It was an hour past curfew when I was making my way back along the corridor near the library. I was on prefect duty, so had no fear of retribution, but there was just something about the at castle night that made you move quietly, so as not to disturb the silence, which seemed so eerie in comparison to the bustle of the daylight hours. It was strange, what were people afraid of disturbing, ghosts?

I made hardly a sound as I stepped along the corridor, so when I heard the noise of muffled conversation I was still well around the corner from where it originated. Swiftly, I extinguished my lantern and cast a silencing charm around myself.

Curiosity took over as I caught a glimpse of a shock of red hair, next to a pale, lithe form with raven curls so similar to my own. What were Cedrella and Septimus Weasley doing out at this time, and more importantly- what were they doing together?

Carefully I slipped behind a tapestry on the bend of the hallway and pressed an ear to the fabric. The hushed conversation stopped, and had I not noticed the lack of footsteps perhaps I would have believed them to have left entirely. I shifted so I could see through the thin gap between the fabric and the stone.

Cedrella was there, pressed up against the wall, her mouth firmly attached to the Weasley boy's.

I had to cover my mouth to stop me from gasping aloud. Cedrella had snuck out of the Slytherin common room to meet Septimus Weasley for a kissing session? I could hardly believe it. Reeling from my discovery and feeling too awkward to watch any longer, should their contact escalate further, I exited the alcove and hurried in the opposite direction with a lot less stealth than previously. Luckily Cedrella was much too engaged in other pursuits to notice.

From then on, I patrolled the corridors near them, because I did not want anyone else interrupting their meeting. If the news should get back to Cassiopeia, all hell would break loose.

I prayed that Cedrella was not serious about Septimus, for he was a Weasley and our family would never stand for her being involved with a blood traitor- which of course the Weasleys were renowned in pureblood society for being. At least it was obvious why they had chosen to meet in secret in a secluded corridor.

I was all too happy when my patrol was over and I could go to sleep and let those worries dissipate.

"It's forty three seconds past six, Abraxas," I called, as the Malfoy heir jogged down the slope to meet me.

"And yet you have not started without me, I'll take that as a compliment," he said with a wink.

"Come on, I've got a dinner to win," I goaded, as I finished tying my thick curls up into a heavy ponytail.

To Abraxas' credit, he lasted a lot longer than I thought he would. He was three quarters of the way around the lake when he started to falter, which was a good few miles, and then stayed only a few paces behind me, until almost the end.

"I wasn't counting on you doing a sprint finish," he laughed, clutching his chest as he caught his breath. "I think your dinner in Hogsmeade is well deserved Miss Black," he said with an outlandish bow.

I just laughed.

"Come on, let's shower before breakfast," I proposed, turning back to the castle with a small smile.

"How can I decline an offer like that, from such a beautiful lady," he teased, flirtatious smile lighting up his face.

"You Mr Malfoy are incorrigible," I replied stiffly, but he could see the corners of my mouth tilting upward. "You know perfectly well what I meant."

"Using long words like that won't put me off darling," he replied, winking provocatively.

"You have one hour, you may begin!"

The atmosphere was tense in the potion laboratory; Slughorn had made it quite clear that producing this Elixir of Euphoria was a test. I had not missed how the professor had once again moved me to the front, next to Tom. It was his way of ensuring I did not use Orion and Cygnus to cheat, perfect Tom would never go against Slughorn's wishes. I couldn't help but resent the man for his distrust in my character and disbelief in my abilities.

With more care than I would usually have taken, I peeled and diced the shrivelfigs. The class was silent, except for the bubbling of cauldrons and the dull thud of knives on chopping boards, until the very last moment. Tom and I were both mere minutes away from decanting our elixirs when Tom grabbed my wrist.

"What are you doing," he hissed, Slughorn was inspecting Orion's potion on the other side of the room. "There is no peppermint in the recipe."

I wrenched my hand free and picked up my wooden spoon, continuing to stir the mixture.

The pair of us finished simultaneously and delivered a vial each, to be marked. Slughorn inspected Tom's first, which was a brilliant sunshine yellow colour. Of course it was perfect and Tom was awarded full marks.

Next he took mine, lifting the bottle to his nose to smell the sweet, aromatic aroma it produced.

"Peppermint," he said thoughtfully, frowning slightly.

"Yes sir," I replied. "Just a sprig."

"Why my girl, that is inspired, it will counteract the nose tweaking and excessive singing wonderfully," he explained.

"That was my intention Professor," I replied, a smug smile creeping across my face.

"You will receive 110% on this assignment, Miss Black, and twenty points to Ravenclaw," he said, regarding me with a mixture of interest and surprise.

"Thank you Professor."

I did not miss the look Tom sent me. Had he never been beaten in a class before?

Whilst Slughorn seemed to have an innate grudge against me, Dumbledore it seemed had a soft spot for the first Black to dare to break the mould and transfiguration was always a joy to attend. He was an engaging and passionate teacher, so I could not help but wish he would never become headmaster because as he did, he lost his vitality and became concerned only with putting the fate of the wizarding world on his shoulders. For now though, I was glad for the chance to learn from one of the greatest transfiguration masters in centuries.

After transfiguration came lunch, where I was beckoned over to the Slytherin table.

"Congratulations, I knew you would do me proud," Cassiopeia said with a smug smirk. I replied with a humble shrug.

"Poppy darling, there's a seat next to me, won't you join me?" Abraxas requested from a little further down the table.

"I'd be delighted Abraxas," I replied, flashing him a smile before bidding farewell to Cassie, who gave me look which spoke volumes about how she approved, in favour of sitting amongst the sixth years.

"So Poppy, have you decided where you would like to go for dinner in Hogsmeade?" Abraxas asked as I lowered myself into the space next to him.

"I hardly know Hogsmeade at all," I admitted, helping myself to a few pieces of crusty bread to go with my vegetable soup. "I only went a few times in my childhood and I have not returned in many years."

"In that case I will give you the grand tour, and surprise you with somewhere fabulous," he replied with flourish.

"Poppy, can I talk to you for a second?" Robert Davies called as I made to leave the hall for my next lesson. I said goodbye to the Slytherins and joined the seventh year, who also happened to be captain of the Quidditch team.

"What is it Bobby?" I asked, using the nickname everyone in Ravenclaw tower called him by.

"It's about try-outs," he said. "You are the only keeper to sign up. So you're in."

"I am? But I could be awful for all you know"

"Better awful than non-existent," he pointed out. "We're having a pre try-outs practice session tomorrow. I expect you at the Quidditch pitch for seven."

"I'll be there."

I was sat in the library with fellow Ravenclaws Lizzie and Casper, doing the essay for Defence Against the Dark Arts that we had been set that afternoon.

I had written two feet when I felt the prickling sensation on back of my neck of being watched. Discreetly, I lifted my gaze from the desk, taking count of everyone in view. Soon it was apparent who the student in question was.

Raimond Lestrange was sat with Avery and Riddle, stealing frequent glances now and then up at the table. It was soon obvious that it was not me he was gazing at, it was Lizzie. I bowed my head again to hide a small smile. Those looks were of desire, in an innocent kind of way, something one would not associate with the Lestrange heir.

Raimond Lestrange fancied Lizzie.

I almost giggled.

For now I had leverage.

Quidditch practice went well, despite the drizzle which plagued the players, making visibly low. By the time Davies had seen me fly for ten minutes his knees were almost weak with relief.

I had not always been a fantastic flyer; it was something which I again, attributed to practice alone. For when I had first flown on a broom I had been quite awful, but I had flown a lot over the years and developed into a very good player for a fifth year- well a sort of fifth year anyway.

Nevertheless it was with great satisfaction that I accepted my P. Black 1, Quidditch robes. I knew at the end of the year they would be hung proudly form the walls of Black Manor, where my grandfather, Lord Sirius presided. It was strangely sweet, the gallery he had, displaying the achievements of the teenage wards of his house.

"Raimond!"

He cut an imposing, regal figure, as he turned he bowed his head politely, seeing who it was calling after him.

"Miss Black," he said amiably. "Good evening."

"Evening," I said with a smile. "I was wondering if I could talk to you for a moment."

"Of course, I was just heading to the library to meet with Abraxas, Tom and Alphard, I have a few minutes to spare," he said. "What can I do for you?"

"It's about Lizzie Turpin," I said firmly.

"Lizzie Turpin?" he asked, brow furrowed as if trying to remember her face, but the way his skin paled was enough to convince me my musings were correct. "Oh the Ravenclaw girl in your year, I can't see why that would concern me."

"Nice try Lestrange," I replied with a knowing smirk. "Let's cut the shit." He lifted his chin confrontationally. "I know that you fancy Lizzie." My tone was high and irreverent.

"I do not fancy anybody," he bristled hostilely, folding his arms across his chest. I knew I had him.

"There's no need to outright lie to me Lestrange, you and I both know that Lizzie is driving you positively crazy," I provoked, taking a step toward him, getting in his personal space. "And if you don't do anything now, you will leave Hogwarts and never come across the opportunity to talk to her again. Is that you want?"

He was silent, regarding my words through narrowed eyes.

"What is it you want Black?" he asked, his tone was curious and perhaps a little amused, rather than malicious.

"I want to strike up a deal Lestrange," I replied. "I have what you want, a friendship with Lizzie and you have what I want, influence within Slytherin house."

Raimond's eyebrows rose, whatever he was expecting, that was not it.

"Cassie was right," he commented. "You really are more Slytherin than you're given credit for."

"Should I take that a compliment?" I asked.

"From me? Most definitely."

"Then what do you say, we help each other out?" Raimond thought for a moment.

"I think it's time for us to become the best of friends, Poppy," he proposed. "My housemates will spend time with you, because you are with me and they will realise you are more like them than they thought."

"And in return, Lizzie will see that you can't really be all that bad, and will be spending time with you enough to realise her undying love for you."

Raimond narrowed his eyes again.

"I'll take that as a yes."

"You have yourself a deal ," he said, holding out his hand. I grasped it firmly and we shook once, before he lifted my hand to his lips.

"Raimond," came a shout.

I almost jumped out of my skin, lowering my hand, Raimond turned to the voice, to see Tom Riddle walking toward us.

"I was just coming to find you, you're late," he said, eyes flicking from my face to his, suspiciously.

"My apologies, Poppy was looking for directions to Professor Sinstra's office," he lied with ease; it was notably easier for him when matters of romance were not concerned. "Are you alright to find it now?"

"Yes thank you, I'll let you get back to your friends, goodnight Raimond, goodnight Tom," I said pleasantly, giving them both a kind smile.

Raimond gave me a swift, friendly hug to send me on my way and Tom bowed his head in farewell.

I deliberately walked away in the direction of the astronomy teacher's office, satisfied with my success.

On second thought, I decided I would in fact visit the Professor Sinstra's office, as I had told Tom I would anyway, it would not do for him to come checking up on me and realise I and more importantly, Raimond had lied.

I knocked once on the door and was greeted with the bright smile of Professor Sinstra.

"Poppy my dear," she cooed. "I was wondering when I could expect a visit from you, come in, come in."

"Cassie said your new quarters were nice, Aurora, but this is lovely," I complimented as I seated myself in squashy armchair.

"Well my aunt Cassie is never one to exaggerate," she laughed, handing her a steaming cup of tea.

Aurora, -along with Cygnus, Alphard and Walburga- was in fact the niece of Cassiopeia and Dorea, for their older brothers, Pollux and Marius were quite a few years older than themselves. Aurora had only been teaching for a year, fresh out of gaining her mastery in Astronomy, so was only a few years older than the girls, herself.

I liked Aurora, because just like myself she was part of the Black family, but had questionable origins. The Blacks didn't know who my mother was, and Aurora was the daughter of a squib, Marius Black and a halfblood.

We continued to talk for an hour and a half, before we realised the time.

(A/N- This chapter indicating Poppy's surprise at Septimus/Cedrella, might hint at who Poppy was in the future... or it might be a red herring and there was just too much fighting going on for her to ever research her ancestors. Who knows? But this is the time to say that some canon pairings from this era will NOT be happening, but likewise some will. Some of them will be directly or inadvertently due to Poppy's actions, does that mean she's created an alternate universe from the one she was born in? I don't know. Timeywimey stuff is confusing, but I'm calling it time-travel rather than going into dimensions and stuff, because in my head just by an extra person breathing and disrupting atoms in a different time an infinite number of universes were created and that's just confusing... I just realized this AN has next to no purpose. Thanks for reading, and an extra special thanks to AvalonTheLadyKillerfor being the first reviewer on this story. )