Bellatrix Dark. Rumors had been flying around that she was depressed about her break up with Xavier Tawse--or, rather, his break-up with her. For the past month, she hadn't jinxed, hexed, cursed, insulted, or hardly said a word to anyone. She had been keeping to herself and avoiding Xavier's eyes. There were rings around her eyes that she hadn't been able to get rid of, tears that poured out every night. The question remained: was it really Xavier that had put her in this state? Could it have been his presence and abrupt dismissal of the darker Dark twin that had changed her so dramatically? People could only guess.

What none of them had suspected was that they would find Bellatrix Dark standing outside the tent of the dance in one of the most beautiful dresses she had ever owned. Her head was held high with her chin parallel to the floor for she was in the fullest confidence in her beauty tonight; the dark circles under her eyes and every trace of stress or depression had vanished from her face; her blue eyes, no longer cold and apathetic, sparkled with a new emotion tonight: an odd emotion that could not be placed or configured unless they knew what her inner mind was thinking. Tonight, she would not be missed nor ignored. She had made sure of that.

The black and white boots softly thudded against the earth with each unfaltering step that she took towards the tent. Yes, tonight was her night. Nobody in their right mind would turn away from her once they got a taste of Bellatrix Dark's full potential. For years at Hogwarts, at the balls, at the Quidditch games, in her classes, she had been holding out. She had been dressing in crazy-colored clothes, a few dresses here and there at the dances, true, and her hair had always been somewhat untidy. Not tonight; not on this night, at the Valentine's Day ball. Oh, no. Bellatrix had been shunned brutally, hardly given a chance by someone that thought he could toss her away like a used ragdoll. Xavier Tawse would pay most dearly for that mistake he had made and she was positive that she would be able to give him an effect he had never felt before, a taste of something he had once mistakenly identified: perfection.

For this special occasion, the entirety of her platinum blond hair had been dyed blue and had been carefully braided in an elaborate design that created a heart-shape at the top of the back of her head and joined together to create a single braid down her back. The blue eyeshadow and mascara was lightly yet noticeably adorned on her eyes to invite people to look into them; they would see nothing but sheer confidence radiating out of her eyes. Confidence that she was everything a man would want in a woman. Her dress had been chosen so meticulously, the only dress that made her look like a walking dream: the "storm" dress. She had worn it because it fit her figure to a T and gave her the mysterious yet dangerous look of a woman that could be both a man's most desired dream and also, when scorned, his worst nightmare that he couldn't escape from. She would be both to Xavier Tawse tonight for who could refuse a pure-blooded woman with the feminine confidence of the ruler of all goddesses, Hera, the beauty and seductive look of Helen of Troy, and the clever, manipulative mind of Persephone? Several decorations of jewelry were placed tactfully upon her person, but none were as effective as the emerald pendant that Xavier had given to her personally. From around her neck, it glimmered in the candlelight like a devilish forbidden jewel that had the luring effect to seduce a man into touching it and the power to destroy him once he did. Nothing except this prized possession of the darker Dark twin's could have been chosen more scrupulously.

Yes, Bellatrix had planned it in her mind for the past two nights. She had made sure that every tiny speck in her plan would not go awry for this. Bellatrix had even gone so far as to choose the most worthy partner for her scheme: Peyton Wentworth, whom she was waiting for at the tent. She walked, nay!  she strutted like a divine goddess awaiting her most faithful servant to bring her a cherished gift or like a virgin patiently anticipating the arrival of her fair prince that would come to rescue her. He would be the best instigator for the anger she so dearly longed to see in Xavier's face when he turned up with his date. Yes, he would be furious as he had been the night Professor O' Morain had assigned her to Peyton as partners for their mid-terms and this time, she would make absolutely certain that Xavier Tawse would not be able to take his eyes off of her. She was ready for any attack he may launch at her. Tonight was Bellatrix's night to shine like a star for the man that had once called her "perfect"! She would not be ignored.

Peyton had been rather nervous about all of this. He had always planned on going to the Valentine's Ball, at least ever since they announced it was happening. He would have even helped out with things but between Quidditch and studying he couldn't find the time. He figured the whole night would consist of him drinking punch and visiting the different booths maybe even join in on a dance or two. Never in a million years would he have guessed he would be going with a date and not just any date, Bellatrix Dark - his brother's ex girlfriend.

Peyton had spent more time than he ever had getting ready. With a beautiful pressed suit with a royal Ravenclaw blue vest and tie Peyton had styled his medium brown hair up in a little faux hawk. He made sure his skin was clear and his nails were trim. He was focusing on every little detail making sure everything was in it's proper place. Afterall it wasn't everyday Peyton Wentworth had a date.

He finally worked his way across the grounds towards the large enchanted tent where they were holding the Ball. Peyton took a deep breath and came up along side Bella. He was speechless and she was breathtaking. He never would have imagined her to have looked so beautiful. After knowing her for four years and only now getting close to her he had always thought of Bella as one of those spunky, never cared what anyone thought, dressed however she felt like it kind of girls. While that obviously had it's merits and Bella had always been pretty in her own way he had never imagined she could look so traditionally beautiful.

Peyton gave her a smile and a cursory once over. With his heart plummeting to his stomach Peyton suddenly realized something. Bella looked more beautiful than she ever had, possibly the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in real life, she was his date and would be dancing and talking and laughing with him all night and he felt . . . nothing. Absolutely nothing. He agreed that she was gorgeous but there was no attraction beyond that knowledge, no flip flopping stomachs, no weak knees or clammy hands, no stutters or day dreaming of snogging. He was going to have the most gorgeous girl in all of Hogwarts on his arm and he couldn't even muster a flutter of attraction for her.

Pushing the thoughts aside he widened his smile, his cool grey blue eyes sparkling as he handed her his token for the night, a perfectly bloomed blue rose corsage that matched her dress and his vest, "Ready to knock them dead?"

He had finally arrived and she was prepared to flash her glorious smile at her date. Peyton had smartened himself up for the occasion, something that she was more than satisfied with, and she knew that there could be no man better-looking on her arm tonight. The faux-hawk captured her attention almost immediately; as she admired it, she gave a little giggle.

When he handed her the corsage,however, her expression changed to something more similar to shock. She got presents all the time, but no one had ever truly taken the time (well, a boy hadn't) to pick out a gift that correlated with her outfit. She appreciated Petyon more and more as a friend every time they talked.

"Thank you, Peyton, it's beautiful," she whispered while carefully placing the corsage around her wrist. Once it was fixed, she raised her head up to look at him again.

"Ready to knock them dead?"

There was a flash of malevolence in her blue eyes that, combined with her insane, Bella-ish grin, meant that tonight, that phrase might be a little more dangerous than he thought. However, she did not answer right away, yet instead linked her elbow with his as a proper lady and gentleman would and directed him not into the tent, but to the side where none would be likely to eavesdrop.

"Would be willing to, for tonight only, act as my boyfriend? It would convince others that you aren't...what they say you are. I don't mean snogging or anything," she added hastily, "but perhaps a kiss on the cheek once in a while or things that normal girls do."

The last bit of this sentence was obviously saying that Bellatrix wasn't entirely sure how a relationship worked. She'd been in one with Xavier, yes, but they hadn't done the normal couple routine of holding hands, snogging, and...stuff. She wasn't absolutely certain what else being in a relationship entailed, but she did know that a kiss on his cheek once in a while would enrage Xavier further and, as she said, secure his reputation as a straight guy in the minds of the students at Hogwarts.

"We can do anything you like, of course! Dancing, sight-seeing, talk about Quidditch. I'm not particular, but if we're going to make this look, y'know, realistic, we need to play along with the usual customs of relationships."

Bellatrix didn't want to admit her suspicions that the rumors of him being attracted towards boys was true. That rumor had been only hear-say, of course, but he'd never once looked at her the way Xavier used to look at her when they were alone working on the egg project. He wasn't exactly swooning over her, either, and she was hoping that most guys would oggle her. She reached forward and placed a kiss on his cheek purely for experimental reasons.

"I promise, Peyton, I won't do anything...crazy," she winced at her promise, but it was true: she didn't want to place Peyton in an uncomfortable position tonight. It wasn't just because she was trying to make Xavier jealous, but also because he was the first real friend that she'd made on her own. For the time being, she waited, peering up at him with the hopeful look that he would agree to playing the part of her boyfriend tonight.

She wanted him to pretend to be her boyfriend? Well that made sense, afterall they were doing this to prove something. He wasn't entirely sure what she needed to prove, probably that she wasn't a depressed mopey mess anymore but he was more concerned about what he had to prove and whether he could actually manage to prove it. He knew the rumors about him were getting more frequent, more exaggerated and he really just wanted them to stop whether or not they were true.

He nodded, "Yeah, yeah I can do that." He had no problem pretending to be her boyfriend. After all they had come to the ball together. She had been the one to ask him but he wasn't going to deprive her of what a beautiful woman deserved on Valentine's day. He would dance with her, cuddle her, pour her punch, pose for pictures. He would be everything she ever wanted him to be even if it were all just for pretend and there in lied the problem of the night. He was just pretending. He was on the arm of a beautiful woman who was asking him to do everything short of snog her and he still felt nothing. Even the thought of potentially grinding against her or being able to convincingly kiss her in front of most of the student body was doing nothing for her and he didn't think it was because it was Bella, a good friend, he was seriously beginning to think it was just because she was a girl.

She kissed his cheek and he blushed lightly before giving her one in return. Satisfied that they could pull off this charade Peyton pulled her into the tent. It was like being transported to another world. The tent was massive inside and the decorations were fabulous, the milling student body was dancing to the beats provided by a band Peyton didn't recognize. Peyton pulled Bella close amoungst the dancing crowd pressing her lithe body against his, "So my love, how convincing do you want me to be? I know you said no snogging but I'm willing to do whatever you need me to do." Peyton smiled completely unaware of why Bella had truly asked him to the Ball or that she had caught the attention that she had been looking for.

Xavier Tawse was having an amazing night. He had managed to make a grand entrance. He looked more than handsome in a beautiful black suit with a a Slytherin green vest and tie. His hair was slicked back and a smile was plastered on his face. On his arm was the beautifully dangerous Kit Branwell. He had asked her a few nights prior giving her a splendidly personal Valentine's Day present and she had accepted. They had turned as many heads as Xavier had expected. After everything that had happened over the last few months, his depression, his break up with Bella, running away, getting questioned by a pack of Aurors about Ava's murder - the last thing anyone expected was him to come to the Ball with Kit.

He had gotten her punch, they had their picture taken and they were currently dancing to decent music. While Xavier would have preferred a closer proximity to his date he wanted to respect her and Kit was definitely a lady worth respecting. Being a teenaged boy Xavier wanted to be a lot closer and a part of him wanted to score but right now he needed to take his time with this one.

"Ye really look fantastic tonight."

As few gasps were heard over the music and Xavier couldn't help but look up to see what had caused such a reaction. For a moment it took him a while to process what he was seeing. Bella had entered the Ball looking beyond anything he had ever seen. He had once called Bella perfect - mostly to bother her - but he had no idea what that word meant until now. It then took him mere seconds to recognize who she was with. While he was still fuzzy on his connection to Peyton, he hadn't forgotten the four years they had spent beating each other up. That rivalry was still there and he could still vividly remember the night he had exploded at Bella for simply spending time with the Ravenclaw and now he was here with Bella on his arm, pulling her into his body as if he owned her.

Anger boiled in him and he narrowed his cold grey blue eyes almost completely forgetting that he was holding onto Kit's hands.

Kit could hardly maintain the ladylike reserve expected from her. She had entered the Valentine's day ball with her arm in Xavier's, her free hand (gloved, of course), gently gripping the skirt of her blue dress, as too not attract grass or dirt stains. It had been much harder to find a dress Kit though was both stunning and appropriate. She did, however, feel daring enough to show more of her neck than she usually did- her hair was done up in an elegant bun, after all. If Kit had been with anyone else, in any other situation, she likely would have noticed that other female students obviously did not take similar care.

But Kit was on the arm of a tall, handsome, charming gentleman. Who had asked her to the ball. And given her a rapier for Valentine's day. Of course that was romantic- why wouldn't it be?

The point was there was a high chance Kit would have almost not noticed it if everyone else had come in their underwear. Almost.

Kit was barely paying attention to anything except her date, even the music they were dancing to. Ah yes, she had been completely snared in that trap of teenage hormones. Her grey eyes were exclusively on him. It was very good Kit had learned how to dance properly and could do it without thinking, because at the moment she would have had trouble explaining someone what the top five defense dueling positions were (an uncharacteristic lapse of memories)

Not surprisingly, Kit's flush was very prominent when Xavier complimented her. "That you. You look very handsome," she said.

A few heartbeats later and Xavier was...glaring? What in the world? Kit turned her head and followed his gaze to Bella and Peyton, entering together. Bella's hair was...blue. That was really all she could say because that's really all she say. Blue hair. What exactly was wrong with normal colored hair and a blue dress and accessories (like Kit had done).

"Is everything alright?" Kit asked, glancing back at Xavier. Bellatrix was Xavier's ex. As in they were no longer together. Over. A gentleman shouldn't be glaring so harshly in a woman's direction, even one with blue hair.

As they entered the tent, she realized almost immediately that she was being flaunted by her new pretend-boyfriend. This was exciting! Someone was actually showing her off in front of everyone else! There was a giddy moment that swelled within her and her eyes became transfixed upon the young man that was making her currently happier than she'd felt all month yet she suppressed the urge to grin. Interested in boys or not, Peyton had a way of making her feel even more confident in herself; that she was actually a prize that no other could possess. For a single moment, she almost forgot her plans of revenge.

Taking her out onto the dance floor could not have been a better move on his part. She didn't notice either of them straight away because she couldn't take her eyes off of Peyton. Her hand slipped into his while the other settled itself upon his shoulder; a complacent, unreadable smile crossed her lips. Truly, Bellatrix was becoming more and more confident and, little by little, more arrogant. Why wouldn't this plan work? He had as much determination to prove himself tonight as she did to make Xavier jealous.

"So my love, how convincing do you want me to be? I know you said no snogging but I'm willing to do whatever you need me to do."

"I want you to be the envy of every man here," her smile split itself into a full grin. "Be that romantic gentleman that every girl dreams of, Peyton, and I shall be the woman that captures your heart."

Though she hated to admit it, Bellatrix had a slight doubt that she would be perfect for him. No matter how he flaunted her, he still did not look at her the way the rest of the boys in the tent were. The way that Xavier was... It took her several seconds to realize what she was seeing over Peyton's shoulder: Xavier was glaring at them! It required a tremendous effort on her part to keep herself from showing any kind of smug expression and greater effort to tear her eyes off of him and place them back on Peyton. Now that her focus had returned to her date, she smiled again.

"You're a good dancer for a Quidditch player. Usually wizards that play Quidditch are too clumsy on the ground to be able to do fancy footwork." She smiled, then raised her voice a little so that Xavier could hear her. "You honestly don't know how glad I am to find a boyfriend that can dance properly."

This time, she allowed a giggle to escape her. Everything had to be timed just right and the giddy feeling inside of her was increasing. A strategically-placed kiss upon Peyton's cheek ought to help Xavier with his inner turmoil: a person shouldn't keep emotions bottled up, after all. That had always been Bellatrix's philosophy.

Peyton could do this, he could play this part and no one would be the wiser. He liked Bella, she was a great friend and to be honest he loved spending time with her. He had a feeling he was allowed to see a side of Bella that not many people were permitted to see. She laughed and smiled with him and for tonight she was the ideal girlfriend, exactly what he needed to make his point. He could be the charming, suave, debonair gentleman that she needed him to be.

He chuckled lightly continuing to dance with her, "My mom gave me dancing lessons when I was young. I definitely prefer being on a broom though." He gave her a wide smile blushing even when she called him her boyfriend. While he knew it was just pretend it was actually nice to hear even if it was coming from a beautiful girl he had no interest in romantic wise.

With a mischievous smile on his lips he swung her out and made her do a twirl before pulling her back in and dipping her practically over his knee. He stared down at her, cool grey blue eyes blazing, "I'll be everything you've ever dreamed of Bella." Without thinking much of it beyond experimenting he leaned in and gently placed his lips to hers. While it would only last a moment and she was more than welcome to either jump in or bail Peyton figured it was just the kind of gesture he needed to prove to the crowd that he was into Bella.

He knew she had said he didn't have to snog her but it wasn't like he was trying to cop a feel or anything, an innocent kiss that was just that, innocent.

When he dipped her, she felt her braid touch the floor and one of her legs lifted upward a little like the poised, elegant ballroom dancers. She'd seen women waltzing around the floor when she was a child and had always thought it was expected of a lady to pop her foot a hint when dipped. It was such a flashy dance move.

"I'll be everything you've ever dreamed of Bella."

He kissed her. Peyton kissed her! The giddy feeling inside of her swelled again to the point she thought it would burst. If only he didn't like girls, if only he could like her... What was she talking about? He was Peyton, her friend! She was here to make Xavier jealous and he had agreed to play her boyfriend just to prove to everyone that he wasn't interested in boys. But his tone and flash of a smile had been so convincing that when she decided to jump in and kiss Peyton back, she believed for the entire time their lips were pressed together that he meant it. All of the hopes, feelings, and energy that went into the imaginary boyfriend that appeared when she closed her eyes and dreamed every night spilled over into the kiss. It was not particularly raw passion or lust, but a purposeful kiss from an innocent girl that wished to have someone to enjoy being near her the way Peyton did or speak to her the way Peyton had lied.

Bellatrix had closed her eyes while she kissed him, but when she pulled out of the kiss, she half-expected to see the figure of that one person when she opened her eyes. They opened only to see Peyton. She smiled to hide her disappointment that it was him and not someone who could care for her. The giddy feeling swept over her unexpectedly and she giggled.

[Razzy can either enter here or wait until Xavier approaches them. It's fine with me, either way.]

Kit's voice brought his eyes back to her and he gave her a nod and a smile. He suddenly realized how bad it looked for him to be staring at his ex. Actually it wasn't so much that he was glaring at Bella, despite how ridiculously beautiful she looked at that moment it was more or less the fact that she had come on the arm of his most hated rival, the one person at Hogwarts that he hated more than his no good disappearing father. Bella knew how much he hated Peyton, she had to be doing this to bug him, there was no other explanation. It wasn't like she was there with Peyton for real, the kid didn't swing that way Xavier had known that for years even if the Ravenclaw wouldn't admit it.

He shook his head, "Sorry i's jus, I really hate tha guy."

He tried to focus on Kit and how beautiful and graceful she looked. Afterall before Bella and Peyton arrived they had been having a really great time. It had been turning out to be a really great night. Why'd she had to come and ruin it all?

His cold grey blue eyes flickered over to the bothersome couple again just in time to see Bella bent back in a dip and Peyton kissing her face off. Xavier barely registered that he growled, pratically seeing red from the amount of instant rage that boiled up inside him. He ground his teeth and took a deep breath. Without so much as a look at his date he separated himself from their embrace, "Git us some drinks will ya luv?" He managed to choke out before stalking across the dance floor.

As the happy fake couple separated from their kiss Xavier gripped Bella's upper arm, fury blazing behind his eyes. He gave an animalistic snarl to his brother and yanked Bella away. Without any further words he dragged the slytherin girl out into the cold winter air and spun her around to face him, his free hand coming in to grip her other arm, "What thee bloody 'ell do ye thin yer doin?!"

-- Razzy's Outfit. --

---

Dances. There was nothing more degrading than dances. Razzy Chancelier usually didn't attend them, seeing as there would be no point. The boy had only attended one dance in his whole school career, and that was merely because he was bored. Which was exactly what was happening that particular night. The Hufflepuff had thrown on his boots and sweater and headed out to the tent to look for some entertainment. He was thinking of stealing a few dances from some delicate, dateless girls and then calling it a night.

Razzy was an excellent dancer. It was one of his hidden talents... Along with giving great massages and making hard-covered books bounce by throwing them really hard on the ground. He had never gotten to show off this feat, however, as he never found the opportunity. But one of his many maids had taught Razzy quite well. If he got that woman to smile and blush, he could surely get a tiny girl his own age to be wooed. Clare was a nice woman, though... Just oddly serious and twice his age. He owned a few house elves, also, but his parents always liked to have "trustworthy hands" in the house, also. Whatever that meant. He felt a mini slave was pretty trustworthy, considering their social position couldn't go any lower.

The last dance Razzy attended, he spent his time towering over Blake Knight and making sure some little Ravenclaw (who Razzy naturally hated) didn't make a move on him. Originally, Razzy's love for Blake was rather disturbing and wrong. But it had quickly turned rather platonic. He still cared for Blake, but more as if the young boy was his younger brother. Razzy never had a younger brother... So it made him feel happy, in a way.

However, this time Razzy wouldn't be wearing an oversize crown, nor would he be following a thirteen year old around. He had stepped into the tent, immediately eying the wallflowers, and cracked a charming smile. He was ridiculously under dressed, despite the fact that he was wearing rather costly clothes, but he didn't exactly care. No one stared at him. They were all engrossed in their dates and dancing and pathetic-ness. How people could dedicate themselves to only one person, Razzy didn't yet understand. Little did he know, one day he might have the chance to experience it.

The Chancelier boy had picked a rather lonely looking blonde girl... Gryffindor, perhaps... Definitely older. Razzy always had a thing for blondes. Especially ditsy blondes. Or Asian blondes, like Eli. The girl was rather reluctant at first, but agreed in the end. Razzy believed it was hard to say "No" to him when he kept his cutesy smile on lock. He let her take his arm as he led her to the dance floor. She looked a lot happier, now that she wasn't alone. It almost made him feel like a good person.

One hand on her mid back, the other in her hand. He danced like a gentleman, even though he hardly was. Definitely not a title that fit Razzy's persona. But Razzy simply felt the music and paid no mind to the girl he was with. Though she was a really great dancer, he was only doing this to amuse himself. He twirled her around, listened to her giggle, and almost put on a sincere smile. Girls could be so lovely... Razzy sometimes forgot about that.

His eyes wandered along a bit more before he spotted his cousin, Bellatrix, in the arms of Peyton Wentworth. It was a real peculiar sight... Mainly because Xavier Tawse wasn't so far away, just staring at them. What the hell was going on over there? The song ended, and the girl told Razzy she had to go because she was "supposed to be waiting for her boyfriend while he went and got punch." Razzy perked a brow as the girl as she scurried off, and his eyes turned back to his cousin.

In a quick moment, Peyton had dipped her down and kissed her... And this made Razzy freeze. A raw surge of energy went through the Hufflepuff's body. He was jealous-- No... Envious of Bellatrix. Not because he found Peyton attractive (he was no Ian Cuddyer), but because Razzy hadn't gotten any action for months. Sure, he had nice snog with Eli that morning. But there was a difference from having the sweet taste of Eli and having the adrenaline rush of kissing someone else. Razzy needed love from multiple people. And Bellatrix was somehow getting more than him.

This confused him... Since Bellatrix was bonkers. Perhaps it was because they were related that he found her unappealing. He had been around her all their lives, visiting her when she lived with Audrey and seeing every flaw she had. She wasn't even a proper girl... She acted more like a boy than a girl. Which was why he wasn't surprised to see Kit Branwell on Tawse's arm tonight. Kit was a proper girl... A very proper girl. Much too intelligent for Razzy's taste... But proper. The only reason he could see Peyton snogging Bella was because he thought she was stupid and easy. Not that Bella wasn't a little slow, her goose was definitely not loose.

But the main reason Razzy longed to be in Bella's position was that Peyton kissed very hot-like. He looked like he was a good snogger, he did, and Razzy really would like to have a taste. He thought it over, and came to a conclusion that Bellatrix would be okay with sharing. Razzy hadn't heard word that Peyton was homosexual... So the thought of stealing away Bella's heterosexual date just tempted Razzy even more.

After they were done kissing, Tawse stepped up and pulled Bellatrix away. Ooh, jealousy. Razzy didn't exactly give a damn, he was just grateful that Bellatrix was no longer protecting her date. The boy jumped on this opportunity immediately. He trotted over, hands in his pocket, and briskly reached Peyton's side.

The boy's dead stare fell on Kit at first. He gave her a weak smile... Her date just left her for Bellatrix. That had to be embarrassing. Especially since Tawse should be really picking Kit over the Dark girl, since Kit was a... More proper pureblood. Despite the fact that Razzy loved his cousins, he still hated the thought of being apart of the Darks. "You don't marry into that family," his mother had told him, "They're all ridiculously bizarre... Especially that Michael man that Audrey married". He definitely believed her, even though she was a lying pig most of the time. Luckily, his Aunt never tried to get Razzy to date one of the Dark girls. He did really love them, though. They were like the family he never cared about.

His gaze finally fell on Peyton. His eyes nearly bored into the Ravenclaw's, his lips forming his most devilish smile. "Wentworth... I think we should get out of here, yeah...? Before Xavier comes back..." he spoke rather intimately in Peyton's ear. He didn't want to yell over the music, since that was definitely unattractive, and he didn't mind his lips brushing against the boy's skin. He pulled his arm through Peyton's and gave him a light tug, trying to seem more flirtatious than lustful.

"We wouldn't want to see him maul you to death, do we? Especially not with a face like that..." Another pull and Razzy began to slowly take Peyton away from the crowd. He wasn't quit concerned with Bellatrix spotting the boy stealing her date. He was more attractive, anyhow. And probably a better snogger.

Peyton had a nice bum and innocent eyes. Razzy had him now and wouldn't be willing to let him go. In his eyes, he was a winner... Despite the fact that he had to scurry and grab up his cousin's sloppy seconds. He seemed to be doing that a lot lately, what with Erin and so on.

Razzy just wanted to speak to the Wentworth boy. Outside. In the bushes. With his mouth. No harm done.

Kit nodded at Xavier's explanation. Ah, the gentleman that was accompanying Bellatrix. Mr. Wentworth, she believed. He had always seemed like a friendly enough sort, but she supposed there must be a reason if Xavier didn't like him in such an obvious fashion. It did seem like part of his glare was for Bellatrix Dark. She was his former girlfriend, so she supposed he wouldn't be pleased. But they were no longer together and a lady, even one with blue hair could do what she pleased (within reason of acceptable society).

Kit made an attempt to start dancing again, so she and Xavier should get back to their date. To the ball that he had invited her to as his date. The two of them. Together. Without Mr. Wentworth or Ms. Bellatrix Dark.

So Kit's mouth nearly fell open in an most unladylike fashion when Xavier told her to fetch drinks like a house elf and then went to grab his ex girlfriend.  That was it. Just 'go fetch some drinks' as he left her alone on the dance floor. The uncouth barbarian.

Kt looked around, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks. She say a pitying gaze of a fellow fifth year. Well, if Xavier Tawse thought that Kit Branwell was just going to play her little submissive part, he certainly had another thing coming.

Kit walked quickly (ladies didn't run) where Xavier had taken off to. She approached them outside just as he was hissing at Bellatrix.

"And what do you think you're doing?" Kit said, her voice deadly calm and pale eyes flashing. "Leaving me to fetch drinks like a common servant. In case you are forgetting, Xavier Tawse, you asked myself to this ball, not Ms. Dark, and who she kisses or dances with is no longer your concern."

If he had any shred of common decency, he'd apologize to them both right then and there.

By the time the kiss ended, Bellatrix's world had careened and she was feeling quite dizzy. Never had Xavier or Erin kissed her properly, but then, she was only 16 and there would be plenty of time for experiencing kisses where men meant it. Peyton's kiss only had such an effect on her because it had been on her end that the kiss had went somewhat further than she thought he might have liked. Not from jealousy, but from the general wish that someone would kiss her. That imaginary man that haunted her secret dreams and wishes had lured her into that mind warp, not the boy she'd been kissing.

Unfortunately, her world really did go crazy when she had only stood back up to smile at Peyton before her arm was harshly grabbed by some intruder upon their play. At this moment, she had no idea what was happening, who was dragging her away from her Ravenclaw date, or where they were going. Her feet stumbled, each heel digging into the earth backwards. She saw her cousin, Razzy, walk up and steal Peyton away. By the time she got outside, her kidnapped her and whirled around so fast that Bellatrix felt sick.

There was no time for sick, not when two, familiar gray eyes were flashing with rage down at her. Xavier Tawse had finally lost his marbles. It was only then under his petrifying glare that the darker Dark twin recalled her ploy: the kiss hadn't originally been part of it, but it broke her ex-boyfriend of his senses and he burned with fury before her. A twitch of her lips and then an arrogant smirk came across her features.

"What thee bloody 'ell do ye thin yer doin?!"

Oh, the answers that ran through Bellatrix's head. Biting, sarcastic, cruel, condescending, and all were honest and true. She wanted to hurt him the way he'd hurt her. Avoiding him had not been enough, treating him as if he'd suddenly dropped off the planet hadn't bothered him one bit as she had hoped it would. No, it tore at her to not talk to him, to not see him, to not hex her fury out on him! He'd called her boring and yet he'd come with the most lady-like, Chancelier-like woman in all of Hogwarts: Kit Branwell! Yes, she'd have it all out tonight with him. His pride would be ripped to shreds by the time Bellatrix Dark was finished with her tongue-lashing.

But it never came. Lady Branwell, the hoity-toity Gryffindor, had joined them just as the Slytherin had opened her mouth to let loose a string of what was on her mind. Bellatrix rounded on the girl and sized her up. The dueling club president. She scoffed mentally. It would be very stupid of her to pick a fight with her fellow fifth year. The resident "psycho" of Slytherin versus the Dueling Club President. Oh, yeah, that would sell loads of tickets. But not here, not tonight, not now. She had unfinished business with Xavier Tawse and one way or another, she would have it out!

"And what do you think you're doing? Leaving me to fetch drinks like a common servant. In case you are forgetting, Xavier Tawse, you asked myself to this ball, not Ms. Dark, and who she kisses or dances with is no longer your concern."

She would never admit it, but Kit was right. On the other hand, that could go two ways: it wasn't Bella's concern who he dated or snogged, either. Her blue eyes switched back sharply to Xavier's face. He had expected this kind of behavior from Bellatrix, but from Kit? Who would have guessed the boy would find himself struggling between the two young women? Bellatrix wasn't at all pleased with this predicament. If Kit cornered him about his current relationship, Bellatrix would have no time to be able to spit out flames of hatred and anger and injury over his previous relationship with her.

"Shove off!"

The words came out before she could stop them. She panted and whirled around to face Xavier. Again, she wanted to do nothing but let everything out. No, it was best to keep bottling it. She had to stay sane ('For once, Bella, stay sane!') and not get so angry that words were unable to come out. But she was so, so furious that he had called her boring and then invited Lady Branwell, one of the most sophisticated, party-disliking girls to the Valentine's Day Ball!

"You," she poked her finger hard into his chest, her own blue eyes blazing with as much fury as his, "are the one who left me, remember? Remember how boring I was? Here's a newsflash for you, Tawse, I'm not about to sit around and wait for you! I can snog who I please when I please and there's nothing, absolutely nothing that you can do or say about it!"

Again, she had to restrain her explosive temper before it ruined everything. Her voice became deadly soft, hissing yet having the same acidic venom of a fatal serpent. She picked up the cloth of her skirt, stepping closer to him as she did so. There was a look in her eye that no one had ever actually sent the full extent of: the true potential of her insanity was now unmasked and leering at its target. If one saw the eyes of an Azkaban prisoner in a newspaper, the madness within such a person was certainly radiating from the blue eyes that now focused the entirety of their attention upon her housemate. He was the boy that had seen her cry, had traded secrets with, had severely injured her. No one that could see her now would have any doubt that Bellatrix Dark was, in fact, completely psychotic.

"What's the matter, Tawse? Did you think it would be that simple? That you could toss me aside like some filthy rag doll when you got tired of me and go on to more sophisticated, intriguing women like Lady Branwell there, eh? Is that what you thought? I have news for you, Xavier: you've just tickled a sleeping dragon, you foolish git! How long did you think I would wait for you? Did you really think that I'd cry forever over you and your stupid letter, each day hoping and praying you'd come groveling back to me where I'd be there to welcome you with open arms? You've clearly gone off your rocker! You've forgotten who you're dealing with!"

She paused in her slow advancement towards him for him to say something, anything! Bellatrix was treading on dangerous waters with the fury she had brought forth within him, but she had quite a bit of her own to unleash. They would have this out one way or another. Yes, she was bothered by the fact that he'd tossed her aside and then went straight for fresh meat. Indeed, the darker Dark twin had cried and cried over him and that stupid letter, but no more! She would find a way to break him, to make him sorry for what he did! He would rue the day that he ever thought about breaking up with Bellatrix Dark and regret further that he had done it!

The problem with rage is that even at the best of times it's completely uncontrollable and when taken into it's hot embrace there's rarely an escape. In the past Xavier had always welcomed the rage, greeted it like an old friend and found the nearest thing to wail on. More often than not it would end up being his punching back, a brick wall or Peyton's face but none of those objects were here now and so there was to be no release unless he allowed himself to do something he would regret for a very very long time. The edges of his vision was blurred and colours were dulled, the expression was often so angry you could see red but in the end anger just dulled everything around you.

Xavier let go of Bella and with a snarl and an audible growl he turned to Kit with one hand raised ready to give her a taste of what it meant to interrupt him while he was pissed off. It had been months since his run in with Maddie at the Halloween dance but the whispers were still around here and there about how he openly struck a woman and he was ready to do it again. He had no idea what actually stopped him from hitting Kit in that moment but he knew that if she didn't leave soon he wouldn't hold back next time, "This doesn't concern ye." He growled out before turning back to Bella as if the Gryffindor had never followed them outside.

"I neva wanted ye ta wait fer me tha was thee whole point!" Her words were nothing but confusion to him and not just because the rage was muddling his mind. While most if not all of his memories had been wiped from the two weeks he had been gone he did remember writing Bella a letter. He didn't remember the details but he could remember the emotions he put behind it. He wanted her to be happy and not have to wait for him to return for he never intended to return. He had no idea why she thought he said she was boring or why she felt he had tossed her aside. None of this made sense but he knew he couldn't get to the bottom of it, at least not right now.

"Fine." He held up his hands in a gesture of surrender, "Think what ye want lass, at least now I don' hafta deal wit yer crazy anymore."

He wanted to kick and scream and punch something. He wanted to tell her how much he still loved her and how much it absolutely killed him to watch her not only kiss another man but kiss Peyton Wentworth of all people. He wanted to tell her that despite what she said she obviously still loved him too otherwise she wouldn't have gone out of her way to make him so angry with her. She had done all of this on purpose, he knew that much.

As his vision cleared and the rage started to simmer he suddenly noticed that she was wearing the necklace he had made for her. It was just further proof that she was doing this to get to him. He grabbed the emerald pendant and pulled with enough force to rip it off her neck, "This is mine."