"I Am NOT A Babysitter!"
By: Deep Shadows and EckoStalker
Author's Note: We are not sure if Butter Beer actaully contains any alcohol, But we decided that it contains a little, just for fun. We totally enjoyed this chapter. As for the next chapter, I'll give you a hint. Some pranker decide it's time to show thier appreciation for their 'Beloved' potion's master. And everyone says imitation is the highest kind of flattery. You take it as you wish. HEHEHE {Deep Shadows}
The school was in an uproar the next morning. Every Gryffindor in sight had their own versions of the story. Alexis sat with her head lowered with the twins and Apollo, who kept near her like guards. They weren't afraid of her because, she told them they were her buddies and she couldn't hurt anyone she liked. Everyone kept peering at her like she was some sort of amusement. Artimis had told the whole Slytherin house that if one person made a remark ,that she would berate them just like she had done to Draco. Not a word was spoken form the Slytherin table. Alexis ate quietly, picking at her food.
{...You need to eat...} Artimis mentally reminded her.
(...They keep looking at me like I'm going to blow up or something. It's really annoying.)
{...I know, I made Slytherin be quiet but there isn't much I can do about the others...}
(...Thanks for trying.)
{...My Job and My Pleasure.} Artimis thought glaring at Pansy who had opened her mouth to say something towards the Slytherin table. Alexis wolfed down her food and rushed out of the hall, tired of being the new entertainment. Artimis looked after her and shrugged, motioning for her house to speak.
(...I'm going for a walk, don't follow me.)
{If you try to run away again I will hunt you down.}
[I agree with Miss Callabella, Alexis. Do not run.] Dumbledore's voice resonated gently in their heads.
{Whoa! Where'd you come from?}
[If you pay attention, you will notice that you are looking up at the head table. So I simply wished to know where Miss Whyte was going. Severus asks that you stop staring at him.]
Artimis snapped her head up. She had indeed been staring at Snape but only because that was the direction in which Alexis was heading. Artimis stood abruptly, kissed Draco briefly, and stalked out of the Great Hall. {Be back in time to go to Hoggesmeade, OK?}
(All right.)
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Alexis hurried out of the hall, ignoring all the stares and gawking. She was getting frustrated with everyone, and she knew she had better find a way to calm herself down.
She quietly made her way out into the fields before the Forbidden Forest, trying her best to shove aside the memories of students' glares of fear and wariness. Before she knew it, she was trailing among the first few trees of the infamous forest. A calm voice echoed in her mind,
[Do not stray too far, Miss Whyte... we don't want any untimely incidents...]
(... I won't Headmaster; I'll stay close to the edges...) Alexis assured, recognizing Dumbledore's tone. With that, he left her to her brooding. But isn't that why I came out here in the first place? To forget that stuff... Alexis sighed, and then tried to lose herself in the blissful peace of the Forest.
She walked far enough into it to barely catch glimpses of the school grounds, and that was her limit. She slowly crawled over logs and around tall trees, examining every detail of the habitat. The sharp smells of the pines and damp earth clouded her senses as she breathed deeply, smiling minutely. She undid her school cloaks and left them lying on a fallen tree, to allow herself more mobility. Gracefully, she pulled herself up into the branches of a nearby tree, gazing into the shadowy depths ahead of her, unconsciously thinking of the mysterious dangers and adventures that awaited her deep within the darkness. She turned and jumped off the low branch, tumbling into a patch of withered and crumbling leaves. She closed her eyes and smiled, listening to the crunches and crackling of the leaves like it was another language. She felt apart of the woods, as foreign as she really was. The trees leered over her, the breeze jostling them and making them come alive in their own dancing ways. Alexis swayed with them as she rose to her knees amid the dry underbrush, not bothering to extract the leaf and dirt bits from her black clothes and ruffled white hair. She listened hard, trying to become one with the slight breezes and inaudible conversations of the trees and wilderness. She distantly heard the soft lapping of water, and stood up, drifting towards the left, totally oblivious to her actions. She stumbled upon a small pond, the water rippling slightly as the winds tossed small branches and debris onto the calm waters. She kneeled at the edge, dipping her small hands into the cool waters and leaning down to splash her face. The cold droplets felt like heaven on her features, which were hot due to her past feelings of ashamed and embarrassment over the night's events. But she totally lost those irritating thoughts as she happily and peacefully fell back onto the soft ground, staring silently up into the canopy, calmly dozing off.
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Artimis had left the great hall about half an hour later. Not wanting Alexis to be out wandering alone she followed her intuition to Alexis. She found Alexis sleeping by a pond. Artimis sat by her head, swiftly and quietly moving Alexis head to her lap so she could use it as a pillow. Alexis mumbled and snored. Artimis looked around this marvelous place as Alexis slept. {I wonder what compels me to care so much for her. She feels so close to me. It's like having a little sister.}
(Oh will you shut up) Alexis's mind replied.
{Sorry didn't know you were awake, go back to sleep} Artimis said but Alexis had already fell back to sleep. Artimis not knowing what to do decided that since no one was out here, she could do her favorite, yet most secret pastime. She began singing, low and clear. She had taken a liking to this muggle group called N'Sync, but only for one song. She began singing "God must have spent a little more time on you" Alexis relaxed to the calming sound of her voice. Artimis increased her volume, letting the words flow from her like the water in the spring. She felt so at peace that she didn't her footsteps behind her. She didn't even notice when the person sat by her on the bank. She was enraptured.
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"I am NOT a babysitter!" Severus snapped at headmaster Dumbledore. "I have things to do! I can't be wasting my time following two teenagers around. Have Lupin do it! He seems to like them." He raged.
"Severus. I do not want Lupin to do it. I asked you. I have my reasons for requesting this." Dumbledore chided. Severus sighed and sat in a chair heavily. "Fine. I don't feel like arguing anymore." He said giving in to the elderly wizard. Meddling Old Coot!
"Now that's what I was hoping for. I only want you to keep an eye on this for a while. I fear that something may have been shared between them that we are not privy to. Nor are they. But if the Dark Lord calls Alexis then I fear the same call will echo to Artimis. We must stop this, Severus."
"I know, I know." He said standing up and stretching. "So where are they?"
Dumbledore walked over to the scope in his window. He looked in it and gestured Snape to do the same. Severus looked and saw Alexis lying with her head in Artimis's lap near a spring. "I shall see you at dinner, Severus." Dumbledore said dismissing him. Snape gathered his cloaks around him and stalked out of the room. I don't want to do this. I do not spend 'quality time' with my students. He stalked towards the woods in the direction he knew the stream to be. As he got closer his breath was stolen from him. Someone was singing, his or her voice was echoing and reverberating off of the trees on the gentle breeze. He walked forward following the sound of that voice. Severus stalked up over the rise of the forest and was in awe. Artimis sat with her head back, her voice rising and falling in rhythm with the spring she sat by. She had a look of pure joy on her face. He walked up slowly hoping she wouldn't see him. She didn't even budge when he sat down next to her. Her voice was one of the sweetest sounds he had ever heard. He felt the song coming to an end and she held the last note long, her voice never faltering or cracking. She stopped and inhaled and he could not suppress a clap. She looked to him startled. "Professor, What? I mean Um. What are you doing here?" She said her face turning bright red with embarrassment. "I was supposed to ask you the same thing, Miss Callabella and one would hope a singer of such caliber would use more appropriate grammar." He chided trying to be stern. She blushed and lowered her head. Then she noticed Alexis staring up at her with tears in her eyes.
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(You sung that for me didn't you?) Alexis's mind asked Artimis.
{Yes I did} Was her heartfelt reply.
(Thank you. It was beautiful)
{Don't mention it. Seriously.} Artimis said sternly, reminding Alexis of Snape.
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Alexis had awoken to find herself in Artimis's lap. Surprised, she remained silent as she heard Artimis's thought. Thinking to lighten the mood, she decided to be sarcastic. But she was too tired to remain that way, so she kind of dozed in and out, barely hearing Artimis's command to go back to sleep. Presently, she heard a beautiful voice singing. She knew the song, but it didn't matter what the words were. The soft but confident tones drifted through Alexis's crowded mind and soothed her almost as much as the forest did. She dimly registered the thought that it was Artimis's voice, but was half asleep and didn't react to the conclusion with much more than a small hint of surprise. She kept her eyes closed and remained still, relaxing in the musical notes and soon feeling a familiar presence walking towards them. Artimis gracefully finished and Alexis awoke more fully. She had a feeling that the song was for her, and she was assured by her best friend that it was.
Touched, she reopened her eyes when she heard the conversation-taking place, noticing to her shock Professor Snape sitting next to them. He seemed very -humane- and gazed down at Alexis. "If you are finished with your nap, Miss Whyte, I think you would find it good to know that it is almost past time to leave for Hoggesmeade. I have been asked to accompany you two, but please, I insist you don't question It." he spoke softly to the two of them. Alexis calmly sat up, and gazed peacefully across the lake as Artimis and Professor Snape stood and made ready to leave. "Miss Whyte? Will you be joining us?" The potion's master inquired, staring at her quizzically. Alexis sighed and slowly stood, brushing off the bits of debris from her body. With a last longing glance into the forest, Alexis turned and followed.
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Artimis was in total shock. She had been singing her heart out and then as she finished there was a clap. She turned to see Professor Snape looking at her with a slight smirk. She was so embarrassed she started rambling. "Professor, What? I mean Um. What are you doing here?" she said, wanting to kick herself for her lack of attention. He chided something and she had the distinct feeling that he had complimented her. She looked to Alexis and the silent conversation ensued. Snape made a snarky comment about Hoggesmeade, his going with them and the fact that they were not allowed to ask. She stood as she watched Alexis look longingly towards the woods.
"Miss Whyte? Will you be joining us?" Professor Snape asked.
(Why does he have to come?) Alexis moaned mentally.
{He told us not to ask. It's only respectful that we do not.}
(Whoa, hold on why do you care about being respectful?)
{Cause he just caught me singing. I am so embarrassed.}
"But you're a good singer!" Alexis spoke aloud looking at Artimis cautiously.
"You're just saying that because I'm your best friend." Artimis said her face once again resembling a tomato. She could feel the tickle of her face that meant she was blushing.
"I can't believe I am going to agree with a Gryffindor, But Ms. Whyte is correct in her statement. You are an incredible singer." Professor Snape said. It looked like it hurt him to say that and she was a bit affronted that he had to force himself to compliment her. She took it as she really sucked and they didn't want to let he know. "You both are just trying to make sure I don't know I suck." She said moving faster ahead of them in the direction of Hoggesmeade.
(Fine. Listen to this) Alexis's mind cooed as Alexis remembered the sound of Artimis's voice.
Artimis stopped and looked at Alexis. "Do I really sound like that?" She questioned with uncertainty.
"Yep. Oh and we have enough money for the you know what but I don't think we can by it with you know who with us." She whispered. Artimis laughed. "I'm sure he'll have to use the restroom sometime. We'll fill him up on Butter Beer so he'll have to piss like a racehorse." She whispered back. They enter the main street of Hoggesmeade and headed straight for the Three Broomsticks.
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They entered the cozy atmosphere of the tavern, noticing only about two or three other students from the school. Snape followed them inside cautiously, looking around for anyone he recognized. Alexis and Artimis made their way casually towards the low bar at the back of the room. Several wizards sat as inconspicuously as possible at several stools, one or two of them staring curiously under their hoods at the two young girls and tall stalking figure behind them. Alexis and Artimis sat down at the bar as if they had always been there. Snape stared at them curiously and took a seat also.
Artimis spoke up to the lady behind the counter," Three Butter Beers, please." She glances at Snape and adds quickly," Oh, I'm sorry. Did you want something else?"
"No, that is quite fine." Snape mumbled.
The barmaid brought out three frothing mugs of the wonderful drink and plopped them in front of the trio, Artimis handing her the required amount of Sickles. Snape quietly took his glass and hesitantly took a sip. Alexis picked up her glass, expertly hiding her expression behind it as she smirked to Artimis, who winked. Alexis composed herself, and then placed her mug harshly down upon the counter. Snape looked up in surprise as Artimis hid a grin.
Alexis reached in her robes and drew out three Galleons from a previous staged duel. Slapping them harshly down upon the table as Snape jerked in surprise. Alexis stared defiantly at him and spoke," Sir, I wager three Galleons that Artimis and I can out drink you any day." Snape looked at her, and then glanced at Artimis, who shrugged nonchalantly. He smirked and commented," I don't gamble Miss Whyte."
Alexis thought for a moment, then continued proudly." Oh, I don't think that's the problem Professor. I believe that your just covering for a weak stomach instead of humbly admitting you're already defeated before you have even started."
Snape glared maliciously at her, as Artimis snickered. Artimis pulled out her own stash of cash and calmly placed six Galleons of her own next to Alexis's. "I bet I can out drink both you, Alexis, and you Professor."
Alexis glared at her as Snape smiled slightly. Alexis mumbled something and hurriedly took out some more gold pieces. " I take you up on that offer.'' she growled as she laid the Galleons on her pile, now numbering eight total. Both girls stared at Snape expectantly, ready to start. What the hell, they're only ignorant little children...
Snape snickered and spoke," Madame Rosmerta, set us up with a few more glasses please. It will only take a few..."
Alexis and Artimis grinned widely and took a few more glasses, setting them close for the start of the contest. The barmaid smiled discreetly and obliged, excepting the currency from the potion's master. Artimis looked to Alexis and faked brushing a careless hand through her hair but Alexis knew Artimis slight of hand trick meant she was taking her potion that made it to where she would not get sick soon.
{What? Did you expect me to drink straight?} Artimis questioned mentally. Alexis grinned at the comment and Snape's slightly confused expression. Artimis asked Snape " Do you do shots or do you do joint chug?" Snape expression told her that she should not know as much as she did about drinking games, but hey her brother was Apollo "Hold-His-Liquor" Callabella. "Joint I believe will work." He replied. Alexis stated as she grabbed her mug. "Ready, GO"
Artimis grabbed her Mug and gulped it down quickly. Alexis hurriedly stated (I get to win!)
{No he gets to lose} Artimis replied on her second mug. They looked to Snape who was amazing on his third and almost done. Alexis quickly choked down her third after Artimis had finished hers. "Breather!" Alexis yelled as she put more Knuts on the bar for Madam Rosmerta. They waited as she filled their mugs, a strange glint in professor Snapes eyes. I would like to see these girls with Fire whiskey, not many girls can chug three Butter beers in two minutes. He thought as the drinks were placed before them. "Resume!" Artimis stated as she picked up her mug and swallowed it in one gulp.
(How many do you think it will take before he has to piss?)
{It takes Apollo thirty; hope he has a smaller bladder.} Artimis replied as she chugged her ninth mug. Snape seemed to be showing no signs of giving up.
(Artimis you're looking green)
{HAR FUCKING HAR} Artimis replied. Artimis finished her twelfth. All the mugs in front of them were empty so they waited for them to be filled.
"Where on earth did you two learn to drink?" Professor Snape asked, damn near shocked. Artimis snorted. "My brother is the title holder in my neighborhood for the most drank. 78 I believe was his last score" She replied.
{Alexis, I have to pee} Artimis whined.
(Hold it, I'm not even close)
{Ok, I'm alright for now but he better go in the next five drinks or I'm out}
Snape looked to Alexis, "And you?"
"Iron Stomach, can eat or drink as much as I want without gaining weight or getting sick." She replied. The drinks were filled and Artimis looked at hers warily. "Ready?" He asked her. "Are YOU?" Alexis replied an evil glint in her eye. "Go!" Artimis said as she washed down number thirteen. Snape and Alexis were right on the same number as her.
(Hey Artimis, He's starting to squirm in his seat. He has to go. Just hold it.)
{I am!} Artimis scolded as she drank her beverage. Alexis went back to her drinking. Number sixteen was when it happened. Artimis was looking like 'if he doesn't go now I am going to'. Suddenly Snape stood and rushed off to the restroom. Artimis quickly followed. Alexis leaned back and finished Snape's drinks, Artimis's Drinks and her own. "Weaklings" she mumbled. Artimis rushed back before Snape and sat as if nothing happened.
{You Win.}
(I know.) Alexis said smirking. "Hand it over."
Artimis pulled out her purse and paid Alexis.
{You do know that me paying you makes not difference, it's all going for our prank stuff anyways.}
(I know, but it fun watching you squirm.) Snape walked back and looked in surprise at his mugs. "I see you finished for me. How about we go shop now, or what ever it is you people do here."
"ZONKO'S!" They both yelled in unison. He sighed as they picked up their stuff and walked out calmly. Artimis took another 'don't-puke-potion' while Alexis distracted Snape. They walked in to Zonko's and saw Fred and George. Alexis ran up to them, "We just out drank Snape!"
"Seriously?" (Fred)
"Bloody brilliant!" (George)
"Details please..." (Fred)
"How much did he wager?" (George)
"DID he wager?" (Fred)
"No, did he puke?" (George)
"Please say he did..." (Fred)
"That would be something of a record..." (George)
As Alexis over cheerfully explained details -clearly hyped up on all the sugar and the adrenaline rush and practically dancing around- Artimis dizzily looked back and forth between the Twins, who relentlessly commented back and forth, the effects also taking affect on her, but on a turn for the worse. The three quipped back and forth, as Artimis head started to ache something fierce, making her vision doubled. Alexis glanced at her and cracked up, the Twins staring in confusion at Artimis who was holding her head and weaving.
"What's wrong with her?" (Fred)
"She didn't eat those Cockroach Clusters again did she?" (George)
"No, it was the vomit flavored Every Flavor Bean that got to her at that time..." (Fred)
"You sure? I'm thinking it was the sardine flavored one..." (George)
Alexis stopped laughing long enough to cut into their argument, standing up proudly. "No, it wasn't the food this time. She thought she could challenge me at chugging."
George busted up laughing, Fred following suit of course.
"Bad plan of action there, Artimis." (Fred)
"Should know by know you can't top her that easily..." (George)
"Found that out at the Party..." (Fred)
"Even with those distilling potions...'' (George)
"Good try though..." (Fred)
"Amazing, you both must provide more distinct visuals at a later time though..." (George)
"Don't seem as if we're appreciated here at the moment..." (Fred)
"Nope. Must go. Gags to buy, jokes to tell, pranks to pull, you get the jest..." (George)
"Later times then..." (Fred)
They trailed off after finally noticing the stern glares from Professor Snape standing not to far away. They waved simultaneously the raced off out the door of the joke shop, arms laden with bags and boxes. Alexis stared amusingly after them. Artimis groaned, sitting on the nearest windowsill, leaning down. "How the hell did you follow all that?"
"Very carefully and much experience. Can't help but start listening when your only other friend leaves you with them for snogging sessions with another certain Slytherin..."
Artimis glared daggers at her, mentally warning {Stop while you're ahead...}
(What? Just trying to explain...) Alexis joked casually.
"I will demolish you if you continue your statements." Artimis growled, as she stood wobbly.
"No, Ms. Whyte I am quite interested in what you were saying please continue." Snape chimed.
{Don't you dare} Artimis mentally barked
(It would only be respectful) replied sarcastically
{Please, DON'T} Artimis's voice begged.
( LOVE YA) Alexis said. "Oh look who has joined us. Hi Draco." Alexis said pointing to the white haired Slytherin walking in towards Artimis.
"Whyte. Hello babe, why did you not show up?" Draco said totally ignoring Alexis and turning to Artimis.
"Um... Dear, you have terrible timing. And I couldn't um show up because I have a chaperone." She replied sheepishly.
He looked to Alexis, "Who her? Or was it the Lupin, I saw him stalking about." He said wrapping his arms around her waist, and kissing her softly. He drew his head back and looked in her eyes. "You taste like Butter beer, I love it when you drink Butter Beer." Alexis started giggling and Artimis was turning bright red. "Mr. Malfoy, I don't believe that is appropriate for being in public." Snape hissed. Draco turned abruptly knocking Artimis back. "Damn it Draco." She said getting up. " What do I have to spell it out. How did you miss the billowing cloud of cloaks inside Zonko's" She stated.
"Um... Hi Professor. When did you come in?" Draco said quickly. Snape smirked. "I was here the whole time. I am her said Chaperone. " Draco paled out and turned to Artimis. "Um... we need to talk later." He said as he rushed past Snape, who was sneering after him.
" I don't know what you see in him." Alexis said, purchasing their supplies. Snape snorted as he stood by the door.
"That's none of your bloody business." Artimis replied, glaring at Alexis.
"Think it's time we return to the school." Snape interjected, feeling animosity between Artimis and Alexis. "Fine!" They both said slightly disappointed as they walked out of Zonko's. Artimis had to stop and stare at the new Firebolts but Alexis dragged her away. They reached the school and Alexis headed toward Gryffindor tower, holding bags of stuff that were going to go in her trunk of holding. Artimis walked ahead of Snape deep in thought. {We just had a NICE day, and it was spent with Snape!}
(I know, freaking freaky) Alexis replied mentally.
{You know I could get used to having someone to talk to all the time. Goodnight!}
(Night, Draco LOVER!)
"Damn you stop saying that!" Artimis yelled.
"Excuse me, Miss Callabella?" Snape asked a tone of concern in his voice. She had forgotten his was behind her. She turned to him and said "Alexis making snide comments that's all." Then she quickly dashed for the Slytherin Common Room. She approached Draco and quickly dragged him off to a side room. "Well hello." He said as she kissed him.
"Shh, He'll catch us." She replied. He licked her chin and stated, "I see you dribbled while you were drinking. You taste so good." She pulled back and kissed him again. "I've got to go." She said rushing out of the door. She rushed past Snape to her room.
(You need to close you mind when you do that) Alexis interjected her thoughts.
{You saw that!} Artimis asked panicked.
(No I saw it and felt the emotions you had in your stomach)
{Sorry} Artimis replied mentally.
(Night)
{Goodnight} Alexis replied. In her dorm, Alexis rolled over and went to sleep satisfied with her victory. Artimis lie in bed awhile staring at the ceiling. She slowly let her eyes close as she drifted off to sleep humming.