Portkey Travelers: Chapter 2

When the trio returned to Malfoy manor, they managed to get by Narcissa without her seeing what happened to Lucius, but they didn't get by Abraxas. He was honestly shocked to find out what happened in the bookstore. He couldn't believe that his own son was fighting like a muggle. It was more or less expected from Alice, but that was how she was raised, of sorts. But he was still a Malfoy, which meant he kept his cool.

Thankfully, for everyone in the house who knew how bad Narcissa could get when something happened to either her son or her husband, Alice managed to make it look as if nothing had happened. They weren't going to lie and say nothing happened if she asked, but it would bring her worries down a lot more.

Right then, Severus appeared in the fireplace, looking at Alice strangely from the way she was holding Lucius' face in her right hand, wand in her left. "Severus, it's not what you think, he has a busted lip from a fight," Alice said without looking away. Severus looked over at Abraxas for some sort of explanation.

"He got into a fight in Diagon Alley, from what I heard," Abraxas told him.

"With Arthur Weasley. no surprise there," Alice said, letting go of Lucius' chin, sitting back on the couch. Lucius opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, but shut it instead. She did have a bit of a point, the Malfoy and Weasley families did fight quite a bit. Severus sighed as he took a seat next to his wife on the couch.

"You'll never believe who got the position for the Defence Against the Dark Arts post this year," Lucius remarked, pouring a few glasses of brandy before levitating them to their respectable person.

"Someone who can actually handle the Dark Arts?" Severus responded, causing Alice to choke on her drink from trying to laugh.

"Gilderoy Lockhart,"

"That publicity seeking, attention whore? Why on earth would Albus hire someone like him?"

"I heard he was the only one that applied for the job," Abraxas commented.

"Really? The job isn't cursed," Alice facepalmed.

"People obviously think so,"

"People are obviously idiots. Why can't we have a competent person teach for once, like Stephen King,"

"Alice, are you on a Stephen King kick again?" Narcissa asked from the doorway, as Draco ran over to hug his godfather.

"Yes, and I don't care how much it pisses off Severus,"

"Obviously," Severus muttered.

"Shut up, it's not like lim making you watch Rob Zombie movies as well as Stephen King,"

"No one needs that many nightmares,"

"You cannot handle your horror," Alice muttered, causing their friends to laugh in response. Watching Severus and Alice argue was always amusing for the air, knowing they probably acted the same way on some days. Abraxas found it hilarious that they argued over simple muggle things.

The adults continued to talk for a few more hours while Draco managed to find ways to entertain himself. It wasn't until it was nearly dinner time that Alice and Severus decided to go home. They still needed to get a few things ready for the school year, and Alice was fairly certain there was a staff meeting either in the morning or the day after. So, they said their good byes, promising to come back by before the school year started, and went home.

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Alice was right about the staff meeting the next day, and she really didn't want to get up for it. Then again, she was on break and didn't want to get up for anything. Dressed in her usual red button up and dark jeans, she went to the beginning of the year staff meeting with Severus.

Once she was there, she enveloped Minerva in one of Alice's famous bear hugs. The older woman was certainly glad to see her former student after the break. Of course Alice didn't leave Poppy out once the mediwitch got there. Severus sat in is usual spot in the teachers lounge, wondering where she suddenly got this much energy and hoped to everything that he was not next in the list of people she hugged.

Slowly, but steadily the other teachers streamed in, some chatting away in pairs, the others on their own. Soon their was only two people missing, Lockhart, and Albus. Albus would arrive at any second, so no one was extremely concerned, but people were honestly a bit worried about if Lockhart was going to show up. The simply did not think there was enough time to find a replacement if he did not show up. No one thought he was smart enough to teach the job, but there was nothing else they could do.

Just as Alice was telling Minerva and Poppy about the Malfoy and Weasley brawl in Diagon Alley, Albus showed up. Alice told the ladies she would finish the story later. Unfortunately, Lockhart came trailing in after Albus, apologizing for some nonsense about his fans and fame. The teachers ignored him, until he strode up behind Alice, flashing that "brilliant" grin of his. Minerva kept an eye on Severus, while Poppy watched Alice's reaction.

Lockhart foolishly, leaned on the corner of her chair, bending so that they were at eye level. Minerva watched as Severus sat up a bit straighter, his hand slowly reaching for his wand in its holster. Either Lockhart was about to get punched, hexed, or both for flirting with Alice. Minerva and Poppy were both curious as to what would happen.

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AN: I feel so horrid for not updating, but the good news is that I got my own laptop for Christmas and I love it! I can actually update and type different stories/ one-shots now! YES! So, I hope those of you who are still reading enjoyed this and I will hopefully update soon!