Familiaris

Chapter 9: Amore Part 2

Corona spun around the dining room in a long wedding dress with purple trim. Tonks chuckled as she danced by in a purple gown similar to that of Corona's.

"Look at meh," Corona giggled facing Tonks, "I'm so beautiful, I'd marry meh."

Tonks giggled, then thought hard for a second and her dress turned bright pink with long flowing locks on her head to match.

"I don't know why Auntie Molly got so upset," Corona sighed flipping her hair back and turning it onyx black.

"Well, who doesn't want to be at their own kid's wedding, eh?"

"But," Corona pouted, "with all this Order crap, the Weasleys can't throw us a wedding and yeh know meh parents can't go about in the open as they choose anymore."

"I know, honey," Tonks sighed putting her arm around Corona.

Corona looked down at her dress distressed, then glared at it and it exploded in thin air leaving her in low rider plaid bondage trousers, and a black leather halter-top that said in bright pink letters "sexy".

"I didn't want a big wedding anyway," Corona muttered.

"Liar," Tonks smirked as her dress slowly melted into wide leg jeans and a punk ripped shirt of a local wizard band.

Charlie walked in looking a little uneasy.

"Hi," he said.

Cory whimpered and ran over to him like a distressed little girl to her father. She jumped up and wrapped her legs around his waist. He stumbled a bit trying to hold her up.

"What's wrong, honey?" he asked softly.

"Nuffing," Corona mumbled into his shoulder.

Charlie looked over at Tonks for the truth.

"Someone wants an excuse for wearing a pretty dress," Tonks sighed.

"No, I don't!" Corona pouted, jumping off Charlie.

"You said you didn't mind eloping," Charlie said.

Corona's lower lip quivered and she flung her arms around him.

"I lied," she howled into his chest.

"All right, all right," Charlie sighed stroking her hair as she cried louder, "I'll try to figure out a way for us to have a wedding."

Corona suddenly looked up, dry eyed and happy. "Really?"

Charlie smirked, "Sure, it will only require You Know Who being killed...but..."

Corona grabbed his face and kissed him hard on the lips.

"I love you! I love you! I love you!" she giggled and grabbed Tonks' hand and ran out the room. "Come on, I'm gonna go owl me mum!"

"She's already here!" Charlie called after her. "That's what I came in here to tell you."

Corona screeched to a halt and turned and faced him wide eyed. She dropped Tonks' hand and screamed in terror at the top of her lungs.

* * *

Ron and Hermione, arrived at the field with Ginny and her friend. Several stages had been erected up and in the center was a large main stage. People were already sitting waiting for Max Nott to perform. Ron suggested they go for a walk around, being that their passes could get them practically on stage if they lost their seats. They agreed, though Hermione needed some coaxing, and toured the field. Several food stands and boutiques for memorabilia were placed around the area. They visited each stage area seeing the merchandise for all the bands performing and were all given play sets. Ron informed Ginny which bands were for the girls and which were for him. Hermione pretended not to hear that. After all she was a girl and liked just about the same bands as Ron.

"It's getting late," Ginny squeaked.

Ron looked over at the main stage and it was packed.

"Come on!" he yelled and they ran.

"Oy! Ron!" called a boy and Ron and Hermione looked over.

Fred and George were standing around showing off their VIP passes to Lee Jordan.

"Where are we at?" Fred asked.

"Up front of course," Ron said with a teethy grin.

"Hear that?" George smirked to Lee. "Up front!"

"Oh piss off!" Lee spat and the twins joined their little brother and his friends to find their seats.

They had to push and climb over several people to finally get to the front. When they arrived they saw the Hufflepuffs and Lilah and her friends seated just a few seats away. The lights went down.

"Welcome to the Nott--Black Music Festival, 1995!" announced a voice soaring over the crowd.

Fans began to scream and holler. Ron was chuckling. Girls were screaming and holding signs saying "Max, I love you!" He sat back in his seat, wishing Xenia were the first performer, not this Max bloke.

An opening on the stage emitted light and Max Nott floated out. Ginny was giggling while Diamond, her friend, was screaming wildly. He was a short man with wavy brown hair; in his early thirties and still very attractive, though a bit on the skinny side. He began to sing as the audience screamed and hollered more. Ron couldn't help but think he had the voice of a young boy or maybe girl, it was rather high. Max bounced around the stage with his band like a Caucasian jumping bean. Ron rolled his eyes. Max was a bit of a joke. When Max was done Ron bolted from his seat. Hermione and the girls were running quickly to catch up.

"Wait!" she screamed.

He stopped as fans pushed against them.

"What was that?" Ron asked pointing to the stage.

Hermione started giggling.

"It was embarrassing!" Ron shouted.

"Well, from what everyone has told me," Hermione began as they followed the crowd back to the field, "He used to be one of the top performers back in the eighties. In fact he used to be bigger than Xenia. He made her basically. But, now he is just behind the scenes."

"He should stay there," Ron replied.

"Where should we go to now?" Ginny asked.

Ron pulled out his play list, "Well in twenty minutes Frail Cookie is playing on stage 4."

"Are they good?"

Hermione huffed, "a bunch of white boys pretending to rap.'

"I like them!" Ron shouted.

"Whatever," Hermione sighed. "Let's go see 'em."

Nigel followed Lilah and her friends as they left the Hufflepuffs and passed Hermione. Hannah and Sally-Anne had been seduced by the charms of the lead singer of The CIA. He was Eric Nott, the nephew of Max. He had inherited the shortness ,wavy brown hair, and ability to look like a hyper active bunny while on stage. He was moderately attractive and sported sunglasses wherever he went. Nigel looked back at Susan as he walked off. She was staying to keep an eye on the girls and make sure they didn't make fools of themselves. He sighed and turned the corner.

Blaise tried a few times to strike up a conversation with Athena but they usually ended with sarcastic responses. Lilah met Nigel's eyes worried. Her two best friends hated each other.

"So, where are we off to?" Nigel asked.

Athena shrugged.

"I was thinking maybe we could stop by and see Jesaminda Suarez," Blaise said mischievously.

Athena looked disgusted. "You would want to see a slag like that."

"I think she has a lovely voice," Blaise stated.

"Yeah, I bet."

"Well, we could see something else," Lilah interjected quickly looking through her play list.

* * *

Corona sat quietly on the sofa as her parents chatted with the Weasleys over tea. Charlie was on the other end of the sofa, divided from her by Corona's sisters Raya, and Sundae. The Macfaddens seemed comfortable enough and not at all as upset as the Weasleys. However, Corona knew that her mother, Danae, had an amazing ability to strike fear in her daughters by remaining extremely calm. In fact Danae was the only person alive who could strike fear in Corona at all. Not even Voldemort himself could affect Corona like her mother. Danae chatted with her old school friend Molly. She sipped her tea and looked over at her eldest daughter and smiled. Corona squeaked and looked over at her youngest sister Sundae and wished to be seven again, like her.

"Oh, Cory," Danae sighed with a smile.

Her eyes were blue like her daughter's, and twinkling with mischief. She did not possess the morphing powers of her daughter, but had given Corona her beautiful face. The golden locks all the Macfaddens shared came from their father. Their mother had strawberry blonde hair that curled. Their father Phineas, a muggle, Scottish and very proud of both heritages, had white blonde hair. He was a little shorter than his wife of 23 years and just as pale. He seemed in high spirits, a demeanor he had at all times, whether it be while teaching his primary school students in Inverness or engaged in his favorite pastime, sheep herding.

"Cory luv, come sit by daddy," Phineas said and beckoned her over with a large smile.

Corona quickly ran over to her father avoiding her mother's eyes and sat at his feet.

"Daddy," she whispered. "Save me."

Her father looked down at her tenderly then laughed.

"You are so funny," he chuckled and returned his attention to the Weasleys as he petted his daughter's head.

"So, do you approve of this?" Molly asked Danae.

"Whatever Corona wants. I mean it wasn't wholly unexpected. But, you know Cory, she does what she wants anyway. No point in trying to control her," her mother chuckled. "She did what she felt was a good idea at the time. Maybe later she will regret not informing...well...everyone. Any person she loved. Any person who would have loved to be there. But, if she is happy now, then I am happy for her."

Danae looked down at her daughter with a cold smile and Corona felt her insides turn. She looked to Charlie but he knew better than to go against Auntie Danae, whom he had known since birth as a force to be reckoned with. Corona bit her lip feeling her anger inside growing.

"Well, I know my wedding was one of my most memorable moments of my life, especially because of the people I shared it with," Danae continued. "I'm sure yours was too Molly."

Corona jumped up. "Mother! Stop okay! I just wanted to get married. I'm sorry alright!" Corona snarled.

"Dear, I am happy for you," her mother said calmly, unaffected by Corona's outburst.

"Stop being so bloody cordial!" Corona screamed.

Charlie looked around trying to find a place to hide.

"You see how she is," Danae laughed, "So passionate and dramatic. She gets that from me."

Corona stood breathing hard, then she realized her mother wasn't paying attention to her anymore and sat back down on the ground.

"Cory, darling," Danae said after a moment.

"Yes?" Corona spat.

"You're not pregnant are you?"

"MUM!"

"Are you?"

Corona rolled her eyes and said in monotone, "Yes mother. In fact I believe it unholy to use an sort of protection, have converted to Catholicism, and am changing my name to Mary."

Danae thought, then looked away. "Just checking."

"I would love a granddaughter," Phineas said patting his daughter's head.

"I'm not having a baby, daddy," Corona smirked.

"Yet," Danae interjected.

"Honestly!" Corona snapped. "Just what we need at a time like this. Another Bronsson."

"Corona!" her mother snapped as the elder Weasleys both looked startled.

"Sorry," Corona muttered.

Danae shook her head then beckoned her daughter over.

"You are mad, you know that," she sighed reaching for her daughter's hand.

Corona nodded.

"You happy?"

"Yes," Corona said.

"You two can support yourselves?"

"Yes."

"You sure you're not pregnant?"

"MOTHER!"

* * *

The next two days of the concert went by in a cacophony of music and fights. Hermione almost threw Ron down the hill a few times for his off handed comments about Viktor. Athena and Blaise were getting more biting in their comments by the minute and fighting over Lilah's attention. Hannah and Sally-Anne seemed far more interested in flirting with the bands then listening to them, which drove the rest of the Hufflepuffs mad and Nigel was rarely, if ever, talked to, by anyone.

Nigel huffed and stomped out of the tent early on the morning of the third day. He was quickly regretting ever coming. He threw himself on the ground, waiting for everyone else to quit arguing and be ready for the day. He looked around at the field that was slowly filling up with people. The sun slowly rising high, placing a golden hue over the grass. He smiled to himself. The world was rather beautiful when he let it be. Then suddenly something struck him inside. Something that no one had acknowledged since the school year ended.

Voldemort's back.

He looked back at the tent. How could everyone be at each other's throats while the world was the way it was? They could get attacked at any moment and yet none of his friends were happy. He wished had he never come. He suddenly felt naked and unsafe. Then, someone tapped him on the shoulder. It was Blaise.

"Morning," Blaise said with a yawn and sat next to him. "Keeping out of there I see. Smart lad."

Nigel smirked.

"So," Blaise sighed, "You alright?"

Nigel looked over a bit in shock.

"I'm fine."

"Good, look I know Lilah is being her little selfish self. She does that you know. Sorry it is mostly my fault."

Nigel blinked. Wait this was Blaise right?

"I'll try to make it a little easier on Lafuerte," Blaise said slapping Nigel's shoulder. "Maybe Lilah will lighten up then."

"Maybe," Nigel huffed. "Er . . . "

"What?"

"Why are you being nice to me?" Nigel asked.

"I'm always nice to you," Blaise chuckled.

"You are?"

"You think I'm not?" Blaise asked, as if he genuinely didn't know. "Look mate, I know I tend to not talk to you much, but that's only 'cause I didn't think you'd want to talk to me. You seem rather...er anti-pureblood."

"Excuse me?" Nigel gasped.

"I don't know," Blaise sighed. "Most muggles are afraid of Slytherins like we will eat you. Not all of us hate muggles."

"I know. Lilah doesn't,' Nigel mumbled.

"Well, Lilah's a nutter. She's different," Blaise laughed out loud. "I mean the real Slytherins. No worries mate. I really don't care what you are. As long as you keep Lily happy you are alright in my book."

Nigel nodded and felt a little wary. Then Blaise smiled and nudged his head to the crowd. "Let's go."

"But, the girls," Nigel said.

"Sod 'em!" Blaise exclaimed. "They want to all bitch and nag? Let 'em! I want to see Jesaminda Suarez."

Nigel smirked and stood up. He took a deep breath and walked away from the tent with Blaise.

* * *

After being caught at the Suarez stage by Lilah and Athena, both boys were dragged back to see what the girls wanted. The boys pretended they didn't have a good time watching the Suarez concert and Nigel didn't dare tell the girls they had actually been backstage. But, when Athena asked why Blaise had a hickie, the boys admitted it.

"Blaise," Lilah sighed, rubbing her temples as they made it to the stage to watch Xenia, "I love you. But, don't corrupt my boyfriend."

Nigel found a place by the stage with Ron behind him and Hermione next to him. Ginny and Diamond stood wide-eyed and anxious. The moment of Xenia's performance was too arrive, finally. They had arrived early and brought to their place right by the stage. Lilah and her friends were right behind them. Sally-Anne and Hannah were allowed up closer being the shortest.

Quickly the field and stands filled with fans. A few rows back Cho was with her friends sporting Werewolf t-shirts. She saw Nigel and waved. He smiled and waved back at her. Suddenly a loud crack of fireworks came from the stage.

"Welcome!" called the same voice projecting over the field.

The fans began to scream loudly. Nigel couldn't help but feed off of everyone's excitement and screamed as well.

"Let's get things started," announced the voice.

Nigel looked back at the stage and four figures walked out the stage with long cloaks covering their heads. Nigel couldn't help but think they looked like Dementors. All the lights and sparkles from the fireworks suddenly vanished and a projection of bars on a window appeared across the figures on stage. A soft humming began to soar from the stage. Suddenly the cloaks fell to the ground, as if the people disappeared, and on the smaller stage in the center four boys appeared.

Lilah squealed happily.

"You all come to have a party!" called one of the boys.

Ginny was screeching and Nigel and Blaise exchanged amused looks.

Hermione was trying hard not to laugh as Sally-Anne was jumping up and down screaming. The boys walked off the smaller stage, onto an invisible walkway back to the main stage.

"We're Werewolf," declared one of the boys who was blonde and had a French accent.

The boys stood on stage in a line. One was tall and Indian with long sleek black hair. The one next to him was a British boy they didn't recognize, with brown hair. Next to him was a Japanese boy with messy black hair, and next to him as the blonde French boy.

"You here to see Xenia?" screamed the British boy, receiving a tumultuous response from the crowd.

"We're gonna get things started first!" he screamed and the music began.

Nigel found himself convulsing with laughter, as were Ron and Justin. The boys began to sing and Lilah pretended she was fainting onto Nigel. Ginny and Diamond were gripping onto the stage as one of the singing boys did some sort of move causing him to slide down the stage on his knees. Hermione was giggling, covering her face with her hand. Nigel had no idea how the girls were going to get. As the song went on, they began to push against the stage and Nigel had to keep Ginny, Sally and Hannah from getting squished. He was extremely delighted when the boys had stopped singing their first song. But, there were still a few more to go. Ron, Nigel, and Blaise started swaying back and forth mocking Werewolf, receiving evil glares from Lilah and Sally-Anne.

One of the Werewolf boys, after they finished that song, walked forward. Nigel heard a few girls screaming 'I love you, Richard!' and looked back to see Cho and her friends holding sings and laughing. Nigel felt horrorstruck as he read what vulgar things Cho and her friends had written on the signs. They seemed to be doing it in fun, but it still disturbed him.

"We are gonna go soon, but not without one more song," Richard said as the crowd grew very quiet.

"Will this never end?" Ron screamed, and his voice rang through the stage.

Richard stopped and looked over. Ron pointed at Nigel who pushed him in response. Richard ignored them and kept on talking. Behind him, the boys had pulled out four stools and were sitting on them.

"Baby set me free," Richard sang, "from this misery. I can't take it no more. Since you went away, nothing's been the same. Don't know what I'm living for. Here I am, so alone, and there's nothing in this world I can do . . ."

The song was slower then the previous. The lighting dimmed down and moons were projected onto the stage.

"Until you're back here baby," the boys joined in causing Ron's gag reflex to stir. "Miss you. Want you. Need you so. Until you're back here baby, yeah. There's a feeling inside I want you to know. You are the one and I can't let you go."

Lilah was swaying happily with an amused Athena. Blaise was pretending to be crying on Nigel's shoulder.

"It's so beautiful," he whimpered receiving a chuckle from Nigel.

The song continued on and pixies danced across the stage and bubbles floated around the boys. Ron looked like he couldn't take anymore of this. The song faded out and the lights went out and the letter M W P P appeared under the boys.

"Thank you," Richard said as the lights lit up only him and he vanished.

The lights went up and the stage was bare.

"Xenia will be performing in 30 minutes!" the same faceless voice announced above the audience. Ron, Nigel, and pretty much every boy in the crowd groaned. Lilah was still staring at the stage dreamily.

"I could die happy right now," she sighed.

"I could die if I hear those poofs one more time!" Ron groaned.

They spent the rest of the time goofing off and chatting. Nigel got drinks for the girls with Justin and Blaise. Blaise disappeared at one point by the loo and reappeared just before the show, smelling like perfume. Nigel didn't ask. He didn't want to.

Then, the lights went down and Xenia appeared. She was completely different then the goofy, slightly spoiled woman at Sirius' house. She was glowing. When she opened her mouth everyone held their breath. The notes penetrated through them and made them feel like they were riding on the song. The pulsing beat synced with their heart. Even though she charmed her voice to not hypnotize, her Siren blood still had an effect on her audience. It was like a drug; a hit of ecstasy. As she danced all eyes were on her curvaceous body. Her clothes clung tightly to her, made it hard to believe she was anyone's mother or wife. As the concert drew to a close, the effect never dwindled. The audience was screaming and cheering as much as when she first arrived. An orgy of fans. All bodies connected. By the end everyone was exhausted, euphoric, and sweating. Even Blaise was convinced it was better than sex.

*** *

Xenia invited everyone afterwards to a party. Food, liquor and young people were everywhere. Xenia and Max were probably the oldest. Nigel and his friends sat in a booth in a huge building Xenia rented. Attractive waiters and waitresses in tight black clothes walked around serving drinks. Xenia was surrounded by her entourage, which was all her adult friends and Lilah. Lilah brought Athena with her, but seemed to have forgotten Nigel and Blaise and basically everyone else.

They eventually decided to dance. Well, Nigel and Sally decided to. A group of girls kept circulating around Nigel. He had no idea who any of them were. One girl was dancing exceptional close to him and kissed him on the cheek and walked off after being called by a friend. Blaise came running over grinning.

"Moon! How the fuck did you get Jesiminda Suarez to dance with you?" he chuckled.

"That was her?" Nigel squeaked.

"Alright, how much have you drank?" Blaise smirked.

"Nothing."

"Liar."

"It's just dark and smoky. I can't really see," Nigel muttered feeling suddenly wrong and quickly wiping the kiss off his cheek.

"Am impressed," Blaise smirked. "Just impressed."

Then he looked over at Sally dancing by Nigel and his girls.

"Come here, Perks," Blaise said and took her away before Nigel could stop him.

Nigel finally got away from the girls to find Blaise innocently dancing with Sally and making her laugh. Nigel still was a little worried and asked his friends if they wanted to leave early. Hannah and Sally whined no, and Susan, yet again, promised to keep and eye on them. Blaise was too preoccupied with another girl to care, so Nigel left by himself.

He walked out the building into the fresh air. He was starting to get used to Lilah ignoring him. He was starting to accept it. He strolled up the hill to his tent, when a boy stuck his head out of a trailer.

" 'Ello!" the boy called.

"Hi."

"You leaving the party so soon? You are one of Xenia's friends, no?" the boy asked.

Nigel walked up to get a better look when he recognized the blonde French boy from Werewolf.

"If you are bored you can hang with me?" the boy said. "I couldn't take ze crowd."

Nigel shrugged his shoulders and went in.

"I'm Pierre," the boy said shaking Nigel's hand.

He was a little older, around 17.

"Sit," Pierre said eagerly. "Was just going to sit and read tonight. Better to be with someone. What is your name?"

"Nigel."

"Oh, eh, you are nephew of Xenia or somesing. Or godson?"

"No, that's not me. I'm a friend of the godson."

"But, of course."

Nigel sat on the beanbags looking around.

"The other boys at the party?" Nigel asked.

"Jes. Running after ze girls, am sure," Pierre smirked opening up an icebox. "Want somesing?"

"Sure, what do you have?" Nigel asked.

"Eh, fizzy drinks, beer, wine, water, everysing," Pierre said with a smile.

"Er...I guess a coke is fine," Nigel said.

Pierre nodded and tossed Nigel a coke can while he pulled out a can of beer.

"Is not the best beer, but is what Xenia lets us have. Disgusting light stuff," Pierre grimaced.

"She lets you have it?" Nigel asked eyes wide.

"Yeah, she said she knows we would drink more if she denied it. This way she can regulate us. If you call a never emptying icebox of beer regulation."

Pierre sat across from Nigel.

"You like ze festival?" Pierre asked with a smile.

"Oh yeah. Was brilliant!"

"What about our performance," Pierre said with a smirk.

"Well er..."

"Is all right. We shake our asses for girls, but is still fun. I really do it for the dancing. I love to dance."

"Well you're really good. Sally said you moved like a black boy. I think she meant that as a compliment," Nigel smirked.

"Well I think the way we dance is like making love to the audience. The way you move determines how much they enjoy it," Pierre said, then took a swig of his beer.

"I suppose," Nigel said looking around.

"I saw you dancing with your friends at Xenia's party," Pierre said scooting closer. "You're really good too."

"Oh well my sister taught me all that. She is an amazing dancer."

"She taught you well," Pierre said holding Nigel's gaze for a second. "You look like you really enjoy it too."

"I do, it's a great release."

"I know what you mean," Pierre smirked and got up. He walked over to his MB collection. He pulled out one and tapped it to play. It started playing some techno sounding music. Pierre was nodding his head to it and turned back to Nigel.

"Like it?" Pierre asked.

"It's cool. What is it?"

"Some muggle techno Xenia converted for me to MB. I think they make far better music to dance to," Pierre said swaying his torso now to the music.

"I guess," Nigel said nodding his head to it.

"I just dance around by myself in here to it. The ozer boys laugh. They don't like muggle music as much as I do. You dance like a muggle."

"I am one," Nigel said proudly.

"I thought so. What was that thing you did with your body? Ze thing when you like rolled your body up," Pierre asked walking over to Nigel.

"Oh that," Nigel said with a smirk, "That was just me joking about. It's an old poppin' move. Do you know what break dancing is?"

"No. Could you show me how you did zat?"

"Sure," Nigel said and happily showed Pierre the move.

He moved his body in a wave that made him look like he was doing belly dancing, but more static. Pierre tried it, but couldn't seem to get it quite right. Nigel walked behind him and placed his hand on his back.

"No you have to arch your back all the way, " Nigel said pushing his hand against Pierre's back.

"Oh," Pierre said and leaned back onto Nigel, "Like zat?"

Pierre turned his face in Nigel's direction.

"Yeah sort of," Nigel said.

Nigel stared at Pierre confused. Pierre and stopped moving and was leaning on him.

"You all right?" Nigel asked concerned.

"I'm fine," Pierre said.

Nigel didn't quite know what to say. Pierre leaned his face toward Nigel and he thought Pierre was gonna whisper something to him. But that wasn't what he did. Instead Pierre let his lips touch Nigel's. Nigel stood completely frozen to where he stood, eyes wide. Pierre quickly realized Nigel wasn't participating in the kiss and pulled away. When he saw Nigel's face he stepped away looking completely embarrassed.

"Oh shit," Pierre muttered. "I thought you were...sorry."

"What?" Nigel asked still standing frozen to his spot.

"Gay," Pierre said then smacked his forehead. "I mean you seemed so ...I don't know. Damn! Too bad, you are perfect."

"Er....thank you?" Nigel squeaked.

"You sure you're not gay?" Pierre asked hopefully.

"Sorry," Nigel said, "I'm not. I...er..."

"It's all right. You probably hate me now. I'm sorry. Look, just don't tell anyone. We can just forget this happened," Pierre babbled.

"Okay...I don't hate you. I just er...am confused."

"Promise you won't tell anyone," Pierre begged.

"I promise," Nigel said.

"Honestly, not even for a laugh. If any girl found out the truth about me it would ruin the group. You understand?"

"I promise," Nigel said sincerely, "why would I say it for a laugh?'

"Well...everyone calls us poofs anyway," Pierre muttered.

"Yeah...sorry. But I won't tell anyone," Nigel said softly.

"Maybe you should go," Pierre sighed.

"Right," Nigel nodded and headed for the door.

"Wait, you honestly won't tell anyone?" Pierre asked.

"Yes, you asked me not to and I won't," Nigel said.

"You're a queer one," Pierre said then thought for a second and began to laugh.

Nigel didn't know what was so funny and opened the door and left to find his friends back at the party. He didn't share with them what just happened until the ride back home. As too be expected, Sally-Anne found it positively hysterical.

"I always had a suspicion you were gay," Sally giggled.

Nigel groaned and hid his head in his baby blue jumper.

***

As everyone rode back to school on the Hogwarts Express all they seemed to want to talk about was the festival. Lilah, seated on Nigel's lap, gloated to anyone who would listen about her special treatment from Xenia. Blaise rolled his eyes at her as she jabbered on to the Lavender and Parvati who were standing in the door way to the compartment. Hannah was seated next to Blaise trying to be a flirt, while Sally-Anne giggled loudly at everything he said. Justin sat on the floor playing cards with Ernie and Susan, all three trying desperately not to smother Nigel's girlfriend.

"I wonder how Malfoy will take it when he finds out how much Xenia loves me," Lilah chuckled to Blaise after the Gryffindor girls left.

"Honestly Lil," Blaise sighed, "he could give a rat's ass! I mean he could buy his way to her. Hell, he could own her left breast if he felt inclined."

"But, then the right would feel so lonely," Nigel interjected quietly.

Lilah looked at him in shock as Blaise nearly fell out of his seat laughing.

"You don't speak much," Blaise chuckled, "But, when you do, pure gems, mate."

After a long trip of listening to Lilah boast, the Hufflepuffs were glad to be rid of her, except for Nigel. They sat at their table, ate happily, and were rather cheery until Umbridge began to make her speech. Nigel felt a cold shiver go down his spine when she was done. He didn't quite know why he felt uncomfortable because of her, but he noticed his fellow classmates did too. They soon were allowed to go up to their room and did so gratefully.

The now-fifth-year Hufflepuffs entered their familiar common room. Sally-Anne threw herself onto the sofa with a sigh."I'm so freakin' tired."
"Our new DADA proff looks scary," Hannah whispered.
"I know," Sally hissed.
The rest of the other Hufflepuffs from the other years were running about, talking or in their rooms getting ready for the night. Nigel yawned and bid his friends goodnight and headed to the boys dorm, but Sally reached for his arm and he didn't get very far.
"Don't leave," she pouted as the entrance opened again and a tall and elegant young man stepped in.
He had waves of golden hair on his head and sparkling blue eyes. If he hadn't had an Adam's apple he could have easily been mistaken for a girl. He was far too pretty. Sally-Anne and Hannah screamed at the same time. "Zach!"
Zacharias Smith waved with a confident smile and was tackled by the two blonde girls. Susan and the rest of the fifth years stayed where they were. Nigel and Justin shared the same look of annoyance.
"How are you?"
"How was France?"
"We've missed you so much!"
"You look great!"
The girls couldnt stop babbling, that Zach couldn't get a word in for a few minutes.
"Girlies, let me sit for a sec please," Zach chuckled after there was a slight break in the girls chirping.
Nigel heard Justin mutter "smarmy git" under his breath and had to work very hard at keeping in his laughter.
"Why weren't you at the Great Feast?" Ernie asked taking a seat by Zach.

Sally and Hannah raced each other to get to sit on the other side of Zach, and Sally won. Hannah resorted to sitting at his feet.
"My ferry was late getting to Dover," Zach sighed, "But no matter, I'm here now."
Susan looked on at the scene, smiling almost patronizingly at her friends.
"I've missed this place and all of you. Why are you three over there? Not glad to see me?" Zach chuckled looking over at Susan, Nigel and Justin.
"How did he guess?" Justin hissed quietly so only Nigel could hear.
Zach turned back to his fans on the sofa and began to talk about France and all his adventures there, which didn't amount to much but a roster of all the people he knew and how many girls he dated. Justin couldn't take much more of it and left in a huff, quickly followed by Nigel. Only Susan noticed their absence.
In their room, all of their belongings had already been brought up. Nigel threw himself onto his bed with a groan.
"I hate that bloke!" Justin spat.
Nigel whimpered a noise of compassion with his face buried in his pillow. The door knocked.
"What?' Justin snapped.
"It's me, Sue!"
"Oh, right. Come in."
Susan entered with a pitying look.
"All right?" she asked. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Nigel and Justin answered innocently.
"Sure and Sally is the poster child for timidity. Out with it!" she commanded sitting next to Nigel on his bed.
Nigel sat up and met Justin's eyes,but said nothing.
"Is it Zach?" Susan asked.
Nigel shook his head as Justin snarled, "I hate that bloke!"
Susan and Nigel stared at him.
"Sorry," Justin smirked, "Did I think out loud?"
Susan giggled, "Well I know he's a bit much, but he isn't mean."
"He's an idiot," Nigel protested.
"Maybe," Susan sighed, " But you two are going to have to live with him for three more years, so I think you should just deal with it."
Nigel nodded.
"Are you sure you aren't...jealous?" Susan asked.
"Of Zach?" Nigel gasped.
"Why?" Justin scoffed, "Because he is attractive and the girls instantly flock to him and ignore I exist. Of course not!-Again with the thinking out loud!"
"Justin..." Susan sighed sympathetically.
"Look," Justin sighed, "It may look like I'm acting like a baby, but he used to absorb all of the girls time before. Han would latch onto him and follow him everywhere like some lovesick leech. Then he left and, what do you know, she latched onto Nigel! I mean honestly! I can handle one pretty boy in the group at a time, not two!"
Susan and Nigel stared at Justin who was red in the face and breathing hard.
"You think I'm pretty?" Nigel smirked.
Justin let out a repressed laugh.
"Well," he smirked," You do have the element of pretty about you."
"Aw, thanks mate."
"Boys," Susan groaned rubbing her temples, "focus."
"Sorry," they answered together.
"Look you're a very goodlooking boy Justin," Susan replied, "But, how do you think I feel? Having those two barbie dolls, as Hermione calls them, around all the time? But, I deal."
"You're very pretty," Nigel assured her.
Susan shook her head with a smile. "I know, you're missing the point."

"Yes, yes, we must be nice and deal with that prat...Zach!" Justin yelped as Zach walked in.

"Did I interrupt something?" Zach asked suggestively.

"Yes, we just about to have a menage a trois as you would say," Justin smirked. "Leave!"

Zach stood for a moment then began to leave.

"I was joking," Justin hissed.

"Oh, right!" Zach said with a smile and came in.

"Well, I'll leave you boys to catch up," Susan said and received desperate eyes from the boys not be left alone with Zach.

"Nice to see you again Suzie," Zach said as she stepped out the door.

She stopped and turned slowly on her heels.

"It's Susan," she said slowly as if talking to a toddler. "Susan."

"Right, night Su!" Zach said happily.

Justin saw Susan pause in mid-step then shake her head and continue down the hall.

"Isn't this great!" Zach said happily. "All of us together again!"

"Like one big family!" Justin cried mocking Zach, but the boy didn't notice the aggressive undertones and sat happily on his bed talking the boys' ears off all night.

A/N: Lyrics from BB Mak were affectionately used in this chappie.

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