So, yea, apologies with how long this took. The last quarter almost killed me and I lost track of all my fics, even ones I'm not posting at the moment. During my break week, I tried to develop a system for updating stuff during this quarter, so hopefully it goes well. I know this one's rather short, but it's more of an epilogue of sorts. I should be able to post the first chapter of Year Four next week. Thanks for reading and enjoy.

Year Three

Chapter Five

Year Three: Though It's Nice to Have Real People In Most Situations, Chocolate Works, Too

I considered myself extremely lucky that after Easter break I only had to be in school for one more month. All exams were over at the beginning of June, leaving no obligation to attend classes. I happily spent the remainder of the year under my tree, still wanting that excuse to feed Draco to the Giant Squid. I was disappointed for the lack of opportunity, not to mention surprised.

Even more surprising was that Marika didn't press the issue. Every now and then she did give me a look that plainly said "Exactly why aren't you spending time with Draco?" That look partially scared me, since it hinted that she knew what had gone on, but I told myself there was no way. I had even checked with Snape after that day, and she had thankfully been blowing potions.

The arrival of summer didn't come fast enough for me, and I actually boarded the Hogwarts Express happily. After having Marika bug me essentially every waking moment, I thought it would be a nice change of pace to actually be bugged about something else. My mother's worries and father's attempts to convey what his wife was trying to say would be welcome.

On the train ride back the two of us were fortunate enough to get a compartment to ourselves. Okay, so Marika scared most people and I was willing to curse anyone else who even tried to come in, but it was still luck that we ended up not having to do much of either. However, there still was one problem…

"Ivy-chan, why aren't you sitting with Draco?"

"There are a number of reasons, Marika."

"Like what?"

"One: I don't like him."

"Yes you do." I winced at the retaliation, but continued on.

"Two: Who wants to be crammed in a compartment with Crabbe and Goyle?"

"I'm pretty sure he'd be willing to move for you."

I raised my voice, pretending I couldn't hear. "Three: That cow Pansy's probably going to be there…"

"Just curse her."

Marika and I looked at each other across the compartment for a long time. To be more specific, I was glaring and she was giving this sickeningly sweet smile that belonged to a five-year-old. I was trying to find a point to counter hers when the door opened. It was the usual trolley of snacks pushed along by a witch. Marika excitedly stared at the sweets before proceeding to buy as much as she could. If you ever needed the expression 'kid in a candy store,' it was now. Well, kid with a candy cart…

I watched as Marika filled the compartment with more food than any normal human being could possibly eat, picking out some of the things I wanted along the way. When she was done, the cart seemed to be almost empty. If Marika was good for anything, it was business. She paid and thanked the witch before settling down amongst her sweets. She picked up one of the Chocolate Frogs I was eyeing and tossed it to me.

I caught it and began to undo the wrapping before speaking. "Marika?"

"Yes, Ivy?" she replied, leaning and trying to see what card I got. I handed it over as soon as she gave me the puppy dog eyes; apparently it was one she didn't have.

"On our earlier topic… No chance in hell."

And then I bit off the frog's head.

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Three years down, four to go…

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I was looking forward to a nice, quiet summer.

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Now if only I could ever be so lucky.

End of Year Three