Evan raised one eyebrow even though it was invisible to Violet unless she looked very carefully in this dark corridor. Was that laugh too uneasy? He shrugged. He wasn't going to push anymore. The last time he got her to tell him something, it had been a great shock and uneasiness. And it was enough if she only said to stay away from him. Because he didn't want to see her again.

Of course she was serious. But was he going to do her advice? No. He was having Evan day with Mina already, and yes, it did help. But telling Marie to stop stalking him? He wasn't sure about that.

He laughed again at her remark. He'd always adore Violet's self confidence. He hadn't met anyone liking himself that much before. And more surprisingly, it did help her to be prettier than most of the girls when she didn't have an attitude. "Of course you are, Violet." he said with a chuckle. It was his bad that he hadn't realised that before! Though, he wouldn't say this out loud, for there was a good posibility Violet might be hurt. And he didn't want that. For the time being, at least.

Was she... battling her eyelashes? No, probably a trick of little light. He wanted it to be a trick of light. He just couldn't bear the idea of being alone in a dark corridor with a flirting Violet. No, the idea was creepier than the dark corridor itself.

Oh, so he kissed well too. Good to know. At least he hadn't humiliated himself for asking that to Olivia. He chuckled. Of course Violet kissed well, and of course she'd kissed every single boyfriend she had. "I wouldn't expect anything less..." he muttered, quite audible. Hmm, time to go to common room?

"I know I am, but you know some people tell me looks aren't everything! Don't you think that people are just to jealous of my looks that they have to lie and say personality is everything?" she replied, rolling her eyes. Oh, how Violet thought how pathetic though's people are. Most of them were her enemies too.

"What is that supposed to mean?" she asked. "What do you think I snog everyone?!" she asked, slightly hurt. But hey if he meant everyone that also meant....

Evan.

Well maybe Mr. Cartwright would get lucky one of these days. But as for now Violet didn't want to ruin their friendship, so she waited patiently for him to reply to her questions.

Evan laughed slightly at Violet's ranting. What choice did he have but to nod at her? "I believe looks are important too, along with the personality." he said, and hoped his answer wouldn't get her any angrier. Remembering their first meeting, he had thought she was beautiful too. He still thought that, but not for her personality. She had too much of an ego.

Oops. "Of course I didn't mean that!" he said, now realising what kind of a blunder he made there. "I just meant that you are so confident and attractive that... no boy can resist you." Was it good enough to make her feel better, and save him from her rage? He hoped so. He didn't want to deal with a hurt Violet now.

"But looks are more important though, right?" she asked. Well she hoped so anyway.

"Aw, really?!" she asked with a jump of excitement. "Does every boy think I'm attractive? Have you heard good stories about me?" she asked very happy now.

Very happy.

Evan was torn between lying, telling the truth and playing along. "Errm... It depends from people to people." Diplomatic enough? He hoped so. Yes, he hadn't really voiced his idea, because he didn't think like Violet. To him, personality was more important.

Ah, how many blunders can he make in a few minutes? He sighed silently. "I haven't talked to anyone about you." he said, totally skipping talking to Olivia. But she was a girl anyway, so Violet shouldn't care her idea. And she really shouldn't, because it wasn't very pleasant. "But most of the boys would think, yes." Including himself. But her personality wasn't very attractive... which was the main problem, anyway.

"Do you think looks are everything?" she asked. She really hoped he would say of course, so then she could say they were perfect for each other.

"I get it, you don't want to tell your guy friends about me because you want me all to yourself." she replied, totally getting the wrong impression. "Do you really think most boys think I'm attractive?" she was really hopeful now.

Hoping to see one of his Slytherin friends, especially Rose, Josh walked in the damp dungeon corridor. Gah. Horrible place it was and how Slytherins managed to live down there was a mystery to him. Making a quick mental note about asking this to her favourite Slytherin or Destiny, he walked further in the corridor until he heard voices.

The Gryffindor stopped and listened the boy and the girl and they were...Evan and Violet. They were talking about...heheheheee ''Awww how romantic!'' the boy mocked as he stepped closer to them to be visible in the semi darkness ''Do you want me to tell you if you are attractive or not? Hmm?''

Shoot. Violet had to corner him, didn't she? Now he was going to either lie to comfort her, or say what he thought, and would have to endure pouting. After biting his lips, Evan decided to tell what he really thought. Or at least, half of it. "Not really... personality is what makes the looks really beautiful." Topic closed.

WHAT?! He'd never said such a thing! He stared in shock for a few seconds. Blink. Blink, blink. How was he supposed to answer that? "Erm..." he stuttered. He didn't want to break her heart, but he couldn't imagine the consequences if she told her friends that. "I never felt the urge to talk about you..." he said at last, hoping it was a diplomatic answer that would bring her to his senses, and not break her heart.

Oh, Merlin. Why was he still here, talking to Violet, risking another unwanted kiss? He took one small step away. Wouldn't want to be too close to Violet now. Just as he was about to answer again, he heard footsteps. No. Beaumont. Or worse. Marie! He didn't want to be busted talking how attractive he thought Violet was! Just as he was trying to think of an excuse, he saw who it was: yet another problematic Carter.

Though, he could be his saviour at this delicate time, with that question. "Shut up, Josh." he mumbled half-heartedly with a hint of amusement in his voice. Of course, that shut up was at the 'how romantic'. He could as well go on to tell how attractive he thought Violet was, saving Evan from that hassle.

Seriously, where did this guy even come from?! It was creepy and she didn't even know him that well, for all she knew he could've been some spy or something crazy like that. So Violet tilted her head to the left and stared suspiciously at Josh. Hmm...well she thought for sure that he would say she was attractive, but she remembered how her parents always told her to never trust a Gryffindor. "No thanks." she said. This had to be the awkward moment in her whole entire

life. She wanted to quickly change the subject with him. "Sooo, how are the Gryffindor's now a days?" she asked awkwardly.
Violet was about to reply but Evan started talking about the more important part. "Oh, I get it still, you don't want people to know. Well thats kinda weird since everyone adores me." she said still clearly not getting the point. She put a hand on his shoulder. "Even if thats still not what you mean, we will be together someday. You can't run away from love." she said dramatically. But then she had an evil thought, and not the smartest thought. "And I'm sure Josh would agree." she said quickly.

Joshua simply laughed when Evan told him to shut up. ''Cartwrightey knows nothing further than...'' he mocked than mimicked Evan with a more ironic tone ''...shut up!'' then he patted him on his shoulder ''You are soo lucky that there's a lady here, Cartwrightey.'' oh the joy of dealing with that boy! It was fun...

Then he turned back to Violet staring at her with that famous grin of his ''That's too bad. The truth always comes from master Josh yet you missed it Sneaky Snakey. The Gryffindors are, of course, always awesome and cool. And i am the coolest one that you can ever see Snakey.'' And they were talking again. What was Violet saying?

...
...
...
''BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!'' Josh roared with laughter almost falling down on the dungeon floor ''Can't away from loooove! Bahahahha!''

Marie was on her way back to the common room with Destiny following behind (still attached to that stupid invisible rope of theirs) when she noticed a small group in the corridor. Once she was close enough she realized it was Evan and he was with... Violet!

GAH!

Of all people to run into it had to be Violet. Now that her and Evan were friends again she didn't mind seeing him, but Violet... that was one person she could do with NEVER talking to again. And then there was Josh, who was obviously down in the dungeons for one reason only... to look for Evelyn.

Dragging Destiny over to the group with her, Marie gave Evan a hug, since they were friends now. "Hey Evan, what are you doing with... that?" she said looking over towards Violet. She then looked over at Josh and laughed at his comment. "You may be a cool Gryffindor Josh but I wouldn't say you are the coolest." Nope, she knew of one that she thought was way more cool than he was.

...Did everyone really adore Violet? Evan raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything. He didn't want to be the one to break her hopes. And he didn't bother to try to get Violet understand him the way he meant. That was just a waste of time, apparently she was too happy thinking that he saved her only for himself. Nothing was ever going to happen between them, so he didn't have to worry. Yet.

He looked at the hand Violet put on his shoulder. He wanted to shake it. What? He couldn't run away from love? He buried his face in his hands and shook it. Of all people, Violet had to make that comment arount Josh. There it was, the blond was correct. Josh would make fun of him.

He sighed angrily as the Gryffindork talked. "I of course know more than shut up." he said calmly. He knew how to kick, for example. Or how to yell, hex, and humiliate. But, why would he bother? He didn't want to lose housepoints for a stupid Gryffindor. ENOUGH. "Would you like to share what is so funny?" he asked, getting angry now. Okay, it was never good to see Josh, even though he was going to save him from Violet.

...Talk about another saviour, and here she comes. Someone on his side. The blondie smiled genuinly and hugged her back, even though she was bonded to Destiny. "How are you?" he asked to both of the girls, totally ignoring Joshua and Violet. Raising one eyebrow at her coolest dork comment, he shook his head, deciding it was to his favour not to comment on it. There was only one cool Gryffindor for him, and that was Ella. The rest was stupid.

"You know, I have a name and it's not Snakey!" Violet glared at Josh. Not a laughing matter! This kid is too brave, he hardly even knew her. Whatever, she wouldn't let him get to her.

Well too much, for that matter.
And as if this day could get any worse. Here came along Marie....dragging Destiny????? What the? I'm not even going to comment on that. Violet just stared at Marie. "Marie, I thought we were over being rude to eachother. You can be as rude as you want, but I won't be rude back." she said to her. Oh, yeah I'm the bigger person.

She then turned back to Evan. "Evan! You hug Marie and not me?" she asked pouting. "Totally unfair."

''Then you are horribly mistaken'' Josh uttered adressing Marie who had newly joined them ''Everyone knows that i am the coolest not to forget the fact that i am the master of almost everything'' Yes, he definitely was the coolest lion, the boy was soo sure of it.

Evan was still being himself obviously, as Josh observed, he could not dare to argue with the Gryffindor properly. Hehehe. Of course he could not. He was Joshua Carter the Master. ''The funny thing is you Cartwrightey. What else can it be? You and the snakey...'' he was quite aware that the girl was protesting about being called snakey ''...the loooovverrs. Maybe i should leave so you can kiss her''

Marie smiled when Evan hugged her back. It was so nice to have her friend back again. "All things considered," she said looking over towards Destiny, "I'm doing pretty good. What about you? You need help getting rid of someone?" she asked now looking towards Violet. Oh yes, she would be more than happy to help get rid of that... thing.

Really? Violet thought they were over being rude to each other. HA! "Think what you want Violet but I know the ONLY reason you are being nice to everyone is because you are out of chances. You know as well as I do that if you get in trouble one more time you are kicked out of this school for good. You can NOT fool me. It is only a matter of time before the real you comes out and then we will be rid of you and your egotistical BIG head once and for all." And Marie would be there to help her out the door. Kicking her every step of the way. "Oh and FYI, Evan hugs me because we are actually friends, unlike you who is nothing more that a pain in his side. Get a clue Violet, he didn't want you when I was his girlfriend and he STILL doesn't want you."

Ah Josh, his head was almost as big as Violets but at least he was fun to be around, most of the time. "Ok Josh, you're pretty cool too, I just wouldn't say you are the coolest." Nope, in her eyes that would be Carter.

Ugh... seriously. Evan couldn't believe he was actually happy for one split moment at the sight of Josh, the very man who annoyed him so much now that he was actually on Violet's side now. If it wasn't for Marie being here, he could defend Violet, and probably hex the dork. But no, he wasn't going to do that. Because he was Evan Cartwright, he didn't really approve of violence, and he simply wouldn't bother to move his little finger for him.

Aaaand, Evan Cartwright being correct again. He just made a face, not even bothering to answer that insult. '...the loooovverrs. Maybe i should leave so you can kiss her' Seriously? How old was this guy to make such stupid jokes. Then he had an idea. "Yes Josh. Please, some privacy. Leave the lovers alone." There, that should send Josh away... hopefully. And then, he'd only have Violet to deal with.

He smiled slightly at Marie. Yes, he had to get rid of both Violet and Josh. Wait--when did Marie and Violet agreed not to be rude anymore? Hehe. Apparently it never worked, and never would. Hmm, Marie's was an interesting theory on why Violet was good... and possibly true. Come to think about it, Evan realised that must be the only reason for Violet to be good after that enlightening conversation with Professor Truebridge. Wow. He wasn't sure if he'd like that or not, sure, he'd be able to breathe again, but... this good Violet was another flavour. He shrugged. It wasn't up to his decision, was it? He'd see if he liked it when Violet was kicked out.

He turned his head so quickly to Marie that it cracked a bit. She'd just told things he'd wanted to say, but never did because of lack of the courage with the worry of breaking Violet's heart. He eyed Violet, trying to guess her reaction to that. It surely wasn't going to be very pleasant...

He tried his best not to roll his eyes. None of the 'dorks were cool, except Ella. And she wasn't a dork anyway. She was just a pretty lost girl who was sorted to Gryffindor by accident. Sure, she was brave, but not stupid like the rest of the 'dorks.

Sighing, he turned to Marie. "Shall we leave?" 'Cause they were obviously done here.

"Thats so not the reason I'm nice. Yeah I might get expelled if I'm bad again but I also saw the happiness of being nice. So almost everything in that little 'speech' of yours was untrue. I'm just saying." she replied. "And thats a complete lie, Evan will love me someday! He will, I know he will. But while I'm waiting I might as well flirt with Jake, he's cute too." Violet's eyes lit up in joy when Evan said Josh should leave them alone but then.....

It faded.

Rewind. Pause. Say what? Evan was asking MARIE if they should leave together?! And just leave her in the cold, dark corrider? Not nice!

She started saying incoherant words but finally made out "You, leave, her? Whaaaat? But I-I'll be by myselffff." she whined.

Marie smiled when Evan asked her to leave with him. "Yes, let's get out of here." she said.

She then turned to Violet, "Whatever Violet. You know, there are names for girls like you, and trust me, they are NOT good names." Oh yeah, Marie could think of all kiknds of names that would fit Violet and the way she acted, she just wouldn't day them. "You just keep telling yourself that Evan will love you. I however know he will NEVER love a girl like you. NO one in their right mind would EVER love you. You are not worth being loved." Marie truly felt sorry for any boy that came in contact with Violet and had to endure her craziness. Maybe she should try to find Jake and warn him about what he was in for.

Haha, Violet was stuttering. "Yes Violet, he's leaving with me, NOT you. No one wants to be with you so run along and go play in the Forbidden Forest or something." Yes, go play where no one will have to listen to you.

She turned away from Violet then. "Come on Evan, let's get away from this nutter before anyone else sees us standing here with her." 'Or before I do something to her that may get me in detention,' she thought.

Evan really didn't know what he had done to gain Violet's love this much, or her belief that he'd one day love her. Whatever he said, she seemed to twist his words and turn them around in her favour. He shook his head slightly, she thought Jake was cute? Maybe Evan should warn the kid. After all, he was a nice chap and deserved to know what he was getting himself into by dating Violet. He could -and probably would- as well not date her. Though judging by Violet's words, it looked as if that was the case. Should be totally warned.

He looked at Marie in slight amazement and shock. He never thought she would talk like that. But he was also half grateful that she talked in place of himself. Maybe that would get some sense in Violet...

"Sure..." he muttered while he walked towards the Slytherin Common Room, looking at Violet and shrugging slightly. He couldn't stay in these circumstances anyway, when she twisted all of his words.

Violet gasped at Marie clearly not getting the point that Evan didn't like her. "I don't know what your try to say, but it sounds really mean!" she said getting all watery eyed.

Then she looked at Evan, and her lower lip started trembling. She burst into tears and ran away down the corrider.

Carter wandered around the dungeons for what seemed like hours. He had no idea how Marie could stand living down here. It was a maze. After getting completely lost and losing all sense of direction he yelled, "Marco!".

Not that Marie would know what that was. It was a muggle game. But maybe she'd hear him at least.

Marie left the Secret Passage to look for Carter. She just knew that was his voice she was hearing when she was with Evan. Seeing a shadow in the distance, she started walking faster hoping it was Carter.

As she got closer she recognized that blond hair of his. Smiling from ear to ear she started to run towards him. "Carter! I knew that was you I heard calling for someone," she said. Once she reached him she gave him a hug and a kiss. She was always so happy when she got to see him. Especially now that she wasn't bound to Destiny anymore.

"So who is this Marco person you are looking for?" she asked. She didn't recognize that name as any of the students that went to school there. The only one she knew with a name that even sounded like that was Mean Lawson, although his name was Marcus, not Marco. Besides, she didn't think Carter would be disrespectful and call out to a Professor by their first name. No, Marco had to be a student.

Carter smiled as Marie approached him. He hugged and kissed her back. He then laughed. "It's a muggle game." he said. "You play it while swimming. Someone is 'it' and they close their eyes and shout 'Marco' while everyone else shouts 'Polo' and that person tries to tag everyone based on where they are calling from." he explained.

"And now sometimes when people are looking for someone they'll shout 'Marco' and the other person would shout 'Polo' so they can find each other." he said.

Marie laughed when Carter explained what Marco meant. "Well in that case, Polo," she said just assuming she was the one he was looking for. "You found me." She gave him another hug. "It feels so nice to hug you without having that stupid rope on my arm and not having Destiny nagging at me all the time about what I am doing?"she said.

"So, what have you been up to lately? I haven't seen you in a couple of days." Standing there with him now she realized just how much she had been missing him. So much that she didn't want to let him go right now, she just wanted to hold him forever... Or at least while they wree standing there.

Carter laughed. "Does that mean we can play this game all the time?" he asked about the Marco - Polo thing. It could be their little joke.

He hugged her back. "Yeah. I know what you mean. It's so good not to have to worry about rope burn." Because he did worry about that.

"Just been busy with Quill interviews." he said. "We only have two left to do. Then write out articles and then we're done until we get scores to add." he explained. They were probably the group farthest along.

"What about you? What have you been up to?"