As promised, Wednesday update! Sorry for the lateness of the day! I even have an excuse! Granted, it's not a very good one... I woke up late, (yay :D gotta love summer...), then I had to go drink delicious coffee and satisfy my inner child with the comics in the newspaper. Yes, I'm cool. Don't deny it.

Anyway, I'm LOVING the response I'm getting from this, I'm so glad you all love this so much! I want to send a HUGE shout out to Nicky-Maree, who's already given me amazing advice and has continuously inspired me to open my half finished chapter document and keep writing! Millions of thanks to you, darling :D

Oh yeah, and I've stopped putting disclaimers on the past couple chapters...whoopsie...you guys get it though, right? I don't own Harry Potter :( I own all the OC characters though! Cause my imagination just threw Alexa into my head, and my fingers just had to type away!

Read on, readers!

Two o' clock the following Tuesday found me predictably buried in the back of the library, surrounded by Ancient Rune and Arithmancy textbooks. I was attempting to get as much work done as possible before I had to drag myself away for Quidditch practice.

"I'm doomed. Doomed, doomed, doomed, all because of stupid Draco Malfoy. Stupid pompous ferret, stupid practice, stupid schedules, stupid everything. What the hell does this mean?" I leaned back in my chair, staring at the Runes on my paper.

"Laguz means 'water'," a voice spoke quietly from in front of me, and I glanced up to find Hermione Granger sitting across from me. She looked quite awkward as she did so, but determined all the same.

"I know. It should just mean water though, and not have some deep philosophical meaning about life's energy and mysterious fantasies. And why the hell is it paired with Othala?" I grumbled. "Ugh, never mind. Also, please tell me you overlooked the fact that I'm talking to myself like a lunatic?"

Hermione smiled slightly, setting her bag down carefully on the desk. "I wanted to talk to you," she began quietly.

I set my quill down, stretching my arms over my head. In truth, I was glad for the excuse to stop for a minute. "Okay. Shoot."

"It's just that, well, I can't help but notice how much you cram homework for Runes and Arithmancy. It's understandable, don't get me wrong. I get your whole Quidditch thing," she shrugged, but I noticed that she seemed slightly flippant towards the sport.

"So?"

"Well, I thought if we started working together, you'd get your homework done faster, I'd get a study partner, and we'd both get intelligent company out of the deal," she listed, very quickly.

"What, Potty and Weasel aren't doing it for you in the intellectual department?" I snorted, watching her eyes narrow.

She looked ready to argue with me, but eventually shrugged again. "If you don't want to work together, that's fine. I just thought I'd offer," she stood up, making to walk away from the table.

"Wait!" I called her back at the last second. God knows I needed someone who was actually in these classes. "I have no idea what this Arithmancy stuff is telling me," I reached across the table, moving aside a textbook and unearthing a half written analysis.

Hermione beamed, returning to her seat. "Here, let's restart. Write your name..."

•••

"MERLIN!" I suddenly shrieked, making Hermione jump nearly a foot in the air. "You mean that number doesn't relate to any of the others?"

"Exactly," Hermione grinned.

I did a silent cheer, starting to dance around the table. "Hermione! This is more clear then it's been since term started! I get it!"

She started laughing, writing down more numbers on the piece of scratch paper we were using. I continued dancing, leaping as silently as I could through the air. "Hey, aren't you supposed to be practicing at four?" she suddenly asked.

"Uh, yea. Why?" I paused, mid dance. She pointed to a clock. 4:01. "Shit," I hissed loudly, causing the pointed nose of Madame Pince to start peering around the corner. "Ah, Malfoy is gonna kill me," I hopped on the spot, starting to shove my random belongings back into my bag. "Which is a legitimate statement, cause he's PMSing or something cause even my brother is having fits about him. Damn, damn, damn. Curse Draco Malfoy and his curse worthy tendencies."

Hermione was openly laughing at me now. "Leave your stuff," she finally waved a hand in my direction. "I'll watch over it, come find me after practice and I'll give it to you."

"Oh my gosh, really?" I froze, staring at her.

"Sure. Go, I would hate to think of you suffering at the hands of Malfoy because of a heavy bag."

"I suffer at the hands of Malfoy every day. I sleep in a room connected to his," I sighed. "I owe you, big time Hermione. Thank you."

She waved me away again, a small smile still on her face. I turned and sprinted off, charging through the castle and changing into practice clothes at lightening speed before bursting out onto the pitch. Luckily, everyone was still discussing on the ground.

"Zabini. Late. Again," Malfoy turned to me, face stoic.

"Yeah well. On the bright side, I'm not going to fail Arithmancy!" I continued my celebratory dance moves.

It was Sterling who snorted loudly. "Which of course, gives you the right to scar us with your impressive dancing skills," he supplied.

"Yes. Yes it does," I stuck my nose in the air defiantly. When they all just stared at me, I waved my arms around in the air. "Well? Are we going to practice or not? Jeez guys, you're so slow," I jumped on my broom, taking off and zooming towards the middle of the field.

"Do you do this on purpose?" Rae asked, flying up beside me.

"Do what?"

"Annoy Malfoy as much as you possibly can. Are you trying to get him to physically combust?"

"Do you think he would?" I asked, emphasizing eagerness.

She sighed heavily. "I'm going to try and tell you something, and I don't want you to reply. Just promise me that you'll think about it logically. Without overreacting and without just ignoring the observation."

"Well, you've just eliminated everything that makes up most of my reactions, but go ahead," I smirked, but internally frowned. Why was she suddenly so serious?

"You're late to almost every practice. You skive off Prefect duties. You yell at Malfoy every chance you get and you take every possible opportunity to do exactly what he doesn't want you to do."

"It's not like I'm the only one at fault-" I started to exclaim, but Rae gave me a look to shut me up.

"I said that you don't need to reply. I'm not saying that it's completely your fault. That's not the point. The point is, don't you wonder why he doesn't make your life a living hell?"

"Oh, so what I suffer because of him now is just meaningless fun?"

"He could make your life so much worse, and you know it. Stop trying to argue with me. Just think. Why does he let you get away with it?"

With that little nugget of confusing insight, she flew out of talking range. I glared after her, about to start continuing the conversation in yells. At the last moment, I realized that wasn't the best idea, considering that our topic of conversation was mere yards away. I glowered into thin air, trying to just forget what she'd said. Despite myself, I couldn't stop analyzing the words. Were they legitimate comments? Or just Rae being her overreactive self?

Oh why couldn't I still be thinking about Arithmancy?

•••

After practice and a shower, I changed back into normal clothes and went on a hunt for Hermione. After searching the library, Great Hall, and even some empty classrooms, I finally came to the conclusion that I was going to have to brave the Gryffindor common room.

This was going to go over well.

The decision found me wandering to the seventh floor, stopping awkwardly in front of a portrait featuring a slightly horrifying woman. She glared down at me, sniffing once. "Yes?" she asked with disinterest.

"Uh, yeah. Hi! I'm looking for Hermione," I tried to be friendly, but I could feel the grimace on my face. Nice going Alexa. Probably wasn't the best idea to wear a shirt bearing a huge Slytherin crest either. They call you intelligent. Ha. "Er- Granger," I finished after a pause, once the woman showed no signs of replying.

"Yes, I know who you're talking about," she rolled her eyes dramatically. "I'm not just going to let a Slytherin in here."

"Can you at least tell me if she's in there?"

"She is."

I felt my face scrunch up in irritation. "Well, can you help me out or something? Can't you let someone know I'm out here?"

"I probably could. Give me a good reason," she said snottily.

"Um. I really really really need to get in there?"

"Which is my problem because?"

"You love helping poor students in need?" I suggested, shrugging. Come on, it was a last ditch effort. Can't blame me for trying, right?

She opened her mouth to reply, her face obviously showing disgust, but her picture suddenly swung forward. I jumped back a couple steps, watching as a passage was revealed and a head of bushy brown hair came towards me. "Alexa? Oh, that is you! I thought I heard something out here!" Hermione smiled, halfway out of the portrait hole that was apparently led to Gryffindor common room. "I'm glad you're here!"

"I looked for you in the Great Hall and stuff," I said lamely. I had never been so happy to see a Gryffindor.

"Oh yea, I waited for you for awhile, but just decided to come back here. Come inside!" she retreated back, beckoning to me.

"I probably shouldn't..." I trailed off, scratching the back of my head slowly.

"Oh, don't be silly. We're not as mean as Slytherins are."

"I resent that," I muttered, but climbed inside anyway. It was as if I was wearing a green and silver beacon. Which, given my shirt, I probably was. Almost all faces instantly turned towards me. I waved sheepishly, giving them all a smile. "Hey there Gryffindors. Good evening? Yeah, mine too," I ended the words in an undertone. Hermione rolled her eyes, taking my arm and pulling me towards the merrily crackling fireplace.

"Why are you inviting Slytherins into our common room?" the guy that I merely knew as 'Weasley' shot at Hermione, glaring openly at me.

"That's not very nice Ron," she accused. That's his name? "Meet Alexa. She's really nice," she pushed me into an armchair. I sat on the very edge of the seat, feeling both Weasley and Potter's eyes staring at me.

"Hey Alexa," it was surprisingly Harry that broke the uncomfortable silence, giving me a small smile. "Welcome to Gryffindor common room," he held out a hand. I shook it, smiling slightly. Weasley grunted out a greeting, giving me a half wave.

"Thanks," I found a reply, a few seconds to late.

Hermione sighed audibly, pushing my book bag towards me. "Here. I organized your Arithmancy stuff again, it was kind of a mess. It's all in the front of your textbook," she gestured vaguely into the bag. I sighed in relief, grinning as I peeked into the newly organized book bag.

"I guess I owe you again," I laughed slightly. "Thanks Hermione."

"You don't owe me," she waved her hand, and I watched her face flush slightly.

"Yes she does," what's his name? Damn, I'm forgetful. Oh yeah – Ron suddenly supplied, anger touching his voice minimally as he glared at my knees.

"Ronald," Hermione scolded, shooting him a glare. "You really don't," she assured me.

"Yes she does," Ron repeated. "If she says she does, she means it," he failed at explaining. Hermione looked ready to tell him off, but I stopped her.

"I do, actually," I nodded, giving Ron an acknowledging gesture. He inclined his head, but otherwise remained quiet. "Pureblood law. Promises and debt are taken really seriously. Failing to fulfill an obligation when it is owed is a serious crime. Punishable by death, in some cases."

"So...if I asked you for a return favor and you said no, you might get killed?" Hermione asked slowly. Ron snorted. I grinned as well, entertained by how the wheels in her head turned.

"Well, I suppose that's one way to look at it. Very simply. There would be massive amounts of trials, I'd get throughly questioned by all families affected. My brother would testify on my behalf, even if he didn't want to. Since you're muggle-born and have no family connected to wizarding status, we'd all have to sit through a hearing run by Lucius Malfoy. Which I really don't want to be subjected to, so consider me at your beck and call. But to answer your question, if they found me guilty then yes, I would be killed," I shrugged.

"That's awful!" Hermione wailed, her hands over her mouth.

"Not really. It's just the law," I started picking at my sleeve, feeling somewhat uncomfortable after spewing all that to them.

Ron shot me a look, his expression mildly understanding. Of course, he would be the one to actually understand this, considering he is a pureblood and all. "It's okay Hermione, calm down," he said quietly. I felt a strange rush of gratitude.

"What, are you just barging in here to scare my house mates?" a gentle voice came from behind me, and Sailor rested his arms across the back of the armchair. "Hey Lexi," he grinned down at me.

"Twit," I scoffed, but smirked at him anyway. "You're the family disappointment. Stupid Gryffindor."

"Yea, well, I hate the color green. Probably the reason the Sorting Hat placed me here," he shrugged. "Anyway, I'm a pretty bad house member, I barely know you guys. Well, I know Harry from Quidditch and everything, but that's honestly beside the point. It does make sense, I mean, I'm three years younger then you guys," he was talking to the obviously baffled Harry, Ron, and Hermione now.

"You're really obnoxious, you know that?" I shot up at my brother. "This is Sailor Zabini, a tragedy for all pureblood families and my brother who tries to act older then he is," I informed the others.

"Hey! I should get to introduce myself to my own house!" Sailor wailed in mock tragedy. "Hi! I'm Sailor Zabini, the brother everyone wishes they have and currently unappreciated by the folk I'm forced into relations with. Nice to actually and officially meet you!"

"You think I don't appreciate you?"

"Your twin thinks I'm a communist."

"Your brother enjoys being able to taunt a third year without them screaming and running away. I can't believe you remember that comment either," I shook my head, barely remembering the conversation from the train.

"Super duper memory, remember?" Sailor giggled at his own hilarity. It was true, Sailor had an absurdly accurate and impressive photographic memory. I rolled my eyes, reaching my arm up to flick him in the forehead. "Hey!"

Hermione was watching us with extreme interest. "Does Sailor live by these pureblood rules too?" she asked, obviously intrigued. Ron sighed heavily, slumping further in his chair. Harry looked back and forth between the two. I wondered if this actually interested him in any way. "Shut up Ronald, I think this is all very fascinating," she shot at the redhead, turning back towards me.

"Technically...yea, I guess," I looked up at Sailor, who shrugged. "Though Blaise wouldn't be required to bear witness on his behalf, since Sailor is our half-brother. I'm not allowed, I'm a girl. In extreme situations, it would probably be Draco who would defend Sailor," I concluded, still feeling strange in explaining this all to them.

"Why is it the Malfoy family who deals with these hypothetical 'extremes'?" Harry suddenly questioned. I guess he was interested.

"They're the most powerful pureblood wizarding family in Europe. Probably the world," Ron stated before I could. "They're obligated."

"I would still have to sit through a trial, even though Malfoy Senior thinks I'm a devil spawn," Sailor put in, walking around my chair to sit on the floor beside it. "Like, if we're talking about Lexi's hypothetical law breaking crime again. I'd have to attend. I'm not allowed to give input or anything, because she's my half-sister. It's because I'm immediate family."

"Would you have to go?" Hermione rounded on Ron, who was now slumped impossibly far in his chair.

He shook his head simply. "Not unless my family was directly involved. We've personally and publicly stated ourselves as blood traitors," he shrugged, as if this was no big deal.

"In other words, I owe you," I finally made the full circle, looking at Hermione.

She sighed, shaking her head in disbelief. "Okay. So, was Malfoy really mad at you?" she thankfully changed the subject, crossing her legs.

"Malfoy is always really mad at me," I scoffed. Sailor grunted, obviously ready to make some sort of comment. He remained quiet though. I glared at his head before shrugging. "Nothing I'm not used to."

Suddenly, a loud and very violent explosion echoed from outside. Everyone sitting around jumped, a few people actually leaping up out of their seats. "ALEXA ZABINI. GET OUT HERE," a furious yell echoed through the room, coming from somewhere outside.

"Good Merlin, he's got a sensor in his brain or something. He knows when people are talking about him," I groaned. Sailor started laughing, falling sideways to roll around in the floor. I kicked his leg, standing up and picking up my bag. Sailor picked himself off the floor and ran ahead of me, throwing open the portrait hole and climbing out into the hallway.

"Hey Drake!" he exclaimed cheerfully.

To this day, Sailor remains the only person who can use that nickname without the wrath of Draco Malfoy following soon afterwards.

I followed my brother, pulling faces to imitate Sailor's non-stop talking. Malfoy pulled a half smile, ruffling Sailor's hair. "Hey kid. Keeping the Gryffindorks in check for us?"

"That's mean Drake," Sailor accused, crossing his arms. Malfoy smirked, turning to me as I continued to pull outrageously horrid faces.

"Careful Zabini, your face might stick like that," he taunted warningly.

"Maybe that's a good thing. Yours won't be lonely anymore," it wasn't the best retort I'd ever come up with, but it made him scowl none the less. "See? Now we match."

"Come on," he grabbed my arm, proceeding to begin dragging me down the hall.

"Hey!" I resisted, leaning way backwards and making him stumble. "You can't just barge up here and drag me off! What's going on?"

"I'm not about to tell you with nosy Gryffindors gawking at us," he sneered, looking over my shoulder. I looked around, finding Hermione, Harry, and Ron to have followed me. They were indeed, staring openly at the argument.

"What if I don't want to go with you?" I demanded. Malfoy replied by yanking my arm again. I pulled back, sitting down on the stone floor. He ended up dragging me for a moment before stopping, staring down at me.

"Real mature," he jeered, a sick leer winding onto his face. "I will drag you the whole way Zabini. The stairs are going to be an extremely uncomfortable experience for you."

"I'll yell and scream until someone helps me," I replied simply, trying to kick him. Malfoy dropped my arm, running his hands over his face in exasperation.

"Fine. This is a Slytherin house requirement, and you're being summoned by I, Draco Malfoy."

Damn. I groaned loudly and obnoxiously, standing up again. "At least make yourself useful," I heaved my bag in his direction, which he caught with a barely audible grunt.

"What are you keeping in this?" he grouched. He tossed the bag over his shoulder anyway, surprising me slightly. I was sure he would've either dropped it on the ground or threw it back. He must have noticed my surprise, because he sighed. "I wasn't raised by werewolves Zabini, I possess decent gentleman qualities," he claimed.

In the background, Ron snorted loudly. "Ronald," Hermione scolded, quietly enough that I barely heard her.

"Something funny Weasel?" Malfoy shot over my head, glaring back towards the entrance to the Gryffindor common room.

"No," I replied for him, shoving Malfoy's chest. "Come on, I thought this was urgent," I continued pushing him towards the stairs. He barely reacted to my efforts, walking backwards slowly. "Turn around, resist the urge to be a prat for once in your life," I cajoled, grabbing his shoulders and forcing him to turn. I waved once back towards our four onlookers before we made it to the stairs.

"Pushy all of a sudden, aren't you? I'll be sure to tell Nott that you jumped at the first chance to manhandle me," he stated, starting to walk correctly.

"Yes, we all know you secretly want me, no need to bring Nott into the situation. Just admit it freely," I patted his arm. We were finally walking normally now. "Now, why did you feel the need to drag me out of there?" I asked, once we were down a few floors. He didn't reply. I waited. We eventually made it to the dungeons, though he still hadn't said anything. "Malfoy!" I finally cried, yanking him back. "What the hell?"

He opened his mouth, closed it again, and frowned. After repeating that cycle a couple times, he finally smirked. "No reason. I wanted to annoy you," he was grinning at me now, in a way that I could only describe as malicious cheekiness.

"Draco Lucius Malfoy!" I hollered, advancing on him. He snickered, backing away a couple steps. "You mean that you put forth a Slytherin attendance obligation for no reason? You can't do that!"

"I'm a Malfoy, I can do whatever I want," he retorted snobbishly. "You really don't need to start on middle names."

"Oh, this is a 'middle name' situation," I claimed loudly, continuing to advance on him.

"Okay then, Alexandra Rachele Zabini," he replied simply, rolling his eyes. I stopped dead, for some reason unable to continue after the use of my full name.

"You are so dead," I threatened.

"Well, I have your bag, so you better be nice if you ever want it back," he shrugged, pulling on the strap that was over his shoulder for emphasis.

"Stupid little-" I launched myself at him, trying to shove him over. He caught me instead, and we ended up falling together onto the ground, wresting the whole time. I vaguely realized that we were rolling across the floor, grappling as if lives were at stake. Finally, he got my arm in an inescapable grip, flipping me onto my back and pinning me there.

"Did you honestly think you had a chance?" he asked smugly, keeping me trapped beneath him while I struggled.

"Let...me...up!" I cried, trying once more to roll him off me. Malfoy only laughed in en evil sort of way, tightening his grip. I groaned, going limp against the floor. We stayed in that position for a good few minutes, catching our breath.

Holy. Effing. Shit.

I was pinned under Draco Malfoy.

This situation suddenly got much more uncomfortable.

I started fidgeting, looking anywhere but directly at him. He was strangely close to me, close enough that I could feel his breathing on my face. I could feel most other parts of him as well, considering we were pressed together in the awkwardest of ways. I felt every contracting muscle in his stomach, as my own hand was making a weak attempt at pushing him away. I felt every facet and indent of his arm as he held up his own weight, considering my other hand was resting there. I wasn't sure why.

"Um, Malfoy?"

"What?"

He sounded so maddeningly at ease, I could barely stand it. My brain scrambled even further. "Get off," I demanded quietly.

"Why?"

No reasons popped to mind. Damn teenage hormones. Why can't they just die? "Please," I replied instead, meeting his gaze. His eyes were the color of a hurricane. Thankfully, mercifully, he pushed himself up. I was left lying awkwardly on the floor. I wanted to crawl away and hide, considering that he was still staring intensely at me. Wordlessly, he held out a hand. I looked at it nervously, to which he scoffed. I took it and allowed him to pull me to my feet. Malfoy turned, picking up my bag from where it was abandoned on the ground.

"Common room?" he suggested simply, gesturing in that direction.

"Yeah."

We walked together and in silence. Malfoy told our tapestry the ridiculous password, and we entered. The porcupine was ecstatic to see us, jumping all around both our legs. He'd continued to take a greater liking to Malfoy, who only seemed to resist it more. It was turning into a vicious cycle.

"Look-" he started as we stood there.

"Not a word," I stopped him. He blinked and smirked once, swinging my bag off his shoulder and tucking it securely over mine instead. He said nothing else, and I shuffled my feet around for a minute before hurrying off to the safely of my own bedroom.

Oooh, that was fun :) who loves awkward moments with Draco Malfoy when they're nearly going out with Theodore Nott? We all do, don't we? Don't deny it :) And friends with the Golden Trio? Kinda? WOAH! Thoughts? :)

Until next time...mua ha ha...