"Miss Nikov!" Nyt had begun what Draco considered doing. Before Fred had the chance to finish walking towards the bed, Nyt was moving for him. He saw this, his eyes widening and stopped in mid step. Nyt, however, didn't stop.
Principal Dumbledore was shouting for her to stop, but that was blocked out as Nyt approached Fred. Lynx watched eagerly from the bed. Just when Lynx thought that Fred was going to have a concussion as well, Draco grabbed Nyt around the waist, completely hauling her off the ground.
It was at this time that Professor Snape chose to enter the infirmary. His face flushing in fury at the seen before him. A prompt but barely contained rageful, "Mister MALFOY!" escaped his lips.
Nyt's legs kicked wildly in the air as Draco walked her over to the bedside near Lynx and backed her against the wall. Releasing her to the floor, he moved to the foot of the bed to effectively block her from attempting another attack on Fred. After all, Lynx reasoned, she had already gotten into enough trouble.
Silence settled in the infirmary, as people became conscious of their surroundings. Fred looked as though he was the deer in the headlights of an oncoming car. Nyt's sharp panting breath could be heard. Lynx was almost tempted to turn around and check to make sure her best friend wasn't hyperventilating. Harry was calmly impassive, but all parties knew that such a blessing wouldn't last long. Snape's face displayed a small fury and then finally comprehension as Dumbledore began to speak.
"Due to the recent events, not including the possibilities of this night's Miss Nikov, I should inform both Mister Weasley and Miss Phoenix that they will remain a large distance from another. That means, Mister Weasley, that you must leave, as it is obvious that Miss Phoenix is unable to do so." Dumbledore took a look around, and Lynx caught his glace towards Snape that showed a fond affection for the teacher. "We should all calm down: Miss Nikov you need to gain reign of your temper, least you get into more trouble. Why doesn't Professor Snape escort you and young Malfoy to the Snake rooms. Harry I believe that I'll show you to the Gryffin rooms. Mister Weasley, after all the years you have attended this school, I know you can find my office easily. Please, make yourself comfortable there, you and I will have a long talk. Tomorrow, we shall decide everything, punishments and all."
Dumbledore beckoned Harry who practically jumped at the gesture. He gave a look that was between sympathy and anger towards Lynx as he went through the door. Fred, who was still looking as though he was trapped, abruptly turned on his heel and almost ran through the hall. His brisk footstep could be heard on the floor. Snape looked to both Draco and Nyt expectantly.
"I'll give you a moment to say goodnight." Snape glided to the door silently and was gone before anyone could say anything.
"We'll I better go, he seems really mad. I'll have to talk to you tomorrow, or later on tonight, depending on what vent system I can use."
"Don't get yourself in trouble, Nyt."
"Are you kidding Lynx? That's what I'm hoping for."
Nyt bent down and gave Lynx a gentle hug. "I can get you two a few minutes, but past that…well, Severus seems to be in a very emotional state."
"I wonder why." Lynx commented, giving a pointed look towards Draco who shrugged.
"I think it the interference worked out for the better. Thank you Draco, you've saved me from a severe lashing." She turned back to Lynx, "Well, I must get to him, no telling what story he has concocted up to explain what he saw. Like I said, I'll see you around darl'n." Nyt turned and left the infirmary to Draco and Lynx.
"Well, you have had a busy day." They both laughed, but Lynx sobered up first.
"Thank you Draco…for stopping Nyt."
"No problem," He looked to the floor as a child would. It seemed he was shy to take compliments but Lynx could see the faint blush that had formed over his pale cheeks. "I knew you wouldn't want her to be in more trouble, but you weren't exactly in a position to stop her. After all, I get along with her just fine; she's the only one in my house I can actually stand to be around no point in her getting expelled. And then…"
He stopped. Lynx was listening intently and wished for him to continue, and it seemed like he wouldn't until she asked.
"It's just…she is why we are together."
"You shouldn't feel like you owe her anything Draco. She has helped us because she cares."
"Yeah, funny trait for a snake. Still, I don't think I owe her anything"
"Ahhh, but Draco, you care for me."
"Desperately."
"Well, Nyt and I are best friends and helping each other goes with that, just as have helped her too." She paused for a moment understanding finally sinking into her. "Ohhh, ohhhh. I get it."
Draco's head shot up, eyes wide with surprise that quickly became suspicion. "Get what?"
"You don't know how to be her friend. You and I are friends, but we are past that relationship wise. You want to be friends, true friends, but only friends." She gave a smile as he tried to piece together how she had figured it out. "You want to be friends with her like the two you deemed 'wonder twins' are friends, don't you?"
He was silent for a while, looking to anything but her. He slowly moved over to the bed and crawled into it, placing an arm around Lynx.
"I would like to have such a friend. Does that anger you?"
"No. This is wonderful. There is so much you both need. It must be horrible to be alone in the Snake house. This way, you won't be alone. Nyt also has some interests that are common to yours. You two should get along brilliantly. She is a great friend." She stopped, looking up at Draco. With a decision to goad him she added, "as long as you two remain only friends."
He looked hurt at her joke, before he realized he was being teased. "That, my darling, isn't a concern. There is no one to take you place."
"Glad to hear it." The clock on the infirmary wall chimed. Lynx was startled to see it was midnight. "I think you should go, before you horribly anger the person you want to be a true friend with by making her wait all night."
"Okay." He moved off the bed and turned around to straighten the covers. Giving her a kiss he began towards the door. "I might be able to sneak back in later, but if not, I definitely will stop by tomorrow. Good night, my griffin."
"Good night, my snake."
Lynx watched Draco as he left the infirmary. She felt alittle disappointed for she had gotten use to sleeping in Draco's safe arms. She decided to try and sleep and if she couldn't she'd try something different.
At about 2 o'clock in the morning Lynx woke up to the sounds of footsteps. She looked around though she saw no one in the infirmary. Thinking she only imagined it she slowly got up and climbed out of her bed. Then she silently walked out of the infirmary and down the halls toward Snape's classroom. She was hoping either Professor Snape would help her or she could use the vent system.
When she got to the classroom she smiled then quietly opened the door only to find Nyt and Snape in each other's arms. Lynx shook her head and watched for a few more minutes.
"As much as I'm enjoying the show I would really like Nyt's help with something." Lynx said after awhile.
Nyt and Snape pulled away and looked at anything except Lynx and each other.
"It's ok. I don't mind seeing that. It doesn't bother me." Lynx said walking up to her friend. "Would you show me the way to the Snake Common Room from here?"
Nyt looked at her friend and knew instantly why she was asked this. She nodded before walking to the vent, climbing into it then with Snape's help pulled Lynx up as well. Then they headed toward the Snake Common Room.
Once they reached the common room Nyt helped Lynx down and told her where she would be able to find Draco's room. Then she went back to Snape. Lynx silently walked through the Snake House as she looked for Draco's room.
Lynx smiled when she found his room, and she knew that with the fact that his door was slightly opened and she could hear his soft breathing. She walked into his room and closed the door. She walked to the other side of his bed and crawled under the covers. Draco woke up just enough to notice someone in his bed.
"What is goin…you shouldn't be here Lynx." Draco said as he turned over and wrapped his arms around his phoenix.
"I couldn't sleep." She said snuggling into Draco's chest.
He chuckled as he held her close to make sure nothing happened to her. He didn't want anything to happen to her, not ever, and especially not by him. "Sleep my kitten. Sleep."
Lynx cuddled closer as she slowly drifted to sleep. Draco kissed her forehead as he too drifted off to sleep, again.
When Lynx woke up the next morning she noticed that she wasn't in the infirmary anymore, she was in someone's room. She stiffened when she felt arms tighten around.
"Calm down Kitten. It's ok. You're safe."
She turned around and faced Draco. She sighed as she saw his face and knew that she was indeed safe.
"Sorry. I just couldn't remember where I was."
"It's ok. And understandable."
Draco leaned down and kissed her lips lightly before pulling away and getting out of bed. He walked to his wardrobe, picked out his clothes and went into the bathroom. As he did that Lynx became familiar with his room again. She'd only been in here once before and didn't really know it.
She was so absorbed in her thoughts she didn't know Draco came back out or that he was sitting on the bed right behind her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and brought her closer to him. She sighed as she leaned into his embrace, placing her head between his shoulder and neck.
"I better get you back to the infirmary while it's still really early before Madame Pomfrey starts waking up the whole school with her shouts of 'I can't find Lynx'."
Lynx sighed as she nodded her head. She started to leave his arms but found out that he wasn't about to let that happen. He picked her up and carried her out of his room, through the common room, out the door and through the hall. When he saw the infirmary he sighed. He looked down at Lynx and noticed she had fallen back to sleep.
"Sweet dreams, my Kitten."
As he said that Lynx cuddled into his chest and murmured "I love you, my Dragon." He smiled, before walking through the doors and toward her bed. He didn't see any sign of Madame Pomfrey, so he wasted no time in placing his Kitten in her bed.
Once she was covered up he lay down next to her, wrapped his arms around her, and once again fell asleep.
Nyt walks into the infirmary and smiles at the sight in front of her. Her best friend in the arms of her love. She shook her head before turning around and walking out. As she does she notices Harry walking this way.
"What do you want, Harry?"
"I wanted to apologize to Lynx. I didn't mean to be so upset, it's just that…"
"It's just that Draco's your rival and you felt like she was betraying you, is that it?"
Harry nods his head as he bows it. Nyt shakes her head and places her hand on his shoulder.
"She's asleep, and Draco's in there with her. I don't think now is the best time for that."
Harry nods before walking away. He heads toward the Gryffin Common Room, and waits for a time he can talk to Lynx. Nyt heads toward Snape's office until breakfast.
At around 7 o'clock Lynx started to stir. Draco was no where to be found, but a note told her he would "see her around". A gurgling noise issued from her stomach, loudly. Still Madame Pomfrey seemed to be missing.
"It seems I must fend for myself today" she muttered as she slowly got up from the bed.
The halls were deathly silent, almost in foreshadowing of the fate of both Fred and Nyt it seemed. The Great Hall was also empty, except for the staff preparing food.
"Oh, dear, how are you? Up so early? You look dreadful, have some pancakes." A pinkish, pudgy lady pushed a plate full of freshly cooked pancakes into her hands.
"Thanks."
Eat in her room would be preferable, but she needed to be released from the hospital division first. So, resigning herself to more white linen, she trudged towards the infirmary.
A shiver hit her as she turned down the final corridor. A person was walking towards her, though they seemed built like an adult. By the time she reached the door to the infirmary, Dumbledore greeted her joyfully.
"Hello, and good morning. I hope everything is better, especially after recent events. My, you have had quite the year, Miss Lupin."
"Yes, sir." She paused hoping he would state his purpose, but he just kept smiling, his eyes twinkling merrily. "Um, sir, can I ask you something."
"Miss Nikov's punishment has yet to be decided. Yes, she will still be punished, but not as severely as Mister Weasley will be. Although she did hit a student, it was in defense of another. I don't wish to consider what would have happened had the corridor been empty." He paused, the light completely gone from his eyes. "Miss Lupin, may I ask you a question in return?"
"Yes, sir."
"Were you able to tell were Miss Nikov came from when she went to your rescue?"
"Sir, I was barely able to keep from passing out. I'm only grateful that she was there. Why do you ask?"
"Last night, I was discussing events with Mister Weasley and what lead up to the actions of yesterday. He revealed some interesting information. Though, that isn't your worry, I'm keeping you from your food. Have a good morning."
"Thank you," Lynx turned back towards the door, but stopped suddenly remembering Fred. "Sir? What is to happen to Fred?"
Dumbledore pivoted in the hallway, and looked over his shoulder towards Lynx.
"This afternoon, the punishment of both Mister Weasley and Miss Nikov will be decided. That, and a few other things will be dealt with."
He walked down the hall like a man strolling through the park with nothing else to do, but Lynx didn't feel so carefree. Once he turned the corner, she went into the room and placed the pancakes on the table next to the bed she'd been recently occupying. Grabbing a pancake to quail her protesting stomach she was back out the door.
The Gryffin's common room was deserted, all the better because no one would ask question. Once in front of her room she hopped into the grate destined for the Snake's house.
Lynx popped the grate out soundlessly, and placed it in the duct itself. Carefully, she looked out into hall. No one was around. Slowly she got down, and tip-toed to Nyt's room. Nyt didn't share a room with other girls, the advantage to being considered a friend of Draco. Nyt had received two keys from Dumbledore when he approved reluctantly of her lack-of-roommate choice; one she used, the other Lynx used to open her door.
Nyt, surprisingly enough, was sitting at her desk with a schoolbook opened before her. Even though she was apt to get into trouble, she was maintained excellent grades. A characteristic that Lynx believed she had given to Nyt years ago.
"By all means, don't even knock."
"Sorry, Nyt, I thought you would have been asleep."
Nyt looked up from her book. Dark circles were around her eyes and she looked dreadful. So naturally, Lynx told her.
"Funny, my friend. But what brings you to my room so early. I thought that it was safer if I was to find you for our meetings. I am better at stealth."
"Yes you are, but not by much. Anyway, I ran into Dumbledore this morning. You have a meeting to receive your punishment this afternoon."
"Great, just perfect. What will I tell my parents when I'm no longer in this school. Oh, wait. They won't care. Well, what was that second school we considered going to….um…..I'll find it later. Though, I'm still glad I hit him. "
"Listen, you'll be punished, but I don't think you'll be expelled. Dumbledore said it will be easier on you because you were defending another student. That, however, isn't your biggest problem."
"Really, is Fred seeking revenge?"
"No. I think Fred told Dumbledore about the rumors of you and Snape."
Nyt's eyes went wide with that said.
"Don't worry, you'll be fine. I'll see you in a bit." Lynx hugged her best friend.
"Thanks" Nyt walked into Dumbledore's office, her stomach turning over with fear. She didn't regret hitting Fred at all, but the consequence could be dreadful.
"Ah. Miss Nikov, have a seat."
Fred was already seated in one of the two chairs across from Dumbledore. He looked completely ridiculous with the bandage over his broken nose, it was difficult not to laugh aloud. Snape as standing in the corner behind the principal, he looked pale and restless.
"Well, I have heard accounts of recent events from many parties. While I have trouble following teenage behavior something's obvious. In summary, Mister Weasley, you did physically attack another student. Miss Nikov you hit Mister Weasley, and in return he hit you. I give heavy thought to the punishment and both are equally fair."
A moment of sharp tension ran through the room, anticipation thick. "Mister Weasley, for you physical attack towards two students, you are expelled from this school. I can't and will not tolerate this type of violence. Miss Nikov, you are suspended for a full week. All basic grades will be dropped, test will have to be made up, but you are confined to a specially designed dormitory beginning Monday and must remain there until the next Monday. No activities and no contact with anyone but myself will be allowed. This may seem outdated, but trust me, it will be effective."
Fred shot out of his chair. "That's not fair! She broke my nose! She should be expelled as well!"
"Mister Weasley, calm yourself and be seated. Miss Nikov is receiving a lesser punishment because her actions were in defense of a person that you had knock almost unconscious. You, sir, hit both."
"That's not fair. When my parents find out..."
"Mister Weasley, I have already notified both yours and Miss Nikov's parents with details as to what as progressed here. They are currently waiting for you in the entrance hall. That is all for you Mister Weasley. We will gladly send you school records to whatever school you chose to attend next. Good evening."
Nyt took a deep breath to calm the jitters she started having once she first walked in. With the information that Lynx gave her, she was careful not even recognize Snape. Trying to hide a large smile, she moved to leave her seat.
"Um, Severus, Miss Nikov, we need a word."
Lynx had waited only 15 minutes before Fred dragged himself from the room. The verdict for him apparently hadn't been good. Lynx reminded herself that she would party later, but now she had to wait for Nyt who still hadn't left the room.
"So, do you actually have to speak with the principal or are you just wondering around the school."
"Good morning, Draco."
Draco walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her into a hug. Lynx sighed as she let herself melt into the touch. She was worried about her friend, with the possibility that Dumbledore knew about her relationship with Snape.
"I'm worried, Draco. What if Fred really did tell Dumbledore about…"
"Don't think about that right now. Just wait until Nyt comes out. Then you can ask her what happened."
Lynx nodded as she placed her head on his shoulder and wrapped her arms around his neck. Draco kissed the top of her forehead right when Fred and his parents walked by.
"Miss Phoenix, I would like to talk with you." Mrs. Weasley said.
"That won't be necessary." Snape walked out along with Nyt. Lynx left Draco's arms as she gave Nyt a hug.
"What happened?"
"I'm being suspended for a week without any activities or contacts of anyone except Dumbledore." Nyt looked at the floor. She didn't want to look at Lynx or take the chance that she'd look up at Snape.
"Did he know..."
Nyt nodded as she followed Snape to her new dormitories. Draco walked up behind Lynx and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "Come on. You need some rest."
Lynx nodded as she followed Draco down to the dungeons and through a door she'd never been through before. As they walked in she noticed that it looked like a big common room. She turned around and looked at Draco with a puzzled look.
"It's ours, well, it's mine. My father wanted me to have my own dormitory so here it is. Though it's big enough for about three or four people. I have already picked out my room. There's a room that's connected to mine if you'd like it."
Lynx nodded as he showed her the room. She walked inside and gasped. It was a red and gold room, with a giant painting of a lion behind the four poster bed. She walked over toward the bed and flung herself upon it. Draco chuckled as she walked over to the other side and looked at her.
"You know these colors don't go well with my colors."
"I know." Then she climbed off the bed and followed him to his room. It was identical to her, except it was green and silver with a giant painting of a snake behind his four poster bed. She smiled as she looked at him. "It suits you perfectly."
"There's two more rooms, both connected to each other. Both are like mine, green and silver with a snake. I'm guessing they're for Nyt and Snape."
"Is there anything more to this cozy place?"
Draco nodded as he showed her the study, a painting of a great snake curled against a lion lying on the ground right above the fireplace. There was also a library, filled with books of all kinds, including their schoolbooks.
"This place is amazing. I can't believe you get this all to yourself." Lynx looked around the library and noticed one of her favorite book, Dracula. She grabbed the book and looked at it. Draco looked over her shoulder and smiled.
"I'm going to suck your blood."
Lynx laughed as she leaned against him, causing him to hold her to him. He sighed as he placed his head on top of hers.
"If you decide to stay here your stuff will be moved and you'll have your own book self for all your favorite books, including Dracula."
"I'd like to stay here." She looked at him and smiled. "I can't believe that Nyt has to be confined for a whole week. Well, maybe I can get her something that she's always wanted."
"And that would be?"
"A tiger. Although I'd give her a tiger cub."
Draco smiled as he nodded then leading Lynx with him left the room. Then after locking the room he handed a key to Lynx. "This is the only way to get in. I had three copies made. One for you, one for Nyt and one for Snape, if they decide to come and join us."
Then after kissing each other once more they went in two different directions looking for two people, Snape and Nyt.
Lynx returned to her soon-to-be-vacated dorm room. She hadn't found Nyt, nor had she ran into Snape. She didn't really think she would find either, but he had hoped to talk to Nyt before Lynx wouldn't see her for a week.
Night had fallen and it was past midnight, so she just decided to try for some sleep.
"It's about time you got back."
"You know Nyt, sometimes your little sudden appearances can be annoying."
"Yes, but they can be useful."
Lynx walked over to her bed that Nyt was sitting on, her head against the backboard.
"Did you know this school had special suspension room?"
"No, although I believe you may be the first to actually need them."
"Yeah, well, they should have seen it coming."
"I'll warn everyone next time."
"Oh, and ruin the surprise."
"My, Nyt, just what have you been plotting?"
Nyt gave a shallow smile that didn't really comfort Lynx. "Nothing yet, but I'll definitely have time to think on it." They sat there for a while, just listening to the silence.
Lynx couldn't take this anticipation. "What happened about the whole Snape situation?"
"Well, when Fred left, Snape was told to sit in his vacated chair. No one said anything for 10 minutes, and then Dumbledore gets this strange look on his face. He wasn't angry and no one will be punished, but he said that everything had to end. Anything done after graduation or summer break if I continue to physically attack people, he can't control. Then he wanted a quick word with Severus."
"What is going to happen now."
"Well, we can't do anything about Dumbledore's decision. To continue would cause severe damage to Severus' career and no one knows what it will do to my reputation. That at least is what Severus said; I don't care about anything much but his career. The man does like to teach, although you wouldn't believe it. S, it ends for now."
"Oh, are you okay with that?"
Nyt pushed off from the bed and began for the door. Lynx knew the answer, and she could easily read what was going through Nyt's mind. However, Nyt wouldn't share that, she had always been reserved when it came to emotion. When she was ready to talk Lynx would be here to listen.
Nyt had the door partially opened when she looked back at Lynx. "I have to be."
Then Lynx was alone again.
"Yeah, see you next Monday." She said to no one. She stood up, gathered some of her books and then headed out of the common room. Then she walked down to the dungeons and toward Snape's classroom. As she came to the door she noticed that it was slightly open. She knocked not wanting to disturb him if he was busy.
"Come in."
Lynx walked into the classroom and noticed Snape was sitting at his desk. She placed her books on the desk closest to her. Then she walked up to his desk and waited. When Snape looked up and noticed Lynx standing there he stopped what he was doing and sighed.
"What did you want, Miss Lupin?"
"I talked to Nyt."
He only looked at her. His posture seemed tired, but he looked angry.
"I talked to her. She told me what happened. I just wanted to tell you, that no matter what she has said, she really does care for you."
"Miss Lupin, I know she cares. After meeting with Dumbledore, we calmly discussed what was to happen. If she is still interested in this relationship come graduation, we will pick up were we left off. Now, however, we are incapable of even creating the slightest rumor without difficulty from Principal Dumbledore."
"Sir, I mean no offense, I'm only concerned for my best friend. You seem to be taking this whole situation well."
His face changed making him look much older than his 25 years. "I put on the appearance I must, Miss Lupin. I will tell you though, I am not at all pleased to know that our secret had somehow become public. I don't doubt it is some teenage gossip, but I do know that you, Nyt, and Mister Malfoy are not the gossip type. There would be few others who knew."
"Don't worry professor, we plan to handle the situation."
"Please, do. If you need any assistance you know where to find me."
"Thank you professor." She nodded to him as a form of good-bye, but couldn't turn to leave. "Um, sir, I don't wish to pry, as I said I'm only concerned for my friend, but you know what she feels for you, how do you feel?"
He got up from his seat and walked her to the door. When she was in the hall he looked her directly into the eyes, "More."
Lynx nodded as she smiled and walked away.