LONGINGS and TRUTHS UNVEILED
Lexi stared at Draco in horror. "Your MOTHER?"
Draco looked at his hand with great interest. "Nasty little bitch, isn't she?" he said harshly.
Lexi stood up abruptly and plopped down in front of Draco. "Spill. Now," she commanded, her hand shooting out to make him look at her.
"What do you want me to tell you? That to my parents, all I am good for is an heir? That they hate me with a passion? That they forget I exist nine months out of the year? Is that what you wanted to hear?" he asked bitterly.
She looked at him silently, and he looked up to see her eyes fill with tears.
"Don't pity me, Lexi. I can bear anything but that," he said quickly. "Please don't cry. I didn't know you COULD cry," he joked gently.
"Well, you know now," she said, wiping her eyes quickly.
Suddenly an enraged voice cried, "She did WHAT?! With MALFOY?!"
Even with the anger in his voice, Lexi still recognized it as Harry's.
"Oh, crap," she said with feeling, bolting out of the room.
"I'll see you at dinner," Draco called after her.
"If I'm not there by six, try the rope hanging from Gryffindor balcony," she called back.
"I am not amused," he shouted. She blew him an impatient kiss and was gone.
As Draco made his way back to the dungeons, he muttered fiercely, "If Potter lays so much as a hand on her..."
A voice from the shadows finished, "She'd kick his ass."
Draco spun to see Persephone laughing against the pillar.
"What's so funny, Lupin? Anyone ever tell you that you laugh like a hyena?"
"Nope. No one's been that crude until today. Congratulations, Draco Malfoy, you've won the annoying rodent of the millennia award!"
"What about the rat that ruined your parents' lives?" Draco asked snidely.
Sephie spun around, eyes narrowed. "Right this moment, 99% of Gryffindor have turned their backs on you and Lexi. As soon as word gets out, Slytherin and Gryffindor will actually have something in common... and I don't mean you two. So I wouldn't go around insulting the only people sticking up for you, Malfoy."
Draco called after her as she turned away, "You, sticking up for me? I'd sooner have Longbottom."
Sephie spun back again. "Read between the lines, asshole," she spat, holding up her index, middle, and ring fingers.
Draco stood for a moment, staring at Sephie's retreating back. Then a slow smile crept across his face, and he started to whoop with laugher.
She turned back and smiled slightly. "Glad to know SOMEONE thinks I'm funny."
((((Author's Note: " = Lexi and Harry ~ = Draco thinking))))
"Alexia Varen, I can't believe you! I thought you were a good person!" shouted Harry.
"And I didn't think you were an asshole, but, oh well, opinions change," she screamed back.
"What? I'm an asshole? How about your new boyfriend, huh? He's not an asshole?"
~ Rob Carrington... where have I heard that name before...~
"No! He's not! And what's YOUR problem, anyway?"
~ That's it! He was at the house this summer... something about the Black girl he... was.... dating...~
"My problem? MY problem?"
"I hate you, Harry Potter!"
~ Shit! Shit, shit, shit.... the girl... Lexi... Sirius Black's daughter.... oh, CRAP!~
Lexi stormed up to the girl's dorm and slammed the door. Harry stormed up to the boys' dorm and slammed the door.
Hermione and Ron looked at each other and sighed. "You take her, I'll take him," said Ron wearily.
"Don't worry if you hear screaming and banging," she said over her shoulder.
"I won't," he smirked.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Draco jumped up and started pacing. "Oh crap, this is SO not good. Who do I go to? Lexi? Yeah, right, maybe not. At least, not yet. Dumbledore? I don't trust him enough. Snape? The Death Eater? Yeah, right." Draco stopped and ran his hands through his silvery hair, considering his three options.
"Ok. Snape it is."
He strode purposefully out of his dorm, slamming the door.
Draco walked toward Snape's office, slowing with every step. ~This is SO not a good idea,~ he thought. He had just decided to turn around and go back when Snape opened the door and almost ran into Draco.
"Draco, what are you doing here? Need something?" asked Snape.
Draco thought for a minute. He looked up at Snape. "I..I...I..." he started.
"Need to talk about Alexia?" Snape supplied.
Draco's eyes narrowed. "How did you know?"
"We teachers aren't as blind as you might think... especially when certain Slytherins stare at certain Gryffindors all through Potions class," sneered Snape.
While saying this Snape had steered Malfoy into his office.
"Sit down," Snape invited.
"What do you know about Lexi?" asked Malfoy suddenly as he sat down.
Snape's face became instantly blank. "Why do you want to know?" he asked cautiously.
The two of them looked at each other, wondering whether or not they could trust each other with the secrets they knew about Alexia.
"Malfoy?" Snape said softly.
"Yeah?" he answered quietly.
"Are you a Death Eater?" Snape asked quite kindly, a serious look on his face.
Malfoy looked up at Snape. "My father asked me, but I said no... at great consequence. Are you?" he asked the teacher directly, not wavering.
"No," Snape said with a weary smile. "But only a choice selection of people know that."
Snape suddenly leaned toward Draco. "What do you know about Lexi?" he asked, staring into his eyes as if trying to read his mind.
Malfoy swallowed and blinked, and Snape's eyes widened suddenly. "Her parents," he whispered with certainty. "You know about her parents."
Draco nodded. "Can you... can you tell me about it?" he asked Snape.
Snape rose and started pacing, black robes billowing behind him. He stopped for a minute and looked at Draco. "All right," he said. He sat down at his desk opposite of Malfoy and told him Lexi's whole story.
Draco sat, open mouthed and pale, at the end. Suddenly he let loose a string of curses in many languages... some Snape knew, but most he didn't recognize.
Snape raised an amused but worried eyebrow. "Draco," he said sharply. Malfoy stopped short and blushed slightly. "Sorry, Professor."
Snape sat silently, making a steeple with his fingers as he watched young Mr. Malfoy pace back and forth and mutter to himself. Snape froze him with three words: "You like her." It was a statement, not a question.
Malfoy, a bit distracted, said absently, "Of course I like her. She's..." Suddenly realizing he was speaking aloud, he blushed slightly again under Snape's steady regard.
"This is serious," he said more to himself than to Draco as he walked over to the fire.
He threw some powder into the fire and yelled up, "Minerva, a few words? NOW?"
Minerva swirled though the suddenly gold flames and dusted off her emerald robes. "You called, Severus?"
She took one look at a distraught Malfoy and did a double take. His usually perfect hair was a mess, his robe sleeves pushed up, and he looked nothing like the cool, cocky student that strutted into her classroom every day.
"What does he know about Lexi?" she demanded in a furious whisper.
"Everything, as far as I could tell," Snape responded.
"Am I the only one who didn't know about this?" Draco demanded.
"No," McGonagall said, facing him. "You're one of the few who does. Even Sephie doesn't know, and they've known each other since they were eight."
Draco sat back, slightly mollified for the moment. "Me and my big mouth," he muttered. He put his head in his hands with a sigh.
"How exactly DID you find out?" Snape asked bluntly.
Draco looked up. "Well," he hedged. He suddenly found the words spilling out of his mouth; the conversation, the name, remembering exactly who.. and what... Rob Carrington was, recalling his mention of the "Black girl he was dating," and the moment it all clicked. He kept his eyes on the floor during his monologue, and didn't notice the worried yet pleased look his professors exchanged as he talked.
"Draco," said Minerva quietly, "do you... like Alexia?"
Draco looked up, eyes smoldering. "Do you find it that hard to believe, Professor?"
Minerva immediately shook her head. "No, Draco, I don't. Do you love her?" she asked, a tender note creeping into her voice.
He looked at her steadily. He knew that question was coming... but he still wasn't sure how to say it.
"I've only known her for..." he stalled.
"Stop stalling and tell me the truth. There has been enough problems in both your lives without an insincere love affair to add to the mix." Her words were harsh, but her voice was soft, and she meant well.
Draco looked defiant and admitted to Minerva what he had only just admitted to himself. "Yes," he said softly. "Yes, I do."
Minerva settled back, and a relieved sigh escaped her lips. "Thank God."
She turned to Draco. "Are you aware of the..."
"Repercussions? Consequences? Danger? Yes, we... we already talked about that." His faint blush made Minerva suspect more than just talking had gone on.
Minerva shot a look at Snape and said, "Jump in any time, Severus."
He smiled slightly and shook his head. "You're actually handling this quite well, Minerva. But perhaps Lexi should be present to..."
"No!" The word burst out of Draco quite involuntarily, and he instantly bit his lip so hard that a bright drop of blood shimmered for a moment before he wiped it away.
The teachers looked startled, and Draco hastily added, "Please, I need to talk to her first."
Snape and McGonagall looked at each other in silent agreement.
"Fine, Draco. Go talk to Lexi and bring her back. We'll wait here."
Draco was gone.
~*~ Meanwhile...~*~
George stood in the hall, tapping his foot and thinking furiously. He had been looking for Sephie all day, with no luck. Footsteps and a soft meow snapped George to attention.
"Oh, crap! It's Filch and Mrs. Norris!" he thought as he took out his wand. "Recesolo!" he whispered as he tapped the wall. The wall faded into a small dark alcove. George hurried inside and hissed, "Semiseo." Anyone on the other side just saw a wall, but George could see who was outside.
He heard footsteps coming from the other direction and knew without looking that it was Sephie.
~ You KNOW her walk? God, Weasley, you are SO gone!~ he thought wryly to himself.
Sephie stalked up the hall. "Stupid git," she muttered. "Malfoy is going to get my best freakin' friend in SO much trouble. Does she HAVE to be on that bad boy kick?"
Suddenly someone grabbed her around the waist and clasped a hand over her mouth.
"Shh!" a male voice hissed in her ear as she was dragged into a small dark room. She was released and turned to find George Weasley smiling down at her.
"You little prick," she growled.
"Nothing about me is little," he said, leaning towards her. His hazel eyes were shining dangerously, a smirk on his face.
Sephie felt her heart start beating in massive overtime. She struggled to keep her face and breathing normal.
"Sephie," he said softly, "will you go to the Ball with me?"
Sephie wanted to shout, Hell yes! But she didn't. She had to be coy and cool.
"Why should I? You just scared the crap out of me!"
He blushed slightly and turned away.
"Ooooohh," she said with a smile and she moved in front of him, forcing him to look at her.
"You like me! You think I'm gorgeous, you wanna kiss me, you wanna date me," she said in a sing song voice. She leaned extremely close to him and smiled devilishly. Suddenly she pulled back, saying, "But you can't have me..."
(If you've ever seen Miss Congeniality, that's what it's from.)
She turned around and made it about two steps before strong hands took her shoulders, turned her around, and pinned her to the wall.
"Oh, yeah?" he asked, leaning in close. His breath smelled like peppermint humbugs and chocolate frogs... a smell that made Sephie go weak at the knees, although she couldn't have told you why.
"Yeah," she said. At least, that's what she MEANT to say, but George's mouth quite got in the way.
The only coherent thought in her mind was, ~ I'm kissing George Weasley...~
When they separated, she smiled up at him. His hazel eyes twinkled back.
"I think it's safe to say I've got you...that you want to go with me, and that you're going to." He smiled broadly. "If it's the last thing I do," he finished.
"Shut up, Norris is coming," she said, pulling him back for another kiss, and thanking God the wall was there to hold her up.
About twenty minutes later, Ron and Harry were sitting in the common room when Sephie came racing in. "Help!" she squeaked. "Shh!"
She dove behind the couch. Harry looked toward Ron with raised eyebrows and they both shrugged. Their confusion was gone a second later as George ran in.
"Where is she?" he demanded in a soft whisper. Enjoying the fun," Harry said aloud, "I have no idea," while Ron pointed at the couch and mouthed, "Behind it!"
George jumped over the couch and they heard an "Owwwwww! George Weasley, get off me right this second!" Suddenly Sephie was thrown over to land on the couch, quite out of breath and ragged. George leapt over the back to sit next to her.
"What?" he asked innocently as she shot him a dirty look when he tried to put his arm around her.
She smiled devilishly. "Haven't you done enough snogging for one day?" Harry looked amused at this information; Ron looked appalled.
"Nope," George answered immediately.
"Come on, you, let's go get Mrs. Norris for leaving us stuck in that dreadful room for twenty minutes," said Sephie, pulling him up.
"Yeah, but at least we had fun," they heard, then SMACK! "Owwww! Sephie!"
"No snogging!" Harry called after them, laughing.
"Aw, you ruin all my fun!" Sephie retorted as the Fat Lady swung shut behind them.
"Them? Snogging?! Ugh!"
"Oh, get off it, Ron, you know you want to snog Hermie, and they're twins."
Ron tried to look disgusted, but the tips of his ears turned redder than his hair.
"No, I don't!"
Harry shot him a Look. "Ron. We're practically brothers. Come ON."
Ron simply flopped back on the couch with a sigh.
"Thought so," Harry smirked.
Just then, Hermione came down the stairs. Harry started laughing, while Ron leapt up and ran out of the room.
"What's with HIM?" frowned Hermie.
"Nothing," Harry managed to choke out.
"Fine. I'm glad someone is in a good mood."
Upstairs, Lexi stared moodily at the ceiling. She heard a soft step, and suddenly Draco was standing next to her bed, finger to his lips.
"Come on, we have to talk to someone," he whispered fiercely, practically carrying her over to the mirror.
"Spiritsorsta..." Draco stepped right through the mirror, taking Lexi with him.
"Solidifous."
He let Lexi go. "What's up?" she asked.
"Lexi..." One look in his eyes and she realized: He KNEW.
"Come on," she said softly. "Let's go see McGonagall and Snape."
"How..."
"You know, don't you?"
Dumb nod.
"Then I know they're who we're going to see. Come on."
They walked the rest of the way in silence. Snape answered the knock and drew them inside, where McGonagall was waiting. "Hello, Lexi."
"Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape."
She was oddly subdued, and Draco knew immediately that something had happened.
"What's wrong?"
"Harry and I got in a fight, and now Gryffindor tower is split down the middle."
Draco quickly put his arm around Lexi. She slid her arm around his waist, closed her eyes, and laid her head on Malfoy's chest. It was a possesive gesture on either side, one that caught the hearts of the professors. Minerva blinked. They suddenly looked so careworn, so weary... Then Minerva had to stifle a small smile as she realized that Lexi was barefoot.
"I'm starting a huge fight between everyone...
"WE' RE starting a huge fight," Draco corrected firmly.
"Fine. We're starting a huge fight. But I can't help the way I feel... does that make me selfish?" Lexi asked, voice muffled.
"No. It makes you normal," said Minerva with a smile. Then it faded. "You two should be allowed to date if you wish, but others won't take it so well. The faculty try to stay out of relationships, but this one is so..."
"Touchy," said Draco.
"Important against Voldemort," Lexi said at the same exact time. Minerva was the only one who flinched.
"Both," interjected Snape firmly. Then he smirked suddenly. "You could always join the We Hate Harry Potter club," he suggested, which brought a laugh from Lexi, making Draco smile. He loved the way she laughed.
"Since you two are quite aware of all the... problems that might arise, I don't think we need you two anymore. Minerva and I will talk to Dumbledore."
As Draco and Lexi started to leave, arms still around each other, Snape called, "Oh, for God's sake, Lexi, will you put some shoes on?"
Lexi smiled. She let go of Draco and turned, putting her hands on her hips.
"Or what? Will you take points from Gryffindor?"
Snape smiled; a scary sight. "No. I'll just write a letter to Janelle."
Lexi gulped, and her eyes widened. She took Draco's hand. "Come on. I have to get my shoes or I might not be here next year."
She said this while pulling him out of the room down the hall.
"Don't joke about that," he said firmly. "You're the surest, sanist thing I've ever had."
She stopped short in the middle of the hall. The remark, incredibly sweet because it was true, was surprising and sad. She looked up at him... and realized for the first time what a mess he was. She reached up and started using her fingers as a comb through his hair.
"I feel pretty bad if I'm the sanist thing in your life," she said lightly. "Considering the fact that most people have been calling me a freak throughout my life." She was straighening his robes out now, and he grabbed her wrists to look in her eyes.
"Why on earth would anyone call you a freak?"
She almost laughed at the shocked and angry look on his face.
"I've never been up to anyone's standards of normal," she said. "Too strange for Muggles, too mugglish for wizards. I was made fun of so bad when I went to muggle school that I came back crying... that is, until second grade, when Sephie transfered to my school. She dressed in bright, crazy outfits just like me. The other kids avoided her, but it didn't matter, bacause she strided right over to me and asked if we could share a desk. I was so shocked that all I could do was nod. She sat next to me at lunch and played with me during break... it was amazing. No one had ever payed the slightest bit of attention to me in school before, not even teachers. One day I asked her if she knew the others made fun of us. I'll never forget her answer: 'Why should we care what a bunch of boring dummies think? We're the ones who should make fun of them, because we dare to be different, and that's good.' Since then, we've been best friends... and Hermie just makes it better, 'cause we're gonna get her out of our shell if it kills us. Oh, don't look so surprised! She's as wild as we are, we've just got to ease it out of her. Besides, I can kind of see why I was made fun of... I wear fishnet stockings, for God's sake!"
Draco frowned mockingly. "I like your fishnet stockings," he said teasingly.
She opened her mouth to retort when he pulled her onto her tiptoes and kissed her. She ignored the pain in her feet completely and put her arms around his neck, pulling him close.
~ It's worth it,~ they both thought.
Harry made his way down the stairs, sighing. ~ I shouldn't have yelled at her,~ he thought. ~ I just don't know what that git has done to her.~ As he rounded the turn, Lexi's shoes in hand, he stopped short. Lexi and Malfoy were kissing in the middle of the hall, oblivious to anything but each other. Malfoy's one hand
was moving through her raven hair, the other on Lexi's back, clutching her robes. Lexi was on tiptoe, arms thrown around his neck.
Harry felt the anger surge through him again. "What the HELL is going on?" he demanded hotly.
Malfoy and Lexi pulled apart, and Lexi muttered softly, "Busted."
Harry dropped her shoes, strode forward, and grabbed her arm, pulling her aside.
"Harry, what the hell do you think..."
"How could you kiss him again? Didn't you hear what happened in the common room? Don't you care what everyone thinks? Besides, you're a Gryffindor! What did he do, use Dark magic on you?"
Draco had never seen Harry this angry. He had one of those 'if looks could kill' glares on. Lexi faced him staunchly. Her hands on her hips, her hair askew, and her robes needing to be fixed. You could see one of her legs quite plainly. Her voilet eyes were on fire, her fighting face on.
~ God she looks sexy,~ Draco thought involuntarily, teenage hormones still raging. He saw Harry look Lexi up and down, shaking his head.
He clenched his fists and thought, ~ Don't even LOOK, Potter. If you touch her again...~
Lexi's words brought him out of it. "One: I LIKE, and when I say like I mean I feel like the world is spinning out of control, when I kiss him. Two: Yes, I heard everything you said, you were screaming like a friggin' banchee. Three: Why should I? Four: Yes, I'm a Gryffindor and no, he didn't use Dark magic on me. If he did I'd be fighting it and would send you guys warnings. That's beside the point, however, because he didn't, and I am NOT fighting my feelings. Besides, just who are you to tell me who I can and can not date? My father?"
"Well, maybe if yours was around you wouldn't be such a Slytherin slut!" he retorted, instantly regreting the words. A furious Draco started to lunge for Harry, but Lexi got there first. She gave Harry a good old fashioned, (but with a 'girl of the millenium' strength) bitch slap. Harry fell into the wall. Lexi bent, picked up her shoes, and walked up the stairs. At the top she broke into a run.
Harry's hand was on his cheek and he looked at Draco. He was expecting to see a sneering, smirking face. Instead it was a look of concern and anger. Harry had never seen so much raw emotion on his face before. His pale eyes were smouldering and he was biting his lower lip. Suddenly he brushed past Harry, muttering, "You unimaginable BASTARD."
"Lexi!" he screamed as he tore up the stairs after her. Harry looked at the spot where he had been in amazement. ~ Maybe he really does care,~ he thought absently, rubbing a cheek which was already swelling.
"Lexi! Will you stop and look at me? Dammit!" He said as he stumbled. Lexi turned.
"Are you ok?" she asked, helping him up.
"Yeah," he said softly looking at her. She was shaking and crying. "Jeez," he whispered. He pulled gently on her arm and she collapsed into his and broke down. Draco held her tightly , kissing her head and stroking her hair.
"Don't," he whispered. "You can't cry..." He sat down on the step, carrying her like a child. He hugged her as tightly as he could, silently cursing both Potter and himself for drawing her into this situation. Lexi cried for a few more minutes, then quieted, resting her forehead against his shoulder.
"I can't believe he said that," she said presently.
"Shhh. Don't worry. He looked sorry," Draco said. "But if he ever touches you..."
"Oooh," Lexi drawled, good humor growing. "Getting protective already, dear?" Her face was shining with tears. He brushed them away.
"He eyed you up."
"No. He was trying to figure out what I was doing kissing you in the middle of the hall with my hair a mess, my robes up, and without shoes on."
Draco blushed slightly for a second, then smiled. "I wish," he said.
Lexi rolled her eyes at him.
"Be nice, or all it'll be is wishing," she warned.
"So why is Potter so worked up about you and me, O Knowledgeable One?"
Lexi sighed as she moved into a more comfortable position (straddling his lap.)
~ Much more comfortable,~ he thought with a smirk. Lexi gave him a look which meant, ~I know EXACTLY what you're thinking, and don't think I don't.~
He smiled innocently at her.
"He thinks that you're using me to sabotage Gryffindor. You know know, break everyone up and get Quidditch plans and stuff. He didn't really say any of this, but I can tell. I guess now he thinks you put a spell on me."
Draco had an irritated look on his face. "Doesn't he have enough? He has friends who would die for him, the praise of most of the teachers, a godfather who loves him, even a lot of the Slytherins respect him (very, VERY deep down.) What do I have, other than you? Psychotic parents who are trying to kill me... who were so busy screwing anything that stands still long enough except each other that I was raised by tutors and instructors... a lot of fake friends....why can't I have this one thing that makes me happy?"
He didn't realize he had spoken aloud until Lexi's soft hand was on his arm and she whispered, "They could be your friends, too."
He sighed. "Lex, you're always looking for the bright side of things. They HATE me, remember?"
"They're forgiving. Just show them the cute, nice, caring," she grinned suddenly, " sexy guy you've shown me... On second thought, scratch that last part."
Draco laughed, and suddenly they heard, " Lexi! Draco! HEEELLPPPP MEEE!"Sephie came tearing down the stairs.
"Hide me, hide me, save me, save me!" she begged, running behind Lexi.
"Yeah, like I'm tall enought to hide you," said Lexi, rolling her eyes. Sephie shrugged and ran behind Draco.
"Who exactly are we saving you from?" asked Draco, voice brimming with amusement.
"George!"
Lexi smiled again. "Finally asked you, huh? Spill."
Sephie told them the whole story, which had them laughing.
"Glad you're getting a kick out of it." She put her hand to her forehead in a mock swoon. "I'm exausted."
"I could imagine," Lexi said with a solemn look. "Twenty minutes with a guy, then letting him chase you around, and more making out, and more chasing...."
"Oh, like you two haven't been?" asked Sephie, denying nothing. "Hopped on the good foot and done the bad thing yet?"
~ God, don't let those klutzes fall,~ Draco thought as Lexi started chasing Sephie around in rage.
"Ok, you didn't, but that's just cause you don't want to scare Malfoy with your kinky sex yet!"
Draco raised an eyebrow. "What was that last part?" he asked with a smile, because Lexi had put Sephie in a headlock.
"Nothing you have to worry about," replied Lexi quickly as she released Sephie.
"YET!" Sephie screamed and ran once again behind Draco. "I'm using you as a human shield, the psycho bitch won't hurt you."
"I can get you while you sleep," Lexi hissed. "And leave innocent bystanders out of this!"
Sephie did a Dr. Evil laugh as Draco said, "Innocent?"
Deciding enough was enough, Lexi took a deep breath and bellowed, "GEORGE!!!! YOUR GIRLTOY IS DOWN-"
Sephie clamped a furious hand over her mouth. "Shut UP, bitch hoe!"
"Queen skank," she retorted, shoving her elbow into Sephie's stomach.
"We don't mean it," Lexi tried to explain to a confused Draco. "We're like sisters, it's normal."
Draco shook his head. "I don't know if I can deal with both of you, Lexi's bad enough."
"Honey, you've never seen us on a sugar high."
Draco's eyes widened at the thought, and he shuddered involuntarily.
"My thoughts exactly, Mr. Malfoy."
The girls jumped at Snape's voice. "You THINK, Professor?" asked Sephie with feigned shock.
"Watch your mouth, Lupin," he shot back, smiling. "I've known Sephie since she was eight years old... she's always had that smartass mouth."
"Such language for a potions master! Besides, I flatter myself to think that it would have been hard not to know me."
"Yes, Lupin, EXTREMELY hard. So, Lex, how was the second fight with Potter? That was a beauty of a shot, obviously... I think you broke his jaw."
"What's with you and breaking other people's bones?" asked Draco rhetorically.
"It's a gift."
"You had another fight with Harry?"
Lexi sighed and told them what happened.
"He SAID that to you?!"
"Yup."
"I'm glad you broke his jaw. What really annoys him?"
"Me snogging Lexi," Draco responded instantly with a smirk.
"Very funny, but he actually has a point."
"Just don't snog in Potions... or in front of me in general," said Snape quickly, walking away.
"Speaking of Potions, I... hey, PROFESSOR! Wait UP!"
Sephie tore up the stairs after Snape.
"Why did he say that? I thought he liked us together!"
"He does. It's just... he's... well... he's been kind of my guardian since I was practically born. I guess he has some... fatherly feelings towards me. Harry better stay out of his way for a while, come to think of it... well, I doubt he appreciates you trying to memorize my body with your hands in front of him."
"I did not..."
"Oh, please. Need I remind you of our various snogging sessions? Your hand... the one I broke, if memory serves me correctly.. was going lower... and lower... "
"So you want it to go higher?"
"Now I know my godfather would hate that!"
"I didn't know he was your godfather!"
"Well... he was kind of the only guy besides Dumbledore who knew of my existence, so he was kind of stuck with me. Janelle's my godmother. They've been really nice about it... considering the fact my parents and Snape can't stand each other..."
~You don't know the half of it,~ thought Snape. He'd stayed behind to eavesdrop on Lexi and Draco for a few more moments. He thought of the scared little girl who had clung to him in the dark so long ago and shivered. No, he wouldn't want to think of any boy's hands on Lexi.
~At least it's not Potter.... but do I really want it to be Draco?~
~*~*~* That night... Lexi's dream sequence ~*~*~
"My lord."
"Speak, Wormtail."
"My child is in position. She is going to the Christmas Ball with one that we want, and she will be close to the two others. She can get the spell, and no one shall be the wiser."
"Very good. Perhaps I shall let your worthless life continue a bit longer."
"Oh, kind, kind master..."
"Get out of my sight."
The voice turned thoughtful. "I shall have you soon, my children..."
FLASH!
Ginny Weasley, standing in front of Lexi, pleading, tears streaming down her face.
FLASH!
A snake, one that looked vaguely familiar.
FLASH!
A woman holding a small baby, one with pale hair and liquid eyes, staring a small dark haired girl.
FLASH!
"NO! Not my baby, no.. no.. no.. no.. Not my baby! Let me go!"
~*~*~ End of Dream Sequence~*~*~*
"MOTHER!" Lexi woke up screaming.
Across the miles, Jessica Black woke up screaming wordlessly, and it took an hour for her husband to console her of a wordless terror she could not name.
A/N: Hey, ya'll! Sup? The chapters are getting weirder... dun dun dun.... and scarier.... but a lot of snogging! (The product of three tennage girls full of hormones, coffee, kola, and CHOCOLATE!)
Lexi stared at Draco in horror. "Your MOTHER?"
Draco looked at his hand with great interest. "Nasty little bitch, isn't she?" he said harshly.
Lexi stood up abruptly and plopped down in front of Draco. "Spill. Now," she commanded, her hand shooting out to make him look at her.
"What do you want me to tell you? That to my parents, all I am good for is an heir? That they hate me with a passion? That they forget I exist nine months out of the year? Is that what you wanted to hear?" he asked bitterly.
She looked at him silently, and he looked up to see her eyes fill with tears.
"Don't pity me, Lexi. I can bear anything but that," he said quickly. "Please don't cry. I didn't know you COULD cry," he joked gently.
"Well, you know now," she said, wiping her eyes quickly.
Suddenly an enraged voice cried, "She did WHAT?! With MALFOY?!"
Even with the anger in his voice, Lexi still recognized it as Harry's.
"Oh, crap," she said with feeling, bolting out of the room.
"I'll see you at dinner," Draco called after her.
"If I'm not there by six, try the rope hanging from Gryffindor balcony," she called back.
"I am not amused," he shouted. She blew him an impatient kiss and was gone.
As Draco made his way back to the dungeons, he muttered fiercely, "If Potter lays so much as a hand on her..."
A voice from the shadows finished, "She'd kick his ass."
Draco spun to see Persephone laughing against the pillar.
"What's so funny, Lupin? Anyone ever tell you that you laugh like a hyena?"
"Nope. No one's been that crude until today. Congratulations, Draco Malfoy, you've won the annoying rodent of the millennia award!"
"What about the rat that ruined your parents' lives?" Draco asked snidely.
Sephie spun around, eyes narrowed. "Right this moment, 99% of Gryffindor have turned their backs on you and Lexi. As soon as word gets out, Slytherin and Gryffindor will actually have something in common... and I don't mean you two. So I wouldn't go around insulting the only people sticking up for you, Malfoy."
Draco called after her as she turned away, "You, sticking up for me? I'd sooner have Longbottom."
Sephie spun back again. "Read between the lines, asshole," she spat, holding up her index, middle, and ring fingers.
Draco stood for a moment, staring at Sephie's retreating back. Then a slow smile crept across his face, and he started to whoop with laugher.
She turned back and smiled slightly. "Glad to know SOMEONE thinks I'm funny."
((((Author's Note: " = Lexi and Harry ~ = Draco thinking))))
"Alexia Varen, I can't believe you! I thought you were a good person!" shouted Harry.
"And I didn't think you were an asshole, but, oh well, opinions change," she screamed back.
"What? I'm an asshole? How about your new boyfriend, huh? He's not an asshole?"
~ Rob Carrington... where have I heard that name before...~
"No! He's not! And what's YOUR problem, anyway?"
~ That's it! He was at the house this summer... something about the Black girl he... was.... dating...~
"My problem? MY problem?"
"I hate you, Harry Potter!"
~ Shit! Shit, shit, shit.... the girl... Lexi... Sirius Black's daughter.... oh, CRAP!~
Lexi stormed up to the girl's dorm and slammed the door. Harry stormed up to the boys' dorm and slammed the door.
Hermione and Ron looked at each other and sighed. "You take her, I'll take him," said Ron wearily.
"Don't worry if you hear screaming and banging," she said over her shoulder.
"I won't," he smirked.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Draco jumped up and started pacing. "Oh crap, this is SO not good. Who do I go to? Lexi? Yeah, right, maybe not. At least, not yet. Dumbledore? I don't trust him enough. Snape? The Death Eater? Yeah, right." Draco stopped and ran his hands through his silvery hair, considering his three options.
"Ok. Snape it is."
He strode purposefully out of his dorm, slamming the door.
Draco walked toward Snape's office, slowing with every step. ~This is SO not a good idea,~ he thought. He had just decided to turn around and go back when Snape opened the door and almost ran into Draco.
"Draco, what are you doing here? Need something?" asked Snape.
Draco thought for a minute. He looked up at Snape. "I..I...I..." he started.
"Need to talk about Alexia?" Snape supplied.
Draco's eyes narrowed. "How did you know?"
"We teachers aren't as blind as you might think... especially when certain Slytherins stare at certain Gryffindors all through Potions class," sneered Snape.
While saying this Snape had steered Malfoy into his office.
"Sit down," Snape invited.
"What do you know about Lexi?" asked Malfoy suddenly as he sat down.
Snape's face became instantly blank. "Why do you want to know?" he asked cautiously.
The two of them looked at each other, wondering whether or not they could trust each other with the secrets they knew about Alexia.
"Malfoy?" Snape said softly.
"Yeah?" he answered quietly.
"Are you a Death Eater?" Snape asked quite kindly, a serious look on his face.
Malfoy looked up at Snape. "My father asked me, but I said no... at great consequence. Are you?" he asked the teacher directly, not wavering.
"No," Snape said with a weary smile. "But only a choice selection of people know that."
Snape suddenly leaned toward Draco. "What do you know about Lexi?" he asked, staring into his eyes as if trying to read his mind.
Malfoy swallowed and blinked, and Snape's eyes widened suddenly. "Her parents," he whispered with certainty. "You know about her parents."
Draco nodded. "Can you... can you tell me about it?" he asked Snape.
Snape rose and started pacing, black robes billowing behind him. He stopped for a minute and looked at Draco. "All right," he said. He sat down at his desk opposite of Malfoy and told him Lexi's whole story.
Draco sat, open mouthed and pale, at the end. Suddenly he let loose a string of curses in many languages... some Snape knew, but most he didn't recognize.
Snape raised an amused but worried eyebrow. "Draco," he said sharply. Malfoy stopped short and blushed slightly. "Sorry, Professor."
Snape sat silently, making a steeple with his fingers as he watched young Mr. Malfoy pace back and forth and mutter to himself. Snape froze him with three words: "You like her." It was a statement, not a question.
Malfoy, a bit distracted, said absently, "Of course I like her. She's..." Suddenly realizing he was speaking aloud, he blushed slightly again under Snape's steady regard.
"This is serious," he said more to himself than to Draco as he walked over to the fire.
He threw some powder into the fire and yelled up, "Minerva, a few words? NOW?"
Minerva swirled though the suddenly gold flames and dusted off her emerald robes. "You called, Severus?"
She took one look at a distraught Malfoy and did a double take. His usually perfect hair was a mess, his robe sleeves pushed up, and he looked nothing like the cool, cocky student that strutted into her classroom every day.
"What does he know about Lexi?" she demanded in a furious whisper.
"Everything, as far as I could tell," Snape responded.
"Am I the only one who didn't know about this?" Draco demanded.
"No," McGonagall said, facing him. "You're one of the few who does. Even Sephie doesn't know, and they've known each other since they were eight."
Draco sat back, slightly mollified for the moment. "Me and my big mouth," he muttered. He put his head in his hands with a sigh.
"How exactly DID you find out?" Snape asked bluntly.
Draco looked up. "Well," he hedged. He suddenly found the words spilling out of his mouth; the conversation, the name, remembering exactly who.. and what... Rob Carrington was, recalling his mention of the "Black girl he was dating," and the moment it all clicked. He kept his eyes on the floor during his monologue, and didn't notice the worried yet pleased look his professors exchanged as he talked.
"Draco," said Minerva quietly, "do you... like Alexia?"
Draco looked up, eyes smoldering. "Do you find it that hard to believe, Professor?"
Minerva immediately shook her head. "No, Draco, I don't. Do you love her?" she asked, a tender note creeping into her voice.
He looked at her steadily. He knew that question was coming... but he still wasn't sure how to say it.
"I've only known her for..." he stalled.
"Stop stalling and tell me the truth. There has been enough problems in both your lives without an insincere love affair to add to the mix." Her words were harsh, but her voice was soft, and she meant well.
Draco looked defiant and admitted to Minerva what he had only just admitted to himself. "Yes," he said softly. "Yes, I do."
Minerva settled back, and a relieved sigh escaped her lips. "Thank God."
She turned to Draco. "Are you aware of the..."
"Repercussions? Consequences? Danger? Yes, we... we already talked about that." His faint blush made Minerva suspect more than just talking had gone on.
Minerva shot a look at Snape and said, "Jump in any time, Severus."
He smiled slightly and shook his head. "You're actually handling this quite well, Minerva. But perhaps Lexi should be present to..."
"No!" The word burst out of Draco quite involuntarily, and he instantly bit his lip so hard that a bright drop of blood shimmered for a moment before he wiped it away.
The teachers looked startled, and Draco hastily added, "Please, I need to talk to her first."
Snape and McGonagall looked at each other in silent agreement.
"Fine, Draco. Go talk to Lexi and bring her back. We'll wait here."
Draco was gone.
~*~ Meanwhile...~*~
George stood in the hall, tapping his foot and thinking furiously. He had been looking for Sephie all day, with no luck. Footsteps and a soft meow snapped George to attention.
"Oh, crap! It's Filch and Mrs. Norris!" he thought as he took out his wand. "Recesolo!" he whispered as he tapped the wall. The wall faded into a small dark alcove. George hurried inside and hissed, "Semiseo." Anyone on the other side just saw a wall, but George could see who was outside.
He heard footsteps coming from the other direction and knew without looking that it was Sephie.
~ You KNOW her walk? God, Weasley, you are SO gone!~ he thought wryly to himself.
Sephie stalked up the hall. "Stupid git," she muttered. "Malfoy is going to get my best freakin' friend in SO much trouble. Does she HAVE to be on that bad boy kick?"
Suddenly someone grabbed her around the waist and clasped a hand over her mouth.
"Shh!" a male voice hissed in her ear as she was dragged into a small dark room. She was released and turned to find George Weasley smiling down at her.
"You little prick," she growled.
"Nothing about me is little," he said, leaning towards her. His hazel eyes were shining dangerously, a smirk on his face.
Sephie felt her heart start beating in massive overtime. She struggled to keep her face and breathing normal.
"Sephie," he said softly, "will you go to the Ball with me?"
Sephie wanted to shout, Hell yes! But she didn't. She had to be coy and cool.
"Why should I? You just scared the crap out of me!"
He blushed slightly and turned away.
"Ooooohh," she said with a smile and she moved in front of him, forcing him to look at her.
"You like me! You think I'm gorgeous, you wanna kiss me, you wanna date me," she said in a sing song voice. She leaned extremely close to him and smiled devilishly. Suddenly she pulled back, saying, "But you can't have me..."
(If you've ever seen Miss Congeniality, that's what it's from.)
She turned around and made it about two steps before strong hands took her shoulders, turned her around, and pinned her to the wall.
"Oh, yeah?" he asked, leaning in close. His breath smelled like peppermint humbugs and chocolate frogs... a smell that made Sephie go weak at the knees, although she couldn't have told you why.
"Yeah," she said. At least, that's what she MEANT to say, but George's mouth quite got in the way.
The only coherent thought in her mind was, ~ I'm kissing George Weasley...~
When they separated, she smiled up at him. His hazel eyes twinkled back.
"I think it's safe to say I've got you...that you want to go with me, and that you're going to." He smiled broadly. "If it's the last thing I do," he finished.
"Shut up, Norris is coming," she said, pulling him back for another kiss, and thanking God the wall was there to hold her up.
About twenty minutes later, Ron and Harry were sitting in the common room when Sephie came racing in. "Help!" she squeaked. "Shh!"
She dove behind the couch. Harry looked toward Ron with raised eyebrows and they both shrugged. Their confusion was gone a second later as George ran in.
"Where is she?" he demanded in a soft whisper. Enjoying the fun," Harry said aloud, "I have no idea," while Ron pointed at the couch and mouthed, "Behind it!"
George jumped over the couch and they heard an "Owwwwww! George Weasley, get off me right this second!" Suddenly Sephie was thrown over to land on the couch, quite out of breath and ragged. George leapt over the back to sit next to her.
"What?" he asked innocently as she shot him a dirty look when he tried to put his arm around her.
She smiled devilishly. "Haven't you done enough snogging for one day?" Harry looked amused at this information; Ron looked appalled.
"Nope," George answered immediately.
"Come on, you, let's go get Mrs. Norris for leaving us stuck in that dreadful room for twenty minutes," said Sephie, pulling him up.
"Yeah, but at least we had fun," they heard, then SMACK! "Owwww! Sephie!"
"No snogging!" Harry called after them, laughing.
"Aw, you ruin all my fun!" Sephie retorted as the Fat Lady swung shut behind them.
"Them? Snogging?! Ugh!"
"Oh, get off it, Ron, you know you want to snog Hermie, and they're twins."
Ron tried to look disgusted, but the tips of his ears turned redder than his hair.
"No, I don't!"
Harry shot him a Look. "Ron. We're practically brothers. Come ON."
Ron simply flopped back on the couch with a sigh.
"Thought so," Harry smirked.
Just then, Hermione came down the stairs. Harry started laughing, while Ron leapt up and ran out of the room.
"What's with HIM?" frowned Hermie.
"Nothing," Harry managed to choke out.
"Fine. I'm glad someone is in a good mood."
Upstairs, Lexi stared moodily at the ceiling. She heard a soft step, and suddenly Draco was standing next to her bed, finger to his lips.
"Come on, we have to talk to someone," he whispered fiercely, practically carrying her over to the mirror.
"Spiritsorsta..." Draco stepped right through the mirror, taking Lexi with him.
"Solidifous."
He let Lexi go. "What's up?" she asked.
"Lexi..." One look in his eyes and she realized: He KNEW.
"Come on," she said softly. "Let's go see McGonagall and Snape."
"How..."
"You know, don't you?"
Dumb nod.
"Then I know they're who we're going to see. Come on."
They walked the rest of the way in silence. Snape answered the knock and drew them inside, where McGonagall was waiting. "Hello, Lexi."
"Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape."
She was oddly subdued, and Draco knew immediately that something had happened.
"What's wrong?"
"Harry and I got in a fight, and now Gryffindor tower is split down the middle."
Draco quickly put his arm around Lexi. She slid her arm around his waist, closed her eyes, and laid her head on Malfoy's chest. It was a possesive gesture on either side, one that caught the hearts of the professors. Minerva blinked. They suddenly looked so careworn, so weary... Then Minerva had to stifle a small smile as she realized that Lexi was barefoot.
"I'm starting a huge fight between everyone...
"WE' RE starting a huge fight," Draco corrected firmly.
"Fine. We're starting a huge fight. But I can't help the way I feel... does that make me selfish?" Lexi asked, voice muffled.
"No. It makes you normal," said Minerva with a smile. Then it faded. "You two should be allowed to date if you wish, but others won't take it so well. The faculty try to stay out of relationships, but this one is so..."
"Touchy," said Draco.
"Important against Voldemort," Lexi said at the same exact time. Minerva was the only one who flinched.
"Both," interjected Snape firmly. Then he smirked suddenly. "You could always join the We Hate Harry Potter club," he suggested, which brought a laugh from Lexi, making Draco smile. He loved the way she laughed.
"Since you two are quite aware of all the... problems that might arise, I don't think we need you two anymore. Minerva and I will talk to Dumbledore."
As Draco and Lexi started to leave, arms still around each other, Snape called, "Oh, for God's sake, Lexi, will you put some shoes on?"
Lexi smiled. She let go of Draco and turned, putting her hands on her hips.
"Or what? Will you take points from Gryffindor?"
Snape smiled; a scary sight. "No. I'll just write a letter to Janelle."
Lexi gulped, and her eyes widened. She took Draco's hand. "Come on. I have to get my shoes or I might not be here next year."
She said this while pulling him out of the room down the hall.
"Don't joke about that," he said firmly. "You're the surest, sanist thing I've ever had."
She stopped short in the middle of the hall. The remark, incredibly sweet because it was true, was surprising and sad. She looked up at him... and realized for the first time what a mess he was. She reached up and started using her fingers as a comb through his hair.
"I feel pretty bad if I'm the sanist thing in your life," she said lightly. "Considering the fact that most people have been calling me a freak throughout my life." She was straighening his robes out now, and he grabbed her wrists to look in her eyes.
"Why on earth would anyone call you a freak?"
She almost laughed at the shocked and angry look on his face.
"I've never been up to anyone's standards of normal," she said. "Too strange for Muggles, too mugglish for wizards. I was made fun of so bad when I went to muggle school that I came back crying... that is, until second grade, when Sephie transfered to my school. She dressed in bright, crazy outfits just like me. The other kids avoided her, but it didn't matter, bacause she strided right over to me and asked if we could share a desk. I was so shocked that all I could do was nod. She sat next to me at lunch and played with me during break... it was amazing. No one had ever payed the slightest bit of attention to me in school before, not even teachers. One day I asked her if she knew the others made fun of us. I'll never forget her answer: 'Why should we care what a bunch of boring dummies think? We're the ones who should make fun of them, because we dare to be different, and that's good.' Since then, we've been best friends... and Hermie just makes it better, 'cause we're gonna get her out of our shell if it kills us. Oh, don't look so surprised! She's as wild as we are, we've just got to ease it out of her. Besides, I can kind of see why I was made fun of... I wear fishnet stockings, for God's sake!"
Draco frowned mockingly. "I like your fishnet stockings," he said teasingly.
She opened her mouth to retort when he pulled her onto her tiptoes and kissed her. She ignored the pain in her feet completely and put her arms around his neck, pulling him close.
~ It's worth it,~ they both thought.
Harry made his way down the stairs, sighing. ~ I shouldn't have yelled at her,~ he thought. ~ I just don't know what that git has done to her.~ As he rounded the turn, Lexi's shoes in hand, he stopped short. Lexi and Malfoy were kissing in the middle of the hall, oblivious to anything but each other. Malfoy's one hand
was moving through her raven hair, the other on Lexi's back, clutching her robes. Lexi was on tiptoe, arms thrown around his neck.
Harry felt the anger surge through him again. "What the HELL is going on?" he demanded hotly.
Malfoy and Lexi pulled apart, and Lexi muttered softly, "Busted."
Harry dropped her shoes, strode forward, and grabbed her arm, pulling her aside.
"Harry, what the hell do you think..."
"How could you kiss him again? Didn't you hear what happened in the common room? Don't you care what everyone thinks? Besides, you're a Gryffindor! What did he do, use Dark magic on you?"
Draco had never seen Harry this angry. He had one of those 'if looks could kill' glares on. Lexi faced him staunchly. Her hands on her hips, her hair askew, and her robes needing to be fixed. You could see one of her legs quite plainly. Her voilet eyes were on fire, her fighting face on.
~ God she looks sexy,~ Draco thought involuntarily, teenage hormones still raging. He saw Harry look Lexi up and down, shaking his head.
He clenched his fists and thought, ~ Don't even LOOK, Potter. If you touch her again...~
Lexi's words brought him out of it. "One: I LIKE, and when I say like I mean I feel like the world is spinning out of control, when I kiss him. Two: Yes, I heard everything you said, you were screaming like a friggin' banchee. Three: Why should I? Four: Yes, I'm a Gryffindor and no, he didn't use Dark magic on me. If he did I'd be fighting it and would send you guys warnings. That's beside the point, however, because he didn't, and I am NOT fighting my feelings. Besides, just who are you to tell me who I can and can not date? My father?"
"Well, maybe if yours was around you wouldn't be such a Slytherin slut!" he retorted, instantly regreting the words. A furious Draco started to lunge for Harry, but Lexi got there first. She gave Harry a good old fashioned, (but with a 'girl of the millenium' strength) bitch slap. Harry fell into the wall. Lexi bent, picked up her shoes, and walked up the stairs. At the top she broke into a run.
Harry's hand was on his cheek and he looked at Draco. He was expecting to see a sneering, smirking face. Instead it was a look of concern and anger. Harry had never seen so much raw emotion on his face before. His pale eyes were smouldering and he was biting his lower lip. Suddenly he brushed past Harry, muttering, "You unimaginable BASTARD."
"Lexi!" he screamed as he tore up the stairs after her. Harry looked at the spot where he had been in amazement. ~ Maybe he really does care,~ he thought absently, rubbing a cheek which was already swelling.
"Lexi! Will you stop and look at me? Dammit!" He said as he stumbled. Lexi turned.
"Are you ok?" she asked, helping him up.
"Yeah," he said softly looking at her. She was shaking and crying. "Jeez," he whispered. He pulled gently on her arm and she collapsed into his and broke down. Draco held her tightly , kissing her head and stroking her hair.
"Don't," he whispered. "You can't cry..." He sat down on the step, carrying her like a child. He hugged her as tightly as he could, silently cursing both Potter and himself for drawing her into this situation. Lexi cried for a few more minutes, then quieted, resting her forehead against his shoulder.
"I can't believe he said that," she said presently.
"Shhh. Don't worry. He looked sorry," Draco said. "But if he ever touches you..."
"Oooh," Lexi drawled, good humor growing. "Getting protective already, dear?" Her face was shining with tears. He brushed them away.
"He eyed you up."
"No. He was trying to figure out what I was doing kissing you in the middle of the hall with my hair a mess, my robes up, and without shoes on."
Draco blushed slightly for a second, then smiled. "I wish," he said.
Lexi rolled her eyes at him.
"Be nice, or all it'll be is wishing," she warned.
"So why is Potter so worked up about you and me, O Knowledgeable One?"
Lexi sighed as she moved into a more comfortable position (straddling his lap.)
~ Much more comfortable,~ he thought with a smirk. Lexi gave him a look which meant, ~I know EXACTLY what you're thinking, and don't think I don't.~
He smiled innocently at her.
"He thinks that you're using me to sabotage Gryffindor. You know know, break everyone up and get Quidditch plans and stuff. He didn't really say any of this, but I can tell. I guess now he thinks you put a spell on me."
Draco had an irritated look on his face. "Doesn't he have enough? He has friends who would die for him, the praise of most of the teachers, a godfather who loves him, even a lot of the Slytherins respect him (very, VERY deep down.) What do I have, other than you? Psychotic parents who are trying to kill me... who were so busy screwing anything that stands still long enough except each other that I was raised by tutors and instructors... a lot of fake friends....why can't I have this one thing that makes me happy?"
He didn't realize he had spoken aloud until Lexi's soft hand was on his arm and she whispered, "They could be your friends, too."
He sighed. "Lex, you're always looking for the bright side of things. They HATE me, remember?"
"They're forgiving. Just show them the cute, nice, caring," she grinned suddenly, " sexy guy you've shown me... On second thought, scratch that last part."
Draco laughed, and suddenly they heard, " Lexi! Draco! HEEELLPPPP MEEE!"Sephie came tearing down the stairs.
"Hide me, hide me, save me, save me!" she begged, running behind Lexi.
"Yeah, like I'm tall enought to hide you," said Lexi, rolling her eyes. Sephie shrugged and ran behind Draco.
"Who exactly are we saving you from?" asked Draco, voice brimming with amusement.
"George!"
Lexi smiled again. "Finally asked you, huh? Spill."
Sephie told them the whole story, which had them laughing.
"Glad you're getting a kick out of it." She put her hand to her forehead in a mock swoon. "I'm exausted."
"I could imagine," Lexi said with a solemn look. "Twenty minutes with a guy, then letting him chase you around, and more making out, and more chasing...."
"Oh, like you two haven't been?" asked Sephie, denying nothing. "Hopped on the good foot and done the bad thing yet?"
~ God, don't let those klutzes fall,~ Draco thought as Lexi started chasing Sephie around in rage.
"Ok, you didn't, but that's just cause you don't want to scare Malfoy with your kinky sex yet!"
Draco raised an eyebrow. "What was that last part?" he asked with a smile, because Lexi had put Sephie in a headlock.
"Nothing you have to worry about," replied Lexi quickly as she released Sephie.
"YET!" Sephie screamed and ran once again behind Draco. "I'm using you as a human shield, the psycho bitch won't hurt you."
"I can get you while you sleep," Lexi hissed. "And leave innocent bystanders out of this!"
Sephie did a Dr. Evil laugh as Draco said, "Innocent?"
Deciding enough was enough, Lexi took a deep breath and bellowed, "GEORGE!!!! YOUR GIRLTOY IS DOWN-"
Sephie clamped a furious hand over her mouth. "Shut UP, bitch hoe!"
"Queen skank," she retorted, shoving her elbow into Sephie's stomach.
"We don't mean it," Lexi tried to explain to a confused Draco. "We're like sisters, it's normal."
Draco shook his head. "I don't know if I can deal with both of you, Lexi's bad enough."
"Honey, you've never seen us on a sugar high."
Draco's eyes widened at the thought, and he shuddered involuntarily.
"My thoughts exactly, Mr. Malfoy."
The girls jumped at Snape's voice. "You THINK, Professor?" asked Sephie with feigned shock.
"Watch your mouth, Lupin," he shot back, smiling. "I've known Sephie since she was eight years old... she's always had that smartass mouth."
"Such language for a potions master! Besides, I flatter myself to think that it would have been hard not to know me."
"Yes, Lupin, EXTREMELY hard. So, Lex, how was the second fight with Potter? That was a beauty of a shot, obviously... I think you broke his jaw."
"What's with you and breaking other people's bones?" asked Draco rhetorically.
"It's a gift."
"You had another fight with Harry?"
Lexi sighed and told them what happened.
"He SAID that to you?!"
"Yup."
"I'm glad you broke his jaw. What really annoys him?"
"Me snogging Lexi," Draco responded instantly with a smirk.
"Very funny, but he actually has a point."
"Just don't snog in Potions... or in front of me in general," said Snape quickly, walking away.
"Speaking of Potions, I... hey, PROFESSOR! Wait UP!"
Sephie tore up the stairs after Snape.
"Why did he say that? I thought he liked us together!"
"He does. It's just... he's... well... he's been kind of my guardian since I was practically born. I guess he has some... fatherly feelings towards me. Harry better stay out of his way for a while, come to think of it... well, I doubt he appreciates you trying to memorize my body with your hands in front of him."
"I did not..."
"Oh, please. Need I remind you of our various snogging sessions? Your hand... the one I broke, if memory serves me correctly.. was going lower... and lower... "
"So you want it to go higher?"
"Now I know my godfather would hate that!"
"I didn't know he was your godfather!"
"Well... he was kind of the only guy besides Dumbledore who knew of my existence, so he was kind of stuck with me. Janelle's my godmother. They've been really nice about it... considering the fact my parents and Snape can't stand each other..."
~You don't know the half of it,~ thought Snape. He'd stayed behind to eavesdrop on Lexi and Draco for a few more moments. He thought of the scared little girl who had clung to him in the dark so long ago and shivered. No, he wouldn't want to think of any boy's hands on Lexi.
~At least it's not Potter.... but do I really want it to be Draco?~
~*~*~* That night... Lexi's dream sequence ~*~*~
"My lord."
"Speak, Wormtail."
"My child is in position. She is going to the Christmas Ball with one that we want, and she will be close to the two others. She can get the spell, and no one shall be the wiser."
"Very good. Perhaps I shall let your worthless life continue a bit longer."
"Oh, kind, kind master..."
"Get out of my sight."
The voice turned thoughtful. "I shall have you soon, my children..."
FLASH!
Ginny Weasley, standing in front of Lexi, pleading, tears streaming down her face.
FLASH!
A snake, one that looked vaguely familiar.
FLASH!
A woman holding a small baby, one with pale hair and liquid eyes, staring a small dark haired girl.
FLASH!
"NO! Not my baby, no.. no.. no.. no.. Not my baby! Let me go!"
~*~*~ End of Dream Sequence~*~*~*
"MOTHER!" Lexi woke up screaming.
Across the miles, Jessica Black woke up screaming wordlessly, and it took an hour for her husband to console her of a wordless terror she could not name.
A/N: Hey, ya'll! Sup? The chapters are getting weirder... dun dun dun.... and scarier.... but a lot of snogging! (The product of three tennage girls full of hormones, coffee, kola, and CHOCOLATE!)