Songs: Carmen by Lana Del Rey and Formula by Labrinth.

Louis found Harry right where the boy said he'd be, in the Library. It had taken him a good ten minutes to search the large, museum-like room until he saw a mess of curly hair peaking above one of the smaller bookshelves. He was sat in front of a computer, again, like he had said. Though there was no mystery assignment displayed on the screen.

He furrowed his brows and crept his way around the bookshelf as quietly as he could, stopping right behind Harry. He smirked slightly as his hands drew out to scare him, but he was stopped before he could.

"I thought I told you to stay in our room" Harry said with a bored tone, not even turning around to face the speechless boy.

"How the hell did you know I was there?" Louis huffed as he took a seat next to him, slumping into the chair with a pout resting on his lips.

"I saw your reflection on the computer screen" Harry replied somewhat smugly. "You'd be no good as a spy"

Louis scoffed, "I'll have you know I'd make a great spy!" Harry gave him a pointed look, his head tilted to the side. "Okay- I'd make a great spy in a reflection-less room"

"You wouldn't get many jobs then" Harry grinned. "Double-o-no-reflection"

Louis lips turned down and he nodded, slightly impressed. "Like the James Bond reference there. I didn't think you had much wit due to your slow brain"

"Slow speech actually. I can think just fine" Harry corrected him. "Anyway, why are you here?"

Louis shrugged and leant back in his chair. "To see if you're alright of course. Why else?"

"I told you I was fine" Harry mumbled.

"Yeah, and fine is the definition of 'I'm not really fine, I'm sad, please cheer me up or I might cry'" Louis quipped, over exaggerating his words. "You don't fool me styles"

"Okay, I'm great then. Marvellous, splendid, superb, ecstatic, delighted, overjoyed, elated-"

"Alright alright, someone's been reading the dictionary" Louis cut him off with an amused smile, "Don't go using too many big words, you'll run out of them" 

"Well if you wouldn't take fine for an answer then I had to give you some options" he smirked, "A simple 'fine' apparently won't do these days"

"You're right, it won't. And all them bullshit words you just spewed out won't either" Louis looked at him knowingly. "Care to explain? Seeming as you're clearly not busy with your 'assignment'"

"There's nothing to explain"

"There's lots to explain"

Harry sighed and rubbed his forehead, "I don't want to talk about it- it's a touchy subject"

"I just don't get it" Louis paused to gather his thoughts, he didn't want to end up saying something he'd regret. "I mean, I don't want to rush you into telling me anything you're not comfortable with, I understand. But I don't see how money can be any worse than what you've already told me"

"It's not that it's worse. It's not nearly as bad. I don't know, I guess I just don't want to explain the whole story just yet, I've already told you a lot" Harry replied, fumbling with his words.

"Do you not trust me?" Louis asked curiously.

"What? No-" Harry furrowed his brows, "Not no as in I don't- I just" he let out a frustrated groan. "You've only just recently started being nice to me, and I'm kind of hoping it's not just because you pity my sob story" he adverted his eyes with embarrassment. "I want you to like me for who I am. Not just because you can relate or feel sympathetic. It makes me feel like a fucking charity case"

Louis' features softened and he stayed silent, unable to think of the right thing to say. He wondered how long Harry had felt like this. Was it right from the beginning? Right after he told his story? Was it later on? He didn't know. But he felt like an absolute prick for not realising it.

He understood why he felt that way though. It was true, Louis only decided to go easy on him after he found out about his past. He had felt bad. He did feel as though he could relate to him. But he didn't mean for it to come off that way- and now he didn't know how to make it seem any different.

"I'm sorry" Louis finally replied. "I Uh, I get why you feel like that, but it was never my intention. I guess I just couldn't really bring myself to take the piss out of you after hearing about what happened. And I know it seems like a shitty reason for me being nice, but it's better than arguing, isn't it?"

"So I'm right then?" He looked hurt. He looked like he was pleading for Louis to tell him he was wrong. "You're only being nice to me because I'm some kind of fucking orphan?"

"No!" Louis raised his voice slightly before realising they were still in fact in a library. "I mean- kind of, at first" Harry looked away with a shake of his head. "But I've grown to like it, not arguing" he admitted sheepishly.

Harry let out a short, bitter laugh. "What a compliment. You tolerate me because you're afraid I'll break down if you continue to be mean"

"What? No, I never said that" Louis tugged at his shirt a few times until Harry looked back at him. "Look, I know I'm shit at explaining things, I don't do well with this kind of stuff. But think about it. I've never told anyone what happened to my mother, you're the first person I've spoken to about it in at least two years and it's a big deal for me to open up. Why would I do that if I only 'tolerated' you?"

Harry bit at the inside of his lip for a moment. Louis was watching him expectantly, waiting for an answer, and he felt a chill from the gaze upon him. "I'm sorry. I get a bit- sensitive, around this time of the year" he said quietly. "I just didn't want to make a fool out of myself for thinking you could like me for something other than my past"

"Do other people treat you that way?"

"Kind of, but not exactly. Ever since it happened, anyone who knew about it acted like they were constantly walking on egg shells around me. Like they were too afraid to even have banter with me because they thought I couldn't take a joke- because I was depressed or something. It makes me feel odd. Like a kid amongst adults. I just didn't want you to treat me the same way" Harry explained with a small frown.

Louis hummed, "I can't say I understand. With me it was the complete opposite, everyone just went about life as normal after it happened. Like she never even existed in the first place. Rather than people being hesitant around me, it was almost like they were more confident- firm? Probably because they knew my mother wasn't there to tell them off anymore"

Harry's brows pinched together, "That's a strange way to go about someone's death"

"You're telling me" Louis released a deep breath. "So, you good now? Or is there anything else"

"I feel kind of bad for snapping at Zayn" Harry replied with a blush. "It wasn't his fault- he didn't know"

Louis rolled his eyes playfully, "He'll get over it. Zayn isn't one to hold grudges, I bet he's already forgotten"

Harry smiled, "Good. I don't want your mates to hate me. I'm sure that if Zayn had an issue Liam would too"

"Yeah, they are good friends" Louis agreed.

Harry let out a chuckle, "I'm betting they'll be more than that soon if Zayn's google search had anything to say about it"

"What?"

"It's quite obvious that was about Liam. It's why he got so defensive over it. They like each other" Harry smirked, watching as Louis stared at him in disbelief.

"Wait- I was only joking about them dating" Louis leaned forward, "I thought they were just really close friends or something"

"I mean they are right now" Harry laughed, "I'm just saying they've definitely got chemistry. I wouldn't be surprised if they did become something more"

"But- I thought they were straight?" Louis replied, looking utterly bewildered. "They've never let on that they might like guys"

"You can't just assume people are straight Louis. They could still be confused about it, who knows" He shrugged, "They could be a thing already. Maybe they're just not telling anyone"

"No" Louis shook his head with a grin. "They blush like school girls whenever you mention anything about their bond-" he paused and his eyes widened. "Shit. You might be right"

"I usually am about stuff like this" Harry smiled smugly as his eyes drifted off somewhere behind Louis, his smile fell. "Since when were you two friends?"

Louis whipped his head around to see Eleanor stood with another boy- Nick Grimshaw was it? The one Harry sometimes hung out with? He was staring at Harry with this wide smile on his face and his hair was in the highest quiff Louis had ever seen. It looked ridiculous.

"We've hung out a few times. Eleanors a top girl" Nick replied, his arm tightly secured with hers.

"Yeah, I'm sure she is" Harry replied shortly.

"I'm so excited for the Halloween party tomorrow" Eleanor said giddily, bouncing on her feet. "What're you guys going as?"

"A ninja. Zayn wanted us to match" Louis answered. "Harry's costume is miles better though, he's going as-"

Harry's hand shot out to cover Louis' mouth before he could continue. He held it there firmly whilst Louis struggled to back away from him, "It's a surprise" he gave Louis a warning look before removing his hand. "Louis needs to keep his mouth shut"

"Even I can't know?" Nick pouted, shifting closer to Harry. "Come on Haz, I'm one of your closest mates" he placed a hand on his bicep, his tone almost whiney.

Louis furrowed his brows as he eyed the tightly secured hand. "If he says it's a surprise then it will be one. You'll just have to be patient won't you" he said, flicking his eyes over to Harry who seemed to be repressing a smile.

Nick looked at him for a moment with narrowed eyes before letting out a hesitant laugh. "And why does Tomlinson get to know? I thought you hated him?"

Louis adverted his eyes with irritation clear on his face. Eleanor watched on awkwardly as Harry rolled his eyes and removed Nicks hand from his arm, "I've never said that" he mumbled.

Nick scoffed, "You don't have to. The amount of times you've come running to me complaining about how rude, obnoxious and mean he is is enough to show you don't like him"

"Nick just leave it, what does it matter to you if they're friends or not?" Eleanor finally stepped in, trying to pull Nick away by the hem of his t-shirt.

"What? It's only the truth" Nick replied ignorantly, slapping her hand away lightly. "I don't get why they're acting like best buds all of a sudden"

"What's it to you Grimshit?" Louis asked, fed up of his attitude.

"Louis" Harry widened his eyes but a grin was tugging at his lips, he couldn't help but find it funny, even though he did consider Nick a friend.

"Oh how mature" Nick sneered, shooting him a nasty look.

"Hm, I think the name rather suits you"

"Can you guys leave it? This is fucking pathetic" Eleanor sighed, "Anyway, I'm sure Harry's costume will be amazing" She changed the subject quickly, trying to distract them. "The girls and I are going as Ariana Grande style bunnies"

"How original" Harry whispered lowly, so quiet that Louis almost missed it. Eleanor continued to ramble on about her costume, unaware of what had been said, while Nick spurred her on like some kind of fashion enthusiast- it didn't quite match his pink polo shirt and grey-ish-green jeans.

Harry looked up a moment later, surprised to find Louis already looking at him with a confused expression. One eyebrow raised as he nodded slightly in Eleanors direction. Harry only raised his shoulders in return.

"Oh! Harry i forgot to ask, but would you want to get lunch with me on Saturday? I've been dying to try out this new Italian place but I have nobody to go with" Nick suddenly asked, his hands returning to Harry's arms.

"Uh-" Harry trailed off, briefly looking between Eleanor and Louis. "Sure, I guess" he looked back up at Nick who had a bright smile on his face. "I mean, if I'm not doing anything"

"Great! I'll message you the details" Nick replied, waving his phone in the air.

Eleanor smirked before leaning down towards Louis, her head besides his own. "I don't think Harry realises he just agreed to a date" she whispered with an amused tone as Nick seemed to be listing every item on the menu.

"A date?" Louis said questioningly, "Nicks gay?"

Eleanor let out a breathy laugh, "You couldn't tell? I thought it was obvious. He's got quite the crush on Harry"

"He likes Harry?" Louis asked dumbly.

"Duh" Eleanor dragged the word out with a roll of her eyes. "I have to hear about it every second. 'Oh Harry's hair is so curly, I want to run my fingers through it' 'Harry's lips are so kissable' 'I could stare into his eyes all day'. Not to mention the comments about his body- you don't even want to hear them"

"Bit weird to talk about his body isn't it?" Louis scoffed, watching as Harry clutched his stomach, laughing at something Nick had said.

"He's not wrong though. He does have a nice figure"

"You've never even seen it" Louis brushed Eleanor away so she wouldn't be so close to his ear.

"And you have?" Eleanor quipped.

"In the changing rooms" Louis shrugged. "Don't you and Grimshit have somewhere to be? Or are you planning on hovering over us the whole day?"

Eleanor let out an over exaggerated gasp, "Trying to get rid of me already?" She asked.

"Well of course. Your presence gets annoying after so long" Louis said with a smirk.

She huffed and flipped her hair before pulling Nick away from Harry, "Come on, we're not wanted here" she said dramatically.

"What?" Nick asked, stumbling as Eleanor pulled at his arm. "I was talking to-"

"Not anymore" She cut him off. "Bye Harry, have fun with this annoying prick" she ruffled Louis hair as she passed around the back of his chair.

Louis frowned and moved his hair back into place quickly, "Bitch" he muttered half heartedly. He noticed Harry laughing quietly, his hand covering his mouth as his shoulders bopped up and down, "Yeah yeah, laugh it up styles"

"Oh I will" Harry replied with a cheeky smile, "Your hairs still sticking up by the way"

"No it not" Louis denied, his hands flying back to his head to pat down his hair.

"Yes it is" Harry chuckled as he moved closer, "Come here"

"I've got it" Louis pushed his hands away, his feet coming up to the edge of Harry's chair as if it would move him backwards.

"No you don't" Harry moved forwards again, "Stop being stubborn. Do you want messed up hair all day?"

Louis sighed and dropped his hands down, "No" he said with a pout.

"That's what I thought" Harry smirked as he ran his fingers through Louis' hair, smoothing it down around the back until it looked like I had moments before- a tousled, feathery nest. "How do you manage to keep your hair so soft if you use that shitty two in one shampoo and conditioner?" He asked curiously as he removed his hands.

"You'll laugh" Louis blushed with a shake of his head.

"No I won't. Have you seen the amount of products I own? It can't get any more lavish than that"

"Yes but you have to maintain that curly hair of yours. I use shit I don't even need"

"Just tell me" Harry pleaded, "Whatever it is it's clearly working wonders"

"Fine" Louis groaned, dragging out the word. "It's this dead expensive hair mask that claims to give you hair worthy of rapunzel" He rolled his eyes as he made a quoting gesture with his fingers. "It's all bullshit if you ask me. Just a marketing strategy"

Harry chuckled, "Most brands do have a tendency to dramatise their benefits. I still haven't found a damn shampoo that will actually tame the frizz in my hair. Nothing fucking works"

"It's not frizzy now" Louis pointed out.

"There's good days and bad days. It's usually worse when it's raining, doesn't hold up well in water" Harry replied, unconsciously swiping a hand through his own hair.

Louis hummed with acknowledgment. He noticed behind Harry were a few men walking through the library carrying various decorations from lights to fake cob webs, a huge speaker and a few pumpkins. "Looks like they've started decorating for the party" he pointed at the men and Harry turned around.

"Jeez. It's a bit much isn't it?" Harry turned back around with wide eyes. "I expected just a bit of music, food, some dumb games and dancing"

"Same. I'm not complaining though. It'll probably be the best thing we get until Christmas"

"Not even that. We go back home for Christmas" Harry reminded him. "Besides, before that we have bonfire night"

"Oh. I don't usually do anything for that" Louis said as he picked at his nails. He wondered if his mood dampened just at the thought of it then how must Harry feel?

"Me neither" Harry said quietly, "Then again, I've only ever been with Gemma around that time. It could be different here" he added positively, always one to look on the brighter side of things.

Louis gave him a small smile, "Hm, maybe. Perhaps the school will organise something for it"

"Probably" Harry agreed, "Whatever it is we could go together- or, with the lads?" He asked hesitantly, a slight rosy colour brushing his cheeks.

Louis quirked a brow, "I thought you'd want to go with Nick"

Harry rolled his eyes and his head lolled back, a deep sigh escaping his lips. "Nicks too clingy" he looked back at Louis. "I mean, he's nice. A good friend, but he's just a bit- forward?"

"Desperate, you mean" Louis replied with a smirk.

"Don't be a dick" Harry scolded him with an almost childlike voice.

"It's the truth" Louis said bluntly, "He was trying way too hard to impress. He was clinging to you like a fucking toddler"

"He's just-"

"You can't deny it" Louis chuckled, cutting him off. "You know I'm right"

Harry paused for a moment, biting at the inside of his lip. "Niall reckons he likes me"

"Eleanor does too" Louis said as he stretched his arms out, "You realise that dinner proposal was a date, right?"

Harry furrowed his brows, "No- he, I thought it was just a friendly invitation"

"Clearly not. Are you still going to go?" Louis asked as he toyed with his hands, cracking his knuckles.

"I've already accepted. I can't really back out now" Harry shrugged.

"You can do what you want. Don't be scared to hurt his feelings when he didn't make his intentions clear enough"

"Italian does sound good though" Harry said with a tilt to his head, as if contemplating it. "I can always tell him I'm not interested in him, you know, in that way"

"Do that then" Louis said as he stood up, pulling down the hem of his hoodie. "You coming? I think the lads are still in our room. God knows what they're getting up to"

"I forgot about them" Harry stood up, "But yeah, sure" he smiled, and the two made their way back to their room.

————————

The day of the Halloween party, October 31st, was hectic.

Students were granted a day without classes in order to prepare, and they sure as hell took advantage of it.

Both Louis and Harry were woken up at an ungodly hour in the morning from the loud noises emitting from the hallway. It was strange for Louis, not hearing Harry's soothing meditation music first thing when he woke up, and for once in comparison to the loud chatter and clashes outside, he yearned for that calming song.

They both sat up in their beds across the room from one another in similar states; messy hair, shirtless and groggy as they wiped the sleep from their eyes. The only difference though, was the confused look on Harry's face and the scowl across Louis', wondering what the hell all the noise was about.

"Who the fuck wakes up at this time just to prepare for a party?" Louis said, his tone thick with sleep and scratchy in his throat.

"It's nearly ten Louis. I usually wake up earlier than this" Harry replied with his deep, morning drawl, already throwing the covers off his body to start the day.

"Then why didn't you?" Louis asked with a roll of his eyes, watching as Harry pulled on a t-shirt and set about getting ready.

"Because we don't have classes today. I only wake up early if I need to" Harry shrugged, glancing over at Louis who was clutching his duvet as if he never wanted to leave his bed.

Louis hummed, falling onto his back with a deep sigh, "Fair enough" he muttered, sinking into the plush mattress with a lazy smile on his face.

"Happy Halloween" Harry said as he walked past Louis' bed towards the bathroom, a fresh tube of toothpaste in his hand.

"You too" Louis replied with a yawn before closing his eyes, falling back into a peaceful sleep.

He wasn't sure how long he had fallen back asleep for, but he was rudely awoken with a pillow smacked across his head that startled him to consciousness. He opened his eyes with a groan and saw Harry, the culprit, standing over him with a devilish grin on his face. "What the fuck was that for?"

"You, being lazy" Harry replied nonchalantly, whacking him once more with the pillow. "Get your arse up and come for breakfast with me" he demanded, tugging the covers away from a whining Louis and dropping them to the floor.

"I'm cold" Louis pouted, curling in on himself as the cold air brushed against his skin causing goosebumps to erupt all over.

"Get dressed then" Harry tugged on his arm and Louis slid like a rag doll to the edge of the bed. "Then you won't be cold"

"Or, you can give me back the covers and leave me in bed for another hour. Then I won't be cold" Louis replied cheekily, eyeing the duvet that was lying across the floor.

"Louis. Get the fuck up already" Harry sighed and rubbed a hand across his forehead.

"No" Louis said stubbornly. "I haven't had my morning cuppa yet, and I don't see you bringing me one in bed"

"You can have a cuppa at breakfast if you would just get out this damn bed" Harry tapped his foot impatiently, sighing again when he had no response and no movement from Louis. He looked around the room until his eyes settled on something shiny, and rather expensive, on Louis' dresser. He grinned and grabbed it. "If you don't get out of bed right now I'm throwing your Rolex out the window"

Louis' eyes shot open to see Harry making his way over to the window, in his hand was one of his most prized possessions. A 30 thousand pound Rolex watch with real diamonds embedded into it. It had been a birthday gift from his father last year, and he knew not only would he be devastated if it broke, but his father would kill him too.

Louis scrambled up into a seated position on the bed, watching Harry with wide eyes and a slack jaw as he opened the window. "Harry don't you fucking dare!" He warned, clenching the fitted sheet of his bed with white knuckles.

"Get out of bed then" Harry smirked, the Rolex dangling from one finger as he teased it near the window. It looked as if it could fall any second; thirty grand out the window.

"Alright alright, fine!" Louis shot out of bed, ignoring the chill of the room as his heart beat frantically in his chest. "Get it away from that fucking window already! Do you even know how expensive that watch is?"

Harry stepped away from the window, causing Louis to let out a sigh of relief, and he palmed the Rolex in his hand, inspecting it curiously. "Between 30 to 35 grand?" He questioned, quirking one eyebrow.

Louis walked over at a quick pace and tried to take the watch back, only Harry moved it out the way. "Give it back" Louis ordered, glaring at Harry who only grinned in return.

"Am I right?" Harry asked, taking another look at the watch. "My god father is somewhat of a Rolex enthusiast. He's got about three of them"

Louis' brows pinched together and an idea struck him. "So that's where you get all your money from? Your godparents are rich?"

Harry shook his head, "No, I have my own money. They do buy me things here and there though" he handed back the watch carefully, and Louis cradled it like an injured bird. "It makes me feel bad though. They already do enough for us without spending their money"

Louis walked over to his dresser and set the Rolex back down into it's velvet cushioned box. "It's kind of them though. Least you ended up with people who care" he replied, turning back around to face Harry.

"True" Harry nodded with a smile. "Now, go get ready. I'm fucking starving" he shooed him off towards the bathroom with a wave of his hands.

"You could've just left me here you know. You would've been eating by now" Louis grumbled, dragging his feet as he walked to the bathroom.

"Then you wouldn't have eaten. Knowing you you would've missed breakfast whilst asleep" Harry said with a pointed look, and Louis couldn't disagree.

"Whatever" Louis scoffed, "Why did I have to end up with a room mate who's a morning person? I can't keep up with you"

"It's motivating" Harry replied with a tone that suggested it should be obvious.

"That's strange. I don't feel any sort of motivation from you. No, I feel like I want to go back to fucking bed" Louis quipped from in the bathroom, squeezing some toothpaste onto his toothbrush.

"Well tough, you can't sassy pants" Harry replied with a smug smile.

Louis poked his head through the door with his toothbrush sticking out the side of his mouth and his brows pinched together. "Never call me that again, Harold" he mumbled with a mouth full of tooth paste, catching a drip on his finger that slid from the corner of his lips.

Louis quickly got ready, though he didn't do much really. Just combed through his hair and shoved on some fresh clothes; an over sized sweater and black joggers, paired with his Balenciagas. Harry waited patiently on his bed, his sketch book resting on his lap and a pencil loosely held between long fingers.

When they were ready to go, they certainly weren't prepared for the chaos awaiting them. The usually quiet, empty hallways were like isles you'd find in a shop, Students running up and down with various items clutched to their chests as they shouted at their friends. Doors to dorm rooms were wide open with flurries of random people walking in and out of them either decorating or making final touches to their costumes for later on in the night.

Professor Corden was certainly having a rough time trying to manage his wing of the dormitories. Further down the hallway they could see him shouting at multiple students, "Calm down Laura, I'm sure your cat ears will turn up somewhere" "Peter! Stop running down the hallway" "No Shannon, you can't host pre drinks before the party. Alcohol is forbidden!" They almost felt bad for the man with a red face and panicked eyes, but they couldn't help but laugh all the same.

"Why do we seem to be the only ones not making a big deal out of this?" Louis questioned as they carefully walked into the hallway, dodging the other rushed students. "The party isn't for hours yet anyway"

"Maybe we're more prepared than them" Harry shrugged, not quite sure himself. "Or maybe they're just excited"

"There's nothing to prepare though. It's just a bloody costume and a bit of makeup, it will take two hours tops to get ready" Louis rolled his eyes, huffing as a girl whacked white angel wings in his face accidentally. "They're being dramatic as fuck"

The chaos was present even on the staircase, where teachers were running around shouting orders at workers who frantically tried to heave heavy boxes of equipment up and down the steps. The ground floor had already been decorated, with fake cobwebs strung across the ceiling and lit pumpkins dotted around the rooms. Statues of famous Halloween characters were placed randomly around the school and some even moved upon detection of other people passing by; it sure scared a few students.

As they walked past the main hall where the party would be held, Harry and Louis peered through the glass panels of the doors to see even more workers setting up the room. Speakers had already been installed at the front and in the corners, the chairs had been removed to clear space for what they assumed would be a dance floor, and LED lights were being attached high up on the walls by men and women on dangerously high step ladders.

Louis still didn't see the point in it. Why all this work for just one night? It would all be taken down again by tomorrow and Halloween will be forgotten about until next year. He thought it was a bit much, though he couldn't deny the feeling of excitement bubbling away in his stomach, he knew it was going to be great.

They finally made it to the dining room where they found Niall, Liam and Zayn sat at a table eating breakfast. They joined them with a few hi's and good mornings's before filling their plates with toast, eggs and bacon. The dining room was far less busy than usual, with only a few tables occupied and the catering staff working up front. It seemed that most were so excited for the party that they didn't care for their 'most important meal of the day'.

"Everyone's acting a bit mad today aren't they" Zayn said absentmindedly as he ate his cereal, earning a few hums of agreement.

"There's literally no need for it. The party is hours away" Louis scoffed, pushing some bacon onto his fork with his knife.

"I'm still excited though" Niall replied giddily, his usual, wide smile plastered onto his face. "Could I come get ready with you two? My room mate is doing pre drinks with his mates, maybe we could do the same? I've got alcohol"

"Of course you have" Harry shook his head in amusement. "But yeah, sure. You're fine with it aren't you?" He asked Louis.

"Yeah it's fine. Just as long as you don't hog the bathroom like Harry does" Louis said to Niall with a pointed look.

"Niall takes about two minutes to get ready. He doesn't care" Harry said with a chuckle.

"It's true. I'm a simple man!" Niall grinned.

"Boy, more like" Louis smirked.

"Hey, I am extremely manly thank you very much" Niall quipped, his chin pointing up at him.

"You've got a baby face Niall. You're no where near being manly"

"We're all sixteen Louis. None of us look manly, including you" Liam pointed out smugly.

"I'm manly" Louis muttered with an angry frown. "Harry's definitely not" he added with a small grin.

"Hey!" Harry shoved him slightly, "Why bring me into it?"

"You're an easy target" Louis replied, smirking.

The rest of breakfast was rather quiet, boring, like it usually was and they finished up quickly. With no classes and not much to do, and everyone else being so preoccupied with the party arrangements, the lads decided to chill out for the rest of the day until it was time to get ready. For a while they hung out in the common room, playing games and seeing how many items they could get out the vending machine the quickest, but soon enough the other students ranting about the party and their costumes began to irritate them so they took their business to Louis and Harry's dorm room.

In there they listened to music on Harry's record player, which Zayn was enamoured by, and discussed their favourite artists and who they had seen in concert. Zayn and Louis had a similar taste in indie music, Harry preferred rock, Niall's taste verged on the country side whilst Liam enjoyed pop and R&B. They were all still too shy to sing in front of one another, even though they knew eventually they would have to in their music class.

Niall checked the time on his phone, 6pm, and his eyes widened as he leapt from the bed. "I'm gonna go get my costume, it's already 6!" He said as he rushed to the door.

"It doesn't start until 8 Niall" Louis replied with furrowed brows.

"Pre drinks!" He exclaimed with a 'duh' tone. "We can get ready then drink for a bit before the party" he swung open the door and left without stopping to hear the response.

Liam and Zayn stood up in a silent agreement, "We're gonna head out too, might as well start getting ready. Meet you back here yeah?" Liam said as they walked to the door.

"Sure" Harry replied with a wave and the two left the room. He glanced at Louis, "Just me and you then"

"Guess so" Louis said as he jumped off the bed, "I wasn't planning on getting ready now but I might as well. Everyone else seems to think we need two hours"

"I might actually. Them wings are going to be a nightmare to put on" Harry rolled his eyes and walked over to the mannequin. "I don't even know where to start"

"A shower would be best. Your curls are looking quite greasy today" Louis teased, his lips pursing with a smile as he eyed Harry's hair.

"They are not!" Harry denied, briefly looking in the mirror as he ran a hand through his hair. "It's just- shiny?"

Louis stepped forward silently and tugged on a strand of his hair. His eyes flicked down to Harry's and he gave him a fake smile, "Harry. Go for a shower"

"I-" He closed his mouth and turned around reluctantly, "Fine" he mumbled as he disappeared into the bathroom.

Louis shook his head to himself in amusement as he turned to face Harry's costume. He stared at it for a moment with the same awe struck expression he had made the first time he witnessed those magnificent wings and the detailed, lace tailoring of the tux. He almost couldn't wait to see Harry wearing it. He was sure the boy would bring the image in his head to life once he saw the costume on an actual person; not a faceless mannequin that did it no favours. It sure did put his costume to shame.

"Where's Harry?" Niall suddenly asked from the doorway, causing Louis to jump; startled from the breach in the silence of the room.

"Don't scare me like that" Louis scolded him, and Niall put his hands up in defence. "He's taking a shower"

"And you said I'd hog the bathroom" Niall scoffed as he threw his costume and a bag down on Harry's bed. He quickly unzipped the bag and took out two bottles: the Vodka from the previous day, and Coca Cola. "The straight vodka didn't go down too well last time, I thought you'd enjoy it more if it was mixed"

Louis walked over and took the bottles in his hands, "We're actually drinking?" He raised a brow.

"Obviously" Niall grinned, taking a few plastic cups from his bag and handing one to Louis once the boy had put the bottles down. "Not too much though. We can't show up drunk right away or we'll definitely get caught. Plus, third years are bringing alcohol to the party and I wouldn't want you over doing it"

"Who says I would over do it?" Louis asked defensively, "I didn't want to drink in the first place"

"What I mean is you probably can't handle a lot yet. You barely drink so I wouldn't doubt you throwing up at the end of the night" Niall clarified, pouring some of the vodka into Louis' cup, followed by the cola. "Same goes for Harry. I've seen him take more than he can handle and I'm telling you now, it's not pretty"

Louis peered into his drink before taking a whiff, cringing at the strong smell. "I don't see Harry as being the type to drink"

"That's where you're wrong" Niall chuckled, pouring his own drink. "Harry used to have a habit of drinking way more than he should've. It's probably why Gemmas sees me as a bad influence" he took of gulp of his drink as if it were nothing, "Don't get me wrong, she thinks I'm a great friend to him. But I usually am the one he gets his drinks from"

"You are a bad influence" Louis smirked, "First Harry, now me" he gestured to his drink. "I know you're Irish, but you don't need to get us all sent to rehab for alcoholism"

"I would do no such thing!" Niall gasped with mock shock, "Your accusations are ridiculous Mr.Tomlinson"

"God, I haven't heard anyone call me that in ages. It used to be the only thing I'd get called" Louis furrowed his brows and took a hesitant sip of his drink. He pulled the cup away with a frown, Niall certainly wasn't helping himself prove the 'accusations were ridiculous'.

"It's too formal anyway, if I were you I'd be glad nobody called me that anymore. Tommo suits you better" Niall shrugged. "Drink up! You should be at least a little tipsy for a party"

"And I thought you said you weren't trying to turn us into alcoholics" Louis quipped, sighing as he drank a little more.

By the time Harry finished in the shower, Louis was starting to slightly feel the affects of the alcohol after Niall had made him finish two and a half cups- though not nearly as many as he was chugging down. His stomach felt warm and his mind a little slower; hazy. It buzzed through him and elevated his emotions as if it were the happiest day of his life.

Niall was right. You're not used to alcohol.

He wasn't sure how much of the vodka Niall had been putting in his drink, or what percentage it was, but he knew it was enough to make him let loose for once. His speech was currently fine, he wasn't stumbling over like Harry would on a normal occurrence and he was still coherent; it just felt like everything was a little lighter.

"Already drinking?" Harry commented as he walked into the room with nothing but a towel around his waist. He walked over to his wardrobe and pulled out a pair of black Calvin Klein boxers. "How many have you given him?"

"Oh only like three" Niall waved him off, "He's fine"

Harry quirked a brow in Louis direction and stared at him expectantly. Louis rolled his eyes, "I am fine. It hasn't really hit me yet and I haven't drank that much" he said reassuringly.

"Good. Can't have you shitfaced before the party has even begun" Harry replied as he walked back into the bathroom to put on his boxers. He came back out a moment later, his hair still wet as he grabbed the two bottles and prepared his drink.

"From what Niall's told me it seems like you'd be the one to get shitfaced before the party" Louis said smugly, watching as Harry downed some of the drink.

Harry groaned and looked at Niall with a frown. "What have you told him?"

"Nothing much" Niall replied nonchalantly, sipping on his fourth drink that was almost empty. "Just that you used to drink a lot"

"Niall" Harry groaned again, covering his face with his hand.

"What? It's not some dirty secret. I drink way more than you"

"That's not the point"

"Who the fuck drinks loads at sixteen anyway? Or- in your case even younger" Louis flicked his eyes between the two.

"Louis mate, we live in the uk. Most people drink before they're fourteen" Niall replied with a laugh. He wasn't completely serious, not everyone in the uk drank at an early age, but there was definitely some truth in the statement.

"I didn't" Louis mumbled.

"Yes because your father is strict. I can't imagine him letting you drink underage" Harry replied, finishing off his drink. "When are you guys gonna start getting ready?"

"I'm going for a shower now, if that's alright?" Niall asked, setting his drink down on Harry's bedside table.

"Sure" Harry nodded, and Niall smiled before skipping off into the bathroom. Harry turned to Louis and gestured at his costume. "You might need to help me get the wings on"

"You might want to put some clothes on first" Louis grinned, he was still stood there in his boxers.

"Oh, yeah" Harry looked down at himself with widened eyes before he rushed over to the mannequin and carefully began to take the garments off, laying them down neatly on his bed. He began with the tailored trousers, pulling them up his legs like a second layer of skin that hugged his thighs nicely and accentuated his waist. He then shrugged on the lace, mesh shirt that left little to the imagination, doing up the small buttons one by one, finishing at the collar that covered half his neck and from that were the tufts of black chiffon that cascaded in ruffles like a tie. Lastly, excluding the shoes, wings and accessories, he put on his black, velvet detailed blazer.

"What do you think?" Harry asked Louis, turning around to give him a 360 view of his outfit. "I was kind of worried the shirt was a bit too revealing"

"It looks great" Louis stood up, eyeing the outfit. "The shirt is fine. You need the wings though, that'll pull it all together" he walked over to the mannequin and grazed his fingers along the feathered wings. "You take it off, I don't want to break them"

"If anyone will break them it'll be me" Harry chuckled but did as he was told, carefully removing the delicate wings from the shoulders of the mannequin. His brows pinched together as he looked at the straps, "I think they just strap on around my shoulders or something. Becca didn't really explain how to put them on"

"We'll figure it out" Louis replied as he took the wings from Harry, he was surprised by how heavy they were. "Turn around"

Harry turned and faced the mirror, watching as Louis fiddled with the straps behind him. Louis gestured for him to put his arm out so he could slide the strap up to his shoulder before they did the same with his other. Once positioned correctly, he tightened the straps by the silver buckle so that they were secure and wiggled the wings slightly to test their stability. "I think that's right, right?" Louis questioned, circling him to get different angles on the wings.

"I think so" Harry agreed, his eyes fixed on himself in the mirror. It looked better than he had ever anticipated, with the wings soaring high above his head and swooping back down to his knees; he looked both angelic and evil. "Just need the finishing touches now"

"Need anymore help?"

"No it's fine. You need to get ready" Harry dismissed, "Are you waiting on the bathroom?"

"Nah, I had a shower last night so I'm good" Louis walked over to his bed where he had left his costume. "Just need to change, do my hair, wash my face and then I'm sorted" he said as he stripped out of his clothes in exchange for his ninja costume. Once he had it on he realised he didn't care if it wasn't as extravagant as Harry's or anyone else's costumes, he was sure his and Zayn's were by far the comfiest. It was like wearing a silk onesie.

"You actually kind of suit looking like a ninja" Harry said with an approving expression just as Niall walked out of the bathroom in a pair of boxers, no shame what's so ever for his lack of clothing.

"Thanks" Louis replied with a smile, looking at himself in the mirror. "You're not so bad yourself for a fallen angel"

For the next half an hour they finished off getting ready. Louis did his hair and wrapped a red and black bandanna around his forehead, his quiff sticking out through the top. His wrists were wrapped in a black material and his hands covered by fingerless gloves. A fake sword was secured in a holster around his waist and his look was completed with knee high black boots.

Before Niall had even begun getting changed he gushed over how good Harry looked for at least ten minutes, ranting about how the suit fit his figure perfectly and the wings would draw attention from everyone at the party. Louis couldn't disagree with what he was saying, though he couldn't help but threaten Niall with his fake sword if he didn't shut up.

After that, Niall finally got changed and the outcome was something that Harry and Louis couldn't help but laugh at. His usual Blonde hair was hidden under a ginger wig that connected to his fake beard that didn't quite match the same colour. Atop of his head was a large, green top hat with a buckle detail. The low quality pants didn't quite fit him and the fabric fell loose and baggy around his legs, making his calves encased in red and white tights look all the more smaller. A tartan print shirt the same colour as his tights laid under a large green coat with golden detailing around the cuffs. To finish off his look, he held a wooden walking stick and a brown pipe dangled from the corner of his mouth, wearing brown, leather dress shoes on his feet. It was safe to say he looked quite ridiculous.

Harry added a few Gucci rings to his fingers and a cross necklace around his neck before finishing his look with his rainbow Gucci dress shoes and quickly fixing his hair. They all agreed to have one last drink before meeting up with Liam and Zayn, and Louis had to force himself to down it in order to catch up with Niall and Harry who drank theirs within a blink of an eye. He regretted his decision immediately as he fell into a coughing fit.

They met up with the lads at the bottom of the main staircase where they could already hear the booming music emitting from the main hall. The school was pretty dark save for the lights in the pumpkins and the LED lights streaming from around the corner, Harry had to be extra careful so he wouldn't hit his wings or fall down any steps.

"Have you lot been drinking already?" Liam asked whilst Louis and Zayn complimented each other's identical outfits as if they looked completely different from one another.

"It's not that obvious is it?" Harry asked. He didn't feel too tipsy, Niall could hold his drink well and Louis was fine other than his unusual bubbly attitude.

"No. I just know Niall would drink at any chance he gets" Liam smirked, his mouth only slightly visible behind his Batman mask. "Pre drinks seems like something right up his street"

"That is correct Payno" Niall grinned, waggling a finger at him. "And I'm ready to go drink even more at this party. Come on"

They made their way around the corner and down the hallway, closer and closer to the pounding music and the vibrant lights. The huge, double door was already wide open and who they assumed were teachers, dressed up as a zombie and a vampire, were waiting by the entry to try scare unsuspecting students. They might have gotten scared hadn't Niall pointed at the teachers and began laughing, assuming they were statues.

They walked inside to find the hall already packed. Teens filled the 'dance floor' having a great time, laughing with one another and dancing incredibly bad to the upbeat music; Louis had to bite back an insulting comment.

They noticed right off the bat the stares they were receiving, and they knew it was partly because of Louis establishing his new group, but mostly because of Harry's costume. Students whispered behind secretive hands as the five of them walked past, pointing at Harry's costume in awe, some perhaps laughing at Niall's; he didn't mind anyhow. Louis couldn't help but bask in the attention, albeit if it wasn't necessarily directed at him.

"Niall! Nice costume lad" An older looking boy stopped them in their tracks, pulling the Irish boy into a brief hug. "And Harry, this costume is sick!" He turned to him and gave him a fist bump. He himself was dressed as a Vampire- it seemed to be a popular choice.

"Thanks Michal" Harry smiled, looking over his shoulder. "Seen Gems anywhere?"

"I was with her a minute ago, not sure where she's ran off to though" He replied, looking around the room. "She'll show up eventually"

"Hey, where's Toby? I need to talk to him" Niall asked, seeming as he was Michal's best friend.

"Not pestering him for alcohol again are you?" Michal asked with a knowing glint in his eyes, though his grin gave away that he didn't care. Niall shrugged sheepishly. "Over by the drinks station. Don't let Gemma find out you lot are drinking, she'll kill me for indulging you"

"You're not the one giving us drinks" Niall said cheekily before he ran off in search of Toby.

"You won't tell her right?" Harry asked with a faint blush and a hopeful voice.

"Course not. Didn't I just say she would kill me?" Michal laughed, patting Harry on the shoulder. "Just don't get too hammered"

Harry groaned and brushed his hand away, "Don't treat me like a kid"

"You are one" Michal chuckled before his eyes landed on Louis, "Oh! You're the one who got lost on the first day aren't you? Gemma helped you out. Louis Tomlinson?"

Louis rolled his eyes, "Yeah. I wasn't lost though"

"He was" Michal whispered not so subtly to Harry who bit back his laughter, earning a slight jab to the ribs from Louis. "Alright I'm gonna go find Gemma. See you around Haz" he gave them a wave before disappearing into the crowd.

"Who's that?" Zayn asked.

"My sisters boyfriend" Harry pretended to gag, "Joking. He's a nice guy, he treats her well"

"Um, I think Niall's waving us over" Liam pointed towards the drink station where Niall was stood with a group of third year boys, waving at them hysterically.

"Oh god" Louis sighed as they made their way over to them. He had no clue who any of the boys were, and from the looks on Liam and Zayn's faces neither did they. Harry probably had an idea, and he was right when the lads all complimented his costume and gave him one armed hugs.

"Ah. Has a Tomlinson come for a sneaky drink?" One of the boys said smugly, causing all eyes to land on him. "I'm Toby, nice to meet you" he held out his hand and Louis took it with a shake.

"I guess so" Louis shrugged, briefly glancing at Niall. "What have you got?"

Toby leaned down and pulled out a bag from under his chair, unzipping it discretely to reveal multiple, clear plastic bottles with hand written labels on the front. "We got vodka, Bacardi, cider, gin, whiskey, sourz and tequila. Take your pick"

"Don't let anyone catch you though. The teachers will know where you've gotten it from" Another boy said, pointing over to a group of teachers on the other side of the hall.

Louis nodded and hesitated, trying to decide. He hadn't even tried half the drinks they mentioned, so he wasn't sure what he would like. "Um, Sourz?" He replied questioningly.

"It's raspberry flavoured, that alright?" Toby asked as he grabbed a plastic cup from the table besides him.

"Yeah" Louis agreed. It sounded nicer than vodka anyway, so he wasn't that bothered.

"Have you ever tried sourz?" Harry whispered  as Toby began to fill a cup for him, his other friends shielding his actions.

"No. I've barely tried any of the options he has" Louis replied, taking the cup from Toby with a quick 'thanks'. He tried to imagine what his father would say if he could see him now, drinking with a bunch of 19 year olds who clearly got up to no good more often than not. Some of the boys even had tattoos which Louis knew his father would never approve of.

"It's nice, a bit strong though because it's a liqueur, so go easy on it" Harry said, watching as Louis took his first sip.

He finally realised why the drink had the title 'sourz'. As soon as it reached his tongue he recoiled with pursed lips and squinted eyes, his taste buds erupting with the sour flavour of the drink. "Jesus Christ" he coughed slightly and ignored the laughter erupting around him. "I didn't think it would actually be sour"

"It gets nicer the more you drink it" Niall replied with an amused smile, taking his own cup of whatever drink he had chosen from Toby.

"I'll have tequila" Harry said, nodding towards the bag.

"You sure your sister would be alright with her little bro drinking in school?" Toby grinned, a teasing lilt to his voice. "She'd skin me alive if she knew I was giving you this" he added as he handed a cup to Harry.

"She won't know about it" Harry shrugged and pressed the cup to his lips, feeling the burn down his throat as he drank.

"Fair enough" Toby replied casually, "What're you lads having then?" He pointed to Liam and Zayn.

Liam went with whisky whilst Zayn chose Bacardi, and soon enough the whole group had drinks in their hands as they chatted away mindlessly, their voices raised slightly over the loud music.

Louis realised quickly just how different his life had become since joining the school. If someone had asked him a few months ago if he ever saw himself at teenage party, even though there was adult supervision, drinking with older lads happily and a group of boys he would now consider his friends, he would've said the idea was ridiculous.

He didn't think his clothing choices would ever change, and he didn't think he would ever drop the posh accent he had been forced to use. He didn't think he would ever have friends his own age, never mind enjoy their company as much as he did. It was so astonishingly different from his life back home that he wasn't sure if he could ever get used to it; and he wasn't sure now if he ever wanted to lose it.

"Oh my god, Louis!" A high pitched voice came from behind them, and when the lads turned around they found a group of girls lead by Eleanor wearing skimpy bunny outfits made from black latex. Louis wondered how they had even gotten away with wearing such a thing. "I've been wondering where you were!"

She was tipsy, verging on drunk, that Louis was sure of. Her speech was slurred and her movements clumsy, hey eyes were unfocused and she was gripping onto Louis' arm in a way she probably wouldn't if she were sober. "Oh. Too bad I wasn't wondering the same for you" he replied sassily, and the lads around him spurred him on with laughs and cheers.

"Hey" She pouted, nearly spilling her drink. "That was mean. I was being nice to you and that was so uncalled for" she said with a whiney tone.

"Yeah? And you're drunk so it's fun to take the piss out of you" Louis replied with an over exaggerated smile, leaning to the side as she put more of her weight on him. "What do you want?"

"Just wanted to talk. What else?" Eleanor said with a giggle. Her eyes widened and she turned around to Sophia who looked equally as drunk. "Look! There's Liam, or 'Fitty Li' as you like to call him" She said to her friend, trying to whisper but failing miserably as Liam groaned and the lads poked fun at him. "Make your move!"

Sophia blushed furiously and she adverted her eyes from the group of boys, mumbling something under her breath with an irritated expression. It was surprising to see her this way, withdrawn and embarrassed. Usually she was all for going after what she wanted, she was loud and bubbly, confident in herself at all times. Louis found it strange that alcohol had reverted this instead of exaggerating it.

"Wait until she finds out Liam doesn't swing that way" Louis whispered to Harry with an amused grin.

Harry lazily smirked, feeling the affects of the alcohol take place. "You can't assume his sexuality, remember" he replied, leaning in close to his ear whilst he watched Liam fidget with his costume. He could only assume that under his mask was an uncomfortable expression.

"You were the one making bets that he and Zayn are already together. It's safe to say if that's the case he's at least bi, or pan. Fuck knows" Louis shrugged as he gestured for Toby to refill his cup.

"He could be unlabelled" Harry added, peering into his half empty cup. He asked for a refill like Louis had a second before. "Guess we'll just have to see what happens"

Louis hummed in agreement, turning to see Sophia grasping Liam's arm with a smile on her face as she looked up at him. Eleanor and the other girls were giving cheeky comments every now and again, asking questions that Liam was obviously hesitant to answer in fear that he would somehow upset the drunk girl clinging onto him.

He felt a hand return to his own arm and Eleanor moved around so that she stood in front of Louis, slightly blocking Harry's view. "So, do you like my costume?" She asked, gesturing to herself with a grin.

He gave her a once over, taking in the tight black latex and sheer tights encasing her legs. Her chest was on full display with a playboy bunny charm necklace laying on her collarbones. Half of her face was covered by her black bunny mask with ears that stood high above her head, her hair tied up in a long, straight pony tail. "Uh, yeah. It's nice" he nodded in approval, "You look good"

"Yeah?" She smiled, adjusting the top hem of her bodysuit. "I've never worn anything like this before. Back home my parents would kill me if I ever went out in something so revealing. They're quite posh"

"It's a bit skimpy isn't it?" Harry butted in, flicking his eyes over the costume. "How have the teachers not said anything?" He added, and Louis assumed it was to try lessen the bite of his first comment.

"I wouldn't say it's skimpy" She furrowed her brows as she looked down at herself, "The teachers don't seem to care. Either that or they haven't noticed yet"

Harry hummed with disinterest as he gulped down some more of his drink. "Where you getting your alcohol from then?" Louis asked, pointing to her cup. "It's pretty obvious you're drunk"

She widened her eyes slightly, "You can tell?" She asked with a slight slur to her voice. "It's supposed to be a secret. Some third year girls gave us them" she said with a giggle.

"Oh. Well it's not like you need to lie to us. We're drinking too" Louis replied, showing her the contents of his drink. "You don't tell and I won't" he smirked.

"Wouldn't dare" She winked, taking a sip of her drink. "You also look good by the way. You're like some sexy ninja" She complimented, her fingers tugging at the collar of his black jacket.

"Thanks. Though I guess you think Zayn looks like a sexy ninja too then?" Louis nodded over at Zayn.

She gave him a brief glance before turning back to Louis, "You look better in it"

Harry finished his drink and coughed as he set his cup down on the table, gaining Louis' attention again. "I'll be back in a minute" he said as he turned away.

Louis stopped him last minute has he pulled him back by the arm, "You okay?" He asked with pinched brows, "Where you going?"

"I'm fine" Harry smiled weakly, "Save me another drink yeah? I'll be back soon" he glanced at Eleanor for a moment before he pulled his arm away and headed for the other side of the hall, dodging his way past dancing students.

Louis sighed but shrugged it off, facing Eleanor once again. "I like Harry's costume too. It's probably one of the best in here" She said, watching Harry's retreating wings.

"Yeah, he designed it himself" Louis agreed, grabbing Harrys cup. "Can you pour Harry another drink?" He handed it to Toby before hesitating with his own. "Might as well do me one whilst you're at it"

Toby nodded, "Same again?"

"Uh, nah. Surprise me" Louis replied boldly. He figured he might not like whatever he was given, but he was starting to like the buzzing feeling of the alcohol he was consuming. He felt quite carefree for once.

"Would you come dance with me?" Eleanor suddenly asked with a hopeful look.

"I don't dance" Louis replied shortly. It was true, he couldn't. But he also didn't see the appeal of dancing with her, much less with a crowd of people.

"Oh don't be boring, have some fun!" She pouted as she pulled on his arm.

"No. I'm waiting on Harry. Saving a drink for him" Louis shrugged her hand off him.

"The lads can save his drink and you'll catch up with him later"

"I'm not going to dance with you. Leave it at that" Louis rolled his eyes at her persistence.

"Fine, I'll dance with Niall" She said, feigning an unbothered look.

"Good luck with his Irish dancing then" He snorted, though she didn't reply. Instead she whispered something in the blondes ear before dragging him off to the dance floor. Louis was surprised he gave in that easy as he happily began to dance with her with a bright smile on his face.

Louis shook his head in amusement and glanced around the room, subconsciously looking for a mop of brown curls. He spotted just that as Harry stood with Filch and a few other teachers. He seemed to be talking animatedly with a frown on his face, gesturing behind himself a few times at something Louis couldn't figure out.

Filch placed a hand on Harry's upper arm consolingly, as if trying to calm him down. But about what? Is all Louis could think. Harry had been in a good mood all day- a great mood actually. And he didn't understand how a party could dampen it. If anything it should elevate his mood, especially with alcohol mixed into the situation.

Oh god. Why was Harry talking to the headmaster whilst drunk?

"Shit" Louis muttered under his breath. He turned to Zayn and held out his cup, "Watch this for me, I'll be back in a minute"

Louis walked as quickly as he could through the crowd of students, mumbling profanities when a few spilt their drinks on his shoes. He reached Harry and hesitated a moment before placing a hand on the small of his back, joining the group with the most charming smile he could muster. "Harry"

Harry stopped whatever he was saying to Filch and looked at Louis with a confused expression, "I said I'd be back in a minute, you said you'd watch my drink"

"That's before I saw who you were talking to" he whispered, earning a frown from professor Filch and a scowl from another teacher. "We need you back over there" he said louder than before.

"What's the rush Louis? You're at a party" Filch asked curiously, eyeing the hand that disappeared behind Harry.

Louis faltered for a moment. He couldn't let on that there was a group of students across the hall drinking multiple alcoholic drinks. "Harry said he'd dance with me" he blurted out without thinking, silently scolding himself.

"I did?" Harry asked dumbly, and he winced when Louis pinched his back just below his wings harshly. "Oh. Yeah I did"

"Yes, you did. I'd like that dance now" Louis said firmly, giving Harry a pointed look. "You don't mind him cutting the conversation short do you?"

"Not at all" Filch waved them off. "I'll sort it soon Harry" he added just as Louis began to walk him away, and Harry gave a brief nod in return.

Louis reluctantly walked onto the dance floor with Harry trailing behind him, he knew if they went back to Toby and his friends it would look suspicious, and he figured one dance wouldn't hurt. "You're so stupid sometimes I swear" he said as he faced Harry who had already began bopping along to the music, Formula by Labrinth had started playing.

"How am I stupid?" Harry asked, slightly shouting over the music. He seemed happy again, excited. Jumping around to the beat of the song with a mischievous grin tugging at his lips.

"Talking to Filch whilst you're clearly drunk. You could've busted all of us" Louis replied, sighing as Harry grabbed his hands and began to sway them around whilst he danced. He didn't want to join in, he hated dancing, and right now with Harry forcing him to he felt like a damn puppet.

"Filch won't care" Harry laughed, pulling Louis towards him with his eyes closed. "Just forget about it. Dance. Live a little"

"Why wouldn't he care? Of course he'd care. He's the fucking headmaster and we're students drinking in school" Louis ignored his comment, refusing to move his feet.

Harry groaned and opened his eyes again, "Louis. Shut the fuck up and stop worrying that pretty little head of yours"

"What?" Louis practically choked out, surprised by what he had said. He let go of Harry's hands in a haste and stepped backwards, only to be shoved forward again by a student behind him. He stumbled against Harry who caught him by the arms and whipped around, "What the fuck?" He spat, glaring at who he hoped was the culprit.

"Sorry! I slipped" A boy replied with his hands up besides his head, a worried expression on his face.

Louis flipped him off before turning to Harry again only to find him laughing. "Funny is it?"

Harry nodded, "Usually I'm the one to fall over" he replied with a breathy laugh.

"I'm surprised you haven't yet. How much have you drank?"

"More than you" Harry smirked, "Where is my drink? You did say you'd watch it"

"Left them with Zayn and Toby. We could get off this dance floor and actually drink them" Louis hinted, moving slightly away from Harry further in the direction of the lads.

"Nope. No you don't" Harry pulled him back, "You wanted a dance so we're dancing"

"I only said that to stop you from getting us all detentions. Maybe even suspended, who knows"

"Well we're here now, on a dance floor, meant for dancing. Dance with me for this song and then we can go drink again" Harry offered persuasively, a small pout on his lips.

"Harry, i can't dance" Louis sighed.

"It's easy. Just jump around a little, move your hands about. Shit like that" Harry did as he was saying, and Louis couldn't help but laugh. He looked ridiculous. "Just follow what I'm doing"

"If I'll look like that I'd rather not" Louis laughed, but he couldn't help but start swaying a little to the beat, bouncing on his toes as he nodded his head.

Harry smiled, "See, you can. It's not hard"

"I bet I look stupid" Louis mumbled as he continued to dance.

"You never look stupid" Harry replied confidently. It seemed the alcohol had given him a boost.

Louis smiled and they continued to dance for the rest of the song. After a while, he felt more comfortable with it, he wasn't as on edge the whole time. But he did wish he was a little more drunk, it would've eased the anxious feeling in the pit of his stomach.

When it came to an end, The two of them were out of breath and a sheen of sweat covered their foreheads. Harry was in a worse condition, but that was expected when he was carrying the heavy weight of his wings on his back whilst Louis was wearing a thin, light weight costume.

"Can we please just go drink now, I've had enough of-"

Louis was interrupted by Harry's random fit of laughter. He was confused, he hadn't said anything funny, and nothing had happened around them that could've caused his joy. That was until he turned around to see Eleanor storming up to them with a frown on her face. She wasn't wearing her costume anymore- no. She and her friends were wearing matching pumpkin costumes. Huge, orange inflatable outfits with green tights and a stalk hat on her head.

"Filch made us change into these awful costumes!" She screeched when she finally reached them, shoving students out of the way with the sides of her costume. "Said they weren't appropriate and that some other students had complained" she grabbed the hat from her head and threw it to the floor. "Fucking prudes"

Louis bit back his own laughter whilst Harry continued next to him, not at all caring for Eleanors presence. He elbowed Harry in the ribs discretely though it did nothing to cease his amusement. "Who complained?" He asked, although he had an inkling in the back of his head.

"No fucking clue" She groaned dramatically, pulling at her costume. "I bet it was Emily. She always is sucking up to the teachers"

"The costumes not that- bad?" Harry replied, but it was clear he wasn't at all sincere. He eyed it with judgement and his grin never left his face.

"Oh fuck off styles" Eleanor grabbed Louis hand and pulled him away. "Prick" she muttered as she directed him towards the drinks, leaving Harry on the dance floor alone.

"I thought you liked Harry?" Louis asked. He assumed her bitter attitude was down to the alcohol, seeming as she usually only ever showed kindness to those around her. It was both funny and concerning to see her acting this way.

"I do. He's just being a dickhead. I don't get why he had to be rude about it" She replied as she downed another drink, wincing afterwards.

"Slow down yeah? Don't want to get too drunk" he took the cup away from her and set it down. "He's drunk himself, I'm sure it was nothing personal"

"Maybe he was the one to snitch on us. He said the outfit was skimpy in the first place and then he disappeared off somewhere"

"I doubt it" Louis said, and he knew he didn't sound convincing. He wouldn't be surprised if Harry was the one who complained about it to Filch. It made sense anyway, he was the only one to talk to the headmaster before their costumes were replaced with pumpkins. "Why them outfits?"

"These are what they give to students who go against dress code. So now we're all fucking pumpkins" She replied, looking over at the other girls who looked just as annoyed as she did. All fussing over their outfits and patting them down as if to try get the air out of them.

"Least it's not as bad as Niall's" Louis shrugged. Again, he wasn't completely honest with his statement though. Even Niall's costume was better than theirs.

"Are you joking?" Eleanor scoffed, "Niall's is fucking incredible compared to this shit! I'm a brighter shade of orange than trump"

Louis couldn't help but chuckle at that. "That's a bold statement"

"But it's a true one" She slumped down on a chair and looked into her empty cup. "Can't I have another drink?"

"No. I don't think Toby would even let you and I'd be surprised if those girls would. You're pissed already" He leant on a chair next to her, looking over at Toby who was sat chatting to Niall, Zayn and Liam.

"I'm not that pissed" She said, but her slur contradicted her statement. She looked back at the crowd and her eyes widened for a second before her lips spread out into a grin. "Looks like Nick has made his move"

"What?" Louis turned around and followed the direction her finger was pointing in. There on the dance floor was Nick, his arms around a drunk Harry's waist as he whispered something in his ear, holding him close to his chest. They were both swaying to the music playing and Harry had one limp arm around Nicks neck, his other in the air pumping up and down.

Fucking creep. Harry's drunk.

"I'm going for a drink" Louis said to Eleanor as he walked over to the lads, ignoring her shouting after him something along the lines of 'hypocrite!'

He grabbed a fresh cup and held it out to Toby, "Can I get Vodka?" He asked, and the lad raised a brow.

"Haven't you had enough?" He asked, though he took the cup from his hand anyway.

"I'm barely drunk" Louis shrugged, glancing towards the dance floor every so often.

"Harry's hammered!" Niall said louder than he probably should've, laughing at his own words. "Look at him and Nick" he pointed towards the pair.

Louis looked again just as everyone else did, and he could've sworn Nick's hand had moved under Harry's blazer. He looked away and took the cup from Toby. "Nick clearly doesn't know his boundaries"

"Are they together or something?" Toby asked with a confused expression, taking in how close the two boys were.

"No. Nick likes Harry though, he's probably trying to make a move on him" Niall replied, apparently too drunk to see the issues with the situation.

"Harry's drunk, Nick shouldn't be trying anything with him whilst he's in that state" Louis said with a snipped tone, drinking some of his vodka. It burned as it slid down his throat and it tasted awful. He wished he hadn't chose it but he decided to ignore his distaste.

"Everyone does shit like this at parties" Liam mumbled with his head leant against Zayn's shoulder, clinging to him like his life depended on it.

"Doesn't make it any less creepy" Louis rolled his eyes, pursing his lips as he continued to watch Harry. He didn't understand why nobody else was reacting in the same way as he was. They all brushed it off as if it was completely normal to grope someone who was as drunk as Harry was, and maybe he was over exaggerating, but he didn't agree with Nicks actions at all.

It was when Harry tried to walk away and Nick pulled him back by his neck that Louis decided to intervene. He set his cup down and left the lads without an explanation, his eyes focused on Nick and Harry as he pushed his way through the crowd. Nobody else was willing to help, nobody else saw an issue with it. Harry clearly didn't want to be there and Louis was the only one who could see that.

Nick seemed to be advancing on Harry as the curly haired boy stumbled backwards towards Louis. Louis gently placed a hand on his shoulder and stepped in front of him with a fake smile. "Is there a problem?"

Nicks grin dropped and a sour expression overcame him, "Not at all. I was just dancing with Haz" he replied. He tried to step around Louis only to be blocked by his frame once again.

"Didn't look that way" Louis looked over his shoulder at Harry, "Is he bothering you?"

Harry only shrugged and leant his forehead against Louis' shoulder, he closed his eyes in hopes to stop the room from spinning but it only made his stomach twist with a sickly feeling. He had told Nick multiple times he needed to go to the bathroom with the emerging need to throw up the alcohol he had been drinking all night but his 'friend' was adamant on him staying.

"See, he's fine. You can go back to Eleanor now, I'm sure she misses you already" Nick said. He looked like he was trying to be nice but his tone suggested different.

"Eleanor can wait" Louis turned around and carefully lifted Harry's head up. He looked out of it and his limbs were heavy. How much has he drank? "Come on, let's get you some water"

"I can take care of him. Nobody asked for your help" Nick sneered, turning Louis to face him again.

"Take care of him?" Louis let out a bitter laugh, "Oh like you were clearly doing that before" he said sarcastically, shrugging Nick away from himself.

"He's only drunk. Half the students in here are. You're just over exaggerating" Nick scoffed.

"Oh, so you do know he's drunk?" Louis tilted his head at him, "Then maybe you should also know not to grope someone who isn't in their right mind" he made sure Harry was capable of standing without support before letting go of him.

"Stop acting like his fucking mum. He's sixteen, not five" Harry frowned at the comment and Louis noticed, only adding to his building frustration. "What's it to you who he hangs out with anyway? You don't even like him, you don't give a shit"

"If I didn't give a shit I would leave him to your creepy antics. If he doesn't want to be with you, which he clearly doesn't, then leave him be"

"Lou. The rooms still spinning" Harry cut in with a dazed expression. He was clutching his stomach and his skin had gone pale. He didn't even realise the nickname had slipped.

"From the way he was acting before it didn't seem like he didn't want to be with me. Just fuck off yeah? He was having fun dancing with me" Nick rolled his eyes and pushed at Louis' side, trying to get to Harry.

Louis roughly shoved his hand away, "Can you not see the fucking state he's in? Just back off already. You're not right in the fucking head" he stepped forward, not noticing how Harry covered his mouth behind him.

"Louis leave it. I'm-"

"I'm not right in the head?" Nick laughed, not backing away as Louis came forward. "Everyone round here knows your family is hiding some dirty secret, they're just too scared to confront you. That why you've got daddy issues huh?"

Louis couldn't stop himself as he threw his arm back and punched Nick straight in the face, hitting his nose with a nasty crack that sent his head lolling backwards. In that moment, all he saw was red. There were many factors leading up to the incident, the alcohol, Nick taking advantage of Harry's drunken state, Nicks arrogance when he was obviously in the wrong, and his ignorant comments both about Harry and his own family. It was bound to happen, but he wasn't sure if he did or didn't regret it as he knew he would have to face the consequences.

Nick stumbled backwards into a group of girls who looked back in shock, seeing the deep colour of red as blood seeped from his nose, past his fingers uncontrollably. Louis wouldn't be surprised if he had broken it.

Nick didn't put up a fight, just as Louis had expected, and he slumped to the floor in a whining mess, clutching his nose whilst a few people around them fussed over him. As far as Louis was concerned Nick didn't deserve their sympathy. They didn't know what had lead up to his injury, and from their point of view Louis probably seemed like the villain right now.

Louis ignored the pathetic boy on the ground and turned back around only to find another problem. Harry had thrown up all over the floor and was currently hunched over, his hands on his knees as he gagged a few times; Louis was afraid he was about to go for round two. The students surrounding him backed away hastily, complaining about the smell and how some could've gotten on their costumes.

He wrinkled his nose in disgust but rushed over to the sickly boy, ignoring the vomit on the floor that was probably 99% alcohol. He was careful not to stand in any as he placed a hand on Harry's back and rubbed soothing circles over his blazer. "Come on curly, gotta get you up to bed"

"What the hell is going on?" Filch asked as he rushed through the crowd. The music had been lowered slightly and the majority of the students had stopped to see what all the fuss was about. He took in the sight of Nick sitting on the floor with a bloodied nose, then to the sick on the floor and Harry hunched over it with Louis comforting him. The party was certainly a disaster. "What happened here?"

A girl rushed across the room and appeared besides Harry and Louis, a panicked look on her face as she crouched down and pushed the curls away from her brother's forehead. "Who the fuck gave him alcohol?" Gemma asked furiously, glancing up at Louis before he eyes flicked back down to Harry.

"Alcohol?" Filch furrowed his brows with a glare. He looked at Harry for a moment before shaking his head. He decided he would deal with the older students tomorrow. "What happened to Nick?"

Nick was still sobbing on the ground as he pointed at Louis with a shaking finger. He dropped his hand back down as a few girls hushed him and Louis practically screamed inside his head. Filch sighed, a disappointed look crossing his face as he looked at Louis. "My office Tomlinson"

"No. I'll take my punishment tomorrow. Harry needs help right now" Louis replied firmly. He didn't care what would happen to him for punching Nick or for talking back. Harry looked like he was ready to pass out and that should be the headmasters main priority; not some kid with a nose bleed.

"Louis it's alright. I appreciate it but I can take it from here" Gemma said as she helped Harry up, glancing over at Filch for a second. "I've dealt with this before"

"He's staying in my room anyway and it's my fault for not looking out for him tonight. It's the least I can do" Louis replied adamantly, and Harry leant half his weight on him.

Filch seemed conflicted on what to do as he looked around the room. A few teachers seemed to be waiting on instructions as he ran a hand through his hair with a tried look. "Alright. We can deal with this tomorrow, I think everyone's a bit tired now anyway" he said reluctantly, "Someone take Nick to the nurses office and Louis and Gemma take care of Harry. Everyone else go back to your rooms and I suggest any third years in possession of alcohol should dispose of it whilst you still can"

Louis and Gemma nodded as they hoisted Harry up to stand properly. They each put one of his arms around their shoulders whilst they walked him slowly out of the hall, hearing the frustrated groans of students as they left.

He couldn't help but feel a little guilty. If he had just ignored Nick and took Harry to their room earlier then the party would still be thriving and he wouldn't have to deal with any punishments tomorrow. Harry could've been in bed with a glass of water by now, rather than stumbling up the stairs looking like he was about to throw up again.

"Who gave him drinks?" Gemma asked as they reached the second floor. She was wearing what looked like a Stevie Nicks inspired costume, and Louis realised that she and Harry probably bonded over music just like he did with the boy.

"I don't think I'm supposed to tell you that" Louis replied sheepishly. He didn't want to throw the lads under the bus.

"I'll find out either way. Could be Niall, or Michals idiotic mates" She sighed as they headed towards Louis and Harry's dorm room, "Fucking stupid. They know I don't like Harry drinking"

Louis knew that if Harry was coherent right now he would have had some cheeky reply to that, but he was too out of it to respond. "I didn't even realise how many drinks he had had"

"Weren't you with him the whole night?" Gemma asked as she elbowed the door open, struggling to get Harry inside.

"Not all of it. I guess I wasn't paying attention because I was drinking too" Louis replied as they set Harry down onto the bed. He held him upright as Gemma disappeared into the bathroom and came out with a wet cloth a moment later.

She began wiping around his mouth before folding the cloth over and pressing the cool fabric to his forehead, holding back his fringe. "Can you take his wings off please?"

"Oh- yeah sure" Louis stood up and unclasped the buckles around his shoulders, sliding the wings off his arms as he removed them completely. He quickly set them back on the mannequin and made his way back over to the bed. "He needs water" he mumbled as he took off Harry's shoes, leaving them besides his bedside table.

"I know" Gemma set the cloth aside as she stood up. "You take off his suit and I'll go get some things for him. Do you need anything?"

"Just some water too thanks" he said as she made her way to the door.

"Alright. Keep him awake until I'm back" she instructed before leaving the room.

Louis quickly removed Harry's suit and folded the clothes into a pile, checking on Harry every couple seconds to make sure he wasn't asleep. "You didn't need to do that you know. Now you'll get into trouble" Harry said after a while, startling Louis as he fumbled with his words.

"He deserved it" Is all Louis replied with, taking a seat next to him again. "He shouldn't have acted that way whilst you were drunk"

"I know, but- what if you get sent home?" Harry replied with a worried tone. He looked quite vulnerable. Swaying slightly as he sat with a hunched back, only in his boxers, wiping at his watery eyes.

"I won't" Louis assured him, however he didn't know if that was true or not. "But if I do I'll be back in no time"

Harry lifted his head to look at him, and Louis could tell he was trying his best not to fall asleep. "Promise?"

"I promise" Louis nodded, "Do you need anything? Still feel like you're going to be sick?"

"Not much. Just want to sleep" he said drowsily just as Gemma walked back into the room carrying two bottles of water, a box of paracetamol and a bucket. She handed a bottle to Louis as she crouched down in front of Harry and set the tablets on his table, leaving the bucket besides his bed.

"Harry love, you need to drink this" She unscrewed the cap and held the water up to Harry's face. He took the bottle and gulped down nearly half of it before pulling it away with a deep breath. "That's great Hazza. You feeling alright?"

"Mhm. Just tired" He mumbled, looking at his pillow longingly.

"Okay" She said quietly. "There's a bucket down here if you think you're going to be sick and can't make it to the toilet. I've left some paracetamol for the morning and your water is right besides it. Louis will take care of you and I'll come check on you in the morning, alright?"

"Yeah. Thank you Gems" Harry said with a yawn. "Sorry you had to deal with this"

"Don't be silly, I'll always be here for you" She said with a smile, standing up with Louis to get him into bed properly. "Just don't get piss drunk again, at least not in school"

Harry crawled into bed and Gemma pulled the covers over him, tucking in the sides like she used to when he was younger. "I won't" Harry agreed as he shut his eyes, ready to drift off into sleep.

Gemma stepped away and turned to Louis, "I'll be going now. Take care of him or I'll kill you myself" she warned light heartedly, giving Louis a pointed look.

"I know, I will" Louis replied with his hands up in defence, lowering them with a smile as she walked out of the room. When he looked back at Harry the boy was already asleep.

He quickly removed his costume and got into his own bed, drinking some of his water before setting it on his table. He turned off the lamp and drifted in and out of sleep for the rest of the night, worried both about what awaited him tomorrow and Harry across the room from him.

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Author notes:

I'm really sorry this took so long to get out. I originally hoped to publish this on Halloween but I was landed with a ton of assignments to complete, so that took me about two weeks or so.

I guess the length of this chapter makes up for it though, it's about 15k words, a lot longer than any of the chapters I've written for this book before. So I hope you all enjoyed!

As well, I understand some of you may have been hoping for something more to happen between Harry and Louis in this chapter, but they've only really just started getting along properly and Louis still needs time to develop as a character. They're not going to suddenly kiss just because they're drunk lmao.

Please leave your opinions and don't forget to vote!

Love you all xxx