Part VI

That week passed as fast as a flobberworm could crawl on the floor. It was now the weekend and the boys had retreated to the Quidditch field for some rigorous training for the upcoming game between Slytherin and Gryffindor. Sitting out by the lake, leaning on her tree she felt another presence somewhere. Ignoring her increasing paranoia, she went back to reading her book. Losing herself in the book she failed to realise a boy had slipped into the spot next to her.

Five minutes later Hermione felt a crick in her neck and swivelled her head to the left only to be met by a pair of obsidian eyes. She jumped a couple of inches in the air before landing rather harshly on her bottom. Holding a hand over her heart, she rubbed he chest soothingly, willing her heartbeat to calm down.

''Your wonderful boyfriend accosted me in the hallway.'' the voice drawled. She eyed his robes and her gaze roamed back to clash with his. She nodded for him to go on. ''Some dunderhead was under the impression that we were getting a bit too cosy during Arithmancy and chose to relay that to Potter. He was spitting blood.''

"Blaise" she said warningly, "never scare me like that. I'll bloody Avada you without a second thought if you do that. EVER AGAIN."

''Truce'' Muttered Blaise as he stared cross eyed at the wand pointed at his nose. ''Merlin's beard woman, how weren't you sorted into Slytherin. Gryffindor.'' he scoffed. ''That hat is quite clearly a fraud.''

''You, know, besides my 'dirty' blood? Nothing.'' she answered nonchalantly moving the wand from his nose. ''Actually the Damned hat wanted me in Slytherin or Ravenclaw. There was no mention of Gryffindor until I brought it up.''

Blaise sat there quiet for a couple of minutes trying to process all the intel he'd just been given. ''Does Potter understand not all Slytherins are evil?'' he asked after a rather long comfortable silence.

She blushed and shook her head, feeling guilty because she once had the same thought ingrained into her mind. ''It's a Gryffindor thing, Blaise. When have Slytherins, besides yourself, made nice with us?'' she asked as he only smiled in response, nodding his ascent.

For the rest of the afternoon they talked and sat in companionable silence without noticing a pair of silver grey orbs watching their every move. Why am I even spying on them? He asked himself. Not them. Just her. His Veela mind replied. The question still stands: Why? He shot back. Because she's our, and no one else's. The boy pushed that final thought to the recesses of his mind. He didn't want to the of the implication of that statement. Getting up, he walked off to the dungeons. He determined to spend the rest of his weekend holed up in his room. But first he'd send a letter to his mother.

Monday. The day that everyone -students and teachers- despised. It meant fun was over and reality set baker in for another five days. But this wasn't just any Monday. This start of the week would prove to change the course of Hogwarts life as everyone knew. What is Hogwarts without some drama?

Draco's eyes grew wide as his eagle owl dropped a familiar looking red envelope onto the table at breakfast on Monday morning. He feared to touch it for it might activate. The innocent elegant female penmanship smirked at him; it had the Black and Lestrange magic signatures all over it. Hesitantly fingering it, his face paled further than thought possible as it unravelled itself and two angry female voices issued from it.

DRACO LUCIUS BLACK MALFOY!

HOW DARE YOU NOT TELL US, YOUR LOVING COUSINS, ABOUT EVERYTHING. IT WAS BAD ENOUGH HEARING IT FROM AUNT NARCISSA.

(Aunt Bella refused to hear any of it; Uncle Rodolphus was up in arms with Uncle Lucius. Quite the sight.)

YOUR FATHER WILL HEAR ABOUT THIS.

On side note, daddy says to give his greetings to you. You know how it is.

All our love,

Lyra and Cassie Lestrange.

PS. Sorry if you received this during breakfast, daddy is going to talk to the old coot and transfer us to Hogwarts. Have fun, cousin.

Luckily, he had come down early and students wrestles yet to fill the hall. Only Blaise, Theo, himself and several other Slytherin seventh years overheard the disruption. Knowing that, he still blushed and silently cursed his blasted cousins. Strutting over to the other Slytherins, Draco sat opposite them and struck up a short conversation. Two minutes later he was again situated between Blaise and Theo while the two other Slytherins looked off into the distance, their eyes unfocused and dreamy. They had just been wandlessly obliviated.

A silver feathered eager owl swooped into the hall dropping several letters which Draco caught deftly. He realised the owl belonged to his Uncle Rambastan. One had the same female script as the howler which had self destructed and the other had the precise and imposing scrawl of Rambastan Lestrange.

Slowly opening the first letter, he found that his cousins had written him. It had appeared that the howler he had received was dispatched last Thursday night and was to be received the following morning. His eyes snapped us as a giggle of Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff students entered, directly followed by Granger and the two blundering idiots she called friends.

Dumbledor, sitting at the staff table, rose slowly just as the finally students took a seat and the Great Hall doors closed softly.

''Good morning, students and Professors alike. Usually I'd leave announcements for dinner, but as it stands it has come to my attention that we have two new students.'' The Great Hall doors opened slowly as he students turned to see who would enter with bathed breath. ''May I present Miss Cassiopeia Lestrange,'' A girl of average height, regal stance and long flowing straight black hair entered the hall. Her face void of emotion with only a slight hint of a smirk pulling at her lips and dark green eyes that danced with mirth. Her robes parted each time she took a step revealing a neatly pressed Slytherin uniform. Removing the offending robe, she sighed in relief and leaned on her left leg, bending her right; her right foot tapping impatiently on the stone floor.

Dumbledore cleared his throat and continued with the introductions. ''And Miss Lyra Lestrange. Of Slytherin.'' The students' eyes turned to the doors again, where a figure looking strikingly like her father. Long brown hair tied neatly with a silver and black ribbon, her brown eyes scanned the room in arrogance. The hand on her hip detached and grabbed the ponytail and let it sit on her right shoulder. Inappropriately high shoes adorned her fee; black knee highs covered her slightly tan legs. A few inches above her knew her skirt began, upon further appraisal underneath her school shirt she wore a green tank top.

''Bloody hell!'' Ron exclaimed in an awed whisper to Harry. '''Wasn't aware that Bellatrix Lestrange had daughters. Shame they're from bad stock.''

''These girls are the daughters of Rambastan and Stephania Selwyn.'' The Headmaster said. ''Well, on with breakfast then.''

No one turned back to the food; instead they bathed as the two girls gracefully walked in and made their way over to the Slytherin table. Lyra stood by Draco's left and Cassie on his right, he had a niggling feeling that nothing good could come for this positioning. The girls bent down, at first it looked as if they were taking their seats, only to leave twin red lips marks on Draco's cheeks as he blushed profusely. The hall of students just sat stunned into silence before the warning bell sounded and the rose from their seats to make for classes.

Transfiguration, with the strict Professor McGonagall, was held in a classroom filled with a smattering of students from each of the four houses. Many had dropped the subject due to the degree of difficulty and study need for N.E.W.T level transfiguration classes.

Deciding against arriving to classes early

"Sorry for the tardiness, professor." A familiar blonde Ravenclaw girl said as she took a seat next to the Lestrange sisters. "Hey, you two. Long time no see." She whispered as she took out her books and nudged the sisters playfully.

"Don't let it happen in future Ms. Darling. Today we will be working in pairs on an assignment that will take the duration of term." He stated in a monotone. "Make pairs, please."

The students shuffled but made no effort to find partners. Though it was blaringly obvious to the Gryffindor and Slytherin girls alike, that one girl was watched by every pair of male eyes in the class. Flicking her hair in an almost angelical way she got up off her seat and made her way to the middle of the classroom, basking in the glory of total male attention.

The Professor sighed when she realised she'd have to pair her students up. "Alright, fine." She began. "Hermione and Malfoy. Lyra Lestrange and Zabini. Cassie Lestrange and Pucey. Potter and Parkinson. …..Darling and Nott." He finished.

Lyra and Cassie eyed their childhood friend sympathetically. "Bollocks. You got stuck with the prat of Slytherin. According to Draco, at least." Cassie said shooting Professor McGonagall a nasty glare. "Even more so than our lovely cousin." Lyra confirmed laughing as Draco threw parchment at her head before he begrudgingly shuffled to Hermione Granger's desk.

Reluctantly she got up from her seat and trudged over to Theodore Nott, great prat of Slytherin.

"Malfoy." Hermione said dully to no one in particular as he took the seat furthest from her person. She was too tired to even bother to think of arguing with her Head of House.

"This assignment will be a test of what you have learnt in the past years. This will also encourage and promote inter-house relationships between all the houses involved in this class. Hopefully expanding to other relationships" She said as the class groaned out of total disapproval. "Begin" she boomed ignoring the complaints of the students.

"Malfoy, I don't bite." She said humorously. "Move closer, I think I have an idea of what form of transfiguration we can use for this assignment.'

For once, he did as he was told and scooted closer as a blush overcame his cheekbones for the second time that morning. This intrigued Hermione to a tee. "Malfoy following a Gryffindors' orders! I never thought I would live to see the day, wait 'till the Daily prophet hears this! It'll be on the front page." exclaimed a Gryffindor who was paired with the surly Vincent Crabbe.

"Shut it, you have no right to talk to me in that tone. I'm not too sure the patron saint Potter would be all too happy with that article being run." He retaliated. I really need help with Transfiguration; I wonder who can help me? Dumb question, we all know the answer to that. Her-Granger, I shall request from McGonagall some remedial lessons or tutoring. I'm sure that old bat won't mind a bit. Strange how things always fall into place when I have a light-bulb moment, just like this one.

Harry, who watched this from his post next to Parkinson, was about to pull Malfoy to shreds but was stopped my Millicent Bullstrode, a short stocky black-haired Slytherin, who nearly punched the daylights out of him if it weren't for his well-trained Quidditch reflexes. Dodging Millicent, the elegant blonde Astoria stood defensively in front of Draco. Her arms flailing around like a hideous oversized octopus.

"You can't even protect Granger, and you've known her longer," she sneered then continued. "Besides, you are weak and Draco could beat you up any day. For his amusement."

This fuelled his anger and he surged towards Malfoy but Hermione held him back and said, "It's not worth it. Malfoy's not worth losing a nights' worth of time with your girlfriend. Would you rather spend tonight with me or in here doing detention with McGonagall?" Harry's only response was to snarl at Malfoy then back down.

Before the students could begin McGonagall interrupted. "I'd like a parchment written by each partner on their chosen form of transfiguration that are choosing to cover. Three feet shall be sufficient, but if you choose to write more you may gain extra marks."

Turning to a specific page, Hermione presented it to her brooding Slytherin partner. In large ancient scrawl it expressed the words Animagi Transfiguration. His eyes bulged rather comically before he read on

Animagi is one of the hardest arts of magic to perform, it takes years to learn how to become an Animagus. Anyway when a person has finally became an Animagus this person will be able to transform into an animal anytime anywhere without a wand, as easily as the person can transform back. The Animagus takes a form which reminds of the original humans personality. When transformed into their animagi form the human still keeps its own mind, thus being the same as when human.

Animal Transfiguration on the other hand is like any other kind of magic. To be effective a wand is needed. Now the major difference between animagi and transformation is that when transformed into a cat, you will also get a cat brain, and since cat's can't use wands, you will not be able to transform back on your own, while an Animagus no matter how long he/she stays in their animal shape will always have the same intelligence as he/she had as human and will always be able to turn back to human.

He glanced up warily at the Gryffindor know-it-all. He wasn't willing to do something that could jeopardise his already wavering transfiguration. "It says years, Granger. Not months, years." He stressed the last word.

She nodded her head agreeing with him, and then shook her head at his negative attitude. "Professor McGonagall is an accomplished Animagus; we have more resources than you think, Malfoy." She said reproachfully to the blonde. "Positive attitude. I know you Slytherins like being a morose bunch, but try and be more hopeful."

Choosing to start on the parchment, both Hermione and Draco came to a mutual agreement that each should write an essay and edit the final copy with both their ideas and thoughts. At first the Malfoy had scoffed and insisted they were to use the best, which would obviously be his. But relented when he came to the realisation that she was right, not that he admitted it out loud.

"Mr. Malfoy, you wanted to speak with me," McGonagall called after the last of the students filed out of the mahogany door.

"Professor, I was wondering if I could possibly have some remedial lessons and a tutor. I feel I'm not doing as well as I would like to." He stated.

"Yes, I'm sure that I could find someone that will do this. I'm sure Ivy will do it."

"Thank you, Professor." he said as he left, his eyes sparkling with cunning plans at the answer.

Later that night McGonagall requested for Ivy to meet her in her private chambers.

"Hermione, a student who wishes to remain anonymous, wants remedial classes and tutoring. As you are the top witch in this class and year, not to mention school I have recommended you." She said unwaveringly. "I have already told him that you will do it. The first meeting will be tomorrow night 8:30 sharp, straight after dinner, in the transfiguration classroom."

With no choice but to accept Hermione said, "Thankyou professor. I will do my best to give him my undivided attention. Under my supervision he will have his grades lifted as soon as possible." She left shortly after.

When upon arriving in her house common room, she was badgered by Harry about what Professor McGonagall had to say. "Nothing, she just told me I have to tutor some guy and give him remedial classes." she said beaming with unbridled pride. "In our year I presume."

The rest of the day passed relatively quickly. The time came when she had to meet the person she needed to tutor.

There stood a 17 year old boy with white blonde hair. "Malf- Draco" she asked. "You need my tutoring? Is this some sick joke? You should be better than me", she babbled.

"Apparently not. I know asked for this, but personally I wouldn't give Merlin's beard if I failed this." He said. "Then again father would, so I must."

They entered the Transfiguration room and began their tutoring.

"Let's begin with revising what we did last lesson" she said as she opened her book and readied her quill.

"Oh, you mean the lesson where we finally agreed on something?" he questioned sarcastically. "Or the lesson where you practically forced the idea of Animagi Transfiguration as the topic of our assignment?

"Did I hurt thou pride?" she asked acidly. "Quit complaining and let's continue to write these essays. That way we'll get away from theory as quick as possible."

Looking up to the mantelpiece clock, it read 10:30. "I'm tired. We should call it a night." She yawned loudly then continued "Pack up and we'll officially start your tutoring Tomorrow night, same place and time." She left after she had packed up, not giving a last glance at Draco Malfoy as he looked after her, with a unknown emotion swirling in the depths of his eyes. His Veela blood finally acting up after acting dormant for the whole day

Harry gave her a quick peck on the cheek to which Ron gagged at before giving his friend a hug.

Entering her chambers she quickly grabbed her bed clothes and rushed to the bathroom for a quick shower. Ten minutes later she walked out in a tight fitting silk nightgown. As soon as she hit the covers, she was out like a light.

The week passed in moderate pace until it came for the first Hogsmeade weekend for the year. Cassie, Draco and Lyra sat with Blaise and Adrian in the Three Broomsticks; Theodore Nott seemed to be mysteriously absent. Butterbeers warming their hands, Draco caught sight of The Golden Trio entering the establishment. Scoffing loudly, he took a sip of his drink visibly calming down. Blaise, ever observant, followed Malfoy's line of sight. He sniggered the moment he caught Potter staring at the female Weasley. It seemed that he wasn't interested in Hermione as much as he let on.

''Bloody Hell.'' Adrian exclaimed. ''Tosser. You'd think he's bewitching happy with the smartest witch of our age.'' He shook his head and downed another hefty sip of the warm golden liquid.

Looking absently out the window at the increasingly erratic weather, Draco wondered about what the Dark Lord was planning.

Just that moment in time, the door to the homely pub creaked open and an agitated Nott walked through with a strong gust of wind following him. He drew his cloak tightly around his body, pulled on his sheepskin gloved and removed his scarf. He was holding some sort of package. Looking around he walked swiftly to the toilets, where he was there for sometime before exiting the way he entered. Edgy, agitated and paranoid of a watchful eye.

''Skittish, that one.'' Cassie said as she watched Nott over the rim of her glass. ''Wonder what was in the package.'' she mused to herself, out loud.

''Speaking of the package.'' Lyra said just as a sixth year Gryffindor girl walked out from the same toilets. ''Is that not it?''

Draco nodded. Nothing good was to come of this. He eyeballed the laughing Golden Trio as the exited the Three Broomsticks, specifically keeping an eye on Granger. The group of Slytherins made no conscious effort to move from their seat, word would get around.

Several hours later, the Slytherins had split up and gone separate ways. Draco and the boys had decided to move back to the Slytherin commons, and the Lestrange sisters decided to take a walk about the castle.

They had just reached the top of the fourth floor staircase when they saw their Head of House walking swiftly towards what could have been a Transfiguration classroom. Keeping a safe distance from his billowing robes, they followed the brooding professor. He turned into the next classroom and withdrew his wand discreetly.

''... Miss Bell is lucky to be alive.'' he had said just as they passed. Their eyes popped out, but soon they were off to the dungeons to speak to the boys. They did this after they stole a quick glance at a revolving grey and black necklace.