A/N: Woo hoo

A/N: Woo hoo! Chapter eight! Finally! It's the longest one so far! I hope you like it. There's a bit of Draco bashing (literally) and some Snape bashing too.

How could you?

Ron waved his hand in front of Harry's face as they walked down to breakfast the next morning.

Yoo whoo...Haarree....Haaareee....' he called softly, then yelled HARRY!'

Harry jumped and looked around Huh? Wha? What's happening?'

Ashley and Hermione, who were walking beside them both started to laugh as Ron sighed exasperatedly.

What's up with you Harry?' Ron asked It's like your on another planet or something!'

Oh sorry, guess I'm just a bit distracted.' Harry replied, smiling sheepishly

That's not half obvious' Ron said sarcastically So, would you like to enlighten the rest of us why you're acting like you're stoned?'

Harry rolled his eyes Wow, "enlighten" what a big word! I'll tell you later, right now I want FOOD!'

Ron glared at Harry as they walked through the doors into the Great Hall and over to the Gryffindor table. They'd been sitting down for less than a minute when Ashley let out a squeal and jumped up running to where two teachers were walking through the doors.

Remy!' she yelled excitedly, causing most of the people in the hall to turn and look at her.

Hermione watched her and turned excitedly to Harry and Ron It's Professor Lupin!' she exclaimed happily He must be the new DADA teacher!'

The three of them jumped up and walked over to where Ashley had wrapped a very startled Remus Lupin in a hug. Professor Flitwick was standing next to them, looking up at Ashley with a slightly disapproving look on his face.

Remus laughed and pushed Ashley away slightly so that he could breathe.

You'd think it had been a lot longer since we'd last seen each other the way you're acting Ash.'

Aren't I allowed to miss my favourite Professor?' she asked sweetly

Well, I would've thought you'd be slightly more worried about seeing me after that letter you wrote to Sirius' he replied And while I don't make a habit of murdering students when they're asleep, he's having serious thoughts about it. He does have a reputation as a murderer to live up to.' By this time Professor Flitwick had discreetly walked away so he hadn't heard the last comment.

He'd better not kill me!' Ashley exclaimed You guys need my help with this thing, remember.'

Ron and Hermione were listening to this exchange with confused looks on their faces.

Uh, do you want to tell us what's going on?' Ron asked

It's a bit long to tell you right now Ron' Remus said apologetically But Dumbledore has excused you from Charms, so you can come to my office once you've finished breakfast. That's what I was just talking to Professor Flitwick about' he explained, he turned back to Ashley and looked at her curiously You can explain to me what you did to Snape then too, I was rather surprised to find him acting civilly towards me, and after your letter I know you did something.'

Ashley smiled innocently Of course Professor Lupin, but not now, I'm going to go eat.'

Remus nodded resignedly Al right, I'll see you four in my office once you've finished stuffing your faces.' He walked away and they went and sat down at the Gryffindor table.

Ashley was in the middle of eating a piece of bacon when Ron turned to her and rested his elbows on the table.

So, Ash what was Lupin going on about Snape for?' Ron asked curiously

Ashley bit her lip nervously Umm...'

Ashley's been having some late night rendezvous' with dear old Snape' Harry told Ron.

Realisation slowly dawned on both Ron and Hermione's faces, Hermione's eyes widened and she let out a surprised yelp.

Snape!' she choked out

Ron had turned a slightly green colour You can't be serious' he said I mean this is Snape we're talking about! That's - that's practically necrophillia!'

Hermione rolled her eyes, having gotten over the shock a lot quicker than Ron. She put on her best you-don't-know-what-you're-talking-about voice and looked at Ron Calm down Ron!' she snapped He may look dead, but he's not!' then as an afterthought she added I think.'

It's still gross' Ron told her

Ashley shrugged, unconcerned about Ron's attitude You'll get over it. Besides, I'm sure some people would think the same about you and - mmmph' her last words were cut off as Ron quickly clamped a hand over her mouth, his face turning bright red.

Harry and Hermione jumped at the opportunity to tease Ron.

Ooohh...has ickle Ronnikins got a girlfriend' Harry crowed, using the Weasley twins name for him.

What's her name Ron?' Hermione asked What house is she in? C'mon tell us! You told Ashley'

Shut up!' Ron managed to choke out, glaring furiously at Ashley and sinking low into his seat. I didn't tell Ashley, she guessed.'

Hermione put an arm around Ron's shoulders Aww...don't be mad at Ash, Ron. We would've found out eventually. We're your friends after all.'

Ron snorted Lucky, lucky me' he muttered, then quickly changed the subject You two knew Professor Lupin was coming, didn't you' he said accusingly to Harry and Ashley.

Harry nodded Yeah'

Why is he here?' Ron asked It's not just to teach is it, there's something going on, isn't there.'

Ashley sighed and nodded You'll find out what it is soon.'

***

So , basically you're here to train Harry and Ashley so that they can fight You-Know-Who'

Remus nodded seriously Yes, and I really wish that I didn't have to.'

Hermione was twirling a piece of hair around her fingers, her eyes dark with worry

Why them? Isn't there somebody else who can do this? Somebody older and with more experience?'

Remus shook his head sadly They've got powers that might be the key to Voldemort's downfall, and unfortunately they're the only people that we know of who have them. I wish there was some other way, but there isn't'

They'd come straight to the office as soon as they had finished eating breakfast. Professor Lupin had explained to Ron and Hermione what was going to happy while Harry and Ashley sat in silence. Suddenly the door opened and Draco walked in.

Am I late for the party?' he asked, shutting the door quickly.

Remus sighed, Ashley and Harry grinned, Hermione rolled her eyes and Ron glared dangerously at him.

Malfoy' he spat What are you doing here!'

Draco pouted You make it sound as if I'm not wanted'

You're not.' Ron replied flatly Now go away.'

I wouldn't be so sure about me not being wanted, Weasley, if I were you.' he smirked teasingly at Ron and went and sat on Harry's lap. Ron started spluttering and began to turn red again.

Get off him Malfoy!' he snarled

Everybody gasped as Harry wrapped his arms around Draco.

Don't worry Ron, I'm quite happy with him here, he doesn't need to move' Harry said smiling, enjoying Ron's discomfort.

Ashley was the first to pull herself out of the shock of seeing the two enemies sitting like that.

When I said that I wanted you two to be friends, I meant friends in an entirely platonic sense.'

Draco pretended to look chagrined. Oh, I'm sorry Ash, we must have misunderstood.'

Ashley rolled her eyes at the pair I'm sure, next time I'll be sure to explain much more clearly.' she sighed I suppose the closer you two are the better you'll be able to work together.'

Draco rolled his eyes back at her Thanks for your approval Ashley' he said sarcastically

I can now feel good about this relationship. I don't know if I could've survived if you'd said no.'

Ron jumped up, pulling Draco off Harry and punching him in the face, sending him flying backwards into Harry's arms.

Get away from him you bastard!' he yelled at Draco and trying to punch him again, only to find his arm grabbed by an angry Harry.

Don't. Touch. Him' Harry spat and pushed Ron away, turning his back on him. Are you okay?' he asked Draco, putting an arm around his waist.

I'll be fine' he said But I can't say the same for your friend.

They looked over to wear Ron was being told off by Remus in teacher mode.

But it's disgusting' Ron was in the middle of yelling People who are gay aren't - aren't human!'

Harry, Draco and Ashley paled, Ashley's hair going a deep purple.

Is that so?' Remus asked his eyes flashing dangerously.

Ron nodded

And why is that?' Remus asked

It's just - they're just -' he faltered under Remus' angry glare It's just not right.' he said finally.

Well, Ron' Remus said If that's how you feel then perhaps you should leave.'

Ron's eyes widened What!' he exclaimed

You're not going to be much help if you have that attitude Mr Weasley.'

Fine!' Ron yelled See if I care!'

He turned and walked out, slamming the door behind him.

Remus sighed That didn't go too well. Hermione, could you possibly go and find him. I think you're the only one of us he'll listen to right now, and we definitely don't need him going around and spreading what happened here all over the school.

Hermione nodded and left the room without saying anything. Remus turned to the remaining three.

I'm going to go and get Sirius, wait here please' he said following Hermione out.

Once the door was shut Harry sighed and put his head in his hands. Draco came and sat down beside him, wrapping his arms around Harry's waist.

I'm sorry Harry' he said quietly That was my fault, I kind of didn't think about what he'd do.'

Don't worry about it, it wasn't really your fault' Harry replied, leaning against Draco I should've told him already.'

Ashley glared at them both Would you two stop blaming yourselves!' she snapped It would have happened no matter what you said to him or did. I mean, think about it for a minute. He's just found out that his best friend is going out with his worst enemy, and to rub it in a bit more you're both guys, it must be a bit of a shock for him. On top of that he got yelled at by his favourite teacher. I'd be pretty pissed off if I was in his place.'

They both smiled sheepishly at her Sorry,' Harry said I'm just a bit stressed. If he tells anyone what happened, we're going to be up to our heads in pissed off Death-Eaters.'

Sounds great' Draco smirked We can all have a lovely little tea party, with pretty dollies and maybe if you ask him really nicely Voldemort will do a dance for you.'

Harry backed away slowly from Draco, That's it, he's cracked. Too much stress' he said Maybe we should just stick him in a padded cell until this shit is all over.'

You wouldn't do that to me Harry, you love me too much. Don't you Haarreee...' Draco said in a sickly sweet little girl voice.

Draaaacooo...' Harry replied in the same tone. What is it with people calling me that today?' he said, moving back over.

Suits you?' Draco replied innocently

It does not suit me!' Harry exclaimed indignantly

Whatever you say, Haaarreeee...' Draco said smirking.

Ashley shook her head at the two, and at down between them on the couch, ignoring Draco's indignant squeals as he got shoved out of the way. She turned to face Harry who was looking at her with a mixture of annoyance and amusement

You' she said , pointing at him, and touching his nose lightly. Need to talk to Ron.'

Harry grimaced Do I have to...' he whined.

Draco leaned over Ashley and rested his elbows on Harry's knees. As much as I don't like him, I have to agree with Ashley, Ron is your best friend after all.'

You have bony elbows' Harry told him. Draco flipped over, so he was lying across Ashley with his head in Harry's lap.

Don't change the subject, Harry' he replied You've got to talk to him.'

But-'

Draco and Ashley both glared at him. Do it.' Ashley told him, her voice leaving no room for arguments. Harry set his mouth in a stubborn frown and tried to match her glare. It didn't work. He gave up and looked at the door, trying to avoid both Ashley and Draco's eyes.

Fine...' he replied noncomittedly.

Harry-' Ashley began warningly but was interuppted as the door opened and Remus walked in, looking like he was talking to himself.

You do realise that talking to yourself is a sure sign of madness' Draco told him soberly. So is having your arm wrapped around nothing.'

Thank you for that extremely useful piece of information Draco' said Sirius' voice, coming from next to Remus. I'll be sure to remember that.' He muttered a few words and became visible. Both adults raised their eyebrows at the three teenagers position.

I'm not going to ask' Sirius said, sitting down with Remus on a chair opposite them.

You sure you don't want to join us?' Draco asked It's really quite comfortable.'

I think we'll pass.' Remus said, leaning against Sirius. For now I'm quite happy to leave you three doing...doing whatever it is you're doing.' When Draco opened his mouth to talk Remus quickly cut him off Thankyou Draco, but I really do not need to know.'

Draco shrugged and Harry grinned at his Professor and his godfather. I doubt that we're doing what you're trying to get Draco to avoid saying, but it was your mind that dived into the gutter and came up with that conclusion. You've got me really worried as to what you to got up to when you were young.'

Remus blushed slightly What's to say we don't still do it?' Sirius asked, grinning widely.

That is not what we came here to talk about Sirius!' Remus admonished Can we please leave this subject alone!'

And that subject is...?' Sirius asked

Anything but that!'

Harry...' Draco said grinning wickedly

Harry looked down warily What?'

We-ell...my face is going to have this really nasty bruise on it...' Draco said, touching the spot where Ron had hit him for emphasis, where a purple bruise was already forming on his pale skin.

Your point?' Harry asked

Well, I thought, just to show how charitable I can be and that I'm willing to share things with Ron, I could give him a matching one.'

Not a chance Draco' Harry replied as the others finally stopped laughing. Draco looked up at him innocently and Harry turned around so that he wouldn't have to see his face, trying to keep from laughing. Draco followed him. Harry turned again. Draco followed. Harry turned. Draco followed.

Would you stop that!' Harry snapped. I am not letting you punch Ron!'

Puh-leeeease Harreeeee...' Draco said, throwing himself at Harry's feet and kissing his shoes.

Harry grinned I could get used to this' he said cheerfully. Draco sat up on the ground and crossed his arms, glaring at Harry. This only made Harry laugh and Draco gave up, flinging himself back up into Harry's lap.

Fine. Be that way. See if I care.' Draco said sulkily, he looked at the door questionly. Wonder what's taking Granger so long?'

Harry shrugged I don't know. They should be here soon.' He glanced over at Sirius and Remus. Remus was whispering animatedly to Sirius who was drinking something. Harry turned back to Ashley and Draco.

So Ash, is there really a nice person beneath Snape's I-Hate-Everyone-I-meet exterior?' he asked

Hey! He likes me!' Draco exclaimed indignantly

Right, Snape's I-Hate-Everyone-I-Meet-Except-Draco exterior?' Harry corrected.

Ashley nodded. Yeah, there is. And he's a really good kisser.'

Sirius sprayed water all over Remus.

Whaaaat!'

Thanks for that Sirius' Remus said dryly.

Please don't tell me you learnt that from experience' Sirius begged Pleeeease...'

Ashley just smiled slightly.

How could you do this to me' Sirius wailed My own niece! Of all the people you could have chosen to kiss you picked Snape! Why! I'm sure that there's plenty of guys who'd die for you to kiss them and some of them must have been good kissers! You could have kissed Ron. Or Harry. Or Draco! I'd have even let you kiss Remus if I'd known that you wanted some one to kiss you!'

Remus might object to someone who isn't Sirius kissing him, even if it's for a worthy

cause like keeping Sirius' reputation intact. After all it wouldn't do to let anybody see that his niece has managed to see that Snape has a good side.' Remus said rolling his eyes.

Not you too!' Sirius cried How can you side with her! My own boyfriend! I thought you hated Snape! Don't tell me you've been kissing him too?'

Ashley glared at Sirius her eyes flashing and her hair darkening to black. I can make my own choices, thankyou very much, and I'd appreciate it if you would remember that!' she snapped It's my life and my choices! I don't have to live by something that doesn't have anything to do with me. What went on between you and Snape when you were at school is between you two, not me, it's in the past and I don't want it to have any reflection on my current life! I'm not you! I can do what I want even if that means fucking Severus Snape!' She glared defiantly at Sirius, breathing deeply. Sirus had gone pale and his mouth was set in a thin frown.

Fine' he ground out Do what you want.'

Ashley smiled triumphantly, her hair slowly fading back to its normal colour. I will'

Sirius growled and glared angrily at her, but the door opening stopped him from saying anything. Hermione walked in dragging Ron behind her.

Hermione looked at him sharply and he scuffed the ground with the toe of his shoes.

Sorry Harry' he mumbled. Hermione elbowed him in the side. Ow!' he yelped I'm not saying sorry to that git!'

And you think I want you to say sorry to me Weasel?' Draco shot back The only reason I haven't beaten the crap out of you yet is because there is a teacher here and Harry told me not to. Unlike some people I respect other peoples opinions, and unfortunately for me, your Harry's best friend and for some reason that I am unable to fathom, he doesn't want me to beat the shit out of you.'

Ron smirked Can't say I'm sorry for you there, Ferret-boy. Although it's hard to imagine you doing something unless there's something in it for you.'

Draco smirked back and wrapped his arm around Harry's waist, obviously enjoying the dicomfort that it was causing Ron. Oh, but there is something in it for me, Weasel.' he drawled. Free sex.'

Ron's face turned as red as his hair and he had to be held back by both Sirius and Remus to stop him from attacking Draco. That didn't stop him from threatening to do some things that were probably anatomically impossible, but sounded as if the would be rather paionful to experience, to Draco. Draco's eyes flashed dangerously and Harry wuickly grabbed his harm.

I think that it'd be a good idea if we go now.' Harry said carefull to Remus, dragging Draco towards the door and shoving him out it. Care of Magical creatures is going to start soon anyway.'

Maybe you should come back later, I'm quite sure you won't want to miss that class' Remus said I hear you're getting a new teacher.'

Hermione's eyes widened with delight. They're last teacher had lasted less than one lesson before resigning, supposedly suffering from emotional stress. Hermione suspected it had something to do with what was in the bag Fred and George had delivered in the middle of class. Really? Who is it? Are they good? Do you know them.'

Remus laughed and gently shoved her towards the door. You'll find out when you get to class.'