Not Everything Is As It Seems

“As per usual, you’re right. Besides, I really don’t want to spend my entire night scowling at that douchebag when I could be spending it with you on my arm and being the envy of all guys.” He smirked, leaning down to kiss her cheek once he did in fact see someone looking. He still wasn’t sure why Irina had agreed to go to the ball with him knowing how he felt about Stevie. Despite his best efforts, he just couldn’t get over his crush on her. She was a breath of fresh air and he wanted to show her that she didn’t have to go for the assholes. He wanted to show her that he was capable of being a one woman kind of guy. Ugh, Justin, get yourself together. You have Irina Diablos on your arm. As your date. And all you can think about is yourself and your obsession with an unobtainable girl. Snap out of it.

“So Irina, how many hearts did you have to break in order to end up with me as your date and why? Its not like we don’t spend enough time together as it is.” He teased, crinkling his nose as they headed down to the Ballroom. He had ot admit this was the first ball he was actually looking forward to. His date was better than the one from his dreams and somehow that made spending two hours dancing to stupid songs bearable. And Irina would totally leave with him if he started feeling anxious… or worse.  

Feeling all the eyes on him as he and Irina entered the room sent a chill up his spine. He let out a small breath and gave Irina’s hand a squeeze. He needed that reassurance that she wouldn’t leave him alone and as they headed down the stairs, closer to the crowds, he put on a brave face and smirked, turning back into confident Justin. When the girl complimented her on her dress, Justin took that time to check her out, his eyes scanning her up and down before nodding in agreement. “She’s perfect actually.” He said, pulling Irina closer as the girl’s date started eyeing her up and down. He suddenly felt very possessive as he gave a weird smile to the couple. “Well, are we going to stand and chat or should we get the party started?” He chuckled and shook his head before leading her out to the dance floor. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close, the music slowing down to a tune that sounded familiar but one he couldn’t quite place either.

Irina smirked, she knew that she looked good tonight and having Justin confirm it was even better, even though he always complimented her it was nice to have an ego boost. She closed her eyes as Justin kissed her cheek, a small smile gracing her lips, he was always so nice to her, even though she felt a little embarrassed as he wasn’t usually that affectionate in public. She wasn’t quiet sure what was happening as those kisses started feeling a little different, a warmth came over her but her stomach also felt weird, maybe she was worried about Justin’s reaction seeing Stevie being lovey-dovey with Chris.

Irina looked down at her hands, “I- actually wasn’t asked by anyone,” she said quietly, “but that’s okay,” she lifted her head up and smiled, “because I get to go with you and I’d rather go with someone who’s close to me and I care for than some random person.” Looking around at all the decorations, “Valentine’s is better when you’re not worried about being single or having some unwanted person hitting on you.”

She wasn’t used to having so many eyes on her, it made her feel anxious but she took it in her stride, they were probably looking at everyone that walked in the door. She squeezed Justin’s hand back, giving him a reassuring smile, glad to know she wasn’t the only nervous one.

He laughed softly and shook his head. “Nope. It could be worse. I could be best friends with Chris.” He shuddered, standing up and pulling on his pants. He didn’t remember falling asleep nor taking off his clothes but he knew there wasn’t anything he could do about it now. Besides, Irina had seen him in his underwear before.

“Well even so. All I usually do is feed Mrs. Norris in an old classroom and wait until Filch goes looking for her. Then I make my move. Its not as glamorous but it works. Perhaps for tonight since you want an adventure, we can sneak. More opportunities to get lost. Its been a while since I’ve been alone with a hot girl.” He grinned, suddenly wondering why on Earth he’d said that. This was Irina, not some random girl he took to old rooms. She needed to be wined and dined, not taken to a dusty old room. He shook away those thoughts before they got out of control and he turned to look at her. “The old Justin I mean. I’m a changed man it seems.” He recovered, nodding as they left his room and headed out the door.

Feeling her hand in his brought forth a conglomerate of mixed emotions and feelings. He didn’t want to think about what why his stomach was in knots and why he suddenly felt very warm. He knew what it meant because he felt it when he looked at Stevie but this time its different. This time he didn’t have to fight for her attention. She was willingly giving it to him and it wasn’t something he was used to. “3, 2, 1..” He whispered, grabbing her hand and ducking into an alcove just as Filch came around the corner. “Shh.”

Irina shrugged, “Chris is actually a pretty good friend, as long as you can get past him running off with girls all the time, but I remember you were like that once,” she replied raising an eyebrow. She watched him get dressed as she talked, she’d seen him in his underwear before but this time she actually looked at him. The lines in his defined back and his cute butt. She whipped her head up as he started to turn, before she got caught, “you’re just jealous, although you shouldn’t be.”

She grinned at the thought of sneaking around like old times, she felt like a kid again. Irina closed her mouth at Justin calling her hot, trying to hide her smile. She would definitely ask him about it later. Irina hummed in agreement, not truly believing him but that didn’t matter for now.

Justin zoned out the minute her hands came up to brush the tears from his eyes. He felt his heart flutter and he had to swallow to keep himself from making a mistake and kissing her. It was tempting, so tempting, with her face so close. She was his best friend and they were closer than he and Hannah had ever been but unlike that relationship, he didn’t want to screw this one up by ruining what they had. Sure he’d thought about it on more than one occasion but then he’d told himself he wanted their friendship to last as an example for the newbies coming in. To show that Hufflepuffs and Slytherins, or any house really, could coexist in harmony. The tap to his nose pulled him from his thoughts and he smiled, nodding his head. “Who said I wanted to be rid of you? We’re going to be friends forever babe.”

“Wait, Filch is still around? I thought that old fart died last year.” He smirked, running a hand through his hair. “Hmm… so perhaps we should save the research until daylight but we can still have an adventure. I’m actually starving so we could make a trip to the kitchens and I’ll make us a snack and then we’ll sneak around the castle, avoiding Filch and Ms. Norris, on our way to the Room of Requirement. Its been a while of course but I’m sure I can get back the game room I created back in second year.” He said, stretching his arms above his head. “I got bored a lot and it was my home away from home.”

Those words made her heart flutter, she loved Justin with all her heart and for him to validate their friendship gave her such a warm, glowing feeling. She smiled in reply, “good. Not like you have much choice anyway,” she said with a laugh before scooting off the bed.

“Ha. You wish. I don’t think he’s that old, just looks it,” replied Irina. When he smirked and ran his hand through his hair, he looked so hot, she could take him right then and there but he’s very vulnerable right now so she wouldn’t do that. ‘Why’d I just think that, we’re best friends, I don’t like Justin, right? Yeah, I’m just horny,’ she thought. Irina’s eyes widened with excitement, food and games? “You had me at adventure, let’s go!” Irina wanted to talk to Justin more, it felt weird being surrounded by all of his housemates and the Room of Requirement would be the perfect place to do so. She then realised that he’d had a hard night already and probably just needed a break so Irina decided to focus on making it as fun as possible.

Justin rolled her eyes at her sound logic and shook his head. “I hate when you’re right. I couldn’t use Marcie like that. Her bad taste in boyfriends aside, she’s actually really nice.” He explained, running a hand through his hair, messing up the otherwise perfected coif. “Its just going to hurt me to see her so happy with Chris. He’s every girl’s dream guy and my dream girl is with him. With someone like him on her arm, what chance do I have? I only agreed to the makeover because I thought it might make her finally see me.” Justin admitted, shrugging his shoulders. They fell silent as they trekked towards the Great Hall, his mind on everything but the dance. Would he be able to pluck the courage to ask Stevie to dance? Would he be able to confess his feelings, no matter the outcome? Could he accept her answer?

It took him a minute to focus back on what his best friend was offering and he chuckled softly, nodding his head. “I think those terms are fair. I can’t promise I won’t shoot Chris glares or not drool over Stevie but I’ll try to keep all that to a minimum. Wouldn’t want to ruin my tux.” Justin squeezed her hand and smiled, pulling her closer and wrapping her arm around his waist. “Now, let’s go be the best dressed non-couple in the room.” As they heard the music coming from inside, he knew the song was about over. The perfect time to turn heads and make an entrance. “Are you ready to knock them dead?” He asked, winking at his date for the evening.

Irina nodded as she raised her eyebrows at Justin when he told her she was right. “If you did that, you’d be as bad as what people dislike Chris for, and that’s not you,” she said taking his hand, moving it with the last two words to emphasise her point. She sighed as she fixed his hair again and listened to him explain, “so ignore her for the night, have fun with me and your other friends and pretend she doesn’t exist and if it gets too much, we can leave. Forgetting is the best way to mend a broken heart.”

“At least you’ll try and that’s all I could ask of you,” she said with a smile. She followed his lead and put her hand around his waist. Irina turned her head towards Justin, “always,” she said with a grin on her face before walking into the hall just as the new song was starting. As they were fashionably late, most people had already arrived and were waiting for the main festivities to begin so all people had to do was watch and chat as others arrived.

Justin sniffed, wiping his eyes with the sheet before turning to look at his best friend. “I know you are but I don’t like putting you in this position. Its not your burden to bear and no matter how much I try to shield you from it, you still end up right in the middle.” He said, looking down at his hands. “Maybe Hannah was right. Perhaps I should be alone.” Justin whispered, more to himself than her. “Of course she meant that in a different setting but it seems relevant to the current situation.” He added, a rough smile crossing his face.

“I wish that were the case. But at this point, I don’t think it is. I mean, these are vivid images. I can smell the grass, feel the trees underneath my fingertips. Its as if I’m having an out of body experience. I… I think it has something to do with my past. Something with my dad maybe. I just can’t remember. If this is the wizarding version of karma, I really don’t want to see what her endgame is.” He shuddered, grabbing his wand. “I wonder if the library might have some history on my family. Perhaps there’s an evil gene that skips a generation and I’ve somehow developed another personlity.” He joked, un-lacing his fingers from hers. “How about it, Diabolos? You up for an adventure?”

Irina sat up, “don’t you dare say that,” she scolded. “I choose to be here,” she tried to wipe away his tears, “and that is my choice, but you should never feel like you should be alone because I won’t let you, even if we’re apart I’ll always be with you, I promise. You’re not getting rid of me that easily,” she tapped him on the nose and smiled.

Justin smiled and nodded his head. “Well I can assure you that you look incredible.” He said, giving her a wink. When she’d first suggested a makeover, he’d immediately said no. He didn’t want to change because he had always been happy with his appearance but Irina told him that with a new wardrobe and a haircut, he’d have the ladies eating out of his hands. And for the most part, she was right. Sure, they weren’t Stevie, but they were good substitutes until she realized she was making a mistake with Chris. At her question, he shook his head. “Not entirely. Its clear she won’t pay attention to me while she’s with Chris but I’m hoping that by flirting with his last girlfriend it’ll cause some friction between them. Its clear he can’t be faithful and if this gets me Stevie, it’ll all be worth it.” He admitted, his eyes sparkling slightly. “Am I a genius or what?” 

Irina’s mouth was left agape at Justin’s logic, “have I taught you nothing about girls?” she asked shaking her head as they walked. “First of all you’re using Marcie for her own gain, what’s going to happen when she finds out? She’s going to be heartbroken, and at the Valentine Ball at all places. You’re also assuming that Chris still cares for Marcie because you’re going on the possibility of him being jealous of you two together. How do you know for sure that he has been unfaithful? Have you seen him?” 

Justin laughed and shook his head. “I was expecting a quick retort from you. You’ve never thanked me for my compliments before. Mostly you just agree.” He teased, kissing her on the cheek once the hug was over. “I’m honestly surprised no one asked you. I mean, you’re Irina Diablos. Who wouldn’t want to be seen on your arm? Or maybe they did ask you but you said no because you didn’t want your best friend to be alone. Aww, sweetie, you’re too kind.” Justin joked, before turning around slowly and giving her a seductive wink. “I hope all the work you did pays off tonight. I was hoping to get lucky with Hannah’s friend Marcie tonight.” 

Justin let the subtle and soft tears slip from his eyes, not even caring about keeping up his manly persona right now. That was unlike any dream he’d had before and his heart was still beating fast as he slammed his eyes shut again, listening to his best friend’s voice as she tried to calm him down. Eventually his breath evened out and all images disappeared from his mind. He pulled back from the hug but didn’t let go of her completely. Their fingers interlinked, Justin finally felt calm enough to speak. “I’m so sorry, Ire. I didn’t mean to wake you. Its that damn dream again. I don’t know why it keeps happening. Or why it wants to hurt everyone I love.” He explained, resting his head on her chest. The sound of her heart beating filled his head with warm thoughts and experiences that helped keep the darkness away.

“I want to talk about it, I do, but I don’t understand it myself. I don’t know why its happening or what I did to warrant these dreams. I just… before tonight, I’d never seen a face on the shadow. But when it was standing over me, I saw… myself. And I was evil. I could feel the anger and the rage coursing through me. I… Irina, I’m scared.”

Irina held Justin’s hand, she noticed that they’d been doing that a lot lately, just physically touching each other but she put it to the back of her mind, Justin was more important. Wiping away his tears, she patiently waited for him to speak, knowing that the dream obviously affected him. “Don’t be sorry, I’m here to help.” As Justin put his head on her chest, Irina leaned back on the bed and absentmindedly stroked his hair.

Justin was pacing the Slytherin common room, probably burning holes into the floor as he waited for Irina to come down. He’d been to a lot of these dances, sometimes with Hannah, sometimes by himself, and he’d always had a blast, but this time felt different. This time he was going with his best friend, his rock, the girl who had taken a chance on him when Hannah broke his heart. And now, they were going to their first ball together. Much to the chagrin of most of the male population. Irina was a catch and he felt incredibly lucky to be her date for the evening. He adjusted his shirt, tucking and untucking it as the nerves were started to get to him. When he heard the sound of heels clicking, he swallowed, biting his lip as he looked up at his friend. “Whoa.” He whispered, shoving his clammy hands into his pockets. It had suddenly gotten incredibly warm in the otherwise cold common room. “You look incredible, Ire.”

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Justin couldn’t focus on anything, his mind still hazy and his eyes filled with the darkness that rocked him to his core. He heard Irina’s voice but it was muffled, as if she were being blocked from speaking. He wanted to go to her, to make sure she was okay and he hadn’t done anything to hurt her. He looked out the window, his heart pumping faster as the images of the dream came flooding back. He wanted to leave, wanted to get as far away as he could before something bad happened. Just as he was about to sit up, he felt a soft hand on his face and everything stopped. He recognized that hand, that soft skin and those indented lines that made up his best friend’s hand. Blinking faster to rid himself of the images, he finally turned to look at her, his breath evening out as he sat up and pulled her to him. “It felt so real. It… It wanted to hurt you. To hurt everyone.” 

Irina could tell that Justin wasn’t fully out of his dream so she wasn’t sure that touching him was the best idea but that usually brought her out of her daydreams quickly so she did it anyway. As Justin realised where he was, the darkness faded away and Irina let out a sigh, glad that she felt safer. Hugging Justin back, she squeezed him tight, “it was just a dream, it’s gone now, everything will be okay. I’m safe, we’re all safe.” 

She held him like that until he calmed down, slowly stroking his back to soothe him. After a while Irina started to pull away, “do you want to talk about it, or talk about something else or just not talk? What do you want?”

[He’s running through the forest, his heart thumping in his chest as he turns to look behind him… a large shadow is gaining on him. No matter how fast he runs he can’t escape him. ‘Leave me alone,’ he shouts, his voice echoing in the empty forest. He hears an evil laugh, not realizing its coming from his own mouth. He tosses a spell backwards in an attempt to slow it down but all it does is anger the spirit. He looks back and then he’s on the ground, the breath knocked out of him as he struggles to get up. The air is thick as the darkness closes around him, enveloping him, altering his mind to do unspeakable evil… He only has one thought now. Kill. He thinks he’ll start with the one who means the most to Justin. Deep down, Justin screams for control… shouting his best friends name as the thing currently wearing him heads towards the castle.] “Irina!” He cries, his eyes flying open as his breath hitches. He feels his whole body go numb as the nightmare slowly fades. His head is fuzzy, his palms sweaty as he tried to calm his breathing.

Irina smiled back, reminding herself that Justin flirted with every girl he sees and it wasn’t out of character to compliment her so there was no reason to pick up on it now. “Let’s hope.” She sighed as they headed off to the kitchens, feeling Justin’s muscles around her as he held her waist, it was comforting to know that he was there for her and she was there for him, and that’s all she could ever want.