OMG! I'm so sorry this is so late! I totally meant to update earlier, but it just wasn't flowing. I've got a plan for the next seven or so chapters nor, so we should be okay. I'll try to update regularly, but between school, working two jobs, and being President of the organization of students where I go to college, I can make no promises. mercyangel

A/N: Please, please, please, please review!

Disclaimer: Don't own, don't sue!

Chapter 7: I didn't mean it!

Sirius sighed, I didn't try to kill you.

Attempting to feed me to a werewolf isn't attempted murder?

I just wanted to scare you a little bit, He paused, You were always following us around and taunting us. I just wanted you to back off.

So you shove me into a room with a werewolf?

It was Moony!



It was the most gentle person I had ever known.

Who just happened to turn into a monster once a month.

I didn't—don't think of him like that. I ran with him as Padfoot. I didn't think he would hurt anyone. I didn't think he could actually, Sirius glanced away from the steady onyx gaze, Look, I'm sorry, okay? I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! How many times do I have to say it?

Until you mean it! Severus sneered. (A/N: cookies to anyone who recognizes those lines from television!)

But I do. I've regretted that mistake since the minute James shouted at me in fear and took off to find you and I realized how serious it was. I'm sorry! I spent twelve years in Azkaban reliving that moment others of taunting you. Can't that be enough punishment? Christ, Severus, I still have nightmares about it!

Severus opened his mouth to respond and then hesitated, Black, you think Azkaban was your punishment for that?

What goes around comes around, doesn't it? I think if I hadn't of done that, I would have trusted myself enough to be James and Lilly's Secret Keeper. That Dumbledore would have made sure I was really guilty before I was sentenced. That Remy wouldn't have believed I was capable of murder.

I see.

Snape, if you won't call a truce with me, will you at least agree to a cease fire around Harry and the rest of the kids? They don't need us fighting with each other.

Severus paused, I suppose I could consent to a truce. I believe that you really do regret your actions. Even if i is only because you feel it's your fault the Potter's are indisposed.

Thank you.

It's not, you know.



Your fault. It's not. Pettigrew and the Dark Lord would have found away to do away with them. You just proved you were human by making a mistake.

You'd know all about mistakes, wouldn't you? Sirius glanced down at Severus's arm where the Dark Mark was branded.

Severus winced,

Shit. Sorry.

It's going to take both of us a little time to get used to this arrangement.

So, no hard feelings if I slip and call you a greasy, nasty, overgrown bat?

Only if I can call you a mangy, flea-ridden mutt.

Sounds like a deal.

Now, I do believe I have a class to teach and I'm sure your godson and my niece and nephews are wondering where we are and if we've killed each other yet.

M m M m M m M m M m M m M m M m M m M m M m M m

Just like cooking, right, Merce? Alvin questioned.

She pushed her hair out of her eyes and glared, first at her fiercely bubbling, bright pink concoction, then at Alvin's simmering pale yellow potion, Not exactly. I'm good at that. What did I do wrong? She moaned, grabbing her textbook.

Draco peered over her shoulder, How did you manage that?

I don't know!

Severus walked up, Did you add the dragon scales?



And the Phoenix tears?

Of course.

Before or after the scales?

After. That's what the book said.

Well, there's the problem. Didn't Ms. Granger inform you that there was a misprint and you were to add the tears before the scales? He asked under his breath to her.

Mercy look over at Hermione's perfect potion, No. Some help she turned out to be. Dray had caught me as I added the heather, but he didn't have much time, She replied in the same tone.

Ms. Granger!

The brunette looked over, Yes, Professor Snape?

Did I, or did I not specifically assign you to assisting Mercedes during her first day?

She seemed to be doing just fine by herself, Hermione justified.

That will be fifteen points from Gryffindor for not doing as instructed. Mr. Potter! Severus bit out.

Harry looked up worriedly from his cauldron, Professor Snape, it wasn't my—

You'll be helping Ms. Dellan in class now. If you and Mr. Malfoy would please help Ms. Dellan and Mr. Garrick with their lessons, I would much appreciate it. And that will be ten points— Harry winced, to Gryffindor for an excellent potion, Mr. Potter.

Harry gaped at him as Mercy giggled, Thanks, Uncle Sev, She said quietly.

My pleasure. It would have been an excellent potion, by the way, He answered, I'll give you 100 for effort and participation and the opportunity to redo your potion at the earliest convenience.

How about after Defense? Are you available then?

I have seventh year Potions then, but you could work in the back. Draco, would you mind accompanying her?



Thanks, Dray.

My pleasure.

Mr. Potter, Mr. Garrick, why don't you join them? I'm sure you could learn something from the seventh year class.

Harry exclaimed, not noticing Ron and Hermione's glares.

Class, bottle your potions and you're dismissed.

Thanks, Professor Snape, Harry said as he handed in his potion.

You have a lot of potential, Harry. I'm sorry I didn't see it before. Now, Mercy, Draco, and Alvin are waiting for you.

Okay! See you after class!

So, what did Uncle Sev have to say? Draco asked as Harry joined the trio.

Just that I did well today. Ready for Defense?

Mercy smirked, You bet. Umbridge isn't going to know what hit her when I'm done with her. Alvin, you remember the plan, right?

Of course, Devious.

Harry and Draco echoed.

Yet another nickname I have accumulated, She answered, I plot schemes very well.

It can get a little scary at times, actually. She can be quite . . . dangerous.

Thanks, Al.

You're welcome, Mercy.

Well, here we are, Draco said a few minutes later.

Okay, get out of your robes. Yea, you, too, Dray. Put these on, She handed the two fifth years muggle T-shirts as she pulled her blonde hair out of its conservative bun and waited while the boy blushed and changed, sneaking glances at each other, Anyone in particular you would like to embarrass in this class?

Harry hesitated, Cho Chang. She's been a major witch this year.

Pansy Parkinson, Draco added.

Taking out a piece of parchment she added the two names in the appropriate spots, And for Umbridge herself . . . She slipped a pack of gum into her jeans pocket, All ready.

What are going to do? Draco asked.

Cause as much trouble as I can, starting with my uniform, She sauntered into the room with a smirk and an evil look on her usually innocent face.

This is going to be good, Alvin chuckled, following his friend.

Hem, hem, Umbridge coughed as Harry and Draco followed them in, You must be our new arrivals. You're late.

Mercy drawled, Oh, I'm so terribly sorry. Uncle Sev— Oh! Professor Snape kept us for a moment to verify our study session.

See that it doesn't happen again. And where are your uniforms?

My house doesn't have a uniform and due to Harry, Dray, and Alvin being honorary members of the House of Dellan, they are no longer required to wear the uniforms either, except in Potions, where robes are a safety precaution. I have a note from the Headmaster explaining just that.

Very well. Take your seats and begin reading.

Mercy sat, taking out her book and an assortment of different colored high-lighters, which Draco look at curiously, What are those? He whispered, glancing up at Umbridge.

A muggle device called a high-lighter. We use them to emphasize words or phrases when we're reading and taking notes so that our attention is called to it when we review, She answered, making no effort to conceal her voice.

Umbridge's head shot up, Miss Dellan! This is not your break time. Therefore, there will be no talking!

Yes, Ms. Umbridge. I was merely informing Draco on the inventions of muggles that make our lives easier, Mercy started reading, marking various phrases in her book.

Draco tapped her shoulder, May I use one? She handed him a Slytherin green and continued her studying.

Suddenly she raised her hand, startling those around her.

Yes, Miss Dellan? Umbridge looked down at her.

Mercy stood, Well, in the book it mentions Grace Feeley and how she could mind speak with several different animals and when I looked for more information, I couldn't find anything. I was just wondering what you knew about that? (A/N: This will all make sense eventually.)

Well, most people believed Grace Feeley to be on Dumbledore's side during the battle with Grindelwald, but there's evidence that she was actually a spy for the other side—

Not true! Ron burst out, She was a spy for our side! My great uncle was her husband's best friend before they relocated to the Unites States!

Detention, Mr. Weasley, for contradiction a teacher. Now as I was saying—

You can't give him a detention for that! He didn't do anything wrong! Mercy interrupted.

He disrespected a teacher!

No, he simply gave more facts and another point of view. You might as well say that a baby is bulemic because it spits up on you after eating!

Alvin cracked a smile, That's just gross, Mercy.

A gross exaggeration, you mean.

That's enough, young lady. You're going to the Headmaster!

On what grounds?!



What, are we in boot camp now? If that's the case, I say we mutiny!!

Look here, this is my classroom, you little puppet! I say what goes!

Oh, no. Now she's done it. Ladies and gents, you are about to witness what happens when you take offense to being vertically challenged, Alvin scowled.

Mercy marched up the aisle way ranting, Puppet? Ay, that way goes the game. Now I perceive that she hath made compare between our statures. She hath urged her height, and with her tall personage she hath prevailed. How low am I , thou pained maypole?! Speak! I am not yet so low but that my nails can reach unto thine eyes!' (A/N: cookies for whoever figures out where that's from!)

Alvin winced, Too much drama class, Merce, just too much.

I thought I could never be too much, Al?

Right. It was too much drama in that. Not you.

She popped a piece of gym into her mouth.

There will be no eating in class, Miss Dellan.

Mercy blew a bubble, Oh, sorry. It's not eating, it's chewing gum. Want a piece?

What is this strange muggle invention?

It's good, right, Al? Try it, Umbridge took a piece of gum and looked at it, Now, unwrap it, put it in your mouth, and chew. Don't swallow it!

Umbridge did as instructed. After a few moments she gagged and spit out the prank gum, What was that?

Mercy sneered, Garlic and onion. And that's only the beginning. Messieurs Moony and Padfoot allowed me the honor. Watch your back. It'll be your only warning, She took her seat.

Harry looked at her for a long moment, Thank you.

Definitely not a problem, hon. Just think of me as your big sister.

Another little brother, Mercy? Alvin questioned as Umbridge sputtered up front.

Of course.

I need to thank you, too, Mercedes, Ron spoke up, I would probably be in detention if not for you.

No prob, Ron. It's all for a greater good, She winked, causing him to blush.

That's all fine and dandy, but if you don't mind, some of us are trying to concentrate on our reading, Hermione broke in, glaring at Harry and Draco who were whispering covertly to each other.

Harry grinned, Okay, Mione. We'll quiet down, And the group began to study again.

All was quiet until Mercy slipped the forged note from earlier out of her pocket, Hey, Al, She muttered, handing it to him.

He looked at her, smirked, and made a show of passing it to Draco who raised an eyebrow, but passed it along, until it reached Cho Chang. As soon as the Asian girl had it in her hand, Mercy raised a hand, Ms. Umbridge?

What, Dellan?

Is note passing allowed in class?

Of course not.

Oh . . . Then I should probably tell you that that girl over there has a note.

Umbridge stalked over to Chang and grabbed the paper, Let's just see what this says, shall we?

Hey, Cho! Can you believe this class? It's positively droll! Umbridge is a terrible teacher. Not to mention she looks like a troll. I bet the only reason she has this job is because she's doing Fudge. Gross, but true. Any ways, I'll see you later tonight for the meeting at eight. Hugs, Pansy!'

Pansy—God, Umbridge is droning on again. Can you believe what she's wearing today? I mean, ick! But I always thought she was doing Filch. Now that's a perfect pair! They're both terrible an like torture. I don't know why she's even allowed on the premises. Hugs, Cho!'

Cho, maybe she's doing both of them! At different times, of course!-Pansy'

What is the meaning of this insubordination, ladies?! Detention for a month and fifty points from Slytherin and Ravenclaw!

But we didn't write that! Cho protested.

Do you want to try for one hundred? Class dismissed.

That was awesome, Mercy! Draco exclaimed as the four walked out of class.

Thank, thank you. No applause, please. Donations are gladly welcomed. I accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards.

A timid voice asked behind her.

She turned with a friendly grin, That's my name, don't wear it out! Oh! You're Longbottom, right? Neville?

Yea. You know who I am?

Of course. What can I do for you?

Well, I heard you were having a study session for Potions and, well . . . He paused.

You want to tag along?

If it's not too much of a bother?

Of course you can come. I'm sure Uncle Sev won't mind.



Dray! Hey, Dray! Wait up! The group turned toward the voice.

Blaise, what's up?

You tell me! I haven't seen you except for class since we got back from vacation! What's the big deal?

Sorry, I've just been a little preoccupied. Have you met Mercy and Al yet?

I've seen them around but we haven't been formally introduced. I'm Blaise Zabini.

My best friend, Draco added, Blaise, this is Mercedes and Alvin. And of course, you know Neville, Harry, and Ron.

Dray-Dray! Why are you with Gryffindorks? Pansy Parkinson whined.

Hey! I'll have you know that n o one here is, or will ever be, a dork! Unless we're talking about you, which is another case entirely, Pug face! Mercy retorted.

Dray-Dray, are you going to let this mudblood talk to me like that?

I'll have you know that Mercy is of the Feeley Line, Parkinson! She has more magic in her pinky then you do in your entire body! Harry defended.

You, right, Scarhead! No way could she be a Feeley and be related to my Dray-Dray!

First of all, she is. And second, in case you haven't noticed, Parkinson, I'm gay! Gay, as in homosexual. Gay as in I like boys, not girls, and definitely not you! Draco exclaimed, Get a clue! I wouldn't date you if we were the last two people on Earth!

You tell her, Ray! Mercy grinned, I'm so not calling you Dray anymore! But if we're going to Potions, we need to scoot.

Draco smirked, Right. Uncle Sev won't be too happy if we're late.

Eh, he'll live. Blaise, Ron, you coming with? Alvin asked.

Um, sure, why not . . . The two agreed and the group headed off.

M m M m M m M m M m M m M m M m M m M m M m M m

So, Weasley, when I add peppermint to any medicinal draught I'll get . . . what? Severus questioned as the class chuckled.

Hm, Professor? George murmured.

If I add the peppermint?!

Um . . .

Does my niece hold the answer, Weasley?!

Mercy looked up from her cauldron, Actually, wouldn't peppermint negate the chemical bond and you'd get an explosion? She questioned.

Exactly! It's nice to know someone was paying attention to my lecture!

Lee Jordan smirked, Well, if George would pay attention to something other than a pretty girl, maybe he'd actually learn something.

George blushed, Well, is that true, Weasley?! Are you making eye at my niece?

Yes, do tell, Georgie-boy. Are you crushing on the new girl? Lee mocked.

Mercy raised an eyebrow, Does it really matter? I mean, really? Red-heads are so not my type!

George and Fred pouted,

Really. Now, will you please pay attention to Uncle Sev?

Yes, pay attention, Weasleys, or I'll give Mercy the potion for rendering you even more senseless than you already are. I might just give it to her any ways.

Draco nudged Harry as class resumed, What, Ray?

Check that out, He nodded towards Blaise who was helping Neville.

Is Zabini . . .?

Yea. Longbottom?

Not sure, The two watched as Blaise showed Neville the correct chopping technique by guiding Neville's hands. Harry grinned, Does Zabini like Nev?

I'm thinking yes. Is Longbottom going to break my best-friend's heart?

I don't think so.

Suddenly, there was a large bang and a female scream of,

Mercy? Are you okay? Severus asked as the smoke cleared.

NO! I'm pissed! My potion was perfect! Weasleys!

Hey, I didn't do it! Ron protested.

Not you! Your brothers. If I had wanted my hair red and gold, I would have done it myself!

But, Mercy, you can't prove we did it! George said gleefully.

Wanna bet, She muttered.

Until you agree to go out with one of us, be prepared for pranks! Fred added.

Really? Well, just remember, payback is a bitch!

Amidst many gasps at her language, Severus dismissed the class.

What's the plan, Mercy? Alvin asked as she sighed disgustedly at the red and gold strands.

I'm not sure yet but it's going to be very painful for them.

Siri and Remy will help, I'm sure, Harry offered, And I'm in, of course.

Thanks, Ry. (A/N: pronounced Ree.)

That's a new one.

Ray and Ry. Ain't it cute?

Draco choked, Funny, Mercy.

Thanks. Uncle Sev, what will get this out?

He shrugged, I've never been able to figure out how to reverse the twins' pranks.

Then I need to go to London for hair dye. Peroxide should get this out.

Blaise exclaimed.

Of course. You didn't think my color was natural, did you? Oh, you did? You poor, naive boy.

But isn't bleach toxic? Ron asked.

Only when you don't dilute it.

And you dilute it yourself? Draco questioned.

Of course not. It comes in this little prepackaged box all ready for me. But if you're that worried, I'll just go into a salon and see a professional.

Yes, please, Harry smiled, Just in case.

She rolled her eyes, Men. Now, how am I going to prove it was them and get them back?

I believe I can help with that, The group turned towards the door, I'm Lee Jordan. I saw what the twins did to you. And I have a plan. You'll need Ron to owl his mum and tell her.

Oh, I like that. Mum's Howlers are the best, Ron grinned, When they're not to me, of course.

Oh, of course, Mercy agreed and the group of nine sat down for some serious planning.

Well, did you like the latest installment? Please review!