───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

As usual, the Prancers were fashionably late in entering the Great Hall for breakfast. Hermione only spared them a glance before once again checking her new course schedule.

Beside her, Harry let out a frustrated sigh. "Bloody hell, even Cho Chang is staring at Blair. How will anyone date us when Blair's around?"

That seemed to pique Hermione's attention as she discreetly turned to look at the Ravenclaw table. Indeed, Cho Chang was staring at Blair with red cheeks and a shy smile. As if she felt the stare, Blair turned around to see Cho staring at her and sent her a wave. Cho's friends giggled. Cho's cheeks went redder as she sent Blair a shy wave.

"Looks like you've got a rival for Blair's affections, Mione." Ron teased the bushy-haired witch who looked at Blair a second longer before finally turning her attention back to her schedule. "Careful. She might get tired of waiting around and chase after someone else."

"Well, if it's just about the chase for her, she should just look for another witch to flirt with then." Hermione muttered under her breath.

In all honesty, she knew Blair cared for her. They were friends after all. But the question that had never left Hermione's mind ever since the first time Blair asked her out was, "Does she really love me? Or is this just a game?" After all, Blair's interest in her was very sudden, and the way she would shamelessly ask Hermione out in the front of the entire school yet act shy when they were alone made the Muggleborn wonder if the Chaser's affections were genuine.

At that, Harry and Ron could only exchange exasperated glances. Their friend may have been the Brightest Witch of Their Age, but she surely was quite stupid when it came to love. Who could look at Blair Wood and think that this was all a chase to her? They could only salute Blair's patience and understanding when it came to Hermione. As much as they loved their friend, they could never do what Blair had been doing this entire time.

"Good morning, everyone! Especially to you, Granger." Blair greeted cheerfully with a wink at Hermione before she turned to talk to Fred, George, and Lee who had questions about the Aging potion they were brewing to enter the Triwizard Cup. The trio had been trying to convince Blair to enter, but as she promised Hermione, she wouldn't even think about it.

"Good morning, Wood." Hermione greeted back while buttering herself some toast.

"You're eating again, I notice," said Ron, watching Hermione adding liberal amounts of jam to her toast too.

Hermione glanced at Blair and remembered the meal she had yesterday, a small smile naturally coming on her face. "I've decided there are better ways of making a stand about elf rights."

"Yeah... and you were hungry," said Ron, grinning. "It's not like you can ask Blair Bear to cook you a meal everyday, huh?"

"How do you even – never mind." Hermione could only shake her head, remembering from what Harry and Ron said that whenever she slept over in the boys' dorm, Blair did nothing but talk about, gush over, and compliment Hermione.

"Hey, Granger." Blair suddenly called out and stood up with the Prancers, the four of them having finished their meal in minutes.

Hermione looked at her, confused and concerned at the same time. "What?"

"I may not be Luna, but I sure know how to Lovegood."

The whole hall burst into laughter, even Luna herself was uncharacteristically laughing in a carefree way.

"Then, show Luna that love instead of me." Hermione simply retorted before bringing her attention back to her book.

Upon seeing that Hermione was done with her for today, Blair just pouted then turned back to the Prancers, who frowned at the sight of their ringleader looking so dejected. "Damn, I thought that line was good."

"It was! One of your best actually." Neville tried cheering Blair up immediately while they made their way out of the Great Hall.

"Even I have to admit that was a good one, Blair." Dean comforted Blair.

"Caelum, if I preferred oysters over hotdogs, I would have proposed to you immediately like this." Seamus dropped down on one knee and spoke in a high pitch voice. "Blair Aika Wood, greatest Chaser in all of Hogwarts, will you marry me?"

"Only if you marry me as well, the fiercest pyromaniac in all of Hogwarts, Seamus Declan Finnigan." Blair spoke in a low voice, playing along. The two made kissy noises and burst into laughter along with Neville and Dean as they made their way to class.

While Blair had no intention of giving up when it came to Hermione, she was also glad her friends never gave up on her and stood by her even when she made a fool of herself. Here they were, giving her support and comfort whenever she needed it. Blair couldn't ask for better friends than the Prancers.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

The first few classes were quite uneventful for Blair. In Herbology, the Prancers couldn't help but laugh every time somebody said the word pus. In Care of Magical Creatures, a few got minor burns because of the Blast-Ended Skrewts, but for some reason, the Skrewts loved Blair, and Blair loved the Skrewts. She was one of those who got out uninjured though a bit ruffled. Hermione just rolled her eyes again when stares and giggles of girls and boys followed Blair as she walked down the hall with them.

Then, there was Divination. Harry, Ron and the Prancers laughed loudly as they got out. "D-Did you hear it, Harry? You were born mid-winter." Blair mocked as they burst into laughter once more, looking like madmen to any other person who saw them.

They calmed down for a while when Seamus snickered. "Bloody hell, Blair. I'd think Lavender could be our house mascot with how red her face was when you asked if you could take a closer look at Uranus."

The boys went roaring with laughter, but Blair just shook her head with a blush. "What's wrong with Uranus? I just wanted to see it."

"My anus is just fine, Caelum, thank you."

Seamus' joke made Blair shove him in the shoulder and sent the boys in hysterics. They finally arrived at the Great Hall and joined Hermione. Not even the fact that Trelawney gave them tons of homework downed their mood.

Hermione looked at them with confusion. "What's wrong with you lot?"

Harry was about to answer when Lavender came into the Great Hall. Blair waved at Lavender, who turned as red as the Gryffindor colors as she sat down and smiled back.

Hermione looked at Blair, hoping for some answers. Wanting to change the subject as soon as possible, the Wood was grateful when she caught sight of Fred and George. "I don't know about them, something about Divination. Anyways, excuse me, Granger."

While Blair went off to Fred and George, Hermione turned to the 5 boys, who finally calmed down. "So, what happened?"

The boys glanced at each other, stifling their laughter as Neville cleared his throat. "Well, we were studying planets then Caelum turned to Lavender and asked, "Hey, Lav. Could I take a closer look at Uranus?""

The five boys went laughing once more while Hermione just let out a scoff, a disgusted gaze in her eyes. "Revolting. Completely revolting."

Coming back from her talk with the twins, Blair sat down beside Hermione and smiled. "What did I miss?"

Then, she suddenly felt cold, as Hermione's icy glare turned to her. "Uranus? Seriously? You are revolting."

"H-Huh?" Blair's eyes widened when Hermione got up and walked out of the hall.

"W-Wait, Mione!" Blair immediately got up and ran after her. The boys laughed again as they went after the two.

"Place your bets, you two." Neville whispered to Harry and Ron. "Shay's got 15 galleons for 7th year. Dean's got 10 that it'll be the end of next year, and I've got 5 for 6th year."

Ron whispered back. "5 galleons, they'll get together by the middle of next year."

"10 galleons, it'll take till the end of sixth year." Harry chimed in, the boys exchanging handshakes as they caught up to Blair and Hermione where the former was following after the latter like a lost puppy. They couldn't help but exchange exasperated glances at how the Wood looked.

Hermione finally stopped in her tracks when she realized Blair was still following after her and glared once more at the girl. "What do you want, Wood?"

Blair was about to speak when a cold, taunting voice spoke up. "Weasley! Hey, Weasley!"

The Prancers and the Golden Trio turned around. Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle were standing there, each looking thoroughly pleased about something.

"What?" Ron said shortly.

"Your dad's in the paper, Weasley!" said Malfoy, brandishing a copy of the Daily Prophet and speaking very loudly, so that everyone in the packed entrance hall could hear. "Listen to this!"

FURTHER MISTAKES AT THE MINISTRY OF MAGIC

It seems as though the Ministry of Magic's troubles are not yet at an end, writes Rita Skeeter, Special Correspondent. Recently under fire for its poor crowd control at the Quidditch World Cup, and still unable to account for the disappearance of one of its witches, the Ministry was plunged into fresh embarrassment yesterday by the antics of Arnold Weasley, of the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office."

Malfoy looked up. "Imagine them not even getting his name right, Weasley. It's almost as though he's a complete nonentity, isn't it?" he crowed. Everyone in the corridor was listening now. Malfoy straightened the paper with a flourish and read on:

Arnold Weasley, who was charged with possession of a flying car two years ago, was yesterday involved in a tussle with several Muggle law-keepers ("policemen") over a number of highly aggressive dustbins. Mr. Weasley appears to have rushed to the aid of "Mad-Eye" Moody, the aged ex-Auror who retired from the Ministry when no longer able to tell the difference between a handshake and attempted murder. Unsurprisingly, Mr. Weasley found, upon arrival at Mr. Moody's heavily guarded house, that Mr. Moody had once again raised a false alarm. Mr. Weasley was forced to modify several memories before he could escape from the policemen, but refused to answer Daily Prophet questions about why he had involved the Ministry in such an undignified and potentially embarrassing scene.

"And there's a picture, Weasley!" said Malfoy, flipping the paper over and holding it up. "A picture of your parents outside their house — if you can call it a house! Your mother could do with losing a bit of weight, couldn't she?"

Ron was shaking with fury. Everyone was staring at him. With a hand on Ron's shoulder, Blair glared at Malfoy. "Watch it, Malfoy. Don't want another incident to ruin your hair, do you?"

"Oh yeah, you were staying with them this summer, weren't you, Wood?" sneered Malfoy. "So tell me, is his mother really that porky, or is it just the picture?"

"You know your mother, Malfoy?" Harry said — he and Hermione held Ron back while Neville and Dean had grabbed the back of Blair's robes, and Seamus stood in front of Blair to stop her from launching herself at Malfoy — "that expression she's got, like she's got dung under her nose? Has she always looked like that, or was it just because you were with her?"

Malfoy's pale face went slightly pink. "Don't you dare insult my mother, Potter."

"Keep your fat mouth shut, then," said Harry, turning away. They turned around when... Blair felt a spell coming at them, and BANG! Several people screamed —

The curse hit Blair's shield, and then, she heard a second loud BANG, and a roar that echoed through the corridors.

"OH NO YOU DON'T, LADDIE!"

Blair smiled widely as Moody limped down the staircase. His wand was out, and it was pointing right at a pure white ferret, which was shivering on the stone-flagged floor, exactly where Malfoy had been standing. While others were silent in terror, Blair started laughing and was soon followed by the rest of the Prancers.

"Nice shield, Little B. Constant vigilance indeed." Moody nodded in approval.

"Learned from the best, Mister Alastor!" The Chaser smirked at him. "Give him hell for us, will you?"

Moody rolled his eyes in amusement before shouting. "Leave it!" Moody started to limp toward Crabbe, Goyle, and the ferret, which gave a terrified squeak and took off, streaking toward the dungeons.

"I don't think so!" roared Moody, pointing his wand at the ferret again — it flew ten feet into the air, fell with a smack to the floor, and then bounced upward once more.

"I don't like people who attack when their opponent's back's turned," growled Moody as the ferret bounced higher and higher, squealing in pain. "Stinking, cowardly, scummy thing to do..." The ferret flew through the air, its legs and tail flailing helplessly.

"Never — do — that — again —" said Moody, speaking each word as the ferret hit the stone floor and bounced upward again.

"Professor Moody!" said a shocked voice. Professor McGonagall was coming down the marble staircase with her arms full of books.

"Hello, Professor McGonagall," said Moody calmly, bouncing the ferret still higher.

"What — what are you doing?" said Professor McGonagall, her eyes following the bouncing ferret's progress through the air.

"Teaching," said Moody.

"Teach — Moody, is that a student?" shrieked Professor McGonagall, the books spilling out of her arms.

"Yep," said Moody.

"Technically, it's a ferret, Minnie." Seamus interjected, earning him a glare from Professor McGonagall and snickers from the Prancers.

"No!" cried Professor McGonagall, running down the stairs and pulling out her wand; a moment later, with a loud snapping noise, Draco Malfoy had reappeared, lying in a heap on the floor with his sleek blond hair all over his now brilliantly pink face. He got to his feet, wincing.

"Moody, we never use Transfiguration as a punishment!" said Professor McGonagall weakly. "Surely Professor Dumbledore told you that?"

"He might've mentioned it, yeah," said Moody, scratching his chin unconcernedly, "but I thought a good sharp shock —"

"We give detentions, Moody! Or speak to the offender's Head of House!"

"I'll do that, then," said Moody, staring at Malfoy with great dislike. Malfoy, whose pale eyes were still watering with pain and humiliation, looked malevolently up at Moody and muttered something in which the words "my father" were distinguishable.

"Oh yeah?" said Moody quietly, limping forward a few steps, the dull clunk of his wooden leg echoing around the hall.

"Well, I know your father of old, boy... You tell him Moody's keeping a close eye on his son... you tell him that from me... Now, your Head of House'll be Snape, will it? Come on, you..." With one last wink at Blair, he seized Malfoy's upper arm and marched him off toward the dungeons.

"I love Minnie, but I wish she didn't transfigure Mallory back. Human form, hate him. But as a ferret, hmmm. Tolerable." Seamus' remark made the Prancers burst into laughter as they walked down the halls a few minutes later, surrounded by excited talk on all sides about what had just happened.

"Well, I'm glad Minnie got here. Someone could have been hurt." Dean shook his head before letting a small smile come onto his face. "On the bright side, Malfoy has to live with the memory of being a wee, white ferret for life."

"Hey, do you think next time Professor Moody can make him a bald ferret?" Neville suddenly asked.

"That is brilliant, Gramen!" Blair gasped in excitement then grinned. "In fact, why don't we give Mallory a change of sheets in his room?"

"Ahhh, I see your vision, Caelum." Seamus grinned back at his partner in crime as he slung an arm around her shoulder. "Does Hagrid have some leftover fur? It would be a shame to not put it into use."

Blair was about to answer when she heard a tut of disapproval from behind them, and the Prancers turned around in unison to see a disappointed Hermione and her two best friends who were amused at the situation.

"While you'll be wasting your time on childish, boorish things such as pranks and mischief, I'll be going to the library." Hermione rolled her eyes and started walking past them.

"My brothers, I believe our childish, boorish plan has to take a rain check for something much more important awaits me in the library." Blair patted them on the shoulders before chasing after Hermione. "Hey, Granger, wait up!"

"The betrayal." Seamus gasped dramatically and faked fainting into Dean's ready arms with a hand on his forehead. "Is this what love does? Change your best friend into someone who would rather spend a day with books instead of prancing around with her friends? Blair Aika Wood, what has love done to you?"

"Technically, Ignis, it's not books she is choosing to be with but Hermione." Dean explained with a sigh, patting Seamus on the shoulder.

"It's the same thing, Tranqs!" Seamus protested indignantly. "That girl is as good as a human library. Scary the amount of information she holds in that brain, I can't even remember where I hid my pajamas."

"Well, can't help but agree with that." Ron snorted while Harry nodded along with an amused smile.

"Oh no! If you can't remember where you hid your pajamas, then I won't remember where my Treacle Tarts are!" Neville groaned in despair.

Dean only shook his head and took the still ranting Seamus by the wrist to lead him to their dorms as Neville followed after them, still wondering about his Treacle Tarts. Harry and Ron hung back from the trio, still amused at the events.

"Hey, Harry, do you think Hermione knows that Blair is on the verge of being banned in the library?"

"Well... Let's just hope Blair doesn't get her kicked out too."

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

"...Quite quiet, huh, Granger?"

"Shh!" Madam Pince, Hermione and a few students simultaneously shushed Blair who pouted.

"It's the library, Wood, what do you expect? And what are you even doing here?" Hermione whispered to Blair while she was searching the shelves for something she was researching that was totally unrelated to schoolwork.

Noticing that Hermione was standing on her tip toes in an attempt to reach a book on a higher shelf, Blair effortlessly got it for her and reached it out to the Muggleborn with a smile. "Here. Well, actually, I can carry them for you if that's alright?"

"I – Thank you, Wood." Hermione looked away immediately and walked faster to another shelf so that she could hide the burning of her cheeks at Blair's actions. As much as she wanted to say no, having Blair help her would be more convenient for her.

While Hermione would hand Blair the books she needed for her research, Blair read the title of one particularly heavy book. "History of House-Elves? What would you need this for, Granger?"

"Shhh!" Madam Pince glared at Blair, who mouthed an apology.

Not wanting to get kicked out of the library, Hermione led them to a table and started sorting through the books while Blair watched her. "I'm planning to help uplift the status of house-elves. Would you like to help?"

Any opportunity to be closer to Hermione, Blair would take. Plus points for the fact that she'd be helping a cause she truly believed in. "Of course, Granger! What do you want me to do?"

Hermione was about to answer when the screeching of a chair sounded, and Madam Pince walked towards Blair with a murderous glare on her face.

"That's it, out you!" Madam Pince waved her wand. "I have told you and your unruly gang you call the Prancers that one more time I see you here making noise, you will be banned!"

Blair's eyes widened to see her things float and start smacking her. "I'll- Ow! Wait- Ow! Outside- Bloody- Granger! Ow! Wait, I'm going! Take your time, Granger!"

A soft giggle escaped Hermione's lips, but she stopped herself immediately when she remembered she was in the library. She didn't want to get kicked out of the place she considered her comfort zone here in Hogwarts.

Though she should've started on her readings about the history of house-elves, her mind couldn't help but drift to Blair Wood. Blair who had been her constant since their first year despite Hermione being deemed insufferable by everyone else. Blair who had defended and comforted her endlessly throughout the years. Blair... with her charming smirk and flirty lines that made Hermione's heart beat a little faster every time.

Blair who was now desired by every girl and boy who caught sight of her and yet still chose to chase after Hermione despite the endless rejections and the numerous people who were much more attractive and kinder and a better fit for Blair. Hermione would always wonder, why her? Why her when there were so many others that would be better for Blair?

Not wanting to be consumed by her thoughts and worries, Hermione let out a sigh and continued reading the books. Then, she felt conflicted.

Blair said she would wait for her outside, was that real? Hermione felt compelled to check, just take a peek and see if Blair was actually out there waiting for her, but then, the Granger shook her head immediately and thought that Blair would rather go and run about with the Prancers and prank the Slytherins rather than wait for Hermione for hours.

Wood wouldn't be waiting outside for her... Right?

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

Hermione's eyes widened as she had just noticed that she had been in the library for 3 hours now. She remembered Blair once more but shook her head. 'She probably left already.' Hermione bid goodbye to Madam Pince before going out of the library.

"Granger? Are you done?"

Hermione turned around to see Blair, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. She felt a pang of guilt in her heart at the thought that Blair had been sitting outside the library, alone for hours. "You waited. Why?"

"I told you I'd wait for you." Blair smiled softly before holding out her hand. "Shall we?"

Hermione hesitated before taking Blair's hand. She didn't have the courage to say no after Blair waited for her for three hours. The two of them walked in a comfortable silence towards the Gryffindor tower, and Blair couldn't help the happiness bubbling inside her when Hermione didn't let go of her hand even as they reached the stairs towards the girls' dorm.

"Here you are, Granger." Blair said in a soft voice, looking at Hermione with the gentlest of gazes.

"Thank you for today, Wood. I appreciate it... I appreciate you." Hermione gave Blair's hand a squeeze before finally letting go. "Good night, Wood."

"Good night, Granger." Blair whispered out and watched Hermione go up, her hand flexing as she could still feel the warmth of Hermione's hand in hers. When she heard the sound of a door close, Blair went up to the boys' dormitory with a dreamy smile on her face and tiptoed quietly to Seamus' bed.

Amongst the Prancers, they each had their special bond and dynamic with each other. But everyone knew that it was Blair and Seamus who were the dynamic duo among them, brother and sister in all but blood. Caelum and Ignis. The airhead and the fireball. The rebellious and mischievous duo of the Prancers with a loyalty to each other like none other. They were the ones who knew each other's deepest secrets, feelings, and thoughts. You'd often find them on broom rides late in the night, talking about anything and everything.

"Ignis!"

"What?" Seamus blinked as he was awoken then saw Blair there with the biggest grin on her face, the smile being infectious that Seamus couldn't help but smile as well instead of getting mad at his best friend for waking him up. "Caelum, you look joyous indeed."

"Oh, Ignis, you would never believe what just happened!"

Although the two were caught sleeping in class the next day by Professor McGonagall due to their late night of talking, they couldn't bear to care at all. Blair, carrying the joy of what transpired with her love, and Seamus, carrying the joy of his best friend with him.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

The next two days passed without great incident, unless you counted Neville melting his sixth cauldron in Potions. Professor Snape, who seemed to have attained new levels of vindictiveness over the summer, gave Neville and Blair, who shouted at Snape after he started insulting Neville, detention. The Prancers were on their way to their first Defense Against the Dark Arts class.

Blair waved her arms around since they hurt from scrubbing cauldrons for the third night in the row. Neville had a night of detention, but Blair earned a week of detention due to Snape just having a vendetta against her.

"Here, Caelum." Dean handed Blair a soothing cream and helped her apply it on her arms. "It'll make you feel better."

"Thanks, Tranqs." Blair rolled her shoulders with a sigh of relief, the pain alleviating even just a little.

Neville looked at her with guilt. "I'm sorry, Caelum. You didn't have to do that, you know?"

Blair nudged him with her shoulder and grinned. "Oh, Gramen. You know I'd do anything for you, especially if it involves that greasy-haired git."

"Don't even need a mirror, just look into Snape's greasy hair, and you'll see your reflection there." Seamus said as a retort.

The four of them shared laughs as they went into the classroom. Lady Luck seemed to favor Blair as there were empty seats beside the Golden Trio, one directly beside Hermione.

Not one to waste an opportunity, Blair rushed towards the seat beside Hermione and smirked. "Hey, Granger."

"Wood."

"You know what they say about seatmates? The proximity often acts as a catalyst for something new, something beautiful to occur."

"Well, I've been in proximity with you for the past 4 years. Nothing new or beautiful has occurred yet." Hermione rolled her eyes and held back the urge to smile when Blair's jaw dropped while the Prancers, Ron, and Harry did not even hold in their laughter.

"Granger, I – "

Hermione couldn't hold back her smile when Blair was cut off by the door slamming open and the ringing of clunking footsteps through the classroom. The Wood sat back in her seat with a pout and crossed arms, only grinning when Moody sent her a small smile.

"You can put those away," he growled, stumping over to his desk and sitting down, "those books. You won't need them."

Moody took out a register, shook his long mane of grizzled gray hair out of his twisted and scarred face, and began to call out names, his normal eye moving steadily down the list while his magical eye swiveled around, fixing upon each student as he or she answered.

"Little B?"

"Here, Mister Alastor." Blair raised her hand lazily, which earned her a smirk from Moody.

"Right then," he said, "I've had a letter from Professor Lupin about this class. Seems you've had a pretty thorough grounding in tackling Dark creatures — you've covered boggarts, Red Caps, hinkypunks, grindylows, Kappas, and werewolves, is that right?"

There was a general murmur of assent. "But you're behind — very behind — on dealing with curses," said Moody. "So I'm here to bring you up to scratch on what wizards can do to each other. I've got one year to teach you how to deal with Dark —"

"What, aren't you staying?" Ron blurted out.

Moody's magical eye spun around to stare at Ron; Ron looked extremely apprehensive, but after a moment Moody smiled — Blair had to stifle her laughter at the sight of the terrified faces around her. The first time he smiled, Blair certainly had the same reaction.

"You'll be Arthur Weasley's son, eh?" Moody said. "Your father got me out of a very tight corner a few days ago... Yeah, I'm staying just the one year. Special favor to Dumbledore... One year, and then going to my quiet retirement." He gave a harsh laugh and then clapped his gnarled hands together.

"So — straight into it. Curses. They come in many strengths and forms. Now, according to the Ministry of Magic, I'm supposed to teach you countercurses and leave it at that. I'm not supposed to show you what illegal Dark curses look like until you're in the sixth year. You're not supposed to be old enough to deal with it till then. But Professor Dumbledore's got a higher opinion of your nerves. Now which of you can tell me how many unforgivable curses there are?"

The Prancers squirmed uncomfortably in their seats, sending the silent Neville a worried glance. Blair knew Moody was telling them these for a reason. Surely, he wouldn't try it on them. He wouldn't show them, would he?

Hermione's hand shot up in the air. "There are three, sir."

Moody turned his magical eye to her. "And they are so named?"

"Because they are unforgivable. Use of any one of them will-"

"Will earn you a one way ticket to Azkaban. Correct. Now the ministry says you're too young to see what these curses do. I say different! You need to know what you're up against, you need to be prepared, you need to find somewhere else to put your chewing gum other than the underside of your desk, Mr. Finnigan!" Moody's eye focused on Seamus who had just taken out the gum he had been chewing out of his mouth.

Blair, Dean and Neville shared amused glances while Seamus groaned. "Aw no way, the old codger can see out the back of his head."

"And can hear across classrooms!" Mad-Eye threw the chalk in anger. Blair had to pinch her thigh to stop herself from bursting into laughter while Seamus sent her a glare from 2 seats away.

Moody looked around. "So... do any of you know which curses are most heavily punished by wizarding law?"

Several hands rose tentatively into the air, including Ron's and Hermione's. Moody pointed at Ron.

"Er," said Ron tentatively, "my dad told me about one... Is it called the Imperius Curse, or something?"

"Ah, yes," said Moody appreciatively. "Your father would know that one. Gave the Ministry a lot of trouble at one time, the Imperius Curse."

Moody got heavily to his mismatched feet, opened his desk drawer, and took out a glass jar. Three large black spiders were scuttling around inside it.

Blair took in a sharp breath and smiled reassuringly at Ron, who nodded shakily yet gratefully at her. Moody reached into the jar, caught one of the spiders, and held it in the palm of his hand so that they could all see it.

He then pointed his wand at it and muttered, "Imperio!" The spider leapt from Moody's hand on a fine thread of silk and began to swing backward and forward as though on a trapeze.

It stretched out its legs rigidly, then did a back flip, breaking the thread and landing on the desk, where it began to cartwheel in circles. Moody jerked his wand, and the spider rose onto two of its hind legs and went into what was unmistakably a tap dance.

Everyone was laughing — everyone except Moody and the Prancers. Blair looked down at her desk. She couldn't stand how they could laugh when it was called an Unforgivable for a reason.

"Think it's funny, do you?" Moody growled. "You'd like it, would you, if I did it to you?" The laughter died away almost instantly.

"Total control," said Moody quietly as the spider balled itself up and began to roll over and over. "I could make it jump out of the window, drown itself, throw itself down one of your throats..."

"Years back, there were a lot of witches and wizards being controlled by the Imperius Curse," said Moody. "Some job for the Ministry, trying to sort out who was being forced to act, and who was acting of their own free will.

"The Imperius Curse can be fought, and I'll be teaching you how, but it takes real strength of character, and not everyone's got it. Better avoid being hit with it if you can. CONSTANT VIGILANCE!" he barked, and everyone but Blair jumped. Moody picked up the somersaulting spider and threw it back into the jar.

"Anyone else know one? Another illegal curse?" Hermione's hand flew into the air again, and to Blair's worry, so did Neville's. She, Seamus, and Dean exchanged worried glances. They knew the fates of Neville's parents after he had confided to them during their third year. Even Neville looked surprised at his own daring.

"Yes?" said Moody, his magical eye rolling right over to fix on Neville.

"There's one — the Cruciatus Curse," said Neville in a small but distinct voice. He sent his fellow Prancers grateful smiles when he felt Blair's hand squeezing his shaking one, Dean's hand on his shoulder, and Seamus reaching across Dean to squeeze Neville's other hand.

Moody was looking very intently at Neville, this time with both eyes. "Your name's Longbottom?" he said, his magical eye swooping down to check the register again. Neville nodded nervously, but Moody made no further inquiries.

Turning back to the class at large, he reached into the jar for the next spider and placed it upon the desktop, where it remained motionless, apparently too scared to move.

"The Cruciatus Curse," said Moody. "Needs to be a bit bigger for you to get the idea," he said, pointing his wand at the spider. "Engorgio!" The spider swelled. It was now larger than a tarantula.

Blair's breath hitched. She hoped what she thought was going to happen wouldn't happen, but then, Moody raised his wand again, pointed it at the spider, and muttered, "Crucio!"

At once, the spider's legs bent in upon its body; it rolled over and began to twitch horribly, rocking from side to side. No sound came from the spider, but they were sure that if it could have given voice, it would have been screaming. Moody did not remove his wand, and the spider started to shudder and jerk more violently.

Blair felt her body twitch, remembering the pain that she suffered back in the summer when she was subjected to experience the same curse. She felt anger rise in her when she thought of Neville's parents who had been tortured with the same curse, when she thought of Neville who was witnessing right in front of him what happened to his parents all those years ago.

"Mister Alastor, stop it! Can't you see it's bothering him?" All eyes turned to Blair, who stood up and glared at Moody. Moody's eyes softened a bit while Blair looked at Neville who was looking straight ahead, his hands clutching Blair's and Seamus' and his body leaning towards Dean. She wanted to give him a hug right at that moment, but she knew it wasn't the time.

Moody raised his wand. The spider's legs relaxed, but it continued to twitch. "Reducio," Moody muttered, and the spider shrank back to its proper size. He put it back into the jar.

"Pain," said Moody softly. "You don't need thumbscrews or knives to torture someone if you can perform the Cruciatus Curse... That one was very popular once too. Right... anyone know any others?"

Blair sat back in her seat and gave his hand one squeeze, receiving two in return from Neville to show his thanks. Moody's two eyes turned to Blair as he set down the spider in front of her. "Perhaps, you could give us the last one, Blair Wood."

Blair shut her eyes and shook her head. She couldn't believe that Moody – Mister Alastor was doing this.

"You don't know?" Moody raised his wand once more. "Avada Kedavra!" Moody roared. There was a flash of blinding green light that Blair saw even if her eyes were shut tight and a rushing sound, as the spider rolled over onto its back, unmarked, but unmistakably dead.

Blair clenched her jaw and dug her nails into her palms. She opened her eyes and glared at Moody. Moody's eyes softened once more. He paused and gazed at Blair before turning back to the class.

"Not nice," he said calmly. "Not pleasant. And there's no countercurse. There's no blocking it. Only one known person has ever survived it, and he's sitting right in front of me."

Everyone but Blair's eyes turned to Harry. Blair was still appalled at the events that transpired in their first class. Suddenly, she felt her fist uncurl as a hand slipped into hers and squeezed it tight.

Blair looked at Hermione with surprise. Hermione just sent her a weak smile before writing on her parchment. Without another word, Blair mindlessly wrote as Moody ordered them to. Finally calming down, she settled into the comfort Hermione's touch brought. Blair knew the horrors of the Unforgivable Curses, and she knew Moody knew that more than anyone. That's why she wondered why on earth would he show those curses to them when he didn't even want to talk about, let alone cast, those spells during her training.

As soon as the bell rang, Blair let go of Hermione's hand and ran along with Seamus and Dean after Neville, who rushed out of the room.

Neville had his eyes wide open as he leaned against the wall. He took a deep breath then turned to them with the saddest smile on his face. "Sorry."

"Oh, Gramen." Blair was the first to pull him into a hug with Seamus and Dean joining in too. "You do not have to apologize for anything, you hear me?"

"We're sorry you had to witness that, Nev." Dean said sadly. "Professor or not, he shouldn't have done that in front of you, in front of any of us."

"We're here for you no matter what, Gramen." Seamus smiled reassuringly at Neville. "Tell us what you need. If it's hexing that man or a day in the greenhouse, whatever you need."

Neville visibly relaxed after hearing his friends, and he couldn't help the tears in his eyes and the smile that came on his face. "Thank you, you three. I couldn't ask for better friends."

The four pulled away from another when suddenly, Harry, Ron, and Hermione came towards them. Hermione looked over Neville with worry. "Neville, are you alright? What-"

But an odd clunking noise sounded behind them, and they turned to see Professor Moody limping toward them. All seven of them fell silent, watching him apprehensively. Blair was still cross with him, and it was obvious in the way she glared at him. She, Seamus, and Dean instinctively crowded around Neville, protecting him from Moody's view.

But when he spoke, it was in a much lower and gentler growl than they had yet heard. "It's all right, sonny," he said to Neville. "Why don't you come up to my office? Come on... we can have a cup of tea..."

Neville paled even more at the invitation. "Ummm – "

"Why should he? After what happened?" Seamus spoke up with a glare at their Professor.

"I think he's had enough of a talking with you today... Professor." Dean said, his tone still firm yet more gentle than Seamus'.

Moody turned his magical eye upon Seamus then Dean then finally, Blair. "Little B, you should come too. All four of you. I think you're quite cross with me, aren't you?"

Blair crossed her arms and kept her glare on him. "Yes, we are. And we're coming only if Gramen wants to... Gramen?"

Neville felt anxious at everyone's eyes on him and just let out a sigh, knowing that if not now, Moody will want to talk to him sooner. Better do it now with the Prancers than later alone. "I... I suppose we might need to talk. And I'd prefer it if the Prancers came with me."

"Well, then, we're coming for Nev. Not you, Professor Moody." Blair responded, her arms still crossed and her glare still on Moody.

Moody chuckled before placing his hands on Neville and Blair's shoulders. "Come on in then."

Blair sent a reassuring smile towards Hermione, Harry, and Ron before the Prancers went into Moody's office.

The Prancers were silent and still apprehensive as Moody brought out some books from his bookshelves. "Longbottom, I heard from Professor Sprout you have quite the affinity for Herbology. Here you go."

Neville relaxed slightly as he thanked Moody before reading through the books.

"And here, Thomas, Finnigan. I've heard Chewy here has a habit of blowing things up, and you've been extinguishing his explosions, Water Boy." Moody handed out some books about elemental charms to Seamus and Dean as well, not missing the way the two blushed as they said their thanks.

Moody served them some teas as he turned to Blair with a sad smile. "I'm sorry, Little B. It's Dumbledore's orders, you know? Remember-"

"Constant Vigilance!" The two of them shouted out at the same time.

Blair smiled and sipped her tea. "I know, Mister Alastor, and I'm sorry for how I reacted, but I just think you shouldn't really do it in front of – you know..."

Moody nodded grimly. "Don't worry, kid. That would be the last time." After that, Blair was satisfied as she, the Prancers, and Moody talked about Moody's first week and a few adventures they've had over the years.

No one tell Professor McGonagall, but they finally learned the ferret spell from Mister Alastor himself.

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The Prancers strode into the Common Room where Harry, Ron, and Hermione were sitting, in the middle of a heated discussion.

"Hello, Granger!" Blair greeted the witch cheerfully with a lopsided grin on her face.

"Wood." Hermione responded curtly, slightly annoyed at being interrupted and more relieved at seeing Blair looking okay after their talk with Moody.

"What are we, invisible?" Ron complained.

"Think Blair should be the one wearing glasses." Harry grumbled teasingly.

"Oh, hello." Blair waved to the two boys, making the Prancers and Harry and Ron laugh and Hermione roll her eyes. Then, she noticed the box in Hermione's hand. "What's that, Granger?"

"No, you just had to remind her." Ron let out a groan.

"This, Wood, is S.P.E.W. Stands for the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare." And so, Hermione went into a ramble about this organization she had just started in her hopes of making a change for house-elves' rights. Only Blair was truly invested in listening to what Hermione had to say as she nodded attentively to every word while the boys seemed like they just wanted to buy a badge and get it over with.

"Don't worry, Granger, we'll help out full-time." Blair motioned to her and the rest of the Prancers.

"What – " Seamus started protesting but shut up when Dean elbowed him in the stomach. "Fine."

"Well, if Caelum's doing it..." Nevile agreed hesitantly when he saw Blair's pleading eyes.

"Really? Thank you, guys!" Hermione smiled delightfully at the Prancers as she handed the box to Blair. "Wood, you can be the Public Information Officer. You spread the word and sell badges."

Blair beamed at her. "Do I do it with you?"

"Of course! I am the president so I have to be there to explain, you know?" Hermione smiled at them all. The Prancers, Harry, and Ron looked torn between exasperation at Hermione and amusement at Blair's happiness.

"It's settled then, we'll get these sold in no time." Blair promised Hermione then the four of them bid the trio good night as she went up the boys' dorm with the Prancers since she knew they were all tired from today's events.

"Really, Caelum?" Seamus let out a sigh. "I know you love the house-elves and Hermione. But you're seriously willing to sacrifice time for bed and pranks to help her sell badges? I mean, we haven't even got to the second phase of the Perfect Prancer Ploy!"

"That's exactly the point, Ignis, it's like getting two birds to eat a stone." Blair smiled proudly.

Dean let out a snort. "Not sure that's the saying, but okay."

"I get to spend time with my love, I get to fight for what I believe in." Blair continued on with a grin at her friends. "What we believe in. And we have plenty of time left for the Perfect Prancer Ploy! It's just... Granger needs support right now."

"Well, if it makes you happy, Caelum, we'll sell those badges with you." Neville smiled reassuringly at the girl.

"I'm in, someone's got to make sure you lot actually sell the badges anyway." Dean shrugged.

Then, all of them turned to Seamus who was still seemingly unconvinced. Blair pouted and gave her best friend the puppy eyes. "Ignis? Please?"

"...Alright." Seamus let out a dramatic sigh and slung an arm around Blair's shoulder. "The house-elves deserve a better state of living anyways. And could I ever leave my sister-in-crime alone?"

"Couldn't ask for better brothers." Blair pulled them all into a hug and grinned.

"Well, no matter how many gray hairs you give me, it'll always be the Prancers for life."

"Prancers, unite!" Blair, Seamus, and Neville cheered in response to Dean's statement, making the three burst into giggles while Dean rolled his eyes and smiled in amusement.

"Ummm..." Once the giggles had subsided and yawns were let out, Neville started hesitantly and continued upon seeing his friends' encouraging nods. "Can we sleep beside each other again? Like the old days."

He did not have to explain any further. They knew of his nightmares, and after what happened in Moody's class, they knew that Neville simply wanted someone by his side for the night.

"Well, I don't think we'll be able to fit in one bed, but..." Blair snapped her fingers, and Neville, Dean, and Seamus' beds moved immediately to make one big bed that would fit the four of them there. "There we are."

"If I were Granger, I'd marry you with that magic of yours, Caelum." Seamus let out as he got in first.

"Thank you." Neville smiled at them as they followed after Seamus into the bed, cuddled up into one another. Dean, Neville, Seamus, and Blair. The Prancers. Through mischief and misery, through pranks and pain, through love and loss, the Prancers were the only thing constant in this world of change. Even in the darkest of times, each of them knew that they would see the light. They only needed to look for each other.

Out of the billions of people in the world, they were glad that the four of them found each other. There would be no Prancers without Tranqs, Gramen, Ignis, and Caelum.

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The dynamic between Blair and Hermione, Wood and Granger. Even I can't deny how much sparks I feel when reading their scenes together. Also, I love the Prancers with my entire heart. I hope you guys are enjoying this new version of Balter! Rest assured there are more plot twists and more scenes to anticipate so I hope you stay tuned for that! Always looking forward to see your comments about the story, and thank you for your support <333

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