The Night of Revelation
By: Deep Shadows and EckoStalker

Author's Note: Redoing 15 Chapters BITES!{Deep Shadows}

The beds were so damn uncomfortable. How the hell could anyone sleep on these retched things? Artimis blearily thinks as she awakens slightly from her healing slumber. She slowly opens one eyes and glances at the clock. Half past midnight, she closes that eye and balefully peeks over to the other side. Professor Lupin sits between her and a slightly slumbering Alexis, intently reading Dark Arts: Counter curses and more. Quickly she closes her eyes, afraid that the professor has noticed her consciousness. When nothing happens, she opens them to a slit, hoping that soon he would have a reason to leave.

A few moments pass uneventfully with Artimis growing irritably annoyed. Finally, he yawns, closes the book, and glances at the clock. Seeing how late it is, he wistfully searched his pockets for any sign of a late night snack. No such luck. A slight frown on his face, he leans over Alexis to check for signs of her waking up. Then he looks over to Artimis who quickly feigns sleeping deeply. Satisfied, he quiet hurries out the door, apparently to the kitchens for a late night snack break.

"Finally!" Artimis mumbles, sitting up in her bed and throwing her legs over the side. She looks to Alexis, who is softly snoring, in a blissful sleep, and sighs. She hadn't really meant to hurt her partner in crime. She cursed silently though, her throbbing head reminding her that she wasn't the only one who lost her temper. Slowly she gets up, checking to make sure Madame Pomfrey was busy in her office. She gasps as her feet touches the cold, stone floor with bare feet, cautiously creeping over to Alexis's sleeping form. Carefully, she lowers herself till she is face to face with her friend, whispering a bit affectionately," Wake up, you louse." Then, grasping her shoulders lightly shakes Alexis slightly.

Alexis remains asleep, merely turning over at Artimis's gentle attempt. Determined, Artimis shakes her again, a bit more roughly. Alexis winces slightly, but still sleeps, murmuring," You stupid git. Leave me alone," and weakly pushes on her to get off. Artimis, now a bit agitated, practically picks up her companion by her shoulders and gives her a few harsh jolts.

Alexis's eyes shoot open, and in an unfocused glare, instinctively swing. Artimis, shocked, dodges, and tumbles off the side of the bed. Wearily, Alexis sits up and gazes down at rising Artimis, "Uh. Sorry?"

"It's ok, Next time I'll let Snape wake you, or better yet, the twins." she said a grin on her face.

"Um. No thanks." she replied groggy.

"Well, sit up." Artimis states impatiently. "I don't know how long Professor Lupin will be gone!"

"Alright, I'm up." she sys sitting in her bed. Artimis gets back on the bad and proceeds to take inventory of her friend's injuries. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to lose my cool like that," she states somberly, noting missing patches of Alexis's hair.

"No prob, I lost mine too." Alexis's frowns.

"Hey remember when we first met!" Artimis says at an attempt to change the subject.

"Yeah, I do. That was all thanks to the twins."

Artimis knew about the operation long before they got to Platform Nine and Three Quarters. Her brother, Apollo was a good friend of the notoriously famous Wesley twins, Fred and George, so he made sure his baby sister was on the list for the opportunity to be their protégé. She walked with her brother, a large lump in her throat. This was the first time she could remember being nervous. She had always been so sure of herself, so proud that she possessed the skills she did. But she wondered now if it would be enough. She was introduced to Fred and George, they generally seem to be interested in her because of all her brother had told them. She was giving instructions on which compartment to enter and to stay there until the twins came. The twins went out to pick out the few wildcards pranksters. That's where Alexis came in.

They had been proceeding down the lengthy corridor, surveying and walking in on the random people, trying to find one more candidate for their legendary endeavor. Fred glanced farther down the walkway and noticed a slightly hunched figure, silently stalking and hiding from the wondrous snack trolley. Thinking this would be of some interest; he yanked George out of the last compartment and gestured for him to watch.

The figure, a small girl with dazzling white hair, had in her hands, a wand and a bunch of what seemed to be muggle firecrackers, which the twins were fascinated by. They watched as the trolley lady turned to a compartment and the girl quickly lighting the firecrackers, excitedly whispering "Incendio!" she rolled them under the trolley near the front handles and ducked back inside her empty cubicle as the plump lady walked up.

Fred and George yelped with glee when the objects exploded under her feet and watched her run screaming to the driver's compartment. They nodded to each other and sauntered up to the, who was busily stuffing her pockets full of all sorts of treats.

"Oh so that's why they choose you!" Artimis snickered and returned her thoughts to that day.

She had been sitting in the compartment with a couple of other boisterous first years, some of them talking proudly about how and why they had been chosen. Artimis, heeding her brother's advice, kept silent and to herself, even if it was against her nature. Apollo had told her it helps keep her mysterious.

Fred and George had finally entered, leading a cautious girl, named Alexis, into the room. She took the only available seat confusedly next to Artimis, and the meeting began.

Fred stood in the center, surveying the group as he began to speak, while George stood watch over the door. The rules were simple. No death or permanent harm; no expulsion; and good grades. The instructions were even simpler-get into as much trouble as possible. We were to be placed in teams. Two girls; supposedly thought to be put in Hufflepuff, were paired; along with two supposed Ravenclaws and Gryffindors. All that was left was Artimis, whom knew she was meant for Slytherin; and Alexis, pretty sure she would be there as well. So, they were teamed. They sat and conversed, slowly becoming more acquainted and friendly towards each other. Because come on, they would be partnered for the rest of the year.

But then, the plans were unexpectedly screwed up at the Great Hall. All went normal as planned for a while, the Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Gryffindor teams turning out as thought to be. As did Artimis, who looked particularly thrilled as she strolled towards the Slytherin table. When Alexis went up to be sorted, she was having her doubts about her House. In general, she didn't care. She was in love with magic and wanted to learn, as much as possible that was all that mattered to her. But this was now a new challenge to be met; and so she turned hopes of being in Slytherin. What happened was never to be expected- she was chosen as a Gryffindor. As she glumly trudged to her seat, thinking on how this wouldn't work out, she glanced over at Artimis. Alexis was confused, for Artimis had the most evil and maniacal look on her face she had ever seen.

Artimis was surprised and upset for a long moment, then the perfection of this event hit her; like a revelation. A Gryffindor/Slytherin team would be unbeatable. As their Houses feuded, they could play off it. She looked to Alexis, who had a look of dismay on her features. She couldn't help but put the thought of her plan into emotion on her face; and the look of perplexity on Alexis's face was priceless.

It wasn't until after the feast that Artimis scrambled after Alexis, grasping her arm and dragging her into an alcove. "I'm so sorry Artimis..." she spoke sadly. "Why? This is excellent!" She says, letting Alexis in on her wonderful scheme.

"Oh! So that's why you bloodied each other up Snape's class!" came the casual tone of the voice of their Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Artimis panicked, and dove off Alexis's bed and snatched her wand. "You can't repeat any of what you just heard, or...or...or...I'll have to...jinx you!" she stammered, hands shaking.

He chuckled, and pointed at her wand, which she just realized she was holding upside down. "I won't, but tell me one thing, why are you doing this?" he asked with a bemused look on his face. Artimis looked to Alexis, Alexis looked to Artimis, then to Professor Lupin. Alexis stuttered, unwilling to say anything," Um...um...um...nice, hair?" Artimis glares over at her and adds frustrated," Why do you always comment on their hair!"

"I don't know! It's the first thing that pops into my head!" she shot back, then turns back to Lupin's amused features. She sighs, and looks at him a bit guiltily," It was an offer we couldn't reject. The Twins are famous! Who would pass up the chance to be chosen by them as the next "Weasley twins"? It's perfect!"

Professor Lupin stared at her in confusion, while Alexis and Artimis stared back, thinking he understood. Artimis interjected," Hold on, you didn't hear that part, did you?"

Professor Lupin smiled slightly, then pulled over his chair," No, but you might as well tell me."

So again, they relived their first meeting on the train with their new trusted friend.

Then they explained the brawl in Snape's classroom. He looked at Artimis in shock when she stated, "Yeah, and I ended up biting Snape." Then after a long pause she spoke again, "You know he didn't taste to bad!" with and evil smirk.

"Look, I'm a were-wolf and i wouldn't even bite Snape." Lupin interjected.

"Artimis, if you get a crush on Snape I'll never for give you!" Alexis stated in disgust.

"A CRUSH! All I said was he didn't taste too bad!" she yelped fearfully. A dark figure had entered the room.

"I'm glad to hear you enjoyed my taste." When he said it his sarcasm was evident and his words were full of acid.

"Um..." Was all Artimis could muster to speak. A swift movement and a billow of cloaks later and Snape was in her face, angry black eyes piercing her as he spoke words of disgust. "You insolent little girl! Do you have any idea what you did? You have kept me from my work for a few days." Holding up a bandaged hand.

"I...I... I'm sorry Professor," she said sorrowfully as he overshadowed her with his presence. She felt fear, a fear she hadn't felt in years, but in the back of her head echoed her mothers last words, "Fear doesn't make you weak, it makes you cautious!" Artimis silent repeated this to herself like a mantra, her lips moving with the words as she began to glare back at Professor Snape. "What are you saying, you insufferable child." he barked, a questioning glower on his face.

"Fear doesn't make you weak, it makes you cautious!" she stated, a tone of bravery filling her as she felt no more fear. The look on his face went cold and discerning and he backed away. "Lupin, I trust you're done with your gossip, so these girls can rest." He snarled giving Artimis a wearily look of disgust.

Alexis nearly bust up laughing as the Potions master stalked out of the room, but Artimis simply curled up on her bed and cried.

Lupin, at a loss for what to do, thinks it is best to let the two unlikely companions to sort this out, and ends the conversation," I hate to agree with Professor Snape, but you two really need to rest. I suppose we will keep in contact about this...interesting...story?"

Alexis smiled slightly at Lupin, and then confusedly watches Artimis as Lupin quietly exits the Hospital Wing. Alexis, knowing how bad she is at encouraging words, decides to join Artimis, and sits with her in the bed, hugging her tightly, while both comrades doze off.

It wasn't until daylight first bathed the room in a dim, warm sheen, that Alexis awoke.

First, she wondered, what the hell am I doing here? But soon the night's events rushed back to her. She also realized what an awkward encounter there would be if any of their friends decided to visit early and find them in such a position. So, silently and smoothly, she eased off Artimis's bed and proceeded to curl up cat-like in her own, awaiting today's future events.