A/N: Alright. Since the last chapter was so long, I'm sure this one should be adequately equal. Although, I may have a different presumption as to what is equal and what is not! So...this note was utterly pointless...Argh!
Disclaimer: I have not exploited this story for money...yet. *eyes the readers slyly* (Just kidding!)
Chapter Thirty-Two: We're Not Gonna Take It! (Got to Love Twisted Sister!!!)
***
As Ron headed into Snape's class, he felt a sense of dread. He remembered how Snape had glared at Zema, and he wasn't sure why...but he felt as if it had to do with Kit. As far as he knew, Snape harbored no ill will towards Kit, but he had no clue as to what went on in the Slytherin common room. For all he knew, Kit could be spending every night cursing him out or worse...
Surreptitiously, he caught sight of Kit and Draco, sitting at their station, whispering seriously to one another. Kit looked horribly placid, the worst she had all day. Maybe she was finally breaking, or maybe she was plotting something. Draco was just looking around nervously as she spoke to him, completely unaware that they were supposed to be working on a potion.
Nina smirked sordidly as Snape passed by their table. She leaned casually into Ron, getting close enough, yet not too close, to whisper to him, "You're causing my dear friend Draco many grievances, young man."
"What are you babbling about?" Ron retorted, rolling his eyes at her. Snape had spitefully paired she and him together for the class's last potion.
She tutted silently, "You can't really believe that he's going to stand by idly as you steal Clivelle away from him, do you Weasley? You're thicker than I assumed..."
"What do you really want, Snape?"
"I may be going out on a limb here, but I have a slight proposition for you..."
Ron answered automatically, "Not interested."
She smirked once more, "I could make it worth your while, Weasley."
He looked at her meaningfully. She seemed far too persistent to just be teasing him...
Nina looked at him seriously, then spoke, "Look, he actually cares for that bint, and I'm not chastising him, or you. It's just that if you could some how let him...I guess I could say this in a simpler way...
"If you would throw in the towel, per say, and let Draco have his bottle like the child he is...it could reap many opportunities for you and your families well-being. Financially of course."
Ron stared at her in disbelief, "You're asking me to deny my feelings for Kit so Malfoy can win again?! How do you expect me to respond to that?!"
"Goodness," she sighed, "Do you have to be so insufferable?! Okay then, one hundred galleons."
In utter shock, Ron let his mouth fall open. He couldn't believe his ears... "Look, I'm sorry...but I refuse to be a part of this in size, shape, or form! He can do just as I am and wait for her to tell us. I won't barter for a position in her life! It's sick..."
Nina clicked her tongue, "Fine then, but remember this: I have power that you don't possess. I can make or break you, Weasley and you better be damn sure that I won't sit idly by either. He deserves her far more than you..."
He rolled his eyes, letting her drone on about her social and academic positions. He could care less what she told Snape or what she pinned his name on. All he cared about at that point was focusing on his Glamour Potion...
***
"You can't possibly believe that, Katherine," Draco whispered heatedly, "The Dark Lord would never do anything to harm you. My father has made sure of that, and besides...your father did have a very high position in his following."
She breathed in deeply, "Look, I'm sick and tired of hearing about my father and Voldemort! He has nothing to do with me anymore. He's dead, Draco."
He rolled his eyes, then peered over her shoulder at Pansy and Hermione. Followed his gaze to them and nearly fell out of her chair.
They were laughing...genuinely. And very heartily...
"That's an odd pair, eh?" Draco chortled, "Who would've assumed...Parkinson and Granger...friends."
"Almost as unlikely as you falling for a former Gryffindor. Who would've assumed that?"
He smiled coyly, "The word we stress here: former."
She rolled her eyes this time, glancing at Ron, "What do you think Nina said to make him so violent? He's never been so angry...."
Draco scoffed, "That hot-headed twit? He's always mad at something or the other. It's probably all of that hot air influencing his brain..."
"No," Kit said sympathetically, "She's said something...I know it. I just wish this room wasn't so mindful...I might've been able to take a peek if not for this stupid war..."
***
He stared at her, watching as her purple hair cascaded down her face. She was so close to her...the woman he had formerly cared about more than life itself. If it hadn't been for him meeting Zema...maybe things would be different. Yet, she was so liberating and sensual, and because of that he knew that there was no way he could ever deny his feelings.
Even though she had been infatuated with Kirk, one of his close friends, he had always felt drawn to her. She carried herself like no other girl he'd ever associated with and it fascinated him. Although she was veelan, she had the depth and soul of a person over the age of one-hundred. It was as if she had seen it all and was just bursting to tell the world. Of course she was gorgeous, but that wasn't why he cared for her as much as he did.
Just listening to her speak was a joy to him. She always had such interesting things to say, not like all of the other girls...gossiping and trying to insinuate him into calling them fat or ugly. She rarely even lowered herself to contradict anyone...except Lucius. Every time they were around each other, Zema couldn't help but antagonize him. She thought he was an arrogant, self-righteous, snaky bastard. Of course, he felt the same too...but he'd never have the guts to say it directly to him.
After all the years they had known each other, she still didn't show any interest in him. It was as if she treated him like a tape recorder, letting him store everything she ever said into his brain. Even though it was a bit embarrassing to admit, he still remembered most of their conversations well and knew everything there was to know about Zema Potter-Clivelle. She was born in Southern France, raised by her veelan mother, and father who was a wizard named Radnor. Her father left her mother when she was only four, leaving the two to fend off of the streets until her second father came along and helped them out.
From there, Zema and her family moved out to Scotland, seeking one of her 'father's' known contacts. They finally settled after a few years of exploring and allowed Zema to attend a small wizarding school until they gained enough money to send her to Hogwarts, where she had originally been enrolled. She came in his fifth year, herself a fourth year. Although she was in Ravenclaw, they somehow found a way to connect and soon became friends. She seemed to think of him as a delightful companion, and she often asked him why he wasn't as insane as the rest of his friends.
After being close for a year, Kirk Clivelle seemed to take interest in her also. He did not notice it at first, but after a few months, the signs were overwhelming. Zema, of course, was more than flattered and soon began to drift away whenever he would talk to her. It was as if Kirk had her in a trance, although he wouldn't really push that thought away. He himself began to get frustrated with the both and longed for the old days when he could just sit on the grounds and talk all day with Zema...alone.
At his graduation, he noticed that Zema had come, but she wasn't elegant and composed as usual. She kept glancing away as he made his speech, and she seemed to be in utter despair. As he left the stage and went to speak to her, he noticed that she had come alone.
"What's wrong?" He asked as she jumped up, obviously very jumpy, "I thought your parents were coming."
She shook her head violently, "They were unable..."
She looked at him bleary eyed, a single tear on her cheek. Sensing something was wrong, he looked her in the eye, "Did he...did he do it?"
She nodded, then burst into small sobs, "She's gone forever, and he'll never be caught! I knew from the day we met him that he was no good...But mother wouldn't listen to my reasoning..."
"So, he's probably on the run, then?" He asked shakily, not really knowing what to do, "Do you...err--Did he take it all?"
"He took everything we owned! All he left were a few galleons and a note telling me that I could use it to pay for the funeral. He's just awful... And now I'm all alone! He didn't even leave me any clothes."
He bit his lip, "You could stay with me if you'd like. I just got my apartment...it's not very nice, but it's still habitable."
"No! I couldn't do that to you! I have enough money to get back o France, and maybe my father is still there." She sighed, "Don't worry though...I won't be alone. Kirk is coming along. He said it would be easier if I had someone I could fall back on in case he's not there anymore."
His heart sank, "Oh...err--I guess that's good then. If you need anything, just owl me."
She nodded, then hugged him. He felt a sense of guilt surge through him as she wrapped her arms around him, sniffing into his gown. She looked up at him mourning fully and nodded, then fled from the room as if she couldn't bear to be around him any longer than she had to...
As her blonde hair swished out the door, he smiled. He'd never be able to tame her...it was crazy enough that she was friends with him, so it would've been impossible for the two to be romantically linked. He saw Lucius smirking as they left the room. A sense of emptiness filling him...
As the bell rang, signalling the classes end, he found himself following her daughter with his eyes. She looked so much like her...the same build, that beautiful smile. Having her in the same house as he was almost too much to bear. He nodded to her as she beamed, walking out the classroom with Draco and the rest of his gaggle of Slytherins. She'd only been there for a few months, and yet she had already settled herself among the hierarchy of its social ranks. She grabbed hold of Malfoy's hand, pulling him to her side just as they left the room.
As the students filed out, he noticed that so many of them had changed. As a professor, he had to realize that even the most immature of students had to grow older, but he didn't notice it until just a few weeks ago...
The first to change, in his eyes, was Neville Longbottom. As much as he doted upon it, he just didn't feel so annoyed by the boy. After the summer, he must've had some sort of epiphany, as he was now up to a few of his own Slytherin's levels. He also noticed how less temperamental Weasley was...and he also abhorred that. Potter and Granger, they were always mature, but they too had changed. Granger seemed to have much more confidence, but she even saved some of her respect for a teacher like him. It was much harder for him to hold anything against her when she didn't sneak about and gallivant her talent.
Potter's celebrated personality was much more low-key. It was as if the students in his midst had finally accepted him to be less than a hero, and more of a friend or role-model. And he also hated to admit that his grades were rising miraculously.
He tore himself away from his reflections as he gathered his things and composed himself. He had to be presentable for the meeting, they all did. As the time drew nearer, he found himself wishing he could slow time. It wasn't that he was nervous, just...apprehensive. Nonetheless, he waltzed out, his robes billowing as he made his way to Slytherin's common room to instruct his students how to leave this school in a dignifiedly way.
As he entered, he smiled to himself. He was Severus Snape after all, and he had to uphold that no matter what was threatening his sanctuary. He had students to lead and he wouldn't let his emotions get the best of him.
***
Avoiding his stare, Kit snarled, "Please quit leering at me, Zabini. It's nauseating."
"Whatever," He retorted, smirking, "I wasn't leering at you...I was admiring you."
"None of that either. I have a boyfriend."
He scoffed, "Which is it then? Weasley or Draco? I don't see you reprimanding either of them for staring at you."
"They aren't undressing me with their eyes, now are they?" Kit glared at him, forcing her mind out of his. It was disgusting the way he could see everything you were just by looking at you. It was as if he had some special sort of power...The power to make you feel physically and emotionally naked. It horrified Kit to no end, and she was sure that she wasn't the only one who had ever felt that way.
"You didn't answer my question, Clivelle."
"What 'question' was that, Zabini?"
He repeated, "Which one is it? Draco or Weasley."
She rolled her eyes, "I hardly have to answer that. Besides, what should you care if I go out with either one?"
"I might just have an opinion, if you'd give the fuel."
"As if you need to know everything about me, Blaise. You hardly understand basic Transfiguration, much less how my mind works."
He shook his head and looked away, but not before getting his two cents into the last of the conversation. "You had better decide quickly. You might end up losing both of them."
Kit's thoughts were distracted as Snape swept into the common room, his eyes surveying her momentarily. For some reason she was reminded of the first time she ever saw him. It was as if he had a special ability, too. The power to make you feel utterly worthless...
"Now," He started tartly, only focusing on a few of the students, "As of now you are to be packed and ready to go if you are leaving. Most of you have already had your permission contracts signed by your guardians, so I only have four of you actually going home.
"Crabbe, Goyle, Bulstrode and Nedling, you are to get your things and proceed to the Great Hall. Everyone else may roam about until it is time to meet up with your relatives and such. Once you are done, Headmaster Dumbledore will give you further instructions.
"It has been quite an experience dealing with you all and I hope that you've gained all the discipline and knowledge that you could during this short stay. I hope to see that you all return next year, but I fear that this may be the end for our school, and a new beginning for all of us. If I do not have anyone returning, then I will know that my own little prophecy has bitterly come to pass. That is all...goodbye."
He nodded to the students and swept to his chambers, leaving them all to hurry to what they had been commanded to do.
***
Ron and Harry waited for Hermione to come down from the stairs. She emerged, not carrying any of her belongings. but clutching Crookshanks.
"What are you about, then?" Ron asked, looking at her incredulously.
He and Harry exchanged odd glances as she let go of Crookshanks, who sprung upon the couch and began playing with the pillows.
"I've decided," She drew in a deep breath, "I'm staying...whether my parents want me to or not! They should know by now that the only way we'll ever pull through is if we fight. So, divided we will fall, yet together we remain!"
A faint clapping was heard and Hermione soon blushed deeply as McGonnagall beamed at her. She had been listening to them the whole time.
The common room settled as she cleared her throat authoritatively. "Excellent point, Miss Granger, but some won't see it your way. As you know, some of your parents still think we're insane for letting you stay, but it is only at their consent. As the saying goes, the more the merrier. And it will be merrier if this fight is won for us.
"As Miss Granger so eloquently put it, we will only remain if we pull together and fight. Most of you have chosen to stay with your parents and or guardians so that you may have some part in defending this fine institution. We only have seven leaving us, and you will be sorely missed. Of course, it will never be held against you.
"Speaking of which, I would like for the Creeveys, Miss Patil, Miss Brown, Mr. Levrey, and Miss Granger to get your things and head to the--"
"Professor!" Hermione interrupted, jumping in front of her, "I'll be remaining."
"Not unless you have parental consent. The headmaster would not appreciate it if your parents were not informed of this."
"Oh! They should know that I need to stay! If you could give me a moment, I could---"
"You can dispute it with Professor Dumbledore when you are waiting." She nodded curtly to the seven and watched them stumble up the stairs to retrieve their things. "Now, I would like to inform you that it has been a pleasure seeing you all rise above all of this and hope that you will all become a great asset to us within the next few days. The rush will probably happen anywhere from tonight and tomorrow, so you should all be prepared. As for now, I would like for everyone to relax until it is time to meet your parents. Until then, thank you."
In awe, Ron watched as McGonagall left through the portrait hole. He had never seen her this emotional. It was a if she was losing something so very dear to her and she felt at a loss as to what to say. Harry too must've noticed it, for he had a look of utter-most respect for their headmistress.
"I can't believe that Hermione's going to try and fight it out with her parents. I haven't heard from the Dursleys for half a year and I'm still absolutely sure they'd be one-hundred percent okay with all of this." Harry smiled smugly as Ron laughed. "Bet your Mum's having kittens over all of this, eh?"
Ron nodded, "If it weren't for dad, I think we'd all be at home tied to our beds."
He glanced at Fred and George, who were talking to Ginny heatedly. She was blushing more than ever. Harry shook his head, "She still hasn't given me an answer."
"What? I thought you were already going out! It's been two days already, mate...you need to step up to the plate and get this thing over with."
He shook his head, "It's not that, she's been side-stepping around it ever since I asked her. She told me it would take time, but I didn't think she'd take this long!"
"Maybe she's just a bit confused," Ron offered, shrugging his shoulders, "It did happen pretty fast. Not that I'm ungrateful or anything...now you can't get all pissy when I flirt with Kit."
"Like that would ever stop you!" Harry retorted, sitting down on the couch and petting a purring Crookshanks, "You made a move on her the first night you met."
He glared at him, "She made a move on me, you mean. I was the one who was still nursing a head injury."
"Nope...you were down, but you most certainly weren't out." Harry sniggered, then turned a bit more serious, "I'd rather it be you, than Malfoy, though."
Ron sighed, trying not to sound so disappointed, "You might not get your wish. I have this odd feeling in the pit of my stomach that I don't want to hear Kit's decision when she's finally ready to discern it. Who knows, she could choose me: then again, she could just as easily choose Malfoy or George..."
"George?"
"Long story..." Ron sighed again, "What do you think you'd do if she did choose Malfoy?"
"What, are you saying that she won't choose you? Or are you just paranoid?"
He glared at him, "Look, I'm just saying that I really have absolutely no reason to get cocky yet! Who's she been hanging all over? Who's she been displaying her affection towards...publicly?! I'm not being paranoid. I'm just thinking reasonably."
"Reasonably? Look, I'm not going to argue with you, but I'm just trying to tell you not to worry so much. Have you ever heard of self-fulfilling prophecy?"
Ron shook his head, allowing Harry to continue, "By saying something is going to happen one way, you increase the chance that it will. So, if you think she's going to choose Draco, you could actually be improving his chances."
"This is the most idiotic thing I've heard today, Harry." He grimaced, "You're acting as if me thinking something somehow affects the minds of others! Even I know that isn't the case."
Harry opened his mouth as if to argue more, but apparently thought better of it. Ron glanced over at Seamus, who was hugging and kissing Lavender as if he were saying his last goodbyes. Dean was whispering something to Parvati, who blushed before grabbing him and kissing him deeply. Seamus waved sheepishly as they left, now looking even more lost and alone then before.
***
He stared at her, not knowing what to say as they watched the children filing in together, sitting in random spots as they prepared to go home. She was talking quietly to her comrade, Kiyle he assumed. She looked even more entrancing then he had remembered, her blonde hair flowing down her back. In all his life, he had never wanted to talk to someone more than he did her at this moment. As if she had just noticed his presence, she turned and gasped.
"Severus?! I missed you terribly!" She walked up to him, grinning her most beautiful smile, "What have you been doing all this time?"
"Teaching," He answered croakily, now trying not to start shouting at her. She was acting so belligerent, and it angered him. Zema knew what had happened, she should be apologizing to him. Graveling at his feet apologetically.
"So," She cleared her throat, "You teach Potions? That was always my worst subject...and as I remember, it wasn't exactly your favorite either."
He shook his head idly, still screaming at her inside, "I liked Charms much more...but apparently I excelled in Potions making more than that."
Zema grinned, "You used to make Professor Crouch's robes fly over his head when he wasn't looking...he was an awful Potions Master, wasn't he?"
Snape watched her in awe, it was as if she was deliberately avoiding talk of herself. She laughed quietly, watching him with her twinkling eyes. Even he could tell she had her own questions inside, but she too kept them well hidden as they stood, on the brink of a very awkward conversation.
"I'm just going to say it," Zema finally spit out, "I know I was stupid for fleeing like that, but Kirk promised me so many things, and I was just so overwhelmed. I didn't even try to find my father once we were there. We just withdrew every knut he owned and settled down for a bit. Then, we moved back to England, but it wasn't the same."
Snape looked at her bitterly, "You just think you can try to earn my friendship back that easily? Just by spilling some dirty little secret that you've kept from me for over fifteen years, you think everything's just snug and fit?"
She looked at him curiously, "I don't know what I'm supposed to say... I just don't like having things this...formal between us. It isn't fair to you, and it isn't right. I know you think that I'm horrible for leaving you with just a simple explanation, but I wasn't the one in the hurry. If Kirk had never found out, I'm sure things would be different, but I had no other options!"
"You went off crying to him when I had played record keeper for you all of that time?! You should've known better to take something that serious and relay it to him!" He had never felt so angry with her, but he knew it had to be said.
"I didn't think you'd be able to do anything...besides, he was all I had then! You were off at some pointless convention, as usual, and he was with me. I was too scared to think logically otherwise!"
He hadn't meant to upset her, but he still continued, "So, what did you do then? Go off and elope?"
She shook her head, "Narcissa arranged to have our wedding at one of the ballrooms she was singing in. It was about two years after I left. Kirk invited those who he thought should come." She placed a hand on his shoulder, "I really had no say in anything. It took me a week to get him just to let James and Lily come."
"What of Kit?"
"I had her a year later, a week after my twentieth birthday. She didn't have much of a chance either. Kirk had already shown signs of impressionism from my trances. I didn't even have to test him. He'd just start to stare at me, then suggest all of these crazy things. Until he jumped off of the cliff after my purse..."
She blinked furiously, sniffing slightly. He didn't get a chance to reply, because at that moment the parents had started to file in themselves, greeting their children in a frenzy. Snape left just before Zema started to cry.
***
'Goodness...I wish mother would just shut up. She doesn't have any idea of what I'm planning...' Hermione thought vindictively as her mother rattled off, telling her how worried and relieved she was that she finally made it.
"Hermione, you just don't understand how good this is! Your father and I have been ever so worried about you."
"Mother, could you listen to me for one moment?!" She finally shouted indignantly, "I'm trying to tell you something important!"
"We're all ears, 'Mione." Her father said affectionately.
She rolled her eyes before drawing in a deep breath, "I'm not going with you."
Her mother screamed, then looked her in the eye, "You're not staying here! You'll have no chance! Come home, where it's safe..."
She shook her head even more defiantly, "No, mother. I want to stay!"
Suddenly, the hall grew quiet, then it filled with a buzz. Hermione realized that she wasn't the only one standing up to her parents...
"I'm not going, whether you order me to or not. The only way I'm leaving is if the school suddenly explodes!" said a small third year Hufflepuff, folding her arms and refusing to listen to her parents.
The hall soon filled with more comments like this, occasionally erupting into shouts of ,"You can't make me! I don't have to leave if I don't want to!" and, "We need to be here!" Hermione smirked when a girl raised her wand to her mother as she was being chastised. She wasn't old enough to be able to do much, but her parents still backed off.
The students all formed together, leaving their parents trying to reason them, coax them even, into going with them to safety.
"We're staying," Said a seventh year Gryffindor, "And that's final."
***
A/N: Okay, there's the rebellion! Sorry if I wasn't too clear about any of that, but the war is for the next two and a half chapters, then the ending. No more farce, I just can't do all of that right now. I will still do a sequel, and yes: Luna is in my story. But I just like her character to bits and pieces and there's no way I'm going to leave her in the cold like that!!!
Thanks to my new reviewers, you're far to kind!
Disclaimer: I have not exploited this story for money...yet. *eyes the readers slyly* (Just kidding!)
Chapter Thirty-Two: We're Not Gonna Take It! (Got to Love Twisted Sister!!!)
***
As Ron headed into Snape's class, he felt a sense of dread. He remembered how Snape had glared at Zema, and he wasn't sure why...but he felt as if it had to do with Kit. As far as he knew, Snape harbored no ill will towards Kit, but he had no clue as to what went on in the Slytherin common room. For all he knew, Kit could be spending every night cursing him out or worse...
Surreptitiously, he caught sight of Kit and Draco, sitting at their station, whispering seriously to one another. Kit looked horribly placid, the worst she had all day. Maybe she was finally breaking, or maybe she was plotting something. Draco was just looking around nervously as she spoke to him, completely unaware that they were supposed to be working on a potion.
Nina smirked sordidly as Snape passed by their table. She leaned casually into Ron, getting close enough, yet not too close, to whisper to him, "You're causing my dear friend Draco many grievances, young man."
"What are you babbling about?" Ron retorted, rolling his eyes at her. Snape had spitefully paired she and him together for the class's last potion.
She tutted silently, "You can't really believe that he's going to stand by idly as you steal Clivelle away from him, do you Weasley? You're thicker than I assumed..."
"What do you really want, Snape?"
"I may be going out on a limb here, but I have a slight proposition for you..."
Ron answered automatically, "Not interested."
She smirked once more, "I could make it worth your while, Weasley."
He looked at her meaningfully. She seemed far too persistent to just be teasing him...
Nina looked at him seriously, then spoke, "Look, he actually cares for that bint, and I'm not chastising him, or you. It's just that if you could some how let him...I guess I could say this in a simpler way...
"If you would throw in the towel, per say, and let Draco have his bottle like the child he is...it could reap many opportunities for you and your families well-being. Financially of course."
Ron stared at her in disbelief, "You're asking me to deny my feelings for Kit so Malfoy can win again?! How do you expect me to respond to that?!"
"Goodness," she sighed, "Do you have to be so insufferable?! Okay then, one hundred galleons."
In utter shock, Ron let his mouth fall open. He couldn't believe his ears... "Look, I'm sorry...but I refuse to be a part of this in size, shape, or form! He can do just as I am and wait for her to tell us. I won't barter for a position in her life! It's sick..."
Nina clicked her tongue, "Fine then, but remember this: I have power that you don't possess. I can make or break you, Weasley and you better be damn sure that I won't sit idly by either. He deserves her far more than you..."
He rolled his eyes, letting her drone on about her social and academic positions. He could care less what she told Snape or what she pinned his name on. All he cared about at that point was focusing on his Glamour Potion...
***
"You can't possibly believe that, Katherine," Draco whispered heatedly, "The Dark Lord would never do anything to harm you. My father has made sure of that, and besides...your father did have a very high position in his following."
She breathed in deeply, "Look, I'm sick and tired of hearing about my father and Voldemort! He has nothing to do with me anymore. He's dead, Draco."
He rolled his eyes, then peered over her shoulder at Pansy and Hermione. Followed his gaze to them and nearly fell out of her chair.
They were laughing...genuinely. And very heartily...
"That's an odd pair, eh?" Draco chortled, "Who would've assumed...Parkinson and Granger...friends."
"Almost as unlikely as you falling for a former Gryffindor. Who would've assumed that?"
He smiled coyly, "The word we stress here: former."
She rolled her eyes this time, glancing at Ron, "What do you think Nina said to make him so violent? He's never been so angry...."
Draco scoffed, "That hot-headed twit? He's always mad at something or the other. It's probably all of that hot air influencing his brain..."
"No," Kit said sympathetically, "She's said something...I know it. I just wish this room wasn't so mindful...I might've been able to take a peek if not for this stupid war..."
***
He stared at her, watching as her purple hair cascaded down her face. She was so close to her...the woman he had formerly cared about more than life itself. If it hadn't been for him meeting Zema...maybe things would be different. Yet, she was so liberating and sensual, and because of that he knew that there was no way he could ever deny his feelings.
Even though she had been infatuated with Kirk, one of his close friends, he had always felt drawn to her. She carried herself like no other girl he'd ever associated with and it fascinated him. Although she was veelan, she had the depth and soul of a person over the age of one-hundred. It was as if she had seen it all and was just bursting to tell the world. Of course she was gorgeous, but that wasn't why he cared for her as much as he did.
Just listening to her speak was a joy to him. She always had such interesting things to say, not like all of the other girls...gossiping and trying to insinuate him into calling them fat or ugly. She rarely even lowered herself to contradict anyone...except Lucius. Every time they were around each other, Zema couldn't help but antagonize him. She thought he was an arrogant, self-righteous, snaky bastard. Of course, he felt the same too...but he'd never have the guts to say it directly to him.
After all the years they had known each other, she still didn't show any interest in him. It was as if she treated him like a tape recorder, letting him store everything she ever said into his brain. Even though it was a bit embarrassing to admit, he still remembered most of their conversations well and knew everything there was to know about Zema Potter-Clivelle. She was born in Southern France, raised by her veelan mother, and father who was a wizard named Radnor. Her father left her mother when she was only four, leaving the two to fend off of the streets until her second father came along and helped them out.
From there, Zema and her family moved out to Scotland, seeking one of her 'father's' known contacts. They finally settled after a few years of exploring and allowed Zema to attend a small wizarding school until they gained enough money to send her to Hogwarts, where she had originally been enrolled. She came in his fifth year, herself a fourth year. Although she was in Ravenclaw, they somehow found a way to connect and soon became friends. She seemed to think of him as a delightful companion, and she often asked him why he wasn't as insane as the rest of his friends.
After being close for a year, Kirk Clivelle seemed to take interest in her also. He did not notice it at first, but after a few months, the signs were overwhelming. Zema, of course, was more than flattered and soon began to drift away whenever he would talk to her. It was as if Kirk had her in a trance, although he wouldn't really push that thought away. He himself began to get frustrated with the both and longed for the old days when he could just sit on the grounds and talk all day with Zema...alone.
At his graduation, he noticed that Zema had come, but she wasn't elegant and composed as usual. She kept glancing away as he made his speech, and she seemed to be in utter despair. As he left the stage and went to speak to her, he noticed that she had come alone.
"What's wrong?" He asked as she jumped up, obviously very jumpy, "I thought your parents were coming."
She shook her head violently, "They were unable..."
She looked at him bleary eyed, a single tear on her cheek. Sensing something was wrong, he looked her in the eye, "Did he...did he do it?"
She nodded, then burst into small sobs, "She's gone forever, and he'll never be caught! I knew from the day we met him that he was no good...But mother wouldn't listen to my reasoning..."
"So, he's probably on the run, then?" He asked shakily, not really knowing what to do, "Do you...err--Did he take it all?"
"He took everything we owned! All he left were a few galleons and a note telling me that I could use it to pay for the funeral. He's just awful... And now I'm all alone! He didn't even leave me any clothes."
He bit his lip, "You could stay with me if you'd like. I just got my apartment...it's not very nice, but it's still habitable."
"No! I couldn't do that to you! I have enough money to get back o France, and maybe my father is still there." She sighed, "Don't worry though...I won't be alone. Kirk is coming along. He said it would be easier if I had someone I could fall back on in case he's not there anymore."
His heart sank, "Oh...err--I guess that's good then. If you need anything, just owl me."
She nodded, then hugged him. He felt a sense of guilt surge through him as she wrapped her arms around him, sniffing into his gown. She looked up at him mourning fully and nodded, then fled from the room as if she couldn't bear to be around him any longer than she had to...
As her blonde hair swished out the door, he smiled. He'd never be able to tame her...it was crazy enough that she was friends with him, so it would've been impossible for the two to be romantically linked. He saw Lucius smirking as they left the room. A sense of emptiness filling him...
As the bell rang, signalling the classes end, he found himself following her daughter with his eyes. She looked so much like her...the same build, that beautiful smile. Having her in the same house as he was almost too much to bear. He nodded to her as she beamed, walking out the classroom with Draco and the rest of his gaggle of Slytherins. She'd only been there for a few months, and yet she had already settled herself among the hierarchy of its social ranks. She grabbed hold of Malfoy's hand, pulling him to her side just as they left the room.
As the students filed out, he noticed that so many of them had changed. As a professor, he had to realize that even the most immature of students had to grow older, but he didn't notice it until just a few weeks ago...
The first to change, in his eyes, was Neville Longbottom. As much as he doted upon it, he just didn't feel so annoyed by the boy. After the summer, he must've had some sort of epiphany, as he was now up to a few of his own Slytherin's levels. He also noticed how less temperamental Weasley was...and he also abhorred that. Potter and Granger, they were always mature, but they too had changed. Granger seemed to have much more confidence, but she even saved some of her respect for a teacher like him. It was much harder for him to hold anything against her when she didn't sneak about and gallivant her talent.
Potter's celebrated personality was much more low-key. It was as if the students in his midst had finally accepted him to be less than a hero, and more of a friend or role-model. And he also hated to admit that his grades were rising miraculously.
He tore himself away from his reflections as he gathered his things and composed himself. He had to be presentable for the meeting, they all did. As the time drew nearer, he found himself wishing he could slow time. It wasn't that he was nervous, just...apprehensive. Nonetheless, he waltzed out, his robes billowing as he made his way to Slytherin's common room to instruct his students how to leave this school in a dignifiedly way.
As he entered, he smiled to himself. He was Severus Snape after all, and he had to uphold that no matter what was threatening his sanctuary. He had students to lead and he wouldn't let his emotions get the best of him.
***
Avoiding his stare, Kit snarled, "Please quit leering at me, Zabini. It's nauseating."
"Whatever," He retorted, smirking, "I wasn't leering at you...I was admiring you."
"None of that either. I have a boyfriend."
He scoffed, "Which is it then? Weasley or Draco? I don't see you reprimanding either of them for staring at you."
"They aren't undressing me with their eyes, now are they?" Kit glared at him, forcing her mind out of his. It was disgusting the way he could see everything you were just by looking at you. It was as if he had some special sort of power...The power to make you feel physically and emotionally naked. It horrified Kit to no end, and she was sure that she wasn't the only one who had ever felt that way.
"You didn't answer my question, Clivelle."
"What 'question' was that, Zabini?"
He repeated, "Which one is it? Draco or Weasley."
She rolled her eyes, "I hardly have to answer that. Besides, what should you care if I go out with either one?"
"I might just have an opinion, if you'd give the fuel."
"As if you need to know everything about me, Blaise. You hardly understand basic Transfiguration, much less how my mind works."
He shook his head and looked away, but not before getting his two cents into the last of the conversation. "You had better decide quickly. You might end up losing both of them."
Kit's thoughts were distracted as Snape swept into the common room, his eyes surveying her momentarily. For some reason she was reminded of the first time she ever saw him. It was as if he had a special ability, too. The power to make you feel utterly worthless...
"Now," He started tartly, only focusing on a few of the students, "As of now you are to be packed and ready to go if you are leaving. Most of you have already had your permission contracts signed by your guardians, so I only have four of you actually going home.
"Crabbe, Goyle, Bulstrode and Nedling, you are to get your things and proceed to the Great Hall. Everyone else may roam about until it is time to meet up with your relatives and such. Once you are done, Headmaster Dumbledore will give you further instructions.
"It has been quite an experience dealing with you all and I hope that you've gained all the discipline and knowledge that you could during this short stay. I hope to see that you all return next year, but I fear that this may be the end for our school, and a new beginning for all of us. If I do not have anyone returning, then I will know that my own little prophecy has bitterly come to pass. That is all...goodbye."
He nodded to the students and swept to his chambers, leaving them all to hurry to what they had been commanded to do.
***
Ron and Harry waited for Hermione to come down from the stairs. She emerged, not carrying any of her belongings. but clutching Crookshanks.
"What are you about, then?" Ron asked, looking at her incredulously.
He and Harry exchanged odd glances as she let go of Crookshanks, who sprung upon the couch and began playing with the pillows.
"I've decided," She drew in a deep breath, "I'm staying...whether my parents want me to or not! They should know by now that the only way we'll ever pull through is if we fight. So, divided we will fall, yet together we remain!"
A faint clapping was heard and Hermione soon blushed deeply as McGonnagall beamed at her. She had been listening to them the whole time.
The common room settled as she cleared her throat authoritatively. "Excellent point, Miss Granger, but some won't see it your way. As you know, some of your parents still think we're insane for letting you stay, but it is only at their consent. As the saying goes, the more the merrier. And it will be merrier if this fight is won for us.
"As Miss Granger so eloquently put it, we will only remain if we pull together and fight. Most of you have chosen to stay with your parents and or guardians so that you may have some part in defending this fine institution. We only have seven leaving us, and you will be sorely missed. Of course, it will never be held against you.
"Speaking of which, I would like for the Creeveys, Miss Patil, Miss Brown, Mr. Levrey, and Miss Granger to get your things and head to the--"
"Professor!" Hermione interrupted, jumping in front of her, "I'll be remaining."
"Not unless you have parental consent. The headmaster would not appreciate it if your parents were not informed of this."
"Oh! They should know that I need to stay! If you could give me a moment, I could---"
"You can dispute it with Professor Dumbledore when you are waiting." She nodded curtly to the seven and watched them stumble up the stairs to retrieve their things. "Now, I would like to inform you that it has been a pleasure seeing you all rise above all of this and hope that you will all become a great asset to us within the next few days. The rush will probably happen anywhere from tonight and tomorrow, so you should all be prepared. As for now, I would like for everyone to relax until it is time to meet your parents. Until then, thank you."
In awe, Ron watched as McGonagall left through the portrait hole. He had never seen her this emotional. It was a if she was losing something so very dear to her and she felt at a loss as to what to say. Harry too must've noticed it, for he had a look of utter-most respect for their headmistress.
"I can't believe that Hermione's going to try and fight it out with her parents. I haven't heard from the Dursleys for half a year and I'm still absolutely sure they'd be one-hundred percent okay with all of this." Harry smiled smugly as Ron laughed. "Bet your Mum's having kittens over all of this, eh?"
Ron nodded, "If it weren't for dad, I think we'd all be at home tied to our beds."
He glanced at Fred and George, who were talking to Ginny heatedly. She was blushing more than ever. Harry shook his head, "She still hasn't given me an answer."
"What? I thought you were already going out! It's been two days already, mate...you need to step up to the plate and get this thing over with."
He shook his head, "It's not that, she's been side-stepping around it ever since I asked her. She told me it would take time, but I didn't think she'd take this long!"
"Maybe she's just a bit confused," Ron offered, shrugging his shoulders, "It did happen pretty fast. Not that I'm ungrateful or anything...now you can't get all pissy when I flirt with Kit."
"Like that would ever stop you!" Harry retorted, sitting down on the couch and petting a purring Crookshanks, "You made a move on her the first night you met."
He glared at him, "She made a move on me, you mean. I was the one who was still nursing a head injury."
"Nope...you were down, but you most certainly weren't out." Harry sniggered, then turned a bit more serious, "I'd rather it be you, than Malfoy, though."
Ron sighed, trying not to sound so disappointed, "You might not get your wish. I have this odd feeling in the pit of my stomach that I don't want to hear Kit's decision when she's finally ready to discern it. Who knows, she could choose me: then again, she could just as easily choose Malfoy or George..."
"George?"
"Long story..." Ron sighed again, "What do you think you'd do if she did choose Malfoy?"
"What, are you saying that she won't choose you? Or are you just paranoid?"
He glared at him, "Look, I'm just saying that I really have absolutely no reason to get cocky yet! Who's she been hanging all over? Who's she been displaying her affection towards...publicly?! I'm not being paranoid. I'm just thinking reasonably."
"Reasonably? Look, I'm not going to argue with you, but I'm just trying to tell you not to worry so much. Have you ever heard of self-fulfilling prophecy?"
Ron shook his head, allowing Harry to continue, "By saying something is going to happen one way, you increase the chance that it will. So, if you think she's going to choose Draco, you could actually be improving his chances."
"This is the most idiotic thing I've heard today, Harry." He grimaced, "You're acting as if me thinking something somehow affects the minds of others! Even I know that isn't the case."
Harry opened his mouth as if to argue more, but apparently thought better of it. Ron glanced over at Seamus, who was hugging and kissing Lavender as if he were saying his last goodbyes. Dean was whispering something to Parvati, who blushed before grabbing him and kissing him deeply. Seamus waved sheepishly as they left, now looking even more lost and alone then before.
***
He stared at her, not knowing what to say as they watched the children filing in together, sitting in random spots as they prepared to go home. She was talking quietly to her comrade, Kiyle he assumed. She looked even more entrancing then he had remembered, her blonde hair flowing down her back. In all his life, he had never wanted to talk to someone more than he did her at this moment. As if she had just noticed his presence, she turned and gasped.
"Severus?! I missed you terribly!" She walked up to him, grinning her most beautiful smile, "What have you been doing all this time?"
"Teaching," He answered croakily, now trying not to start shouting at her. She was acting so belligerent, and it angered him. Zema knew what had happened, she should be apologizing to him. Graveling at his feet apologetically.
"So," She cleared her throat, "You teach Potions? That was always my worst subject...and as I remember, it wasn't exactly your favorite either."
He shook his head idly, still screaming at her inside, "I liked Charms much more...but apparently I excelled in Potions making more than that."
Zema grinned, "You used to make Professor Crouch's robes fly over his head when he wasn't looking...he was an awful Potions Master, wasn't he?"
Snape watched her in awe, it was as if she was deliberately avoiding talk of herself. She laughed quietly, watching him with her twinkling eyes. Even he could tell she had her own questions inside, but she too kept them well hidden as they stood, on the brink of a very awkward conversation.
"I'm just going to say it," Zema finally spit out, "I know I was stupid for fleeing like that, but Kirk promised me so many things, and I was just so overwhelmed. I didn't even try to find my father once we were there. We just withdrew every knut he owned and settled down for a bit. Then, we moved back to England, but it wasn't the same."
Snape looked at her bitterly, "You just think you can try to earn my friendship back that easily? Just by spilling some dirty little secret that you've kept from me for over fifteen years, you think everything's just snug and fit?"
She looked at him curiously, "I don't know what I'm supposed to say... I just don't like having things this...formal between us. It isn't fair to you, and it isn't right. I know you think that I'm horrible for leaving you with just a simple explanation, but I wasn't the one in the hurry. If Kirk had never found out, I'm sure things would be different, but I had no other options!"
"You went off crying to him when I had played record keeper for you all of that time?! You should've known better to take something that serious and relay it to him!" He had never felt so angry with her, but he knew it had to be said.
"I didn't think you'd be able to do anything...besides, he was all I had then! You were off at some pointless convention, as usual, and he was with me. I was too scared to think logically otherwise!"
He hadn't meant to upset her, but he still continued, "So, what did you do then? Go off and elope?"
She shook her head, "Narcissa arranged to have our wedding at one of the ballrooms she was singing in. It was about two years after I left. Kirk invited those who he thought should come." She placed a hand on his shoulder, "I really had no say in anything. It took me a week to get him just to let James and Lily come."
"What of Kit?"
"I had her a year later, a week after my twentieth birthday. She didn't have much of a chance either. Kirk had already shown signs of impressionism from my trances. I didn't even have to test him. He'd just start to stare at me, then suggest all of these crazy things. Until he jumped off of the cliff after my purse..."
She blinked furiously, sniffing slightly. He didn't get a chance to reply, because at that moment the parents had started to file in themselves, greeting their children in a frenzy. Snape left just before Zema started to cry.
***
'Goodness...I wish mother would just shut up. She doesn't have any idea of what I'm planning...' Hermione thought vindictively as her mother rattled off, telling her how worried and relieved she was that she finally made it.
"Hermione, you just don't understand how good this is! Your father and I have been ever so worried about you."
"Mother, could you listen to me for one moment?!" She finally shouted indignantly, "I'm trying to tell you something important!"
"We're all ears, 'Mione." Her father said affectionately.
She rolled her eyes before drawing in a deep breath, "I'm not going with you."
Her mother screamed, then looked her in the eye, "You're not staying here! You'll have no chance! Come home, where it's safe..."
She shook her head even more defiantly, "No, mother. I want to stay!"
Suddenly, the hall grew quiet, then it filled with a buzz. Hermione realized that she wasn't the only one standing up to her parents...
"I'm not going, whether you order me to or not. The only way I'm leaving is if the school suddenly explodes!" said a small third year Hufflepuff, folding her arms and refusing to listen to her parents.
The hall soon filled with more comments like this, occasionally erupting into shouts of ,"You can't make me! I don't have to leave if I don't want to!" and, "We need to be here!" Hermione smirked when a girl raised her wand to her mother as she was being chastised. She wasn't old enough to be able to do much, but her parents still backed off.
The students all formed together, leaving their parents trying to reason them, coax them even, into going with them to safety.
"We're staying," Said a seventh year Gryffindor, "And that's final."
***
A/N: Okay, there's the rebellion! Sorry if I wasn't too clear about any of that, but the war is for the next two and a half chapters, then the ending. No more farce, I just can't do all of that right now. I will still do a sequel, and yes: Luna is in my story. But I just like her character to bits and pieces and there's no way I'm going to leave her in the cold like that!!!
Thanks to my new reviewers, you're far to kind!