A/N: Thanks so much to everyone who reviewed! This is up a little earlier than expected, yes. Just thought I'd wish everyone a Happy New Year (no drinking and driving!)

Oh what a tangled web we weave,
When first we practice to deceive!

-Sir Walter Scott

Blue Roses.

Chapter five: The tangled web of teenagers.

Skye was let out of St. Mungo's hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries two days later, being pronounced healthy. When she returned, it was breakfast time, and a good portion of the school was sitting in the Great Hall. Upon her entrance, her bright pink hair shining in the light of the sunrise, almost three quarters of the school (the students who dislike Professor Snape) began cheering, and a few stood up while clapping. Cedric ran up to her and gave her a hug, escorting her back to her table, where, as she passed people by, she received a few well-earned pats on the back.

As Skye was eating her eggs and gloating over the fact she didn't have to deal with Potions that day, Hagrid came up behind her.

"Its good ter see yeh back, Skye."

"It's good to be back, Hagrid! Thanks so much for helping me! I don't know how I could ever repay you!" Skye stood up and hugged Hagrid.

"Oh...really...it's nuthin'...really...just come to visit me sometime, ok Skye?"

And with that, Hagrid was off.

After classes that day, Brayden, Lynelle, Cedric and Skye sat outside by the lake, laughing and enjoying Butterbeers, thanks to Lynelle's Refilling charm. They also began to make odd toasts, getting odder as more Butterbeer was drunken.

"To Hogwarts!"

"To Hagrid!"

"To you guys!"

"To Butterbeer!"

"To eggs."

"To skis!"

"To eating cheese while playing the violin!"

And so on. As the sun set and the stars began to flick on in the sky, the four lay down to enjoy them, giggling lightly. They had a burping contest, and tried to make star constellations, when Skye decided she was tired, and wished to go inside. Lynelle offered to escort her back to the castle. There was an awkward silence, and when they were out of earshot from Cedric and Brayden, Lynelle began to talk to Skye.

"So, Brayden's taken a real liking to you, after the incident," Skye nodded, trying not to show her happiness at this fact. "You know, him and me have been together for 2 years now," Skye nodded again. "And if you even think about laying a finger on my boyfriend, I will rip you limb from limb, and you'll be angry at yourself for thinking you should even be alive."

Lynelle stomped off into the darkness, leaving Skye staring at her in complete shock.

- - -

The Thursday after Skye returned from the hospital, Brayden, Lynelle, Cedric and herself were sitting in the common room, relaxing, with a few of Brayden's other friends. Skye was trying to learn a Muggle hobby, knitting, which proved to be a lot harder than it seemed. As she poked herself with one of the needles, and gave a mutter of profane language, a 3rd year, by the name of Travis O'Grady, walked over to the group.

"My father was a friend of Professor Snape," he began, "and so is the rest of my family. And you went and said lies, ruining his record, you little shit?" Travis raised his wand menacingly, pointing it at Skye's heart. "I'm just going to have to seek revenge for him, because he can't." Travis opened his mouth, preparing to say an incantation, when Brayden and Lynelle jumped up.

"Petrificus Totalus!" they said together. The spells hit Travis in the chest, and he went as rigid as a board, falling to the ground. Skye's momentary streak of bad luck continued when Professor Sprout stepped into the common room, her face looking gloom.

"What are you doing?" she exclaimed, looking at the scene before her. She muttered a counter-jinx, making Travis's body relax, and said, "Brayden! Skye! Mr. O'Grady! Dueling in the common room! Come with me, we are going to see Dumbledore right away!"

Brayden shot a curious look back at Lynelle, who shrugged, and walked off behind Skye and Travis. The group was silent as they walked down the halls. Skye was rubbing her hands together; they were sore from non-magically knitting. Travis had a scowl on his face, and would often shoot dirty looks at either Skye or Brayden. They reached a large stone gargoyle, which Professor Sprout leaned into and muttered something. The gargoyle sprang open to reveal a large spiral staircase, which Professor Sprout stepped on to. Skye paused momentarily, before following Professor Sprout. The staircase carried them to a large wooden door, which Professor Sprout knocked on.

"Come in," a familiar voice said.

The four of them walked in, and Skye began to absorb the large room. There were portraits surrounding it, most of whom were idly twiddling their thumbs, or sleeping, or watching intently at the group that had just entered the room. There were a variety of trinkets that were swiveling and making noise around the walls of the room, and Professor Dumbledore was sitting at his desk, observing Professor Sprout through his half-moon glasses.

"Good evening, Professor Sprout (A/N: I didn't know what her first name is, so pardon me leaving it as that), do what do I owe the pleasure of having you here this fine evening?"

"It was these three," she said, "dueling in the common room. Second time this week for Travis!"

Professor Dumbledore stared at his desk momentarily, before looking up. "Ah yes, Mr. O'Grady, you do seem to enjoy my office, don't you? Fifteen points from Hufflepuff for dueling in the common room, and detention for Mr. O'Grady, tomorrow at 7 o' clock. Mr. Diggory, you are excused for now, and Miss Cunningham, may I have a few moments of your time?"

Travis, looking suddenly confused at why he was there, shuffled out of the common room, Brayden following behind him.

"Professor Sprout, you may leave as well. Keep a closer eye on your students, it is difficult dealing with troublemakers all by myself." he winked at her, and she exited through the wooden door, closing it softly behind her.

"Sit," Dumbledore said, motioning to a chair in front of his desk. Skye sat down, and looked intently at Professor Dumbledore, wondering what on earth he wanted her in his office for. He walked over to a silver instrument, tapped it with his wand, and it began to spin and make odd whirring noises. He tapped it again, and it stopped. He then walked over to an empty bird perch, and said, "Fawkes just left, right before you came in. He's about to molt, anyway, so he's at his worst." Dumbledore shook his head and sat down, folded his hands and stared down at them, deep in thought.

Skye sat, staring at him, awaiting some sort of punishment.

"Sir?" she choked, after about five minutes of waiting. Dumbledore jumped as if he had forgotten she was there. "Why did you wish to speak to me, sir?"

"Ah," he began. "Well, if you haven't guessed, it is in relation to your recent outburst, Miss Cunningham. I wish to discuss some matters with you."

Skye nodded apprehensively.

"What you did, though quite foolish and unruly, was brave. You stood up to your peers, and let go of your past. I don't believe you did this as an act of courage, rather a desperate act; not for attention, no, but to pull weight off your shoulders, am I correct?"

"It was an outburst, sir, of anger and desperation, sir. I was running away from my problems, sir, rather than facing them like a true brave person would."

"I see you've been contemplating things during your time at St. Mungo's. I also see the healers have done wonders," Skye nodded in memory of the healers bustling around giving her various potions that warmed her. "And I am glad to see my students remain healthy. Now, onto more pressing matters.

"You cannot, as you have told us all, remain with your grandfather for summer break, nor with Professor Snape. Therefore, I grant you summer's stay with whomever you wish!"

"May I stay with the Diggory's, sir, at their permission?"

"Yes...I'll see to have that arranged. Now, for other matters, your Potions class is being affected by your outburst, I'm assuming?" Skye nodded. "I shall change your Potions lessons to private ones, then, with Professor Snape."

"WHAT?" she exclaimed. "Pardon me, Professor, but are you crazy? Won't that make the situation worse?"

Professor Dumbledore chuckled. "Worse, my dear? I think some time away from your fellow classmates during Potions classes will aid your relationship with your father. You are dismissed."

Skye stood up, her body numb, in complete shock. It was hard enough dealing with Snape in front of friends, but in private classes? What was Professor Dumbledore thinking?

"Goodnight, Skye."

"Goodnight, Professor."

Skye stepped out the wooden doors, down the stairs and past the stone gargoyle. She began aimlessly wandering the halls, not thinking of the time nor her place. She was in the Transfiguration hallway, passing by an empty classroom, when she heard voices. She pressed her ear up against the door.

"Oh, Charlie, can we be together forever?"

"Oh, we can, you just need to dump that scumbag of a boyfriend of yours."

"Anything for you Charlie!"

She heard slurping sounds, and a girly moan.

"Oh...Charlie..."

Skye looked into a crack in the door, and gasped.

Inside, she saw Lynelle beneath Charlie Weasley, his hand up her shirt as they kissed passionately.

- - -

A/N: DUN DUN DUN! The twist is revealed! I shocked you all, I know. This chapter's a bit rough yet, but soon, everything will come together. Hope you enjoyed this, reviews are welcomed!