Takes Place before the Ginny/Draco scene at Healing Hands - sorry guys!

Greg arrived in Hogsmeade fifteen minutes early. He shifted from foot to foot, hating the costume. He still felt like utter shite, even though the time spent with his nearest and dearest had helped quite a bit. He was sure that the minute he stepped from the shadows that people would be snickering over his tight trousers. But, he had a plan for the evening. He was going to assure himself that Maeve's costume (what there was of it) didn't show off too much skin, thrash Nott, and find Fred and Katie for some quality time. Leaning against the wall of The Sticks, he scanned the crowd, thankful that others had dressed up as well. He pulled his hair back and tied it with a strip of leather. He wanted to be able to see Nott's face when the first blow landed. He tugged on the jersey, scowling a bit at the memory of it being pink, and hoped he could talk Fred and Katie into leaving early. He really was still healing and probably shouldn't be here, but damn it all it was his birthday, and he'd told Maeve he would show. There was no way he would spend it in bed alone.

"Greg!" River called a few minutes later as she led Tracey and Theo through the crowd towards the Three Broomsticks. She was dressed up as well, the thin black fabric of the belly dancer garb swishing around her as she moved, the pendant Greg had given her glinting at her neck, all with a wide smile on her face. Halloween always had been her favourite holiday, and she was doubly glad to be able to spend it with her closest friends...even if said friends weren't very cheery and acting a little cold toward one another at the moment.

She stopped in front of her friend, smiling wide. "Happy Birthday, Greg. I hope we haven't kept you waiting."

"It's fine, I was early. You ladies look lovely." He struggled to hide his weariness, as he had all week. Staying in bed wasn't a viable option...the memories had free reign of his head when he didn't keep busy.

"Happy Birthday, Greg." Tracey said quietly with a smile. She kissed his cheek and gave him a slight embrace. "You look smashing in your costume, I knew you would."

Greg held her tightly, not willing to let go just yet. He was waiting until after this party deal to explain just what had happened. He glared over Maeve's shoulder at Nott before releasing her. He smiled. "Well, turn 'round so I can see the whole costume, Poppet. What are you supposed to be?"

Her smile was tight, but she knew no one would notice in the dim light. "I'm a Water Nymph, can't you tell?" she asked as she turned in a swift circle, allowing the soft blue silk to flit around her. She stumbled a bit and Theo reached out to help her. She let him, but only looked at him for a split second before letting go as though she'd been burned. She continued as though nothing happened, "Modest enough for you then, Val?"

Snickering, his eyes narrowed slightly when he spotted the tattoo at the base of her spine. He cocked his head to the side and touched her back softly. "Nice, Maeve, very nice. Where's the other one or don't I want to know?"

Her smile flickered and she closed her eyes for a second. When she opened them again she saw him look at her expectantly and she smiled weakly at him before slamming her mask down firmly over her pain. "It's here," she whispered quietly as she pointed to her hip. The pretty pink lotus seemed cheerful enough, despite the coolness in her voice. Please don't ask me why...

"Beautiful, Poppet, just like you," Greg informed her with a smile. He wanted to punch Nott right here and now, suspecting the reason behind the lotus flower. He wouldn't be saying anything aloud though. Embarrassing Maeve wasn't on his to-do list tonight.

Theo cleared his throat. "I'm going to get a drink." He turned to Tracey and River, blatantly ignoring Greg. "Would either of you like one?"

"Just a butterbeer for me, thanks," Tracey said quietly. Alcohol was the last thing she needed right now. "Val? You want an lager, yeah?"

Greg shook his head while sneering at Nott behind Maeve's back. He let Theo's insult pass...for now. The wanker would be paying for his deplorable treatment of both Maeve and Pansy. No one, and he meant no one, would get away with treating them shoddily. They were a Parkinson and a Davis... but honorary Goyle's as well...his sisters. He will pay and pay dearly.

"I'll have one though," River said with a smile.

"Tracey?" Theo could sense her discomfort about the previous discussion, even when she was hardly speaking to him and tried to get her attention. "Would you mind helping me carry the drinks?" It was a lame excuse, but he couldn't think of anything else and he just wanted her to say something.

Tracey tried to think of a reason to say no, it hurt to even look at him, but without wanting to make a scene she had none. She nodded and turned toward her two friends, "We'll be right back," before allowing Theo to direct her toward the entrance to the Broomsticks. When his hand touched the small of her back she jumped, but that was the only sign that she wasn't exactly thrilled to be walking with him. To everyone else she was all smiles.

As the two of them walked toward the Pub's main doors, Tracey nearly bumped into a man who was backing up while speaking to his companion. She grinned more naturally, "Why, Cormac. How wonderful to see you tonight. And dear Pansy. You look lovely, Pans." Tracey kissed her friend on the cheek and stepped back beside Theodore with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. It wasn't Pansy's fault. "So, how long have you two been here? You look smashing!"

A smile lit up Cormac's face. "Tracey, it's always a pleasure."

Pansy's face fell at the sight of Tracey and her companion. I am with Cormac,she pondered. I could conceivably hex the prat and since I'm with a member of MLE... No. She wouldn't do that to Tracey. Her poor friend had been hurt enough. "Tracey. Fabulous costume, darling."

"Thank you, Pans. Aren't you two adorable for wearing matching costumes? Be careful, Cormac, wasn't Cleopatra the power behind the men in her life?" Tracey asked, giving him a wry smile.

"Thanks for the warning, Tracey." He winked. "Although, I like a woman who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to take it," he said as he snaked his arm around Pansy's waist. And this costume shows my sexy knees.

Pansy looked at Cormac with an amused expression. "Ever the charmer." Her attention went back to Tracey, and she carefully avoided acknowledging Theodore. "Are you free later this week, Trace? Or will I have to wait until next Tuesday to shop with you? I don't know that I'm ready to do Harrod's shoe department by myself," she said, pausing so that Tracey could answer.

"I went there just the other day and it was brilliant. Though I'd love to go again... I don't have any events planned past tonight. We'll have another girls' day." Tracey could sense how uncomfortable Theodore was by his rigid stance behind her and while she wanted him to swim in his guilt, she also knew she was being irrational. If it was anyone's fault it was hers and hers alone. "Perhaps we'll see you all later, we were getting drinks for River and Greg." She gestured back to where they'd come from and smiled at the couple in goodbye.

Theo started to move away the moment Tracey suggested it. It wasn't that he had done something wrong when he had slept with Pansy, but he didn't need to be reminded of it and the guilt he did feel. He moved through the crowd, Tracey following behind him now. He'd moved a little ahead when he realised that she wasn't close any more. Turning, he watched her be pulled aside by an old wizard who was clearly drunk.

"Come on, I only want a spot of fun! I know yer be wantin' it too, lass!" he burbled out as she was struggling to get away.

Taking the few steps to get back to her, Theo grabbed the man by the collar and shouted, "Get the hell off of her. Leave her alone!" He took the time to push Tracey safely behind him as he threatened the wizard. "Don't come near her, ever again!" With a swift jab, the wizard was down on the floor nursing a cut lip and Theo was shaking his fist as he turned back toward Tracey.

Her eyes were wide with shock and she pulled his hand toward her when he came close. She'd been terrified, but she suddenly felt safe. She knew she was safe. Theo was there. How is it that I can feel this way and yet still be so broken? she wondered. Muttering a few healing charms, she held his hand a little longer than she should of before dropping it and looking toward the counter. There were no blushes, no shy smiles, just muted self loathing for wanting to touch him despite not knowing what she really meant to him. She frowned at herself before turning and walking to the counter.

Theo grimaced at her frown but ordered their drinks, leaning his back against the counter and surveying the crowed. He didn't know what to say to Tracey now; seeing Pansy had thrown him off kilter, making him need to rethink any game plan he had. Not that he had a game plan to begin with. And her touch, while making his heart beat faster, was strangely comforting, making him feel as though she may one day be able to forgive him for hurting her. Making the situation better overnight just wasn't going happen, and he did realize this. He had always been the type to want a quick fix. He only invested emotionally what he could afford to lose... this time it was clear he had invested too much before she knew the whole story, or all of him at all.

She watched as he paid the bartender. She wasn't sure what to say, she wasn't sure there was anything to say to him. The party was going on all around them and yet time and space seemed to stand still in their little bubble of fog. She hated herself for feeling betrayed. She was smart enough to know she hadn't been. They hadn't been dating. She hadn't been his 'girlfriend' yet. The Theo she knew would never have done it if he was emotionally invested in her. But maybe that was the problem. She had always been emotionally invested with him... look how she sobbed her eyes out when all he'd done was leave their first date early - for work! She was truly pathetic, and now she realised that she lost the only thing she'd ever really cared about and mucked it up and she didn't know how to fix it. Maybe there was no fixing. He hadn't had any clue how long she'd loved him. She tried to think of a single time she'd told him. She hadn't. Maybe it was for the best. Trying to push those thoughts out of her head, she took her own glass of butterbeer and River's lager and waited for Theo to walk with her out of the pub. She paused for a moment as they stepped outside, about to point out Dean to Theo when she saw him across the street, but the words never left her mouth. Her smile dropped at the sight of her new friend. She didn't want to remind Theo of the painting... the one she'd permanently sent to the attic to rot with all the other things she refused to think about... it wasn't fair to try to use things like that as an emotional and physical trap.

They managed to get back to River and Greg without speaking a single word to one another.

Greg's eyes narrowed dangerously when he caught sight of Maeve and Nott. What did the wanker do now? He stepped away from River intent on finding out just how badly Nott hurt his Maeve this time. He took the drinks from Maeve's hands and passed them to River. He laid has hand on Maeve's shoulders and looked into her eyes, reading the emotions there as few could or cared to. He may not be back to full strength as of yet, but that didn't mean he couldn't thrash Nott. "River, why don't you two wander a bit so Nott and myself can have a little chat?" He kissed Meave's brow, giving her shoulders a light squeeze, and deftly moved her behind him next to River. He looked over his shoulder meeting River's eyes. "Well, go on, ladies."

The younger girl nodded, passing the butterbeer back to Tracey and put her arm around her friend. "Let's go look at everyone's costumes, okay?" Tracey nodded at her vaguely and looked with narrowed eyes at Greg. Do not do anything stupid, Val, she thought as she let River pull her away. Her eyes locked on Theo's once before her friend led her into the darkness.

"That would be great, Riv, thank you," Greg said with a wave of his hand. He turned to Nott. "Can you explain your behaviour?"

"Explain what behaviour?" Theo asked, oblivious to what he was talking about.

Greg growled, literally. "You took Tracey out and then used Pansy in the worst way..." he took a deep breath and struggled to calm his temper. "If that wasn't bad enough, you went back to Tracey and used her as well. Explain yourself, now."

"Used? I didn't use either of them. And if I had used Pansy, it was clearly mutual. If it was any of your business, and it's not, then I would tell you Pansy came onto me. Not the other way around. Tracey came on to me as well, but when I slept with Pansy, she and I were not exclusive by any means. Is that a good enough explanation for you?" Theo was seething. Greg had no right to bring this up. It was none of his business and all this gallant hero crap was getting old. Both Tracey and Pansy were grown women, surely they could take care of themselves and make their own decisions. Actually, from what Theo had seen was clear they could.

Fuming, Greg fisted his hands. He couldn't believe that Nott would dare say such things in public, which made it even worse. "You," he paused, trying to control the urge to beat Nott into a bloody pulp. "You know better...you were raised..." He couldn't form a coherent sentence he was so angry. No one spoke of Maeve and Pansy as if they were common slags. "You take that back, Nott. You will not speak of my family in such a way."

Theo fought the temptation to tell him off then walk away. It was ridiculous -- this whole situation. "Goyle," he said finally, careful with his words and tone. "I'm not going to stand here and argue with you. It's none of your business. If you want to be there for your 'family' then go find them and comfort them. This gallant hero crap is already wearing thin." He failed miserably at keeping the anger from his voice and trying to keep things civil. He knew he was just adding fuel to Greg's fire, but didn't care. It was none of Goyle's business who he shagged. It was none of Greg's business if he felt guilty -- which he did not like admitting to himself that he did -- or didn't. Pansy and Tracey were the only ones whose business it was -- 'family' or not.

Greg was at the end of his rope. His years of training came flooding back as Nott's words registered. "Gallant hero crap?" he said incredulously. "Go fuck yourself, Nott." He was waiting, biding his time. Nott would give him an opening, one Greg would take happily. They'd been taught better than this. Even in all his years of being a man-whore...he'd never stooped this low. He always respected the women he shagged, it was all about respect. You respected women no matter what, especially those you were raised with.

Theo sighed. "Bloody hell," he muttered, looking directly at Greg. "Do you want to hit me? Then hit me. I don't give a shit anymore." Theo only found himself wanting the conversation to end, and Goyle had always been the one to need to use his fists or wand instead of words.

Greg grinned. He knew it wasn't the most pleasant of expressions either. Words weren't needed as he laid Nott out with two solid punches, one to the face and one to the ribs. He laughed aloud, leaning over his former housemate. "Respect, Nott. It is all about respect." He took a moment to admire his handiwork, leaning down to tap Nott's face. "Oh, damn, that is going to bruise." He clucked his tongue mockingly. "You might want to take it easy for a day or two, Nott." With a mocking salute Greg stepped back, still grinning wickedly and chuckling. "That was...fun."

Theo stood up, not even bothering to hold his jaw or ribs where he had been punched. It didn't matter that it had hurt, he wasn't going to give Goyle the satisfaction. "Goyle! You talk about respect, but you know nothing about it! Not a damn thing! Just so you know, I do respect both women. I had no idea it would turn out this way. If I did, I sure as hell wouldn't have done it." The words fell from his mouth as shouts. He didn't bother to lower his voice; rage was coursing through him like never before. He was angry at Goyle, for being a brute and acting chivalrous when he wasn't, and he was angry at himself. "So screw you, Goyle. Screw you," he muttered, turning around to see Tracey and River standing there.

River's mouth was wide. She had hoped to keep whatever problem there was between the two private for now, keep it out of the public's notice, but that plan was shot to hell now. Speaking of said two people, she looked quickly to Tracey, who was breathing shallowly and glaring at Greg.

Tracey was shocked, but she didn't allow it to register on her face. Coldly, she looked at two of the most important men in her life. I told you not to hurt him. "Goyle, you're going to want to put some ice on that hand. It'll swell. And, Theo? Please remember to set the wards when you come home. I'm leaving now. Goodnight, Riv. Owl me tomorrow, yeah?" And with a crack, she left them there.

Greg laughed and gave River a courtly bow. "My job here is done." He turned to Nott. "I know more about respect than you, Nott. Good Night all, and Happy Birthday to Me!" He Apparated away with a wry, wicked grin on his face

"Screw you, Goyle. You know nothing," Theo muttered again, glancing wearily at River. "I'll see you around..." he said politely before Apparating to Muggle London.

River just sighed, turning towards the Three Broomsticks. Another night alone, it seemed...she just hoped everyone got things straightened out soon.



(Summary: River, Tracey, and Theo arrive at Hogsmeade to meet Greg. The arguing love birds bump into Pansy and Cormac and eventually there is some Muggle Dueling. All in all, a good night.)