A huge thank you to the following for leaving such wonderful reviews on the last chapter: ILove2HearULaugh, runthroughthestars, szaboalexandra1991, CygnusRift, animechick247, stubs1101, beeezzz, BabSberry, Guest reader, d'elfe, Ravenswing79, Ladyxx, TheRosePond, Evilhyperpixie13, ColdOnePaul, and Cat2k10.
Here is the next chapter - I hope you enjoy it :)
The scent of parchment and sandalwood permeated her senses, penetrating through the deep and murky haze of her sleep; infiltrating her dream like a creeping, clawing shadow. It was a scent she was all too familiar with, and Lauren stirred, struggling to waken from the heavy blanket of sleep.
Severus...
She blearily blinked open her leaden eyelids, struggling to focus on her surroundings. The bright silvery moonlight filtered through the windows into the darkened room of the Hospital Wing, casting long inky shadows upon the walls of the room.
Lauren slowly sat up in her bed, her gaze searching for the person who had roused her from her sleep. But she realized that she was completely alone, except for the prone form of an unconscious Harry Potter nestled in one of the other beds on the other side of the room.
Her brows furrowed into a confused frown, for Lauren was sure she hadn't imagined the familiar scent of Severus Snape, whom she was certain had been right there next to her, watching her while she slept.
But the lack of his presence contradicted that notion entirely.
Her gaze swept over the room once more, probing each and every shadow, but after a few minutes she had to concede that she had probably imagined that he had been here.
Lauren settled back under the covers and soon her eyes grew heavy, sleep soon dragging her once more under its intoxicating spell.
~oOo~
"Lauren."
The soft voice called out to her, willing her to wake, and Lauren blinked open her eyes in compliance. Bright sunlight now blanketed the room in golden warmth, having long since chased away the shadows of the night. Her gaze landed on Tracey, who was standing beside her bed and eyeing her with concern.
Lauren bolted upright, drawing Tracey into a rib-crushing hug as she held onto her friend with a fierceness that was almost unnerving in its intensity. Tracey choked out a sound of surprise, but once she had recovered from her initial shock, she returned the embrace, patting Lauren's back in reassurance.
"I thought that bastard had hurt you," Lauren mumbled, finally releasing her iron grip on her friend. Her gaze raked over Tracey's form, searching for any signs that she had been harmed. If that good-for-nothing scumbag had left so much as a scratch on her little friend, Lauren vowed she was going to find a way to return Quirrell from the dead and kill him all over again.
"No, I'm fine, Lauren. Really," Tracey assured as she settled into the chair that was positioned next to her bed. Lauren briefly wondered if Snape had sat in that very chair, his fathomless dark eyes watching her while she had slept last night.
Lauren discarded the thought. Snape was not a person who sat by someone's bedside keeping vigil.
She instead focused on Tracey. "What happened?"
Tracey glanced down sheepishly at her hands clasped in her lap. "Professor Quirrell asked to speak to me privately about my exam paper. I thought I had done something wrong, or was in trouble, and I went with him. As soon as I stepped into his classroom, everything went black."
Lauren clenched her fists at the imagery that sprang to mind.
But another more disturbing realization surfaced. Quirrell had figured out that Lauren was protective over Tracey and had used this knowledge to use her friend as bait. He had also known that Lauren would immediately go straight to Snape for help. This foretold that Quirrell had been watching the two of them closely for some time, and this knowledge unnerved Lauren above all else. Voldemort, if he was still intent on getting his hands on her, would exploit this in the future when he returned to power.
She eyed Tracey, wondering how she was going to keep her safe in the upcoming years?
"I woke up to Dumbledore standing over me. He must have woken me up," Tracey continued, unaware of Lauren's inner turmoil. Her next question, though, had Lauren's undivided attention. "What...what happened to you, Lauren?"
Lauren met her friend's inquiring gaze and she briefly debated whether to lie to her.
A sly voice sounded in the back of her head, though. Dumbledore didn't say I couldn't tell anyone what had happened...
Lauren drew in a deep breath and levelled Tracey with a direct gaze as she recounted all that had happened. Tracey's eyes grew wider as the tale unfolded and by the end of Lauren's story, she was in a shell-shocked state.
"He...He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is back?" she asked, a quiver to her voice.
"Yes and no," Lauren stated evenly. "He was never gone, Tracey. He was just hiding, weakened and existing as a mere spectre; a ghost of his former self. But he will return to power, give or take a few years."
Tracey blinked back at Lauren, almost as though she didn't recognize the person in front of her. "How do you know he will return? Harry Potter defeated him again, didn't he?"
Lauren gnawed on her bottom lip, knowing full well she couldn't tell Tracey the truth.
And how does one explain Horcruxes to a child?
"Vol -." Lauren faltered at the sharp hiss that passed through Tracey's lips at the mention of Voldemort's name, and quickly amended. "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is not so easy to kill. He will return to power and when he does, it's going to be an all-out War."
Tracey's already pale features had now turned ashen, and Lauren could see her visibly swallowing down the hard lump that had formed in her throat. Lauren was starting to regret telling her the truth. But, surprisingly, Tracey's more logical and practical side kicked in, and after a few moment's of thoughtful contemplation, she returned to the present and locked eyes with Lauren.
"When...He returns, you're going to be in terrible danger, Lauren. You know that, right?"
Lauren was unable to meet her gaze, having already come to the same conclusion herself, but she was more worried about Tracey and Snape's safety than her own. "Yeah, I know," she mumbled. She drew in a deep breath and, with great effort, she forced herself to meet Tracey's gaze, which was swimming with abject fear and concern. "But it will take him a few years to return to power, so I have time to prepare." This was said more to reassure Tracey than herself.
Tracey shot her a skeptical look; one very similar to the one Snape donned when he thought a person was being more dense than what he had originally given them credit for. Lauren couldn't much blame Tracey for doubting her, for three years was nowhere enough time to learn how to properly defend herself. "He's a powerful wizard, Lauren, rivalled only by Dumbledore himself."
Lauren leaned her head back against the iron headboard of her bed and stared up at the ceiling, wondering, not for the first time, how her life had come to this. "Then I'm going to have to get all the help I can get..." In fact, she already had someone in mind whom she could enlist to help her in that particular department. But this was another bit of information she could not impart upon her friend. The less Tracey knew, the better.
Her eyes flickered to Tracey, who was frowning hard, her brows almost knitted together, and Lauren decided to placate her and hopefully veer her off topic.
"I'm sure Dumbledore has my best interest at heart, considering that he has gone to a lot of trouble to ensure the manor I inherited isn't cursed or anything. I'm pretty certain he has also added some extra security measures himself...I'll have to ask him when I go and see him after breakfast."
"Why are you meeting with him?"
Unable to hide the disgust that had crept onto her features, Lauren stated, "He intends to reveal who my new guardian is going to be."
Tracey gaped at her. "Guardian?" She paused, and Lauren could practically hear the cogs spinning in her head. "Of course. You're underage and need a guardian. Do you have any idea who he has in mind?"
"Knowing the sadistic old sod, it's not someone I'm going to particularly like."
Tracey giggled, the light returning to her eyes now that they were discussing a less ominous subject. "You don't like anyone."
"Not true. I like you well enough!"
Tracey shook her head, a wide grin plastered on her face. "He might choose Professor Snape to be your guardian! Imagine that!"
Lauren shot her friend an offended scowl, which only had Tracey laughing even harder. But her scowl ebbed into a thoughtful frown as she considered what Tracey had just said.
Would Dumbledore actually suggest Severus?
Lauren wasn't quite sure how to feel about Snape being chosen to be her warden.
On the one hand, there were certain advantage to that prospect. Lauren was fully aware that her limited skill sets would barely keep her alive for two minutes max in a fight against Voldemort. Even if, by some improbability, she could learn everything in three meagre years, she still wouldn't stand a chance in hell against such a powerful wizard. Snape could teach her to duel, though. He had been the only one willing to take the time to teach her anything lifesaving and useful, and she knew Severus would help her in any way that he could.
But when Voldemort returned to power and was back to being a tyrannical wizard with severely warped ideologies, Snape was going to be under unimaginable stress when he resumed being the penultimate spy. He would be very severely limited from there on out as to how much he could help her, especially if Voldemort suspected that a friendship had been forged between them. And Lauren could not risk Snape blowing his cover, not even for her. Being her guardian would put him considerably in more danger, especially if he tried to protect her by withholding handing her over to Her Royal Highness.
If there was one thing she had learned from her run-in with Quirrell, it was that it was perilous to care for anyone.
To care about someone also means that person can be used against you. To care is a liability...Maybe that's why Severus is adamant about not getting too close to me.
Coming to that conclusion, Lauren sincerely hoped that Dumbledore did not choose Snape.
~oOo~
Once Lauren was given the all clear from Madam Pomfrey, she and Tracey headed back to their dorm room so that Lauren could get cleaned up and dress in fresh change of clothes before heading off to breakfast.
As they passed along the hallways, many students blatantly stopped and stared at her, not even bothering to hide it.
"What's their problem?" Lauren muttered, wishing for nothing more than her much needed and anticipated intake of caffeine in the form of a steaming cup of tea.
"Somebody saw Professor Snape carrying you to the Hospital Wing, Dumbledore following close behind carrying Harry Potter. Word soon spread, as it usually does in this school, and almost everyone is convinced that you and Harry got into a scrap."
Lauren snorted, wondering how the dunderheads that roamed this school had jumped to that conclusion.
They arrived at the Slytherin Common Room and, upon entrance, a deep hush descended upon all the occupants within. Lauren froze, staring back at the sea of faces that were ogling her. The moment stretched out painfully, making Lauren distinctly uncomfortable.
"Is it true that you and Potter got into a fight?" Draco finally piped up from somewhere in the back of the room, breaking the silence.
Lauren rolled her eyes. "No, you moron. If I had fought Potter, it would have only been him that would have ended up in the Hospital Wing. Not me."
Draco sniggered. "That I believe. So what really happened?"
Lauren eyed him, internally wondering how much to really tell the collected group before her. It was one thing to reveal what had really happened to Tracey; it was another to reveal the whole truth to the group that were essentially made up of a bunch of kids. She decided to go for a more PG version instead.
"Quirrell kinda went off the deep end and attacked us."
"What?" Pansy gasped.
"But why?" Gemma the Prefect interjected at the same time.
Lauren shrugged. "Who really knows how the mind of a madman works." She was hoping that would be the end of it and she could quickly depart the room. Alas, another question immediately followed.
"But why you specifically? And why Potter?" This question was from an older Slytherin boy, whose name she hadn't bothered to learn.
I should have worked on my story before I came here. What the hell do I tell them now? she thought mulishly.
It was Tracey who came to the rescue, noting Lauren's reluctance and, thankfully, understanding why.
"He's been quite interested in her ever since she fell through the ceiling of the Great Hall. But his intrigue really peaked when he saw what Lauren did to those three boys, and he's been trying to get her alone since then. I think, in his own twisted mind, he thought he could harness some of her...powers. Same with Potter, especially since he survived being attacked by...You-Know-Who."
Smooth, Lauren thought, looking at Tracey with renewed respect. The way she could come up with a plausible story in the spur of the moment, even if it was partially drawn from the truth, was quite impressive. Give her a few more years and she'll be a Mistress of deceit. She'll make it good in the Ministry of Magic if she wants to go into politics. She has the right skill set for it.
"That's terrible," a few of the students exclaimed, and Lauren was relieved that the rest of the room seemed to accept this explanation, though Draco was now regarding Lauren with a shrewd gleam in his eyes.
"Why were you with Potter in the first place, Ward?"
"I wasn't," Lauren stated. "He must have seen Quirrell carting me off and decided to play hero."
"Did he save you?" Daphne asked, repulsion quite clearly writ on her face at the idea.
"No idea. After I broke Quirrell's nose I made a run for it, but he blasted me into the wall. I lost consciousness about the time Potter showed up."
A certain level of respectfulness now crept onto some of the faces peering back at her.
"You broke Quirrell's nose?" Gemma squawked. Shaking her head in a clear indication of consternation, she crossed her arms tightly over her chest and muttered, "You really do enjoy getting into fights, Lauren."
"True, but this time it was in self defence," Lauren fired back, smirking at the rule-abiding Prefect. How she had ended up a Slytherin, Lauren had no idea.
Gemma sighed a sigh of exasperation, but Lauren glimpsed the amusement dancing in her eyes.
"Potter was unconscious as well," Draco pointed out, his uncanny perceptiveness coming to light. "That means he was also hurt. So who ended up saving the both of you then?"
Lauren hesitated. She couldn't very well tell them that Harry Potter had practically performed some major exorcism in that room and had cast Voldemort out with his bare touch, leaving Quirrell dead in the process.
"Dumbledore, I suppose," she offered. It was a plausible story and one the rest of the Slytherins would believe. "I assume he figured out what Quirrell was up to and came to put a stop to it."
"That's quite an impressive story," Gemma stated, and Lauren held her breath, fearing that none of them had fully believed her. Gemma surprised her by asking more kindly, "Are you okay?"
"Madam Pomfrey patched me up as good as new. Right now I just want to get cleaned up and get some tea in me," Lauren stated pointedly.
Gemma nodded and turned to the rest of the group, ordering to head up to breakfast. Lauren felt a wave of gratitude towards Gemma for her understanding.
Once cleaned up Lauren donned a fresh set of clothes, which comprised of jeans, a plain black shirt and the only pair of sneakers in her possession.
Time for a shopping trip, I think, once school has come to an end...which should be in three days.
Lauren and Tracey headed to the Great Hall and as soon as they entered the room, a deathly silence descended upon the room like a weighted blanket, all heads swivelling as one in her direction.
Lauren, with her usual characteristics, blatantly ignored them all and made her way towards her House table, where the rest of the Slytherins had since assembled.
Once seated, she glanced up at the staff table, her eyes instantly locking with the dark obsidian orbs of Snape's, and the memory of what had transpired in that Hospital Wing the previous night resurfaced.
What aren't you telling me about this magical connection we share, Severus?
Something unreadable flashed in those fathomless depths. He violently tore his gaze away from hers, schooling his features into an unreadable mask that gave none of his innermost thoughts away.
There was no doubt in Lauren's mind that Severus Snape now knew that she had overheard everything last night. And he was not happy about it.
~oOo~
An hour later found Lauren on the other side of the closed door that led to the Headmaster's study, her mind oddly blank at the prospect of learning who her prospective 'guardian' was going to be.
Lauren breathed in deeply through her nose and steeled herself.
Might as well get this over and done with.
She raised her hand and knocked firmly on the smooth wood of the door. Dumbledore's rumbly voice sounded from the other side and Lauren opened the door and stepped into the room, pausing when she saw the dark silhouette of Severus Snape standing by the window, his back turned to her and his hands clasped behind his back.
Lauren's eyes flickered towards the Headmaster, who was seated behind his grand desk and was regarding her with a mischievous twinkle in his blue eyes.
"Close the door please, Miss Ward, and have a seat," he instructed amiably.
Lauren complied and settled in the nearest chair, her gaze darting between the silhouettes of Dumbledore and Severus. Snape practically radiated tension as he stood there like an unyielding statue. Then without warning he turned abruptly and strode towards her, seating himself in the chair parallel to hers. He levelled the Headmaster with a frosty stare, refusing to glance in her direction.
Dumbledore leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers in front of him, apparently unconcerned by the Potion Master's prickly demeanor. "We need to discuss who I have considered to be the possible candidates that will have the...pleasure of being your Guardian, Miss Ward." The word 'pleasure' had been emphasized in such a way that it was clear that Dumbledore mocking the word.
Lauren's eyes narrowed and she slowly turned her head to regard Snape, who was still avoiding looking at her. Then she turned her attention back to Dumbledore.
"Who did you have in mind?" she asked, fearing that she already knew the answer.
Dumbledore quirked a bushy brow. "A few possibilities sprang to mind. Professor McGonagall -."
"No," Lauren stated instantly.
Dumbledore smiled back at her, almost as though he had expected this response. "No, I dismissed that idea almost as quickly as you did. I also considered Molly Weasley..."
"Absolutely not!" Lauren shuddered at the thought of being surrounded by the redheaded clan made up entirely of too many children. It was not an appealing thought.
His infuriating smile broadened. "Molly is a fine choice. She has a natural and wonderful motherly instinct."
Lauren levelled him with a baleful glare. "Do I look like someone who appreciates being mothered?"
"No, I suppose not," he chuckled. He paused and regarded her for an eternal moment. When he spoke, his tone was more serious. "My other choice is Professor Snape. You two have established a friendship of sorts."
A soft snort sounded from the dark Potion Master seated to her left.
Lauren ignored his surly temperament and considered Dumbledore's choice for a moment. "No," she finally replied.
Dumbledore's demeanor did not change in the slightest; in fact he seemed unperturbed by her refusal. "And may I inquire as to why you are against it."
"There are two reasons, actually." Lauren drew in a steadying breath and turned her head to look at Severus, surprised to see his undivided attention now trained on her, his dark gaze boring into her. "No offence, Professor Snape. I trust you with my life, but if the two of us live together, we're going to end up killing each other for sure."
"I highly doubt that, Miss Ward," he drawled sardonically. The corners of his lips curled into a smile that held very little warmth. "You will find that I am very difficult to kill. If anything, it would be you suffering your demise at my hands."
Severus arched a brow, daring her to contradict him. They stared at each other for the longest while, locked in a silent battle of wills
"Yes, Severus and I had the exact some discussion not too long ago, and I have to agree with the both of you," Dumbledore stated, drawing both back to the present conversation. "With both your temperaments, a bloodbath would surely ensue after a week."
"I'd give it three days," Lauren chimed in, now turning her attention back to the Headmaster.
Out of the corner of her eye she saw a smirk curl on Snape's thin lips.
"Well, that settles it then," Dumbledore mused, a tinge of amusement seeping into his voice, almost as though he didn't believe either of them but was humouring them nonetheless. "What was you other reason?"
Lauren considered her next words carefully. "It wouldn't be wise to be under Professor Snape's protection, especially when Voldemort returns to power." She ignored the way Snape flinched at the forbidden name. "With his misguided interest in me, he will demand that Professor Snape hand me over to him, which will probably blow his cover as spy for the Order if he so much as refuses. Worst case scenario, the Dark Lord will kill him. I can't ask you to do that," she said, shifting in her seat to now address Severus. "Not for me."
Snape merely stared back at her with an unblinking gaze. "You have given this considerable thought, Miss Ward," he finally spoke, his voice a silky baritone that sent shivers down her spine.
"I have."
Snape's penetrating gaze intensified, and Lauren felt like a deer caught in headlights in this very moment. She could not seem to drag her gaze away.
"Severus presented a very similar argument to me," Dumbledore interjected. "And I concur."
She dragged her gaze away from Severus' and turned her attention back to the Headmaster, frowning as she realized he had already come to a decision. And by the look he was giving her, she didn't have a say in the matter.
"Who do you have in mind then?" she asked with trepidation.
Dumbledore leaned forward and clasped his hands in front of him, regarding her over his half-moon spectacles. "Me."
Oh dear God, no!
Lauren groaned, dropping her head in her hands. No, no, no!
Her head snapped up and she shot Snape a pleading look. "Please, use the Killing Curse on me now! I'd rather die a quick and painless death than endure this torture."
"You misunderstand, Miss Ward. I will be your guardian on paper only," Dumbledore clarified, and when Lauren glanced his way she saw the corners of his lips twitching, his eyes sparkling fiercely in merriment.
Lauren frowned as she processed his words. "Are you saying that...there's a loophole?"
"Indeed, there is."
"What kind of loophole?" she asked with hope blooming in her chest, and she eagerly leaned forward in her chair, giving the Headmaster her full attention now.
"The Ministry only requested the name name of your guardian. They said nothing about being an 'active' guardian."
Lauren blinked back in surprise at him. "So it's all just technicalities then? You won't be living with me over the Summer holidays?" Lauren couldn't hide her giddiness at the prospect of her impending freedom.
"I am rather fond of my house. So no, Miss Ward, I will not be living with you. You are clearly an adult and I think you can take care of yourself well enough."
Two thoughts entered her head simultaneously. One, she was rather surprised to learn that Dumbledore actually lived elsewhere rather than at Hogwarts. It was a startling revelation to learn he had a life outside of the school. Naively, she had always assumed he resided at Hogwarts year-round.
She decided to voice her other thought out loud. "Won't the Ministry check up and make sure you are...looking after me?"
An enigmatic smile alighted his features. "I think you shall find that upon learning that I am to be your guardian, not many will question as to whether you are being looked after or not."
It was then that Lauren realized just how much sway Dumbledore really had in the wizarding world. He was a renowned wizard and many looked up to him and trusted him. The fact that he had put his name down to be her guardian not only ensured that she would essentially be under his protection, but she would be left alone by the Ministry.
Dumbledore had just given her a considerable amount of freedom, and she couldn't complain with that. Plus, she didn't have to live with the old coot! That was a bonus in itself.
"Sounds good," she conceded, and added more sincerely, "Thank you."
Dumbledore inclined his head, accepting her gratitude.
Lauren glanced briefly at Severus. "But if you're my 'guardian', why is Professor Snape here then?"
"Ah, I'm glad you mentioned that. Professor Snape has agreed to check in on you from time to time, and should you need anything you may contact him and he will assist you. I am sure you would appreciate his presence more than mine. This will also give you two ample opportunity to resume your lessons, which I think will be beneficial."
How does Dumbledore know about that? Did Snape tell him? Or maybe there's not much that goes on in his school that he doesn't know about.
She glanced side longs at Severus, who was regarding the Headmaster with cool detachment, not reacting in the slightest to his proclamation.
"Now," Dumbledore continued, "I plan escort you home the day after all the students depart from the school. Would an hour after breakfast work for you."
Lauren nodded mutely.
"Excellent!" he exclaimed, clapping his hands together and then rose from his seat, his chartreuse robes fluttering with the movement. "Now I have some final matters to discuss with Professor Snape."
Lauren took this as her cue that their meeting was over and stood, glancing briefly at Severus.
His dark eyes met her own blue ones and he gave a small nod of his head in dismissal. Lauren knew it wouldn't be wise to linger and exited the office without another word.
All-in-all, the outcome had been better than she had expected. She was not tied down to living with someone she couldn't stand. She was as free to do as she pleased. And she would still get to see Snape over the holidays, with hopefully some duelling lessons added into the mix.
She briefly contemplated demanding the full truth about their magical connection from him, but decided against it. If Snape was reluctant to reveal it to her, that meant it was serious. Or, at least, it was serious to Snape. And right she didn't want to add any more complications to their friendship. Best to leave it alone until he was ready to tell her. Or she could find out on her own.
~oOo~
Three days passed swiftly and soon the end-of-year feast was upon them.
The Great Hall was decked in the resplendent colors of green and silver to celebrate the Slytherins winning the House Cup. The Slytherins were were all raucous in their exuberance, wide and happy grins stretching on their youthful faces when they entered the room.
A dread settled in the pit of Lauren's belly, for she knew that in a short span of time those smiles would be wiped clean and be replaced with complete and utter shock, not to mention dejection when their victory was swept right out from under their feet.
She settled into her seat and went through the motions of eating and pretending to be cheerful. But how could one put on a happy facade when they knew what was going to happen next?
A hush fell over the room when Harry Potter entered.
Lauren glanced up in time to see him shooting her an obviously suspicious look, and even when he was seated he kept glancing her way, his brows puckered in thoughtfulness. Lauren had to wonder how much he had overheard, if his conclusions were that of suspicion.
Bloody Gryffindor jumping to the wrong conclusions again...
Dumbledore rose to his feet to greet the crowded room and Lauren placed her fork down on her plate, her appetite vanishing instantly.
Here it comes...
As predicted, Dumbledore proceeded to award points to Ron, Hermione, Harry, and Neville, effectively ensuring the Gryffindors their victory.
The abject disappointment that washed over the Slytherins was palpable, and Lauren felt physically ill.
How can Dumbledore do this to children? How can he possibly think this is fair? Do the feelings of his Slytherin students not matter at all, so long as his favourites are made to feel important and special?
It was with downtrodden hearts that the Slytherins filed back to their dorms after dinner, morosely quiet and each lost in their own bitter thoughts.
"That was so unfair," Tracey seethed beside Lauren as they entered the Common Room.
"It usually isn't fair when favouritism is involved," Lauren muttered back.
"And now we know that Potter is Dumbledore's favourite," Draco spat as he pushed past them and settled heavily into one of the leather couches. Lauren briefly wondered where Crabbe and Goyle had disappeared to, but found she really didn't care.
Lauren settled beside him, resting her elbow on the armrest and cradling her cheek in the palm of her hand. "He'll always be Dumbledore's favourite. That's never going to change, Draco."
"Just wait til my father hears about this," he ranted.
Tracey settled beside Lauren and spoke in a soft and calmer tone as she addressed Blondie. "I don't think your father will be able to do anything. And even if he could, it's too late now."
Draco scowled darkly at the truth of her words.
Lauren sighed deeply. "Personally, I thought I deserved at least fifty points for breaking Quirrell's nose..."
A stunned silence followed her words. Then a snigger sounded from Draco.
"I would have loved to have been there to see it!" he exclaimed with wicked delight. Then his features sobered. "You should have been awarded points for that, Ward."
"But then that would mean Slytherin winning the House Cup," Lauren pointed out. "Dumbledore didn't want that."
A sour look passed over his features. "It so unfair!"
"Yeah, it is," Lauren admitted.
The students that had filed into the room were slowly filtering to their rooms to wallow, and they watched with heavy hearts as the Common Room emptied out, soon leaving the three of them alone.
"So what are your plans for the Summer?" Draco asked, not looking the slightest bit interested, but needing something to fill the heavy silence.
"We're going to Paris for a few weeks to visit some family," Tracey supplied.
Draco nodded and then eyed Lauren, waiting for her answer.
"I'm going to move into the manor I inherited," Lauren supplied, thinking it was safe enough to reveal this to him.
"You inherited a manor?" Draco asked. When Lauren nodded, he leaned back into the sofa and whistled softly. "Cool."
Lauren couldn't help but grin at him, for in this moment he was very much a typical twelve-year-old, and not the ferrety git he usually was.
"Ooh. When I return from Paris can I come and visit?" Tracey asked.
Lauren's eyes grew wide with fear as a thought occurred to her. "You're not going to force me to play dolls, are you?"
Draco howled with laughter.
Tracey shot Lauren an acidic glare. "No, you idiot."
Lauren sagged in relief. "In that case, of course you can come and visit."
Tracey rolled her eyes; a habit Lauren noticed she had picked up from her. "Well, I think it's time to finish packing up," Tracey stated, rising to her feet and stretching her arms into the air. She relaxed with a sigh. "Tomorrow we go back home. Are you going to be on the train with us?"
Lauren shook her head. "No. Dumbledore is going to escort me to my new home the day after you all leave."
Draco stood and offered his hand to Lauren to help her to her feet. She was a bit stunned by this chivalrous gesture, but placed her hand in his own. "Any chance you can punch him in the nose for taking the House Cup from us?" he asked slyly, releasing her hand.
Lauren chuckled at the thought. "I should, but that might straighten out his crooked nose. We can't have that," she joked.
"Pity," he muttered, shoving his hands deep into his pant pockets. "Well, see you around, Ward. Davis." He gave a nod to each of them and then strolled in the direction of his dorm room.
Lauren's eyes followed his departure, pondering the fact that Draco was not as bad as she had initially thought.
Maybe there is more than one person I can save in all of this...
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