AN: Not much to say right now. Thank you all for reviews. Read the authors note at the bottom for information. Enjoy the chapter.
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Review Response:
Snuffles-sweetie: I am glad you like the idea about Draco's heart melting piece by piece. I can not wait to hear the questions you come up with. Here is the update, hope you enjoy it too. Thank you for the review.
leakinoshiro: I am glad you are also planning on making questions. Here is another chapter for you to enjoy. I updated soon than expected. Chapter thirteen will also be on it's was soon. Thanks for the review.
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"Talking"
Thinking
§Scene Change§
₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪ a transition between Authors Note to Story and Chapter End.
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₰The Gryffindor Misfit₰
Chapter Twelve: Hogsmeade and Feelings Begin
The following week after the Quidditch match, life became more complicated for everyone. Umbridge was piling on homework, and making more ridiculous rules. It annoyed everyone that she was still being such an annoyance. She was now interrogating the teachers. Stress levels were through the roof for everyone. So the upcoming Hogsmeade trip was a welcome break from all things toad related.
Stress levels for Brittany were rising as well. Umbridge may not have been on her back, but the Gryffindors certainly were. She had actually had lunch with Blaise one day that week. Rumors were once again flying, much to their dismay. In addition her being friendly with many Slytherins was also cause for her to be shunned.
Draco was also suffering from constant attempts to admit his feelings. Blaise was a stubborn little prick when it came to Draco's pride. He was of course still confused about many things. The kiss that the two shared kept popping up in his mind, and it was distracting. He was working well with Brittany in Potions; they were no longer fighting with each other.
After a stressful week of classes it was time for a Hogsmeade trip. Brittany was definitely ready for some shopping for Christmas. She had already made a list of everyone whom she was getting presents for. She really enjoyed spending money on her friends.
"This is going to be awesome. I cannot wait to go Christmas shopping." Brittany exclaimed.
"Yes a nice break from that pink toad will be nice." Harry agreed smiling.
"I still cannot believe that you are going to buy something for Zabini." Ron sighed.
"He's my friend Ron. I am not going to just forget about him for Christmas. You know that I enjoy buying things for my friends. Just because he is a Slytherin does not mean that I am going to not buy him a gift." Brittany told him.
"Ron, you are being unreasonable. Just because Brittany is not spending all her time with us does not mean you can be a jealous friend. You should be happy she has more people who accept her." Hermione scolded.
"Whatever Hermione. Those bloody Slytherins are not worth it." Ron grumbled.
"Remember the thing Ron. It is part of me." Brittany whispered secretly.
"I guess." Ron agreed reluctantly.
"Alright well why don't we head down. We need to get a carriage before they are all taken." Harry suggested.
"Good idea. Let's go." Hermione agreed pulling Ron along.
"They do make a cute couple." Brittany smirked.
"I have to agree. They are still trying to say that they are not in to each other though." Harry sighed.
"Give it time. They will get together eventually." Brittany smiled as the two followed Hermione and Ron at a distance.
"I hope so." Harry admitted. "Those two still give me headaches about it."
"Poor Harry." Brittany smiled patting his head.
"Don't do that Brittany!" Harry grumbled.
§Slytherin Common Room§
"I can not believe that you are getting a present for that girl." Draco sighed.
"She's my friend. Besides why are you so concerned? It is not like you are jealous of our friendship are you?" Blaise taunted.
"Piss off." Draco growled.
"I know you have a thing for her. You'll admit it eventually." Blaise smirked.
"You are delusional." Draco stated simply.
"Sure I am. You my friend are in denial." Blaise told him grinning like an idiot.
"Let's just go get a carriage." Draco sighed.
"Alright mate." Blaise agreed.
The two went down to the entrance to get to a carriage. They ended up seeing Harry and Brittany walking together. Draco tried to hold back the thoughts of anger. Blaise was currently doing a mental happy dance.
He is jealous of Potter. Oh what an interesting turn of events. He is going to admit that he likes her eventually. The sooner the better." Blaise thought.
Draco was of course in thought as well. Stupid Potty. Why does he always get all the attention? I mean what is so great about him? What is wrong with me? I need to stop thinking about her.
"Harry you are so cute when you pout." Brittany cooed.
"You are so annoying sometimes." Harry glared at her playfully.
"You know you love me." Brittany smirked.
"I never said that." Harry smiled.
"I am so hurt Harry. I shall simply ignore you now." Brittany faked being hurt.
"Sure you will." Harry shook his head.
Blaise sighed. Those two definitely have a bond. I just hope that he keeps to Weasley's little sister.
Everyone soon piled into the carriages. Blaise and Draco had joined Marcus Flint and Theodore Nott. Brittany, Harry, Ron and Hermione had another carriage to themselves. Soon enough the carriages were off and everyone was on their way to Hogsmeade.
Once they arrived the students poured into shops. The hogs head was soon filled with students. Others were window shopping. Among those included Brittany and the trio.
"Oh I wonder what I shall get for you all?" Brittany wondered. "Hermione and I are going to have to go shopping without you two later." Brittany smiled.
"Good. I do not think we could endure an entire day of your antics. You are bloody insane when it comes to shopping." Ron admitted.
"I do have to agree Brittany. You do sometimes get a little too overzealous." Harry agreed.
"I do not!" Brittany huffed.
"Actually Britt, for guys they think you are. For us females though you are just normal." Hermione agreed.
"Whatever. You two are a bore when shopping anyway." Brittany sighed.
"Well of course. We are guys." Ron told her like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
§With Draco and his Gang§
"So what do you three want to do first?" Blaise asked them.
"I have no idea. I think we should go to the Hogs Head. I could do with a fire whiskey." Marcus suggested.
"That does sound like a good idea." Theodore agreed.
"I guess." Draco agreed. He was not in a talkative mood.
"Then let's go." Blaise agreed.
The four males all went over to the Hogs Head and ordered a round of fire whiskey. They were laughing and talking about various male things. Mostly Quidditch of course. Sometimes the conversation would stray to a girl either Marcus or Theodore thought was attractive. Draco made sure the conversation stayed away from Brittany though.
Blaise knew that Draco was avoiding the topic of Brittany like it was the plague. I think we need to have a little walk.
Marcus and Theodore were eyeing some Slytherin girls. "Hey why don't you two go after those girls? Draco and I can entertain ourselves. We'll be back here later." Blaise stated.
"You got it." The two males stated before walking over to the two females.
Blaise smiled at Draco. "Let's go walking around. I need to get something for my sister and Brittany."
"I suppose." Draco agreed.
The two began walking out of the Hogs Head. The saw Brittany and Hermione go off on their own. Ron and Harry watched them for a minute, before turning and walking towards the two Slytherins.
"Hey there Potter. Kai finally get tired of hanging around you?" Draco taunted.
"No, she went off to go shopping. She did not want Ron and me to be around when she bought our presents." Harry shot back.
"Besides she is insane when she gets into buying things for her friend. You better buy her a gift Zabini. She's getting you one." Ron added.
"I planned on it." Blaise admitted.
"Good. At least you have manners." Ron sighed. "Unlike Malfoy over there."
"Back of Weasel." Draco warned.
"Be quiet ferret boy!" Ron growled back.
"I dare you to say that again." Draco hissed.
"Both of you shut-up." Harry and Blaise glared at them.
"We need to get those gifts Draco. Just drop it." Blaise stated pulling him along, away from the other two males.
Ron and Harry glared after the two. "Why did you stop me?" Ron asked.
"Brittany would not like you getting into a fight with her friend's best friend. She'd beat you into a bloody pulp." Harry explained.
"I guess your right. Let's just go. Stupid Ferret Boy." Ron grumbled.
§With Brittany and Hermione§
They had already shopped for Ron and Harry. Brittany had gotten Ron yet another book on Quidditch. Hermione had gotten him a new scarf, it was red. Brittany bought Harry a bottle of cologne. It was one that Ginny liked, but was too afraid to get it for him. Hermoine got Harry an interesting novel about true Defense Against the Dark Arts.
"Hmm, now I need to get a gift for Blaise. What do you think I should get him?" Brittany asked.
"I am not sure. Maybe he would like that pin we saw before. They Slytherin one, it was pretty nice." Hermione suggested.
"You know it would be a nice gift. That is an excellent idea 'Mione." Brittany smiled.
They exited the store they were in, and made their way to the jewelry and clothing store. After buying the pin for Blaise Brittany smiled. She thought about who else she needed to shop for other than Hermione.
"Now to get something for my dad. He really wanted a new chain for that pendant he wears. It's some thing passed from father to son in his family. I think he'll give it to me eventually."
"That's nice of you Brittany. It's for Christopher right." Hermione whispered the last part.
"Yeah." Brittany whispered back.
After paying for the chain Brittany smiled. "It is time to get your gift. So we'll meet up back here in about twenty minutes. Sound good?"
"Yes. I will go buy your gift as well." Hermione agreed as the two went their separate ways in the store.
Brittany smiled as she looked through the skirts and shirts. "I need to get her a new outfit. She needs to have a fun outfit for when I manage to set them up on a date." Brittany smirked.
Hermione was off. She bought her best friend a pendant with the Gryffindor crest, and one with the Slytherin crest. She accepted that Brittany was embracing her other side, and was supporting her. Besides it seemed like something Snape would give to her. She was in charge of providing a gift for her this year. He changed who did it every year. He also provided the funds for it.
She smiled when she thought about how happy Brittany was right now. She was enjoying herself, and she needed it.
"Brittany looks happy. I guess shopping makes her stress level go down for a while." Hermione commented to herself. "She deserves it more than anyone."
§With Blaise and Draco§
Soon the two males entered the same store that Brittany and Hermione were in. After looking around for a while they were getting frustrated.
"Would you just pick something?" Draco asked impatient.
"I need a good gift for both Brittany and my sister. I am not going to do this half assed Draco."
"You are insane mate." Draco commented before they both saw Brittany.
"Hey there you two. Shopping for a lady friend?" She teased.
"Actually I need some help buying something for my sister. Draco here is not much help." Blaise admitted.
"Well then maybe I can help. What were you thinking about getting for her?" Brittany asked.
"I wanted to get her something nice. Maybe jewelry or something." Blaise stated embarrassed he could not think of a good gift for his own sister.
"Well then let us look at some necklaces." Brittany smiled.
"Alright." Blaise agreed.
Draco followed silently lost in thought. Why does she have to be here helping out? This cannot be good. Why am I cursed to not be able to avoid her?
Brittany suggested many things, until they found the perfect gift. It was a beautiful necklace on a fine chain. It had an intricate flower with rhinestones all around the outside of the flower. In the middle was a jade stone in the shape of a heart.
"This is perfect Brittany. I cannot thank you enough." Blaise smiled. "What kind of jewelry do you like best?"
"Necklaces are my favorite things, but I also bracelets." Brittany admitted. "The occasional ring is nice to." Brittany smiled. "Well I have to get back to Hermione so we can meet the guys. See you around."
Brittany then walked off, but not before giving a glance a small silver ring with an emerald stone in between two small crystal accents. After she was a good deal away Blaise smirked.
"I never knew she was so nice." Draco admitted. "Helping out Slytherins and all."
"She is kind to her friends, something most Slytherin females do not do. She deserves something nice then. That would look good on Brittany." He told Draco, pointing to the ring.
"Then get it for her." Draco stated grumpily.
"It is too expensive of a gift for a friend to give her though. It would be something a boyfriend, or an admirer would buy for a girl. I think that necklace she pointed out earlier will be perfect. You know with the emerald star pendant. She looked like she wanted it herself. It was nice, and not too expensive." Blaise admitted. "That ring would look good on her. Oh well."
Draco sighed. It would look nice on her. I am not her boyfriend, and I am not an admirer. But if he is not going to get it for her, then she just won't have it. The kiss once again played in his mind followed by one of her bright smiles. She would really like it.
After Blaise had bought the two necklaces he turned to leave. "Well let's get out of here."
"I think I am going to be a minute. I saw something that I should get my mother." Draco said in a rush.
Blaise could tell his best friend was lying, but would not say anything. "Alright I'll wait outside."
Draco nodded and then turned back to the ring. I cannot believe I am going to do this. Father would kill me if he knew I spent that much money on Kai. I mean she's a Gryffindor, but she's one hell of a Quidditch Player, and she was nice for helping Blaise when I could not. I'll get it for her, but it does not mean I am falling for her. Draco thought determined, as another small chunk of ice fell away from his heart. I won't let her know it is from me though.
Draco then bought the ring and walked out of the store to join his best friend. Blaise hid a smile. Draco was falling for the girl. She had a charm about her, and not even Draco Malfoy was immune to it. His best friend was falling slowly but surely. It was only a matter of time.
§Back in the Hogs Head§
Dumbledore and Snape were sitting together talking about many things. They too avoided the subject of Brittany. That was until Brittany and Hermione walked in. The two were smiling holding their bags close so that Ron and Harry could not get a peek.
Dumbledore and Snape managed to get a glimpse of Brittany's smile. They could see that her smile was a little dimmer. She was happy, but it seemed that something was bothering her. Both males knew exactly what it was.
"I think it gets harder and harder every year." Snape sighed. "I guess Christmas is not the same without being able to spend time with her mother. I think she tries to enjoy shopping because her mother cannot."
"I believe you are absolutely correct Severus. I have to say not even knowing who her mother is hurts even more." Dumbledore commented.
"She just was not ready to know. She would not have been able to understand everything." Snape whispered as Umbridge passed by them. She was obviously trying to snoop. "Can we help you Dolores?" Snape asked in a 'Go away this conversation is private,' tone.
"I guess not. I could not help but over hearing that you two were talking about Ms. Kai."
"Yes, well unfortunately this conversation does not include you. If you would be so kind as to go away, we would appreciate it." Snape snapped. "You need not concern yourself with Ms. Kai."
"Well I said I was sorry for eavesdropping. You are being very rude Severus." She stated with that stupid smile on her face.
"Yes and you are being an annoyance. Eavesdropping is also rude you hypocrite. So before you start preaching, look at your own actions. Now kindly get out of my sight." He hissed.
Umbridge was speechless. It was quite a sight to behold. "Forgive him Dolores. He is easily irritated when he has had just two drinks." Dumbledore stated simply.
"I shall talk to the minister about your drinking then." Umbridge stated. "It is not a good habit for a teacher.
"I only do it under stress. You provide that all on your own. Besides you have no say in what I do off Hogwarts' grounds." Snape snapped.
"We shall se about that. I am sure the Minister will make a rule that I do have a say." Umbridge shot back trying very hard to keep her smile.
"And I bet you he will not do a thing about it. Toady." Snape laughed. It feels kinda good to rag on this Toad Lady. No wonder why my daughter loves to do it. Good thing Cornelius thinks of me like a brother.
"We shall see." Umbridge stated storming off.
After she had left Dumbledore chuckled. "You know, just because the Minister thinks of you like a brother does not mean you can abuse it."
"That toad deserved it. Besides she needs to be constantly put in her place." Snape smirked taking another sip of his fire whiskey. "Besides this is my first drink."
"Yes but she does not know that." Dumbledore smiled, his eyes twinkling over his half moon spectacles.
The heard her laugh from the table. It was not quite as happy as before. No one around her seemed to notice. The two other males knew her better than her friends. One had watched her grow up from afar, while the other helped her adoptive father raise her.
"She misses her mother. Any girl her age needs one. She deserves the truth Severus. She needs to know." Dumbledore told him while watching over the seemingly happy female. "Also about that secret and the second prophecy.
"I know Albus, I know." Snape sighed. "She will learn about it soon."
"For her sake. I certainly hope so." Dumbledore sighed.
Soon Blaise Zabini was walking over to the pair. Draco was sitting in a booth with Marcus, Theodore, and two bimbos. Draco was sure to keep away from the vultures. Shagging a Slytherin Slut was not as appealing as it used to be.
"Professor Snape, I was wondering if we could talk privately once we get back to Hogwarts." Blaise asked quietly.
"Yes of course Mr. Zabini. I hope it is nothing too serious." Snape stated with a wary tone.
"It is something important about some people I know. I want your opinion on the matter." Blaise stated obviously hiding something. He would have a kitten if he heard about it here.
"Well then we can meet in my office later tonight after dinner." Snape agreed.
"Thank you Professor." Blaise stated before going and sitting down with his friends.
"I wonder what he wants to speak with you about." Dumbledore wondered aloud.
"I have somewhat of an idea. I just hope that I am wrong." Snape sighed looking at Blaise, then Draco, then finally his daughter. I think I already know.
§With Brittany and the Trio§
Brittany was enjoying herself with her friends. There was something that was nagging at her, but she tried to push it away. She smiled for her friends so as not to worry them. Things were complicated enough in all their lives. She did not want to make it any worse.
I still miss my mother, even though I never knew about her. Dad tells me she loved Christmas shopping at Hogsmeade before Christmas. I guess I just feel sad I will never be able to go Christmas shopping with her. And if that isn't enough what is all this with Malfoy. I mean he looks at me funny now. We don't even fight as much. Maybe it is because I am becoming friends with all of his friends. Damn that kiss. Damn it to hell. I do not need this extra stress. I am the Gryffindor Misfit, and my feelings are confusing.
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Preview of the Next Chapter: Conversations and Secrets
"You are trying to do what with my daughter?" Snape hissed angrily.
"There is something there, you know you see it. You know you feel it. It is there somewhere." Blaise told ₪₪₪₪₪₪.
I am not falling for that misfit. I can not possibly be. I am a Malfoy. Malfoy's do not fall for anyone. I am not falling, am I? Draco thought.
"You cannot be serious about this Mr. Zabini." Snape sighed.
"He Brittany have you noticed that Malfoy is acting really strange lately?" Hermione asked her.
You're my friend Brittany, I won't let anyone hurt you. Blaise declared to himself.
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Poll did not change from last chapter. See it for status on the Poll.
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AN: How did you like it? Feelings are beginning to stir. We are a long way off from love though. I mean Draco still has his pride to deal with, and Brittany will have a new secret she needs to cope with. Things will certainly start to heat up though. Come chapter fifteen this story takes a whole new turn. Be warned I may leave cliff hangers these next two chapters. To heighten the suspense. Once I get started on chapter thirteen though Chapter fourteen and fifteen should follow closely. Remember to vote, think of questions for the cast and crew interviews. All of it will make my world go around. I hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving. I did.