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Ha ha, I am not brain dead. Though the school year is going a bit fast...

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The Last day of holidays before Hogwarts becomes full again, was a very slow boring day. It was also a dreary day, clouds covering the sky, an unwelcome chill in the air, it was a wonder why a storm hadn't started.

Stephanie was with Hermione in the Library looking for a certain book on Bats. They finally started to argue what kind of bat Earendil was. Hermione was looking in a certain section thinking she read something that had covered bats. Steph was already sitting with a book skimming it's pictures and text.

Draco had been in the Library looking for a book on hexing when he saw Stephanie. He sat down beside the oblivious girl. "Hullo." he took the book from her.

"Do you know anything about bats?" she asked, not saying hello first.

"Yes... I suppose you are finding a subject to dwell in?" he drawled.

She looked up and stared at the boy. "I suppose keeping your mind off .... yes well."

He raised an eyebrow. "Off what?"

Hermione walked in with a small text. Looking at the two she raised a questioning eyebrow.

"Found anything?" she asked Hermione changing the subject.

"Yes I think so."

*

The common room once again was filled with all the Gryffindors. Love was in the air, everyone felt it. Valentine's day was in sight, and no one was in a bad mood. The Gryffindor team was using Oliver Wood's strategies; waking up early for practice. But the teachers were on their backs once again:

Professor Flitwick was talking about the proper way of charming a ball to change colours and shape. Not many people got it. Someone from Ravenclaw accidently flew it across the room hitting a Gryffindor in the back of the head.

Flitwick looked around nervously, 'I knew this one was difficult, but.... this is getting out of hand!' "Alright class! Retrieve your balls and read pages fifty-seven to seventy. I want you to master this colour charm by tomorrow." he squeaked.

*

"Now as I promised before, you will see a real demon." the professor looked around the room. "This is no regular demon as everyone else has seen. A vengeance demon, has the powers to grant... well horrible things to be done to loved ones."

"If anyone starts whispering anything, they are going to have to explain to me!" Spike looked around and stared at Malfoy and two others.

A young beautiful girl appeared out of nowhere, "Will, did you want me now?" she looked around at the full class. "Was this a bad time?"

"No, not at all. Great timing actually, Anya."

Anya smiled, "Glad to be of help."

*

"I just find it weird that Rosenberg is friends with all her examples." a third year laughed with his friends.

Dawn followed them with her eyes. "Dawn don't worry. Rosenberg is the best defence professor we have had since Lupin." Harry patted his girlfriend on the back.

"ya... uh who's Lupin?"

"A werewolf." Harry said casually.

"They are allowed to put werewolves as teachers?!" Dawn stared in amazement.

"They allowed vampires in the school too as I found out."

She rolled her eyes. "Okay I get the point."

"You mean vamps are allowed in the school?" a voice came behind them. "How many do we have in the school, not including Spike?"

Harry looked around seeing Steph bright eyed, holding her text books close to her chest. "Well none now, just years ago."

Her eyes lost their glow, "Too bad.." she sighed and walked away.

"She's getting odd..." Harry said turning back.

"Well I think she's just going through a tough time."

*

Valentines day landed on the weekend they were allowed to visit Hogsmeade. The third to seventh years packed the area as well as other witches and wizards.

Harry and Ron were in a flower shop looking at the few choices for their lucky ladies. Glad they already bought presents, they felt safe to buy the flowers.

Draco was looking around for some odds and ends, and Stephanie. Thinking; on moving their friendship to a new level was a good idea, today of all days.

Hermione, Stephanie and Dawn were sitting at an ice cream shop, eating sundaes, when Harry, Ron came up on them.

"Hello, ladies." Harry said smiling.

They looked up and smiled sweetly. Steph got out of her chair and slinked away. Harry and Ron pulled out their flowers. The girls swooned, and hugged them.

"Thanks," Dawn beamed. "Flowers are always a romantic classic."

"That's so sweet Ronald." Hermione pecked Ron, making him turn scarlet.

*

"Hey Stephanie!" two voices called out.

"Just the lady we were looking for." a red head came on her left.

"Really, why?"

"We wanted to give a gift." the red head on the right (George) said.

"Awe, how sweet." she smiled.

They presented a square box.

"Chocolates! Wow, but don't you have someone to swoon over and give these to?"

"Oh of course not! Your our favorite girl, well next to Ginny..." Fred said.

"There is a counter for this, right?" she laughed.

"We are hurt!" they said. "We just thought you might want a gift to cheer you up."

She looked at them in amusement.

*

The Gryffindor common room was full of love birds. Even the few you wouldn't expect...

Stephanie looked over the chocolates the twins have given her. 'look okay.. too bad I don't eat chocolates.' she smiled at the dissected chocolate to just find chocolate.

Hermione and Dawn were sitting on their boyfriends opening the gifts they just received.

"Awe, Ron!" Hermione awed, she held up a gold plated, heart shaped picture frame with a picture of herself and Ron hugging. "I remember this..."

Dawn smiled at the other couple. Harry produced a small box. Dawn slowly opened it to a silver heart locket. She looked up shocked at Harry, but opened it. It had a very small flower in it.

"Wow." she breathed, Harry smiled.

She pulled out a teddy with a heart, she smiled. "I now feel bad giving you this."

Harry laughed and took it pecking her on the cheek, "Cute." he commented.

Hermione pulled out a similar teddy with a pocket full of chocolate. She blushed but still got a kiss.