Hey, peoples! Long time, no update *dodges the overly ripe fruit*. Very, VERY sorry, but even though I've had tons of time to write, my editors haven't had tones of time to, well, edit, leaving yet another three chapter backlog. So, yeah, here's a little end of the summer present for ya, and an update coming for sure next week.

Announcements: I've officially decided to write a sequel (only one sequel, so you can keep those groans to yourself, Tonks). Though I've gotten the rough plotline almost done, I have yet to find an official working title. It's narrowed down to three, so make sure to vote for one of them in my poll.

Obviously, since I'm announcing a sequel, I'm sad to say were nearing the end of this story. Hard to believe I've been working on it nearly two years. Ouch… I feel old. And slow. Slow and old.

Anyways, Disclaimer: blah, blah, blah, you get the picture.

Special thanks to Sakura for listening to my B.S Theory (something for the sequel) rant. I apparently gave her a headache.

Chapter 25: Two Dozen Roses

"Ella! Wake up, Ella! You're going to be late for school! I don't care if it's your birthday! Up!"

If you haven't figured out whom that voice belongs to, then I recommend therapy.

Ugh… why did I ever tell my Grandma what time I had to be at wizard school? I was having the greatest dream, since, like, ever.

It had started out kinda sucky, I'd found out I could talk to snakes, and then… well… hehehe….

Yeah. Anyway, Drew had kissed me in said dream! And, yes, people, it was the most amazing thing ever. Even more amazing than me, Ella Smith, having magical powers.

Ignoring my persistent grandmother, I groaned and rolled over. Seriously, just five more minutes….

"I DON'T HEAR YOU MOVING, YOUNG LADY!"

"Fine!" I grumbled, sitting up and pushing back the covers. "I'm up!"

The room was still lightly dark, due to the fact that it was six frikkin AM, which made it slightly difficult to navigate through the pigsty I call my bedroom. My mind was focused only on the mission at hand: find a matching pair of socks.

It was going rather well, considering I was too stupid to turn on the light like a normal person, and I didn't have my contacts in. Thus, I was stumbling around like a blind cat in a minefield. Or, at least, until I stumbled upon reality, which was oddly a blessing.

This time, it was in the form of a muddy tee-shirt and jeans, the very same clothes I'd worn when Drew…

Wow. I really didn't' imagine it! I had serious trouble refraining from skipping in a circle and screaming in happy/giddiness.

You know what? Who cares that I can talk to snakes, and that the guy who kissed me technically has a girlfriend? He likes me, and, it's my birthday.

This was the best day of my life, and it was only six AM. Not a bad morning, eh?

-----------------------

I finished getting ready in a fog, a goofy smile on my face and my head filled with five thousand images of Drew and I. It was like the G-Rated version of Margo's wall.

Well… maybe more like PG-13….

Ehem…

Anyway, I was downright impressed I'd gotten my head through the right hole.

"Morning, sleepy head!" said Grandma cheerily. "Happy Birthday."

Hmmm…. I wonder if he'll hold my hand… Wait? Who? What? Where? Why? Is she talking to me?

"Ella," she snapped, like a pin to my bubble of giddyness. "Pay attention unless you want to miss your own party!"

"Huh?" I said stupidly, attempting to focus my brain on the task ahead. "Party. Right."

Grandma rolled her eyes. "You're still wearing your pajama pants."

I looked down, shocked to realize she was right.

"I… should probably go change those," I mumbled, smiling in an attempt to hide my giddiness.

"Excellent," Grandma replied dryly, idly reaching for the newspaper. "And when you get back, you can tell me about that boy you're clearly thinking about."

That is so not fair! Why does that old lady know everything!

"What boy?" I lied, smiling.

Grandma scoffed and marched over to the sliding door. "That boy."

As if my Grandmother had planned it, Drew leaned against a tree and waved at me.

Ah, crap.

---------

It took me about ten seconds tops before I was heading back down stairs towards the door. Suddenly, I was nervous, a sort of what-happens-next feeling in my stomach as my brain picked over the thousands of possibilities for Drew and I. As much as I felt for him, I had no real way of knowing how he felt about me, and then there was the whole problem of Margo….

I mean, the way he looked at me… and the whole kiss thing made it very difficult for me to believe that he didn't feel anything. So, I suppose the question is; does he feel enough to choose me over Margo?

What if he picked her? What if he did pick me, but it didn't work out? Will we be able to go back to being friends? Or does actually dating mean either I marry him or lose him forever?

I suppose there's only one way to find out…

Gulp.

"Hey Drew…," I said, shutting the door behind me, in a sort of dreamy voice. A second later, I realized how stupid I must look. Seriously, just add drool. So, I shook it away and started again, in a more normal tone. "I mean, hey, Drew."

"Happy Birthday," he replied, the biggest grin I'd ever seen him wear on his face.

"Thanks," I replied, feeling my face turn red, as I took a step forward.

I fell into step next to him as we set off; neither of us talking, neither of us needing to talk. Even though there were about two million questions I wanted to ask him, my only reply was smiling at him. It was oddly perfect, just being near him.

His reply came just as we entered the woods; he reached down and took my hand.

Inside, I was jumping up and down, screaming like there's no tomorrow, and let's not forget the whole electric current thing. On the outside, things were far less obvious, just a simple blush, though, thankfully, no giggling was involved.

At least, until we reached the security gate and we found ourselves within the eye sight of Sam, Alison, and Tonks, each with an expression of pure excitement.

"Oh-" said Sam.

"My-" added Alison.

"God," finished Tonks.

"ELLA!" they squealed in unison.

Drew and I dropped hands instantly as they raced forward to smother me in a giant group hug.

"Can't… breath…," I declared, in hopes of retaining some personal space, and, you know, not dying.

Seriously; survived Killing Curse; died of group hug.

"Sorry," they said in unison.

"Our little Ella, is growing up so fast!" sniffed Alison, giving me one last squeeze.

"Uhh…," I replied, unsure of what to say to this. "Thanks, I guess…."

I tried to smile weakly. However, this became increasingly even more difficult when Sam and Tonks started circling me, like I was some sort of horse they were buying.

"How she ever managed to get a boyfriend with those shoes…," muttered Tonks, narrowing her eyes in disbelief.

"Hey!" I retorted, looking down at my typical scruffy clogs. "I like those shoes!"

"And that hair…," continued Sam, not comprehending a word I said. "Is that even a style?"

"What's wrong with my hair?!" I asked. "Seriously, next you're going to start on my clothes!"

"Oh! Good point!" said Tonks, inspecting the hem of my robe. "There so-"

"Tonks," I huffed, getting annoyed, "we wear uniforms."

So looked at me as if to say, "So?"

"WE ALL WEAR THE SAME THING!" I snapped.

What happened next, was a bit scary. The three of them exchanged a glance, and then all focused on me, each of them with a rather dangerous expression on their faces.

"Umm, guys?" I said, beginning to feel cornered.

"Ladies," said Sam, her hand on her hip, "we have a lot of work to do."

With that, Tonks and Alison seized my wrists and dragged me off after Sam, who was already headed out of the Dinning Hall.

"What about breakfast?" I asked, sadly, in vain.

----------------------------------------------

"Tell us everything!" demanded Alison.

I rolled my eyes. What, exactly, was so important that it called for my friends to drag me away from Drew and into a broom closet, was beyond my understanding. The worst part was, I had a shrewd idea pertaining to what they wanted, and it was something I wasn't real keen to talk about.

It hadn't occurred to me until about five seconds ago what they must be thinking. Last night, after speaking Parseltongue, I'd run out of the lesson, followed by Drew. Then, this morning we walk in holding hands. How could I be so stupid? The rumors are going to fly, and what happens when they reach Margo?

Taking a deep breath, I decided to play dumb, hoping I'd find a way out of this.

"First of all," I began; pushing Alison back slightly, as she'd completely destroyed any "personal space" I had left, "what is it that's so important you have to drag me away from Dr-" I stopped myself just in time. Pausing for a second, to shake the blush away, I continued, trying not to look too obvious. "I mean, breakfast and force me into a broom closet to ask?"

"We-" Alison began, only to be immediately cut off by Sam.

"Did you kiss him?" she asked, getting straight to the point, a look of excitement in her eyes.

"What do you think, Sam?" asked Tonks, sounded annoyed. "She leaves the class after having a nice little chat with a snake-," I winced at the memory. I hate snakes. There so… slithery…. "-causing lover boy to come after her, and instead of showing up all depressed like she normally would, our Ella comes back holding hands with Drew. So, you tell me?"

Ignoring Tonks, who scowled and rolled her eyes, Sam turned back to me. "So, did you kiss him?"

I suddenly felt myself under the gaze of all three of them.

Great…

"Well… I… ummm….," I stuttered, studying the floor, which was incredibly dusty. I felt my face grow hot from the memory, the kiss was definitely amazing, but I was still embarrassed to tell my friends about it. Which, was actually pretty stupid, considering they're my friends and all, but it was a bit like they were reading my diary. I suppose I simply prefer to keep my private oasis exactly that; private.

Never the less, I was definitely smart enough to establish a losing battle when I saw one, and there was no way I was ever getting out of this closet alive if I didn't crack. So, in a barely audible whisper, and a dorky smile fixed on my face I managed to blurt out a "yes."

Now, for anyone who's ever had teenage girl friends, you know the suffering I'm currently undergoing. We, teenagers, instead of using things such as words, prefer to celebrate such achievements with loud choruses of high-pitched screaming.

"EEEEEEEEEEPPPPPPPPP!" they screamed excitedly, practically bouncing up and down.

"So, don't just sit there!" snapped Sam happily.

"Tell us about it!" finished Alison.

This was followed by an abbreviated explanation of my evening, and more choruses of "eep" as I got to the mushy parts.

"This is awesome!" proclaimed Tonks happily. "I am so picking out your clothes for your first date!"

"I'll just wear my own clothes, thanks," I replied, nervously back towards the door.

"And I'll do her makeup," added Sam.

"And I'll teach her how to act," finished Alison.

"I'm just gonna leave now…," I mumbled, pushing the door aside.

"Wait!" called Tonks.

Luckily for me, the clock chose that moment to strike seven, leaving only five minutes to get to class.

-----

And then, it all went downhill from there..

First off, I hardly saw Drew after I was dragged away to Girly Exile. And second, I was so busy thinking about him, I'd forgotten three things. The first being the mess I was now in due to the whole Parselmouth thing, which led to me being interrogated by McGonagall and her large supply of ginger snaps and biscuits. The second, forgetting to pay attention in class, which almost landed me in detention, and the third being that, technically, Drew hadn't officially asked me out. Thus, I got to spend the whole day worrying about it.

Some Birthday.

It got worse, right before lunch, when I was in a tutoring session with Professor Diggory, which on a good day, were actually interesting, with Defense Against the Dark Arts being my favorite subject.

Today's lesson started out interesting; it was on Dementors. But, I discovered rather quickly that Edward/Cedric/Robert Pattinson/Professor Diggory, (whatever you want to call him), had no intention what-so-ever of actually letting us do anything. Instead, we were treated to listening him ramble on for an hour and a half, while thinking "dude, I learned this from watching Prisoner of Azkaban!"

I was only half listening to what he was saying, and that being because I caught the word "kiss," and even that was an improvement over Tonks, who was snoring, and Cassy, who was actually drooling on the desk (and this time not for Professor Diggory's good looks, that wore off in like, March).

"People with extensive tragedy in their past often have more severe reactions to Dementers, and often times have more difficulty producing a Corporeal Patronus. Thus-"

Professor Diggory's lecture was cut off unceremoniously by a knock on the door.

"Come in," he said, dryly.

A red headed Hufflepuff boy with a large amount of freckles and braces entered carrying a wand and a clip-board. "I've got flower deliveries for a Sanders, a Witherwing, a Lee, a Hellman-Tyler, a Whiess-" as he said each of the names, a single red rose zoomed in the room and into the hands of its recipient. "And, oh, that's the big one, Ella Smith, and a Tonks."

The Hufflepuff was forced to duck, as no less than about twenty single roses flew at me, not one of them reaching my hand, and a vase of about three dozen roses headed towards Tonks, who light up like a Christmas tree at the sight of them.

"Thank-you, Peter," said Professor Diggory, dismissing the Hufflepuff with a nod. "To continue from where I left off-"

But none of us were even remotely listening, not even Crystal. Instead, we were totally and completely engrossed in reading the tags attached to the roses, which I realized were all dance invitations. My heart began to accelerate; common sense says one of these flowers comes with a note from Drew proclaiming his unwavering love for me.

Right?

Wrong.

I went from dancing on top of the world to stuck in the bottom of a sewage pit with extra unidentified-smelly-objects in various stages of decay. Why? Very simple, I, Ella Smith, bookworm, nerd, and The-Girl-Who-Nearly-Got-Murdered-On-Numerous-Occasions received about twenty single roses. Ten of them were from Newt Malfoy, and the others were all from various members of my fan-club. Not even so much as a petal ever passed through the hands of Drew McGonagall, unless he liked going around pretending he's a Hufflepuff first year named Ben Glick. So, as you can guess, I was not happy. Stressed out was more the word.

Definitely.

Spaced out, would also work, as Tonks had to tap me on the shoulder about six times to get my attention at the end of class.

"Ella! Did you hear a word I said?" she asked, her hand on her hip, sounded annoyed.

The honest answer would be "no, not really," but, because I valued my life, I simply gathered my things and replied, "Yeah." This not being much of a lose to me, because I knew she would be repeating whatever I'd just missed non-stop for the next week.

She let out a shrill giggle. "Can you believe Dillyn asked me! He asked me! And he sent me three dozen roses! Can you believe it! Two dozen!"

"Yeah," I replied, trying half-heartedly to mask my disappointment. "He's liked you forever."

"Really?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with joy. "This is awesome! Everyone's got a date now! Crystal's with Edward Davis, Alison's with Garrett, I'm with Dillyn, and you're with Drew-"

She stopped talking and stared at me, some of the happiness fading from her eyes. Figuring I must be pulling a pained expression at the mention of my dateless status, I pulled the best fake smile I could manage.

"Cut the crap," she said, narrowing her eyes at me. "He did send you a rose, right?"

"I'm sure he just forgot," I replied, trying to sound sure of myself.

"This is a disaster," declared Sam, butting into the conversation like attending to my romantic life was her sacred duty. "Drew just has to ask you! He's practically your soul mate! And, it's your birthday."

"Seriously," added Cassy, who had also appeared out of nowhere, waving her rose in my face, "what kind of guy would forget to ask his ideal girl out on her birthday in the way clearly traditional to this school?"

"Margo," I said, stating the obvious.

Cassy groaned. "Hate her."

"Ditto," agreed Sam. "Plus, she's really rude to him."

"Well," I argued. "Wouldn't he have asked me already if he didn't have feelings for Margo?"

"True," Cassy agreed.

"Unless," continued Tonks, thoughtfully, "he's playing hard to get, and has a bigger surprise planned!" Her expression shifted instantly to a look known only as "The Dillyn Face" which, coincidentally is very similar to the "Giddy" face I make when Drew is in the room.

Sure enough, there he was, guitar and all, (though why he was carrying it from class to class was beyond me, consider no wizard class I'm aware of involves the playing of Muggle guitars, but, whatever). A few steps beyond him were Garrett and a black haired Ravenclaw boy I didn't recognize. The Ravenclaw walked over to Zoe, who blushed deeply, and Garrett made his way over to Alison and hugged her close. Alison smiled, but was taken by total surprise as Garrett kissed her on the lips, for everyone to see.

"So much for no public display of affection," Cassy mutter darkly, though her eyes twinkled knowingly.

Personally, I didn't want to know.

Thankfully though, the subject of Drew's lack of invite was instantly dropped, leaving Cassy, Sam, and I to watch the scene unfold.

The opening act was Zoe's mystery date stepping forward to introduce himself, only to be scilenced by Zoe, who happily filled us in.

"This is Anthony," she said, gesturing to her date. "Anthony, these are my friends, Alison, my partner in crime, she's uh, busy at the moment, Crystal, who's in your house, Kali, Cassy, Tonks, Sam, and of course, Ella."

Anthony nodded in greeting, before turning back to Zoe. Dillyn stepped forward to take his place addressing the group.

"Hey, Taylor!" said Dillyn, happily. "Tayor's friends."

"Hi," we replied, smiling knowingly at each other.

"So," continued Dillyn, as Tonks was simply staring back at him blankly, like she wasn't sure this was really happening. His voice hinted at nerves."I've been trying to find some mushy romantic way to do this, and I just ended up writing about six really terrible songs. So, I figured I better just do this the old fashion way."

Much to the shock of Tonks, and everyone else who wasn't currently making out with their boyfriend (coughAlisoncough), Dillyn got down on one knee, like he was going to propose.

"Taylor," he said, looking up at her adoringly as her face lit up like she'd just won a million dollars. "I really like you. You're amazing, really, and I want you to come to the dance with me after you pulverize Ravenclaw."

"Say yes!" yelled Sam and Cassy in unison.

"Oh, Dillyn!" she replied, taking his hands. "How can I say no? After the roses, and the songs, and this!"

"Picked the flowers myself!" he declared proudly.

"That is so sweet!" replied Tonks. "How did you know red roses are my favorite?"

"Ella told me," he replied.

"Dillyn McNab!" shouted the all-to-familiar voice of McGonagall, who was dragging with her down the hall a rather unhappy looking Jackson.

Dillyn jumped to his feet instantly. "Why good to see you, Mc G! You look absolutely lovely this afternoon! Why, is that a new hat?"

"Flattery will get you nowhere, Mr. McNag, as I was just telling your accomplice," said McGonagall, narrowing her eyes menacingly. "And don't call me Mc G!"

I forced myself not to snicker.

"Mr. McNab, I awoke this morning to find a large number of roses missing from my garden," McGonagall lectured, sounding annoyed. Looking directly at Tonks, who was nervously attempted to hand her large bouquet off to Cassy. "I believe you took them."

"Whatever gave you that idea?" Dillyn lied, sounding cheerful. "For your information, I bought these at… uh…"

"Wal-Mart!" finished Jackson, trying pitifully to cover up a most obvious fib.

McGonagall actually looked amused. "Really, and what does Wal-Mart sell?"

This ought'a be good.

"Duh!" replied Dillyn, trying to sound confident. "They sell guitar pics."

"And shoes," added Jackson, knowing he wasn't helping.

"So you bought these flowers from a shop with the same name as the Muggle Convenience store that also sells shoes and guitar pics?"

"Detention," said Dillyn darkly. Before McGonagall could so much as attempt to open her mouth he added. "Saturday. No butts. Bring a pencil."

"And no-"

"Pranking the Slytherins," finished Dillyn.

"I was going to say-"

"And don't be late."

"Excellent," McGonagall finished. "And Jackson," she added before he could escape. "Don't think for a moment that I've forgotten that I just saw you turn the water in all the fountains to Firewhiskey!"

"Busted."

Well, I thought as they were both led away, that certainly cheered me up slightly.

---------------------------

But, only just slightly.

The rest of the day passed slowly. Painfully slow. I spent the remainder of the day being stared at like I'd grown an extra head, all thanks to Voldemort's unintentional birthday gift to me; my unwanted ability to talk to the very creatures I despise. Or, as Zoe liked to call it, my "slithery little problem."

Then, there was also the matter that Valentine's Day seems to have come late this year, and you can hardly walk down the hallway without running into at least one couple sharing saliva. This is even more disturbing when said saliva-sharers are your friend, Alison, and her boyfriend.

To add to my problems, Sam seemed to think it was her duty, as my friend, to make sure my love life was perfect, or at least, you know, existent. So, today I was treated to around the clock tips from everything about how I should dress, to how I should say hello to Drew. Yes, apparently its things like this that are the reason I haven't seen him at all today, or that there is still a question of me or Margo. Thus, I get to spend the day worrying about whether or not we are actually dating.

In addition to that, just because I'd forgotten about the Championship Quidditch Match next Saturday, does not mean Rosalynn has. In fact, it's quite the opposite. I was beginning to think that she was somehow impervious to the mountains of pre-exam homework and last minute projects the teachers were all throwing at us. This being because I left today's four hour Quidditch Practice with the pre-game schedule, which included at least one of these extra long practices per day, including some before six AM. Seriously, I can barely communicate before six, let alone catch a small, flying, golden, projectile while on a broom!

Seriously; what is wrong with these people?!

On the plus side, all the people who weren't now scared of me, wished Crystal and me a Happy Birthday. They also thanked me for the party invite, which I didn't quite understand, seeing as how I was only having the usual joint dinner and cake with Crystal's family and my own, plus a few select friends. I had the sneaking suspicion that this had something to do with a certain Sam and Tonks.

"Happy Birthday, Ella," said Drew, a smile on his face, as I walked out of the girls dressing room, de-sweatafied and in full Muggle dress, my broom swung over my shoulder.

I blushed, internally thankfully that he was actually speaking to me. "Thanks."

"So who all is coming to dinner?" he asked, casually making conversation as we set off towards home.

"Just mine and Crystal's families," I replied. "As well as the usual gang, you, Piper, and Lydia, of course."

"McGonagall said she might drop by," said Drew, shooting me a worried glance.

"Oh, no," I replied, images of McGonagall showing up in her witches hat and waving her wand in front of my unsuspecting Muggle family filled my brain.

"Oh, yes," he replied.

"Great…."

-------------------------

When Drew and I arrived home, most of my family was already there, as well as Crystal's parents, and all of my friends, with the exception of Tonks, who was just behind us. Thankfully, everyone had remembered to wear Muggle clothing, and nothing had been accidentally blown up or levitated, due to the normal expressions on my family's faces.

"Happy Birthday, Sweet Heart!" said my dad, giving me a hug. His expression shifted suddenly as he saw Drew, causing him to narrow his eyes and attempt to look dangerous.

"Thanks, Dad," I said, forcing a smile. "This is Drew."

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Smith," said Drew, extending his hand. "You have a wonderful daughter."

Oh… bad move. Dad protecting his daughter here; don't provoke him…

Dad's nostrils flared, and his moustache twitched. I could tell he was currently thinking of a spot in the back yard in which he could bury Drew. I was just thankful that my Kinda-Sorta-Boyfriend was a wizard, and my father a Muggle. Thus, the chances of him actually burying Drew alive were pretty slim.

Other than the fact that both of the fathers present spent the entire dinner staring down their victims, and all my other friends burst out in uncontrollable giggles every time Drew or Ed so much looked at me or Crystal, dinner was actually pretty good. As usual, the combined forces of my Grandma and Crystal's mother's cooking were amazing, and I found my stomach full of delicious chocolate-free cake.

The presents were also pretty great, if I do say so myself. I was now the proud owner of an IPod touch, complete with a GPS tracker in case it was ever stolen. Crystal a brand-new silver blackberry, complete with unlimited text and internet access. Drew even refrained from asking what it did, or touching it in anyway, thus keeping his cover.

"So, what is it your parents do, Drew?" asked my father as Crystal and I were finishing the unwrapping.

I held my breath as Drew contemplated an answer.

"Well, my mom died a few months ago," he stalled, shooting me a pleading look.

"And his dad's in law enforcement," I lied, hoping my dad would buy it. "In California."

"So, you live with your Grandmother?" Dad pressed, clearly still attempting to intimidate Drew.

"Yep," he replied, though a mouthful of cake. "Me and my youngest sister; you know Lydia."

"Actually," said Dad, in an oddly calm voice, "this is the first time I've seen either of you, and you supposedly live next door. Is there a reason for that, Mr.-"

"McGonagall," finished Drew. "And, were… just not very social with Mug-"

Alison kicked him from under the table.

"I see. I simply prefer to get to know my daughter's friends." He put a little too much emphasis on the word friends, as yet another warning. "How much do you value life?"

Oh no. Here it comes…

For years, Dad has always told me that if I ever brought home a boy he didn't like; he'd secure them a long, painful death and bury them in the backyard. Had my father not been Muggle, he could have made a brilliant Death Eater.

Even though I knew he meant well, all I wanted to do was crawl under a rock. Thank-you, paternal protection instincts.

"I… don't know what you mean, sir?" replied Drew, attempting to smile.

"Listen hear, kid," threatened Dad, narrowing his eyes. "Don't think anything noticed by Ella's Grandmother isn't reported to me." I shot Grandma a death glare. "And don't think I haven't seen the way you look at my daughter. Put one finger where it doesn't belong and I promise you I will shoot you and bury you in my backyard with your heart still beating. Remember; there's about seventeen acres of woodland back there and no one to hear you scream."

He finished his threat by smiling pleasantly, causing an uncomfortable silence in the room. My friends looked like they were going to pee their pants from attempting to not burst out in hysterical laughter, as my father was unaware that said boy could hex him to kingdom come, and his daughter could sic a snake on him. Not to mention there was, in fact, about five hundred students and teachers to hear Drew scream, and send Dad to Azkaban.

Though, I must say, Drew looked pretty freaked out, and I was turning a deep tomato red.

"Drew and I are going outside," I declared suddenly, abandoning the silvery package I was opening, and swiftly dragging Drew out the back door before anything else could happen.

"Wait!" called Robbie, suddenly. "Aren't you going to tell Mom and Dad?"

I flinched slightly; leave it to Robbie to blow my cover. Just in case, I reached into the pocket of my sweater for my wand.

I took aim at Robbie from behind, making sure to keep my wand out of sight, but I shortly realized I didn't need to. Crystal was already at work, easing the remainder of the cake off the table.

I love magic.

"Tell Mom and Dad you're a-"

Splat.

The cake became one with the floor.

"Robert!" exclaimed Grandma, winking at me, knowingly. "I told you not to touch the cake! I worked hard on that to have it go to waste! We raised you to be more careful-"

"Let's go. They're distracted," Drew whispered.

-----------

Outside held none of the chaos of the scene inside. It was decently warm with a slight breeze, and all the stars were out. The pool, which Dad had opened early in honor of my birthday, was lit up, and more importantly- heated.

"Sorry about that," I said, taking a seat next to Drew, dangling my feet in the water, which still had a ways to go before it hit the desired eighty degrees. "Dad's always been a bit-"

"Protective," Drew finished. "And it's totally fine."

I sighed. There was so much I wanted to ask him, but I just couldn't find the right words.

"I got you something," he said, handing me a square package wrapped in gold paper.

"You didn't have to," I replied, blushing yet again, the usual electricity between us taking over.

"Yeah, I did," he insisted. "Open it."

I tore off the paper to reveal a small leather journal, complete with a new quill and a ribbon to mark the place.

"It's beautiful," I said, smiling up at him.

"But not nearly as beautiful as you are."

I shook my head. "You say that, but you have another girlfriend. What about Margo?"

He let out a frustrated sigh. I could tell he'd been thinking about this long and hard.

"I really don't know," he answered. "She's not the person I thought she was, but I know that Margo is still in there, somewhere."

I nodded, feeling slightly crushed. "Then, what about me?"

He chuckled slightly. "That's the one thing I am sure about."

With that, he kissed me again.

I glanced up towards the window, not liking what I saw; my Dad polishing his shot gun from the office window.

Pulling away, reluctantly, I might add; I whispered, "Dad alert."

He swore and scooted a fair distance from me.

"About the journal," he continued.

"What about it?" I asked.

"You told me you wanted to write a novel," he explained, eyes twinkling. "I thought you could put all your ideas in here."

"Thank you," I replied. "I will."

------------

By the time we got back in, most of the adult guests had departed, and Robbie had been sent to his room. Crystal and the rest of the gang gathered around the TV, watching Alison teach Piper and Lydia how to play Guitar Hero. Oddly, Tonks, Cassy, and Sam were nowhere in sight, which worried me slightly.

My heart came to a sudden halt as I noticed who was sitting at the kitchen table; Minerva McGonagall, in full wizard's robes, complete with her pointed hat, talking away to my Grandmother, who was clearly engrossed, and my mother, who was clearly freaked out. My father glared menacingly at Drew, still polishing his gun.

"Ella!" exclaimed Crystal as soon as I sat down on one of two vacant chairs. "You forgot one of your presents."

"Oh," I replied, my brain still fuzzy from the little kiss. "I'll open it now."

She handed me a large silvery package with no card, which hinted at magical origins.

"Who's it from?" I asked.

"No idea," replied my mom, who'd sat down on the floor next to me to escape McGonagall and Grandma. "Open it. It might be from us, and I just forgot, or something. Remember that time I accidently gave Uncle Gordy a black purse?"

I chuckled at the memory of Uncle Gordy and his "murse", and tore off the paper, revealing what appeared to be a cloak. It shimmered rather oddly as I picked it up.

"Well, try it on!" encouraged my mom.

"Hang on," said Drew, "there's a note."

Sure enough, lying in the paper was a piece of folded parchment, which just screamed "wizard." Setting the cloak aside, I unfolded it and read it aloud.

"This item has remained in my possession for some time," I read. "I believe you know why. Use it well."

Use it well…

"I think I know what this is…," I muttered.

"Those are really rare…," said Drew, in awe. "I wonder who sent it."

"You and me both," added Zoe.

Everyone had stopped to watch, the same shared understanding coursing through their brains.

"What's going on?" asked my mom, sounding slightly panicked.

Without thinking, I drew my wand. "Petrificus totalus!"

This caused my dad to drop his gun and race into the room like something was on fire. "What the-"

"Petrificus totalus!" yelled Drew and I at the same time.

Both spells hit my Dad at the same time, causing him to hit the floor with a shocked expression etched on his face.

"Eleanor-!" scowled my Grandmother.

"Drew-!" scowled McGonagall.

"-cursing your parents?"

"-attacking a Muggle?"

"How dare you?" they said together.

"I panicked?" I replied, biting my lip.

"That was scary," whispered Crystal.

"You ain't kidding," added Zoe. "Revenge of the Grannie Duo."

"McGonagall and Mrs. Smith," said Alison in disbelief.

"Well," said my Grandmother, glancing down at the cloak. "Are you going to try it on, or shall I?"

I was suddenly excited, and very understandably so. Slowly, I picked up the cloak, and put it on, to several gasps.

Looking down, I realized I my body had disappeared completely.

"An invisibility cloak," I said, infinite possibilities for my newfound gift forming in my mind.

"Yeah…," said Tonks, excitedly, who had appeared in the door way, Cassy and Sam at her side. "Wow. Could you guys come outside for a minute?"

"Go ahead," said Grandma. "We'll talk later."

"I'll deal with this," added McGonagall, gesturing to my parents.

"Come on!" encouraged Tonks, grinning from ear to ear, like she was about to unveil a million dollars. "Crystal and Ella, stay here for a moment."

Everyone else filed past her, looking excited.

Crystal and I exchanged confused glances. I, personally, wasn't sure if I should be too, or if I should consider running for my life.

"We're ready for you now," said Cassy, in the same manner as Tonks.

Nervously, we followed behind her, out the office door.

----

"Wow!" Crystal and I exclaimed as we set foot outside. For some reason, invisible from inside the sliding glass door, was a huge party made up of practically the entire Blue Water Academy of Magic, particularly heavy in Gryffindors' and Ravenclaws'.

I had to admit, the gang had really done an amazing job. Gryffindor and Ravenclaw banners hung over the windows, the pool had been magically warmed to the point where there was steam rising from it, and for some reason, was changing colors. Dillyn's band was set up on the second level of patio, clearly on some sort of break. Jackson and Dillyn had probably been responsible for the large table of food as well. Most of my friends could be seen dancing, no surprise there.

I nearly gasped as I realized people were still entering through the gate, which was being guarded by Secret Service Dude, wielding a secrecy sensor.

"Tonks," I said, warily. "You did put the-"

"Muffliato spell on the house," she finished. "Yep. Ed took care of that. The only catch is you have to let the band play."

"Go ahead," I replied, still not quit believing what was happening.

"Stay right there," instructed Tonks, who then made her way over to the part of the patio that had been designated as the stage. Speaking into one of the microphones that had she'd somehow managed to get over here, she began. "Alright, everybody! Let's give a big round of applause for the Birthday girls, here!"

The crowd stopped what they were doing and let out a huge cheer.

"Marry me, Ella!"

Thank you, Newt.

"Anyway," continued Tonks, "we're gonna start with a few fast songs, and then some slow stuff for our favorite couple." Turning in my direction and winking, she added, "You know who you are."

She handed the microphone to Dillyn, who added, "Alright, for those of you who don't know, we're Punk Antidote, and we perform every Thursday at the Sky Gardens. This first song is called Shake It, by Metro Station."

The band broke into the opening cords of Shake It, one of Tonks' favorite Muggle songs.

It was going to be an interesting night.

--------

Though the party was amazing, I found it difficult to concentrate on having fun. My mind just kept wandering back to the invisibility cloak, and more importantly, what I could do with it. As the hours ticked by, I found myself dancing less and less, devoting more time to staring off into space.

Meanwhile, outside my brain, the band struck up one of my favorite slow songs: Crazier, by Taylor Swift. This struck me as rather odd, as Tonks absolutely hated Taylor Swift, and that wasn't even one of her more popular songs.

"Would you like to dance?" asked Drew, shattering the final pieces of my mental fog, as he extended his hand.

I smiled as my heart took off at a million beats a second. "I'd love too."

Dancing with Drew was amazing; seconded only by kissing Drew. I felt like I was flying as he lead me out onto the center of the dance floor, wrapping his arms around my waste and pulling me close. I vaguely wondered if this was what it was like for Cinderella when she danced with Prince Charming. It certainly had a very fairy tale like quality, and even that's an understatement.

And the best part is; no one turns into a pumpkin at midnight.

"You lift my feet off the ground. You spin me around; you make me crazier, crazier. Feels like I'm falling and I'm lost in your eyes; you make me crazier, crazier…."

"Thank you," I said, looking directly into Drew's eyes.

"For what?" he asked, smiling at me.

"For just being you," I replied, feeling on top of the world.

"You deserve better than that," he sighed, shaking his head.

"But I only want you," I replied, suddenly feeling a bit stupid. Had I
said to much?

He looked down, his expression a bit pained, like he was struggling
with some unimaginable burden.

Well, that's just great. I just totally killed a romantic moment. I suddenly hated myself for five words, because they were tied to Drew being unhappy, which, in my mind, was suddenly worse than Voldemort taking over the world.

"I'm sorry," I said, finally, my voice thick with embarrassment. "I shouldn't have said that, it's too soon."

"No!" he replied a bit too hastily, like he was hiding his real feelings under the mask of words. "I feel the same way, I just don't...," he closed his eyes tightly, almost like he was afraid of his own sentence. "I don't really know what to do about it. Besides, I'm not good enough for you! You're Ella Smith, Girl Who Lived, possibly the Chosen One, forever on a quest to meddle and go on adventures, and
stuff."

"You. Not good enough for me?" I replied, disbelievingly. "I'm not good enough for you!"

He chuckled. "Then, I guess we'll just have to be not good enough together."

"And besides," I replied, grinning from ear to ear, "there's no one else I'd rather go on crazy adventures with."

"Speaking of crazy adventures," he said, "there's an invisibility cloak
inside, and an empty restricted section back at school...."

"I'm so there."

------

Alrighty, I forgot one little announcement, so bare with me for one moment before you get to the reviewing and the sneak-peek viewing.

Everyone who's stuck with me since the very first authors note, knows this; I started writing this out a grammatically challenged thirteen year old who had no idea what she was doing. I plan to rewrite chapters three and four, because they reek of Sue!Ella, as well as editing the grammar in my earlier chapters. I'll announce them as the changes are made, so you can check them out. I promise, the new chapter four will have you laughing your pants off.

Now for the hard part…

Writing it.

Ah, well, should be fun.

Byes!

Patronus OUT!