Plum Trees, Everlasting, and Wormwood

by SeriouslySiriusPadfoot

Co-writer:Evanescent-Penumbra. Those we love find us strangest times and places, taken from us under the worst circumstances. We grieve and celebrate, regret and fight harder. Out loved ones give us courage and something to fight for, should they stand beside us or not. AU books 5;6&7 (Beware Light!Slytherins within, formerly 'The Past Doesn't Always Haunt Us')

4. I Don't Care

Lots of fun in class and some very dangerous things.

Warning: OOC, OCs, Dumbledore being Dumbledore and there is a healthy amount of Pansy bashing.

Disclaimer: Neither Evanescent-Penumbra or I, Faded Electric, own Harry Potter. That marvelous masterpiece belongs to J.K. Rowling. Neither author of this fanfiction makes any money by writing this, it is for our own completely free enjoyment and the completely free enjoyment of our readers.

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Potions class was an interesting affair, though that wasn't entirely uncommon considering they had both Neville and Seamus in their class. Snape had released them early once Neville had blown up his cauldron and got the boiling potion all over himself. A few Gryffindors had left the room with their housemate in an attempt to get him to Pomphrey before he passed out.

Everyone else had left, but Sebastian was always the last to leave because if he wasn't he would run into his brother, who luckily sat on the other side of the room during potions, but would always wait right outside the door and wait to ambush him with some stupid prank.

Luckily his brother had the attention span of a Pygmypuff. He was putting his potions text back into his bag when he heard harsh whispers coming from the front of the classroom.

Trying not to raise her voice too much she plead her case before the strict professor, she needed to get out of classes. She couldn't concentrate enough to do the work she normally did and it was because her family was suffering, Jack needed her. He was grieving for his father and she didn't know how long he would last until he hurt himself or someone else. She needed to see him at least to calm him down so he knew that he still had family.

"You don't get it!" she hissed at her teacher. "I have to go and see him." She wasn't gonna give up, it didn't matter how many detentions she got she needed to see Jack. "We're all we have! I'm his sister in every way that counts."

Snape just looked at her with a blank face, a slight grimace on his face from what she was asking. Why in heaven's name did she need to see that boy so urgently? Yes, they were close and always had been but besides that, there was no reason for her to me with him and that fleabag Black.

"And not by blood." He stopped her rant just as she was taking in more air to continue. "Jonathan Corbeau was not your father, but Jack's. He's under the care of Molly Weasley and if that overbearing woman can't keep your friend from sinking in his grief what makes you think you can?" The look on her face made him realize he might have been too harsh.

"You don't fucking get it do you?" she all but screamed at him, "He'll tear himself apart and it will all be on our heads." Snape felt a little pride at the venom in her voice but it was quickly crushed by the look in her silvery blue eyes. "I'm all he has left!" she needed to be with the boy; that much was clear. He knew there was something between people like Corbeau and those like Sophia but he doubted it was this strong, after all the quieter fourth of the Marauders had made it this far without his cohorts. And he was still breathing, as much as it pained the Professor.

"Why?" his voice was firm and it was the tone he never used with his Slytherins except under dire circumstances. He looked at the child, no she was past that with how she worried and even protected her friend. She was a woman, through and through. Under his eyes she had grown to be the person he had hoped she'd become. Someone who would stand up for those who were looked down upon, loving and nurturing but cunning and quick to stand before them to protect them, a fighter and a kind hearted soul all at once. How he hadn't noticed until now, he never know, but before him stood a she-wolf, a woman, who was standing up to him so she could see to her cub.

"You already know why, Severus." She hissed his name clear and defiant on her tongue and daggers in her eyes. He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose; he could feel a headache coming on. Why was it even when Potter had been removed from his class some messy black haired teen always made it a point to give him a bleeding migraine.

"Your reprehensible behavior could very well take the chance to see your little friend off the table." He stood and turned to leave through the door next to the ingredients cupboard. A litany of swears could be heard from the girl, even as she said then under her breath. He pretended not to hear them and continued, opened the door with his head held high and shut it with a resounding bang.

Sophia fumed as she made her way towards the door of the classroom, how could that insensitive prick be such a bastard!

Sebastian watched the interaction with shock on his face, and he wasn't one to be surprised.

"Sophie! Hey, wait!" He called, slinging his bag over his shoulder and running to stand in front of her before she could exit the classroom completely. He didn't know Sophie well, but he knew she wasn't one to get upset easily, and he also knew she and Snape never fought...or at least not with people in the room. "I-I just...are you okay?"

He cursed himself on his lack of eloquence, but resolved himself not to step out of the way until she answered. He wasn't going to let her get away with ignoring him.

The irate Slytherin turned her head briskly, for a second she thought she would get whiplash but it didn't matter. All that mattered was that the greasy cosseting git was keeping her from her brother. Her messy hair whipped in the air as she turned her incendiary stare towards her house mate. Jealousy mingled with the fury and the ache to protect her friend. That soulless piece of crap! "What the hell do you want?" the harsh reply was already out of her mouth before she could register Noir's worried face.

For a moment she thought of apologizing and acting like such a Hufflepuff, she would not admit that this was typical Gryffindor behavior. She would not! She still had some pride left after finding out she had fought with her head of house in front of the scion of a do-good pureblood house. Sophia Dallas Pierce would not cry in front of anyone, not even Draco and no way would she cry before Sebastian Noir.

The boy quickly covered up the flinch he accidentally let show when Sophia snapped at him. "I'm sorry that you can't be with Jack." He was about to walk away, when he felt compelled to add more. "He sleeps in the bed across from mine, but I still don't know him that well. He's lucky to have you...someone that cares about him."

This time Sebastian stepped away to free the path for the upset girl. He wouldn't stop her, but part of him wished she would stay, especially since he was almost positive she was one of the people he was going to be in detention with. They needed to get along.

Her eyes widened, she was taken aback. She had been rude and made the boy flinch but he still empathized with her, or felt sympathy. The thought of someone giving her sympathy made her sick. If anyone pitied her they could do it in the center of the Bermuda triangle, she didn't need it and it wasn't wanted in the least. She had seen Snape take his anger out on others and realized what she was doing, she was picking up one too many habits from him. The work ethic she could live with, the passion for potions and defense was something she adored but this, this was something she hated. Being the better man, yes the better 'man', because she didn't give a flying crap that she was a woman and still had the balls to apologies when she was being an idiot though Severus did not!

She saw him step aside and offered an apologetic smile. "Sorry, it's just… Things aren't peachy keen at the moment." her sarcasm forced her slight French accent out as her rage was still licking her nerves just under her skin. It howled to be freed; she would need to go for a run later. "He keeps to himself a lot, but gold isn't valued for its abundance." she sighed and looked up at Noir, the boy towered over her slightly. It wasn't hard to do as she was just over five feet tall.

"I'm late for charms." She was getting anxious, something in the boy's aura was wrong. She felt drawn to it but it made the hairs on her body stand on end. It was so different from Jack's scent. Gods, she missed him! "I should get going." she mumbled and walked past him with her chin level to the ground. Slytherins never let anything weigh them down, they moved forward no matter the pain. Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional. She stopped in her tracks and turned to see her housemate where she had left him down the hall and called out to him.

"Sebastian!" when she was sure she had his attention she gave him her best smirk and winked at the teen. "Thanks." her smirk became a small smile and she rushed off to charms, Flitwick'll have an aneurism if she's late.

The staff might give Jack some slack but as far as they knew she no longer had anyone left to grieve over.

Sebastian watched her go with a smile on his face as he headed to Ancient Ruins. As far as first meetings went, it was pretty terrible, but she did seem to warm up to him a bit near the end.

He sighed. He liked her, she was everything good in a Slytherin, and had just enough Gryffindor in her to make her interesting. He wanted to be friends with her, but if he were going to go along and try and pursue a friendship, it meant that he was legally obligated to tell her that he was a vampire because of the Creature Codes. He didn't think Sophie would base an opinion on him because of his status as a "sort-of vampire", but he wasn't sure. He didn't know her, but he sure as hell wanted to.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Thoughts muddled her mind and she could concentrate on the exercise set for charms, she thought it was partly do to the fact that between everyone in the room the shadowing charm they were practicing the room would be plunged into darkness. She shivered at the thought. That was not a good place to be. She saw Draco a few feet over next to Pansy as the class formed a near perfect circle. They dark haired Slytherin threw him a glance, her brow was knitted in apprehension and the boy noticed right away.

She couldn't stop the scowl when she saw the pug-faced girl follow him. Draco went to stand next to her and Pansy shoved her way between them, Pierce let out an exasperated sigh and moved back out of the circle. Blaise Zabini respectfully scooted over and she stepped up to Draco's left. When Pansy let out growl Sophia could only roll her eyes. As soon as the light in the room got too dark for her liking she felt something nudge her hand and it took all her strength to not jump three feet in the air or even flinch.

She realized it was a hand, Draco's warm hand held her's. His nimble and strong fingers laced with her soft and spindly ones. The calloused pad of his thumb rubbed a soothing pattern on her own thumb as the darkness grew. One of the Gryffindor chickened out and cast a Lumos after a few minutes of complete dark. She couldn't see her own nose and the dim light across the room made her shut her eyes tightly.

"Alright class it seems we've reached our limit." the Professor called out from the middle of the circle. "Now little by little cast Lumos. Start with a very dim light and then let it grow steadier with time." Slowly the dark began to fade and the light came back into the room. When they could make out the general form of their classmates Draco and Sophia dropped each other's hands and pretended nothing had happened. Class became theoretical from then on, Latin phrasing, a little bit of runes and everything that made a charm, a charm.

While she absentmindedly wrote down their homework assignment and notes for Jack she thought about Noir again, the boy had a scent that seemed so familiar. Something dark and wild lurked in it. She swore she could smell blood on him and wondered if he got hurt but she didn't see any cuts and the blood didn't smell like it was his. They hadn't used any animal blood in potions or organs so it wasn't from class; the scent seemed to hang in the air around him. They had been close enough for her to smell his toothpaste so why couldn't she figure out where it came from?

Her eyes widened and the bell rang. To anyone else it seemed like she had been startled by the sudden sound. It was no secret she would get absorbed in her charms work, but a different thing was roaming in her brain. She would see if it was true or not in their next class. She shared a desk with Sebastian and Draco in the mockery of a class Defense had become.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Sebastian exited Ancient Ruins with a scowl marring his delicate face. He had been assigned an eight page research paper on a Ruin of his choice. It wasn't that he couldn't do it, but he was dreading the amount of work it would take.

He frowned as he quietly made his way down the hallway and towards his current least favorite class, Defense Against the Dark Arts. It used to be his favorite, but ever since Umbridge had taken over, she had taken to personally harassing him and had been close to revealing his secret more than once.

He had to hold back a snarl as he thought of the woman, and in his anger he felt his fangs start to extend. He quickly calmed himself, and winced a little as they pushed back into his gums.

He was such a fucking monster.

He walked towards his desk, studiously ignoring the pink blob in the front of the room and plopped himself down next to Draco. Draco looked at him and gave him a comforting pat on the back, but they otherwise remained silent. Drawing the attention of Umbridge was not on the proverbial list of things to do.

He sighed and pulled out his text, leaving his wand in his bag. It's not like they were going to use it anyway.

When she walked in the majority of the class was there, noticing that her brother and her three favorite Gryffindors were missing. Umbridge set her watery blue eyes on her, ready to give detention and insult the halfblood with her fake sticky sweet tones, and Sophia's silver grey ones narrowed. She set all her anger into her glare and the Professor seemed taken aback, she let her icy stair pierce the hideous pink toad as she took her seat neck to Draco, Pansy growled behind her and Sophia smirked. Umbridge twitched a little and her smirk became a devious grin, she was so focus on ruining the class for the professor she didn't notice the atmosphere grow tense and the air became colder.

Sophia saw the Noir boy from earlier sitting next to Draco as she opened her book to the silly lesson they had for the day. She'd rather have the fake Moody back than sit through another class with Umbridge. Gods how she missed third year!

Her heart nearly stopped when she saw the chapter they were on: Dark Creatures, facts and how to avoid them.

The first listed under the short and vapid introduction was werewolves, her icy gaze directed itself at Umbridge again and the woman had one of her wistful smile back in place. It was no secret Sophia favored Lupin as a professor.

'The cat thinks it's caught the canary.' she thought and a sly smirk snuck up on her face. Umbridge looked positively smug, she thought she had pinned Sophia but the girl only raised an eyebrow in a manner she knew made her look a little like their Potions Professor and the toad's confidence faltered minutely.
'Well let's see how she likes a real wolf.' she chuckled down at her book and missed the look curious look Draco gave her.

Next to their shared friend Sebastian looked at the chapter they were to be working on with horror on his face. He felt Draco squeeze his hand, but it didn't do much to calm him down. He threw a nervous glance to his best friend, but all Draco could do was be silently sympathetic.

"Sebastian, dearie, would you care to read the introduction?" Umbridge asked in that nasally, ear-splitting voice of hers. Sebastian winced.

"Do I have a choice?" He muttered under his breath, before reading allowed, "This chapter focuses on Dark creatures, from vampires and werewolves to merpeople and acromantulas. All Dark creatures are dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. If you do come into contact with one, do not hesitate to use force. They are creatures, they are no longer human." Sebastian's voice was hollow as he read. He would've been angry, but he was so used to this kind of treatment that it hardly fazed him anymore. He squeezed Draco's hand again, content knowing that his friend was with him. "We will talk in-depth about the characteristics of each creature, and point out how to spot them and the quickest way to exterminate them should the need arise. Note that you will not be charged by the Ministry of Magic for the extermination of such creature due Creature Code 36: Any Creature who should seem to pose a threat or act in a threatening way is to be killed on sight."

"Very good, Sebastian." Umbridge smiled, as she made her way back to the front of the classroom. Sebastian threw his head into his hands and pretended to pay attention, even as he analyzed the tension in the room. Sophia, who had come in sometime before he had been asked to read, seemed to be about ready to blow a gasket, and Draco seemed upset too. Neville, from the Gryffindor side of the room was also looking uncomfortable.

Sebastian smiled, knowing that at least there were some decent people around.

The dark hair girl tried with all her might to keep her cool and collected Slytherin mask on, but she wanted to beat her professor's head into a bloody pulp. She saw someone move to her right and glance at Neville. The boy was scowling at Umbridge; the usually frightened but kind Gryffindor boy had an outright scowl on his kissable face. In her head she was howling with joy and jumping up and down. She felt like dancing at Noir's hollow voice, she had been right and not only that but her housemate liked this class as much as cats liked her.

"Miss Pierce would you like to describe how we could identify a werewolf in its human form?" the plump little woman interrupted her mental ballet session with her high pitched smothering voice. Sofia couldn't help the smirk on her face and the predatory look in her eyes as Umbridge motioned for her to stand. The Slytherin thought she saw fear flash in the stout professor's eyes.

"Of course, Professor." She stood and spoke to the class in general, taking to the position of instructor. "A person who becomes a werewolf on the full moon is dangerous one night out of twenty-eight, or twenty-nine, a month." She eyed Umbridge with a look that said 'look what I'm about to do', she managed to keep a grin off her face as she continued.
"Since they lose their ability to rationalize as the wolf takes over on that single full mooned night, they tend to have scars or scratches as the have a quicker healing ability than that of a mundane human's. These injuries tend to happen because they either run into another wolf on that night or, like most werewolves, they lock themselves up during that night to prevent themselves from hurting people and the wolf's need to hunt makes it hurt the physical body of the person they co-exist in." She had been looking around the class as she spoke and Seamus Finnegan was about to burst from laughter because the few Gryffindors who knew her understood what she was doing. Draco had to bite back a smile and Neville only looked at her with a small and shy smile.

"Furthermore, if they do not present any visible claw marks a suspected werewolf will be dressed in common, second hand or mended clothing and they will usually be thin, prematurely graying, lack a permanent residence and look sickly because the Ministry of Magic has passed laws that denies them proper employment which hinders their access to proper clothing, food, a residence and medical care." She sat down a satisfied smirk and a haughty expression on her face as she batted her long dark eyelashes at the angered professor. Had she really shocked Umbridge to the point the toad couldn't croak out to interrupt her? Her description was sound and aimed to cut down the pink terror down to size, Hermione and Severus would be proud.

Sebastian rolled his eyes fondly at his fellow Slytherin, and continued waiting with the rest of the class for the unpleasant wench to respond to Sophia's stunt.

"All that the Ministry does is to protect humans from those abominations. It is completely justified and I feel no need to explain myself further." The room settled in silence again, but the anger emanating from Sophia was nearly tangible. "Noir," Sebastian looked up, expecting to see his professor glaring at him once again, but instead he found her standing in front of his brother's desk. His breath got caught in his throat as he watched the deceptively pleasant smile on his brother's face transform into a sort of twisted smile.

"Yes, Professor?" The lighter haired twin asked politely, light blue eyes shining with mischief and underlying cruelty.

"Would you care to explain how to identify a vampire, another of the most common dark creatures, in its human form?" Sebastian stiffened, but this time he wasn't alone; Draco grew tense and sat up a little straighter.

"Of course, professor." Damien smiled, standing up from his seat; much like Sophia had minutes before. "My father met on once, a vampire. They're truly loathsome creatures. Pathetic if you ask me." Damien looked pointedly at Sebastian, but Sebastian held his glare with one of his own. "They're usually very skinny and pale. They wear long sleeves all the time, and supposedly only come out at night. But I don't think that's true. They can blend in with any social class and in any setting, which is why they're dangerous and should be killed on sight. And most of them can't eat normal food, but there are always exceptions." Damien took his seat again, with one last arrogant glance in Sebastian's direction.

"Very good, Damien." Umbridge congratulated, also taking a moment to look pointedly at Sebastian. "Your description is very accurate."

Sophia rolled her eyes and sent a silent stinging hex at Damien, when he yelped and jumped out of his seat she stifled a giggle. The fuming boy turned to look at the three behind him and she raised an eyebrow. When the blond boy glared at her she smiled, her sharp incisors made those blue guileless eyes widen in horror and she let an airy and dark chuckle leave her lips as her smile widened. She thanked her father in her head for the small wolf-ish traits that had mingled with her human and animagus nature. Her father had hated himself for the accidental wounds, his claws had caused the day, only just a few hours, before he would transform. She never blamed him for it. How would he now an attack from her mother's sick and psychotic family would bring out his claws as he was holding her in place, so she wouldn't panic, to go over their well rehearsed escape plan.

"Professor, I beg to differ." She said with her hand raised and when the plump woman turned with an incredulous look she continued. "I knew a werewolf personally, the person who wrote this book writes like they're going off rumors." she saw the teachers cheeks redden and pressed on, pushing any button that would cause her to lose control. "The werewolf I knew, like many others I've met, was kind and reserved person who go to great lengths every full moon to protect others and had no say in becoming one. Many Vampires and Werewolves are gifted and normal people" She stressed the word people "who brush off the abuse they're subjected to and thrive despite the limitations of their conditions. The only werewolf I know of who deserving of this description is Fenrir Greyback. That is a creature, not the people who suffer a life long medical illness do to bad luck or the horrid machinations of others." she stood up casually and walked casually into the edge of the desk she shared with her housemates, keeping the tips of her fingers to the wood to ground her as a flicker of nerves lapped at her heart with the fuming toad's glare.

"Also, Vampires much like Werewolves have no choice in their actions. Their ingestion of blood is as necessary for their survival as food is to us, should their need for hemoglobin be left unattended for an extended period of time, then and only then would they become a danger for those around them. That uncommon danger is normally taken care of by the affected's family, pack or clan." She knew she was painting vampires in a generous light and making them seem harmless puppies so she rectified her mistake. "Unfortunately the continued prejudice towards these two species has made them seek revenge on humans, both magical and non magical, and some sided with Voldemort during the first war but I sincerely doubt that the majority even tried to involve themselves on either side, with the exception of individuals like Greyback." There was a visible shudder going around the room as she spoke the Dark Lord's name and she felt like laughing. She sent Damien a look and the worm quivered in his seat. Sophia savored the frightened look in his eyes, perhaps he was thinking that she would set her inhuman friends after him one of these days. She hated being a bully but, Gods! She loved it when that poor excuse for a Lion looked at her like she would get him expelled or stuck in his worst nightmares.

"Miss. Pierce, your answer was not asked for and it is wrong. The creature you met must have tried to cajole such a young and naive child into his claws to do the unspeakable." She chided and walked right up to the fifteen year old witch with a pleased smile as Sophia glared unabashedly at her.

"I doubt it, Umbridge." She smiled when the toad's wrinkled visage became sour. The toad was about retort. "My father loved me very much and even gave his life to protect me. He didn't move to bite me when he found out his Lycanthropy wasn't passed on to me, but I am proud to call myself his cub none the less." She knew this was enough to garner a year long detention and savored that thought. It meant she had ruffled the toad to distention, she would pop in a firework of guts soon enough. The Weasley twins would take care of that, she was positive.

"Werewolves are useless animals and don't know how to react beyond instinct. Your observations are that of a child who had the misfortune of losing her parents at a young age, despite the fact that one of them was a Lycanthrope."

"Hey!" Seamus Finnigan had stood up and Umbridge's head spun so fast Sophia began to wonder if the woman was like an owl or if her neck was just that flexible from all her boot licking. "Professor Lupin was the best Defense teacher we've ever had. He is not worthless. You are wrong, not Pierce." He said with his Irish brogue heavy on his tongue.

Sophia wanted to jump for joy, at this rate Defense would become chaos and class would be cut short. She glanced at Draco and the blond was had to run a hand over his face to hide his smile and cage his laughter. No way in hell was she going to lose the bet they'd set earlier, she would make him laugh in this class and he would find himself skinny dipping in the lake near her house.

Several other Gryffindors started to speak up and Draco fought harder to school his features, she looked at Sebastian and winked at him. His brother was sending her a death glare and sent him pleased smirk, completely unaffected by his petty attempt to drag her housemate through the muck and mire. She had figured out that Sebastian had some connection to vampires or was one himself. The glares the silly blue eyed idiot had sent his brother only confirmed it and no way in hell was she going to let that git one-up her, secretly, favorite Slytherin outcast.

Sebastian felt nerves start to build up in him as the chaos grew. He wasn't overly used to all that much noise; he rarely went to the Great Halls for meals, and his housemates were Slytherin. And he was locked in the basement when he was at home over the summer.

He caught Sophia looking at him fondly and found himself blushing a little. She was very good at causing chaos, an interesting quality in a Slytherin. He admired it. He smiled back at her.

"Silence!" Umbridge howled, her voice cracking at the high pitch. Sebastian found himself wincing and moved to cover his ears. "Creatures are an abomination. They lure you into thinking they are perfectly normal people, but they are not. They will kill you. How do you think vampires get their blood?"

"Oh, I don't know, maybe the blood substitutes that the Ministry requires them to buy at outrageous prices." Sebastian snarked, flipping his hair out of his eyes are he raised his head defiantly. He didn't usually talk back, but something about the way Sophia always managed to do it, gave him the idea to try it as well. He was a delinquent anyway, according to what his father had told the Daily Prophet.

"The prices are hardly outrageo-"

"It's 10 galleons for one pint of fake blood." He put emphasis on the fake and watched as Umbridge's affronted look turned into a cruel snarl.

"And how would you know that, Mr. Noir?"

"It definitely has nothing to do with the fact that it's stated rather explicitly in the textbook, or anything." He drawled. If she thought she would expose his secret as easily as that, she had another thing coming. He had practiced hiding it since he had been bitten. He had excuse after excuse lined up for pretty much and possible scenario.

"And don't get me started on the poor excuse for shelter the Ministry offers werewolves." Sophia pressed on. "If you shove five potentially harmful and temperamental people in a small room and I wouldn't call the outcome safe." She spit the last word out and Umbridge looked affronted. "I bet I can brew a better and cheaper Wolfsbane potion and Blood substitute than the dish water handed out by official sources."

She knew it wasn't wise to slander the Ministry in front of Umbridge but riling her up was just so much fun, for a second she felt Sirius Black could have been a kindred spirit of her's when he teased others and caused disruption in class. She switched to questioning the harpy's teaching skills instead, so that they couldn't lock her up for slander or treason.

"Shouldn't you be teaching us how to handle the ever so rare encounter with a lycanthrope or vampire instead of hiding under your desk and telling us how scary they are?" Sophia blinked and flicked her startling grey eyes up to the corner of her eye. She pretended to remember something and called up a small fraction of her other form, when she felt it happen she knew her eyes had gone from silver to grey with yellow-gold flecks. She looked back at Umbridge with the most innocent look she could muster.
"From what I recall, they can look a little weird but they aren't really that scary. They're like overgrown greyhounds really." The corner of her lips wouldn't stop twitching and when the professor shrunk back slightly she wanted to laugh so loud Dumbledore might hear her in his office.

The professor whipped out her wand and aimed it at Sophia; the Slytherin had her hand ready to grab her own from her concealed holster at the smallest twitch of the older witch's hand. Several Gryffindors stood up, a few chairs where knocked over and Sophia felt her eyes become completely yellow. The fragments of wolf in her were not happy; her animagus form would growling and baring her teeth now. Her brother was out of her reach and the full moon was too near, her sire had been insulted and now she was being threatened.

"Class, it seems our theoretical lesson has been interrupted with a practical exercise. Stand back and put up the necessary shields." The professor ordered in motherly sweet tones but with a definite air that no one could argue with. Some of the dumber Slytherins payed attention, Draco was too shocked to move and the Gryffindors didn't bat an eye, though they did go for their wands.

Umbridge was pleased with them, finally she had conquered Minerva's house. She inspected the filth in front of her. The monster seemed well fed and healthy, her clothes were not second hand and she had no visible wounds or scars. If anything the half-blood looked as if she could pass for a pureblood. Her name and manners would have gotten her far had she not revealed herself for the filthy monster she was. The next few words she spoke were sweet on her tongue and she could not help the smile growing on her girlish face. The canary was caught. "When were you bitten, Pierce."

Sophia raised a brow, "I don't think you mean lovebites so the answer to your very rude question is never." She kept her eyes glued to Umbridge's. Professors were not aloud to question a student about their blood status, creature blood, metamorphmagus or animagus abilities. Furthermore, they were prohibited from extracting an answer at wand point, by use of veritaserum and or spells, hexes and curses. Sophia reminded herself of the rules to calm down. In the corner of her eye she could see Damien smiling. 'Sycophant worm' she thought, 'both of them.'

"Do not lie to me; I am your teacher and a Ministry Official." She straightened her posture and looked down her petite nose at the girl. "You are required by law to reveal yourself as a werewolf." Gasps could be heard around the room and Sophia wanted to cackle. This would certainly take the heat off of Jack.

"I, Sophia Dallas Pierce, am not a werewolf and have never been. I swear it on my mother's grave." She stated in a bored manner and she technically wasn't. "You however are in violation of the school rules." she stated and kept herself ready to pull out her wand and prop up a shield.

Sebastian watched the interaction with tense shoulders. His wand had moved from his bag into his sleeve sometime during the lesson, and now he let it fall down to his hand. He doubted there would be need for intervention, Sophia looked like she could handle it, but Umbridge was more experienced.

His housemate and Umbridge were at a sort of standoff, and Sebastian felt the need to step forward so that he was standing next to Draco and only a few feet away from Sophia.

"I am the rules, Ms. Pierce." Umbridge said with a sickly sweet smile on her face. Sebastian let loose a groan at the sight. Her arrogance was seeping off her in waves and it made him feel sick.

"Hardly." Sebastian snapped his head to see Neville flush a dark red color, obviously having said it louder than he had intended.

"Excuse me?" Umbridge asked, cocking her head to the side like a confused baboon. Neville was silent, and Sebastian hears his pulse quicken.

"If you couldn't hear that, then that's one more thing we can add to your growing list of shortcomings." Sebastian said, moving forward a bit. He made sure his head was raised defiantly so there was no mistaking that he had meant, and believed every word he said.

Sophia felt her heart swell with pride at Neville's single but defiant word.

"Lets not forget her fashion taste, Sebastian. That can certainly tell a few things about her decision making skills." She drawled and cocked her head to the side with a smirk.

The toad fidgeted for a second Sophia quickly glanced at Sebastian, she tried to let him know she was handling this okay. She could hold her own, confidence and protectiveness was all she felt at the moment, for Jack, her fellow Slytherins and the DA members. A second later her eyes were trained on the teacher, and just as well. The woman shot a binding spell at her, thick ropes came from the tip of her wand and Sophia dodged it. A quick shield in place as she found herself standing beside Neville, the boy had his wand in hand ready to put what he had learned to good use.

Umbridge didn't let up, a litany of spells shot from her stubby wand and Pierce blocked and dodged as best as she could. A stinging hex caught her ankle and she hissed. A low growl sounded in her throat and she countered it with a jelly leg jinx, Umbridge waved it off with a flick of her wand and advanced. Neville sent a bat bogey hex at the professor and she dismissed it just a she had Sophia's jinx.

The toad aimed her wand towards the Gryffindor and Sophia stepped in front of him. "Don't you fucking dare, you harpy." She roared, a sudden wave of protectiveness that just felt too right overcame her and she nearly sent an incendio at the Chief Inquisitor.

"Watch your language, young lady! The only reason you and Noir don't have detentions is because I think a practical lesson every once in a while is a good thing." Sebastian felt panic rise in him; the stupid wench had pretty much just announced that he was some kind of creature. His parents were going to be furious, especially if anybody managed to piece it together. He was careful about hiding the blood and his other symptoms of vampirism, but he knew he wasn't perfect.

Sebastian pulled himself away from his own thoughts and while he knew Sophia didn't want him to help; he wanted to make sure Neville would be okay. He stepped forward, only to be cut down by a slicing hex. He fell to his knees as blood started to seep from his torso and fell down to the ground.

He was ignoring Draco, who had run to his side as soon as he fell and looked around the room for who had hexed him. It wasn't Umbridge; she still had her wand aimed at Sophia, although her smirk was enough to say that whoever had done it was going to get off without so much as a warning. He turned his head to the Slytherin's but aside from Pansy who always looked guilty; he saw that they all looked interested or mildly concerned. When he looked to the Gryffindor's his head went immediately to his brother and he scowled.

Damien sent him an arrogant smirk as he stuffed his wand back into his bag.

"Sebastian!" Draco snapped, bringing Sebastian back to the more pressing situation.

"I'm a vampire Draco. It's not a problem" Sebastian whispered, even as he felt his stomach stitching itself up. Draco offered a worried look as he held out his hand. Sebastian took it and pulled himself off the floor as he turned to examine the situation with Umbridge.

Neville, in the brief distraction had managed to get away from the front lines, but Sophia was still holding her own with her wand trained on the professor.

Sophia let out a growl. "Really? Toadface, you wouldn't know a lesson if it cleaved your head off." Her voice was filled with venom and it maintained enough of a joking tone to come off as a very ill mannered taunt. The wolf side of her wanted to rip Umbridge to shreds. If her animagus form was that riled up, she did not want to know what would've happened to Jack in this situation. The thought of her brother calmed her down enough to see through the rage. She saw a cutting hex zoom past her and cast a shield in Umbridge's direction subconsciously, this would drain her magic but she needed to get out of class alive and not be carted off the a Ministry holding cell. She caught the pleased look on Damien's face and his wand being hidden behind his robes. She sent a more potent stinging hex at his chest and was pleased when his school jumper became singed.

Umbridge tried to send another binding hex towards Sophia but the shield held. "You attacked a student Miss Pierce." She said with fake worry in her high pitched voice "I don't think detention is enough for the likes of you. You-" She was interrupted as Sophia saw an opening and cast a Silencio discreetly. Only the likes of Severus Snape or the Headmaster himself would know it was her. Draco might know or at least have a feeling it was her but only because she had let him get close enough.

The Slytherin pretended to realize what happened and to take advantage of that. "If you'll excuse us, Draco and I have to take our housemate to the Infirmary. No objections?" She sneered at the woman who was gaping like a fish and turning beet red, "None then, Ta." She went to help Draco, minding her own aching foot.

"Play along." She whispered to Sebastian and took his arm to sling it over her shoulders. With a calming hand on his back she chanced a look at him. The little accident from her childhood left some traces of wolf in her, including the shift in eye color; she hoped they wouldn't set the boy off. She liked him enough to turn her back on a potential enemy. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end at the thought.

"Expelliarmus!" was heard from behind them and Sophia grinned at Neville's confident voice. The bell would ring any minute.

The students would be free and they got to see some semblance of a duel in class, aside from the slicing hex thrown at Sebastian everything turned out pretty well. Her ankle wasn't mangled, it only stung a little. Sure, she'd have detention but when was that news? She sighed happily and said loud enough for Umbridge to hear. "Chaos, panic and disorder. My work here is done." Sophia heard Draco snicker and it became a full out laugh and she smiled; it was good to hear her star laugh.

Sebastian could feel the heat from Sophia's skin being transferred to his own and it felt nice in some indescribable way. He wasn't used to skin-to-skin contact that didn't involve him getting injured in one way or another.

"A-are we really going to the hospital wing?" Sebastian asked, feeling a bit of panic build up in his stomach. He'd managed to avoid the hospital wing throughout his entire time at Hogwarts, and he was pretty damned determined to keep it that way. He had scars that would be very hard to explain without admitting the truth about his home-life.

Draco seemed to catch where Sebastian was going with his concerns and immediately stopped. "Yeah, we should probably just go back to the dorm and get you into a new shirt."

"I was thinking about that spot I show you by the lake yesterday, Étoile." Sophia said to Draco shrugging with her free shoulder and lead them to a shadowed corridor. She reluctantly pulled away from Sebastian and took her wand out from her trusty holster. She realized this might look bad so she offered a reason before pointing her wand at a shaken housemate. "I'm pretty much an expert at less than conventional stains and fixing ripped clothing." she smirk at how questionable that sounded and winked at Draco when the blond went pink.

The girl wordlessly cast a potent cleaning charm at the shirt and managed to patch it up decently. "Draco, you lost the bet." She grinned and re-holstered her wand. "You can hold it off until the winter holidays, there is a lake by my house and it's pretty secluded" she turned and motioned for the boys to follow her. "Your virtue will be in no risk at all." she drawled as they entered a more populated corridor.

"I believe its your virtue you might have to worry about, darling." The blonde smirked and matched her stride effortlessly. "Oh wait you have none." His voice had a sing-song lilt and cool like the breeze outside. Sophia barked with laughter, her head thrown back and eyes closed. Her smile crinkled the corners of her eyes as she smiled.

When she calmed the students around them were looking at the strange trio, expecting the girl to fight for her honor and hungry for a bloodied Draco Malfoy. No one notice Severus Snape and Lucias Malfoy speaking calmly by a window. Snape had frozen at the sound of the laugh, a barking laugh that usually accompanied embarrassment or pain in some childish fashion, he hadn't heard it in years but something was off about that laugh. It should be deeper. Snape looked and saw three of his favored snakes walking together; they should be in Defense Against the Dark Arts.

Lucias only spared them a look long enough to take inventory of who his Dragon was with. Suitable but slightly sub par, like everything his son did, well he had taken Severus Snape under his wing when he was still a school boy. Why shouldn't his Dragon take on the task of training two less than satisfactory Slytherins and try to make them something worthwhile. They would be excellent stepping stones for later, that is if chose to be lousy friends and not protect his son like they should. It was a pleasant change from those simple minded trolls, Crabbe and Goyle.

Sophia only cocked her head to the side from its thrown back position, her loose hair making her look like a possessed doll. Her voice was calm and laden with fake innocence "Forgive me father for I have sinned," She began and a twisted smile adorned her thin lips, she looked like she could devour Draco or chain him up. "I have sinned a lot."

Lucius caught her words and snorted, Snape only shook his head. The two men observed the trio as they moved to the courtyard.
"Well, don't be too disappointed, Severus." Lucias giving him the sympathetic look of a fellow parent. "Slytherins are known to be precocious; she's a clever and ambitious young witch." He placed a hand on top of the Professor's where it sat on the stone windowsill and gave it a caring pat. "You should be proud she learned the charm on her own." his façade broke that instant and sniggers slipped from his lips and pure amusement overcame his usually cold and blank face. The two men decided that they should go to Severus' quarters to continue this. Snape didn't know if he should curse the student or the alumni, but he would end his afternoon hexing someone.

Sebastian was content to observe Draco and Sophia joke and laugh with each other. He wasn't really good at being casual with people anyway because as a child he'd been relatively isolated. When he was seven he met Draco at a Ministry function, but even after that he only ever saw Draco when they both happened to be attending the same event.

He sighed as they slowly made their way towards the lake. He listened intently to his surroundings and tried to isolate each sound. He blocked out the sounds of Sophia and Draco and listened to the birds cawing in the Forbidden Forest and the light lapping of water against the edge of the lake. He listened to Hagrid giving a lecture to the third years in Care for Magical Creatures.

He was snapped back to the present when Draco smacked him on the back in a joking manner.

"What?" He asked, not quite able to hide the grin on his face when he saw Draco's flushed features. This was the side of Draco that almost no one knew about. The only reason Draco ever acted egotistical and cruel was to try and impress his father. When he was around people he cared about he changed into a normal teenage boy; mischievous, happy and hormonal.

Sebastian snorted, and pulled himself back together in time to hear Draco's answer.

Sophia snuck glances at Sebastian, he was really quiet and it made her uncomfortable so she did what she knew best. She filled the silence with jokes and laughter. Draco was blushing because of all the innuendos and crude jokes. His final counter, and to her a white flag waving in the wind, had been.

"Shouldn't a lady, much like your self, spend her day knitting instead of nursing a butterbeer in some sleazy pub?" She only grinned and poked his ribs.

"Keep your panties straight, Etoile. I am a lady when I want to be. My unconventional childhood is something I cherish and would never give up for learning to knit on my Granny's knee." Sophia grimaced and shivered comically as she mentioned her grandmother. She pulled Draco's sleeve and tilted her head to a hole in a trail of bushes. She headed in first and waited for the others to come through. Sophia didn't waist any time, she took in a breath through her nose and picked apart the possible creatures that had come by this path. Nothing too dangerous, a few Unicorns, some kind of house cat, for some reason Professor Lupin seemed to have come around this area and a centaur or two.

"Mon Étoile, Dépêche-toi." Her English faded along with its accent and fluid French replaced it as she called to Draco. "You too, my new friend." she smiled at Sebastian, her English still carrying her current tone.

"Welcome to our haven." She said to Sebastian and curtsied like a danseuse at the end of their piece. One of her hands was extended to direct his attention away from her deeply ingrained ballerina pose, so ingrained it included the proper positioning of her feet and the fingers of her hand, towards the small stone bench where a variety of winter flowers huddled close and the lake had tossed smooth creamy colored pebbles.

"No one can see us from 'ere; we are free to be as we please. Unless a centaur decides to run by not a soul will 'ear us." She returned to her normal body language, albeit it was more relaxed and carefree than when she was around others, and moved towards the bench.

Sebastian looked around the area in awe. Two his left sat shrubs that had small white flowers clustered in little balls, and to his right were more flowers that he couldn't quite identify, but looked to be contesting the cold pretty well. The leaves from fall were littering the ground, but the thick evergreens were standing up to their name and adding green to the rather brown surroundings.

It reminded him of a place he used to go to in the Muggle World whenever he could sneak away from his house during the summer, but that place had been destroyed to build and apartment complex. It amazed him that some people wouldn't take the time to sit down and just really look at their surroundings and maybe think about how different it could've been a thousand years earlier.

He turned his attention back to Draco and Sophia and pondered their relationship. He knew Draco had a thing for her, but he wouldn't say how deep it went. Sebastian respected that, knowing that that in and of itself was answer enough.

"Our next class will be starting soon," He said a little hesitantly. He didn't want to get on Sophia's bad side, because he really would like to be friends with her, but he also didn't fancy another detention.

Sophia shrugged and sat down, a bar of chocolate was removed from a hidden pocket in her robes and she cut three pieces. "Dumbledore probably already knows what happened, we are entitled to go missing from one history class. Its not like Binns will notice and Parkinson will cover for us, house points isn't something she'll sacrifice just to get back at me." she grinned and offered two of the pieces to her companions. "I caught the Gryffindor ghost spying in on our class. He probably sent Nick to keep an eye on his precious lions."

She bit a corner of her piece off and frowned. "I'll probably end up with a year's worth of detention." Her back went rigid and her eyes wide as she looked out towards the lake. "Severus will skin me alive." she said, a shiver running over her.

Draco, accustomed to her casual usage of Professor Snape's given name, only chuckle and sat down next to her. She nudged him when a piece of her robe was caught under him and Draco shoved back and took the two pieces of chocolate. He handed one out to Sebastian and looked at Sophia. "Maybe he won't, he'll just make it quick and use you in some potion. Skelegrow, I think. Pomfrey's running low."

"I doubt it, I'm tainted and it would possibly pass onto the patient's." She chuckled and took another bite of chocolate. "Can you imagine 'ogwarts full of kiddies with wolf instincts? Umbridge would 'ave an apoplexy!" Her brows knitted and she made her big grey eyes give of a gleam of innocence, it did little to cover the waves of mischief shining in them. "And we can't have that now, can we? A school full of dark creatures, Mon Dio!" Her earthy chuckle came out as a bark of laughter when she imagined the look on the plump professor's face.

Draco blushed at her laughter; it filled the air around him and danced in the cool winter breeze. It had been a few weeks since their rudely interrupted kiss and they hadn't had a moment alone since then. For a second he wished Sebastian wasn't here. He squashed that thought as quickly as it came, Sebastian should be here and see just how open someone like him could be. Sophia had seen more than her fair share of horror and prejudice, class had just filled up a teaspoon of the reserves kept locked up in her memory. Hopefully his two friends would become friends and care for each other, he wouldn't be here forever and with how everything looked it seemed like he'd be out of their reach sooner that he had wanted. He wanted to never be forced away from them. He remembered how in third year Sophia had said it was excellent behavior of Granger's part for smack him; she would've beaten him bloody for what he was doing. The girl had stopped talking to him for two months straight after he called the Gryffindor bookworm a Mudblood, she only began to speak with him after he swore he would never degrade Granger in front of her ever again, if she caught him being an elitist pig then he would wish Buckbeak had mauled him.

"Bash," Sophia called out, the boy looked lost in his thoughts. "Hey! Sebastian. Earth to Noir!" She poked the boy's ribs and when he looked up she gave him a dazzling smile. "I just wanted you to know you're a snarky little bastard and I love that." then she said in proud and confident voice. "We should undermine Defense class a little more often." She asked and then thought about introducing him to the DA, he didn't know what kind of Slytherin he was. "You interested in learning some real DADA?" Even if she did, Draco was here and he was part of the Inquisitorial Squad, even if he was a spy for the DA on her behalf. She loved her friend but she would never betray the DA not on her death bed. Even her new offer could be one hell of a risk, granted her friend wouldn't tell because it counted as your average study group. "My brother and I practice some, after class, wanna join our study group?"

Sebastian, fighting down a blush from the previous compliment, took a second to ponder her offer. It was true, that while he was fairly advanced in defense, they were learning absolutely nothing in class with Umbridge there. Besides, Sophia had asked him to join. He felt warmness bubble in his chest when he felt a sense of belonging, but no sooner had it arrive than he had it squashed once again. He couldn't let his guard down, not even around friends. "Yeah, sure," He said, allowing a smile to hide what he was really feeling.

"Bash, huh?" Draco asked with a grin on his face. "I rather like that nickname, what about you Bash?" The gleam in his bluish grey eyes was enough to make Sebastian glare half-heartedly at Sophia for even giving Draco the idea.

"Stupid ferret." Sebastian muttered under his breath, and failing to regret it even after being whacked upside the head by a flustered Draco.

"Shove off, Seb." Draco whined, shortening his best friend's name for effect. Sebastian grinned and straightened his ruffled hair from where Draco had hit him, though it was to no avail. Eventually he gave up and settled for muttering incoherently under his breath about whiny blondes.

Sophia smirked and rolled her eyes, Sebastian seemed uneasy about something and she pinned it down to the rejection generated not only by being a Slytherin but having a little secret that went bump in the night.

"I give everyone a nickname, sorry about that." She laughed when Sebastian called Draco a ferret and pretended to look insulted with the blond.

"Hush you, ferrets are cute. And you make an adorable one." The girl chewed on her lip as an idea formed, her thought process was mostly a debate on what she should give Draco as useful weapons once everything went arse over tea cup. "You should try becoming an animagus. It's quite useful." She joked and poked at the blonde's ticklish spots.

Sebastian watched as Draco let out a giggle, before remembering that he was supposed to be a dignified pureblood that didn't giggle. "That could be a good idea Draco." Sebastian murmured after a moment, thinking of his own form as a bat, albeit that was from being a vampire and wasn't really a decision he could decline.

He grimaced, remembering the first time he learned to fly as a bat. It wasn't overly pleasant and it wasn't intentional; his father had forced him to ride a broom before being taught how and he had fallen. Instinct took over and before he even really knew what happened he was flying and his father was screaming expletives.

He pulled himself out of the dark thoughts and brought his attention back to the conversation at hand, though he couldn't help the slight frown on his face.

She caught the frown on Sebastian face and felt she probably shouldn't have brought up the topic of changing into an animal form. With hopes to dispel the darkened mood she decided to share a fragment of her tragic tale. The phrasing made her snort as she looked toward the sky, her parents were probably proud she managed to regain enough sanity after their deaths that she managed to shift.

"Well as long as your first shifting is pleasant, you could grow fond of that ability." She bit her lip and hid her hands in her robe's pockets, balling them into tight fists as she recalled that unpleasant afternoon.
"First time I managed it fully, I was running for my life." a tired sigh escaped her lips as she was taken back to the damp and chilly forest from that day. "I think that clever bit of thinking was what got me in Slytherin." She saw the questions forming in Draco's brain before the blond could voice them but gave him his time to work up the guts to ask. It was something only Jack knew, he had seen her covered in mud and he could smell the blood for a solid week after the incident.

Sebastian smiled slightly at Sophia's fairly obvious, yet still very Slytherin attempt to ease his discomfort. It left the question of what happened to her burning in his mind, because it sounded dangerous. Maybe this is what Snape meant when he said that the Slytherin's he would be having detention with were kindred spirits...of course there was still no proof that one of the kids was Sophia.

"My first...my first shifting" Sebastian looked at Sophia just to test the waters; Draco knew and didn't care, but Draco wasn't everyone. "Was unpleasant as well, but it is a useful skill to have." Draco nodded his head and gripped Sebastian's shoulder in a comforting grasp.

Sophia gave Sebastian a warm and even loving smile and she remembered her mother's last smile for her. A flicker of sorrow mixed in with the pride she felt for her housemate taking that particularly shaky leap of faith. "I think anyone who has an animal form doesn't have a particularly fond story behind their first shift." she remembered Jack's retelling of his infection, werewolves always had the worst ones. Draco chose to save his questions for later it seemed, she was relieved but disappointed as well. The blond had been wanting to know why she lived with her guardian since first year but her refrained from asking.

"I want to try it." The blond spoke up. "I just don't want to me something disappointing." Sophia shot him a look, one that screamed he was being silly.

"The fact that you want to try it is already a huge thing to be proud of." she said and the smile that had wilted some came back full force. "Think of all the horrible things you can do to Potter if you run down his pant leg!" she chuckled at the image of a wiggling and wide eyed Harry. She didn't want her oldest friend to suffer any further, the gods knew he had had enough, but she was good at creating incentives and Draco would jump at the chance to embarrass Potter any day of the week.

"I don't know what makes you think that my form will be a ferret." Draco snapped, though the playful glint in his eyes gave him away. Sebastian snorted at his friends antics. "What?"

"I think you know." Sebastian murmured, a small smile playing on the edge of his lips.

"Whatever, Bat Brain," The blonde grinned, punching Sebastian lightly on the shoulder. The darker haired male grinned, despite the fact that he was almost positive that if Sophia hadn't already figured it out, she now most certainly knew that he was a vampire. Something told him she wouldn't tell, even if she did think he was a freak.

Sophia laughed; it was all she could do at the boys' antics. Funny how things turned out. One person is removed from your life without so much as a 'by your leave' and then a new one is brought into it. They were a really strange bunch weren't they?

She thought of all the sneers Jack and she received in the common room, how Draco sometimes had to join in on the teasing and name calling. No one knew about Jack, not even Draco knew but it's like they could sense that the French pureblood had something off about him. The blond always apologized afterwards and warned them of any potentially dangerous plans her housemates hatched to embarrass them or cause them harm.

As the years went by those schemes became more dangerous and once Pansy had tried to slip her a vomitive potion. It would have cleared even the stomach acid in her belly by the time the effect passed, efficiently burning her throat and teeth. That girl had it out for her, like a Hippogryff for a possum.

Snape had been furious that day when she brought him the tampered butterbeer. Sophia had had a good couple bottles before she was handed that particular drink, Pansy nearly got away with it. All of this because she thought Sophia had stolen Draco away from her; the animagus knew Draco felt nothing for the pug faced girl. He had a slight crush on the younger Greengrass sister but would never admit it, not even to himself but nothing gets past a determined snake and Sophia had caught on. It was one of the two solid reasons she didn't want to be alone with Draco, should she ever get the urge to kiss him again. That one kiss, her first, had been a fluke. She convinced herself of that; she loved Draco but just not in that way. She didn't love anyone in the fashion. Sebastian was pretty cute though, she mused.

"Lunch, boys?" she asked; her stomach liked chocolate well enough but she really wanted a grilled cheese sandwich or two with sour pickles. Her mouth watered; maybe a few strips of meat would make their way into her sandwiches?

Sebastian did his best to hide the grimace as he nodded his head in fake enthusiasm. Regular food didn't really bother him because of his status of not-quite-a-vampire-but-sort-of, but it still didn't sit quite right in his stomach. He really did have a sweet tooth though, not that he'd ever let anyone find out. Draco would never let it go.

He almost groaned at the thought as he started to make his way after Sophia and Draco, who were already on their way to the castle.

He felt the cool wind against his face and couldn't hold back the genuine grin that came to his face. He was happy, and while nothing totally out of the ordinary had happened, he just felt totally elated. It was perplexing but he didn't let it bother him, though maybe it had something to do with Sophia and how maybe she was a new friend.

He blushed a little at the sappy thought and was glad that he was standing behind the two other Slytherins so that they couldn't see.

Sophia wondered if Sebastian could eat food as she chatted with Draco, the kept the topic neutral. Potions class and possible reasons as to why they had it before DADA, were the professors trying to kill them? With how riled Potter was after Potions, Umbridge would AK the whole class should he speak up. Not that today was any different; with Potter gone Pierce took his place. Pierce, Noir and Corbeau, the hecklers of their generation. Severus would be furious if he found out she just pulled a Marauder stunt, he had made the mistake of telling her when Black had stood up for Lupin in a Defense class.

No one knew Lupin was a werewolf but Black had defended him with sword and shield. 'Oh well, one more thing to add to my disappointing moments along with my undisclosed comradery with misfits and a growling serpent.' she thought to herself as they went up the steps to the entrance hall. She caught Sebastian hanging back and put herself between him and Draco, it was natural for her.

She needed to look as nonthreatening as possible, she knew scars when she one. Both on flesh and in hearts, Sebastian was riddled with them and she saw it. Soon as the day was over Draco and she would be off to Spinner's End, Sebastian would go off to the Noir residence and he'd be alone she needed him to have at least on happy memory to keep him from going mad there.

A though hit her, what if Sebastian went with them of the Winter Holidays? Its not like his parents would oppose to having him out of their sight, she had met them in small gatherings at Malfoy Manor with her guardian. She refused to think of Severus as 'Da' in this moment, he had been a prick and this was her way of reprimanding him. She couldn't voice her thoughts because she was the ward in this situation, it wouldn't be right and it was quite rude. So all she could do was settle for degrading his place in her life with an official title that made him sound as unaffectionate and distant to her.

"Sebastian, what do you say about joining Draco and I for the holidays?" She asked as they neared the Slytherin table, she'd rather sit with Luna at the raven's table but her current company would cause one hell of an uproar. "It a secluded spot, just us and my guardian, who's probably joining to be locked up in his study planning pop quizzes and crap." She picked a spot as far away from Pansy as possible and ignored the glares from her fellow snakes. She saw a stack of smoking grilled sandwiches and picked a couple up and onto her plate, a good three pickles followed. All sour of coarse, she had no idea how people could stomach sweet ones. Her pallet disagreed with sweet and sour things as much as it did with overly cooked meat or boneless cuts.

The boy looked at her with wide eyes but quickly schooled his features. "I..." He was speechless; no one had ever asked him to be their friend other than Draco. A girl was asking him to join her for the holidays, granted her guardian and Draco would be there but it wasn't proper. The lessons ingrained into him told him to politely decline, he would be overstepping his boundaries and why in the world would anyone want the likes of him joining them on their break from school? The winter holidays on top of it all, a time for family and joy.

"Look," Sophia said, ignoring her food and turning to face him. "You are my friend; I don't care at all what others think." She pointed to the red ribbon tied into a bow on her head. He could see the little golden strings in the crimson silk and a smirk overcame his lips. "I'm offering you two weeks away form that arsehole and all the books you can read." She added, hoping to sweeten the deal. "If you don't feel comfortable around me yet, then my place is big enough that we'll only see every now and then. The guest rooms are very comfy and equipped with their own fireplaces." She looked at him for an answer and Sebastian nodded briskly, he didn't mind spending time with her. The teen was actually appealing, she probably knew that he wasn't completely normal and said nothing about it. Granted she probably had as many skeletons in her closet as he did; seeing as she didn't call her guardian by his name.

"Just don't hate me when you meet my guardian, it's kind of obvious but it might set you on edge. He's not the nicest person in the world." She turned back to her food took bite out of one of the pickles. An obscene sound as she chewed, a few boys looked at her a blushed, Pansy Parkinson had a stony scowl on her face. Draco was looking at his food like it was the most interesting and unfathomably complex object in all the realms.

"I'm not exactly unfamiliar with unkind people. You've met my brother haven't-"

"No!" Draco interrupted. "No, no, no, no. Do not get her started on your brother." The blonde looked to see that the grey-eyed girl was about to retort, but he quickly hushed her. "No."

"Don't get your silk knickers in a twist, Draco." Sebastian huffed. "And I really do appreciate your offer, Sophia."

He didn't know if he'd ever said more sincere words in his life. It wouldn't be hard considering the only person prior to a few weeks ago that he had even bothered having a personal conversation with was Draco. Then suddenly he was engulfed into a whole knew group of people who seemed to like him for whatever reason. Luna Lovegood had even talked with him for a while when Draco was off terrorizing first year Hufflepuffs.

He pushed the thoughts away before he could sink into his routine of self-deprecating thoughts. He got a nod from Sophia, so he knew that she acknowledged his thanks.

He was really confused about her because after having talked to him for only the past few hours, she already seemed to understand him better than he understood himself, in some ways. It was like she just instinctually knew when he was nervous, or hurting or sad.

He was really glad that he had decided to open up to her, and possibly by consequence, Jack. Whenever fate decided he had to meet the boy. They were quite the duo, but they wouldn't be the same without each other. He wondered if he and Draco were like that.

They'd known each other for ages, and they shared almost everything with each other. Draco wouldn't talk about how his father treated his mother, and Sebastian would leave out some of the more vicious details of his summer and winter holidays, but other than that they shared everything. He also knew that he would die for Draco no matter what, and that the other would probably do the same.

He'd be lost without Draco, just like he assumed Jack would be lost without Sophia. It seemed Sophia saved Jack in his time of need, just like Draco had done for him. He never really realized how incredibly grateful he was for the blonde.

"Oh, and Sebastian?" Draco said, seeming to be somewhat uncomfortable in the silence. "My knickers aren't silk, they're Egyptian cotton."

"Oh my God." Sebastian groaned, hiding a laugh behind his hand.

Sophia grinned at Draco's outburst and made to stain his porcelain skin with pickle juice, the blond backed away until he nearly touched a seventh year's shoulder. She nodded to Sebastian as she took a bit of her sandwich and promptly spit it out as Draco commented on his pants. The girl only stopped for a moment to comment, "You were knickers?" she said as she quickly separated the pieces of saliva covered bread, earning a curious look from the blonde, inside she could see the dregs of herbs and copious little beads of a clear liquid in the orange cheese. The clear liquid was turning the cheese black. She glanced at the staff table and looked at the boys by her side.

"Have your wand handy and follow me to Snape, I need you both alert and keep an eye out for any suspicious movements." She whispered to them and carefully picked up the piece of food with a napkin. Her wand was in her hand before she stood and stepped away from the table.

The three serpents marched towards their Head of House, Sophia's pace was determined and she ignored all the curious eyes looking their way. "Headmaster, Professor Snape, may we speak with you both privately?" her tone remained polite and respectful, though it was firm enough to tell this wasn't a whim. When her Head of House simple raised a brow and the Headmaster gave her a questioning look she should them the quickly blackening piece of food with little clear beads of liquid.

Dumbledore nodded, the twinkle in his eyes fading out as he stood and led them to the staff only exit from the hall. The walk to his office was silent, Draco and Sebastian kept looking at her but glanced around the hallways with their wands readied in case whoever laced her food with potion was still around. It had to be someone with a considerable influence, they got past the House Elves' screenings and managed to deliver that particular sandwich.

Meanwhile in the Great Hall the Gryffindors were discussing what might of happened. Luna, who had been sitting with them, supplied that someone tried to poison Sophia; perhaps her mother's family. The Slytherins were whispering amongst themselves and a few even rallied together to stop any future traps or poisonings from happening. No one messed with Slytherin, regardless of Sophia's usual company or blood status she was a Slytherin through and through. If it happened to her, a tough and teeth baring serpent, it could happen to any number of them. Blaise Zabini caught Neville's gaze and they saw the same thought reflected in the other's eyes. The two had grown comfortable enough during potions, once Zabini felt bad enough for his classes being cut short or for Neville's constant trips to the infirmary. They nodded once to each other and went back to the conversations filling the air at their own tables.

Sebastian followed Sophia and Draco so that he was bringing up the rear. If the person who attempted to poison Sophia would strike again it would undoubtedly be from behind considering both Dumbledore and Snape were up front. If that happened he wanted to be the one to get hurt; he healed faster than they did, and unlike them he didn't need a whole lot of blood in his body to survive.

He'd found that out last summer. He winced and pulled himself away from the memories that were trying to invade his mind.

He had his wand out, though the closer they got to the headmasters office, the less likely it seemed he would have to use it. He caught Draco's eye when the other boy looked back at him, and he sent the blonde a reassuring smile. He knew Draco was distressed about what could've happened had Sophia not caught on so quickly. He himself was a little anxious about it too, especially since he didn't recognize that poison.

He wondered if Snape knew what it was, but he refrained from asking. It's not proper to speak to adults unless they address you first. He huffed, and sent another reassuring smile to Draco and Sophia when they looked back at him. "I'm fine. Sorry"

Sophia felt the corner of her mouth form a frown as her eyebrows drew closer together. She was still alert so keeping up with the two adults wasn't too difficult, looking over heard and walking in a straight line however wasn't. She didn't believe him for a second, she looked up at him and tilted her head. It was obvious from her expression that she wouldn't buy his lie.

"There is a reason why I create chaos, Bash. I could be Sophia Lokidottir, for all I know." She hoped that the boy would catch was she meant as the few students milling around the halls would have heard her words, the attention of those few students was trained on the five people walking towards the Headmaster's office. Hopefully they'd mistake the napkin with poisoned food for a handkerchief. She heard Snape clear his throat, to the rest it would seem like he was making them pay attention or getting them to shut up but the girl know he was hiding his amusement.

The gargoyle guarding the entrance stepped aside and they rode the staircase together, Snape was the only one who said a word. "The detention I had planned for you Mr. Noir has been cancelled. However, the offer for an apprenticeship still stands." He followed the Headmaster inside. "Of course, if you don't mind sharing my teachings with Ms. Pierce." He turned to face them and conjured an extra chair for Draco.

"Now my dear, what seems to be the issue?" Dumbledore asked as a plate of savoury pasties and a tea tray appeared on his desk. He helped himself to a cup and began to pour for his guests.

"Someone poisoned my food, I haven't a clue who might want to poison me." Sophia's eye widened and she bit her lip nervously before accepting the cup of tea offered by the Headmaster. "Unless there has been yet another escapist in Azkaban. I doubt my Grandfather could at his age and having broken the vow." Though she didn't fully know what the vow entitled she knew that it meant losing her animagus abilities and half of her magic. Sophia had vowed to be a protector its one of the many reasons her nickname meant Shield Wolf.

"The Draught of Living Death." Snape said after inspecting the piece of food. "A more potent version of the draught, concentrated into a syrup." A few telling changes in his face showed the anger and worry that boiled and froze his insides. Someone had tried to poison the girl, "You're attacker's goal was a comatose state, hardly breathing. After time, your lungs would scarcely move, your brain would crawl to a halt and you would die in your sleep after two days." His voice went through minimal changes, to someone who wouldn't know where to look. He would seem uncaring, cold and even academic or passionate in the nature of the poison. Most would think he didn't care about the student and just wanted to get out of there fast enough to analyze the poison.

Sophia knew; the professor was scared, enraged, worried and he felt the need to eviscerate whoever planted that foul potion in his serpent's meal.

"It can't have been a student" Sebastian cut out before throwing his hands over his mouth so fast he accidentally smacked himself in the face. He ignored Draco's laughing and Sophia's, well, whatever that barking sound was in favor of continuing before either of the professors could join in as well. "It's extremely hard to brew and I may or may not know someone who may or may not have tried to do it as part of an experiment. An experiment that didn't get to be tested because the potion involves some rare ingredients and a lot of focus. If you make the mistake of first stirring it even slightly clockwise instead of counter-clockwise the entire potion could combust and cause burns."

"What textbook did you swallow?" Draco asked sarcastically, still trying to hide the snickers at his friend's previous blunder.

"I, um..." Sebastian didn't bother continuing, but looked towards Sophia to see that she had seemed to agree with his conclusion. "Which means that it was either a teacher or an outsider...or perhaps a student's parent gave it to their child to give to Sophia, though that sounds unnecessarily complicated." Sebastian paused, and made himself calm down. The only time he ever talked so much in such a large group of people was in that defense class a few hours ago. He wasn't supposed to be so involved in a conversation. 'Always stay politely indifferent' he remembered his parents instructing before they'd dragged him and his brother to the Ministry for a speech on how well the Minister was doing and how important he was.

Sebastian wanted to scoff, but brought himself to look back at the professor's' eyes.

"Well, Potter can't be the only with a murder attempt during his schooling." her dark humor peaked through and Snape calmed down a fraction. She thought it was the slight at her friend or perhaps it was the fact that she didn't go into a Hufflepuff category fit of fear at this attempt.

"It is possible for a student to do their parents' bidding, especially someone at the Slytherin table. Sophia's family is known for fighting for the light, avidly, and given the events in Defense." Draco trailed off and Snape raised a brow, before his face hardened and he fixed Sophia with a stony glare.

"Speak."

"Like I said earlier, I could very well be Sophia Lokidottir. Chaos is my thing." She didn't flinch, the earlier confrontation with her professor and the multitude of other incidents cured her of flinching. "Out of no where Professor Umbridge pulled a class on Dark Creatures, I stated the facts as she asked me too and then our Professor started to say the wrong answers and insulted my family."

She looked at Dumbledore and continued, dismissing her Head of House by turning her face away and the damour instructor only sneered. "She then called on Damien Noir, who gave the wrong answer and I corrected him, gave more information on the individuals being discussed. Umbridge insulted my family once more and included my friends. I know its a very Gryffindor trait but my family honor was dragged through the mire." She took a calming sip of tea and continued.

"If she had insulted Vealas I'm pretty sure Draco would have done the same. Since she didn't Draco remained seated but ready to step in should she get wand happy, parnon my phrasing. My defense of Werewolves, with the exception of Greyback, made her break several rules by asking me my status as human or not at wand point. She held me at wand point in the middle of class simple because I stated the facts that were true, things I lived and are common sense. She asked me, and I quote "When were you bitten, Pierce.". I answered but I have to say my temper didn't make it a very calming one, she tried to use her rank and that I am required by law to reveal myself as a werewolf. I am not, everyone in the school knows that. She tried to force me again and when I answered formally, reminding her that she is in violation of the school rules. Her reply was, verbatim, "I am the rules"." She bit her lip nervously remembering Sebastian on the floor with a gash in his stomach.

"Things went downhill from there, I used Protego and a stinging hex. Damien Noir threw a hex at Sebastian and I set a light stinging hex at his chest resulting in a slightly singed jumper." She made it as brief as she could without mentioning the little bit of information she found out about Sebastian, it meant nothing to her. It didn't change how she saw him, he was her friend and he would stay that way until he had a good and solid reason to leave.

Snape had a glower on his face, that insolent girl. She had done exactly what she shouldn't, the memory of Black and Potter defending Lupin during a class and drawing attention and suspicion to themselves was vividly running in his mind like it had only happened an hour ago. To these children it had.

"She tried to get the whole class to attack Sophia," Draco spoke up.

"Neville stood up for her and nearly got hexed. Sophia shielded them both, her temper got the better of her but we're alive and not in a Ministry cell. When Damien hexed Sebastian I went to heal him, I'm more useful as a healer than a fighter and it wouldn't have looked good if I sided with Sophia instead of playing the role of a Slytherin helping his housemate. Honest, I wish Umbridge could be sacked. She attacked my friend, a student of the school." the Malfoy heir hoped that was enough for his intentions to be known, he was running out of time and he needed Dumbledore to at least have a clue that he wasn't what he pretended to be all these years. Sebastian and Sophia had changed him for the better, if they were strong enough to stand up to a Ministry Official why shouldn't he be able to stand up to his father and renounce his ways?

Sebastian nodded at their respective stories, trying to validate their claims. "Umbridge chose the topic of the class so that she could antagonize a select few students. It's obvious that she meant for us to retaliate and if I had my guess, she's going to use that blow up as an excuse to have at least Sophia and I expelled for not being able to control our 'inner beasts'" Sebastian said, trying to think logically. He found it easier to deal with emotionally heavy things if he analyzed them to the point where it became a matter of simply relaying facts rather than memories. "However, I was thinking, and I have a way to get out of any possible consequences, as well as a way to prove my theory."

"Sebastian, stop talking legal nonsense and get to the point." Draco pleaded, eager to see what his friend had come up with.

"My theory was that Umbridge chose the lesson in order to antagonize at least Sophia and I, and possibly Draco as well if the class had progressed to that point. Because of the new Defense class rules, wands are not permitted to be anywhere except in the student's bag. Umbridge had hers shoved in the sleeve of her coat throughout the entire class as if she was anticipating confrontation. Her wand had been sitting on her desk for every lesson previous to that day. She knew something was going to happen. When that something did happen" He paused and looked pointedly at Sophia, a playful grin on his face. "She was the first to draw her wand. If she does make a move for our expulsion or moves to have us tried in court, the use of Pensives is permitted, I believe. Take any of our memories, or the memories of a student not involved and you will get the same story that's just described."

"That's brilliant, but I doubt she'll bring it to the ministry" Draco said. "It would be illogical to do so. As corrupt as the ministry is, if they saw anything that they did they would have no choice but to remove her. She wouldn't want to risk her power like that."

"Yeah, you're probably right." Sebastian said, crossing his leg in the chair and fiddling with his fingers. "but she's right mad, so it;s impossible to tell."

"Dolores Umbridge has the Minister eating out of the palm of her hand. If she said it would rain chocolate frogs, Fudge would run and stand in the middle of Muggle London, head back and mouth open." She saw the boy next to her smirk and she swore Dumbledore looked amused. She caught the reproachful look Snape sent her and shrugged, "Sorry but its true. Professor and Ministry Official title apart, that woman by far the worst instructor I've had. Even Lockhart was better. I gave her no reason other than the fact that I personally knew three werewolves and met nearly twenty others as a kid and I'm still here, still human and alive."

"Back to the poisoning? Because I get tired of that woman fast." Snape deadpanned, not acknowledging his student's words with a retort.

"Perhaps, someone is not happy with your involvement with young Draco?" The Headmaster prompted.

"Some Death Eater slipped in and tried to poison me? The only possible culprit is Bellatrix, to her my friendship with her nephew would resemble me insinuating that I wanting a courtship. I don't see how she could get into the school." She stopped before the word 'impossible' got past her lips. "No, I can totally see her or a lacky finding their way. Black had a somewhat good intention and he got in, someone with ill intent would find a million ways in."

Draco's mind stopped short. "Nott." he said and looked at the Headmaster.

"Are you sure, Draco?"

"Yes, he hinted at me needing to say goodbye to Sophia." Draco looked at Sophia and his world nearly fell apart, fear and worry broke through his carefully crafted facade. The girl clasped his hand.

"You're stuck with me, deal with it. They'll have to try harder and if they make it, I'll haunt you." She said without a care, the girl seemed to be talking about the weather as she looked at the blond.

"Theo?" Sebastian asked somewhat incredulously. He found it hard to believe, but he wouldn't disagree with his best friend, if what Draco said was true. But he also felt a tight clenching in his chest because Theo was about the closest thing he had to a friend next to Draco and now Sophia.

Unlike the other members of his house, Theo hadn't shunned him when he first arrived because of his status as a 'light' wizard. That had meant a lot to Sebastian, but now that he had apparently attempted to poison Sophia he had to forget about all of the past kindness that Theo had shown him. He felt the tightening in his chest loosen up some only to be replaced with a burning in his gut.

"I'm sorry, Sebastian. I really didn't think anything of it until just now." Draco apologized, throwing a hand onto Sebastian's shoulder. He winced when he felt the other boy's shoulder bones dig into his hand. He knew Sebastian didn't really like to eat all that much, especially considering the fact that as a vampire he didn't have to, but the part of him that was human was losing weight.

He sighed at his friend's complicated condition. Over the years they had found out a little more about what parts of Sebastian still acted human, and which parts had become vampire, but it was still a trial and error process. They knew he needed sleep, though the vampire in him made him somewhat of an insomniac. They also knew that he needed to eat, but the hunger pains he would get as a human were nonexistent and so whenever Draco wasn't around he would forgo eating. And Draco knew that Sebastian needed blood, but could survive without it. Except he did get hunger pains if he didn't drink blood at least once a week.

He knew his friend had heightened senses and could shift into a bat, but he also knew that Sebastian wasn't as fast as a pure vampire. He had a healing factor, but it wasn't as strong as that of an actual vampire and he knew that his friend's red eye was caused by the vampire and human side of him trying to take full control of the body. The human would never win and Draco wondered how long it would before it stopped playing defense.

"I know I just...what are we going to do?" Sebastian said, regaining himself. He could feel his fangs lengthening and quickly closed his mouth so that no one could see.

Dumbledore watched the exchange between the students with a twinkle in his eye, he sucked on a lemon drop and it masked the smile that threatened to form.

"We will assign a House Elf to test Ms. Pierce food. Other than that I am sure Ms Pierce can can defend herself against Mr. Nott. A professor will be watching Mr. Nott at all times. If he manages to evade them, well, if you took on Umbridge; then Mr. Nott will be easy work for you." Dumbledore said, ignoring Snape's snort and offered the girl a sandwich.

She let her nose pic up on the scents coming from the snack. In the Great Hall it had been harder because of the mixture of smells but here she could easily identify ham, cheese, mayonnaise and was that pineapple?

"Thank you Headmaster." she grabbed one for herself and picked up another with some strips of medium rare meat and handed it to Sebastian. "Professor Snape, please don't antagonize Nott in potions class. He nearly killed me but we can't have him know that you know or disapprove of his failure." The girl added as she could practically picture the man cutting the boy down to the stature of a caterpillar larva.

"And why should I take your orders, Pierce?" The prickly professor hissed at her, Sophia only took a bite of her sandwich and she felt Snape get even angrier as she continued to chew politely. Pineapple was weird but it fit so wonderfully with the savory tang of the ham and cheese. She had a new favorite sandwich and she smiled at a smirking Dumbledore who pretended to look innocent with his success in swaying the girl towards his tastes in favored tea sandwich.

"He could try again." Draco stated and the professor backed off some. "If he thinks she's rattled or that you know someone still unknown tried to poison her then Nott will bide his time before attempting anything. The more failures he accumulates the sloppier he'll get."

Sebastian nodded his head in agreement as he looked curiously at the sandwich in his hand. He hesitantly lifted it to his mouth and took a small bite, before chewing slowly and lowering it again.

He couldn't eat quickly. For whatever reason, his stomach couldn't seem to handle it. He assumed that probably had something to do with the fact that he never felt hungry and when he actually ate it felt like he was stuffing himself.

He lifted the sandwich again after a moment and took another small bite, chewed slowly and swallowed. He repeated the slow process a few times before he was done, but still felt as if he ate it too quickly. He didn't want the teachers or Sophia to see this weird quirk though. It was bad enough when Draco found out and teased him about eating like a chipmunk.

He huffed, and blushed a bright red when he caught Snape's raised eyebrow. He bowed his head and murmured a sorry as well as something about chipmunks.

He heard Draco snort, and quickly whacked the blonde in the arm.

"Ow! You're a lot stronger than you give yourself credit for. Bloody hell." Draco groaned, clutching his arm were he was sure he would have a bruise. When he heard the quiet snickering coming from both Sebastian and Sophia though, he couldn't help but join in. It was very rare when Sebastian actually hit someone, and it was usually pretty funny afterward because for the next twenty minutes he would try to apologize without really apologizing.

"You're a lot more annoying than you give yourself credit for." The boy retorted. Draco smirked; the process was beginning.

"Right, well. We'll make the arrangements with the house elves so you three are free to go. Unless you have something else you wish to tell me?"

Sebastian looked to Draco and then to Sophia.

"Um, no?" Sebastian said, not sure if he was answering for all of them or just himself.

"I would like to request permission to visit Jack Corbeau." Sophia asked Dumbledore, and she knew the old wizard had dropped him off or at least visited her.

"You do understand that it could entail a security risk." The Headmaster peer down at her from atop his spectacles.

"Harry and I spent a whole year together back when we were seven, I've been his friend since." She cut straight to the point, knowing full well Draco would say nothing and if Sebastian talked to anyone he would lie. "I can vouch for Draco." she added with finality and Snape felt like smacking his own face.

"What about Noir?" The potions master asked.

"Perfect chance for him to meet my brother." Sophia said and grinned at the man and he was reminded of the argument from that morning. He growled at her and the child had the spine to look smug. Dumbledore observed the silent conversation and had to hand it to the girl, she was as determined as they came. Severus had told him of his disagreement with her, after from some careful prying of course.

"Granted. The day after tomorrow at three you will be meeting your brother at his current residence." He decided he should give Severus a small victory so the students weren't throttled the second they came back from the Order's headquarters. "Firstly, you will want to make a stop back home and then you may visit Mr. Corbeau. I trust your friend will have some things to drop off before you can attend other business." He felt they needed to stop by Spinner's End before they went to Grimmauld. He didn't quite know what it was, no spells or potions had anything to do with it. He glanced at Fawkes and the Phoenix only gifted him with a pleased look.

"Thank you Headmaster." With that they made to move and once they reached the door, Dumbledore called Sophia and Sebastian back.

"Severus, Draco, I have a minor detail to discuss with Mr. Noir and Ms. Pierce. If you could wait outside for a moment." He gave them a beginning smile and the Potions Master nodded. He led Draco out and Dumbledore caught the worried glance he sent his two friends. Once they were outside he fixed his eyes on the two before him.

"Now, mind telling me what really happened with Dolores in class today and why Sebastian didn't go to the Infirmary as Draco implied?" He saw the look they shared and he smiled again, fate had a way of making past errors correct themselves in the most curious ways. "You're not in any trouble I can assure you, and neither shall be judged. I can only advise that you be more careful by the end of the holidays."

"Why not ask the Gryffindor ghost? He was peeking in through wall during the whole class." Sophia asked and Dumbledore smiled, his eyes twinkling away. "and if we stay any longer Draco will get anxious."

"Thank you Ms. Pierce. I shall and please remember this. The headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix is at number twelve, Grimmauld Place, London." He smiled at the perplex look on both teens faces before he stood again and moved to one of the doors to his private office. "That will be all."

Sophia gave Sebastian a look, had the Headmaster lost it? Why would he give them the location of the Order? The other boy shrugged and led his new friend out the door were an anxious Draco met them with a ticked off Snape.

"Why did Dumbledore want to talk to you?" Draco asked as soon as he was sure that Snape was out of hearing distance. Granted, they were walking down the hallway together and his words undoubtedly echoed. He couldn't bring himself to care, though, as he waited for an answer.

"He wanted to talk about your dazzling personality." Sebastian said flatly, speeding up so that he could avoid the playful swat that was no doubt coming his way. He walked as fast as he could without cutting in front of Snape. You never passed an adult; it was rude.

Soon enough though, Snape left them at their common room, while he went to do something or other with potions he was working on.

"I-I guess we'll pack." Sebastian said to Sophia, as they all split up to go to their own dormitories. He and Draco were the only ones in the boy's dormitory because everyone else was still in classes. Sebastian smiled a bit as he walked over to his bunk and pulled out his trunk. It was very plain, but presentable. The Noir's couldn't even stand to send the 'bad' twin to school with anything that might make them look poor. He snorted and threw all of his belongings that weren't already in his trunk, into it. He never unpacked at school, which Draco thought was weird. And he supposed it was, it just made him feel safer somehow. Like he hadn't made a commitment to stay here. That he could leave whenever he wanted.

He pushed the thought aside and waited for Draco to finish packing his stuff. It felt like it took forever, but eventually the blonde would finish and they could walked out to the common room to meet Sophia.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Sophia waited for them to finish packing, she lived out of her trunk basically. The only things she took out were her books, journals and quills. The other girls made fun of her for it but she didn't care, one of these days she would need everything packed and ready and she was not going to waste her time packing away clothes and valuables when she could have them in a backpack with a handy expansion charm and shrunken trunk that switched sizes with combination of taps and finger written password. Was it paranoid? Maybe, a little. Necessary? Can you say 'hell yes'?

She saw a fourth year rush in and caught the way her face was buried in her hands. The brown haired girl made a dash to the girl's dorms and bumped into her, they were both knocked down and Sophia was the first to get up. She helped the girl up and asked if she was alright, a scathing glare was the first response and then the girl's lip quivered. "I won't tell, I promise." She swore to one very much teary eyed Astoria Greengrass.

Sophia led her to a secluded area by a tapestry of a dark haired man with light colored eyes, the man in the tapestry nodded at her and read a book that was on his desk. Giving them what little privacy he could.

"I should be stronger but I can't help it, she's a real bit-ch and it just h-urts so much." Astoria opened up instantly, she knew Sophia hated the girls in their house and those girls hated her.

"Can I know who it is?" The other asked as she held her sister snake's hand. Her face was void of pity as she spoke with her and them moved a lock of brown hair away from the girl's pretty face. "Whoever she is, that pest is never going to live it down after I'm through with her." She gave Astoria a small and sweet smile as her face softened.

"Pansy." the Slytherin sniffled and pressed on "She said so many horrible things to me. That I was ugly and too skinny, she called me a scarecrow and she shamed me in front of everyone in the courtyard. Luna tried to stand up for me but it only made things worse, Pansy got pissed off and she pulled my hair. Umbridge pretended she didn't see anything and Luna got in trouble for defending me. She told me he would never love me, that I was worthless and that he was her's. That he hated me and thought I was stupid and prude because I like to study." It all came out in a rush and Sophia ended up hugging the girl.

"Its alright, Pansy threatens anyone who even looks at him." She knew very well that Draco had been the subject of the dispute. "She's just jealous because you're way more beautiful than she will ever be. You're not too skinny, you're just smaller that she is and Pansy is a freaking whale." Sophia pulled away slightly and conjured a handkerchief for Astoria. The girl wiped the tears away and she thanked Sophia. "Darling, we're sister in this fight. Me and you against Pansy. No thanks are necessary."

Astoria looked at her oddly before she began to bit the inside of her cheek. "Don't you like Draco too?" she asked and looked down at her knees as she played with the tear dampened cloth. "I mean, Snape and Umbridge caught you two kissing. Everyone in the house knows."

Sophia felt the world crumble around her as she grew cold, they knew? Well of course they did. This was Slytherin after all, gossip caught on faster than a flu.

"I do but I know he's not the one for me. I like him but I don't really like him in that sense. I want to be his friend more than anything." She put the thoughts that had been plaguing her mind and it finalized the war waging in her heart and her rational mind. Draco was her pack brother, not her mate and she felt comfortable with that. "It was only one kiss and it was sort of a thing of the moment. I don't even think he remembers it." A laugh escaped her lips because knowing Draco he would lord the fact that he was her first kiss over her until time ended.

"Oh" was all Astoria said and she sniffled slightly before more tears came, whatever Pansy had said really hit home. "I was somewhat happy that he might date you, at least then he would have been safe from that gorrilla." Her voice grew higher in pitch as sobs and tears mixed in as she neared the end, Astoria freely hugged her seeking comfort in her housemate's willing arms. Sophia was sure she'd end up with snot on her school robe by the time Astoria calmed down but she didn't care.

"Hush, love. She is not getting our dragon in her clutches. Draco is his own person." She reassured her and rubbed her back. "Plus, I know he doesn't like Pansy at all and when he's had enough, he'll send her packing. Just be patient, you'll get your prince, darling." Sophia went as far and leaving a kiss on her head and Astoria hugged her tighter. A scent invaded the air she caught Sebastian peeking through the dormitory's entrance. She sent him a pleading look and waved minutely with on of her hands for him to retreat and covered it up by rubbing Astoria's back.

"Yeah right, like Draco would ever leave Pansy. Mr. Malfoy is talking with Mr. Parkinson about a marriage contract. She lords it over me all the time." Sophia felt her blood run cold and all her body heat seemed to pool in her chest. She would destroy that trollop and at least maim Lucias, no one sold her friends. No decent person would sell their child. She snorted, of course Lucius wouldn't be a decent person.

"Pansy will never become Madam Malfoy, I can assure you of that. He would rather lose his family jewels than marry that pug." She looked at Astoria as the girl calmed down enough to sit on her own. "Just keep being yourself and never mind what tarts like Pansy the Pug say. You're smart, determined and you have a heart. Its all you need." She held the younger girl's shoulders and gave her a smile, she was proud of this girl for being able to share her troubles.

Her brow was knitted with a finality and determination. "You are a Slytherin, Astoria. We wait for the right time to strike and we don't give anything up to make people like us more. They either do or they don't matter." She chuckled and gave her a mischievous look.

"I'm a year older than you and I don't snog every boy in the school, studying and waiting for your first kiss or to date someone doesn't matter. Why date a million arseholes when you can watch and select a wondrous boy?" They stood once Astoria collected herself from the fit of giggles.

"Pansy is long overdue for a haircut wouldn't you say?" Sophia prompted and both girl's shared a mischievous and nearly malicious grin before the boys came out of the dormitory and met them. Astoria didn't hide behind her or blush, she smiled at Draco and stood like all the girls in Slytherin should. Tall and proud but not overly so, she stood like a well mannered young woman. Sophia could tell that by sixth year she would be one of the prettiest girls in the school, he bright blue eyes were big, lined with thick dark lashes and luminous as well as he smile that formed on full cold reddened lips.

"Ready, boys? Remember Draco you have a bet that you lost and you will skinny dip in the lake near my house." She said that as Snape walked in and the professor gave her a 'do I want to know?' look and she only shrugged. She gave her only female and newly acquired friends a strong hug. Promising photographs in a loud enough whisper for Draco to hear and since she had her back to the blond, Astoria saw it. When they parted she gave the girl a wink as a devious smirk overcame her lips. The girl only rolled her eyes and then bid her goodbye.

The walk to the apparition point in Hogsmeade started out very quiet but then Draco had to ask.

"What was all that about?" He still had a blush dusting his cheeks as they walked.

"Pansy attacked her in the courtyard, control your girlfriend before I break her legs clean off." Sophia said and a growl mixed in to her French accented words. She always lost her English one when something angered her.

"Girlfriend?" Sebastian asked, looking at Draco with mock curiosity. "Really Draco, I thought you at least had some standards."

"Hush up, Bash. Might I remind you of Millicent's fascination with you in third year?" Draco asked, waggling his perfectly sculpted eyebrows at his flushing best friend.

"She flirted like a five year old boy." Sebastian groaned, running a hand through his black locks. He saw Sophia's confused look and decided to elaborate. "She kept picking fights with me and called me names and generally just tried to embarrass me all throughout third year. Luckily Goyle seemed to catch her fancy after that."

He caught a knowing nod from Sophia, and Draco smacked him hard enough on the back that he had to put effort into not falling over.

"Will you children hurry up?" Snape growled, exasperation leaking from his voice as he turned to see the children standing a good few yard behind him.

"Yessir!" Draco quipped, sending a mock solute towards the potions master as they finally reached the apparition point.

"Talk and walk, boys. 'Tis the Snapes' way." Sophia mocked and she snickered when she could practically feel Snape's scowl.

"Hush, idiot child." Snape drawled in what most would think is an insulting manner, treating the girl like she was just a toddler. Sophia only grinned stuck her tongue out at the back of his head in a very childish manner.

"I saw that." The Potions Master called out and Draco gave her a wide-eyed side glance. Sophia only shrugged and grabbed both her friends once they reached the apparition point.

"The things you'll see or find out are not to be divulged, understood?" she looked at them sternly and beat Snape to the punch in warning the two boys. The girl proceeded to remove a wand from her pocket and held onto Draco, she saw how their companions eyed the very much not yew wand she was about to use. Snape took hold of Sebastian and he nodded in approval. "After you, Sir." the girl offered and with the time it took to blink, her mentor and friend were gone. She saw Draco about to ask about something and silenced him with a look the boy had never seen her wear before. It reminded him of when he messed up so horribly in class that he was sure his parent would hear about it.

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Alright there you have it, the much promised Defense class with a very out of control Umbridge and trouble brewing. It will be a very exhausting day for our Silver Trio and stuff just get weirder. We didn't give you a full fifth year retelling so we're handing you a very strange Yule season. Don't worry stuff calms down and then they get to face His Gitness :D

Everyone applaud my wonderful co-author Evanescent-Penumbra. Such a marvelous writer, the things we've got planned. Its worthy of a soap opera! It's Pen wonderful at writing Sebby and Draco?

Up next: Weasleys, weird, secrets revealed, things hidden, more secrets, and family stuff. Oh and more fun things like that poison. And so much fluffy mushy feeling things I almost puked XD

Don't flame us with your hate for Seb and Sophie (surprisingly no one has yet and I might have jinxed it eep!), I promise you they have so many flaws I want to smack them and straighten out a few.

Feedback is much appreciated and we'd like to thank our followers for following and the people who faved our story.