Disclaimer: I own nothing HP related, just my characters.

Note: I lied, this is the last chapter for the night =) Enjoy, especially you SiobhanPhelps

Almost Part of the Group

Finally it was Matt's turn; it seemed as if I wasn't the only one eager to see what this handsome young fellow would grace us with. "This should be a good one" he told the professor with a smirk. Professor Madison didn't reply as Matt stared at a space, determined, he pulled up out his wand and shouted "Expecto Patronum." I nearly fell off my chair when a large lion, clearer than Harry's appeared in front us. He walked down the row, stopped at my desk, looked at me thoughtfully and then turned toward Matt and sat down, perfectly still, as if waiting for an order.

I wasn't the only one with my mouth hanging open. Hermione, whose otter was lively and visible, seemed impressed by what she saw, something of a rare occasion from her, though there was that hesitate 'wheels turning' look on her too. I had to ask what that was about. About a second later the room started buzzing, Matt's Patronus fading until it had disappeared. "Alright, let's settle down, everyone return to their seats. "Slytherins, you lot next, come on, we don't have much time" Professor Madison said, her voice between confusion and amazement.

It took to the last second of class to get through the Slytherin house. I kept glancing at Draco who seemed to sink lower and lower into his seat each time a Slytherin failed at conjuring up a Patronus, though he seemed to expect Crabbe and Goyle's lack of skill even before it was their turn. "Well done class! Those of you who have not managed to complete today's lesson will be writing an essay explaining why you might have trouble and how you'd better prepare yourself next time" Professor Madison said as we packed. I was thankful I completed the task; it would've been a difficult assignment telling her I couldn't conjure up a happy memory because I thought she was dead. I still wanted to tell my friends but I knew they definitely wouldn't believe me after today's lesson

"Oh! Miss. Allen!" I turned back to see Professor Madison in the door frame, it was difficult to not freak out when I looked at her. "Would you mind coming back here for a moment" I looked back at my friends who seemed both curious and worried, though they knew I couldn't possibly be in trouble. With a shrug I went back inside. She sat at the nearest desk, I remained standing. "I just wanted to compliment you on your excellent performance in class. I was worried all the trouble you've gone through might have gotten the best of you. I heard about your third year and I'm terribly sorry you and your friend went through such an ordeal." I stared at her, was she taunting me? I wondered as I forced myself to smile.

"Well, at least we're alive" I said, feeling the words come out colder than they should've. Professor Madison's eyes flashed anger, and if I wasn't mistaken they also seemed to go black, like stones. But she quickly composed herself, giving me a friendly pat on the arm. "Secondly, last night, I was offered some candy, a first year, she was so kind about it that it seemed foolish not to accept. However, I'm afraid little Miss. O'Connell accidently got some of the Weasley products. They had a small collision last night. Bumped into each other" Professor Madison explained, though I highly doubted the incident was accidental. "I had the misfortune of getting a serious nosebleed, of course, it's all better" she said waving at her nose. "I just thought I'd let you know about your boyfriend's wrongdoings." I narrowed my eyes, I could care less about her nosebleed, but I felt a weird annoyed sensation that she mentioned Fred. It was like I didn't want her to know I was dating him, or rather, didn't want Margret to know, and for good reason.

"Well, shouldn't you tell McGonagall, or talk to him and his brother?" I asked, trying to hold back my growing desire to punch the women in the face.

"I'm a new Professor, Tammie, I don't want to get off on the wrong foot with any of you students, let along those twins, they are kind, I figured it would best to let you handle the matter" she said standing up. I looked at her in anger.

"And what on earth do you except me to do? I can't control any accidents they have, I'm not their mother" I said feeling more and more angry.

"That's exactly why you should be able to handle it, you're not the mother, you're the girlfriend, you have more authority over them." Without waiting for me to say anything she turned and walked back to her, signaling end of the conversation. I stared at her a moment but then decided against what I was thinking and hurried out. What the hell was that about? I wondered just as the bell for lunch sounded, I couldn't have been more thankful. Of course that would mean I would have to explain what happened to everyone and then possibly talk to the twins. Maybe Melinda could too, she was always on friendly terms with them and George seemed to obey her without looking like she had any authority over him.

Sighing I made my way to The Great Hall but was instantly relieved when I saw the twins a few feet in front of me. I tapped Fred's arm, he spun around, beaming down at me. I almost forgot what I wanted to say until I noticed something purple sticking out of his pocket. I stuck out my hand; Fred who had one minute been smiling now looked slightly annoyed. "Really? My own girlfriend turning on me…" he said depressingly handing over the items from his pocket. I rolled my eyes, he wouldn't be upset for long, he never was. "There you are, happy then?" he asked crossing his arms over his chest. I sighed and pulled out my wand. "Accio" I said as more candies few from Fred's clothing.

"Oy! No fair!" he shouted trying to catch a few that soared from somewhere behind him. I could only imagine the hiding spots these candies were coming from. When I was sure I was done I turned to George.

"No point mate, Melinda practically gave me a cavity search" George said though he seemed to be smiling at this thought rather than looking completely put out like Fred. I shook my head as I shoved the candies in my bag.

"I'm not getting in trouble because of you guys" I told them but neither of them seemed to take me serious. I wanted to mention the conversation with Madison but Fred was already looking disappointed.

"Tammie" I looked down the hall, Matt was walking toward us. I wasn't sure if I was actually happy to see him or just wanted to be around someone who didn't look upset at me.

"Prefect alert…" Fred said rolling his eyes as we watched Draco head toward us.

"You know, I can take points away now." I sucked in air at his tone, why couldn't he just keep his walls down? "Allen, Weasley and…what was it again?" Draco asked sneering at Matt who didn't seem look very impressed by Draco.

"Matthew Knacks, we just had Defense Against the Dark Arts together. You had the mouse Patronus, remember?" Matt said, his blue eyes shining. Draco, who seemed, for a split second, embarrassed quickly composed himself.

"Don't get mouthy with me newbie, you have yet to know your place" Draco started but Matt only laughed.

"Know my place is that right Malfoy?" he said. "Maybe you should learn your place…but I suppose that would mean you'd have to exercise some self-control and we all know you can't do that without the help of a reasonable young lady, perhaps a girlfriend, you have one of those, don't you?" I froze, both amazed and terrified at Matt's ease of words. "Ah, that's right, she's with someone, someone a bit fun I assume, no offense but you're kind of boring" Matt continued. "Now, if you're not going to take any points we'd like to go to lunch, I'm very hungry and unless you have some food with you I'd like to go eat" he concluded as he gave a low bow and then turned and walked away, looking back to see if we were following. I grabbed Fred's hand, who didn't say anything and nudged George who was staring at Draco's surprised face.

Once out of sight both George and Fred burst into laughter, they had to stop and catch their, George even wiped his eyes. Matt looked a bit shocked and happy with himself, like he couldn't believe he said it but also, was glad he did. He shook his and gave a small smile as he stood a couple feet from us. "That…was…outstanding mate…honestly" George said in between gasps.

"He's a bit of annoyance, and I don't really like how treats Tammie" he said nodding at me. Fred almost instantly stopped laughing and I could've sworn he glared at Matt. "He wasn't acting very nice to her during class and I thought it would best not to embarrass him there so, I figured now would be okay" he said. George had stopped laughing by now and was looking uncertainly at Matt, but Matt looked unfazed by this.

"So, lunch, please?" I said tugging on Fred's shirt. I took another minute to get him to finally snap out of his thoughts. Thankfully he smiled.

"Right, c'mon then" he said looking at his brother.

"I'm actually gonna go talk to Lee, I think he's still in the common room, I'll see you lot later" George said before running off in the opposite direction. Fred looked after his brother, probably wondering if he should follow but instead continued along with me and Matt.

"I hope I didn't overstep myself" Matt said looking at Fred. "I know you must feel like you have to protect your friends, but, I'm really not keen on waiting around for pranks to set off, I liking being direct about it" Matt added looking back at Fred who just smiled at him.

"No, it's alright mate, best to have us Gryffindors stick together. I don't reckon you're a bloke to messed with" he said, but something in his voice sounded sarcastic almost. "At least now he won't expect anything" Fred said, thinking over the situation. "Yeah, I supposed it be more fun now…" he trailed off, his smile becoming more and more evil.

"And when we lose more house points everyone will come after you" I told him letting my hand drop from his.

"Oh c'mon, I've been doing this for years, no one is going to care, besides, it's Draco Malfoy" he asked giving a light laugh. I bit my lip, I instinctively wanted to say Melinda and myself but I didn't want him looking annoyed at me again. "But…since you really do seem to be in a fix about this I won't do anything…yet" he added. I looked at him, I wasn't sure if I should believe him but his kiss was reassuring.

"Thanks Fred…" I said taking his hand again. And with that it was over, we were done arguing about the issue, it hopefully wouldn't be brought up again anytime soon, at least not until, or unless, I caught him in the act.

We continued walking the rest of the way in silence, Matt didn't say anything but I knew his mind and eyes and ears were taking everything in. Something about him intrigued me; something about his behavior, his words, his appearance drew me in, he drew me.

"I'm honestly sorry Tam," Fred said again, bringing me from my thoughts as he lightly squeezed my hand. I shook my head and stood on my toes to give him a kiss, slipping a couple of his candies into his pocket, he gave me a knowing smile.

"Only you and George and Lee are to test these okay? Please?" I asked. He nodded as he gave me another kiss as we walked and giggled our way to the Great Hall.