Chapter Three

Back Home At Last

" I'm sorry!! I stopped to avoid the bludgers and I had no clue Harry was so close to grabbing that snitch!! If I knew he was going to grab it as he fell, don't you think I wouldn't of stopped! " Holly said after Snape grabbed her and pulled her into the locker room away from everybody else.

He threw her against the wall and kneeled with abit of a glare in his eye. " You know not to ever take your attention off of the snitch if it's that close to you!! "

She winced and glared back, " What did you want me to do? Get hit by one of them and be stuck in the hospital wing again?! "

" NO! I wanted you to grab the snitch when you first took sight of it! Not let Potter get that close to you and miss your chance!! "

" Well at least he broke a leg! "

" I don't care about that! We lost and it's your fault Holly. " He stood up and walked away at a quick pace leaving Holly to slide down against the wall and release a long sigh. She stood up and looked out to the field where the Gryffindor team was rejoycing with Harry being taken away on a stretcher. Letting out one more sigh, she changed and walked through the tunnel up into Hogwarts where she would make her way to her chamber, saying the password for the painting, and stepping inside. Inside she was surrounding by the Slytherins who were glaring at her. Without saying a word, she turned and walked to the library, taking her seat and grabbing a random book that was laying there to read.

" ..Hi Holly. " Jeremy walked up to her with a book in hand, he sat down noticing the not-so-cheerful-look she usually had on her face.

"..Hey..." Holly didn't take her eyes off the book.

He sighed slightly,." I'm sorry about the Quidditch game... and it isn't your fault..."'

" You and I are the only ones who can safely say that. Everyone else thinks it's my fault.. " Holly threw the book aside and slammed her head on the table.

" .. If you want you can come to the Ravenclaw tower tonight and stay there.You won't have to worry about Draco bothering you. "

" That's nice of you.. I will,.. thanks. " She gave a slight smile, they got up and made their way out to the Ravenclaw Tower.

For the next few weeks, Gryffindors went around, strutting and bragging on how great the house team was. Slytherins shunned Holly and Snape slowly began speaking to her again. Months passed and Christmas was nearly around the corner. A sheet went around for students to sign in if they were going to stay at Hogwarts or go home for break.Holly and Jeremy got the sheet in the middle of a conversation.

" My parents usually are too busy, they said I'd have to stay here for break due to traveling reasons and they wouldn't be back from ...wherever in time for me to return to school. "

" My dad is taking me home.. He wants to work on new potions and I have to get in touch with some muggle friends I've known for a while before I came here. .. Heey.. I have a fabulous idea. How about you come with us for break? My dad wouldn't mind, I'd be out of his hair! And you can meet some people I know.. and stuff. "

" Really? Awesome!.. But what'll your father think? "

" Like I said, with you around, I won't be at home to bother him while he's in his potions room. " She signed the sheet with her and Jeremy's name on and passed it down the table.

Draco, followed by Crabbe and Goyle, stepped up behind Holly. He tapped her slightly with the tip of his wand, " Hello my dear cousin. Would you be willing to go up against .. moi.. in a wizarding duel? " He spoke with a smirk playing on his lips.

Holly stood up from her seat, turned around to Draco and stood several inches above him. " A wizarding duel? Against you, Draco? Oh it is to laugh. Draco, you against me is a simple game of cat and mouse. " She chuckled and Jeremy laughed some." But sure.. I'm up for it. "

" Great. Common room, tonight after dinner.. I'd stock up on spells, mousey. " He grinned and chuckled with his buddies who started to imatate a cat, Draco hissed and strode off.

Draco was somebody Holly didn't like very much. He was annoying, a smartass, and always seemed to eat crow when he bragged. And because of this habit, she knew this duel would be simple. Though why would he be so interested in wanting to duel with her? Her of all people he could disturb? She was puzzled by this, but smiled and continued on her way the common room to prepare herself for Draco's so-called challenge. Holly took off her cloak, vest, and tie and threw them into a chair. She kicked a few things off a table, tore a drapery off the wall and laid it down onto the table top. " Draco thinks he can beat me in a duel. He's got something else coming to him. For I, Holly Snape am the greatest duel... ing.. person.. EVER!! " She started to laugh until Shade came in, interupting her.

" Uhm.. I don't mean to interrupt your episode...but the duel has been moved to the Quidditch field. " Shade spoke kind of nervously. Holly laughing evily and holding a wand isn't something Shade felt safe seeing.

" The Quidditch field? Is he nuts? ..... Well, he is Draco after all. And if we do get in trouble, it will be mostly his fault. But how do I know he isn't just planning to make me stay out there waiting for him all night? "

" He told everybody at dinner about it. Trust me, he wouldn't want to make himse---," Shade was suddenly interrupted by Crabbe who came in and threw her into the wall. She was about to say something crude, but Goyle stepped in and shoved a sock in her mouth. Followed by Goyle was Draco.

Draco's hair, instead of it being greased back, was this time short and dry. It moved down to his ears, also giving him bangs. He had on a black outfit similar to Snape's and his arms were crossed over his chest. He had on smile of great pleasure on his lips and a look of pure evil in his eyes. " Are you ready to battle, Holly? "

" Yo.....you...your hair...it's...it.. " Holly paused, realizing she was about to compliment the one she greatly hated. " It makes you look absolutly ridiculous. " She grabbed her cloak and pocketed her wand. " Lets go. "

Off they went surrounded by some students from each house, mostly guys who were on Draco's side naturally. Jeremy and Shade were following behind Holly with a few students on her side, but not many. They all walked down the hall out to the field where 10ft of space was spared for them while the crowd gathered in an oval around them both. Some students where chanting, " du-el du-el du-el! " over and over. Holly and Draco were both nervous, seeing as it was their first time dueling each other. They had both read about it in books and knew how to properly duel.

" I say we make this a little more interesting Draco!! " Holly suggested with a grin plastered on her mouth. " Whoever loses has to be the winner's house elf for a month. Wearing nothing but a large pillow case. That's all. "

Draco smirked, " I bet you'd love to see me in nothing but a pillow case, eh Holly? "

Everyone, including Holly started to laugh. " You wish Draco, you wish. Alright. Enough talk, let's get this done and over with, I have more important things to do other than playing with a two year old. " Draco took a bow, but Holly grunted and moved her head foreward slightly. They raised their wands and both walked ten paces away from where they each stood. After they turned, began.

" LACAMUM INFLAMARAY! " Holly shouted, having shot fire at Draco.

" RELASHIO!! " Draco quickly shouted and took the fire in the sleeve. He brushed it off quickly as Holly's wand flew from her hand.

She picked it up quickly, " TARANTALLEGRA!! "

Draco started to dance at random. Holly smiled, amused at her spell while everyone burst into a fit of laughter. " Finite Incantatem. " He stopped his legs and drew in some breath before quickly reciting, " DIFFINDO! "

She suddenly started to spit. She coughed abit but managed to speak, " Fur-- Furnunculus!! " Draco started to grow warts all over his body.

" SERPENSORTIA!! " Draco shouted as fast as he could as a wart started to grow near his mouth. The snake shot out like before and made it's way to Holly.

She smiled and sat down, having completly forgotten about the duel. She began to parselmouth to the snake who made it's way towards her. Unfortunatly, this one left her open for one more spell. The one Draco had planned for all this time. The purpose of him to call together this gathering. Something Holly would be embarassed by for life. He grinned like a Chesher cat. Holly was going to be humilated.

" Mammorius Jumpulia!! " He chanted. It had been done. Holly's breasts were possessed to bounce out of hand. They moved as if Holly were sprinting without a supportive bra to hold her chest down. She let out a screech of pure terror. Draco and the other males but Jeremy burst into an uproar of laughter. Holly turned red and folded her arms over her chest to stop the bouncing. It only worked but she couldn't remove her arms as much as she wanted to.

Jeremy stepped out of the crowd and drew his wand. " DRACO! ARCHITEUTHIS CONVERTIUS!! " Jeremy knew he wasn't in the duel himself but he felt a surge of anger rush through his body as fast as Draco started to turn into a squid. He grew the tenticles, the arms, the big eyes and squishy exterior. Because Holly was still able to do spells, and Draco....well.....was a squid.. Holly won the match and was taken to the hospital wing to be helped. Draco was poked and proded with fingers and wands, people unsure of what to do with their squid friend.

Holly stepped out of the hospital wing with her chest tied back in a large bandage. She was cured while Draco was just being rushed in. She looked at Jeremy, her face turning as bright as a howler. He stood up and put his cloak over her shoulders. She smiled slightly and leaned against him as they walked to the Ravenclaw tower.

" You okay? " Jeremy asked, smiling and putting his arm around her without noticing.

Holly smiled a little, " I'm fine.. I think.. I hate Draco. "

" I hate him too.. you have to deal with him though. "

Holly placed her arms around Jeremy and hugged him. He smiled abit and turned a little red. She looked up at him, " You're turning red.. Are you okay? "

" I can't turn red.. I'm a vampire, remember? " He responded, somewhat shocked.

" You are half vampire my friend. Remember when you told me that on the train? " She grinned slightly. " Do you like me? "

" What? No. You are nothing but a friend to me.. I don't know what you're talking about.. " He started to turn a darker shade of red while he denied what Holly was saying. Embarrased at the fact she was right, just not wanting to admit it.

She laughed and they entered the common room. Holly laid down on the couch and Jeremy grabbed a blanket from the chair next to him and gave it to her. She took it and laid it down on herself. " Thanks. Goodnight. " She curled up tightly in a ball and he took a seat next to the couch and watched her slumber. For as I've mentioned before, he doesn't sleep.

The next week passed and students were getting ready for their vacations at home for the holidays or sitting in the Great Hall passing the time, because classes weren't being held. Draco recovered from the squidness, and was now serving Holly as house elf. Wearing the pillowcase, speaking in third person, and doing everything Holly asks of him. Holly packed her drunk. " Draco. I need you to take this down to the Great Hall for me, my father is expecting Jeremy and I soon, so hurry up." She grinned, having Draco under her control at last.

" Draco do as told Mistress Holly. " He growled and took her trunk out of the common room and dragged it downstairs, muttering and grumbling to himself all the way. He passed Jeremy on the way who grinned and mouthed the word "squid" to him, causing him Draco to move faster down the hall.

" Oh Draco. Stop up to the Ravenclaw tower as well. I need my trunk with Holly's. " Jeremy smirked.

" Draco not your house elf!! Draco ..," he paused, having gotten tired of speaking in third person, " I'm Holly's, the bet said nothing about friends. "

" Aren't you forgetting that I still have the squid spell? " He grinned.

Draco scowled, " Draco get right on it....sir.." He continued his way with Holly's trunk.

Jeremy laughed hard and caught up with Holly in the hall. " Hi."

She smiled. " Hi. Did you get your present? "

"...I didn't see one under the tree for myself from you...so no.."

Holly pulled out a package from behind her back, handed it to him and smiled, " Merry Christmas. "

He snatched it with a grin, " Thanks! " He tore the package open and there was a cloak of satin in Ravenclaw colors with blood jellybeans and treats for his bat.

Holly smiled, " Your welcome. " She pulled out her folded up cloak, like his, only with Slytherin colors. " My father got these from Hogsmeade. He knew I was eyeing one when I saw some girl with it. I think he really likes you seeing as he bought you one as well. So where is our house elf? " She put on her cloak with a grin of pleasure and chuckled.

" Putting your trunk away and on his way of getting mine. " He put his cloak on and pocketed the small gifts. They walked to the Great Hall.

When they arrived, Holly's trunk was sitting next to the Slytherin table. Her father was there talking to a few students and Draco was just coming in with Jeremy's trunk, he took it over to Holly's and sat down panting. Holly and Jeremy laughed and walked over. They sat with Draco and told him that he still had three more weeks after their vacation. He was shocked but Holly had to remind him of the bet and Jeremy had to remind him of the spell. Severus laughed, having overheard their conversation and put an arm around Holly. He asked if Jeremy enjoyed his gift and asked if they were ready to go. They both nodded and nudged Draco who took the hint and dragged both of their trunks down to the teacher's section where he put them in Severus's car ("yes he has a car, just like the Weasley family, only it's black, bigger and less noticable."). Draco stood aside while Holly and Jeremy climbed into the back, Severus joined them, said goodbye to Draco, started up the car, started to drive but then hovered and flew off. They flew across the mountains, the river, even over the Hogwarts train which was taking students who decided to go for break, to King's Cross. They arrived into the muggle world where they had to use the cloaking device and touch down in a wooded area, they came out and drove to keep up appearances. Holly began telling Jeremy of some things they've done to keep their wizardness low key. She also told him of some friends she's made while going to the muggle schools before she came to Hogwarts. The drive was long but they eventually got to Holly's home.

The house was tall and painted in a deep rose red with porch attached to the front. Walking inside the doubled doors with stained glass snake windows. The doors lead into a small room to hang jackets and such that is painted in a white cream color. Another door with a large snake painted on it lead into a huge ballroom type place with a large black chandelier with candles lighting above, hanging about 15ft from the very high ceiling. Sections of the room were lighted by candallabras off of tall cement statues in corners. The floor is a stone cement deep green and silver spirals from the corners making it's way to the center of the room.Several closed doors made up the ballroom like place leading into different rooms, the kitchen, the living room, dining room, lounge, basement, closet, and downstairs bathroom. Jeremy walked in, amazed. Snape took the trunks in by magic and placed them in Holly's room. He nodded to them and went upstairs. Holly took Jeremy upstairs as well. They walked up the black carpeted steps and down the long hallway, passing doors that Holly was telling him they didn't really use the rooms for anything but storage. Snape had a potions room with a door painted black. The crystal doorknob was glowing red, which meant Snape was in there working. She shook her head and lead Jeremy into her bedroom.

Her bedroom was large and painted white with several muggle posters of music stars and actors. Also with mystical creatures such as unicorns, faries, witches and so forth. She had a bed with purple sheetings and some clothes scattered on them still from when she first packed. A dresser with things such as old Daily Prophets sprawed across with the pictures still moving, pictures of snakes moving back and forth, hissing at whoever looked at the picture. Some potion testtubes containing pencils or colored waters near a small cauldron with drawings or other things stacked inside. A tall bookcase with books on muggle perspectives on vampires, witches, wizards, elves and other things. Another table had a CD player with some CDs scattered face down on the table, more moving pictures of her mother and father, her elf family. She kicked open her trunk and pulled out a few things, throwing them on her bed. " You like? "

" It's interesting. Heh.. " Jeremy looked around and caught a glimps of the pictures of her family. He picked up one. " Who are they? "

Holly smiled, " That's the elf side of my family.. My father doesn't want to go over to their part of the woods anymore though.. I am really unsure why though.. " she sighed and picked up a few more pictures, looking at the smiling faces. She grabbed another picture of herself and two girls in it. One girl had multicolored hair, who stood over Holly with a grin on her face. The other girl had long black hair, all three of them wearing the same colored clothing, standing infront of King's Cross. " Those girls are Ami and Emma. I've known them for a while, they are probably wondering what happened to me. Which reminds me, I have to give Emma a ring. " Holly dropped the picture, ran out of her bedroom and downstairs into the kitchen with Jeremy following. She picked up the telephone.

" Wh.. what's that thing? " Jeremy inquired, never seeing a telephone in his life.

Holly smiled and laughed, explaining the telephone and how it worked as best as possible so he'd understand it as much as possible. He was still confused and wondered how electricity and such allowed people to hear you through a piece of plastic. She called her friend Emma and told her to meet her at the arcade in London, she hung up. " Alright Jeremy. You ready for a tour? "

" Ok. " He smiled but soon enough was grabbed and pulled out of the kitchen and the house.

They walked out and down the hill from her house. Holly was telling him of all the great places they would have to go. Telling him of all the people they had to meet. They walked for about five miles, reaching civilization finally. Holly threw up her arms, " I AM BACK!! " She was stared at briefly by the regulars but she grinned and took Jeremy into the large arcade. There he saw flashing lights, people jumping, running around. Screaming at games, hitting the games, hitting things back and forth, watching things on large screens. He was stunned by it all. " Jeremy!!!! This is my home away from home. I come here to relax with my friends. " She dug through her pockets, still in her Hogwarts outfit, pulled out wizards money. " .. Oops.. I'm gonna have to use muggle money.. "

" HOLLY!!!! " Emma ran up to her from afar. She flung her arms around Holly tightly, " I MISSED YOU!! WHAT HAPPENED!?!?!" Emma had pink and orange hair, wearing a purple outfit. She jumped back and looked at Jeremy, " Who's he? "

Holly smiled, " This is my friend, Jeremy. An--"

" WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!?!! " Emma interrupted her. She finally noticed the uniforms and cloaks. " Whoa.. waitaminute.. What is.. THIS?!! Uniforms?! Holly! What has your father been doing to you? "

Holly smirked, Jeremy laughed. " I'll explain it to you later... Uh.. Can I borrow some money off of you? My money is obsolete here. "

" What do you mean? "

Holly showed her the wizarding money. " That's what I mean. "

Emma's eyes went from their normal shade of emerald to a bright shimmering gold, " BLOODY HELL!! That's a LOT! "

Holly grinned and repocketed the money, " That's wizard's money.. I'll have to explain later. So, can I borrow some of your money? I'll pay you back. "

Emma nodded quietly and gave her some money. " You really need to explain a lot of things to me Holly. You must. "

" I will I will. If you don't mind, I'll be showing Jeremy around and playing a few games with him. Bye! " Holly ran off with Jeremy following.

So off they went into the ocean of arcade games. Holly introduced him to air hockey, pinball, billards, and the ever popular, Pacman.

Holly taught Jeremy the art of air hockey. He thought of it as easy because he's practiced being a beater at Hogwarts in hope of making the team. Him and Holly played several games and they won evenly, impressing others with their tricks, including Holly's for she was taught to jump over students and such while playing. Holly took Jeremy to the cafes outside and let him try a food called, pizza. He didn't like it very much so Holly had an extra slice.She took him all around London and ran into old friends who questioned her about their uniforms and where has she been for the past four months. Holly called up a meeting with all her friends at home.

" C'mon Holly stop keeping it to yourself! Where have you guys been? We tried calling you on your phone, your number was disconnected!! " One girl shouted while grabbing a chocolate frog absent mindedly.

" Honestly Holly! You call yourself a friend when you leave for somewhere and not even tell us!! " Alee shouted.

Holly pulled off her cloak and sat down next to Jeremy.

" Well...stop complaining and I'll tell you!! ..." She took a very deep breath and let it out, paused, and spoke finally. " I have been at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

There was a very awkward silence in the room. Holly grew uncomfortable.

" Wait.. a school for witchcraft and wizardry? ... how come we haven't heard of it? "

" Because. You are all muggles. "

" Muggles?!! But I bathe everyday!! " One girl shouted and ran out crying.

Holly lifted an eyebrow,"....anyway.. Muggles are non-magic people such as yourselves. I've been at a school of Wizardry and such because my father is a wizard and a teacher there. Those smells are potions he works on. This outfit Jeremy and I are wearing is the school's uniform. I only have a week off for vacation. The reason you haven't heard of it is because in the book about Hogwarts it's a cloaked area on a hill so it can't be seen with muggle eyes. I have proof of this place! " Holly kicked open her trunk she brought downstairs and pulled out the pictures she took of Hogwarts. The Great Hall, Quidditch field, the library, each chamber, pictures of the teachers, etc. She handed them over.

" Bloody hell!! This stuff is amaz--"

" THAT LIBRARY IS BIGGER THAN THE GYM!!! LOOK AT THIS PLACE!! " Emma shouted, absolutly amazed.

Alee took the pictures of the teachers, " Are... ARE THEY MOVING? "

Holly nodded and Jeremy was chuckling.

" Holly, what's this field? A socce...no it couldn't be soccer!! Those seats are way to high up. "

" Which is why I also brought pictures of the last Quidditch game taken by the photograper. It'll help explain why the seats have to be so high up." Holly handed them pictures of the game.

" Ooooh, is that you? GO HOLLY!!!! "

Holly started to laugh, " Yes yes that is me. I'm a seeker, downstairs in the basement is where I practice, which when I went to school with you guys I was always bruised or I had my arms in slings and such. "

" Whooaa..wicked!! What teacher is this? .. Sh.. She just like totally changed into the cat like that!! "

Holly smiled and watched them go through the pictures and her trunk, Jeremy drank a little blood and let Kaos sleep in his lap. Holly pet his bat Kaos and sat down next to him. Finally, Holly felt so much better after getting the truth of her chest. After feeling that her friends still were her friends even though she was a witch. Her friends were absolutly fascinated with the books, the pictures, the spells, everything. Jeremy was a little amused at their reactions. Severus was in his potions room, really not noticing anything.

Hours had passed, Amee and Emma left for home, Holly and Jeremy sat together in the lounge and played video games for abit. They then had a mini-pillow fight together and laid down on the couch. Holly ontop of Jeremy. They started to nuzzle each other for a little while, Holly whispered things in his neck, spoke in elf and Jeremy not really caring what she had said, just enjoying their time together. They laid there in silence and in darkness, not caring of anything but them. Having the same instincts about their actions and not having the slightest thought of negativity.

Morning came. Jeremy stayed up the whole night, arms around Holly's back, a smile on his face while Holly slept peacefully. She woke up and rolled off of him, hitting the floor with a thunk.

They both sat up, Holly held her head. " Are you alright? " Jeremy asked her.

Holly nodded,.. " Yeah....did ..did I fall asleep? "

He laughed, " Yeah. You said we were going somewhere today? "

" Mmm..ah yes!! I remember. I was going to take you to my special area! "