A/N: Hello everyone! It's been forever, but I've finally got a new chapter to put up. I hope you all enjoy reading it! Thanks for everything:D

Music: The Great Escape -Boys Like Girls

Mission Impossible

Daphne fastened a gold bracelet around her thin wrist. Strands of her light brown curls framed her pretty round face and the rest was pulled up with two gold beaded bands behind her bangs. Tonight was the Hogwarts dance to celebrate the seventh years just being a week from graduating. To commemorate the occasion Daphne had put on a floor length white Grecian style dress that was tight up top and dropped into a v in front and back. Under the bust the dress was loose and flowing. "Ready?" Lily asked as she checked herself in the mirror over Daphne's shoulder. The redhead had her hair pulled back in a low bun and put on a glittery gold, spaghetti strap dress that was baggy except at the waist where it tightened.

Daphne felt the rush of excitement, not just for the dance, but because she was going with Severus and she didn't have to hide it. Together with their roommate Anne, who was in a pale pink cap sleeve dress, Daphne and Lily made their way to the common room where the Marauders were already waiting dressed head to toe in black dress robes. Only Remus was missing as he had already gone ahead to pick up Jasmine from Ravenclaw Tower.

"Why didn't you just ask Maggie to go with you? She would have said yes," Peter was saying to Sirius, the only one of the Marauder's who didn't have a date and who was also ignoring Peter's concern.

"Maggie?" James scoffed since Maggie had never been his favorite. "Our Padfoot could have asked any girl."

Upon noticing the girls coming down the stairs, all talk of Maggie stopped and James put on his most charming smile. "Ladies!"

"Potter can I just say…" Lily began as she stared up at her tall boyfriend with his messy black hair, hazel eyes, and handsome face. If Peter hadn't been nervously moving behind James, Lily might have stared at James all night. "Oh Peter this is our roommate Anne, Anne this is Peter."

"Hhhii," Peter managed to squeak.

Somehow, and Daphne never knew how, Lily had succeeded in finding Peter a date. Then again Anne was their nicer roommate and Lily was so well liked many girls would happily do favors for her. Daphne suspected however that Anne was more interested in Sirius and had agreed to come along for that reason. Her suspicions were confirmed when Anne leaned towards Sirius after giving Peter a quick hello.

"No date tonight?" She asked with an extra sweet voice.

"I've got a date," Sirius insisted to Anne's disappointment.

"She said 'no' mate," James reminded him.

"She meant yes," Sirius declared, but his face was suddenly filled with uncertainty. "But just in case, Daph what do you say you ditch Snivellus and you and I go together? We'd make a good looking pair."

"Haha no," Daphne firmly told him. She was not missing out on her night with Severus for anything.

"Where is the prince of darkness anyway?" James asked though it was clear he wouldn't be bothered if he never saw Severus again.

"He's not picking you up?" Sirius instantly disapproved.

"He's picking me up," Daphne declared in Severus' defense. "But it's not like he's going to walk in here. He's probably outside."

Together they each climbed out of the portrait hole the girls with a bit of difficulty thanks to their dresses. The second Daphne crawled out she felt herself being pulled aside.

"There you are," Jasmine quickly spoke in her ear. "How do I look? Okay? Madame Pomfrey said I could go without the sling, but I have to meet her first thing tomorrow morning to have her check my arm."

Daphne took an overview and approved of Jasmine right away. Her friend was in a shiny, deep red dress that had only one shoulder and tightened at her waist. Her dark brown hair with hints of red was down and curled. Relieved Jasmine moved back to Remus' side. Like the rest of the guys, Remus was in an all black dress robe. The only difference was that his tie was a deep red to match Jasmine's dress. All the boys were matching the girls with their ties, except Sirius who had chosen just to wear a black tie. Then out of the shadows stepped Severus looking tall and menacing in his black dress robes and white tie. Like Sirius' hair, his was now grazing his collarbones and he had on a very displeased scowl to see all of them. Sirius and James froze, forcing Lily to freeze as well for she still had her arm linked to James'.

"James don't be a wanker," Lily whispered in a warning voice.

Daphne waited anxiously. She hoped nothing would ruin tonight. Whether they liked it or not, she was going with Severus. She didn't care that the entire school would find this insane, she was going with him.

James straightened up, Daphne believed he was trying to look intimidating. Severus kept his eyes narrowed as he waited to see how to react, whether he should pull out his wand or not.

"Sniv…Snape," James nodded with great dislike.

"Potter," Severus replied showing just as much hatred. Daphne knew how difficult it was for him not to add an insult in front of his name. Now the great feat had come. Severus was glaring at Sirius so hard Daphne could feel the tension in the air. Sirius glared back, but for Daphne's sake he inhaled deeply.

"Snape."

"Black."

Remus was the only one who stepped forward to greet him politely, though he was a bit awkward. "Severus it's good to see you again."

Severus sneered. "Lupin, still around."

Daphne sighed out in relief. What had she been so worried about? Of course it was at that moment that James pointed threateningly at Severus.

"You hurt her in anyway Snape and we will destroy you!"

"You won't know what hit you, you better be careful or you'll have us to deal with," Sirius added just as gravely.

"And have her back by midnight," James added as an after thought.

"Who is she Cinderella?" Jasmine interrupted as she rolled her eyes at them.

Sirius looked puzzled. "Cinderwholla?"

"Midnight Snape or we'll come find you," James said menacingly. Mortified, Daphne put her forehead in her freshly manicured hand.

"You'll do nothing of the sort," Lily insisted as she tried to pull James away.

"That's enough dads," Daphne exaggerated and she made sure to throw them each a warning glance as she allowed herself to move forward and wrap her arm into Severus'. "We'll be fine."

"Of course you will," Remus said lightly to break the tension. James and Sirius got the message because they said nothing else about it, though they both remained displeased. Daphne could not think of a better time to move towards the stairs, but before they even took a step forward Sirius was calling out again.

"Wait Snape!"

Daphne and Severus paused. However instead of giving anymore threats Sirius was thinking carefully.

"Perhaps you could be useful, did you happen to see what color a certain Slytherin was wearing?"

Severus hesitated a moment, weighing in his mind the alternatives, but eventually he answered. "I think you already know."

"I got her this time!" Sirius declared to no one in particular and rushed down to the Great Hall. Everyone followed behind, including Daphne and Severus, though Daphne purposefully slowed down to give them some distance.

"Well?" She asked after a bit of silence where she had caught Severus casting sideways glances at her.

"What?" Severus asked serious and alert.

"How do I look?" Daphne happily prompted. She had been more careful with her appearance that night than ever before.

"You look…you look…" As he tried to think of the right word in this situation, Severus' entire pale face flamed up with embarrassment. She was stunning. He had never seen anyone more stunning. In fact he had been suppressing his desire to stare at her non-stop from the moment he first laid eyes on her tonight.

Daphne grinned inwardly. "You clean up pretty nice yourself."

For the night of celebration the Great Hall had been marvelously transformed. It was cleaner and glittering more brightly than usual. Large tapestries were hung all around the room representing each of the four houses and one large black one with the Hogwarts seal on it hung behind the professor's table. The dark blue-sky overhead reflected the clear warm night and the hundreds of floating candles illuminated their dinner. After a great feast, the four large tables were cleared away to make room for a dance floor, a band stand, and several smaller round tables with yellow, blue, green, or red tablecloths.

James and Lily had already found themselves a place to sit and greet their many friends. Beside them Peter twitched nervously and Anne forced on a smile. Sirius had already disappeared no doubt in search of a certain person. Meanwhile, Jasmine and Remus had found their way to a table up front laden with various treats and drinks. Daphne and Severus joined them for a few minutes, but they did not linger because Daphne had every intention to dance for the majority of the night and she could tell Jasmine did too.

During this time, Sirius was scanning every inch of the room till at last he saw a small girl with short choppy black hair. Severus hadn't lied. Raelyn was in a long black halter dress that went in at her waist and was backless. With a bored expression on her face, she was watching the couples twirl on the dance floor. Sirius stepped up right beside her with his arms crossed.

"You're in black and so am I. It seems like we're made for each other," He remarked with a sideways glance, starting at her back and moving to her face.

"Should've worn pink… pervert," she readily replied, knowing at once who it was.

"Come on like you've never checked me out before," Sirius playfully winked.

Raelyn scoffed. "When I'm looking for giant ogres, I'll look for you."

"Ogre?" Sirius repeated.

Neither of them mentioned the last time they had met or what had taken place since then, until Raelyn turned to face him with a corner of her lip quirked up in a sly smile. "Say I did love you, what would that mean?"

Though startled by the question, Sirius quickly came up with an answer. "For starters when we walk I would hold your hand like this." He took up her hand and began making a circle around the room.

"Oh no I already don't like it," Raelyn muttered darkly, but she humored him and stayed to hear what else he had to say.

Sirius continued walking with his other hand in his pocket and his head held high. "I would ignore your remarks and…"

"Tyrant," Raelyn said under her breath, but still loud enough to make sure he heard her.

"And," Sirius continued loudly drowning her out. "If the right song came on I might ask you to dance." A slow song had started so Sirius found them a spot on the crowded dance floor. "I'd keep you close to me here and glare at any boys who even think of cutting in. You don't know any ogres that dance this good do you?"

"I don't like slow songs, so boring," Raelyn commented.

"I might twirl you a few times just to see you smile," Sirius continued thoughtfully. He twirled her, but this time she didn't play along. Instead of smiling, she stuck out her tongue. Not ready to admit defeat, Sirius thought for a second. "If that didn't work, I might tickle you."

"Don't you dare," Raelyn warned, but it was too late now Sirius had a devilish smirk while Raelyn panicked inwardly.

"I already told you I would ignore your remarks," he told her as he proceeded to try and tickle her. Raelyn slipped out of his grasp, but he chased after her through all the couples on the dance floor.

"No, no, no," Raelyn protested when he caught her. "What's next? What's next?"

"Next?" Sirius was confused for a second, but then thought of something that made him grin. "Ah after that I might pull you outside so I can give you a real kiss. How does that sound?"

"Pretty gross," Raelyn nodded thoughtfully. "It's a good thing I don't love you."

"It's a good thing I don't believe you," Sirius countered and he pulled her over to finish dancing.

Outside, Severus moved away from the illuminating light of the Great Hall.

"Where are we going?" He asked his companion as he cast a look back at the castle. "I thought you wanted to dance."

"I do," Daphne chimed back as she moved further into the night. "But hold on look."

"I don't see anything," Severus replied as he reached her side.

"Isn't it pretty out here?" She asked as she breathed in deeply and stared out before her to a small garden. There were flowers of various sorts in the center and large Italian cypress trees in straight rows on either side of them. Inside these were glowing fairy lights.

Frankly Severus had never noticed the garden and couldn't recall it ever being there. "I hadn't really thought about it," he replied, not wanting to admit he had completely overlooked this part of the grounds for seven years.

"Well now's your chance," Daphne told him as she went on admiring the view.

Severus looked, but found nothing was as pretty as the girl beside him. He felt perfectly content just staring at her, but he felt a response was expected.

"Some things out here are pretty," he admitted as he watched a smile spread over her face. Music behind him brought him out of the momentary stupor. "We should go back in."

"Not scared of the dark are you," Daphne teased with one raised eyebrow.

"Never," Severus seriously commented.

"If you want to go in you'll have to find me first," Daphne instantly declared to him and the cool night air.

"You can't be serious? Aren't we a little old to play hide and seek?" His point went unnoticed because Severus realized a second later Daphne was already far ahead of him, running past the flowers. "Daphne wait!"

Severus considered staying put and making her come out, but he knew she could not easily be bargained with. He had no other option. Severus chased after her, trying to recall the direction she had taken because in the span of a minute Daphne, in her white dress, had disappeared completely out of sight. Like a hawk searching for prey, Severus scanned the area. Once he thought he had discovered her, but it turned out to be nothing more than a white flower behind a large bush. Severus cautiously slipped out his wand from his dress robes. If she would not come out, he would just have to use a little magic to find her. However, before he even thought of the appropriate spell in this situation he heard some footsteps coming from where they had started.

"Aha!" Severus said under his breath, but he had not taken one step before he felt himself being pulled back behind one of the many tall cypress tress. Severus landed on his rear and immediately tried to get up to use a curse, for this felt like an ambush, but someone pushed him back down.

"What are you…"

"Shhhh!" It was Daphne and she put a finger over her lips as she sat beside him as quietly as possible. Severus realized this was no game when a second later he heard a raspy voice calling out into the garden.

"Is someone out here? Come out you brats!" Filch wheezed as if he had been chasing students through the garden all night. "I'm certain I heard voices."

The caretaker moved closer, his bulbous eyes searching for them. He came right up to the other side of the cypress. They could hear his ragged breathing. Severus remained as stiff as possible, while Daphne held her breath. Just when it seemed their luck would run out, another couple loudly strolled into the garden and Filch was off.

"There you are! The headmaster will hear about this right away!"

Bewildered and surprised, the pair were escorted back to the castle with Filch breathing down their necks the entire way.

"That was close," Daphne said with a sigh of relief as she relaxed. "Why even have this garden if no one is allowed to be in it?"

"I told you we should have gone in," Severus said in a low voice that indicated he was irritated.

"I'll make it up to you," Daphne told him since this was all her idea after all.

Though he wished to be back in the safety of the castle, Severus was intrigued. "How?" He asked, though he tried to suppress his curiosity and merely glance her way uninterested.

"Close your eyes," Daphne happily instructed.

Severus did nothing of the sort.

"Or we can wait for Filch to come back out, up to you."

Hesitant still, but avid on avoiding trouble, Severus slowly shut his eyes, though not before giving her a suspicious glimpse. With his eyes shut, Severus could hear the music playing louder in the distance, not to mention the sound of chatter and the buzzing of bugs in the garden. He could smell the sweet scent of the flowers in the cool clean air and feel the heat when Daphne's face approached his. All at once he felt the warmth, breath, moisture, and anticipation before her lips even touched him. The increased senses and expectation made him even more eager when their lips finally met and he readily responded moving his own mouth over hers. His hand felt for her smooth face and slowly found its way to the small of her back where he held her close.

Moment's later Severus had forgiven her and the pair happily entered the Great Hall again. The music was playing a soft song and Daphne wanted to dance, but they never made it to the dance floor.

"Well if it isn't the happy couple!"

An impeccably dressed Clint Jarvis with an obvious sneer on his lips was blocking their path. Beside him was Josephine, his fiancée Daphne recognized from Witch Weekly. The girl with the dark brown bob and shiny satin green dress cast them uninterested glance. Her boredness with this entire affair was plain to read.

"Go sit I'll join you in a moment," Clint instructed her with little concern. Josephine didn't need to be told twice. She slowly moved away with her pert nose in the air.

"You could join her now," Severus said with obvious derision. From the moment Clint had stepped before them his smile had left, as had Daphne's.

"Aren't you two just so perfect coming to the dance together," Clint went on, ignoring the fact that his interruption was clearly unwelcome. His brown eyes were filled with menace and Daphne couldn't help wondering what he had in store for them besides the obvious passive aggressive tones he was displaying.

"Clint we're trying to have a good time here," Daphne said with a smile. She crossed her fingers he would just leave, but that never worked.

"I recall when we went dancing together," he continued staring pointedly at Daphne. "You practically threw yourself on me. How fickle is witch."

Daphne fumed. "First of all I never threw myself at you. In fact you threw yourself on me. Second why are you bothering me? You have a fiancée! Just let it go and leave Severus and me alone."

"You and Severus?" Clint scoffed.

"Careful," Severus warned. "I thought you learned your lesson last time."

It was clear Clint remembered from the dark shadow that passed over his eyes. The last encounter they had had with Clint ended with him nearly dead, Severus in detention, and Daphne in tears.

Daphne linked her arm into Severus'. "Let's go," she told him.

"You should be the careful one Snape!" Clint snapped eager to keep them from going away. "Today she loves you, next week she'll be with another man. I'd say one more pathetic than you, but that's hardly possible."

Severus was reaching for his wand, but Daphne placed her hand on his arm. She was done playing nice where Clint was concerned.

"You know what?" She began fiercely. "You are nothing but a selfish, spoiled brat! The only reason you're so mad isn't because you loved me at all it's because this is the first time you couldn't get what you wanted. For the first time in your life your money and name didn't matter. You did and you weren't enough."

"Why you…" Clint's face contorted in rage and he lifted his big right hand to strike her, but Severus was quicker. He stepped before Daphne and pointed his wand right in Clint's face.

"Try it, I dare you," Severus challenged, his lips barely moving as he glared at Clint. Cint's wand was out now too, but neither of them moved.

"What's this?" Mulciber walked toward them with an air of concern and disapproval. "Clint put that away, you too Severus," he instructed calmly.

So far only a few couples had noticed them, but if they were not careful more would.

"You want someone to see? We're all friends here." Mulciber searched for the cause of such a commotion and found it. "No girl is worth it."

Here he gave Daphne a look. She had never realized how cold Mulciber's eyes could be. It was as if he was itching to cause her some personal harm. Perhaps the dislike was mutual. As she thought of Jasmine, Daphne couldn't deny she wanted to cause him some harm too. Severus didn't notice. He stood perfectly straight, his eyes never leaving his opponent.

"You heard him scum," Clint snarled.

"Open you mouth again and I will shut it for you permanently," Severus replied calmly.

"Not if I shut yours first!" Clint foolishly provoked. "I'm an excellent dueler Snape. I've been learning since I was young."

A cruel smirk formed on Severus' lips and his black eyes glittered dangerously. "As I recall you lost a duel to Ravenclaw prefect not long ago. Is that your idea of excellent, losing to a half blood girl?"

Daphne resented that last part, but she knew he meant it to injure Clint's pride, not offend her friend, Severus was half blood too after all. Beside Clint, Mulciber shook his head.

"Don't be an idiot Jarvis," a new voice on Severus' other side said. "You lack what it takes."

And there was Raelyn with the same cool amused expression she always wore. Daphne half expected to see Sirius beside her, but he wasn't.

"Avery has been searching for you," Mulciber informed the newcomer. "Here he is now."

"You could have been comfortable. You could have been safe, all chance of that is gone now!" Clint resentfully shouted at Daphne. He was getting angrier by the minute. Not even Avery's greeting fazed him and Avery didn't seem to notice anything going on, he was too focused on Raelyn.

"Where have you been?" He snapped right away. "Come here now!"

She didn't listen to him. Even Daphne could have told him ordering her about would get him no where. Of course then he roughly snatched Raelyn's wrist up and she had no choice but to be dragged forward, until someone took a firm hold of Avery's wrist. It was Sirius. Daphne smiled, she knew he could not be far.

"Let go," he commanded instantly as he towered over Avery.

"You can't tell me what to do she's…"

Sirius applied more pressure to his wrist and Avery was forced to release her. As Raelyn retreated out of reach, Sirius flung Avery's arm away in disgust.

"You're welcome," Sirius said to her over his shoulder.

Raelyn glared at him, then at Avery. "I don't need your help."

"Are you kidding?" Sirius barked with laughter. "What would you do without me?"

"You are constantly interfering," Avery bitterly spat as he rubbed his sore wrist. "I'm going to have to teach you a lesson Black."

"You'll have better opportunities Avery, not here," Mulciber wisely reminded him. "And Black I suggest you stay away from our girls."

"Sure," Sirius responded sarcastically. "As soon as you stay away from ours."

Everyone's attention was quickly brought back to Daphne as Clint called her name.

"Tell me," he began with a cruel glance. "Do you know everything about your Severus?"

"Quiet!" Severus hissed venomously. His skin had become extra pale and his eyes deadly.

"That's enough Clint," Mulciber said as if suddenly bored with this whole situation.

Avery seemed to be taking the whole scene in for the first time. "What's going on here? Clint why are you pointing your wand at Severus?"

Though Daphne didn't like Mulciber or Avery, at least they seemed to be taking Severus' side by convincing Clint to drop it. Hopefully he would listen to them.

"Are we having an issue here?" Asked a familiar voice.

Remus to the rescue! Daphne was pleased to see him standing calmly behind her with Jasmine at his side. Two prefects could get some order here or at least summon a professor Daphne figured. She didn't want Severus to get into another fight and detention for her sake.

"No one was talking to you," Clint sneered.

"Stay out of this Lupin, it doesn't concern you," Severus agreed.

Daphne was instantly annoyed and then things only got worst. A callous smile had suddenly spread to Mulciber's lips for the first time since his arrival.

"Ah Remus Lupin? You know me of course, I recently had a little fun with your girlfriend."

Unwise Daphne thought as she noted Sirius' fists ball up and Remus' face drop.

The color immediately left his cheeks. The kind expression Remus normally wore distorted the way it did only when he was very enraged.

"Don't speak about her like that," he intensely dictated.

"Let's just go Remus," Jasmine coolly stated. Daphne could see Jasmine's internal battle to remain civil and unaffected. The anger flashed behind her dark brown eyes, though her face remained unmoved.

"Oh angry are you?" Mulciber practically laughed in Remus' face. "Are you even allowed to be in here? We all saw what you did to her."

Remus pounced. Jasmine screamed as the pair rolled around hitting each other. In his fury Remus was easily overtaking Mulciber and Clint had taken advantaged of the distraction to send an attack spell at Severus. In an instant the two were dueling fiercely. Sirius didn't need a better invitation. He gave one swift punch that was so hard Avery was knocked out on the ground.

"I've been wanting to do that." As soon as the words left his mouth, three large Slytherin boys who had witnessed everything tackled him from behind. Sirius fell to the ground.

The entire ruckus caused the dancing to stop. Students were forming a circle around the fighting, trying not to get hit by fists or spells. Almost instantaneously, James joined the scuffle and pulled one of the boys off Sirius. Behind him Lily shouted at the Slytherins to cease fighting, but her pleas fell on deaf ears. Some more Slytherins tried to jump James and Sirius, but members of the Gryffindor quidditch team seized them by their dress robes.

"Stop! Someone? Peter?" Jasmine cried as Mulciber tried to choke Remus. Peter was busy cowering behind some new spectators and when Jasmine called for his help he hid further.

Daphne wanted to stop this as much as Jasmine did, but couldn't find a way. No one was listening to her protests, just like no one listened to Lily's. She wanted to send in spells to help Severus, but they moved so quickly that she was afraid to hit him instead of Clint. All she could do was be a hopeless spectator, which she hated.

Daphne's eyes flickered around the scene. A practically growling Remus had somehow gotten on top of and was now choking Mulciber. Jasmine was at his shoulder trying to pull him away. And each time Sirius or James threw someone off themselves, another two jumped on. That was until Raelyn calmly pulled out her wand and sent some of the Slytherins hurtling into the crowd at once. Unfortunately this knocked over the first professor to arrive on the scene, Flitwick.

A flash of light passed right by Severus' cheek. Daphne cried out then brought her hand over her mouth. Clint really was excellent at dueling, but Severus was faster. Years of practice had made him quick and calm. Desperately, Clint sent curses, but Severus deflected them all.

"I thought the great Clint Jarvis was going to defeat me," Severus smirked his voice dripping with ridicule and sarcasm.

To his surprise Clint smiled and purposefully pointed his wand in a different direction. "Reducto!"

For the first time fear flickered across Severus' black eyes, as the light traveled not toward him, but straight at Daphne. He had not expected it, neither had she. She was completely defenseless with no wand in hand. Luckily, Raelyn saw and sent a shield just in time.

Severus allowed himself one relieved sigh then lifted his furious gaze to Clint. Daphne knew at once, and maybe Clint did too by the look he gave, this fight was over.

"Sectumsempra!"

Clint did not have time to cry out before he was cut all over his body by an invisible source. Blood splattered everywhere as he crumpled to the ground defeated and in pain.

The audience gasped in horror and then the rest of the professors arrived and within seconds all the fighting was over. As the blood spread over the stone floor, Slytherins rushed to Clint's side. Jasmine pushed them all back though, demanding they give him space. Terrified eyes turned to Severus and moved further from him, but he did not look sorry at all.

Daphne hurried to his side, her mind spinning. "You didn't have to do that. He could die. What if he dies?"

"I see no great loss," Severus remarked.

At once McGonogall began instructing everyone since the headmaster was not present. Professor Dumbledore was always being summoned to the Ministry of Magic to give advice about the war.

The dance was over. Everyone was sent to their dormitories, except the unlucky few that were involved. Daphne, Lily, and Jasmine had not fought, but they lingered to hear what the professor would do to the ones who did.

"I am extremely ashamed of you all!" She began her voice quivering in rage. "How could you let things escalate to such levels? You are students of magic not barbarians."

"Professor," James started, always the spokesperson, even when his glasses were shattered and his dress robes torn.

"I don't want to hear it Mr. Potter." McGongoall paused to instruct Slughorn to rush Clint to Madame Pomfrey immediately. Hagrid was too tipsy to do it, but Slughorn seemed to be in shock. Professor Sprout took over instead while Professor Sinastra helped Flitwick to his feet.

"All of you out!" Professor McGongoall with her thin lips demanded. "Back to your dormitories and if you even breathe a word to one another or lift a wand, you will be on your way home before the sun rises. I will see you all first thing tomorrow morning except you." She pointed at Severus. "You will see the headmaster. This is unspeakable to cause such harm to a fellow student."

With that McGonagall rushed worriedly behind Clint.

"No."

"Do you really want to go to the Slytherin common room right now?" Daphne asked Severus as they stood before the portrait of the fat lady. They had all split up while leaving the Great Hall. Tiredly Daphne and Severus had made their way to Gryffindor tower.

"She's right dearey," the fat lady in her pink dress yawned. Clearly all the portraits had been gossiping about what happened at the ball.

"They wouldn't dare do anything to me," Severus insisted.

"Your friends won't, but what about Clint's?" Daphne pointed out. She could just imagine them waiting to ambush Severus in the dark corners of the dungeon.

"I'm not scared of those pathetic wizards," Severus declared. "They wouldn't dare."

It was true, especially after what they had just witnessed him do to Clint. Plus Mulciber had the commanding authority to probably hold everyone back, but Daphne didn't want to risk it.

"I'm not letting you go down there," she firmly concluded. "So either you come in or we're staying out here."

Severus shot the fat lady a glance as she yawned again.

"Fine," he conceded, though very unhappily.

Daphne gave the password and the portrait swung open. Hesitantly he followed her inside. Never in a million years did Severus think he would be going into the Gryffindor common room. Severus stared, trying to contain his curiosity. It was just what he had expected a warm fireplace, squashy armchairs, scarlet and gold everywhere.

Daphne moved into the empty room. She had expected students to be trading stories of what had happened in the common room, but it seemed everyone had already gone to bed. Lily would no doubt be in James' room, but Daphne's other roommates were probably sleeping, so Daphne settled in front of the warm fire hidden by the large sofa. Unable to change out of her dress, Daphne brought her knees to her chest and stared at the flickering flames. She did not even glance up when Severus put his robe over her shoulders.

"Are you mad?" Severus asked hesitantly.

"No," Daphne replied and continued watching the flames, though she could feel Severus staring at her intently.

"I was just trying to protect you," he said suddenly to defend himself.

"I'm not mad," Daphne assured him, but he didn't seem to believe her so she went on. "I'm worried. You could be expelled!"

The moment the words left her mouth, Daphne burst into tears. What would she do if Severus were expelled? Imagining Hogwarts without him made her feel empty and void.

Severus said nothing. He put an arm around her and Daphne buried her face into his chest and held onto him firmly, as if someone was already trying to pull her away. Severus put his other arm around her and held on too.

"That won't stop me from seeing you," he replied after a moments silence.

"I don't want you to leave," Daphne's muffled voice responded. "They won't let you come back."

"They won't split us apart," Severus firmly assured her. "They can't."

Daphne blinked up at him with big watery eyes. Severus smoothed the hair away from her face and placed a kiss on her brow.

"Whatever happens tomorrow, believe me, I will find a way to see you," Severus said quietly as he cradled her. "Graduation is soon anyway. After that, we'll always be together."

Daphne hoped he was right.

Sirius sat on the floor, his head leaning back against a counter. The elves had left the kitchen by his request, but not before filling a counter top with treats and steamy hot drinks and a bag of ice that Raelyn had in her hands. In her dress, she bent down to her knees and placed the bag on Sirius blackening eye.

"Ahh cold!"

"That's what you get!" Raelyn unsympathetically replied. Sirius didn't respond and Raelyn said ever so quietly that Sirius was sure he had imagined it, "thank you."

He started, pushing the bag back so he could see her with both eyes. "What?"

"Nothing," she replied coolly.

"Did you Raelyn just say thank you to me?"

"Well don't go on about it or I'll take it back!" She snapped. "Now put your head back." Sirius did as he was told, but a small smile had spread to his lips. "Stop!"

"What?"

"Smiling like that!"

Sirius pulled Raelyn forward. Caught off guard, he pulled her right into his lap with no difficulty. The ice bag fell to the floor. The pain in his black eye was forgotten replaced by a burst of excitement in his heart. He wasn't sure how he had convinced her to go to the kitchen with him instead of the Slytherin common room, but he was glad. Of course remembering this made him recall how he had gotten the black eye in the first place. As she watched him inquisitively, he frowned.

"This is it. You have to pick one of us," he started the frown still heavy on his handsome face. "I know you do. I know that handshake your father gave Avery and I know it would be easier to pick him. He's in Slytherin. He's a pureblood. He has money and your parents love him. That's all great for him, and you," he bitterly admitted. "But the problem is I love you and I need you to pick me."

"You're supposed to hate me," Raelyn numbly replied.

"Just pick me," he insisted. Then his gray eyes moved from her eyes to stare intently at her lips. He suddenly lowered his face till his lips were close to hers.

"Sirius…"

"Just once," he begged.

However before he could reach her, Raelyn placed her hand gently over his mouth. Sirius' eyes reproached her fiercely, but she only lowered her hand after she felt it was safe to do so then she stood up to leave. Sirius followed.

"Be with me," Sirius persisted and he blocked the exit.

"I can't," she finally answered.

Instantly, Sirius felt his blood boil. "Why not? Is it his name? His wealth? I've got all that!"

"You're considered a blood traitor," Raelyn reminded him calmly.

"Is that it?" He barked.

"Yes!"

Sirius angrily sneered. "You're a liar, tell me something true."

Raelyn moved around him.

"Raelyn!" he yelled desperately. She didn't stop. "I love you! Does that mean nothing to you?"

"No," she calmly called back without slowing down.

Remus roughly kicked a battered chair in the Shrieking Shack. One leg easily fell off onto the floor, but Remus didn't care much. Jasmine did though. She gave a sigh and a small shake of the head.

"Oh honey, we only have a few of those that stand," she said as she brought her wand out to attempt to repair it.

"I hardly think we'll be inviting anyone for tea," Remus replied bitterly as his eyes followed her around the torn and messy living room.

"That doesn't mean we can't sit," she smartly answered.

Before the peeling old wallpaper and destroyed furniture, Jasmine looked oddly out of place in her long red dress. She was far too pretty to be standing in the filth of the shrieking shack, Remus knew it, but he also knew he had needed to get away from the castle, far away where he could not think of Mulciber and feel the anger build up inside of him again. As if reading his mind, Jasmine's dark brown eyes suddenly found him.

"You shouldn't have bothered with Mulciber. He's not worth the trouble," she insisted. Not that Jasmine wasn't grateful, a small part of her was glad to see Remus beat Mulciber to a pulp.

"I lost my head, but he was asking for it," Remus lightly growled with the memory of the Slytherin. "I could not stand by and do nothing when he was so obviously insulting us."

"I know," Jasmine assured him then yawned, She was tired and there was no point going back to the castle, it was so late already. Carefully she took Remus' hand and pulled him upstairs to the torn up bedroom. "Let's get some sleep, that is if you haven't kicked the bed to pieces."

"I wouldn't do such a thing I assure you," Remus answered, smiling for the first time since the Great Hall. "I just hate that chair."

"Yes the pattern is so awful," Jasmine sarcastically responded. Then she helped him take off his robe and undo his tie. Together they lay down to rest and forget the evening.

The fire in the Gryffindor common room was low. It was very late or very early in the morning and Severus was soundly asleep with his back leaning against the wall. He slept so quietly, not like someone who could be expelled soon. Daphne snuggled up closer to him. Against him and with his robe covering her, she felt safe, as if no one could tear them apart, but dawn would be coming soon. Was this the last time they would be together at Hogwarts like this? She couldn't sleep. Her mind would not quiet down for sleep, plus she wanted to enjoy being with him as long as she could. What if they sent him away? When would she see him again? Even with Severus' reassurances that nothing would change, she was still too worried. Everything would change, so Daphne made a decision. That morning when Severus hurried down to the dungeons to get changed, after she hugged and kissed him several times, Daphne marched straight to Professor McGonogall's office.

Not long after Daphne found herself going past a gargoyle statue, up a spiraling staircase, and through the oak door. Though her friends knew this office well, Daphne was unfamiliar with it. It was her habit to avoid any real trouble after all. It was a circular room she found herself in with windows all around, many portraits on the walls, and silver instruments on spindly tables. There was a fireplace and a big desk filled with parchments, books, and quills. It was from behind this desk that Albus Dumbledore smiled at her.

"Please take a seat," the headmaster kindly said as he gestured to an empty chair in front of his desk. "Professor McGonagall informs me that you have requested an audience with me."

"Yes," Daphne began as she tried to calm the nerves in her stomach. Sitting helped, but the headmaster's piercing blue eyes behind his half moon spectacles still made her tense. "I wanted to speak to you about Severus, Severus Snape."

"Ah yes I guessed as much," the headmaster replied as he sat back in his chair. "I am to see him after you."

"Please don't expel him!" Daphne burst suddenly. She couldn't contain herself any longer.

Dumbledore sighed and smiled kindly as he brought his folded hands up to his desk. "Ms. Rue last night Severus preformed a very dark, dangerous, unknown spell on a fellow student. Professional healers had to be sent for and I myself was called. Mr. Jarvis is lucky not to have bled to death."

"He didn't mean to…" Daphne paused after one glance from Dumbledore because she realized she didn't know what Severus meant to do last night, but it just couldn't be possible that he meant to kill Clint, that was ridiculous. Severus was not a murderer. "He was just trying to defend me."

"That does not excuse his bad conduct or take away the fact that Mr. Jarvis' parents are very upset with the whole incident. Severus must be punished," Dumbledore concluded heavily.

"No you can't expel him!" Daphne begged, the tears beginning to prick her eyes. "Please!"

"Do not distress yourself Ms. Rue," Dumbledore said calmly. "I never said I would expel Severus. Here take a toffee they are quite delicious."

"You… but…" Daphne ignored the toffee, she could hardly believe what she was hearing. "Won't everyone be angry if you don't?"

"Oh yes," Dumbledore replied with a small chuckle as he picked out a toffee to eat. "It is safe to say I will disappoint many professors and receive several angry letters from Clint's parents, but no I shall not expel him."

"Really?" Daphne hardly dared believe him. She knew Dumbledore was unfailingly kind, but this felt like a miracle to her.

"Really, Ms. Rue to do so would be like taking a flower from the soil. It needs to be where it will grow most, as does Severus." The headmaster leaned back into his chair. "To cast him out now would be sealing his fate."

"Sorry I don't understand what you mean," Daphne informed him. Did he mean he would not expel him because Severus had to finish his education?

"Don't trouble yourself," the headmaster replied warmly as he stood up. "Old men such as myself are always speaking in riddles."

It was clear the meeting was over. Daphne followed him as he guided her to the door.

"It pleases me greatly to learn that you have become close to Severus," Dumbledore said to her before she stepped out. "Yes it will change everything."

Daphne left Dumbledore's office a little more confused than when she entered, but she was at least glad to hear Severus would not be expelled. A weight had been lifted off her chest. She was practically skipping down the hall. She couldn't wait to see Severus and have him tell her how he was not expelled. Of course he would still be punished, but anything was better than expulsion, because anything else kept him in Hogwarts, beside her.

"Daphne! Thank goodness!"

Daphne skidded to a halt. On her way to breakfast, she had passed the hospital wing where Lily was standing looking quite pale and apprehensive.

"What happened?" Daphne asked her suddenly feeling jittery again. "Is James in trouble?"

"Oh he's gone to that meeting with McGongall. I'm very nervous, but this isn't about that," she quickly added.

"What is it then?" Daphne prompted.

Before Lily could answer her the doors of the hospital wing swung open. "Daphne honey how are you?"

"Mrs. Luvinia? I had no idea you were here," Daphne said as the plump witch moved forward and gave Daphne a motherly hug and kiss. As she stepped back, Daphne could see the resemblance between mother and daughter especially the dark brown hair, though Mrs. Luvinia's was long and wavy while Jasmine's was now straight and a little past her shoulders.

"I got here this morning," Mrs. Luvinia informed her. "Do you know where Jasmine is?"

"She might be at breakfast or Ravenclaw tower," Daphne suggested. She didn't notice Lily put her face in her hand until after she spoke.

"No, I've checked. Her roommates said she didn't come back last night after the dance and Lily hasn't seen her. She was supposed to come to Madame Pomfrey early this morning to check her arm."

Daphne realized now why Lily was distressed. She had made a blunder and now so had Daphne. Neither one of them had covered for Jasmine, who was probably with Remus somewhere. Things weren't looking good, especially with Mrs. Luvinia looking suspicious and irritated.

"Aunt you worry too much," Lily said resuming a normal calm appearance. "I'm sure she's around here somewhere. Maybe she stayed with some different friends?"

"Like who?" Her mom asked. Lily opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Daphne could see her doing some quick thinking behind those green eyes.

"Pst"

Lily glanced over her aunt's shoulder to a corner where James was waving her over.

"I'll be right back, excuse me." Lily rushed away leaving Daphne smiling at Mrs. Luvinia and trying to change the subject.

"I thought you were with McGonagall," Lily began in a loud whisper when she was near enough to James. Sirius was right beside him.

"I was, but Remus isn't!" James ran a hand through his hair that was already standing on its ends. "She's going to blow a fuse any moment. Everyone is waiting for him to get there. We promised to bring him, but we can't find him."

"Is that…" Sirius distractedly pointed to Mrs. Luvinia's back.

"Yes!" Lily stressed and found she wanted to run her hand through her hair too. "She's looking for Jasmine who is most likely with Remus. We have to find them!

Use the map."

"Remus has it!" James cried.

"Is that James Potter?" Mrs. Luvinia had seen them. Lily poked James' side and to Daphne's relief they all came over.

"Yes mam how are you?" James smiled.

For the first time since Daphne's arrival, Mrs. Luvinia looked very pleased. She admired James. He was exactly the type of boy she wished her daughter to end up with popular, good-looking, head boy and quidditch captain. Mrs. Luvinia chose to forget the times when she disliked him as much as Lily had and acted as if he had always been her favorite. From the greeting she gave Sirius it was clear she still didn't like him. All of Jasmine's complaints and his rule breaking were probably still fresh in her mind. Sirius didn't seem to care at all, unlike Daphne who suspected sometimes that Mrs. Luvinia didn't like her that much and it bothered her. She was Jasmine's best friend and did fairly well in school, but still she could tell the person Jasmine's mum preferred was her niece Lily. After a few minutes of small talk, Mrs. Luvinia mentioned Jasmine's disappearance.

"It's a big castle, I'm sure she's around here somewhere."

Mrs. Luvinia didn't notice the way James was looking up and down the halls and not at her.

"You don't think she's with a boy do you?"

"Jasmine? A boy? Never," James quickly declared.

"Definitely not," Daphne added seriously.

Lily gave a nervous fake laugh. "Aunt you're so funny."

"She does books, not boys," Sirius yawned and stretched.

At that moment, Jasmine chose to make her appearance, running around the corner, with her heels in one hand and Remus' hand in her other. Her curls from the previous night were flat and she had Remus' robe wrapped around her shoulders. They came to a screeching halt before they could collide into the startled Mrs. Luvinia.

"Sometimes I'm wrong," Sirius remarked after one look at the out of breath pair.

"Jasmine I've been waiting forever. What is going on?" Mrs. Luvinia began, not bothering to hide her disapproval or irritation.

"Mum, I didn't know you were coming, you didn't tell me," Jasmine managed to say while she tried to run her fingers through her hair and slip on her shoes. Remus' hand had been let go of ages ago.

"Madam Pomfrey has been waiting to check your arm. Where were you?" Her mother sternly asked.

After fumbling to fix his tie, Remus spoke first.

"I'm sorry mame it's my fault. She was with me."

He didn't notice Lily waving for him to stop; now it was too late. James wrapped an arm around Remus' shoulder.

"Would really love to stay and chat some more, but we have to go, McGongall's waiting for us, urgent business I'm afraid." James tried to pull his friend away, but Remus didn't understand the rush.

"Remus right?" Mrs. Luvinia asked, her eyes fixed on him like she was seeing him for the first time and trying to figure out why he was standing beside her daughter. After a second her attention went back to Jasmine. "You stayed out all night with him? Why did you stay all night out with a boy?"

Sirius opened his mouth but Daphne quickly covered it.

"Is this how you behave at school when I'm not around?" Mrs. Luvinia continued loudly. It was clear she was very upset by this turn of events.

Jasmine desperately glanced around for an escape. "No, I just…"

"Why were you with him? What were you doing?"

"The end of the year ball was last night," Jasmine began to defend herself. "I went with Remus and… and can we talk about this later please?"

"Don't avoid the subject," her mother snapped quickly, completely unaware of her daughter's flaming cheeks.

"I'm not," Jasmine denied quickly. "You said Madame Pomfrey was waiting."

Mrs. Luvinia eyed Remus critically. His white shirt was wrinkled and his light hair a bit messy. "Is he the boy who gets good grades? The prefect?" She inquired with disbelief.

"Yes," Daphne spoke up. "He's very intelligent, an excellent student. You've met him before."

"I'm her boyfriend," Remus clarified with a hint of annoyance that Mrs. Luvinia did not seem to recognize him.

"Boyfriend?" Mrs. Luvinia shrieked.

"Okay," James rubbed his hands together. "We really have to go, no time to spare for this nice little get together."

"Busy, busy," Sirius added and together the two managed to yank a bewildered Remus away.

"Why didn't you tell me you got a boyfriend?" Mrs. Luvinia chastised. "Since when has this been going on? Are you keeping things from me now?"

"Mum please," Jasmine begged.

Fortunately Madame Pomfrey stepped out either to look for Jasmine or because she heard the raised voice. Lily and Daphne made their excuses and Jasmine followed her mother into the hospital wing where her arm was declared fully healed. Though there was nothing Jasmine could do about her mother's continuos questioning.

"Where is Edric? He was such a nice put together young man. I thought you liked him. He has so much potential," her mother said as the two of them sat together in the hospital wing. Madame Pomfrey had gone to check on another patient whose feet were on backwards.

"We're just friends mum," Jasmine emphasized in a low voice since she wasn't sure who could be listening.

"I don't want you seeing Remus anymore," her mother declared suddenly.

"What? That's not fair, you can't do that," Jasmine protested.

"Your future is at stake here. There isn't time for you to be messing around with a boy like that. Did you see how ill he looked? Besides you have finals coming up."

"I know," Jasmine rolled her eyes. "I've been studying every night."

"I guess a boyfriend explains why your grades have been dropping," her mother replied.

"You should be happy," Jasmine snapped in frustration. "I've been doing good. And you haven't even given Remus a chance. You said he was sweet and polite when you first met him."

"I'm just thinking what's best for you," her mother reminded.

"I know what's best for me," Jasmine told her mother as she stood up to leave and she meant it. All her life Jasmine had been trying to please everyone, especially her mum, but now she wanted to be happy. If she was being perfectly honest with herself, she didn't care all that much for studying or long boring lectures. Of course her education was still important, but she had finally learned how to put herself first. Since Jasmine had been with Remus she had had more fun than ever before and some of it even while breaking the rules. Remus was essential for her happiness, but as Jasmine thought of that she remembered the look Remus had given her when he had realized her mother didn't know about their being together, that betrayed look. And suddenly Jasmine didn't feel very happy at all.

Daphne, Lily, and Jasmine escaped the detentions handed out that morning since neither of them had fought, but Raelyn was not so lucky. Nor were the Marauders, Severus, Clint, Mulciber, Avery, and a dozen other Slytherins and Gryffindors. Peter didn't get anything either and Jasmine had a few names to call him when he wasn't around.

During lunch the girls learned that the ones fighting at the ball had received an earful from McGonagall like no other she had ever given. Also she would be sending letters home to their parents. That part made Sirius very happy. If McGonagall had her way she probably would have expelled them all, but Dumbledore did not permit it, even Severus was released after speaking with the headmaster. Though for some reason Daphne found, while Severus was glad to be staying at Hogwarts, he didn't want to talk about what had happened in the headmaster's office. Eventually because of how happy she still was, Daphne stopped asking and Severus remained in a pleasant mood, except for every now and then when he would get suddenly very quiet and thoughtful.

Daphne didn't think of this again till she was already lying in bed at the end of the day. With her mind focused, she could not sleep. It didn't help that her dormitory felt so warm. Somehow her roommates were all sound asleep, but Daphne just couldn't get comfortable. Finally she got up and walked back down to the dark common room in her short light pink nightdress.

She thought by now it would be empty, but James was there in his boxers pacing back and forth. Every now and then he would pause and say something Daphne couldn't hear, shake his head, then continue. As Daphne moved closer into the room, he messed up his black hair, straightened up, and put an arrogant smile on his face. Again he spoke in a low tone and again he shook his head.

"It's hopeless."

"James what are you doing?" Daphne asked.

Completely startled James jumped back and searched wildly around the room. "Oh Daphne it's you," he sighed in relief when he spotted her.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," she replied with a questioning look.

"Scare me? You didn't scare me," James scoffed, waving her remarks away.

"James you nearly hit the ceiling," Daphne explained.

"Well time for bed," James said loudly and he marched up the stairs. Once Daphne heard him pause to speak quietly before continuing.

"What's with him?" Daphne wondered to herself. Then she noticed Sirius for the first time sprawled on the floor in front of the empty fireplace.

"Do you know what he's up to?" She asked, but Sirius just continued staring at the ceiling. He was in his plaid pajama pants and nothing else.

"Sirius? Sirius? Are you dead?"

Sirius turned to look at her suddenly for the first time. "What?"

"Has everyone gone mad?"

"Huh who?" Sirius asked. He had returned to staring though Daphne saw nothing spectacular about the ceiling.

"Nevermind, you boys get weirder by the day," she declared as she took a seat on the comfy sofa. Sirius didn't say anything and Daphne noticed that he looked very depressed.

"Are you alright? This isn't about McGonagall is it?" She asked.

"Mmm yeah that's terrible," Sirius replied in a dull voice.

Daphne was lost. "What is? What are you talking about?"

"If you're hungry just go to the kitchens," Sirius continued and Daphne knew for certain that he hadn't heard a word that had crossed her mouth, so she cleared her throat.

"Sirius I'm pregnant!" She joyfully exclaimed. "It's Severus' of course, or maybe Baxter's. The three of us had an orgy not to long ago, but don't tell anyone, that's a secret. Maybe next time we'll invite you. Aren't you happy? You're going to be an uncle! Now don't worry, I told Sevy we have to get married first. Preferably soon before my bump starts showing you know."

"Sure that's great," Sirius mumbled, the same glazed look in his grey eyes.

Daphne sighed. "I'm glad you approve. Right, I'm going to bed then." She didn't bother to wait for a goodnight. Tomorrow she would invite him to Hogsmeade.

"Isn't this nice?" Daphne beamed to encourage the three displeased faces around her. They were seated together at a table in the Three Broomsticks. With his hair covering his face, Severus sat beside her and Sirius and Regulus were across the table, one with his arms crossed and other with his nose in the air. None of them had touched their butterbeer.

"This is your idea of a good time?" Sirius finally barked. "I thought you were supposed to make me feel better not worst. You tricked me. I feel like I just stumbled into your Slytherin charity. Can I leave?"

"Yes can he?" Severus bitterly added.

"No," Daphne stressed. "He's staying."

They all looked so disappointed.

"How did I get swindled into this?" Sirius questioned aloud as he tried to remember. He recalled feeling blue and Daphne promising fun in Hogsmeade. Meeting his brother and Severus was the opposite of fun.

"This isn't exactly my idea of a good time either," Regulus remarked.

"If you think I'm thrilled about this you should have your head examined," Severus muttered under his breath. Daphne had claimed they could spend some time together today, she had conveniently left out whom they would be meeting. As if one Black wasn't bad enough now he had to sit across from both of them.

"Come on give it a chance," Daphne pleaded. Again there was silence. Daphne tried to think of topics, but the awkwardness was getting to her. Several times Madame Rosmerta had given her questioning looks. Though the bar always saw a variety of strange people, Daphne knew her table was probably the oddest. Finally, Sirius peeped over at Regulus.

"You," he commanded with his arms still crossed. "What happened to your girlfriend?"

"Girlfriend?" Regulus scoffed into his butterbeer. "I have more important things to do than worry about a girl."

"Yes good!" Sirius encouraged. "They're very frustrating and troublesome creatures girls."

"I resent that," Daphne stated, though inwardly she was pleased the brothers were speaking.

"What did you get dumped?" Regulus asked Sirius.

Severus smiled maliciously. "To be dumped you have to be together first."

"So you were rejected?" Regulus questioned like he couldn't believe it.

"Why do you look so happy? Daph I don't think this is helping!" Sirius abruptly stood up almost knocking over his chair. "And I was not rejected, no one rejects me!"

"Where are you going? Get back here!" Daphne demanded as Sirius made his way to the door.

"Perhaps he's gone to join a monastery," Regulus smirked when his brother was gone.

"There's room enough for two," Severus informed him. Again there was silence.

Occasionally, Regulus would peer over across the table at them, but say nothing. Until it finally seemed he couldn't hold it in anymore.

"Can I ask you two something?" He began hesitantly. "Since it seems neither one of you is going to speak."

"Yes!" Daphne eagerly chimed.

"If you must," Severus remarked in a low voice. "Though there would be plenty to say if you weren't here."

"It just a stupid question. It's not even for me," Regulus tensely continued. "I was just wondering, would either of you ever date a muggle?"

"No," Severus replied instantly.

"Yes," Daphne answered at the same time. "I did once."

Suddenly Severus sat up a little straighter. "You did? When?"

"I guess you don't know much about your girlfriend Severus. It seems I've unearthed a secret," Regulus arrogantly said, though he seemed just as interested as Severus in the new information.

Oops! Daphne thought to herself. "It's not a secret. It was a long time ago, when I was home for summer after first year. Besides it wasn't for very long."

"What was his name?" Severus demanded.

"That's not important. How about you Regulus, we gave you our answers, would you?" Daphne asked to take the attention off of her.

"Of course not!" Regulus scoffed. "I'm a pureblood. I wouldn't do such a senseless thing. It's all right for you, you're muggleborn. I suppose it doesn't matter much to you, but it does to me and my family."

Still Daphne wasn't convinced. She had a feeling there was more to this question than met the eye.

"Do you think Regulus likes a muggle?" Daphne questioned Severus as they walked down a Hogsmeade street. Regulus had already left to go back to Hogwarts so Daphne knew it was safe to ask Severus' opinion now.

"No," he instantly answered, without much thought.

"You don't think it's possible at all?" Daphne persisted.

"No," Severus repeated. "Believe me, he's not capable."

Daphne didn't buy that. Several years ago no one would have thought Severus was capable of loving a muggleborn witch and look at how that had turned out Daphne thought. Together they turned a corner. It was another warm spring day, Daphne had convinced Severus to wear a black tshirt with his black pants and she had even put on her high waisted jean shorts, though Severus had frowned at the idea of her walking around Hogsmeade in them. They had not walked far before Severus came out with his thoughts from the meeting too.

"So you went out with a muggle?" He began as he attempted to hide the annoyance on his pale face. "What a fabulous time you must have had pretending not to be a witch."

"It's wasn't difficult," Daphne replied easily. It would probably be more complicated now that she was more used to magic being a part of her life. Daphne tried to draw his attention to the sweets in Honeyduke's window, but Severus wasn't ready to drop the subject yet.

"You could have been a muggle wife by now," he continued to tease. "Tell me what did the young man do?"

Fine if he wanted to talk about it she would talk. "He was a student," Daphne replied as she took his arm and continued down the lane.

"A student?" Severus repeated, very unimpressed with the response.

"He was only fourteen," Daphne cried and saw at once that that was a bad idea. Severus was scandalized.

"Fourteen? You were twelve!"

"That's only two years," Daphne pointed out in her defense.

Severus narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "You didn't use a love potion did you?"

"I don't need a love potion," Daphne reminded. There was a pause.

"Was he good looking or something?" Severus asked without meeting her eyes.

Daphne shrugged. "He was cute. He had brown hair and…"

"Sounds like a common muggle to me," Severus muttered. "What did you two do together?"

"We went to get ice cream," Daphne remembered.

"What was he rich?" Severus remarked with a sneer.

"He got allowance," Daphne informed him. "Also sometimes we would go skating."

"We've done that," Severus confidently said.

Daphne stopped to laugh. She could not even imagine Severus on skates. "When have you ever skated with me? Name one time you've skated with me."

"I was there when you were on those skate things last summer, that's close enough," Severus insisted. "So this muggle boy," he continued somewhat casually once they were walking again. "Why don't you go date him again? We're graduating soon."

"I would," Daphne answered to bug him. "But I have a boyfriend now and I don't think he would like that."

Severus raised an eyebrow. "This boyfriend of yours, what's he like?"

"Well he has black hair," Daphne began.

"Much better," Severus nodded in approval.

"But he's very sarcastic," Daphne added. "He used to never speak to me. Even now he's not very affectionate."

Severus halted in his tracks. "Not very affectionate?" He reiterated.

Daphne took a few steps ahead of him. "I'm afraid so," she replied.

"Not very affectionate?" Severus said once more a glint now apparent in his black eyes. "I'll show you."

At once he moved forward and held her around the waist, but Daphne was quick and ducked out of his grasp before he could kiss her. Hurriedly she giggled and sprinted down the lane with Severus right behind her.

"I'll get you for that."

Right he was for not a second later he had caught her hand. Daphne was ready to see this so called affection, but the smile on her face died instantly when she nearly backed into someone. In the lane with them was a thin, sullen-looking woman with black hair and thick brows. This was not the first time Daphne had laid eyes on the woman in her dark gray dress.

"Severus," the woman began with a hint of disapproval.

"Mother," Severus straightened out, at once becoming serious. "I didn't know you were here. You remember Daphne."

"Yes," Mrs. Snape replied with obvious derision.

Daphne wrestled her hand from Severus' grip and quickly forced on a fake smile because she felt anything but cheerful to see the person before her. "Hello Mrs. Snape, how are you?"

"I was better," his mother scowled.

"Are you shopping?" Daphne tried, though the woman's hands were empty.

"No." She proceeded to explain that she was getting a room in town for the night of Severus' graduation. She did not want to miss it. Daphne didn't bother asking about Mr. Snape. She could gather he wouldn't be accompanying his wife. Severus clearly understood this too, but he said nothing of it.

"Severus if you're not busy studying, tomorrow come into town. We'll have dinner," said Mrs. Snape.

Severus got an awkward uncertain look. "Dinner? Are you sure that's okay?" He muttered with evident embarrassment.

"I'm certain," Mrs. Snape answered. She peered at Daphne with discontent. "You may come too."

"Oh um okay," Daphne awkwardly said. She had been purposefully looking away to give them privacy and hadn't been expecting an invitation. She had no ready excuse to get out of it. Mrs. Snape left soon after, but Daphne could not recover.

"Dinner with Severus mother," she repeated for the hundredth time, but no matter how many times Daphne said it aloud, it did not sink in. She let herself plop onto the end of Jasmine's tidy bed. The blue hangings had been pulled back and Jasmine was sitting with her feet up on the other end hugging a pillow.

"I'm so glad Mrs. Potter loves me," Lily commented as she watched her friend and cousin.

"Rub it in," Daphne called to her. "I'm pretty sure after last summer Mrs. Snape hates me, today didn't help either."

"As long as you and Severus like each other that's all that matters," Jasmine declared. "I'm not going to give up Remus just because my mum says so. Do you know how hard I worked for us to be together?"

"We do, we were there," Daphne said. Though it was the afternoon and the window was open Daphne still felt hot.

"Exactly," Jasmine continued, unable to focus on any other subject. It was evident her and Remus had not really spoken since the run in with her mother. "I'm not losing all of that because she says so. I know she's worried about my grades, but I'm doing fine. Professor Flitwick said I was doing fine and we're almost finished."

"Isn't there some way I can get out of this?" Daphne asked as she stared at the ceiling. Now she understood Sirius' fascination.

"Take a potion to make you sick?" Lily shrugged. Her red hair was high up in a ponytail like Daphne's.

Jasmine snapped her fingers in the air. "Maybe a dinner is what Remus and my mum need. A dinner to get to know one another better. What do you think?"

Daphne turned her head with a frown. "I'd pass."

"You're worrying too much," Lily said as she leaned against one of the posts. "Just go and get it over with. What's the worst that can happen?"

Daphne didn't respond. Since the offer had been made she had been envisioning many awful scenarios. Ones that started fine, but somehow ended with the restaurant burning to the ground.

"You're right," Jasmine declared out of no where. "I don't even know what Remus is thinking right now. I should talk to him first."

After a few minutes of pensive silence, Lily spoke. "By the way, have either of you noticed James acting odd lately?"

"You might want to reword that question," Daphne responded.

Lily rolled her green eyes at her. "Funny, I mean he's been very jumpy. It's not like him."

"Whatever he has Sirius has it too," Daphne informed her, then she noticed her friends frown. "Strange behavior is a common thing for them, I wouldn't stress it."

And in a different common room certain boys were discussing a similar subject.

"Like mother, like daughter," Sirius told Remus as he leaned far back in his chair. "I'd run while I still could."

"Are you telling me Raelyn is like her mother then?" Remus asked from where he was sitting on his bed with his hands folded.

Sirius let his chair fall back down into position. "Point taken."

"Lily's mum is real nice," James declared as he readied himself for bed.

"Aren't you the golden couple?" Sirius grinned to annoy his friend.

"Her sister though…" James continued and stuck out his tongue at the memory.

"I'm not actually sure any of this is useful," Remus lightly called over to them

"Right," James nodded as he put his glasses on the nightstand and jumped onto his bed. "Mrs. Luvinia's not so bad."

"That's because you are her favorite, Lily too," Remus informed him. "Mrs. Luvinia would love to see her daughter end up with someone like you, not a werewolf," he finished a little bitterly.

James sat up right away. "There's nothing wrong with being a werewolf! It's just a little problem once a month."

"Like your period," Sirius added.

"Lovely," Remus smiled.

"So her mum really didn't like you?" Peter asked from his own bed where he was nibbling on some crackers.

"That's a bit of an understatement," Remus admitted.

"Lily said she'll get over it, don't worry mate," James reassured as he leaned back onto his pillow.

Remus nodded and the boys soon went to sleep after, but not all of them slept for long.

Late that night, Sirius woke with a start. Someone had been brushing his hair aside, someone had touched his cheek. Sirius seized the wrist of the hand responsible and was ready to throw his other fist forward when he realized just whom he was about to punch. As soon as Sirius registered Raelyn's shadowed face, his fist froze in mid air at his side. Without waking him, she had managed to sneak into their room and sit on the edge of his bed. She was in nothing but a baggy black t-shirt that almost reached her knees, Sirius didn't even have a shirt on. There was a long silence. Sirius was too startled at her presence and Raelyn said nothing.

"What was that?" He managed finally.

"I don't know," she replied quietly. No one stirred. Her eyes glanced at his fist still in midair. "Are you going to hit me?"

"Don't be ridiculous," Sirius growled right away, but his arm didn't lower. He was too stunned to move.

"You might want to," came back her unexpected reply.

"What? Why?" Sirius quietly asked, horrified at the very thought. Then his suspicions returned to him. "Did you do something to me?"

In the dark he saw her shake her head no.

"I…" she began. "I'm…"

Before she could say anymore Sirius' hand moved to cover her mouth.

"Don't say anything. I'm not sure I want to know right now. Just stay," Sirius said. "You walked in here willingly, I'm not letting you leave anyway."

As he slowly and cautiously removed his hand from her mouth, he let some of his fingers trace her bottom lip. His eyes glared at her, daring her to betray him and speak. He expected her to protest. His other hand moved up from her wrist to interlace with her fingers. When she said nothing, Sirius kissed her. He pulled her against him then pinned her down against his bed where he had been sleeping minutes earlier with her hand pressed into the pillow above her head. His other hand moved to her smooth neck as his mouth urgently moved over hers.

"You shouldn't have done that," Raelyn whispered against his cheek.

"I don't care." Sirius lightly kissed her collarbone then moved his mouth over hers again before she could say more or try to leave, but she pulled back just to tease him. Sirius gave a tortured sigh. "How did you get in here anyway?"

In the light of the moon peeking through the curtains he could see a corner of Raelyn's lip curl up, but she shook her head.

"I'll figure it out someday." And just to annoy her, Sirius messed up her hair the way he always used to. Next thing he knew a pillow had hit him on the head. Groaning, he fell over on his back. When he opened his eyes Raelyn was sitting on his stomach with her legs on either side of him and a pillow still in her hand.

"I could get used to this," he told and expected another blow to the head, but instead her hand covered his eyes and he felt her softly kiss the corner of his mouth. Sirius easily turned into her lips and sat up with both hands holding onto her lower back to deepen the kiss.

After they broke away, Sirius leaned back with his arms holding him up so they could stay in the same comfortable position.

"You make me so so happy," Sirius decided to tell her, "when your not abusing me anyway."

Raelyn smiled then Sirius felt a pillow hit his head.

Sirius felt a pillow hit his head.

"I said when you're not abusing me," Sirius groaned into his bed.

"Rise and shine Padfoot we're going to miss breakfast."

Sirius blinked to see James standing over him buttoning his own shirt. Sirius yawned and muttered something about wanting more sleep when he suddenly remembered something that made him sit up.

"Where is she?"

Except for him, his bed was empty.

"She? Late night guest you didn't tell us about?" James asked as he moved to the mirror to run his fingers through his hair and give it that windswept look.

Sirius poked his curtains and peered under his bed, but nothing was there except old dung bombs, bits of parchment, and some socks. "She's not here," he concluded.

Right then Remus came into the room fully dressed with The Daily Prophet in his hand and Peter close behind him.

"I think perhaps you should look at this," he said to Sirius and tossed him the paper.

Sirius skimmed the page it was open to and found it. Summer Wedding to Unite Prestigious Wizarding Families andright under the title there was a moving photo of Raelyn glaring and Avery arrogantly putting an arm around her shoulder and pulling her closer.

"Avery? That ugly wart?" James remarked as he bent over Sirius' shoulder to read.

"She's marrying him?" Peter asked dumbfounded.

James smacked him on the back of the head. "Shut up!"

As his friends carefully watched him, Sirius angrily crumpled the paper and put his head in his hands.

"Did I dream it? I couldn't have," he muttered to himself. The wheels in his mind were spinning like crazy. Then just like that he bolted up and ran for the door.

"Shirt, a shirt would be good!" Remus ran after him with one in hand. He caught him at the portrait. Sirius put it on backward and continued on his way.

Remus strolled down the stairs with his mind preoccupied on what rash thing Sirius might be doing at that moment. That was until he saw Jasmine balancing five hard cover books in one arm and an over stuffed book bag. It was not an unusual sight to see, even in the morning, but Remus impulsively moved toward her.

"Allow me," Remus said before she noticed he was standing there. His hand grazed hers as he reached for the load.

"Remus," Jasmine gasped and all the books tumbled to the ground. "Oops, did I smash your foot?"

"I got it," Remus retrieved them all and effortlessly held them. He knew she was heading to the library so he proceeded in the right direction without asking her. For several minutes as they walked there was silence and he could feel her anxiousness beside him. At last she spoke.

"About my mum…" She hurriedly began.

"Yes your mother," Remus nodded carelessly without slowing down. "Boy does she not like me."

"It was just all a shock for her and a bad circumstance, she'll come around. I… well... I hadn't told her about us yet," Jasmine confessed.

"I guessed as much," Remus replied.

"It has nothing to do with you though." Jasmine jogged to keep up because she kept slowing to a stop to think and speak. "I just hadn't gotten around to it yet. I would have told her eventually, I was going to tell her. I just knew how she would react. She takes my schooling very seriously."

"I know," Remus nodded without turning.

"I do too," Jasmine quickly added. "It's very crucial that I get a good education."

"I know," Remus nodded again.

"Is that all you have to say?" Jasmine desperately asked. The repetitiveness and the way he wasn't facing her was starting to unsettle her more.

"That and are you sure you don't want to be with Edric? It's not too late you know."

"What? No!" Jasmine yelled. That was the last thing she had expected Remus to say and so calmly.

"Really? I hear he's a romantic poet and takes some nice pictures, might even play the guitar. Plus your mother loves him," Remus added as an afterthought.

"I don't care about all that stuff," Jasmine reminded him.

"Oh okay, just checking," Remus shrugged. The ghost of the friar floated by and gave them both a merry greeting.

"Just checking?" Jasmine repeated viciously, ignoring the friar Remus was nodding at.

"You can change your mind," Remus informed her when the friar had gone. "It's not too late."

Jasmine stopped in her tracks in the middle of the hallway. "Not too late? Are you leaving me? You promised!" She shouted at his back.

Startled Remus turned back to her. With his one free hand he held onto hers. "Shh relax, I was just teasing," he told her. "I wouldn't let you go that easily, not without a fight at least and you know how well I punch now."

Jasmine's mouth dropped open and she gave him a light punch on the arm. "You punk! You totally had me going there."

"It was too easy," Remus chuckled then continued walking with a smile.

"I'll get you back," Jasmine said confidently when she caught up him. "You better watch yourself."

Sirius sprinted into the entrance hall and immediately spotted Raelyn. Upon seeing him she ducked out of the hall, but Sirius was quick on her heels.

"You're engaged!" He barked when he easily fell into step with her.

"Nice pajamas," Raelyn remarked as she peered at him out of the corner of her eye. Sirius grabbed her wrist and turned her around to face him.

"I love you and you're engaged," he slowly said his eyes boring into her. His temper was ready to explode at any time.

"I don't have time for this right now," Raelyn replied, without a hint of concern. "I'm really busy. We have finals this week."

"Don't bull shit me, you don't care about finals," Sirius snarled. "I love you and you're engaged!"

"Are you finished yet?" Raelyn boredly asked.

"Didn't you hear me?" Sirius bellowed down at her. He had never wanted to reach out and give her a shake so bad.

"Don't blame me," Raelyn finally snapped back. "It's your fault! You kissed me first remember?"

"You didn't stop me," Sirius pointed out. "And what was last night, goodbye?"

"I was going to tell you," Raelyn explained. "I didn't want you to overreact."

Sirius cursed then finally let out a heavy sigh. "Why did you pick that that prick over me? Because it was easier?"

"It wasn't easier," Raelyn mumbled.

Sirius, who had been rubbing his temples, dropped his hands. "What did you say?"

"I said goodbye." Raelyn spun on her heels to leave.

"But you and me," Sirius started desperately.

"You and me?" Raelyn cried back at him. "There is no you and me. Didn't you read the paper? There will only be a you and me when pigs fly."

"I can arrange that!" Sirius threatened.

Frustrated, Raelyn shook her head. "Your shirts on backwards!"

Then they both stomped off in different directions like they had a hundred times before.

As Sunday afternoon rolled by, Daphne's anxiety about dinner was mounting. She had borrowed one of Jasmine's more conservative skirts for the night, though Daphne wasn't really sure more yards of fabric would improve Mrs. Snape opinion of her, still she figured it couldn't hurt. The skirt wasn't bad either, it was below her knees, but it was also a pretty dark purple color. She paired it with a lilac short sleeve blouse and tied a ribbon in a bow around her neck. Daphne avoided all shades of red or gold. She didn't need to remind Severus' mother that they were not in the same house, not even close. Her light brown hair she put up in a high ponytail. She even picked the lowest wedges she owned to complete the look. As soon as Jasmine gave her stamp of approval, Daphne hurried to meet Severus.

"You look different," he commented right away. He had elected to wear black slacks and a black dress shirt, though the sleeves were rolled up considering it was still very warm outside.

"That's because I dressed for your mother, not you," Daphne informed him as she gave a twirl. Severus seemed pleased if not a little disappointed to see her with so much clothes on.

To avoid any problems, they left the castle early and walked down to Hogsmeade in silence. Daphne wasn't sure but she had a feeling Severus was reluctant to go and she knew if he suggested ditching, she would happily jump on the bandwagon.

Unfortunately in one of the back streets they easily found the small restaurant Eileen had specified. Daphne had only glanced it a few times before, but it seemed nice and quaint. Inside it was cooler and the wooden tables were covered in white linen and topped with small batches of flowers and candlesticks.

A young man with shaggy brown hair and black apron tied around his waist happily greeted them. As he escorted them to the table Eileen was already waiting at, Daphne wondered if he was new because he looked slightly nervous. Or maybe Severus' mother had unnerved him, Daphne wouldn't blame him. She felt every inch of herself being scrutinized as they greeted the witch sitting at the table with her menu.

"You're late," she said, her eyes never leaving Daphne. His mother was dressed in her usual long gray dress with her black hair pulled back in a bun.

"We're five minutes early," Severus replied.

"Nevermind, sit so we can order," Mrs. Snape instructed. "The wait staff here is incompetent."

Daphne hurriedly took her place beside Severus and lifted the menu as a shield. She made sure to follow Severus' lead and order the least expensive dinner, the pasta and water. Daphne had suspected the dinner would be a complete disaster, but disaster was an understatement.

When the waiter took the menus, he dropped Daphne's and as they both reached to pick it up they conked heads. Daphne rubbed her sore spot then put her hand on the waiter's forehead.

"Are you okay?"

As his cheeks turned red, he nodded and thanked her for her concern then almost tripped on the way to the kitchen. Mrs. Snape and her son both looked displeased, though Severus did at least inquire about her head. That moment would pretty much predict the way the entire dinner would go. When he brought the food, the waiter nearly dropped a plate, but Daphne helped him steady it.

After that Mrs. Snape and Severus did most of the talking and Daphne couldn't help wondering what she was doing there. Thankfully she had her food to preoccupy her. Mrs. Snape only asked her a few questions, but always found a way to make a snide comment after Daphne answered. Severus tried his best to help Daphne, but he was beginning to annoy her too because he continuously showed off. In fact most of the conversations revolved around Severus' many skills, especially in the dark arts.

Then a funny thing happened, Daphne noticed the waiter kept checking up on her. He asked if her food was okay, wondered if she wanted more bread, and kept filling her water cup after every sip she took. Daphne hoped no one would notice how enamored he was, but Mrs. Snape's water glass had been empty for a while.

To escape for a breather, Daphne excused herself to the loo. She was tempted to stay in there for the remainder of dinner, but if she took too long, she knew Severus would worry. Unwillingly Daphne made her way back, but just as she was passing the kitchen, she rammed into the waiter. She nearly fell, but he managed to catch her waist just in time.

"I'm sorry, I'm so clumsy," he began apologetically. "It's my first day."

Daphne assured him that she hadn't been paying attention, but before he could let her go someone cleared their throat. They were blocking Mrs. Snape's way to the loo and she was looking as displeased as ever.

"I think she hates me," the waiter whispered after Mrs. Snape passed. Daphne felt the exact same way. "Is she a friend of yours? You don't seem to fit in at that table if you don't mind my saying it. You're too nice and too pretty. I told the cook about how great you are." He blushed after speaking so openly.

Daphne awkwardly thanked him and moved back to her table. Mrs. Snape joined them not long after.

"She's quite popular," she said to Severus with a hint of acid in her voice. Daphne could tell being popular was something Mrs. Snape detested and she was so startled by the comment, she spit out her water right onto Severus. Daphne helped him clean off with her napkin and said sorry a hundred times, but Severus didn't seem to notice anything anymore, he was too busy glaring at the waiter. He had noticed the dreamy look in the waiter's eyes when he stared at Daphne.

Naturally to top off the dinner from hell as Daphne was referring to it in her mind, the cook sent her over a free crème brulee. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see the chef watching her from the kitchen. Daphne offered to share, but Severus and his mother refused. As soon as she finished, the cursed dinner was finally over. Mrs. Snape told Severus to concentrate on school and hardly gave Daphne a goodbye before apparating away.

As they headed back to school, Daphne was so frustrated she didn't say anything.

"Is something wrong?" Severus hesitantly asked after a while and that just annoyed Daphne more.

"No," she snapped.

"Okay."

"Of course something is wrong!" Daphne shouted unable to contain her frustration anymore. "I'm pissed! That was the most uncomfortable dinner ever. You talked to your mom the whole time, which is fine, but you didn't even bother to include me. Why did I even have to go?"

"Well what about you and that waiter?" Severus retaliated quickly, his voice lowering the way it did when he was angry.

"What? What does that have to do with anything?" Daphne yelled back.

"He didn't take his eyes off of you," Severus informed her.

"That's not my fault," Daphne cried. "What was I supposed to do? Besides at least someone wanted to talk to me."

"Fine, then go talk to him," Severus hissed, his face getting some color.

"Maybe I will," Daphne snapped and walked further ahead of Severus. She didn't really go back, but she didn't talk to Severus anymore either. In fact, they were so angry with each other they didn't speak the entire way back to the castle and Daphne was left thinking that running into his mother was the worst luck she had ever had.

Luckily there wasn't much time for Daphne and Severus to stay upset at each other, that week were the finals for the seventh years and they both had to concentrate if they wanted to get good Newt's. Eventually Severus apologized and Daphne accepted since they both agreed never to go to dinner with his mother again, at least not for a while. When Daphne felt that burden leave her mind, she could finally concentrate.

Unlike James and Sirius, Daphne had to focus all her energy into studying. Jasmine, with her study schedule, was very intimidating. Daphne often saw her in the library where she went to study in silence. Sometimes Remus was there too and Jasmine would miraculously put down whatever book she was reading to talk to him.

That last week three seventh years had nervous breakdowns, but they managed to pull through. Then the finals came. Daphne felt confidant in Charms she had gained a perfect score. Lily did well also and probably got full marks in potions just like Severus. James was certain he mastered Transfigurations. Peter was sure he failed. Jasmine felt confidant in most of her subjects as did Remus. Even Sirius, who had been sullen for a while, had probably done well in everything.

There was only one interruption that week during their History of Magic final. As Binns collected their tests, there was a loud ruckus out in the hall. All the students hurried out to see other students crowded around the windows and pressing their faces to the glass. Someone pointed to the blue sky where a round pink pig was flying over the grounds. It had clearly been charmed to have wings. Jasmine called it a very improper use of magic and claimed the Ministry would catch the person responsible and hold them accountable.

Later Raelyn could be seen walking the pig on a leash.

All she said in reply was, "I shall call him Pig, and he shall be mine."

The rest of the finals went smoothly until it was finally over and the day before graduation. The seventh years were buzzing with excitement of graduating and the rest of the school couldn't wait for summer break to begin. Daphne was still having a hard time believing after seven long years her time at Hogwarts was coming to a close. Then she suddenly felt she had to do something with her friends, something fun, to go out the same way they entered, with a bang.

"What are we doing for our last night in Hogwarts?" Daphne asked as she lounged with her friends outside under the shade of a large tree. Many students were out on the warm day lounging near the lake.

"Nothing," James sighed from where his head was lying in Lily's lap.

"Nothing?" Lily repeated down at him.

"We all have detention remember?" Remus reminded them. "Well not Wormtail, you can do something with him if you like."

Daphne would rather eat dirt and she had a feeling Jasmine felt the same way. "But it's our last night in this castle," Daphne complained.

"Who cares," Sirius bitterly remarked as he lay on the grass staring at nothing in particular. In between studying, Daphne had tried to snap him out of his depression, but it hadn't really worked.

"We have to do something," Daphne declared undefeated.

"Are you suggesting we ditch detention?" James mischievously asked.

"As if you hadn't already though about it?" Lily remarked.

"We would like to, but McGonagall is definitely going to check to make sure we go," James replied heavily.

When the boys reluctantly left for detention that afternoon, the common room seemed very dull, which was surprising considering most of the Gryffindor seventh years were in there making a lot of noise and celebrating their coming graduation. The girls found themselves a quiet corner away from the chatter and occasional mini exploding fireworks. Though the girls had each other and Peter they were all out of spirits.

"This is ridiculous, we have to do something," Jasmine declared after fifteen minutes of not much to say.

"I suppose we should try having a good time," Daphne agreed. She had been thinking of her comfortable bed upstairs before Jasmine spoke.

"No, I mean we should break them out of detention," Jasmine uncharacteristically clarified in a low voice. She glanced at either side of her like a professor might jump out at any moment and drag her to a detention of her own.

Lily blinked her large green eyes at her cousin, "Excuse me?"

"Jasmine? Is that you?" Daphne questioned. She felt certain this was a trick and someone had taken over Jasmine's body.

"But what if we're caught?" Peter mumbled nervously. As he did so he inched closer to Jasmine who made sure to inch away and roll her dark brown eyes.

"Are you a Marauder or not?" She snapped making Peter cower. "Besides no one said you have to come, stay here if you like."

"I'm in," Lily declared at once.

"Oh what the hell, me too," Daphne piped in. "Except we'll need to do some planning."

Jasmine nodded in agreement then got a sudden spark of genius in her eyes. "Daphne, do you still have that small model dragon Severus gave you?"

"Yes, why?" Daphne asked. She didn't think a mini dragon would do much good in this situation.

"I have an idea," Jasmine informed them. A large smile was spreading on her lips as she bounced out of her chair and pointed to the stairs. "First, to the Marauder's room."

Daphne and Lily exchanged bewildered and amused looks.

"I like her like this," Lily whispered to Daphne as they followed behind with Peter.

Daphne quietly climbed the steps of the astronomy tower. Behind her she could hear Peter breathing heavily. Fortunately they reached the top without a problem. In one hand, Daphne held the light invisibility cloak Lily had found in James' trunk and entrusted to her. In the other, she felt her mini dragon scratching her skin, trying to escape her grasp, but she didn't let him down till they were in the warm afternoon air. As Peter rested on the ground, Daphne took out her wand. She leaned over the metal railing till she had a perfect view of Hagrid's hut and prepared herself for the signal. Down on the ground below she spotted Jasmine. The Ravenclaw crossed the distance from the castle to the home on the edge of the forest.

Jasmine readied herself to knock on the large wooden door when she heard a voice on the other side that stopped her dead in her tracks.

"Be sure to keep him here long Hagrid," Professor McGonagall sternly said. Just as Jasmine dove into the nearest vegetable patch the door opened

"I will professor no need ter worry," Hagrid boomed out into the darkening sky.

With her heart pounding loudly in her ears, Jasmine lowered herself into the dirt as much as possible. She expected to feel a tap on her shoulder, but nothing came. Professor McGonagall left and Hagrid shut the door. Jasmine crawled out when she saw the professor enter the castle and brushed herself off before returning to the door. She excitedly knocked then sent some blue sparks into the air.

Immediately Daphne pointed her wand at her little dragon, "engorgio."

Peter gasped as the dark green dragon grew to the size of a large hippogriff. Cautiously Daphne climbed on its back; it gave a few snorts of smoke, but seemed to recognize her.

"Hurry up," Daphne said to Peter, but it took a while to convince him to get on behind her. Finally she had to threaten him and mention how Jasmine would curse him if they failed. Once he finally got on behind her, not without a lot of whimpering Daphne threw the invisibility cloak over them and kicked off into the air.

Hagrid engulfed the doorframe as he stared down from under his black bushy eyebrows. "Did you forget somethin' pro… Jasmine is that ou?"

"Oh Hagrid you won't believe what I just saw!" Jasmine shouted excitedly and even jumped up and down a few times to contribute to her enthusiasm. "It's too wonderful. You'll never guess what it is. I was just sitting reading and I saw it from a window. I thought of you right away. I wanted you to be the first person to know."

As Hagrid blinked in confusion, Jasmine glanced toward the astronomy tower. Had they not seen her spark?

"I'd like ter hear bout all this Jasmine, but I got a detention here see. You mus' know o' course, Remus probably told you. Professor McGonagall is countin' on me ter keep him occupied."

"This is much more important than a detention Hagrid!" Jasmine continued ecstatically. "Look! There it is!"

Hagrid followed the direction of her finger just in time to see a dragon with a gold horn soaring in the darkening sky.

"Blimey a dragon! A real live dragon! They're not supposed ter be in these parts anymore. I wonder what its doin' here," Hagrid bellowed. His friendly black eyes had grown large and under his beard Jasmine could make out a smile. It took him a few seconds to go crashing into his hut and come back out with his mole skin overcoat and a large sack.

"It looks like it's going to land in the forest," Jasmine informed him.

Up in the air Daphne was holding onto her dragon for dear life and Peter was grasping onto her so tightly she could hardly breath. "Peter where should I land? Peter? Peter you know this forest better than us that's why you're here now tell me where to land!"

Peter managed to open his watery blue eyes long enough to point to a location clear of trees. As the dragon soared down to the ground, Daphne was sure she saw Hagrid running from his house into the forest. When they were safely on the floor, Daphne used her wand to reduce the size of her dragon back to normal. Once again it was tiny and stalking around in her hand. Satisfied that the plan had gone over without any accidents, Daphne began moving towards Hagrid's hut. She kept the invisibility cloak on so she wouldn't run into the giant and Peter turned into a rat to escort her out.

Meanwhile Jasmine hurried into the abandoned cabin. There was a large bed, a kettle over the fireplace, and Remus.

"Hagrid, what's going on?" Remus asked from where he was bending over a wooden crate with a piece of raw steak in his hand. The sleeves of his shirt were torn and the crate Jasmine saw was moving and growling. When he received no answer Remus glanced up. "You're not Hagrid."

"True, I'm far less hairy," Jasmine replied. "What are you doing exactly?"

"I'm attempting to feed whatever is in here," Remus answered as he nodded to the vibrating crate. "I've had no luck so far though. Every time I open the top enough to fit this steak, this happens to my sleeves. I've only got a few good shirts left too."

"What's in there?" Jasmine wanted to know when it gave a sudden violent shake.

"Something with teeth and nails," Remus answered lightly.

"Didn't Hagrid tell you?"

Remus shook his head no. "I'm not sure even he knows. He wasn't sure what to feed it. We were just trying steak to start. I think the real question though is what are you doing here and where did Hagrid go?"

"I'm here to break you out," Jasmine told him. "And Hagrid is chasing a dragon.

Remus looked highly amused and a little confused. "I don't believe it. Where did you get a dragon? Or was it fake?"

Just then a fat gray rat ran into the cabin and transformed into a round boy. Daphne appeared beside him and draped James' robe safely over her arm. She held out her hand with her tiny dragon for Remus to see.

"Now," Jasmine said, "back to your room."

When they entered the Marauder's room it was foggy and had the smell of their potion classroom. Lily was sitting cross-legged in the middle of the room with a fire and cauldron. A variety of ingredients were laid out beside her and the potion in the cauldron was simmering purple.

"Perfect timing," she told them as she stood to empty half a bottle of mead and refill it with the potion.

"I won't deny I feel very lost," Remus remarked.

"We're going to get Severus," Daphne explained as she gave Lily a gold ribbon to tie around the bottleneck.

"What about James and Sirius?" Peter reminded.

"They're after," Daphne stated then looked at Remus. "We need your help."

Night had come to the castle. It felt extra dark in the dungeons as Lily and Daphne quietly made their way to Slughorn's classroom.

"Alright Lily you're up," Daphne whispered when they reached it.

The red head straightened up with the bottle of mead in her hand and knocked on the door before entering.

Slughorn's jolly voice greeted her. "Goodness Lily what are you doing here at this hour?"

Daphne peeked through the crack left open. Before Lily's interruption, Slughorn had been at his desk talking about an old student of his whom was now working for the ministry. Severus was grumpily sorting out the ingredient cabinet. Daphne instantly felt sorry for him.

"I wanted to bring you a gift before graduation," Lily chimed and handed over the bottle.

"That's very thoughtful of you Lily," Slughorn thanked her. Then he did the worst possible thing, which was set it aside on his desk. Daphne and Lily both stared at it there. They had no back up plan.

"I'm glad you like it," Lily said in a loud clear voice, her mind working overtime. "Though umm… I wasn't sure if I got a good one, maybe you should give it a taste to be certain."

Slughorn chuckled loudly. "There's nothing I would like better than a little drink right now, but it would be very irresponsible. I'm in the middle of a detention with Severus here."

At the sound of his name Severus glanced over with very little interest. "Don't trouble yourself on my account sir," he said in a low voice.

"Well I suppose one drink can't cause any harm," Slughorn reasoned. He instantly had a glass on his desk and offered Lily one, but she smartly declined. Slughorn drained his glass and within a minute he was snoring soundly with his head on his desk.

Severus glanced over suspiciously and crossed the room with ease. He stared down his nose at sleeping professor and lifted the bottle before Lily could switch it with normal mead.

"What did you do?" Severus sniffed the top of the open bottle and glared at her mistrustfully. "Sleeping draught?"

It was right at that moment that Daphne heard footsteps drawing closer from behind her. She turned just in time to see Professor McGonagall and ducked into the classroom as quickly as possible.

"McGonogall's coming," she whispered hastily. Instantly Severus' sharp black eyes found her. He was definitely shocked to see her there. Meanwhile Lily stared at Slughorn who was snoring soundly on without any idea of what was going on. She made a quick decision.

"Help me get him under the desk," she whispered over to Daphne. Together the two girls struggled till he was safely out of sight with the bottle. Lily joined him in the little space left and then realized there was no room for her friend. Outside the footsteps stopped at the door.

Daphne panicked. Without making a sound, Severus hurried over to her, grabbed her upper arm, and pushed her back against the wall behind the open potion cabinet. Daphne did not even have a second to protest the roughness before he pressed up right against her so there was not even a millimeter space between them. Daphne could hardly move to look up at his expression. Every inch of her body was covered with him.

"Have you lost your mind?" Severus asked so quietly his lips hardly moved at all. "Do you know what will happen to you for using a potion on a professor?"

Professor McGonogall's stern voice answered.

"Horace I forgot to tell you…" she began then cut off when she faced the empty classroom. She took a few steps further in. "Horace?"

Severus didn't move, he even held his breath. He could tell Daphne was anxious and he felt extremely nervous, though he wasn't sure if it was because of McGonagall or because of how close he was to Daphne. The professor inhaled sharply, probably in frustration, then she was gone.

"That was a close one," Daphne said to Severus.

He didn't reply. He knew just how close it had been. He wanted to be annoyed with Daphne for all of this, but he couldn't bring himself to be. Even though he didn't approve, it was pretty amusing that she was breaking him out of detention and using a potion on a professor to do it.

"I think it's safe for you to step back now," Daphne whispered to him.

After a few seconds hesitation, Severus did so and Daphne could see Lily had already yanked the potion professor back into his chair and switched the bottle of mead with one that was potion free.

Together with Severus, Lily and Daphne hurried to meet the others in front of Filch's office. When they got there they could see the other's had been hard at work. The floor was covered in water from the nearest flooded bathroom and Filch's door had been lined with various dung bombs and small explosives all connected together.

"Here it all is," Remus gestured to the door and the large bag he was holding. "Everything I could find in our room in all our hiding spots."

"You should have seen some of those hiding spots," Jasmine mused. "So bizarre I would have never thought to check there."

Remus held the bag open to them all. Daphne took a couple and handed a few to Severus who reluctantly took them. Helping James and Sirius escape detention was not first on his priority list.

"This is crazy," he said to Daphne quietly, but she reassured him everything would be fine. However, she didn't mention that she came for him first because he was not on James and Sirius' priority list either.

"What room are they in again?" Daphne asked.

"Don't worry Filch will hear this, I made certain of it," Remus assured her.

They all stood back, hiding behind corners and doorframes. Lily waved her wand at Filch's door and just like that the entire floor was rocked with an enormous explosion. Filch's door went flying off it's hinges into the opposite wall and a smoky smelly stench filled the air. It was hard to see, but they all heard when Filch came wheezing around the corner, cursing. He was horrified at the disastrous mess before him because after the door had flown off they had thrown a couple of explosives into his office and the papers from his filing cabinets had come fluttering out to land in the dirty water and rubble. Never had they seen him shout, curse, and wave his fists like he did now.

At that moment Jasmine pretended to be hurrying over to him. "It was Peeves sir, I saw him!"

Daphne threw a bomb far down the hall in the opposite direction of the way Filch had come.

"There he goes," Jasmine declared.

"I'll have him thrown out for sure… making such a mess… just wait Peeves!" Filch ran as fast as he could after the poltergeist. He didn't even notice the rest of them still hiding, but the smoke was still thick in the air. Once he was out of sight, James and Sirius ran around the corner to them and fell over laughing when they saw the mess.

"Serves him right for making us scrub bed pans again," James remarked between fits of giggles.

"Eww," Daphne thought.

"What are you two doing here?" Lily asked in confusion.

"We saw you up to something," Sirius explained when he stopped laughing and pointed to the Marauder's Map in his hand, but seeing Severus eyeing it, he put it away in his back pocket. "I nearly fell head first into the bed pan after that explosion. We figured we should come take a look at what was going on."

"Are those mine?" James questioned as he gestured to what everyone was holding.

"Maybe," Daphne replied. Severus shoved his hands into his pockets uninterested.

"Moony found most of them," Peter told them.

"I have to know what's been happening tonight," James declared. "I mean blimey even Snape is here."

"We'll tell you," Remus said. "But walk, it's unwise to linger here."

They did as he instructed and together they moved toward the first floor, explaining the entire story. Severus couldn't believe they had enlarged the miniature dragon. Meanwhile James and Sirius were extremely bitter to have missed it all.

"This sounds better than anything we've done," James concluded in a depressed tone. Sirius nodded in agreement.

"What?" Lily cried. "Who turned the staircase at the entrance hall into a giant water slide?"

"And what about Flitwick's disappearing head?" Jasmine said with a hint of anger and disapproval.

Daphne snapped her fingers. "Jasmine's disappearing ink?

"That was you?" The Ravenclaw cried. "I thought I was going mad! I lost so many notes because of that!"

James and Sirius shrugged like all of the above was nothing.

"What about switching all the clocks forward three hours?" Peter said excitedly.

"The nose biting tea cups at breakfast?" Remus suggested. "I think most of the school got attacked by those."

"If we're talking about attacks, how about the rampaging erumpent on the first floor," Daphne stated. "I still don't know how you got it here."

"And how about the fire breathing bats," Remus smirked.

"Making the Slytherin toilets throw up," Jasmine gagged. "We had a huge mess with that. Umm I mean that wasn't them," she tried when she noticed Severus glaring at them evilly, but it was pointless.

"I thought raining hot dogs during History of Magic was really something," Lily started again.

"No, the best was stacking the professor's beds outside in a pyramid," Daphne chimed. "I mean come on you guys, first years will be telling stories for years about the great Marauders."

"You live and breathe trouble," Jasmine agreed.

"Thanks," James grinned suddenly seeming happier. "Terrorizing Hogwarts since 1971."

"That wasn't a compliment," Jasmine added, but let it go.

"Which remind me, who thought of all these ideas?" Sirius asked out of no where. "Was it Daphne or Lily?"

"Actually, it was Jasmine," Daphne pointed at her friend.

"Jasmine?" Sirius repeated. Even James and Severus looked skeptical.

"Yup it was all her," Lily told them proudly.

"You picked a good one Moony," Sirius declared with a clap on Remus' back. Then he gave Jasmine the long awaited nod of approval. It was small, but there. Daphne was sure she saw a tear prick in Jasmine's eye and when Daphne asked where they were heading Jasmine didn't answer, but Daphne understood. Luckily Sirius had a destination in mind.

"Raelyn," he said quickly. "We have to go get her. You still have some dung bombs left right? This is perfect, one last break out."

They all nodded in agreement and though Jasmine said they didn't know what professor she was with Sirius easily found her with a glance at the map and they were on their way to the greenhouse outside.

When they reached the green house, they were just in time to see Raelyn creeping out and closing the door silently behind her. When she spun around and came face to face with them, she straightened up innocently.

"What are you doing?" Both Sirius and Raelyn asked at the same time.

"We're here to break you out actually," Sirius hesitated to explain as he glanced over her shoulder to the greenhouse door.

"Oh well I'm done already," the Slytherin declared as she edged toward the castle. "Anyway I have to go now."

"Alright then I'll just pop in for a second to ask the professor something," Sirius told her.

"No," Raelyn snapped suddenly. "You can't, she's a bit preoccupied at the moment."

Once the words left her mouth, the door opened and out stepped the professor with her dirt covered patched hat. She didn't seem to mind seeing all of them standing outside of her greenhouse during the night. In fact she was smiling and her eyes were only half-open and dazed looking.

"Professor Sprout?" Jasmine said with concern.

She blinked a few times. "What are you dears doing here at this time? Aren't you going in for lunch? Hurry up or all the good food will be gone. Oh this is such a pretty greenhouse."

With that remark the professor went into the castle walking lightly with her mouth a little open and that dazed look still on her face. They followed after her and saw her go down the stairs.

"You used a confudus charm on the professor?" Jasmine protested.

"Uh Jasmine we enlarged a dragon, tricked Hagrid, used a potion on a professor, and destroyed Filch's office. I hardly think we're in the position to judge," Daphne pointed out while Raelyn blinked in interest.

Jasmine opened her mouth to protest again, but nothing came out. Mrs. Norris, Filch's cat, was curling her tail around Jasmine's leg. Her master was there seconds later, breathing heavily.

"There you are, escaping from detention are you?" Filch bellowed over at them. "All of you? Well well well, the headmaster will be hearing about this."

"Quick split up!" Sirius shouted.

"Hurry this way!"

Daphne felt a hand grab her arm and she in turn reached out to bring Severus along. James pulled back a nearby tapestry and next thing she knew they were going though a narrow space and turning up on the sixth floor, far away from Filch. Severus looked bewildered and even though she knew Hogwart's contained many secret passages, Daphne felt the same way.

"And you said we'd have no problems," Severus muttered to Daphne. She could only shrug innocently.

"Here over here," James ducked behind a large statue in the hall. Daphne and Severus followed because they could quick hear people approaching. Lily and Jasmine came scurrying around the corner. James stepped out of hiding, but none of the girls slowed down. Filch was right on their heels.

"Get back here!" He yelled

Lily and Jasmine dashed down the nearest staircase and the rest of them followed. When Filch fell behind, James made them stop on the third floor and hide in a classroom. They were silent while catching their breath and listening for any sign of the caretaker or his evil cat.

"Do you think he's still out there?" Jasmine whispered after a while. She pressed her ear to the door then poked her head out and gave them the all-clear sign. Cautiously they poured out of the room, but once the door was shut behind them Mrs. Norris came purring from the shadows. One look at them and she dashed away in search of her master who appeared a second later out of nowhere.

"There they are, well done my sweet," Filch said to his cat while he hurried toward them. "It'll be the dungeons with your for sure this time for escaping dreaded brats!"

"Hurry over here," James said as he motioned them near a suit of armor.

Daphne saw no secret escape appear, but James quickly fixed that. He pulled on the armor's creaky arm and suddenly without warning the floor under Daphne's feet disappeared and she was going down a long slide with Severus and Lily beside her. The light from the hole above them disappeared and they ended up coming out of the wall into the dark dungeon passages. Sirius and Peter where waiting for them at the bottom. Meanwhile Severus inspected the wall, but it had sealed up already.

"Just do it!" They heard James' yell from somewhere above. Within seconds Jasmine appeared sliding down the staircase banister, shrieking. James followed right behind. They both landed on the hard stone floor.

"Brilliant idea," Jasmine groaned as she stood up.

Sirius tapped the map in his hands. "We saw you coming and uhoh…"

A portrait swung open not far from them and Filch arrived again not ready to give them a moments rest. Without a second thought, they all took off in the opposite direction. Unfortunately, Sirius tripped and fell behind.

"I'm finished!" He shouted from the floor and he held out the Marauder's Map. "Here Prongs take it and carry out my will!"

"I will," James hurriedly agreed. "Don't worry I shall only use it for mischief."

As Sirius stood up, James ran into the same problem the rest of them had come to.

"Dead end," Daphne said as they all faced an empty stone wall with not even a classroom door to help them.

"Drat forgot about that," James replied as he ran a hand through his already messy hair.

"Now I got you," Filch murmured out loud. His entire face lit up with joy. "There's no escape this time."

Jasmine tried to speak, but he shushed her and made them line up so he could inspect them one by one. Daphne felt it was very uncomfortable having his bulbous pale eyes searching her. He looked them all up and down and straight in the eyes. He even made them turn out their pockets, which unfortunately still contained several spare dung bombs from earlier. Filch grinned in happy madness.

"Just wait till the headmaster sees these. You'll be hanging by your toes, mark my words."

When he got to James the Marauder's Map was sticking out of his back pocket. Luckily James had wiped it clean already so when Filch inspected it carefully it was blank. There was nothing extraordinary about it at all, but Filch had certainly seen them holding it too many times before and he was very suspicious. Even Severus was curiously watching out of the corner of his eye.

"What does this do?" Filch growled.

"Surely you know sir," James responded easily as he stood straight.

"Don't use lip on me! Now get talking," Filch demanded.

James shrugged like he had no other choice. "Well sir, in the muggle world a thing like this is commonly referred to as paper."

"P a p e r," Sirius spelled beside him.

"In the wizard world we call it parchment," James continued.

"P a r c h m -"

"I know that you fools," Filch shouted up at them. He held the map up in several angles and close to a nearby torch, but saw nothing still. "It must have another purpose for you too carry it around, probably highly dangerous."

"I'm glad you asked that," James started again. "You see this is a school, as such we often are asked to write on paper for the professors."

"We try to get out of it, but there's no escaping it," Sirius whispered behind his hand to Filch like they were old friends.

"You could bring it up with them if you like," James eagerly suggested.

"You, you… I'll have you thrown out for this," Filch shook his fist with the crinkled map in the air. "I know you're constantly up to no good! I'm going to the headmaster with this!"

"That's right go right to the top," James encouraged.

"Tell him you'll have no more of this paper nonsense," Sirius continued.

Daphne bit her lip to keep from laughing out loud. Beside her Lily's shoulders were already shaking and she was almost sure she caught Severus' lip twitch.

"He'll listen to you for sure," James winked.

Just when it seemed Filch was going to explode from anger, Raelyn appeared at the far end of the hall walking casually with Remus beside her.

"What a nice little gathering you're all having," she remarked when she noticed them all lined up like prisoners.

Remus lightly shook his head at her. "Raelyn I thought we agreed it's better not to draw attention to ourselves. Now there is no way he hasn't noticed us."

"I didn't say we have to stay for their party or anything," Raelyn defended herself. "Personally it doesn't look like fun, not that you're much of a riot."

"Excuse me for being so dull," Remus replied, though he didn't look sorry or offended at all.

At that point, Filch shouted that they come join his line up, but neither of them had any intention of doing that.

"Do you suppose he didn't hear me earlier?" Raelyn asked Remus with her hands on her hips.

"Perhaps not," he replied with a shrug. "You do have a tendency to speak quietly, especially when you're making mean comments. Maybe you should try again."

"Okay," Raelyn nodded then cupped her mouth and said in a loud voice. "We won't be joining you!"

"I think he got it," Remus remarked as Filch let out a frustrated cry and charged at them furiously. Before he reached them, however, Raelyn kicked over a suit or armor and both it and the caretaker went crashing into the floor in a noise that had undoubtedly woken up the entire school. Before Filch could unravel himself from the mess everyone had run and split up again. All Daphne remembered was Severus grabbing her hand and hurrying down several passages. She didn't know where everyone else went, but as her and Severus wandered around looking for a hiding place, she felt safe and certain everyone had got away.

"I bet you wish you had stayed with Slughorn now," Daphne remarked to Severus once they were on a different floor and hadn't run into any sign of Filch for a while.

"Yes who wouldn't choose a balding professor over a pretty girl?" Severus sarcastically smirked.

They tested out a few classroom doors at this point, but found them locked. Only the last door in the hall was open. That was how Daphne and Severus found their way into a room that looked like it was being used as a storage. It had many old or broken desks stacked up, along with some chalkboards and in the middle there was a large mirror that they paused in front of. It was framed in gold and across the top was written Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi.

"What do you suppose that means?" Daphne asked after she read it out loud.

"It's not any language or spell I know," Severus commented as he stared at the mirror cautiously.

"What do you suppose it's doing here?" Daphne wondered. It didn't seem to belong to the dusty room.

"I haven't any idea. It looks like a plain mirror to me," Severus remarked as the two of them stood side by side staring at their own reflections holding hands.

Though Severus was right that there was nothing extraordinary about the mirror, Daphne felt there had to be some mystery behind it. Especially because in the mirror she seemed far cleaner and put together than she felt after all that running earlier. After a few more minutes of nothing however, they both agreed to move along.

"It's strange that we haven't heard anything," Daphne stated when they reached the entrance hall. "Do you think he caught them?"

"I highly doubt it," Severus replied. Now he knew how her friends had caused so much trouble over the years, they seemed to know an awful lot about this castle. That night Severus had seen many secret passages he never even knew existed.

After a pause, Daphne settled down on the floor with her back against the wall for a rest. She figured they hadn't heard a peep from anyone and she was tired of walking aimlessly. Severus joined after some hesitation. He thought if they stopped they were like sitting ducks for Filch, but eventually he got tired of standing around too.

Daphne was nearly nodding off into Severus' shoulder when they heard the first signs of life in a while. It was Lily and Raelyn, who were glad to join them, or at least Lily was. Raelyn sat a little away, while Lily rested her head on Daphne's shoulder. They had only seen Jasmine and Peter not to long ago. Daphne could just imagine how annoyed Jasmine was to be stuck with Peter, but she didn't have to imagine for long. Just a little while later, Jasmine and Peter came by themselves. They all heard them coming because Jasmine seemed to be scolding Peter for nearly knocking over a portrait.

"Oh I'm do glad to see you all," Jasmine declared when she saw them and happily took a seat beside Severus, while Peter was left to lie down beside Lily.

It had to be early in the morning at this point. The castle was still and Daphne could see everyone had heavy eyelids. It was only when they had all almost fallen asleep that the front door creaked open and in came the last three Marauders.

"Oh a sleepover," Sirius chimed merrily. "I love coed sleepovers."

Raelyn, who had curled up on the floor, seemed so disappointed.

"I thought you would be hanging by your toes in the dungeon by now," she said.

"Sorry to dash your hopes," Sirius laughed as he spread out on the ground beside her.

Remus snuggled up beside Jasmine who was curiously trying to figure out why they were all smiling so mischievously.

"Where's Filch?" She asked.

"He won't be troubling us anymore tonight," James answered as he shoved Peter over to lay his head in Lily's lap. Lily absentmindedly stroked his hair while he took off his glasses.

"What did you do to him?" Daphne questioned from Severus' shoulder. She knew those grins really well and she knew that meant something hilarious had happened.

"Let's just say he's a bit jammed at the moment," Remus responded as he let his cheek rest on Jasmine's dark hair.

"Yeah his head is a little preoccupied," Sirius snickered.

"Did you get the map back?" Lily asked.

"We were going to steal it back," James started.

"But?" Daphne prodded.

"But Remus made us think," James continued.

"That's a first," Jasmine commented.

"That perhaps we should leave it," James finished with a yawn.

"We don't need it anymore after all. We know were everything is," Sirius' tired voice explained.

"Perhaps a future generation of mischief makers will discover it and put it to good use," Remus smiled.

It got really quiet after that and soon enough everyone was sound asleep.

Someone cleared their throat very sharply making Daphne's eyelids flutter open. They were still in the entrance hall only it wasn't dark outside anymore. Light was pouring in from outside. It was morning time and a few young girls nearby were giggling and pointing, but the bloody baron floated by and they all hurried into the Great Hall. Daphne blinked a few more times than finally noticed Professor McGonagall standing right before her and her sleeping friends. Daphne quickly sat up and nudged Severus; he did the same once he recognized where he was and what was going on. Then Daphne elbowed Lily who shook James. James opened his eyes to see a head looming over him.

"Lily what happened to you?" He yawned loudly. "You look so old."

Lily tapped his shoulder. "I'm over here honey."

"Phew, thank goodness," James nodded as he searched for his glasses. Once he put them on, he realized who had been standing over him. "Oh good morning professor."

As James kicked the snoring Peter awake, Professor McGongoall moved along the line.

"Professor? What are you doing in my room?" Sirius hoarsely asked moments later as he stretched out.

"This is not your room, this is the entrance hall," the professor kindly explained.

"Come to think of it, I was wondering why my bed felt so hard." Sirius glanced around him. Raelyn was already sitting up and everyone else was now too.

Professor McGonagall paced back and forth a bit then peered at them from behind her square glasses.

"Do I need to ask what you are all doing sleeping in the entrance hall?" She began.

"Isn't it obvious?" James said in his charming voice. "We couldn't wait for breakfast."

"We're very hungry," Peter agreed and he looked longingly at the Great Hall. Daphne thought how lucky they were not to be in their pajamas.

"Nine students all very hungry?" The professor repeated. She didn't look like she believed a word; not that Daphne blamed her.

"We're very in tune with each other," Sirius explained.

"Yes I see that," Professor McGonagall eyed them all a little longer then went on. "Are you all aware that this morning Hagrid found Mr. Filch asleep too? He was in his pumpkin patch with a pumpkin on his head?"

"You don't say?" Remus commented. Sirius snorted, but one glare from McGongoall and he was silent.

"We really have no idea," he stated innocently. "He should have joined us waiting in here if he was eager for breakfast. It's far more comfortable than a pumpkin patch in here, a little hard, but pumpkin free."

"He's been telling me the most unusual stories this morning," Professor McGonagall continued. "About his office exploding, runaway students, a suit of armor attacking him…"

"Professor I think maybe Peeves has brought him to a breaking point," Jasmine tried.

"Or that pumpkin," Sirius added, unable to contain himself. "Dangerous plant."

The professor folded her hands together and continued to observe them all for a long while.

James was the first to speak again. "Professor considering we're majority Gryffindor here and it's the last day, finals are over, points pretty much counted, what do you say to overlooking this little mishap?"

"We'll be gone soon anyway and there's no more nights for detention left," Sirius added.

"Besides I think that house cup looks superb in your office, don't you think?' James turned to the rest of them who all nodded in agreement, except Severus, Raelyn, and Jasmine anyway.

"I find your argument compelling," McGonagall concluded with a hint of a smile. "Hurry to breakfast and don't let me catch you sleeping anywhere else today."

"We wouldn't dream of it," James agreed.

As soon as she was gone, they all laughed in relief and at the idea of Filch with a pumpkin head. Daphne even saw Severus smile a little and she never felt happier.

Unfortunately during breakfast there was news of some disappearances in the Daily Prophet. The murders and disappearances that had been happening since Daphne started at Hogwarts were almost a daily fixture now and whispers of he-who-must-not-be-named were keeping everyone in fear. But even that did not put a complete cloud over the day. Everyone was too excited about graduation to think about it for long.

That afternoon Daphne put on her black Hogwarts uniform for the last time. Her hair was straight and she had already placed on her pointy witch hat. At the foot of her bed her trunk was packed and ready to go. Her dormitory suddenly felt very empty. She would be sorry to leave it. All day parents and family had been arriving for the graduation. Daphne knew her own parents were already waiting inside the Great Hall for the ceremony to begin. Daphne joined her friends in the common room. There was a lot of noise and excitement as they waited for McGonagall. She turned up soon and escorted them downstairs while giving some last minute critique, like telling Sirius to tuck in his shirt.

The ceremony wasn't as long as Daphne thought it would be. After they had filed into the Great hall where family, friends, and ghosts were waiting, Dumbledore gave a short and encouraging speech. He spoke about them all with the pride of a father and winked at them several times. Then he handed out the diplomas and the students shook his hand and continued down the line of professors shaking hand and saying farewell.

Hagrid was a sobbing mess soon enough and even McGonagall brought her handkerchief to her face many times. Daphne heard her mention to Flitwick that she would finally have house points again, but James made sure to point out that she might not have the quidditch cup without him anymore. This made her sob even more and give him another hug. She even kissed Sirius on the cheek. Daphne felt like she was going to cry soon too. She was really going to miss the professors and everything about Hogwarts, from the talking portraits to the trick staircases and even nosey Mrs. Norris. It had been a real home for seven years.

When it was over everyone poured out into the courtyard. Daphne easily found her parents who gave her a congratulatory bouquet of flowers. Jasmine had an enormous one too from her mother who looked so proud and happy. Flitwick had been speaking highly of Jasmine and how much he was going to miss such a bright student. Nearby Lily was receiving hugs from her parents and similar compliments from Slughorn, but her sister Petunia wouldn't let anyone near her. Daphne saw Severus with his mother. Mrs. Snape, in her usual drab colored robe, gave him a kiss on the cheek, but was very displeased when he went over to greet Daphne's parents. Daphne's father still insisted Severus looked ill while her mother pronounced him a sweet boy. Then her mother brought out her giant muggle camera from her giant purse and Daphne rounded up all of her friends for a picture.

She put her arms around Severus' neck. Though she had noticed he hadn't looked Dumbledore in the face when shaking his hand inside, Severus was more than happy to look her in the eyes. He had been finding her light brown eyes all afternoon whether it was to make a face at something annoying him or smile. She was really going to miss him Daphne thought as she stared into his black eyes.

"I'll miss you too," Severus murmured quietly into her ear.

"What?" Daphne asked almost letting go of his neck. It was almost as if he had read her mind.

"I'll miss you," Severus repeated. "Though nothing has to change. I'll see you tomorrow."

There was a happy shout as James lifted Lily up for the picture. They were both grinning the whole time. Daphne wouldn't notice the beautiful diamond ring on Lily's finger till later and find out James had proposed to her that afternoon.

"Smile," Daphne's mom said to everyone as she readied her camera.

Remus put his arms tightly around Jasmine and rested his chin on her shoulder. Even Peter put down his cookies from his mother to smile happily. And Sirius joined too, but only after pulling Raelyn away from her family, Avery, and his family. There was a shocked uproar when he did it, but Sirius and Raelyn were already gone and in front of the camera. Sirius put his arm around her neck, but Raelyn was so annoyed she just crossed her arms and looked displeased at least until Sirius kissed her cheek for the picture then one corner of her lip managed to lift up.

This picture would always be Daphne's favorite. She took hundreds that day, with everyone from Professor McGonagall to Edric, but none made her smile as much as that one with all of her favorite people, all looking so happy.

Later that night, after many hugs and kisses goodbye, Daphne paused on the Hogsmeade platform for a moment. With the steam from the train blowing around her she looked back over her shoulder at the castle sitting on top of the hill in the distance. Its tall gray towers seemed like tiny specks from here. Hogwarts castle, it had been her home for seven years, the best seven years of her life. Here she had made the best friends a girl could possibly have. Here she had laughed, cried, yelled, danced, and studied. But most importantly here she had met Severus.

"Daph are you ready?" James asked.

She was no longer the terrified lost first year or the confidant seventh year. She was Daphne Rue, muggle born and Hogwarts graduate. Daphne nodded and smiled at James as she stepped up onto the train and the next chapter of her life.

E/N: The time at Hogwarts has come to a close:( But don't worry I still have a lot more coming!