Chapter 4: 'Quidditch'

The first week of term went by quickly, with no real incidents taking place during that time. Not even a simple verbal spat between the Golden Boy and the Ice Prince had occurred. None of the sixth or seventh years really had any time to do anything but get started on the already enormous amounts of homework they were being given. Reports, research and spells were the norm of discussion among staff and students. Due to Voldemort's return the lesson plans of all the professors had been improved and expanded, making the students lives difficult even at this early date. According to Dumbledore, it was one of the main things he was doing to prepare the students for the coming war they would no doubt face.

Danii walked into the Charms classroom early Thursday morning seeing a few Ravenclaws and Alexei already in the classroom, with Trent and Draco tagging along. "You're here already," she shook her head, "for every other class you're almost late, what gives?"

Alexei shrugged and looked up at Danii, "I just got up early, so I decided to show up to class early." She said nonchalantly.

Draco rolled his eyes, "Yeah, that's why you dragged me out of bed and rushed me out the door. I was lucky to be able to get dressed properly with all your nagging." He said, resentment thick in his voice. The younger Malfoy obviously didn't like his sleep being interrupted.

Trent nodded his head yawning and said tiredly, "And I didn't get anything but toast for breakfast. Not bloody cool." He threw Alexei a dirty look and encased his head between his arms on the desk.

"Well maybe you should have moved a bit faster idiot!" Alexei said, glaring at Trent maliciously and slamming her hand down on the desk.

The bell rang as a few more students came stumbling in just in time to not get House points taken away. Professor Flitwick stood on his usual stack of towering books, "Today we are going to practice the Bubble Head Charm. Mr. Krum will walk around answering any questions you might have. Okay you may begin." He climbed down from the stack and disappeared behind it.

Danii sighed and said sarcastically, "Yey what a joy." She looked over at Trent. "Aren't you in seventh year?"

Trent looked at her as if she'd grown another head. "Yes. I'm sorry to disappoint you."

"But this a sixth year class."

"SHITE!! Damn it Alexandra! You woke me up and cursed me! Now my whole day is thrown off!" He glared at the desk, really restraining himself from setting it aflame.

Alexei laughed evilly, "Well just think of it this way, your day will only be better because you spent more time with me."

Trent shook his spiky head." NO, because I have this class next too. I don't want to see Flitwick and Krum that much!"

Danii smacked Trent over the head. "Stop complaining! Now who's going to be my first victim?" she looked around happily with the hint of a sadistic smile on her face.

Alexei nudged Draco with her elbow, "He will be." She said, offering her brother up as a sacrifice to Danii.

Draco grabbed his side and glared at his sister, "Ouch! I will not!" He said sounding scandalized.

Danii smirked and grabbed Draco by his arm, pulling him towards herself and cast the charm before he could attempt a retort. "Oh, yes you will!"

Alexei stepped up to Trent and smiled evilly, "I guess you're mine." She cast the

charm on him while also casting a spell to knock the wind out of him. The look on her friend's face was priceless and she had to force herself not to laugh.

Trent started silently choking behind the charm. Viktor walked over and asked, his English now more understandable than the years before when he had been a Tri-Wizarding Champion. "Is he okay? He looks like he's turning blue."

Danii nodded her head, "Oh, he's just peachy."

Alexei looked at Trent and gestured to him as if he were of little importance, "Don't worry about him he isn't even supposed to be in this class right now." Her gaze shifted to her new professor and she examined him fully for the first time since the World Cup. Their meeting had been some what brief then, but very interesting. Lucius and Karkaroff had introduced the two teens and wondered off with rather suspicious looks on their faces. She was certain the two men had been planning something, but she never got the chance to find out what.

Viktor saw Trent slowly start turning back to his original color, "Then what is he doing in here?"

Shrugging Alexei said, "I guess he was too tired and decided to follow me. I think he is turning into my stalker."

Trent shook his head wildly and waved his hands in the air mouthing 'NO!'

Viktor looked at him as if he's lost his marbles. "Well, if he's not a stalker then he definitely still needs to go to the loony bin." He joked with a slight smile. "I suppose it will be fine if he stays, seeing as he is already here and has this class next." Viktor looked over at Trent. "But don't do it again."

Trent sighed defeatedly and nodded his head. He had no voice to defend himself anyways, so there was no point.

Viktor looked back at the two young women, "Well if you don't need help then I'll continue to roam." He added with a sarcastic smile, "It's really fun."

Alexei thought on his proposal for a moment, not wanting to pass up a chance to spend more time with him. "Wait, maybe you could help me with something. Could you help me with quidditch? I've been busy all summer and didn't get a chance to practice. I doubt training on my own for tryouts would do me any good. Practicing with a professional would benefit me more." She said with a charming smile, trying to play on the man's ego among other things.

Viktor smiled, "If I could help you with anything, quidditch definitely is my preferred subject! Be at the pitch on Saturday at ten. Maybe I can help you not only catch up on your practicing, but improve your game as well."

Alexei smiled, "Alright see you then." As Viktor turned and walked away she released Trent from the charm mercifully. She was feeling considerably nicer at that point and decided she had had her fun torturing her long time friend.

"Bloody Women!!" He muttered as he sat down grumpily.

Danii followed Alexei's suit and released the blonde's brother, "Don't go pouting. The way you are always around them wouldn't surprise anyone if you did actually stalk at least one of them, if not the both of them." She smiled innocently as Trent glared daggers her way.

Draco had been watching the whole exchange between his sister and Krum with a suspicious gaze. Even though his vision had been slightly distorted by the charm, he knew that what he had just witnessed was not as innocent as the professor might have thought. He knew his sister too well and knew every expression she made, and all the meanings behind them. No matter how innocent it sounded, Alexei had some ulterior motive behind the meeting.

Draco's eyes met his sister's in a glare, shocking her a little even though her expression didn't show it. "What was that about?" He demanded in his protective brotherly tone.
"What was what about?" Alexei said, matching his glare with a challenging one of her own.

Trent and Danii stood off to the side, trying to force back the rolling of their eyes. "Don't start it Draco," said Trent in a serious voice.

Trent's advice fell on deft ears as Draco spoke up once more, "Don't play innocent with me. What are you planning?" He asked, his voice turning to full suspicion. His sister had many ways of entertaining herself and he would not put it past her to make it a mission to have Krum as a 'toy' of sorts.

Alexandra's expression turned to shock and slight annoyance, "It's not a date you git! He is just going to help me with quidditch practice." She stated quickly, "And I am innocent." She added on, more in jest than in seriousness.
Trent laughed and before he could stop himself, he interjected, "HA! If you're innocent then I'm the bloody king of England."

Alexei smacked Trent in the back of the head, "Well sorry if I don't bow, your Majesty!"

"Don't pull that with me, Alexandra!" Draco interrupted, sounding a little too like his father. "You and I both know that you don't intend for him just to teach you some quidditch moves." He said in a hushed tone so that only the other three could hear him.

Danii giggled, dirty thoughts running through her head. More to herself then anyone else she said, "Oh my do I love 'quidditch'!" her tone hinting in no way anything other than what was implied.

Trent shook his head in mock disapproval, "So 'quidditch' is what you kids are calling it these days?" What next, are we going to have to resort back to wrestling and bull riding? He added mentally.

Alexei smiled and nodded her head in agreement with Danii, "Yes, I think I could go for a game about now." She said giving a not so subtle glance towards Viktor.

Danii's delicate features turned from playful to sad as she said, "I had to leave my last broom back in that rinky dinky place!" She remained saddened for only a few seconds more before braking out into a determined grin, "I will just have to fashion myself a new one."

Alexei smiled devilishly, her eyes returning to Danii as she sat back into her chair. "I'll have another soon enough." She said, her tone radiated with confidence and determination. She had her sights on a certain someone and whatever she set her sights on she got, soon or later. Currently she preferred getting this particular thing sooner rather than later.

Trent smiled knowingly and Danii grinned, "I bet you will. I want something newer though. Something unused or at least not tarnished to the point of not being able to rise higher then half mast from over usage." She grimaced at the memory. "I hate when brooms are just whored around."

"My old ones were the best but, "Alexei paused and went into a dreamy state for a second then shook herself out of it and continued, "Perfect in fact, but sometimes it is best to move on. Everyone needs a change of pace. And you never know what is out there unless you do some shopping around." She said, her eyes sweeping the room.

Putting on a shocked expression Trent said in a hurt voice, "So that's what you women are doing these days, if they don't fit your fancy anymore, then you just toss them out the door like some twig." He grabbed his heart as if it were breaking, "That hurts you know!"

Danii laughed, "Oh I remember my first ride, it was like flying into heaven!" she said dreamily staring off into space.

Alexei turned to Trent with a smug look firmly in place, "Just because your broom wasn't good enough for me doesn't mean you have to pout Trent."

Draco plopped down next to his sister, rolling his eyes. He rested his arm on the desk and cradled his head in his hand, looking slightly agitated. The conversation had taken a turn for the worse and was heading towards a place that could scar him for life.

Trent put his hand faintly on his head as if to check his temperature, making sure he wasn't going to die from a severe mock fever. "That hurt for real now!"

Danii patted his back in a comforting motion, "I'm sure we can find someone that wouldn't mind riding your broom sometime soon." She smiled as he gave her the finger.

"Yes I'm sure we will, there are defiantly enough whores at this school." Alexei said as she gestured over to some Ravenclaws, who were drooling over Viktor, "But you see I have higher standards that I go by. My broom has to be the best, and has to be of the finest quality, if you know what I mean."

"Oh I can see you wanting a professional one, lots of mileage under its belt. Me personally though, I want a newbie still. One that I can train any way I want." Danii said deviously.

"Yes, professionals are the only way to go. They know the best maneuvers and have had real experience. My last two were like that and they were the first ones I trained on." Said Alexei with a dreamy look in her eye.

Draco sighed heavily and slammed his eyes shut, rubbing his temples. It was futile attempt to block out the images that began racing through his mind. "Could we end this conversation before I have a stroke due to the damaging images the three of you are giving me?" He asked, exasperated.

Alexei patted Draco on the back, "Sorry little brother." She said patronizingly.

Trent collapsed in his chair laughing. Danii shook her head grinning and looked at Alexei and mouthed, "Two of them?!"

Alexei's gaze directed itself back to the other Slytherin female, "Yeah, quite interesting and enjoyable I have to say." She got lost in memory for a moment, a genuine smile gracing her face. Draco cringed and the image that followed and ducked his head down to rest on the desk, covering it with his arms.

"One experience that I have yet to adventure towards. Although I have had the opportunity, it was unfortunate that I was already taken by someone else at the time he decided to grace me with such information." Danii sighed, thinking of her closest friend and ex. "Now it would just be too awkward." Danii smiled sadly up at the others and looked between Draco and Trent. "I think this is one of the few times that I have seen you two being totally out of character. I expected at least some of the men here to be more adamant about the sex talk."

Draco peeked out from his makeshift shield, "I don't mind sex talk so long as it isn't with my sister." He pulled himself up more fully, regaining his composure. "That is just too much information on a subject I'd rather not know of." He said in all honesty.

Trent waited a moment for Draco to add anything before replying. "I am with Draco on this. Alexei is like my sister, or at least sometimes more so then that half blood. Plus over the summer I am worn out of it by the time I return to England. Give me a couple months or so and I may or may not be more open about it." he explained. He almost cringed as his thoughts began to lead elsewhere, but he cut them off effectively before anyone could notice his unease.

Danii nodded as the bell rang. "I will see you lot later, I've got my free period." She said as she picked up her stuff and walked out of the door.

Alexei grabbed her stuff as well and pulled Draco up with her, dragging him out of the room. "Have fun Trent." She said teasingly, looking back over her shoulder at him.

Walking into Snape's dark and gloomy class room was almost comforting to the Malfoy siblings. It was a big change from the bright and cheery Great Hall at lunch. Draco and Alexei took their seats at the front of the class, well away from the Ravenclaws and Gryffindors that were present. Usually they would be paired up with just Gryffindor during classes, but this was another change made by Dumbledore. All houses were to be mixed during classes so that 'school unity' would be stronger than ever.

Looking sickly pale, Danii walked into the potions room and took a seat next to Harry, being the first person she saw. She weakly smiled at him as she slowly started taking out her potions book. Harry gave her a questioning gaze that she ignored, looking towards the board.

Kari walked in and sat next to Danii, noticing that she was very pale…Well more so than usual anyways. "Danii, are you feeling alright? You look ill." She stated, a hint of worry showing in her voice.

The door suddenly opened, knocking over a few students who were standing near it. As Snape walked in and slammed the door he glared down at the teens and hissed, "Get to your seats!" The students got up and hurried to their seats as Snape marched to his desk, "We will be working harder, faster, and more diligently than your required potions classes. If you don't pay attention and follow directions you will fail." Snape's eyes scanned the room and lingered on Harry, "So silence will be required." he turned and tapped the board with his wand and directions appeared, "Now get to work."

Taking out the ingredients from his kit, Harry muttered, "Something is stuck up his arse again today I see." Hermione tutted in disapproval, but kept her eyes on the already started potion in front of her.

Kari nodded as she pulled out her things and sat them in front of her on the desk. "Seriously, though that seems to be nothing new." She replied as she pulled out a piece of parchment and a pencil incase she would need it.

Alexei looked up at Snape after she put one of the ingredients into her cauldron and made the heat six degrees hotter, "Wonder what's wrong with him." She said with a bit of worry showing on her face and in her voice. Ever since school started the professor seemed to be in an even fouler mood than usual.

Draco looked over at her with his usual potions making face and sighed, "He is probably just stressed." He said after looking over at his godfather with a contemplative expression. He quickly focused back on his potion, determined to make it perfect.

After a little over an hour Snape began to walk around the room and examine

people's potions with more scrutiny than usual. Stopping at Harry's cauldron he smiled the way he always did when he was about to torture Potter, "Well Mr. Potter, yet again you seem to have failed to follow simple instructions."

Harry glared up at Snape, knowing that Snape was just picking on him. He looked over at Hermione's potion, hers identical to his. His scowl deepened as he noted this.

Kari looked up from her own potion that was identical to Hermione's and Harry's. She looked over at Harry's potion. "Sir, not to be rude but there is nothing wrong with his potion." She stated.

Snape switched his gaze from Harry to Kari and glared at her, "Shut it Miss Corio, and stay out of it! Fifteen points from Gryffindor!" He turned and walked over to his favorite students, "Well done Mr. and Ms. Malfoy, if only all my students were as intelligent as you. Thirty points to Slytherin!" The potions master gave a small smile to the two blonds then proceeded on his examinations.

Harry glared after Snape. Danii looked up and over at Kari, with her crescent-fallen expression. "Don't fret it. As you should've figured out by now, any points you get taken away, Hermione will get them back for ya." Harry glanced side-ways towards her with a small knowing smile.

Kari glared at the back of Snape's head and then looked back at her potion. Jerk. Kari thought and then looked over Danii. "That's true," she replied, "but he still doesn't need to pick on Harry." The blonde finished.

Draco smiled tauntingly at his rival, "Snape's bad days just seem to put me in a better mood." The Slytherin said, referring to his obvious joy at Harry being harassed.

Snape made one last sweep of the room before glancing at the clock and heading back to his desk. "Put your potions in a vial, and put it on my desk." He stated as he sat down and glared at the students who came up with obviously bad potions.

Finishing the last of the instructions, Danii poured the potion into a vile and headed to the front desk. Her eyes fluttered shut as she turned too quickly from the desk. This small act caused her to faint, only to be caught by Harry. Harry thanked his quick reflexes and looked down at Danii. She was breathing, which was always a good sign. He shook her gently, "Danii are you alright. Wake up Danii."

Snape quickly stood and walked around his desk over to Danii and Harry. He had to push a few curious students out of his way to reach the incapacitated girl. Checking her over and ascertaining that, yes, her heart was steady and she was breathing he nodded and breathed a sigh of relief. The Potions Master looked up through his raven locks at Alexei who had come to his side only moments before. "Help Potter to take Ms. Christensen to the Hospital wing." He ordered before standing and returning to his desk.

As Harry picked her and himself up off the ground, Danii moaned out a weak response. "NO!" Her eyes fluttered, but didn't open. Her head lulled to the side again as she slipped deeper into a total body shut down.

Alexei shook her head, "I think she counts as not able to make her own decisions." The blonde said as she placed a hand on the girl's forehead and felt how clammy she was. She shook her head again and motioned for Harry to follow her out of the room.

Seeing as Danii was nothing more then a weighted lump at the moment Harry lifted her from the back of her knees. He wrapped her limp arms around his neck and let her head rest on his shoulder. She was surprisingly very light considering her size and body structure. He didn't trust his magic enough to submit her to it, so instead he relied on the good old muggle way that had yet to fail him. Carrying her bridal style through the door, he was extra careful not to hit her head against anything.

Silently the three of them trudged through the dungeons, through the Entrance hall, up a flight of stairs and finally through the Hospital wing doors. Madam Pomfrey came rushing towards them the moment they pushed through the door. She directed Harry to deposit the unconscious Danielle on the nearest bed. "My, she's looking very peaky. She fainted I presume?"

Harry nodded deftly as he stared down at the unconscious body. The mediwitch sighed, "You may leave now Mr. Potter," She said dismissively, making sure his reluctant form left as she turned to the conscious Slytherin. "Miss Malfoy can you stay and help me dress her for a moment?" She asked as she began to produce a curtain around the bed.

Alexei nodded and stepped forward, offering to help in any way she could. Though she hardly knew the girl she had interested her and spent a good amount of time with her during the first days here. She was thankful for the other female when the boys had exasperated her and she was in need of different company. For those reasons was she worried for Danii, and yet she was also very curious as to what was wrong with her.

The curtains were shut completely behind the blonde. Madame Pomfrey gestured to Danii's skin tight arm links. "You take the right one; I don't want anything to cut off her circulation."

When Alexei had just barely placed her hand around the others arm to lift it, Danii jerked her right arm wildly away from her. Danii's grey eyes shot wide open. "Alexei, I don't need help undressing, so please go. I will be out of here soon enough." she pleaded as she eased herself to a sitting position.

The blonde looked her fellow Slytherin over and hesitantly backed away, "Very well, see you later then." She said and left the Mediwitch to do her work.

Madame Pomfrey gave Danii a worried glance as the young girl took a sip of water. "Have you ever tried to get help?" She asked.

Danii didn't get a chance to reply seeing as Kari, Harry, Ginny, Hermione and Ron came through the Hospital wing's door. Oh how she wanted to hug and kiss them all for their perfect timing. She smiled brightly as they came to her side. She knew that she still looked pale, but whatever color that her already pale skin possessed was beginning to come back. "Hi." she called happily.

Harry and Kari were the first to appear at her side. Harry was the first to blurt out the inevitable question. "Are you alright?" His expression was etched with worry and curiosity, but he was clearly restraining himself from asking more then the one question.

Madame Pomfrey pursed her lips and gave Danii a nod before walking away haughtily. Danii smiled, "Yeah, I'm fine."

Kari smiled as well, "That's good, you had us worried. Though I do think Harry was the one who was ready to crawl the walls if he didn't find out for himself if you were alright sometime soon." She replied, glancing at Harry who blushed deeply and then back to Danii. "Anyways… What happened back there?" she asked.

Ginny smiled at Danii, even though she barely knew the girl, she was glad to see her new friend was alright. "It's good to know you're okay," she said as she sat at the end of Danii's bed. She would've hated to lose the one girl that seemed to understand her hidden desire.

Danii held Harry's blushing gaze, but he was the first to look away. She looked at the gaggle of Gryffindors surrounding her. She replied easily enough, with the well verse and well used excuse. "I am anemic. And I guess I didn't eat enough meat this week to keep it under control. I'll just have to eat a nice rare steak tonight."

Hermione nodded, "That would explain why you are always so pale." she said in understanding.

Ron looked incredulously at the dark haired witch. "Don't you eat meat every day?"

Danii laughed and shook her head, "No. My diet is primarily vegetarian, with the exception of the rare steaks. Plus I don't like to eat much anyways, I used to be frequently sick from food."

"Really? That would suck." Kari noted as she thought about it for a moment. "Well that explains why you passed out earlier." She added.

Danii gave an abashed nod, "Sorry you had to see that."

"Do you faint often?" Harry voiced another of his thoughts aloud. He had been very, very quiet since he had asked the first question.

Danii glanced up to him and replied with a sad smile, "Sometimes it can't be helped, but I am normally alone when it happens. I mean, I wake up after a while; but yes it does happen often. Although, I do try to prevent it in front of people. Just eating a little helps too. But I kinda also fainted because I didn't have time to eat this morning. No food, no resistance."

Hermione glanced at her quizzically, "You went running for the whole morning?" She frequently would see the girl during her morning studying sessions from the window in the Library.

Kari leaned on the small table next to Danii's bed. "You should have known better to have not eaten and then gone running considering your anemic…" she replied.

Ginny listened to the conversation and then looked over at Danii from her spot at the edge of her bed, "I can't say that was a smart move," she added.

Danii bowed her head sheepishly, "No, it wasn't, but I just didn't have time. I have to keep up my training or else it's just more pain for me. It has been programmed into me since I was old enough to walk and talk." She glanced at their skeptical faces; after all, she was in Slytherin and some of them still suspected her of treachery. "Don't take it the wrong way, my family is just fanatical when it comes to fitness and sorcery. An inherited trait from long passed, much needed, survival methods." she said truthfully, although she herself wasn't even sure why they needed to survive with such drastic measures.

Ginny nodded slightly, "I guess if you were brought up like that it wouldn't be easy to break that habit," she said thoughtfully,

Kari nodded, "That's true." replied Kari as she thought for a moment. "Well ever since I was old enough to walk I was taught the piano and it's something that's stuck with me ever since. I guess when your practically born into something it's not easy to just walk away from it." She added.

Madame Pomfrey walked out from her office and called to the center of the group. "Miss Christensen, you may go. Just…"she began uncertainly, as she looked at the Gryffindors surrounding the one Slytherin, which, especially to her, was quite odd. "Just keep in mind the methods of treatment I suggested."

Danii resisted the urge to roll her eyes, "Merci Madame." she said, with no real sincerity, but mainly mechanically for manner's and appearance's sake. She was glad that they had not changed her from her robes, otherwise she would have let them see exactly what the other side of her wand really felt like. In her rush to get out of the annoyingly clean, white room she climbed out of the bed too fast. Her weakened legs collapsed, only to be saved by the very strong, Quidditch-toned arms of the Gryffindor seeker.

"Not so fast." Harry said softly as he held her in his arms for support. He had yet to be so close to Danii, but despite the circumstances he was not denying that he had wished for a chance to hold her slender body, to feel her, to kiss her, and to do every other thing that his male hormones had thrust upon him in his lust. He would not let his body control his every move, so he just held her and she didn't object. He cleared his throat and suggested, "Why don't I help you, so your body can get accustomed to your regained strength."

Danii just nodded, not trusting herself to say a word. As they headed out of the hospital wing, Harry's arm was firmly and steadily place around her shoulder to keep her balanced. She was so close to him that her senses were going haywire, his smell, his heart beat, the feeling of his muscles as they brushed against her. Never had she felt so hot from just a touch. Her body seemed to undress him, because it had remembered, even from the brief contact from her clumsiness, the feeling of the others muscles that had grazed her threw their infernal clothing. There was no doubt now, no matter what kind of warnings had been given to her, Harry was going to be the broom that she was going to fashion.

Kari walked in front of Danii and Harry along with Hermione, Ginny, and Ron, glancing back at the duo behind them. She didn't say anything, and smiled as she looked ahead of her again. "Hey Harry, you should take Danii down to her dorm. There are a lot of stairs and it wouldn't be good if she ended up falling." She said as she turned around so she was walking backwards. "We will meet you back up in the common room." She added, smiling even wider.

Danii looked up at her with the most horrified expression that was gone just as soon as it had come. There was no way she could stay that long with Harry so close and not jump him. It would ruin the entire plan that she had been formulating in her head.. Danii almost cried with joy as Trent appeared from around a corner, consequently bumping into Kari who began cursing at him the moment she realized whom it was.

Trent sneered at his sister as she regained her balance and condemned him. Predictable. He then looked around at the others and narrowed his eyes as he took in the pair of raven haired students. Normally he would go for the bait that his sister put out for him, but this time he ignored her, which only infuriated her more. He acted as if only Harry and Danii were there, seeing as they were the only ones whom he was concerned with now. "Danielle, I was just coming to get you." Trent lied, just to get the two away from each other, before the rumors could start. He walked up and hooked his arms around Danii from her free side. "Back off, Potter," he said, with a hint of annoyance.

"Excuse me!!?" Danii exclaimed as she shook both of the males off of her. "Look I am fine, I can walk for myself." She said as she stood steadily in her place. She took her first step to leave and almost collapsed again.

This time Trent caught her and hoisted her up. "Look, just let me help you. THEY'RE," he said gesturing over at the group of lions, "not allowed near our part of the dungeons. Plus, apparently you can't walk on your own." He reasoned as he began leading her away.

"Hold on!" she said, summoning up some strength and elbowing him hard in the stomach. She glared at him before glancing back at the others, "Thanks for the help Harry," she smiled, "But he is right. I'll see ya'll later, okay." Even if it was directed at the whole group, which was seething with anger because of the interruption, she only kept her eyes on Harry. They waved, which was satisfactory enough for her, so she turned her gaze to Trent again. "Now you can go."

Kari crossed her arms and watched them go. Damn. He totally ruined it. Kari thought as she turned to Harry, smiling slightly. "I guess we should go then." The blonde said as she turned towards the living staircase. Normally, she would have ranted a bit about seeing Trent but he hadn't really done anything and she was slightly surprised that he hadn't said anything rude, though she was somewhat happy he didn't. She didn't particularly like fighting with him… It just kinda happened every time they saw each other. Oddly enough, it became a habit.

Ron shook his head and gave Harry and Hermione a pointed look. "No, I just remembered that Hagrid asked for us," he gestured to his two best mates, "to come see him."

Hermione began to deny the request when Ron pinched her. She glared at him but said nothing.

Kari smiled and nodded, "Alright, we'll meet you back at the common room then." She replied and walked up the stairs, waving her hand over her shoulder. "C'mon Ginny."

Ginny glanced at the Trio before her and nodded slightly, "Have fun." She said as she quickly followed her blonde classmate up the living staircase.

The Golden Trio arrived at the familiar tree over looking the Black Lake. Not five feet from it was a boulder that was also a familiar hot spot. They decided to locate themselves on the large rock. Harry fiddle with the hem of his shirt as he looked across the lake waiting for the others to begin. Ron glanced up at Harry and started. "Harry, please don't even do it."

Harry whipped his head to look at him. "Do what?" he asked slowly, suspiciously.

Hermione gave an exasperated sigh, "Oh honestly Harry! I know she has been nice, but she's in Slytherin. That, no matter what she says, goes against her. All Slytherins are manipulative!" She burst with pent up frustration.

"Look I don't understand why, but she is interesting! You have to admit that. Long before she was even placed into that House we talked. I was the one the stepped into her cabin." Harry said in aggravation. "Please, just stop being so biased."

Ron looked pleadingly at his mate, "It can't be helped, not when your actions are speaking louder than your words. Mate, we all can see it. You need to think of something else."

Hermione jumped in as soon as Ron had finished, "She herself said that she has been trained since birth. That only means combat. She wasn't around for the war last time, so what could her family possibly want with a dangerous weapon. Look at the way she dresses, the way she walks and talks. They all scream dark magic. Yes I admit that she is easy to get along with, but sometimes when I pass her in the hall with the other Slytherins, she seems more cynical." She said the word as if it were a curse.

Harry glared at the two of them. "So are we sometimes. Are you forgetting that I also could have been placed in Slytherin. I don't know what's going on this year, but we have three new female students. If you are going to just go about suspecting Danielle, then you might want to take a look at Kari as well. Look at her brother, she could be in line with Danii and Alexandra. Both of you need to stop living your lives in fear. I am sick of being told what to do! I am not a bloody child. And I can make my own decisions." I don't want to be alone forever either. He finished in his head. They couldn't blame him for his adolescence catching up with him after so long.

"Harry we know you can make your own decisions," Hermione interjected calmly, trying not to provoke too much anger. "But look at Kari and look at Danii, they are both totally different. For one, Kari is a klutz sometimes, and is always so nice, except around her brother. We are glad that you are interested in someone; it shows how you've grown. Just not a Slytherin, not during this war." She finished.

Harry looked between his to mates, trying to control himself. They were only giving advice. But they couldn't feel that feeling when he was around Danii. He was completely drawn to her. He was elated to have finally held her, no matter how indirect and innocent the action was. Ron and Hermione, well they had each other, and if they knew anything about attraction, then they should know that a few simple words was not going to be able to contain him. Maybe it was time for his Slytherin side to start showing. At least then it would sync up with the women he was drawn to. Subdued by the conversation Harry merely held his head in defeat.

"I want her, yes," he admitted, "but I am not stupid. I'll lay off, okay; but if one day I decide that she has proven herself loyal and decent enough, then your arguments won't stop me." Harry warned as he stood from the boulder. "Lets get back to the common room, we need to get our things for class." He said, changing the subject and not meeting their eyes as he began walking back towards the large doors.

Ron shrugged and followed his lead, leaving Hermione to reluctantly follow in terse silence.