.

He hadn't lost her just yet.

Immediately, when Alex sat beside them, he hugged her, tightly. "Are you okay?" he immediately asked, "Did he hurt you? Or make you do anything that you didn't wanted- or-"

"Relax, Fred," Lee spoke, frowning, though he was obviously worried about that already.

"Oh right, sorry," Fred blushed, sitting up straight, happily holding her hand- but frowning again at her appearance. She really wasn't herself. And it was worrying him.

Fred then smiled weakly when she turned her hair blonde, "Quite better," he spoke, lacing his fingers with hers from under the table, as if to comfort her- his attention then turned to George, rolling his eyes with a smirk. "He and Maria kissed," he spilled the 'beans' to Alexandria. "Completely accidental, apparently. But he's been a bloody git the rest of the day because of it," he joked, laughing lightly, winking at his brother, who was simply glaring at him. Immediately, his attention turned to Maria when the said girl walked up- covering her chest with her arms awkwardly.

He frowned. The fact that she was holding herself like that showed just how uncomfortable Cormac was making her.

"Hi..." I trailed off, earning the whole groups attention, "Your brother," I nodded in Percy's direction, "Was being a git. So, after I horrified them, Cormac said I could sit with you guys- that is if you don't mind, because if you do, I can go sit with Cho or Luna or-" I started rambling.

"Nonsense, Maria!" Lee laughed lightly, "I'm sure that none of us mind, do we?" he smiled at the group around them, "Go ahead," he spoke.

Fred simply smiled, his hand tightening on Alexandria's, watching as the pinkette took a seat beside George awkwardly, sitting up as straight as I possibly could, so as to keep from showing the cleavage this shirt desired to show. "Aren't you cold?" Fred frowned, to which I merely shrugged, my attention turning to the table. The patterns on it were really interesting all of the sudden. Fred simply sighed, turning his attention to Alexandria- making sure she was okay. "But seriously," he whispered to the blonde, "Are you okay?"

Fred frowned when Alexandria put off the subject, letting out a sigh, he really didn't like seeing her this way. All kept up and distant. He loved the woman, and because of her boyfriend, the woman he loved was turning slowly into a bug, just waiting to be stepped on and crushed.

But then, he had another friend who was getting to the same point- and with Maria, it was almost worse. Because Alexandria knew how to hold herself- she knew how to flaunt herself, but with Maria- you could tell she was vulnerable in those types of outfits, you could tell that she had some issues going on that he was sure none of them knew, and because of Cormac, they were being brought to the surface.

He sighed, his gaze turning downward- everything was turning to hell this wear with the girls, and it killed him. He was sure it killed off of them- his attention turning to Alexandria when she stood up- "Alex, what are you-" he cut himself off with wide eyes when the girl stripped herself of her shirt, offering it to Maria. "Alex- what are you doing?" he spoke- his face a bright red.

She did have a really pretty body, and well.. But he was more respectful than that. And here she was, in just her bra in the middle of the great hall, offering a shirt to Maria, with everyone staring at her.

My eyes widened when Alex offered her shirt to me, my mouth momentarily agape until I looked around, "Alex- you- I-" I stopped myself, smiling, "Thank you," I mouthed before quickly taking the shirt and slipping it on- then slipping my off-the-shoulders one off from underneath the shirt, handing it to the girl, "You really didn't have to, you know," I told her once she took the shirt, relaxing slightly when I was no longer fearing popping out, "But thank you," I added on, resting my head on George's shoulder.

Maybe things weren't all lost. Maybe we could make up before the Halloween plan.

Marcus was pissed, though. His fucking girlfriend took her shirt off in the whole great hall. He was definitely going to talk to her later.

I frowned when I noticed how the shirt looked on Alexandria, giving off a sigh. I couldn't help but feel selfish. Here I was, basically complaining about a shirt because of the cleavage, when Alexandria had more cleavage to show. I frowned, about to suggest otherwise when she spoke, smiling weakly.

"Who do you think I am?" I joked lightly, giving off a sigh, "I'm not going to let him be a blatant bastard without doing something about it..." I trailed off, sighing lightly, staring at the table; looking at the food. I haven't been eating much lately; I don't know why. I just haven't been hungry.

My attention then went to George as he started speaking, my eyes wide as I sat up, "George- why are you asking her?" I murmured to him, blushing out of embarrassment, then looking to Alexandria, smiling awkwardly. "You don't have to, Alex. You really don't have to. I don't want to bother you with it so don't worry about it, okay? Okay. Good. Good." I quickly spoke, then sent a small glare to George. "I told you I didn't want to ask her about it yet, George," I spoke in a hushed manner to him, frowning.

Fred frowned when Maria spoke- his grip on Alex's hand tightening, worried. He knew that Maria tried to be polite about it, but the fact that she didn't want Alex to dye her hair meant that there were still quite a few issues with their friendship that would keep them from going back to how it was, and he knew that Alex would take it badly. He didn't know how she would react, and he was worried about that- and judging from the expressions of George and Lee, they were worried about that too.

I frowned at Alexandria's reaction, instantly regretting it. Fuck. I obviously messed things up again- and judging by the glare that Fred was giving me when Alexandria started leaving, I messed things up with the Weasley twin as well.

"Don't apologize," I murmured- then looked at Fred, "Fred, I am really sorry, I just-"

"Forget it, Maria," Fred snapped, pushing himself up from the table and following Alexandria out of the Great hall, searching for the girl- and running up to her once he saw her, "Alex!" he exclaimed, his hand slipping into hers, "It's okay," he murmured, hugging the girl immediately, his fingers running through her hair, "I don't think she meant it like that. I really don't," he whispered to the girl.

------------------

I groaned, hiding my face in my palms, "Fuck." I murmured, "Fuck," I repeated, groaning again, "Why the hell do I fuck up everything?" I murmured to myself, giving off a sigh, then looked at George, "Don't feel bad, okay?" I spoke, "It's not your fault. Just.... It's too soon..." I murmured.

"You didn't necessarily need to deny her like that though..." Lee murmured, frowning, worried about the veela girl.

I sent a small glare his way, before sighing. "I'm sorry, okay?" I murmured, "Won't happen again," I added on, standing up, "I'm heading in," I finished, turning, shoving my hands in my pockets and walking towards the direction of the Ravenclaw table, about to get Luna or Cho and see if they'd walk with me.

Fred just hugged her, letting her cry into him, running his hand through her hair. "It's okay, Alexandria," he murmured, sighing lightly, he just held her, until she fell to her knees- about to speak more before widening his eyes, frightened, "Alexandria?" he murmured, bending down to her with his hands on her shoulders- until she fainted, collapsed in his arms. "Fuck!" he called, then looked at the cat, picking the girl up bridal style.

"Come on, Imposant," he smiled weakly, standing up and quickly making his way towards the hospital wing, the cat on his heels. After a few moments of near-running, he made it there, walking in, "Madame Pomfrey!" he exclaimed, walking up.

"Oh- what is it, dear? Oh, please tell me she's not petrified!" Pomfrey exclaimed, walking up. Fred shook his head.

"No, she's not. She just fainted," he spoke.

"Oh, come on over here, Mr. Weasley..." she trailed off, walking over to a free bed, nodding for Fred to put her down on one of the beds, to which he did so, she then took out her wand and pointed it at her, "Do you know why she fainted?" she questioned Fred, then she spoke again, "Rennervate."

"Not really, no," Fred answered, his eyes locked on Alex. "But I suspect it's because she hasn't been eating," he murmured.

------------------

I blinked, my gaze going to George when he grabbed my hand, stopping me. I frowned, but sighed, complying when he made me sit. I then sighed, offering a weak smile in return, "I guess you're right..." I murmured, frowning, "I just... Wish I didn't piss everyone off so much," I closed my eyes, but then shook my head, smiling lightly again, "I'll stay for you, okay?"

"And not for me?" Lee pouted, "Hmph! I see how it is!" he spoke, smirking, looking away.

I laughed lightly, "For you too, Lee," I spoke, then, immediately, my attention went to Dumbledore as he spoke, my eyes widening.

A ghost and another muggleborn.

I could feel my face visibly pale. And immediately, I moved to sit closer to George, nodding weakly. "I know. I'm sorry..." I sighed, hugging him around the waist and leaning my head on his shoulder, "I'm not really hungry, though," I sighed lightly, moving an arm to push the plate away from me.

Fred frowned as he listened to Alexandria speak, his face flushing and his gaze going downwards, trying his best to respect the skin that was no showing on the girl.

He admitted, the fact that she wasn't eating was pissing him off incredibly. He couldn't stand it, and he knew why. He knew it was because she was under such stress- because of Marcus, mainly- but he also couldn't help but feel mad at Maria because he knew she had a place in this too.

He knew it was ridiculous, but he was mad at her. And he probably would be until she made up with Alexandria. He sighed, then looked at Pomfrey when she came over with the food, nodding, then looking at Alexandria- trying his best to keep his eyes on her face- blushing when he would look down... But he simply shook his head. Smiling and looking at her, though his smile was weak.

"Alex, please eat," he sighed lightly, his hand taking hers, "Please. I don't want to see you getting so sick. You're under so much stress, but if you don't eat it's only going to make it worse, he begged.

----------------

My attention turned to Cormac as he walked up, frowning when he looked at my shirt, giving off a sigh and standing up, "I think I'll be fine," I murmured, "But if you want me to, okay," I sighed lightly, then my attention turned to George, and I sighed.

I bit my lip when George started speaking, looking at him and then at Cormac before closing my eyes. "I think..." I trailed off, aware that them walking together would cause chaos, I then sighed, "Cormac," I murmured, hugging him tightly, "I'll be okay, okay?" I whispered to him, then pulled away, looking towards his group of friends, "You don't have to leave them for me," I added on. "Really, I'll be okay."

I then smiled, "Besides. You don't want your selfish girlfriend to hog you all to herself, do you?" I spoke, trying to appease him. I really didn't want them walking together, and I knew George wasn't going to back down, and I knew I had at least a way to keep Cormac down. "I'll see you tomorrow, okay?" I whispered, my hand momentarily on his cheek before looking at George. "Besides," I added on, looking at Cormac, "I've been with you all day since I saw Hagrid," I smiled weakly. "See you Cormac," I spoke, before looking at George, reading to leave the great hall.

Fred chuckled lightly when Alexandria burped, blushing. He thought it was adorable- he's never seen he be so careless- even if it was accidental, and he thought it was bloody adorable, smiling as Pomfrey explained it, then chuckling again when Alexandria looked like she was going to kill the food on her plate.

"You're adorable," he murmured, smiling, his grip on her hand tightening. He then let go and stood up when she started getting up, "Don't worry, I'll make sure she eats, ma'am," he spoke, nodding to the girl, then looked at Andri- his face turning a bright bit of red.

"Uh- Yeah!" he quickly spoke, taking off his shirt, revealing his under-shirt and handing it to her, smiling as she put it on. "Come on, Alex," he spoke, slipping his hand in hers, "Let's go get you cleaned up, okay?" he spoke, his thumb removing the excess of the tears, before leading her out of Pomfrey's office and down the stairs, his destination the Gryffindor tower.

He then sighed, "Also, Alex," he looked at her, "I think Maria forgives you, for the most part," he spoke, biting his lip, "But... I think she's waiting for a chance for you guys to properly apologize to each other. And I think she might've reacted the way she did because of the boy she's currently dating. If... If George is right... You know her resolve is tough. But if he really is hurting her, then we both know that she can very easily give in to him," he smiled weakly. "Just... Don't take it to heart, okay, Alex? She's... In a rough place right now, I think. All we can do is wait for George to help her out of it," he murmured, smiling weakly at her.

---------------

I smiled lightly as we walked out of the great hall, sighing, I slipped my hand into his, lacing my fingers with him. I then frowned when he brought up Cormac. "Yeah..." I trailed off, "Speaking of him..." I murmured, then looked at George, "What's gotten into you?" I questioned him.

"I mean- for the past couple weeks, you've been treating me like I'm some kind of porcelain doll," I spoke, "Like, even before my rib was broken. More thoroughly that day in itself. What's up with it?" I questioned, my head tilting to the side, stopping my stride, grabbing his other hand and lacing my fingers with his, looking up at him, gazing into his eyes, biting my lip. "It's not your normal protectiveness, George. I know somethings up, and I want the truth, okay?" I sighed lightly.

"I mean, I know you don't like me with Cormac. I know you don't like him, but if theres something going on that I don't know about, I want you to tell me, okay? Please."

"I know..." Fred sighed lightly, "I know, Alex. I do. I... Don't know what's going to happen between now and Halloween. I don't know if Maria and you will have made up by then, but..." he trailed off, "Whatever happens Halloween, I promise I'll kidnap you the entire day, okay?" he smiled, then sighed lightly.

"I don't think it's necessarily Maria being a bad friend," he murmured, then bit his lip, "I think she has a lot going right now, is all. With her parents, with the move, with Cormac- George- you." He explained, "She's just thirteen, I don't think she knows how to handle it, and I think she's trying to figure out how to make everyone happy, and because of that, I think she's breaking a little bit. There's still so much we don't know about her, Alex. We don't even know her parents names- or her godparents names, even. We don't know who they are. We don't even know what she has to deal with outside of school- or inside her head," he sighed lightly. "I'm not saying you should treat her easily. I just think you shouldn't take everything she does to heart."

Immediately, Fred blinked when Imposant started hissing, looking around- slightly panicked. Could it be the creature? Could they...

His glare hardened on one figure as it came into the scene.

"So, this is what you go off and do?" Marcus's voice sneered, glaring at the two, "You take your fucking shirt off in the middle of the great hall, walk off with him, and now you're wearing his damned shirt and holding his fucking hand?!" he snapped, upset.

"Flint," Fred spoke, standing in front of Alexandria, "Nothing. Happened." he spoke, "She doesn't have to explain herself to you. You so fucking worried about her cheating on you? Don't give her a reason to!"

"This is none of your business, Weasley!" he scolded, glaring at the boy before walking over to Alexandria, grabbing her arm, "Come on, Jolie. It's time we go to the common room."

"Flint! Quit fucking handling her so roughly! She's not a damned rag doll for you to get off on!"

"Shut up, Weasley," he glared at the boy, "I'm not going to let you tear apart our relationship!" he spoke, swinging his wand at friend- speaking 'Stupefy' before dragging Alexandria with him, ignoring the cats hissing and sneering.

-----------------

My eyes widened when he started speaking, biting my lips. "Ohhh," I mused, my hand instinctually going to my gut, "You mean..." I smiled lightly, shaking my head, "George," I spoke, looking up at him, "Cormac didn't give me the bruise. I think my rib's been fractured, at least, for a while now," I spoke, sighing, blushing from embarrassment, my hand on the back of my neck.

I smiled when he continued speaking, my gaze going to the ground and then looking up at him, biting my lips, "George, I-" I was cut off though, when he moved to hug me, his lips hitting mine again- glad we were alone once again.

My eyes were wide, though- this was longer; I think he was trying to register just what happened- I could feel the desire for my knees to get weak- and I could distantly feel myself kissing back- until he pulled away; my hand immediately going to my lips again, my face on fire and my hormones not helping that much.

Twice in one fucking day. This was getting ridiculous.

"You... I... Uh," I stuttered, laughing awkwardly, before stepping closer to him, my hand slipping into his, "Don't... You don't have to apologize," I finally made out, smiling before hugging him, my arms around his neck, pecking his jawbone before pulling away from the hug, slipping my hand in his. It was just an accident. But fuck. Hormones.

I then shook my head, still shaking, still blushing, but trying to ignore it, "Cormac didn't hurt me," I told him, "I'm uh... I didn't want to tell you guys. I wanted to be a prat and show off this summer- but I'm practicing a sport called Le Parkour, and I was trying to jump over a spring rider at the local part.... And I tripped," I blushed, continuing my stride with him, "And I landed on the sharpest point of the rider. I mean, it hurt like hell, but I never suspected it was fractured, or broken, or anything like that," I laughed weakly, lacing my fingers with his, walking closer to him than usual.

Just because I was with Cormac and couldn't be with him right now doesn't mean that I can keep myself from being a little more affectionate to him. I mean. Fuck. RAGEMONES. Complaint!

Marcus simply glared at the girl as she spoke. He was frustrated as fuck, and he was angry. He wasn't going to let her get away this time, he simply ignored her pleas and dragged her to his dorm; happy to see it was empty, he entered and shut the door, making sure to keep the cat out, and locked it. "I don't appreciate what you did, Jolie," he spoke, threatening, dragging her over to his bed, climbing atop her, forceful.

He had one thing in mind, and one thing only- with his hand on her thigh, moving up her skirt, it was obvious to her too.

"You're mine. And mine alone. And if I can't prove that to you in other means, I'm going to prove it to you now," he growled, his hand moving the hem of her underwear, his lips immediately moving to her neck.

He was going to have her. And he was going to have her tonight.

----------------

I felt my face shoot up in flames when George put his hand around my waist, my smile turning into a grin, before I sighed, "He... Hasn't hit me... But I just-" I cut myself off, however, when I saw the body. My eyes widening upon recognizing Fred, running over to the twin with him.

This couldn't be happening.

I felt the panic under my skin as I got beside him, giving off a great sigh of relief when he was still breathing, and another when Fred casted the spell on him, and he stirred away.

"Fuck!" Fred sat up immediately, then groaned and gripped his head, leaning back slightly. "Alex..." he trailed off.

"Fred? What happened?" I spoke, my hand on his shoulder.

"It was A monster," he growled. "Fucking Flint- I think he's. I..." he trailed of. "I don't know. But he's really pissed off," he spoke, unaware how long he was out. Aware that whatever he wanted to do, he couldn't at this moment. It was too late.

He felt like he was about to vomit.

----------------------

Today was the day.

My breath hitched into my throat as I studied myself in the mirror. I was finally able to take the damned bandage off; but I had to wear baggy today, and I admit, I was kind of nervous for Cormac's reaction.

But at the same time, I felt like myself again.

And I felt like I was torn.

Ever since our accidental kisses, George has been significantly... Affectionate towards me. And that sent butterflies swarming in my stomach. But I also wasn't sure just how he felt. I don't know.

I know, I should probably assume that he MIGHT have feelings.

But I can't.
I don't know.
Conflictions.

I was worried, though. Not for myself, for Alexandria...

I just sighed, shaking my head, going over the baggy white v-neck deon- it's hood down, my hands in it's pocket and the saying "Day is just as bright as darkness," written on it- with my camouflauge pants and my red sneakers.

I had a lot of running to do, especially as it was the thirtieth, and our great Halloween scheme was tomorrow. I had to make sure everything was prepared.

Smiling, I messed up my hair a bit- my hair that was more of a strawberry blonde now, and was getting fairly long. It was bugging me. But meh, I would deal- I then left the dorm and walked out, smiling when I saw George waiting for me. "So. tomorrows the night, huh?" I smiled at him, giving him a tight, prolonged hug before slipping my hand in his, "The night we get your brother with the love of his life, and get Alexandria away from the bastard we call Flint," I smiled as we made our way towards the great hall.

Marcus frowned firmly at Alexandria's appearance- wearing a rather concealing outfit. She was going with him so well; and then she decides to dress like this? He scowled at her, growling lightly, but decided to leave it. He then grabbed her arm, "Come on, Jolie," he spoke, bringing her out of the common room and towards the Great Hall.

He had to admit, he was addicted to her. Like she was a drug he couldn't spit out. And now that she was conforming to him completely, he almost wished he had her every night. But the past week and a half has been so relieving to his frustrations...

He smirked, tingling just thinking about it.

Immediately upon entering the Great Hall, he dragged her towards their table, making her sit beside him and bringing her as close to him as he could, smirking to himself at the look they received from Fred. He was content, not only was she away from the blood-traitor, he had gotten all that he wanted from her. And he could get it whenever he wanted.

--------------------

I grinned lightly, laughing, "It's going to be amazing!" I squeed as we made it to the great hall, then blushed, "I didn't just make a squeaking noise. You never heard that," I spoke, looking through the hall, smiling upon seeing the absence of Cormac, then letting out a laugh when Lee ran up to us.

"I'm really excited!" I exclaimed, letting go of George's hand taking both of Lee's, "It's going to be fucking amazing! I mean, come on. I won't be there, so you guys have to recount EVERY detail for me. But I mean, I get to put a character to life and I just-" I squeaked again, then blinked, hiding behind George after letting go of Lee's hands. "I didn't squeak! That never happened! Shut up!"

I then laughed, taking George's hand, and also Lee's, and leading them to the table, letting go of Lee's hand and sitting down with them. "I'm not going to GET any sleep tonight," I laughed, "I'm going to be hoping about all night. I'm glad I got the Ravenclaw captain on my side, 'cause now I'm going to... Going to..."

I trailed off, my attention going to Fred, who walked up and sat down, looking like he has been for the past week and a half- an emotional wreck with puffy eyes- then my attention went to the door when it opened, my eyes widened at the sight.

Judging by Alexandria's appearance, covering as much skin as she possibly could, I paled greatly.

So my suspicions were correct.

Moving a bit closer to George, I sort of cowered against him, letting go of his hand and moved my knee to his, before shaking my head and looking at Fred, smiling weakly.

Fred had noticed her appearance, and he was just as pale. Just for different reasons. He didn't know what happened that night- he knew that she had been acting different, and he wasn't sure what Flint had done to her, and it scared him. Of course, all he suspected was him hitting her, but that was enough to send him off the edge. Especially since she was covering herself so much.

"Fred," I spoke up, bringing his attention to me, offering a weak smile, "She's fine," I tried to reassure. I didn't need him suspecting what I could easily tell, "It's a cold day today. If he had hurt her, she wouldn't still be with him. You know her, she won't stand for that," I lied. I knew he knew her better than me. But he was vulnerable right now- and I was a manipulator. The only useful trait I received from my father.

Marcus frowned firmly when Alexandria ripped herself away from him, glaring. She was doing so well...

However, he smirked when she didn't even talk to the group, and once she made it back to him, he immediately put his hand on her waist and dragged her closer to him. "Giving the little mudblood a gift?" he murmured, narrowing his eyes at her, "Well. That'll soon stop, won't it?" he smirked. Their plans were going well. At least, his half- he completely rid her of her original group- for the most part, at least.

He didn't need her going back.

So he simply held her close, his fingers stroking the hem of her jeans, feeling her tenseness only made him smirk again, as he put food on his plate and started eating. Today was the day before Halloween. And boy, did he have things planned for Halloween.

"So, Alex," Draco started ignorantly, "Whats on the agenda today? Every year you and those blood-traitors and mudbloods do some sort of prank."

Marcus frowned. That wasn't going to happen this year. "She's probably just going to stay with her loving boyfriend," he smirked.

---------------------

I felt my breathing quicken a little bit when George put his hand on my leg, a smile and a blush crossing my features. However, my smile faded when Alexandria walked over- allowing me to get a better look, and I felt my heart just about fall into my stomach.

I was going to fucking murder that boy.

I simply shook my head. I can't focus on that just yet. I have to wait for her and Fred to be together, because she'll never tell me if I'm right like she is now.

Trying to keep myself happy-ish, I looked at the package, biting my lip.

Fred's gaze wasn't at the box though- it was at Alex as she walked up, and as she left, his face paling at her appearance. Something bad happened, he was aware of this. But he didn't know what, and she wasn't talking to him, and he didn't know what to do, and just...

He sighed lightly, his gaze going to the table, and only then did he notice the package. But he could hardly care less. Their group was practically broken up, Alexandria was with someone who was plausible hitting her, and Maria was bound to ditch for Mclaggen any time now. He frowned.

I bit my lip, "It's not a prank," I spoke, my gaze going to Ron for a moment before putting my hand on the box.

"How do you know?" Fred finally spoke up, his frown still prominent on his face. I simply gave him a weak smile in return.

"I just know," I responded, before lightly opened it, then blinking, "It's a costume," I added on, "Despite all that's going on, she actually decided to go through with giving me a costume..." I murmured to myself, before sighing lightly, my gaze going to Lee and George, as if to say that this would work.

I then bit my lip, grabbing an apple from the table. I had to make sure everything was going to go perfectly. Otherwise... "I have to go," I murmured, standing up and grabbing the box, tucking it under my arm before smiling, "I'll see you guys later, okay?" I grinned, before turning and running towards the door of the Great hall, "Hey! Davies!" I called to a tall Ravenclaw walking out, the Quidditch Captain, "Wait up!" I spoke, before reaching him and leaving the hall with him.

"What was that about?" Harry blinked, shocked at my sudden abbandonment, Lee just shrugged.

"No idea," he spoke, though the smirk on his lips said otherwise as he looked at George. He was too excited for tomorrow.

Marcus's eye narrowed, relatively pissed off when she left to talk to Lee without him. But he simply shook hishead, and gave a sigh. Maybe he hadn't torn her from them completely; but she wouldn't do anything. At least, not without his permission. He smirked when she came back, but then frowned again when she asked if she could leave.

He wanted to say no. Badly. But the others were staring at him, and if he were to say no, it could shine badly on his reputation, he simply rolled his eyes, "Go ahead," he sneered, turning to eat, "I'll see you later," he spoke, waving her off, simply ignoring her, aware she was probably heading out of the Great Hall about now.

---------------------------

"LEEEE! GEORRGEEE!" I shouted, bursting into the Great hall later that night, Cho coming in slowly afterwards.

Almost everything was set up for tomorrow. I just needed to go over everything with the two again- aware of the stares I received from everyone as I made it to the two, sighing dramatically.

Judging from the stains, dirt and other such scrapes and stuff, I've been busy.

This was going to be awesome.

"You... Two... Come... Venture... With... Me... Now!" I shouted, pulling the two boys up and taking their hands, dragging them out of the Great Hall at a fast pace, the destination being my dorm; speaking nothing until we made it there, to which I quickly answered the riddle and brought them inside, bringing them up to my unoccupied dorm.

"Okay!" I spoke once I let go of their hands, clapping mine together, "Everythings prepped and organized! I just have some last minute details that Roger and I are going to finish up tomorrow, but other than that!" I squealed, then blinked, "Whats with me today? You didn't hear that!" I exclaimed, pointing at the two before grinning, falling to my knees and pulling out my sketchbook, standing up and going through it, pulling out a page, "I wanted to go over Cisteria's story with you guys again," I spoke, handing it to them, closing the sketchbook and throwing it on the bed, "So! Naturally, I kidnapped you guys," I grinned happily.

-------------------------

Marcus yawned, leaning back in the seat of the couch, bored. For the past hour he's been listening to Draco and his two goons discuss the ordeals of the chamber of secrets, and to be honest, he was bored. He would rather be doing other things right now...

He smirked at the thought. Oh how he couldn't get those images out of his head, and he loved it. After pining after her for near four years, he finally had her, and holy shit how he loved it. She was his. And he made that obvious.

He figured, though, that he could be a bit lenient. He was feeling generous today, so he wasn't making a deal of her still laying down. After all, he doesn't want to damage his reputation- she was damaging it already with how much she was covering herself up.

He merely sighed, rolling his eyes. Ah well... He could look at her any time he wanted, anyways.