And I thought this shop wasn't going to be funny

[Charlotte Riddle]

The shelves were littered with thousands of magical and even a few non-magical tricks. There were dung bombs, hiccup sweets, frog spawn soap, and even nose-bitting teacups. Being as this store was no longer Zonko's, Charlotte was rather apprehensive to enter to find more lovely pranks for the school year. She took the last few steps into Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. She knew her stock of fireworks was seriously lacking from use against the Gryffindors.

She passed by the fake wands, Pygmy Puffs, and even a portable swamp. She grinned picking up a reusable hangman. She had to admit, this was the only aspect of the Weasley family she could appreciate.

She was glad to be allowed to wander through the shop alone, being able to sneak away from her small group. She was thinking about the up coming ball and wasn't sure what she was going to do. It's not like she hadn't got asked or anything, she just was not interested in the ones that asked. She didn't really have a particular person in mind but she did know that when she was what she wanted she would go after it.

She continued to search through the store before finally finding the fireworks, she picked out two packets of Deflagration Deluxe and found herself sub-consciously smiling. Oh did she love pranks, this shop was one of her greatest secret pleasures.

She stopped in front of the Wonder Witch products and thought over the options of buying a love potion for the ball. It would be rather funny to give some unsuspecting couple a surprise. Maybe she could even use it to ruin some Hufflepuffs pathetic relationship. She continued to mull the thought over, her smile turning slightly mutinous.

[Zane Lestrange]

The bell on the top of the door rang slightly as the door was oppened. A red hoody and the blond hair combined led others to the conclusion that it was Zane Lestrange who had just entered. Of course they were right. Having always been a fan of the Weasley's products, he strolled around the shop, looking for something, anything, that would save him from Duros' shouting for at least one lesson.

He stopped by the sugar spun quills one of his favourite sweets in the shop. At least these managed to keep him awake in Duros' lesson, which had been first in the morning and considering the fact that Duros had caught him practicing Quidditch the night before, Zane managed to remain polite and patient. I'd probably have to take on my sister's traits before Duros even gave me an ounce of respect.

He was supposed to be meeting Teddy and Rosie later in the Three Broomsticks, but he had to admit, it was nice to just walk around without an entourage thinking that the DE are going to jump out at any moment. After all, surely they enjoyed the trips to Hogsmede as much as any other student. He waved to several New Order members who were leaving the shop, their hands tightly holding onto small paper bags with their treasures inside.

It was then at that moment, when he had turned round to look at a Pygmy Puff which was trying to escape, that he spotted Charlotte, browsing what seemed to be love potions. She obviously hadn't had many people ask her to the ball, if she was resorting to desperate measures. Zane himself had been pounced on as soon as the ball had been announced, he couldn't go anywhere without some fifth or sixth year asking him to the ball. Fortunately, the crush of offers to the ball had died down somewhat, although he still didn't have anyone to go to the ball with. No doubt Rosie and Teddy would go together. Kianthra would probably go with Scorpius. Lily and Lysander seemed to get on well.

He walked over and browsed the shelf which was opposite the wonder witch product. He took particular interest in some exploding toffee before whispering, "that's a bit desperate isn't it?"

[Charlotte Riddle]

The sound of the shop bell dinged in the distance, pulling her distractedly from her thoughts. Charlotte had her hand placed lightly on the top of a love potion box, her finger tapping softly. She jumped ever so sightly at the sound of a voice near her. The box she was touching fell to the ground, "Ha.." Jesus, how did I let that boy sneak up on me like that, way to go, oh scary master of the DE.

She sighed and picked up the box, she glared at Zane as it sunk in to what he had said. "Please. Like I would really need magic to get some bloak to ask me to the dance." The nerve of him suggesting she would need to stoop so low, she was evil and deceiving, not an ugly duckling.

She noticed that for once he was actually by himself, he must have ditched his poor pup and rodent. I'd get tired to if I was surrounded by those two all day. "If you must know I was hoping on buying something to make my day more fun. Maybe cause some destruction in a relationship. I've already picked out my extra pranks, just for you."

Charlotte placed the box on the shelf, "Now, if you need a little help in the dating department, I'd be happy to buy a potion for you?"

[Zane Lestrange]

"No doubt you've got some charming Slytherin who has more muscle than brains to take you to the ball..." Zane shook his head as he said this. The idea of Charlotte going to the ball with one of those goons, that would be something worth seeing. No, she was probably going with Miles or Scorpius. It was true, despite her complete obsession with evil, deception and trickery, that she was pretty. They were similar in so many ways yet in the others you could find two people more different in their ideas.

"Why of course, I wouldn't expect anything less," in response to her remark about pranks especially for him. Mind you, the New Order had their own tricks up their sleeves. Yes it wouldn't cause the DE to get into trouble or get their organisation banned, but surely they were asking for it? He glanced around the shop noting that his sister and Scorpius were nowhere to be seen, "shopping alone?" This was strange, for both the leaders to be without their friends was unheard of, it must have been a first.

"Unfortunately I doubt whether the potion you bought me would have been a love potion more like poison, anyway I don't need your help thank you. I've had enough offers to last me until next Summer Ball. No doubt you've had the same amount?

[Charlotte Riddle]

Charlotte merely laughed at the example Zane had come up with. As if she would actually go out with a brainless buffoon, the most they could ever provide for her would be protection, if she ever truely needed it. "Yeah, riigght. And I'll asume you have some wonderful obsessed little blonde Gryffindor clinging to your every word and clinging on your arm as you dance the night away." She nearly snorted at the image of a smothering, whiner of a girl pulling Zane onto a dance floor. She asumed the boy's type would be someone completely involved in his cause, meaning more then likely someone from his New Order. Yes, as she would admit, only to herself, that he was very handsome. She recognized it from the first moment she had met him. But, she could not stand his idea's of what he believed was right, they could clash in many points as well as meld in most others.

She wondered if he had any idea's of the pranks she would plan for him as well as any, he might have planned for her. She noticed the absence of bodies around him and realized that he must have too, decided to leave his group for a few hours. "As are you, I see." The only other time she could remember meeting him alone was at some ungodly hour of the morning.

"Really darling, that many? It seem's we've both been given many opportunities to pick from the barrel of dates." She smirked at him as she used a pet name, hoping for a reaction. "Now, from these offers I would guess that you've said yes to at least one of them." She actually wanted to know which girl at this school would actually catch his fancy. She kept all real intrest from her face, hoping he wouldn't spot her wonderment in his decisions.

[Zane Lestrange]

"If your referring to Melanie then you would be mistaken. No, I don't have some "wonderfully obsessed little blonde Gryffindor clinging to my every word" as you so put it."Melanie being the fifth year who seemed to follow Zane around everywhere, there is only one word that describes her, stalker. In fact Zane didn't have a clue who he was going with, yes he'd had offers, but they just didn't seem right at the time. Of course he'd have to find somone, after all the Gryffindor Quidditch Captain couldn't go unaccompanied to the Summer Ball. He looked into Charlotte eyes and it hit him, she was pretty, beautiful in fact, something he had noticed before a long time ago and then pushed to the back of his mind when the DE emerged. It was strange really, they were so alike in some things yet, worlds apart in others.

Zane mind switched to the pranks they had stocked up on, using a few of the DE's tricks and turning them back on themselves. Of course, it would have to happen in Professor Longbottom's lesson becuase he would immediately spring to the Gryffindors' defence and begin remenissing about the good old days, whilst docking some points from Scorpius. It was usually Scorpius who he docked points from, after all he and his father went well back. Of course, Neville was a kind teacher but he didn't stand for bullying.

Charlotte's response brought him back to the present, "It seems strange that on today of all days, we both decided to leave our trusted friends behind, seeing as though we are never seen without them," he smiled to himself as he said this. "Well, no I haven't actually, none of them seemed right, you know?" He paused whilst he watched a Pygmy Puff escape from its cage with one of the assisstants running after it with a fishing net. "So," Zane said casually, who've your offers been from? Wait don't tell me, Higgins?" The boy in question was a sixth year, known to be a similar build to Viktor Krum, in fact he looked quite like him. Zane couldn't help asking after all, he just simply wanted to know who she was going with, it wouldn't lead to anything, would it?

[Charlotte Riddle]

"Shame, that would have been amusing to see." Charlotte's laugh was light and would remind people of wind chimes, of course the effect you feel after she laughs isn't always as pretty. She had no clue who she was going to the ball with, of course their were options, she just...Didn't know who this 'Perfect Person" would be. It's not like it was even possible for her to go alone, that was completely out of the question.

Zane's pranks were, as she will only admit to herself, very smart and actually funny, when it didn't include her. The only place the Gryffindors felt comfortable with being able to sneak away with the tricks were in Longbottom's classroom. He never had actually taken point from her but Scorpious seemed to be his favorite like Teddy was to Duros. Usually it seemed he reminded the Herbology proffessor of his father.

Charlotte tilted her head, "Yes, that it quite strange." She had wondered why she would pick this day to part from her friends, she was so used to having around. And she nodded, knowing exactally what he ment by that, "Yeah...Me either." She was a strange conversation to be having with him, talking about the right date to the ball. She turned to watch the store assisstant chase after the small puff of fur, and mummbled a quiet spell, "Impedimenta.." and the Pygmy puff slowed for him to catch it. She wasn't sure she did that, usually she would have taken pleasure in opening the door and waltching the small thing exit the store. She blamed her helpfullness on boredum.

"Well, certainly Higgins has asked me, but no I didn't say yes to him. There's nothing to him, no challenge, so he bores me." Nothing like you. She blinked unsure where that thought had come from, surely she didn't enjoy these conversations with him. SHe was getting angry at herself.

[Zane Lestrange]

Just like wind chimes, Charlotte's laugh, a sound rarely heard. It was a shame really, it was quite pleasant. She should laugh more often I... what am I thinking? A beautiful laugh for a beautiful person...ok I really should stop this now... Zane's head was swimming with mixed emotions, torn between the New Order and Charlotte. No doubt Rosie would say, you can't go with her, she's the enemy, and Teddy's response would be along the same lines but a bit more blunt. "It might have been entertaining for you, but my idea of a nice evening does not involve Melanie." He laughed at the thought of Melanie asking someone like Scorpius to the ball. Hopefully she would ask someone who wouldn't try and curse her back through the door she came in through.

This was strange, well that was one word for it. The two leaders of enemy organisations having a friendly chat in the middle of a joke shop. The shop itself was relatively quiet considering it was a Hogsmede visit, maybe all the third years had already been in here. Lestrange and Crenge talking in a civilized fashion, if the others saw them now, they would panic, thinking that one of their leaders was working for the other or something like that. Maybe it was the other members of the respective organisations that caused the hype and increased the rivalry between the two groups. After all what was wrong with just talking to someone. On second thoughts, Teddy and the rest of the New Order probably wouldn't see it like that.

Zane didn't remark on the act of kindness, he didn't want to ruin a perfectly pleasant conversation. Zane watched the Pygmy Puff be returned to its cage, happily reunited with its friends after its failed escape attempt. At least they didn't have to worry about asking someone to the Summer Ball, or what other people thought of them, or have little stalker girls following them round. Yes, life was definitely simpler as a Pygmy Puff, but very boring. No challenges or Quidditch.

Zane looked up at Charlotte as she spoke about Higgins. "Hmm I know what you mean, the girls that have asked me so far didn't have that extra thing, you know, that spark." But you do. Zane glanced at the Pygmy Puff once more, what was wrong with him. He actually seemed to enjoy talking to Charlotte, trying to make her laugh and smile.

[Charlotte Riddle]

Charlotte sighed as the sound of his laugh, it was strange but she enjoyed giving him reason to laugh. She was tossing her feelings towards him to girlish wants and teenage hormones. She was Voldemort's daughter for Christs sakes. This was not something she should even be thinking about. And if she talked to Kia or Scorpious about this they would say the exact thing...And probably curse the NO assuming they slipped their leader a love potion or something.

She was glad that the others were not here to see her acting like this, of course that could be the very reason she was. They weren't here. She had no pressure at the moment to prove herself in front of him like this. They were simply just two Hogwarts students on a weekend trip to the nearby town, in the shops.

She watched the Pygmy puffs for a few moments before running a hand through her hair almost nervously, which was strange as well. She never got nervous. She always had a clear mind and knew exactly what she wanted, there were never any hesitations. He was throwing her off, giving her doubts about her wants. Her brain was telling her to hex him, while something else in her told her he was what she wanted.

"Yeah, spark.." There were so many things they were agreeing upon. She was getting agitated with herself. He muddled her up, she hated him for that, but it was very hard to leave and stop talking to him. "Looks like were both going to have to give in to one of the offers soon, I won't risk missing my chance to be at the ball." What if he could have been one of those offers? If she wasn't in public she would have bashed her head against something.

[Zane Lestrange]

"Hmm I know what you mean. Do you want to go to the ball with me?" I can't believe I just said that. Why on earth did I say that? What the hell am I thinking? She's the leader of the DE forgoodness sake. Why can't I pick someone within my own organisation who doesn't try to kill me at every opportunity? Then the counter-argument began battling the argument each trying to best the other. Look, she's pretty, intelligent and the leader of the DE, what have I done? I've made a fool of myself, yes. Made Teddy and Rosie furious, yes. Asked Charlotte to the ball, yes. Well she has that special something, that spark, the thing that none of the others had.

Zane quickly looked away, he had basically just handed her ammunition, admitteded his feelings for her. Started a chain reaction of unfortunate events. The downfall of the New Order with ten small words. Ten small words that could make or break the New Order and the DE. Anyway, she definitely wouldn't accept and she would probably go with Scorpius or Miles or some other genral Slytherin. Zane just knew that the Ball wouldn't be the same without Charlotte as his partner. Anyway? Who would know? The New Order would simply recognise their leader and wonder who his masked partner was, whilst the DE would wonder who Charlotte had accompanied to the ball. Anyway, there would be no such problem, because Charlotte was bound to reject it.

He looked back at Charlotte, waiting for the rejection to sound through the air. Maybe it would be better if she rejected it...what am I kidding? Of course it would be better one million times. No it wouldn't you know you wouldn't enjoy the ball as much. Why was everything so complicated?

[Charlotte Riddle]

Charlotte's breath hitched in her throat. She couldn't talk, Zane Lestrange had just asked her to the dance. What surprised her the most was that is she could speak she would have shouted out yes. What is wrong with me? What's wrong with him? I can't believe he just asked me..But isn't that what I wanted? She flexed her fingers slowly as she thought of all the reason why she should say yes or no. I'm the leader of the DE, he wants to destroy everything I believe in. He also would look amazing in his dress robes, sided by side as we enter the ball together.

She looked at him and saw his feelings clear on his face. He was conflicted even after he said it. This could be the end of everything for both of them, already he asked her and if she said yes. Kianthra and Scorpious would be angry, let alone, betrayed. She should just say yes to someone in Slytherin, it would make everything so much easier. Why wold she want to go to the ball with him anyways. Just because he was the only one who caused her to feel something. They would be completely disguised to anyone but each other. And even if one of her own knew what she looked like, they would have no clue it was Zane's arm she hung onto lightly. Same as well for him, Rosie and Teddy would have no idea it was her beneath the mask.

She should just say no, that was the smart thing, but would she want to. I can't...There's no much risk, it doesn't matter if I would have a better time. She looked to the floor and instead of saying the rejection she had been planning in her head to embaress him, "Yes." Her eyes widened as she looked into his eyes, he was not expecting that, that was for sure.

She couldn't believe what they started, there was no turning back now. Her desision frightened her, and she hoped she had no just given him something to laugh at. It would destroy her if this was a trick to tell to the others.

[Zane Lestrange]

What am I doing? If Rosie and Teddy knew...I don't know what they would do. Teddy would probably attempt to strangle me whilst shouting, "WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING?!". Yes that would be Ted's reaction, but Rosie, somewhat more difficult to predict. Maybe she would remain silent? Join Teddy in the murder attempt, or something completely different. Who knows? Ok I've gone mad, it's official. Why else would I have asked her? Well she's pretty, ok let me rephrase that, beautiful and yeah...Zane's mind was awash with a mixture of emotions and feelings.

The silence seemed to last an age, the only sound the ticking of the clock on the wall and even that seemed to have slowed down, as if time itself as stopped. And then came the reply, "yes". Time restarted as Zane tried to take it all in. She's accepted? She's accepted! The gryffindor beamed at the Slytherin, before it dawned on him. What am I going to do now? I have to keep this a secret from Teddy and Rosie and all the other New Order members. Infact, from everyone, no one can know and then nobody will be none the wiser and I will have a great time without everyone trying to drag me away from Charlotte.

He sighed with relief before saying, "So, where do you want to meet before the ball?" This could either go one of two ways. Firstly, it could a complete success, with both him and Charlotte having a great time at the ball, peaceful bliss between the two organisations. Or, a complete disaster, him being accused of being a traitor, a massive duel between the DE and the New Order or worse. He prayed for the first, but it was almost inevitable that the latter would occur.

[Charlotte Riddle]

Charlotte looked into his bright face and almost blushed. Almost. This was going to be the hardest thing she has ever done. What if Kia or Scorpious find out? What if Kia recognises her brother standing next to me? Her breathing was picking up speed again as she worried about how this would effect his and her leadership. It seemed to take forever for the air to clear and time to finally return to it normal pace.

"We could meet by the, um, enterance." She hoped that this would go on with out a hitch. So many things could happen. They could hopefully have a great time and enjoy themselves or everyone could find out who the were behind their masks and have the worst fight the new groups had ever had. What about the plan for the Lysander boy?

She had forgotten about what her and the DE were planning for the ball. The entire thing could be ruined and it would be her fault. Of course, it would be easier to keep an eye on Zane...Maybe she would let someone else get to Lysander and she could stay with Zane. She would stay completely happy and enjoy the ball. That's exactly what she should do. Give the horrible task to someone else. She was talking herself into this and was not going to let any, smart thoughts enter her brain to try and stop her.

[Zane Lestrange]

Well, yes that seemed reasonable enough. The Entrance Hall, where all the other couples would be meeting, at least we could blend in and become one with the crowd. One the plus side, at least I can keep an eye on Charlotte whilst enjoying myself at the same time. After all, surely the leaders are allowed to have fun instead of just watching their enemy's every move? Well, it will have to be, I'm taking Charlotte to the Ball. Zane Lestrange is taking Charlotte Crenge to the Summer Ball. If word of this gets out... I don't even want to think about what would happen. Well, seeing as though Charlotte said yes, that means she likes me too...this is a big risk, yet it's one I'm willing to take.

"Entrance Hall would be fine, what time?" He only asked this because Charlotte might want to be the first one into the ball, or around the middle, or fashionably late so she could make a big entrance. Considering they were trying to be inconspicuous, probably around the middle. People were bound to turn and stare at them if they entered well after all the other couples. That made Zane's thoughts turn to dancing. At least I can dance, about the only useful thing I got from my parents. I just hope I don't make a fool of myself in front of all those people. Oh please, just don't let Kianthra know! She'll spoil everything...like she always does.

[Charlotte Riddle]

She needed to think about this carefully; under normal circomstances she would have no other way but to be the last to enter the ball. No, she didn't crave attention, but she did rather like the attention for the most part. She bit her lip, it would be better for the both of them to get there after the bulk of the crowd is there. "It would probably be best to get there after most of the students have already gone inside."

She figured that they were both going to get stares no matter when they entered. After that would be the dancing, she hoped the boy was good at that. She would die if she had her foot stepped on or something. This was so nerve racking. How did she talk herself into this, he was annoying, a prat, gorgous, sweet. She internally let out a scream of frustration, she hated complications. She stared into his eyes for a few minutes. He really is cute, gah I can't believe I did this.

Charlotte's cheeks finally turned a light shade of pink as she continued to stare at him. That was until she realized it and changed her face into a deep glare. "Now leave me alone Lestrange. Don't think this means your not still a muggle-loving little...Ugh!" She couldn't even think of an insult for him, and she stormed off out of the store. What? She wasn't going to let him think she had completely lost her touch.