Noon.

Vienna fingered the quill in her hands and pursed her lips. Her eyes wandered to the clock on the wall and darkened as the hour hand struck twelve.  She set down her quill and waited for the inevitable to come. A hideous bird popped out of the slot and bellowed “cuckoo”.

Cuckoo! Cuckoo! Cuckoo!

She gritted her teeth and tried her best to drown out the noise. It was enough to drive anyone insane. Vienna focused her attention on the Potions textbook in front her but the words blurred together into an incoherent mumble jumble of alphabet soup. She stared a little harder at the book and willed herself to concentrate.

The Draught of Living Death is an infusion of valerian roots, sopophorous—Cuckoo! Cuckoo! Cuckoo!

Vienna slammed her book shut and closed her eyes. Her entire body shook in silent rage. She removed her wand from her pocket and aimed it decisively at the clock on the wall.

“Silencio!” She scowled. 

Cuckoo! Cuckoo! Cuckoo!

It was the last straw. The birdie was really going to get it now.

“Confringo!”

Vienna flicked her wand and watched in satisfaction as the clock shattered into two and fell onto the floor. A triumphant little smirk lit up her face. Vienna: one, Clock: zero. She turned to Gavin Snark, who had been studying beside her, and smiled smugly, “And that is how it’s done.”

She leaned back in her chair and peered indifferently at the closed book before her. Though the problem with the screaming bird had been resolved, Vienna was no longer in the mood to study. She pushed it aside and looked around in search of a better pursuit. There were none.

“I’m bored,” She muttered to her companion, “Tell me something interesting.” She clasped her hands together and crossed her legs. Her eyes lingered expectedly on him. Very slowly, a small smile spread across her lips, “Or better yet, you know what you can tell me,” Vienna peered at him demurely, “What exactly is going on between your Ravenclaw buddy and that Hufflepuff klutz? Because rumour has it...Well, you know...” She gave him a knowing look and trailed off.

Vienna sighed and adjusted the silver ring on her finger. She held up her slender hand against the light and examined it dispassionately.

“To be quite honest,” She sighed, “I don’t know what he sees in her. I have been told she has very beautiful eyes, do you think so?” Vienna observed his expression carefully, eager to find out if he too agreed with the ignorant rabble.

Gavin automatically agreed to study with Vienna when she offered. Both weren't doing that well in potions at the moment, even though the school year was only beginning. It seemed that being in the last year of Hogwarts made things complicated. Instead of thinking about passing for the year, Gavin thought about more important things like what he was going to do when he did graduate. He also hated the idea of thinking about his recent ex-girlfriend, Nicola Hames. He caught glimpses of her in the halls and during breakfast/lunch/or dinner but other than that, they refused to even speak to each other. Breaking up was so difficult. He knew that being with a friend, or at least someone close to that, would make him feel more comfortable. He wasn't very sociable at the moment.

It amused Gavin to see Vienna frustrated. She was a charming girl and it made it comical to see her perfect mask out of place. He set his quill down and stared at her, wondering what she would do. Then finally she destroyed the clock, Gavin shook his head. "You know, it's not that clock's fault that it was annoying you." She was right; it was how it was done. He peeked to see how much she got done on her Potions work and then rolled his eyes at her. He then settled himself more comfortably in the chair by putting his feet on the desk.

"Leave it to you Vienna to want to know the latest gossip. I honestly have no idea what's going on between the two of them." he told her with a smirk. It wasn't a full out lie, he didn't know every little detail but he did know something was going on between them. It made no sense, why would Devlin find Fauna so appealing. It was probably her innocence and her kind face but who knew. "All I am saying is there must be some strange attraction between the two of them.  I of course don’t see it. He could get any girl…" he trailed off, allowing the bait to sink in.

"Hmmm." Gavin thought about it, did Fauna have nice eyes? He never really saw the girl, only a couple of times and he did remember the encounter he had with her and Gibson. But other than that, if it wasn't for Devlin talking about her, Gavin would have no idea who she was. "Do you think she has nice eyes?"

Vienna flicked him a sour look. Did Gavin really expect her to believe that he had no idea why his best friend was hounding a girl who was his social inferior in every way? Vienna arched an eyebrow at him and leaned forward. Of course he knew and she would wrench the answer out of him one way or another. Always eager to find someone other than herself who did not see eye-to-eye with Devlin’s newest fling, Vienna nodded approvingly at Gavin’s words.

“Precisely my point,” She smirked, “Of all the eligible girls at Hogwarts, he just had to pick the Blake girl.” She flipped her hair and gave a little scoff, “There’s honestly nothing spectacular about her. I find this business to be a complete farce. Merlin strikes me dead if he genuinely likes her. And besides, you’re quite right. He could get any girl he wants, well, maybe not ‘any’ girl,” She laughed a little to herself, “but certainly most. I suppose why I’m asking you is because, I don’t know, maybe you or Alex put him up to it, as a joke or something.” Vienna peered at him carefully from beneath her long, dark lashes. This was the only plausible explanation she could think of.

“Do you think she has nice eyes?”

Vienna smiled at Gavin mischievously though she was somewhat taken aback by his words. Was he dodging her question because he too thought that she had nice eyes and was too afraid to admit it?  

Because that would be...unexpected.

“No, I cannot say that I do,” She shrugged, “And you still haven’t answered my question. Come now, Gavin,” Vienna winked playfully at him, “We’re friends. I promise I won’t laugh if you tell me you find her attractive also. You certainly wouldn’t be the first.”

There was no mistaking it; Vienna was a sly woman who could get anything she wanted out of a man, if he was weak.  Gavin on the other hand was not. He already saw the signs of Vienna's gambit to trick Gavin into telling her what he knew, which wasn't much. Men's brains were wired differently from women, but for unknown reasons some girls could not comprehend that. He didn't spend all night in the men's bathroom, or wherever girls mingled, and talk about Devlin's relationship. He didn't try to pry out the information and get the juicy details. He had his own problems to deal with. But apparently, Gavin knew more than Vienna. And if Vienna didn't know anything, than the rest of the school didn't know anything and that's the way Devlin wanted it.

Smirking, Gavin twisted in his seat to get a better look at Vienna, was she jealous that Devlin was seeing Fauna? "I can understand your concern; Fauna is after all an ordinary girl. I don't know Fauna that well because I don't befriend ordinary girls." he winked at Vienna.

"But I can tell you this, if you can keep a secret..." he leaned in closer to her like he was telling a secret in front of a crowd."It's not like Fauna has him around his pinky, he does see other girls. She is just one of the million he spends his time with. He probably is trying to make an innocent person turn bad." Chuckling he leaned away.

"I wish I did put him up to the challenge, but I didn't. He is acting on his own accord which I do not understand..." He did, but it wasn't like he was going to tell anyone. Love was so tricky, and Gavin could speak that from experience. He wondered what his ex was doing and rolled his eyes. Probably with some guy telling him how bad of a boyfriend he was. Girls were so dramatic. "Fauna, attractive? I didn't even know who she was until Devlin spoke about her."

Fauna, for once in her life, was lurking around the corridors trying to be sneaky. The first SAWS meeting was in five days, and they needed a place to meet. Tulo had suggested using her hut, and though Fauna loved the idea she hadn’t had a chance to run it by Astrid yet. So, she decided to look for back-up options.

While she was on the sixth floor she heard a faint crash coming from one of the classrooms. Normally, she was the kind of person who tried to ignore these types of things, in hopes of avoiding trouble. Today, however, she was curious. She already felt a bit rebellious, scoping out potential classrooms, so checking out a strange noise couldn’t hurt. Could it?

She edged towards the door of the classroom, peering in the small window. Unfortunately, she couldn’t see who was in there, though she did hear two muffled voices. Taking a deep breath, Fauna opened the door a crack to hear more clearly.

And then she heard her name.

"Fauna, attractive? I didn't even know who she was until Devlin spoke about her."

She bit her lip, the familiar rush of humiliation bringing a red tint to her cheeks. That had to be Gavin’s voice. Fauna was about to close the door and slip away, but she wanted to know who else was talking about her.

Opening the door wider, Fauna stepped about halfway into the room. She saw Vienna and her eyes widened. That explained the broken cuckoo clock on the floor.

She looked at Gavin with a strange expression, her shoulders tensing and her eyebrows drawing together. Fauna wanted to yell at him, to tell him not to talk about her, to say that she didn’t care what he thought, but she couldn’t do any of that. It would just give the two Slytherins something else to laugh about.

“Excuse me,” Fauna muttered with a stiff shake of her head, turning to make her escape.

“I am not concerned, Gavin” Vienna pouted a little bit. How dare he imply that she was jealous of Devlin and that Hufflepuff floozy! “Merely curious,” Vienna shot him a deadpanned glare, “That’s all.”

Gavin’s insinuation was insulting, to say the least, and despite the great compliment he paid her, Vienna was far from pleased. The fact that he somehow thought that she was jealous of Fauna Blake chilled her to the bones. Vienna sighed inwardly to herself. Men could be so thick sometimes. Masking her annoyance, she leaned in eagerly to hear what Gavin had to say. Her eyes sparkled in cruel mirth as he finally confirmed her suspicions. That shameless philanderer, Vienna smirked, so he had been playing her all along! Poor Fauna, just another one of the millions wrapped around Devlin’s little finger.   Vienna couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for the girl.

Looking at Gavin, Vienna wondered if he really did mean what he said or if he was simply telling her what he thought she wanted to hear. There was something very different about him these days that she couldn’t quite put her fingers on. Vienna didn’t like to speculate, but she had an idea what this was about. Every rumour floating around this school had an inkling of truth to it. But before she could say anything, a familiar face poked into the room.

“Ah, Miss Blake,” Vienna stood up and walked towards the Hufflepuff with a brilliant smile and open arms, “If I may say so myself, absolutely fantastic timing! We were just talking about you.” She looped her arm around Fauna’s and with forceful politeness, made an attempt to drag her to the table where Gavin sat. Vienna winked mischievously at her fellow Slytherin. She was bored and he seemed like he was desperately in need of some cheering up. Vienna supposed that Fauna would do for now.

With her arm still hooked around Fauna’s in a steely grip, Vienna put on a mask of kindness and smiled apologetically at the Hufflepuff, “I know we have had our differences in the past,” a gross understatement, “But I realize now just how unfair I have been and I want to make it up to you. Oh, how should I put this,” She looked at Fauna and sighed, “You must understand that Devlin is a passionate individual whose insatiable appetite is known around the school. To keep his eyes from roaming, which I believe is in your best interest and his, you must have a firm understanding of his tastes and preferences.”

“Which is why he’s here,” Vienna gestured towards Gavin and smiled, “After all, no one knows these things better than Devlin’s very own best friend. His advice will be crucial to the success of your budding relationship. So, please sit and have a little chat with us.” Vienna smiled playfully at Gavin, “I’m sure Fauna could use your expertise, don't you think?”

Fauna froze, staring at Vienna’s extended arms as if she expected the girl to groan ‘brainssssss’ and bite her head off. Her hand actually inched towards the wand in her bag, but then Vienna looped her arm through hers and dragged her towards the middle of the room. Fauna thought about digging in her heels like a stubborn child, but she was so shocked by Vienna’s friendly behavior that she wasn’t sure how to react.

It couldn’t be real. She had to be making fun of her. Somehow, she resisted snorting at the ‘I know we have had our differences in the past’ line. Fauna clenched her teeth, avoided her eyes, and flushed an even brighter red when Devlin was mentioned. So that was why Gavin and Vienna were talking about her. Did the whole school have nothing better to do than gossip about what happened over the summer?

She glared at Vienna and pulled her arm away, crossing her arms defensively. Remaining standing despite the invitation to sit, Fauna glanced at Gavin and shook her head.

“Th-that’s okay. I don’t need any advice. I’m not dating Devlin, you know- Jordyn is.”

Jordyn was the reason she’d told Devlin that she didn’t want to be another fling. He picked up girls and dropped them just as easily, and she wasn’t the type of person who could handle that.

Fauna shrugged, looked longingly at the door. “So, you can talk about someone else. I’m sure he’s not interested in me,” she told them, trying to sound firm, though her eyes looked less than certain.

There was no reason for anyone to be upset with Gavin when he told Vienna only what she wanted to hear. As a matter of fact, Gavin had no idea that Devlin was dating Jordyn. He did see them together a couple of times but they were always connected to each other that Gavin could hardly speak to them. If he didn't know any better he would've said they were trying to make him jealous. Of course that wasn't going to work. He knew Jordyn had a thing for him in the past but he didn't enjoy shallow girls as companions. He did however; enjoy them as friends since they were fun to be around.

This was all for pure amusement. He was loyal to his friend but he still didn't know why exactly Devlin wanted to be with Fauna. There was defiantly something more than just stripping innocence away from her; he knew Devlin wanted her for other various reasons but he couldn't figure them out. It wasn't like he was analyzing the two of them when they were together. It wasn't his business. But he thought about love and how complicated it was and decided that he didn't need to know. Besides, how many people thought Nicola and Gavin shouldn't have been together? A lot of people.

While Gavin was caught up on his own thoughts, he heard someone at the door and turned to face Fauna. Vienna was probably bursting with joy inside at the chance to tease someone, and Gavin didn't know how he felt. He hated to gossip. It was a girl thing, and if Gavin had to say something to someone's face, he would do it and that would be the end of it. Talking about a little girl was childish, she was in her fourth year for crying out loud... or was she? Man, keeping track of everyone is a bother, thought Gavin as he rolled his eyes and looked at his paper. Potions was going to have to wait. Vienna was going to have her fun and drag Gavin along for the ride.

While the two girls conversed on something probably dumb, Devlin's face appeared in Gavin's head. He kind of felt bad, which didn't happen all the time, for talking about his friend's relationship. He didn't want to screw anything up with him and Fauna, after all wasn't Devlin trying to get in her pants or something like that?  He had to help his brother out but how could he do it without messing up their friendship? Maybe it was time for the blunt seventh year to tell Fauna how she should act and what guys want out of women.

“I’m sure Fauna could use your expertise, don't you think?”

He shrugged, who wanted his opinion? Especially at a time like this. "Hello Fauna." he said to her with a smirk in his casual voice. He didn't want to scare the girl, she looked fragile and maybe a little faint. "I'm sorry to hear about you and Devlin. Is there any way I can help? I will gladly offer my advice on what men want." He winked at Vienna, telling her that he would play her little game for now. There was nothing else to do.

Vienna pouted as Fauna forcefully withdrew her arm from the Slytherin’s grasp.

Well, that was no fun.

She threw a maddening glare at the Hufflepuff, who stared longingly at the door as if her gaze could somehow give her the strength to walk out on the two big bad Slytherins. Despite Fauna’s desperate attempts to feign indifference, Vienna was not convinced. Not only were the Hufflepuffs sentimental creatures, but they were also bad actresses. Fauna Blake cared and Vienna knew that for a fact. She would draw the truth out of her the same way she had with Gavin.

“Yes, I am quite aware that he’s currently tied up with the Dimbleby girl,” Vienna gave an irritated sigh, waving aside Fauna’s concern with a dismissive flick of her wrist, “But rumour has it that he is hounding your doorstep and you’re not exactly making the efforts to resist his advances.” She flashed Fauna a knowing glare before continuing in the same teasing tone, “With all due respect, you can’t expect me to take your words over that of the general populace. Gossip, contrary to what you may believe, is more truthful and honest than most people think, and under the circumstances, is definitely more truthful and honest than anything you have told me in the past five minutes.”

Vienna stopped to let her words to sink in. Her eyes turned to Gavin, who merely shrugged and played along. He didn’t seem very enthusiastic about this whole thing, but at least he was game.

“You should be flattered that we’ve taken an interest in you,” Vienna smiled coolly at Fauna, “Come now, whatever you ask, he’ll answer. Don’t tell me you’re not even a little bit interested, because I know you are, and I know there are a few things you’re just dying to know about the great Mr. Matthews...”

Fauna was getting annoyed. She wasn’t stupid, even if she made mistakes sometimes. It seemed obvious to her that this was a game, and she didn’t want to play along for their entertainment.

Yet, she wasn’t sure if they (especially Vienna) would let her leave if she didn’t say something. Fauna’s eyes flicked nervously towards the broken cuckoo clock, keenly remembering the ‘duel’ from last year. Vienna couldn’t have forgiven her for breaking their deal about Devlin even after Fauna had landed herself in the hospital wing. If Vienna was out for revenge, she had another Slytherin on her side this time, and Fauna would most definitely lose.

So, still gritting her teeth, arms still crossed, Fauna sat stiffly on the edge of a seat close to the pair. Vienna had a point- Fauna wasn’t being honest with them, but why should she? It would just add to the rumors and gossip and probably make their day, too.

She shook her head when Vienna said that she should be flattered, glancing at her once more before looking at Gavin. “Fine,” she said darkly, unaware that this was the same response she’d given Vienna before their disastrous duel.

“Say he really is interested,” she began, pausing. “He’s probably mentioned it to you, then. So, maybe… you can tell me why,” she asked Gavin with a clipped tone, but her face flushed a deeper red. “Why me? I’m sure everyone’s wondering…”

Having no idea that the two Slytherins had discussed the very same thing minutes ago, Fauna waited to hear what he had to say, throwing a sullen, moody look at Vienna in case she dared to laugh.

Gavin couldn't really answer her question because he too had no idea why Devlin picked her. Or at least, why Devlin continued to still want her. At first it seemed like a challenge but now it was something more, and Gavin was not going to tell Fauna that. If he did, then it would dampen Dev's chances of being with Fauna even more than he had already. Jordyn was just a play toy. She seemed to just be there for the ride and everyone knew that there was no chemistry between them. The only thing they would do is snog every chance they could.

"I can't answer that Fauna because I have no idea. Maybe you caught his eye. You defiantly have something that no other girl has at Hogwarts. You should ask him yourself and don't give him the cold shoulder." Maybe Nicola should stop giving him the cold shoulder... Jeez. Girls were so emotional. It would have been a lot better if Gavin actually knew what was going on between the two of them so he could tell her what it was.

"Tell me, how are you and Devlin anyway?" he asked her. He was truly curious now.

He looked at Vienna, she was clearly having too much fun with this. To Gavin, he wanted to help his friend more than he wanted to humiliate Fauna. He grew out of these baby games.

"What about you Vienna, do you have any advice for Fauna." he said cooly. Maybe he could give her tips on what she wears and how she represents herself...

Vienna was very much disappointed by Fauna’s question. Truth be told, she was hoping for something a bit more scandalized, but with all due fairness, she supposed it was a decent start. Hufflepuffs weren’t exactly known for their ability to get to the point in a timeframe acceptable to Slytherins. Vienna pretended to nod in approval and turned her attention to Gavin. If Fauna’s question fell below her yardstick, then perhaps Gavin would be much more willing to entertain.

Vienna tilted her head to the side and watched him expectantly. Her eyes darkened with every word he uttered. The frank sincerity in Gavin’s answer surprised her, and not in a good way. She drew in a sharp breath, suddenly alert at the fact that Gavin was pursuing an agenda of his own, especially one that didn’t bode well with hers.  Merlin, Gavin! Vienna inwardly cursed him, since when did you become so sentimental?

Before she could put an end to this soppy display of compassion, kindness, and understanding, Gavin spoke up in a distant voice and coolly asked her for her opinion on the matter. Vienna stared at him long and hard. The Gavin Snark sitting in front of her now was not the Gavin Snark she had come to know and like. Vienna wanted the old Gavin back, the one who would go along with her games with unbounded enthusiasm and a devilish smile. She crossed her arm and arched an eyebrow at him. The extent of her displeasure was evident in the distant smile she flashed him. If he insisted on working against her, then Vienna had no choice but to take matters into her own hands.

“Well, Fauna,” She replied while still glaring at Gavin, “Devlin likes loose women. The Dimbleby girl knew this and capitalized on her asset: her fashion sense. So start dressing like her and a little less like...yourself.” Vienna turned to Fauna simpered, “Lose the wallflower wool and plaid thing you have going on. Start investing in some fishnet and heels. If the skirt of your uniform is not at least five inches above your knee, crop it. And above all else,” She gave the Hufflepuff the once-over and sighed, “Leave half of your blouse unbuttoned at all times, Merlin forbids that cleavage should go to waste.”

Fauna eyed Gavin suspiciously. He seemed honest, but she couldn’t tell. When he said that she had something no other girl had at Hogwarts, she wanted to ask what exactly that was. But she didn’t. Vienna would probably pipe up with some comment about her atrocious hat collection.

"Tell me, how are you and Devlin anyway?" he asked her. He was truly curious now.

Fauna shrugged. “I dunno,” she mumbled, avoiding his gaze. She might have told him if Vienna wasn’t in the room. She couldn’t figure Gavin out- either he put on a convincing act, or he was trying to have an actual conversation with her. She looked up at his tone, surprised to hear him speak that way to another Slytherin. What was this, a good cop bad cop routine?

She should have been prepared. Vienna always shocked her, no matter how much she tried to steel herself against her words. At first she just stared at her, speechless. As the insults continued, her face burned and she couldn’t look at her anymore. Fauna sneaked a glance at Gavin, wondering if this was what they’d been leading up to.

Staring down at the little nicks in the desk, her heart pounded and her mouth went dry. She wanted to leave, but she felt frozen. Merlin, she wished Vienna’s tongue would get permanently stuck to the roof of her mouth.

Finally, she looked at her, hating and envying her confidence.

“No. I’m not going to do any of that,” she told her quietly, voice shaky. “I like… the way I dress. I don’t need.. to do those things, to get someone to like me.”

Fauna wasn’t so sure she believed it, but she was angry enough to say it. Ollie had always liked her, hats and all, which meant a lot. Devlin was the only guy that she knew of who had shown interest in her so far.