Aakil is based on my friend Evan. In case you're wondering, several of my friends, including my sister, have asked to have a small part in my story. I quite enjoy creating these characters! Will be adding more later, I'm sure!"

Chapter 34: Of Enemies and Allies

Lavinia made her way to the library the next day under the protection of a strong Disillusionment Charm in search of a book on the Healing Lambs. As she browsed the shelves, she was startled by a dark skinned boy with curly black hair and eyes almost as dark as Snape's. He had a friendly smile and a knowing gleam in his eyes. His blue tie and the trim of his robes told Lavinia that he was a Ravenclaw. For a moment, she wondered if he could see her. To her dismay, she was right.

"Why are you Disillusioned? It won't work if you're trying to get into the restricted section," he admonished. She shook her head.

"I'm not trying to get in there. I just wanted to find my book in peace and get out without being noticed," she replied sullenly. "Obviously, I've failed."

The boy cocked a grin and held out his hand. "Aakil Bastian," he said. She looked at the outstretched hand and took it tentatively.

"L Cross," she said, knowing he'd probably heard the nickname before.

"Ah, so you're the muggleborn that got thrown to the snakes. That explains the charm," he said warmly. "Don't worry, your secret's safe with me." Lavinia smiled, then remembered he couldn't see her. "Undo the charm, L. There aren't any Slytherins in here right now," Aakil said quietly. Lavinia looked around, then silently undid the charm. Aakil smiled. "That's better."

Lavinia looked around again, every nerve on high alert. Aakil patted her shoulder, making her jump. "Don't," she said weakly. "I don't like to be touched." She hadn't really realized it before now, but his innocuous touch had repulsed her. Snape's hand on her shoulders and Mischa's hugs were alright, but that was it. Aakil drew away with an apologetic grin. "How did you know I was there? Was my charm failing?" she asked, trying to make him more comfortable. He shook his head.

"Your charm was flawless, but there's always a slight ripple effect that comes with it. If one looks hard enough, they can see it. I am a library aide, so it's sort of my job to watch for it, in case someone does try to sneak into the restricted section," he replied, glancing around her to check on a first year that was close to the locked door to said section. She had bushy brown hair and Gryffindor robes and was staring longingly at the books. "Oi, kid, you need a signed permission slip from a teacher to get in there," Aakil said, startling the poor girl and sending her scurrying out of sight. Lavinia chuckled. Aakil looked back at her with a grin. "Anyways, what were you looking for?" he asked. Lavinia started, having forgotten for a moment why she had come.

"I'm looking for a book on Healing Lambs. We're taking care of them in Kettleburn's class and I wanted to read more about them," she replied. Aakil smiled.

"Well you're in the wrong section, to start. Follow me," he said, gesturing. He led her to a row farther back and to the right of where they had been and waved his hand. Four books soared from the shelves and into Lavinia's hands. She stared for a moment. "That should give you everything you need on Healing Lambs," he said with a grin. Then his face grew serious. "Look, I know you don't exactly have friends or anything, and I understand why. I don't exactly want to get involved in the politics of Slytherin House, but should you ever need anything, library resources, a study partner, anything, don't hesitate to ask me. I understand that it's dangerous for you to run around so exposed and without protection. I'm not much of a fighter, but I'll help in any way I can," he said softly. Lavinia was taken aback by his kindness.

"Th-thank you," she stammered. Then she straightened. "Although you're right not to get too involved. I wouldn't want to be responsible for you getting hurt. But I sincerely appreciate the offer," she said. She gave him a small, hesitant half smile and a little bow of her head. He grinned back, then glanced around.

"Bloody hell, Slytherins! Give me your books, quick, I'll Disillusion you and check them out for you," he said urgently, taking the tomes and waving his hand once more. She disappeared into the background again like a chameleon and followed him silently to Madame Pince. He whispered to the librarian, who glanced at Lavinia's Disillusioned form and nodded. She checked out the books and handed them back to Aakil, who led Lavinia out of the library. "Where are you heading?" he whispered.

"Outside," Lavinia replied softly. Aakil nodded and led the way. Once they were outside and away from prying eyes, he reversed the charm with another wave of his hand and handed her the books.

"That was close," he said with a grin. Lavinia gave him another half smile.

"Thanks again, Aakil. I'll see you around," she said softly, giving him a respectful bow of her head and making her way to the barn where the Lambs were kept. Aakil waved back, then strolled inside.

XXXXXXX

She'd sat in the barn with the Lambs for hours, reading her books and petting their soft wool. The purity of Healing Lambs is only matched by the purity of unicorns. To kill either creature would leave the murderer cursed with a terrible fate. The books were fascinating, and the more she read about the small creatures, the more she loved them. Lily had planted herself in her lap and was fast asleep. Lavinia decided to skip lunch and stayed put in the barn, enjoying the Lambs' sweet company. Around one o'clock, Professor Kettleburn came in to take care of the barn, only to find that Lavinia had already cleaned it and fed the Lambs. He'd grinned at her, awarding her fifty points for her hard work and rewarding her with a plate of warm fudge, fresh from the kitchens. She munched happily on the chocolate as she read another book. By four, she'd read all of the books and absorbed all of the information she could. Professor Kettleburn was thoroughly impressed.

Professor Snape came searching for her an hour later. They met halfway between the barn and the castle. He'd sighed in relief when he spotted her brilliant red hair gleaming in the sunlight. She closed the distance between them at a run, her energy high, her spirits soaring. Kettleburn had been absolutely right when he'd said that the Lambs were good for the soul. They really were wonderful creatures.

She accompanied Snape to the Great Hall for dinner, where she ate with gusto, putting away more than usual. Snape had to hide a smile. It was good to see her like this. His eyes travelled over the Slytherin table and he frowned. Malcolm was glaring down the table at Lavinia and whispering to the group around him. The group included Draco, and it made Snape uneasy. What was that boy up to now?

He stood and strode down along the path between the Gryffindor and Slytherin tables, listening intently.

"…got to bring her down a notch, who does she think she is, running around like that…"

"…just because she's decent at Potions…"

"…bloody teacher's pet, Snape's no better…"

"Good evening, Mr. Malcolm," Snape said silkily as he crept up behind the boy. Malcolm jumped.

"G-g-good evening, Professor," he stammered, turning a bright shade of red. Snape peered at him impressively down his nose, towering over the students.

"I hope you are not planning anything nefarious, Mr. Malcolm. You've only just regained your privileges. I would hate to take them away once more," he murmured menacingly. He turned on his heel and made his way back to the teachers' table to finish his meal. Lavinia was looking at him, eyes wide. She looked back down the table to where Malcolm was sitting, seething furiously. She looked away quickly and set her spoon down on her plate, her appetite lost. She stood and vanished into the dungeons quickly. Malcolm followed her. Snape saw and sighed, setting his silverware down and abandoning his meal. He followed the students down the corridor until he heard the sounds of a duel.

XXXXXXX

"Incarcerous!" Malcolm shouted. Lavinia danced away from the ropes that shot from Malcolm's wand and fired a Disarming Charm silently, causing Malcolm to leap out of the way. She was holding her own quite well, and Snape decided to let her show him up. Malcolm was flagging, and Lavinia finally nailed him with an excellent Trip Jinx, effectively landing the sixth year on his face. She walked away calmly, not expecting the boy to curse her from behind. She should have expected that. Slytherins played dirty, after all.

"Flagrate!" he shouted. The spell hit her full in the back. She screamed, falling to her knees. Her back was burning. Malcolm seized his chance and started to shoot off another spell. Snape stepped in.

"Malcolm!" he growled, grabbing the boy's shoulder roughly. "Fifty points from Slytherin, and a month's detention with Filch! Away with you!" Malcolm scurried away, terror on his face. Snape knelt by Lavinia, murmuring softly. The girl was weeping silently. The spell was still burning, and Snape quickly stopped it, gently pulling her to her feet. "Would you like me to take care of it, or would you prefer the hospital wing?" he asked. She looked at him tearfully, and it was answer enough. He led her to his office and set to work, applying a burn salve and administering a pain relief potion. He bandaged the wound, a great gaping mass of charred flesh spreading from her right shoulder to her left hip. She was whimpering softly, trying to hold back tears.

"I hate burns, worse than anything," she whispered once the pain reliever took effect. "I thought he was out cold, his eyes were closed and everything! Dirty, stinking cheat!" she cried, pounding her fist against her leg angrily. Snape sighed.

"I understand your anger. However, he is a Slytherin. Slytherins are known for playing dirty. Never trust them in a fight. It might be the last thing you do," he said softly. Lavinia nodded, eyes ablaze with fury. After a moment, the light seemed to die down.

"But what can I do?" she whispered. "How do I make this stop? I'm too weak to do it alone!" She slumped down into her chair and dropped her head in her hands, choking back a sob. Snape's fingers brushed her shoulder softly.

"Should you choose to act against him, I will not object," he murmured, expression nonchalant. She looked at him and was met with one of his rare smiles. She took a deep breath and nodded.

"Thank you, Professor."

XXXXXXX

The next morning, Lavinia rose early. She snuck into the sixth year boys' dormitory and approached Malcolm's bed. Her wand found his throat and his eyes flew open. She silenced him before he could yell.

"I owe you for my back Malcolm," she whispered menacingly, pressing the tip of her wand into his flesh. She had already placed his wand across the room where he could not reach. He looked around for it, panicking, unable to speak. Lissy poked her head out from Lavinia's curls and hissed at him. His eyes grew wider, and genuine fear flittered across his face. Lissy, my love, are you hungry? She asked the tiny serpent. Lissy's tongue flickered excitedly.

Yessss mummy, she replied, slithering down Lavinia's shoulder and wrapping herself around the wand at Malcolm's throat.

Look how scared he is.

Yesssss.

Malcolm's eyes were practically popping out of his skull now. He was visibly trembling. Lavinia grinned wickedly. "I have no idea if she's poisonous or not, but she's very angry with you," she said calmly, as if discussing the weather. Malcolm's eyes bulged even more. Lavinia hadn't thought it possible.

Lissy, have a nibble, yeah? Lavinia said. Lavinia hissed and slowly drew close. She struck three times, once on each cheek and once on the nose. Malcolm's screams were silent. Lavinia silently sent a spell at him to turn his face blue. She knew full well that Lissy wasn't poisonous, but fear was an excellent teacher, one she would employ to her greatest ability. As she slipped out of the dormitory, she lifted the silencing spell and allowed Malcolm's screams to permeate the entire dormitory. She ran for it, laughing like a lunatic, and collided with the towering form of Professor Snape.

"What's happened?" Snape asked, pulling her to her feet. She looked up at him with a grin.

"I acted. Lissy isn't poisonous, although I did a little spell to make him think she might be. He knows I'm a Parselmouth, and I couldn't think of a more effective way to intimidate him. He's in no real danger," she explained.

Snape raised an eyebrow at her. "Well, I suppose that deserves a week's detention, Miss Cross," he said with a smirk. She nodded and the Professor swept away to the Slytherin common room to patch up Malcolm. Lavinia headed down to the Great Hall. She set a stack of books nonchalantly on the Ravenclaw table and made her way to her usual spot near the teachers' table. Aakil looked up and smiled. He picked up the stack of books on his way out of the hall.