Niagene's Perspective-

Meanwhile, the Ravenclaws were in their separate common room. Etho had returned after bickering with everyone accusing the Slytherins, having just defended his boyfriend. Niagene offered a sympathetic smile and Etho grunted, sitting down and taking off his mask.

Some of the girls in the corner stared, one of them giggling and the four of them taking shared looks. Etho ignored them, pinching the bridge of his nose as he thought. Niagene sat next to him, putting her hand on his shoulder in support.

She had also tried to defend the Slytherins since she knew how frustrated her friend Seth was becoming. Whenever she was frustrated, she became impulsive, and that often ended in huge messes.

"So are you two like...spies for the Slytherins?"

The two looked up at Ari, who had her arms folded over her chest. "I'm sorry?" Etho raised an eyebrow, sitting up a bit.

"I mean, I'm just saying it's a bit weird how all this stuff has been happening to us during Quidditch and you two are still so close with the snakes. Close enough that you'd defend them in times of crisis." Ari narrowed her eyes, and everyone fell silent as they watched her.

"Well excuse me for defending those I love." Etho's eye twitched, his expression stone cold, and he felt Nia's grip grow tight on his shoulder to stop him from hitting Ari.

"We have a game tomorrow you know." Ari said sharply, "If something happens where someone dies or gets hit, I'm gonna be keeping a close eye on you two. There's no way you can still be close with those villains."

"They're not all villains." Niagene argued, "Maybe you just don't know where to look."

"And maybe you don't know how to accept facts. It's all right there, guys! All the evidence you'd ever need is laid out in front of you!"

"You know what I think is weird." Piper butt in from across the room.

Everyone turned to her, confused.

"Scott still hasn't returned since the game."

-

Scott giggled as he and Malachi were in the astronomy tower. It was one of Scott's favorite classes, and he loved how his boyfriend would let him rant about constellations and stars.

"Are you sure you're not bored yet? I feel like I'm being a huge nerd."

"I don't mind; I find it cute."

Scott smiled and leaned his head on his shoulder, looking up into the night sky. Malachi grinned and planted a kiss on his forehead before cupping his face in his hands and kissing him on his cheeks. Scott giggled and tried to act annoyed, but he was a blushing mess.

"Stop! I'm red enough!"

His boyfriend chuckled and leaned his forehead against his. "Do you really want me to stop?"

Scott pouted. "That's not fair!"

"Is too." He smirked and Scott giggled. "We need to head back soon." Malachi mumbled, caressing his boyfriend's cheek.

"But I don't want to yet..."

"We're gonna get caught.."

Scott frowned. "One more kiss?"

"Alright." Malachi smiled and kissed his boyfriend, holding him close.

As Malachi returned to his common room, most of the Hufflepuffs had gone to bed. None of them were as worried as the other houses about what was happening, and they believed that if they stayed neutral and didn't pick a side, it would work out.

Impulse was doing a crossword in the common room and a couple were sharing snacks and fun stories while others finished up homework they procrastinated on. Malachi stretched his arms above his head, settling down in an armchair when Celia ran out in a panic.

"My money- it's gone!"