Snape stormed out of the Hall, ignoring James Potter with such a clear intent it sent the Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws into a laughing fit. The Slytherins glared as James took his seat, and Harry felt like disappearing on that very spot. How could his father do this, especially on a day he had Potions?

Ron, still laughing turned to Harry, "Snivillus? That's pure genius! What do you think Snape would do to me if I used that?"

Harry ignored his friend and glanced up at the staff table. Sirius was glaring at James while he talked. James shrugged it off. Lily also glared at her husband and Harry remembered what Sirius had told him about his mother's dislike of James when he was around Snape. Now he understood what she meant.

Ron and Hermione were still laughing at Snape's new nick name as the trio walked to Defense Against the Dark Arts early. As expected, they were the first ones in class. As Professor Lupin was teaching today, Sirius, James and Lily sat in the back of the classroom. The three friends quickly joined them. Lupin stood by near them. A promising conversation started between them, but was halted abruptly as another student walked into the classroom. It was, of course, Maria. She nodded to the group of four adults and three students, but took a seat as far away from them as possible. Headphones clamped over her ears, she pulled out the parchment Harry had seen her writing on before.

When she was obviously lost in her work, Lily commented, "Odd girl isn't she?"

Hermione looked at Lily as if she was a goddess, "YES! Finally someone agrees with me!"

"I've been agreeing with you," Ron said defensively.

"No," Harry stated, "She's not odd, just different. And a little bit strange, but she's nice enough."

"What is you definition of odd if it isn't strange?" Hermione glared at her friend.

Harry ignored her and walked over to Maria. He tapped her on the shoulder.

"Hello Harry," Maria rolled up her parchment and withdrew her headphones and looked up at him.

"Er, how'd you know it was me?" Harry stammered.

"I have been here three days and you are the only person who has said more than ten words to me."

"Isn't it normally two, words I mean? When people say someone doesn't talk?" Harry stuttered, trying to think of a conversation topic.

"Snape said ten to me in class, 'For being the first to speak, 10 points to Gryffindor', remember?"

"Oh yea, so what are you writing?" Harry realized his attempt to prove Maria wasn't odd was backfiring.

"Nothing of consequence." Maria replied in her normal, cool tone, "And I don't think you're going to prove to your friends that I am not odd by talking to me Harry."

"How did you-?"

"I listen." Maria snapped her headphones back over her ears as Harry returned to his seat. Once again she started writing.

"I think she must be Muggle born," Hermione declared.

"Why's that?" Ron inquired.

"First, the headphones, and second 'Nothing of consequence' is almost exactly like a quote from a muggle movie, The Princess Bride (Disclaimer: Which I don't own). But in that the person who says it turns out to be important."

"That's impossible Hermione," The students turned to look at Professor Lupin, "Dumstrang is stricter than Slytherin, Pure-blood required." No one had a chance to ask anymore questions because the rest of the class filed in.

As Draco took his seat, he threw a taunting glance at Harry, "So let's review," He looked over the Slytherins, "Our Defense teachers include a werewolf, a murder and now," he looked at Lily, "A stinking Mudblood," A black blur streaked towards Draco. No one had time to comprehend what happened as the Slytherin toppled over.

"Harry!" Sirius pulled his godson off the now bloody Draco. He then sneered at the injured boy, "Report here for detention every night this week. And fifty points from Slytherin. Now go to the Hospital Wing and get out of my sight!"

Harry returned to his seat at the back of the class, his body shook from rage. He turned to Ron, "I mean it this year. One more crack at me and I will… I'll just…" He made a flailing motion with is arms trying to convey what words couldn't.

Ron nodded, "Just be careful who you attack him in front of."

Sirius returned to his seat behind Harry, "I'll make him pay."

Harry grinned as the lesson started ("A Quick Review of the Properties of The Werewolf: 1) He is standing in front of you. 2) His name is Remus Lupin…Alright I get it bad joke now lets go into details about more advanced Dark Creatures…") and started taking notes. He knew he would pay for Malfoy in Potions, but at that moment, he didn't care.

A/N YAY Fanfiction is finally working again! Three new chapters up!