Aahz rolled over, waking slowly. She did not want to get up, but she didn't exactly have a choice. She had to meet Snape at six to start her apprenticeship. Sighing, she stumbled out of bed and towards the kitchen and the god otherwise known as the Coffee Pot.
Sirius groped for the pillow. Whatever it was that was making that awful high pitched whine made his head hurt like there was no tomorrow.
"Java... Java.... Java java java.... Java..." Aahz sang, rather a bit off key as she poured the ground beans into the filter. "Java java Mmm mm good!"
Where was that damned pillow? His groping fingers found the corner of it, which was poking into his right ear, and pulled it under the blanket that was still over his head. He buried his face in said pillow, hoping that the stuffing would muffle the lethal noise coming from the walls.
Aahz glanced at the clock. She had enough time to make a quick breakfast for Sirius and herself before she headed off.
She opened the fridge, grabbing the makings for pancakes, eggs, and bacon.
"Make it go away..." Sirius mumbled into the pillow. In addition to the whining noise, there was a crackling, sizzling sound. And a smell to go with it. The odor was enough to make his stomach turn.
She kept singing as she set the bacon aside to drain, flipping the pancakes as she went. Finally Aahz started the coffee brewing, flipping off the grinder.
Thank Merlin. The whining noise went away, and Sirius relaxed some of his death grip on the pillow.
Sirius' eggs were done, so she reached up in the cabinet to get a plate, only to knock a glass off the shelf and onto the floor. Sure enough, it shattered, glass covering the floor. "Damn!"
Aahz was stuck. She was in bare feet. If she moved, she was sure to cut herself.
That crashing sound had not been good. And it had definitely made his head hurt more.
Reaching, she turned off the stove, saving the food. Aahz thought of summoning a broom to her, so she might sweep her way out, but she had no clue where one was. "Fart fig nutons."
The urge to investigate the source of the noises got to the point were Sirius gave up and threw aside the blanked. "ACK!" He squinched his eyes shut, hoping to reduce the glare of the lights. Not that it did much.
"Sirius? You awake?" Aahz glanced towards the living room over her shoulder.
"Sorta. Don't yell." He stood up and shuffled his way towards the kitchen.
"Careful! Don't come in here in bare feet... I dropped a glass." She bit her lip, looking down. This was great. Now she was going to be late for work.
"'k..." He looked down. Sure enough, about three inches from his bare toes were bits of shattered glass. "Calm down, Aahz, I'll call for a house elf."
"If I had a broom I could clean this, but I don't know where one is..." She sighed. "I made breakfast."
"Oh. That's what I smelled." Sirius turned around and made his way to the fireplace. "Where do you keep your floo powder?"
"The little cat dish thing." Aahz yawned, looking longingly at the coffee pot.
"Thanks." He picked up a bit of floo powder and threw it into the fireplace. "Dobby? Is there someone we can borrow for a few minutes?"
"Yesses sir! I can comes if you wantes." The little house elf seemed eager to help.
"That would be great..." Sirius stepped away from the fireplace as the house elf whirred into view and tumbled out.
Dobby bowed low, nose touching the floor. "Thankes sir for letting mes helps. I's is honored...." He looked around. "Er... What's am I's helpings with?"
"We've got something of a problem in the kitchen..." Sirius gestured with one hand. "And we can't find the broom."
"Ohs. Brooms aren't kepts in the roomes cause we's elves sweep the floors.... Wizards is being much much too busy for cleanings." Dobby moved towards the kitchen, stopping when he saw Aahz, who was staring at the coffee pot, again singing her java song.
"Makes sense." Sirius pointed at the floor. "There's the problem."
"Hi... Dobby right?" Aahz didn't look away from the pot. It was calling to her... she could smell the sweet nectar of the gods.... Teasing...
Dobby tugged on Sirius' pant leg. "Is she okays? She lookeses weirds."
"She's fine. I think." Sirius squinted at Aahz. "I'm pretty sure she just wants her coffee."
"Huh?" She looked at them.
Dobby shook his head, looking at the mess on the floor. "Broken glasses is dangerouses." He said in a very serious manner. "You could get cutses."
"That's why we were looking for a broom." Sirius scrubbed at his eyes with a hand. The light was making his head hurt.
"Ohs... Whys didn'ts yous just vanishes it?" He looked at them.
Aahz nodded slowly. "Because the coffee pot wouldn't let me."
"Lack of a wand," Sirius muttered.
"The coffees pot?" Dobby tilted his head, one ear quirking. "Shoulds I punishes it?"
"No!" Aahz said a bit shortly. "Just... make that go away. Please." She pointed to the glass.
"Can I go back to bed?" Sirius mumbled.
Dobby gave them both weird looks, snapping his fingers. The glass disappeared in a poof of smoke. "I'lls be goings now... Byes."
Aahz snagged Sirius by the sleeve. "No, you can't... Thanks Dobby."
"Thank you, Dobby." He half-waved at the elf. "And why can't I?" he asked, turning to Aahz.
The elf took advantage of their distraction, tip toeing out of the room.
"Because," She started, grabbing a plate, and serving his food. "You're going to eat this." Aahz shoved the plate into his hands.
"Um, not if you want your kitchen to stay clean," he said, trying very hard not to smell the food.
Her violet eyes darkened. "Excuse me?"
"When was the last time you had a hangover, Aahz?" he asked, handing her the plate and looking around for the bathroom.
"Oh.... it's through the bedroom... but if you give me a second I can get you a hangover relief potion." She bit her lip, feeling a bit bad for trying to force the food onto him.
"Nope, no thanks." He made for the bathroom, not entirely certain he'd make it.
Aahz looked at the food, setting it on the counter. She'd clean it up later. Sighing, she turned off the coffee pot, but couldn't find it in her to drink any now. "Great."
We the authors of this beast feel that there is no need to detail Sirius' offering to the porcelain god.
Aahz went into her bedroom, trying to ignore the noise coming from her bathroom. She was late enough as it was. She got dressed quickly and began to brush out her hair, hoping to sneak out without having to face Sirius again.
Sirius could hear Aahz getting ready to go somewhere....probably off to the new teacher orientation or something. Not wanting to subject her to his hangover-induced ill temper, he stayed in the bathroom
Glancing at the bathroom door again, Aahz moved into the living room, gathering what she needed to work with Snape, then headed out.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Hi Bill," Anndy said as she plopped in a seat next to him.
Bill grinned. "Hey, how was your day?"
"Long." Anndy answered, grinning back.
"Long..." He grinned. "Filius and I had a great time."
"I'm glad. I always liked Flitwick. Even though I always had extra homework."
"He's great. We worked with some music charms on muggle instruments..." His stomach growled. "Right through lunch... I might add."
Anndy laughed. "So eat! You can't live off work."
He dug in, looking rather like Ron, despite the fang earring. "Oh... good."
Anndy giggled, took a bite, though she suddenly wasn't very hungry. "So what are you doing tomorrow?"
"I don't know yet. Filius has some meetings, so we can't work. What are you doing?"
"I have a bit of work with McGonagall, just getting to know the area and stuff, but after that I'm free all afternoon."
Bill nodded, swallowing. "I don't suppose you'd care to go to Hogsmeade with me?"
Anndy grinned, keeping the blush off her face. "I'd love too."
"Great. I was hoping you'd be free." He took a sip of pumpkin juice.
"Does this mean we're dating, or are we just friends with benefits?" Anndy
teased.
"Well... I'd prefer dating but I won't push..." He smiled hopefully.
Anndy smiled. She seemed to do that a lot around Bill. "You don't have to push." And she said, "We're dating."
"Yes!" He practically shouted. "Er... sorry..."
She laughed. "Well, I should probably make sure Aahz isn't killing herself over
there. Can we meet up later tonight?"
"Oh course." He grinned. "I wouldn't want it any other way."
She grinned, stood up, kissed him on the cheek and left to go talk to Aahz.
Bill watched her leave before adding more food to his plate.
***********
"Bill?" Anndy called into the Charms Classroom
"Anndy?" Bill ducked out from behind a stack of books.
"Hi."
He grinned. "You found me!"
"I see that. So do you have any idea what we're doing tonight?"
"Well... I'll let you decide. I have no idea." He jumped over another stack of books, finally reaching her. "There."
"Er...if you like you can help me with my rooms?"
"You mean unpacking? Sure." He grinned.
"Well, and setting up." Anndy grinned back.
"Sounds fun. You get slave labor, I get to spend time with you." He headed
towards the door.
Anndy grinned wider. "My rooms are this way." She said, pointing in the
opposite direction from where Bill was headed.
"Oh." He walked back to her. "I'll follow you."
"Probably not a good idea, but that's your decision." She walked to McGonagall's office, or so it seemed, until a little gargoyle that no one noticed moved aside and a staircase was revealed. Anndy took it, and led Bill into her rooms.
"This is cool. My rooms smell like cats or something..." He looked around.
"Thanks." Her rooms were directly above McGonagall's office, and they were decorated in non-descript creams and whites. There were a few boxes of personal things in front of a large cream plush couch and that was what Anndy
intended to tackle tonight.
"Cool couch." Bill tightened his ponytail. "What first?"
"Well, those boxes, actually." Anndy said, her suitcases and clothes were already
taken care of, thank god for house elves.
"Oh. You tell me where to put stuff." He lifted a heavy box easily, opening the
top.
Books were inside. Anndy pulls out her leather bound copy of "The Full Works of
William Shakespeare," and placed it on a shelf, motioning for Bill to do the same
with the rest.
Bill made quick work of the books. "Next box?"
"Sure." This one was full of photographs.
She pulled out one of a smiling six year old Draco with his mother and placed it
on the table next to the couch.
"Wow... no offense, but Draco was an ugly kid." Bill pulled out another. "Where
does this go?"
She put the picture of Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy behind her younger brother.
"He wasn't ugly, he just didn't have front teeth."
He smiled. "True. Ron knocked out his 2 front teeth when he was little. Mom
was so glad when the adult teeth grew in." He swallowed. "You still love your
family after they kicked you out?"
"Yes. No matter what, they're my family. You can't change that." She took out a
picture of Aahz and herself, Exploding Snap cards draped over the door behind
them. In the picture, a card exploded, and Aahz and Anndy flinched.
"I know. My brother Percy... he turned his back on the family because we agree
with Dumbledore... Mom was devastated."
"I'm sorry Bill." Anndy took out a picture of her graduating class, Anndy herself
was off in a corner, her Slytherin scarf around her waist.
"Wait a tick... You were a Slytherin?" Bill moved the picture box, opening another. She knew where she wanted the pictures.
"Well, yeah. Aren't all Malfoys? But I was always the odd one out." She
positioned the rest of the pictures so that her family were a bit farther back, and
Aahz was grinning at her from the front.
"You're not odd. They are." He went up, putting his arms around her. "Aahz is
important to you huh?"
"Yeah. She got me through the hard times. Times when my family wasn't there
to turn to." Her meaning was quite clear.
"I'm glad. I suppose despite her weirdness I'll have to like her now." He hugged
her, then went back to his box, which he began unpacking. "You have me now
too... just so you know."
"I have a lot of people now. Its just a matter of whom I'll trust. But I trust you."
She said quietly, moving over to help him with the desk set.
"Good." He smiled. "I'm glad."
"How tall are you?" Anndy asked. It was strange. She had to look *up* at him.
He had to be at least six-foot.
"6 foot 2, why?" He set the now empty box on the floor.
"Oh I'm just not used to looking up at people." She grinned, "Besides, makes
it harder to kiss you."
He grinned. "I don't mind." He leaned down and buzzed her lips. "See? Not that
hard."
"Not for you." She said, than an impish glint came in her eye. She reached up a
hand, and tugged lightly on his earring. His head jerked immediately down.
She therefore took advantage of her position and kissed him, before letting go of
his mouth and his earring at the same time.
"Well, anytime you want a kiss, tug my earring. I'll be right down." He grinned.
She grinned too. "Well, back to these boxes then." She said, picking up a light
box that was full of fluffy maroon pillows
"Maroon? Ron hates Maroon." He shook his head. "I don't see why but..."
"It goes well with Cream, though." She said. "These were some of the only things
I could save from Malfoy Manor."
Bill frowned. "Do you see them at all?"
"In passing. But they just ignore me. No never mind that I look almost exactly
like my mother."
"Idiots. Even Draco?" He wanted to hurt Lucius Malfoy... badly.
"Even Draco. And we were almost inseparable. Not now though."
He shook his head. "Sorry."
"Its not your fault." She said, arranging the pillows on the couch.
"I know... but you're family. You don't turn your back on family over something
as petty as not joining the Death Eaters.
"Well, they can't have a good guy in the family now can they? Nope, its all-pure
bred Death Eater for them." She went to go grab another box.
"This is upsetting you... We can change the conversation." He didn't want her
upset. Bill wanted to protect her. Amazing, because he'd never had that feeling
before.
"Well, its better said then ignored."
Bill stopped unpacking, hugging her to him. "I would like to punch your father."
"Join the club." She said, hugging him back, "Its not like he couldn't do with a
broken nose."
"Well, How about I hold him and you hurt him? Think he'd cry like a sissy man?"
He whispered into her ear.
"Its be worth it just to see him cringe, except he'd probably cringe at the site of
his daughter with a Weasley. No offense."
She shivered, his breath was warm.
"Like I care?" He kissed just below her ear. "You cold?"
"No." She shivered again, snuggling closer in the process.
"Oh? Why are you shivering then?" His lips brushed her ear with each word.
She groaned, leaning her full weight against him, and they toppled back onto the couch.
Bill smile. "I haven't even kissed you yet and you fall over? I have talent!"
"Either that or I'm just a puddle." She grinned, her head on his shoulder.
His hand played with her hair. "Your hair's soft."
She smiled, "Thanks."
'It's true." He leaned down, catching her lips with his. "Mmmm."
"You taste good."
He smiled, pulling her so his neck wouldn't be at such a weird angle before he deepened the kiss.
His tongue slid in her mouth, brushing against hers and her breath quickened, her hands found their way to his hair, and she was vaguely aware that it was now free of his ponytail.
He grinned, his hands going to her waist. He groaned. She was so soft.
Her hands remained in his hair, one of them trailing down his neck before pushing his head closer.
His tongue delved deeper into her mouth, his hands tightening on her waist. He shifted until he was under her. That was better. He could reach her...
Anndy groaned, it was better then any kiss she had had before. But those were just stupid boys out for a dare. This was not just some stupid boy, this was someone she cared about.
She was so soft. His hand eased to her hip. He tilted his head, exploring her mouth some more.
She groaned again, before moving so that she could sneak a hand into Bills shirt. His skin was definitely warm, how long had they been there?
He gasped into her mouth before groaning. His hand tightened on her hip, his other hand coming up to tangle in her hair again.
Her hand slipped into his shirt, the sparse hairs standing at attention under her touch. This was definitely a man's kiss, no boy about it.
Bill broke the kiss, gasping for breath even as he kissed along her neck. "Anndy..." He said her name with a smile. "You're soft."
She grinned, and tilted her head, exposing more neck.
He nibbled along a tendon and grinned. "You going to talk?"
"Do I have too?" She mock whined.
"You don't have to... but you can tell me if you like what I'm doing." His fingers
twisted in her hair.
She groaned again. "I'm not quite coherent." She managed.
"Ah." He tugged her earlobe with his teeth. "Why not?"
Anndy whimpered. "You." She moaned.
"Ah. I suppose I could stop..."
"No!" She practically yelled.
He laughed. "Why not?"
"Because I won't let you." And she tackled him.
He stopped laughing staring at her.
"What?" She said innocently.
"Nothing. You're amazing... that' all." He kissed her gently. "What about unpacking?"
"That can wait."
"Ah." He smiled.
She smiled back. "I'm going to have to remember to thank Aahz."
"Why?" He raised a brow.
"Because if she hadn't come over and made a fool out of herself, I would just be a blonde stuttering tomato right now." She said, her jade eye twinkling.
"She was doing that on purpose?" He frowned. "I thought that was just her."
"It was more accented this time. At least, I think it was." she paused, then continued, "But she's a great friend, so I don't see why it matter how she acts."
"You're right. Just hit me if I'm a jerk."
"Oh I will." She grinned again, "So, are we going public?"
"Sure, but you'll have to meet my mom."
"I'd say the same for you but under the circumstances...you get the point."
He kissed her. "I ever see your father I will punch him."
"You do that. But I'll need a camera." She grinned.
"Whatever you want luv, it's yours."
"Will you stay with me tonight?" She asked suddenly, after a two-minute pause, "Please?"
"Done... Wait... what are you expecting?" He blushed. Damn his red hair. He HAD to blush.
"Nothing if you don't want to give it. Just remember, I think there's a reason why I'm ABOVE McGonagall's office."
He laughed. "McGonagall thinks I'm a scoundrel, remember? I wonder what she'd say if I kissed you in her class room..."
Anndy snorted, "She'd probably fire me."
"Not if you smacked me..." He grinned. "Any way she'd owl mom and I'd get a Howler so quick..."
"I'd pay money to hear that." Anndy grinned.
"We'll do it then. But if my Weasley arse gets grounded, it's you fault." He kissed her nose.
"If my Malfoy bum gets fired, its hell to pay for you."
"She wouldn't. Just give her a wounded look. She'll cave. Always was easier on
the girls..." He pouted.
"I wouldn't know." She sighed, "She didn't like Slytheryn girls much."
"Well, say you wanted to be a Gryff but that hat put you in Slyth cause of your
name." He yawned. "Sorry."
"Come on. Bed time."
"You're kind of pinning me." He buzzed her lips.
"Oh yeah." She sat up reluctantly.
He stood, picking her up. "There."
She kissed his cheek, "That door." She said, pointing to the door between a
door that looked like a bathroom, and a towel closet.
He carried her over. "Open it please?"
She obliged. "Are you staying?" She asked hopefully.
"Of course." He kissed her lips and carried her to the bed.
"Oh good."
"Only good?" He laid her down, and then straightened, noticing his hair was down. "When'd that happen?"
"Oh, that was me." Anndy raised two fingers in a signal of defeat.
He grinned. "Ah. You know where my tie back is?"
Anndy quickly slipped it in her pocket. "Er, no. Not a clue."
"Oh. Maybe on the couch." He sighed. "I'll get it in the morning." He stripped own to his boxers.
She gazed admiringly at his chest, the red hairs on it, to well, everything...he
was just gorgeous.
"What?" He looked down.
Anndy went over to the dresser and pulled out a loose fitting muggle Mickey
Mouse shirt and pale purple cotton pant with suns and clouds. She changed into
them without looking back, and no blush present. Yet.
Bill's mouth was on the ground. "I'll... be right back..." He squeaked. He ran into
the bathroom.
Anndy giggled, and climbed in the bed.
Bill came back into the bedroom. "Sorry."
"What was that about?"
Bill shook his head. "Nothing. You just caught me off guard."
"How so?" She grinned. She did that a lot
"Seeing you in your knickers startled me... and I had to leave before I snogged
you senseless. Happy?" He frowned, climbing into the bed.
"Quite." She smirked, Malfoy trademark in place.
'You would be. Brat." He teased.
"Hey! I resemble that remark!" She said, grinning.
He grinned, kissing her. "I know."
"I feel honored." She joked.
"For what? I feel honored. I'm a scoundrel in a lady's bedroom."
"Over her bosses office." Anndy reminded him.
He rolled his eyes. "Your boss has been dating Dumbledore for many years.
Somehow I doubt she's going to blush."
"Somehow I doubt she'd appreciate it." Anndy said, grinning, he looked cute
when he rolled his eyes!
"I just got a horrid mental image..."
"Really now? And what was that?" She asked snuggling into him.
"McGonagall and Dumbledore. 'nough said."
"Ew." She cringed..."I think my mind is dead."
He kissed her while laughing. "Sorry. Least it wasn't Voldemort in a Speedo..."
"THANKS BILL!" She yelled. "EW!!!"
He fell back on the bed laughing. "Wel... come..." he gasped.
"Jerk!" She said, hitting him lightly.
He laughed harder.
"Fine." She whispered, straddled him, and firmly placed her mouth over his.
"Are you quite finished?" She whispered.
He stopped laughing, nodding. "Yeah."
"Good."
He pulled her down for another kiss.
She sighed into his mouth; this was definitely not what she had been expecting
her first day back.
He pulled back. "You okay?" His brow was furrowed.
"Fine. This was just unexpected." She said, a small smile playing with her lips.
"Oh. Are we moving too quick for you?"
"No...Just, I didn't expect a boyfriend my first day back to Hogwarts." She smiled at him again.
"Is it okay if you're stuck with me?" He kissed just below her chin.
"O-of course." She gasped.
"Good. I don't want to leave your side... not in the foreseeable future." He
grinned at his gasp.
She ran her hands over his chest, down; WAY down...but not far enough that
his boxers came down. He wore them low enough anyway.
Air hissed between his lips. "You're evil..."
"Thank you, I learned from Aahz." She smirked, raising an eyebrow.
"I don't know whether to thank her or yell at her..." He kissed the corner of her
mouth.
She licked him.
He jumped. "Hey!" that had startled him
"What?" She said innocently, running her tongue along his jaw line, "You've
done worse to me." She grinned.
He grinned. His hand eased under the edge of her shirt, tickling her tummy, the
other cupping her hip. "Not really."
"You will." she replied.
"Ah." He left it there, catching her mouth with his.
She deepened it first, catching him off guard.
He opened his eyes, staring at her even as they kissed.
Her eyes were shut, she seemed quite content to just sit there, lip locked.
He pinched her hip lightly. "Open your eyes." He broke away long enough to say, before kissing her again.
She opened them, to find his dark blue gaze resting on her
After a while they just laid there, watching each other. Anndy slowly drifted off, dark blue eyes still watching her.
Bill watched he, unable to think until he felt himself fall asleep.
******************
Aahz glared at Snape. Nope, he wasn't greasy any more, but wow did he have split ends! Anywho, who cared if she was late for the 2nd time? She looked at the potion she was making. Next she had to add the infusion of wormwood. Sleeping Draughts were so easy. Merlin this was a waste of her time. She looked at the jar of wormwood. That wasn't right... It said wormwood, but it looked like a woodworm.
"Prof. Snape? I think you mislabeled this."
"Did I?"
"I think so Sir."
"Hmm. Add it anyway."
"Sir! That could cause an explosion!" Aahz blinked at him, incredulous.
"Let me see the jar..." Snape said exasperatedly
Aahz handed him the jar with a smirk. He'd see she was right!
"You're mistaken, Miss Saftis. This is wormwood, albeit extremely fresh. Add it anyway, it will be fine."
"But..." He cut her off with a glare. "Will you take any responsibility for an explosion?
"It will be a joint responsibility. Should something happen, it will be duly noted that you objected to using this batch."
"Fine." Aahz winced even as she added it.
BOOM!
The room was filled with smoke and a faint, "Ow." Was heard.
"Miss Saftis?"
"Owie."
"Ah." Snape waded through the smoke. "Please escort yourself to the Hospital Wing while I clean up the mess."
Aahz glared. Anger made it hurt less. "I can't walk on a broken leg moron. That
and whatever rash is creeping over my skin thanks to your pasty arse!"
She had been knocked against the wall, and her leg was twisted in a way it shouldn't have been able to.
Snape conjured a temporary splint and crutches. "Better?"
"Whatever. Give me the things and move. I am with the cranky right
now. "She managed to stand.
"Aahz, darling, what the hell did you do?"
"Stupid git." She mumbled. "He made me add the thing though I told him and
yeah. Gr."
"Ok, calm down and talk to me coherently while I get this awful splint off your
leg." Aislinn helped Aahz onto the nearest bed.
"He's a moron. That coherent enough?" Aahz snapped. "Sorry."
"Define which moron. I know more than my share, love." She started unwrapping
the cotton ties.
"Snape... of the formerly greasy hair? We were making Draught of the living Death
and he made me add what he had labeled infusion of wormwood, even though it
looked more like a woodworm. I told him too. Dip head." She took a moment to
breath. "So? Am I going to make it to hit him? Hard?"
"Yes, you'll be fine." Aislinn grinned at her. "Ok, this part's gonna hurt..." She
gently started pulling off the splint proper.
"YOUCH!" Aahz bit her lip. "I mean... owie."
"I told you it would hurt." She smiled. "Now the easy part. Imenda."
Aahz stared at her leg. "It stopped hurting. That's good right? Git made me break
my first bone..."
"It's fine. Damned Lockheart said the spell wrong.... I only heard the stories about
that one. Poor Harry."
"Get up and walk around on it. It's fine now."
Aahz stood walking about a bit. "Hey, thanks. I am a whinny butt, but really.
Moron."
"I know. Now we memo Dumbledore about this and get the bastard on probation."
"Er... who's going to teach me then?" Aahz plopped back onto the bed.
"No no no, silly. Probation means that he has to leave you alone unless he's
teaching." Aislinn grabbed a quill and parchment and started writing
"Oh." Aahz felt dumb, but oh well.
"That's ok, love." She pushed her knee length braid over her shoulder. "Done. Now
to send it." She waved her wand over the parchment and it folded itself up and flew
through the doors.
"Cool. I lived with muggles for the longest time. I still don't use a wand."
"Why not? Is it just an American thing?"
"I gave up when the dude couldn't find one that worked. I practically blew the place up." She smiled, blushing.
"You should go to Olivanders. He'll find you one." Aislinn grinned at Aahz. "Remus tells me you met an old friend of his last night."
Aahz turned really red then. "Um."
"It's ok, love. You don't have to tell me anything."
"No... I just... Yeah... and..." She pulled her knees up to her chest.
"He has that effect on people." She smiled and blushed a little. "I dated him for a
while in school. The boy kisses like crazy."
Aahz tried not to, but wound up glaring at her anyway. She shook her head. "Sorry."
"That's ok. It was like third year, anyhow."
"Yeah..." Aahz feel back onto the bed. "But wow... and then the moron this
morning..." She shook her head.
"I see." She nodded knowingly. "Umm...do you and Sirius want to come to dinner
with Remus and me in Hogsmeade tonight? I know this lovely place..."
"Well... it's up to Sirius. I'm for it. Mind you, he's not allowed to drink." She laughed.
"Oh yes.... That was an interesting experience the first time around..."
"Huh?" Aahz sat up, propping herself up with her elbows.
"Ooh, maybe I shouldn't tell this story without Remus here, but here goes." She grinned.
"Oh... keep going!" This sounded good.
"In their sixth year James got a hold of some really, really old Firewhiskey. I was
only a fourth year, so I didn't drink any, but that was fun to watch. James kept his
alcohol down well, and Remus...well, he didn't drink either, but we all know why.
Pettigrew was out by the first one, and Sirius kept trying to match James shot for
shot."
"By the third or fourth shot, he was so tipsy he couldn't see straight. But he kept
matching James shot for shot."
"Wait... Why didn't Remus drink?" She was confused.
"Well, I'm not sure if I'm the one to tell you this, but I will if you swear it won't get
out."
Aahz nodded. "I didn't realize it was so personal. You don't have to say anything."
"Well, the staff knows anyway, and you and Andy are like to find out any day now,
so I might as well tell you."
She bit her lip. "Well... up to you I suppose. And I didn't tell Sirius about you
engagement. I didn't know if I should..."
"He'll find out tonight if you come. Anyway, Remus has lycanthropy." Aislinn
looked down at the floor. "I'm not ashamed of it, but it scares me a little."
Aahz gaped. "That's it? He's a werewolf?"
"Yes, he is." She looked at Aahz. "I'm an Animagus too, but still..."
"A werewolf isn't that big of a deal. My brother's one. He took the bite to save me.
Poor guy. And the moon's coming up. They're not that bad. But man are the
transformation painful." She shook her head.
"I know. I've been there for Remus in my other form since we started dating. But
the thought of what might happen if he were to change early and I weren't in my
Animagus form..... It scares me." She looked up and smiled. "But I love him
anyway."
"I know." She blinked. "So, on to happier things." Aislinn grinned widely.
"Happier things sound great... hmm... I just became an animagus last summer. That's happy right?" Aahz joked.
"That's very happy. What's your form?"
"A Merlin." Aahz grinned and with a pop, a small bird sat on the bed. It ruffled its
feathers, then a pop was heard again. "There. Man that took me a while." Aahz
laughed.
"I know the feeling. It took me my entire education to figure out how. I love the patterns your feathers have. Beautiful gold and black stripes."
"Thanks. I need to check a mirror out again. My brother swears for the first month
I wouldn't stops preening."
"It happens. There's a mirror in the drawer there." She pointed to a night table
Aahz blushed. "I'll wait. I... yeah."
Aislinn laughed and changed her form. Where she had been standing was a huge
black panther. She purred.
Aahz jumped. "Whoa. That's big."
The panther grinned, but it looked painful. Aislinn changed back. "Yeah, the first
time I changed, I scared Pete--Pettigrew senseless. It was soooo worth it."
Aahz laughed. "So who was Peter again? I don't much about Sirius' friends but he
didn't mention him."
"Peter was......" she paused for a minute. "Peter was the pansy assed slime ball that
killed Lily and James." The look on her face was hatred, pure and simple.
Aahz tilted her head. "Oh." She bit her lip. "And the ministry said he'd betrayed
them and then killed the people in the street right?"
"They said Sirius did that, yes."
"He wouldn't do that. I just met him, but I know him well enough to know that."
Aahz looked angry. "Dip heads."
"Yeah. Well, we all know that Fudge is an arsehole in the most literal sense, but
hey. Are you gonna come to dinner tonight?"
"If it okay with Sirius." She frowned. "I think I'm going to send Fudge a Howler."
"You do that. He deserves it." Aislinn walked over to Aahz. "Shall we head down
to Snarky Man's cave? I'll give him a good talking to about his potions ingredients
and being more careful."
"Sure. Can I look like I'm in pain and try to make him feel guilty?" She grinned,
mischief in her eyes.
"Of course. Would you like me to wrap your ankle and give you crutches?"
"If you would. I like guilt trips... when they're for morons."
"Happy to oblige." Aislinn conjured wraps and crutches. Within minutes, Aahz
was wrapped and packaged, ready for the guilt trip of the century.
Aahz giggled like mad for a minute, then got herself under control. "oh... This will
be fun."
"I have no doubt. Shall we?" She gestured to the doors.
"Definitely. You first." Aahz gestured with a crutch.
Aislinn grinned and walked out the door, followed closely by her "patient". Upon
arrival at the Potions hall, she turned her saunter into a definitely pissed and
menacing looking stalk. A minute later, she banged on Snape's door.
Aahz limped up behind her, already an expert with the crutches.
The door slammed open and Aislinn stormed into the room. "Snape, how dare you
tell her to add that ingredient anyway! That's negligence on your part for
mislabeling it or not waiting long enough for it to mature or whatever the hell
happened. I should report you to Dumbledore this instant! YOU ARE NOT
SUPPOSED TO INJURE YOUR APPRENTICE!!!"
Aahz limped pitifully into the room, wincing with each step.
Snape turned around slowly from where he had been standing. "I was not aware you had the authority to rage at me like that, Miss Lestrange," he said icily
Aahz bit the inside of her mouth, trying to look like she was in pain.
"As I recall," he continued smoothly, "You are just an apprentice yourself. Or has
Madam Pomfrey retired already?"
Aahz tried not to laugh, making it a moan instead. He was going to get it.
"I might be "just an apprentice," Snape, but as one with medical training, I have
the authority to tell you anything I damn well please when it comes to the health
and safety of the staff, apprentices and students at this school."
Aahz limped to a chair, and eased herself into it. She still didn't say anything.
Snape just looked at the younger woman. "Well," he said finally, "It seems that I have been put in my place as it were."
Aahz winced. "Sir? Will I be expected to show up tomorrow?"
Aislinn glared at him and flipped her wayward braid back over her shoulder. "The next time something happens, professor, I expect that you have someone properly escort the victim up to see me or Poppy."
"No, Miss Saftis, I do not expect you here tomorrow."
"Thank you Sir." She stood, moaning pitifully.
"I'll take you as far as your rooms, Aahz," Aislinn said, suddenly motherly.
"Thank you." So we can laugh our bums off? She asked in her head.
As soon as they were well clear of Snape's room, Aislinn started laughing. "God, I haven't pulled one like that in ages."
Aahz leaned against the wall, shaking with silent laughter, the kind where you can't breath.
"You know, I think you might be a bad--or is that good--influence on me, dear. Oh,
I've been waiting for an opportunity to go off on him like that since first year."
Aahz nodded, tears rolling down her face. She still couldn't speak.
"You ok there, Aahz?" Aislinn looked "down" from her position on the wall with her head tipped back.
She opened her mouth. "Ye..." She broke into laughter again, her arms hugging her belly.
Aislinn laughed right along with her. "Wooh...Shite! Snarky Man alert!" Snape was walking down the corridor towards them.
Aahz wailed. "It hurts Aislinn!"
"Oh, I'm, going to kill him...." She knelt down and busied herself with the wraps on
Aahz's ankle so as to keep from laughing at Snape.
Aahz aimed the puppy eyes she'd been practicing at Snape, big old alligator tears
rolling down her face.
"Oh, you poor baby...." Aislinn cooed from her spot on the floor. She glanced up at
Snape's face. He was walking stonily on, trying his damnedest not to look at Aahz.
Aahz sniffled greatly. "Are there any..." She sniffled again, "pain potions left?"
"Some, lovey. Do you think you can hobble up to the Hospital Wing with me? "
Aahz squared her shoulders. "I can try..."
"Alright. Here we go." Aislinn flipped her braid out of the way (again) and helped Aahz get back onto the crutches.
Aahz whimpered. "I'm sorry. I hate being a pain..."
"I know, love." She winked at her counterpart in crime. Snape had stopped a few feet away from them and was looking everywhere but at them. "OK, you got it?"
"I think so..." Aahz winked back, glad he was on her side of the wall. When Aislinn let her go, she shrieked, and fell towards Snape.
He caught her by reflex and stood her as upright as possible. Aislinn worked her shoulder underneath Aahz's and glared at him the whole time. Clearing his throat, he walked off towards the far end of the hall.
Aahz whimpered. "I can't even walk!"
"I know....Ok, we'll do this together. Ready? Hop!"
Aahz hopped, trying not to grin.
"Aaand....Hop!" Aislinn smothered the laughter in her voice, not entirely successfully.
Aahz hopped. "I feel like a demented rabbit!" She wailed.
Aislinn valiantly stifled her giggles. "As soon as we're around the corner," she whispered, "You can walk, ok?" Loudly she said, "It's ok, kiddo. Aaand HOP!"
Aahz hopped until they got around the corner, hanging onto Aislinn.
"Wooh, ok. Off with the bandages." She twitched her wand and the bandages whipped off and rolled themselves up.
Aahz giggled. "Quick, let's get to my rooms so we can laugh properly about this."
"Indeed." Aislinn took off at a goodly pace. "We'd better book it though, 'cause Snarky is like a bat. Here one second, there the next."
Aahz snorted, taking off at a run. "Race you!"
"Right on!" She tore after Aahz.
Aahz skidded around a corner, shrieking like a kid.
"Crap!" Aislinn shouted as she nearly impaled herself on the same corner
"Careful!" Aahz shouted. She made it to the hall where her room was, seeing the wet floor sign in front of the door. Grinning she tried to stop in front of the door, but wound up skidding the rest of the way down the hall.
"Oooh, you be careful, Miss Aahz," Aislinn called, slowing to a walk
Aahz squeaked, wind-milling her arms, barely keeping her balance. "Oh... fun."
"You ok?"
"Oh that was fun..." Aahz grinned as she walked back to her the portrait that lead into her rooms. She thought it was of Godric Gryffindor, but she wasn't sure. "Dr. Pepper."
"Dr. What?"
"Pepper." The painting opened and Aahz stepped through. "Come on."
Aislinn walked through the open portrait without further hesitation.
Aahz flopped down onto the couch, panting.
"Ahhh...." Aislinn sat down on an armchair
Aahz sat up, "Huh?"
"It feels good to sit down. I've been doing inventory in the Hospital Wing all morning."
"And then I made you hop and run...." Aahz snickered. "Sorry."
"That's ok. It was well worth the humiliation that Snape got. Well, is going to get in about three...two...one..." A thundering voice echoed through the castle. "Severus Snape, please report to the Headmaster's office!"
"What?" Aahz raised a brow.
"You remember that note I sent to Dumbledore?"
"Yeah..."
"Well, I told Dumbledore that the explosion had given you a compound spiral fracture which, if I hadn't been able to heal, would have meant that you would be in a cast and crutches for the next three months."
"Oh. You're mean..." Aahz laughed. "I wonder where Sirius is."
"Probably with Remus. They haven't seen each other in ages."
"Yeah. Durn dog had to follow me home." She tried to jest, but wound up grinning.
"I know." She stood up. "So, shall we go find the beast?"
Aahz stood. "Sure."
Aislinn walked over to the portrait and pushed it open. "Our rooms are up by the Gryffindor Tower. I hope you're up for a walk."