Um… Heh…Hi. Look I know what you're all thinking, and I'm very sorry because I know that was too long of a wait for another chapter, but in my defense last semester was very very hard. Trying to learn statistics, accounting, Japanese, and the Philosophy of many different religions all at once while trying to keep my job is an extremely difficult thing to do, but I'm finished and free to write; well at least for a little while. Anyway, reviews…

MoonguardianThank you. I know that always annoys me when people blurt out everything in the first paragraph of their story. I like to keep as much mystery in my story as possible.

Shinotenshi You know threatening me isn't going to get the chapter out any faster ;)

MerklinYeah I understand that, but there's just something about it that I just don't buy. I mean it's just a little too convenient that there's ancient magic out there that can do that, and that no one seems to know about it. I definitely think there's something more to it that'll be revealed in later books.

SachiNyokoWell it's about time you came back (J/K), but seriously I'm glad you like it because I've been stalking some of your stories for quite some time now. Speaking of which, when will you ever finish "Another Shot at Destiny" hmm?

Alathon Hmm I see your point, I don't think I've ever read a DBZ/HP and I don't think I ever will:) I didn't mean to do that to the Professors they're just confused because they've never dealt with anything like this before and they aren't sure what to do without killing the youma since they are still students, but I've taken your advice and hopefully that will come out in better in this chapter.

Xtreme Nuisance: I'm not going to dignify that with an answer, but I will say that you are missing some very crucial details.

Saxifrage: I know, I took too damn long to update; I guess no loofas for me. What the hell is a loofa anyway? Don't worry, everything will eventually come out.

AngelMerokoNo… can't resist…too…cute.

Mae-E: Thanx I'm glad someone appreciates my sense of humor as much as I do (Hah I'm so funny), but to answer one of your questions, yes Serenity's job is not yet done in this story, and there will come a time when the powers of the Princess will be needed once more. But thanx again for your wonderful, and once again long, review:)

LunarPrincessI'm glad I could answer some of your questions, and thanx for the very encouraging and uplifting review.

And thanx again too…

Crystallynne, Kelli, Jinni-chan51, angel313, sammee, Mini-Moonstar, Starlit Warrior, sakuragirl-123, Hikari, blackrose4512, Mukyuu Tenshi, CatRocks, Sakura Moon, storywriter10791, HotaruSea, Sly-kitsune-youkai, Usagi no Megami, amazing-jax, Sylverkaze, Jasmine-hime, Seren Lunar Echo, Anya, Liza, Sugar sweet, EnuNR-zero, SurfAngel, McCallM.Daneils, Tsuki no Tenshi, Nercia Genisis, Tainted Spirit of Life, LiLSeReNiTiE.

Well I won't keep you any longer since the wait has been long enough, so next chapter…

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Chapter 13

-A New Problem Arises-

Christmas came and went in Gryffindor tower with good presents, lots of food, and even the occasional Butterbeer when Harry and Ron would sneak out to Hogsmeade for them. Needless to say that on Christmas morning the entire tower, which at that time only consisted of about six students since most had gone home, was shocked to see Serena and Harry not only talking to each other but exchanging gifts as well. Ron was stunned by this overnight transformation in their relationship and couldn't help but wonder how it came to be, but he thought it best not to pry since he was just thrilled to have his friends speaking to each other again.

Serena and Harry's friendship had never been better, and as the New Year progressed and classes moved on, it became very rare to see one without the other. Although Serena enjoyed spending time with Harry, she stayed by his side more for protective purposes than pleasure, or so she tried to convince herself. Harry was well aware of this fact and though it somewhat degraded him, he didn't dare push Serena away for he too felt the desirable need to keep her within eyesight especially with people like Malfoy still roaming the halls. Just the thought of the greasy Slytherin made his blood boil, and that day Harry had attacked him in the hall when he dared to lay his hands on Serena had turned Harry's thoughts of him from loathing into pure hatred.

Although most the school thought their sudden change in behavior was strange, as the months passed it was eventually accepted by 'almost' everyone.

"Fifteen points each from Gryffindor! There is no talking while mixing your potions."

"But Professor" Serena argued ignoring Harry's 'shut up' stares, "We're partners, how are we supposed mix this potion without talking to each other?"

Prof. Snape's eyes narrowed at the odango headed Gryffindor, "Then I suggest that you two find different partners."

"But…"

"Twenty points from Gryffindor and I'll see you tonight for a detention."

Serena looked like she was about to cry 'Another detention with Snape' "Unfair" she pouted. She and Harry looked from Ron to Hermione, played a quick game of rock paper scissors, and after Serena lost she made her way over to Ron while Harry, who had been the victor, sat down next to Hermione 'Easy O' he smiled to himself.

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Serena sulked down the hall quickly trying to put as much space between her and the dungeons as possible. Snape had been ruthless in torturing her for the two hours he had forced her to stay by making her clean and organize all of potion ingredients on his many shelves without the aid of magic. Although the rat spleens and the dragon hearts made her ill and Snape took points away for every jar she dropped, by the end she had made it all worth while. She figured the Order must be up to something from all the bottles of Veritaserum she found hidden amongst the shelves, of course the vials were not labeled, 'But what other clear liquid would Snape keep hidden in small, unmarked bottles in the back of the shelves?' Serena thought to herself with a smile as she slid her hand into her pocket and fingered the tiny vial that she had slyly slipped in when the Professor's nose was buried in his books. After all, Snape had so many misplaced bottles that it was impossible for him to know exactly how many he had or where he put them, 'And it'll do more good in the use of my mission then it would gathering dust behind a jar of oversized leeches on the third shelf' Serena reasoned while she quickened her pace towards Gryffindor tower.

"Serena!" She heard her name called as she climbed a set of stairs towards the tower. Serena turned to see the only two people she had shared her secret with coming towards her.

"How was detention?" Ron almost laughed at her as he started scratching the back of his neck.

Serena pursed her lips at his tone, "Well I lost us twenty-five points and I think I might vomit, but I got through it." She decided not to let them on the little secret in her pocket especially if she were to get caught she didn't want them to get into trouble too. "What are you guys doing?"

"We were just at the library" Harry replied with his eyes looking a little strained, "Hermione insisted that we get a head start on studying for our yearend exams even though we've got over a month before they start."

Ron chuckled while he moved from scratching neck to his chest, "Yeah we followed just to amuse her, but we could only take so much and decided to leave her down there. She probably hasn't even realized that we left."

Serena smiled, she was almost glad that she had had detention to give her an escape from studying. "What's wrong Ron? Why are you so itchy?" Serena questioned noticing Ron's incessant scratching.

Now it was Harry's turn to laugh, "Malfoy" was all he answered.

"The slimy bastard shot me with a spell when my back was turned that gave me a nasty rash all over then said it went well with my hair, so I tackled him, and long story short, I'm banned from the library for two weeks and I owe Malfoy a new quill and few bottles of ink."

The three laughed as they continued their way to the dorms until they were stopped by a winded Prof. McGonagall. "Harry, thank goodness, we've been searching everywhere for you. Quickly the three of you follow me to Gryffindor tower."

"Professor what's going on?" Serena questioned, but before the Professor could respond dust began to fall from the ceiling when a loud explosion erupted a few halls down answering Serena's query.

"They've caught up to us already" McGonagall exclaimed as she turned towards the sound of the crash, "Harry quickly, you and the others get to the tower. I will hold them off as best I can and hopefully Severus and Zoë have figured out a way to stop them by now" she stated before running off down hall towards the booming crashes and screams that could be heard.

As soon as the Professor was out of sight Harry and Ron quickly turned towards Serena with excited expressions. "So what do we do now?" Harry asked.

"First off" Serena quickly answered, "WE do nothing, you and Ron go up to the tower like Mcgonagall said and I will take care of what ever it is."

Harry gave a disappointed look, "C'mon we can help, and besides I want to see how you do it."

"How I do what?"

"How you um… turn into her."

"No!" Serena said a little too quickly, "I mean…um…it's nothing spectacular. Ron saw me and it wasn't THAT interesting right?"

A sly smile slid across Ron's lips, "It's quite a show" he said with a raise of his eyebrows, earning him an evil eye from Serena and a puzzled stare from Harry.

"What I mean is Harry" Serena continued trying to hide the color of red she was now turning, "Is that these things are trying to kill you, so it's just a little easier when you're not around."

Harry sighed defeated, as much as he wanted to help he didn't exactly know how, and he didn't want to see her hurt again because of him, but something was begging him not to leave her alone.

"Quickly you two, get to the common room. I'll meet you there later." And before the boys could respond, Serena had pulled out her wand and headed around the corner.

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Serena ducked behind a large statue of a three fingered Warlock as a group of third years ran screaming by followed by two Prefects yelling at them to stay calm. When the coast was clear she stepped out and prepared for her incantation when some movement caught her eye. She turned and jumped to see red hair coming towards her. "Ron!" She shouted clutching her chest, "I thought I told you to get to safety." Suddenly her eyes grew wide and fearful, "Harry? Where's Harry?" she asked noticing his absence, "I told you not to leave his side."

"Quickly" Ron said panting, "There's trouble, follow me" he finished and without waiting for a response turned and ran back down the hall, and just as he had told her Serena quickly followed.

Ron and Serena dashed through the hall narrowly avoiding the panicking students until they finally stopped in a deserted corridor. Serena looked around but found only silence. 'Am I too late?' She worried to herself. "Ron what Happened to Har…" But her words were cut off as she was swiftly thrown against the wall by a firm hand that had wrapped its way around her neck and now held her two feet off the ground. Although her vision was now blurred from the impact, she was certain of the face that was now staring up at her.

"Ron?" She managed to wheeze from under his grasp, "What are you doing?" But it was not Ron who now held her captive. The red hair and freckles undoubtedly belonged to him, but something in his cold blue eyes told Serena that it was not Ron looking through them.

A cold chuckle passed through Ron's lips. "This is too easy" he stated while Serena tried to struggle against the firm grip he had on her. She could see her wand lying about ten feet away and mentally cursed herself for not transforming before she followed him.

"Now we can do this really easy if you cooperate and don't make things difficult." He said calmly as his hand closed in tighter making Serena squirm, "Just hand it over and maybe I'll go easy on your friend."

"Hand over what?"

Ron shook his head a little disappointed, "I don't think you're in the position to be playing games Princess." Serena's eyes widened at the title, which turned Ron's smirk into a full grin, "I want the crystal."

"Let Ron go!" She gasped out despite the lack of air, "He has nothing to do with this. Fight me yourself for the crystal." She was running out of air so she thought it best not to deny the existence of the crystal.

The thing controlling her friend laughed once again, "I'd rather not because, you see, from my perspective you have one of three choices, you can give me the crystal, or I can wait here for a few more minutes and take it myself, or you can free yourself by killing your friend. It's your choice, but either way I win."

Serena was running out of time so with the last bit of strength she could find, she managed a clumsy yet forceful kick to her friend's side hoping to knock him off guard and loosen his hold. But while Serena was sure she heard the sickening crack of bone as her foot collided with the boys ribcage, Ron didn't even flinch as though he was made out of cement and his grip only tightened more. He was right, Serena would have to kill him to free herself, but that was something she knew she would never be able to do. Her eyesight began to grow dark as the last of her strength was drained from her. "That's right" the thing whispered, "Just give in. Don't worry I'm not going to kill you, what fun would that be, but with the crystal in Voldemort's hands I doubt your friends will be so lucky." Serena tried desperately to struggle free once again with the little strength she didn't have. "Just as stubborn as ever" he lightly commented as he squeezed harder, "It's over Princess. There are no guardians or masked hero to save you this time." But Serena didn't hear him. Everything had gone dark, and she began to go numb as she battled to keep hold of her consciousness but was losing rapidly.

Finally she let go. The hand disappeared from around her neck, and she felt light as a feather as she fell forever through the darkness that is until pain struck her whole body once again. She felt the cold floor underneath her and slowly opened her eyes to see that she was sprawled out on the floor of the same Hogwarts corridor. Serena began to painfully gasp for air while she tried to push herself up, but failed miserably. She could hear scuffling nearby and quickly looked around only to see Ron fighting with…no one. "Harry" she muttered fearfully as she started to drag herself towards her wand.

A shout was heard coming from the invisible force that had Ron pinned to the ground. The red head had grabbed hold of something and pulled off the invisibility cloak revealing the dark haired masked man in black robes. Ron's eyes widened and then narrowed at the figure on top of him. "You" he seethed with his voice drenched in malice, "You bastard!"

The two best friends then resumed their fighting until a piercing "STUPIFY!" Blew them apart. Ron immediately collapsed to the floor while the masked Harry dropped to his knees. He was beaten and tired, but somehow a force still compelled him as he dragged his weary body towards the maiden on the floor that still had her wand clasped tightly in her hand and pointed at the empty space where the two boys once were. With Harry's help, Serena finally was able to pull herself up on to her knees but had to lean heavily on the boy for fear that she might once again subside. She stared at Harry confused for a moment expecting his cloak to melt back into his school robes like the last time, but they remained. She wanted to say something to him, anything, but her mind was empty and exhausted, so nothing could make its way past her lips except for small wheezes of air.

Even though his eyes were hidden by the mask, she could tell by the expression etched in his features what he was thinking. Guilt for not arriving earlier to keep her from injury, relief for seeing that she was still alive, and, even though the mask hid it well, she could see the longing he had to hold her tight in his arms and not let go. Yes she knew this look well because it was the same look Mamoru had given her after many of the battles they had faced, and she had always complied by running into his comforting embrace just as she had the urge to do now. 'But things are different this time' Serena told herself, 'Mamoru is gone and clinging onto Harry wont bring him back. It will only complicate the matter when my mission is complete" she mentally concluded, and after a moment of hesitation she released herself from Harry's support denying her heart what it so clearly ached for.

"Harry" she finally managed to whisper, "Are you alright?"

The said boy didn't respond, but upon hearing his name it seemed that the life was swiftly revived back into him. He abruptly collapsed from his knees to his rear as he slowly gazed about his surroundings and then downward when he suddenly became aware of his of his rather posh look of attire. "Yeah" he finally replied to the question with slight uncertainty as he felt the lavish robes he was now wearing, "Yeah I'm alright." He paused to swallow a few times, "Serena?" He question timidly, "What just happened?"

"Well" she began as she sucked on her bottom lip trying with all her might to think of a way to stall for time, "What do you remember?"

Harry relaxed a little as he started massaging his temples in a vain attempt to bring back his memory. "Well after you left us, Ron and I headed for the tower, but when I got about half way there I realized that Ron wasn't behind me anymore, and then…Everything's a blur from there." He opened his eyes and gazed at Serena for moment, "I remember you."

"Me?" She asked growing worried.

Harry shut his eyes again as he tried to think, "I remember feeling pain…your pain, and realizing you were in trouble. I've felt that way before, but I've always been able to fight it, but this time I just gave in and I wound up here." Harry let out a long breath as he threw his head back to stare at the ceiling, "Great, now not only am I hearing voices, seeing visions, and talking with snakes, but now I'm having strange blackouts and waking up in someone else's clothes."

Serena hid the guilty expression that threatened to appear on her face by scooting closer and slowly putting her arms around her surprised friend in a rather awkward, yet comforting, hug. She quickly pulled out of the embrace and as the two sat there in silence she reached up with delicate fingers and gently removed the mask that Harry didn't even know he was wearing. She did this mostly to see his face and examine the black eye he now sported from the fight, but part of her couldn't stand looking at the thing anymore. "I'm so sorry" she said tenderly, "I know this has got to be so hard and confusing for you, and I know I'm only adding to the complication in your life"

Harry looked up and gave his friend a small smile, "Well if anyone knows anything about having a strange and complicated life it would be you." Serena beamed back at him when she didn't detect any sarcasm in his voice. "But…um" Harry gulped nervously as his mind went blank at the sight of her smile, "I have to say that this is the most confusing thing that has happened yet" he concluded as he reached over and took the mask Serena was holding to carefully study it.

Serena laughed awkwardly, "Well I guess that's just another perk of being the boy with the scar" she said as she affectionately ran her slender index finger down the lightning bolt on his forehead. Harry flinched and pulled away on reflex when his scar seared at her touch. "Sorry" Serena apologized embarrassed as she swiftly pulled her hand away. Harry didn't respond but was surprised when he looked down to see that his new attire had somehow changed back into his school robes, and that he now held his glasses between his fingers where the mask had been. "Thanks" Serena finally said after another moment of awkward silence, "if you hadn't had come when you did who knows what would have happened to me, and to Ron."

Harry laughed, "So that makes me one and you" he began counting on his fingers the many times she had saved the day, "What? Seven or eight?"

Serena laughed with him, "Well technically this makes you three."

"What?"

"Nothing."

Harry gave her a questioning look as he opened his mouth to say something but quickly closed it when he decided he didn't want to know. Harry winced slightly when his bruised eye began to sting. "Does it hurt?" She asked him worriedly.

"I'm fine" he said trying to shake off the pain, "I just hope Ron's alri…" Harry stopped in mid sentence as he caught Serena's wide eyes. "RON!" They exclaimed in unison quickly turning to the still unconscious boy lying ten feet away. "Do you think he still…um…wants to kill us?" Harry asked as the two checked on their friend.

"Don't know" Serena answered, "Guess there's only one way to find out" she added pulling out her wand. Harry followed suit and pulled out his own taking a stance ready to defend if Ron were to attack again. Serena pointed her wand at Ron and gave Harry a quick look to make sure he was ready. "Enervate" she chanted and watched as the life flooded back into Ron who began to stir and then slowly, and painfully, he pulled himself off of the floor. Needless to say, he was very surprised when he opened his eyes to see his best friends watching him uneasily with their wands pointed in his direction.

"What the hell!"Ron asked staring at the wands pointed at him and becoming increasingly confused by the excruciating pain in his side. It was then that he took notice of Harry's black eye, Serena's roughed up appearance, and the slight metallic taste that lingered in his mouth. "Oh no" Ron muttered cradling his forehead at the realization of what must've happened. "Please tell me we all just fell down the stairs together."

"Fraid not" Harry laughed lowering his wand when he concluded that Ron was no longer a threat to them, "You were quite the foe."

"I can see that" Ron said pointing to Harry's eye, "but it seems that you guys did quite a number on me" he added as he wiped the blood from his busted lip and then moved to rest against the wall when the unbearable pain in his side sapped his strength.

"Geez" Harry stated as he moved to help his friend, "We really need to figure out who is doing this because it seems these things are just getting smarter and stronger and closer to me every time. If this keeps going no doubt either someone will die or they'll have me by the end of the year."

"No Harry" Serena interrupted, "We have a new problem now. This attack wasn't meant for you; Ron was after me."

Harry shot her a worried look, "You mean they know who you are?" Serena nodded and was about to respond when another crash was heard from the floor above them followed by shouting voices of various professors. "Guess we missed a fight" Harry chuckled looking up at the ceiling. Serena was furious. She began cursing and ranting about how exhausted she was, and how the pain in her neck was still making it difficult to breathe, and how this was the last thing she needed, but it didn't put the fact aside that she still had a job to do.

"Serena!" Ron shouted trying to get her attention.

The girl's ranting stopped when she noticed the complete look of bewilderment upon the two boys faces. "Nani?" She questioned them.

"What the hell was that?" Ron interrogated, "Have you lost it or was that actually another language?"

"Oh" Serena replied a little embarrassed not realizing that she had reverted back to her native tongue, "Yeah I speak a little Japanese. Now you two get to the infirmary, and I'll meet you back in the common room after I take care of them" she finished pointing up to where another crash could be heard, and without another hesitation she disappeared down the hall.

"You know" Ron mused still leaning against the wall, "I think Serena is still hiding a few things."

Harry was just as confused about what had just happened with Serena, but even more so why he understood her, but he just laughed as he pulled Ron's arm over his shoulder to help him down the hall, "You have no idea."

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Serena quietly crept back into the common room so as not bring attention to the fact that she had been out in the halls at such a dangerous time, but it was hardly necessary since the room was so busy with excitement that nobody even noticed the new addition to the room. Serena squeezed her way past the chattering students catching tidbits of conversations that all seemed to focus on the disturbance outside.

"Did you see who it was this time?"

"Yeah, poor Colin and Dennis I wonder if the Professors had to use any forbidden curses of them."

"Did you see how angry Fudge was?"

"I heard him screaming at Dumbledore for something."

"I swear if this happens one more time I'm going home."

Spotting her two friends in the corner of the room, Serena pushed past the last few people in her way and plopped down into a chair next to Harry. "How'd it go?" Ron asked her in a whisper.

"Piece of cake" Serena told him with a cheezy smile, "By the time I got there the Professors actually had it under control, and the possessed Creevey boys were lying unconscious on the floor. Fudge was yelling at Dumbledore about how he would now be taking drastic measures to stop the attacks, and Prof. Mcgonagall, Sight, and Snape were fighting about what should be done with the two boys by the time I showed up. I just popped out of the shadows, cast my little spell, and disappeared before any of them had a chance to pull out their wands."

"Wow" was all Ron could mouth.

Harry too was impressed with her ability to slip past the Professors so easily, but something about her story just wasn't adding up that is until he spotted something on her robes that answered his question. "For something so simple for you Serena, you sure took a long time" he said as he moved closer, "What else could you have possibly been doing?" He added with a smirk as he brushed the crumbs off her robes.

Serena blushed and looked away as she quickly brushed off the remaining crumbs. "Well the Professors started to chase me, so I needed a place to hide for a little while."

"And let me guess" Harry interrupted, "You just happened to come across the kitchen."

Serena shot Harry an annoyed look. "Yes" she stated matter-of-factly and watched as Harry's smile widened in a mocking way, "What'd you expect? I had to skip out on dinner early for detention and I was still hungry; leave me alone." She quickly folded her arms and turned away from Harry in a pout while Ron couldn't help but laugh.

"After a day like today" Harry continued with a laugh, "Only you Serena could still have an appetite."

"Shut up!" Serena whined at the two laughing boys as she rose from her chair attracting the attention of nearby Gryffindors. She paused for a moment to rack her brain for a snappy comeback, but none came. "Fine, I'm going to bed" she stated while she gathered her things, "And let's just see if I ever help you again" she directed at Harry before she made her way towards the stairs and disappeared into her dorm. Harry and Ron just shrugged to each other as they continued laughing and ignored her empty threat. They too then pick up their books and school supplies and made their way over toward Hermione who was hidden behind a stack of books three feet high, and continued their studying.

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It wasn't long before the entire school found out what Fudge's drastic measures were. Serena woke up the next morning in a panic as she ran through the deserted dorm room franticly pulling on her school robes hoping that she would be able to make it to the Great Hall before breakfast disappeared and classes started. Serena jogged down the corridors making her way toward the Great Hall with her mind on breakfast and somehow overlooked the extra people that lined the hallway that is until she was forced to move aside for large group of adults in dark ministry robes passing by. "Aurors?"She muttered out loud seeing the many adults wandering the corridors, some of which she recognized from the previous year. 'These are Fudge's 'drastic measures'? Bring in more people who don't know how to handle youma. If there is more trouble they'll just get in my way' she thought for a moment, 'but then that may be Fudge's aim, but then again I don't know who would dare try anything with this many Aurors roaming the school, but then yet again these things attacking Harry have been able to slip past all the Professors and now they're a step ahead of me because they know who I am." But Serena's ramblings were cut short as her stomach made loud growl of hunger. "Breakfast!"She shouted in a panic making some of the Aurors eye her suspiciously, and she continued her quest toward the Great Hall at top speed.

Now when Serena's stomach is empty her mind is too and only focused on one thing, obtaining food, so it was a bit of an inconvenience to her when she didn't bother to look around the corner before hurling herself around it and into another student knocking the two of them to the floor. "I'm so sorry" she apologized as she pulled herself off the floor and straitened her robes, "I wasn't looking please for…" she stopped dead in mid sentence as she realized she had knocked over none other than Draco Malfoy.

"Yes" he prodded her to go as he picked himself off the floor with a scowl, "You were in the middle of begging for forgiveness, though I doubt you'll get it, but I'd still like to hear it" he added with a cocky smirk. Serena shook her head slightly as she nervously backed away from the blonde Slytherin; she hadn't forgotten what had happened during Christmas. Malfoy could sense the fear in her and was very pleased with himself for it. "Scared are you little Gryffindor?" He mocked her, "Good maybe you filthy Gryffindors are starting to learn your place here at Hogwarts." He moved to take a step closer, but Serena wasn't about to let a repeat of that awful morning happen, and Malfoy surprisingly found himself staring at the tip of Serena's wand while she pointed it threateningly at him with a steady hand. "Are you sure that's wise little Gryffindor?" He asked her obviously nervous from the wand being brandished in front of him, "Do you really want to get into a duel with me with no one around? I think Potter has rubbed off on you a little too much."

"Cram it Malfoy!" Serena told him keeping her wand level, "Do you think I don't remember what happened during Christmas? I swear if you take one step closer I'll give you a pink snout and hooves to match that curly tail I gave you at the beginning of the year."

Draco scowled as the memory of that spell came back to him and the humiliation he suffered because of it, and in a split second he had his wand out and pointed at Serena forcing their wands to make an X between them. "What the hell are you talking about?" He questioned her as a deadly stare locked the two blonde teenagers together.

Serena was taken off guard by the question, "Don't play dumb with me Malfoy. You cornered me in the hall after breakfast and, um…" She paused to find the right words, "attacked me" she finished with her cheeks turning red at the memory.

It was then that Malfoy did something that she was not expecting; he laughed. Not the maniacal, evil cackling she had heard him use so often, but actual hearty laughing like someone had just told him the funniest joke in the world. "I did what?" He asked trying to contain his laughter and hold his wand steady.

Serena was outraged by his amusement, "This isn't funny!" She shouted shaking her wand at him angrily, "You're lucky I didn't turn you into Dumbledore for that and all the other harassment you've put me through."

Malfoy finally stopped laughing and resumed his calm demeanor. "I'm afraid you're mistaken. Don't be embarrassed, most of the girls here dream about me, but just try to distinguish reality from delusion" he finished as his arrogant smirk reappeared on his face.

That was not the answer Serena had been expecting. "What!"She now questioned him not being able to control her anger or confusion, "You followed me out of breakfast, you knocked my wand out of my hand, and then you…you attacked me. It wasn't a delusion."

Malfoy was becoming a little annoyed with her antics now, "Look I told you, you're mistaken" he seethed, "Not that you wouldn't be fun" he added as he gave her an approving look up and down, "But never would I stoop so low as a Gryffindor, and a mudblood at that."

Serena narrowed her eyes at the comment as a list of the most terrible curses that she could think of ran through her head and tried to decide on which one she would use first. This was the longest Draco had ever been in a duel without ever firing a spell, so he decided to make the first move. Serena watched as Malfoy opened his mouth to shout the first incantation and soon became worried again when her entire list of curses disappeared from her mind.

"Drop it Malfoy" a cold voice instructed before Malfoy could even mutter his first word, and though his eyes never left Serena, he could see the extra wand pointed at him through his peripheral vision.

"Potter" he exclaimed with sarcastic excitement, "You're just in time for the fun."

"I said drop it."

The clamor of feet could be heard from behind Harry as Ron and Hermione joined the group. "Whoa" was all Ron could mumble at seeing the three angry teenagers and the dueling triangle they had formed between them. He stopped in his tracks and quickly decided it was best to keep a safe distance from the menacing wands.

Hermioine on the other hand had just as quickly decided to intervene. "Harry don't" she pleaded running up to the group, "It's not worth it, and you" she added now turning towards Malfoy, "You know better than this being a Prefect and all."

Draco sneered at being told how to act. "I was merely excepting a challenge when Potter here forgot his manners and barged into our duel. You do realize that's against the rules right Potter" he clucked his tongue shamefully, "Bad sportsmanship." Harry remained put with his wand next to Malfoy's ear. The wicked grin on Malfoy's face grew. "I don't suppose Potter" he continued casually, "That your girlfriend here has told you about the fantasy's she's been having about me has she?" he added feeding off of Harry's anger and awkwardness at the title he had given her, "But don't worry I let her down easy; my standards aren't as low as yours."

Serena was very offended now, "For the last time, it wasn't a fantasy" she screamed with Malfoy's wand still in her face.

"You bastard" Harry seethed as he moved closer.

"Language Potter" Malfoy scolded him, "After all we are in the presence of ladies" and with his amusement being done with Serena, he did a quick turn and now locked deadly stares with the green eyed boy. "Alright Potter" he concluded, "Since you're so determined to fight everyone's battles for them, let's have at it."

"Fine with me" Harry accepted the challenge, "I've beaten Dementors, Dragons, Lord Voldemort, and even your dad; I'm sure you wont be much of a challenge."

"Whenever you're ready" Malfoy stated with a mocking bow.

"Ladies first" Harry replied with the same bow.

"Harry please" Hermione begged for fear of being caught, "Not here."

"Potter! Malfoy!" A gruff voice called out behind them. The group quickly turned and was surprised to see two familiar faces as Nymphadora Tonks and Mad Eye Moody made their way over to them. "Move along to class Malfoy" Moody said emphasizing the name in a disgusted tone, "Potter comes with us."

"Of course" Draco drawled as he put away his wand, "save your precious hero and take him away." He sent Harry one last deadly glare and gave one more hearty laugh at Serena's expense before he strolled past them and made his way towards the dungeons, "See you in potions Potter."

"Harry" Tonks whined at him, "Getting in fights with students whose parents are Death Eaters is probably not the best thing to do right now."

"Eh maybe we better go somewhere a little more private for this conversation" Moody suggested as he eyed Serena suspiciously with his normal eye while his magical one roamed free. "Sorry miss, but we need to speak with Potter and his friends" he told her.

"Oh" Serena said awkwardly at the position she was now in, "Right."

"She's okay" Harry quickly but in taking a place next to Serena, "This is Serena, and don't worry because I've already told her about everything."

"Well hello" Tonks told Serena as she shook her hand, "Name's Tonks."

"Hi" Serena replied shyly not being able to take her eyes off the girl's orange hair.

Moody wasn't so trusting as he continued to eye the new girl this time with his magical eye. Serena wished she could cover herself with something as she was probed with the creepy eye, and she became even more uncomfortable when Moody began to speak to the group while it remained transfixed on her. "Listen Potter, Fudge has ordered us here to make sure none of these monsters show up again, so we can't have you pullin anymore of these disappearin' acts. Jus make sure you don't go anywhere by yerself and always be alert and maybe we'll get through the rest of the school year." Harry nodded in reply.

"Good" Tonks finished for him, "Now I believe that you four are going to be late for class, and I hear that Prof Sight is a real stickler on tardiness" she whispered to Harry making Serena roll her eyes; that was all she needed today. "So get going" she told the four almost pushing them down the hall.

Serena picked up her pace becoming all too eager to get out of view of Moody's prying eye, which hadn't moved from her for their entire conversation. Serena and Harry parted ways with Ron and Hermione as they headed off towards Defense Against the Dark Arts. "So what happened between you and Malfoy back there?" Harry finally stopped to ask her, "Did he try anything on you?" He questioned a little too possessively.

"Actually no" Serena responded somewhat surprised, "I actually ran into him, and I was the first to pull out my wand. In fact, he acted like I was crazy when I confronted him about what happened last time we met in the hall."

"You don't think that he was being controlled too do you?" Harry shouted in disbelief.

"It's not impossible" She muttered growing very troubled. She'd never admit it to his face, but she knew Malfoy to be a very powerful dark wizard, and she knew that if these things were strong enough to even try to possess a Malfoy then they all were in very serious danger. "Still it could just be an act since he knew that there were Aurors everywhere" she tried to convince herself.

Serena's empty stomach began to rumble very loudly again. "Oh here" Harry said brushing off their previous conversation while he dug into his pockets, "I thought you might not make it to breakfast again so I saved you some" he exclaimed handing her two pieces of toast and an apple.

Serena looked as though she had just been given a diamond ring as she gobbled down the food given to her, but the look was soon replaced with one of disappointment as she finished the last bite. "That's all?" She whined. Harry rolled his eyes at his bottomless pit of a friend, "I swear you're worse than Ron" he told her, and then quickly grabbed her arm and dragged her with him into class.

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Well there you are another chapter and an extremely long one at that because you had to wait forever. Once again sorry about the wait, but really there was nothing I could do, and I really hope that my next one won't take as long but I'm not making any promises because I have a lot going on right now, but don't worry because I promise that it will be done because I will not abandon this fic, and I will finish it (I'm so close). Anyway, you know the drill I'd love to hear what you thought of this chapter and my story in general, so please…

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-Starlytemint-