Valentine's Dance

She plopped down in a seat. "I don't think I am going to drink another firewhiskey for an hour or two. I've had over 14..."

Ebony snickered at Lily, "Yeah you might want to cool it a bit. You dont want what happened to me to happen to you.."

"Keep an eye on her, talk to her more and try and figure her out. Something is just not right with that one. Keep your gaurd up, she is not to be trusted."

He nodded, "As you wish, Sky. Though I'll have to do that later, Fated's already got her." He gave a nod to them.

He watched her walk off, and seemed satisfied enough. Though he did wish they would trust him a little more. He would make sure to see that. 'I really have to prove myself now. It's my choice now. Get more on the Deatheaters side..or the DA..' he frowned, deep in thought, he made up his mind after awhile. He wanted to get closer to Voldemort. So that meant side with the Deatheaters. He shrugged, taking a seat at an empty table. That was fine with him. They were stronger anyways. Now how to prove himself..? The most extreme would be to kill Dani. ' I don't want to do that..I sort of want to be her friend.' Fine then, he decided 'Kill a higher ranking DA member..or completely make them immobile.' Who though?' Better yet, a member of the Order...'Do I even know anyone from the Order..I'll have to do some research..' he sighed, and slumped down on the table.

::Mila's eyebrows shot up into her hair as she listened to the girls talk. She looked at Lily.:: "You should be careful...14..that's quite alot."

::She flattened her skirt.:: "Although, I shouldn't be talking. I've indulged as much as that when I came to these dances."

Ebony chuckled, "Yeah, I too have had my fair share today. Made a fool out of myself already tonight."

Lily laughed slightly. "No fun for me yet. " she said sighing

"Lovely dance isn't it?" Sky asked her. She shifted her eyes around the room. "The decorations are lovely, don't you think? The prefects did a remarkable job with them. And sorry, I know I met you earlier in the year when we were on the train. What did you say your name was? So many students here and so many names to remember."

Jenn’s senses heightened as she felt, rather then heard Sky approaching her with a confidant stride. Noting everything Sara had told her earlier about Sky, she took a deep breath and smiled slightly. Jenn slightly raised an eyebrow as her eyes caught the other girl approach Sara. There was no doubt in her mind now that they were onto her as she was to them. ’Finally we could get started,’ She thought to herself with a half smirk as she heard Sky’s questions. ’Let’s keep beating around the bush then til something comes out. Then…’ She left that thought hang in the air for a moment.

Handing her cup to random guy who was socializing, Jenn brushed her hair out of her face and fully turned to Sky. “Yes, it really is beautiful here. Much better then my old school.” She let out a soft tinkling laugh. “Of course I suppose anything would be better then that school. Home schooling is such a drag. Course my parents didn’t want me to be exposed to the ‘abaissez la classe’. Lower classmen, I suppose you would call it. But as he has high hopes for me to join the Ministry of Magic and pursue a high position as he is. He thought it would be an great opportunity for me to interact with other students here. Therefore I was allowed here as a favor for my father. My friend Rose too.” She said casually with a absentminded wave of her hand.

Ducking her head slightly, Jenn subtly bit her cheek causing them to flush a bit. “I’m so sorry, listen to me chatter away like that. I’m Hallie Christine Wintrop.” She said as she lifted out a hand for Sky to shake. Knowing she had invertedly told Sky everything she wanted to know, Jenn smiled at her as she inwardly wondered and antiipated what move her opponent would go next as her cards were all laid out.

Sara looked up to see a girl, about her age, smiling at her. Well, smiling as in her lips pointed up rather then down, but other than that Sara could spot no true friendly emotions in the girls face. She pulled her to the side so they wouldn't get squished more then necessary and introduced herself as Kylee.

"Oh hey," Sara said with a sweet smile. She was a very good actress and usually very cheerful and kind to everyone. "yeah, i'm fine thanks, a little squished..." She gestured to her dress, "but at least that guy didn't spill punch on me" She laughed lightly, whille deep inside her mind she was wondering how Jenn was fairing.

"So...how's the dance been? i'm a little late." Sara eyed a group of attractive tall guys ambled past. "Any interesting guys?" What better way to learn something about someone then by talking to them?

Sara motioned for them to walk towards some nearbye chairs, noticing that Jenn was not fair from them and she would be within earshot of both her, and several other secrative looking conversations. Conveniently though the chairs were also located near a refreshmant table, so she was able to procure a good listening spot while also procuring some salmon paste and crackers, and remaining unsuspicious to everyone around her.

Sky stood there watching the girl. She turned her head slightly to see Fated dacing closely with the other girl and a slight smirk appeared on Sky's lips. "He is good." She thought to herself.

She let her eyes shift back to the girl she had now just learned the name of. She took the hand that she offered to her and shook hands back with her. "Oh yes, Hallie. I should have remebered that. Such a pretty name." Sky smiled trying to sound as friendly as possible. "So, you were taught the beginning of your magical education at home?" Sky asked, her eyes narrowing in an inquisitive expression. "How was that like? I couldn't imagine it would be too fun, missing out on making friends."

Sky needed to find out information on this girl. Information that would give her a clue to who she really was. "Are you enjoying yourself here at Hogwarts? Have you made many new friends? Joined any clubs or groups?"

~Fated smiled inwardly, having seen a very faint glimmer in her eyes; knowing that by calling her an elegant flower, he'd made it well known that he'd had an inkling about her before they'd ever spoken to each other. He was sly and he knew it. It was one of his greatest qualities. And even more so, it was a skill he'd finely tuned for a few years. However, he hadn't anticipated her taking his hand and rubbing it on her cheek. It was quite warm, and her skin was soft. He could tell she was blushing even though he wasn't able to see it. I think she'll be quite easy to manipulate. It's obvious and so I will take my time so as not to alert her to my true motives. Oh yes, he really had it all planned out. And then ...

"May I ask what your name is?"
~He chuckled~ "Well my dear, my name is F-" Suddenly he stopped. Maybe revealing his real name was a bad idea. He felt maybe he'd better be cautious with that- perhaps play dumb and trick this girl as he ahd tricked Sara long ago at the Order's Hideout.

"I would love to know the name of the charming young man who saved me from an evening of boredom."

He chuckled as he saw the eager expression on her face as she was wanting to know his name. What did he have to fear? Certainly this young, naive girl had no idea of who he was or his ties to Voldemort. He could tell her his name without worry. She looked completely helpless and posed no real threat. He then cleared his throat and realized he'd taken too long to answer by the suspicious glint in her eyes. But not to worry, he'd fix that.~

"Fated Deathes, forgive my delayed response but I couldn't help but be enchanted by your presence." ~He then reached up and took her arms and put them around his neck then wrapped his own arms around her waist and held her close as he looked into her eyes~ "This is better, now you can be close to me and make those other girls envy you." ~He whispered in a low, almost seductive tone.~

~Oh yes, he was a sly devil. He'd gain her trust, he'd make her fall for him and then he'd see what all she knew-if anything- about the Order.~

::Mila sighed:: "Same here..." she said to Lily and Ebony.

::She gazed out over to the dance floor.:: "I don't even know why I came in the first place..."

Ebony sighed, "I only came cause I figured I would be more bored in my dorm room."

Ebony ate another choclate frog then said, " I guess I was wrong."

Fingering the diamond teardrop around her neck, Jenn leaned back against the refreshment table. “It was a bit lonely, but you know what they say. You can’t miss what you never had. I never knew what it was like to be surrounded by all of this…” She said as she waved her hand around the Great Hall. “Now that I’ve experienced what it’s like. I can’t imagine ever going back..”

"Are you enjoying yourself here at Hogwarts? Have you made many new friends? Joined any clubs or groups?"

Her smile brightened a bit at these questions as she had already planned how much she would reveal about herself, mainly sticking to the truth while withdrawing a few details so she wouldn’t mess up. “I haven’t joined any clubs or groups. Truth be told I wouldn’t know what to join. And Hogwarts is…” Jenn scanned the room for a moment as though she was at a loss for words. Her chocolate brown eyes took in everything that was going on in the Great Hall, especially the whereabouts of Claire and Sara.

“Wonderful.” She said with a shrug of her thin shoulders. “I haven’t gotten to know many people besides Rose and Sara whom I met on the train. I did exchange a few words with Lily over there but I wouldn’t consider that exchange to make us friends yet.” Jenn stated as she pointed a perfect manicured finger in the direction of Lily and a crowd of people.

Jenn bit her lip as her dark brows arched into a slightly confused look. “Forgive me for asking but I’ve been wondering this for a while now. Are you really a professor? Because you really don’t look like a professor, at least not my idea of one.” She said with a chuckle as she waved her hand in the direction of Madam Hooch and Professor McGonagall standing stiffly to the side. “They’re my idea of professors. And I couldn’t help noticing you get along quite well with many of the students.” Jenn remarked was an innocent smile she glanced at Fated and Kylee.

lily sighed. "I would've stayed back but Tally and Serena were there. I am not staying in the same room as them when i could come drink and be just as bored here." She shrugged and scanned the room. She noticed HAllie pointing at her.

'Excuse me," she said standing up and pushing through the crowd of people toward Hallie/Jenn and Sky.

"Hey" Lily said kinda less cold.

::Mila excused herself as well, promising Ebony she'd be back in a bit. She made a bee line for the refreshment table and made sure to stay away from the whiskey. Instead, she pured herself some pumpkin juice::

::As she sipped her drink slowly, she gazed out at the dance floor at all the dancing couples. She smiled slightly when her friend waved at her enthusiastically, then continued on dancing. Mila sighed, pouring herself more pumpkin juice. ::

Oh, why not? she thought.

::Turning around, Mila disposed the cup and grabbed another, pouring some firewhiskey. She downed it and leaned against the far wall. After she was done, she'd go up to her dorm and gobble up the last bit of choclates her mother had sent in the mail this morning.::

Sky listened to Hallie intently. She was trying to pick up on any clue about her, anything at all that would reveal who she really was. "Well, I am glad to hear that you like it at Hogwarts. It is a great school." She smiled a bit at Hallie. This girl was good, very good actually at hiding whatever it was she was hiding. Sky would have to take a different approach on the conversation if she was going to dig deeper into who this girl really was.

Sky turned her head and she saw that Fated was dancing even closer to the girl now. "He's trying to suck her in with his charm." She thought to herself. This, in Sky's mind was a brilliant plan. Fated's smooth way about him and dashing good looks were a great tool indeed. This was one of the things she loved so much about him. He used what he had to get what he wanted, and right now it was information. The girl would be crazy not to get sucked in by his charming ways.

Sky turned back to Hallie. "Looks like I lost my dancing partner for the evening." She kept a straight face when she said this. A smile with this comment may arouse suspician with Hallie.

“Forgive me for asking but I’ve been wondering this for a while now. Are you really a professor? Because you really don’t look like a professor, at least not my idea of one.” Sky laughed at this comment. "Well, I just graduated, this year actually. I excelled in all of my classes here. I got top grades in Herbology and charms. Anyway, my skills we will say, are a little bit above the basic levels of most witches my age. I am a master at non-verbals." She smirked a bit as she said this. Sky was a very talented witch and she knew how to use magic, whether it be regular or dark, in any situation. Her skills were superb and that was one of the things the Dark Lord commended her on. "Professor Sprout needed to take a leave after she came down with a rare allergic reaction after handling cypress root without protection on her hands. Professor McGonagall asked me if I could fill in for her until she came back. Actually, she came back today, so this will be my last day here as Professor." Sky was glad about this. It was just too risky right now to be around members of the Order of the Phoenix who were also Professors here.

Sky studied Hallie for a moment. She was trying to come up with just the right question to ask her, and then it hit her. "Have you had the pleasure of meeting the famous Harry Potter since you arrived at Hogwarts? He is quite the celebrity around here. His story is legend, which I am sure you know well."

~Fated's eyes flickered slightly with interest as Rose spoke~

"Here I am, a transfer from Beauxbatons, only been here a few months, and I'm the only one that you've danced with besides Professor Black. They've known you longer, been in classes with you, talked before now, and yet you chose me instead of them. I think they have reason to be very envious."

~He smirked then raised a cocky brow~ "Well, I only accept the best, and though many girls coo after me, I tend to go for the shy, reserved type." He said smoothly.~ "Besides, you certainly stand out." ~He was slick, that remark having a double meaning for though he couldn't help but admire hergenuine beauty, he also knew that she wasn't from where she claimed. He'd gotten the recent list of ladies enrolled at Beauxbatons and hadn't found a single girl named 'Rose' on it. A red flag had flown up. And now his suspicions were rising more and he was getting that anxious feeling- like he was about to discover something. But he kept a calm composure. No need to alarm Rose just yet. He'd see just how far he could go to get information before resorting to ...dangerous tactics. His blue eyes gleamed briefly at the thought of all of the evil deeds he'd done and was planning on doing later on.He then noticed her smirk. And he stared deeply into her eyes, practicing that oh so powerful skill that had come in handy on a few occasions-Legillimancy. And though he could only tap into her mind for a brief couple of seconds, that was just fine for that was all he'd needed. So, I've chosen the right girl after all. Perfect. I am going to enjoy bringing the Order down. I'll bide my time and strike when the moment is right. He couldn't help but smirk slightly himself at just the thought of that.~

"Fated?"

~Her soft voice pulled him from his thoughts and he looked to her softening his features and allowing that charming sparkle to return to his blue eyes as she continued~

"Well that's a unique name. Did your parents just want to be different? Or is it standing for something? Just curious."
~He chuckled lightly, knowing all too well that she was prying for information in a round about way but he was alright with that. No sense in letting her catch onto him, he'd humor her and himself for a bit~
"They chose Fated because there's supposedly a special purpose that I am fated for though who knows what that might be? It could mean that I am fated to become quite powerful."
~His eyes flashed maliciously for a brief moment before returning back to the soft, charming glimmer. "And then again it could just mean that I'm destined to be cleaning all of the toilets in the wizarding world for all time." He chuckled lightly, as he did have a sense of humor even though he was a Death Eater.

He then went on smiling his charming smile as he continued. "And I suppose that my parents wanted to be different, after all in some of the 'business' they have had to attend to; might make them stand out just a bit." He then unhooked an arm from around her waist and slid his hand up 'Rose's ' arm slowly.~

"You know, I am curious as to why you'd transfer schools- especially from Beauxbatons to Hogwarts. Surely that is a step down for you, is it not?" He smirked slightly as he then let his hand that had been tracing her arm, caress her cheek slowly.~ "I have nothing against this school as it is where I rather enjoy attending, but one of your fragile stature and elegant poise must feel out-of-place." He spoke that last part with suspicion in his tone.~

Jenn nodded in understanding as she listened to Sky’s explanation. It was reasonable she supposed. A bit too reasonable if truth be told. Jenn clicked her tongue a bit as she pondered how to gain Sky’s trust. Suddenly snapping out of her stupor, she realized she had been staring off in space for quite some time. This time Jenn didn’t need to bite her cheek to cause them to flush brightly.

“I’m sorry, my mind just wandered off a bit.” Jenn replied as she gazed in the direction Sky indicated where Claire and Fated were dancing very closely. She knew Claire was planning to reveal herself rather soon by the looks of it. With a shake of her head, she smiled back at Sky.

“Of course I’ve heard of Harry Potter, although I haven’t gotten the chance to actually meet him.” Jenn said as she casually looked through the crowd as though to look for the famous boy. Sudden Jenn spotted a flash of green light out of the corner of her eye. Quickly grabbing her wand, she swiftly spun around on her heels to confront the threat. A boy in the corner was showing off to a crowd of giggling girls as he conjured up several leprechauns carrying gifts. (sounds familiar Elana? Lol) Tucking her wand back into the folds of her pink dress, Jenn looked back at Sky and smiled sheepishly. “Sorry, thought that something was going on there.” She replied as Sky stayed quiet at her sudden movement.

Sky again listened to Hallie speak to her. The girl was giving no signs of being anything more than being a student, but still, Sky just had this odd feeling about her. It was getting late and the dance would be ending soon. Sky new sooner or later people would start to depart for the evening, staggering off tiredly into their dorm rooms.

"Well, I am sure you will get the chance to meet Mr. Potter eventually. Nice boy her is." Sky said with a smile, although it pained her to speak about Potter nicely. He was the enemy, plain and simple.

Sky saw the green light flash out of the corner of her eye and she, like Hallie spun around quickly and reached for her wand. She saw the student had conjured up some leprachauns and a quick smile graced her lips before she took a serious expression. She strolled over to the boy and shook her head. "Really, Sykes, must we always be trying to impress the lady residents of Hogwarts?" Sky pointed her wand at each leprachaun and uttered, "evenesco" as she vanished each one. She then went back over to Jenn.

"I might not be a Professor anymore after tonight but I do feel, being an adult witch that that was a problem that needed to be resolved. Sykes there is in Slytherin student and he is forever trying to impress the girls here at the school with his not so clever spells." Sky laughed a bit. She new Hinkle well, as well as his parents. They were both Death Eaters and faithful ones at that.

Sky's expression changed a bit now, a sinister look sparked in her eyes. She had stalled long enough. She was going to find out about this girl once and for all. "So Hallie, after graduating this fine magical institution, what are your plans? Do you plan on joining in the fight that is beginning with the dark powers verses the Ministry?" She was going to look for a clue in the way Hallie answered this question. " I plan on it, have begun actually, and I must say that I am most positive who will come out on top in the end."

Lily realizing she was being ignored, cleared her throat as sky finished. Lily smiled sinistrly.

'sky put on a god HArry Potter is good act' she thought to herself.

Her eyes flashed between Hallie and Sky waiting for Hallie's reaction. Her eyes became bright as she felt power surging through her.

"but at least that guy didn't spill punch on me" Kylee heard the girl say. “Ooh, that would not be good.” She said trying her hardest to sound sympathetic… not one of her strong points. "So...how's the dance been? i'm a little late." "Any interesting guys?" Kylee gave a small chuckle, “I don’t know, I just got here also, so I guess we’re on the same page.” She said with a shrug. Kylee mentally sighed and racked her brain for something to say… anything.

Kylee followed the girl over to a set of chairs near the refreshment table… and Sky and Jenn. Kylee was very happy to see that. Maybe with Sky nearby she’d be able to think of something to spark up a conversation.

“So, I’m sorry, I never caught your name.” She said.

Zexion, becoming bored with his thoughts about what to do to impress and gain Sky's trust, decided that he would go talk to Lily. 'I've basically got it sorted out anyways..I know killing an Order Member won't be easy..but I have to try..Right, or maybe..since I'm thought to be a DA member already, I could try getting a position on the Order of the Phoenix.' he grinned, such a simple plan, so many already do it. 'I just have to watch for Deatheaters, if there are any there..I can't give anything away. If not..well..' a sinister grin formed on his face. Oh yes, he was going to bring Voldemort down. He sighed, letting him clear himself of those thoughts. He brushed his hair out of his eyes and went to sit down beside Lily.

"Nice evening, isn't it?" He asked, boredly, she was a Deatheater so he didn't need to put on some pretty-goody-boy act. He could be straight forward with her, no trouble at all.

"Done anything yet besides sit around and drink?" He asked with a hint of amused-annoyance in his tone. He then lowered his voice so only they could hear and slouched down to look more casual. "Business-wise, of course." He said, then straightened himself back up.

Harry looked across the room and saw Lily speaking with someone. Wondering vaguely who she was speaking to, he began walking over to her only to turn suddenly and walk over to the drinks table. He was rubbish when it came to dances, especially since he couldn't find Ginny, but he was determined to make the best of it. Maybe Ginny will show up eventually... His thoughts trailed off as he swept the room with his eyes. If only he knew that some of Voldemort's supporters were in this very room...well it might make the evening a little more interesting.

Ebony got up from her seat and walked back to the goodie table to get herself some treats.

She grabbed a butterbeer and a brownie. She took a bite of the brownie and then took a sip of her drink.

“So, I’m sorry, I never caught your name.”

"Sara," She said, unsure whether to reveal her last name. Her parents, afterall, had been famous Aurors, targeted and killed by Voldemort and his followers. They had fled America to England a couple years previously to avoid Voldemort and had, ironically, fled into a trap. Shaking herself from memories of her parents, Sara continues "Sara Marsh." Might as well wear the name with pride and honour.

"I'm a seventh year here, Ravenclaw,I've had some inter experience at the Ministry though; it's been lovely, like a jumpstart on my career for when i leave Hogwarts!" She realized she was revealing a bit of information and for now wanted to keep her cards close, so she opted for a more superficial route of conversation.

Glancing at Jenn, and then to Claire, Sara returned her focus to Kylee. "You know i heard rumors about some sort of...plot." She was back to her innocent personality, her acting really paying off as she came off slightly ditzy and gossipy. She added a little giggle for affect "Something really dark and twisted! Here at a dance!" She sighed with a slightly overlydramatic flare. "Here at Hogwarts! do you think it's possible?" All the while Sara was scannning the room, noting were people were, who was with who. Her parents, and her aboundant trainings and taught her to constaintly be alert.

She sipped her drink and stole a glance at an attractive Ravenclaw who she recognized from one of her classes.

Lily sighed when zexion commented about her drinking. "Nope. Hallie girl and SKy ignored me so i went away from there and fated's working his charm on that rose girl....so I've been bored out of my mind. Besides from having a magical melt down earlier..." she said coldly

Smiling wryly, Jenn glanced back at the embarrassed looking boy and smiled. “That’s okay, you do what you can to get attention.” She said as she slightly waved at the Random Guy still chatting with his friends. Accidentally letting down her guard down for a moment, she commented offhandedly, “Guys here are much more charming then I remembered. Back in my day…” Realizing what she almost said, Jenn coughed and corrected herself. “I mean back at home guys aren’t charming at all.” She calmly gazed around the Hall again as she mentally hit herself in the head for that blunder.

"So Hallie, after graduating this fine magical institution, what are your plans? Do you plan on joining in the fight that is beginning with the dark powers verses the Ministry? I plan on it, have begun actually, and I must say that I am most positive who will come out on top in the end."

Jenn lightly twisted the ring on her finger as she debated what to tell Sky. “Well, of course I plan to become involved. Everybody will get affected by this one time or another. And I must admit I too have started to choose sides.” Propping an arm on the refreshment table, she leaned forward in case of being overheard. “Of course, there are sides that you would admit to being on to the public and others that you would truly be on.” She raised her right eyebrow and smirked to herself. “Which answer do you think you’d prefer?”

Harry had given up talking to anybody and resigned himself to waiting for Ginny to show up; at least that was until he turned his head to a desolate corner of the room where a few others were chatting. It looked like someone said something to an embarrased looking boy who was showing off to a couple of girls. Wondering who this person was he turned back around and saw Ginny running towards him and calling his name.

"Dance with me, Harry?

"Of course, love."

He gave her a kiss and swept her off onto the dance floor. Grabbing her hand in his and putting his hand on the small of her back, he started swaying slightly to the music. Ginny laid her head on his shoulder and sighed contentedly as Harry noticed Ron and Hermione strolling into the Hall and walking over to the drink table. Harry turned all his attention back to Ginny as they continued their dance.

He nodded, understandingly and kept his voice quiet almost so quiet that even Lily might not be able to hear. He leaned over and whispered in her ear. "I really hate what Sky has become..she thinks she this all powerful witch, I bet it's because she has Fated. Honestly, I should be the one not trusting /her/. I've been a Deatheater longer then her and must be closer to the Dark Lord then she is.." He finished, recomposing himself. "She thinks she can order me around..I won't stand for it." He said, remaining completely calm. "No matter..I'll just have to put up with it." These really were his true thoughts no lies here. He sighed, letting the subject end.

"You see that?" He nodded over at Harry Potter and Ginny, what also looked to be Ron and Hermione. He frowned, cocking an eyebrow at Harry Potter. "I'll bet he'd be a real catch. For..you know." A nasty grin set apon his face. "Not here though. Perhaps we could tackle /it/ when /it/ is alone."

Lily smilied cruely. "Good idea," she said.

She nodded and then in a lower tone she added, "as for sky, I agree. She thinks she has all this power, and it's going to get her into trouble."

She straightened up a bit and flipped her hair over her shoulder.

Harry felt rather than saw someone's eyes on him. Looking around, he thought he saw someone looking at him and Ginny, but the person, or persons as he saw they were talking with someone, looked away. He followed their gaze onto Ron and Hermione dancing a short way away. Instantly his ears perked up trying to catch any snippet of conversation, but it was damn near impossible in all this noise; he could barely hear the couple next to him and Ginny let alone a couple people across the room. He thought he recognized one of them from here; Lily I think her name is, wait I know her name is Lily, and I'm sure that that's her, but who is the guy next to her? He didn't like the way he had caught them looking at Ron and Hermione, and he was sure they had been looking at him and Ginny right before that. The only thing going for him right now was that they didn't know he had caught them. They would know soon enough, though.

"Gin, someone was staring at us and Ron and Hermione. I think something's wrong, very wrong."

Ginny looked up from his chest and said, "What makes you think something's wrong? I mean, they could've just been looking at us."

"That's not it, though, Gin. I know they weren't just looking at us as anyone half-way normal might. I...well I can just tell. The guy reminds me too much of Snape, well except he's a fair bit shorter than Snape, but all the same. I'm going to get Ron and Hermione over here and let them know."

Harry waved at them trying to get their attention. When they were walking across the room Harry studied their faces. He saw nothing but anxiousness, anger, and in the case of Hermione, fear.

"Harry, did you see him too?"

"Yes, Ron, I did. Reckon we should figure this out?"

"Yeah..." He let the thought trail off and started walking around the outside of the room behind the two, well, Harry wasn't sure what to call them. He had his suspicions about Lily already, this just about confirmed it for him. Although he didn't have any proof of whether or not she was a Death Eater or spy, he knew anyone who could raise his suspicions that high was not to be trusted. Normally, he would let someone else handle this; just report his suspicions and go about his business, but he knew he had to take care of this now. Ginny was in danger, and he didn't like it. He followed Ron with Ginny and Hermione behind him, each holding onto each other. Ginny had become instantly afraid when she saw Hermione was. She knew that anything that could make her friend scared was something to be afraid of. Harry and Ron had their wands out and were close enough now that they could hear part of their conversation, but they couldn't make out what they were saying. But his suspicions about Lily were confirmed for him. Motioning to Ron to wait, he put a disillusionment charm on himself. Ron caught the hint and thus performed the charm on himself motioning to Ginny and Hermione to do the same. Then he and Harry snuck forward and were just about behind them when Harry let out a small gasp. He recognized the other person now, a member of the DA.

He instantly stopped talking as soon as Harry and his group had approached them. He had been following them with his gaze the whole time. He was smart enough to stop as soon as they got within a few feet of them. He put on a friendly smile and waved to the air, Ginny and Hermione.

"Hello, enjoying yourselves at the dance? I personally, am not to found of these things but," He shrugs and continues. "I come looking for information or traitors."

He nodded to the air, probably look like an absolute lunatic to anyone that didn't have the slightest clue at what he was doing. "Harry Potter, Ginny Weasley, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. Correct? I've met your brothers, Ginny, Ron." He smiled. "Glad you're back Harry. Dani, the appointed leader of the DA since you left has been doing her job well enough. I'm sure she wouldn't mind if you took over again."

He wondered a minute if using a disguise name would be better...He decided against it. Harry knew he was in the DA. "I'm Zexion, and this is Lily." He frowned, there charms still in effect. "Now really, is there a need for all that protection?"

Lily smilied sweetly at the group of four.

'Hi," she said in tone that was so unlike her icy usual one.

"Like, Zexion said, I'm Lily. Don't worry we're not going to hurt you, you don't need to try to hide yourselves from us," she said laughing a little.

She studied the people who were charmed so that they would look like the room around them.

"And yes, nice to see you back, Harry. The DA will be happy to see you back again"

she smilied again and flipped her black hair over her shoulder

Harry was shocked almost beyond words. He wasn't sure about Lily, but he thought Zexion was able to see through the disillusionment charm. But that didn't make any sense. No one, thought Harry, has been able to see through this, with the possible exception of Dumbledore. Still not taking the charm off he spoke to Lily.

"Yes, you see, I do believe there is a reason for the protection," he said moving around a bit to try and make his voice appear to move, "because I'm not sure who to trust right now. I know neither of you can see through the charm, so why give away my postition? But, maybe you can quiet my suspicions for me. Why is it that when I saw you staring at us, both of you that is, that I got such a strong feeling of danger? Why is it that I thought I had to alert the others and that all my trust in you, Lily, evaporated in that couple of seconds? You really ought to practice staring at others when you don't want to be seen," he said still moving around, now he was in front of them, and from what he could tell the others were...well he had no idea where they were, he just hoped they'd keep themselves hidden like he was. He could see people around them trying to find the source of his voice, but without any luck. But, he thought, they're are too many people here for them to try anything... And with that thought, he threw the charm off of himself and stared at the two people in front of him. They had stayed quiet during his speech and were quiet now. He noticed that none of the others had taken the charm off of themselve's and he was happy for that. Turning his attention back to the two people in front of him, he waited for one of them to say something. When they didn't, he addressed Zexion's earlier statement.

"Yes, I'm sure she won't mind. It will be nice to get back to the DA. So, with that said, would either of you like to alay my suspicions?"

Rhia aimlessly wandered in the Great Hall. She barely knew anyone there and she was officially bored. For her dress tonight, Rhia had decided to avoid dresses in official Valentine reds and pinks, and had instead opted for a turqoise color. http://www.promgirl.com/shop/dresses/viewitem-FA208526
She got a butterbeer and sipped it in the shadows. After all, shadows are an amazing place to pick up information and though she was no spy, the Order and Dumbledore's Army needed all the information it could get.

He frowned at Harry, and as soon as he had finished talking he began with coming with replies to the things he had been so bluntly stating to them. "First of all, Harry, perhaps the reason you got a sense of danger is because you're so accident prone that the first thing you suspect is, danger." He paused a moment, and got ready to continue. "Secondly, I didn't really care if you noticed that I was staring at you or not. I figured you'd of gotten used to it, being the old one escaping from Voldemort, and finally, can't wait to see you back at the DA meetings." He finished with a smirk.

Rhia, deciding that all the information she was going to get in the shadows was who was dating who and repeated exclamations of boredom, stepped out of the shadows and spied Zexicon and Lily talking to... thin air? What was going on? I walked over to the pair and arrived just in time to hear Zexicon say "DA meetings". Naturally curious, I asked, "What about the DA meetings?"

Harry wasn't prepared to see someone else come up and say something to the three of them. Apparently she hadn't seen Harry because she wasn't looking at him. "Rhia, we were just having a little chat." She looked at him as he began speaking to Zexion.

"Accident prone, am I? Well, maybe, but I don't see that as being a cause for me to suspect danger...either way, no, as much as I get stared at, I still notice it and it irritates me. And, thank you, I look forward to them." Turning to Lily he said, "Well? What about you? Do you have anything you wish to say?" She didn't answer. "I see, well then I think I'll be going. Rhia, would you like to join me?" He hoped she would just so she would get away from the two people in front of him. He didn't trust Lily at all and couldn't figure out why it hit him so hard right then. Maybe she's a Death Eater, he thought. Well, in any case, I don't want her to go running off to Voldemort telling him she is being watched and suspected to be a Death Eater. He turned back to her and said, "Lily, I am sorry for what I said. Maybe it is just Voldemort getting to me again, or nerves, or whatever. Please accept my apologies." He turned back to Rhia, "Rhia, I ask again, would you care to join me? I was planning to meet up with Ginny, Ron, and Hermione. We can talk about the DA, I have some nice lessons planned and I could always use some opinions on them."

Confused, Rhia said, "Erm... sure Harry. But could you and Ginny and Ron adn Hemione please remove the disillusionment charms? It's kind of confusing talking to people you can't see." As she turned to leave, she said, "It was nice to see you, Zexicon and Lily. I have you enjoy the dance. Heaven knows, about 50 percent of the people here think its utter boredom."

Lily nodded still smiling sweetly until rhia and harry walked off.

She scowled again and glared at him.

"He's a nasty, spoiled, wanna be prince!" she whisper-hissed to Zexion.

"ohhh how much i want him dead." she added still talking in a hissing low voice

She flipped her hair again very annoyed.

"He just doesn't me running off saying i'm being watched. HA that boy's never been good at occlmancy! breaking into his mind is like taking candy from a baby!" she hissed

Harry was ready for this. "Rhia, I know you can see me. I took the charm off myself when I started talking to these two. And yes, they'll take them off."

He turned around and saw the three of them take the charm off of themselves. He turned to Rhia and motioned for her to follow him. Ginny walked over to him and he saw Lily looking at the two of them as they embraced. He still felt uneasy, but decided to let it go, for now. The five of them walked off to the drink table where Harry turned to Rhia and said, "Rhia, I know you were confused when I asked you to join us, but I don't feel safe around those two, and since you're a member of the DA I didn't want you in any danger. I'm almost sure Lily isn't who she says she is, but I can't figure Zexion out. Anyways, I wasn't lying when I said I wanted some opinions on things to teach the DA. But before that, does anyone have any suggestions on things they'd like to learn?" He said all this rather fast and the first part rather low, trying to get the seriousness of what he was saying to Rhia across to her. He was sure she got it, or at least most of it, but needed to be sure.

"Harry, why did you remove the disillusionment charm off of yourself? They can't see you when you're under that," said Ginny.

"No, they can't see me, but they knew I was there. No point keeping yourself invisible if you're going to talk to them." He grabbed Ginny in a hug and said to the group, "So, any suggestions?"

//This post is in response to The5Potters's post\\

Little did Lily know that Rhia had doubled back while Lily had been talking to Zexicon to get her butterbeer which had been left behind. "What did you say?" said Rhia. "I really hope you didn't just say what I think you said." As an afterthought, Rhia added, "And taking candy from a baby is very hard, actually."

Lily laughed quietly and said, "Rhai, can i talk to u out in the hallway for a minute?" She asked sweetly standing up

Rhia's eyes narrowed as her mind swiftly went through numerous possibilities of whyLily wanted 2 talk to her alone. Just becasue she was a Gryffindor didn't mean she was completely foolhardy. To stall for time, Rhia answered, "Why, Lily? Can't we talk in here? I doubt anyone can hear us above this din."

"No......it's privite. Promise, won't be more than a minute or two." Lily smilied sweetly. LIke she used to smile when she was 14 and not so burdended

Rhia's eyes stayed narrowed. Suddenly they widened as she had an idea. "Oh my god, Lily." Rhia talked as if she were a ditzy fangirl. "you really should smile like that more often. It makes you look so much more carefree." The next thing that Rhia said, she meant more sincerely, "That smile changes you from a poor anti-social gloomy loner into a nice, approachable girl!" Oh where're Harry, Ginny, Hermione, and Ron. I'm not as good at this smiles-on-the-surface-poison-underneath-game as I once was.

Lily smilied sweetly and mentally earased Rhia's memory.

"Have a nice night rhia." Lily hissed at her before perfroming a silent stunning spell.