The Adventures of The Misfit Professors
Chapter 5 Part 2
"Worries, Playdates and Rumors"
By: Deep Shadows and EckoStalker
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Author's Notes:I wonder who the rumors could be about?... Hmm...Look forward to next chapter sometime next week... Enjoy...


Remus rolled over in his bed, crushing his face into the pillow as he reluctantly awoke from sleep. He yawned widely, eyes closed as he grumbled to himself. "Hey... I don't smell any bacon..."

He cracked one eye open, looking around his almost unfamiliar room with confusion. Then he realized where he was and sighed, closing his eyes again. "Oh, I'm not home. I'm at the other home..." He mumbled to himself, rolling onto his back and stretching out.

He looked up at the ceiling, wondering what he would do until breakfast was made in the Great Hall. He opened his eyes, remembering that Alexis was only right next door. "I can go wake her up and show her the class... been changed since she last saw it..."

With that Remus moved himself out of bed, tripping over his own feet as he went to dress himself. He came back out of the bathroom, threw on some shoes and left his quarters, walking next door to the only stone door in the hall. He spoke through a yawn. "Chocolate Crème Pie."

The door swung open slowly, and Remus entered, calling ahead of him to warn her. "Alexis? You up? I'm bored, wake up."

He heard no answer, hearing no sound at all in the still room. Confused, he walked to her bedroom, using the knocker on her bedroom door. "Alexis? Hello..."

He called again. Still no answer. She doesn't sleep that deep... He thought mentally to himself, quietly pushing the door open and peering inside. Her bed was empty, ruffled a bit, but having no sign of being slept in. He also saw that the bathroom door was open, indicating she wasn't in there either.

He left her room in confusion, thinking she might've gone down to the Kitchens.

Trudging out the rooms and down the few flights of steps, he presently came to the Kitchens, but all he encountered was a bunch of eager house-elves. He scratched his head in thought.

"Where else would she have- Severus? I bet he knows." He thought to himself. Severus usually had something to do with her being gone. That, or somehow already knew. He was weird like that. Walking not far from the Great Hall, he tiredly walked past Slytherin house and located Severus's door, stopping outside of it and knocking loudly upon it with curiosity.

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Severus lay sleeping in his large bed, sprawled out on it in comfortable slumber. He heard knocking and groaned, assuming it Artimis to wake him up for breakfast.

"Go away, I don't want breakfast." He yelled out his customary disagreement. He sniffed the air and smelt nothing but stone and stale air. He opened his eyes to see that he was indeed in his room at Hogwarts. He looked over at the clock and saw that it was eight fifteen in the morning.

"Who in the bloody world is knocking?" He grumbled as he walked out of his room, heading for the door to the hall, walking past the door that led into Slytherin Common Room. He opened it with bleary eyes, his focus coming upon Remus.

"Oh, it's you. How can I help you annoy me today Remus?" He chortled humorlessly and Remus rolled his eyes.

"Do you know where Alexis is? She's not in her room and it doesn't look like she slept there." Remus informed him and Severus sighed.

"First day and we're already chasing them around like their school days. Last time I saw her, I sent her toward Artimis's room. She was tired, but couldn't sleep because she was lon-" Severus spoke and cut himself of mid-sentence.

Nothing in Artimis's room is Flame-retardant... If Alexis slept in there and had a nightmare... Selena!... Severus thought to himself, his eyes going wide. He quickly rushed around to his trunk, grabbing his cloaks and whisking out the door, nearly knocking Remus over.

"What? What is your problem Severus?" Remus asked and Severus kept moving, not bothering to turn around.

"Selena is not flame retardant, nor Flame-immune." Severus told him and he heard Remus scrambling after him in his realization of what that meant. They both reached the door at the same time and yelled

"DRACONIS REX!" in unison. The door opened and they rushed into the living room, dashing back toward Artimis's closed door. Severus opened it, Remus nearly knocking him to the floor as Severus stopped to see the scene before him. Artimis was sleeping with her back to the door, Selena's head resting on her arm while Selena's thumb was in her mouth. Alexis lay facing the door, her arm over Selena gently with her head lulled back, snoring loudly. Severus sighed contently and then realized that Alexis was partly holding Selena and Selena would be badly burnt were Alexis to have a nightmare at that moment. Severus walked over the bed and leaned over Artimis, intent on getting Selena away from the sleeping Alexis.

He put his hands on Selena and went to lift her up but presently an elbow had forcefully and purposely collided with his nose. He knew it broke at the sickening crack and he hastily backed up as Artimis sat straight up. She saw who her 'attacker' was and she put her hand over her heart.

"Oh my god! Severus, I'm so sorry, it's one of those mother things... Wait, what are you doing here?" She asked him as he held his hand over his nose in pain, the blood running down over his lip. He pointed to Alexis and Artimis looked over and grabbed Selena, screeching.

"WHAT THE HELL ARE DOING IN HERE ALEXIS!" Severus heard Artimis yell and Alexis opened her eyes partly, looking dazed at Artimis.

"Sleeping? Why, what's the matter? You said I could..." Alexis moaned and Artimis shook her head, looking down at the now frightfully awake Selena. Severus looked at Selena and quickly turned his face away, knowing that Selena did not like blood.

"Alexis, Selena was sleeping in here with me." Artimis told her and Alexis sat up on her elbow, looking at Artimis.

"So?" Alexis replied and Severus wanted to smack her.

"She is not immune to you! I am!" Artimis yelled and Severus heard Alexis gasp. He then turned to see Alexis leap out of the bed.

"I'm so sorry Artimis; did I start to burn or something? She's not hurt is she?" Alexis asked frantically and Artimis looked at Selena and shook her head. Selena looked at him with questioning and he held his hand over his nose, it hurting pretty badly.

"No Alexis, she is fine, but you know that you can't sleep in the same room as Selena." Artimis told her sternly and Severus saw Alexis looking at him oddly.

"Sev, one, why are you in her? And two, what's wrong with your nose?" She asked him and he sighed.

"I recalled that I had sent you here when Remus found you missing, and recalled that my niece was not immune to your powers. And as for my nose, I tried to pick Selena up from Artimis and she reacted defensively." Severus replied nasally, rolling his eyes, adding Dumbass to the end of the sentence in his mind. Alexis had a look of guilt on her face and he watched as she looked to Artimis.

"Sorry. I'll head to my room now." She spoke softly and then she whisked out of there quickly. Severus watched her go and wondered why she acted like that, not a word in parting, in argument, anything.

"Uncle Severus, why are you holding your nose, do you have to sneeze?" Selena asked him as Artimis let her go, Artimis's hand going over her stomach.

"No honey, I hurt my nose, and I need to go take care of it. You stay here with mummy." He spoke as he turned and walked out. Remus had tailed after Alexis so, he was the last to leave, closing the door behind him. He walked back to his quarters and dressed in his full fearful outfit, still holding his nose. He held his hand over it and walked to the infirmary, regretfully letting Madam Pomfrey make him her guinea pig.

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Alexis slept peacefully and contentedly in bed, arm wrapped around a warm body, visualizing it as Ron beside her. She heard scuffling and voices on the edge of her bed, then felt the form under her arm move slightly. The bed jerked curiously, but Alexis merely snuggled deeper into her pillow.

"WHAT THE HELL ARE DOING IN HERE ALEXIS!" She heard a loud voice screeching suddenly, immediately recognizing it as Artimis. She blearily opened her eyes in confusion, moaning in reply.

"Sleeping? Why, what's the matter? You said I could..."

"Alexis, Selena was sleeping in here with me." Artimis told her, looking fearful as she held Selena close and Alexis sat up on her elbow, looking at Artimis with bewilderment.

"So?" Alexis replied, not seeing the problem through her tired daze.

"She's not immune to you! I am!" Artimis yelled a bit angrily, Alexis gasping. I could've had a nightmare... I could've hurt her bad... oh no... She quickly leapt out of bed, backing away a few steps.

"I'm so sorry Artimis; did I start to burn or something? She's not hurt is she?" Alexis asked frantically, searching Selena carefully, checking the rest of the room for signs of a fire.

"No Alexis, she is fine, but you know that you can't sleep in the same room as Selena." Artimis scolded, Alexis feeling guilty as hell for not remembering that tidbit. She looked to the door to see Remus and Severus, whom was clutching his nose, looking pained.

"Sev, one, why are you in her? And two, what's wrong with your nose?" She asked him curiously, and he sighed.

"I recalled that I had sent you here when Remus found you missing, and recalled that my niece was not immune to your powers. And as for my nose, I tried to pick Selena up from Artimis and she reacted defensively." He replied nasally, and Alexis realized that it was her fault that happened too. I could've hurt Selena, and made Artimis hurt Severus... how could I be so damn STUPID! Alexis thought to herself, looking away, feeling a knot growing in her chest. Her face felt flushed and she knew she better leave quickly.

"Sorry. I'll head to my room now." She spoke softly as she lowered her head and ran out of the room, heading to her own quarters.

Why couldn't I remember? I was always careful before... what if I did have a nightmare? Alexis thought to herself, lower lip trembling as she ran all the way to her room, her vision blurring strangely. She reached her room, speaking the password in a choked voice. "Ch, chocolate Crème... Pie."

The door slowly swung open and Alexis dashed inside, slamming it behind her and running to her room, trembling slightly.

She sat on her bed, not believing she could be that careless and put Selena in danger like that. Then she made Artimis hurt Severus... what was wrong with her! She leaned forward, covering her eyes with her hands. She felt something, and pulled her hands away, seeing them wet. She felt her eyes, finally realizing she was crying.

"I'm crying... well, yeah... I could've k... killed Selena! Oh my god..." Alexis gasped out, burying her head back in her hands again, sniffling to herself as her tears fell.

Suddenly she felt hands on her shoulders, someone sitting beside her on her bed. Not caring who it was at the moment, she leaned against the body, burying her head in the warm chest, the arms holding her in a loose hug.

Her tears fell silently as she sniffled loudly, leaning against the supporting form. Gradually, her tears quit falling, and, still sniffling though, looked up to see who was hugging her. Remus looked down at her with concern and slight confusion. Alexis leaned out of his arms, sitting back on her bed herself. She looked at the ground as Remus asked quietly. "Alexis? Are you alright?"
"I'm f, fine. Just, fine." Alexis spoke softly, wiping her eyes quickly.

"It was a misunderstanding alright? They're not angry with you, they were just concerned. It won't happen again, so don't worry." Remus spoke soothingly.

Alexis's lip trembled again as she replied choking. "B, but I really c... could've hurt Selena! Artimis would never forgive me, or Severus, or me..."

Remus hugged her again, speaking softly. "It's okay. It's over. You don't have to cry over it."

Alexis nodded silently, standing and wiping her eyes again. Sniffling, she smiled at Remus, who smiled back a bit worriedly, then spoke. "I'm going to take a shower and get dressed okay? I'll see you at breakfast."

Remus nodded, still looking a bit confused, and left the room slowly. Alexis shook her head at herself, grabbing her clothes and walking into the shower, even confused at herself.

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Artimis got out of bed after her scare, Selena pulling at her. Artimis felt extreme guilt coming from Alexis via mindlink. She walked Selena to the bathroom and drew herself a bath. She put Selena in the tub, summoning her copy of the first year's potions textbook. She read it over while Selena splashed around in the tub, talking to her 'pet' bubbles. She scanned over the book, needing to refresh her memory on some of the tings she learned in first year.

"Wow that was a long time ago." Artimis thought aloud and then she set the book down, getting Selena out of the tub and dressed. Artimis looked at herself, her messed up hair and realized that she needed a shower too. She grabbed Selena's dolls and set Selena on the bathroom floor.

"Honey, play in here while mummy takes her shower. Alright?" Artimis spoke and Selena was setting up her own version of the little mermaid.

"Yes mummy." She replied distractedly and Artimis hopped in the shower. She was in the mist of washing her hair when she heard a muffled yell, sounding like Severus.

"We're in the bathroom. I'm taking a shower; I'll be out in while." Artimis yelled and she heard some mumbling but couldn't understand it over the water. She finished her shower and wrapped a towel around her, ushering Selena and her rendition of "Ariel's song" out the door to see Severus sitting on the couch in her living area. Selena saw him and she rushed to him, hopping on his lap, talking animatedly.

"Good I can dress alone." Artimis spoke as she walked into her room, dressing quickly. She pulled a green tank top over her head and pulled on some jeans, happy that she could still wear them for the time being. She walked out of her bed room, brushing her hair out and looking at Severus who was playing 'Sebastian' off of 'The Little Mermaid'.

"You know Severus, you are creeping me out with this whole 'overprotective of MY niece' thing." Artimis told him as she sat on the couch and he looked at her as she continued to speak.

"You see, I am grateful for this morning, you coming to protect her from Alexis's flames, but just because you know my password doesn't mean you can come in anytime you like." Artimis told him and he looked at her intently.

"Do you get what I am saying?" She asked and he shook his head.

"Yes Artimis, but I am not trying to 'creep' you out. And I will remember to knock. Seeing as you usually grant me that courtesy." He replied and Selena looked at him, pushing on his shoulder.

"I'm hungry." She whined and looked up at the clock seeing that breakfast was done. She looked at Severus as she got up.

"You aren't going to wear that to breakfast are you?" He asked her and she rolled her eyes.

"Severus, I am pregnant, moody and hungry, do you really want to critique my dress right now?" She asked him and he shook his head 'no', getting up and holding Selena on his hip. Artimis shook her head and walked out the door, Severus following her as she stalked up to the Great Hall. She walked in, moving swiftly toward the High Table, Severus in tow with Selena, both of them having an animated conversation. Headmaster Dumbledore was in his customary seat and he looked over his glasses at the duo behind her. She sat in her chair, waving to Alexis, who was sitting with the same fourth years as last night, talking quickly. Severus sat down next to her, Selena now on his lap and Artimis rolled her eyes as she heard the surge of rumors flowing through the hall. Artimis dished some bacon and eggs on to her plate, looking at Severus, who was surprising letting Selena eat his toast.

"Severus, can I have my daughter please?" Artimis asked him lowly and he looked at her and nodded. He picked Selena up by her waist, her still munching on toast and placed her on Artimis's lap. He then turned to his side and began a conversation with Remus. Artimis handed Selena her fork and Artimis took her own, both of them eating the eggs.

"Artimis, interesting tattoo." Neville said, standing behind her. She looked at him and then looked over her shoulder, seeing that her tattoo was almost completely uncovered.

"Oh, yeah, forgot I had that. Got it with Alexis, when she got hers." Artimis replied and he shook his head.

"I wasn't talking about the one on your back; I was talking about the one on your arm. 'Prancer', that's a name I haven't read or heard in a while." Neville joked, looking at Artimis. Artimis held her arm up looking at the Misfit Symbol that she had tattooed to her arm, her Animagus name under it. Neville placed his hand under her arm and looked at it, smirking slightly.

"You know, seeing that brings back a lot of memories. You two were such big trouble makers." Neville commented and Artimis saw Severus watching Neville out of the corner of his eye.

"Yeah, we did a lot. And I have a feeling that this place will bring the Starburst back out of Alexis." She replied as he let go of her arm, smiling.

"Lavender is bringing Christoph today and I was wondering if Selena needed a playmate." Neville asked and Artimis's face lit up.

"Lavender? I haven't seen her in years. I would love to meet you little boy." Artimis told him and Neville smiled.

"It's a date then. A playdate!" He spoke in a James Bond fashion and he bowed his head to her. She laughed and went back to eating. Selena looked up at her in her childish fashion and smiled.

"Mummy, what's a playdate?" She asked and Artimis laughed at her, kissing her forehead.

"It's where parents bring kids together so they can play together." She spoke and Selena smiled, going back to eating her jammed toast, which Severus must have made for her while she was talking to Neville. Artimis looked around the room and saw Alexis getting up and rushing off to the side room.

Hmm... I wonder what's the matter with her... Oh wait... No I don't... I think the potion worked... Artimis thought smugly as she continued eating.

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Alexis walked out of her bathroom, drying her hair with her towel and feeling loads better. She dressed in flared jeans and a black halter top. Thinking a moment, she grabbed her cloaks out of a suitcase, tossing them over her shoulders and posing dramatically. She smirked, threw on a pair of sneakers and left her room, walking towards the Great Hall for breakfast.

She entered to the hustle and bustle of the morning, waving to a few people as she found her group of buddies and took a seat next to Michelle. "What's up guys?" She asked distractedly as she pulled a plate over, throwing a few slices of bacon on it along with two eggs and some sausage links. The group spoke greetings, filling their plates as well. She doused her sausage with syrup, then after a moment, doused her bacon and eggs as well in the sticky substance.

"Yo professor. Why don't you sit up there with the rest of the Professors?" The tall boy beside her, Stephen asked, shoving some bacon in his mouth. Alexis shrugged, replying. "They're actually kind of boring. I don't mind talking with you guys, you all are interesting."

They laughed, Alexis smirking, seeing Artimis and Severus walking in, Severus holding Selena, both talking. She immediately heard harsh whispers around her.

"That has to be his daughter."

"Yeah, no doubt about it."

"But, she's Professor Malfoy, dude."

"Married women don't always take their husbands last names you know." Alexis added distractedly, the students talking looking to her curiously. She wasn't actually saying Severus and Artimis weren't together; she was just passing on some information. That was it.

"Professor, you should know if they're together or not." Peter asked curiously.

Alexis shrugged, replying. "Yeah, but no one ever tells me these things, so I don't ask."

The group nodded, and as Severus and Artimis walked past them, the students saw Artimis's tattoo, most interesting was the one on her arm, the infamous Misfit symbol.

Alexis smirked to herself as she heard Michelle exclaim. "Hey, I know that mark from somewhere..."

"Me too, but I haven't seen it in years around here. Damn, keep forgetting. Oh, sorry professor." Ethan spoke apologetically, referring to his cursing.

Alexis snickered and looked at him. "Hey, right now, I don't care. As long as it's not in class and you don't curse in excess. Besides that, I understand that it happens."

Ethan smiled. "You know, most people would never believe you were a teacher and not a student."

"I get that all the time. It doesn't faze me any more." Alexis replied casually, seeing Artimis wave at her from at the High Table. Alexis smiled with relief. At least she's not really mad at me...

Alexis waved back with her left arm, exposing her own Misfit symbol tattooed on her arm.

The four students' eyes followed her curiously, and she looked at them in confusion.

"You got one too?" Michelle asked incredulously.

Alexis looked at her tattoo and smiled, nodding.

"Can I see it?" Stephen asked, and Alexis held out her arm, letting the students analyze the tattoo intently.

After a moment, Stephen leaned away, speaking to Ethan in a whisper, but Alexis could still pick out his words. "I have a theory about them."

"Yeah, but we can't be sure till later." Ethan whispered back.

"Meet 'There' later?"
"Yeah, get the others together after Dinner."

Stephen leaned away from each other, smiling at Alexis and commenting on the artwork of her tattoo. Alexis had a strange feeling that she already knew what kind of kids these ones were. She snickered to herself, eating some bacon dripping with syrup.

"So, you're one of the cool professors-" Ethan started, and Alexis looked up at him with shining eyes.

"Really? Hey, that's nifty." Alexis remarked, feeling special already. I'm already dubbed 'cool'... damn, that's just awesome...

The four nodded, Michelle asking curiously. "So does that mean you'll like, give us tips and answers to tests and such?"

Alexis laughed, explaining to them. "Well, I can probably do the tip thing. As for answers, I'm still a professor. That's going a bit far. But I'll make it as interesting as possible so you'll want to know the answers. Don't worry too badly."

She explained, and they nodded. Stephen looked down the table a ways, and then picked up a pancake, throwing it at another boy, and then ducking. The boy who was hit with it looked around in confusion, but couldn't find the culprit, and returned back to his meal in bewilderment. The other three laughed, Alexis laughing with them "Dude, nice shot." She spoke and diverting their attention.

They quieted, then Peter remarked. "Oh, we keep forgetting you're a professor."

"Sorry." Mumbled Stephen, looking at his plate.

Alexis shook her head, and leaned in next to him. "Well, as a side note, I actually kind of encourage that stuff. The boy seemed like he needed it anyway."

The four students laughed, Alexis leaning back with a smile. She grabbed a sausage, taking a bite out of it. She felt odd as she finished it, and her stomach began to hurt. She tried to brush it aside as she picked up a second piece, but as soon as she brought it up to take a bite, her stomach lurched and she dropped it onto her plate in disgust.

She leaned away from her plate, feeling ill. Michelle saw her expression, asking worriedly. "Professor? Are you okay?"

Alexis shook her head, as she held her stomach. "I... I'll be right back." Alexis hurriedly excused her self as she jumped up, running to the nearest door and diving into the closest bathroom. She kneeled by a toilet and threw up her entire breakfast into it, feeling horrible at the moment.

She finished and sat back, holding her stomach painfully. What came over me? Wait... I think I already know... Alexis thought grimly to herself, pushing herself to her feet and going to a sink, washing her mouth out and leaning on the counter to steady herself. She looked pale in the mirror, and still felt sick.

She shook her head roughly, and then walked back into the Great Hall, wiping her mouth as she narrowed her eyes and stalked up to the High Table. She walked straight up to Artimis's chair, where she looked at Alexis with curiosity.

"This is your entire fault." Alexis growled quietly to her. Selena looked to her, speaking soothingly. "It's okay Aunt Lexy."

Alexis smiled at Selena, replying back. "Why, thank you Selena."

She looked back to Artimis as Artimis asked. "What are you talking about?"

Alexis shook her head as she grumbled. "I'm paying for something you did now."

Artimis looked thoroughly confused as she spoke. "I have no clue what you're talking about Alexis."

Alexis sighed as she explained. "Now when I eat, I get sick. You satisfied?"

Artimis's eyes widened, and then she slowly shook her head. "I... I'm sorry Alexis."

"Yeah, I'm sure you are..." Alexis mumbled as she turned away to head back to Gryffindor table. She heard snickers behind her, but ignored them as she rejoined her companions, pushing her half full plate of food away in disgust.

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Later that morning...

Artimis and Alexis sat in Artimis's living area, Selena playing with blocks on the floor while Alexis was reading a book named 'Dangerous Magical Creatures of South America (sixth edition)' and Artimis was reading 'Magical Drafts and Potions', the first years' textbooks. Artimis heard a knock at her door and she got up, Alexis not even bothering to look up, fascinated by some creature she now wanted as a pet. Artimis opened the door and there stood Neville and a much more grown up Lavender Brown/Longbottom. Artimis smiled, looking down to see Neville's hands on the shoulders of a tan little boy with deep blue eyes and sandy brown hair. Artimis smiled at Lavender, who looked at Artimis wearily and then returned the smile.

"Hi Lavender, How have you been doing?" She asked, opening the door wider for them to walk in. Neville took the little boy and walked over to where Selena was playing. Lavender entered, looking around the room and smiled at Artimis again.

"I have been fine, and how have you been doing?" Lavender asked, warming up a little bit. Artimis nodded politely and smiled back, knowing that Lavender never really like her, but they were always polite to each other. Artimis had hoped that the many years would change that, but she was wrong.

"I've been busy keeping up with Selena, Alexis, and Draco." She replied and Alexis looked up upon hearing her name.

"Hey Lavender! Take a seat, how you been?" Alexis asked and Lavender sat next to Alexis and they began to have a conversation. Artimis walked over to Selena, Neville and Christoph. Neville looked up to her, seeing as he was kneeling and nudged his son.

"Christoph, say hi to Mrs. Artimis." Neville told him and the boy looked up at her with a crooked grin.

"Hello Mrs. Artimis." He said and Artimis kneeled to his level.

"Well hello Christoph. This is my daughter, Selena. Selena say hi to Christoph, Neville's son." Artimis informed her daughter and Selena looked up at the boy and stood up, taking his hand.

"Hi, I'm Selena, and that's my mummy, and my aunt." Selena told him, pointing to Artimis and Alexis, who waved. Christoph smiled and laughed.

"I'm Christoph, and I am a superhero." Christoph replied and Artimis laughed. Selena looked at him and laughed, both of them dropping to play with the blocks. Neville looked at Artimis and smirked.

"That was easy." He stated as they got up and walked over to the couch. Artimis sat in the armchair, listening to Alexis tell Lavender her life story, and how she had helped to defeat Lord Voldemort's. Lavender looked bored and Neville sighed. Artimis looked at Alexis and had a good idea.

"Hey Neville, If you want, Alexis and I will watch Christoph so you can show Lavender your room." Artimis told him and his face brightened up.

"That would be great. Come on honey, I want to show you my future classroom too." Neville spoke and he whisked her out of the room before she could protest and before Alexis could start on the final segment of 'my life as Alexis Whyte'. Artimis felt satisfied that Neville and Lavender needed some 'me time' and she was content to watch Selena play with another child. Artimis had thought that Selena would not want to play with another kid her age, seeing as Selena had never ever been around another child her age. She had of course played with Athena and Damien, but Athena was seven years older than her and Damien was four years older than her. Artimis watched in amazement how Selena made it a point to share her blocks with the young boy. Alexis looked around and then looked to the floor, seeing another child with Selena.

"Hey, where'd that one come from? Their popping up out of the ground, like daisies." Alexis declared and Artimis laughed. Alexis, bored with her book, got up from the couch and sat down next to the boy. He looked at her and smiled, handing her a block. Artimis watched as Alexis helped the children build their 'castle'. Artimis heard knock at the door and got up and answered it. It was Severus.

"Artimis, Are you able to come with me, I wish to show you where you can find extra ingredients." He asked and Artimis looked back at Alexis playing with the kids.

"Alexis, I have to go with Snape, you are babysitting." She yelled and Alexis threw her hand up in acknowledgement, busy trying to balance the blocks. Artimis walked out the door, following Severus as she prayed Alexis would not let the kids run wild.

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Alexis heard Artimis leave with Severus, then directed her full attention back to building her and the children's silently agreed upon 'castle'. Selena was used to having Alexis join her with blocks, and this Christoph boy didn't seem to mind at all, him offering the first piece. That was all it took.

The two quietly stacked the multicolored blocks into a huge tower, Alexis taking her time to build the fortress wall around it, complete with guard towers and drawbridge.

Christoph watched her with interest for a moment, asking curiously as he pointed to the spaces Alexis had left in the outer wall. "What's that for?"

Alexis smirked as she continued building the wall. "Those are windows so the castle guards can shoot down all the bad guys trying to steal their stuff."

Christoph listened with wide eyes, nodding his head in fascination. He turned back to the blocks, handing Alexis one after another, watching her build the drawbridge next. Selena worked diligently to build the castle's 'playground' beside it, looking up every now and then. Presently, the three finished, standing up and backing away to view their work of art that now towered up to Selena's head.

"Now that's what I call a castle. Love your playground Selena. We need pictures." Alexis remarked, the two children giggling as Alexis rummaged through a desk drawer of Artimis's, finding a camera and hastily snapping a few pictures from different angles.

She finished, and then smiled as she asked the two kids once again. "You guys do know what happens next right?"

Christoph and Selena smiled, and then they and Alexis growled and roared like miniature dragons, stomping towards the castle and destroying it tower by tower, until all that was left was a battlefield of strewn, Technicolor blocks.

They all laughed happily, surveying their handiwork with pride, then Selena stopped and spoke authoritively. "I have a new game. Let's play House."

Christoph nodded in agreement, raising his hand and shouting. "I get to be the husbun!"

Selena nodded, hands on her hips as she announced as well. "Good, then I'm the Mummy. Who are you Aunt Lexy?"

Alexis shook her head, shrugging to indicate she didn't know. Christoph put his hand on his chin, looking deep in thought, and then spoke excitedly. "I know! Be the dog!"

Selena clapped joyfully, squealing. "Yes! Do your doggie trick Aunt Lexy! Show Christoph!"

Alexis smirked, already knowing that this was coming. She stepped back a step, then switched smoothly to her Wolf form, wagging her tail as Christoph stared at her with huge round eyes. "How did you do that? That is so cool! Teach me?"

Alexis barked playfully, laughing inwardly. Selena looked on with pride on Alexis's behalf as Christoph walked up and started petting Alexis's head, marveling at the change. Selena walked up and put her hand on Alexis's furry back, speaking to Christoph. "Okay. You have to go to work. I'm going to cook at our house in my room. Doggie will be with me right now, and we'll give her a walk later."

Christoph nodded, running after Selena as they entered her decked out room. Alexis trotted in after them, seeing Selena tying on an apron at her kid sized toy stove, Christoph finding a hat and a plastic suitcase.

He marched up to Selena and spoke in a deeper voice. "Going to work honey. See you at dinner."

Selena smiled sweetly, stirring an imaginary mixture in a plastic bowl as she remarked. "Okay. Have to get dog food."

Christoph nodded, marching importantly out of the room, Selena humming to herself as she made 'breakfast'. Alexis fell into routine and danced around Selena, yipping excitedly like a wolf pup as she pranced about her feet. Selena laughed while trying to mock scold her, throwing some plastic 'bacon' on the floor for her. Alexis picked it up in her teeth, setting it in the toy stove when Selena wasn't looking, licking her chops. Christoph marched back into the room after a few seconds, holding his suitcase up as he walked up to Selena.

"I'm home! Got dog food too." He announced, opening his suitcase and spilling about a dozen cookies onto the floor.

Artimis must've had a stash for Selena somewhere... Alexis thought to herself as Christoph held a cookie over Alexis's head, commanding. "Sit."

Alexis immediately sat, wagging her tail, and the boy patted her head, letting Alexis take the cookie. She did so, devouring it in three bites, then looking up at the boy eagerly for more. Selena waved her finger at him, scolding. "No desserts before dinner! Sit down."

She gestured to her plastic picnic table, loaded with plastic food, and sat at her seat. Christoph took a seat opposite her, both pretending to ravenously gobble their 'dinner'. Alexis ran circles around the table, yipping at them, making them giggle as they 'ate', and tossing the plastic food pieces to the floor every time they 'finished' one. Christoph pretended to slide his vegetables under the table to Alexis, who took them and placed them to the side.

Alexis looked around the room for a moment, and then smirked as she thought of something. She trotted up to Selena, and then started pulling on her sleeve with strong, but gentle teeth. Selena looked confused until Alexis barked and lay down, looking up at her expectantly. Selena smiled, realizing what that meant. She stood and ran to her toy box, digging through it until she came out with a nylon dog leash. She ran back to Alexis, looping it around her neck and snapping it, Alexis waiting patiently. Selena would be the only one she had ever let put a leash on her willingly. Everyone else had to fight her, and usually lost.

Christoph stood when Selena gestured for him. "We have to give the dog a walk. Come on! Let's go find my Mummy."

Christoph nodded, and Selena left the room, Alexis following on the end of the leash. They trotted out of the room, Alexis pulling on the leash to direct Selena the right way to the Potions' classroom. Soon tiring of the children's slow pace though, Alexis stopped and nudged Selena's legs with her head. Selena giggled happily, crawling onto Alexis's back when she lay down.

"Come on Christoph! There's room!" Selena exclaimed, and the boy happily climbed on behind Selena, wrapping his small arms around her waist. Alexis shook her head at herself, and then slowly stood on four feet, feeling the children leaning low on her, Selena's arms around her neck.

Well, I get my exercise for today, that's for sure... Wouldn't hurt me any... Alexis thought to herself taking off at a brisker pace than before, the two children laughing joyfully as they rode on her back. She tread at a steady pace, trying to keep the children balanced on her as she made her way towards the Potion's class. Selena whooped excitedly, then exclaimed. "Go faster Aunt Lexy!"

She then kicked her small heels into Alexis's tender side, making her yip in surprise, and then involuntarily started loping a bit faster. Christoph clung to Selena, who in turn clung to Alexis as she ran down the wide hall, both kids howling with giggles.

Presently, Alexis found the hall leading to the classroom, skidding around the corner on furred feet, almost slipping but catching herself, but not in time to miss the black shadow that loomed ahead of her. Alexis barked in surprise, digging back with her hind feet, but failing on the frictionless floor. As a last resort, she turned slightly, hitting the person with her side to avoid having the children fly off of her. Her, the children, and whoever she had hit tumbled to the ground amidst surprised yells and gasps.

When the mass of bodies came to a standstill, Alexis found herself lying sprawled across Severus Snape's chest, the two children tangled on top of her. Severus glared daggers, though was unable to speak as he tried to regain his breath. Alexis looked up to see Selena being lifted off of her by Artimis, and then winced as a shriek accompanied Christoph being snatched away.

"ALEXIS! What did you think you were doing!" Lavender yelled, clutching Christoph to her. Alexis switched back to human form, still sprawled across Snape, and smiled weakly at the furious woman. Severus growled something, shoving Alexis off of him as he rose to his feet, brushing himself off.

Alexis sat on the floor, looking between Lavender and a wary Artimis. Neville seemed to cringe behind his wife as she stomped forward, growling at Alexis. "Can't leave my child for five minutes without you putting him at risk, can I!"

Alexis was confused. She was just trying to entertain the kids, she didn't hurt them, and they were fine! She slowly rose to her feet, looking up at Lavender with wide eyes as the woman raged.

"You are so irresponsible! Can't believe I agreed to let you watch him. What if he had gotten hurt..."

"But he didn't get hurt. I was careful enough." Alexis spoke softly, feeling timid in the presence of this angered lady. Severus and Artimis both looked at Alexis strangely, but Alexis didn't really notice as Lavender continued to holler.

"Careful enough! He could've broken something! Now I understand why you don't have children." She hissed, and Alexis's eyes widened with hurt. I wouldn't be that bad a mother... I know when I've gone too far... don't I? Alexis thought to herself, feeling a bit sorrowful now.

It was at this moment, Artimis, having given Selena to Severus, stepped in front of Lavender, putting her hands on her hips as she glared at the woman. "That was uncalled for. Who are you to say that? Christoph is fine, he isn't hurt." Artimis defended for Alexis. Which was odd, since Alexis had never before had any problems defending herself? But lately, she couldn't seem to find the words to snap back.

Lavender narrowed her eyes as she replied to Artimis. "That is not the point Artimis..."

"But it is. Alexis was doing fine watching them. The boy was actually having fun. Lay off of her, alright? She was probably giving the kid the most fun he's had in a while..." Artimis countered angrily. About this time, Neville had stepped in front of Lavender, pushing her back gently.

"Honey, it's time we went home alright? I'll show you the rest of the place some other time." He spoke soothingly. Lavender glowered once more at Artimis and Alexis, then turned and stomped off, Christoph clutched in her arms. Over his mother's shoulder, Christoph waved goodbye to Selena, who in turned waved back, smiling wide from in Severus's arms.

Neville sighed, turning to look at them. "I'm sorry guys. She'll cool off in a day or two, no problem. Thank you though for watching Christoph, I'll make it a habit to bring him by often for Selena."

"Anytime Neville." Artimis spoke, Alexis nodding, still quiet and positioned behind Artimis. Neville smiled, and then hurriedly ran to catch up with his wife.

Alexis shook her head slowly, confused as to why she didn't argue back with Lavender. I... I didn't really WANT to argue this time... I didn't want her to yell at me anymore... Alexis thought timidly to herself as Artimis turned to look at her with slight confusion.

"You alright Alexis? You are acting... odd." Artimis spoke slowly, Severus also watching her.

Alexis nodded, smiling smally to them, speaking softly. "I'm... good. Thank you Artimis."

Artimis shrugged, replying. "You know I don't mind. Besides, she was being kinda over protective."

Alexis nodded in agreement, then began to walk back down the hall, followed by puzzled gazes as she informed. "I'm going to go back to my room, take a nap or something. Catch up with you guys later."

Artimis nodded, and Alexis headed back to her room, trying to sort out her actions over these past few days.

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Artimis walked out of the Potion's room behind Severus, wondering what she should do for the rest of the day. She didn't want to spend any time with Lavender, seeing as the woman had obviously not changed her opinion of her. Artimis looked at Severus's who was walking in a near stalling manner, moving along the hall with liquid grace. Artimis remembered when he used to do that when she was in school, Alexis and her trying to stay away from him as much as possible.

"Artimis, What are you looking at?" He asked her, his gaze turned to her. She shook he head and smirked.

"Well, At first I was thinking about Lavender and how some people never change, and then I looked at you and the way you are walking, and realized that you haven't changed the way you are here." She told him and he looked at her curiously, shaking his head.

"Right. Well, that explains why you were so quiet." He stated, continuing on. Artimis heard a loud clicking noise and looked toward the noise.

"What is that dreadful clicking?" Artimis heard a woman's voice behind her ask and she turned around to see Lavender and Neville walking up. Artimis shook her head as she looked toward the noise, seeing a white blur with two laughing children on her back.

Oh boy... Here we go again... Artimis thought as she looked at Alexis racing toward them, trying to slow without throwing her passengers. Artimis watched, expecting Alexis to jolt to a halt and miss her. Then suddenly she was out of the way as Severus pushed her aside, Alexis slamming into him as she tried to stop. Artimis saw them tumble down the hallway a bit, her hand instinctively going over her stomach as they landed. Severus was on the bottom of the pile, Alexis landing on him in wolf form. The two children landed on Alexis, both of them smiling considerably. Artimis moved over to Selena and picked her up off of the pile, a normal occurrence for her. She saw Lavender reach forward and snatch Christoph off the pile, screeching at Alexis.

"ALEXIS! What did you think you were doing!" Artimis heard Lavender yell, clutching Christoph to her. Artimis watched Alexis switch back to her human form, still on the winded Severus. Artimis saw Alexis give her the weak 'I'm Sorry' smile. Artimis heard Severus growl something, shoving Alexis off of him as he rose to his feet, brushing himself off in frustration. Artimis was standing on the other side of Alexis, seeing Lavender fix Alexis with a death glare. Artimis noticed that Neville seemed to cringe behind her as she marched toward Alexis, hissing in anger.

"Can't leave my child for five minutes without you putting him at risk, can I!" She demanded and Artimis just waited for Alexis to get up and start an argument that she would have to break up. Alexis rose slowly to her feet, looking at Lavender. Artimis was amazed that Alexis said nothing, letting the woman rant at her.

"You are so irresponsible! Can't believe I agreed to let you watch him. What if he had gotten hurt..." She yelled, glaring at Alexis, shaking her hand.

"But he didn't get hurt. I was careful enough." Alexis spoke quietly, much to Artimis's surprise. Alexis be scared of another woman?... Something is wrong here... Artimis thought watching the confrontation, waiting for Alexis to fight back.

"Careful enough! He could've broken something! Now I understand why you don't have children." Lavender hissed and Artimis quickly handed Selena to Severus. No one, NO ONE would ever insult Alexis like that in front of her. Artimis saw that Neville's wife's words had hurt Alexis, the pain present in her eyes. Artimis stepped between Alexis and this raging angry woman, having heard enough as she stood with her hands on her hips.

"That was uncalled for. Who are you to say that? Christoph is fine, he isn't hurt." Artimis defended for her best friend. Artimis found this odd that she needed to do it, but no one made Alexis feel like she was a bad person. Artimis saw Lavender narrow her eyes at her, the hate for her showing through immensely as she replied.

"That is not the point Artimis..."

"But it is. Alexis was doing fine watching them. The boy was actually having fun. Lay off of her, alright? She was probably giving the kid the most fun he's had in a while..." Artimis countered angrily enraged that someone would ever say Alexis couldn't watch children. Alexis had been watching Selena since the day she was born... Artimis thought as she watched Neville step between her and his wife, pushing her back gently.

"Honey, it's time we went home alright? I'll show you the rest of the place some other time." He spoke soothingly, almost pleadingly. Lavender glowered once more at Artimis, and then looked past her to Alexis, which made her angrier. Then she stomped of, Christoph clutched to her tightly. Artimis saw him wave over Lavender's shoulder, smiling as Artimis's daughter Selena waved back from Severus's arms. Artimis looked at Neville who had turned to speak to her, an apologetic look on his face.

"I'm sorry guys. She'll cool off in a day or two, no problem. Thank you though for watching Christoph, I'll make it a habit to bring him by often for Selena." He spoke, looking over Artimis's shoulder, smiling at Selena.

"Anytime Neville." Artimis told him, her anger calming as he smiled and rushed off to catch up with his wife. Artimis turned around to look at Alexis, confused by her actions. Alexis had never needed Artimis to stand up for her. Artimis had always done it, but it had never been needed. There was something wrong with that.

"You alright Alexis? You are acting... odd." Artimis spoke slowly and softly, feeling that Severus was silently agreeing with her. Artimis watched Alexis smile that 'There's something wrong but I'm not going to tell you smile' as she replied.

"I'm... good. Thank you Artimis."

Artimis shrugged at her, not wanting to force the subject.

"You know I don't mind. Besides, she was being kinda over protective." Artimis replied, feeling sorry for Neville having to go home with Lavender. Alexis agreed with her and turned to walk down the hall. Artimis watched after her in confusion. Then Alexis spoke, informing them quietly.

"I'm going to go back to my room, take a nap or something. Catch up with you guys later."

Artimis nodded at her and Alexis walked away.

"Is it just me or she acting odd?" Severus asked as he put Selena down, having been holding her up to keep her out of the way of a catfight.

"She's acting odd. Maybe being back here has overloaded her senses." Artimis spoke as they began to walk toward her quarters.

"Ah, Possibly." Severus replied, Selena walking around him as he walked.

"Severus?" Artimis asked him, wanting an answer.

"Yes Artimis?" He asked, rubbing his head as he put his hand on Selena's shoulder, making her cease to circle him.

"Why did you push me out of the way? I could have handled it myself." She asked him and he sighed.

"Simple. Because the last thing I need is for you to hurt yourself, or your unborn baby and it be my entire fault. I don't need that kind of stress at Hogwarts." He told her and she nodded, stopping at her portrait and Severus spoke her password quietly. The door flew open and Artimis walked in, seeing the mess all over the living room.

"Oh, I'm gonna kill her." Artimis hissed as she walked over a mountain of blocks. Severus followed her in.

"This is what happens when you leave a grown-up child and two children play with out supervision." Severus mused and Artimis glared at him, shaking her head as she kicked over a pile of blocks in frustration.

"She knows that she needs to have them clean up when they are done playing. And I can't yell at her now, because she already feels irresponsible as it is." Artimis hollered in frustration. Artimis looked to see Selena starting to pick up her blocks, putting them back in her toy box. Artimis, sighing, knelt down, picking up multi-colored blocks and putting them away.

"Well, I think I shall take my leave. Good night Artimis." He spoke, walking out the door before Selena could prevent him.

"Mummy, I like Christoph. He's funny. We played and played and built a castle and played house and he was the husbun and I was the mummy and Aunt Lexy was the puppy, and we ate dinner, and they we went on a walk and then..." Selena rambled and Artimis smirked.

"I'm glad you had a good time. Neville says he will bring Christoph by again for you two to play. But next time you have to clean up after yourselves." Artimis told her as they put the last of the blocks in the toy box and closed it. Artimis smiled at her daughter as she got up and Selena got up to go to the bathroom. Artimis sat on the couch waiting for Selena to come out; glad her daughter's first play date went well, or at least, well for Selena. Artimis wanted to know what was wrong with Alexis, but at the same time, had a hunch that she knew what it was. But Artimis wasn't going to think about it. Artimis was just looking forward to her first day of actually teaching.

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The fourth year Gryffindor group, Stephen, Ethan, Peter and Michelle were strolling down a hallway, trying to find something to fill their empty day until student schedules were sorted out next week. Nothing exciting was really going on, besides persuading Peeves into chasing Ms. Norris into the Transfiguration room, scaring the hell out of McGonagall and angering Filch even more so. After that, it just kinda got boring.

They had just sauntered past the Slytherin house, having heard incomprehensible shouts and yells echoing off the stone walls a few minutes ago. They turned a corner, peering into the hallway that they held the potion professor's quarters.

"Stop! Look, its Snape and Professor Malfoy." Stephen halted them, gazing discreetly around the corner with the rest of the group. The two adults were in the midst of a conversation as they walked together towards the new professor's room.

"Severus?" Malfoy asked, looking to him as the young girl known to be her daughter circled Snape dizzily.

"Yes Artimis?" The potion's master asked, looking back to her as he halted the child's rotations with his hand softly on her shoulder.

"Why did you push me out of the way? I could have handled it myself." Malfoy spoke, and the four students looked between each other with slight confusion, then curiously listening to the rest of the conversation.

"Simple. Because the last thing I need is for you to hurt yourself, or your unborn baby, and it be my entire fault. I don't need that kind of stress at Hogwarts." Snape seemed to speak with a sigh, and then they turned to a portrait that must have hid Professor Malfoy's door, him speaking a word, having the portrait door open before him. The two adults entered the quarters with the child, the portrait closing with a quiet thud behind them.

Stephen slowly turned to look at the rest of the group, all looking shocked.

Michelle spoke in a harsh whisper to her three friends. "Snape's protecting her over something, worried about her getting hurt..."

"And her having another kid on the way?" Ethan finished for her, looking shocked.

"Two kids... they have to be Snape's." Stephen spoke with resolution, the others nodding with silent surprise.

"I still don't understand it though... are they married, or are just like, dating or something?" Peter asked, looking to Ethan as Ethan reminded them.

"Well, Professor Weasley said that not all married people take the same name. It could be possible."

"Dude, this is unreal. We've got to tell the others this stuff. Get them together and we'll meet in the Lair." Stephen spoke commandingly, and the other three nodded, all four quickly hurrying away to gather the rest of their specified friends.


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