Familiaris

La Luna: Chapter 4

The days since the announcement of the Triwizard Champions flew by without any consideration to the students of Hogwarts. The First Task came without any warning it felt. All four champions did splendidly. But, Lilah found she paid little attention to the whole matter. The First Task had been completed the day before and she didn't bother to notice the extra attention being given to Harry because of it. She couldn't really understand why, but things involving him weren't as spellbinding as they once were.

She tapped her wand impatiently on the table in potions class. She looked over at Blaise seated next to her. He was jotting down notes with intense strokes of his quill. She leaned over his shoulder and noticed his neat almost perfect handwriting and notes that seemed so in-depth that he could be mistook for writing a novel. She leaned back in her chair and observed her own blank parchment and sighed. Why was her uncle's class so boring?

She played with the talisman around her neck, letting the blue droplet shaped stone roll between her fingers. It was a relaxing exercise. But, soon she realized it was making the class drag out even more, so she let it be. Her eyes wondered around the room and settled back on Blaise. She huffed, trying to get his attention, but he ignored her and continued writing as Professor Snape droned on. An idea struck her and she scribbled quickly on her parchment then slid it so Blaise could read what she wrote. He looked over and read: "I'm bored. Amuse me!" He smiled at her and wrote back: "Don't tempt me." Lilah read his response and looked up at him curiously.

"What?" she whispered.

He shook his head and returned to his notes. A soft groan escaped her and she slouched back in her seat. Blaise looked back at her with a smile betraying a mischievous intention behind it. He reached over, grabbed her parchment and began to write on it. She leaned over his shoulder to see what he was doing, but he blocked her view with his hand. Lilah would have none of that and reached over. After a few moments of them playfully shoving each other he finally showed her the parchment. Lilah burst out laughing then cupped her hand over her mouth. The class turned in her direction and her uncle stopped lecturing. She met his narrowed eyes and grabbed her quill; speedily writing on the parchment to avoid his glare. When he was satisfied he continued on with his lecture as Lilah stifled her giggling. Her eyes were on her parchment and a drawing of a little angry dragon saying: "Hi! I'm Draco Malfoy! And I'm a wanker!"

After class Lilah and Blaise walked out together.

"You are a lovely artist," she smirked.

"Why, thank you."

They walked around the corner until they saw Draco. Lilah met Blaise's eyes and they began to laugh out loud and hurried their footsteps past him. Leaving Draco feeling embarrassed and not sure why. They made it down the hall still laughing and Lilah couldn't help but think of how her situation had improved in just a matter of days. She had a friend now, in her house.

Her content thoughts were interrupted by an alarmed voice in her saying; he was just like Draco and would somehow betray her. But, she pushed it deep down till it was muffled. She wanted a friend in her house so badly. Even if it was Blaise Zabini; she would take it. At least she knew he wasn't going to break her heart, like Draco did. Blaise would have said something by now if he had any feelings like that towards her. And, being empathetic Lilah could feel it. She did sense a flirtatious nature about him, but nothing else. As for her, she knew she was in danger of falling for him hard, but was having fun with having a slight crush on him.

She hooked her arm around her friend's waist with a smile and they found their seats at the end of the Slytherin table

* * *

It was a pleasantly rainy day outside. Pansy sat combing her hair, getting ready for the trip to Hogsmeade. Lilah hurried out of her jeans to change into the skirt lying on her bed. She had promised to meet Nigel for the trip in ten minutes. But, due to a long and very important discussion with Blaise over hair, she was running late. She threw her jeans into a pile on the floor and began to pull off her shirt. Her stomach was exposed and she halted as her talisman got hooked onto her shirt. She had no time for this and jerked the talisman off and threw it on her bed. Pansy watched on holding in her laughter from Lilah's spastic behavior. Lilah pulled the shirt up again, covering her face. She stepped towards the bed still tugging at it and slipped on her jeans falling down on the floor. Pansy fell back on her bed laughing with tears in her eyes as Lilah sat up rubbing her forehead.

"That was graceful," chuckled Pansy.

"Shut up," muttered Lilah standing up, her shirt half on.

She checked her legs to make sure she wasn't hurt in anyway, then returned to her shirt. She practically ripped it off, grabbed a peach camisole top and put that on. She pulled on her jean skirt and threw a jacket on and was off. She ran down the hall towards the statue of Merlin where she had promised to meet Nigel. She reached up to her neck to touch her talisman as she always did in order to soothe her nerves, but it was still on her bed.

She turned the corner and Nigel was leaning against the statue, looking very cute, talking with Harry. Lilah screeched to a halt when she saw Harry. A jolt of enthusiasm shot through her and she had to catch her breath. There wasn't anything that different about him. His hair was the same and he had on nothing special, but he seemed exceptionally attractive to her. He noticed her gawking and waved. She bit her lip and advanced towards the boys.

"Hi, Lily!" chirped Nigel.

She waved to him quickly and turned to Harry.

"Hi Harry. You coming to Hogsmeade?" she asked softly.

"I'm not sure. I don't seem to be on many people's good sides right now," he muttered.

"Oh nonsense," she giggled, "Who wouldn't like you?"

"Lots of people. Especially Hufflepuffs," he sighed the instantly turned to Nigel, "No offense."

"None taken," Nigel replied, "Is not your fault someone played a joke and put your name in."

"Yeah, if only you could tell everyone that," groaned Harry, "Well I don't want to keep you two."

"Don't worry," purred Lilah smiling at him.

Harry smiled quickly back feeling rather awkward from her stares and left.

"Ready?" Nigel asked happily.

"Yeah," she breathed watching Harry leave, "Sure."

Lilah and Nigel met up with his friends. Hannah was standing next to Justin, hand in hand. They had begun to be a couple after he asked her to the Yule Ball the day before. Sally-Anne didn't seem very happy about this change of events, but was dealing with it. Susan however, seemed contentedly relieved.

They walked on, laughing and trying to involve Lilah. She knew they were only doing it for Nigel, but for the moment she didn't mind. She kept thinking back to Harry and some how everything was okay in the world. As they approached the Three Broomsticks it was as usual crowded. The girls found a table and the boys went to get the drinks.

"So, Lily," Hannah said trying to create small talk, "Do you have a date to the Yule Ball yet?"

"Er, no," answered Lilah with a plastered smile, annoyed at Hannah's impertinence. Lilah knew very well Hannah wanted to be with Nigel and not Justin. "You're going with Justin, right?"

"Yeah, but she shouldn't be!" Sally-Anne jumped in.

"Sally!" snapped Susan.

"But," muttered Sally-Anne, "Oh never mind. The Yule Ball is stupid anyway."

"You are just saying that because you don't have a date," drawled Susan.

"Neither do you!"

"I don't want one," Susan continued, "Is just a dance and why should I have to get all frilled up, just so I can dance to music I don't like, with a boy I am only with because he couldn't find anyone else."

"You take the fun out of everything," pouted Hannah.

Susan smirked confidently, "Yes I do."

Lilah looked around wishing Nigel would come back and save her from these nonsensical girls. She looked over at the boys waiting in line, observing Nigel. He was leaning against the wall, his hair hanging a bit in his eyes. He was lost in thought and stuck out from all the screaming and playing students around him. Lilah smiled softly and wondered if he was thinking about her.

"Well, I'm not going with anyone!" exclaimed Sally-Anne pulling Lilah out of her thoughts, "Boys are stupid and not worth the bother."

"Amen!" added Susan.

"What happened? Ron turned you down?" asked Hannah.

"Well . . . yes, but it doesn't matter!" announced Sally-Anne jumping out of her seat, " I don't need a man! I am woman!"

"Here, here!" Susan cheered as Hannah laughed, covering her face.

"I go by my own rules! And no one is going to keep me from going stag! Not even you!" And she pointed to the nearest boy to her, which just happened to be Mortichai.

Lilah wanted to sink into the ground as everyone in the room seemed to be staring at them.

"Why not?" Mortichai chuckled turning from Cedric and Nila and facing Sally-Anne.

"Because I am woman! Hear me roar!" Sally continued on with her rant jumping onto her chair.

"Perks, are you serious?" Mortichai answered.

"Yes!" she declared, striking a pose similar to that of Wonder Woman.

"Too bad," he sighed and turned away from her.

"Bad?" she said in a small voice hoping off her seat and scurrying over to him, "W-what's bad?"

"Well," he smirked, turning towards her, "I could go with you. I don't have a date."

Sally-Anne blinked a few times then fell into a giggle fit. "Yeah right."

"Really Perks. I'd like to go with you," he said softly.

Cedric and Nila gave each other wary looks.

"Really?" Sally-Anne squeaked.

"Sure," Mortichai replied.

"Uh, okay," she said coolly.

"Okay, see you then," he said with a dash of charm and turned back to a not to impressed Cedric and Nila.

"Now what did I say about seducing fourth years," Cedric scolded him.

Sally-Anne ran back to her friends and bit her fist to keep from squealing.

"Oh my God!" she giggled taking her seat.

Justin, Nigel and Ernie made their way back with mugs of butterbeer in their hands. Lilah met Nigel's eyes and smiled as he took his seat next to her.

"What's with her?" Justin asked Hannah, observing Sally-Anne's shocked state.

"Morty asked her to the ball," Hannah whispered with a giggle.

"Oh," Justin mused walking over to hand Sally her drink, "So?"

Sally-Anne jumped up and turned to a table in the corner where Ron and Hermione sat, "You hear that Ron! Ha!" she screamed.

Justin, without thinking, pulled her back in her seat.

"Remind me again why I am your friend?" muttered Justin handing her the drink.

"Because you want my body," giggled Sally.

"Oh, right," he sighed, "Keep forgetting."

Lilah scooted a little closer to Nigel and pretended to not notice Hannah's eyes on them. Instead she kept catching his eye, hoping he would say something to acknowledge her presence. Now that he was at the table things were going to get interesting. She knew his friends wanted her long gone, but that just made her want to stay more. She slid her foot near his under the table. She kept her eyes on him as she did so. Nigel looked like he was contemplating a very difficult transfiguration problem. She wrapped her foot behind his. He stared forward, eyes like saucers.

"Damnit," he grumbled.

"What's wrong?" Lilah asked, pulling her leg back.

Nigel gestured his head forward and Lilah looked at what was advancing on them. It was Draco Malfoy. Lilah groaned, wishing more then anything for Harry to be there. When she was with him she didn't feel at all inferior or under any power from Draco. But on her own, even with Nigel, she felt naked.

"Hi Lily," he drawled.

"Hi," she mumbled back.

The Hufflepuffs quit talking and goggled at him.

"Can we pop out for a moment?" he asked her in a hushed voice.

She barely heard him over all the noise in the room, but she got the gist of it.

"Can't you just talk to me here? I mean it's raining," she answered.

Lilah looked at Nigel for help, but he had his eyes narrowed in on his mug gripping it firmly with his hands.

"Just for a sec Lily," Draco whined.

Lilah looked up confused by his tone.

"Lord, just say it, whatever it is!" Sally-Anne shouted out, then squeaked at her own intrusion and looked away.

"Fine!" he snapped back, "Don't think I want to ask you, but I have to. Do you have a date for the ball?"

"Er, well . . ." she started not sure what do, wishing even more for Harry's presence.

"Look if you don't have a date, just go with me. All the other boys are too afraid of your uncle to ask you," Draco continued.

"But, I-" Lilah started and was cut off by Nigel.

"She's going with me," he muttered quickly. "Sorry, Malfoy."

"You?" he chuckled

"Yeah," Lilah answered, her voice wavering, "Try Parkinson."

"Whatever," Draco huffed in annoyance and kept walking.

Lilah watched him walk off feeling odd. She liked that Draco fancied her and turning him down might make him stop. She shook her head. What did she care if he stopped? He was a prat! She looked back at the group and was glad that Harry actually wasn't there. He might of been given the wrong impression that she did want to go with Nigel and then what would she do? She blinked. Why was any of this important?

"Er, Nigel," Ernie said, "Aren't you going to have to go with her now?"

"What?" Nigel gasped.

All the girls at the table turned to Ernie with icy stares.

"I-I mean," he stammered, "If you don't, Malfoy will know you were lying and . . . I don't know."

Lilah thought for a moment. That was true, and her uncle wouldn't be too happy about that. But, then again Harry could hear about it and be confused. If she did go with Nigel it might make him jealous. What was wrong with her? She wanted to bang her head on the table. Why was she thinking so much about Harry?

"Er, Lily?" Nigel asked, "What do you think?"

She didn't answer but kept thinking. She did need a date. She didn't want to go alone and give Draco the satisfaction. And, it was quite illogical for Harry to suddenly want to go with her. Would it be that bad to go with Nigel? She looked at him. He was really cute.

"Er, sure, let's go together," she said nonchalantly.

"Er," Nigel said fighting a smile, "Okay."

"But . . ." Hannah began receiving a look from Justin, "Nothing."

* * *

Blaise jumped off the last stair and landed right in front of Lilah, making her scream and drop the letter she was reading. "Hey there beautiful!"

"Don't do that!" she shrieked, reaching for the letter.

"But I love to make girls scream," he smirked.

Lilah rolled her eyes. "What do you want?" she asked.

"Nothing really. Just wanted to annoy you," he answered with a toothy grin.

"Excellent job."

She folded the letter and put it in her pocket.

"What was that?" asked Blaise in a dreamy voice, "A love letter from Moon?"

"Er, no actually," Lilah snapped, "Is a letter from Xenia."

Lilah walked off and Blaise ran after her.

"Xenia? As in the shake my bum in hot pants and sing like a goddess Xenia? You're joshin' me!"

"Nope," she smirked and handed him the letter.

He scanned it quickly in awe then gave it back to her with narrowed eyes.

"Why would the most beautiful woman in the world be writing to you and not me?"

"I have better people skills I guess," Lilah replied.

"Are you kidding? I am a true people person," Blaise gasped, "I am constantly told I have the most amazing skills."

"Oh Lord," snorted Lilah.

"No really why?"

"Long story, but she is a friend of my mum's from her school days."

"Wicked!" cheered Blaise, then leaned on Lilah's shoulder, "So naturally, as your best and most handsome friend you will, of course, fix me up to meet her?"

Lilah smiled at him, "I'll see what I can do."

"Brilliant! So, would it be too much for me to want her for my date to the Yule Ball?"

Lilah giggled, "I think so."

"Damn!"

"And wouldn't Judith be upset?" sighed Lilah.

"Oh right her," muttered Blaise putting his arm around Lilah's waist, "So, what about you love?"

"I'm not upset. You have my blessing with Xenia."

"You're funny," he said mockingly, "I meant have you got a date yet? Anyone equal to my sixth year bombshell?"

"Er . . ." Lilah said feeling her stomach turn, "Well, yes."

"Really!" Blaise said facing her and taking her hands, "That's great! And who is the lucky boy?"

"Uh, N-Nigel."

Blaise dropped her hands.

"Nigel?" he repeated in a flat voice.

"Yeah," she groaned

"How the hell did that happen?" Blaise shouted.
"I don´t know. Is stupid really," Lilah pouted, "You see-"

"Shh," hissed Blaise raising a finger to her lips and tilting his head over to Pansy and Jezebel who had just turned around the corner.

Blaise looked around and smirked as he found what he wanted. He walked up to a classroom down the hall and opened the door. It was empty. He entered and beckoned to Lilah to follow him.

"Don´t like those busy bodies," he sighed as she entered the room, "So, what happened?"

Lilah sat on a desk as he closed the door behind him.

"Well, to put a long story short, Draco sort of cornered me. And, now I have to go with Nigel."

"Well, I guess it can't be that bad," Blaise sighed sitting on a desk directly opposite her, "Doesn´t every girl want him?"

Lilah shrugged, "Well he is fit. But . . . I wanted to go with Harry."

Blaise chuckled.

"What?" she snapped.

"I don´t get you," he sighed as he hopped off his desk and stood in front of her.

"I don´t either," she pouted.

"Why Potter?" he asked placing his hand on her knee. "You could do better."

Lilah tried not to notice his hand and answered, "I know. But, I'm a twit!"

"Maybe you can use Moon to make Potter jealous?" said Blaise cheerfully, settling his other hand by her other leg.

"Is hard to make someone who doesn´t fancy you jealous," she pointed out, still ignoring his hands.

"You are just not trying hard enough," he scolded her bringing his hand up to her chin and lifting her face to him.

"Well, sorry," she whined twisting her face out of his hand and looking down, "Maybe he doesn´t think I am pretty."

"Well then he needs better glasses," he sighed bending slightly to meet her face, "You´re beautiful."

Lilah met his eyes and smiled bashfully then looked away again.

"Look at me," he huffed.

Lilah looked up.

"I think you should forget about Potter personally," he sighed cupping her face once more." Moon would be more fun to play with. He seems so innocent."

He dropped his hand and it landed on her thigh. This action she had a harder time ignoring.

"Well we are all pretty young and I would think innocent," she giggled then looked up at Blaise and smirked, "Well most of us."

"True," he smirked then thought for a moment and leaned towards her, "Is that really what you want, or do you want to . . . play?"

Lilah looked puzzled and Blaise pushed his hand up her thigh as he leaned in closer. Lilah didn´t push him away but sat stiff and almost frightened.

"P-play?" she stammered, looking around nervously, like a cornered doe.

"Don't worry, I won't make you to do anything you don't want to," he said softly. "I promise."

"I'm, a little confused. What do I want to do?"

Blaise put his hand on her cheek and the other on her waist.

"Play around," he smiled.

Lilah began to laugh, covering up her nervousness and leaning towards him, "And what makes you think that?"

"You followed me into an empty class room," he shrugged.

"So?" she chortled.

Blaise looked at her amused, "Have you ever been kissed before?"

"Er, well . . . . no," she mumbled feeling suddenly not as "cool" as Blaise, who probably had kissed every girl in their year.

"I thought so," he smirked, "It´s rather sweet, really."

"Y-you want to kiss me?" she asked as innocently as she could while looking at him through her eye lashes.

"That is what I am proposing," he said stroking her waist.

She shrugged as he leaned his face towards her's, "I guess. I mean . . . is okay . . . with . . ."

Blaise kissed her and let his hand slip around her waist and pulled her closer to him. He stood between her legs kissing her amorously. Now, she had hoped her first kiss would have been a little more enjoyable. She couldn´t understand why he was trying to lick her teeth. She had her mouth clenched so tight with tension and was quickly finding kissing a bit disgusting.

"Lil," he breathed, "Relax please. You can open your mouth."

Lilah felt the embarrassment creep over her, but did what she was told. And then the kissing was rather enjoyable. She felt like giggling, but didn´t. She let him kiss her face and neck and did the same to him. He promised not to do "too much". And oddly enough for Blaise Zabini, one of his few virtues was he always kept his word.

* * *

Nigel sat in his bed, his head swimming. He wasn't quite positive if Lilah was his date or if it was some sort of joke being played on him. He took a calming breath. The moon hung high in the sky and he could hear the tranquil breathing of Justin and Ernie fast asleep. He knew he wasn't getting any sleep no matter how serene the room felt. He was too tense. He pushed off his blankets and made his way downstairs.

He entered the common room and made his way to the arm chair when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He jumped a good foot and spun around. Staring at him was the girl. She was smiling contentedly, surrounded by a soft light outlining her body.

"Don't do that," he hissed.

She giggled in response.

"Er, what do you want?"

"To talk to you," she whispered.

Her voice flooded through him like a warm thick liquid. His body instantly relaxed and he swayed a bit.

"T-talk?" he repeated, "What about?"

"You," she said bashfully.

"What about me?"

"Well, I think you can assist me."

A sudden moment of alarm shot through him and he snapped back to his nervous state.

"You see, " she began, slowly drawing him back in, "I've been trapped for so long. By an evil sorceress . . . and I know who you really are."

Nigel wasn't quite understanding her words.

"Sorceress? Trapped? Where?" he rambled.

The girl floated up closer to him and their faces were a few inches away.

"You know of Morgan La Fae yes?"

Nigel groaned, "Her again?"

The girl stopped floating and mumbled with narrowed eyes, "Yes, her."

She met his eyes and they suddenly became glassy.

"She trapped me in a crystal out of jealousy," she whimpered, "I have been there waiting for thousands of years, for someone to save me. I don't age and I can't die."

"That's horrible," Nigel mumbled, "How am I seeing you, then?"

"Someone has found the crystal and has been interacting with it, giving me some strength to talk to you."

"Who?"

"I believe you call him Professor Moody."

Nigel answered stunned, "I don't understand."

"Neither do I," her melancholy face tried to smile, "But, at least he has given me a chance to speak with my descendent."

The girl reached out and stroked Nigel's cheek. He stepped back quickly.

"All right, " he mumbled, "Which one are you?"

"Viviane daughter of Bron," she mumbled sorrowfully, "I shamed my family by running away when I was younger and joining Morgan. She had me . . ."

The girl let out a sob and continued, "She made me make Salazar believe he was in love with me, not Helga. But, it backfired because instead he was still in love with her and I fell in love with him. I tried to tell him what she was trying to do, but . . ."

The girl burst into tears.

"Then she trapped you?" Nigel asked.

She nodded tears streaming down her glowing face.

"You see in this state I can't do magic. It takes all my strength to just interact with you."

"I see," he said softly, "But, why does Moody have your crystal?"

"He must have stumbled upon it. For years it was hidden and I was dormant, but once he began to wear it, I began to feel alive again."

"How can I help you?"

"I am not quite sure, but first you must get the crystal back. I don't trust your professor."

"Why? Maybe if I explain to him that -"

"No!" she shrieked scaring Nigel, "You mustn´t! No one must know! I trust you, for you are of my lineage. If any of the Slytherin clan found out, I would be done for. You can't tell anyone! Promise me!"

She gripped onto his arms and repeated, "Promise me!"

"I-I promise."

"I-I thank you," she whimpered falling to her knees, "You are very kind sir."

"So, I get this crystal," he mumbled kneeling down, "What then?"

"I know it sounds like a lost cause my lord, but please, I beg you! Just get the crystal!" she sobbed wrapping her arms around him.

"All right! I'll try," he sighed patting her back, "Look Viviane, I can't think properly right now. How about we discuss this in the morning?"

"Yes, very good," she mumbled collecting herself.

Nigel helped her up. He stood looking around waiting for her to disappear.

"Well, goodnight," he mumbled.

"How can I repay you, sir?" she asked.

"I haven't done anything yet," he chuckled.

She smiled and leaned forward and kissed him. Nigel felt a flush of warmth run through him and she disappeared. He lost his balance and fell forward catching himself before his face and the floor met. He lay on the floor for a moment breathing hard.

What have I got myself into now?

* * *

Breakfast was being served in the great hall, but Lilah had no appetite. She sat next to Blaise as usual, waiting for him to at least mention what happened between them the night before, but he hadn't said a word all morning. She tapped her spoon on the teacup in front of her; increasing each tap in tempo and volume.

"Lily, that's annoying," he snapped.

"Sorry," she mumbled and threw the spoon down.

"Something wrong?"

"Oh, no," she said quickly in a strangled voice, "Nothing really."

"Liar," he smirked, "What is it?"

"Well," she said with gritted teeth, "What exactly happened yesterday?"

"You don't remember?" he smirked, "Well, first you woke up , then had breakfast, then-"

"Very funny smart ass!" she snapped then lowered her voice, "I meant in the classroom. With us. All alone."

Blaise sighed, "Well, in most countries that would be called snogging."

"I know that!" she hissed.

Blaise sat back and sighed, "Look Lil, I asked if you wanted to play around and you said yes."

"I know," she pouted.

"Then, I don't understand."

"I don't either," she sighed, realizing she wasn't really mad just nervous.

"Lily, I didn't mean for it to be more then it was. I thought you understood that. I'm sorry. You know how I am."

Lilah nodded and was surprised by how well she was taking it. Maybe she really just wanted him to admit it happened. But, he was right. She knew exactly how he was and she couldn't expect more from Mr. Zabini.

"Are we still friends?" he asked.

"Of course."

Blaise smiled and returned to his breakfast. Lilah knew that she should be mad and put off and be screaming at him for taking advantage of her. But, she knew she wasn't an idiot and had known very well what he was up to. And in a way it was the same with her. It was just kissing. That was all. The situation made her feel oddly enough grown up.

* * *

The Hufflepuff common room was in a swirl of jubilant helter skelter. The Yule Ball was in an hour and everyone was rushing about with last minute things to do. Nigel sat on the sofa next to Justin , both having been ready for at least twenty minutes. Nigel had on a high neck collared black robe, which made him resemble a vicar. His hair was slicked back, with exception to two or three strands that were fighting to hang in his eyes no matter how hard he tried. Justin had on a white muggle dress shirt, black trousers, and a red tie. Over it was a sleeveless black robe with a split in front that exposed the trousers. Ernie was still getting ready, as were the girls.

"Why does it take girls so long to get dressed?" muttered Justin.

"They wear more?" suggested Nigel.

Justin didn't answer and stared off in the opposite direction. Nigel was beginning to notice something different about Justin. He had been acting unusually cold to him and Nigel couldn't for the life of him figure out why. Nigel slouched down on the sofa trying to ignore the guilty feeling he felt about Justin. He then remembered this was where he was standing when Viviane spoke to him last. It had been a few weeks since then. Nigel hadn't really tried to get the crystal, mostly for he was petrified of what Moody would do to him if he got caught.

A roar of feet was heard coming down the stairs distracting Nigel. He looked over as Cedric and Mortichai appeared. Cedric had on a blue form-fitting robe with a v-neck and Mortichai had on the same robe only in maroon. Nila ran over to them dressed in a rather tacky purple robe with green and gold trim. They began chatting happily.

"What do you think of him?" Justin asked Nigel.

"Who?"

"Mortichai Turpin."

"He's all right I guess," Nigel shrugged.

"I don't know. I don't like him going with Sal," pouted Justin.

"Did you tell her that?"

"Yeah," Justin huffed "But you know she doesn't take advice from anyone unless they are George Clooney or Prince William. She says I worry too much. But, who can help it when she never thinks straight."

Nigel nodded and looked back at the seventh years. Cedric saw him and walked over.

"Hey," Cedric said standing by them, "Where are the girls?"

"Still getting ready," whined Justin.

"Oh, well naturally," smirked Cedric.

He stood by them in silence, and Nigel noticed he was clutching a letter in his fist.

"Er, Nigel, can I ask you something?" Cedric asked walking to the side, looking down at the letter.

"Sure," Nigel answered and followed him.

"This might sound a bit odd," Cedric mumbled folding the letter and clutching it again, "But, when is your birthday?"

"September 28th," Nigel answered slowly, "Why?"

Cedric sucked his teeth and took a deep breath.

"Er, well," Cedric stammered running his free hand through his hair, "Cho is into astrology and wanted to figure out your sign."

"You're kidding," chuckled Nigel.

"Er, no," replied Cedric, "She's an odd one sometimes."

"So, are you two together now?" Nigel asked.

Cedric seemed lost in thought and blinked, "What?"

"You and Cho, are you a couple?."

"Oh, well, not technically," Cedric sighed, his eyes looking around.

"You all right?" Nigel asked.

"Yeah, fine. Well, er, see you later mate," Cedric answered and walked off, with the lost look still on his eyes.

Nigel returned to Justin, who now had Ernie and Susan with him.

"What did he want?" Susan asked in her purple robe that resembled the style of the women in the Italian Renaissance.

"To know my birthday," answered Nigel.

"Why? Is he getting you something?" chuckled Ernie.

"I don't know," muttered Nigel, "Er, so Sue, where are the other girls? You know I can't leave until Sally has a picture of me upon penalty of death!"

"They are hurrying as best they can. This is why I didn't want to go. All this stupid preparation," muttered Susan, who was only going because Ernie couldn't find a date.

"Sorry," pouted Ernie.

"Don't worry about it love," she sighed giving him a hug.

Eventually the girls did arrive, just in time so that Nigel wasn't late in meeting up with Lilah. Sally was practically bouncing around the room in her JCPenny's bought dress her mother had sent her from the states. She had refused to get a robe because she thought they weren't slinky enough. Instead she was in a pink strapless dress with a slit up the side. She looked rather awkward in it, for unlike Susan and Hannah, she had no figure in which the dress could cling to.

Justin was beaming next to his date. Hannah had on a baby blue robe with a purple silk bodice over it. Her sleeves were bell shaped and her blonde curls were twisted up on her head. Even Nigel found it hard to not stare. Everyone assembled for a picture that Cedric took and then they were out the door. Nigel headed out with them, anxiously waiting to see what Lilah looked like.

They arrived in front of the Great Hall. A huge crowd of students meeting up with dates and huddled in groups talking blocked the closed door. Nigel excused himself from his friends looking around to find Lilah. He saw Harry and Ron with the twins, Seamus with Lavender, and Fleur with Roger. He pushed his way through until he saw a head of slicked back blonde hair. If it was Malfoy he would surely be lurking around Lilah. Nigel made his way forward and sure enough it was Draco and he was wearing the exact same dress robe as Nigel. Pansy saw Nigel and let out a snicker. Draco looked behind him and the boys observed each other dangerously.

"If you're looking for Lily, she's with Blaise by the door," Draco snapped and turned back to Pansy, "Nice robe."

Nigel gritted his teeth and went towards the door. He saw Blaise's curly head and went towards it. He had his back to Nigel and two girls on each arm. Both had curly brown hair. The one on the right was wearing a backless red robe, while the other had on a medieval style blue robe. Nigel stood for a moment guessing which was which.

"Er, Lily?"

The girl on Blaise's left, in an off the shoulder blue robe with green trim turned towards him. Her hair was half up in a twist with the rest in thick curls down her neck. A small gold band went across her forehead with a small pearl droplet in the center. She looked lovely.

"Hi," breathed Nigel.

"Hi Nigel," she answered kissing his cheek.

Blaise and his date Judith turned around.

"Oh, hi Moon," smirked Blaise, who took a long look at Nigel, "Er, you know I think Draco has the exact same robe."

"Really?" Nigel muttered.

"Oh my God!" gasped Lilah, "You're right! That is so funny."

"Yes, hysterical," muttered Nigel.

They stood talking for a while. Nigel not liking at all the attention Lilah was giving Blaise and vice versa. But, he kept it to himself. Eventually the doors were opened and everyone went inside. The room was decorated very similarly to that of when the Champions arrived but, with Christmas decorations now added.

After eating, Lilah and Nigel walked arm in arm to a corner with Blaise and Judith to look around. Suddenly, Nigel felt Lilah jerk away. He looked over at her shocked, as she ran off towards two boys, one with red hair, the other black. Blaise pretended to not notice and took Judith away. Nigel feeling very alone went over to where Lilah was.

"Hi," Nigel mumbled.

The boys looked over and waved. The Patil twins were giggling a few steps away with Lavender and Seamus.

"Don't they just look adorable?" giggled Lilah with her arms around Ron and Harry's necks.

"I guess," shrugged Nigel.

"Oh, you'll never guess," Harry began looking around, then stopped and pointed, "Over there. The girl in the blue. Who do you think that is?"

Lilah and Nigel looked over at Viktor's date and answered at the same time, "Hermione."

Harry and Ron stood speechless.

"How can you tell!" gasped Ron.

"Because it looks like her?" chuckled Nigel.

Ron was about to say something else when the twins claimed back the boys. Lilah walked off with them. Nigel didn't know if she wanted him to follow or not. He felt so odd and tried to find somewhere to stand. He scanned the room and saw the seventh year Hufflepuffs. Cho who was leaning on Cedric's shoulder smiling up at him. Nigel scooted over and stood by them.

Then the champions were called to the floor to begin the dancing. After that dance the rest of the students joined in. Nigel was still standing to the side, wondering where on earth Lilah disappeared to. He ventured on a hunt for her and found her talking animatedly with Harry. He tried to join in again, but couldn't think of anything to contribute and went back to Cedric. Two more dances went by and Nigel was feeling very agitated. He loved to dance and was standing still like a git. He turned to Cedric and Cho.

"Do you know any girls who would want to dance?" Nigel mumbled.

"Where's your date?" Cho asked.

"Busy," mumbled Nigel.

Cedric stood next to Nigel.

"Cho, you could dance with him," Cedric said putting his arm around Nigel's shoulder.

"I can't dance. You know that," she pouted.

"Honestly, just once, for me," he whimpered playfully.

Cho began to laugh then calmed down facing Nigel, "Look, I don't dance, really."

"Well we aren't getting anywhere," Cedric scolded Nigel, "Help me out a bit."

Nigel smiled and looked over at Cho pathetically. Then he and Cedric at the same time whimpered, "Please."

"Ugh! That is not fair!" Cho shouted out laughing, "Two against one!"

Both boys were still pouting.

Cho glared at them, but it quickly turned into a smile, "Okay, you win. I'll dance with Nigel. He's probably better at it then Cedric, anyway."

"Hey!" shouted Cedric.

Cho took Nigel's arm and ran off to the dance floor before Cedric said anymore. They found a spot and began to dance. Lilah looked over and saw her date with Cho. Harry noticed the same thing and both seemed none too pleased. She tried to ignore it and turned back to their conversation.

"So, you do what with the egg?" she continued.

"Not quite sure yet," Harry sighed looking back at her.

"Well, there must be something in it that . . ." she trailed off looking back at Nigel who now had not only Cho, but Nila and Kalinda dancing with him.

"W-what were you saying?" Lilah stammered.

"I wasn't, you were."

"Oh," she giggled, "What was I saying?"

"I don't know," Harry said with a smile then looked back at the dance floor and his jaw dropped.

Lilah looked back over too and now all the Hufflepuff fourth years were with Nigel as well as Hermione and Lavender.

"He must be very good dancer," Harry said in a dazed voice.

Lilah had enough and excused herself from Harry and stomped over to the group. She pushed her way past them to find Nigel in the center looking very pleased with himself. She grabbed his arm and pulled him away receiving many whimpers and cries from the girls.

"I've been looking for you," she pouted, "I wanted to dance with you."

"Oh, sorry," he panted pushing back his hair that was now everywhere.

The song ended and the next began. Lilah pulled Nigel up against her and began to dance. They danced for a while, and Lilah could tell he was very good, on Muggle terms. But, dancing wasn't her favorite thing to do and soon became boring.

"I'm thirsty," she shouted over the music and left him on the dance floor.

He stood waiting for her as she got a drink, but she didn't come back. He looked over at Harry but she wasn't with him. He wandered about looking in every corner for her. He found his way to the other side and standing in a clump were the Hufflepuffs. He didn't feel like hunting for Lilah all night. So, he walked over to his friends who were watching everyone dance. Hannah saw him approaching and smiled grandly. Justin looked at her, then Nigel, rolled his eyes and walked off, taking Ernie with him.

"Where did Justin go?" Nigel asked as he arrived at his friends.

Hannah looked to her side, eyes wide. She hadn't even noticed he left.

"Don't know," she shrugged.

"So, having fun with her?" asked Sally-Anne dangerously.

"Yes," he lied, "Where is your date?"

Sally-Anne huffed and pointed outside.

"Macking it to Nila, I am sure," she growled.

"What?" he gasped.

"He only asked me to make Nila jealous. I mean I sort of had an idea, but then Cedric basically told me," she grumbled crossing her arms.

"You okay?" Nigel asked putting his arm around her.

"Yeah, I'll be fine. I seemed to be doomed with guys. Better get used to it, huh?"

Susan and Hannah met Nigel's eyes. He knew they wanted him to fix the situation. Make Sally-Anne feel better, but he couldn't think of how.

"So," sighed Susan changing the subject, "Are you and Lilah still just here as friends or is she another notch on the bed post?"

"What is that supposed to mean?" snapped Nigel

The girls exchanged glances.

"Well," sighed Hannah, "You do tend to, well . . ."

"What she means is . . .," Susan tried to continue.

"Oh for heavens sakes!" announced Sally-Anne, "Nigel honey, you're a slut."

"What? I am not!" he huffed throwing his arms down.

All the girls looked around and seemed to nod in synchronization.

"Yes, you are," Susan stated.

"You're like Hugh Grant in Four Weddings and a Funeral," Sally-Anne continued, "You're a serial monogamist. You go from girl to girl to girl. Mostly because well you can. I mean I think we can all agree you are beautiful and so girls just fling themselves at you."

"T-that's not true," stammered Nigel.

"Yes it is," sighed Hannah, "I mean especially when you fancy someone who doesn't fancy you back, like with Morag. You just went and snogged any girl because you were sad."

"I did not!" pouted Nigel.

"What about Mandy," smirked Susan.

"And Lavender," added Sally-Anne.

"And Parvati," added Hannah.

"And Kalinda, and Mandy, and oh yes, Mandy," muttered Susan

"Y-you know about them?" he muttered brushing his fingers through his hair.

"Well, it is a bit obvious," sighed Hannah, "You leaving with them for hours on end."

"And the fact that no girl can keep quiet after kissing Nigel Moon," giggled Sally, "They run around like chickens with their heads cut off. All like, Oh my God! I kissed Nigel! I am one step closer to heavenly ascension!"

"You're not funny," muttered Nigel looking down, shuffling his feet.

"So is Lilah just another fling?" asked Sally-Anne, "Please say yes."

Nigel replied in a tone that borderlined whining, "Is none of your business."

"Come on Nigel," begged Susan.

Even Hannah looked ready to explode unless she knew. Nigel stepped back feeling their eyes burrowing in him. He just wanted to run away.

"Bloody hell!" he gasped pointing behind them, "Is Cedric stripping?"

The girls all looked behind them and Nigel made a clean get away. He hurried back over to other side of the hall where he had last seen Lilah. He brushed against one girl who reached out and grabbed his arm. He looked over to see Mandy Brocklehurst, a fourth year Ravenclaw, smiling at him. Her short brown hair had glitter in it and her silver robe matched the one of the girl standing next to her. Nigel then realized standing next to Mandy was Morag MacDougall. He gulped and wanted to keep running.

He had been obsessed with, Mandy's best friend, Morag all of second year and she just tagged him along making him think she fancied him back. Her fiery red hair was silky and in a bun and her blue eyes twinkled like sapphires. She looked breathtaking in her silver robe and made Lilah look mediocre in beauty. But, then again she always did in comparison to every girl in Nigel's opinion. And he knew that she was aware that she had that power. She coldly smiled at him and turned to her date Terry Boot. Nigel then realized Mandy was still holding his arm.

"Er, hi Mandy," he said quickly pulling his arm back.

"Hi," she giggled, "So I saw you came with Lilah Snape."

"Er, yeah. I was just looking for her," he mumbled trying to step away, for he knew his friends were right and Mandy would suck him in and have him outside kissing her in a matter of minutes.

"Oh, I think she went for a walk with Draco," sighed Mandy.

If she was trying to make Nigel forget about Lilah, she used the wrong tactic by saying the name Draco. He didn't even make a good excuse to leave, but ran away without a word looking for Lilah. He found her outside with Draco and Blaise, laughing. Well, Blaise and Lilah were at least laughing. Nigel didn't know if this was better or worse.

"Of all robes Draco," giggled Lilah, "You pick out the same one as Nigel. I bet you're pissed off."

"Well, I look better in it," he tutted.

Blaise saw Nigel watching them.

"Ah, the prince arrives," chuckled Blaise who received a playful push from Lilah.

"Hi Nigel!" she called.

He walked over stiffly, ready for one of the boys to say a snide remark, hit him, and run off with Lilah.

"So," sighed Blaise, "Did you see what my date is wearing?"

"Don't you mean isn't wearing," smirked Lilah as Nigel took his place next to her.

"Whatever, I'm not complaining. She's a sixth year you know," Blaise continued.

"We know," snapped Draco, "You've repeatedly told us that all night."

"Well, someone is getting some love tonight," announced Blaise.

"Really? Who?" sneered Draco.

"Well, obviously not you. Pansy is so prude," chuckled Blaise.

"Shut up! She's just my friend," growled Draco.

Nigel didn't know what to say or how to get him and Lilah away from these two. He didn't even know why she was chatting with Draco Malfoy at all. The four of them stood in an awkward silence for a few moments.

"Listen Draco, I thought I heard Potter say something obnoxious about you when we left the hall," sighed Blaise turning towards the way back, "Let's go beat him up or something."

"Don't you dare!" shouted Lilah as Blaise turned around and winked at her.

He then looked at Nigel and grabbed Draco's arm and Lilah then understood he was trying to leave them alone.

"What did he say?" Draco asked as he left with Blaise.

"Er . . . . that you fancied him."

"What!" Draco shrieked.

Lilah and Nigel watched them as they disappeared around the corner. Blaise wasn't that bad after all, Nigel deduced. He heard Lilah snickering and started to laugh as well. The two stood there and slowly were quiet again, just looking at each other.

"You want to go back in?" Lilah asked.

"No, actually, er, wanna walk?"

"Sure," she shrugged and they walked down the corridor.

"Lily, er, do you think I'm . . . er . . . " he trailed off. The girls´ words were banging in his head and he had to know if Lilah thought he was that way. But he couldn't think of how to ask her tactfully.

"I know you are only my date as my friend," he blurted out then regretted beginning that way for Lilah halted and turned abruptly towards him.

"Er, well, I think you are," he blabbered in a hurried voice trying to redeem himself, "I mean, I don't think of you like that. Well, I mean I wanted to go with you as more then friends. But, you're just my friend I know. And I'm okay with that. I can be just friends with girls."

Lilah observed him, eyes like saucers.

"Okay," she mused.

"I mean, I don't know. I . . . I guess, er, what do you think? I mean how do you feel about us. I mean me, or well, er . . . " he stopped babbling and said under his breath, "I need speech lessons."

"Well," Lilah contemplated, "I . . ."

She did think he was fit, and nice, and a good friend. But, she wanted Harry more. But, he wasn't falling for her anytime soon. And what the hell? She was lonely. Blaise wasn't going to be any use to her now and Draco was on her hit list.

"I fancy you," she said softly.

Nigel stared mouth hanging a bit open.

"Y-you do?"

"Er . . . yeah," she squeaked.

"Really?"

"Yes. I said I did didn't I," she muttered then readjusted, "Yeah, I really do."

"Oh, I had no idea. I thought you fancied Blaise or even Harry. I feel stupid. I mean this whole time I thought you were just my friend and-"

"Nigel," Lilah interrupted to stop his ramblings, "You want to be, you know, my boyfriend?"

"Hell yeah! . . .I- I mean sure."

"Good," Lilah said feeling a sinking feeling in her stomach.

But, what will Harry think? The hell with him! If he doesn't care, then I won't!

Lilah reached over to the stunned Nigel and took his hand and headed back to the Great Hall.

***

The dancing was over and everyone was making their way back to their houses. Nigel walked hesitantly next to Lilah. His hands by his side, stiff and sweaty. They walked among the other Slytherin couples. Lilah looked over occasionally observing him. He would meet her eyes, then look away. She sighed and rolled her eyes. When was he going to kiss her? She observed his profile again, feeling her heart beat picking up. She always thought he was attractive, but he was growing more enticing by the minute. She turned the corner towards the Slytherin common room. She pulled up her dress robe and began to descend the stairs when Nigel hurried in front of her. She stopped.

"Er, Lily?" he mumbled as he put his fingers through his hair.

"Yes?"

"Would you . . . er . . . follow me somewhere?"

Blaise's eyes met her's with a twinkle of mischief in them. Lilah felt a pleasant shudder while recalling the feel of his lips on her's. She drew herself back to the present and met Nigel's innocent inquiring eyes. A feeling of tension struck her stomach. Maybe she was being taken advantage of again. But, Nigel wasn´t the kind of boy to lure some girl off to a deserted classroom to snog. Not that she would mind. But, it couldn't be possible, not with Nigel. She subdued her worries and answered, "Okay."

Nigel headed out in front of her. Some of the Slytherin couples watched them leave skeptically, namely Draco and Pansy. Nigel looked back at them and turned the corner. Then there was no one and he grabbed her hand. A smile flickered across her face. He was so proper, she couldn't help but giggle. Nigel stopped walking and Lilah found herself in front of Professor Starr´s classroom. Her jaw almost dropped. Nigel opened the door and led her in.

"I hope you don´t mind. I just don´t want everyone staring at us," he mumbled, "I wanted to be alone with you."

Lilah nodded feeling her heart beating faster. Nigel was actually trying to be like Blaise? She couldn´t believe it. She pushed the thoughts away. No, he truly just wanted to be alone. To kiss her on the cheek or something of that simple nature. That was it.

This is Nigel we´re talking about!

He grabbed both of her hands as he leaned against a desk and led her to him. She could barely see him as her eyes adjusted to the darkness in the room.

"Lily?" he whispered.

She took a deep confident breath. She was the one in charge here she knew; not him. He was probably too scared to do anything anyway. Just maybe hold her hands. It was a bit annoying that she would probably have to initiate everything. But, she would be in control and she loved that aspect.

"Yes," she answered coyly.

"Can I kiss you?" he asked.

She bit her lip.

He asked for permission?

She just wanted to laugh out loud. He was so innocent and pure, like Blaise said. Her smile grew wider in that knowledge that she would be "corrupting" him.

"Of course," she purred.

Nigel leaned forward and kissed her softly on her lips while still holding her hands. Their bodies were apart. It was not the way Blaise kissed her, not at all. The boy was going to have to be taught. He pulled back after a very short kiss and looked up at her. He was beaming. She cocked her head to the side as Nigel raised his hand up her back to stroke it.

Well that is it I guess. Pity. But, mustn´t expect anything else. After all, is just innocent little Nigel.

Suddenly, Nigel pulled her closer to him and pressed his body against her. He brought his lips to hers and was kissing her deeply. And in a way that showed he had had a lot of practice. He brought his hands up to her hair and stroked her face. Lilah could barely breathe. Her hands were almost flailing for a moment then she succumb to her emotions and wrapped her arms around him. She was liking this, far more then when it was with Blaise. She felt her body being lead backwards as he still kissed her. She felt her back get pressed up against the wall while their arms grasped at each other.