Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and friends

by OPlover

I rewrote the fourth Harry Potter movie and included my own OC as well as a few of my friends OC's. The pairings will be my OC Sapphire Saber is eventually with Severus Snape. Grace Wroxton with Luna Lovegood. Osiris Aaron Vanderwall is single. Flower P. Blaze is with Fred Weasley. Enjoy!

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

"Ron, where are we actually going?" Harry asked as they headed out of the burrow. This group consisted of Mr. Weasley at the helm, followed by a group of teenagers. Of course, his children, Fred, George, Ron, and Ginny were coming along as well as their friends as well. This added Hermione, Harry, Sapphire, Flower, and Osiris. The golden trios friend group had swelled after their first year at Hogwarts to even include people from other houses. Osiris was in Ravenclaw, and like any good students, Flower and Sapphire were in Gryffindor.

"Don't know." Ron replied, following after his father and trying to rub the sleep out of his eyes. Sunlight was barely peeking over the horizon; it had to be near dawn, "Hey, Dad! Where are we going?" Ron had to shout across the large group for his father to hear as they began to walk through some widely spaced trees.

"Haven't the foggiest, keep up!" Mr. Weasley shouted back. Sapphire blinked in confusion before looking at Flower. Despite having lived in England for four years now, Sapphire still got amused by the differences in their English versus her American English.

"Foggiest? Do you people use your weather to make words out of now?" Sapphire remarked to Flower and she got a playful shove from Fred and George from behind.

"We can make words out of anything." The twins said in unison, smiling at the taller of the two girls. Sapphire was only 5'3 while Flower was 5'6. This did make sense, Flower was two years older than her to be fair. Flower smiled and linked her arm with Fred as they caught up with the group. They walked for a few more minutes until they saw a middle aged man with shoulder length brown hair standing under a tree.

"Arthur! It's about time, son." The man was carrying a bag on his back, much like the rest of the previously mentioned group. Most of them didn't even know what they were carrying, they just put the bag on when Mrs. Weasley had passed it to them that morning.

"Sorry, Amos. Some of us had a bit of a sleepy start." Mr. Weasley looked over his shoulder at the teens just for Ron to yawn as if on cue. "This is Amos Diggory, everyone. Works with me at the ministry." A rustle was heard in the branches above and another teen dropped down from the tree, now standing next to Mr. Weasley and Amos, "And this strapping young lad must be Cedric, am I right?" Mr. Weasley asked, reaching out to shake Cedric's hand.

"Yes, sir." Cedric replied. From the moment he'd dropped from the tree, he'd caught every woman's attention there. He was definitely attractive, with his athletic frame and handsome face. Hermione and Ginny were already whispering while Flower and Sapphire exchanged a look. "This way." Cedric turned and began to lead the group further into the woods.

"Merlin's beard!" Amos paused the moment he set eyes on Harry. "You must be Harry Potter!" Harry paused as well, turning to look at Amos as the others continued on without him.

"Yes, sir." Harry answered and Amos was quick to shake his hand, his enthusiasm shook Harry's entire body with the hand shake.

"Great, great pleasure." Amos seemed starstruck, almost not wanting to let go of Harry's hand. Harry practically had to pull his hand free.

"Pleasure to meet you too sir." Harry replied, trying to be polite while Amos just chuckled and patted him on the back. Amos and Harry were the last to catch up with the rest of the group who were standing at the top of a grassy hill.

"Yes, it's, uh, just over there." Amos added, the group began to circle around a leather boot just sitting at the top of the hill.

"Shall we?" Mr. Weasley asked, looking around at everyone and doing a quick headcount to make sure he hadn't lost anyone along the way.

"Oh, yeah." Amos replied with a smile, looking over at his son.

"We don't want to be late." Mr. Weasley said, making the teens look at each other in confusion, well all except for Cedric.

Sapphire leaned over to Flower, "Late for what?" Flower shrugged and gestured to the boot on the ground.

"Come on. Nearly there now." Amos added, "Get yourself into a good position."

"Why are they all standing around that manky old boot?" Harry asked, watching as the others began to kneel around the leather boot.

"That isn't just any manky old boot, mate." Fred answered, looking to George.

"It's a Portkey." George added onto Fred's answer. However this didn't answer Harry's question. Because only a few people there actually knew what a portkey was. Harry looked at Ron, Hermione, and Sapphire. They all just shook their heads. They were as lost as he was.

"Time to go!" Amos called out while everyone placed a hand on the boot, except for Harry who was still standing there confused.

"What's a Portkey?" Harry demanded, but no one seemed to have heard him.

"Ready! After three. One… Two…" Amos began counting while Mr. Weasley looked up and noticed Harry wasn't touching the boot.

"Harry!" Mr. Weasley barked and Harry grabbed the boot at the last second.

"...three!" Amos finished counting and almost instantly they all felt their bodies lift up from the ground and began to spin furiously in the air. The teens were all screaming while the adults just seemed amused to watch the kids be terrified. All at once it felt like their bodies were pulled in and squeezed, only to be spat out again. Amos and Mr. Weasley were laughing as they still spun through the air.

"Let go, kids!" Mr. Weasley shouted and everyone instantly had the same thought, but Hermione was the only one who voiced it.

"What?!" Hermione looked appalled at the suggestion.

"Let go!" Mr. Weasley repeated, and Harry was the first to let go of the boot. Then Hermione, then Ron, then Sapphire, etc.. They were all screaming now, their bodies flying through the air, no longer anchored to the portkey. They all slammed into the grass with a crash. Harry looked up and saw Mr. Weasley, Amos, and Cedric just walked peacefully down to the ground.

"I knew there had to be a trick to it…" Osiris muttered, slowly pushing himself up from the ground.

"I'll bet that cleared your sinuses, eh?" Mr. Weasley had a huge grin on his face when he touched down.

"Flower… get off me. I can't breathe…" Sapphire wheezed. Fred and George were laughing as they helped the two up. Sapphire growled in frustration upon realizing the amount of grass now in her hair.

"Aw, you should keep it. It's a good look for you." Flower teased, sprinkling some more grass onto Sapphire's head.

"...Sod off." Came the gritted reply from Sapphire, still trying to pull trimmings from her blue hair.

"Aw look, she's finally learning some British English." Osiris grinned.

"Total shambles, as per usual." Amos commented, Cedric walking over and helping Harry up from the ground.

"Thanks." Harry took his hand and let himself be pulled up.

"Go on, look at that!" Mr. Weasley said as two people on brooms shot overhead. As they crested over a ridge on the grassy plain, a huge field of tents appeared below them. "Well, kids, welcome to the Quidditch World Cup!" The teens were definitely surprised by this news but also very delighted, one could tell by the grins on their faces. "Stay together! Keep up, girls!"

"Blimey!" Amos and Mr. Weasley had to duck as someone on a broom came very close by their heads. "Parting of the ways, I think, old chap. See you at the match." Amos nodded to Mr. Weasley and then split away from the group with Cedric.

"See you later, Cedric!" Fred called out as Cedric left with Amos.

"Ah. Home sweet home." Mr. Weasley said, leading them over to a small white tent that looked to only be about 6 feet long and maybe a little taller than 6 feet. However for their group size of 11. That tent was going to be much too small.

"What?" Harry asked, pausing outside with Sapphire.

"There's no chance in hell we're all fitting in there." Sapphire muttered before going in before Harry.

"Ah, excellent." Mr. Weasley said, examining the tent as Harry slowly followed Sapphire into the tent, "Excellent."

"Ginny, look!" Hermione exclaimed, eagerly showing something to Ginny.

"Girls, choose a bunk and unpack." Mr. Weasley stated, the 5 girls moved to select their bunk. Flower and Ginny getting into a rock paper scissors match for the last top bunk, only to see Sapphire had stolen it. "Ron, get out of the kitchen. We're all hungry!"

"Yeah, get out of the kitchen!" Fred and George said in unison.

"Feet off the table." Mr. Weasley shook his head at the twins as they both echoed him.

"Feet off the table!" The twins immediately put their feet back on the table after their father had turned his back.

"I love magic." Harry stated, looking around the inside of the tent in awe.

They spent most of the day in the tent, preparing for that night's match. "I can't believe we're actually going to see a quidditch world cup." Ginny sighed, sitting back on her bunk and hugging her pillow to her chest.

"I know, I admit that when Mr. Weasley dragged us through all those trees and fields this morning, I never would have guessed this was the destination." Sapphire peeked over the top of her bunk.

"Well believe it, because we're going! Who are you supporting, Osiris?" Flower asked, hopping up from her bunk in excitement. Osiris was reading a book and didn't even look up nor show any signs of having heard the question.

"Don't bother." Hermione shook her head. "She's in her own world in that book now."

"Oh, I wonder who else does that~" Sapphire's tone was teasing as she smirked at Hermione.

"I- That's not. I read for educational purposes." Hermione protested and the three girls who were listening to the conversation rolled their eyes in unison.

"Educational purposes? So when I saw you reading Pride and Prejudice last year, that was for educational purposes?" Flower smirked and leaned in close to Hermione. "So, what was that book teaching you?"

Ginny and Sapphire roared with laughter when Hermione's face went bright red. Osiris frowned at the noise level and looked up at them from over his book. "Can't you keep it down?"

"Oh lighten up!" Sapphire retorted. "When you talk, you talk the loudest. Besides, we're at the Quidditch World cup. It's louder outside the tent than it is in here. Also, we're talking about Hermione's reading habits and how they are not always educational."

"Oh… don't say that Sapphire. Romance novels can be very educational if they're written well." Flower informed, sitting back down on her bunk. "Anyway, you're all 14 now, shouldn't we be talking about boys right now?"

"Yeah, we wanna hear boy talk!" Fred and George's voices carried across the tent.

"Eavesdroppers! This doesn't concern you!" Sapphire shouted back, then looked to Flower, "And don't lump me in with the 14 year olds, I'm 15."

Flower rolled her eyes. "Oh yes, how could I forget that you started at Hogwarts a year late, it's not like you've told us before. Yet you've never actually told us why you started late." Flower reminded, her head tilting inquisitively as she looked up at Sapphire who shrinked back.

"...That's… private." Sapphire mumbled. Her attention seemed to drift to a different place.

"Hey!" Ginny clapped. "I thought we were supposed to be talking about boys." She pouted. "And here I thought we could finally do some girl bonding."

"We can! back to the boy talk. Osiris, pay attention." Flower snapped her fingers and Osiris rolled her eyes.

"I think you're forgetting something. I like girls, remember?" Osiris reminded and Flower shrugged.

"Either way, who are you crushing on right now?" Flower asked, looking at Osiris eagerly. Sapphire knew she only wanted the info so she could tease Osiris. At times like this, Sapphire really missed Grace's sarcastic attitude.

"And what makes you think I'm gonna tell you? I know why you want to know." Osiris retorted, turning his attention back to his book. Flower stuck her tongue out at him.

"Okay, you're no fun. Hmmm, Sapphire, why don't you talk about your boy crush?" Flower questioned, looking up at her from down below.

Sapphire swallowed nervously as she felt her cheeks begin to burn red. She had been trying to stop thinking about him all summer and had hoped Flower wouldn't ask. Yet here it was.

"I… I can't… tell." Sapphire hid her blushing cheeks behind her hands.

Flower latched onto this like a shark smelling blood. She shot up from her bunk again and climbed halfway up Sapphire's bunk. "Ohhh~ Sapphire, why can't you tell us? Is he an upper-classman or lower?"

Sapphire bit her lip. She'd been struggling with this desire since the last school year ended. She knew it wasn't right, but she couldn't help but be intrigued by everything he did, enthralled by the way he spoke, and loving every single time he had looked at her. "Damn… Um… He's well… neither." She finally answered.

Flower blinked. "What? How does that make sense? Oh, is he already graduated? I know you liked Oliver Wood last year." She remarked casually.

"It's not Oliver, though we do write occasionally now." Sapphire answered. "It's better if I don't tell you who I like. You guys would never believe me if I told you." Flower sighed dramatically and let go of the bunk, dropping back down to the floor.

"Fine, you don't have to tell. But I do have ways of finding things out." Flower warned. Sapphire shrugged, if Flower really did figure it out, she'd regret it the moment she did.

After much discussion and having to kick the boys out for eavesdropping again, everyone was heading for the stadium.

"Get your Quidditch World Cup programs here!" A vendor called out, waving a huge wad of papers in his hands. Mr. Weasley was leading the kids up many flights of metal stairs.

"Bimey, Dad. How far up are we?" Ron asked, getting to the top of another platform and panting.

"Well, put it this way: If it rains… you'll be the first to know." Lucius Malfoy was standing on a different platform and was leering at them with that shit-eating grin of his. Draco was standing next to his father and chuckled at his comment.

"Father and I are in the minister's box, by personal invitation of Cornelius Fudge himself." Draco bragged, his father and him trying to follow the other group as Mr. Weasley turned to start climbing yet another set of stairs, choosing to ignore the Malfoys.

"Don't boast, Draco. There's no need with these people." Lucius sneered. Harry turned to follow Mr. Weasley when Lucius reached his cane up to grab onto Harry's shoe. "Do enjoy yourself, won't you? While you can."

"Yeah sure, whatever blondie." Sapphire remarked dryly, pushing Harry along from behind.

"Why is he always so fucking cryptic?" Flower asked.

"My money is on a Slytherin thing. They're always sneaking about, talking in weird ways. Like Professor Snape for example. Why does he talk so weirdly? Pausing in between words, is he having a stroke?" Osiris commented, causing all the kids to start laughing except for Sapphire.

Finally after climbing up another few flights of stairs, they finally reached the platform their seats were on. "Come on up. Take your seats." Amos greeted them as they approached. "I told you these seats would be worth waiting for." Amos and Cedric were still dressed the same as when they had arrived that morning. On the other hand, Mr. Weasley's entourage were decked out in the colors of the respective teams they were supporting. Mr. Weasley even had a large green and white flag draped over his shoulders. Fred and George had painted their faces white and green, in addition to both wearing a green and white scarf. Fred was wearing a green and white hat, while George had a green and white pennant to wave.

"Come on! Ha, ha!" Fred cheered, looking over the crowd as George had to duck under the light to follow the rest of the group.

"Whoo-hoo-hoo-hoo!" Ginny whooped in excitement when the Irish flew past their heads.

"It's the Irish! There's Troy!" Fred exclaimed. pointing at one of the Irish quidditch players.

"And Mullet!" George added.

"And Moran!" Fred couldn't help but add. The Irish quidditch team flew up above the stadium, leaving a trail of white and green smoke behind them before lighting a large firework that took the shape of a leprechaun and began to dance. Ginny had joined Fred and George in supporting Ireland and was wearing a leprechaun hat. Hermione was also wearing a green and white scarf. While the others, Flower, Sapphire, Osiris, Ron, and Harry were wearing black and red colors to support the Bulgarians.

"Here come the Bulgarians!" George shouted, as the Bulgarian quidditch team flew threw the firework leprechaun and exploded it. The team continued their flight, diving between the Irish players before the Seeker of the Bulgarian quidditch team began to do tricks on his broom.

"Who's that?" Ginny asked.

"That, sis, is the best seeker in the world." George explained.

"Krum!" Harry, Ron, Fred, and George all joined the crowd in chanting the Bulgarian seekers name.

As the cheers began to die down, the minister for magic stepped out onto a platform and pointed his wand at his throat. "Good evening! As Minister for Magic, it gives me great pleasure to welcome each and every one of you to the final of the 422nd Quidditch World Cup!" He paused for effect. "Let the match… begin!" He drew his wand away from his throat and launched a bright light out into the stadium to start the match.

The match had been a fantastic experience for everyone. Ireland had won 170-160 after Krum had decided to catch the snitch, ending the game. "Krum! Krum! Krum-Krum-Krum!" Harry and Ron were chanting while the girls were just watching the boys act out.

"Doo-doo-doo-doo…" Fred and George were perfectly in sync as they sang along to Harry and Ron's chanting. Mr. Weasley's attention was pulled away from the celebrating teens when he heard people shouting outside. And it wasn't the kind of excited shouting he had been hearing all night. He moved to go check outside the tent while the kids were none the wiser.

"There's no one like Krum." Ron stated, standing up on a chair.

"Krum?" Fred questioned. "Dumb Krum?"

"He's like a bird, the way he rides the wind." Ron continued on, ignoring the twins.

"Krum, Krum." Fred and George were now flapping their arms, both having an Irish banner over their shoulders as they circled around Ron like predatory birds.

"He's more than an athlete." Ron added, "He's an artist."

Fred threw his banner over Ron as he and George continued to chant, "Dumb Krum."

Ginny couldn't help but join in the teasing now. "I think you're in love, Ron."

"Shut up." Ron retorted, but George and Fred just ramped up the teasing.

"Viktor, I love you." George began.

"Viktor, I do" Fred continued.

"When we're apart my heart beats only for you!" Fred, George and even Harry joined in.

"Sounds like Ron wants to take a ride on Krum's broomstick." Flower smirked, watching the boys with great amusement.

"Or he wants to ride something else." Sapphire froze, not having meant for those words to leave her mouth. The quiet lasted only for a moment before the laughter started again while Ron pouted. Another shout outside caught Fred's attention.

"Sounds like the Irish have got their pride on." Fred said, watching as George and Ron had gotten into a pillow fight.

"Stop! Stop it!" Mr. Weasley rushed in between them, stopping the playful struggle. "It's not the Irish." He moved through the room and grabbed Ginny's arm. "We've gotta get out of here. Now!"

Everyone was silent before they all scrambled to do as Mr. Weasley said. They all rushed out of the tent only to hear screaming and seeing people running in all directions.

"Get out, it's the Death Eaters!" A man shouted from afar.

"Get back to the Portkey, everybody, and stick together!" Mr. Weasley ordered. "Fred, George! Ginny is your responsibility. Go!" Mr. Weasley took out wand and headed in the direction the death eaters were coming from.

Fred and George both took one of Ginny's hands and took off. Sapphire felt Flower grab her by the arm and start pulling her along. Osiris was holding Flower's other hand as they made their way in between people. "Wait, I don't see Harry, Ron, or Hermione!" Sapphire warned, but Flower didn't stop.

"They'll be alright. They've gotten through worse things together." Flower reminded, not trying to show the others how worried she was as well. What was supposed to have been a fun and exciting night was turning into a nightmare.

It was a wonder how they'd all survived that night with only a few scratches to show for it. Now, everyone was on the Hogwarts Express on their way to school. Osiris' nose was still buried in a book, but Sapphire was grateful for the quiet. Flower was sitting in a different compartment with George, Fred, and Lee Jordan. Harry, Ron, and Hermione had shut themselves into their own compartment as well.

The door to the compartment that Osiris and Sapphire were occupying opened to reveal Grace, already dressed in her Slytherin house robes. Grace sat down next to Sapphire and didn't speak for a few moments.

"I'm sure you wanna know what happened." Sapphire started first. Grace sighed.

"Well honestly, I'm pretty sure I've got a vivid picture of what happened. It's really the only thing everyone is talking about. But I wanted to see if you all were alright." Grace explained, concern showing on her face.

Sapphire laughed softly, unable to stop herself. "Gee, I know I say it all the time, but you really don't belong in Slytherin. You should have totally been in Hufflepuff with all that compassion you're showing."

Grace frowned. "Still rude everytime you insinuate that. I was sorted into the Slytherin house and I have the best head of house possible." She proclaimed, sounding proud as she leaned back against the seat.

Osiris snorted, peeking over his book. "If Professor Snape is the best head of house, I think we've finally ended up in hell. We'd all have to start mopping up after his greasy black hair, Ugh"

Grace and Sapphire looked offended but Sapphire spoke first, "Professor Snape isn't that bad." Sapphire suggested, pausing when she noticed the three others looking at her. "I mean, Professor McGonagall is obviously the best, but Professor Snape is good too…" She trailed off, looking embarrassed.

"I hate Professor Snape. He's just a bully. I can't believe Dumbledore trusts him. He's an absolute creep." Osiris put his book down, looking absolutely disgusted.

Sapphire frowned, "He's not a creep. I mean… sure he can come off as rude at some points, but he really does want us to just pay attention." Osiris shook his head at Sapphire's words. "He saved Harry, Ron, Hermione, and myself last year from when Professor Lupin turned into a werewolf, remember? I told you all about it." Sapphire pleaded. Grace was still staring in surprise at Sapphire as she defended Snape.

"I thought you Gryffindor's hated Professor Snape. Can him saving you once just make him a hero in your eyes?" Grace raised an eyebrow at her.

"I'm sure some of us do hate him. I'm sure Harry does, but I don't. I just think he's misunderstood. I mean, he obviously wants to keep the students safe." Sapphire pointed out, Grace nodded thoughtfully. "Besides, when Merula sabotaged my potion last year in class, he let me redo it after dinner."

"Yeah, after he took 10 points from Slytherin house." Grace sulked. "I like my house, but my peers are just gonna drag us down, especially Merula."

Osiris rolled his eyes and dramatically clutched at his chest. "I'm Merula Snyde, and I'm the greatest witch Hogwarts has ever seen! I'm perfect! My flying skills are above everyone else's! If you want to be perfect, just do what I do! Ew, but don't stand too close to me, I find you peasants disgusting."

The compartment roared with laughter at Osiris's impersonation of Merula. "Yeah, that's pretty accurate for her. But I have a feeling she's gonna be worse this year." Grace explained.

"Oh boy. And why do I have a feeling I'm going to regret asking?" Sapphire frowned, "How is she worse?"

"I guess over the summer, she started dating around and got a little 'busy' with some guys. She was surrounded by guys when I walked by her compartment, and I'm not sure , but I think she had her hand slipped down one of the guy's pants. I went by so quickly so I couldn't be sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if she actually was doing that." Grace answered, looking a bit uncomfortable with the way the conversation had turned.

"Gross! Isn't she only 14?!" Osiris couldn't help but exclaim. Grace nodded.

"I mean, I can understand being curious but actually doing… you know it. I'm not comfortable with that." Sapphire replied.

"Well, I don't think she was interested in it, more that she was interested in the power that it gave her." Grace suggested and Osiris made a disgusted face.

"Power, what power do you get from jacking someone off?" Osiris said it so abruptly that it caught the others off guard. Sapphire couldn't not laugh at that.

"She doesn't mean actual power. But popularity. She now has people to do her bidding because they can expect things in return. So in reality, she's prostituting herself out for followers." Sapphire offered, "Is that a good way to understand it?" She asked, turning to Grace.

"Yeah, I'd say that's pretty accurate. If she gets caught doing this stuff we're gonna lose more points." Grace sighed.

"Well if she wants to be a whore, that's her decision. And don't worry Grace, Gryffindor will win the house cup this year and I'll dedicate it to you." Sapphire grinned. Grace elbowed her in response. It was odd for a Gryffindor and a Slytherin to be best friends, but Grace and Sapphire made it work. The train ride to Hogwarts went by quickly as the girls continued to chat as Osiris(?) was snoozing against the window.

"Well, now we're all settled in and sorted, I'd like to make a few announcements. Firstly, Due to an event taking place this year, there will be no Quidditch House Cup this year." Dumbledore was making his start of year speech and it was already a huge shock to students. As the bomb dropped about the Quidditch House Cup, students were already turning and whispering to eachother. "Quiet, please." Dumbledore continued, "This castle will not only be your home this year, but home to some very special guests as well. You see, Hogwarts has been chosen to host a legendary event: The Triwizard Tournament. Now, for those of you who do not know… The Triwizard Tournament brings together three schools for a series of magical contests. From each school, a single student is selected to compete. Now let me be clear. If chosen, you stand alone. And trust me when I say, these contests are not for the faint-hearted. But more of that later. For now, please join me in welcoming the lovely ladies of the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic… and their headmistress, Madam Maxime." Dumbledore paused in his address just as the doors to the Great Hall opened and a group of girls dressed in blue satin outfits entered. They would take a few steps and sigh, dipping their arms and smiling sweetly, before walking again, then repeating the movement. As the Beauxbatons lined up near the front of the hall, Madam Maxine entered, and she caught everyone's eyes with her height. She was even taller than Hagrid. "And now our friends from the north. Please greet the proud sons of Durmstrang and their high master, Igor Karkaroff." This time, a group of young men entered the hall and they gave off an air of power that silenced the Great Hall. They moved quite differently from the earlier performance, moving more like a military exercise as they slammed their sticks onto the ground. They ran the last few feet into the hall lining up near the Beauxbatons, but one crouched on the floor and breathed fire right next to Dumbledore, seemingly surprising the old Headmaster for a moment.

Before dinner finished that evening, Dumbledore stood next to a large gilded tower that had just been brought in. "Your attention, please! I'd like to say a few words. Eternal glory." Dumbledore rested one hand on the tower. "That is what awaits the student who wins the Triwizard Tournament. But to do this, that student must survive three tasks. Three… extremely dangerous tasks. For this reason, the Ministry has seen fit to impose a new rule. To explain all ths, we have the head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, Mr. Bartemius Crouch." As the man that Dumbledore had been speaking of approached, the calm atmosphere in the Great Hall broke as large booms of thunder echoed throughout the room and the ceiling changed to a great thunderstorm and began to rain on the students. A new person entered from the door behind the Professor's table and he pointed his wand at the ceiling, fixing the issue in seconds.

"Bloody hell. It's Mad-Eye Moody." Ron exclaimed, catching Hermione's attention.

"Alastor Moody? The Auror?" Hermione seemed in awe.

"Auror?" Dean Thomas looked at her questioningly.

"Dark-wizard catcher. Half the cells in Azkaban are filled thanks to him." Ron explained, "He's supposed to be mad as a hatter, though, these days."

"After due consideration, the Ministry has concluded that, for their own safety, no student under the age of 17 shall be allowed to put forth their name for the Triwizard Tournament. This decision is final." Bartimus Crouch stood in front of the students and explained the requirements for the Tournament, however many of the students were protesting including the Weasley twins.

"SILENCE!" Dumbledore shouted, silencing the room once again. He then turned to the tower and waved his wand, the tower seeming to dissolve but only to reveal a large stone goblet hidden inside of it. Almost at once, the goblet lit itself with a blue flame. "The Goblet of Fire. Anyone wishing to submit themselves to the tournament, need only write their name upon a piece of parchment and throw it in the flames before this hour on Thursday night. Do not do so lightly. If chosen, there's no turning back. As from this moment, the Triwizard Tournament has begun."

The first day of classes were always hectic, but this year was particularly chaotic due to the extra students, so everyone was glad when evening came and students were returning to their dormitories. Hermione was writing furiously in her journal on her bed. Sapphire could guess that she was writing about their defense against the dark arts class they'd had earlier that day. Flower bounced into the room, in a joyful mood, pausing when she noticed how quiet the 4th years were. "Uh, did someone die or something?" She asked.

"Sort of." Sapphire began, looking away from Hermione and towards Flower, hoping the 6th year could give some insight on this situation. "...Professor Moody showed us the unforgivable curses today." Sapphire explained.

"Oh, well they did say he's a bit nutters so telling you about them seems pretty normal for him. He probably just wanted to give you guys a heads up. You know, since the attack at the World Cup?" Flower suggested, sitting next to Sapphire on Sapphire's bed.

"No, you don't understand. He showed us. He performed the curses himself on a spider." Sapphire shuddered, still remembering the way the spider had screamed when being crucio'd. "We had to watch as he tortured and killed the spider. It was awful." Sapphire pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them, trying to come to terms with what she had seen that day.

"...He performed them in front of the class?" Flower asked, seemingly in shock. Sapphire could only nod, not wanting to talk about it anymore.

"You should have seen Neville's face. He made Neville stand next to him when he used the cruciatus curse on the spider." Hermione interjected, she tossed her journal away and sat up angrily. "Why would he show something like that! It was dreadful!"

"...I'm not sure. Did you tell Professor McGonagall about this?" Flower asked, glancing between the two girls.

"No… I think she has enough to worry about with this whole tournament thing going on." Sapphire mumbled. "Besides, Dark wizards are popping up again, we need to know what spells they would use on us." She rested her head on her knees. "I still don't like it though."

"No… I imagine not." Flower replied, patting Sapphire's head. "I'm going to head back to my room. You two had better stay out of trouble."

"You're one to talk." Sapphire retorted, "You hang out with the twins and they are trouble magnets."

"Fair point. Good night." Flower nodded to them before leaving the room. Sapphire and Hermione never said another word that night, both lost in their own thoughts.

The next few days went by in a blur. Everyone was eagerly awaiting Thursday night, wondering who the champions would be for each school. Potions class was the worst however. Merula seemed hell bent on following Sapphire to whichever table she chose to sit at. Grace had saved Sapphire the last seat available at her table and Sapphire had never been more grateful to her friend. She'd finally not have to share a table with Merula for once. Also at their table was Dean Thomas and Neville Longbottom.

"You know, Grace, you're getting a lot of odd looks for sitting at a table with Gryffindors." Sapphire commented, pulling her potions textbook out of her bag.

"Whatever, it's not like I would want to sit with those bullies." Grace rolled her eyes, "I wonder what today's lesson is gonna be about." She wondered.

"Thanks for not making me have to sit next to Merula." Sapphire added, keeping an eye on the door for when their strict potions master would enter the room.

"What are friends for?" Grace smiled, "Besides I think Professor Snape is gonna be a bit late today. He needed to talk to Professor Sprout about one of her students."

"That hufflepuff girl?." Sapphire said at once and Grace nodded. "Is she still skipping Potions class?" Sapphire asked. "Look, I understand that she may not like Professor Snape, but doesn't she realize it's going to be so much worse when she has to take remedial potions with him?" Sapphire explained.

"She probably won't go to that either." Grace shook her head when the door slammed shut to the room as Professor Snape entered. He looked to be in an absolutely foul mood, so all the students could only pray they wouldn't be the target of his fury.

"Open your books to page 63. Today we are going to brew the Wiggenwald potion. Or you will at least… attempt to." He was looking over the classroom, making sure everyone was following his directions. With a swish of his wand, Ron Weasley's book snapped to page 62. "You will follow these directions, exactly as they are written in your book." He sneered. "At the end of class, I want a vial from each of you with a sample of your potion on my desk. Begin."

All at once, the room became a flurry of movement as students moved around the room, retrieving the ingredients they needed for the potion. Over the next hour, the students worked carefully on their potions. Sapphire jerked in surprise when she heard Merula give a small shriek in surprise. Merula must have screwed up something because her cauldron had exploded all over her.

"Miss Snyde, if you cannot follow the directions about when to add the Salamander blood, perhaps it's best if you leave class for today." Professor Snape stated, waving his wand and cleaning up the cauldron that Merula had been using. Sapphire couldn't help but smile to herself as she watched Merula stomp out of the room in anger. "Miss Saber, I assume by your expression that your potion is coming along well?" Snape had crossed the room and was now standing behind Sapphire, peering into her cauldron before he frowned. "I suppose your work is… satisfactory for now." He decided, moving on to the next table.

Sapphire let out a breath she hadn't even realized she'd been holding. Neville had been shaking in fear, even though he hadn't been the target of Snape's attention this time. "Hey Neville, think about your boggart from last year. Just imagine that." Sapphire whispered across the table, sighing softly when Neville relaxed a little bit. He was obviously remembering when his boggart had been Professor Snape and that he changed his clothes to Grandmother's outfit.

After another 30 minutes, class was nearly over. Everyone at their table corked up some of their potion into a vial and set it on Snape's desk. They had survived the lesson for another day. They cleaned up their cauldrons and left as soon as they were dismissed.

"I can't believe Merula messed up a potion." Sapphire said to Grace as they headed to their next class, Divination. A class they both hated the most.

"Me either, Merula always prides herself on her potions skills and how she's one of Professor Snape's best students." Grace replied, "I wonder what happened."

"Honestly, I don't care. But it would be nice if it could continue. Maybe a Gryffindor could be Professor Snape's best potions student for once." Sapphire suggested.

"What? Like you?" Grace asked with a laugh. "You know Professor Snape hates Gryffindor, why would you even think that's possible."

"...It was just an idea…" Sapphire muttered. "Besides, it would be nice to get my potions grade up. I need to get an outstanding in my potions OWL next year if I'm going to continue to take Potions." Sapphire sighed.

"I hope you're not just forcing yourself to continue to take potions because of your grandfather." Grace said, looking at her.

"No, I'm not. Of course, he'd like me to be as skilled in potions as he is, but he and I both know that's unlikely. Honestly, he would probably be fine if I stop taking potions after my 5th year, but I would miss the class." Sapphire answered.

"...You would miss Potions class?" Grace asked, her brows knit in confusion. She had seen how much Sapphire struggled in that class.

Sapphire paused, okay so it wouldn't really be the class she would miss, but the Professor. It's not like she could honestly say that though.

Thursday evening had finally arrived and all of the students were bustling around the Great Hall, eager for the champion selection. A few of the professors arrived early, walking down the middle of the room toward the staff table. Professor McGonagall, followed by Professor Snape, and then by Bartemius Crouch. "Sit down. Please." Dumbledore requested, all of the students were quick to find a seat. "Now the moment you've all been waiting for: The champion selection." Dumbledore dimmed the torches in the room before walking over to the goblet of fire and placing his hand against the stone. He stepped back and the flame turned red before spitting out a small piece of paper with singed corners. "The Durmstrang champion is Viktor Krum." The fire turned red again and spat out a circular piece of paper that had gilded edges. "The champion for Beauxbatons… is Fleur Delacour." The fire turned red once again and spat out its last piece of paper. "The Hogwarts champion, Cedric Diggory!" The three selected got up and moved past Dumbledore into a private room. "Excellent! We now have our three champions. But in the end, only one will go down in history. Only one will hoist this chalice of champions, this vessel of victory… the Triwizard Cup!" Dumbledore spun dramatically on the spot and pointed at the now unveiled Cup that Barty had just carried in. Dumbledore's attention shifted to Snape who had just taken two steps closer and was looking past Dumbledore, at the goblet of fire. Dumbledore turned as well and noticed the flames acting in an odd manor. The flame turned such a bright red as Dumbledore approached that he had to shield his eyes. Another scrap of paper had just been ejected from the goblet of fire. "Harry Potter." Dumbledore muttered. "Harry Potter?" He repeated, raising his voice. "Harry Potter!" All the students were staring in shock. How had a 14 year old been allowed to enter? Dumbledore handed him the slip of paper and gestured for him to head to the room with the other champions.

Once the professors had left the room. The Great Hall erupted into loud whispers and shouts. "How did Harry get past the age line?" Flower asked, popping up next to Hermione, Ron, Sapphire, and Grace.

"Hell if I know, I wish he would have told me though." Ron muttered in annoyance.

"Are you serious? If Fred and George couldn't get past the age line then neither can Harry." Sapphire shook her head. "People have died in this tournament. He wouldn't have entered it without telling us the reason. I have a bad feeling about this." She confessed.

"Sapphire's right. Harry wouldn't have done it without saying anything." Grace agreed. "But the question is who put his name in the goblet of fire?"

Ron was silent, still fuming. Hermione was quiet, watching Ron with a concerned look.

Since Ron was no longer speaking to Harry and Hermione seemed to have sided with Ron. Harry would have spent most of his time alone if not for Sapphire and Neville hanging out with him. One day, Harry, Neville, and Sapphire we're near the edge of the black lake. Sapphire and Harry were sitting down while Neville had rolled up his pant legs and was in the lake, finding things.

"Amazing." Neville said, "Amazing!" Neville had been fascinated by what he just found.

"Neville. You're doing it again." Harry said.

"Oh. Right, sorry." Neville was quick to apologize.

"It's alright, Harry. Let him have his fun." Sapphire shook her head. Harry had been very moody these past few days.

"Magical Water Plants of the Highland Lochs?" Harry repeated, reading the title of the book that Neville had left sitting on the ground.

"Moody gave it to me. That- That day we had tea." Neville explained, waving at some approaching figures.

Sapphire and Harry turned to look. "Oh boy, here we go again…" Sapphire muttered.

Hermione, Ginny, and Ron were walking down to them. But Hermione and Ron were whispering furiously to one another. Hermione sighed and walked over to Harry. "Ronald would like me to tell you that Seamus told him that Dean was told by Parvati that Hagrid's looking for you." Hermione stated.

"Is that right?" Harry asked, Sapphire standing up to join the conversation. She could already hear the annoyance in Harry's tone. "Well, y- What?"

"Uh… um…" Hermione grimaced and turned to walk back to Ron. Harry glanced at Sapphire and she shrugged. "Dean was… told by Parvati that… Please don't ask me to say it again. Hagrid's looking for you."

"Well, you can tell Ronald-" Harry began.

"I'm not an owl!" Hermione snapped, whipping around and cutting him off.

Sapphire couldn't help herself and she scoffed. "Really, because you're already letting Ron treat you like one." She challenged. She had always hated this stupid thing people do with the whole silent treatment and little messages through friends. Hermione ignored her and turned away, grabbing Ginny as they both headed back towards Hogwarts. Ron remained, glaring at Harry. "If you have a problem with him, how about you grow some tesitcles and actually talk about it like a real man?" Sapphire stepped in front of Ron. He may have been taller than her despite being younger than her, but Sapphire had never known when to back down from a fight.

"You're not worth it." Ron snapped, turning away from them both and following Ginny and Hermione.

Later that night, Sapphire was still up working on some homework in the Gryffindor common room when she heard the portrait entrance open. However no one entered. She blinked, before Harry pulled his invisibility cloak off, freezing when he noticed he wasn't alone. "Oh thank god, it's just you." He sighed.

"Oh gee, I feel so honored." Sapphire replied sarcastically. Harry walked over and sat in the seat across from her.

"It's dragons." He stated. She paused, setting her quill down. She looked like she was about to ask him to repeat himself but he beat her to it. "The first challenge is dragons."

"Holy shit…" Sapphire said in shock, closing her book. "Wait, is that why Hagrid was looking for you?"

"Yeah, he showed them to me." He replied. "And the unfortunate scene of having to watch and hear him flirt with Madam Maxine." He stuck his tongue out in a fake gag and Sapphire thumped him on the head with her journal. "Ow! What was that for?"

"For being rude. And I could have used my textbook, that would have been a harder hit. If Hagrid has found someone and he's happy, we should be happy for him." She scolded. "Anyway, if the first challenge is a dragon, I wonder how much more dangerous the next challenges will be."

Harry seemed nervous now, considering her words. "Do you think the others know?" He asked. "The other champions, I mean."

"Well, if Madam Maxine was there, then she'll tell Fleur. I'm not sure about Krum. But Cedric probably won't know." She commented.

"Oh yeah! I talked to Sirius." Harry added, "I meant to tell you guys earlier but Ron isn't speaking to me and Hermione is…"

"With Ron. Yeah. What did Sirius talk to you about?" Sapphire asked.

"Well, we didn't get a chance to talk on the train, but I've been having dreams. Something to do with you-know-who. I'm inside a house, and there's this old man. He's listening to a conversation through a cracked door and there's a young man kneeling in front of a chair. He's talking to you-know-who, but I can't see him. Then Pettigrew opens the door and kills the old man." He explained. "I wrote to Sirius about my dream and he already heard about the tournament. He said that whoever put my name into the goblet isn't my friend."

"Well he's right about that. First death eaters at the World Cup and now this. And your dream." She frowned, looking deep in thought. "Has your scar been hurting?"

"Yeah, everytime I have the dream." He answered.

"Well that's not good. I know that whenever your scar hurts, shit is gonna hit the fan." Sapphire's frown deepened. "What do we do?"

"I don't know… Sirius said Hogwarts wasn't safe anymore." He added. "Um. He told me that Igor Karkaroff is a Death Eater, but that no one really stops being a Death Eater."

"The Durmstrang Headmaster?" Sapphire looked surprised. "Things are just getting more and more complicated. I think a change of subject is needed. Have you heard the rumors going around?"

"What rumors?" He asked, sounding confused.

"The rumors about Merula." Sapphire stated, Harry blinked.

"Why would I listen to rumors about her?" He asked, looking annoyed again.

"Just listen. We needed a change of subject and this is the only thing that came to mind. She's gaining more followers, but doing it in a very… unique way." She explained.

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Well Malfoy isn't involved with her now, I hope."

"Not unless he's fucking her." Sapphire replied.

"I- what?" Harry froze.

"She's been fucking a lot of people to gain followers." Sapphire informed him.

"But… She's our age! How is that… " He looked so confused.

"Oh Harry, you have so much to learn." She shook her head, looking amused. "Power and Money can lure in followers, but sex can be just as powerful. She's discovered that. I have a feeling she's getting away with it because she's fucking those who are the same age. Plus, if she isn't using condoms, like she should be, she's at least using a contraceptive potion. Once she turns 16 though, we'll really be in trouble."

"...Why 16? What does that have to do with anything?" He asked.

"This always surprised me about Europe. In the U.S. the average age of consent is between 17 and 18. Here in both England and Scotland, the age of consent is 16. So once she turns 16, she can use sex to lure in followers of all ages above that age. And if there's one thing I know, men will do stupid things for sex." Sapphire sighed.

"So, after she turns 16, she'll go after single men in powerful positions?" Harry repeated, trying to understand.

"Ha, not only single. Probably not only men either. Merula will use whatever means she can get her hands on to gain power." Sapphire tapped her textbook with her finger. "Which means, I need to put her in her place before this year ends."

"How are you going to do that?" He wondered. "Everytime you two go at it, we lose house points."

"You're right. But the good thing is that I turn 16 in January." Sapphire reminded him. Harry's jaw dropped open and he bolted upright.

"Don't tell me you're going to start sleeping with men like her!" He snapped and Sapphire shook her head.

"Don't be stupid. I plan to beat her using my head, not my body. Besides, I'm only after one man anyway. And that itself is a pipedream." She retorted. "Merula is already starting to make mistakes this year. If I can surpass her in Potions, her reputation as Professor Snape's best student will fall. The hard part will be trying to increase my own potions grade. It will be difficult since Snape hates Gryffindor students so much."

They sat in silence for a few minutes, both thinking about their own problems. "So… who is it that you like?" Harry asked, breaking the tension.

Sapphire snorted. "If I didn't tell Flower, then why would I tell you?" She giggled and he frowned.

"I don't know, I could have, I don't know, helped. I'm a guy. I might know what things he likes." He suggested. This time Sapphire couldn't contain her laughter. Her books slipped from her lap and she slid out the chair right after them, still laughing while on the floor. Harry could see she was laughing so hard she was crying.

After that, they headed up to their respective dorms, Sapphire still giggling as she went into her room. Harry wasn't sure what was so funny, but he felt like an idiot when he went to bed that night. Obviously she had known something he hadn't.

The next morning, Sapphire had been talking with Grace when she saw Harry making a beeline across the courtyard. "Uh oh." She muttered, he was heading straight for Ron and Seamus. "Excuse me, Grace. Harry's outnumbered." Sapphire stood up and caught up to Harry just as he opened his mouth.

"You're a right foul git, you know that?" Harry snapped

"You think so?" Ron asked, leaning over Harry.

"I know so." Harry was pissed.

"Anything else?" Ron looked bored.

"Yeah. Stay away from me." Harry demanded.

"Fine." Ron retorted and pushed past Harry with Seamus following.

Harry sighed and turned, finally noticing Sapphire. "What are you doing here?"

"Thought you might need a hand, if.. you know… things got out of hand." Sapphire explained.

"There's Potter. Cheat." Crabbe's voice carried and Sapphire's head turned in the direction it came from.

Grace had stood up as well now and joined Harry and Sapphire as they walked, noticing Draco up in a tree. "Why so tense, Potter?" Draco asked cockily. Harry sighed and tried to ignore him. "My father and I have a bet, you see. I don't think you're gonna last 10 minutes in this tournament. He disagrees. Draco dropped down from the tree, walking towards the group as Crabbe and Goyle followed. "He thinks you won't last five."

"I don't give a damn what your father thinks, Malfoy." Harry snapped, moving forward and shoving Draco. "He's vile and cruel. And you're just pathetic." He turned and started to walk away. Sapphire and Grace walking next to him, hoping Draco would just leave it alone. They didn't take more than a few steps before they heard Professor Moody.

"Oh, no, you don't, sonny!" His shout was clear, and the three turned to see Moody use his wand to turn Draco into a pure white ferret. "I'll teach you to curse someone when their back is turned!" Professor Moody came charging over. "You stinking…" Moody was now using his wand to manipulate the ferret into the air, waving it up and down. "cowardly… scummy…"

"Professor Moody!" Professor McGonagall rushed over.

"...back-shooting…" Moody continued.

"What are you doing?" McGonagall demanded.

"Teaching." Moody's one word response made Grace and Sapphire giggle.

"Is that a-? Is that a student?" McGonagall asked. The students watching couldn't keep the grins off their faces.

"Technically, it's a ferret." Moody replied, before moving and shoving the ferret down Crabbe's pants despite Crabbe protesting.

"Stand still! Stand still!" Goyle shouted, running forward to help Crabbe. He shoved his hand down Crabbe's pants only for the Draco-ferret to bite him. All the students watching were laughing. This would be a moment no one would ever forget. Draco-ferret squirmed out of Crabbe's pant leg and Professor McGonagall was quick to untransfigure Draco.

"My father will hear about this!' Draco snarled, whirling on Moody.

"Is that a threat?" Moody demanded, moving to take off after Draco again.

"Professor Moody!" McGonagall shouted.

"Is that a threat?!" Moody repeated, chasing Malfoy around a tree.

"Professor!" McGonagall yelled.

"I could tell you stories about your father that would curl even your greasy hair, boy!" Moody shouted after Draco's form as he fled.

"Alastor!" McGonagall looked pissed.

"It doesn't end here!" He made one last shout after Malfoy before turning to McGonagall.

"Alastor. We never use transfiguration as a punishment! Surely Dumbledore told you that." Professor McGonagall had her wand pointed right at Moody's face as she scolded him.

"He might have mentioned it." Moody mumbled.

"Well, you will do well to remember it." McGonagall stated, before turning away. "Away!" She shooed away the crowd of students who had been watching. Moody stuck out his tongue at her once her back was turned.

"You. Come with me." Moody pointed to Harry. Sapphire and Grace watched Harry leave with Moody.

"...That was the greatest thing I have ever seen in my life." Sapphire confessed and Grace nodded.

"I will never forget this day." Grace said, before freezing. "I have an idea!" She grabbed Sapphire's arm and dragged her out of the courtyard.

"Where are we going? What's your idea?" Sapphire asked.

"You'll see!" Grace grinned.

The next day was the first challenge for the champions. Grace's idea was now revealed for the other students to see. She had been inspired by the Cedric Rules/Potter Stinks Badges and had created her own version. Her badges had Draco Malfoy's face on it, but when it switched, it had the face of a white ferret. The news about Draco's encounter with Moody had spread across the school like wildfire. Grace couldn't keep up with the demand for the badges. Many students were even wearing both Grace's badge as well as the Cedric/Potter one.

The entire event had been gut-wrenching. Of course, all of the champions succeeded in their task. But Harry had definitely had the toughest time. When the chain snapped and the dragon flew over the professors, the stadium had gone silent. Luckily the Professors weren't hurt, but Snape and McGonagall had looked less than pleased.

The next morning at breakfast, Sapphire and Flower were quick to figure out who Harry liked. He couldn't stop looking at Cho over at the Ravenclaw table. Sapphire and Flower grinned at each other. This would be fun to tease him about, but before they could even start, Hermione slapped the newspaper down on the table. "Look at this!" Hermione exclaimed. "I can't believe it! She's done it again. 'Miss Granger, a plain but ambitious girl, seems to be developing a taste for famous wizards. Her latest prey, sources report, is none other than the Bulgarian bonbon, Viktor Krum. No word yet on how Harry Potter's taking this latest emotional blow.' "Flower and Sapphire had roared with laughter at the 'Bulgarian bonbon' part.

"I'd like to get myself a Fred bonbon." Flower commented and Sapphire smacked her arm.

"You are already dating him." Sapphire pointed out. "...bonbon. HAHAHA!"

"Parcel for you, Mr. Weasley." A young boy had appeared behind Harry, holding a box.

"Ah, Thank you, Nigel." Ron took the box from him. Nigel didn't leave, staring at Harry. "Not now, Nigel." Ron shooed him away. Hermione raised an eyebrow at Ron. "I told him I'd get him Harry's autograph." Hermione rolled her eyes as Ron began to unwrap the box. "Oh, look, Mum's sent me something." He pulled it out of the box, standing up from the table to see the full length of it. "Mum sent me a dress."

"Well, it does match your eyes. Is there a bonnet?" Harry reached into the box and pulled out something. "Aha! Heh."

"Nose down, Harry." Ron pouted, he walked down along the table to where his younger sister was sitting. "Ginny, these must be for you."

"I'm not wearing that. It's ghastly." Ginny protested. Hermione, Flower, and Sapphire started giggling, realizing what the article of clothing was.

"What are you on about?" Ron asked Hermione.

"They're not for Ginny. They're for you." She explained, Fred, Flower, George, and Sapphire laughing louder. "Dress robes."

"Dress robes? For what?" Ron asked, looking confused.

"The Yule Ball has been a tradition of the-" McGonagall was trying to explain while Filch was tinkering with the music player. "-Triwizard Tournament since its inception. On Christmas Eve night, we and our guests gather in the Great Hall for a night of well-mannered frivolity. As representatives of the host school, I expect each and every one of you to put your best foot forward. And I mean this literally, because the Yule Ball is, first and foremost, a dance." The girls immediately began to talk excitedly while the boys started complaining. "Silence! The House of Godric Gryffindor has commanded the respect of the wizard world for nearly 10 centuries. I will not have you, in the course of a single evening, besmirching that name by behaving like a babbling, bumbling band of baboons." McGonagall continued, "Now, to dance is to let the body breathe. Inside every girl, a secret swan slumbers, longing to burst forth and take flight. Inside every boy, a lordly lion prepared to prance. Mr. Weasley."

"Yes?" Ron replied slowly.

"Will you join me, please?" Professor McGonagall asked. Ron followed her to the middle of the room. "Place your right hand on my waist."

"Where?" Ron asked in astonishment.

"My waist." She repeated. Just as Ron set his right hand on Professor McGonagall's waist, one of the boys wolf-whistled. "And extend your arm." She helped him get into position. "Mr. Filch, if you please?" Mr. Filch started the music and she began to move. "One, two, three. One, two, three. One, two, three. Everybody come together." The girls were quick to stand up, all eager to dance. "Boys, on your feet." Only Neville was brave enough to stand up.

Now the struggle was on to find dates for the Yule Ball. The only one who didn't have to worry was Flower, who had already agreed to go with Fred. Now sitting at a table in the Great Hall with Snape supervising their work. Sapphire had wisely chosen to do as Hermione did and get her work done. Unlike them, Ron and Harry kept whispering to each other.

"This is mad. At this rate, we'll be the only ones in our year without dates." Ron whispered, not noticing Snape walking up behind him. Professor Snape wasted no time in shoving Ron's head in the direction of his work. "Ow!" Sapphire tried to hide her smile when she saw that. "Well… us and Neville."

"Yeah, but, then again, he can take himself." Harry whispered back and they both chuckled.

"It might interest you to know that Neville's already got someone." Hermione commented. Ron groaned at the news.

"Now I'm really depressed." Ron mumbled. George tossed a sheet of paper at Ron. "Get a move on or all the good ones will have gone." Ron whispered to himself as he read it. "Who you going with, then?" Ron looked up and whispered loudly across the table to his brother. George wadded up a ball of paper and threw it at a girl sitting a little ways away from him.

"Oi, Angelina." George whispered. She turned and mouthed what. "Do you… wanna go… to the ball… with me?" He put on a whole act, pantomiming his question. She smiled and nodded.

Sapphire couldn't believe George had just gotten away with that. Professor Snape was right there standing behind Angelina, but he was reading a student's notebook.

"Oi, Hermione. You're a girl." Ron began, only for Harry to grab his arm warningly. Sapphire and Harry had both spotted Snape coming.

"Oh, well spotted." Hermione retorted. Harry started smacking Ron's arm, trying to get his attention.

"Come with one of us?" Ron asked just before Snape smacked Ron on the back of the head with the notebook he'd been reading earlier. Snape also smacked Harry with the notebook for good measure as well.

Sapphire couldn't hide her small giggle this time. That notebook had to have been a hardcover from the thud it made when it hit the two boys. She froze when Snape looked at her, but he only narrowed his eyes before turning away.

"Come on. It's one thing for a bloke to show up alone. For a girl, it's just sad." Ron hadn't learned when to shut up apparently.

"I won't be going alone, because, believe it or not, someone's asked me." Hermione hissed, getting up and going to turn her notebook into Professor Snape. She walked back, leaning down to grab her stuff. "And I said yes!" She added before leaving the Great Hall

"Don't look at me, I got asked already too." Sapphire stated when Ron looked at her. Though she wasn't sure if she should have said yes to the guy who asked.

"Bloody hell. She's lying, right?" Ron asked, turning to Harry.

"If you say so." Harry replied.

Sapphire looked up, noticing Snape watching the three of them again. Oh there was no way she was gonna warn Ron and Harry. This was just far too amusing to witness.

"Look," Ron began. Sapphire watched Snape set down the notebook he'd been carrying. "We've just gotta grit our teeth and do it." Ron continued. Sapphire couldn't hide her grin when she realized what was coming. Snape pulled his sleeves back. "Tonight, when we get back to the common room, we'll both have partners. Agreed?" Ron asked. Snape headed straight for the two boys sitting across from Sapphire.

"Agreed." Harry nodded. Right after he answered, Snape appeared behind both of them and shoved their heads down at their work again.

Sapphire giggled, watching them rub the back of their heads after Snape walked away.

"Think that was funny, do you?" Ron frowned at her.

"Oh yes. Very." Sapphire smiled innocently. "Anyway, I'm done." She stood up from the table and turned her notebook into Snape. She headed back to the table and grabbed her stuff. "See you guys later." She left the Great Hall but had no idea that she was being watched.

Flower had seen Sapphire leave and had been about to return her attention to her work when she noticed Professor Snape watching Sapphire leave. His attention only returned to the room when Sapphire's blue hair disappeared behind the door.

(Send me a picture of the outfit you want to wear to the Yule Ball. Right now I only have Emma's. And hairstyles too if you want.)

"Leave it alone." Harry scolded. Ron was still trying to fix his own dress robes.

"Oh, Ron… Your… You look nice." Sapphire winced at the sight of Ron's attire.

"Well you're one to ta-" Ron froze and Harry followed his line of sight. Sapphire was standing at the base of the stairs, wearing a navy blue gown. Her blue hair was tied up into a bun, with small star and moon shaped pins holding it in place.

"Wow, Sapphire, you look great." Harry was at least able to read the situation. Ron nodded in agreement.

"Are my dress robes… really that bad?' Ron asked worriedly.

"Um… I'm probably not the best person to ask. It would depend on if that fit their aesthetic." She replied.

"And this doesn't fit yours?" He commented.

"Yeah, not a chance. Harry's outfit is pretty common though. And Anthony's is… where did he go?" She turned, looking around.

"Anthony Petunas is your date? The 6th year hufflepuff." Ron said in surprise. "I thought he was taking his girlfriend."

"Oh, they broke up so he asked me to go with him." She explained, "though he's gone somewhere." She shrugged. "Anyway it won't matter until the dance starts."

Ron and Harry continued down the stairs, joining Sapphire. "Poor kid. Bet she's alone in her room, crying her eyes out." Ron sighed.

"Who?" Harry asked in confusion. Sapphire raised an eyebrow.

"Hermione, of course." Ron stated, "Come on, Harry, why do you think she wouldn't tell us who she's coming with?"

"Because we'd take the mickey out of her if she did." Harry replied.

"Nobody asked her." Ron rolled his eyes at Harry's obliviousness, "I would've taken her myself if she wasn't so bloody proud."

"You're an idiot." Sapphire declared, rolling her eyes at Ron. "For your information she did get asked. And she was still getting ready when I left."

The parvati twins walked up to them, Sapphire stepping away to go find her date. She nearly was ran over by Flower rushing by. "Yo, watch out for the little people. Though you do look nice."

Flower paused, noticing Sapphire. "Oops sorry. I was trying to find Fred, but I don't think he's here yet." Flower was wearing a black dress and had her hair styled into a fringy/gothic set of pig tails.

"Well then I suppose we can wait together then. My date disappeared somewhere." Sapphire replied and Flower nodded.

"Sounds good, I wonder how many of the guys are actually gonna dance." Flower commented and Sapphire tilted her head.

"A good question. I just hope my feet don't get stepped on too much." Sapphire looked down at the small silver heels she was wearing.

"Ah, I thought you looked a little taller." Flower teased with a grin and Sapphire pouted.

"Don't start. They're only an inch high." Sapphire protested. "...Not like I could walk in anything higher."

"Well either way, I know that you'll definitely catch someone's eyes tonight." Flower smirked.

"And what does that mean?" Sapphire asked, wondering what her older friend was getting at.

"Nothing, nothing." Flower smiled and waved away Sapphire's concern. "Oh Grace! You look fantastic! Dressed like a true Slytherin." Grace had just walked up to them. Grace was wearing a dark green, black, and white suit.

"Sapphire, Flower, Hi. You two look nice." Grace commented. "Have any of you seen Luna?"

Sapphire raised an eyebrow. "Wait, Luna Lovegood? She's your date?"

"Yes, she was wearing a silver gown when I first saw her, but she slipped out of my view." Grace explained. Sapphire looked around at the silver decorations covering the entire room.

"Oh, you're gonna have a fun time trying to find her in all this." Flower said, watching as more people entered the hall. "Oh, there's Fred. Bye!" She disappeared into the crowd, leaving Sapphire and Grace standing there.

"So, who did you come with?" Grace asked, still looking around for Luna.

"Er… I came with Anthony Petunas." Sapphire answered, already beginning to regret saying yes. But on the other hand, nobody else had asked her.

"... I thought he was going with his girlfriend." Grace replied.

"...They broke up." Sapphire hated repeating herself.

Professor McGonagall came into the hall and began ordering people back to form a path from the door. Sapphire was beginning to lose faith that her date would ever return when she felt a hand on the small of her back, making her jump.

"Oh, sorry. I lost track of time talking with the boys." Anthony had appeared behind her. He had black hair and brown eyes, but he was more cute than he was handsome. He also had a reputation for being a player so Sapphire's hopes hadn't been too high.

"Hello, Grace." Luna had snuck up next to her, startling Grace a bit as well. "Are you friends of Grace?" Luna peeked around Grace.

"Oh, uh, yes. I'm Sapphire Saber." Sapphire replied, shaking Luna's hand when she held it out.

"Loony Luna is your friend's partner?" Anthony was whispering into Sapphire's ear, "You need better friends." Sapphire frowned.

"Who I am friends with is not determined by you or anyone else." Sapphire hissed. She was pissed now, there was nothing that made her angrier than when someone messed with her friends.

"Hey Sapphire." Osiris had joined the crowd now too, standing beside her and raising his eyebrow at Sapphire's date. Osiris looked like he hadn't brought a date and Sapphire realized she should have just asked him. For once, Ron had been right to think of asking a friend. Osiris was wearing a dark red and black suit, with his hair slicked back.

"Hi, Osiris. I thought you were going to ask Lavender Brown?" Sapphire asked.

"Oh, I was, but then I heard that she's the super clingy type and I really don't have the time nor the desire to deal with that." He answered.

"Fair enough." Sapphire replied. The doors opened and the four champions and their dates entered the room, walking down the aisle while everyone clapped for them. Professor Flitwick was orchestrating the songs and he began his movements just as the music began to play.

The professors all seemed pleased to watch the champions dance. Minerva glanced to her right at Severus and smirked, his attention was laser focused on her blue haired Gryffindor student. Albus seemed to notice his staring as well, leaning toward Minerva. "I bet you 40 galleons he confesses by Valentine's day." Albus whispered.

"Oh no, Albus. He'll confess before the end of January." Minerva whispered back, knowing her student would be 16 by then.

"Double or nothing?" Albus asked, grabbing Minerva's hand and pulling her out to dance as well.

"Deal." Minerva smiled. "It's about time he found someone after Lily." Albus nodded as they danced.

Neville and Ginny stepped out onto the floor to dance and Sapphire smiled. "Oh they're cute together."

"Oh don't let Ron hear you say that." Grace replied, "He damn near lost his mind when he found out Neville asked Ginny."

"Ugh, he worries too much. As long as she's happy. That's what matters." Sapphire added.

Grace took Luna's hand and led her out onto the floor. Sapphire feeling jealous at their happy faces.

"Shall we go?" Anthony grabbed Sapphire's hand and she nodded, forcing herself to remain positive. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad.

She could see Fred and Flower dancing, as she and Anthony got into position. Sapphire learned very quickly, he could not for his life dance. After a mere 5 minutes, he had stepped on her feet 7 different times and he kept holding her waist so tightly it hurt.

She looked around again and Flower tossed her a smile, Sapphire forced herself to return it, despite her pain. She should have told Anthony no. She would have been better off alone. The tempo picked up and Anthony moved to twirl Sapphire, but then he let go, Sapphire falling onto the floor.

"Abigail!" He called, chasing after his ex-girlfriend he'd just seen. Sapphire bit her lip, anger boiling up inside her. She wanted to chase after him and cuss him out, but a hand appearing in front of her caught her attention. She looked up and was surprised to see Professor Snape standing there, looking at her with… sympathy.

"Take my hand." It came out as an order, but Sapphire was grateful for the help anyway as Snape pulled her up. "Are you alright?" Her head snapped up to meet his face, surprised at his question.

"I… Um… Yes… He was just…" Sapphire could feel her heart pounding in her chest, all those feelings she had been struggling to repress the last few months were wanting to surge forth. See, she knew Snape could be kind.

"A foul jerk." Snape's reply surprised her. He frowned at her. "Do not start crying over a boy like him. He is not worth it." She nodded slowly, trying to decide what to do now. "...Well, now you appear to lack a partner." Snape stated and she sighed, he was right, of course. "Will you permit me to dance with you?"

"What?" Sapphire's jaw dropped open, she couldn't help it. She looked around and began to wonder if she was about to be pranked. That's when she spotted Professor Sprout taking turns dancing with the boys and girls who didn't have partners. "...I'd be honored, professor." She answered, placing her hand in Snape's when he offered it to her.

He led her out onto the floor and he placed his right hand on her waist, his left hand taking her right hand. Sapphire swallowed nervously as she rested her left hand on his shoulder. Then they were moving, easily following the music. 'He is surprisingly skilled at dancing, though he's pretty much perfect at everything. Why not dancing too?' Sapphire thought to herself as they swayed to the tempo.

She caught Grace's eye as she twirled by, Grace's jaw dropping open in shock. Sapphire smiled, feeling warmth in her chest. She figured her cheeks were probably red, but she didn't mind. She was dancing with Professor Snape, she could have died happy.

The next couple they passed were Flower and Fred, the former of which looked excited while the latter looked just as stunned as Grace. She couldn't help but giggle. "Is something funny to you, Miss Saber?" Snape was focused on her when she turned her face to meet his eyes again.

"Not really funny, per se. Just amusing. I don't think your students expected you to dance today. Or ever. Professor." She replied, unable to hide her smile.

His face remained passive, but she might have seen a corner of his lips jerk upward for a second. "If the students are surprised by just this, then they are not ready for the real world yet." He commented. She giggled again.

The music moved into a new song and Sapphire had thought for sure that he was going to let go of her. How long was Snape going to dance with her for? She wasn't sure if her heart could take a full night of dancing with the Potions Master.

Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore danced by next, Sapphire stiffening when Dumbledore winked at her. Had she just imagined that? Was she losing her mind? Maybe this was all a dream, a sick prank from her brain if that was the case. She missed a step and almost slipped, Snape catching her. "Focus." Snape narrowed his eyes at her and Sapphire felt her pulse begin to race again.

"Yes, sir." She replied, really not wanting to disappoint him. She felt her heart leap out of her chest when Snape lifted her up by the waist, following the beat of the song. 'Holy fuck, he really is a good dancer.' Sapphire thought to herself. Really really glad she hadn't stepped on one of his feet. She would never live down the embarrasment. The music was beginning to slow, signaling the end of the song.

"The music is no longer going to be a waltz, so you should go and join your friends." Snape's voice brought her back to the present. She only nodded. When the music did stop, she immediately felt his absence when he let go of her. "Excuse me." He turned and walked back towards the other professors, Sapphire noticing Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore were smiling at Professor Snape as he approached. Interesting.

The music changed to a much faster beat and tempo, songs that were more like the kind teenagers would listen to. Definitely not appropriate for a waltz. She didn't have much time to ponder before both of her arms were grabbed and she was dragged toward a table. "What the hell?!" She asked when Flower and Grace let go of her.

"What do you mean, what the hell?! What the hell was that?! With you and Snape!" Grace gave Sapphire a light shake.

"Stop it, let her breathe." Flower pried Grace's hands off of Sapphire's shoulders.

"So… spill the deets."

"...Um, what deets?" Sapphire asked, "He just danced with me, that's all."

Flower sighed and shook her head. "Have I taught you nothing, child?"

"Don't call me child." Sapphire pouted.

"Alright, fine. But what happened? I thought you were dancing with Anthony." Flower asked, and Grace nodded.

"How did you even get Snape to agree to a dance anyway?" Grace added.

"Well first, I was dancing with Anthony, until he dropped me and took off after his ex." Sapphire explained and Flower slammed her fist down on the table. A few other tables looked their way but Flower ignored them. "Secondly, Professor Snape is the one who asked me to dance with him." Sapphire admitted, Grace's jaw dropped open again.

"I'm gonna kick Anthony's ass." Flower's fists were shaking with rage.

"I still can't believe you danced with Snape." Grace repeated.

"Yeah, neither can I. Do me a favor and pinch me, will you?" Sapphire requested, "I want to be sure I'm not dreami-OW! You didn't need to do it so hard." Grace shrugged.

"Just wanted to make sure you were awake." Grace replied. "I knew that guy was bad news when I heard him calling Luna, Looney behind her back."

"That BASTARD!" Flower snapped, seething with rage. She paused, taking a few deep breaths to calm herself. "I can deal with him later. Anyway, back to you." Flower said, focusing on Sapphire.

"...What about now?" Sapphire sighed.

"Remember when I said you'll definitely catch someone's attention?" Flower smirked. "Snape's been watching you for the past few weeks."

Grace paushed, thinking deeply. "...You know what, she's right. He's been watching you closely in Potions class as well."

"Really?" Sapphire asked, feeling her cheeks starting to turn red again.

"...W- Wait a minute!" Grace said, sitting down next to Sapphire. "Do… Do you like Professor Snape?" Sapphire's face turned a bright red and she hid it using her hands.

"I knew it." Flower smirked, sitting on the other side of Sapphire. "You have always had a thing for older guys."

"Okay, when you first told us that, I thought you meant a few years older. Not, y'know, actually old." Grace leaned back against the table.

"He's not that old…" Sapphire protested.

"How old is he actually?" Flower asked, tapping her chin in thought.

"I mean, he can't be that old right? He attended school with Harry's parents, right? Lupin knew him and Lupin is in his mid 30's. Right?" Grace suggested. "I'm sorry, I'm still trying to get past the fact that you like my head of house. Ah… That's why you want to continue taking potions after your fifth year." Grace finally caught on.

"How long?" Flower tapped Sapphire's forehead, forcing the blue-haired girl to stop hiding her face.

"Almost a year now… Right after he saved us from that werewolf actually… I started to notice more about him…" Sapphire felt unnaturally shy.

"Us? oh you mean Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Say, when did Harry and Ron start talking again." Grace asked.

"After the dragon challenge. Ron realized he was being a complete idiot." Sapphire explained.

"Anyway, let's go join the others! Harry and Ron are sitting with their dates over there." Flower said, standing up.

"Wait!" Sapphire pleaded. "You can't tell anyone about this."

Flower pouted. "Oh come on, you know I can't keep a secret."

"I'm serious! No one can know!" Sapphire demanded. "They wouldn't understand."

"Alright, we won't tell." Grace promised. "I'm gonna go find Luna and go check out that music they're playing."

Flower and Sapphire headed over to Ron and Harry, both seemed to be sulking. Flower sensed the vibe and split, leaving Sapphire alone.

"Uh, what's the matter with you guys?" She asked, but no one, not even their dates answered. "...Ooookay…" Sapphire noticed them watching Hermione and Krum. Now she understood what this was about.

"Ruddy pumpkinhead, isn't he?" Ron leaned over to Harry.

"I don't think it was the books that had him going to the library." Harry added.

The song finally ended and Hermione and Krum walked over to their table. Krum kissed Hermione's hand then went in the direction of the drinks. Hermione looked absolutely elated as she twirled around. "Hot, isn't it? Viktor's gone to go and get drinks. Would you care to join us?"

"I would, 100%" Sapphire replied, wanting to leave the sulk table. And if that meant becoming a third-wheel, so be it.

"No, we'd not care to join you and Viktor." Ron was in a bitter mood.

"What's got your wand in a knot?" Hermione demanded.

"He's a Durmstrang. You're fraternizing with the enemy." Ron spat back.

"The enemy?" Hermione repeated in surprise.

Sapphire sighed, how could Ron have gotten dumber. "Hey numbnuts, you tried to ask out Fleur Delacour, remember? How is what she is doing any different?"

"Right, teaming up with the other girl. You gals always stick together." Ron sighed and Sapphire felt her blood pressure raising.

"Who was it wanting his autograph? Besides, the whole point of the tournament is international magical cooperation… to make friends." Hermione argued.

"Hermione, there's no point trying to use logic at this point. It's like talking to a brick wall." Sapphire warned her.

"Huh. I think he's got a bit more than friendship on his mind." Ron argued. Hermione stood up, held out her hand to Sapphire, which Sapphire gladly took and both girls left.

The rock band had left, and now the waltzing was back on. Sapphire was sitting at a table, alone, just enjoying watching her friends enjoying themselves. She smiled when she saw Hagrid getting to dance with Madam Maxine. Professor McGonagall was the only one supervising the dancers now. since many of the students had cleared out.

The door opened at the back of the hall and Severus appeared, looking annoyed. "Oh Severus." Minerva had spotted him.

"Yes, Minerva, what is it?" He sighed, he just wanted to return to his office now. Though he was glad the screaming teens and the rock music was gone.

"I think you made Miss Saber's night." Minerva smiled at him, his face didn't change.

"Is that so?" He replied, trying to show that he didn't care. Yet when he'd seen her fall earlier it had taken every bit of control he'd had to not jinx that boy. He hadn't been going to ask her to dance in the beginning, but… the opportunity had presented itself.

"You should dance with her again." Minerva smiled. "Dumbledore expected you back sooner to ask her again."

"I wasn't… going to ask her in the first place." He stated. Minerva frowned at him.

"Severus, if that girl didn't want to dance with you, she would have said no." Minerva fixed him with a glare. "Albus and I have seen the way you look at her."

Snape stiffened. "I haven't to-"

Minerva nodded. "I know. So does he. Hogwarts doesn't expressly forbid romance between professor and student. But please try to keep it private, for her sake. She likes you as well, but you'll have to wait another 23 days."

Snape blinked, "I don't understand."

"Miss Saber turns 16 in 23 days. Then you can tell her how you feel, if you choose to, I think you should. Then see if she returns your feelings." Minerva explained.

"No. There is a strict line between student and teacher. I'm not going to compromise that, just because of the way a young girl feels." He should have just ignored Minerva, hating this conversation.

"What about how you feel, Severus?" Minerva asked, eyeing him. "When do you get to be happy for once?" Finally she had stunned Snape into silence, but she could tell he was glaring at her. "You do deserve happiness, and so does Miss Saber."

He rolled his eyes, turning to leave, but the lyrics of the song had the perfect timing to chime in on the subject. 🎵"No, don't let this magic die~ 🎵 He looked back, seeing Miss Saber sitting at a table, alone, just smiling while she watched her friends. Perhaps Minerva had been right. Miss Saber turned her head and saw him. She gave him a sweet smile that froze him in his place. "We'll discuss this later." He replied to Minerva before walking not out of the hall like he planned, but toward Miss Saber. "Miss Saber." She had been watching her friends again, but her attention snapped to him in an instant. "Would you like to dance?" He asked, offering his hand.

Sapphire couldn't believe it. Snape was asking her to dance, again? "Yes, always." She couldn't help but answer. She'd never be able to turn him down for a dance. She gave him her hand and stood up from the table, letting him lead her into the other dancing couples. Just like before, they fell easily into pace with one another and the music. She grinned at Grace when they made eye contact, and Grace just shook her head in amusement, holding Luna a little closer. Sapphire was too embarrassed to meet his gaze, so she kept her eyes on the other dancers. "Uh oh." She mumbled, noticing something she maybe shouldn't have.

"What's wrong?" Snape asked, wondering if she had spotted something, his eyes followed the direction she was looking and he frowned deeply. "...No self control, obviously."

Sapphire giggled. "So you just saw Hagrid try to put his hand on Madam Maxime's bum too?" She smiled, peering up at him.

"Do I have to answer that?" He grimaced and Sapphire giggled again.

"Well, at least he's enjoying himself." Sapphire commented.

"...Are you enjoying yourself?" He asked, honestly hoping Minerva hadn't been wrong.

"Yes, very much so. And it's all thanks to you, professor." She grinned up at him and he cursed internally. Even if Minerva was wrong about Miss Saber, she wasn't wrong about him. He was so screwed.

The next day was Christmas, and while it was filled with joy and laughter. For Flower, it had one goal: revenge. Flower found Anthony in the courtyard that afternoon, already snogging a new girl. "Well, Anthony, I guess getting your ex back wasn't in the cards last night?"

"Um… no… Look, I'm busy, can you, y'know shove off?" He said, getting annoyed.

"No, I will not shove off." Flower grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and dragged him onto his feet. "You made some big mistakes last night."

"Look, Sapphire is a nice girl and all but there was no connection or anything, I hope she's not too heartbroken about it." Anthony grinned, giving off an air of stuck-up asshole.

"Sapphire, heartbroken over you? Don't make me laugh. No, I'm here for you dropping Sapphire on the floor, then leaving her there. Like who does that? And secondly, you were referring to Luna as Looney Luna, ring a bell?" Flower stated, getting in his face.

He laughed, "So what are you gonna do about it? They'll get over it." He scoffed. "Girls are so overdramat-" He didn't even get to finish his sentence before Flower's fist had smashed into his face. He stumbled back, his hand going to feel his now bleeding lip. "You bitc-" Flower had hit him again, this time, right in the nose. A sickening crack filled the air as she broke his nose. He roared in pain then charged at her, but she was ready. Flower grabbed him the moment he reached her and brought her knee up straight into his stomach. He let go and stumbled back, breathing hard.

"Stop this!" Professor McGonagall had ran into the courtyard, looking furious. "What is the meaning of this, Miss Blaze?"

"Revenge for hurting my friends, Professor McGongall." Flower answered honestly. "I will accept any punishment."

Professor McGonagall sighed, and made two students help Anthony to Madam Pomfrey. "As you are well aware, Miss Blaze. Violence is not allowed on school grounds. And since you started this altercation, I am forced to remove 100 house points from Gryffindor House." Many students nearby began to protest. "Silence! There are consequences for your actions, you must understand that."

"I understand, Professor McGonagall." Flower nodded, smiling when she noticed the blood on her knuckles. She considered the lost points a worthy sacrifice to defend her friend's honor.

The rest of December passed by in a flash, followed by a frigid start to January. "Hey, Sapphire, what do you want for your birthday?" Grace asked one cold Saturday morning in the Great Hall.

"Hmm, I'm not really sure. Maybe a wish granter?" Sapphire joked, "Oh, or what about something that improves my potions grade?"

"Very funny, I'm serious. 16 is a big deal. Isn't it your golden birthday as well?" Grace asked,

"Oh yeah… I guess it is.." Sapphire replied, not having really noticed or cared.

"Didn't your grandfather send you something for your birthday already?" Grace reminded, and Sapphire sighed.

"Yes, a new potions book he'd just finished writing. 'A Master's Guide to Potions' I tried to read it and couldn't make heads or tails of it. It's so complicated…" Sapphire whined, putting her head down on the table.

"Hmm, sounds like the kind of book Professor Snape would have." Grace commented and Sapphire sat up, slapping her hands on the table.

"That's it!" Sapphire exclaimed, "Grace, when is Professor Snape's birthday?"

"...What? Why do you want to know that? I don't know." Grace replied. "It's not like he talks about his personal life with us."

"I wanted to think of a way to thank him for the Yule Ball thing. I can give him that Potion book, he'll get more use out of it then I will anyway." Sapphire said, standing up.

"Where are you going?" Grace asked.

"To see Professor McGonagall. There's no way she doesn't know!" Sapphire called back to Grace, already running out of the hall.

It hadn't taken Sapphire a full hour to convince Professor McGonagall to tell her Professor Snape's birthday, but it had been worth it. McGonagall had warned her that Snape doesn't celebrate his birthday but she hadn't cared. The man deserved a gift for all the hard work he does for the school. January 9th, she only had a few days left to get ready.

Even with Flower trying to help, trying to wrap the book in wrapping paper the muggle way had been a huge struggle. However, the goal had been achieved. The book was now wrapped in a shiny green paper and had a silver ribbon wrapped around it. Professor Snape's birthday was today, but it was a Sunday. So Sapphire was gonna have to be very careful about dropping this off. She had decided to tape a card to it as well, planning to leave it on his desk and bailing before he caught her. She decided to drop it off when everyone would already be at dinner.

She waved goodbye to Flower as they split apart. Flower going to the Great Hall for dinner, and Sapphire heading for the dungeons. She ignored the questioning looks she got from Slytherin students that passed her. When she reached Professor Snape's office, she suddenly got cold feet. 'What if he was still in his office?' She wondered. She decided to knock, knowing if he didn't reply then the coast was clear. 10 seconds passed, then 30 seconds, then a minute. Perfect, he was already gone. "Alohomora" She whispered, pointing her wand at the lock and hearing it click open. She opened the door slowly, slipping inside. His office was quite a bit different from his classroom. It was covered wall to wall with bookshelves filled with books. His desk was covered in a multitude of objects. Many of them papers and books, even some glass vials, but she noticed something that surprised her. There were already a few gifts sitting on his desk, perhaps the Potions Master was more appreciated than she had thought. She moved to add her present to the pile when the door flew open, she reacted with a gasp, holding the present tighter to her chest. Professor Snape had caught her, and he looked madder than she had ever seen him.

"What are you doing in here?" He snarled, glaring at her. She flinched, stepping backward and bumping into the desk.

"I-I was… j-just trying to l-leave this for you." She admitted, holding out the present, which he snatched from her hand.

"Oh, you think you're so clever." He sneered. "Let me guess, another bottle of shampoo? Soap? Maybe a combination?" He walked closer to her, getting in her face. "Did you think it would be funny?" He demanded.

"N-no… I-It's not th-" She was scared, having never seen him this furious, he slammed a hand down on his desk, startling her enough to burst into tears.

"Get out." He uttered so venomously she wasted no time in following his order. She ran all the way back to the Gryffindor common room and up to her room where she collapsed and sobbed. Professor Snape really was as mean as everyone thought him to be.

Snape, alone in his office, started clearing off his desk, tossing all the gifts into the trash. He paused when he picked up the green and silver present, noticing there was a note attached. He frowned and pulled it off. "I know you like books, but I know for sure you don't have this one yet. Also, thank you for dancing with me at the Yule Ball. You're a very kind professor." The note read and Snape felt his blood begin to cool. Every year he got the same stupid gag gifts that the students thought were so funny, but he was only now realizing this was a genuine gift. He pulled the ribbon off, then the wrapping paper and paused at the title. He had known Praxis Saber was writing this, but he hadn't realized it was already finished. "Damn." He muttered, setting the book down on the desk. Sapphire's tear-filled eyes flashing in his mind. He had made her cry, when she was trying to do something nice. He normally wore the title of jerk and asshole with no problem, but he felt really guilty right now. He had never meant to make her cry. "Minerva is going to kill me…" He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as he thought deeply. Now, he had to find a way to apologize.

This proved to be a much harder task than Snape expected. Miss Saber avoided him in the Great Hall, out in the courtyard, she was even doing her best to avoid him in her Potions lesson. If she saw him coming, she'd split if that was an option. If she was stuck in that location, she just kept her head down. It was clear she wanted nothing to do with him. On January 13th, Minerva walked right into his office.

"You're an idiot." She stated the moment she entered, glaring at him. "How did you screw up so badly? She was giving you a birthday present."

"...I thought she was joining her fellow students in their yearly gifting of hygiene products." He admitted, feeling much like a scolded child. Only Minerva could make him feel worse than he already did.

"Idiot." Minerva repeated. "What's your plan to apologize?" She asked, resting her hands on her hip.

"I can't even get close enough to her to do that. She flees the moment she sees me." Snape replied, resting his hand on the book Sapphire had given him. Sapphire had been sincere in giving it, the book had many useful tips and tricks, even some potions that he hadn't time to research himself yet.

"Well of course she runs from you. You scared the hell out of her and made her cry. What woman wouldn't run like hell?" Minerva sighed and threw a magazine down on his desk.

"...What is this?" Snape asked, glancing over at the cover. "Brooms?"

"Racing brooms. You want to apologize, well it's gonna be a big damn apology. It's gonna hurt your pride and your wallet." Minerva opened the magazine, flipped a few pages and turned it back to face him, pointing at one on the page. "I'd recommend this one. She'll be faster than Harry's Firebolt."

"And why do I have to get her a gift when I apologize? That'll seem like I'm trying to buy her forgiveness." He argued.

"Stop being so stupid and stubborn!" Minerva snapped. "Her birthday is in 3 days. The broom is a birthday present. Your apology can come next."

"How am I supposed to-" Snape started, unsure of how he'd even get a moment alone with the girl to apologize.

"Detention. It's not a pretty option. However, it's the only option you have left. She won't go near you any other way." Minerva cut him off. "You wanna fix this? Start here." She tapped the racing broom on the magazine again. "And if you make one of my students cry like that again, Severus, so help me,I will transfigure you into a goblet. That way you can carry their tears." She threatened before leaving his office. He sighed and looked at the magazine, the broom was a new model, released just that year. This particular brand only puts out a new broom on average about every 10 years. The Thunderbolt V. It was a completely black broom, but the metal pieces were a bright and polished silver. The company even offered engraving on the brooms for extra. Well, he really did want to apologize, and it wasn't like he was spending much of his money anyway. He sighed, glad the 15th was a Saturday. He was gonna have to walk to Hogsmeade and then apparate to Diagon Alley. These next few days were gonna be long.

Sapphire's birthday came on Sunday, the 16th, and passed just as quickly. Monday went like her usual school day. Charms with Flitwick, then Transfiguration with McGonagall, lunch, and now she was heading into Potions. Her last class of the day. She walked into the Potions classroom and bee-lined for Grace's table. taking her seat and keeping her head down. Grace frowned at her friend, still feeling angry at her head of house for making her BFF cry. The class had been going like usual, everyone working on their own potions. However, Sapphire had been putting in minimal effort recently, so she didn't even notice when one of the bat spleens that she added to her cauldron was discolored. There was a bright flash and her cauldron turned a bright orange. Sapphire knew she was in trouble when Snape walked over and looked into her cauldron. "Detention, Miss Saber. Come to my office after dinner. Your potion ingredients must always be stored properly to prevent mistakes like this." He stated, shaking his head in disappointment and moving onto the next table.

"I'm screwed." Sapphire hissed to Grace. "Detentions with Snape are awful… I remember my first year… My arms were sore for days after scrubbing all those cauldrons…" She complained.

Grace was watching Snape though. "Sapphire, do you think that maybe Snape's been trying to talk to you?"

Sapphire was rolling a glass vial back and forth on the table now. "Why would he? He hates my guts." Sapphire pointed out.

"Well I guess you'll find out after dinner. I'll be in the library before 9 pm, so if you finish before then, come find me." Grace told her and Sapphire nodded.

Dinner arrived and Sapphire felt too nervous to even eat. "What's up with you?" Ron asked, shoving another forkful of food into his mouth.

"She has detention with Professor Snape." Neville spoke up, immediately Sapphire was hearing words of sympathy from her fellow Gryffindors. Right, this is the reputation that dungeon bat deserved.

After dinner, Sapphire headed down to the dungeons, wishing she didn't have to go. She didn't want to be alone with the man. She took a deep breath and knocked on the door to his office. Hoping he wasn't back yet, then she could have a few more moments of freedom. Unfortunately luck wasn't on her side when she heard an "Enter" come from the other side of the door. She pushed the door open and stepped inside, the room the same as the last time she'd been in here. Fear gripped her heart and she could feel her pulse speed up.

"Miss Saber. Please sit down." Professor Snape spoke, barely looking up from the parchment he was writing on. Sapphire did as told, trying to keep her hands from shaking. She heard him stand up from his chair and walk out from behind his desk. "I want to apologize to you." He started slowly, leaning back against his desk to look down at her.

"...What?" She raised her head slowly to look at him. He frowned, still seeing the remaining fear in her eyes. Fear that he had put there.

"When you snuck into my office to drop off that gift. I was… wrong to be angry with you. Your intentions were pure, yet I assumed that they weren't and lashed out at you. I'm sorry for upsetting and scaring you that night. You didn't deserve it." He frowned, more so at himself than her. "I would also like to thank you for the gift. I hadn't realized Praxis had finished it already. It has been very informative." He hoped he was doing this right, he couldn't remember the last time he had to apologize.

"...Um… You're welcome… The book isn't out yet, but I wanted to give you a copy of it early." She explained, "That's why I badgered Professor McGonagall for your birthday." He nodded.

"It's alright." He stood up and walked toward the back of his office and through a door that Sapphire hadn't even noticed was there before. He returned a moment later, holding a large package in his arms. "I know it's a day late. But Happy Birthday, Miss Saber."

Sapphire blinked in surprise, slowly standing up and taking the package from him. There was no doubt about what it was. The shape of the wrapping gave it away immediately. She couldn't help but begin to feel a little excited. "Can I open it?"

"Be my guest." He stepped back, leaning against his desk again as she began to tear at the wrapping. It took her only seconds to shed the broom of its wrapping. The broom was the most beautiful thing she had seen in her life. It was smooth, shiny and black, with the metal pieces a bright silver. And at the very tip of it, engraved into the wood was her name in a bright metallic blue color. "Sapphire Saber" She read the words, her grin lighting up her face. On the other side of the tip was the name of the broom. "Thunderbolt V… WHOA wait?!" She looked at him in shock. "This is the fastest broom on the market right now!" She exclaimed. "How did you… Why did you…?" She wondered.

"I told you, I wanted to apologize. And, you did get me a birthday gift. It's only fair that I return the favor." Snape explained. "I assume the broom is to your liking."

She nodded slowly, tracing her fingers along the engraving of her name. "You didn't have to do this for me…" She told him, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the gift. It was a shame there was no quidditch this year. "...You do realize I'm going to crush the Slytherin team with this broom, right?"

"I have no doubts that you will do just that. You are an excellent quidditch player, after all." He replied, watching her still marvel over the racing broom.

"...Did… Did you just give me a compliment?" She froze, staring at him. He paused.

"...Yes… I do believe I did." Snape admitted, looking the tiniest bit embarrassed, trying to focus on anything else in this room but her.

Sapphire looked down at the broom again, many thoughts whirling through her head. "Professor?"

"What?" He asked, finally turning his attention to her. Freezing when he noticed she had gotten closer to him.

"Do you like me?" She asked carefully, testing the waters. When he didn't immediately say no, she continued. "I only ask, because the other students said you've been staring at me, and then you were kind enough to dance with me at the Yule ball. And now the new racing broom."

He hadn't expected her to just come out and ask, but Gryffindors never really tiptoed around subjects did they? They just jump in head first. He should have expected this. He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose again. He wanted to admit that yes, he did like her, but on the other hand he was her professor. Then McGonagall's words repeated in his head. 'When do you get to be happy?' He cleared his throat, focusing on Sapphire completely. "...Yes… Miss Saber. But you have to understand that it's complicated." He confessed, expecting her to be disappointed, but instead she grinned.

"I'm glad. I like you too, Professor." She returned his sentiments so quickly Snape hadn't expected it. He blinked, staring at her like he was lost for words. He sighed again.

"I didn't plan on telling you. However, Minerva was quite insistent." He explained. "You do understand that you will not be able to tell people about us?" He asked and she nodded. "If some students do find out, do try to keep it quiet. While relationships with professors are not expressly forbidden, they are frowned upon."

"I understand. Besides, I didn't expect you to be the professor to be showing off your relationship in public." She replied, teasily smirking at him and he paused again.

He chuckled softly, this girl was gonna be the death of him. "I suppose I should feel relieved that you feel comfortable enough to tease me now." She grinned at him in response.

"I guess I owe Professor McGonagall a thank you for giving you a much needed kick in the ass." She added.

He rolled his eyes at her, "Anyway, you probably want to get back to your friends. This wasn't a real detention anyway."

"Good point, but people who are in relationships spend time with each other. When can we do that?" She asked, leaning closer to him.

"Hmm…" He thought for a moment. "How about Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays after dinner. You can just tell people you're taking remedial potions. It would be believable." He smirked.

"...Touche… Professor." She couldn't believe he had teased her now. "Um, and please call me Sapphire when we're alone. Miss Saber feels too formal."

"Fair enough. Then when we meet, you may call me Severus." He replied calmly. She, however, flushed a bright red. "Are you alright?"

"Y-yes… just fine…" She replied, trying to fan her heated face. "I just… got a little excited at knowing I get to call your first name." She admitted. He chuckled again.

"Alright, go." He waved toward the door, "I have papers to grade."

"Yes, sir. But one last thing." She pecked his cheek, grabbed her broom and was out his door before he could blink.

"...She's definitely gonna be the death of me…" He sighed and moved behind his desk to get to grading.

January quickly rolled on into February, and most of the students were preparing for the trip to Hogsmeade on February 12th, a Saturday. "I don't know what to get Fred for Valentine's day." Flower sighed, putting her head down on the table. Osiris still didn't look up from their book, apparently not involved in this conversation.

"This is why I'm glad I'm not in a relationship, you girls put way too much pressure on Valentine's day." Ron smirked to himself.

"I've actually been trying to make Luna a new pair of earrings," Grace confessed. "Do you think she would like earrings with gummy bears on them?"

"Actually yeah, definitely something she would like." Sapphire admitted. "...Is Valentine's day really that big of a deal?"

"Why do you ask? It's not like you have a significant other to shop for." Ron retorted and Sapphire looked down at the table.

"...Just trying to get some information… You know, just in case I need it in the future…" Sapphire said, hoping to not sound too suspicious. Flower raised an eyebrow at her.

"Normally, you get them something they like or you think they would like. If you had a boyfriend, I'd warn him that you don't like chocolate so he doesn't waste his time buying some for you." Flower explained.

"Well, you can always look around Hogsmeade tomorrow. I know Honeydukes has some new products for Valentine's Day so you should be able to find something. And Flower, just get Fred something from Zonko's joke shop. He's a simple dude." Grace offered and Flower pouted.

"I want to do something unique for him." Flower whined, tapping her fingers on the table.

"Well, Fred likes pranks and jokes. Do an exploding cake or something." Sapphire suggested. "You could probably buy the ingredients at Honeydukes, then explode it with a spell when you give it to him."

"Too basic." Flower vetoed the idea quickly. "I want to have a really romantic holiday for once. Just the two of us without George popping in with a new prank."

"...Well, you could go to Madam Puddifoot's tea shop." Sapphire frowned at the memory of the pink cafe.

"Oh, Luna and I are going there tomorrow. You and Fred could join us!" Grace suggested.

"What about you Sapphire, what are your plans for tomorrow?" Flower asked.

"Um, Honeydukes, Three broomsticks, maybe look around some of the shops." Sapphire replied.

"...Well that's boring." Flower pouted at her.

"I'm a simple girl. I like what I like. And spending my day in a cafe with snogging couples is not on my list of things to do." Sapphire retorted.

"...How did you know I was gonna invite you to join?" Flower said, giving her the side-eye.

"I can feel your menacing energies from here." Sapphire replied.

"Bullshit. You can't sense anyone's energy with your grade in Divinations." Grace butted in.

"Hey, I don't think anyone is doing well in that class besides Lavender and Parvati." Harry commented.

"Besides, it's a completely rubbish class anyway." Hermione turned her nose up. "I don't even know why Dumbledore allows that class to be taught here."

"See? My grades are good where it matters." Sapphire shot back at Grace.

"...P-O-T-I-O-N-S…" Grace reminded and Sapphire sighed. "I mean, I didn't realize your grade was so bad that you needed remedial potions lessons. Speaking of, you'd better head to Snape's office if you don't want to be late for your lesson."

Sapphire looked at the time and cursed loudly. "..Shit!" She grabbed her bag and booked it out of the Great Hall. She knew she was gonna be late, but it's not like it was a real lesson anyway. She took her time as she walked down to the Dungeons, reflecting on the conversation during dinner. What would Snape even like for Valentine's Day, if the man even celebrated it anyway. Without even focusing on her path, her feet brought her right to Snape's office. She knocked on the door, still thinking deeply on what he might like.

"Enter." His voice replied from the other side of the door. That man still had no kindness in his voice when he thought a student was going to bother him. Sapphire pushed the door open and stepped inside the room, shutting the door behind her. "You're late."

"Oh gee, I didn't realize I had to be here at a certain time. I thought you said after dinner." She rolled her eyes, and set her bag down on the floor. "Besides, we were busy talking about Valentine's Day." She walked around the side of his desk, looking at the man who still hadn't looked up from the paper he was grading.

"...I actually wanted to talk to you about that." He set his quill down and finally looked at her. "I know you probably have plans with your friends for the Hogsmeade visit. But I was going to ask if you wanted to have dinner with me tomorrow night."

She blinked, not expecting him to say that. "...Wait, you can cook?" He looked unamused as he gave her a look.

"Does it appear to you that I would be bad at it?" He quirked an eyebrow at her and she flushed.

"I didn't mean it like that…" She protested. "But, I suppose if you're good with potions then you should be good at cooking as well."

"Oh, so then I should assume nothing you make would be edible." Snape smirked and the tips of her ears tinted pink at the embarrassment.

"...I'm good at baking." She admitted and he chuckled quietly.

"Well, can I expect you for dinner tomorrow night?" He asked again and she nodded.

"Yes, I'll admit. I'm a bit curious to see what you'll make." Sapphire replied.

"This is just something you're going to have to wait and see." Severus looked back toward his grading, he knew he had a lot of it to do, but he wanted to give her his full attention.

"You know, if you didn't assign so much homework, you wouldn't have so much to grade." She pointed out and he rolled his eyes.

"If I did that, most of the students would learn nothing. Speaking of, your essay on the Wiggenwald potion was abysmal." He countered.

Her jaw dropped. "What? I spent hours on that bloody thing…" She sighed and sat down.

"The information was correct, but your handwriting is nearly illegible." He replied, turning to sift through some of the essays and pulling hers out. She could already see it was covered in markings from his 'corrections'. "What is this word?" He asked, pointing to a word so squished together he couldn't read it.

"Over." She sighed again. "I'm sorry. When I write fast my handwriting gets worse."

"Why were you writing fast if you spent hours on it?" He raised an eyebrow at her.

"Do you honestly think that was my first draft? I wrote the essay like 4 different times." She admitted. "I didn't want to disappoint you." He paused, looking back down at the essay again.

"Hmm…" His brows knit together as he seemed deep in thought. "For your next essay, just take your time and write slowly and clearly." He put her essay back down on the stack of essays and turned to her. "I very much doubt that you could disappoint me."

She looked at him in surprise. "...I'm pretty sure that's all I did in my first few years here."

He sighed, "Oh yes, that is true. However, if you focused more on your potions lessons and ignored Merula you could have done better."

"...Merula really did sabotage my first potion ever in your class." She pouted. "So, she started it."

"Then finish it." He gave her an annoyed look. "My classroom is no place for a petty war."

"And that's why I'm glad I got a seat with Grace this year." She retorted.

"While that has increased your quality of the potions you turn in, you are usually distracted by your friends. If you want to do well in my class, you need to focus." He stated, stepping in front of her and staring down at her.

"I'll do my best, but focusing on you can be distracting too." She commented and he blinked before smirking softly.

"I mean focus on the lesson. I know you can do well in my class, so I hope to see you improve." Severus replied. "Now, since you're here, you should use this time well and work on your homework."

"...Sure… that sounds so much fun…." She sulked, moving to sit down and pulling a textbook out. He shook his head in amusement as he watched her before returning to his desk and continuing his grading.

She worked on her homework for a few hours, keeping an eye on the clock and leaving about a quarter till 9 to return to her common room. She didn't want to be out past curfew and risk getting caught by Mr. Filch.

The next morning after breakfast, a large group of students lined up in the great hall, eager to head over to Hogsmeade. Sapphire could already see Luna with Grace, Fred with Flower, and Harry, Ron, and Hermione. She walked over to join the latter group. "Got room for one more?"

"Sure. How are you, Sapphire?" Harry asked.

"Cold." Sapphire pulled her hood up over her head.

"It's bloody cold out here." Ron added. "I hope we leave soon, I can't wait to warm up in the three broomsticks."

"If you're cold, you should wear more layers." Hermione replied matter of factly. "Sapphire, I heard you're taking remedial potions with Snape. If you need any tutoring, you can ask me."

"Ah… Thanks.. but I've got plenty of potions homework already. And I don't need anymore stress, I already have Snape breathing down my neck about my grades." Sapphire replied.

"Well, I hope you keep your grades up enough to stay on the Quidditch team. Not that we have to worry about it this year…" Harry said, sounding a little bitter.

"Oh yeah! I got a new broomstick for my birthday!" Sapphire remembered.

"Really? What model is it?" Ron looked eager now.

"It's the Thunderbolt V" Sapphire answered and Ron and Harry's jaw dropped.

"...Holy… That's faster than my fire bolt." Harry commented in shock. "Your grandfather must really want us to win the quidditch cup next year."

"...Actually, the broomstick wasn't from my grandpa…" Sapphire smiled, looking sheepish. The crowd of students started walking, finally beginning their trek to Hogsmeade.

"Then, who gave it to you?" Hermione asked, looking worried.

"...A secret admirer…" Sapphire grinned. "And don't ask, I'm not telling. Anyway, Ron, do you want my old broomstick?"

"What? Yes! Thanks!" Ron agreed, Hermione raising an eyebrow at the change of subject.

"Actually, after we're done in Hogsmeade today. Does anyone want to play a game of friendly quidditch?" Harry asked. "We could probably grab Fred, George, and Ginny."

"I'm in, I need to test drive the Thunderbolt. Haven't had a chance to yet." Sapphire replied.

"Me too, I'll have to practice with Sapphire's old one." Ron replied.

"...Er, I think I'd rather be inside the warm library and study." Hermione frowned.

"Suit yourself. When next year comes, that quidditch cup is ours." Sapphire grinned.

The crowd of students all split up as they entered Hogsmeade, students heading toward Zonko's joke shop, Honeydukes, Madam Puddifoot's tea shop, and the three broomsticks. Ron, Harry, Hermione, and Sapphire were a part of the group heading into the three broomsticks.

"I'll get the butterbeers." Harry said, splitting off from them and heading to the bar. The other three grabbed a table and sat down.

"So, how is Harry doing with this whole tournament and everything?" Sapphire asked.

"Great, he was bloody brilliant against that dragon." Ron replied, looking excited.

"He says he's figured out the clue for the next task, but he refuses to tell us about it." Hermione frowned.

"Maybe he doesn't want you to worry? You do have a habit of going overboard." Sapphire added and Hermione gave her a dirty look.

"I'm just concerned, like any of his friends should be." Hermione retorted.

"W-whoa whoa… let's all calm down. We're all worried about Harry, this tournament is serious after all." Ron said, hoping to not get caught in the middle of a fight. Harry returned then, setting their four butterbeers down.

"Hermione, they put a little bit of ginger in yours." Harry said as he put down Hermione's drink.

"Thank you." Hermione took her drink and sipped it. The table was oddly quiet as Harry sat down.

"The three broomsticks aren't as busy as I expected it to be today." Harry commented.

"That's because most people flocked to Honeydukes. They advertised that they had new products for Valentine's day." Sapphire explained.

"Oh, so that's why you're not with your friends today." Hermione added.

"...That's odd. Because you three are my friends as well, or at least I thought so." Sapphire shot back. Harry and Ron glanced at each other.

"Compared to your other friends, you're the only one who's single." Hermione continued.

"Says you. You don't know everything about me, so don't pretend that you do." Sapphire could feel her blood beginning to boil. Ron and Harry slouched down in their seats, really not wanting to be noticed. Sapphire grabbed her butterbeer and drank it all in a few gulps. "Thanks for the drink. I'm gonna leave, since apparently I'm not welcome here." Sapphire stood up and was out the door in a flash.

She headed to Honeydukes, noticing how crowded the shop was, but eager to get away from Hermione and her attitude. She hadn't even been inside the shop for a few minutes when Harry appeared next to her.

"Are you okay?" He asked, looking around the crowded store.

"Yeah. I'm not sure what her issue with me was, but whatever." She shrugged, stepping closer to a shelf to examine the products.

"Ron's talking to her now. And, we want you to know that you are our friend. Even if you don't hang out with us all the time." Harry was examining the types of chocolate they had.

"Thanks, Harry. You know, I only let close friends call me by my nickname, but I think you've earned it. Just call me Sapph." She replied, picking up candy flavored lip gloss and reading the label.

"You're welcome, Sapph. What is that?" He asked, pointing at what she was holding.

"This must be one of the new products. Flavored lip gloss. They have tons of flavors. Oh, look, butterbeer flavored." Sapphire replied, grabbing it off the shelf.

"Wow, Honeydukes is really cashing in on this holiday." Harry was looking at the heart-shaped chocolate boxes.

"Oh yeah they are." She picked out a few more flavors, Strawberry, Blueberry, and Watermelon for the lip glosses. "I'm gonna get these four." She glanced around the shop and smirked. "I wonder what flavors Cho is buying."

"What?" Harry's attention snapped to where Cho was standing with her friends.

"Although I'm surprised she's here and not with Cedric at Madam Puddifoot's tea shop." Sapphire commented.

"...I'm not sure…" Harry replied, still staring at Cho.

"Hey, stop staring before you start drooling." Sapphire reminded and Harry looked away, his cheeks a light red.

"I'll wait for you outside." Harry headed out the door without another word. Sapphire shrugged and went to buy the lip glosses she had picked out. After her purchase, she stepped out of the store and found Harry.

"Should we head back to the three broomsticks? I'm ready for some quidditch practice." Sapphire suggested.

"Sounds good to me." Harry nodded as they headed back to the Three Broomsticks. As they entered, they noticed Ron and Hermione were still sitting at the same table, but they weren't looking at each other or speaking. "Uh.. Are you guys ready to head back to Hogwarts?" Harry asked, wondering if Hermione had now had a fight with Ron too.

"Gladly." Ron said, standing up.

"I'm fine, here." Hermione replied, glaring at Ron.

"Okay… let's go then." Sapphire offered, giving Harry and Ron a slight push out the door.

As they walked back to Hogwarts, the three of them didn't speak very much. Hermione's behavior had been odd. Arguing with both Sapphire and Ron. "It's almost lunchtime. Do you guys wanna practice after lunch or just skip it?"

"Oh I'm definitely eating. I'm starved." Ron interjected.

"So lunch first, then quidditch." Harry decided and the other two nodded. The three of them headed for the Great Hall and sat down at Gryffindor's table.

"So, what did you buy from Honeydukes?" Ron said, eyeing the bag that Sapphire had set down.

"Nothing you'd be interested in unless you like wearing lip gloss." She replied.

Ron made a face. "Honeydukes sells lip gloss?"

"Flavored lip gloss." Harry clarified, "Sapph picked what, 4 flavors or something?"

"Yup! They even had a butterbeer flavor." She grinned.

"What do you need lip gloss for?" Ron asked. "Trying to impress that secret admirer you can't tell us about?" He smirked.

"I just thought it would be cool to have. Besides, sometimes girls just like to dress up for themselves. Who says it has to be for a guy?" Sapphire retorted.

"Okay… I think a subject change is a good idea. How did remedial potions go last night with Snape?" Harry asked and she visibly winced. "Not good?"

"Well, he started off by pulling out my essay on the Wiggenwald Potion and he said it was abysmal." She frowned. "I had redid the damn thing 4 times before turning it in, But my handwriting is just so piss poor. Other than that, my paper was fine."

"Ugh, if he's taking off points for handwriting I'm in trouble." Ron sulked. The Great Hall was starting to fill up more as more students joined for lunch and even more students returned from Hogsmeade. "Still don't see Fred or George."

"I know Fred had a date with Flower today." Sapphire suggested. "So it may just be a few of us for practice later."

"Well that's gonna be boring." Ron frowned. George sat down next to him.

"What's boring?" George asked. "Fred and Flower aren't back for lunch yet, I see."

"Yeah that's the thing, we were hoping to practice some quidditch after lunch but so far only Sapphire, Harry and myself are up for it." Ron sighed.

"I'm in, got nothing to do today anyway. I'm free till curfew." George replied.

"Um… I can only play until 5." Sapphire added.

"But dinner isn't until 6?" Harry said, looking confused.

"Yeah… but I have plans at 6, and I want to have time to shower and change after playing quidditch." She explained.

"Oh-ho… Is this about what Flower mentioned? You have a guy now?" George couldn't help but tease her.

"Don't be ridiculous." Sapphire said quickly. "Flower likes to joke around a ton."

"But are you meeting someone?" George pressed, leaning toward her.

"That's none of your business." She retorted coldly. Feeling relieved when the plates with food appeared in front of them.

"Oh, Sapphire, you should know we have ways of finding things out~" George reminded.

"You're better off not poking your nose into places where it doesn't belong. I'll tell you if it's something you need to know. Alright?" She was serious.

George blinked, before nodding. "Alright, I suppose some people like to keep their secrets."

Lunch went by fairly quickly and the 4 students headed to Gryffindor common room to change and grab their brooms for practice. "Oh Ginny, I'm glad I found you. Do you wanna come play some quidditch with us?" Sapphire had come down from her dorm, changed and holding her new Thunderbolt when she had spotted Ginny entering the common room.

"Sure, though my brothers already asked me before I could even get in here." Ginny replied.

"Cool, see you down at the pitch." Sapphire smiled and headed out of the portrait hole to join the others.

It took another 10 minutes for Ginny to join them in the quidditch stadium. Ron had been practicing flying his new Comet and was trying to get used to its faster speed.

"I'm surprised you haven't taken out the Thunderbolt before now." Harry commented. "I rode my Firebolt the first day I got it."

"Well, when I heard there wasn't a quidditch cup this year, I admit I didn't think much of practicing, not even after I got it for my birthday. Though, I'm more than happy to fly around on it while playing quidditch." She grinned. "I'm gonna crush the Slytherin's with this."

Harry laughed. "That's the spirit." He looked over Sapphire's shoulder. "There's Ginny, we should mount up."

"Right." Sapphire replied and mounted her broom, she rose up in the air, having missed the feeling of the air rushing through her hair.

It didn't take long for Sapphire to get to test out the speed of the Thunderbolt, she dodged the bludgers with ease, and was even able to fly past Ron to throw a Quaffle past him and score.

"Ron, if you want to try out for keeper next year, you're gonna have to stay closer to the goal posts." Harry pointed out.

"I don't think it's gonna matter how close he or anyone is. With this broom, I can get past anyone." Sapphire grinned.

Ginny and George flew up next to Sapphire. "Hey, when did you get a new broom?" Ginny asked.

"And what model is that? You smoked Harry!" George said in shock.

"Got it for my birthday, and it's the Thunderbolt V." Sapphire replied.

Much of the practice went about the same way, however as time passed they began to draw a crowd. Even Professor McGonagall had left her office to watch the 5 students practice. With only 5 players, it was Harry and Sapphire vs Ron, George, and Ginny. Harry was guarding the other goal posts, but he didn't really have much to do. Since Sapphire was normally in control of the quaffle, she was able to fly past the Weasley's and score multiple times. That was until George aimed a bludger at her. Sapphire noticed it far too late to avoid it, it hit her in the shoulder, throwing her off her broom and into a snow mound.

"Sapph!" Harry called out, everyone abandoned the game and rushed over to help her. A full 30 seconds passed before her head appeared above the snow, despite the fall, she was grinning.

"I'm sorry, are you okay?" George said, offering her a hand to pull her out of the snow.

"Yeah, I'm fine. We should practice in the snow more often." She giggled, trying to brush the snow off of her outfit.

"Miss Saber, I hope that you will be trying out for the Gryffindor quidditch team next year again." Professor McGonagall stated, raising her wand and pointed toward the snow mound. "Accio, Thunderbolt." The broom flew straight to McGonagall's hand.

"Of course, professor. I promise that Gryffindor will win the Quidditch cup next year." Sapphire promised, happily taking her broom back.

Professor McGonagall smiled. "Well, I'll let you students get back to your game, but Miss Saber you might want to sit out and regain your bearings for a few minutes."

"No arguments here." Sapphire replied. "Ginny, can you team up with Harry until I get this snow off?" Ginny smiled and nodded.

Sapphire spent the next few minutes using her wand to dry her clothes off, watching the snow drip onto the ground. She had just finished when she heard a really small 'mew' from underneath the stands. She could see the match still going, so she decided to investigate. By climbing under the wooden bleachers, she found a small black kitten, soaking wet and shivering from the snow and cold. Sapphire pulled off her scarf and hat, wrapping it around the kitten. The kitten looked up at her with his green eyes and mewed pitifully again. She crawled back out from under the bleachers, carefully cradling the kitten against her chest. "Professor!"

Professor McGonagall turned, startled when she saw Sapphire run up to her holding something small and furry in her arms. "Miss Saber, what is- Oh my!" Professor McGonagall took the kitten from Sapphire's arms and carefully looked it over. "It's male. He doesn't seem injured anywhere. Just cold." She frowned. "No one is missing a cat, and no one would have brought a kitten to Hogwarts. Were there any other kittens there?" She asked and Sapphire shook her head. "...Then it must have been abandoned. Most likely the runt of the litter. Miss Saber, I would suggest that you take him in, but you already have an owl." She rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "Perhaps a professor will take him. Until we can find him a home, please take him to your dorm so he can warm up."

"Got it." Sapphire nodded, taking the kitten back into her arms and grabbing her broom as she walked back towards Hogwarts. The entire walk back she was wondering what professor would want a cat. McGonagall had far too many birds and small animals that the cat would probably try to eat. Flitwick might be willing. Sprout wouldn't want the cat messing with her plants. Hagrid already has too many creatures to care for. Sapphire wouldn't trust Trelawny to even care for a plant. She got back to her room and dried off the kitten, making the kitten a small bed to sleep in using her old robes. She put it next to the heater and got the kitten all settled in. She looked at the time and noticed it was getting close to 5. It was about time that she got ready to meet Severus.

At 10 till 6, Sapphire was ready. She had brushed her hair and braided it into a nice side braid. She had chosen a red sweater and dark jeans. Now she just had to choose some shoes to wear. She felt slightly guilty, realizing Severus was making her dinner and she hadn't even gotten him anything for Valentine's Day. She finally decided on a pair of short black boots with small heels. She looked over at the kitten and frowned, not wanting to leave the little guy alone. Too bad, Severus was just gonna have to deal with her bringing a kitten along. She was just about to leave when she remembered her earlier purchase. Might as well try out one of her lip glosses and see if it was really flavored. She chose the strawberry flavored one and applied it. She knew it was really flavored just by the smell of it. "Wow… it really does smell like strawberries." She grinned and picked up the kitten before heading out of the room.

She noticed that many of the students were heading toward the Great Hall for dinner, but she avoided them all as she headed downstairs toward the dungeons. As she got closer, she could feel her heart pounding faster. She didn't know what Severus would be making for dinner, nor did she know he was gonna react to her showing up with a kitten. She felt the kitten nuzzle her chin and she giggled, stopping in front of his office door. She knocked softly, snuggling the kitten while she waited.

"Come in." His voice from the other side of the door sounded warmer than she had ever heard it. She blinked, realizing he had also answered differently. She smiled to herself as she pushed open the door and walked inside, and then slid the door shut. "What is that…?"

"Oh! I found a kitten earlier on the quidditch pitch and Professor McGonagall asked me to take care of him until we can find someone to take him." She hadn't expected him to be dressed differently, so she took this time to look him over. He was wearing his usual color, but he did look good in that black sweater and black pants. "You look nice." He blinked.

"...You as well…" He replied slowly, still staring at the kitten in her arms. "Have you named him yet?" He asked, reaching out a hand to touch the kitten and he jerked in surprise when the kitten butted its head against his hand.

She giggled and smiled up at him. "He likes you. I don't know about a name for him, if he's gonna belong to someone else, I should let them name him."

"...May I?" He offered, holding out his hands, she couldn't hide her smile as she placed the kitten into his hands. "He's very small." He looked a little concerned.

"Professor McGonagall believes he was the runt of the litter and was abandoned." She explained, the kitten now purring as it relaxed in his arms. "...And I do like to believe that cats choose their owners."

"...I don't think I would be the best choice…" He said, frowning.

"Too late." She grinned. "He chose you. Now you're stuck with him." He sighed.

"You're not going to allow me to refuse, are you?" He wondered aloud.

"Nope!" She was so cheerful in her answer, that he almost smiled.

"Fine, but you have to choose a name for him." He decided. "Now, would you follow me before you adopt any more pets?" She giggled again and followed him. There was a door at the back of Severus' office that she had noticed before, but had never been in before. He opened the door with a key and there was a set of stairs heading down. Dungeon bat really did seem like the perfect nickname for him now. They descended down the stairs and entered his living quarters. Sapphire wasn't surprised to see that the theme was black and dark gray. The man lived the color.

"I hope you don't lose the cat down here, his fur might blend in too well." Sapphire remarked and he rolled his eyes as he set the kitten down on the floor. She walked around, taking in the room. There was a fireplace, with a sofa and coffee table in front of it. Then a kitchen over in the corner, a small dining area right next to it. She figured he probably rarely used it, but the table was set for two places on this night. Behind the table was a dark hallway that led further into his living space, but she didn't explore that far.

"...I admit that I lost track of time grading papers earlier today so I haven't started dinner yet." He looked a bit embarrassed as he pushed his hair back and walked into the kitchen. "So, if you have a request, please tell me."

She smiled at him warmly, taking a seat on the couch in front of the fireplace. "Surprise me. I don't mind waiting either way. It's more time we get to spend together."

"So, you were on the quidditch pitch earlier, why?" He asked, talking as he began to move around his kitchen.

"Well, some of us finished in Hogsmeade early so Harry suggested that we play some quidditch." Sapphire explained, smiling when the kitten jumped onto her lap and settled in. Severus paused when Harry's name came up. She knew he disliked Harry, but disliking him for things his father did wasn't really fair. "I got to test out the Thunderbolt today, which was a lot of fun. Your Slytherins better watch out, because if I can pass Harry with his firebolt, you guys are screwed."

He chuckled quietly, "So, the birthday gift was a success then. I assume they thought your grandfather sent it. Did you lie?"

She snorted playfully. "Gryffindors do not lie, Severus."

"Oh, that's hardly true." He fired back, sounding amused despite his words.

"Whatever. No, I didn't lie. I just said it was from a secret admirer." She answered. He was still moving around in the kitchen, but she could hear a pot boiling now. "The game was fine until George sent a bludger my way and I didn't see it in time."

"Are you alright?" His voice of concern surprised her and she could see him leaving the kitchen.

"Yes! I'm fine!" She held up her hands, trying to show she was fine and he didn't need to worry. "I fell into a snow pile and that cushioned my fall. Actually, it was kind of funny. Though Professor McGonagall made me promise that Gryffindor will win the quidditch cup next year."

"I knew she had an ulterior reason for suggesting that broomstick." He muttered under his breath, still working on dinner. "I'm sure Hogsmeade was chaotic today."

"Well, Honeydukes and Madam Puddifoot's tea shop were packed." She replied, petting the kitten who was now dozing on her lap. "I did check out some of Honeydukes new products today."

"...Oh? Anything of interest?" He sounded slightly curious as he stepped out of the kitchen. "I can spare a few minutes, did you bring it with you?"

She grinned mischievously, and he blinked. "I only brought one of them, and it's right here." She said, tapping her lips.

"...It's in your… mouth?" He raised an eyebrow. "And here I thought Gryffindors were all about sharing."

"No… it's on my lips." She rolled her eyes in amusement. "Look!" He stepped closer and leaned down to look more closely at her face.

"Yes… very… shiny. Honeydukes is selling lip gloss now?" He wondered, before catching a scent of something fruity. "Are you wearing perfume?"

"Nope." She grinned again. "It's the lip gloss."

"Scented lip gloss? What is the purpose of that?" He looked confused.

"Severus, for a very smart man you are so oblivious sometimes. It's flavored lip gloss." She pointed out.

"..Ah, that makes more sense." He stated, "Just… out of curiosity. What flavor is it?" He inquired, his black eyes meeting her teal ones.

"Why don't you find out?" She smirked at him and he was taken aback, she would joke around with him plenty as well as sass him. But this was the first time she had outright flirted with him.

"...Are… you sure?" He asked, sitting down next to her. "I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

"Severus, you could never do that. Besides, why do you think I wore flavored lip gloss in the first place?" She smiled, but her cheeks were flushed a soft pink.

He seemed to pause for a moment and then smiled softly. "If you wanted me to kiss you, all you had to do was ask." She blushed deeper, but smiled. He leaned in slowly, their lips touching softly for the first time. His lips were softer than she thought they would be. They pulled apart after a moment, her cheeks an even brighter red than before. "Strawberry, I'm guessing?"

She blinked, having completely forgotten that she had challenged him to find out the flavor. "Oh.. uh.. yeah." He smiled at her and got up to go check on dinner.

Dinner that night had been wonderful, he really was a good cook. Sapphire had left the kitten with him, still insisting he was the rightful owner. She headed back to her dorm, beginning to wonder what was coming up in the next few days.

The second challenge was only 2 days away and Sapphire, Harry, and Hermione were on the wooden bridge that leads to the courtyard.

"Harry, you told me you'd figured the egg out weeks ago." Hermione snapped. "The task is two days from now."

"Really?" Harry sassed back, "I had no idea. I suppose Viktor's already figured it out."

"Hermione, you sound like a mom who just found out their kid didn't do their homework. Take it down a notch." Sapphire remarked and Hermione glared at her.

"We don't have time to waste." Hermione ignored her and turned to Harry again. "Wouldn't know. We don't actually talk about the tournament. Actually, we don't really talk at all." Hermione paused. "Viktor's more of a… physical being." Sapphire's jaw dropped and she caught Harry's eye before they both smirked.

"Well, hot damn, Hermione…" Sapphire smiled softly, "Never realized you were into Krum that much." Hermione flushed pink.

"That's not..! We didn't..! Get your head out of the gutter!" Hermione quickly shot back while Sapphire and Harry laughed. Hermione couldn't help but start laughing too. "I just mean, he's not particularly loquacious."

"Mm-hm." Harry hummed, not looking convinced but still smirking.

"Mostly, he watches me study." Hermione explained. "It's a bit annoying, actually. You are trying to figure this egg out, aren't you?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Harry's voice had the sassy edge to it again.

"Uh oh…" Sapphire muttered. Hermione never seemed to know when to shut up.

"It just means these tasks are designed to test you, in the most brutal way. They're almost cruel." Hermione offered.

Sapphire blinked. "Almost cruel. He fought a dragon already, almost cruel doesn't bloody cover it." She pointed out.

"Exactly my point. And, um… I'm scared for you." Hermione continued. "You got by the dragons mostly on nerve. I'm not sure it's going to be enough this time."

"Hey, Potter." Cedric was walking onto the wooden bridge, "Potter."

"Cedric." Harry replied, trying to walk away.

"How-? How are you?" Cedric asked, catching up to Harry while Hermione and Sapphire watched and listened.

"Spectacular." Harry replied bluntly.

"Look, I realize I never really thanked you properly for tipping me off about those dragons." Cedric explained.

"Forget about it." Harry replied, "I'm sure you would have done the same for me."

"Exactly." Cedric paused. "You know the Prefects' bathroom on the fifth floor?" Harry nodded. "It's not a bad place for a bath." He suggested, leaning in close to Harry. "Just take your egg and… mull things over in the hot water." Cedric turned and walked away, leaving Harry standing there looking confused.

Sapphire stepped next to Harry. "Okay, either the egg does something special in the bathroom or…"

"Or what?" Harry snapped, turning to see she looked a bit embarrassed.

"Or I think Cedric wants to smash you in the bathroom." She admitted sheepishly.

"...Smash… what?" He repeated and Hermione swatted Sapphire upside the head with a book.

"OW! I was just trying to help!" Sapphire protested, rubbing her now sore head. "Stop it." Sapphire warned when she saw Hermione raise the book again. "Maybe Cedric is interested in you… you know… sexuall-*THWAK* FUCKING OW, THAT BLOODY HURTS!" Sapphire whirled on Hermione. "I could be right, you know!"

"...I really hope you're not." Hermione rolled her eyes. "Don't listen to her, Harry." Sapphire stuck her tongue out at Hermione.

The next day, Ron, Sapphire, Hermione, and Harry spent all their time in the library going over what Harry had discovered from the egg, It was now late in the evening, growing closer to curfew.

"Harry, tell me again." Hermione asked, Ron snoring in the background.

"Come seek us where our voices sound." Harry began, sounding exhausted as he spoke. Sapphire put her head down on the book she was reading, just wanting to rest her eyes a tiny little bit.

"The Black Lake, that's obvious." Hermione walked closer, shoving the golden egg into Ron's hands and waking him up.

"An hour long, you'll have to look." Harry continued.

"Again, obvious. Though, admittedly, potentially problematic." Hermione added and Harry's attention snapped to her.

"Potentially problematic? When's the last time you held your breath underwater for an hour, Hermione?" Harry rolled his eyes and went to put his head down when Hermione grabbed his shoulder.

"Look, Harry, we- We can do this. The four of us can figure it out." Hermione said firmly.

"Hate to break up the skull session. Professor McGongall would like to see you in her office." Professor Moody had appeared around a bookshelf. "Not you, Potter, nor you, Saber, just Weasley and Granger."

"But, sir, the second task is only hours away-" Hermione was cut off by Moody.

"Exactly. Presumably Potter is well-prepared by now and could do with a good night's sleep. Go. Now!" Professor Moody ordered and Ron and Hermione rushed out. Harry sat up in his chair and tried to start looking in the books again while Sapphire set her chin on her fist, her elbow propped up on the table, still struggling to keep her eyes open. "Longbottom! Why don't you help Potter put his books back." Neville had walked around some of the shelves to join them.

"You know, if you're interested in plants, you'd be better off with Goshawk's Guide to Herbology. Do you know there's a wizard i-in Nepal who's growing gravity-resistant trees?" Neville was excited as he spoke.

"Neville, no offense, but I really don't care about plants. Now, if there's a… Tibetan turnip that will allow me to breathe underwater for an hour, then great. But otherwise…" Harry interrupted.

"I don't know about a turnip. But you could always use gillyweed." Neville offered. As they spoke, Sapphire's chin slipped off her hand and her face thudded loudly against the table.

"...Ow…." Sapphire moaned in pain and slowly pulled herself back into a sitting position, blinking when she saw a drop of blood fall onto the table. "...Perfect."

"Here, Sapphire." Neville was holding out a handkerchief.

"Thanks." Sapphire held it up to her nose, the white cloth quickly turning a bright red as it soaked up the blood. They heard footsteps approaching and realized the librarian was coming.

"It's Madam Pince, hurry!" Harry whispered, realizing Sapphire's blood was still on the table. Sapphire scrambled and quickly wiped it off with the sleeve of her shirt.

"Alright, I'm gonna leave you boys to discuss your weeds. I'm going to bed." Sapphire said, standing up. "Neville, can I return this to you tomorrow?"Neville's eyes widened, still watching the cloth soak up the blood. "Relax, I'll clean it." She rolled her eyes and left the library.

As the next morning dawned, her nose had a small bruise on it, but it had stopped bleeding. The students were all heading toward the Black Lake while Fred and George were trying to collect bets.

"Welcome to the second task. Last night, something was stolen from each of our champions. A treasure of sorts. These four treasures, one for each champion, now lie on the bottom of the Black Lake. In order to win, each champion need only find their treasure and return to the surface. Simple enough- except for this: They will have but one hour to do so, and one hour only. After that, they'll be on their own. No magic will save them. You may begin at the sound of the cannon." Dumbledore's speech that morning did little to quell the nervous energy in the air. Sapphire was standing with Seamus, Dean, and Neville, watching as the event started. However she couldn't help but wonder where Ron or Hermione were. Hermione hadn't been in their dorm when Sapphire returned last night, nor had she been there when Sapphire had woken up that morning. Something felt very off. Plus, what were these treasures they spoke of. She jumped when the cannon fired and watched as Moody shoved Harry in.

"What's the matter with him?" Seamus asked, kneeling next to Dean as they looked over the dock.

"I don't know. I can't see him." Dean replied. Sapphire bit her lip and peered over the railing, she couldn't see any movement in the dark water below either.

"Oh, my God. I've killed Harry Potter!" Neville panicked, looking horrified with himself.

"Yeah!" Seamus shouted in joy when Harry launched out of the water with a back flip, only to dive right back in.

"What?" Neville had missed the whole thing, so Sapphire explained.

"You didn't kill him. Though his flip was over dramatic. I can't shake the feeling that something is very very wrong…" She admitted, rubbing her forehead as it ached. A hand slapped down on her shoulder.

"He'll be alright, Miss Saber. If you're still nervous after this trial, you should join me for tea in my office later." Professor Moody had put his hand on Sapphire's shoulder.

"Uh… no.. thank you… sir." Sapphire had felt even worse when he put his hand on her. What was wrong with her today.

"The beauxbatons champion, Miss Delacour, has unfortunately been forced to retire, so she will take no further part in this task." Dumbledore announced, everyone listening intently. Sapphire noticed Moody checking his pocket watch and pacing a lot. She frowned and looked towards where the other professors were sitting. They all looked fairly calm, why was Moody so on edge. She bit her lip again, not caring if her teeth would leave marks.

"I finished last, Hermione." Sapphire overheard Harry talking as she pushed in between the other students, having gone to get more towels when she saw Harry launch out of the lake.

"Next to last. Fleur never got past 'ze Grindylows.' "Hermione explained, Sapphire throwing another towel over Harry. Harry at that point smiled even as students cheered 'Diggory' around them. Sapphire noticed Ron didn't even have a towel so she wrapped the extra one she had around him.

"Attention." Dumbledore waved his arm, trying to get everyone's attention. "ATTENTION!" He held his wand to his throat and amplified his voice, everyone quick to fall silent. "The winner is… Mr. Diggory! Who showed innate command of the Bubble-Head Charm. However, seeing as Mr. Potter would have finished first, had it not been for his determination to rescue not only Mr. Weasley, but the others as well, we've agreed to award him second place for outstanding moral fiber."

Sapphire frowned when she saw Igor Karkaroff spit at Dumbledore's back for this announcement. He was a true coward, if she had ever seen one.

"Now, I remember- I remember when I first met you all. Biggest bunch of misfits I ever set eyes on. Suppose you remind me of meself a little. And here we all are. four years later." Hagrid was smiling, in a wonderful mood as he, Ron, Hermione, Sapphire, and Harry walked through the woods. Harry was walking a little bit ahead of the group but he could still hear them.

"We're still a bunch of misfits." Ron fired back while Sapphire and Hermione grinned.

"Well, maybe, but… we've all got each other. And Harry, of course." Hagrid recalled. "Soon to be the youngest Triwizard champion there's ever been!" Hagrid shouted. "Hooray!" Hagrid, Ron, and Hermione started singing the Hogwarts song, so Sapphire stepped a bit away, still giving Harry his space, but wanting to keep her hearing intact.

"Mr. Crouch?" Harry asked and Sapphire looked over, only seeing Harry. She ran over to join Harry and froze at the sight.

"...He's dead…" Sapphire breathed out in shock. A murder on Hogwarts grounds, it was like their third year all over again. A murderer was on the loose. Harry grunted in pain and his hand went to his scar. "Harry!" She grabbed his shoulder as he stumbled. "HAGRID, HELP!"

Only a few hours after that fiasco, Sapphire had walked with Harry all the way to the griffin statue that guarded Dumbledore's office. "I'll wait here for you."

"Thanks, I doubt they'll need to question both of us about what we saw, but who knows." Harry shrugged before heading up to Dumbledore's office. As Sapphire waited, she witnessed Cornelius Fudge and Professor Moody leave his office. Moody nodded to her as he went by. She felt a chill go up her spine. She frowned, looking back toward the floor. She had always trusted her gut, which normally led to her believing in Harry most of the time, but yet Harry hadn't mentioned anything odd about Moody. Why was she the only one getting strange vibes from the man? It only took about half an hour for Harry to return. "We need to talk."

Sapphire blinked, but nodded. "Okay, how about we talk on the way back to the Gryffindor common room?"

"I saw a trial in the pensieve in Dumbledore's office." He began, she raised an eyebrow at him. "A pensieve allows one or others to review their memories. Dumbledore was at Igor Karkaroff's trial, except Karkaroff was offering up names of Death Eaters."

"...Makes sense, since we know Karkaroff is a death eater himself.." Sapphire nodded.

"You won't believe the name he gave though." Harry stopped, turning to her. "I knew we could never trust him." He clenched his fists.

"Harry, who?" She frowned, what had he seen in the pensieve.

"Snape." Harry replied. "Snape is a death eater."

"...That's… That's impossible…" Sapphire was in shock, "...Karkaroff was lying, there is no wa-"

"Dumbledore confirmed it himself. Said Snape was turned into a spy before Voldemort's downfall." Harry explained. "At great personal cost, Dumbledore said. Which I doubt."

"Stop it.." Sapphire was biting her lip again, looking angry as she wrung her hands. "...Dumbledore wouldn't lie… but… just because he's a death eater doesn't mean he's a bad person."

"Sapphire. I told you before, no one stops being a death eater. Not Karkaroff. Not Snape." Harry snapped.

"I don't care! He saved you during your first year when Quirrel tried to kill you! He saved us from Professor Lupin last year!" She pleaded. "You may not like him, but he's not our enemy."

"You don't know that." Harry replied, the two falling silent and refusing to look at each other as they continued their walk back.

Sapphire and Harry were still walking in silence through the hall when they both heard shouting coming from a door to their left. They recognized it as the Potions Storeroom. "It's a sign, Severus. You know what it means as well as I." The door flew open, Snape holding it open allowing the light from inside the small room to spill out into the hallway. Igor Karkaroff had been the one shouting they realized and they both noticed his left sleeve was rolled up, showing a dark black tattoo on his left forearm. When Igor caught sight of the two teens, he tugged his sleeve back down quickly, glaring at the two as he stomped past. Sapphire didn't miss her chance to glare back. Still angry at him for spitting at Dumbledore.

"Potter! Saber!" Professor Snape called to them, the two teens had been about to follow after Karkaroff. "What's your hurry?" Sapphire cursed mentally as she and Harry turned around and stepped closer to Professor Snape. He was wearing his usual black outfit, but he didn't have his cloak on, she noticed. Snape folded his hands behind his back, staring down his nose at Harry. "Congratulations. Your performance in the Black Lake was inspiring. Gillyweed, am I correct?" Sapphire blinked in surprise, had Snape really just given Harry of all people a compliment? Hell was gonna freeze over.

"Yes, sir." Harry replied.

"Ingenious." Snape paused before heading back into the Potions Storeroom, Sapphire and Harry stepping in as well. "A rather rare herb, gillyweed." Snape continued, climbing up the ladder in the storeroom. "Not something found in your everyday garden." He reached into a shelf, moving bottles and vials aside, seemingly looking for something. "Nor is this." He pulled a very small vial from the shelf and descended the ladder. "Know what it is?" He looked over at Sapphire. "Miss Saber, you should know from your remedial lessons." She flinched, her mind quickly trying to figure out what the potion was.

"Bubble juice, sir?" Harry asked, raising an eyebrow. He had no clue why Snape was showing him and Sapphire this.

"N-no… It's um…" Sapphire bit her lip again, "Veri… something…" She flushed in embarrassment, upset she couldn't remember the name.

"Veritaserum. Three drops of this and You-Know-Who himself would spill his darkest secrets." Professor Snape explained. "The use of it on a student is…" He rolled his eyes, "regrettably forbidden. However, should you ever steal from my personal stores again, my hand might just slip over your morning pumpkin juice." He turned his hand, tilting the small vial.

Sapphire shook her head but Harry spoke first. "I haven't stolen anything." Snape leaned in closer to them, seemingly towering over the teens despite his 5'9 frame.

"Don't. lie. to me." His voice sounded so threatening, Sapphire stepped back and bumped into the doorframe. "Gillyweed may be innocuous, but boomslang skin, lacewing flies? You two and your little friends are brewing Polyjuice Potion, and believe me, I'm going to find out why!" He slammed the door in the faces, Harry's face was twitching with rage.

"...Why does he think we're brewing Polyjuice potion?" Sapphire asked, turning to Harry. "Honestly, when would we have had the time to brew anything? We've been busy assisting you with Tournament stuff."

"I don't care. Snape can think whatever he wants." Harry snarled, turning on his heel and continuing down the hallway alone. Sapphire frowned, looking back at the door to the Potions Storeroom. Even if he was in a bad mood, she still had questions, whether Snape wanted to answer them or not. She knocked on the door. A minute passed. Then two.

"...This Man, honestly." She felt her blood begin to boil. How was he so good at making her mad? "Severus, open the door, damn it." She wasn't concerned about anyone hearing, no one was around at this time. The door flew open so fast it surprised her.

"Watch your words. Now get out of my sight." He sneered.

"No." Her own tone surprised her, sounding more confident than she actually felt. She pushed past him into the small room and turned to glare at him. He rolled his eyes and closed the door behind him. "1. We didn't steal from you." He opened his mouth but she stepped closer to him. "Don't you dare interrupt me. 2. We didn't lie to you. And if you want to use Veritawhatever on me to prove it, go ahead." He had never seen her so angry before, and if she was offering to take Veritaserum willingly, he knew she wasn't lying to him. "3. If you're going to accuse someone of stealing, have proof first. If you had used your genius brain for even a second before you jumped to conclusions, you would have realized we wouldn't have had the bloody time to steal from you or brew PolyJuice Potion. Plus, we're not stupid enough to steal from you in the first place." She finished her rant, panting slightly in anger. She had finally run out of steam.

"...I… apologize.." He frowned, why did he always end up apologizing to her. "I have noticed how busy you've all been, so it was wrong to accuse yourself and Mr. Potter."

"Whatever." She shook her head and sighed. "Anyway, I wanted to talk to you. Not about that whole dumpster fire though."

"...Dumpster fire… excuse me?" Snape looked so confused she thought she had broken him for a moment.

"Oh, sorry. American expression. Kind of like, when shit hits the fan?" She explained, but he only made an annoyed face now. "Fuck it." She rolled her eyes and threw her hands up in exasperation.

"Your vocabulary is vulgar." He said, leaning close to glare at her.

"It's because I'm pissed off!" She snapped, getting right back in his face. "God…" She rubbed her forehead, it felt like a nail was being driven into her skull. "Anyway, I wanted to know if you actually care about me." She stated.

"...What? Why would you even ask that? Of course I do. I'm sorry I got angry earlier." He was shocked at her question, wondering what had brought this on all of a sudden. He wondered if it had to do with earlier.

"Harry said that you're a Death Eater and Dumbledore confirmed it." She added, looking up to meet his black eyes again.

He averted her gaze, feeling ashamed. "...Yes, but how did Mr. Potter find out?"

"He saw it using the…" She paused, "What did he call it… ummm the…" She tapped her foot, "Pensieve? I think that's what it's called. He saw Igor Karkaroff on trial, giving names of fellow death eaters and he said your name. Then Harry said that Dumbledore confirmed this but that you had been turned into a spy." She frowned, biting her lip again. "But, Harry told me that once someone is a Death Eater, they never really stop being one."

"Yes, I did become a spy for Dumbledore, but you must understand this is something you must keep to yourself." He frowned at her, his hand cupping her cheek. "My dear, your lip is bleeding."

"...Ugh, I know, I've just been so anxious…" She sighed.

"Worried about Mr. Potter? I wouldn't, he seems to be doing just fine in the tournament." He rolled his eyes.

"No. It's not that… It's something else. I just feel like something really bad is gonna happen." She confessed. "You'll think I'm stupid, but my gut is telling me something is really wrong here at Hogwarts. But the only thing I've noticed is that Professor Moody makes me uncomfortable."

"I do not think you're stupid, Sapphire." He replied, "And, you are not the only one Moody makes uncomfortable. However, he is a very skilled auror, crazy he might very well be though."

She sighed and leaned forward, resting her head against his chest. "...Did I answer all your questions?" He asked, wrapping his arms around her.

"...Yeah… I think so." She relaxed in his scent, he smelled like old books, smoke from his potion making and she could even detect a hint of cedar. "...Wait, what was Karkaroff talking to you about in here?"

He frowned, reaching up to run a hand through her hair, debating on how to answer her. "It was about his dark mark." He began. "I've noticed it as well, Dumbledore always knew You-Know-Who would return some day, and with the appearance of Death Eaters at the Quidditch World Cup, it will be soon."

"...So the war is gonna start all over again, right?" She asked, now understanding the constant pit in her stomach now. It was all leading up to this. "Are you going to have to be a spy again?"

He sighed, leaning down and kissing her forehead softly. "Yes and yes. You will be safe here at Hogwarts though. You-Know-Who only fears Dumbledore so he wouldn't dare to come here."

"...What about when the school year ends and we all go home? My grandpa is not exactly fighting material." She recalled and Snape nodded in understanding.

"This is why I'm so concerned about your closeness with Mr. Potter. You-Know-Who will target anyone who is close to Mr. Potter to get to him. That does include you and your family if you get in his way." Severus warned.

"Harry is my friend… but I want you to be careful as well… you know… when you're spying…" She admitted. "I don't like the idea of you getting hurt."

That conversation with Severus in his Potions Storeroom felt like it had just been yesterday, but it had been months ago. The third trial of the Tournament was today and from what everyone could see, it was a giant maze. Which meant the spectators would not be able to really see anything.

"Sonorus! Earlier today, Professor Moody placed the Triwizard Cup deep within the maze. Only he knows its exact position. Now, as Mr. Diggory and Mr. Potter are tied for first position, they will be the first to enter the maze, followed by Mr. Krum, and Miss Delacour. The first person to touch the cup will be the winner. I've instructed the staff to patrol the perimeter. Should, at any point, a contestant wish to withdraw from the task, he or she need only send up red sparks with their wands." Dumbledore announced. "Champions, prepare yourselves! On the count of three, One." The cannon fired and everyone turned to look at Mr. Filch who just shrugged.

"I bet you that's not the only thing Mr. Filch fires early." Flower whispering in Sapphire's ear surprised her.

"Holy crap you scared me. I thought you were sitting with Fred and George?" Sapphire asked.

"Oh, well I was going too, but since your friends are in other houses, you looked all alone. Besides, are you alright? I feel like whenever I see you something is always worrying you." Flower stated.

"Well you're not wrong about that, you know that gut feeling or pit in your stomach that you feel when something bad is about to happen? I've had it for months now, and today it's at its worst. Sapphire commented, biting her lip again and wincing from the tenderness.

"Well, you should try to relax while you can. Exams are next week. You'll have to do really well in Potions to stop taking your remedial lessons." Flower suggested.

"No, even if I do well. I'm still going to take those extra lessons. I have to beat Merula." Sapphire was determined. "The only class she's better than me in is Potions. I have to get an Outstanding. Or at least Exceeds Expectations. The only good thing is she's been too busy wrangling dicks to really study so her grades have been dropping. Professor Snape yelled at her last week for not doing her homework. It was amazing."

"Did he take any house points?" Flower wondered and Sapphire shook her head no.

"No, he never takes from his own house. He just gave her detention." Sapphire replied.

"...Are you sure you don't want to take Remedial Potions with him just because you get to spend more time with him?" Flower teased and Sapphire froze.

"W-what are you talking about?" She hissed, her face flushing red.

"Sapphire, you're not good at hiding your emotions. Since the beginning of the school year I know you've had a crush on him." Flower smirked.

"...Well I- er.. I mean." Sapphire rubbed the back of her neck, "Fine… yeah… I like him…"

"Well, I owe George 12 knuts." Flower frowned.

"...You bet on me?!" Sapphire looked annoyed now.

"Yeah, but I thought you wouldn't admit it until next year." Flower sighed, "Though I do question your taste in men."

"Look, if he's not old enough to be a father, I don't want him." Sapphire replied. "Besides, he's hot."

"Girl, you have problems. Wait, do you have a daddy kink?" Flower whispered and Sapphire's face flushed pink.

"NO! It's not like that!" Sapphire protested.

"...Snaddy?" Flower whispered and Sapphire buried her face in her hands.

"If he hears you, we're in so much trouble…" Sapphire retorted and Flower shrugged.

"Hell, you'd enjoy detention with him." Flower replied.

"Not if I have to scrub cauldrons for hours." Sapphire recalled. "My arms felt like noodles after that first detention…"

The crowd fell silent as red sparks shot up from the maze. "Well, it looks like someone quit already." Flower commented.

"It's oddly soon for it, right?" Sapphire remarked. "I still think something bad is going to happen."

"Well if it does, it does." Flower shrugged. Another hour soon went by, Sapphire glancing around at the other students and professors, she knew something was going to happen. But what would it be. An attack? A fight? Something worse? She got her answer when Harry and Cedric appeared outside of the maze, Harry lying over Cedric's body. The Gryffindors had begun to stand up and climb down the bleachers when everyone heard Fleur Delacour scream. Fred, George, Flower and Sapphire had joined the growing crowd surrounding Harry and Cedric. Flower's hands went over her mouth in shock as she stumbled back. Sapphire could only stare in horror.

"For God's sake, Dumbledore, what's happened?" Cedric pushed through the students.

"He's back. He's back. Voldemort's back. Cedric, he asked me to bring his body back." Harry was crying, struggling to speak through his tears. "I couldn't leave him, not there."

Dumbledore cupped Harry's face. "It's all right, Harry. It's all right. He's home. You both are."

Fudge pushed his way back through the students. "Keep everybody in their seats." He said to McGonagall and Snape. Sapphire saw his lips moving more, but she couldn't hear what else he said. He and the two professors came to Dumbledore's side. "The body must be moved, Dumbledore. There are too many people."

Sapphire's jaw dropped in horror when she heard Fudge say that. What was this to him, a publicity stunt? Someone had just died and it seemed like Fudge hadn't even seemed to care about Harry mentioning Voldemort's name.

"Let me through. Let me through!" Amos Diggory was pushing his way through the students until he got to the center. "Let me through! That's my son! That's my boy!" He fell to his knees, sobbing. "It's my boy!"

Sapphire hadn't even known she was crying until Flower pulled her into a hug, neither of them letting go as they cried.

That night in the Gryffindor common room was so quiet it was stifling. Cedric's death had made a profound impact on everyone. No one spoke and barely anyone was moving. It hadn't taken long for more news to get out. Professor Moody was actually an escaped Azkaban prisoner, Barty Crouch Jr. And the other news, the one Harry had proclaimed. Voldermort was back. It was way past curfew and it was near midnight, but no one felt like sleeping. Sapphire stood up, she couldn't take this anymore. She needed some fresh air, possible detention be damned. No one even took notice as she left through the portrait hole, everyone lost in their own thoughts.

She immediately felt better once out in the hallway, despite the darkness, her feet followed a familiar path with eaze, bringing her to the Astronomy tower. When she had first arrived at Hogwarts, this had been her favorite place, a perfect view to look over the grounds and stare up at the night sky. She climbed the metal spiral staircase, her fingers finding the cold metal railing as she went higher. She reached the platform and walked over to the edge, leaning against the cold metal and sighing. She couldn't believe she'd been so worried about a stupid bet earlier. Someone had died and put everything into perspective. What was the world going to be like now that Voldemort had returned? Cornelius Fudge had seemed to want to keep everything hush hush so Sapphire didn't place any hope in him. The world seemed so much scarier now knowing that monster was out in it. She didn't even care if she failed her exams now, the only thing she realized is that more people were going to die. She was startled when she felt something wrap around her, quickly turning to see Professor Snape. She realized he had wrapped his cloak around her. "Severus…" She breathed out, feeling fear grip her heart. Voldemort was back, he was going to have to spy again. He could die, just like anybody else. She hiccuped and a fresh wave of tears appeared right as he pulled her into his chest.

"Shhh, you're alright…" Severus ran his hand up and down her back, hoping to soothe her as she sobbed against him. When he'd seen her at the top of the astronomy tower, he'd seen everything she was feeling written all over her face. She didn't deserve to feel like this, she was still a student, supposed to be full of hope and eagerness to learn. Yet, right now she was only afraid and he hated that she had every right to be. The world had gotten a lot darker now with Voldemort in it.

It had taken a few minutes for her to stop crying and collect herself, finally allowing herself to just breathe as she leaned into him. "I'm sorry…" She admitted, causing him to look at her.

"What are you sorry for?" He couldn't think of anything she had to apologize for.

"About being out after curfew… I know it's not safe to be out alone at night anymore…" She replied, feeling him tense against her.

He sighed, "You're not in trouble. You're not even the first student I've found wandering tonight. I'm assuming you needed fresh air and came to the best place to get it."

She nodded, focusing on the sound of his heartbeat. "It's just so quiet. No one is saying anything. The common room was just so suffocating I couldn't take it anymore. Plus, I don't think any of us could sleep even if we wanted to."

"I doubt anyone is going to be able to get a full night's sleep tonight." He added, running one of his hands through her hair. "Dumbledore is going to hold a funeral service for Mr. Diggory. All of the students are welcome to attend, but you don't have to-"

"I'll go." She replied, cutting him off. She was probably the only person who could cut him off without pissing him off. "Cedric would have attended anybody else's funeral. It's the least we can do for him. What about Fudge though, I'm sure he's gonna have a lot on his hands trying to inform the Daily Prophet and his staff about You-know-who's return."

"...That idiot has been refusing to do anything of the sort. He wants Dumbledore to inform you that Cedric's death was a tragic accident, not murder. If anything, Fudge will put all his effort into hiding any news of his return." She could hear the annoyance in Severus' voice as he spoke.

"But, why? Doesn't he want to warn the people? If they don't know, they won't know to be cautious." Sapphire asked, looking up at him.

"As I said before, he's an idiot. He has always thought that Dumbledore was after his job, he is probably thinking this is just another ploy." He answered, frowning at her. "Darling, you're freezing, come on, let's get you back to your dorm." He moved to step back, but she kept her arms wrapped around his waist.

"No… I don't want to go back, yet." She refused to budge, making Snape blink.

"...Alright. Well, you should at least come inside and warm up. Come with me to my quarters and I'll get you a hot beverage. Is that acceptable?" He offered.

"...Do you have hot chocolate…?" She wondered and he chuckled softly.

"Yes, you can have some if you come along. Though you do need to let go of me, first." His voice sounded warm, Sapphire wanted to stay in this position forever, but she reluctantly let go and stepped back. He took her hand in his and led her off the platform of the astronomy tower and back to his office and then into his place.

It was exactly as she remembered it, but the kitten had gotten bigger since she had last seen it. "Oh, what did you end up naming him?"

"...uh Kitty. You were the one tasked with naming it, remember?" He pecked her forehead and moved past her into his kitchen.

"Ah! You should have reminded me… I forgot about it.." She muttered, picking the kitten up and looking at him. "...Hm. What should we name you? You're black, but I don't want to call you blackie, that's stupid. Smokey isn't good either. Severus, what if we call him Salem?"

"...That sounds fine to me, but do you really want to name a cat after the Salem Witch Trials were both American men and women died?" He asked, stepping out of the kitchen with a mug of hot chocolate. He set it on the coffee table in front of her and they both sat down on the couch.

"Why not, the kitten survived the bitter cold and survived you. Salem is gonna be a lucky cat." She replied, putting the cat down and picking up her mug of hot chocolate.

"Hmmm, should we assume that you're lucky too since you've survived me as well?" Severus asked, leaning his head back on the couch and closing his eyes as he rested.

She smiled and sipped her drink, setting it back down before leaning into his side. "I don't know, I feel pretty damn lucky to be with you though."

He smiled softly and wrapped an arm around her, "I feel lucky to have you too."

She blinked, feeling groggy as she slowly moved to sit up. The room was so dark she couldn't even tell what time it was, or even where she was. She remembered talking with Severus on the couch, then beginning to feel tired. "Oh god, I fell asleep on Severus' shoulder…" She muttered, slowly getting up and realizing she had been sleeping on a bed. "This must be Snape's bedroom…" She commented, feeling along the walls until she found a door. "Never thought I'd make it in here yet, but where is he?" She wondered out loud, opening the door to a dark hallway. She walked straight, finding the dining room table in the small amount of light that the dwindling fire in the fireplace gave off. She walked toward the couch and peered over it, revealing Severus himself stretched out and asleep on it. Salem curled up at his feet. "Sev…" She whispered, but he didn't stir as he continued to snore softly. She tried again, "Severus…" She frowned and poked him in the face, "Severus!" She whispered loudly and his eyes snapped open.

"What. What is it? Are you okay? What's wrong?" He asked, quickly sitting up, ignoring the annoyed mew Salem made.

"I'm fine. It's okay." She said, walking around the couch to sit next to him. "I didn't mean to fall asleep." She rubbed her neck, feeling bashful. "I also didn't mean to kick you out of your own bedroom."

"It's fine, I know you're exhausted. We still have a few more hours left before breakfast, you should go back to sleep." He said, pulling her in and giving her a soft kiss. "You will need all the rest you can get for your exams."

She pouted when he pulled away, grabbing his hand. "Then come sleep with me."

He blinked. "...I beg your pardon?"

"Come sleep with me. It's your bed, anyway." She replied and he chuckled softly.

"My dear, I'm fine out here on the couch. Now, go get some more sleep." He replied and she shook her head.

"Nope, I'm not going until you come to sleep with me." She retorted, standing her ground.

"...Fine, I know I'll lose to you anyway." He sighed and they both stood up. "Did you have a nightmare?" He asked as they walked back down the dark hallway to his bedroom.

"No, I just woke up and… felt alone." She confessed.

"...Sapphire, you're never going to be alone. You have your friends, your grandfather, and you have me." He recalled. "You will never have to worry about being alone." She smiled at his words, relaxing in the bed as they settled in. She snuggled up to him and he flinched, before sighing and wrapping his arms around her. "I swear, you're going to be the death of me."

"Well, I hope not. I want you to be around for a good long time." She pouted, "Severus?"

"Hmm?" He had closed his eyes, but he was listening.

"I love you." She felt her cheeks burn, but was glad the room was completely dark.

"I love you too, Sapphire. Now, please go to bed before I make you drink a sleeping draught." She could hear the smile in his voice, and knew he didn't mean his threat.

No one had ever seen the Great Hall look so dim before, it easily gave off a depressing aura, which is what every student was already feeling. The students were all sitting, not at their tables, but in long pews. While Dumbledore sat in his chair on the platform in front of them, seeming to think about what he was going to say. "Today, we acknowledge… a really terrible loss. Cedric Diggory was, as you all know…" He stood up from his chair, "exceptionally hard-working… infinitely fair-minded… and most importantly… a fierce, fierce friend. Now, I think, therefore, you have the right to know exactly how he died." He stepped closer up to his podium. "You see… Cedric Diggory was murdered… by Lord Voldemort! The Ministry of Magic does not wish me to tell you this. But not to do so, I think, would be an insult to his memory. Now, the pain… we all feel at this dreadful loss reminds me- Reminds us. -while we may come from different places and speak in different tongues, our hearts beat as one. In light of recent events, the bonds of friendship we've made this year will be more important than ever. Remember that, and Cedric Diggory will not have died in vain. You remember that. And we'll celebrate a boy who was… kind and honest and… brave and true right to the very end."

The next week went by in a flash as the students' exams came and went. Sapphire had thankfully just scraped by with an Exceeds Expectations in Potions. While Merula had only gotten an Acceptable. Sapphire should have felt excited about this news, but it just didn't seem to matter that much anymore. There were worse things in the world than Merula. However, Sapphire remembered she shouldn't just back down just because there are worse things out there. Merula was still a bully who hadn't learned her place. Sapphire still had a job to do.

"Gosh, if you want to be like me, you need to do exactly as I say! Gosh no wonder you're in Hufflepuff, you're too stupid to get into Slytherin!" Merula was harassing a group of first year hufflepuff students. It was time.

"Leave them alone, Merula." Sapphire had walked out into the courtyard with her friends, Osiris, Flower, and Grace.

"Oh… little miss who thinks she's perfect wants to go up against the master~" Merula taunted, walking over and standing in front of Sapphire. Sapphire was short for her age, but she didn't care that Merula had a few inches on her.

"I don't think I'm perfect, really anyone who does think that they are, needs a reality check. You're vain, Merula. And, if I recall, I now have higher grades than you in every single class" Sapphire smirked, "including potions. So you shouldn't think you're perfect with those grades of yours."

Merula sneered. "You think you're such hot stuff now since you got better at Potions now huh? Yet, you had to take Remedial Potions to do it." She mocked. "Besides, grades aren't everything when you have allies who can help you get farther in life." She shrugged. "You should try to make new friends, Sapphire, those people won't take you very far."

"She did not ju-" Flower started but Sapphire held up a hand. She had this under control. Sapphire could see Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape approaching. They would be perfect witnesses for this.

"Really, you refer to them as allies? Aren't allies supposed to help and assist each other? When all I've seen you do is sleeping with boy after boy to make your allies." Sapphire remarked.

"Oh please! If we were to talk about you, you would be lucky to find a guy. You just don't have what it takes to be like me." Merula rolled her eyes.

Sapphire rolled her eyes at the comment before a sly grin slid across her lips. "Oh? So I should be like you, where I open my legs for every guy who tries to get between them?" The words had barely left her lips when she felt Merula slap her, her cheek stung, and she could tell one of Merula's nails had cut her. In barely a second, Flower had moved around Sapphire and launched herself at Merula. The two fell to the floor in a heap. struggling against one another. Merula was trying to grab at Flower's hair, but Flower was aiming for Merula's face with her fists. Flower's fist connected with Merula's face not once, but twice before the two students were pulled apart from each other.

"What on earth do you two think you are doing?!" Professor McGonagall was holding Flower back by the back of her robe while Professor Snape was doing the same with Merula.

"What is the meaning of this?" His voice was stern, but his face looked meaner, his lips pulled back into a sneer. His black eyes swept slowly over the scene, pausing slightly when he saw Sapphire with a red and bleeding cheek.

"Merula slapped Sapphire." Flower answered, not wanting Merula to get the first word in and get off scot-free again.

"And so you felt the appropriate response was to attack Miss Snyde?" Professor McGonagall demanded.

"I-I only slapped Sapphire because of the untrue remark she made!" Merula exclaimed, trying to cover her own ass.

"Oh? And what, pray tell, did Miss Saber say to warrant a slap in your mind?" Professor Snape asked. Merula gawked in surprise, normally Snape would have taken the side of a Slytherin, no matter what.

"Well… Sapphire said…" Merula began only for Grace to cut her off.

"Professors, honestly if Flower hadn't attacked Merula, I would have." Grace stated.

"Yeah, me too. Flower was just faster." Osiris added. The professors looked at each other before McGonagall nodded to Snape, as if to say, she's your student, you handle it.

"50 points will be deducted from Slytherin house. Physical violence is never acceptable at Hogwarts no matter the situation." Professor Snape was glaring down at Merula as if she was a stray piece of lint he had just found on his cloak.

"And 50 points will be deducted from Gryffindor house for also being involved with the violence." Professor McGonagall stated firmly. Flower nodded in response to this news, making no argument.

"But… 50 points!?" Merula gasped. "But! I… Sapphire had it coming!" She protested. Professor Snape's eyes narrowed. He looked even angrier now if that was even possible.

"Shut it… In addition to the removal of House points, you've just earned yourself detention scrubbing cauldrons for the rest of the day." Professor Snape remarked coldly. At that final remark, Merula finally shut up.

"Come on, Sapphire. I'm sure Madam Pomfrey has something to help your cheek." Grace said, putting her arm around the still stunned Gryffindor.

"Does… Does it really look that bad?" Sapphire asked, finally focusing. Grace tilted her head before smirking.

"Honestly? I think it's an improvement." Grace teased and Sapphire pouted while Osiris laughed.

"Rude." Was Sapphire's only reply as the three of them headed out of the courtyard and to the hospital wing.

Madam Pomfrey had been able to reduce the healing time needed down to two days. "Great, so I get to have a Merula nail scratch on my face for two whole days." Sapphire sighed.

"At least you didn't lose any points for Gryffindor. You seem quite good at that." Grace gave her a look. " I can't believe Professor Snape took 50 points from his own house."

Sapphire shrugged. "I wonder if Merula still thinks she's the best witch of our age now." She had a sly smirk on her lips, but her teal eyes looked cold.

Osiris paused, staring at Sapphire in surprise. "...Did… Wait… You planned for Merula to get in trouble?" He gaped, looking at her as if he didn't know who she was anymore.

"Not only Slytherins can be sneaky. She needed to be put in her place, and what better way than to have her favorite professor be the one to do it?" Sapphire stood up from the hospital bed.

"Sapphire, if Merula suspects that you did this on purpose for even a second, she won't stop until she gets her revenge." Grace warned, intercepting Sapphire's path for the door. "You need to avoid Merula, there's no telling what she might do."

Sapphire laughed, "Are you serious? I know exactly what she's capable of. It's in her DNA. Her parents aren't locked up in Azkaban for no reason." Grace opened her mouth to protest, but Sapphire continued, cutting off any argument. "She tried to kill me using Devil's snare in our first year. I am not going to back down from her. If she wanted a fight, she's got one now. Besides, Merula is nothing compared to the real threats out there."

"You got lucky this time. Professor Snape isn't going to side with a Gryffindor over a Slytherin again." Osiris added. Sapphire nodded thoughtfully at his words, seeming to consider something.

"Normally, I'd agree with that statement. However, I don't think he's the type of man to just stand by and do nothing when someone harms his woman." Sapphire was smiling now, fully aware of what she had just said. Osiris' jaw dropped.

Grace blinked once, then twice, then thrice before shaking herself out of her stupor. She moved quickly, pushing Sapphire up against the hospital wing's door. "Do you have any idea what you just said? If a professor heard you what you-"

"The professors already know." Sapphire's grin hadn't left her face. Grace froze again.

"Okay, Sapphire, it's time to stop joking now." Osiris pleaded, walking over to them, wondering to himself if Sapphire had gone mad.

"I'm not joking, but if you two don't want to believe me, that's your choice." Sapphire stepped away from Grace and then was out the door.

Grace and Osiris could only stare at the closing door in shock. Had Sapphire been telling the truth? They would have to tell Flower about this, quickly.

((If you read all this far, thank you so much! It took me about 3 weeks to write this and I promise more is coming. Order of the Phoenix is my favorite movie of the Harry Potter series!))