Lynx had talked Draco into taking her into town the next evening so she could get Nyt something to keep her company. As they wondered around they came to the place where Lynx was looking. They walked inside and looked around. Draco went off on his own, saying he needed to get something for someone, leaving Lynx to find a tiger cub for Nyt.

As she looked around she heard small growls, which sounded like it came from a cub. She walked alittle ways before kneeling down and looking in a cage. A small ball of white and black came to the door of the cage and looked at her. She smiled as she looked at it. It was so small and innocent. She opened the cage and picked it up.

"Hello there, little one. You're so cute." Lynx started to scratch behind it's ears. The little tiger started to purr. She walked up to the counter and asked how much the little ball of fur cost.

"He's about, oh, 50 dollars miss."

"Thank you."

Lynx walked back to the cage and stood there. She looked at the poor little creature sadly. "I'm sorry. I'm afraid I don't have 50 dollars to but you. If I did I would buy you."

He looked at her and started to paw her. She chuckled as she scratched his ear. Someone came up behind her and caused the little cub in her arms to growl. She turned around and smiled.

"It's ok, little one. It's just Draco. He won't hurt me." The cub seemed at ease once she continued to pet it. Draco looked around the shop, dissatisfaction on his face.

"I don't know about this Lynx. Do you know what is involved with raising a tiger? The money and let alone the danger. And 50 dollars? Shouldn't exotic pets be a lot more expensive?"

"Draco, one thing Nyt's parents have never lacked is money. They may not act like parents at all, but they will easily give her money if it keeps her occupied and out of their way. And this cub here is a runt, not only that but he wasn't even really wild. This cub came from a well-tamed and out-of-the-wild tiger. While this one here will learn to hunt for himself, he will still be easily tamed, just like a big cat."

"You don't lack any knowledge on the subject."

"Well, ever since we've been little Nyt has wanted a tiger and I have wanted a snow leopard. We use to read every book we could get on the animals. There are always agencies that will take a tiger in if it gets too big or too dangerous."

"Is that before or after it attacks you."

"I'm not the person he growled at, am I Draco?"

Draco looked at her and sighed before smiling. He walked closer and started to scratch his other ear. Of course with two people scratching his ears the tiger purred more. "What are you going to name him?"

"I'm not going to name him. I'm going to let Nyt name him. After all, he is going to be her tiger, not mine. When I get more money this week, I'll come back and buy him Sunday."

"It's your decision, I could buy him now."

"No, no, I want him to get use to Nyt, not me."

They told the man who owned the store her intentions and he agreed to not sale the tiger. He also agreed to set up a way to provide enough food once they take the tiger to the school. Draco and Lynx left and went back to the school.

When they got into the school Skyra almost instantly approached them. Lynx had to keep from rolling her eyes openly. Draco gave a deep chuckle that Lynx could only feel because she was standing so close to him.

"Hi, um, listen. I know we haven't been on the best of terms recently. But, I just want to know what happened to Nyt. I haven't seen her all day, and well the rumor going around school is that she was suspended and Fred was expelled."

"Both are true, Skyra."

"What about her and the professor. How did Dumbledore find out?"

'You should know. You're so going to pay' Lynx had plaster a fake smile on her face so not to betray her thoughts. "Apparently, Fred mentioned it in an attempt to bring Nyt down with him."

"Oh, so what happens now?" Lynx about laughed, that question had become very popular with everyone.

"They can't be together, at all. If she needs help or anything that requires time with professor Snape she is supposed to go to Professor Dumbledore instead. If they are found together again, it will probably be his career and she'll be expelled. I don't know that for sure, but it seems the most likely."

"That's horrible."

"Yes, well Skyra, we need to go. We have…things to do." She grabbed Draco's arm and practically ran down the hall away from Skyra.

"You really hate her."

"She was one of my friends. I don't like being betrayed."

"She'll be punished, it's karma."

"Oh, Nyt never waits for karma."

"You know, I like her. But I will never make her mad."

"You snakes are all alike."

"And that, my dear, is an advantage to us."

Lynx laughed as they made their way to the Great Hall. When they stood at the closed doors Draco looked at her. "Do you want to go back to our dorm or do you want to eat something?"

"I'm not really hungry. I think I'll go back to the dorm. I have to figure out how to pay for the little one."

Draco nodded, kissed her forehead and watched her walk toward the dungeons before entering the Great Hall.

Once inside the dorm Lynx walked to her room and looked around. She walked to her bookshelf and looked for that book on snow leopards. When she found it she walked through the door to Draco's room and sat on his bed. Then she started to read.

At one point she fell asleep and was woken up by Draco. He was smiling at her as he climbed into the bed and wrapped his arms around her, bringing her closer. She sighed as she got comfortable.

"What did I miss?"

"Nothing much. Everyone just stared at me as I walked in. Snape was late and told everyone to mind their own business."

"Yep, that definitely sounds like our Snape."

"What sounds like our Snape?" A voice asked from the doorway.

Lynx and Draco looked toward the door and saw Snape standing in the doorway. "You can come in if you want Professor." Lynx said.

"That's ok. I'm heading to bed. Good-night."

With that he walked away and entered his room. Draco shook his head and Lynx could feel it. She sighed once more before cuddling closer to Draco and closing her eyes, letting sleep take her.

At about 3:30 in the morning Draco woke up and noticed that Lynx wasn't in his arms. He panicked. He checked her room, the study and the library but to no avail. He knew something was wrong and he didn't like it one bit. He went to Snape's room and rushed in.

"Severus? Please wake up."

When he didn't Draco ran into the bathroom turned on the ice cold water, filled a small bucket then returned to Snape's room. He walked to the side of the bed and dumped the bucket over Snape's head. Snape jerked up and was then awake.

"What! What's wrong Draco? And why exactly did you use that method to wake me up?"

"Because I couldn't just wake you up. And I can't find Lynx. I can't find her anywhere." Draco said as he looked around. He was very worried.

"Alright. I'll help you find her."

They both got up and dressed and went around the school looking for Lynx.

"Leave me alone." Lynx said as she walked backwards until her back was pressed against the wall.

"I don't think so." A male voice said. "You owe me."

Lynx watched as the man advanced on her, pressing his body against hers. He leaned down and started to kiss her neck causing her to whimper. She could feel the man smirk on her neck and she shuddered.

"Please stop. Let me go." Lynx was almost crying now.

"I don't think so my sweet. You're mine."

Lynx shuddered once again before tears began to fall down her cheeks as she silently cried.

The hallways were silent. Early morning light shone through the windows, but shadows still created odd forms on the walls and floors. They both treaded carefully. There was too much corridor to cover, they might not find Lynx.

"Draco, are you sure she is missing. Maybe she went for a walk?"

"No… I don't know. But I just feel…this feels suspicious."

They continued walking turning down hallways and checking classrooms.

"Severus? You think she is okay…."

"Shh, Draco."

"Don't try to…"

"No, Draco. Listen."

They had just turned down another hallway and they could both hear a faint whimper coming from further along.

Severus grabbed Draco's hand and continued, making sure they both were in the shadows that covered portions of the walls. As they got closer to the corner they heard a women pleading, "Please, let me go…please," through a hoarse voice.

Something in Draco snapped as he recognized the voice. He shoved off Severus' restricting hand and charged around the corner. Down the hall someone rounded the corner, shadows hiding their identity.

Draco walked up to the body lying haphazardly on the floor. Severus ran past him and kneeled by her side, checking her injuries.

"Miss Lupin is only unconscious, well, beside probably frightened near to death."

He easily picked her up from the floor. "Come on Draco, we shall take Miss Lupin to the nurse."

Draco nodded unable the think about what he had just done.

She had woken up briefly but quickly fell asleep a few hours after being placed in a hospital wing bed. Draco stood looking down on her, Severus next to him. Tears lined his eyes. He slowly reached out to grasp her unmoving hand.

"It is my fault, isn't it?"

"What are you prattling about?"

"If I hadn't ran around the corner we could have known who it was the attacked her…If I hadn't…"

"Draco, while it would have been beneficial to know who it was, you acted on instinct. No one can fault you for that."

"But, what about…" He couldn't finish.

"Don't worry about it. Miss Lupin most likely knows who it was that so bluntly attacked her. We shall only have to ask her when she wakes."

"Thank you, Severus."

Severus pulled up two chairs and they both took a seat. Morning arose and they remained there. The nurse had come in a few time to check on her, muttering about a 'nasty bump nothing more'. Finally, Severus sighed and looked to Draco.

"We must go about with our day."

"No I would like to stay here."

"Draco, even though I am a teacher, I can't let you miss your classes. I have to teach in 30 minutes and I have yet to shower, besides the impromptu one you so kindly gave me. Go, take a shower, get some food, and go to class. You can always stop by during lunch and whatever you choose to do in your free time, I can't do anything about- within reason of course."

Draco ran his hands through his hair. He could really use a shower, yet he didn't want to leave Lynx. He sighed. "Sir, please, this…"

"No, Draco. When I am done preparing, I will stop back by here to make sure you're not still here. If I find you here, I will not be lenient." Severus turned and strode from the room in the manner that made freshmen cringe.

Draco glared for a moment but resigned got up from the chair. After a brief stretch, he leaned forward and kissed Lynx on the forehead and headed to the door.

When Lynx woke up she didn't know where she was or who anyone was when they came in to see her. She learned that the boy with jet-black hair and emerald green eyes was Harry and the boy with red hair was Ron. She smiled and said hi, and let them know that she didn't know who they were. Harry looked say at first but once Madame Pomfrey told Harry and Ron what happened to her he understood and smiled.

"I hope you get your memory back soon, Lynx." Harry said as he and Ron walked out of the infirmary to go to class.

Lynx climbed out of bed and walked toward the door. When she walked out of it she saw someone with blond hair and silver-gray eyes staring at her, amazed.

"Lynx?"

"Do I know you?"

"Mr. Malfoy, I believe you have class." A tall man with black hair and black eyes said.

Said boy nodded and then walked away. Lynx looked at the man and looked confused.

"I'm Professor Snape, your science teacher. I'm here to take you to your friend Nyt."

At the mention of her friend's name she nodded and followed. She was silent the entire trip, even though Professor Snape tried to get her to speak. Snape gave up and just led her to the dungeons where the Snake Common Rooms were, as well as Nyt.

Nyt walked out of the common room and smiled at her friend. "How is your life?"

Lynx shook her head. "I don't remember anything about this place, or anyone."

With that Nyt stopped. She didn't remember anyone, and that meant Draco. She looked at Snape and he nodded his head then left. Nyt smiled again and led her friend inside. "It's ok, Lynx. I'll help you remember, ok?"

Lynx nodded her head and smiled as Nyt took her to their room. She looked around and saw two beds, one with green sheets and the other with blackish silver sheets. Lynx walked over to the bed with the blackish silver sheets and laid down, quickly going off to sleep.

Nyt let Lynx sleep for a few hours. She had looked tired and emotionally unstable when she entered with Severus. While Lynx slept, Nyt thought over everything she had been told.

For the most part she was angry, however this happened, who ever caused this, Nyt would discover, and with that revenge will be exacted. She almost laughed at the irony, she had just been released from punishment and now she was going to willingly get in trouble again.

It was obvious that Lynx remembered her, and was relieved by that. She didn't however remember anyone else. This was problematic, but not unsolvable. The most pressing problem is that she doesn't remember where she is. This school was riddled with dark halls and alcoves that, as this year alone has proven, can created unwanted situations.

How much exactly did she remember? Hopefully it was only recent memories, Nyt didn't relish discussing their dysfunctional families, but she would if needed.

Things have changed so quickly. Nothing is working as planned. This place was supposed to be good for them, that's why they came here; to escape their families and start again. Now, she was getting in trouble, again, she is wanting forbidden relations with a teacher, Lynx was getting attacked, and one of their supposed friends was a fake. She needed to vent.

With a quick check on a sleeping Lynx, Nyt left the room.

Vents were the best invention. Every room is connected to a vent. If the entrance is too small you could always just listen, a great way to eaves drop. Most room vents, as Nyt discovered, she could fit through. With a loud pop the grate came off the frame and Nyt dropped into Severus' den.

All teachers are offered room and board during the semester. Some stayed and others transported. Severus, having no reason to keep a house of his own, stayed at the school, much to Nyt's pleasure.

He, of course, was startled when a person dropped form the vent into his den, but upon realizing whom it was he moderately relaxed. Still, when Nyt turned to face him, anger lined his features.

"What are you doing here? You're going to get expelled."

"I needed to talk."

"Well, you'll have to go to someone else."

Nyt knew this routine. He didn't want her to leave, but couldn't let her stay, not in concern for his career but for here future. This was one of the changes that had been bothering her and she was sick of it.

"Please, I need…"

"No, you can't come to me every time you…what are you doing?"

Nyt had turned back around and began to crawl back into the vent.

"What does it look like? I'm leaving just like you wanted." She hadn't meant for her voice to crack with emotion, but it did anyway.

She knew that he was really just helping the both of them by refusing her, but she was being constantly watched for her actions in protecting a friend. That same friend how has amnesia and Nyt has to help her remember everything… everything. It was all just too much to deal with. She figured he would at least be willing to listen to her while she ranted, help her calm down, then she could continue on as normal, but that to had changed.

He must have noticed her emotional state, and from what Nyt had learned of this man, really did want to help. She hadn't made it completely into the vent yet when she felt a tug on her jeans. Not wanting to show him just how fragile she was right now but wanting to hear his comforting voice, she didn't move either away or towards him. She felt another tug, just a little more insistent than the last. "WHAT!"

"Come out of there and sit down. You can't traipse through the school distraught."

She debated hard whether to turn back. She came here for some comfort and to talk, yet he nobly turned her away. While the reasons are sweet when she thinks about, it was one problem too many this night. Nyt didn't know what she was going to do, but she knew she needed to get away from everyone including Severus.

Shaking her foot, he seemed to get the message. Releasing his grip, she continued through the vents.

She had mastered most of the school's systems and learned where she could get to from the places she traveled most. Her main focus was to get away from…everyone, and just think on how she could begin to make things better, contemplate on the best approach to help Lynx. The only place almost completely closed of at night was the library, so that is where she headed.

The librarian had apparently had forgotten to turn off the light to her office. The soft lighting shown through the section of the library that Nyt now occupied giving her just enough light to see. She sat with her back to a shelf of books, her knees to her chest with her head rested upon them.

So many things had gone wrong and all at once. She really did miss have a second friend, normally Skyra to be there, but after Skyra's little display and betrayal, Nyt wasn't even considering her as an option.

A noise crashed her thoughts. She looked up, somewhat worried that she had just warranted punishment again for being out past curfew. Harry's face looked down to her. She hadn't heard him come in and he must have guessed her question. Pointing to the glass doorway some twenty feet away from them he said, "It's almost always unlocked, I come in here a lot to just sit…just get away from people.

"Yeah? Sorry I was here first, you'll have to get away from people somewhere else."

Harry gave a soft laugh to which Nyt couldn't help but smile to.

"I'm supposed to be mean to you." Nyt couldn't think of any thing else to say.

"Well, I have noticed a lot of boundaries being crossed. So how is this? I won't tell anyone and you won't tell anyone. Then we are both happy." He noticed Nyt look to the door again. "Don't worry I rarely see anyone even pass by here. I don't think anyone is going to notice."

"Oh." She looked up to him and was rewarded with a tiny smile, "OH, sorry, here have a seat." She patted the spot next to her.

"You look troubled, want to talk?"

"Yeah, I want to have my problems displayed to the whole school again. I think not."

"No, you don't have to worry about that. I'm sick of these house rivalries; they're pointless. I know that you are friends with Lynx, so I believe you can be trusted. So I'll go first."
She turned her head towards him.

"Go first?"
"I'm going to tell you one of my secrets, and pray that you'll keep it. That way you have something on me if one of your problems get broadcasted to the school."

"Umm…" She thought for a moment. This was interesting turn. She knew that she shouldn't even be here, not with him, but she was tired of dealing with stuff alone. Her best friend didn't remember anyone but her, so she needed help in this. Sitting next to her was a gentle guy with a soft heart willing to help, possibly extending friendship. She was tired of rivalries and enemies, she was going to take the offer. She scooted around to face him her back to the door, rubbed her hands greedily together, and said, "Hit me with you best, hot shot."

Severus knew many places she would go. She wouldn't go back to her room, Lynx was there and from Severus' guess that was part of the problem. He had checked every place but one, and the library was now his only other idea.

He walked to the front doors and pulled. They were locked and didn't even budge. Checking his pockets he realized he had left his keys in his rooms. He peered through the doors into the library. Against the far wall the Librarian's office was lit and shone gently through the library, but if she was in there she wouldn't been out in the open.

He was tired, and annoyed that he wanted her but couldn't have her. If it was a question of his job he would continue to be near her. He had received countless offers from research institutions and colleges. He hadn't excepted because he enjoyed the atmosphere he and although he refused to show it, he enjoyed teaching young minds. However, this wasn't his future he was considering it was hers and she deserved a start in the real world unmarred and unattached.

As he turned he heard her distinctive laugh that always warmed him. In his thoughts he could picture her smile. But that was obliterated but another laugh joined hers…a male laugh.

Sometime the side door into the library was unlocked. He had forgotten it because he had rarely ever used it, the hallway leading to his was never trodden because it led to nothing but a wall and that door. He quickly walked around the library and approached the door.

Two people sat one with their back to the door who he could clearly see was Nyt. From his angle, she covered the other person's face and he couldn't risk crossing to the other side of the door or that person would see him.

The male said something, throwing Nyt into hysteric laughs that Severus had managed to get out of her more that a few times. Usually it lightened his mood, but as she laughed, she rocked forward and Severus could see Harry Potter setting with Nyt.

He could feel his heart pound, something told him to get away, yet he couldn't move. Harry, who had also begun to laugh, looked up directly at Severus. His expression must have been clearly written on his face, because Potter's laugh stopped briefly. They just stared at one another with Nyt's laughter softly dying in the back ground, her body still bent forward. She erected herself quickly obscuring Potter form Severus' view. He briefly thought that Potter would point or turn Nyt's attention to Severus, but he didn't. Nyt said something and laughs burst from both again.

Crushed, Severus turned from the door and began to walk back to his dorm. He really couldn't expect much. She had come to him for help and he had turned her away. She needed to talk and Potter offered an ear. Still, it inflamed rage within him, he should have listened. Now she if forming or has already formed a friendship with Harry bloody Potter, what will that lead too. He believed her when she said that she wanted to be with him, but her feelings could change, she could decide to leave him in her upcoming graduation and not look back. That was what he wanted for her… but not for himself. He didn't want to lose her, but that may be happening before his very eyes.

A torn man, Severus fell onto his bed and stared at the ceiling.

"…So here we are in middle of nowhere, my wrecked car useless to us, and Lynx gets this guy to give us a ride back into town. Somehow, and I still wonder how, after this huge wreck she had just got us both into, she gets the guy to let her drive say 'I just learned how to drive a stick shift, can I drive?'"

"Are you serious, after wrecking your car while you were teaching her how to drive a stick?"

"I'm serious. We made it back into town okay. My parents threw a fit over the car. When my parents get to the conclusion of this monstrous yelling session, they asked, 'well, what have you learned form all this' I don't know what possessed her to say it but Lynx chimed in 'I don't know about Nyt but I learned to drive a stick!'"

"That's hilarious." They both burst into laughs. Nyt checked her watch discovering it was 3 am.

"Oh, Harry, it is 3 o'clock."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I need to go, classes you know."

"Yeah, but this was fun."

"I do agree." The both stood. Awkward silence fell upon the two as neither knew what to say.

Nyt began towards the door but Harry voice got her attention. "Um, Nyt. Are we friend now?"

Nyt considered this for the smallest moment. "Yes, Harry we are friends. Just don't expect hugs throughout the day."

"Never would."

"Harry?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you for, well, listening."

"Always. Just if you need any help with anything let me know, you've had a rough time here, but I admire you loyalty."

"Well…my friend…you just earned it too." With that Nyt left the library via door (surprising I know) and traveled without event to her room. She paused before she opened the door. If Lynx was awake Nyt would begin filling her in with details of her life. If not, they would cover it tomorrow.

Lynx was sitting in a chair with one of Nyt's books in her lap. She looked up when Nyt entered and gave a gentle smile.

"Well, Lynx, what do you know?"