A/N: Hey guys! Yay for me I'm writing another chapter….I know, you love me…well, on with the story…

Chapter 16: The End of November

Harry woke as the sun came out. He had gone to bed relatively early as he had found himself exhausted by one in the morning. He groaned, rolled over and went back to sleep. It wasn't until nine AM that he woke back up.

It was Saturday and Harry wanted nothing more than to relax. School had completely swamped him as well as his break up with his girlfriend. High stress and tension had caused a minor fight to become a huge one. He had no doubts that they would eventually get back together: it had happened before.

Harry sighed and got up to shower and get dressed. Then he headed out to the Quidditch pitch. He looked forward to flying. It was his only escape from reality. He knew he could always talk to Ron, but he had his own problems. After the news of Hermione, Ron had closed up. It was no secret that he had liked her, so Harry couldn't blame Ron for being reclusive.

Ron had, over the past year, slowly become a loner, relying on alcohol and women. Harry as a direct result had become closer to Ginny. Her adolescent crush had subsided and they soon became the best of friends.

He wondered where Ron was as he lifted into the air. He couldn't believe what he was doing. I mean, I miss Hermione too, but I wouldn't go that far into depression over one girl! He mused and shook his head.

Ever since Hermione's leave, Ron's grades had slipped, it seemed as if everyone's had. He had to work twice as hard as ever and had needed a release from the stress. So, he took to the sky.

His thoughts turned towards Ebony. What she sees in Malfoy, I'll never know he mused. It was no secret that they were dating, but the reasons why were unknowable. She's an odd one Harry thought, she's smart and different than anyone I have ever met, but there is something strangely familiar about her, too.

Ron rolled over, head screaming. He groaned, this is the biggest hang over I've ever-

"What's wrong baby?" a female voice asked, interrupting his thoughts.

Who the hell is she? His mind asked.

"Nothing, just go back to sleep." He told her. She complied and he let out a breath. If Hermione was here things would be better…it only she was here…

After Ebony got out of the hospital she was more careful with her power. Draco had been extremely concerned with her after her trip to Madam Pomfrey and she couldn't help but love it. He now was showing her the compassion she wanted. Her only regret was that he to be injured just for him to show it.

She and Snape had tip-toed around each other ever since that night in the hospital wing. In public he was the same rude, vicious Snape; but in private he was reserved. Even Ebony noticed the change and wondered what was going on in his head. She tried to act as normal as possible, but it was hard not to notice the way he looked at her or the softness in his eyes.

On the last night in November the moon shone brightly. It was full and glorious. Snape had requested that Ebony meet him at the North edge of the Forbidden Forest. It wasn't detention, but a request. So, at six PM, after the sun had departed, she found him standing there.
"What is this all abo-"

"Shh!" he told her and led her to a clearing that Ebony knew well.

"What I'm about to show you is rare and only used in extreme situations." Ebony nodded and watched as he turned into a hawk. Her yes widened as he began to fly around. After a minute or two he landed and transformed back into a human.

"But how-" she began but couldn't find the words. She wanted to do it, but wasn't sure she's be able. Not after the flying incident

"Every person has the ability to transform into an animal. Most people have to be a registered animagus to do it, but a vampire's powers can be easily tapped into. This skill can only be taught to a vampire on a full moon." He told her as she watched him, light glistening from her eyes.

"How do I do it?" she asked eagerly.

"Well, you look up at the moon, say your full name and whisper cambio! Don't be surprised if it doesn't work. Most vampires can't do it for years." He instructed and stepped back to watch her.

Ebony did as she was told. She waited and waited but nothing happened. Sighing, she turned to her instructor.

"Try again." He told her.

Reluctantly, she tried again and again. Each time was a failure, however.

"This is pointless!" she cried her voice echoing in the night.

"Try again, this time believe you will do it." He knew that she probably would not be able to do it, but he had hoped that her determination would not falter. This lesson was one she needed to learn: determination is just as important as the actually task.

Ebony complied, saying Hermione Elizabeth Granger so quietly, hoping Snape would not hear. This time, things were different. Instead of just seeing the moon, her vision clouded and she was able to see clearly a vision of a snow leopard prowling before her. The picture was so clear she could almost touch it. As she reached out, it disappeared altogether.

"I saw it," she said, still looking at the moon.

"Good, I hoped you would. I knew changing was out of the question, but I hoped you would at least see it." He commented.

"It was amazing!" she breathed.

"What did you see?" he asked, curiosity overcoming propriety.

"A snow leopard."

This caught Snape by surprise. A snow leopard? Maybe there is much I need to learn about this pupil, he mused

After a minute of silence, Snape said,

"We should head in; we both have things to do."

"It's Saturday." Ebony commented.

"Yes, but aren't you missing Mr. Malfoy right about now?" Snape asked. He knew they had been dating and felt an unfamiliar twinge each time he thought about it.

"Yes, but he can wait." She said nonchalantly then began to pace about.

"Well, then, what are we supposed to do?" he asked, wondering why she would rather be here with him.

"Um…you could tell me why you're so mean all the time." This caught him off guard, as many of the things she did.

"Mean?" he asked.

"Yes, you know that "I'm better than thou, snotty attitude of yours. Where did you get it?" she responded.

"I-it's a long story and I don't think you'd be interested" Snape told her, wondering why the hell she wanted to know about him.

"I've got time and I am interested." She said and sat down in the grass.

A/N: hey plz R&R!...plz…