Chapter 15- In the next month leading up to Halloween, Pike and Eden had began to be able to speak again, slowly at first. Pike of course was never seen in any of his classes, except for Defense against the Dark Arts, just as he had promised he would be. But strange enough, Eden had begun to miss classes more and more. Lee stifled a laugh every time he passed Eden or Pike, and Estelle of course make a mock-up of everything, and did it with glee and a twinkle in her eye. Draco had continued warming up to Airykkaa and now they could be seen almost constantly holding hands or staying a moment too long in the other's embrace. Lee was still unsure whether or not Draco was being genuine, or merely playing mind-games to get something that he wanted. Many thought it was so cute that it was disgusting. Airykkaa had become well known for being a perfectionist, and was now playing as the reserve seeker on the Slytherin team, she didn't mind, as long as she was able to play every once in awhile. But the most interesting thing was in fact, that more and more often, Eden would be caught with Pike. Having a word outside, or talking in the library, or being in places that no student had the right to be in, and people were starting to suspect something was going on. She enjoyed being shown all of the secret passages and tunnels that went through Hogwarts, she could use them occasionally, and it would save her a lot of time when she needed to get away fast. Estelle had begun to look ill a few weeks before Halloween, but it was to no matter, as she continued to claim "I'm fine." briskly, and in a tone than no one dared question. "Okay, Okay!" Ellivia shrieked, not knowing what else to say, "But you do look really pale." "It's called a lack of sunlight," Pike said, coming seemingly out of thin air, "she avoids it like the plague." he finished, and Estelle blinked in relief. Pike had gotten her out of another awkward situation concerning her health. "Thanks." Estelle said, sighing, "Pike?" she asked, questioning herself if she should put her nose in Pike's business, "Can I talk to you?" "Sure." he said, realizing that Estelle was going to talk about it whether he liked it or not, as she grabbed his arm and half dragged him to a deserted side of the room. "Are you dating Eden Parker?" Estelle blatantly asked, sounding somewhat cross between intrigued and concerned. "No." Pike said outright, beginning to sound angry, "What's it to you anyway?" he whispered. She did nothing but point over toward Crabbe and Goyle, who were looking more malevolent than usual. "See that?" she hissed, "Those are very two pissed off Slytherins. You dating Eden would destroy this entire house's reputation and dignity. They aren't too happy about it." she finished, now just looking concerned. "Crabbe and Goyle? What a complete joke, Estelle. I can handle those two, but what I cant handle is everyone making assumptions. Especially since they're based on coincidence and rumor." he said, "Not to mention, they've don't things that have completely demoralized this house, and all they're worried about is if I've been spending a wee too much time with a certain Eden Parker." he finished his sentence, no sounding completely exasperated. Estelle stared at him knowingly, knowing what he was thinking, it didn't take much time to get to know Pike. He looked her dead in the eyes and his voice dropped to barely above a whisper, "Estelle, I'm not going to lie to you, I can't. I like her, dear god I wish I didn't. But there is worse things that I could be doing." he said, giving himself up completely, "She's not like the rest of them, she's... off. She's not like the other Gryffindorks at all. YOU know that, everyone does." he finished. "I know." Estelle said, shaking her head in silent agreement. They both turned to see an overly happy Airykkaa, "See you two in Potions?" she asked happily. "You need to sort out your priorities." Estelle muttered, and walked out of the common room, and toward the great hall for breakfast.

~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~ Estelle and Lee entered potions to see Airykkaa already in class, helping her father lay out the ingredients they would need for the days lesson, "You should know better than to expect him to come to class, Daddy." Airykkaa whispered. Estelle silently mocked her innocence playfully, and Airykkaa did not go without noticing. Estelle became silent after Airykkaa shot her a look that would make fire freeze, everyone had come to learn that although Airykkaa was very mild-mannered, she was not one to be toyed with, a lesson that Aidan Blackstone would soon come to learn, and he would never forget it. "I suppose you're right." Snape growled, although it was not directed at his daughter who was working silently and calmly beside him. "Oh, I nearly forgot to ask..." Snape's mood lightened immensely, "did you want to help me teach this lesson today?" Airykkaa immediately glowed, "Absolutely! Thank you!" she beamed, now ecstatic. "Nothing wrong with getting a head start on your chosen career." Snape replied, seeming very proud, "I'll survey the room and make sure everything is going okay with the students, and you can teach today, I've already asked Dumbledore and he has approved." Lee leaned over as other students poured into the room, "Ellivia is going to be pissed." he whispered to Estelle, who nodded curtly, she was beginning to get another headache. "Are you alright?" Lee asked, noticing her lack of stamina. "Fine." she lied, hoping it would be enough. As the room settled around them Airykkaa sat comfortable at Snape's desk, Ellivia scowled, and everyone jumped as they heard Snape bellow, "Today Airykkaa is going to teach today's lesson, for she has already learned this and I have a migraine." A few stark but quiet pronouncements of "Bullshit" and "Daddy's girl" could be heard, but Airykkaa never even flinched at the sound of it, but instead went on to teach the lesson. "Today we'll be making an infusion of bloxley's weed and Potrotters root, and a few other minor things, that will enable you to walk through fire." she beamed, "Please do be careful that you do as directed, because everyone's mixture WILL be tested." she finished, sounding very calm. Students groaned and gasped, they had no idea how much like her father she could truly be until now. Even Lee was stunned by this turn of events, but no matter, his mixture would come out perfect, he was sure of it. Ellivia's jaw nearly hit the floor. Neville Longbottom shivered in fear. The lesson went on otherwise nearly perfect, despite Estelle occasionally groaning as he headache worsened, and now she began to look quite ill. Moments later Airykkaa heard Snape hiss, "Always the troublemaker" and turn away. "Well Professor?" Lee growled, now holding everyone's attention, and Airykkaa's mild annoyance at her lesson being disrupted, "Aren't you going to do anything?" Snape shrugged, and then looking up snarled, "If you're so concerned Fallows, take her to Pomfrey. Just don't bother me with her." Airykkaa looked on at her father in disbelief, and jumped at the sound of splintering wood, and Lee picked up Estelle, and carried her out of the room, tears of blood streaming down her face. Airykkaa was now overcome with worry, but forced herself to continue her lesson. She gave a great sigh and continued, although she desperately wanted to go to the infirmary with Estelle. "Okay. Now let the concoction simmer for five minutes and then let it cool for another ten."