CHAPTER 11- AMONGST THE SNAKES

If you couldn't arrange a solar eclipse to darken your day, there was always Potions with obnoxious first-year Gryffindors. That was the general outlook Severus Snape had on teaching at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. Sourly accepting the double-lesson, the potions master glared over his goblet of spiked pumpkin juice; obsidian eyes watched his Slytherins before flickering over to Avril Diggory and then returning to the snakes and their underhand battles for dominance. He did not miss the power plays at breakfast.

His glare turned curious as Draco Malfoy, his godson, stood and walked across the Great Hall with the usual confident gait, towards the Gryffindor table. The blonde stopped for Potter and his gang, looking only at Avril- saying something that made her sigh and stand up, abandoning her half-eaten porridge. She shouldered her satchel and followed the Malfoy heir across to the Slytherin table where she was then strategically positioned between her cousin and Blaise Zambini.

The change that washed over the Gryffindor would've shocked anyone else, but Severus had watched her enough to not be surprised at the sudden perfect posture, her already graceful walk become lighter, and a guarded but pleasant mask fitting itself onto the porcelain features. It wasn't the first time, Severus wondered why the girl was in Gryffindor and not Slytherin. She was the epitome of her father, though her mother still had ingrained roots into the girl's personality.

Severus continued to study as she was introduced to the Slytherins in close proximity, and then as Marcus Flint walked over and introduced himself. Every Slytherin knew that Marcus Flint held the power within the house- being the Slytherin King, with his court tight knit. Avril seemed to recognise this, whether it was through her own initiative or Draco's previous conversations with her. The Slytherin King walked away with a pleased, appreciative look on his face, and thoughtful glint in his eyes.

He wasn't the only one musing on the Gryffindor in enemy territory, and the students certainly weren't alone. Minerva, who sat beside him, was watching her cub with intense worry in her eyes, and Albus looked ready to have palpitations at the sight of his golden Gryffindors interacting civilly with the Slytherins. He fought the urge to sneer at the old fool. The walking fashion crime claimed to wish for house unity, but the Slytherins were always last to be thought of, last to be praised, always last behind the other houses.

Finishing his breakfast, he swept out of the Great Hall, musing on what he'd observed. As he descended into the dungeons, he was forced to return his thoughts to the matter before him. First year Gryffindors' potions class.

He scowled.

.

The deal Avril had gotten when she begged Draco to save not only her hide, but Harry's, Ron's, Hermione's and Hagrid's as well, was that she was to spend a week in the company of Slytherins and under his rule. Taking what she could, she accepted, before escaping to Gryffindor Tower to nurse her pride, whilst Draco gloated all the way down to the dungeons, a plan in his mind.

The following morning was a Friday, and so Avril would, conveniently for her, be spending the entire day with the Slytherins, as they had double-potions first thing and then a free afternoon. She had just sat down at the Gryffindor table when Draco had strolled towards her, snatching her away from the lions and placing her in a very specific seat at the Slytherin table. She wasn't stupid- she saw a hierarchy when she saw one, and the ways he was placed told the other snakes very clearly; she was under Draco's protection.

Blaise Zambini was one of the few she had never met in passing before Hogwarts, and yet she felt so much more comfortable around the fairly relaxed snake than many of those she had. He had dark, chocolate brown hair that swept in a fringe across his forehead and mostly short cropped at the side. His eyes were a magnificent gleaming green that reminded Avril of her Lestrange relatives. His skin was pale, despite its obvious olive descent, like all Slytherins', but had a tanned tinge to it that gave off the impression he was still alive. Height wise, he was roughly the same as Draco, and he was built fairly evenly- not too skinny and not too scrawny. He was someone that Avril suppose Lavender and Parvati called 'fit'.

Pansy Parkinson, a girl who's only let down feature was the squished nose, was someone she had met briefly at various balls and galas she had been dragged along to on the rare nights her mother had won the argument against Amos. Pansy had a mean streak that could be rather cruel at times, though once you were friends she was fiercely protective and would tear down anyone who so much as looked wrong at you. Avril supposed she could've been a Hufflepuff if it wasn't for the cruel streak.

Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle was not as dim-witted as they made out to be, and it was clear to Avril that their hearts were in the right place, even if they were somewhat violent and slow in their reactions to things. The two meaty boys were quite happy to be silent, and only really spoke when they either thought they had something worthy of input, or were asked a question.

Theodore Nott was also quiet, though the intelligent spark behind his blue eyes showed the vast difference, as well as his lithe frame. He had mousey brown hair that wasn't styled in any particular way, as though he only cared enough to comb it. Pale, aristocratic features that were softened slightly by the genes of another parent or grandparent, and a sense of familiarity that she always felt around him. There was also a mischievous look that flashed across his eyes every once in a while, proving that he wasn't entirely the good, studious boy he first appeared.

Daphne Greengrass and Tracey Davies were two pretty blondes from notoriously neutral families. They kept to themselves somewhat, only engaging each other and occasionally Millicent Bulstrode who was physically the love child of Prima Parkinson and Howard Crabbe. Avril wasn't especially interested into the three, and so didn't attempt to drag them into conversation.

And finally, there was Marcus Flint- the Slytherin King. He ruled Slytherin, and she hadn't needed Draco to tell her so previously to know. He was Quidditch Captain and quite the force to be reckoned with. What he said, went and if you argued then so Merlin help you. He was, upon first thoughts, in possession of a healthy sense of humour to balance out the slave-driver thing he had going on. She thought she made a good impression.

It was almost relaxing, in a way, being with the snakes.

"Mother wants you to write more," Draco said absently as she timed the stewing bats wings. He glanced at her briefly, "She told me to tell you that."

"Of course she did, we haven't spoken since Christmas, and I'm her favourite niece," before, "Add the eye of newt and stir anti-clockwise for three turns."

Draco did as his timer instructed, "You're her only niece."

"That isn't disowned."

Draco rolled his eyes. "Her only niece that isn't disowned. It's not like Andromeda will let Nymphadora anywhere near our family anymore."

Avril sighed, slicing the knotgrass into strips, "She wants nothing to do with any of us."

Draco sniffed. "As if we'd have anything to do with her- the scandal she caused when she broke her marriage contract. Mother told me it took months for the Head of the Family to mend ties with the Rosiers after that; blood feuds were threatened, social destruction… It was appalling."

Avril couldn't help but nod in agreement. She had been told also of just what had gone down when Andromeda had eloped with a muggleborn; the blood status problem would've eventually been forgiven, but the insult she caused to both families wasn't. And abandoning her younger sisters… She sighed- there was little point reminiscing over a period of time she wasn't even alive for. Andromeda had made her decision.

Potions passed in easy conversation and the usual perfect brewing that she and Draco always managed in the lessons- both being gifted in the subject. Lunch came and went also, and Avril again ate at the Slytherin table and she could easily predict eating amongst the snakes for the entirety of the week during her agreement with Draco. And then before she knew it, the afternoon and dinner had passed in a whirlwind of educating comments on pureblood society and snarky conversation that put her wits to the test. She left the snakes with her mind whirring...

"You look dazed," Hermione commented.

"You look tired," Avril countered. "Have you been studying? I didn't see any of you out on the grounds."

"Half the time at Hagrid's, half the time doing homework," Hermione replied, "We just about managed to convince him to give Norbert up to Charlie."

The previous day, Harry had had an epiphany that involved contacting Charlie, Ron's older brother who worked on a dragon reserve in Romania, to help them smuggle Norbert out to the reserve so that the dragon was happy and safe, and Hagrid's hut wasn't burnt to the ground.

"We explained why you weren't there," Harry said. "Hagrid was touched you would put yourself through such torment for him."

"Yeah well, it was going to happen with one blackmail or another," Avril said. "It isn't really that bad."

Ron choked on air. "Blimey- they must be brainwashing you. First Snape and then the rest of them."

Avril rolled her eyes. "Let's not get into this conversation. I'm tired and have a Transfiguration essay to complete- I can't believe McGonagall assigned me an extra foot just because I swore…"

.

Avril flopped into an armchair before the blazing fire in the Gryffindor common room. She'd just three more days to go before she was free from Draco's influence. To speak the truth, she enjoyed most parts. For example, she loved laughing with Blaise, Pansy, Draco and a few others. She was certain she was a bad influence on them because they'd all loosened up considerably since she began her 'training' but they still kept their snobbish prospects so that was proof she couldn't have it all. But then they influenced her in turn, and she found herself relaxing into that part of her more…

"It bit me!"

Avril turned her head slightly to see Harry, Hermione and Ron walking into the common room. Judging by what Ron had just said, they'd been visiting Hagrid and Norbert. Babysitting that dragon was not something she missed doing.

"I tell you- I won't be able to hold a quill for a week!" Ron exclaimed to the common room. "Honestly, that thing is a bloody menace- and dangerous at that. But the way Hagrid keeps going on about him you'd think he was a fluffy bunny surrounded by chocolate frogs and rainbows!"

Avril smirked. "Maybe there are bright sides to this deal."

"I'd rather be bit by that thing any day then spend a week with the Slytherins," Ron said loudly.

"Just sit down," Avril scolded. "You'll annoy Percy- already he's taken points of Neville for sneezing. He's rather irritable at the moment."

"He's irritable all the time," Harry pointed out.

"And to think," Ron said, sitting down in the armchair opposite. "I'm related to him."

"So, are you still going ahead with the plan?" Avril asked. "Got all the nitty-gritty stuff sorted?"

Hermione nodded. "We decided it'll best if only three of us go. Four plus a dragon won't fit under the cloak."

"You guys can go," Avril said. "The day we get rid of him is my last day with having to put up with Slytherins- it'd be easier."

Harry looked relieved. "Phew. We were afraid you'd throw a fit or something at that."

Avril raised an eyebrow. "I have you know Potter, I have far better things to be doing then smuggling a dragon." Her three friends just looked at her. Avril just shrugged. "Besides, I'm so far behind on homework I need the time."

It was settled- but with a hitch.

By the next morning, Ron's hand had swollen to twice the size it was the night before. Ron wasn't sure if it was safe to go to Madam Pomfrey- could she recognise a dragon bite? But during lunch, Avril forced him. It had turned an ugly shade of green and oozing some strange form of pus. It was quite off putting when one was trying to eat- even from the other side of the Great Hall.

"Avril? Avril!"

Avril snapped out of her daze and looked up at Blaise. "Hmmm? Yes, what is it?"

"An owl's been waiting for you for about five minutes," Blaise said.

Avril looked down at table in front of her. "Oh." She untied the letter, recognising her aunt's neat loopy handwriting. She tucked it into her robe pocket before turning back to the Italian-English Slytherin sitting in front of her. "What were we talking about again?"

Blaise sighed. "Courting. We were talking about courting. Perhaps we should have a break?"

Avril nodded.

They walked out of the empty Great Hall and into the sunshine outside. Students were sprawled out across the grounds, a hundred books at their sides- desperately trying to study for the upcoming exams; especially those with OWLs and NEWTs to complete…or just Ravenclaws in general.

"Avril!" a familiar voice bellowed. "Avril!"

Avril turned to see Hagrid stomping towards her. He looked considerably different to when Avril had last seen him. For starters his beard was at least two inches shorter with singed edges, his bushy eyebrows had all but disappeared and he had a nasty burn on his cheekbone. It seemed Norbert had grown no less violent in the short time since she had last seen the baby dragon.

"Hiya Hagrid," Avril smiled. "How's the…. new pet coming along?"

Hagrid beamed. "Oh, he's good as gold he is. Yer should come and see him sometime."

"Can't," Avril said apologetically. She gestured towards Blaise. "I've been making new acquaintances."

Hagrid looked the Slytherin over. "Nice ter meet yer…?"

"Blaise, Blaise Zambini," Blaise said quickly.

"Yer better be treatin' her right," Hagrid said, his tone turning stern. "Avril's a good girl- don't deserve to be hurt or messed around like that."

Avril's face went just as red as Blaise's.

"What?" she choked. "Hagrid- it's nothing like that. We're friends!" Her voice was unbelievably high and she practically squeaked the last bit out.

Now it was Hagrid's turn to blush. "Oh. Right. Well, see yer later then."

Hagrid trudged away, down to his hut. And slowly, the two's blushes faded back to the original cream colour their skin usually was.

"Um, sorry about that," Avril said.

"No, it's okay," Blaise said quickly. "It was quite an insight."

"On what?" Avril frowned.

"Your friends, your life," Blaise said. "Besides from what Draco's told me, and what I've gathered over the past few days- I know very little about you. You don't exactly giveaway much."

"Oh," Avril said. She smiled. "All you had to do was ask."

Blaise smiled. "Okay, what's your favourite colour?"

Avril thought about it for a moment. "Green," she said finally. "Not like any random green, but more like emerald green. Or even the colour of grass during the summer. What's yours?"

"Silver," he said.

"Like the colour of sickles?" Avril teased.

"No. More like moonlight silver," Blaise said. "That kind of silver." There was a pause. "You have it in your eyes you know- amongst the blues and blacks and greens."

Avril blushed.

For a moment they looked out across the lake. The sun was dipping into the waters, illuminating the giant squid who was lazily soaking up the last of the sun's rays.

"We should probably get back," Blaise said. "Draco would kill me if I got you into trouble for staying out after curfew."

.

The following days passed quite quickly and it was only a few hours until Operation Get Rid of Norbert was put into action. Or at least, that's what Avril called it. It was still growing on the other the three.

Avril walked into the common room, looking rather proud of herself. She'd made it! A whole week with the Slytherins, and Slytherins alone, was over. She hadn't started any blood feuds, insulted any heirs to political players… Not to mention she had Draco's promise under her belt. Or as his exact words were,

"I promise not to tell anyone about Hagrid's dragon unless it is to save my own skin."

Avril knew that was as good as she was going to get so she beamed, surprised her cousin with a hug and flew up to the plush golds and crimsons of the Gryffindor common room. Which was where she was sat now; curled up in a large armchair before the fire.

"Done it?" Ron asked. He'd just escaped the hospital wing despite his hand still being immobile.

"Yep," Avril said. "Have Harry and Hermione gone already?"

"No. They're just packing stuff with Hagrid. They should be back soon."

Sure enough, no sooner had Ron finished his sentence a rather flustered Harry and Hermione walked into the common room. Their cheeks were flushed pink and Hermione's hair had gone frizzy due to what was probably humidity. Avril bit back a laugh, the corners of her mouth twitching as she bit heavily down onto her lip.

The four of them sat themselves into chairs around a table in the corner, pulling out their homework- soon, reluctantly, beginning to scribble away at their various essays, as they spoke in hushed tones about the plan for that night.

"So, me and Harry are going to collect Norbert at eleven," Hermione whispered. "And take him up to the Astronomy tower. Once we've got him safely on his way with Charlie's friends, we'll come back and said Hagrid an owl saying everything's done. Harry's got Hedwig in the dormitory."

Avril nodded. "We shouldn't have any problems with Draco anymore. But if he does say something, it's probably to save his own skin."

Harry, Ron and Hermione nodded, and the four of them waited impatiently for eleven. By the time it did arrive they'd all somehow finished their homework in the madness that was impatience and anticipation. Avril was rather pleased because that meant her Saturday was free and she could spend the day relaxing in the sun trying to be rid of her ghostly look and not doing homework inside, accentuating her ghostly features.

The moment Harry and Hermione left to complete the whole operation, Avril and Ron jumped seats and sat down in the armchairs before the fire. Avril dug around in her robe pockets to see if she had any sweets left to keep them from falling asleep but instead pulled out an envelope of parchment. It was her aunt's letter- she'd forgotten to read it. She hurriedly pulled the folded slip out of the envelope and began to read.

Dearest Avril,

I am pleased you have heeded Draco's advice and finally wrote to me- I do so miss you when you are gone. Being my only niece, I enjoy your company and conversation a great deal.

I admit that I was surprised at some of the questions included in your last letter, and I dare say you would give Cedric a heart attack with some of them, the poor boy is so protective of you. I will not answer them in a letter, for I feel that my answers would only leave you with more questions, so perhaps you and I shall talk over lunch during the summer holidays?

Lucius and I also wish to congratulate your success in your classes- Severus (Professor Snape as you no doubt know him), is Draco's godfather and answered our questions on your progress also. I know your mother would be so, very proud of you, my niece.

Your loving aunt,

Narcissa.

Avril smiled, tears pricking her eyes just slightly, causing Ron to look at her curiously.

"Who's that from?" he asked.

"Draco's mother," she said airily, inwardly smirking at the reaction she knew she would receive.

Ron looked horrified. "What are you doing writing to Malfoy's mum?"

"She's my aunt Ronald," Avril sighed. "Well, second cousin if we're being picky, but Cedric and I just call her Aunt."

This did not stop Ron looking horrified.

Avril rolled her eyes, "Oh stop it Ronald. I'm related to most of the Slytherins- you would be too if every house that is related by blood to your family hadn't renounced you."

It was official. Ron looked like he was about to pass out- as though he couldn't think of anything worse than to be related to a Slytherin. At least close enough, you could trace it back without getting too much of a headache. He didn't even acknowledge the 'disowned' part of her revelation. Then a look of realisation appeared on his face and he frowned, demanding,

"What do you mean 'renounced'?"

Avril just laughed.

A/N- Apologies this chapter took two months to edit but I have re-written it three times over in that time, as well as lacking all motivation to actually get much further than half-way.

Only one or two chapters left and then I'll be revising/re-writing The Memory of Tom Riddle.

Also- HA vegetable asguardian or whatever your username is- I beat your challenge!

-HazelVex