The First Day

"Good morning class," Snape said solemnly. (Ron and Harry had hypothesized that he didn't have a heart)

"Good morning Professor Snape," everyone in the class echoed in the same, blah tone. Ron eyed Malfoy, tears stinging his eyes. Malfoy smirked back, and put his arm around Natasha. Ha, Weasley has just figured out that he's not good enough for a girl this gorgeous! Malfoy thought cruelly.

Harry was in the same position, only his arm was around Shannon's shoulders instead. He really did like this girl, and all of the other guys eyeing him jealously were a plus. He felt special.

"Can you believe Malfoy?!" Ron said angrily to Harry. Malfoy waltzes in, uses his good looks, if that's what it is, and sweeps her off her feet. Don't personalities count anymore? Ron complained in his head.

"Alright students, let's get started." Snape interrupted the sudden burst of chatter.

"Ms. Herring," Snape said, challenging her, "What do you get when you add the root of a perriflower and the leaves of a lowdry plant?" he asked.

"Well, if measured in the right amounts, you should get a very strong memory potion which will last only temporarily." She answered, without hesitating.

Snape raised his eyebrows slightly. "That is correct," he said with a tiny pinch of emotion. (Surprise!)

"We will be making a very thin extract of this potion, which we will test later in the year."

The rest of class proceeded and soon they were dismissed.

Malfoy and Natasha stood outside the classroom talking.

"So Weasley, finally figure out that you're not good enough for a girl like this?" Malfoy said loudly, gesturing to Natasha. Ron's cheeks turned bright red.

"Draco!" Natasha said. How could he be like this? Ron was really nice!

"What the heck are you thinking?" Natasha was furious and it was showing.

"I, just, I was, I-" Malfoy stuttered.

"Yeah, whatever!" she yelled in return and walked away.

"Whoa, I've never seen Natasha that mad before!" Shannon whispered to Harry as they walked to their next class.

"See, I knew she wasn't really like that!" Harry agreed. He was glad that Natasha had stood up for Ron, even to Malfoy.

"Alright, see you at lunch!" Shannon said as she turned into a classroom. Her next three classes weren't with Harry.

"Bye." Harry said mournfully. This was going to be hard! He really hoped that for some odd reason, Dumbledoore would announce a schedule change and he was with Shannon all day.

As Harry walked solemnly to Quidditch practice, he saw Ron tearing through the hall.

"Hey Ron, stop! " He yelled.

"Oh, hey Harry!" Ron replied breathlessly.

"So, Natasha isn't a creep after all," Harry confirmed.

Ron blushed. "Guess not."

"You like her, don't you?"

"Well, yea sort of. I mean, well I don't know if she likes me, but…."

"You like her."

"Yea-no! I love her Harry! She's the girl I've been waiting for!"

"Ron, you hardly know her!" Harry thought Ron was exaggerating. "I mean, I know Shannon a bit more than you know Natasha and I don't love her yet."

"Harry, have you ever heard of the expression, love at first sight?" Ron said dramatically.

"Alright Ron, I've got to be heading to Quidditch practice. See you at lunch."

"Bye."

Harry had forgotten how much he loved Quidditch until he went to practice that day. He could feel the wind wisp past his ears as he flew, looking for the tiny, golden Snitch. He soon heard the Snitch rush past his head. Harry quickly geared his broom and raced after it. There it is, I can get it…. Harry thought, urging his broom to go faster. He soon had it in his hand, the entire team cheering loudly.

"Way to go, Harry!" The captain, Oliver Wood greeted him as he landed. "You've still got it!" Harry grinned. From the corner of his eye he saw Hermione and Krum over against the wall, kissing madly. He laughed quietly. She really did like Krum, and Harry believed that Ron was just there for her in place of Ron. Not that he would care, he was "in love" with Natasha.

"Natasha, wait up!" Malfoy called as Natasha walked to her next class, Defense Against the Dark Arts.

"What?!" she said irritably. She was still pretty mad, but she didn't want to ignore him.

"Umm…I'm sorry." He said, giving her puppy dog eyes.

"Why are you saying it to me? Ron's the one you need to apologize to."

"Weasley? I'm not apologizing to him!"

"See you then!" Natasha could not believe that he was being such an ignorant jerk. If he wanted to be with her, he would have to apologize and be nice to Ron, Harry, Hermione, Jenny, and Shannon always. She turned around and walked away, leaving Malfoy speechless.

"Hey you guys!" Natasha gushed. It was lunchtime and she really missed Ron, Harry, Shannon, and even, okay so not really Hermione.

"Hey, why don't you sit with us today?" Ron said, gesturing to a spot right next to him.

"Really? That would be great!" she said as she sat down next to him.

"So, what's going on between you and Malfoy?" Harry asked. He really wanted to know, to see of they were going out or not.

"Well, he's being a big jerk and I'm not talking to him until he apologizes to Ron," Natasha said quickly. She was still mad and didn't want to talk about it.

"Well, looks like you won't talk to him ever again," Ron said, secretly pleased. Maybe he and Natasha would have a chance after all!

"No, he'll apologize, I give him a week tops." Natasha said knowingly. Draco did seem to like her, and if he really did, he's say sorry sooner or later. She had a ways with guys.

"Well, since we're on that topic, didn't Ron and I tell you about him being a jerk?" Hermione said, always needing to be right.

"You know what Hermione? He's not the one who cheated on Ron is he?" Natasha snapped. Hermione really bugged her.

Tears sprung to Hermione's eyes as she flew from the table.

"Natasha!" Shannon snapped back. "That was uncalled for!" She turned and raced after Hermione.

"Whatever." She mumbled and continued conversation.

"She's just being a brat," Shannon comforted Hermione. They were in the bathroom, Hermione weeping quietly.

"No, she's right-that's why I'm crying!"

"You said you were sorry, right? And he forgave you. She knows Malfoy is a jerk and that's the only thing she can hold over your head."

"But I still feel so bad! I mean, I really was picturing Ron as Krum! Ron is just a friend and he agreed."

"That's why you should forget about it." Shannon said, losing her patience a bit.

Malfoy glanced over angrily at the Gryffindor table. He couldn't stand the sight of Natasha  sitting and laughing with Potter and Weasley. He knew what had to be done to get her back at her rightful table, but he wasn't sure he could do it. Apologize to Weasley? It just wasn't right. It was unnatural. But just then Natasha, beautiful smile glowing brightly, turned her head and glanced around the room. When her eyes fell on him the smile faded. That was the last straw. He would do what had to be done!

He stood and slowly walked toward where Natasha was sitting, thinking only of when she had kissed him, and how he wanted her to do it again. Potter and Weasley could fall off the face of the earth for all he cared, but now was not the time to voice his opinion.

Shannon and Hermione had just walked up to the table and sat down. Harry immediately put his arm around her, almost as a reflex. All of them turned, smiles fading, as Malfoy approached.

"What do you want?" Harry asked pointedly while Ron simply glared.

"I've come to apologize," he started, amazed the words had come out of his mouth.

"I already told you," Natasha responded. "You have to apologize to Ron, not me."

"I know, and I'm…I'm," he was obviously struggling to say the words that so rarely came from his mouth. "sorry."

Ron's eyes grew as big as watermelons and it took all of  his strength to keep from laughing out loud.  Malfoy wasn't really sorry-he just said it so he could be with Natasha.

            "Whatever." Ron mumbled.  Natasha got up and threw her arms around Malfoy, planting her lips on his.  She flashed her gorgeous smile that made his knees melt and walked over to the Slytherin table, grabbing his hand in the process.

            "Boy, that was something else!" Harry laughed, trying to take Ron's mind off Natasha.  "I never would've thought those words could come out of his mouth!  Even if he didn't mean it!"

            "Yea, I know!" Hermione added laughing.  Ron just sulked.  He was so stupid, he actually thought he had a chance with Natasha.  Why had he been so dumb?  Malfoy got everything he wanted, including Natasha.  Maybe there would be another new girl that would fall head over heels in love with him.  Just maybe…..

            "So, you finally came to your senses?" Natasha asked Malfoy.  The first day of school had ended, and now they were alone in the Slytherin common room, sitting very close and holding hands. 

            "Yea, I really felt bad, and I couldn't stand being without you," Malfoy said (lying of course). Natasha beamed and kissed him again.

            "I missed you too," She said.

First Kiss

Later, Harry and Shannon were walking down a corridor, Harry pointing out different places. They had left Ron to brood over Natasha and Hermione was at the library. They finally had some time to themselves. Harry couldn't help but be jealous of Malfoy. Not because he had Natasha, he liked Shannon much, much more, but because of how openly they displayed their affection. Natasha had no problem with jumping up and kissing Malfoy, while he and Shannon had been cautious to even hold hands. Although at the time it had seemed like the most romantic thing in the world.

            "Hey, why don't we sit down for a few minutes?" Shannon suggested, looking at a bench near by.

            "Ok," Harry replied, and walked over to the bench. Shannon sat close to him with her head on his shoulder and he put his arm around her. She could not have been more comfortable.

            "I feel bad for Ron," she began. "He really seemed to like Natasha, and that awful Malfoy just keeps flaunting her in Ron's face."

            "You know, he told me he loved her," Harry replied, remembering the conversation.

            "Aw, the poor thing," Shannon's face melted into a look of sorrow, and then of anger. "And Natasha didn't help one bit! Did you see the way she just jumped up and kissed him? With Ron sitting right there? Oh, she can be so inconsiderate!" Harry couldn't believe how cute she looked when she was mad. He wished she would kiss him like Natasha had kissed Malfoy, but now was definitely not the time to tell her that.

            "I don't really understand her," Harry replied.

            "I used to think I did, but now…I don't know. She's changed." Shannon shook her head sadly. Harry hugged her, wanting her to have that happy look once again. She smiled. She loved it when he hugged her. She could sit there with him forever.

            "Well, I guess we should be getting back," Harry sighed. He really didn't want to go, but he didn't need to get in trouble for wandering around the school the first night he was back.

They walked back slowly, not really wanting to get back at all. Just outside the common room they stopped. He hugged her, but as they started to pull apart he stopped and kissed her quickly. She smiled and looked into his eyes, almost as if to tell him she'd been waiting for him to do it. Then she kissed him, a little longer than the first time, and led him into the common room. Neither of them could have been happier.

"What are you two grinning about?" Ron asked grumpily as Harry and Shannon approached. They looked at each other and smiled but said nothing. Ron didn't seem to notice, he just kept on moping.

Later, Shannon and Hermione were talking in their room. They were supposed to be asleep but were having too much fun talking. They had become best friends over the last few days. Hermione had known what Harry and Shannon were up to and made Shannon promise to tell her everything.

"He hugged me before we were about to enter the common room, but before I could turn towards the door-" Shannon was telling Hermione about her walk with Harry.

"-he kissed you!" Hermione finished. She'd been doing it all night, but Shannon didn't really mind. She smiled and sighed as she fell back onto her bed.

"Then I kissed him. He was so sweet about it," Shannon gushed.

"Aw," Hermione smiled wide. It was so cute. She was happy to hear they had kissed. Natasha and Malfoy had really made them seem like they were behind the curve. Hermione couldn't help but think Natasha was moving a little too quickly, but she didn't want to ruin Shannon's moment with this comment. Shannon lay there smiling, hugging her pillow. Both girls sighed simultaneously, dreaming about an incredibly romantic evening.

Romance and a Break Up

The next few days passed with few events. Malfoy and Ron continued to exchange insults, but only when Natasha was out of earshot. Harry was really enjoying school this year. Not just because he had Shannon with him, but he was constantly shot looks of envy from many of the other students. Malfoy also received these glances, but he assumed he always had. Nevertheless he had a lot of fun with Natasha at his side.

Every once in a while Shannon managed to get out of class to watch Harry at Quidditch practice. She truly loved the sport and, as she had predicted, Harry was amazing to watch. Harry enjoyed having her there, cheering for him when he did something well and encouraging him when he made a mistake. After practice she would always hug him and tell him he did a great job, even on his bad days.

Ron spent a lot of time feeling sorry for himself. He was incredibly jealous of Malfoy and could think about nothing else.  Hermione worried he was getting obsessed, as did Harry and Shannon, but nothing they said or did seemed to pull him out of his gloomy state.

Natasha continued to shower Malfoy with hugs and kisses, not even caring how many people were around. She really liked him and had to take Jenny's policy for this. If people had a problem with her, it wasn't her fault. Well the fact of the matter was that Shannon did have a problem with it and it was Natasha's fault. She was just as worried about Ron as everyone else and decided that Natasha might listen to her more than the others.

That night at dinner Shannon excused herself from her table and walked towards where Natasha and Malfoy sat. Malfoy noticed her before Natasha did.

"What's Potters geeky little girlfriend headed over here for?" He wondered aloud, not realizing what he had said. Natasha looked up to see Shannon headed for her.

"That's my cousin you dim wit!" Natasha exclaimed. Really, hadn't he learned anything? "I thought we'd been over this? Insulting my family and friends is not acceptable!"  Malfoy couldn't believe it. He knew Natasha had hung around Shannon some, but he didn't realize they were related. His girlfriend and his arch enemy Potter's girlfriend were cousins. How strangely ironic.

"Natasha, can I talk to you," Shannon had reached them now. "in private?" she asked, glancing meaningfully at Malfoy.

"Uh yea, sure," Natasha replied as she stood up and gave Malfoy a questioning glance. "I'll be right back." She told him.

When they had walked out of The Great Hall, Natasha started with a "What's up?"

            "I think you know!" Shannon responded.  "Your relationship with Malfoy is leaving Ron depressed!!  Did you know he told Harry that he loved you? I mean come on Natasha, what happened?  You changed and I've noticed."  Shannon said, astounded by her words.

            "Just because I got a boyfriend doesn't mean I'm a different person!" Natasha said defensively.  What was Shannon thinking?

            "You have!  I'm not doing this to make you mad I'm doing it to help you!!  I care about you and want to make sure that your head is on straight!"

            "Fine!  I'll break up with Malfoy and I'll make sure to tell him that it's because Shannon doesn't approve of it!" Natasha yelled.

"Just stop hanging on him in front of Ron!" Shannon yelled, but Natasha had already stormed away.  Who did Shannon think she was telling her who to date?

            "So how'd it go?" Harry prompted as Shannon sat down silently next to him.

            "She doesn't understand!" Shannon cried. "I just wanted her to be a little more modest about her affection for Malfoy, but she just seems to think I want her to break up with him." Shannon shook her head slightly, scowling at her food as if it were Natasha.

            "Malfoy's been a great influence on her," Harry remarked sarcastically. Shannon didn't seem to hear him. She just sat there staring into space angrily.

Later, Harry and Shannon sat in her room. Harry was doing his best to keep her mind off of her cousin and it was working. They sat cross-legged, facing each other, and were discussing all the things they wanted to do throughout the school year. Harry told Shannon about Hogsmeade, an all wizard village near the school. Shannon listened carefully, getting more excited about visiting it. Harry couldn't wait to get there with her and show her the sites. After a while they stopped talking and simply sat there, content in each other's company. Shannon slid over next to Harry and put her head on his shoulder. He automatically put his arm around her.

Now this is more like it! Harry thought, happy Shannon had finally taken the hint.  She had always been a little slow with guys.  He turned his head, and as if by instinct Shannon also turned hers.  Their lips met and they shared a wonderful, passionate kiss. A second kiss followed, and then a third, each as good, if not better than the first. It went on for quite a while, but Harry started to get too comfortable for Shannon's taste.

"Harry," Shannon said, pulling her lips away from his as his hands began to migrate elsewhere.  "You should probably go into your dorm-it's 11:00!"  Harry sat up and glanced at the clock, sighing. He wiped off his mouth quickly.

"Okay." He agreed and he gave her a good night kiss. As he headed out the door he realized he had started to move to quickly, and regretted it immediately. He didn't want to make Shannon uncomfortable and started to apologize, but he couldn't quite figure out how to put it. Instead he decided to continue walking to his room.

Natasha and Malfoy were sitting silently on the Slytherin common room couch, lying in each other's arms.  I really don't want to break up with him! Natasha thought, but I have to so that Shannon will feel guilty!

            "Draco, we need to talk." She started, an empty pit forming in her stomach.

            "Yes?" he replied, kissing her cheek.  She pulled away.

            "I don't think we can go out anymore." Natasha stated, feeling really, really bad.

            "What?!  Why not?" He asked, surprised.

            "It's just not working out." Natasha got up and flew from the room, tears stinging her cheeks.

            "Well, I think you'll be happy to know that I did it," Shannon heard someone say behind her. She was on her way to the Great Hall for breakfast and had been thinking about her night with Harry. She turned to see Natasha standing behind her, arms crossed and scowling.

            "Did what?" Shannon asked.

            "I broke up with him, just like you wanted me to." Natasha told her, trying hard not to feel sad in order to stay angry with Shannon.

            "What?! Why? I never told you to break up with him! I just wanted you to be more modest about your feelings for him so Ron won't get so depressed." Shannon couldn't believe what she was hearing. Natasha simply shook her head and walked away, but Shannon had noticed something in her eyes, something that told her Natasha was very torn up inside. It wasn't until later, when she found Natasha crying in the bathroom, that she found out why.

            "Natasha," Shannon said quietly, unsure if she should try to find out what was wrong. "What's the matter?" Natasha stiffened, realizing Shannon had found her.

            She started to say something sarcastic, but when she met her cousins worried eyes she decided to tell the truth. "I miss him! I want him back! But he's got to hate me now, after I just up and broke it off."

            "Why did you break up with him Natasha? Tell me the truth."

            "Because of you," Natasha began to get angry. "I wanted to make you feel bad. I wanted to make you feel guilty because you broke us up!"

            "I didn't do anything like that Natasha! I was simply asking you to stop making out with Malfoy in front of Ron." Shannon replied just as angrily. "And why would you break up to spite me? You could have seriously hurt your relationship!" Natasha's look of anger turned to one of sadness again and her crying continued.

            "I know! And what am I supposed to do now? Act like it didn't happen? Go up to him and say 'hey, I was kind of out of it last night. Do you still want to be my boyfriend?' That would sound so stupid!"

            "Do you want me to talk to him? Explain the whole situation. Maybe it won't be so weird?" Shannon hoped and prayed Natasha would say no. She didn't want to talk to the repulsive little snake if she didn't have to.

            "Really? Could you just say you think that's why I broke up with him? Don't say I'm desperate to get him back though! Don't make me sound pathetic!" Natasha pleaded.

            "All right," Shannon sighed, wishing she'd never made the suggestion.

            "Hey Malfoy!" Shannon called, feeling the regret already.

"What?" Malfoy snapped.  He was already upset that Natasha had broken up with him and he didn't want to have to deal with Potter's nerdy little girlfriend.

"I need to talk to you about Natasha," she began. Malfoy scowled. It was the last thing he wanted at the moment.

"Well, what is it?"

"It's just that I think she broke up with you to get back at me. See, I told her that I wanted her to stop kissing you in front of Ron but she totally took it the wrong way. She wanted to make me feel bad."

"And your point is…?" He asked.

"My point is that you shouldn't hate her. My point is that she still likes you a lot, and my point, Mr. Ego Trip, is that you had better not give her a hard time about this because she's torn apart enough already." With that she turned on her heel quickly so that her beautiful brown hair fanned out behind her and walked over to where Harry and Ron stood waiting for her.

Ron still seemed glum about not being with Natasha, but Shannon did her best to keep his mind off of it. All three walked to their next class, Shannon in the middle with her arms threaded through both of theirs.

"Look at everyone watching us," Shannon laughed. "They're all jealous because I have two wonderful escorts."

"No, they're all jealous because we get to escort such a beautiful girl to class." Harry replied while Ron smiled and nodded. Just then Hermione showed up and Shannon insisted she become part of the group. Now all four walked with their arms linked, Hermione and Shannon in the middle with Ron and Harry on either end. They were all laughing and having a great time until they rounded a corner and nearly collided with Professor Snape.

"Just what do you think you're doing?" Snape asked in his evil monotone.

"Nothing sir," Shannon replied, smiling sweetly. "We're so sorry. I promise it will never happen again! Are you okay sir? We didn't mess up your robes or anything did we?"

Surprisingly Snape seemed to soften a bit, "No, no, just be sure it doesn't happen again."

When Snape walked away, his robes billowing out behind him, Ron, Hermione and Harry couldn't help but smile.

"Wow! How did you do that?" Hermione asked.

"I can't believe Snape didn't give us detention for running into him! Shannon, you're a good luck charm!" Harry laughed.

"What can I say? I'm good with teachers." Shannon smiled, obviously pleased with her performance.

"That's not all your good with," Ron commented, looking at the crowd that had formed across the hallway. Some of them were staring at Shannon while others whispered to each other about how Shannon had managed to charm Snape. Shannon laughed and led them all to their classroom.

"Harry, can you tell me what's wrong with me?" Ron asked. They were just getting out of class, getting ready for Transfiguration. He really liked Natasha and wanted her to be his girlfriend, not Malfoy's.

Harry groaned. "There's nothing wrong with you Ron!! It's Natasha's loss, not yours!" Harry said impatiently. He really felt bad for Ron, Natasha toying with him that way, but enough was enough.

"How can you say that Harry? How can you stand not being her boyfriend? I sure as hell can't!" Ron said angrily.

"Well, probably because I don't like being toyed with. She was all flirty with you before school started and then the second she got to school, you weren't anything to her. Now tell me this, how can you like her still? Harry thought that Ron needed to know the truth.

"You know, you're right. She hates me. I'm just a loser caught in the game of love." Ron said forcedly.

"Ron that's not what I'm saying…."Harry began but Ron cut him off.

"Thank you, Harry, for helping me realize that." He said and then scurried off.

 Meanwhile, Malfoy had realized just how much he missed Natasha. Watching Shannon walk away with Potter had made his heart ache. It didn't help when he walked into his next class to see Natasha in her usual seat, right next to his. She looked up and gave him a small smile. He felt so sad to see her like that, and knew he had to find a way to patch things up.

"I hope it's ok that I sit here," Natasha said, when Malfoy had reached her seat. Malfoy simply nodded. "I'm sorry. I never meant-"

Malfoy interrupted her, "I know. I still like you a lot Natasha and I'd love to go back to how things used to be." Natasha beamed hopefully, but Malfoy hadn't finished yet. "But it really hurt that you would break up with me to get back at your cousin."

"I know, it was a really stupid thing to do! I'm so sorry." She shook her head, looking close to tears.

"It's alright. Just promise me you won't do that to me again. I don't know if I could take it," he told her.

A few tears fell from Natasha's eyes and she kissed him, wrapping her arms around him as if she would never let go.

Malfoy smiled, "I'll take that as a promise."

This display of affection had attracted a lot of attention. It was very unusual to see Draco Malfoy get mushy like that. He was not a touchy feely kind of person. There were even kids in corners chuckling, but Malfoy didn't even notice. He couldn't have been happier to have his arms around Natasha once again.

Ron's Wake-up Call

"So, what do you think we should do?" Harry asked Hermione and Shannon. He had just explained to them how concerned he was with Ron.

"Well, I honestly don't think he'll listen to me," Hermione said matter-of-factly.  "Things are still a bit awkward between us."

"Hmmmm…maybe if we sit down and ask him how Natasha treats him, he'll give us a straight answer!" Shannon exclaimed.

"And if he doesn't?" Harry inquired.

"Well, then we'll come up with plan B," Shannon said, signaling them to the door of the common room. They walked inside to find Ron sulking in front of the fireplace.

"Hey Ron," Shannon started. "Can we ask you something?"

"Sure." He replied blankly, as if he wasn't really there.

"How does Natasha treat you? We want an honest answer from you, what you think, okay?"

"Sure. Well, she's great to me. I mean, when I talk to her. Which is hardly ever. And when I see her, she's usually with Malfoy. And when she's with him and I talk to her, well, try anyway, she ignores me or doesn't really talk back. And not to mention that she doesn't care how much it hurts when she just makes out with Malfoy in front of me, and…." He went on. Harry and Shannon looked at each other. He was finally, after three weeks of pouting, realizing that Natasha wasn't nice to him. She didn't appreciate him or like him. And to think he "loved" her.

"And do you know what?" Ron said suddenly. "If she thinks I'm just going to sit around and take it she's wrong. What comes around goes around." He finished with a half evil monotone.

"Now Ron, just don't take it too far…" Hermione said worriedly but his mind was made up. Tomorrow, first period, Natasha was going to get a taste of her own medicine.

Natasha and Malfoy walked into Potions the next morning, holding hands as usual. When they walked by Ron to get to their seats, he suddenly mumbled, loud enough for then to hear, "Thanks for the public display." Harry and Shannon looked nervously at each other.

Malfoy shot around.

"What was that, Weasley?" he snapped.

"Draco, he has a name." Natasha said. She had been telling Malfoy to call him Ron, not 'Weasley', but maybe it was a guy thing. Harry and Ron did it too.

"You heard me." Ron ventured. But luckily for him, Snape walked in, shouting for everyone to take their seats.

What was that all about? Natasha thought as Professor Snape rambled on about an Invisibility potion. Ron is never like that. He was probably kidding.

After class Draco and Natasha stood outside the classroom as they always had, kissing and laughing quietly.

"Get a room would you?!" Ron yelled as he walked out.

"Ron what is your problem?" Natasha asked. She had to hold Malfoy's hands around her waist to keep him from killing Ron.

"Oh, I'm not the one with the problem, it's you two always making out in front of the whole school. Jeez, cover yourselves up. The first years don't need to see that!" Ron yelled back. Snickers were heard from the surrounding crowd. Malfoy untangled his arms from Natasha's and walked over, fists balled. Ron stepped back.

"Oh, is that how it is Weasley?" Malfoy sniggered. "All big and bad until it comes to the battle. Well let's see how tough you are now." He finished, throwing his fist up, preparing to strike.

"No! Stop it!!" Natasha yelled running over to Ron and her boyfriend. She grabbed Malfoy's fist and thrust it to his side.

"Stop both of you. This is crazy. Stupid. Leave each other alone. I'm sorry Draco, Ron, but this has to stop." She said and turned around to go to her next class, tears streaming down her face. Shannon ran after her, calling "Natasha, Natasha!" Natasha stopped suddenly.

"What?" she asked quietly, between sniffles.

"You really hurt Ron. He should be the one crying, not you." Shannon said.

"Well, you know, he could've said something to me. It's not like I cheated on him. He liked me, it's his problem not mine."

"Well you also could have been more modest and how shall I say less public about your affection toward Malfoy." Shannon ended with a 'top that' pause.

"His name is Draco." Natasha snapped. "And at least I'm not a prude that waits until she's married practically to kiss my man. You're just jealous that you and 'Potter' didn't make it to first base for a month." Natasha said, throwing it in Shannon's face. "Excuse me, now I have to get to class." Natasha spun around smiling devilishly. If there was one thing good about her morning, it had to be the look on Shannon's face after Natasha had insulted her. Classic.

The Truth Uncovered

"Oh my goodness! What is up with her lately?" Hermione spat. Shannon had spilled out her and Natasha's conversation, leaving out just one single part. The two girls were sitting out in the Quidditch field, half-watching Harry and the rest of the team practice, half-talking.

"Yeah, but…she's right." Shannon said quietly. It took a moment for this to register into Hermione's brain, but when it did…

"What?! You're kidding! You want your and Harry's relationship to be like Natasha's and Malfoy's?"

"Well, yes and no. Not so publicly displayed, but all in all yes."

"How so?"

"I just wish I wasn't so cautious about just kissing him. I mean come on, Natasha and Draco kissed the second day they met each other. Harry and I had known each other at least a month before we kissed." Shannon ended with a hoot for Oliver Wood who had just scored a goal.

"So, you're completely serious?" Hermione asked again. She was still in shock.

"Yes, I am. I know, it sounds crazy. I was the one who always yelled at Natasha for mauling on Draco, but it was because I secretly wanted that to be Harry and I. Weird, huh?"

"Hmm… well, not to be rude but yea, that is." Hermione agreed. The girls finished watching the Gryffindor team practice, the as he led Shannon back to their classroom, she told Harry about what had happened that morning with Natasha and Ron, and her and Natasha.

"Man, I really don't understand that girl. If she won't listen to you, maybe she'll listen to me. I'll talk to her after dinner, okay?" Harry said, making Shannon feel much better.

A Deceiving Event

During dinner Harry ate quickly, talked little, and kept his eyes on Natasha almost the whole time. Shannon was, of course, the first to notice he was distant, but said nothing. She thought he was preparing for what he would say to Natasha, who agreed to meet him outside the Gryffindor common room at 7:20. But the truth was, that was the last thing on Harry's mind. He was just wondering how he had never seen how gorgeous Natasha was. No wonder Ron liked her. Her smile was glowing brightly, adding a perfect accent to the Great Hall and Harry's evening.

Natasha breathed on her hands and rubbed them together as she made her way to the Gryffindor common room. It was chilly inside the school, making Natasha's hands feel like ice cubes. As she made her way around the corner she saw Harry, who immediately lit up. That's odd, Natasha thought. Harry never had seemed to really like her.

"Hey," he said brightly.

"Hi, what did you want to talk to me about?" Natasha replied curiously. She knew it had something to do with either Shannon or Ron.

"Well, let's walk and talk." He said, offering his arm. Natasha pretended not to notice. When they rounded the corner, Harry started talking, breaking the strong tension between them.

"This has to do with you and Ron." He started. "You and he really seemed to get along before school. But then you saw Malfoy and boom Ron was forgotten. Not only that, but you never really considered how much it hurt him when you and Malfoy kissed in front of him and stuff. Now he hates you both. That creates a lot of gray area for Shannon, Hermione, and I, because we all like you, Natasha. All I want is for you and Ron to be on speaking terms. Is that reasonable?"

"Yeah, I was never the one who got us off speaking terms. Ron was the one who freaked out that day and got all pissy with me. And, like I told Shannon, we were never even going out! He liked me and it's not my fault. I got a boyfriend, I didn't fricken kill anyone." Natasha said, getting angry. Everybody was always picking on her and Malfoy's relationship. Harry, however, didn't really hear what she said. He was thinking how hot she looked when she got mad, even cuter than Shannon.

"Oh, umm, yea I agree." Harry stumbled over his words. "How about we sit down?" he pointed to a bench.

"Alright." Natasha sat down. Harry did too, a little too close for Natasha's liking.

"You and Shannon make a really cute couple," Natasha said, reminding him of his girlfriend.

"Why thank you," he replied, disappointed. For some reason, he felt a very strong attraction to Natasha, not even remembering Shannon a few minutes after Natasha had said something. He couldn't control himself. Harry looked at Natasha, who was admiring a picture on the wall across from them. He grabbed her chin softly, turned it, and leaned in for a passionate kiss. He enjoyed this more than when he had kissed Shannon.

Natasha however didn't. She pulled her lips away from his, shoving him further away from her in the process.

"Harry! What the hell are you doing?! You have a girlfriend!" Natasha said, disgusted.

"I….ummm….I don't know," Harry was dumfounded. What had he done? Didn't Natasha like him?

"I have a boyfriend and you have a girlfriend. This is so not cool," Natasha said as she stormed away, making Harry's heart ache.

Natasha went into her dormitory that she shared with her friends Ana Naryishkin and Emily Cole. She told them everything, growing more and more worried as she talked.

"Oh my gosh! That's bad!" Ana said. "I don't think Shannon will get mad at you, he kissed you and you're the one who told him to stop. She has no right. No right at all."

"Yeah, I mean, you weren't the one kissing him. I totally agree with Ana." Emily piped up. Her eyes were wide with shock.

"Yeah, but still…Shannon has found all my faults this year and jumped on me for them. She would come up with some idea that I was flirting with him, etcetera, etcetera…" Natasha couldn't help but feel awkward.

When Harry arrived back at his own house common room, Shannon and Hermione bombarded him with questions.

"So, what's going on?" Shannon asked as she grabbed his hand. Harry had to think for a moment. All that was on his mind was how to get Natasha to like him.

"Oh, umm..She wants to be on speaking terms and she never hated Ron. He's the one who was overly sensitive, if you ask me." Harry said, astounding Shannon and Hermione.

"Wait a minute-you were on our side, now you're on hers? What is going on Harry?" Shannon inquired.

"Nothing, just stating my opinion.." Harry said nervously. He didn't want Shannon to find out about his and Natasha's kiss.

"So, over a talk of what was it, fifteen minutes you've changed your views?" Hermione asked.

"Natasha had good lips-points!" Harry stammered. Shannon was suspicious. Lips? What was that about? She would have to wait until she was alone with him to bring the subject up.

The next day, before breakfast, Natasha approached Shannon. She figured that it would be best if she found out from her, not Harry.

"Um Shannon," Natasha said. "I need to talk to you."

"About what?" She asked, noticing the way Harry and Natasha were eyeing each other. Natasha simply took Shannon's arm and led her away from Harry.

"Something happened last night while I was talking with Harry." Natasha was shaking, She was so afraid Shannon would hate her for this. Shannon got very nervous at this comment. She wasn't sure she wanted to hear what was coming.

"Well, Harry and I were talking, and then…" She trailed off.

"What?" Shannon prodded, wishing Natasha would stop there.

"He kissed me." Shannon's eyes widened. "But I pushed him off and reminded him that he had a girlfriend. I couldn't believe he did it and I promise you I did nothing to provoke him." Natasha added quickly, anticipating Shannon blaming it on her.

"I-I can't believe it," Shannon said, obviously in shock, hand on her forehead. "Why? Why would he do that? I thought he liked me," It had begun to sink in now. Shannon's eyes began to well up and she ran back to her room.

When Shannon didn't show up for breakfast, Harry began to worry. What had Natasha told her? About the kiss no doubt.  What had come over him? Shannon must be absolutely destroyed. Or maybe she was just mad. Maybe she hated him now. But just then Natasha walked by and all he could do was stare at her. What was happening to him?

Shannon spent the rest of the day in her room crying. How could he have done this to her? Wasn't she interesting enough, pretty enough for him? If not, he had never let on. What a jerk! She thought he had really liked her. He needed to be hurt back. He needed to be hurt like she had been hurt. A plan began to form in her mind. No, she couldn't. The thought repulsed her. Okay, maybe she'd have to come up with a plan B, but Harry would pay. That she was sure of.

Shannon's Revenge

Shannon was very distant from Harry the next day. She sat as far as possible away from him at all meals and classes. She avoided eye contact as he stared guiltily at her when she was near, pretending not to be torn up inside. But she was.

Harry was feeling guilty as ever, but yet, something was drawing him to Natasha. He had no idea what it was. Maybe it was her beauty, sense of humor, or intellect. Or maybe all of them. There was something there nevertheless. But he also wanted to patch things up with Shannon. It seemed too hard to do it in person, so he found a piece of parchment and began to write. He stayed up almost all night, writing and rewriting the letter. The next day he got up extra early and slipped the folded parchment under Shannon's bedroom door.

Shannon awoke from a very amusing dream. She had been in the Gryffindor common room with Ron. They were flirting and talking loudly. Harry was sitting in a chair in the corner, sulking. Shannon and Ron began to kiss and Harry ran from the room, crying. She sat up in bed, laughing quietly. This put her in a very good mood, especially because it was the weekend. She got up and put on her favorite pair of jeans and a periwinkle sweater. She walked over to the door and she felt the paper under her bare feet.

"What do we have here?" she aloud as she bent over to pick it up. She sat down in her armchair as she read:

Dear Shannon,

I just wanted to let you know that I am very sorry. I never meant to hurt you; that thought never crossed my mind. I know that even though it wasn't my intention, it did hurt you. I hope that you will be on speaking terms with me, but I understand if you hate me. I do however want to be honest to avoid confrontations. I like Natasha. I'm not sure why, but there is something drawing me to her. I still really like you and want to be friends at least. I am so sorry.

With Love,

Harry Potter

Shannon crumpled the letter and threw it at the nearest trashcan. What an idiot. How could he possibly expect them to be friends after kissing her cousin? She stood up and headed out to the common room to find Harry sitting by the window, staring outside. She walked up to him absolutely fuming.

"What is wrong with you? Why do you love Natasha all of sudden? What happened to you? You used to like me! Or maybe this whole thing was fake. Did you ever like me Harry? Honestly, how can you expect me to ever forgive you for kissing my cousin? I hate you! I hate you more than you can imagine!" She yelled at him and stormed back to her room.

Harry couldn't believe what he had heard. She really did hate him! He was surprised by how much it hurt. I guess I really do still like her. He thought sadly.

That morning at breakfast Shannon sat next to Ron, discussing her plan with him. All this secrecy made Harry very nervous. He had no idea what they could be talking about but he knew it concerned him, and he knew it wasn't good

"So we are in the common room and Harry walks in and finds us kissing!" Shannon laughed. Ron smiled. He liked the idea of kissing her and it might even make Natasha jealous, not that he really cared about her anymore.  (Wink wink)

"That just might work," Ron agreed. "We should start practicing!" He joked. Shannon smacked him on the arm and laughed. Harry saw her hit him. What was going on? They were totally flirting! Was it possible that Ron could steal her from him? Not that she was really his anymore. He'd screwed that up.

"Um, Shannon," Harry said, not sure what he was going to say. He just wanted to break up the flirting session. Shannon simply glared at him and walked away, closely trailed by Ron.

Harry's heart burned with jealousy and pain. He apologized to Shannon and she was not even trying to understand. He saw Natasha sitting alone, looking glum. So he walked over to try and cheer her up.

"Hi." He said as he sat down.

"Oh, hi." Natasha said dully.

"What's wrong?

"Malfoy is mad at me because I was 'flirting' with George."

"Weasley?"

"Yeah." Natasha blushed. "But I so wasn't." she said quickly.

"Oh, well you looked sad so I was wondering…." Harry said, scooting a little closer.

"So, are you and Shannon over or what?" Natasha was hinting to him that she was uncomfortable.

"Yeah, she yelled at me and said she hated me, even after I wrote her a letter apologizing and everything." Harry said sadly.

"Oh, well I was actually about to head to the library to work on our Potions report. Want to come?"

"Yes!" Harry said quickly.

Natasha and Harry were walking to the library and Natasha found that she and him had a lot in common. They were laughing when Malfoy walked up.

"What's going on?" he asked.

"Oh, we're just going to the library to work on our Potions report. Why?" Natasha said snootily.

"Just wondering." Malfoy mumbled jealously and walked away.

When Harry and Natasha got to the library, they found that all of the books on their topic were in the very back of their library. There were a bunch of shelves around their table, giving them privacy.

They were laughing and flirting a lot more than they were studying, and Natasha was beginning to be attracted to Harry. They were sitting on a loveseat and were very close. Soon, their lips met and Natasha and Harry were making out-full on.

Meanwhile Shannon and Ron sat in the Gryffindor common room laughing together. Shannon was surprised by how much she liked Ron. Why had she been so attracted to Harry and not Ron? She wasted a lot of time on Harry when Ron was there the whole time. Maybe this whole situation wouldn't have to be faked after all. Ron grabbed her hand and Shannon looked at him questioningly. He grinned and she smiled at him. He was so sweet. Shannon yawned fakely and rested her head on Ron's shoulder. He bent down and kissed her quickly, just as Harry entered the room. Harry stood in silent shock by the common room door while Shannon and Ron simply smiled at each other. Then Shannon noticed a slight movement behind her and turned to find Harry staring at them.

"Hi Harry," she smiled wickedly. He couldn't believe what he was seeing.

"Harry, um, I can explain," Ron couldn't help but feel bad. Harry was his best friend. Harry shook his head and ran to his room.

He sat down on his bed. It really hurt to find his girlfriend kissing his best friend. But then he realized that she wasn't his girlfriend. Then why does it hurt so much? He wondered. He knew the answer. He still cared for her, more than he had thought.

He shook his head as the scene replayed in his head. He remembered how Shannon had smiled. She was hoping he'd find them. She wanted to hurt him. How could he have been so stupid? What had come over him that she didn't seem to matter anymore? He'd have to talk to her. As hard as it seemed, he have to talk to her.

Harry walked back down to the common room where Shannon and Ron sat in the same place. When they turned to face him he thought he saw guilt in Ron's eyes, but the only thing he saw in Shannon's was happiness.

"Shannon, can I talk to you?" Harry asked. The smile left Shannon's face.

"Alright, talk," She said.

"Alone." Harry told her and eyed Ron. Ron nodded and left the room. "Okay, I know I hurt you."

"Under statement of the year," she replied dryly.

'But I can't explain what happened, as much as I want to.  All of a sudden the only thing I could think of was Natasha."

Shannon shook her head. She didn't want to hear this. It was easy to hate him. But he was explaining. He was showing her he wasn't as much of a jerk as she thought. That would mean the only thing left for her to feel was pain.

"And that's all you can think of now?" She asked him.

"No, right now you are all I can think of," He replied.

"I still hate you, you know."

Harry nodded, "I know."

"Don't think things are going to go back to how they used to be," She glared at him. She couldn't allow herself to pity him.

"I know they won't, as much as I may want them to. But I'm not the only one to blame here. How could you kiss my best friend? Especially after you knew how it felt to be betrayed like that?"

"Because you needed to feel it too! You needed to know what a horrible thing you did to me. And besides, Ron is so much sweeter than you. He'd never ever do a thing like that to me." It was now Harry's turn to not want to listen. "Don't shake your head like this is hurting you. Go find Natasha. Go find your little love. I don't want to see you." Against her will Shannon broke down into tears. Harry came over and sat beside her. He put his arm around her and she turned so she was crying on his shoulder.

"I'm so sorry," She said.

"Me too," he replied, giving her a soft hug and kissing her on the cheek.

Shannon couldn't believe how good it felt to hug Harry once again. Maybe she should just forgive him and go back to the way things were….but then there was Ron…

"I'm really sorry Shannon," Harry repeated. "I know you don't want to go back to the way things were, but can we still be friends?"

"Yes," Shannon agreed. It wasn't that she didn't want to go back, but she didn't feel that they could.

Harry spent the rest of the night in his room, sighing happily every minute or so. He was glad that Shannon had agreed to be friends and she had forgiven him-well it sounded like it anyway.

After an hour or so, he began to think of Natasha. She had a boyfriend. They may be in a fight, but Natasha was still Malfoy's property. What were she and Harry going to do? She had seemed to like him, but was that going to last? Or was it just a 'fling' like it had been with Ron? Harry had to find out.

The next day, Sunday, was very warm, considering the fall weather. Harry walked down the hall, near the Slytherin common room, and saw Emily Cole.

"Do you know where Natasha is?" he asked.

Emily hesitated. "She's outside." She replied curtly.

"Thanks." Harry walked toward the door. As he walked out the bright light blinded him. He looked all over and finally spotted Natasha reading under a big oak tree. She was lying on a blanket, wearing a purple and gray striped shirt, along with navy blue pants, and skater boy tennis shoes.

Harry walked over and sat down. To his surprise, Natasha didn't even notice.

"Hi," Harry said loudly. Natasha looked up.

"Oh, hey! Sorry, I was reading!" she laughed. "So, what's up?"

Harry told Natasha about the fight he had with Shannon and about how it had all ended.

"So, you're not back together?" Natasha inquired.

"No, I don't think she really wants to be. We're still friends though." Harry replied.

"Oh, that's good. " Natasha nodded slightly.

"So how are you and Malfoy?" He tried to look innocent.

"He's still mad. I don't know what to say to him. I wasn't flirting, but he just won't believe me."

"Well, I was wondering about what happened in the library,"

"Oh," Natasha said quietly and looked down at her book. "I don't want to give you the wrong idea Harry. I do like you, but I still like Draco a lot. I really want to patch things up with him. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to lead you on." Harry nodded. A fling, that's all he was. Just a quick fling.

"I have homework I need to finish. I'll see you later," Harry told her and headed back toward the school.

"Harry wait!" Natasha yelled but Harry ignored her and kept walking. She got up and ran over to him.

"Can we talk?" she said sarcastically.

"Yeah, sure, let's talk. What about? How you used me in place of Malfoy? How I'm just a little fling until he comes back around. Sure, let's talk." Harry was fuming.

"Oh my gosh! That is so not true! I don't kiss people I don't like! God, you really think I'm like that? Sure, we're not a couple; we had a night of flirting and fun. But that doesn't mean we have to hook up. We can still be friends and flirt. Please don't be overly sensitive like Ron," Natasha explained. Harry nodded. It had been fun, and to his surprise, less meaningful that he had thought.           

"Okay," he agreed and grinned. The two stood there for a few minutes to talk, when George Weasley, who came up behind her and covered her eyes, interrupted Natasha mid-sentence.

"Guess who?" he said, doing a perfect impression of Malfoy. Natasha grabbed his hands, thinking it was her boyfriend and he had come to make up. She then wrapped them around her waist and continued talking. She was interrupted again by Harry who simply pointed behind her to George, whose eyes were as big as plates.

"George!" Natasha yelled and playfully hit him. Harry excused himself and Natasha and George began to play tag. But every time Natasha got near him, he would tickle her, so it became more of a George-chase-Natasha game instead.

Ravenclaw versus Gryffindor

That night was the first Quidditch game of the year, Ravenclaw vs. Gryffindor. The whole school was gathered in the field, sitting in their house columns. Everyone was all a chatter, until Madame Hooch blew her whistle, shouting for silence.

"The first game of the year begins now!" she yelled, opening a large brown leather box. The two bludgers shot out, followed by the golden snitch. Madame Hooch picked up the quaffle and threw it into the air. Oliver wood caught it and headed toward the goal post.

Harry heard the snitch whiz past him. He turned in that direction and headed toward the golden glimmer, but when he reached it, the snitch was gone.

Natasha, Ana, and Emily were sitting in the Slytherin column watching the match, when Malfoy walked up.

"Can we talk?" he asked Natasha, with a cold glance at her friends.

"Yeah.." Natasha got up hesitantly. The two walked over to the staircase and stood there to talk.

"What were you doing with Weasley's brother today?" Draco started.

"We were outside playing tag and goofing off."

"Why?"

"It was a nice day-wanted to enjoy it before winter."

"Well I heard you two kissed."

"Umm, no! Where did you hear that?" Natasha said, not believing what she was hearing.

"Pansy Parkinson. She was outside the whole time." Malfoy smirked.

"And you believe her more than me? Do you honestly trust me that little?"

"No, but you two were flirting a lot the other day, so it kind of fits."

"Oh my god! Can I even talk to another guy without you freaking out? You are way too possessive!" Natasha yelled, drawing attention from surrounding people.

"Well then, if you have that much of a problem with me we shouldn't even be together anymore!" Malfoy was yelling too.

"Fine, as of now, we are over!" Natasha yelled and stomped away, seething.

Malfoy stood there in shock. He hadn't expected Natasha to actually agree with him. He hadn't truly meant it himself. He had said it out of anger and now they were broken up. His heart felt like it had been stabbed with a sharp knife.

Draco walked back over to his seat where Crabbe and Goyle awaited his return. There were tears in Malfoy's eyes, making his sidekicks glance worriedly at each other.

            While all this was going on, Shannon, Ron, and Hermione sat watching the game in the Gryffindor column. Shannon sat with Ron on one side and Hermione on the other. She seemed somewhat less mopey since her last conversation with Harry, but her friends were still worried. Occasionally they would glance at her, only to see her staring up at Harry. The rest of the game didn't seem to matter to her.

            "Really amazing isn't he?" she asked, sounding as if she were lost in her own little world.  Hermione and Ron exchanged glances and nodded. What had Harry been thinking? Kissing another girl just wasn't like him.

            That night the Gryffindors celebrated in their common room. Shannon and Hermione sat on a couch near the fire while Ron and Harry stood on the other side of the room watching the two girls. Hermione and Shannon were talking and giggling. They seemed happy enough, but whenever Shannon met Harry's eyes, she always looked so sad.

            "Makes your heart break, that one," Ron said, nodding toward Shannon. "Harry, what were you thinking?" Ron asked in such a way that he managed to not sound as if he were accusing Harry, but simply wondering.

            "I wish I knew, Ron. I really do. If I could go back I'd never even go have that talk with Natasha. That kiss would have never happened." Just then Shannon looked back at them. She faked a smile, trying to cover the sadness in her eyes.

            "Well, it's too bad that you can't. You two did look good together. Now if you'll excuse me, I can't take anymore of her puppy dog eyes." Ron replied and walked over to his brothers, Fred and George.

In class on Monday, Malfoy noticed that Shannon and Harry were still sitting far apart.

            "I knew she was too good for him," he remarked to Crabbe. After all, she'd turned him down and Potter was a step (or more) below him. Unfortunately he couldn't take very much joy in Potter's break up. It only reminded him of Natasha's empty seat next to him.

            Harry too noticed the empty seat next to Malfoy. He wondered what happened between them, but it was merely curiosity now. He'd realized that he wasn't as serious about Natasha as he had originally thought. He knew now that Shannon was the girl he really wanted, but she wouldn't take him back. Not after telling her that he still liked Natasha.

            Shannon saw Harry looking in Natasha's direction and rolled her eyes. Pathetic really. What power did Natasha have over guys? She wondered.

            "Shannon, talk to him," Hermione suggested. She wanted Shannon to stop acting so sad all the time. It was so depressing.

            "Alright," Shannon agreed, nodding slightly. "Alright." She spent the rest of the day thinking about what she would say, but nothing sounded right. Finally, after the whole day of careful consideration, she decided she'd wing it.

Forgiveness

Harry was taking care of some of his books in her room when Shannon burst through the door.  Harry looked up, startled.

            "Okay, I just need to let you know that I don't hate you. That I still really like you and I know you like Natasha a lot but I would really love for things to go back-"

            Harry cut her off, "Shannon, Shannon, stop. Slow down!"

            "Sorry," she whispered, feeling rejected.

            "I just needed to let you know that I still like you a lot. The whole Natasha thing was a big mistake. Yes, I am attracted to her, but that's all. I'm more than just attracted to you," Harry smiled and blushed as he admitted this. Shannon's smile stretched from ear to ear.

            "So I was wondering if you'd-" Harry was cut off this time. Shannon had run over to him and wrapped her arms around him, head on his shoulder.

            "Of course I would!" She whispered.

            "I missed you," he told her, hugging her back tightly.

            "I missed you too," she smiled and looked up into his eyes. She loved being back in his arms. Just don't do anything to make me have to miss you again. She thought.

            After letting Hermione and Ron know that they were back together Shannon thought she should go tell Natasha. She would want to know. So she headed for the Slytherin common room, or at least what she thought might be the common room.

            When she arrived, sure enough she found Natasha surrounded by a group of girls. A few of them noticed her before Natasha but said nothing. They simply sneered at her. She was a Gryffindor, friends with Harry Potter.  Well, more than friends.

"Natasha!" Shannon said, grabbing Natasha's arm gently to get her attention. "Guess what?" Seeing the bright smile on Shannon's face Natasha thought she knew, but decided to let Shannon have her fun.

"What?" She asked.

"Well, I went up to Harry to tell him that I know that he likes you and everything but I don't really hate him like I said I did, that I really still like him a lot. And then he told me that he still really likes me a lot and we're back together!!! Oh I'm so happy right now!" Shannon was practically jumping up and down. She was sure to leave out that he said he didn't really like Natasha that much anymore.

"Oh that's great Shannon! I'm happy for you, really." Natasha gave her cousin a quick hug.

"OK, well that was all. I've got to get back. Bye!" Shannon said as she walked backwards and waved. Once she was out of sight Natasha's smile fell. Yes, she was happy for her cousin, but it made her sad to realize she was the one without the boyfriend. In a way it was like losing two, since Harry was putting Shannon first once again. But the truth was that she didn't want Harry, she wanted Malfoy.  She was going to act like she didn't care that they were broken up, but deep down she really did. Shannon should be put first anyway. She loved Harry, whether she could admit it or not. Natasha turned back to her friends and continued talking, ignoring the looks of disgust shot in the direction where Shannon had stood.

Later that same day Natasha was walking to Transfiguration, when George Weasley came up behind her, covered her eyes and said "Guess Who?" but this time in his normal voice.

            "Hey George!" Natasha lit up, pretending not to be sad, for Malfoy was walking right behind them.

            "Hello," George said, exaggerating his British accent.  Natasha giggled and grabbed his hand.  George's face turned redder than his hair and he tightened his grip, beaming the whole time.

            Malfoy on the other hand, was not happy at all.  The instant he saw Natasha's hand go for Weasley's, his heart broke in two.  I miss her so much! He thought as he walked behind the two.  But how do I get her back now?  Her and that Weasley guy are having a little fling of their own now, 

            Just then, Draco heard Natasha giggle loudly, and hug George, who waiting outside her next class.  As Malfoy walked by, Natasha glanced at him frigidly, then turned to kiss George on the cheek.

            "Thanks for escorting me to class!" she said as she smiled widely and turned into the classroom, leaving him holding his cheek and grinning broadly.

            Today Shannon managed to get out of class to watch Harry at Quidditch practice. Hermione joined her. Usually Hermione would be bored out of her mind watching Harry practice, but she wanted to hear how things happened the day before. She wanted to know how Harry had gotten Shannon back. The two girls sat there chatting while Harry, who was ecstatic to have his girlfriend back, was playing better than he had in weeks.

George on the other hand, was thinking about how strange Natasha had acted earlier. He was so distracted in fact that he was almost knocked of his broomstick by a bludger… twice.

            "Watch out will you?" Fred called. He had been doing the majority of the beating. Although it was fun it was seriously tiring him out and when he was tired, he got irritable.

            "Sorry!" George called just as another bludger zoomed toward him. He dodged it just in time.

            "George is gonna get himself knocked off that broom!" Shannon remarked.

            "Tell me about it!" replied Hermione.

George finally decided to talk to Natasha about it at dinner. Once this was decided he was able to concentrate more on his game.

"Finally," Harry said under his breath. George wasn't the only one who'd had a close encounter with a bludger today. Needless to say, they were all happy when practice was over.

During dinner George came over to the Slytherin table and ate, talking over what had happened with Natasha, whose friends all moved way over to get a way from George, icy looks on their faces.

"So, you see, I was wondering what was going on?" George asked after they recapped what had happened earlier.

"I was just flirting…" Natasha said, then blushed genuinely.

"Oh, alright," George was blushing, too.  He was starting to like Natasha, even though she was a couple years younger then he was. He noticed Malfoy sitting a little ways down the table. He was absolutely green with envy, watching the two talk.

            George grinned and put his hand on top of Natasha's, which was lying on the table.  She glanced at Malfoy, too.  Then she laughed loudly.  This is too perfect! She thought.  She was making Malfoy jealous and it was with someone she actually liked!

            Shannon and Harry were holding hands and eating at the same time, which attracted chuckles and awkward stares from the people around them, including Ron and Hermione.  Harry could care less though; he was so happy to be back together with Shannon (who felt the same way)

            That night, George and Natasha went for a walk around the school.  He wanted to show her all of the secret passages that he and Fred had found.  Still felling rather bold, Natasha grabbed his hand as they walked and rested her head on George's shoulder.  This was something that she used to do with Malfoy.

            "And if you tickle this brick just so…." George was explaining.  He held out his hand and wiggled his fingers on a light pink, slightly glowing colored brick that stood out amongst the gray ones.  It let out a high-pitched giggle, and then beside it a small door appeared.  George had had to duck as they walked through it, but Natasha was very short and did not.

            "I mean, honestly, you'd think they would make it a little harder, but no that brick stands right out…" He was explaining as he led her through a faintly lit pathway.

            Natasha was just wondering where in the world they were going when George opened up a thick wooden door and walked in to a room, which was pitch black.

            He whipped out his wand and mumbled, "Lightus Imparium" Before the room was visible.  Natasha gasped.  The room was round and warm, full of large, cozy armchairs and loveseats.  There was a snack table, full of pumpkin pasties, chicken sandwiches, lumps of bread and cheese, hunks of salami, and various cakes and cookies.  There were a few pitchers full of iced pumpkin juice, water, and lemonade.

            "Whatdya think?" George smiled as he put his arm around her.

            "Wow!" was all Natasha could muster.

            "C'mon," George led her over to a large cream colored loveseat.  He sat down and offered her the seat next to him.  She plopped down and in to his outstretched arm. 

            "I thought this could give us some privacy," George said, kissing her on the cheek, then blushing wickedly.

            "Aww!" Natasha exclaimed, making his face turn even redder.

            "So do you want to get something to eat?" he asked her.

            "Sure!"

            Both of them ate as much as they wanted, and after they had had their fill, the couch was where they laid.

            Natasha was thinking how sweet George really was.  He had wrapped his arms around her and kissed her neck softly.  Natasha had liked when Malfoy had done this too.  Ouch, thinking of him hurt.  Tears welled up in her eyes as she relived the suffering of those stupid, stupid words, 'As of now, we are over!'  A few of the tears streamed down her face.  She pulled George into a closer hug; as this compassion was much needed.

            "What's wrong?" he asked, wiping a tear from her cheek.

            "Nothing," she shook her head. George seemed to sense that she didn't want to talk about it. They spent another hour or so just sitting in silence, content.

            Shannon and Harry spent most of their free time together too. Strangely enough, they seemed to be even closer after their short break up. Ron was at the library with Hermione. He said that Shannon and Harry were getting too mushy for him.

            "Ron's such a sweet guy," Shannon said, much to Harry's surprise.

            "What?" he asked.

            "Well, even after I kissed him, he didn't even question where he fit in when you and I got back together. He just sort of knew we were still friends and that was all," She answered. She felt Harry tense up at her reply. He wasn't comfortable talking about her and Ron kissing. It was perfectly understandable. She didn't want to talk about him and Natasha. "Sorry,"

            "It's alright," he tried to brush it off. Shannon, who had been holding his hand for quite some time, tightened her grip slightly. They were sitting on a couch near the fireplace. Shannon scooted closer and put her head on his shoulder, queuing Harry to put his arm around her and relaxed again. She looked up at him and kissed him quickly to reassure him. He simply smiled.

            Back in the secret room, Natasha realized how long they'd been sitting there.

            "George, it's late, we'd better get going! People are going to wonder where I've been!" Natasha cried, sitting up quickly.

            "Natasha, calm down! We haven't been gone as long as you think. I always set the clock ahead so I think I'm late. That way, I'm on time." George replied. Natasha relaxed a little as George grabbed her chin and tilted it towards him. He leaned in for a quick kiss before standing and leading her back to the hallway.

            As they neared the small door, they heard heavy breathing, then a cat meow.  Filch.  They were toast.

            Natasha and George walked slowly and uneasily over into the doorway, getting blinded by the sudden light.

            "Ahh, thought you two were up to something.  It's a good thing Professor Dumbledoore put monitors on all these secret passages." Filch mumbled.  "That'll be detention tonight!" he said gruffly.

            George's mouth dropped open.  Natasha just stared.

            "I'm so sorry sir, but please don't punish Natasha, I was the one who brought her here." George started.  Filch rolled his eyes.

            "Well, she still went with you, didn't she?  You two.  In my office.  25 minutes-don't be late." He snapped and limped away.

            George felt terrible.  "I am so sorry-" he said, but Natasha cut him off.  She put her finger over his lips.

            "It's fine really.  You didn't know, it's fine."

            George smiled genuinely and leaned in for a kiss.  They stood there for a few minutes, kissing and letting their minds wander, when they heard a voice clear loudly behind them.  It was Ron.

"What are you two doing?" he cried in shock and disgust.

George started. "Well you see, when two people, let's call me and Natasha those two people for right now, like each other, they display their affection, like this," he gave Natasha a kiss. Ron pretended to gag.

"Oh, so you like my brother and not me?" Ron cried suddenly.

"Listen here Ron, I never said that I didn't like you, you assumed!" Natasha snapped.

            "Whatever," Ron sneered, turning around and walking away.

"I can't believe him!" Natasha cried. "He's so infuriating sometimes," George nodded in agreement, "I live with him remember?" Natasha smiled.

Shannon and Harry were still cuddled up on the sofa when Ron burst into the common room. He flung himself angrily into a chair near them. Shannon and Harry exchanged questioning glances.

            "What happened Ron?" Shannon asked.

            "I was on my way back here from the library when I just happened to stumble on George and Natasha kissing," He shuddered, though whether it was from anger or disgust was anyone's guess.

            "George? As in your brother George? Kissing Natasha?" Shannon exclaimed.

            "No, some other George. Yes my brother!" he cried, exasperated.

            "Wow," was all Harry could say. She really gets around! Harry thought. Shannon laughed as if she could see the thought pass through his mind.

            "Sorry," She said, seeing Ron's confused expression. Just then George walked into the common room. Ron got up and hurried over to him.

            "What in the world do you think you were doing?" Ron yelled.

            "What did it look like I was doing?" George replied. "Wait, didn't we have this discussion before?"

            "How could you George? You knew I liked her! Didn't you stop to consider how I might feel about this?" Ron's face grew redder and redder.

            "Actually no," George said calmly, stroking his chin as if he were thinking hard. "Nope, guess not." George shrugged and walked towards Fred, who had been listening to the conversation but still looked very confused. Ron's eyes grew wide with rage, and he looked as if he were about to punch his brother. Shannon and Harry stood up and grabbed Ron's arms, in case he decided to do just that.

            "Come on Ron," Harry soothed. "Let's sit down." Ron let himself be led back to the couch, his angry eye's never leaving George.

            That night Harry and Ron lie in their beds talking.

            "Ron," Harry sounded somewhat hesitant.

            "Yea Harry?"

            "I just wanted to thank you for not getting upset when Shannon and I got back together. I know that if you had been things would have been a lot tougher. I was lucky that she took me back, but she might not have if she thought it would hurt you a lot." Harry felt weird about telling him this, but he felt it had to be said.

            "She's a sweet girl Harry and there are a lot of guys out there who would steal her from you in a second if they could. But she loves you Harry. You and I both know that. She wanted you back just as much as you wanted her. It's just that when you kissed Natasha it hurt her a lot. Don't do anything like that to her again or Hermione and I will both see to it that you pay for it." Ron was very serious about this threat. Harry nodded.

Natasha and George were walking hand in hand to Filch's office.  Out of the corner of her eye, Natasha saw a streak of blond hair dash behind the corner.  Malfoy was spying on them.        "George I have a strange feeling we're being watched!" Natasha said loudly.  George seemed to understand.                                                                                                                 "Yeah, I hear breathing.  From over there!" George replied, pointing to the corner where Malfoy was hiding.                                                                                                                      The two walked over, to see Malfoy's usually pale face, red with embarrassment.                         "Oh it's you." Natasha said curtly.                                                                         "Yeah, I was on my way back to the common room." Malfoy said just as coldly.  Natasha could  see deep in his eyes, that he was in pain.                                                                           "Oh really?  Did you happen to get lost?  The correct hallway was about three corridors that-a-way!" George pointed behind him.                                                                                                "I was taking the er-scenic route back." Malfoy's face was getting redder by the second.  "Well we don't want to keep you, so goodnight and goodbye." Natasha snapped as she pulled George to Filch's office by the hand.  Malfoy pouted and continued walking.             "Can he not face the fricken fact that I've moved on?" Natasha tried to be angry.                         "Can't blame 'im, I don't want to lose you either." He said quietly.                                 Natasha forced a smile then rested her head on his shoulder again.                                    They finally reached Filch's office and rapped on the door.                                     "Get in here!" Filch yelled.  They walked in shutting the door behind them.                  "You'll be in the fifth floor dungeon tonight.  Sweeping the floor!"  Filch cackled as if this were the world's most impossible task.                                                                                                    George stifled a giggled as he tried to look intimidated.                                                                  "Well now, best be off." Filch muttered as he grabbed two ordinary muggle broomsticks.  "I don't want to be checking up on you two all night.  C'mon Mrs. Norris."                                          When Natasha and George got to the dungeon that they were to be sweeping, they were somewhat less than unsettled.  Their fake appearance of sheer unfairness were soon wiped off their faces as the caretaker opened the solid wooden door.  The entire floor was covered, perhaps with an inch, of damp sawdust.  The soggy brown dust looked as if had been there for years.                              Filch handed them the brooms and two dust pans.  "Get to work-it's 10:30 and I want to be in bed by midnight at the latest.  And no hanky-panky!" Filch said with a contemptuous glance at the two.                                                                                                                                      "Oy!" George exclaimed after Filch had closed and locked the door.  "Sorry to disappoint you, Filch, but we're going to be here all night!  No magic?  Impossible!"                                                  Natasha nodded slightly.  She was still thinking about Malfoy, and was very close to crying.  "What's the matter?"  George inquired.                                                                                         Natasha burst into hysterical tears.  "I miss him!!  I miss him so terribly!  It's like half of me is gone!!" she managed to say between hiccups.                                                                                 George looked at her questioningly.  "Are you talking about Malfoy?"  Natasha nodded, rivers of tears flooding her cheeks.                                                                                              "I had a feeling you still liked him.  Look, Natasha you're a great girl and any guy would be lucky to get you.  But the thing is, you're in your fifth year and I'm in my seventh.  It's kind of awkward, even though you're way cooler that Ron and his little friends.  I think that you should patch things up with Malfoy and get on with your life.  It's not good to dwell on things."                 "What am I supposed to say to him?  I'm the one who broke us up!"                             George rubbed his head in thought for a moment then said, "Just talk to him.  Talk to him, as friends of course and things will happen naturally.  You two will be parading the halls together again in no time."                                                                                                              It took Natasha a few minutes to stop crying, when she noticed that all the sawdust around them was sinking into the floor, like there was a great big drain underneath them.              "Hey!  What's going on?" she hollered.                                                                             "These are emotion ashes! Not sawdust!  Anytime there is a strong emotion around them, no matter what it is, anger, sadness, happiness, jealousy, they melt away!  Filch ain't none too bright is he?" George explained making Natasha feel a little better.

That night, Natasha lay in her bed, tossing and turning with nervousness.  She was scared that if she talked to Draco, he would reject her, and that would be too much for her. 

The next day at breakfast, Natasha was talking with Ana and Emily about what George had told her to do.                                                                                                                             "He's right you know.  That's the only way things will go ordinary again." Emily urged.       "I know, but it's so hard and I'm so nervous…" pleaded Natasha.                                        "Go!  Right now!!  We aren't talking to you until you go over and at least say hi to him!" squeaked Ana.  They sarcastically turned away and had a fake conversation.  Natasha joined in, but they didn't respond.                                                                                                    Well, I guess they were serious! Natasha was knocked for six.  She sighed glumly and stood up.  Here goes nothing… Natasha whispered to herself as she walked meekly over to the bench where Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle were sitting at.                                                                          "Hi." She smiled weakly as she sat down across from them.                                   "Where's George?" Malfoy asked sarcastically.                                                                  "We broke up yesterday." Natasha was scared to go any further.                             Surprisingly Malfoy seemed to open up a bit.  "Well that's too bad." He lied. This is great! He was thinking.  Now I can get her back for sure!  But how to go about it….                                Natasha smiled, this time genuinely.  She and Draco were laughing and talking, just as they had in the past.                                                                                                               George glanced over from the Gryffindor table and saw Natasha laugh at something Draco was saying.  She looked truly happy, and she had not been in days.          

The next day, Shannon woke up very early and she tiptoed out of her bedroom to get a glass of water before she dressed.  When she opened the door, there was a piece of parchment hanging from the top bar of the door.  On the front, in very untidy scribbling, it read:

To: Shannon Peters, my love and life           

From: Your secret admirer   

Shannon smiled, thinking of Harry and walked quietly over to her windowsill and opened the thick yellowish envelope and began to read:

Dear Shannon,

You are the love of my life.  Everyday when I wake up, I think of you and I can conquer all.  The eyes of my beloved are as pretty as new pennies.  The hair, which lies so beautifully on my true love's face is shiny, as shiny as the moon on Christmas Eve.  Please my true love, come find me!

I love you so sincerely,

Your Secret Admirer

Shannon smiled as she read the last of her letter and thought again of Harry.  How sweet of him to go through so much trouble for me! Shannon grinned.  She had to find some way to thank him. Pulling on her robes she tried to formulate a plan, but Shannon knew that it would embarrass Harry.  So, when she shoved her feet into her shoes she walked silently out of her room and found herself up the stairs to the boys' dormitory.                                                                                              "You are so great!" Shannon said when she reached Harry's bed.  She flung herself on him, kissing and hugging him.                                                                                                     Harry awoke, confused but satisfied.  "Oh, well thanks!  But… what did I do?"                      "The note!  The note!  It was so sweet!" Shannon kissed him again.                                               "What note?" Harry was baffled.                                                                   Shannon pulled out the secret lover note out of her pocket and handed it to Harry, who read it and laughed.                                                                                                                                "I didn't write this Shannon!" Harry was able to say after he took a deep breath.         Shannon's eyes grew wide.  "What?  You had to!  Then, who…" 

            "I have no idea, but he and I would be great friends!" Harry joked.  Shannon smiled.

            "What's going on?" Ron was standing in the doorway, rubbing his eyes groggily.

            "Shannon got a note from her secret admirer," Harry clarified.

            "Who is it?" asked Ron curiously.

            "We don't know, but I thought it was Harry." Shannon said, showing him the small letter.  Ron walked over and sat down on the floor next to them to read it.

            "Well whoever it is they need to come up with better limericks!  Pennies?" Ron was doubled over laughing.

            Shannon shrugged.  "Maybe it's Neville.  He's always staring at me and Harry when we're in the same room.  And he's a little…ummm…"

            "Thick?" Ron finished.

            "Well, yea!" Shannon's face was red.

            "Who knows?  It could be any one of the Gryffindor guys.  Let's wait to investigate it.  You might get another note." Harry told Shannon.  She nodded and they looked at Ron for agreement.

            "Yeah.  Let's hope you do. I'm low on entertainment these days."

Natasha awoke that same morning feeling very refreshed and somewhat happier than usual.  After dinner, Malfoy had walked her back to the common room and they spent the night talking in front of the roaring fireplace.

            Even though she was pleased that they were on speaking terms, Natasha was very upset that she and Malfoy were still apart.

            "You knew that it wasn't going to happen just like that!  Stop being a fool!" Natasha told herself firmly as she tugged her robes over her head.

When Natasha had finished dressing and fixing up her hair, she made her way out into the stairway.  She hummed the school song as she made her way down the steps and walked over to the portrait hole. 

            Sitting on the small stone-carved table next to the hole, there was a small parchment envelope, a light pink color.  It said:

To: The beautiful, charming, and lovely Natasha Herring

From: Her secret admirer

Natasha sighed dramatically and opened it up.  This is from Draco!  Ooh yay- he likes me again! She thought excitedly.  She ripped the letter open and read:

My Dearest Natasha,

I love you so much and there could never be another one of you.  You are the only thing I think of when I wake up in the morning.  I live for you.  You are so beautiful!  Your eyes make me feel like I am floating in the deep blue ocean or skydiving in the cloudless sky.  Please tell me you love me too.

Love you forever,

Your Secret Admirer

It was all Natasha could fathom to not squeal with joy on the spot.  Tell Malfoy she loved him?  No way!  That day, Natasha would show him just how much she loved him.

Jenny awoke with a start that day.  She had been having a very good dream.  Her and Seamus Finnigan were dating and they had kissed.

            "That was so great!" she said as she rolled out of bed.  Jenny's foot hit something that was not her normal Berber carpet, but something smooth and quite cold on her bare feet.

            "What the-" she bent down and picked up a folded piece of orangey paper.  She unfolded it cautiously and it read:

Jenny,

You are cute and I like you.  Wait no I love you.  Will you be my girlfriend?

Kisses,

Your Secret Admirer

Jenny snorted in satisfaction.  "Now we're getting some smart peoples in this world!"  Then she sat back down on her bed and thought.  Who could this be?  Most guys were a little scared of her. 

            "Hey!  Maybe it's Seamus!  I'll ask him if he wrote it!  Maybe he'll even go out with me!" Jenny was searing with excitement.

Malfoy's Surprise

Natasha walked into Potions that day looking a bit more dazzling than usual.  (She had gone back up to her common room to primp after she received the note)  Her old seat next to Malfoy had remained untaken and she walked confidently a few feet away from where Malfoy stood talking to Crabbe (who had his mouth hanging open in confusion)

            She ran up to him and threw her arms around him and whispered in his ear, "I love you too!"  Then fixed her lips on his.  Malfoy grinned through the kiss and wrapped his arms around Natasha as well.

            "Everyone take their seats!  Ten points from Gryffindor, for that display of affection Mr. Potter and Ms. Peters." Snape walked in and snapped at Harry and Shannon, who were merely holding hands.  (Natasha and Draco, however, were still lip locked)

            "Today class, we will be making a memory potion, which we will test later seeing as it takes a while for all the ingredients to unite and will have no effect otherwise.  Choose a partner and get to work.  The directions are on the board." Snape was explaining.  "Mr. Malfoy will you please remove your lips from Ms. Herring's?  NOW!"

            Natasha and Draco reluctantly stopped kissing and looked around embarrassedly.

"Oh, Harry!  Natasha and Malfoy are back together!  She must be so happy!" Shannon said as she poured shredded flobberworms into their cauldron.  Ron had agreed to work with Hermione ("Well I do need to raise my grade!") and Shannon and Harry were watching Natasha and Malfoy laugh and talk as they always had. (And not to mention kiss every time Snape had his back turned)

"Not that I mind or anything," Malfoy was telling Natasha, "but what came over you when you ran in like that?"

            "The letter!" Natasha laughed and pulled the parchment out of her folder.  Malfoy reached for it and read it over.

            "Well, this guy had better back off!  You are mine!" he said and grinned.  Natasha smiled back and then went back to grounding her lowdry leaves.  Then it hit her.

            "You mean, you didn't write this?" she cried suddenly.

            "No…" said Malfoy.

            "Well then what creep did?  It had to be a Slytherin!  Nobody else knows our password."

            "Who cares?  He's going to have to kill me before he can have you." Malfoy said and glanced over at Professor Snape (who was yelling at Neville Longbottom because he had broken yet another cauldron that day) before taking Natasha into an avid kiss.

Outside potions class, Harry heard Ron groan.  "Yeah great.  They're back together.  That means we have to watch them shove their tongues down each other's throats constantly.  Let's buy them a curtain."

            Harry laughed but shook his head.  Ron still liked Natasha no matter what he said or how many times he could complain about her and Malfoy's kissing.

Later that day, Shannon, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Jenny were all making their way to Transfiguration.  They were all talking when they spotted from down the hall, Natasha and Draco kissing outside McGonagall's classroom.

            "Boy they better watch it!" Ron said loudly.  "If ol' McGonagall sees them, she'll probably chop off their tongues.  Let's hope that does happen so we don't have to watch them slobber all over each other everywhere we go."

            Hermione laughed and nodded in agreement.  But Jennifer chimed in.

            "Listen here, bub, if you had some girl that you liked as much as Natasha likes that Malfoy dude, we'd probably be standing here watching you two kiss as well." Jenny pointed at a spot next to Natasha and Draco, who were still kissing.   Ron glared but said nothing.

"Today class, we will be turning these bottles of butterbeer, which are not to be opened, into a ferret." McGonagall was telling the class.  Natasha and Draco had, very hesitantly, stopped kissing.  They knew better than to do that in front of McGonagall; she was the head of the Gryffindor house and would take away points from Slytherin.

            "Now watch me." McGonagall took out her wand and cleared her throat.  "One, Two, Three, Piateesa Growfundium."  And the bottle of pale yellow butterbeer was now a small white ferret.  "We will have partners for this, as we don't want the ferrets running away."  Natasha and Malfoy smiled at each other.  "I will be picking the pairs."

            The entire class groaned.

            "Seamus you'll be with Neville.  Dean, you'll be with Crabbe.  Pansy with Ana.  Emily with Parvati.  Jennifer with Hermione.  Shannon and Harry.  Natasha and Ron, please." McGonagall went on but Natasha didn't hear.  With Ron?  He would give her crap the whole time.

            Malfoy looked a little flustered, but he shrugged it off.  "We'll eat together okay?  Then we'll just hang out in the common room.  I promise." He said and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek.

            Natasha nodded and walked over to where Ron had already set their butterbeer up on a table.

            "Okay so the spell was……" Natasha had forgotten.  She was bad with spells.

            "It is Piateesa Growfundium." Ron said offhandedly.  "But you probably would have known that if your tongue wasn't massaging Malfoy's throat when McGonagall was telling us."

            "Whatever Ron.  We weren't kissing I forgot the spell.  But your head is so far up your butt you probably didn't see that." Snapped Natasha.  She grabbed her wand and pulled up her sleeves.

            "Piateesa Growfundium!" she cried before Ron could get a word in edgewise.  The butterbeer was now a plump gray ferret that was fighting to get away.  It ran off the table and for the door.

            "Immobulas!" Natasha yelled and the ferret was frozen before it could get out of the door.  She walked back over and threw a dirty glance at Ron.

            "Maybe if you weren't so wrapped up in criticizing me, you could have done your job!" she yelled.  Everyone stopped and looked up.  Ron was stuck for words.  His face was beat red.

            "Why don't you just lay off?  Stop making rude comments behind my back and in front of me!  It's not dignified!  Well I guess it fits because NEITHER ARE YOU!" Natasha was screaming at Ron.  When she finished she flew from the room, not even asking permission.

            Professor McGonagall was flabbergasted.  She stood, paralyzed in surprise for a few moments and then snapped out of it.  "Back to work everyone!  Shannon, will you please go and find your cousin?"

            Malfoy stood up.  "Maybe I should go I'm-"  He was cut off by McGonagall.

            "Sit down please Mr. Malfoy, and do get back to work!"  Malfoy unwillingly took his seat next to Susan Barns and started working.

Shannon walked trough the halls, wondering where on earth Natasha would have gone.  Not to the common room; Snape wasn't teaching right now and he would be there.

            "Let's try the bathroom." Shannon said aloud as she opened the old rickety door.  She could hear soft, quiet sobs from one of the end stalls.

            "Natasha is that you?" Shannon called delicately.

            "Yes.  I'm in here." Natasha pushed the door open.  Shannon walked over and stood in the doorway.  Natasha's cheeks were bright red and there were tears down pouring from her eyes.

            "Why is he like that?  Why?  I said I was sorry and he still hates me.  Am I that bad, Shannon?" Natasha burst out.

            Shannon shook her head.  "No!  You're not bad at all.  You and Malfoy just got back together, so of course you're going to maul on him all day.  Ron is jealous.  He still likes you, even though he won't admit it.  He was the one in the wrong not you."

            "Why can't he just be nice to me?  I don't like him!  He's so mean!" Natasha's sadness was turning to anger.

            "Harry is going to talk to him.  Leave it to him.  Don't say anything more to Ron today.  Come on, let's go get our stuff from McGonagall's room." Shannon said, glancing at her watch.  "Class is over."

            Natasha and Shannon made their way back to class, not saying much and walking at a very fast pace.  When they got to the door, Malfoy already had Natasha's things and was waiting for her.

            "Wait until I get my hands on that stupid fool!" said Malfoy angrily.  "Are you alright?  Don't listen to that moron.  He's just jealous." He gave Natasha a kiss.  Shannon shifted her feet uneasily.

            "Well, I have to meet Harry." She lied.  "I'll see you two later."  Shannon turned away from Natasha and Malfoy, still engorged in their kiss and walked toward the Gryffindor common room.  Ron having to deal with Harry was one thing.  Dealing with Shannon would be quite another.  

            Shannon walked into the common room and heard Harry and Ron shouting at each other.

            "Why do you have to make trouble for her all the time, eh?" Harry asked Ron furiously.  Ever since Harry and Natasha had kissed, he had a soft spot for her.

            "Well don't you find it a bit disgusting, Harry?  Every class that we had together today, they were kissing!  Every one!" Ron's face was fixed into a horrified scowl.

            "THEY JUST GOT BACK TOGETHER RON!" Harry yelled.  "They've been apart for two and a half weeks and they just got back together, give them a break!"

            Shannon joined in.  "You had NO RIGHT to say anything to Natasha!  She is really hurt right now and it's all your fault.  You are the one who is wrong.  Not Natasha, not Malfoy, you.  She hates you now.  Can you just be nice to her for once?" Shannon's face was angry, yet understanding at the same time.

            "I guess I could apologize.  But how would I get Natasha alone?  She and that slime ball are always on top of each other."

            "Ron, those are the obscene comments that get you into trouble." Harry reminded him.

            "Okay, okay sorry.  Shannon, do you think you could get Natasha away from Draco?  Then I would apologize to her." Said Ron thoughtfully.

            Shannon nodded.  "I could try.  But you had better not say anything foul to her, got it?"

            "Yeah.  I have a bad feeling Malfoy is about to kill me anyways."

            Later that day, Natasha was walking into the Great Hall to go and find Draco.  They would be eating together.  She was interrupted, however, by a large explosion from the Hufflepuff table, followed by extremely loud squirrel-like laughter.

            Seamus Finnigan had obviously been trying to impress Jenny by turning her water into rum, but (as usual) had not succeeded. 

            "Not the sharpest crayon in the box, now are we?" Natasha mumbled to herself as she walked toward the Slytherin table, wondering how she could have such a git for a cousin.

Natasha found Draco sitting in their usual spot, across from Crabbe and Goyle.  She started toward him, but Shannon got to her first.

            "Hi!  Are you feeling better?" Shannon asked her.  Natasha nodded.

            "I was wondering, Harry and I are going to the library after dinner today, do you want to come?" 

            "Can Draco come?"

            "Erm-well I guess he could…" Shannon shuddered deep down. "But I haven't seen you in so long, I thought maybe it could just be you."

            "Well, I kind of promised him we would hang out later… how long are we going to be in the library?"  Natasha was brainstorming.

            "Well, I can't really put a time limit on it…. A couple of hours?" Shannon was careful not to give away the fact that Ron would be there.

            "I'll ask, but prepare yourselves he might be coming…." Natasha joked.

            Natasha made her way over to her boyfriend and sat down.

            "Are you alright?" Malfoy inquired.  "I haven't seen you since lunch."

            "Yeah, I'm fine.  I was just up in my room." Natasha smiled at his worried face.

            "Don't worry, when I get my hands around Weasley's neck, he won't be able to even talk…" Draco threatened.  Natasha, on the other hand, wasn't impressed.

            "Just leave him alone.  It'll just make things worse!" she pleaded.

            Malfoy shook his head.  "I can't.  After what he did to you, leave him alone?"

            "Please, for me." Argued Natasha.

            Malfoy looked at her, almost suspiciously, then nodded slightly.

            Feeling loads better, Natasha helped herself to the scalloped potatoes and ham.

Shannon and Harry were telling Ron the game plan. 

            "We're, most likely, taking her to the library, so hurry up and finish, then wait there.  Malfoy might come, you've been warned.  Go over your apology and you'd better not make any vulgar comments."

            Ron shoveled some peas into his mouth, chewed then swallowed.  (Yes, it's called eating!)  "Where do I wait?" he asked before stuffing some buttered bread into his wide-open trap.

            Harry thought for a moment.  "Wait right in the back.  By all the Vampire books, okay?"

            "Alright.  Well, I'm going now, dinner is almost over." Ron said, standing up and helping himself to a croissant roll.

            Shannon winced.  "That boy sure can put it away, can't he?"

Meanwhile, Natasha was trying to convince Draco to let her go with Shannon alone.

            "Please?  It'll only be for a couple hours, I promise!" Natasha begged.

            Malfoy shook his head and stroked her hand.  "I missed you baby.  Can't it wait?"

            "I missed you too, but I also miss Shannon!  We haven't talked in ages!  For me, please let me go and promise not to be mad at me." Natasha asked again.  Draco smiled.

            "Okay.  Okay.  Fine, you win," he said.  Natasha smiled extensively and smooched him on the cheek.

            "Is that all I get?" he joked.  Natasha blushed.

            "No, of course not." She kissed him again, very affectionately.  Crabbe and Goyle stared, dumbstruck.  (which was not far from normal…)

Natasha made her way to the library, happier than she had been in quite some time.  She was back together with Malfoy, and she got to go visit with her cousin.  The Natasha remembered that she wanted to talk to Shannon about the Secret Admirer note.  If it wasn't from Malfoy, who could it be from? 

            Natasha made her way into the library and spotted Shannon and Harry sitting at a large table, talking quietly.  Their facial expressions looked worried.

            "Hi, what's wrong?" Natasha asked as she pulled up a chair.  Shannon and Harry pasted fake smiles on their faces.

            "Oh nothing nothing.  So you got away from Malfoy huh?" Harry said.

            "Yea, about the hardest thing I've ever done," Natasha said sarcastically.  "It's almost like arguing with the wall."  Shannon and Harry burst out laughing.  The three sat and talked for a few minutes before Harry excused himself to go get Ron (which he didn't tell Natasha; simply that he needed to find a book)

            "Ron, are you here?" Harry whispered to a shelf of books.  Ron stepped out from behind them.

            "Yeah.  Is Malfoy here?" he asked timidly.

            "No, just Natasha.  Did you find out what you're going to say?"

            "Yes… but do you honestly think she'll forgive me?" Ron was shaking in his boots.  Okay, so he wasn't wearing boots, but he was nervous.

            "I couldn't tell you.  Shannon said she was pretty torn up earlier, but she seems okay now." Harry peered out from behind the bookcase.  Natasha had her back to him, so they could sneak up with out her causing a huge ordeal.  "Let's go."

            Ron and Harry walked cautiously up to the table where Shannon and Natasha sat talking.

            Harry stood behind Ron and whispered, "Now." very firmly.