I'm kind of skipping a bit of time, but trust me, nothing eventful happens besides Quidditch. But really, it's not even Christmas yet and I'm on chapter 20, I'm being silly. hahah
Thanks to the Following Reviewers:
AssistanttotheRegionalManager: I can't wait to write the meeting between Mrs. Weasley and Lexi hahah, thank you so much!
The Crimson Wings: Thanksss!!!
Silence is Silver: Hahaha, thanks, it will be quite fun when they find out
CREA: Thanks for the congratulations, I can't believe it's been two years!!
last-blue mage: Thank you, and I'll check out your story as soon as I upload this chapter!
DMG5440: Yeah, I didn't want Lexi to totally be like 'Go jump off a cliff Dad!" But she had to stand up to him somehow hahah, I'm glad you liked it!
Captain Speed-o: Draco is such a worrywart over Lexi, it's true hahah! Thanks!
Wolf: Really? I wasn't sure at all how Lexi's dad would come off, but I'm glad he came off as creepy, I didn't want him to seem nice at all, so thank you so much!! And Cho and Blaise, yay indeed!!!
xXxSour-LemonxXx: Here's more :D Glad you liked it!
freaker1605: thanks! Yeah, I had to think of a way for them to get into the school hahah.
Skylar B.: Thank you so much, I'm so glad my characters are realistic, even if Lexi is considered a bit of a Mary-Sue, but that's all right hahah.
bob: Thanks so much, I try and keep Draco mean while making him a little more, I don't know, human? hahah.
the 1 and only Mrs.FredWeasley: Thanks!!!
Kajia: Ugh, I especially hate when I do the squealing girl thing in front of my boyfriend and he makes fun of me, hahah. But it's always fun! And I'm glad you liked the part with Lexi's dad!
MavisClone: WHOOT! hahah thank you so much for taking the time to review!
Lita: Thank you so much!
Rain-in-Midnight: I'm glad it makes you laugh, that means my jokes might actually be funny! hahah thank you!
kainda: Thanks so much, and yeah, Lexi definitely will have a hard time 'rebelling' against her parents, hahah.
Chapter 20: Snape, Shopping, and Memories
After the oh-so eventful field trip, I found it much easier to push my parents out of my mind when thinking of George.
Call it a false sense of security.
However, one thing I did dread was my meeting with the infamous Molly Weasley.
George repeatedly told me I had nothing to worry about, to which I responded that I actually had everything to worry about.
"Should I get her a present?" I asked, without waiting for an answer, "I should get her a present. Wait, does that mean I need to get your Dad one too? I don't know what to get him, he likes Muggles right? I definitely don't own anything even remotely Muggle." I paused, "Wait, but what should I get your Mum?" I growled in frustration.
"That's cute, when you do that." George looked up from his desk, where he'd been doing work of some sort. I tried to smile but it turned into a grimace.
"I am so nervous. I'm never nervous." I laid down on George's couch and looked over at him. "Why aren't you nervous?"
"Because I've been yelled at by her about as many times as humanly possible, I'm kind of numb to it, and plus, I'm an adult!" George grinned, "She can't tell me what to do."
I was quite sure Molly Weasley was the type who could tell her children what to do no matter what age they were.
"So, when are you coming over again?" George asked.
"Well... my father said" I paused, "I mean, I'm staying with Draco because my parents won't be home and for a few days I have to find somewhere else to be. So maybe before Christmas sometime, like the 23rd?" George nodded.
"Sounds good to me." He smiled, "I'm sure Mum will love you."
Psh, about as much as Snape loves Potter.
"You know, I have to go shopping this Hogsmeade weekend." I grinned, "What kind of present do you want?"
George came over and laid next to me, putting his arm around me. "You don't have to get me-" I cut him off.
"Now don't say that I don't have to get you anything and that I'm a present enough, becuase that's a load of rubbish. It's Christmas and everyone deserves a present so you're getting one." I kissed him on the cheek. He grinned.
"Well what do you want?" He asked me. I thought.
"I don't know. I think it's cuter if you decide what to get me." I said.
He sighed, "I'm horrible at buying gifts." I laughed and kissed him quickly.
"I have faith in you." I paused, "I should get going, curfew is soon." George grinned mischievously.
"You could always stay here." He said, his hands lightly brushing over my stomach. It sort of tickled but mostly it just made it hard for me to breath properly.
"Tempting." I managed to say. "But not tonight." I smirked and kissed him, planning to pull away quickly. George it seemed, had other ideas.
We finally broke apart. "Wow." He breathed. I nodded.
"I love you." I said, leaning into his chest and closing my eyes.
"I love you too. I take it you want to stay then?" He asked, kissing my forehead softly.
"I want to, but I really should get back." I said, my eyes still closed. George grinned,
"Well then, let's get you back." He lifted me up. I laughed and protested.
"George! What will everyone think?!"
"In case you haven't noticed Lexi, I've never been one to care too much about what others think." George laughed and opened his door. I groaned, and resigned myself to just enjoying the ride.
We got a few odd stares from people who saw us, but by that time most people were in their Common Rooms anyway, and George used the secret passageways of Hogwarts (that he knows like the back of his hand) so we didn't run into many people at all, and certainly not anyone that mattered.
He set me down in front of the entrance to my Common Room and I gave him a hug.
"I have to go to the shop this weekend." He said, "So I won't see you again until Monday, at the earliest." I frowned, how unfair.
"Oh, well, I guess by the time you get back I'll have your Christmas present." I grinned at him, "But I'll miss you."
"Yeah, I might miss you too." He smirked, but kissed me nonetheless.
And then, it happened.
"Miss Conrad, you're cutting it rather close to curfew." Snape said from behind me. Although he didn't say anything about the fact that I had been kissing George, there was a dangerous quality in his voice that let me know it hadn't gone unnoticed. I turned around, biting my lower lip. George held my hand.
"S-sorry Professor, I'll try and be..." I paused, "More careful next time."
Snape's eyes flickered to George, and he made a tutting sound. "My office Miss Conrad. Professor Weasley," He said this rather sardonically, "You're quite the distance from your chambers, aren't you?" George nodded silently, squeezed my hand, and answered.
"Right you are Severus." George attempted a smile, "I'll be.. going to bed now. Night Lexi, Professor." He walked slowly. Snape put a hand on my shoulder and steered me to his office.
Uh oh.
"So." Snape said evenly. I frowned.
"Look, Professor, I'm sorry, and I know what you're going to say, and I know it's.. it's not the most intelligent thing for me to do, I know!" I paused,
I had no idea what to say.
"And?" Snape said silkily.
And I don't exactly want to talk to you about my relationships, Professor.
I sighed. "Please don't tell my parents."
Snape stood up.
"Miss Conrad, I have always felt you were an admirable student. You exemplify everything a Slytherin could be and more; you are cunning, sly, intelligent, and quick-witted." He paused, "However, all of your potential seems to be lost, any common sense you have is gone now, apparently, at the hands of this - Weasley twin." He took in a breath.
"I am sure you're aware of how much trouble you would be in if you got caught, and I'm shocked that you, as a Slytherin, were so careless when dealing with your... relationship." He almost spat the last word out.
"Professor, I know, and I swear I'll be more careful, but I don't feel you should tell my parents." I paused. "I mean, what they don't know won't hurt them right?" I shifted my feet nervously, and thought I saw Snape's features soften.
"Miss Conrad, I..." He trailed off. "I don't advocate what you're doing with the Weasley boy, not at all. I can't see it ending well for either of you." He paused,
"But I have no control over you, and as you didn't' break curfew there's nothing I can do. All I can do is give you the strong suggestion that you re-evaluate your priorities, and your relationships in particular." He strode over to the door. I nodded.
"Thank you Professor." I said, my head bowed slightly. I didn't want to see the look on his face. Snape may not have been my favorite person, but he always looked out for his House members, and I appreciated that about him.
I walked silently back to my Common Room, whispering the password and going directly to my dorm, ignoring Draco and Blaise when they called me over to where they were sitting.
I needed sleep, desperately.
I woke up early the next morning, and realizing it was a Saturday, didn't much care what I wore. I had more important things on my mind, so I threw on an old sweater I had taken from Draco ages ago, which was much too large on me but very comfortable. I grabbed my homework and walked grumpily down to the Common Room and sat down on a couch, pulling out my Charms book to read up on what I had missed.
I had worked on my homework for nearly two hours before I was interrupted.
"Nice sweater" Draco said, sitting down next to me. I smiled and looked up at him.
"Your clothes are so much more comfortable than mine, you know." I said, moving a piece of parchment off of my Transfiguration book. "Can you check my Charms essay for me?"
"Sure, as soon as you tell me why you so blatantly ignored Blaise and I last night." He said, smirking at me.
I sighed, "Snape saw us." Draco gaped at me.
"You were that careless?" He asked.
I grimaced, "I know, I feel like such an idiot. It was mortifying, I mean, of all the teachers, Snape isn't exactly the one I'd choose to talk over any personal information with." I put my head in my hands.
"What did he say?" Draco's voice softened significantly. I lifted my head up.
"He said I needed to reexamine my priorities, said he'd always considered me a 'true Slytherin' until this, and that he can't see it ending well for either of us." I said quietly. "He said I allowed my judgment to be clouded, basically. That my common sense went right out the window." Draco patted my back awkwardly.
"Well, it... it could've been worse, right?" He said uncertainly. I sighed.
"I guess so. I mean, of course it could've been. George could probably be sacked and I'm sure if he were involved with anyone other than a Slytherin, Snape would've demanded it." I paused, "And.. I don't understand why Snape isn't going to tell my parents. I don't get it, they're... well not friends but they... share a rather strong common bond."
"Maybe he just doesn't want to start trouble, I mean we all know the reaction wouldn't be pretty." Draco said thoughtfully. "I can look over your essay now, if you'd like." He smiled down at me. I managed a half smile.
"Thanks Drakey."
Nothing went on Saturday, I finished my homework and discussed the after-holiday Quidditch season with Draco. After Ravenclaw beat Gryffindor, Slytherin demolished Hufflepuff, which isn't much to brag about, and Gryffindor did the same. The next match would be Gryffindor vs. Slytherin, right after holidays.
I thought our chances against Gryffindor were good, Draco had been working the team vigorously, and even if Draco couldn't catch the Snitch I thought that we should at least be able to score enough points that it would even out in the end and give us a fair chance at the championship.
Sunday was a Hogsmeade weekend and I was going with Draco, Blaise, Cho, and Pansy, since George wasn't there. Blaise and Cho were the picture of happiness, although they attracted a few odd looks as they held hands, but they obviously didn't care, and I was happy. Cho had deserved this for so long, and so had Blaise.
Draco and Blaise left after a while, to presumably go buy us all presents, although they adamantly denied that was the reason for them leaving.
I grinned at Cho as they walked away, "Time to shop for our little boyfriends!" I said, and added as an afterthought, "Oh, and Draco too." Pansy groaned.
"I have no idea what to get Draco." She said helplessly.
I grinned, "Come on you guys, we're all smart girls, we have to be able to buy decent presents for our boys. We'll help each other, now come on!" And we trudged off through the snow to find the perfect presents for, well, everyone.
"How about these?" Pansy held up a pair of silver silk boxers. "Draco would like these right?"
I snorted. Draco would be mortified if he thought Pansy was thinking about him in nothing but boxers. I smiled,
"He'd love them, they look really comfortable." I said, with Cho nodding in agreement. So Pansy bought them. I grinned. Fabulous!
I decided to get Draco a watch I found, one with magical properties that could protect it's user from most basic jinxes. It would probably come in handy, I thought grimly. I found Blaise a good book on Animagus. Blaise was weirdly interested in reading a lot, he seemed kind of like Granger in that aspect. I shuddered, and reminded myself to never make that comparison again.
Cho frowned, "Lexi, do you have any ideas as to what I should get Blaise?"
I hummed thoughtfully. "Let's go to.." We were standing on the Main street of Hogsmeade. I stopped, puzzled. What would Blaise like? I wasn't too sure.
Cho laughed, "I should get him something from Zonko's! As kind of a 'gag' present, and of course I'd get him a real one too..." She trailed off. "Maybe a picture of us?" I smiled,
"I'm sure he'd love it."
We walked to Zonko's and Cho got an assortment of joke items, then we went to a small trinket store to look for a picture frame, and I decided to look for something for George.
Cho and I perused the shelves, looking for anything of interest when something caught my yes. After reading the instructions and deciding it would be perfect for George, I bought it. Cho choose a silver, elegant, wire frame. We headed to the Three Broomsticks then, to meet Draco and Blaise, becuase I had decided not to get Cho or Pansy their presents from Hogsmeade and was probably going to use a Wizarding catalogue.
We walked in and immediately saw Draco and Blaise, sitting at a table in the corner. Blaise smiled slightly and nodded, Draco smirked, and we went over.
Madam Rosmerta brought us each a butterbeer and I smiled in thanks.
"So, ladies." Draco said.
"Hmm?" I sipped my butterbeer.
"What'd you get us, then?" Blaise asked, grinning.
I gasped, "What? Oh, guys, I.." I trailed off. "Wow, this is embarrassing. And awkward. I -uh- well, didn't get you anything!" I said, and for a moment Draco and Blaise looked rather put out, before realizing that I was joking.
"And what did you lads get your best friend Lexi?" I asked, leaning over slightly to try and see into Draco's shopping bags. He quickly obstructed my view.
"Now Lex, what fun would it be if I told you now?" He drawled. I smiled.
"None, I guess!" We talked for a bit longer before deciding to head back up to the castle. Draco grabbed my arm as we went inside, saying, "Can we practice now? Most people are still at Hogsmeade, no one will miss us." I nodded and we went into an empty dungeon.
"Okay." Draco said, "I've been practicing clearing my mind, and I think I should at least be able to make it more difficult for you to get into my mind."
I laughed lightly, "That is, as long as I've gotten better at the spell. You know, Draco, whoever you're trying to hide your memories from is bound to be much more powerful than me."
"I know, but it has to help, right?" Draco said, I shrugged, and we got started. It turns out I wa s a bit more used to doing the spell, but Draco had gotten much better at throwing me off. I didn't ee much until near the end of the night.
"Legilimens!" I said, and suddenly I found myself at the Malfoy Estate.
---------------------------------
"Draco, come here." I heard Lucius snap. Draco followed him into his study.
"Yes, Father?" Draco replied, respectfully but bored. He was wearing elegant dress robes, but nothing compared to Lucius' normal set of robes.
"You were quite an embarrassment to your mother and I tonight at our dinner party. Couldn't even think of a thing to say when it was brought up that the Mudblood Granger surpasses you in all your subjects." Lucius took in a breath, and Draco interrupted.
"Except Potions." He said, and Lucius narrowed his eyes.
"Only becuase Snape lets you slide by." He paused, "And what have I told you about interrupting me? Don't disrespect your elders, Draco, especially not your Father." He took a step towards Draco, and Draco cringed slightly. Lucius reached for his cane...
-------------------
Before I could see anything else, I was transported to another memory.
-------------------
"And how much will this get?" Draco was standing in an alley in Hogsmeade, his hood up. A man stood next to him, examining a sterling silver spoon, fork, and knife respectively.
"Ya' say this is genuine silver?" He asked gruffly, looking around for any eavesdroppers. Draco made an impatient noise in the back of his throat.
"Of course, would you expect any less from my family? Look at the crest you twit." Draco said snappishly.
"A'right, well, I can give ya' roughly.." The man trailed off. "300 galleons fer this." Draco thought for a moment, then nodded.
"I'll take it." The man handed him a sack, presumably filled with coins, and they parted.
--------------------
"You all right?" I asked, breathing heavily. Not becuase I was tired physically, but more from what I ad seen. Draco looked a bit flushed.
"I'm okay." He said. I went over to him and sat down. It appeared he'd been knocked to the floor.
"I'm sorry." I said, putting my arm around him.
"For what?" He said, but leaned his head against my shoulder nonetheless.
"Everything I saw. Your... Lucius." I said quietly. He nodded.
"I'm used to it."
"You don't believe him do you? That you're.. inadequate?" I paused, "You're not Draco, you're brilliant."
"Thank Lexi." He gave me a small smile. I sighed.
"Why are you pawning off your family heirlooms Draco?" I paused, "I'm worried for you. You don't need money. I know you don't. You parents give you money whenever you need it unless..." I looked over at him sharply.
"Unless what?" He tried to sound indifferent.
"What are you doing?" I asked, "Why do you need money that your parents can't know you have?"
He shrugged, "What can I say, I don't want my parents to know I enjoy buying the occasional dirty magazine." He joked. I laughed, but turned serious again.
"Really, Draco, don't get in over your head." I warned, and he nodded.
"I won't."
"You promise?" I said as we stood up to leave the dungeon. Ever the gentleman, he held the door open to me as he said.
"I swear."
Hmmmm, okay, a bit shorter than the last one, but still good I hope!!
REVIEW! and tell me what you think!
Next chapter should be them all leaving for Christmas !!!!!