Disclaimer: Not my stuff, never was my stuff, please don't sue me. All characters belong to JKR or the rightful authors who let me play with them.

Note: Hello! I'm terribly sorry that this took so long. I'm so tied down with school it has become difficult to post as often as I would like, but I'm still here! And this story will be finished no matter how long it takes! This chapter isn't as long as I would have liked, but I wanted to post something for you all. Hope it's all right, and please (when you're done) review. Let me know of anything. Thank you!

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Chapter 4 ~ What Are You Hiding?

Aletta stepped into the classroom and groaned loudly. Almost half of the school was inside, all eagerly awaiting the start of the new dueling club. She walked to the front of the room and took her wand out of her bag. Glancing around the classroom quickly, she picked out the student sitting front and center and shouted, "Petrificus Totalus!"

Rei Takara fell off her chair and down to the floor. The entire room burst into laughter but soon Aletta began pointing her wand towards them. Americus, Alina, Ryne, Ron and Katie Bell were the next to fall over before everyone took out their wands in retaliation.

"Well, it is about time." Aletta placed her wand down on the table and looked at the wide-eyed students. Most of them were staring at the ones who were under the full body bind.

"Don't worry; they will be fine in a few minutes." She shook her head and motioned for everyone to take a seat. "You see, class, you need to be on your toes twenty four hours a day."

"But then when do we sleep Professor?" Macaroni asked, still laughing at Americus (who was on the floor).

"You don't, silly child." Aletta walked across the room and looked down at the students who had begun to move again. "Please, once you can, take your seats." She walked back to the front of the room. "In this dueling club we will be learning the correct way to defend yourself in rather difficult situations. You will learn to carry your wand in the palm of your hand at all times." A hand rose from the back of the room. "Yes?"

"How exactly will we be learning this?" Draco asked.

"By hand-on-hand experience with other students. We will be taking a few weeks to learn different methods of defense and dueling. We will then be paired up with each other and tested on skill and speed."

There were murmurs of excitement throughout the room and Aletta rolled her eyes thinking, "You children have no idea how serious this is."

She handed out a few pieces of parchment and the students looked at them with wonder. There were many pictures of dueling stances and blurbs of information. The students read them over with curiosity. Aletta stood in the front of the room and watched them talk excitedly about the club.

"All right, class, next week we will begin your first lesson. For now, you are free to go." She gathered her things together and left the classroom.

"But we still have another half an hour left of class," Michelle Garcia stated.

"Well, now you have time to finish your homework," Aletta shot sarcastically and continued out the door, leaving the students sitting in the classroom very confused.

"Children," she muttered as she continued down the hall, "How did I get myself stuck with these children?" Turning the corner of the corridor, she noticed Snape not too far away. Instead of harassing him like she usually would, she decided to take a staircase and head in the opposite direction.

"Aletta, I'm not blind you know," Snape said coming up behind her.

"I'm not in the mood, Severus. I just had to deal with a bunch of whiny kids and all I really want is to go back to my room with a cup of tea."

"I understand," he said softly.

"Listen, I don't need -- What?" She stopped and shot him a quizzical face. "What do you mean you understand? Since you've been teaching here for so long, surly you have grown accustom to these kids."

"On the contrary, Aletta, I despise them…and they despise me. It's almost a mutual agreement."

"Then why stay here? Leave…Wouldn't that make more sense?"

"You would think, but I owe Dumbledore a lot…" he trailed off. "Walk with me to the dungeons…" They turned and headed down a different flight of stairs.

The halls were cool. The October breeze was settling in and Aletta shivered; she hated the coldness. Aletta tried to bring up some small talk but nothing seemed to click. After awhile, they both went silent. It was uncomfortable and odd but they continued together until they reached her room. She tried to smile, but she didn't want to…She hated showing emotions. Opening the door to her room, Aletta went inside, closed it and leaned against the door. Snape had actually been decent to her…No puns or snide remarks…Something was up. She felt guilty that they didn't talk more but she couldn't really blame him. After all, how do you have a pleasant conversation with the man you were once going to marry?

********

Hermione and Strider sat in the library. Dueling club had been interesting but it had also finished quite early. They had decided to go to the library to finish their studies. There were a few students who must have had the same idea because they were filing in as well. Hermione made a mad dash for a back table and dropped her books down. Strider waltzed over slowly and pulled out a chair.

"Professor Averil is strange…don't you think?" he asked, pulling out his homework.

"She is a bit odd, but she does seem to know what she is talking about," Hermione answered. The library door opened again and Professor McGonagall stepped inside, dragging a girl in by her arm. She spoke to her and then walked towards the back of the room.

"Excuse me, Miss Granger, but may I have a word with you?" Professor McGonagall asked as she approached the two.

"Yes, Professor…" Hermione looked at Strider, who shrugged, and then walked behind a bookcase where McGonagall had gone.

"Miss Granger, in light of the events in your life, we have not been able to introduce you to your buddy. We felt that maybe she wouldn't need any help getting started here, but unfortunately," she looked over to Zella, who was in the front of the library, "she seems to be a bit more then what we bargained for. If you could try and get her to do home work, or behave…or anything…it would be appreciated."

"But, if she doesn't want to cooperate, then what should I do?" Hermione hated dealing with troublesome students.

"Pray to Merlin that she doesn't get out of control!" McGonagall strode back over to Zella and said something sternly in her ear. Zella laughed and walked over to Hermione. She was tiny but her face was frightening…Pretty, but frightening. Hermione swallowed hard.

"Hello, I'm Hermione Granger, and you?" she asked, holding out her hand.

"I don't touch Mud Bloods." Zella smacked Hermione's hand away. "Listen, I'm only going to tell you this once: I don't need someone like you telling me what to do. I don't need guidance or help finding my way around this place. I'm Zella Zelosa and I own this place now…You remember that, Hermione….If anyone asks you who runs this school, you tell them Zella Zelosa." She shoved Hermione into the bookcase. "If McGonagall asks you how I am, tell her that I am perfect. I'm the best pupil in this school…If you tell her the truth…Let's just say you will be seeing your parents very soon." She turned on her heel and left.

Hermione stood against the bookcase and watched her go. There was no way she was going to strike back. Her heart pounded in her chest and she grasped it. Strider had witnessed the whole thing and rose from the table.

"Don't let her bother you, Hermione. She's spoiled…I heard her parents gave her everything…that's why she's so bitter…She knows she's not top dog here." Strider placed his hands around her shoulders and said, "Don't give her a second thought."

"But, what she said, it was so cruel." She wiped her eyes, which were moist with tears.

"I know, Hermione…" He pulled her into a tight hug and sighed. She smelled like fruit and flowers. He didn't want to let her go. They had spent so much time together although they had only been at school for a short time. He wasn't sure what he felt towards her…but it was something.

"No one will hurt you, Hermione. I'll see to that," he thought to himself. No one would touch her, and if they did, well, he didn't want to think about what he might find himself doing to protect her.

***************

"Oh, it was so funny! You should have seen yourself rolling on the floor; it was hilarious!" Macaroni grabbed her stomach in laughter. "She got you…ha ha…It was great."

"Well, you wouldn't be laughing if she did it to you!" Americus shot back. She rubbed her head. When she fell off the chair she had hit it pretty hard. Now the pain grew with each passing second.

"No, you're right, if she did it to me, I would have killed her," Macaroni laughed again and sat on a couch in the common room.

"Your nutters…" Americus laughed. "Where is everyone?" She looked around the common room. Some kids were there, but it wasn't its usual hopping self.

"Oh, that's right, you were auditioning for the play…A new girl arrived yesterday…She's a bit creepy in my opinion. She kind of looks like a house-elf but bigger…like human size. Her name's Mel or something…I don't know, but everyone is obsessing over her. It's disgusting."

"You're just jealous, Mac," Ginger said from behind them. She walked around the back of the couch and sat on one of the chairs. "You want to have all the attention."

"What do you want Ginger?…Where's Amira? Go find her and leave us alone," Mac replied.

"Actually, Amira is in the library with Josh Wood, so now I can spend all my time here with you," she smiled and Macaroni groaned.

"Oh, don't be so bitter, Mac," Americus began. "Ginger, have you talked to this girl yet? What's she like?"

"Well, I've only said a few words to her, but it's hard to strike up a conversation when Pansy and her goons are around. They are already trying to recruit her." Ginger rolled her eyes. "One of the girls…umm…Cassidy, I think, already ditched her. She said she couldn't stand Pansy…It was quite funny."

"That group just keeps getting worse and worse. That girl, Zella…wow…and Camielle…They make Alina, Erika and Isabelle look like saints." Macaroni sighed, "Arielle is nice though; I've talked to her in Potions. I don't know why she would be hanging out with them…security I guess."

The portrait door swung open and Alanna appeared with a piece of parchment in hand. Her face was filled with excitement as she ran over.

"Hey, I just got this from Snape…It's the list of girls on the dance team!" Alanna squealed excitedly.

"Give me that," Americus grabbed it. "Ginger, you made it, Alanna, Amira, ugh Alina, Isabelle, and Arielle. There are a few more names, but who cares…" She tossed the list back to Alanna who shook her head.

"Professor Parker said she would have the play list up by next week…Does anyone know what play we are doing?" Ginger asked, twirling her hair on her finger.

"I heard MacBeth….I hate Shakespeare…" Macaroni sneered. "With my luck, I'll be witch number one." They all laughed.

Aiwendil pushed her way past Pansy and Alina and headed back towards the common room. If she had to spend one more minute with them, she was going to scream. Who cared about Voldemort and the Dark…That was old news. Wait until they see what's coming…Not even Dumbledore knew. She shook her head.

"No, that's why I came here…to put a stop to this…I won't fail." Running full speed, she approached the portrait of the Silver Snake.

"Paassssss Word pleassssse," it hissed at her and moved around in the painting.

"Lord Draco," she muttered. The pig-headed Prefect Draco had come up with the password, and (since no one wanted to stand up to him) that's what it became. Aiwendil thought it was ridiculous, but, then again, who would want to stand up to someone as good looking as he is? Stepping through the painting, she could hear laughter; a few girls sat on the couches exchanging conversation.

"Hello, I'm Mel…I'm not sure if I've met you all yet," she smiled politely as Macaroni stood.

"Hiya, I'm Macaroni Lewis, this is Americus, Ginger and Alanna…It's nice to meet you," she smiled and held out her hand.

"Saesa omentien lle," Mel smiled back. They looked at her oddly and she laughed. "Oh, I'm sorry; it's elvish." The girls nodded in curiosity. "Before I sit, are you friends with that Pansy girl? She's driving me insane!" The group of girls looked around at each other and burst into more laughter.

************

"Hogwarts: A History," Harry murmured to the portrait of the fat lady. She bowed her head and the painting swung open revealing the Gryffindor common room. Ron was playing checkers with Fred and Devlynn while Keara watched silently. The common room was dull, and all Harry really wanted was to talk with Hermione, but, as always, she was off with Strider again.

"Hello, Harry! How are you doing today?" Zoltan asked, peering over the book he was reading.

"All right, I guess…Hey, Zoltan, have you seen Hermione? Has she come back yet?"

"No, I'm afraid not. Sorry, Harry…Strider came back, and he was with her last, so maybe he would know." Zoltan shrugged his shoulders and continued to read.

"Thanks." Harry moved further into the common room and over to Ron. They were so engrossed in the game that no one realized he was standing there until Keara pounced on him, causing the both of them to fall onto Virgil (who was doing his Divination homework).

"Hey! Watch it!" Virgil yelled, pulling his parchment out from underneath the two of them. "Keara, you're crazy!"

"Oh, thanks, Virg," she smiled and winked and he rolled his eyes.

"Keara, I do love you, but would you mind getting off of me?" Harry huffed from underneath her.

"Oh! Sorry, Harry…forgot you were there." She rolled over and Harry stood up.

"Now then, before I'm attacked again, do you know where Strider is?" Harry asked while brushing off his pants.

"He went to sleep early…said he had a lot to think about. Poor guy…He seems so lonely…Maybe I should become friends with him." Keara wiggled her eyebrows seductively.

"No, Keara, I think that would just push him further away," Harry remarked. Ron and Devlynn snickered and Fred let out a giant laugh.

"Jerks…" Keara muttered before huffing away.

Harry made his way up to the boys' dormitories and stuck his head in the room. The lights were off, and, by the little amount of movement, Harry was sure that Strider was sleeping. He tip toed over to Strider's bedside and heard him snore. Yes, he was definitely asleep. Harry backed up and moved towards the door again. Just as Harry turned the doorknob, Strider muttered something incoherent.

"You awake, Strider?" he whispered, moving back towards the bed. It was silent and Harry stuck his head a bit closer to Strider's mouth. Maybe he had imagined he said something. He pulled away and went for the door again, but then he heard it. This time it was as clear as day.

"Oh, Hermione…."

Harry's eyes widened and, as fast as he could, he rushed out the door and slammed it behind him.

********************

"It's not all so bad. Ginger is in there and I've met a new girl, Alanna…She's really nice. Of course, there is always Macaroni, but she gets snippy every now and then," Amira sighed and placed her head in her hand.

"Well, I'm just glad that this is it. No more Hogwarts after this year. I will finally be free!" Josh smiled. "The only thing I will miss from this crummy place is you…and maybe the food."

"All right, no more goofing off. We need to finish this Charms assignment." Amira opened her book and flipped through a few of the pages.

Josh watched her silently. He couldn't understand why she had been placed in Slytherin; she was nothing like them. Amira was perfect, nice, funny and she really was pretty, but definitely out of his reach. She was his best friend (in fact, she was his only friend) and it scared him to think he might lose her on the account of a crush.

"Hi, Josh," Rose chimed from another table. "How are you?"

"Fine, Rose, thanks…" Josh turned back towards Amira, who was smiling.

"Hiiii, Jooosshh," she batted her eyelashes and mocked Rose.

"Shut up," he smirked. "I can't help it. First, she had a thing for Oliver, now me…It's creepy." He looked over his shoulder at Rose who was staring at him with a spaced look.

"Aww, Joshy, she has a crush on you!" Amira laughed again, adjusting her reading glasses. "I hate these things."

"I think they make you look cute," he said, giving her a small smile.

"Really? Thanks," she blushed a bit (like she always did when she received a compliment) and turned back to her book, smiling.

Josh rubbed his hands together, which were moist. She made him nervous, and, when she smiled like that, he wanted to kiss her. It was hard living life when your brother used to be the Lord of the Ladies. Josh had never had a girlfriend…ever. Now, here he was in his 7th year, melting over his best friend. Maybe it would just be better if he left it alone. He looked up at Amira again and wondered if her and Oliver ever dated. He couldn't remember, but he wouldn't put anything past his older brother. As if Amira sensed Josh staring at her, she looked up at him. They both smiled and she looked back down to her book. That was it; there was no way he was going to let her get away. By the end of the year, she would know exactly how he felt.

******************

Mackenzie yawned and rubbed her eyes. It was late but she had to prepare for the next day's lesson. She had the third, sixth, and seventh years tomorrow and she wanted to be well prepared. Moving quietly through the halls, a noise sounded behind one of the suits of armor. She turned quickly, withdrawing her wand. If anyone was there, she would be ready.

"Ah ha…" came a voice from behind her and a hand grabbed her by the shoulder. It whipped her around and then let go when she yelled.

"Mr. Filtch! How dare you!" Mackenzie adjusted her cloak and placed her wand back in her pocket.

"Oh! I'm sorry Professor. I didn't know it was you. I thought it was one of the students tromping about," he became flustered and backed away.

"It's all right, Argus. You just surprised me," she sighed.

"Where are you heading this late, Professor? Would you like some company?" he smoothed his hair and smiled.

"Ugh! Is Filtch trying to make a pass at me?" Mackenzie thought. "No, that's all right. I'm just heading down the Defense classroom to prepare tomorrows study. I will be fine."

"Oh, all right then. Have a good night Professor…" he smiled and Mackenzie tried to hide her giggles as she walked away.

Upon approaching the Defense classroom, she noticed the classroom light still on. When she pushed the door open, she groaned. Rex was inside working on his lessons.

"Hello, Mac. Do come in." He shut his book and moved towards her.

"Hello, Mr. Chase. Will you be leaving soon?" she shot at him. His smile faded and he sighed.

"Listen, Mackenzie, I'm really sorry about the other day. I should have kept my mouth shut. I don't interact with many people so I don't know how I should act. If I offended you, I truly am sorry…but try to understand I have spent my whole life on my own…I don't know what's proper to say and what's not."

"It's all right…I'm sorry I snapped back at you. I shouldn't have been so cold."

"So are we okay? No more evil looks?" He held out his hand.

"No more evil looks…" she took his hand and smiled. "Besides, I would rather you stay anyway; Filtch is out there and hit on me…I really don't want to be left alone with him."

"Well then, I'm glad I stayed." He moved back towards his books. "I hope you don't mind if I'm not too chatty; I have a lot of work to prepare for tomorrow."

"So do I, so I won't hold it against you." Opening her book, Mackenzie glanced at the clock. It was 11:30. By the time she finished here, the first bell would be ringing for class.

******************

"Well, have you contacted her?" Lucius Malfoy sneered at Peter (whom was sharpening a dull dagger).

"Yes, I personally have sent four owls to her Manor and she has not replied once." He placed the dagger down and turned to Lucius. "You don't think she has skipped town on us…do you?" He scratched his head in thought.

"No, she wouldn't be so stupid, but where would she be then? Her name is still on the list, which means she isn't dead, and she hasn't tried to disgrace us by becoming a traitor…It's all too odd Wormtail." Lucius picked up the dagger that Peter was working on and twirled it in his fingers. "Perhaps we should contact the Dark Lord and ask him what to do."

"I don't think that would be wise…If he thinks we can't do this ourselves, he might bec-" Lucius slammed the dagger into the desk and Peter jumped.

"We can do this, we just need to know where she is, and why she hasn't answered us." He pulled the dagger out and began twirling it again. "Send one more post, Peter, and if she doesn't answer in a week, then we will ask the Dark Lord for his guidance in this matter."

"All right, Lucius." Wormtail headed out of the room.

"Where are you, Aletta? Why are you hiding?"