A/N: What is this the fourth chapter? I dunno, whatever. Enjoy, this one I think might be a bit odd, or awkward sounding, it was weird to write, I think I'm tired...oh well. I always say my stuff sounds funny. R&R, I think I might wait until I get some more reviews before I post the next chapter, just ya know...to be annoying.

Disclaimer: I guess I should renew this...no...still not owning it. Damn...

PAROLE, 10:32pm

Holly sat at yet another bar, a bit of sweat forming on her forehead. It was rather warm in the dim, foggy club. Music pounded through her body; currently Going Under by Evanescence was being played as loud as was legal. She sipped at her martini and looked around. In a bored attempt to amuse herself Holly began to levitate her little paper umbrella that came in her previous drink. Finding this to be calming Holly continued to perform minor magic for herself. Of course there were no mirrors or illusions to Holly's magic.

Artemis walked in and felt like he'd hit a wall of solid heat and sound waves. He pushed his way through the crowd lifting a few wallets on the way, Butler right behind him. When he sat down at the bar he looked around and noticed the same girl from earlier sitting there. 'She was in the pub too…' He thought as he watched her. Just then she made a small paper umbrella lift into the air and hover there before disappearing completely. Shocked Artemis got up and walked toward her, determined to prove how she had done that without even moving more than her finger.

He sat down next to her, startling her some, because she jumped slightly when he spoke. "Good evening miss."

Holly smiled a bit, her heart starting to race straight away. "Hello yourself."

Artemis found this to be a slightly rude response but waved it away and pushed onward with more determination then before. "I was wondering if you'd care to share how you managed to do what you just did with that umbrella."

Holly eyed him suspiciously and shrugged nonchalantly. "A good magician never reveals how she does her tricks." A smug grin tugged at her lips at the look of annoyance on the genius' pale face.

"Very well then." Artemis said trying to hide his obvious disappointment. This girl was clearly talented and Artemis could use her in his operations. Though he rarely, if ever took partners he thought he might make an exception for the pretty girl sitting next to him.

"Do you want to dance?" Holly's smile faltered as she asked this, unsure if she'd actually spoke aloud or if she had merely thought it. Her confusion was mirrored by Artemis, who was understandably shocked at this sudden and bold question.

"Er…" Er? Er? That wasn't even a word. Artemis' eyes crossed in irritation at himself but he quickly recovered his poise with the thought that a dance might give him time to at least pilfer a few more wallets and valuables. "Sure, why not."

Artemis stood and extended his hand, which Holly took, and walked into the crowd of people. To Artemis' displeasure, and luck, a slower song came over the speakers, meaning couple dances were in order, no more bump and grind. It was displeasing because he would have to hold this girl, he'd just met, but lucky because at least he knew how to dance slowly.

Holly twitched as Holding On by Ferry Corsten began to play; she wasn't planning on being wrapped up in Artemis' arms. 'D'Arvit.'

They made their way to the middle of the dance floor and Artemis put his arms around Holly's waist, her arms draped lazily over his shoulders. They swayed back and forth, eyes half-lidded as did most of the other club occupants.

"So…you're a magician?" Artemis questioned, to break the awkward silence that had fallen.

"Excellent deduction my dear Fowl." Holly responded and immediately cursed herself for not only lying, but for saying his last name, which he had not told her.

"You know who I am?"

"Well…" Holly stalled, thinking up a believable fib. "You…are rather well known. I watched your show today, you were very good." Holly bit her tongue to keep herself from rambling out of nerves.

"Thank you." Artemis seemed to take this as the truth and smiled a vampire smile at Holly. "But I'm afraid that I still do not know you."

Holly Short pondered the idea of lying for a few moments before deciding that she didn't care if he remembered her or not. "Holly." She said simply and they continued to dance.

"Holly. I'm fond of that name." He didn't tell her his bird's name was Holly, for fear it may insult her. "Well Holly, I was wondering if perhaps, since you won't tell me how you do your tricks, if you would think about becoming my partner." The question was out and hanging in the air before Artemis had time to think about what he was rushing into. He had even forgotten all about pick-pocketing. This girl seemed to have put a spell over him. Quickly as though he needed to clarify himself Artemis added "Magic partner that is. I've been looking for a talented person like yourself."

Maybe it was the muggy, smoke and alcohol filled air. Maybe it was all the mushy couples around them. Maybe it was the music that seemed to have drunken her worse than the three shots and two other drinks she'd had. Holly couldn't tell, but somehow her mind was a bit fuzzy in the thought department. "I'd like that very much." She said in a low voice, her cheeks turning a bit pink. 'I must be crazy.' Ok so maybe her thoughts were just fine….Maybe she was just lonely, and she did need a job.

Artemis looked shocked, having expected her to deny his offer and had to settle for nodding as a response. Suddenly the music switched to something loud and fast, causing Artemis to jump slightly as the people around them resumed their earlier dance forms. Holly stifled a giggle and pulled Artemis back over to the bar where Butler was sitting with a glass of Brandy.

Butler eyed his charge curiously, and hinted at breaking every bone in the young woman's body, but Artemis shook his head and introduced her. "This is Holly, Butler; she'll be coming back with us I believe. She has agreed to my request." Butler raised an eyebrow at this but did not question Artemis. He merely grunted his response and stood, following his master out to the Bentley.

Holly followed Artemis to the car and seated herself next to him as he motioned for her to do. "We can drop you off at your residence if you'd like. However as my partner, I extend an invitation to stay at the Manor to you."

Holly mulled this over and over finally deciding that she didn't really wish to return to the empty apartment devoid of memories. At least Fowl Manor held a place in her heart. "I accept your offer, Fowl."

Fowl Manor, 1:17am

The Bentley halted in the driveway in front of Fowl Manor and Artemis Fowl stepped out, casually helping Holly. "I will show you to your room Holly." He said with an emotionless face and led the way though the familiar halls to a guest room. "I am three doors down, on your left, if you need any assistance that a maid or Butler cannot help you with, you may come find me. Goodnight, or rather…good morning."

Holly smiled and bid him good morning as well, walking in and crashing onto the bed. It was so warm and comfortable that she fell asleep without even bothering to change or anything else.

'Root would kill me….' Was Holly's last coherent thought, it caused the smile on her lips to fade into a sad forlorn expression. Unconsciously Holly mumbled, as if an after thought. "I wish he remembered me…"

Artemis entered his room and got ready for long awaited sleep. Dressed in his deep blue silk pajamas Artemis sparred a few moments to tell Holly of his night after the show, and confide in her, that his stomach had been churning in a most unpleasant way from the moment he laid eyes on the strange magician that shared his pet's name. Holly cooed softly, the fire that Artemis had always seen in her eyes intensifying. "Now don't be jealous Holly, I promise I will not like this new Holly anymore than the original." He stroked her head softly as a yawn shook his body. "Goodnight Holly." He said and turned out the light with a clap of his hands.

As Artemis let sleep consume him, the churning in his stomach continued; and his mind allowed a most unusual thought to plague his subconscious. This new Holly is the original. However, for the time being his subconscious would not share this thought with his conscious mind.

A/N:wink: R&R