Evan frowned. They didn’t even talk since—oh. She talked about DADA, didn’t she? Well, he might have not answered her then, but that was because he promised himself to stay away from her life—in which he was obviously failing—while on the other hand he would never be able to refuse her. So he found the solution in running, which, obviously, was taken in the wrong way. He didn’t blame her on that, though. She was right to assume that. He opened his mouth to explain it, but then changed his mind. He didn’t want her to know his promise to himself, because she apparently hoped to stay friends with this much of obsession about staying friends. This didn’t look like happening unless she broke up with Carter, and this if clause was even more unlikely for now.

“We aren’t enemies!” If she was his enemy, he’d be so cruel that she wouldn’t believe, she could be sure of that. Why couldn’t she see that he didn’t want her only as a friend? He was pretty sure she did see that, just wasn’t willing to admit it. “I haven’t ignored you, and never will.” Why did she seem to misunderstand every action of his? He sighed as he sat down. Hopefully Marie realised he was sitting, and not just stand on him.

Then, out of blue, he asked “Has he asked you out yet?” Because he was curious, and because he didn’t know what else to ask that had the power to change the topic.

"I didn't say we were enemies, I said can we not act like we are." And what is it with him not answering her questions? He seems to always have a way of avoiding answering her. Come to think of it, he had a way of avoiding anything that had to do with her.

Marie stood there with her mouth open when Evan said he hasn't ignored her. She couldn't believe that he had himself convinced that what he was doing wasn't considered ignoring her. If that wasn't ignoring her then she could only imagine what it would be like if he really was ignoring her. Total avoidance, not coming to classes just so he wouldn't have to see her, making sure they weren't in the Great Hall at the same time, going the opposite direction every time he seen her.... or maybe he would just leave school again, then he wouldn't have to worry about avoiding her at all. "Whatever, you call it what you want, I still call it ignoring me." Altough she did have to admit that he was in no way ignoring her now.

What? Did she hear him right? Did he just ask her about Carter?

It's a good thing it was dark in the passage or else he would see her standing there with her mouth open again. After finding her voice again all she could say was, "No." She really didn't want to elaborate beyond that for fear of Evan yelling at her again. If he wanted to know any more than that then he would have to ask.

Getting tired of standing there she decided to sit back down. Holding her hands out in front of her, you know so she wouldn't run into the wall, she made her way over to sit down. Finally finding the wall she sat down... right on Evan.

Crud!

When did he sit down?

She quickly got off his lap and sat next to him... well more like a couple feet away from him. "Umm, sorry about that, you should have warned me you were sitting there." Because yeah, she was going to tell him she was sitting... maybe.

*Awkward*

That enemy thing Evan could do, unless Carter was around, but he knew better than to say that out loud. "Sorry for my attitude before." he said, pretty tired of constantly apologising to Marie. How come she really never apoogised? There was stuff she did wrong. Like now, her tone. That sarcastic and blaming tone she seemed to have while talking to him nowadays. He had a limit too, and she should have realised that much earlier.

"Fine." He wouldn't ignore her in her terms too, he still thought he didn't ignore her except that DADA class, but whatever. He had a one-second thought of not ignoring her with kissing and stuff, especially around Carter, but that would only hurt their relationship more, like it wasn't already damaged pretty much. How could she make him do everything she wanted, while she didn't even move her little finger for him? He didn't like the thing called 'love'. It was evil. But what could he do now, refuse everything and see her never again? No. He still hoped that there was a Marie and Evan somewhere, although that hope was very weak, and could be crushed any time now when she said she and Carter were dating--

--not. Did he hear that right? He blinked, and a faint smile appeared on his face. Although Marie didn't sound like unhappy or upset with Carter, the guy still hadn't asked her out. That was something, right? Maybe he was afraid. Or maybe he really didn't want Marie. Evan couldn't think of any boy that did not want her, but with that evil mind of Carter, anything was possible. He could have kissed her just to kiss someone, and now was afraid to ask out... Evan would break his nose if he only played with Marie and now didn't have the guts to leave her now, but he would also be very happy. Because that meant Marie would come back to him. He was silent for a minute while he tried to calm down and erase that excitement in his tone, when Marie sat on him. Literally.

He should have warned her that he sat down?! "It didn't occur to me that you would decide to sit right onto me int this fairly wide and long passage." Yes, there was amusement in his tone. He was silent for a while as he fighted back laughter by biting his lips hard. It was very funny that she didn't realise him right there and sat onto him in the middle of this rather uncomfortable conversation. He took deep breaths for the laughter to pass. But he did let out one small giggle when he thought about it again. She must be very embarrassed now, and pretty uncomfortable. Although she made the move, *giggle* he felt the urge to change the conversation again, acting as if he forgot the Carter issue. He'd come to that later. Now that he started to feel more comfortable around her like in their first days of friendship, he wouldn't talk about bad stuff on purpose.

"Sooo... Remember I was going to Ice Hotel and Mongolia?" There was still a hint of amusement. Yes, he wouldn't let go of this that easily in his mind. "I bought you presents from there. Small stuff, I don't know if you'll like them. Mom--" No, he wouldn't let it out that his mom chose them. "Yeah, um... she said they were the best, and... they're in my luggage in the dormitories." He thought he did a good job there, and hopefully she wouldn't realise he'd just changed his line of words to hide he let his mom choose the presents. But he sucked in girl stuff. He'd probably have bought him the flag of their national football team, or that sort.

Marie looked over to where Evan was sitting, not that she could see him in the dark.... well now that she knew where he was she could sort of see an outline of him. She couldn't believe that he was apologizing to her. "I'm sorry too. I don't mean to always sound like I have a bad attitude with you." Which now that she thought about it she probably did always sound rude or sarcastic. She really needed to work on her attitude too if she wanted to make this friendship work.

Fine? Did that mean he wasn't going to act like they were enemies? She hoped that's what he meant because that was how she was interpreting it. "Agreed then, no more acting like enemies, from either one of us" she said with a smile. Yes, that included her, she would do her best not to have a attitude with him anymore either.

Noticing that he didn't have anything to say about Carter not asking her to be his girlfriend yet, she just sat there for a minute trying to figure out why he would ask if he wasn't going to make some comment back. Maybe he really didn't know what to say since he was probably expecting her to say yes. It seemed him, like so many others just assumed that they were dating which they sort of were, just not officially yet.

She laughed at his statement about her sitting on him. She was feeling rather embarrassed about it but well, it was funny. "Sorry, it's not like I could actually see where you were sitting there," she said as she heard him giggle a little. Really? He was laughing? So he thought it was funny too that she sat on him? Wow, where did this Evan come from? She thought for sure he was going to yell at her for not watching what she was doing... as if she could see what she was doing.

He bought her presents? Really? Like presents that he picked out just for her? She was speechless. She couldn't believe that he bought her something. Of course they were still dating when he went to Ice Hotel, but she had broke up with him before he went to Mongolia... and he still bought her something?

Wait... "You bought me something while you were in Mongolia? Even after I was mean to you and accused you of all kinds of things." She couldn't believe that after the way she had treated him he still thought of her when he was on holiday with his family. And now, after all they have been through he still wants to give the gifts to her? Maybe he is coming around to the idea of them still being friends.

"So, when do I get these gifts that you got me?" Because even though she had told him he didn't have to buy her anything she wanted to know what it was... especially now that she knew about it. Didn't he know not to tell a girl he had oresents for her and then make her wait to ge them?

Amy walked down the passage, she just wanted to be let alone, when an owl dropped a letter into her hand

Amy, I'm so sorry, but the results came back positive, just stay strong baby, we're fine here.
We love you so much
Mum+Dad
xx

Amy read the letter again and again and felt her world crash down around her, feeling she was reaching her breaking point she ran back up the stairs towards her common room

Violet walked to the secret passage, she wanted to be alone. She went over to a corner and curled up into a ball on the floor. She thought about what Justin said. Did she still like him? No she couldn't, he had cheated on her, but she wasn't sure. Then she also had the thought that this was her last chance to be good or she would get expelled. She wished she could leave Hogwarts forever and never come back again.

Evan raised one eyebrow. Was Marie sure that she could manage not to have an attitude towards him? He wanted to believe that. Well, they would see it soon, right? Wonder what she would do when he saw her with Carter. Actually, he, himself, wondered that too. He had no idea what he'd feel and do then, although she said they weren't dating. Which made him wonder once again what took Carter so long? Marie was a nice girl, just ask her out already! But, of course, the longer he took his time, the better it was for Evan to gain her back if she was willing to get back.

He laughed more freely now that she laughed too. He'd have expected her to be angry for his giggle, because it was embarrassing and he just laughed. Surprisingly though, she found it funny too. That was good, right? It surely broke the tension. Wow. So maybe they could get civil once again...

"It's OK. Just not a move I'd have expected from you." He chuckled again. He wished to see her face now, not to make fun evilly, but it really was funny. Seeing her blush again would be interesting. He hadn't seen her blush for a long time, because of embarrassment, at least. He shook his head. He wouldn't let it ruin this happy moment now.

Oh, shoot. She didn't answer. Did he do a bad thing to buy her presents, and still want to gift them? Maybe she didn't think it was appropriate to accept them after... the incidents? He winced, but his horror was soon to be ended--she was just surprised. Reliiieve.

He laughed a little. Of course he thought about her when he was in Mongolia. How could he not? She was used to be his girlfriend back then. And it was a small hope that they would get back... Guess it was all in vain now, but he was still happy to have bought them, because they would make her happy. Hopefully. "Of course. I still had a hope to get back then... I wasn't sure if you would accept it though..." He laughed at her question again. "Whenever you want!"

She laughed again at his comments. "Yeah, not exactly a move I planned on either. Just call me graceful," she said as she still giggled. Yeah it was a good thing the passage was dark or else he would see how scarlet red her cheeks were right now.

So, he bought her a gift in Mongolia with the hopes that they were going to get back together? Did this mean that by him giving her the gifts he still had that hope? She really hoped that wasn't what he was thinking because well, Carter was the one she wanted to be with. She really didn't know what to say to Evan right now. She did not want to get his hopes up again just so he would be hurting more later. They were making good progress here with being friends, she didn't want to ruin that now. So she chose to ignore the hope comment... you know, to avoid any more awkward moments. Instead she focused on the accepting comment. "Well of course I will accept them, that is if you still want me to have them."

Really? She could have them whenever she wanted. Well she wanted them NOW... "Umm, can we go get them now?" she asked smiling at him. Hoping he would say yes she stood back up, pulling him with her. "Please?" Yes, she was anxious to see what he got for her. She didn't want to wait any longer. After all, she was a girl and girls like it when they get gifts, even if they don't want to admit it.

Evan's heart gave a leap when Marie dragged him out. Or tried to, at least. He wasn't that light to be stood up by a girl, but he obeyed and followed her out with a smile. He still had doubts whether she'd like them or not. He guessed his gift from Mongolia would connote different ideas, as she thought it was unusual of him to still think about her and care her when he was there, but he was pretty sure she'd like his gift from Ice Hotel. With one small chuckle as he tried to imagine her reaction to his gift from Mongolia, he left the passage with her.

These past few days have been miserable, legit. MISERABLE. You know...by wandering around the school, Olivia had learned a lot. She had found this nifty little secret passage place which seemed pretty empty. She liked it down here it was dark and scary and Olivia liked dark and scary things even if she was a rather colorful and happy person. With a sigh, Olivia slumped on the floor, thinking of Aiden. Cute, adorable Aiden. Cue adorable Aiden that every girl loved...pft...

She hated this.

Hmm. What was this thing? Oh, right. Apparently, it was a secret passage. Or, at least, it used to be one. Aiden squinted his eyes, as if it would give him some sort of night vision, but the passageway still remained rather dark. He heard a quiet rustle. Was someone else there? "Erm.. hello?"

And then she heard that voice, the voice of Aiden. Grumbles."Nice job with the whole pretending to date Vanessa thing....."Olivia said, still sitting down. She was too lazy to get up. She just hoped Aiden wouldn't like step on her or anything..."What was the point of it ?"She asked, trying to look in his general direction but failing miserable."And that whole I can't tell you now thing in the courtyard...?What was that about ?" ACK. Her brain was going at a mile a mintute.

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Too much to process at once. Was that Olivia's voice? He went in a bit further; there was enough light to make out the pink hair. He slid down against the wall and sat across from her. "Right, the relationship thing," he nodded. "Well, Vanessa wanted to make Patrick jealous, and she asked me to be her fake boyfriend. So, I suppose the point was just to make him jealous." Turned out that he just ended up choosing someone else anyhow. And now more questions..? The thing in the courtyard.. "Yeah, I didn't want to tell you, since I was 'dating' Vanessa at that point.."

Olivia nodded as he spoke, she was unsure of what to say. She couldn't get mad at him though. It was Aiden, she could never be really mad at Aiden."I guess I forgive you..."she said with a shrug of her shoulders.Olivia blinked,"didn't want to tell me what since you were dating Vanessa ?"Ah. Confusion much ?

Aiden scratched his head. "She just looked so.. distraught. I don't know; I just wanted to maybe try to help her somehow. Although, looking back, it wasn't a good decision." That was for sure. But, learn from your mistakes, right? He peered through the blackness, trying to make out Olivia's figure. This next one wouldn't go over well. "Well, I know you don't really have much control over this; I know that. But, I wanted to tell you that I think you should stop crushing on me.. or.. try to."

Olivia blinked."What why !?!?"Olivia said, not even caring about Vanessa."Why, Aiden ?"she snapped. Her voice seemed cold. She expected him to say something a lot nicer than this. She wanted to glare but couldn't see him.

Oh, boy. Now, she was mad. "Because," he began, tracing the stones in the ground. "Lots of people have really gotten hurt lately. Emotionally, that is. And, it's bound to happen to you, okay? I'm no longer looking to date anyone right now." Cruel to be kind, as the saying went.

Olivia snorted,"I think the emotional pain has already happened, Aiden."Olivia said, running her fingers through her pink hair."Is there something wrong with me which makes you not want to date me ? Is it my hair ? I was thinking about dying it soon you know...."she said, biting her nails nervously. Eck...this was getting beyond annoying. She hated biting her nails yet she did it anyway. Stupid boys, making girls bite their nails and act like nervous wrecks..pft..

Gahh. Aiden felt so horrible right now. Like, seriously. It seemed that every choice he had made this year was, somehow, wrong. And now, here was Olivia, thinking that something was wrong with her instead. "There's nothing the matter with you, Olivia. I think.. well, I need to sort things out with myself before I go dragging anyone else into my rubbish."

Olivia nodded, she understood what Aiden meant but she wasn't an idiot. Would he tell the same thing to Trixie and Ella."So...what about Trixie and Ella ?"she said in a surprisingly confident voice. She was shocked that she wasn't crying her eyes out right now."I am worried you will say this to me and then start dating them."Well that was a problem Olivia never had, being shy about things. She was good about telling how she felt."Are you sure there is nothing wrong with me....?"Olivia said, one brow raised. She wanted to believe Aiden, she really did. Something inside of her was telling her not to believe him.

Oh, thank Merlin. She wasn't crying. Aiden really didn't think he could take any more tears from girls right now, no matter what or who triggered them. "What about them? Trixie will probably.. well, I don't think she'll take it well when I tell her." He was not looking forward to that conversation. "And Ella's dating Patrick." That was that. He looked to Olivia. She certainly seemed convinced that there was indeed something wrong with her. "Why do you think that?"

Olivia sighed, she hoped Aiden was right. She hoped Trixie was mad at her. She did know that Ella still liked Aiden even if she was dating Patrick, Ella had told her."Ella still has feelings for you...."Olivia said,biting her lip. She felt like such a snitch right now."Oh...and Trixie knows...she has said that she is in love with you both...."Olivia said with a roll of her brown eyes. Trixie had been getting on her nerves a lot lately. She tilted her head to the side,"Why do I think what....?"she asked.

"Ella may have a crush or something on me, but it's clear that Patrick is her first choice." And Aiden sure wasn't one to take second. Ugh. What the hell did Ella see in Patrick? Whatever. He shook the thought from his mind, recognizing that he was only getting jealous again. "Trixie isn't in love with either of us. I really just hope she takes it better than I'm expecting.." He frowned. Trixie doesn't do well with bad news. Aiden turned his attention back to Olivia. "Why do you think there's something wrong with you?"

Olivia let out a sigh as Aiden spoke. Then why couldn't he choose her ? It made sense...every other girl was moving on. "Welll....she still has feelings gor you and those feelings could change in a matter of seconds."Olivia said, arms still crossed. Olivia snorted as he spoke of Trixie,"That isn't what she told me. She said she is in love with you and Patrick."Olivia said with a roll of hr eyes. Dramtic Trixie.....

Olivia let out a sigh as Aiden spoke,"Because you don't like me, I feel like something is wrong with me...."Olivia said with a frown on her face. There just HAD to be something wrong with her to make Aiden not want her.

Aiden wasn't exactly sure what Olivia was getting at with their conversation on Ella, so he just let that subject go. Trixie, though, could not be in love with either of them. People don't fall in love that quickly. "Well, she's being dramatic," he concluded with a shrug.

"Don't blame yourself, 'kay?" The last thing he wanted was anyone thinking that for some stupid reason they weren't good enough for someone else. Or something along those lines.