Alex is at the in the corner of the common room with his books in front of him looking frustrated.

 Josh bounds into the Hufflepuff common room, smiling and looking generally cheery. He was headed toward the dorm, but sees you in the corner, looking bothered. He walks over and sits near you. "Hey mate, you don't look too happy."

 Alex runs a hand thru his hair and grins up at you weakly. "Damn homework. I'm a week behind. To much other shite to worry about." His smile widens as he looks over you. "You look happy..."

 He shrugs casually, smiling, "Regular sex does that to you, I guess." He chuckles, but cuts it off because he's more concerned about you. "You need to talk about anything, mate?"

 "Heh... I guess it does." He laughs and looks around at the smattering of other students in the common room. "Yeah, lets talk in the room though." He begins collecting his things.

 Josh nods, rising and waiting for you to gather your books. He heads to the dorm with you, closing the door tight behind you.

 Alex tosses his books and things onto his desk and sinks down on his bed, patting the place beside him. "Thanks, mate. Glad you sought me down."

 Josh hops up on to your bed, watching you expectantly, "What have you got for me? This isn't about Dumbledore, is it? You were doing homework so you can't have been expelled."

 He lays back on his bed. "I don't really know. I'm doing the homework so that I don't get into any trouble while he's deciding."  He sits up again and grins at you. "Want a drink?"

 Josh grins back, "Must you ask, Stebbins?" He laughs quietly. "So how did all that go? Was Dumbledore cool about it?"

 Alex punches your shoulder lightly and leans over to rummage through his chest, eventually handing you a fifth of whiskey. "I think Ernie left that when he moved out..." He shrugs then looks more serious. "He was... well he was Dumbledore. All he did was listen and then asked if there was anything more I wanted to tell him. Then he let me go."

 Josh twists the cap off the whiskey and takes a liberal shot. "Whoo! That'll clear your cold." He, nonetheless, has another shot and then passes it back to you. "So you don't know what your punishment is?"

 "Nope." Alex shakes his head and takes a long drink, coughing a bit as he lowers the bottle. "Cor, I need to get used to that kick." Then looks over at you agian and passes it back. "No clue. I think he wanted to talk to everyone else first. I'm worried though..."

 Josh frowns, taking the bottle back and having another shot. He pats you on the shoulder, trying to look optimistic, but he can't hide his own worry. "It'll be all right, mate. I mean, it's not as if you beat the shit out of him for no good reason - what he did was heinous. Plus, you've never been in trouble before and you're a good student. That should carry some weight."

 Nods and takes the bottle back from him, taking another shot and grimacing again. Then taking another. "I know. But I also know that Pucey was never in trouble... and he works for the Ministry..."

 Josh furrows his brow, his eyes narrowing. "Are you telling me that Pucey's not going to get any kind of punishment for raping a student?!" He grabs the bottle roughly and takes a long swig.

 Shrugs again and takes the bottle back, also swiging, "Dunno. Headmaster didn't say anything really. I think... I mean I hope he'll take our word over his." Hand the bottle back and lays back on the bed, one arm under his head and the other hand resting on his stomach. "I just don't ... don't know."

 Josh watches you carefully, concerned about whatever is going on in your head. He takes another shot from the bottle. "So what else is bothering you, mate?"

 He shakes his hand looks up at you smiling again. "Nothin' really. Just a lot of stress lately. Everyone disappearing and all," He suppresses a laugh. "And I haven't been getting much sleep."

 Josh smirks, "Well, that's your own fault...keeping me up half the time."

 Alex pushes himself up slowly, blinking, and takes back the bottle, taking a slow shot and winking. "Well, if you hadn't gotten him drunk and naked..." He snorts.

 Josh opens his mouth, looking offended and shock, though amused. "I got him drunk and naked?!!! I'll gladly take credit for the drunkeness, but I didn't lay a damn hand on him all night. In fact, if I remember correctly, he was with you when the clothes went bye-bye. I'm never giving that boy alcohol around you again." He laughs.

 Looks at you and laughs, laying a hand on your arm a little harder than he intended. "Mate, I wasn't accusing you of anything. I remember what got him naked. And you can get him drunk whenever you want." He takes another shot. "Gods know he needs it."

 "True, that." Josh grabs for the bottle and takes another long swig. "Poor guy. He's had one hell of a term - and it's only November." Josh smiles and tweaks your nose, speaking in the kind of voice people use for babies. "But now he's his Alex to make him feel all better."

 Blushes slightly and bats and your hand away, grabbing for the bottle. "Riiight, kid. Use the baby voice on me. I'm sure Sam's happy with his ickle Joshykins." Takes the bottle and leans away from you smiling. "Honestly though, I hope I'm making it better." He takes another long swig, not grimacing now as it goes down, and blinks at the bottle.

 Josh smirks. "Well, if the look on his face the other night was any indication, you're helping a whole hell of a lot...that and the moans emanating from your bed afterward. And for that, I need more alcohol." He laughs taking the bottle and throwing back a shot.

 Alex blushes brightly and punches you in the arm. "You're just jealous I'm making him moan. I remember you talking about those dreams." He laughs and lays back on the bed again, running one hand thru his hair and smiling up at you.

 Josh laughs heartily. "Mate, I know you didn't believe that nonsense. I can do sarcasm even when I'm pissed. And everyone knows if anyone was having the dreams it would be you dreaming about me. And I don't blame you, mate. I'm pretty fucking sexy." He smirks and takes another hit of whiskey, feeling decidedly relaxed and happy.

follower ernie: *knocks politely*

joshuaxdorny: *Josh looks up, shouting* Come in!

jalexstebbins: Alex looks at the door slowly, pushing himself up. "Cor, mate, you're right, you're so sexy they're knocking down the door." He punches Josh's arm again." Come in"

follower ernie: *enters, looking worn and a little gaunt.* Hey, guys...am I interrupting?

joshuaxdorny: *looks surprised and concerned about Ernie's appearance* Cor, been awhile since we've seen you!

jalexstebbins: *shakes his head slowly* No, mate. Not interrupting. Want a drink? *holds out a bottle of whiskey* I think it was yours anyway...

follower ernie: *looks hungry for it* Fuck, I've been trying to be sober. But who gives a shit, I guess. *swipes, takes a swig* Damn, that is just what I needed.

joshuaxdorny: *Josh snorts* That's our Ernie!

jalexstebbins: *slaps Ernie on the shoulder* So what brings you home, mate?

follower ernie: *settles between you, leaning on Josh's shoulder* I missed you guys.

jalexstebbins: *keeps his hand on Ernie's shoulder and squeezes slightly* Missed you too. *mumbles* Flying off like that....

follower ernie: *bows his head* Yeah...sorry about that. Stupid of me. I let myself think some dumb things and that made me act stupidly.

joshuaxdorny: *Josh chuckles* Mate, that describes everything we've done since we've been here.

jalexstebbins: *shrugs and laughs* Exactly! We're the kings of not thinking things thru.

follower ernie: *hair in his eyes* I guess you're right. How are things with you guys?

jalexstebbins: *groans* Why does everyone ask me that lately? *laughs* Where's that bottle?

follower ernie: Because we care.

follower ernie: *hands the bottle over*

joshuaxdorny: *Josh smirks* I don't. I just like to annoy you.

jalexstebbins: *beams at Ernie and takes it* I know, mate. I know. And I'm fine.

jalexstebbins: *slaps Josh's shoulder again and takes another drink*

follower ernie: *rubs his arms* I did what I could to convince the Headmaster that the thing with Pucey was my idea.

jalexstebbins: *snorts* So did I.

follower ernie: *shrugs* With my record, he'll buy it from me. I hope.

follower ernie: You shouldn't have to suffer for it. I shouldn't have involved you, Alex.

joshuaxdorny: *shakes head* I still think the key thing here is the arsehole RAPED A STUDENT!!!!!

jalexstebbins: *shrugs and hands the bottle back* Shouldn't have involved me? Mate, which one of us was the one breaking down about it and tearing up this room? I got you involved.

jalexstebbins: *looks at Josh* don't yell, Dorny. *smiles*

joshuaxdorny: Why? You were the other night.

follower ernie: *sighs heavily* I got a letter... *produces a sealed black envelope* I don't know what's in it.

jalexstebbins: *blushes bright red, and looks down at his lap*

follower ernie: *glances curiously at you two* What is all this about?

jalexstebbins: *shakes his head too quickly* Oh no, I am not explaining that...

joshuaxdorny: *laughs heartily* Alex had a slumber party

follower ernie: And?

joshuaxdorny: I didn't sleep

jalexstebbins: *laughs loudly* Not my fault he doesn't have enough sense to recast the silencing charms if I didn't do it right.

joshuaxdorny: *nods* His boyfriend nearly killed me, too

joshuaxdorny: Maniac!

follower ernie: Do I want to know? *takes the bottle and takes a long drink*

jalexstebbins: *snorts and tries to look seriously at Ernie* Joshykins is afraid of needles.

jalexstebbins: Now what is this about an envelope?

follower ernie: *looks very confused* Needles?

joshuaxdorny: *reaches over and smacks Alex on the back of the head*

jalexstebbins: *fakes a glare at Josh, then smiles at Ernie.* Yeah, push one little needle thru a nipple and Joshykins hits the floor, apparently.

follower ernie: *glances sidelong at Josh* Oh. I see.

joshuaxdorny: *glares back, half-smiling* Stebbins doesn't know how horrific it was

jalexstebbins: *shakes his head* Get over yourself mate.

follower ernie: *runs a hand through his hair - the hand is shaking* Nice to know you two are keeping each other amused.

joshuaxdorny: Never a dull moment!

jalexstebbins: *chuckles* Of course. *laughs outright then remembers* Now, Ernie, what's this scary black thing we've got to look at?

follower ernie: *lights up a cigarette, offer you each one* I have no idea. Could be my expulsion papers.

joshuaxdorny: *Eagerly takes one* What if it's...y'know, jinxed or something

jalexstebbins: *shakes his head but takes a cigarette* Nah, it came before your meeting with Dumbledore. And I'd be getting one too...

follower ernie: I checked it, seems safe enough. Don't think someone could send an exploding letter to the school.

jalexstebbins: *rubs at his temples* Did you bring it?

follower ernie: I suppose there's no way to know, but... *begins tearing it open*

jalexstebbins: *tighens a hand on his wand and watches*

follower ernie: *pulls out a piece of folded parchment with elegant writing upon it. He reads, quietly, then sets it aside* Oh. *takes a long drink*

jalexstebbins: *looks curiosly* What does it say, Ern?

follower ernie: *takes a long drag of his cigarette and another drink* My grandmother has passed.

joshuaxdorny: *furrows brow* Were you close to her?

jalexstebbins: *puts a hand on his shoulder again* Oh, Ern.

follower ernie: *shrugs* We fought a lot. She didn't care for my habits. She wanted me to be a better Heir to the MacMillan name and all. But...she cared about me. *bites his lower lip as tears begin to form* I guess she was the only one in my family who did.

jalexstebbins: *tighens his arm around Ernies shoulder and pulls him into his side a bit* I'm so sorry, mate.

follower ernie: *leans weakly against you - you notice he's lost weight* Shit happens.

jalexstebbins: *sighs and presses the hand with the bottle against Ernie's chest lightly* Yeah...

joshuaxdorny: *Josh sits quietly, wanting to help, but not really sure what to do.*

jalexstebbins: You know you can still stay with me over the summer, mate. *tightens his arm*

follower ernie: *Ernie sniffles and starts to pull away, but he sags against Alex.* I'm sorry. I'm bringing you down.

jalexstebbins: *laughs a bit drunkenly* Mate, I was already down. But don't apologize for that. Who can you depress if not your friends? *tightens his arm and pulls you into his side again*

follower ernie: *leans limply against you* You were already down? Why?

jalexstebbins: *shrugs* Ah. Too much stress lately. Don't worry about it. *rubs your shoulder slightly*

f

ollower ernie: *nods* I hear you.

follower ernie: *glances over at Josh* And you? Everything okay?

joshuaxdorny: *Josh smiles* Not much to feel bad about here...I feel bad

jalexstebbins: *rolls his eyes* don't get him started

jalexstebbins: *looks at Josh* You feel bad?

joshuaxdorny: *nods, looking sheepish* I...don't have anything to be sad about.

jalexstebbins: *laughs* Git! Be happy for that.

follower ernie: *snorts* You deserve a break, Josh.

jalexstebbins: *nods* Hell yes. You deserve to be happy.

joshuaxdorny: *Josh chuckles* I suppose so

follower ernie: No supposing, you do. *slumps against Alex bonelessly* We all do.

joshuaxdorny: Well, that's sure as hell true.

jalexstebbins: *tightens his arm around his shoulder and lets him lie against him* Yeah, we do.

follower ernie: *frowns and grabs the letter* Wait a sec, let me check something...

jalexstebbins: *looks at him curiously, raising an eyebrow* What's up?

follower ernie: *reads* This letter was sent to me by the executor of my Grandmother's estate. *stares* I thought that's what it said. It appears...since my mother and grandmother fell out years ago...I'm the only person in her will.

joshuaxdorny: *Josh perks up* Cor, did she have money?

jalexstebbins: *looks over his shoulder to the letter* Wow...

follower ernie: *Shrugs* A bit. We're an old family. Not on the Malfoy scale, but... *looking at the letter again* She's got a pretty big house and she's always paid for my books and things, so...

joshuaxdorny: *snorts* Well, how's that for good luck?

jalexstebbins: *snorts* She left you a house? Cor, you won't live with me then.

follower ernie: *looks uneasy* I don't know that my grandmother dying can be considered good look. *glances at the both of you* No, but you could stay with me..,

jalexstebbins: *pats Ernie on the shoulder and shrugs* Better than alone at Maggie's.

follower ernie: And far away from that prick, too...

jalexstebbins: *tenses and puts his hands in his lap, sitting up straighter* right. *whispered reluctantly*

follower ernie: *tries to smile* And you and Dean can have your own room.

jalexstebbins: *glances sidelong at him and smiles slowly, rolling his eyes*

jalexstebbins: That doesn't get you out of going to the clubs.

joshuaxdorny: *rolls eyes* better soundproof it

follower ernie: *sighs and goes back to leaning on Alex*

jalexstebbins: *drops his arm over Ernie's shoulder and pats his chest lightly* You have us, Ern. We'll always be family.

follower ernie: *quiet voice* Promise?

jalexstebbins: *pats his chest lightly and leans his head against his* 'Course.

joshuaxdorny: *laughs* You just try to get rid of me mate

follower ernie: 'Cause I don't think you're going to want to, for what's coming.

jalexstebbins: *knocks his head against Ernie's softly* Nonsense, git. But what's coming?

follower ernie: *shivers* Ron...refuses to see me. He's been locked in with Mione...and I can just imagine the poison she's pouring into his ear about me.  I think it's over...and if it is...I don't know...

jalexstebbins: *closes his eyes and wincing at his shiver* She can't be that bitter...

follower ernie: You should have seen the letter she sent me. "I think it's over...and if it is...I don't know..." She is that bitter.

follower ernie: I could handle if he...found someone better. I can't accept losing him to lies.

jalexstebbins: Have you written him?

follower ernie: Is there any point? I can't defend myself without attack her. She's got me neatly pinned. I begged her for peace weeks ago and she threw it in my face.

joshuaxdorny: *Josh looks around nervously* I think she's really hurt

joshuaxdorny: I-i saw her in here with Justin the other day and she was crying.

jalexstebbins: *holds Ernie tighter, pulling him back securely against his chest, but doesn't say anything*

follower ernie: I know she is. But I didn't do it. Justin obsessed over me to her. That's not my fault. She thinks I was trying to steal him away, when I can prove I was not.

joshuaxdorny: *swallows hard* Maybe...maybe there is no definitive truth. Maybe you're wrong about some things and she's wrong about some things.

follower ernie: I've said that. I've gone that far. She won't.

joshuaxdorny: I mean...how is her hurt and anger any different than us running out to beat the shit out of blokes when we think they've done something to a friend?

follower ernie: Because she forgave Ron for beating the shit out of Justin. She forgave Neville for attacking Seamus. It's hypocrisy.

jalexstebbins: Because when we beat the shit out of someone it's over at that...

jalexstebbins: I mean... I'm not saying anyone is more at fault... *shakes his head hazily* I wish we could all just start over.

joshuaxdorny: I'm not trying to argue her side, but I see validity on both sides

follower ernie: Josh, I see validity to her side. She won't do me the same courtesy.

joshuaxdorny: When Ron and Neville beat up someone...well, she thinks you were trying to take away something so loves very much...that far different from forgiving someone for beating another person up.

follower ernie: She thinks that and is wrong. I've told her. I've told her I would say the same under a truth potion.

follower ernie: She didn't accept my offer, which tells me she's just happy having someone to hate right now.

joshuaxdorny: *Josh quirks an eye brow* You've got a lot of anger in you too Ernie

follower ernie: *nods* I do, because I don't like being crucified for crimes I'm not guilty of.

jalexstebbins: *pats Ernies chest and looks back and forth between the two of you*

follower ernie: *rueful smile* There's plenty of legitimate thinks to attack me for, no reason to make shit up.

joshuaxdorny: *grimaces* I think she feels the same...I heard her talking about that with Justin.

follower ernie: Josh, you can cut this any way you want, but what it comes down to was I made peace, cut it off weeks ago. She attacked me in public, and I tried again after to make peace with her.

follower ernie: At this point, her playing the victim is just silly.

jalexstebbins: Maybe you should just not say anything about it, Ern. Let her burn out on it and then realize how she's been...

jalexstebbins: But you should still write Ron. Don't let hers be the only version of you he hears about.

jalexstebbins: *tightens his arm*

follower ernie: And how much of my life will go up in those flames? Will I have to stop seeing Dean? And Seamus? Because they're "hers"?

follower ernie: *begins to cry softly* I can't do that to him. I can't make him choose between us. I just can't... *quietly* I love him too much.

jalexstebbins: *shakes his head* Not Dean, and I doubt anyone could make Seamus act a way he doesn't want to.

joshuaxdorny: *Josh bows his head, uncomfortable because he feels loyal to both Justin and Ernie*

follower ernie: I made mistakes. I know. I'm doing my penance...but this has all gotten out of control.

jalexstebbins: Aww *pulls Ernie into his chest and runs a hand through his hair* don't cry, mate. Honestly. If it's meant to be she won't be able to poison him.

follower ernie: *is beying words, torns to shreds inside and feeling his foundations crumble*

jalexstebbins: *strokes his hair and reaches his other arm out patting Josh's shoulder, smiling weakly at his best friend*

joshuaxdorny: *Josh smiles back, feeling he's betrayed and hurt Ernie*

follower ernie: I'm sorry...I just feel so helpless. I thought I was finally getting things on the right track...and then...

jalexstebbins: *Alex reads Josh's eyes and shakes his head slightly, patting his arm again*  You were on the right track, Ern. You'll get back there.

follower ernie: Only to...only to be right back here, though. *sits ups, shaking a little* I'm sorry. I should go.

jalexstebbins: "tightens a hand on his shoulder* You know you can always come to us, right? Always.

follower ernie: *nods, looking even more pale* I...thanks... *wanders towards the door*

joshuaxdorny: *Josh feels like an ass, he stays quiet, trying not to cause anymore trouble*

jalexstebbins: Get some rest, Ern. *scoots over and drops his arm over Josh's shoulders, leaning slightly against him*

joshuaxdorny: *Josh lets his head fall on Alex's shoulder*

follower ernie: *shakes his head and exits, going to wander the halls*

j alex stebbins: *runs his fingers thru Josh's hair and lets him lean agaist his shoulder* It's okay, mate. You have a right to tell him what you think.

joshuaxdorny: *Josh's voice is a bit hoarse* I made it worse for Ernie and that wasn't my intention. I just...I just don't think there is a bad guy here. Just really hurt people."

j alex stebbins: *tighens his arm and nods, leaning his head against yours* Yeah, mate, you're probably right. I don't think  you told Ernie anything anyone else did though, or anything he hasn't told himself already. He's not upset with you.

 Josh drags a hand over his face.* Alex, I saw her when she was in here the other day. She was crying...y'know, heartbroken, endless kind of crying. And the look in her eyes...that dying look - it's the same look I see when I look in Ernie's eyes.

 Alex rubs at his temples with one hand and trails the other one through your hair softly. "Ah, mate, I didn't know... She's been through so much lately too... " He shakes his head.

 Josh sits up fully, shaking his head. "That's why I couldn't just sit there and not defend her in some way...the thing is, Ernie thinks it's over, but to Josh and Hermione it isn't. They still feel like he's interfering. 

 Alex pats your shoulder and grins weakly. "Poor Justin, really. I haven't talked to him in so long..." Turns your head toward his "You did the right think, Josh. Really."

 "Right thing." Alex laughs. "I must be a little tipsy..."

 Josh smiles sadly then starts laughing. "Never could hold your liquor, Stebbins"

 "Could too." He laughs again and punches Josh in the arm lightly. "But I mean it, brother, you did the right thing."

 Josh nods. "I guess. This situation is just...fucked up. All around. I wish it weren't happening at all."

 Alex nods too and lays back on the bed, patting your back as he does so. "Me too, mate." He pauses. "At least we can still count on each other."

 Josh sighs and lays back, too. "Amen to that, mate. It's always been you and me trudging through all the bullshit together."

 Alex laughs and puts his hands on his stomach, sighing Yeah it has been. You and me. He rolls over on his side and smiles down at you. "Any word on the birthday plans?"

 Josh nods. "I talked to Sam last night and he thinks he's good to go, but he has to check his schedule." Josh looks a way a bit. "Sometimes he has to go out of town at the last minute for paper business."

 Alex raises and eyebrow and then nods. "I hope it works out. I think we'd have a great time." He pats your side and smiles again. "It's great... the two of you... he owled me to make sure I was okay after the meeting yesterday. He's a really great guy."

 Josh smiles in a sort of faraway sense. "Cor, it's gonna be brilliant. I hardly ever get to go to London. I can hardly wait." He nudges you in the side. "You're gonna get me drunk, too, right?" He chuckles. "Nah, that can be Sam's job...I really love him. I've never meant anyone like him. I just...I can't believe someone like him would date someone like me." He pauses. "Do you know what he did the other night?"

 Alex begins to look excited. "Oh yeah, it'll be brilliant. I know where I'll get us rooms. There's this great club right down the street from it where we can get it. And the concert will be corking..." He pauses "What did he do?"

 Josh looks over at him, quite serious. His voice is rather awed. "He asked me to marry him. And not some far off time in the future. He meant soon. In fact, if I had suggested it, I'm almost positive he would've had it done first thing the next morning."

 "Wow..." Alex flops back onto his back and thinks for a moment then rolls his head to look at you. "What did you tell him?"

 Josh shakes his head. "Alex, you and I both know I'm not ready to take on something as serious and...big as marriage. And, as much as I love Sam, I wouldn't want to leave Hogwarts. I'd miss the hell out of this old dorm room and Ernie and Justin and, most of all, you. I told him I wanted to wait until after I've finished here. And he was good with that."

 Alex dramatically exhales. "Whew, mate, good. I'd have had to move in with you two to stay close..." He laughs a bit. "But still, wow. Marriage. I can't even imagine that. I mean... I love Dean... but I loved Andr - well, I mean how do you know if you love someone *that* much..."

 Josh sighs, staring up at the canopy of your bed. "It scared me shitless. He's talked about it, but it always seemed like something in the distant future, certainly not next week. And between you and me, I watched my parents. They're miserable. They hate each other. I don't have the best opinion of the institution of marriage."

 Alex sighs and smiles softly at you. "Wish you could spend some time with my parents, then. They're great together.... Miss 'em." He shrugs. "But just because it's like that for your parents doesn't mean it'll be like that for you."

 "I do...it's just...the possibility makes my skin crawl. It's sort of crazy. I mean I care about Sam so much, I 'd rather not get married and fuck it up. I dunno...it was a strange night. I thought he knew I was bi, but apparently he didn't. I think it freaked him out a bit -- because he's afraid of competition. He's silly"

 "Ah well, he should be afraid. I mean, look who's bed you're in now..." He prods you in the side again and winks. Then lays back. "I guess... I don't know if Dean knows I like girls too or not." He chuckles. "I should probably tell him that. Hadn't even thought of if before."

 Josh smirks look over at you. "Actually, Stebbins, I was going to say that you're probably having a difficult time not touching me." He winks and then pauses, thinking. "I thought Dean liked girls, too."

 "Yeah, well, I've had five years of practice keeping my hands off you." He winks back. "I think he does, haven't really talked about it. I seem to remember him hanging around Hannah a bit last year..." Another shrug. "You know my sister said she always thought you and I would end up together."

 Josh laughs. "I think your sister's drank too much of that toxic alcohol she gave you." He laughs again and is quiet for a moment. "Y'know, I suppose it's that much of a stretch. I just...I don't suppose I put too much thought into it." He looks over at you almost awkwardly.

 Alex laughs too, and is staring at the canopy so he doesn't notice you looking over at him. "Yeah, not much of a stretch. After she found out I liked boys I guess she got that into her head." He shrugs. "Or she could be drinking that shitty rum."

 "That's very likely. That shit would peel paint, so I'm certain it would give your sister crazy delusions about you and your dormmates. So I guess I was your boyfriend by default because we spent so much time together. Did she even know I liked blokes?"

 Alex shrugs again. "Dunno. And I don't think you were my boyfriend by default either. She didn't know about me until..." He tenses. "Until the Andrew mess." He shakes his head a bit and smiles over at you. "So, I dunno."

 Josh frowns a bit. "That Andrew...that just pisses me off. What kind of arsehole would hit someone like you. You're about the nicest, most loyal, friendly person I know. Fucking jackarse. Good thing I don't know what he looks like, because if I ever saw him on the street, I'd pound him -- see how he likes it."

 Alex bites his lip and rolls over to his chest, takes out a photo of a very cute Muggle, around 19 years old, looks at it for a long moment and hands it to you, shrugging. "I loved him... love him, you know. It's hard to hear you and Ernie talk like that..."

 Josh takes the picture with slight disdain and looks for a split second before handing it back to you. Your words, however, prompt him to hide his anger a bit. He turns on his side and rubs your back a bit. "I know, mate. But just because we love someone...well, that doesn't mean they're good people or good for us. It's hard to let go, but Alex, you really, truly deserve somebody who would treat you a million times better. Cor, your mates treat you better than he did. We're just angry because we love you and it's not right that he did that."

 Alex smiles at the picture and puts it back in his chest, then leans into the backrub slightly, still a bit tense " I know that, mate. I know." He shrugs "But there's much better things to do with a night in London than go around beating up my ex boyfriends."

 "True. But what did Dean say when you wanted to beat the shit out of Adrian?" He looks at you pointedly. "Granted Andrew didn't rape you and you were in a relationship, but he violated and disrespected you - and that the very same reason you wanted to go after Adrian." Josh feels your tension and rubs a bit harder into your back.

 Alex nods. "True. You've got me there. If we see him I'll try not to stop you." He chuckles. "He won't come anywhere near me anyway... He's terrified of Maggie." Alex sighs and smiles, relaxing into your hand and closing his eyes.

 Josh laughs. "Who knew Maggie was such a bruiser?" Josh scoots closer and moves both hands over your shoulders. "Cor, mate, for someone who shagged the entire week away you are bloody tense." He sighs. "Too much to worry about, I suppose."

 Alex chuckles deeply. Yeah, I guess so. Shagging all week is a lot of work you know. He drops his neck and leans back into the massage, sighing again. "You always were the best at this..."

 Josh snorts. "Boo-hoo -- too much sex. Life is so hard. Well...actually, if youre having sex all the time..." He laughs at his own joke, as he continues to work the kinks from your back. "My mum always used to make me give her back rubs when she was stressed. Not the person I'd care to practice on, but at least I know what I'm doing."

 Alex nods. "Add in all those quidditch injuries of mine you massaged away. You're a natural." He rolls his neck and smiles over his shoulder at you. "And thanks... you  know for caring. Mags sort of has to take care of me, she's blood, but you do it just because... It means a lot."

 Josh smiles. "Don't mention it, mate. Your friendship is more than I thought I'd ever have. It's easy to care for you, y'know. You're just a great guy. I'm glad we're friends."

 Alex chuckles deep again and leans back against you. "Mate, you're the best thing I've got." He drops his head back against your shoulder. "I'm just glad you put up with me."

 "Well, I figure you put up with all my jackarse jokes and sarcasm and oversized ego. It's the least I could do to return the favor, though there really isn't anything to put up with. I told you, you're a great guy." He slings his arm around your neck. "You're the best thing I've got, too. We're a good team."

 And nods and puts his hands up to your arm, running his fingers along your arm absently. "We are, a great team."  He sighs. "I'm sorry I've been so out of it lately."

 Josh lets his head rest upon yours. "You haven't been out of it. If you have, it's because of that fuck Pucey and that is completely understandable. Plus, I can't say as I've been too available lately. Always off at Hogsmeade. We've seen a lot of each other lately, though."

 Alex sighs. "Yeah, I guess it can't ever be like it was second or third year. And I wouldn't want it to be really..." He chuckles softly. "I wasn't getting shagged back then..."

 Josh laughs. "At least you've got priorities, mate." He thinks. "Things would be pretty nice if all this insanity wasnt going on. I'm waiting for the Antichrist to be born here -- probably Slythrerin House. It's about the only thing that hasn't happened here yet."

 Alex laughs too. "And aliens have to land... Don't forget that." He laughs and pushes himself away, turning to you and smiling. "It'll all die down eventually though, I hope. 'Course, if I get expelled that won't matter much."

 Josh puts a firm hand on your shoulder and leans into you, looking very serious. "You will not get expelled. I won't allow it. There's no way in hell I could get through the next two years without you around, keeping me sane. So you can't, you absolutely can't get expelled."

 Alex beams at him and puts a hand just as firm on his other shoulder. "Okay. I won't get expelled. I swear it." He pulls you in tight and hugs you, patting your back as he does so.

 Josh hugs you back tightly, his eyes just a tad moist at the thought of losing his best friend. "Good. I'd hate to only get to see you when I visit London. And I don't know if I can look Maggie in the face the next time I see her. It's so absurd..."

 Alex tenses just a bit and then leans back, grinning almost shyly before he shakes it off and beams at you. "Yeah... Right... Absurd. But Mags has always been a bit off." He looks uncomfortable for a moment and then stands up. "I've gotta run. Dean told me to meet him. You get those plans fixed with Sam." He smiles.

 Josh is confused. He doesn't understand why Alex has run off so suddenly when they were having a nice talk. He wonders if he said something that offended him, but he can't think of anything. "Uh...yeah, mate. I'll see you later. Tell Dean I said hi."

 Alex smiles again and pats his shoulder, leaning down impusively and hugging him quickly again. "I will. I'll see you later." He turns and walks out.