"Then you have a boring life Weasley. Just because I was justified in hurting him, it doesn't make it right," I reply.

Already I regret that I punched him, he is a friend. That wasn't very nice of me.

"You're not going to stay mad at him are you," Replies Potter.

"No," I answer.

"Why am I not surprised," Potter countered.

We then enter the great hall and break into our houses. If they wanted complete unity with the houses then they shouldn't have segregation at meal times.

Draco, Vincent and Greg were not to be seen. They are avoiding me.

Daphne and I sit down across from her sister.

"Word travels fast Danni, I've heard about your screaming match with Drake," Announces Tori.

I sigh, "And?" I say wryly.

"Ah so it's true, perhaps this could humble him a bit," She replies.

I laugh.

"Drake humbled? I don't think that's possible," I reply.

Later that night which I admit was technically the next morning. At around one, I woke up and went on my usual trip to the kitchens. I brought my Defence against the dark arts book; I wanted to read up on werewolves.

As I was reading about werewolves and munching on chocolate, the door opened. It's Colin.

"Hi Colin," I greeted him.

"Hey Danni, so you're still up to your old habits of going to the Kitchens every morning," He replies.

"I didn't know it was common knowledge actually," I answer, but now that I think about it, the elves are very talkative.

He sat next to me.

"Are you OK? I heard about your potions lesson, you haven't been having a very good year so far have you?" He asks.

"No, not so much," I reply.

I take a bite out of my chocolate.

We talk for an hour before I felt I must go back to sleep.

When I arrived back in the common room, Draco was sitting on the couch, by himself.

"I was wondering when you would come back, I need to talk to you," He says.

I sit down next to him.

"If, if you can forgive me for being a twat, I'll forgive you for punching me," He says.

I look to him in shock, I should be apologizing, not him.

"Draco I am sorry for hitting you, yes you angered me but that's no excuse for being such a horrible friend," I reply.

"After what you said though ... you're right, I shouldn't have been pretending to be hurt," He replies.

I smile.

"Thanks Draco, that means a lot to me, I am glad you're not really hurt. I must say Madam Promfrey did a good job on your nose, it actually looks better," I say jokingly.

"HA!" He says sarcastically then playfully punches my shoulder.

"So, Friends?" He asks in mock seriousness and has his hand out for me to shake.

I shake his hand, "Friends," I reply.

The next morning Nincoy, our family owl made its usual appearance. Today though he had a Howler, I snigger, what is Delilah upset about now.

I take the howler out from the pile of letters and realise it isn't from her; it's from my father.

Daniela Candice MERIDA!

WE RECEIVED a letter, I expected better FROM you ...

Draco gives me a sheepish grin while hearing the howler.

Blah blah blah, he went on to explain that I shouldn't hit people and that I was embarrassing the Merida name, what a hypocrite. It wasn't until I read the separate letter from my father that I was really upset.

Danni,

Don't worry I am not a hypocrite; I had to send that howler so hopefully Draco's father would forgive you. Our family needs to stay safe. You have disappointed me. After certain talks with your mother, it's extremely important not to gain enemies. I know you too well, I am sure you have already apologised to Draco. Which is just as well, otherwise I would begin to think I don't know my own daughter. Please stay safe and don't disappoint me again.

Father.

I sigh; I just can imagine that "disappointed" face he had while writing this. Urgh, it's the worst weapon parents have, he certainly brought out the big guns.

"You can't say you didn't deserve it," Pansy says to me.

Five, four, breathe deeply, three, two, and one.

I look up to her, due from the letter my eyes were watering a little but showing weakness in front of Slytherin's won't win me any favours. I blink the moisture in my eyes away.

"Yes Pansy, I agree," I reply.

I didn't have anything else to say to Pansy so I followed Daphne out of the great hall to our first lesson that day. That afternoon I informed Daphne and Hermione what I knew about Professor Lupin. I felt that they should be warned. Together we researched but we came to the conclusion that Dumbledore must have a procedure in place when it's the full moon.

"He wouldn't risk our lives, I bet he disparates out of here when the full moon happens," Daphne concludes.

"You can't Apparate in school grounds, but once he is out of the border he could," I reply.

"Yes, I read about that in ...

"Hogwarts, a history," I interrupt Hermione.

She smiles at me.

"I do love that book, did you know though it has no mention of house elves in it?" She replies. She finishes this sentence with a slight sneer in her voice.

"Yes I realised that," I reply cautiously.

"But Herm, do you know why they are here? The house elves were being treated horribly so Helga Hufflepuff brought them in the castle to give them jobs and a place where they would be treated better," Says Daphne.

I look to Daphne like she had given me a lifeline, 'thanks' I mime to her.

"Really ... " Hermione replies in thought then I see her smile.

Thank you Daphne!

Her smile then quickly vanishes; Hermione intakes a breath, sounding like an angry cat.

"Pothead and Weasel know that Professor Lupin is a werewolf! Did they think I wouldn't find out? I mean, how thick are they ...

Daphne and I burst in laughter. After a while Hermione got annoyed at our laughter.

"Oh stop it you two!" Hermione snaps.

"Sorry, it's just you sounded so much like Danni when you said that," Replies Daphne.

Professor Lupin wanted to teach us all about monsters it seemed. Red caps, Kappas were the next on his list of creatures to creep us out with.

Professor Snapes attitude since the boggart incident was worse than ever. Neville was a prime victim. With Potters help, Weasley and Potter managed not to be bullied as much as they used to be by Snape. Daphne had seemed to take pity on them also and helps them after class with potions, well mainly just Potter because Weasley still has an aversion to study.

After the cakes in Miss Burbage class she then went to teach us how to make soups, not as exciting, but still very useful.

Hermione and I loved the subject Arithmancy. It was amazing to use numbers as a tool to predict the events and changes in the world. It was very difficult; Hermione is the only one producing a hundred percent correct results. This frustrates me but Hermione and I have been teammates in the projects, which is nice.

Draco and the other Slytherins who were in care of magical creatures were complaining that they had to take care of boring creature's called flobberworms. Flobberworms are used for potions as a thickening agent so it's a completely stupid creature to teach students about, unless you're in potions class. The reason he is teaching something so tame is because of Draco being attacked I suppose. Draco had informed his parents and teachers that his arm was now better.

"There just isn't common sense with the giant, there is no middle ground. He is either very explosive or extremely placid. I'll never understand the creature," Says Draco one morning at breakfast.

"I am just glad the giant didn't ruin your arm Drakey," Replied Pansy.

"It's extremely lucky, we are starting Quidditch practice soon Draco, first practice tomorrow night actually," I announce.

My team were gathered for a team meeting before we had practice. Giffindors overbooked the pitch; again, it was very annoying. It meant our training session would start at nine. I complained to Marcus that he should be quicker booking in sessions. The weather was that bad my team started making up scenarios on how we can forfeit playing and play later in better weather.

"Shame your arm is better, hey Drake," I say.

"Your arm! Why don't ...

"I am not using my arm as an excuse! I have made myself clear on this Marcus," Draco interrupts Marcus, Draco then mumbles, "No wonder you repeated," Under his breath.

Marcus glares at Draco, "Well if we don't come up with some bright idea, we have to play in this weather," Marcus sneers.

"I know! Spells, if the weather is really bothering you why don't we use spells to keep us dry and have unblocked vision, is that cheating?" I say.

"I don't know spells that make it easier to navigate through the fast wind, or to make you see through black clouds but it would be an improvement if we cast this spell that stops rain going in our eyes," Replies Draco.

"Urgh, is that the best we can do? If it's counted as cheating I'll eat my quidditch captain badge, I guess we really do have to play, this sucks," Says Marcus.

We ended up practising in the horrible weather that didn't really improve.

Talk started going around about visiting Hogsmeade, which irritated me because I am banned all year. Waiting until next year is annoying, I would have loved to see Hermione and Daphnes reaction to the place. In the Christmas holidays I would be able to go to Salem alley for treats anyway. Salem alley is way better than Hogsmeade anyway, I keep repeating these statements but it still didn't make me feel any better.

On the morning of Halloween I felt utterly left out from all the excitement that was happening all around me. I ended getting Halloween messages from my family and lots of treats. I smile at this. I ate chocolate that my brother had sent me. After the second bite though I felt strange. I dry heave, what has my brother sent me. I look to the package and realise the chocolate I thought was from my bro was packaged differently from the other items he sent. I gasp! My mind immediately thinks of Fred and George. What did they do to me!

The Slytherins around me gasp and then laugh. I become aware that it felt like I had extra limbs to control, what! I move the limbs then realise I have wings! I turn to inspect them; they are black, similar to bat wings. I got up from my seat to get people away from them. I stretch them out then controlled them to flap, I actually end up a few feet from the ground then my wings got tired.

I get laughed and stared at by everyone. I giggle. It's kind of cool; I wonder how long the transformation will last. I go to the pair of jokers.

I see them laugh and whisper to each other.

"Well played," I say to them. Then I smile evilly, "Challenge accepted," I say while smirking, and then I control my wings to fly out of the hall.

When I am in the hallway I went back on the ground, as epic looking as they were, they weren't big enough to lift my weight for long. It was an effort to use them. I must say that was a pretty bad arse exit! Plans started formulating in my mind to get them back. I ended up in the entrance hall so I will see them off for the trip to Hogsmeade. I quickly look over the list of items I had written for Daphne to get me while she was in Hogsmeade.

"Danni! Danni," I heard someone call, I look up from my list and notice it's Colin.

"Can I take a picture? I wish to show my father this," Says Colin.

I put my list away; I fly a few feet from the ground then twirl then blow a kiss to the camera. Colin and I end up bursting in laughter after that.

"The wings suit you Danni," Smirks Draco.

I laugh, "You'll have to help me seek revenge on the pair of jokers! I hope you enjoy Hogsmeade. I would have loved to share a Butterbeer with you," I reply.

"Snape is still insistent that you don't get to go this year then, that's disappointing … perhaps if I …

"No Drake, it's my fault I don't get to go. Don't worry I'll be fine," I say, interrupting him.

I end up giving the list to Daphne and let them have their fun. I ended up in the library finishing up homework. After a while though I was up to date. This also included making my homework essays way longer than needed, I was trying to distract myself.

I decided to then write letters, letters to my siblings and Delilah.

As I was walking towards the Owlery to send my letters Mr Snape was walking in the opposite direction.

"Ah Miss Merida, I suppose you received the notice for your detention tomorrow at seven. Don't be late!" He snaps.

"OK Professor," I reply politely. He continues stalking down the hall in a huff.

"What has his nickers in a twist," I mumble to myself.

It's then I realise with a little sadness that I no longer had wings. I enjoyed having them immensely.

Later that evening after I had posted my letters they found me in the library, they meaning Hermione, Harry, Weasley and Daphne.

"So we brought you everything on the list," Says Daphne.

"Thanks so much! I haven't been to Hogsmeade in so long, so it's nice to finally get a hold of these sweets," I say.

"You're welcome, so what did you get up to? Did you get any work done? How long did your wings last?" Asks Hermione.

"Yes, I wanted to go through with the homework for Arithmancy with you, the wings lasted roughly two hours," I reply.

"Definitely, we don't have long until it's due, two weeks," She answers.

"The feast should be starting soon, we should go. Fred and George did amazing with the wings," Says Weasley.

Just before I was about to sit at the Slytherin table, Harry stops me.

"If you ever want to go to Hogsmeade I know a secret way of getting there," Whispers Potter.

"Oh," I reply interested then raise an eyebrow.

"Go to the One-Eyed old crone's hump and say Dissendium, I would have told you earlier but I didn't know you were banned from Hogsmeade tell it was too late," He tells me.

"Thanks … I'll keep that in mind," I reply.

I sat down at the Slytherin table, I sniff the air, what the hell is that smell. Oh, the hundreds of candle-filled pumpkins above me. I eye them evilly.

I hear Draco laugh.

"You should see your face!" Says Drake with mirth.

"Shut up Drake," I jokingly reply.

"Now now, be nice … I got you a present!" He counters then gives me a wrapped box.

"Happy Halloween!" He states.

I open up the box. It's a Zonko prank kit.

I smile maliciously.

"Thanks so much! I needed this," I reply.

Now I have to plot my pay back on the twins.

Quidditch practices were still tough as ever; it was annoying because it kept interfering with my studies. I have in mind I may in a few years time stop playing. Especially when I have to study for my OWLs. I don't take this decision lightly, I really hate not playing Quidditch.

I was sitting next to Daphne in D.A.D.A when Potter came into the classroom very late. I bet Wood held him up, I have seen Potter get very nervous about Quidditch and talk about tactics a lot with Wood.

"Sorry I'm late, Professor, I …" Says Potter.

"This Lesson began ten minutes ago Potter, so I think we'll make it ten points from Gryffindor. Sit down," Says Mr Snape.

Harry nods and sits down next to Weasley.

"As I was saying before Potter interrupted Professor Lupin has not left any record of the topics you have covered so far –"

"Please, Sir, we've done Boggarts, Red Caps, Kappas and Grindylows and we're just about to start … " Says Hermione very quickly.

"Be quiet, I did not ask for information. I was merely commenting on Professor Lupin's lack of organisation," Replies Snape, coldly cutting her off.

That wasn't very nice of him.

"He's the best Defence Against the Dark Art teacher we've ever had," Said Dean.

Really? What was Mrs Prince then … she was way better. At least we actually learnt and practiced defensive spells. I hate the fact that D.A.D.A has turned into the 'extreme' version of care of magical creatures.

"You are easily satisfied. Lupin is hardly over-taxing you – I would expect first-years to be able to deal with Red Caps and Grindylows. Today we shall discuss … Werewolves," Says Snape.

My eyes widen in shock. That … That. Hermione looks to me in shock. Daphne, Hermione and I were shocked at his complete utter rudeness. The significance of his statement of werewolves must have gone over everyone else's heads.

"Please turn to page three hundred and ninety-four," States Snape to the class.

I turn to the chapter that I have already gone through due to being curious of Mr Lupin's lifestyle.

"Which of you can tell me how we distinguish between the werewolf and the true wolf?" Asks Snape to the class.

I raise my hand, so does … Hermione, Daphne, Weasley and Harry.

Snapes eyes widen in shock at the amount of people who have raised their hands. He makes Potter answer and has a sour look of disappointment when he answers the question faultlessly.

He refused to listen to any qualms we had that we shouldn't be learning about werewolves in this lesson.

We were then told to make notes on Werewolves from our book all the while Snape insulted Mr Lupin's marking skills on past essays. Mr Snape really must hate Lupin, I wonder why. Scenarios play in my mind as to why that's the case. It was way more interesting thinking up these reasons for this hate than summarizing the textbook. Mrs Prince let us use common sense, give out our own thoughts on the subject as well as learn the material from books. That's how teachers should teach; they should encourage independent thought rather than what Snape is doing now. Some vendetta against another teacher … it's pathetic.

"You will each write an essay, to be handed in to me, on the ways you recognize and kill werewolves. I want two rolls of parchment on the subject, and I want them by Monday morning. It is time somebody took this class in hand," Announces Snape.

Kill? …

I raise my hand … and so does Potter.

"Yes Miss Merida," Asks Snape.

"I was wondering if I could have a word with you in private, about the essay," I ask.

"I would also like to talk to you Mr Snape, Danni you can go first, I'll wait outside," Says Potter.

The class emptied and I came face to face with a sour looking Snape.

"What was unclear about my instructions?" He snaps at me.

"I merely wanted to know your intentions … I know Mr Lupin is a Werewolf. Great, now tell me what did you expect our class to do with this new found knowledge?" I ask, saying the word great with such disdain.

I use to respect Mr Snape but his behaviour this year has been appalling.

He studies me curiously then says, "Why it's simple … complain."

I roll my eyes, if complaining did anything I don't think Hagrid would be here.

"Is this is all because of the boggart?" I ask wryly.

"No, I couldn't care less about the boggart. This is about Lil ...!" Replies Snape, he obviously didn't mean to state this because he gets a cold mask in place and screams, "Out!"

I walk out immediately.

"Good luck," I mutter to Potter.

He smirks at this.

Due to being curious I stay behind to hear what Potter had to say to Professor Snape.

"Professor, I would first like to thank you kindly for brewing Mr Lupin's wolfsbane potion while he has been a teacher here. It means a great deal to him, it had been agony for him when he didn't have the potion. I am sorry … I know it must be … uncomfortable teaching alongside someone who was …

"Stop it right there Potter, what you presume you know I can assure to you that you don't!" Interrupts Snape.

"Sirius was way out of line, he tricked you into seeing Mr Lupin change. My father and Mr Lupin had nothing to do with it! Sirius has tried …

"The sniveling apologies of that man mean nothing to me, it cannot change what has been done! Please leave. OH and Miss Merida don't eavesdrop on conversations that don't concern you," Snape shouts.

As if I was going to miss hearing that conversation! Wow so many questions.

Harry exits the room and stares at me and says, "Knew you couldn't resist eavesdropping … I listened to what you had to say as well."

"Yes I know, you're too much of a Slytherin not to," I say to his dismay.

He then rolls his eyes at me.

We started heading to the hall for dinner.

"I hope this puts an end to Mr Snape's rudeness towards Lupin, but I highly doubt it," Says Potter.

"So Sirius really did that to Snape, I can understand the hatred he holds for them in that case," I reply.

"So can I, I really want Professor Lupin to stay though. I liked Mrs Prince but I really enjoy having Lupin as a teacher," Says Potter.

"He is a competent teacher I'll give him that, I am just not a fan of monsters," I counter reluctantly.

"Yes, I can completely understand where you're coming from considering what happened to you," He replies.

"Thanks … so are you ready for your arse to be kicked in tomorrows match?" I say mockingly.

"You wish," He replies.

I laugh, "You sound like Daphne!" I say.

He blushes at this … interesting.

We have the first Quidditch match of the season. When I went to the common room I heard water hitting the lake. It was going to be a horrible match in this weather. We cast the spells on us to help keep rain out of our eyes.

I am soaked to the bone; my curls were going haywire with the rain and destroying my vision somewhat. I couldn't stop shivering.

I didn't even warm up as the game progressed. Gryffindor were ahead in points … I spot the snitch, how I did in this weather I don't understand. I zoom after it.

I start to get a sinking sensation … a wave a dizziness overtook me. As I grab and catch the snitch I hear a roar among the wind … "EXPECTO PATR …

I gasp and sit up! Ow my head.

"Why is it that we always end up being here?" Asks Draco next to me.

"What happened?" I ask immediately.

"Dementors came onto the field, you would have been hurt badly if Dumbledore didn't put a spell to slow you down as you fell. Potter casted a Patronus spell but it was too late, the Dementors had already made you faint," Replies Drake.

"You're up!" Shouts Daphne. She passes me chocolate and says, "Quick get this in you system."

"Oh, I am so glad you're OK," Cries Hermione in tears.

I can't help but smile at her words. I love having Hermione as a friend.

So I start to check my vitals … nothing seemed to be hurt.

"What did Madam Promfrey say about me?" I ask curious.

"That you broke your left knee and left arm … she struggled to get the snitch out of your grasp!" Says Draco.

"HA so we won! … Wait does that still count?" I say.

"Yeah!" Draco and Daphne yell in unison.

"Your broom managed to be saved, it got swept up into the stands," Says Hermione.