I'm soooooooooooo sorry =(. I know that we should have updated sooner, but for those that write exams, (Diplomas!) then you know the pressure. And you guys were waiting for what it seems like forever for this chapter. So here it is! And I believe that it is the longest one yet! But maybe if we get more than 10 reviews, chapters might start popping up like crazy!

And if you guys actually think that we own Harry Potter, we might have to put you in an asylum—we probably wouldn't be writing this fanfiction if we did! It would have been the entire Harry Potter story!

So here is the chapter you have been waiting for…READ and REVIEW!

Chapter 7

Blaising Friendships

"OHM mnoi goffh visuf iufs ssonm ghoo!" I probably looked like a chipmunk with my cheeks puffed out. The flavors just made me crave even more. As soon as the food came I knew I had to try everything. If everything here is magic then why not the food, I mean who knows it might disappear if not consumed fast enough. People were staring at me, thinking that I haven't eaten food in days. Wait, I haven't. I'm usually a picky eater but everything here didn't look like it wasn't even food, and nothing looked gross so I tried everything I could reach.

Throughout the entire meal I saw many students turn their heads just to get a glimpse. I can only imagine what rumors are going to start. Even the kids in my own house stared at me for a little longer than was polite. The whispers were steadily growing louder. The one question I heard the most was: "How is she a Slytherin?", like it was a bad thing. After a while I started not to care what they had to say. If they didn't have anything nice to say then I would waste my time on them.

It was so typical. I have gotten used to being the new kid, because I moved around a lot. My mom would just decide it was time to move on again. Making friends was hard, mostly because I would move before we really became close and then we would lose touch. Just like paper in the wind, a simple breeze and it would be gone. That's why I was so close to Ra…

I shoved more food into my mouth seeing if that would help me forget until I was ready to face it.

"You know there will be more food tomorrow." I looked at the person who was obviously addressing me. I blinked at him a few times still chewing my food, but slower than I had. Blaise was amused by just watching me. I finally noticed that we were basically the last ones in the Great Hall. Draco, Blaise and Pansy were just waiting for me to finish my food. I have no idea why Pansy was here but I can guess she doesn't trust Draco around other females, especially new and enticing ones such as me.

"Well… I don't know that." I grabbed at a bowl of pudding slowly taking away from it.

"How do you plan to eat that much and expect to maintain your thin figure?" Draco asked a hint a concern in his words. I stopped eating my pudding and gave him a mock horrified expression.

"Are you saying that you wouldn't like me if I was fat?" His comment gave me a reason to play with his head. It's one of life's pleasures and only a few are able to enjoy it. I want to see how he'll respond and if he can keep up.

"No of course I w-"

"Are you saying that I'm fat!" this is so amusing, to see his face struggling while trying to come up with a comment that couldn't be turned into something else. I bet he wished he had magic redo dust or even a spell but it's too late now because I have him in my grasps.

"That's not what I meant at al-"

"I bet that you think I'm ugly too." I couldn't let him off the hook that easily. I rested my head on Blaise's shoulder and pretended to cry. I had a huge smile on my face so I turned it more into Blaise so Draco wouldn't see. My attempts to hide my laughter made it look like I was truly in tears, sobbing.

"It's ok," Blaise joined in, figuring out since he saw the huge smile on my face. He put his arms around me pretending to comfort me. "I'm here for you… don't mind about what Draco has to say, I think you're beautiful." I could just sense Draco's disbelief. I couldn't take it any more so it was time to let Draco of the hook. Both Blaise and I burst out laughing at the same time. We ended up clutching our sides, and as soon as we stopped we burst out again because of the look on Draco's face. He still was a little behind of what just happened but he finally caught on and started laughing too. Pansy not wanting to be left out pretended to laugh not to feel like a third; or in this case, a fourth wheel.

Draco was still a little speechless but he knew I was kidding the whole time so he was only mad at himself for not catching on sooner. Still shaking his head in disbelief of what just happened he was dragged off by Pansy. Draco said goodnight to us, knowing he wouldn't have a choice but to go with her. He had a sad look on his face when he left. If I had to go with Pansy I would probably have the same look. This meant that I was left alone with Blaise and he was my ticket back to the Slytherin common room.

We walked down the many long hallways for the most part in silence. For one: I was trying to memorize and two: it would be awkward only until someone broke the silence.

"So Tatiana…" He was attempting to use a seductive voice, which other girls must find attractive because I was almost convinced. I knew exactly where he was going because I had seen it many times in my other schools (He has been the most successful so far) but I didn't want that. I put up a hand that said stop.

"Sorry. I'm way out of your league." I knew this was the only way out of this.

"Ok." It surprised me that he actually accepted it so nonchalant. It took me a couple of steps to recover. Usually the guy would just leave if you didn't give him what he wanted.

"So do you want to be my girlfriend? Wait, I mean a girl who's a friend; it would be fun to mess with Draco's head again. Plus I've never had a girl that is a friend before" I laughed at remembering that event. He probably never had a girl friend because of his well known reputation.

"I don't know. It could be dangerous to have us scheming together."

He smiled at my acceptance to a friendship that might be able to last. He opened his mouth to say something but he was interrupted by voices inside a room. Two people where standing facing each other looking like they were about to rip each others head off. One was the man with the greasy black hair and black robes I had seen earlier and the other was a stern looking woman resembling somewhat to a cat. Their argument probably didn't want to be overheard and I didn't really want to be caught eaves dropping. But curiosity did kill the cat and before I knew it Blaise pulled me to the wall so we wouldn't be seen but we could still hear everything clearly. Yep we could be a dangerous force together. We made sure not to make a noise, knowing we would be toast if we did.

"… For all we know she could still be in grave danger." The woman's voice was full of concern, somehow feeling it more than I should.

"If Dumbledore says she is safe in the castle then it's true." The man's voice replied. I wonder if black is his favorite colour, because his voice just reminds me of that same colour.

"And worst of all she is sorted into Slytherin, who knows how safe she will be there."

"There is nothing wrong with Slytherin, Minerva. Just as long as she chooses the right people to connect with, no harm will come."

"How does she know? For all we know, one of them could turn her in and she would be killed and put the rest of this school in danger."

"If she means that much to you, then I will keep an eye on Miss Nadira to ensure no harm comes to her."

As soon as I heard my name I started walking away, knowing that the time before we got caught would be coming soon. I could feel the sting of tears in my eyes but I refused to let them spill. Plus I doubted that I had any left because of the ones I had already spilt. I felt an arm gently pull me to a stop.

"You ok?" I nodded my head but Blaise was smart. He could see through my lie. He was about to hug me when I put both hands on his chest to stop him from getting closer. Finally managing to find my voice; "If you don't want to be stuck with a girl crying I would suggest not coming any closer. Besides if they say I'm going to die then I should make the most of what time I have left."

He put an arm around me instead and we started heading back to the common room. Breaking the silence again and lightening the mood Blaise said;

"I don't get how I'm out of your league but Draco isn't." I almost tripped on my own two feet.

"I'm not..."

"Well it's only obvious that if you won't go for the hottest guy in school," I raised an eyebrow and I got a smirk form him "that you would go for the second hottest guy in school because he got to you first."

"Second hottest… Why are you talking about Harry Potter?"

"What! Potter is not the second hottest." I knew that I was heading into dangerous territory because the way that the Slytherins were described from the Gryffindors, I guessed that the feeling was mutual. "I'm just going to warn you now, because I am your friend… don't even kid about that stuff or you can be in trouble especially in this house."

"So if you are the hottest guy in school what does that make me?" I decided to bring out a litter subject.

"I would have to say… the hottest girl in school; I still think we would make a great couple though. We would own the school."

"I thought we already made it clear…"

"I know, I know. You won't go out with me because you're already in love with Draco." I was caught opened mouthed. How could he say something as… well… no I not in love with him. I saw the smirk on his face grow into a laugh.

"You can't even deny it. But don't worry when you're done with him I'll be waiting for you with open arms." I rolled my eyes at him. Blaise was right having a guy for a friend could be fun, if anything entertaining.

I woke up this morning and almost screamed. For an instant I forgot where I was and everything whirled around me. It took a second to focus and concentrate on how I got here when it all came flooding back. Not really having something to tell me what time it is a bit disoriented. I didn't want to be late for my first day of learning. Wow, I sound like a total geek for even think about that, and so early in the morning. At least I hope its morning. Ugh, I hate not having time ruling my life.

I quickly got dressed. Too fast in fact that I had fell a couple of times trying to get socks on. The ugly shoes required to wear I hope can be burned or at least won't follow me if I hide them. I put on a pair of flats that kind of resembled the ones I was supposed to wear and hurried to the door. I didn't even look at myself in the mirror; I just tied my hair up with my red ribbon. I didn't make it to the door. I tripped on a stack of books nearly hitting my face on the floor. Note to self: find an alarm clock because I would hate to wake up like this every morning.

I re-stacked to books and put them in a better place, also known as somewhere I wouldn't trip. I found a note on top of the stack with a narrow print on it. I opened it slowly.

Miss Nadira,

Here are the books that you will need for the time being once you have finished these the next set will be delivered to you. Following is a map of the school; where everything you need to know is, and your course schedule along with which teacher will be in the room at the time. Good luck

Albus Dumbledore

I looked at the map because it would be the most important for the moment. I didn't yet trust myself to find the Great Hall by myself. I don't care how late I am but I need food. I picked up the books that the schedule said I would need today, put them in a book bag and headed out of my room. Turns out that I wasn't the only one running late because I a bunch of others racing around. Some were still in their pj's sleepily getting ready. Without noticing I ran into a wall of girls. Each one with a look on their faces which made them looked practically deformed. I'm not sure why that look caught on but I won't give into its trend willingly. In the middle trying to stare me down was Pansy. It would have been intimidating if they all weren't five feet zero and I was at least nine inches taller than them.

"Stay away from Draco." Her voice was almost a snarl and it made her even more unattractive.

"Whatever you say princess," I wasn't going to give in though; I needed her to see who she was facing. "But it's not my fault you can't hold on to your men." Besides what's the worst thing that can happen. I saw her face fume with rage. Shit, I forgot, I'm not in Kansas anymore. She has knowledge in magic and could probably do something really nasty I hope she doesn't… with a stroke of luck Draco and Blaise came and crashed this party. I bet no one would dare try to do something in front of them. They both had smiles but only for me. I saw all the girls fawn over them. I hooked arms with both of them. We walked as a whole unit on our way to breakfast. I chanced a glance back; all of the girls were trying to cool Pansy off. I was tempted to stick out my tongue but I think that would dig my grave even deeper. I'm going to have to watch my back from now on.

I think I have the main route to the Great Hall memorized now, but who would deny walking linked up with the two supposed hottest guys in school. I can tell you for a fact that it does boost one's confidence level. We took our seats. I managed to catch the eyes of Harry a few tables over and waved good morning to him. Harry had a kind of glare on his face, like he was debating whether or not he would have to kill me. Hermione; sat down beside him noticed his stare, pushed him over and returned my wave happily. I was going to have to work on that friendship, it would be very hard but I'll try.

"Close your eyes." Draco said suddenly. I looked to him as did Blaise not sure what was going on. "Trust me, just do it." Too late, I heard something screech from above. I looked up and saw my worst nightmare. Hundreds of owls came swooping in and they all looked like they were coming for me. I regretted not listening to Draco and buried my face into him. I closed my eyes and plugged my ears. I felt an arm cover my head. Trying to keep myself from hyperventilating, I managed to take deep breaths. And oh my god he smelt so good. I'm pretty sure if my heart wasn't pounding already from being scared to death it would be running a marathon from just the smell of him. He smelt like how the air smells before it rains with a mix of vanilla.

As soon as the arm was lifted away I was sad because that meant that the owls were gone. That also meant I wouldn't have an excuse to use him to calm me down. I took one last deep breath of his intoxicating aroma and sat up straight. The first thing I noticed was Blaise's apparent all knowing look. I rolled my eyes at him. I was sure he was going to make this an uncomfortable situation as soon as he opened his mouth.

"So did you enjoy that…? Draco" Before he said Draco's name I thought he was going to single me out. Thank heavens for our friendship. Even though they've probably known each other longer I was his new favorite. I smiled at him in silent thanks, and he winked at me. I turned to Draco who was caught in a speechless glare; I fluttered my eyelashes waiting for his response. When nothing came, I asked him "Are you always this articulate?"

I might have even seen a little pink on his cheeks but he turned and ate his food to avoid other comments. Blaise and I both stifled our laughter and refrained from looking at each other or Draco knowing we would be unable to contain from bursting out loud.

That day went by pretty fast. Draco led me to my classroom and headed towards his own. I walked into the classroom to meet my first teacher. Well actually they're just supervisors and I would be learning mostly by myself. It took me a while to find Professor Flitwick; as it said on my timetable, because I wasn't looking for someone who was around two feet tall and I nearly trip over him. Luckily I didn't and he had good spirits so no harm was done.

Throughout the whole day I was stuck in this room meeting new professors every hour while I practiced the spells in my books. They were probably there just to make sure I didn't blow up this section of the school. Most of them I mastered pretty quickly but some did have too much power to them; like my Wingaurdium Leviosa, I managed to levitate the whole room including Professor Dumbledore who happened to check in at the wrong time. Every time I made a mistake I was corrected by my supervisor, and that helped me get through more spells faster. At the end of each lesson my homework would comply of: of writing down which spells I had learned and there uses just to help them stick. I was also told that I would be getting a tutor to help me further but that wouldn't be for a while.

I managed to make it back to the Slytherin common room by myself, with only occasional glances at my map. Not really wanting to be alone in the common room with a bunch of people who thought I didn't belong staring at me, I went to my room to get started on my homework. Seeing as the walls were made out of stone and my room was somewhat under the lake it was freezing. I pulled on my favorite hoodie from my bags because I didn't trust myself with lighting magical fireplaces, yet. I lay down on my stomach on my bed with books and parchment. Why we wrote with feather and ink I might never know and this could be potentially dangerous to any sort of fabric especially to first time users.

I got to work. I put the headphones in my ears and pressed play. Music brightened this boring homework, even magic homework is a drag just the same as normal homework. With the quill in my right hand, I looked down at my left forearm and noticed something that I didn't have before. I screamed.

MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! Cliffhanger and you know it! If we get more reviews, then maybe, just maybe, we can post the next chapter BEFORE we leave to Mexico! And if we don't then you might have to wait again for a few weeks after too, as we won't be back for at least 2 weeks! (And then Catherine won't be able to read over what I wrote until 3 weeks!)

So if you want the next chapter up—maybe even this week, PLEASE REVIEW! Or else you won't know what happens next…

Love, C&M