Chapter 33- A Convenient Detention

A/N: Thanks very much for the reviews of the last chapter! All the support is tremendous.

Hope you enjoy this chapter!

The next morning, Natalie awoke earlier than usual, feeling very energetic. Thankfully, the early sleep reinvigorated her, clearing her thoughts. She knew what she needed to do. After another long, shower, she dressed into her uniform, heading into the empty common room to wait for Hermione, Ron and possibly Harry.

She read ahead in her Transfiguration textbook for about half an hour before Hermione came down the staircase, plopping down on the armchair besides her.

"Awfully early, you woke up," said Hermione, rubbing her eyes.

"I went to sleep," said Natalie pointedly. "How was last night? What did Ron and you get up to?"

"Oh, it was nice I suppose," answered Hermione, unable to keep a blush from spreading across her cheeks.

"What happened?" asked Natalie sharply.

Hermione turned her eyes from Natalie. "You must have heard from the others. It was a bit awkward and slightly uncomfortable-

"What?" exclaimed Natalie, an aghast expression on her face.

Hermione looked in confusion at Natalie. "Why do you look so shocked?"

Natalie shook her head. "Hermione, I went to sleep early last night- nobody told me anything. What happened? You two didn't-

"No," said Hermione abruptly, the outlines of a sigh appearing on her face.

Natalie raised her eyebrows at Hermione. "Um, Hermione, are we talking about the same thing?"

Hermione narrowed her eyes at her. "We didn't kiss, if that is what you were asking," said Hermione slowly.

"Oh," said Natalie, suddenly feeling like an idiot.

"What were you thinking?" asked Hermione sharply.

Natalie clasped her fingers nervously. "You know, just strange thoughts."

Comprehension spread across Hermione's face. "Ron and I would never rush into things like that."

"I know," muttered Natalie, looking away from Hermione's indignant glare. "My mind's been off a bit I suppose."

Natalie turned her head to look curiously at Hermione, still noticing a pink colour on her cheeks. "Why did you blush then?"

"Um-m," stuttered Hermione, the blush reappearing. "We ended up talking for some time. We were so tired so we just um fell asleep together on-

"Ron's bed," finished Natalie, a smirk starting to form on her face. "And that's why you thought I knew. I bet his dormmates are having a ball with that."

Hermione cringed. "They all saw. Neville was kind enough to awaken us though."

Natalie laughed. "My goodness, wait till Lavender hears this. Maybe you should stay in the boys' dormitory tonight again. I'm sure Ron wouldn't mind."

"He was pretty nice about it," said Hermione, a pleased look on her flushed face. "He didn't seem to mind at all and we talked about so many things. He was really sorry about what Ginny said to me."

"He probably wanted to hex Neville for waking the two of you," teased Natalie. "But I told you Ron's much more sensitive than you think."

"Yes," said Hermione with a fond smile.

"Speak of the devil," muttered Natalie, motioning her head to the staircase. A very sleepy Ron was stumbling towards them with an apologetic expression on his face.

"Natalie, Hermione," greeted Ron, rubbing his eyes tiredly.

"Long night?" asked Natalie amusedly though her eyes could not help but wander to the staircase, looking for Harry.

"Oh, so you heard," stated Ron in annoyance. "Seamus and Dean have already taken the mickey out of me."

"I imagine they would," noted Natalie, her eyes fixed on the stairs. "Is Harry still there?"

Ron ran a hand through his hair, shuffling on his feet. "Um, he said he wasn't that hungry but he'll see us in Charms."

"Oh," said Natalie, her spirits dropping. She expected him to be distant with her, but the actual act nonetheless stung. "Hopefully, he'll be more receptive then."

"You need to talk with him," Hermione said sternly.

"Yes," mumbled Ron, yawning. "Shall we go then? I'm starving."

She and Hermione stood up from the settee, slinging their bags over their backs. Natalie glared at a few third year girls looking at her with smug expressions before they walked across the common room, stepping through the portrait hole.

As they made their way to the Great Hall, Hermione frowned at Ron. "Don't you have Friday mornings off?"

"And so does Harry," said Natalie, gazing at him in puzzlement. "Why would you get up so early? You usually choose to sleep in no matter how hungry you are."

Ron shrugged his shoulders though he looked embarrassed. "I was really hungry."

"Really?" said Natalie skeptically.

"Alright, fine," said Ron irritably. "I wanted to see how Hermione was doing. Apparently, Seamus and Dean mentioned to Parvati last night about Hermione being in our room so I wanted to make sure Lavender didn't come up to Hermione during breakfast."

"Oh Ron, you really didn't have to," said Hermione, looking as if she could kiss him right there.

Natalie tried to look the other way as Hermione gave Ron a half hug, wringing her arm through his arm

"It's very sweet, Ron," said Natalie once they had pulled apart.

"Ah, well, Lavender can get herself in a right state," said Ron happily, his chest puffed out and his face glowing. Natalie noticed that their arms remained intertwined.

Once they resumed their walk to the Great Hall, Natalie moved ahead of the other two, letting them enjoy the close contact and companionable silence. Since his breakup with Lavender, Ron and Hermione were displaying a much greater ease and affection in one another's presence. Their blushes were less pronounced, the awkward pauses much shorter and the averted gazes almost non-existent. Several moments, she found them catching each other's eyes, holding gazes for an extra second, sliding their hands together when they thought nobody was watching, and leaning against each other while Hermione read or Ron was playing chess. Natalie smiled to herself, thinking it was only a matter of time before they started letting their desires take control instead of hesitantly guiding themselves closer to one another.

They arrived at breakfast to find each table about half filled. Natalie looked up to the staff table, hoping to find Snape or at least Minerva, but neither of the two were there. She sighed. She would check Snape's office after breakfast and then likely the staff room which was relatively close to his office.

"What are you two talking about?" asked Natalie as they lowered themselves onto a bench at the end of the Gryffindor table closer to the staff table.

"I was telling Ron about my trip to France with my parents after third year," said Hermione brightly.

"We were talking about it last night," Ron explained, pouring himself a glass of pumpkin juice.

"Before you fell asleep," noted Natalie, winking at them. "By the way, Lavender and Parvati just arrived."

The two girls sat on the opposite end of the table with Lavender glaring daggers at Ron and Hermione.

"Keep your wand ready Hermione," said Natalie, biting back a laugh. "She means business."

"Honestly," muttered Hermione, buttering a slice of toast.

"It's not that funny," said Ron casually, dishing two eggs and a large heaping of sausages onto his plate. Natalie noticed him position his back so that he shielded Hermione from Lavender.

"Maybe not to you," said Natalie, grinning. "You know, Lavender's not going to try to hex Hermione in the middle of the breakfast with teachers around."

"Natalie, can you just keep quiet?" said Hermione dispassionately, smiling at Ron.

"Bill reckons he wants to live in France eventually with Fleur," said Ron, waving off Natalie with his free hand.

"I don't blame him," said Hermione dreamily.

Natalie poured herself a cup of coffee, dishing some scrambled eggs onto her plate. Not bothering to join in the excited conversation across from her, she considered how she would convince or more likely, force Snape to punish Malfoy. She did not think Snape would budge much, but a few penetrating and revealing remarks might change his attitude. And if he refused to listen to her which seemed a distinct possibility, she could always go to Minerva.

After she quickly ate her eggs and drank her coffee, Natalie lifted herself from the bench. "I'm going to see McGonagall to see if there's a letter for me," said Natalie quietly. She did not want to tell Hermione or Ron yet about confronting Snape for Hermione would chastise her and Ron might offer to come. His presence would definitely annoy Snape further.

Ron nodded, his gaze remaining fixated on Hermione. "I'll see you in Charms."

Hermione's eyes flickered to Natalie in concern. "Remember about-

"Harry," completed Natalie tiredly. "Yes Hermione, I know. I'll see you in Arithmancy."

Giving Hermione a mischievous grin, she exited the Great Hall, walking quickly towards Snape's office. She knocked on the door resolutely a few times, waiting with her arms crossed for him to open the door. After deciding that he may not be in the office, she moved to the staff room nearby.

When she knocked on that door, a curious Professor Sprout opened the door. "Miss Malkae, why are you here?"

"Good morning, Professor. Is Professor Snape here?" said Natalie politely, trying to look past Sprout.

Sprout nodded, narrowing her eyes at her. "Severus, there is a student who wants to talk to you."

Snape suddenly appeared into view. The image of an oversized bat filled Natalie's head.

"Miss Malkae," drawled Snape, his eyes resting on her as he stepped outside into the corridor, closing the door to the staff room. "What do you want?"

Natalie composed herself, taking a deep breath. "About what happened to Draco Malfoy yesterday," began Natalie. "I believe-

"Has Potter sent you?" scowled Snape. "To protest against the unjust punishment inflicted upon him? To lament about Gryffindor's lowly chances in the Quidditch cup? Then I believe you are wasting your precious time. Unlike every other teacher in this school, I do not bow to the Chosen One's demands."

Natalie 's expression remained impassive. She had anticipated the biting sarcasm and harsh tone. "Actually no, he does not know," stated Natalie coolly. "I happen to agree with the punishment you assigned him. Harry deserves to miss the Quidditch match tomorrow."

Snape looked momentarily taken aback at Natalie's declaration before he rapidly composed himself, his eyes flashing. "Miss Malkae, I do not take well to flattery."

"I would not try to flatter you," said Natalie, staring into Snape's black eyes. "The reason I wanted to talk to you is that before Harry cursed Malfoy, Malfoy tried to use the Cruciatus curse on him. And yet Malfoy remains unpunished. Do you not think this is unfair?"

Snape sneered at her. "Obviously, Potter has fed you some story about how he was the victim in this case when it is Mr. Malfoy's blood that was spread all over the girl's bathroom."

"So you weren't aware?" asked Natalie innocently.

"Please do not play this game with me," snapped Snape.

"It was merely a question," said Natalie with a shrug. "But if you do not believe me, we can always ask Moaning Myrtle, can we not?"

"Thirty points from Gryffindor!" said Snape angrily. "I will not take such cheek. Unless you want a detention, I suggest you head off to class immediately."

"Malfoy's a Death Eater, Professor and you know it," said Natalie sharply.

"How dare you make such an accusation?" hissed Snape, his face twisted into an furious sneer. "Another twenty points from Gryffindor."

"His left arm was conveniently covered when we saw him in the hospital wing," said Natalie vehemently, not backing down. "I'm willing to bet a few galleons that he was quickly moved to the Slytherin dormitories so that Madam Pomfrey would not see."

"If we told another Professor or let's say an Auror," continued Natalie, coldly staring at Snape. "that Malfoy is a Death Eater who tried to use an Unforgivable on another student, he would be sent straight to Azkhaban."

"As should Potter after the curse I saw him use," said Snape in a deadly, low voice.

"But even if the Ministry knew what Harry did, they wouldn't send him there because they do bow down to the demands of the Chosen One," said Natalie calmly. "It's wrong but the reality is no one would hesitate in sending Malfoy to Azkhaban if they knew what he did."

"Do not make threats to me! This is absolutely disgraceful behavior," spat Snape venomously. "You will be joining your boyfriend for detention on Saturday. And another forty points from Gryffindor. I will be taking you to the Headmaster."

"No, you will not," retorted Natalie. "Or I will make sure I tell the other Professors. Maybe the curse didn't hit Harry but Malfoy deserves detention as well."

"Miss Malkae, what is happening here?" said a familiarly sharp, severe voice. "Why did Professor Snape try to grab you? And why are you speaking to him in such a raised voice?"

Natalie breathed in relief. If Snape took her to Dumbledore, she feared the Headmaster would be very reluctant to overrule one of the most trusted and important members of the Order, simply to ensure a fair assignment of punishments occurred.

"Ah, Minerva," drawled Snape, fixing his eyes on the Transfiguration Professor. "I have had the displeasure to deal with threats from allegedly one of your brightest and best students."

"Is this true?" said Minerva, stepping forward to stare in disapproval at Natalie.

"I never threatened you at all!" exclaimed Natalie. "I just complained that you punished Harry for using a Dark Curse but you never even thought to reprimand Malfoy for attempting to cast the Cruciatus curse on Harry."

"Miss Malkae, you cannot talk to a teacher like that. Ten points from Gryffindor," admonished Minerva. She turned to Snape with a noticeable frown. "Is this true, Severus, about Mr. Malfoy trying to use an Unforgivable on another student?'

"It's utter nonsense," leered Snape, glaring at Natalie.

"Why would have Harry resorted to such a curse?" said Natalie defensively. "We can ask Moaning Myrtle. She was a witness there."

"Please watch your tone, Miss Malkae," said Minerva sternly. "Mr. Potter told you that Mr. Malfoy attempted to cast the Cruciatus?"

"Yes," said Natalie, raising her eyebrows. Surely, Minerva would at least give her a chance to explain herself. "We can go to Moaning Myrtle right now."

"And Severus, have you spoken to Myrtle about the duel?" asked Minerva, looking curiously at the somber looking man.

"The manner in she reacted to Potter led me to believe that he was the only to use a curse," said Snape silkily. "There was no duel."

"You did not speak to Myrtle then," concluded Minerva with a frown. "Very well, I will approach her-

"Why not now?" asked Natalie. "I can go with you and there's still about 20 minutes till classes start. The Arithmancy classroom is close to that bathroom, anyway."

"This is not some mystery for Potter and his friends to unravel," said Snape mockingly.

"Severus, please do not talk in that manner to Miss Malkae," Minerva adominished. She looked at Natalie thoughtfully, the disapproval in her eyes departing. "Fine, Myrtle may be more receptive to students-

"Surely, Mineva, you are not believing this story. It's evidently a fictitious tale that Potter and his friends-

"Severus," interjected Minerva, fixing him with her hardest stare. "you of all people should understand that as a Head of House, I have an obligation to thoroughly investigate any incident in which harm is suspected to have been inflicted on my students or in this case, intended to be inflicted."

"Why not go to the Headmaster?" suggested Snape, gritting his teeth.

"There is no need and Albus is very tired after his venture last night," answered Minerva. "I am certain a few questions with Moaning Myrtle will settle this dispute."

"Are we going then?" asked Natalie hopefully.

Minerva nodded at Natalie. "Lead the way, Miss Malkae."

The three of them climbed up the staircase to the seventh floor, passing several groups of curious students. Once they reached the door to Myrtle's bathroom, Natalie cautiously stepped in.

"Myrtle," said Natalie gently. "Are you here?"

A loud, whooshing sound could be heard as Myrtle appeared in front of them. "What do you want?" said Myrtle suspiciously. "You're Harry Potter's girlfriend, are you not?"

Natalie winced. "Yes I am. We have a few questions about what happened to Harry and the blond haired boy, Draco Malfoy, yesterday."

"It was horrible," cried Myrtle dramatically, swishing back and forth over their heads. "That awful Harry Potter just came in, not caring at all for poor Draco. And then-

"What did Draco do?" asked Natalie.

"DO NOT INTERRUPT ME!" screamed Myrtle.

"Myrtle, behave yourself," commanded Minerva.

"Oh, Minerva, it's you," said Myrtle curiously, moving over to her so she was only a few inches from Minerva's face. "It must be so nice to be alive."

"We are very sorry about what happened to you," said Natalie sympathetically.

"They all say that but none of them mean it," hissed Myrtle, tears suddenly cascading from her eyes. "Minerva, I always thought you were so kind but you were friends with Olive Hornby!"

Snape smirked, crossing his arms against his chest. "Clearly, this conversation is utterly futile."

"Who asked you?" Myrtle hissed, swooshing over Snape who swatted at her. "You're exactly like those boys who used to tease me. 'Oh Myrtle, you're ugly, stupid and useless, nobody likes you, why do we care what you say?" She then flew into one of her stalls, the cries becoming higher pitched and the tears flowing into the toilet.

Minerva cleared her throat, a slightly nervous expression on her face. "I stopped talking to Olive after you died."

Natalie gaped at a bemused Minerva while Snape raised his eyebrows in annoyance.

Myrtle emerged from one of the stalls, stopping a few feet from Minerva. "You did?"

"Yes," said Minerva more firmly. "The way she treated you was unacceptable."

"It was," agreed Myrtle, wiping her eyes but still looking at Minerva suspiciously. "You don't talk to her?"

"Not since Hogwarts," answered Minerva, a sad smile on her face. "I never knew she was so cruel to you."

"You should have known," said Myrtle, her eyes brimming with tears once again. "But we never talked so I shouldn't expect you to know. What do you want then, Minerva?"

Natalie realized with a whooping sensation that Minerva managed to ingratiate herself with Myrtle through the apparently sincere apology.

Minerva gave Myrtle a sad smile. "Thank you, Myrtle. We need to know whether Draco Malfoy tried to cast a Dark Curse on Harry Potter before Potter hit him with his curse."

"What will happen to Draco if he did do that?" Myrtle asked in concern.

Natalie had to refrain herself from smirking in triumph at Snape whose smirk had quickly evaporated.

"Oh nothing bad," said Minerva calmly. "He will receive detention but we will not tell the Aurors or the Ministry.

"Oh good!" exclaimed Myrtle. "If Harry Potter can get away with near murder, then Draco should not be punished."

"He tried to use a Dark Curse then?" posed Minerva. "The Cruciatus Curse?"

Myrtle considered Minerva for a moment before sighing. "Yes."

"This is absolute rubbish," muttered Snape, pacing around the room. "How do we know she is not lying?"

"How dare you!" shrieked Myrtle, once again zooming towards Snape who tried to avoid her but instead slipped, falling on the floor. Natalie bit back a laugh.

"Myrtle would not lie about something like this," said Minerva, glaring at Snape. "From what I can see, she genuinely cares for Mr. Malfoy. And Severus, please do not be so condescending to someone who is obviously trying to help."

Turning to Myrtle with a kind smile, Minerva said, "Then he did initiate the duel by trying to cast the Cruciatus? What Mr. Potter did is far worse but I need to know about Mr. Malfoy to ensure he at least receives a punishment for casting the first spell."

"Yes, he started it though it was all that horrible Harry Potter's fault for coming in. He has never come here in four years," cried Myrtle, her eyes turning red. "And then when he does, it's to spy on poor Draco."

"I will undoubtedly be having a talk with Mr. Potter," stated Minerva severely. "Very well, Myrtle. Thank you."

Myrtle looked rather pleased with herself as she exited with a loud whoosh, zooming through an irate Snape and into the nearby wall.

Minerva gave Snape a hard, disapproving stare. "Severus, I have to say I am disappointed with your lack of investigation into this incident-

"I miscalculated the situation," muttered Snape, not showing any remorse. "Let me punish Draco."

"You have not already," said Minerva with a fierce scowl. "And he attempted to harm one of my students so I will take the responsibility of punishing him. 40 points from Slytherin and a week's worth of detention with me starting from Monday."

"Potter was never hit with the curse-

"Severus!" exclaimed Minerva, stepping towards him with a livid expression on her face. "Young Mr. Malfoy intended to use the Cruciatus on another student. You are aware of the pain a Cruciatus curse causes, are you not?"

Snape turned his head from Minerva's penetrating gaze. "Of course, I am aware."

"Then you'd understand why Mr. Malfoy cannot remain unpunished."

Snape, his head still turned from Minerva, gave a low bow of his head. "I will inform Mr. Malfoy of his punishment."

"Thank you Severus," said Minerva. "I would also advise you to recommend to Mr. Malfoy that he be much more careful with the magic he tries to use."

"As would I with Potter," hissed Snape scathingly. He glared angrily at Natalie. "Miss Malkae will however still be serving detention on Saturday during the Quidditch match. Her tone with me was unacceptable."

"I was defending Harry," Natalie protested crossly.

Minerva sighed. "As much as I applaud Miss Malkae for her intention to ensure a fair allocation of punishment was achieved, approaching and talking to a teacher with such aggression is not tolerated. Professor Snape, in this case, has full discretion over the punishment."

Natalie gritted her teeth, looking at Minerva intently. When her friend did not relent under her pleading look, she nodded. "I am sorry Professor Snape for speaking to you in such a rude manner."

"How sincere," drawled Snape, a nasty smirk on his face. "I am certain you and your boyfriend will enjoy the time together. I imagine it will conjure memories of Potter and Black in their heyday."

"Please do not speak ill of the dead, Severus," admonished Minerva coldly.

Snape looked as if he wanted to reply to Minerva, but instead, he gave her another low bow of his head before sweeping out of the room.

"Thank you, Minerva," said Natalie softly, a smile breaking out on her face.

"Let's leave. You must be on time for class," stated Minerva matter of factly. "I am sorry for Severus' behavior but that does not justify the way I heard you talking to him."

"I know it does not," replied Natalie sheepishly as they exited the bathroom. "I know he's completely loyal and I'm grateful to him for saving my life, but the way he blatantly favors Slytherins gets on my nerves."

"It has been a problem with him much more than it was with Horace," Minerva acknowledged. "Nevertheless, Mr. Malfoy's actions also do not make Mr. Potter's use of such a Dark Curse any more acceptable."

"Of course," Natalie replied, her tone insistent. "Using on that curse was completely foolish and dangerous on Harry's part."

"Very well," said Minerva, a small smile on her face as they descended the staircase. "I believe the Arithmancy classroom is on the 6th floor so I will leave you now."

"Thanks again," said Natalie, a cheeky grin spreading across her features. "The way you talked to Myrtle was brilliant by the way!"

Minerva's lips were twitched. "The apology was genuine though I confess that I did not expect her to take such an immediate liking to me."

"You are a very likeable person despite what you think," teased Natalie. She nodded at a bemused Minera before striding away from the staircase and along the corridor to the Arithmancy classroom.

Following a typical Arithmancy class in which they worked on the newest set of increasingly different yet very fascinating problems, Natalie arrived in Charms with Hermione, hoping Harry's spirits had improved. Hermione ensured that they occupied alternate seats at their usual Charms table so that either seat Harry took would be next to Natalie.

When Ron and Harry stepped into the classroom along with most of the students who did not have class in the morning, Ron eagerly took the seat between Hermione and Natalie. Harry, however, seemed to be looking everywhere except at Natalie. He rolled his eyes at Hermione's explicit motion of her eyes towards Natalie and gave Ron an surly scowl before walking past Natalie, appearing to choose to sit at the table next to them with Neville, Dean and Seamus. However, he then abruptly turned around and plopped on the chair next to Natalie.

"Don't look so pleased," Ron muttered to Hermione. "Harry looks right pissed."

Natalie could not be in stronger agreement with Ron. Harry gripped the edges of the desk. The veins in his arms were unnervingly visible and his eyes remained fixed firmly on the chalkboard.

"Harry?" Natalie whispered, wandering whether she should try to touch him.

Harry slid his chair further away from her. His hands clutched the desk even more tightly.

"Oh fine, you're not going to swat me away so easily," muttered Natalie in irritation as Flitwick bounced energetically to the front of the class to start the lesson.

The lesson proceeded in a long, frustrating manner. They practiced an advanced version of the Engorgement charm, using practice mice. Harry never glanced at her. When Flitwick suggested he look to Natalie for the proper wand movement, Harry nodded before standing up from his chair to watch Hermione cast the charm.

To Natalie's annoyance, Parvati and Lavender, at the table in front of them, kept shooting her inquisitive looks. She surmised that their intense chatter had nothing to do with the Engorgement charm. In fact, most of the class seemed to have noticed the sudden coldness between Harry and Natalie. By the end of the class, Natalie was ready to snap at the next uneasy, curious expression she saw.

Once Flitwick signaled for the end of class, Natalie stood up as quickly as Harry, following him in a frantic pace out of the door. She would not let him evade her so easily.

Once he turned another corner and they were far ahead of the rest of the students, Natalie reached out to grab his arm.

Harry tried to pull away. "What?" he hissed, not looking at her.

"We need to talk, Harry," Natalie said calmly. "Avoiding me won't do anything."

"I do not fancy another chat about how people tend to get killed because of me," snapped Harry, jerking his arm forcefully from her grip. "Not now, Natalie."

Harry moved away from her at almost a running pace, leaving a stunned Natalie. She exhaled loudly, walking slowly down the staircase to the Great Hall for lunch.

The rest of the day proceeded in the same slow, irritating pace for Natalie. In Potions, Harry ensured that he arrived first with Ron so that Ron could take the nearest seat and prevent Natalie from sitting next to him. He sat with Ginny at supper, chatting amicably with her and ignoring Hermione's frequent pleas to join the three of them. And somehow, in the evening, he managed to book Quidditch practice right until the time of curfew.

Concluding that Harry would not talk to her despite how apologetic she as, Natalie spent most of the evening in the library with Hermione, away from the chatter surrounding her and Harry in the common room.

The next morning, Natalie awoke very early once again. She decided to eat an early breakfast before her detention, but remembered with a pang of guilt that she had not told Hermione or Ron about her confrontation with Snape.

When she met Hermione in the common room, Natalie pulled her aside, silently casting Muffliato.

"What?" muttered Hermione who was still annoyed at Natalie for not trying to talk to Harry during the previous evening.

She relayed her conversation with Snape, Minerva's interruption and their questioning of Myrtle. By the end, Hermione was very angry that Snape had not chosen to punish Malfoy, fully agreeing with Natalie's confrontation but warned her about being too aggressive with the teacher.

"You sound like Minerva," said Natalie amusedly after Hermione reprimanded her for adopting such a harsh a stance against a teacher. "It's not like I don't respect him. He just needs to know when he's being too unfair."

"Still, you can't make accusations against Malfoy like that," Hermione insisted. "And you effectively accused Snape of hiding the Dark Mark on Malfoy's arm, if there is a Dark Mark."

"Seeing as that part of his arm was covered, away from the rest of his injuries, I think it's safe to say it was the Dark Mark. I think Snape should know that we also keep a close eye on him."

"Be careful," warned Hermione. "Anyway, you should tell Harry-

"No," said Natalie ardently. "I don't need any sympathy from him. If he's going to talk with me, it's because he wants to address what I said."

"Anyway," Natalie added. "I will be seeing him in detention with Snape."

"Fine," said Hermione with a resigned nod of her head. "Are we going to breakfast early? I think Ron's still asleep."

"I will have breakfast," said Natalie. "I'd rather not eat with the Gryffindor Quidditch team who all seem to be on a warpath with me."

"I suppose I'll eat with you," said Hermione as they left the common room.

"Can you tell Ron about my detention? And tell him good luck if I don't see him," said Natalie.

"Of course," replied Hermione, rubbing at her eyes. "You know maybe if you just talked to Harry during-

"With Snape there?" said Natalie sarcastically.

"You need to talk soon," Hermione said firmly.

"I will try," conceded Natalie. "If he shoves me away, there's nothing I can do. It takes two to talk, I hope you realize that."

"Of course I do," retorted Hermione.

Following a hefty breakfast, Natalie accompanied Hermione back to the common room. Hermione wanted to accompany Ron for breakfast to make sure his nerves were fine.

"I'm sure he'll be ok," Natalie said encouragingly as they approached the portrait hole. "Surely you two must have talked about the match?"

Hermione blushed. "Not really, in fact. He's really interested in what I do at home with my parents."

"Oh," said Natalie, taken aback. "That's a surprise. Well, I suppose your calming presence will have a good effect. A nice peck on the cheek will be a nice boost I imagine."

Natalie laughed at the stricken expression on Hermione's before they said the password to the Fat Lady and entered the common room. Once they entered, they walked to the corner where the Gryffindor Quidditch team was huddled. Ron noticed them and he waved them to a nearby settee.

"Not too nervous I hope?" said Natalie, grinning at him.

"Demelza reckons the Ravenclaw chasers have improved quite a bit," said Ron, fidgeting with his hands.

Hermione placed a hand on his back. "You'll do fine Ron. You've won a Quidditch cup and not to mention you were fabulous against Slytherin."

Natalie smiled at the way Ron's face first blushed and then visibly relaxed.

"I was a git then though," said Ron, frowning.

"I don't think it matters if you were a git," Natalie quipped. She glanced at her watch, seeing that it was fifteen minutes to ten. "Harry's gone to Snape then?"

"Yeah," said Ron. "Gave us one hell of a speech though- I think this whole Malfoy thing really has galvanized team spirit."

"I expect it would," noted Hermione, the disapproval showing in her voice.

"Anyway, I have to go. Good luck with your match Ron! I'm sure you'll do well," said Natalie, trying to appear as cheerful as she could. She gave Ron a tight hug and clapped him on the back.

"What?" said Ron in confusion. "You aren't coming to the match?"

"I have detention with Snape," said Natalie with a casual shrug of her shoulders. "I got into an argument with him yesterday and he decided to give me detention for my cheek. Hermione can fill you on the details."

With one last warm smile at Ron, she winked at Hermione's scowl before turning around and headed out of the common room.

Once Natalie reached the corridor leading to Snape's classroom, she noticed Harry leaning against the wall opposite the door to the classroom. Natalie's stomach instantly twisted itself into tight knots as she made her way to Harry. Surprisingly, Harry did not turn his back away from her once he spotted her nor did he scowl or narrow his eyes at her appearance. Instead, he appeared to be waiting for her.

"Harry," greeted Natalie, giving him a feeble smile. She leaned against the wall, adjacent to him, only a few feet away. To her relief, he did not shuffle away from her.

"Natalie," acknowledged Harry, not unpleasantly but also not warmly.

Harry placed his hands in his pockets, swaying from side to side. His eyes flickered between her and Snape's door. Natalie recognized these actions as definite signs of nervousness from him, but she did not know what could trigger this anxiety.

"You seem a bit edgy?" Natalie asked hesitantly.

Harry laughed, lifting Natalie's spirits. "You know me so well."

Before Natalie could respond, Harry cleared his throat. "Er Natalie I heard about you going to Snape yesterday to complain about Malfoy not getting punished. Apparently, he is going to get detention and points taken away so-

"How do you know?" Natalie asked sharply.

"McGonagall came to tell me yesterday after Quiddtich practice," said Harry, his gaze now remaining focused on Natalie. "She wanted to apologize for not looking into the duel more closely. Anyway, Natalie, thank you for putting your neck out there for me. I really appreciate it and I'm sorry you got detention partly because of my stupidity."

"I didn't want you to know," said Natalie abruptly, but she could not help but feel a surge of gratitude towards Minerva. "I don't mind the detention Harry. Leaving Malfoy unpunished would have been unfair to you."

"Still thank you," said Harry, his lips curving into a genuine smile. "It takes a lot of mettle to stand up to Snape."

Natalie gave a shaky laugh at their forced conversation and the way they were both tiptoeing around the encounter at the center of their minds. "Gosh, this is awkward Harry."

Harry laughed. It was a deep, reverberating laugh that made Natalie's heartbeat race. "You are right." His tone became more serious. "We should talk."

"Yes," said Natalie, her own enthusiasm bursting through.

"After detention?" posed Harry. "I don't fancy Snape interrupting us."

"Don't you want to know the result of the match and the house cup?"

"Yes, but this is more important," replied Harry without a trace of hesitation.

Natalie smiled warmly at him, walking closer to place her hand on his arm. "Yes, thank you Harry."

The door to the classroom jerked open loudly, causing both of the to jump in alarm. "Ah, such a tender moment," drawled Snape, striding out of the classroom. "I am very sorry to interrupt but although the two of you seem to have abysmal memories, there are detentions to be had."

"No, we didn't forget, sir," Harry said through gritted teeth.

"Potter, do no attempt to amuse me with that obnoxious mouth. 10 points from Gryffindor. Now, I've decided for tonight to estrange the two lovers; Potter, you will be serving detention with myself while Miss Malkae will have the undoubtedly pleasant experience of washing toilet bowels in the girl's bathroom under the supervision of Mr. Filch."

"Oh, joy," Natalie said under her breath.

"What was that, Miss Malkae?" Snape asked scathingly. "Another five points from Gryffindor for cheek. And here comes, Mr. Filch to break this lovely partnership."

Filch appeared immediatley from the near end of the corridor. Mrs. Norris prowled ahead of him, hissing at them.

"These are the two brats then?" sneered Filch, looking at them in undisguised glee.

"Yes, Argus," said Snape silkily. "I will be taking Potter for his detention while you have the honor of watching Miss Malkae."

"The toilet bowels are plenty dirty on the second floor," said Filch, grinning toothily at Natalie.

Snape seemed to wait for a moment for Natalie to mutter a sharp retort before continuing. "Very well. Shall we start then? Mr. Potter, into my classroom please. Do not worry-there are silencing charms placed on the windows. I would not want you to feel distracted by the Quidditch match."

"Wait for me outside this classroom," Harry whispered before marching into the classroom ahead of Snape.

"Potter, I said to come with me," hissed Snape, following Harry and looking like he wanted to cuff the boy. "And not to whisper some barbaric innuendo into your girlfriend's ear."

"I say hang them by their hands," said Filch loudly. "Never had any trouble from the brats in the old days. Let's go, you little rascal. We should not keep my dear Mrs. Norris waiting."

Seeing the disdainful look the cat shot her, Natalie desperately wanted to give it a solid kick in the behind, but controlled herself, walking ahead of the caretaker to the staircase.

As expected, Natalie's detention turned out to be very disgusting and extremely infuriating. Filch did not hold back in his taunts and poorly conducted verbal assaults. Many times, Natalie had to bite her lip to prevent herself from uttering a cheeky reply, reminding herself that the caretaker wanted her to talk back to him. Mrs. Norris was even more aggravating through her frequent hisses at Natalie when she paused to have a rest and the way she suddenly appeared in front of Natalie, the eyes narrowed suspiciously at her. Whenever Natalie glared menacingly at the cat, Filch arrived instantatenously behind her with an angry reprimand. She briefly wondered whether the two did have a telepathic relationship. The idea of Filch and the cat having a relationship brought out a much more intense surge of nausea than the toilet bowels.

After Filch inspected each toilet bowel five times, he grudgingly relieved her of the detention, warning her that next time she would be making a trip to the Forbidden Forest. Before Natalie could let her temper ignite itself, she almost sprinted out of the bathroom, heading for Snape's classroom. During the detention, she had been too occupied with ignoring Filch's insults to consider her meeting with Harry. Tingles of pleasure raced down her spine in the matter of fact way he branded their talk as having more importance than Quidditch, but then she wondered whether his persistence to talk with her may stem more from anger than a need to reconciliate.

Harry stood a few feet away from Snape's door. As soon as he saw her, he walked to her.

"Sorry," Natalie breathed, panting. "Filch kept me pretty late."

Harry shrugged his shoulders. "It's fine. I only came out about ten minutes ago. Let's go to a classroom on the floor below- I think Snape might just inspect a classroom here."

"Knowing him he probably would," said Natalie, not knowing whether Harry seemed cool or welcoming towards her. "Did you hear about the result of the Quidditch match?"

"No," said Harry darkly. "Did you?"

"No and I didn't see any of the students entering. It looks like Snape picked locations far away from any of the common rooms for that reason." Natalie answered. Her stomach churned in apprehension at the scowl on Harry's face. "Listen Harry, if you want to find-

"No," said Harry firmly. "We need to talk about what we said to each other."

Natalie nodded, smiling at the determination in Harry's voice. They descended the staircase, entering the nearest classroom they found. Natalie locked the door and placed a Silencing charm on it.

"Not using Muffliato," said Harry with a grim smile.

"No, I figured it would be poor tact," said Natalie cautiously.

"It would."

An awkward pause unraveled itself between them. Harry pulled out a chair, sitting down on it while Natalie lifted herself onto the desk facing him. A multitude of possible statements ran through her head, but all of them appeared to be either too direct or too tentative. With both of them wringing their hands and staring at the other in a mixture of confusion and apprehension, the pause stretched itself into a very tense moment.

When Natalie decided the silence was doing nothing for her nerves, Harry spoke before she could find her voice. "Listen, I should be the one to apologize first since I started with the bad comments-

"No," said Natalie, a bit too aggressively. "What I said hurt the most. I'm not going to beat around the bush but I'm very sorry Harry. I never meant for you to interpret my remark as a declaration that you were to blame for Sirius' death."

"It was easy to interpret it that way," said Harry neutrally. Natalie was beginning to find the lack of emotion in his tone very agitating.

"Yes it was," agreed Natalie. "That was because of my own stupidity, but I do not place any of the blame for Sirius' death on you."

"Then why say it?" said Harry coldly, a sliver of emotion finally crawling into his voice.

Natalie sighed, not knowing what to say. After a brief pause, she decided to be completely honest with Harry. "I wanted to get my point across to you-

"That I don't listen to anyone else but only trust my 'bloody instincts'," interjected Harry, his face reddening.

"Harry, will you let me finish?" said Natalie, her voice rising. "I didn't mean to phrase it that way-

"Just like you didn't mean to accuse me about Sirius," snapped Harry.

"Harry!" said Natalie indignantly. "If we're both going to snap at each other, we're not getting anywhere. Please hear me out and then if you're angry, you can say whatever you want."

Harry's eyes narrowed. He crossed his arms against his chest, sliding his chair backwards.

Natalie deemed that he had chosen to listen to her side of the story first.

She inhaled loudly before continuing. "When I heard about the incident with Malfoy, I was so angry at you because you'd gone against my wishes and advice by specifically following Malfoy and then using the Prince's curse. I realize now that maybe I was too harsh and the Prince's curse was the first thing that came to mind when you realized Malfoy was casting an Unforgivable at you. Nevertheless, you should not have been there in the bathroom. Harry, it just seemed like you'd completely disregarded my opinion and call me childish, but I feared that you never paid serious attention to anything I've told-

"That's not true," Harry interrupted forcefully. "I really take everything you say seriously. Oh sorry about cutting you off."

Natalie smiled at him, a wave of relief rolling over her. "No it's fine, you can continue."

Harry nodded. "The Malfoy thing became an obsession. I still think he's up to something but I should have not taken up to planning my days around catching him red handed. I heard what you and Hermione were saying and I told myself to listen to you two. It's just I was so convinced he was planning something dangerous for Voldemort."

"He might still be," Natalie said calmly. "But as I've told you, Dumbledore must know about it and has the situation under control. However, I'll admit that I was wrong about him. He is likely a Death Eater- in the Hospital wing, when we saw his body, a part of his left arm was covered. And as we heard at Christmas, he has definitely been given a task by Voldemort. You are justified in wanting to stop him but you can't let it consume you."

"I know the consequences," stated Harry with a sad smile. "As much as I hate the git, I would never want to see him die at my hands or for that matter, I wouldn't want to see him die at all."

"I thought as much," said Natalie, smiling at him. "Anyway, can I continue?"

"Yes."

Natalie breathed again, composing herself. "Well I was so angry at you basically because I thought you did not respect me-it was foolish and selfish I know. I guess then, the point I wanted to make is that you need to not listen and do what Hermione, Ron or I say but consider our advice seriously. I know you do but show us, Harry. At times, it seems like you're in your own world and we're intruding."

"I do pay attention to you guys," Harry replied earnestly. "Malfoy was the exception; I just couldn't stop wanting to catch him."

"Remember we're here Harry and we want to help," said Natalie.

Harry frowned. "With everything about Voldemort, I suppose I get caught up in my worries and end up ignoring you guys. But I do hear and consider what you're saying."

"Anyone in your situation would feel that type of pressure. You deserve to have those worries," said Natalie sympathetically. "However, Harry, we need to know that you want our help; we're not mind readers."

"I do need you guys," stated Harry solemly. "I will try to give you three more of my attention."

"So," continued Harry, looking at her intently. "you don't think that I rely on my instincts too much?"

"Your instincts are great and have saved lots of people's lives," said Natalie. "Sometimes, though, they will be wrong and it's up to you to decide whether you reign in your instincts based on the advice of another person. Either way, all of us will be firmly by your side."

"When I said it's just 'you and your bloody instincts', I let my own anger take over me and I basically worded the phrase that would hurt and infuriate you the most," Natalie explained, clasping her hands nervously.

"The phrase did what you intended," said Harry flatly.

"I never meant it that way," said Natalie softly, trying to keep her tone from becoming pleading. "I just wanted you to show us- Hermione, Ron and I- that you valued our opinion."

Harry gazed at her for a painstakingly long moment before sighing. "I understand what you're saying. In fact, I had the same intentions behind my comments."

"We were both pretty mean to one another," said Natalie. "And about Sirius, the words came out of my mouth. At that point, I was so angry about the way I felt you disregarded my advice about Malfoy and the Prince and so intent on wanting for you to listen me that I inadvertently picked the one comment that would hurt and agitate you the most. Blaming you for his death was inexcusable. I understand if you're still very angry with me."

"I am angry and hurt," Harry admitted but he held Natalie's hesitant gaze. His green eyes were as bright and clear as Natalie had ever seen them. "But I understand you. I know you did not mean it."

"Thank you, Harry," whispered Natalie, a rich ebullience spreading through her.

"I still blame myself for his death," Harry muttered more to himself than Natalie.

"It was not your fault," said Natalie severely, sliding off the desk and holding his hands. "This was completely different than with Malfoy. You listened to Hermione and you asked Kreacher. He was the one who lied and my mother was the one who killed Sirius."

"It doesn't matter to me Natalie!" exclaimed Harry in frustration. He began to tremble under her grip. "If I asked Kreacher to call Sirius, I would have seen him and he would be alive. If I'd used the mirror to find Sirius, he'd be alive. If I had not decided to go to the Ministry, he would be alive. If I listened to Hermione and taken Snape's lessons seriously, I would have blocked off Voldemort and Sirius would still be alive. I may have not been the one who betrayed him or murdered him but I was the reason he was there Natalie! That you cannot deny! I will always feel responsible for his death!"

Natalie moved her arms around his waist, pulling him tightly against her. "Yes, Harry, the guilt will be there but you can't let it consume you. You don't think I feel bad for my father's death? If my mother had never become pregnant with me, he would be living right now with a proper family and a decent job."

"That's different," Harry mumbled. "You had no control over the situation. You were only a baby."

"My birth caused his death. She didn't kill him after they slept with each other," Natalie said quietly.

Harry wrapped his hands around Natalie. She felt his body slide more snugly against her.

"Yes I had little control over his death," continued Natalie. "And so did you Harry over Sirius.

"Natalie, no, I did," Harry said, his eyes glistening.

"You took the necessary precaution- you called Kreacher. Did you have any control about his allegiance to the Malfoys and my mother? Could you hold back Voldemort, a master Legilemens, who was set on planting that memory in your thoughts? Could you lessen Snape's resentment for your father and help him teach you properly? Could you stop Sirius from coming to the Ministry? Could you do all of those things, Harry?"

Harry stiffened against her. "Well, Natalie, the way you put it-

"Harry, the answer is no," Natalie stated firmly, pulling her head back. She cradled his cheeks in her hands, looking straight into his eyes. "None of those things were in your control and they were all factors leading to Sirius' death. So though you may have had a part in his murder, you do not take most of the blame and in fact, I'd say you take very little of the blame."

They stared at each other for a few moments. Natalie softly rubbed his cheeks, maintaining her penetrating, fierce gaze into his very agitated but slightly thoughtful eyes. She wanted him to understand her reasoning, wanted to relieve him some of his burden and most importantly, wanted him to come to terms with his godfather's murder.

She suddenly remembered the night in the Room of Requirement in which Harry comforted and soothed her. And with a surprising prescience, she knew exactly what would happen. Tears started to pour from Harry's very shiny eyes. He hung onto her more tightly, pressing his entire weight against her body and burying his head in her hair. She staggered back onto her desk, gripping and holding him with all her strength. His body shuddered, the sobs emerging with each shudder. The tears flowed into her hair, but Natalie did not mind at all. She stroked his head, letting her chin drop onto his shoulder.

"I'm sorry Natalie," Harry whispered in between sobs. "I just miss him so much."

"I know, Harry," whispered Natalie into his ear. She kissed the side of his cheek, letting her lips linger for an extra second.

They stood in the same position for a long time. She had never seen Harry cry nor seen him so sad, but Natalie knew he needed this release. She surmised that after learning of the gravity of the prophecy, he never had the opportunity to fully express all his sadness, guilt and anger about Sirius.

Once Harry released himself from her, he attempted to wipe his tears away in embarrassment, but Natalie brushed the tears herself.

"Thank you Natalie," said Harry softly, bringing her to him.

Natalie nodded. "Do you see what I said about Sirius?"

"Yes," said Harry, giving her a sad smile. "I never thought of it that way before- I suppose you are right in that other people and other events also led to his death. But I take some of the blame too and I will always feel the guilt."

"The guilt never leaves, but you need to accept it," said Natalie firmly. "Or it will consume you and tear you apart."

Harry looked at her with an unreadable expression. "I think I'm starting to. You've helped quite a bit."

Natalie flung her arms around his neck. "Remember Harry, we're all here to fight Voldemort alongside you. It is not a one man war."

Harry chuckled. "I know. I'm not going to run off at any moment on a mad mission to find the Horcruxes and kill him."

"You wouldn't do that, at least I hope," quipped Natalie.

Harry stared at her with a solemn expression on his face. "I should apologize to you for my remarks the other night-

"Harry, I know you didn't mean it."

Harry shook his head. "You need to hear me. It doesn't matter that I only met you this year- you understand and know me better than anyone. What you did tonight for me just proves it. And please don't feel like you're an outsider because you're anything but that. Neither Ron, Hermione or I even think of treating you as a person intruding on our friendship. You have become a part of our friendship. I'm sorry for what I implied when I said you wouldn't understand."

A surge of happiness raced through Natalie. Her eyes became wet as she pressed her lips againt Harry's lips, throwing them into that familiar bliss.

After a few minutes of passionately reacquainting themselves with one another, they pulled apart. Their faces were flushed, their hair unruffled but a glowing smile curved across each of their features.

"We should go back," Natalie said, sheepishly straightening her jumper and pants. "Most of Gryffindor will surely be wondering where you are."

Harry looked at his watch. "I think they would find it strange that we had detention for 6 hours but you never know with Snape."

"The match must have finished," Natalie noted. "I'm actually quite surprised no student or teacher walked into us. The classroom's not well hidden like the one near the Fat Lady."

"But like you said, it's far away from any of the common rooms."

Natalie lifted the Silencing charm off the door. They opened the door, entering the corridor and heading in the direction of the Gryffindor common room.

"You don't use Muffliato that much, do you?" said Harry in bemusement.

Natalie shrugged. "I use a slightly modified Silencing charm that I found in a Charms textbook. The reverse spell for the charm is a simple 'Finite incantatem' for the caster, but very complicated for anyone else. Someone who knows 'Muffliato' could figure from the buzzing sound when the spell's cast on them."

Harry grinned. "Think of everything, don't you?"

"You can't be too careful."

"Kalissa's words?"

"Of course."

They passed a group of Ravenclaws who stared at them in a mixture of confusion and excitement. Natalie sighed. Her fight with Hary had quickly spread around the entire school and now she knew their reconciliation would disseminate just as quickly.

"How is Kalissa doing?" Harry asked once they passed the group. "We saw her last week - would you she send you a letter yet?"

"Already has," replied Natalie fondly. "She's doing as well as can be expected. She was very impressed with the three of you though she hopes she didn't overwhelm you with information."

"Nah," said Harry with a shrug. They reached the staircase leading to Gryffindor tower and started to ascend it. "Does she think Dumbledore's theory about the connection between Voldemort and I is correct?"

"She seemed to understand his reasoning and somewhat agree with him that nigh," said Natalie. "She didn't say anything in her letter, not that I expected her to."

"Somewhat agree?"

Natalie sighed. "I was watching her when Dumbledore explained why Voldemort's Dark Magic could affect the connection. She seemed a bit suspicious; I may be taking something out of nothing but I got that feeling from her."

Harry nodded, a frown emerging on his features. "You know her the best so you're probably right. To be honest though, I also had the feeling that he was hiding something from us."

"He didn't look as calm as usual," noted Natalie.

"It wouldn't be the first time," said Harry bitterly. "If he is not being completely open, he'll probably tell us later. He has that habit of keeping information until he deems it is the right moment to tell; annoying but we will eventually find out."

They stepped onto the corridor leading to the Fat Lady's portrait.

"Yes, I think you're right," Natalie assented. "Anyway, I'm surprised we haven't talked about the Quidditch match."

"We'll find out soon," said Harry with a wry smile, motioning his head to the Fat Lady at the end of the corridor.

"It is awfully quiet," said Natalie. "You don't think they-

"Lost," Harry finished gloomily. "I hope not." They could not hear any sounds coming from the common room nor were there any students loitering in the corridor.

Once they reached the portrait, the Fat Lady gave them an odd look. After Natalie muttered the password, she appeared not to notice, fussing over her dress.

"What's wrong with you?" Natalie said irritably. "Pigwit!"

"I heard you the first time," snapped the Fat Lady, swinging open the portrait door.

Natalie rolled her eyes. "Then why didn't you-

The answer to Natalie's question quickly arrived. Once the portrait opened, Natalie's jaw dropped in amazement. Almost all of Gryffindor was crowded around the entrance to the portrait hole, the Quidditch team at the front. Seemingly everyone had a glowing smile on their face. As soon as Harry came into view behind Natalie, the common room burst into a roaring cheer. People started jumping in a frenzy, raising their glasses to the air. Natalie could discern the distinct smell of firewhisky .

"We won mate!" Ron shouted, wearing a hat emblazoned with "Weasley is the King." The cheers became even louder as people started chanting 'Potter' along with 'Gryffindor'

"We did it, Natalie!" hollered Ron, pulling Natalie into a tight hug.

Natalie laughed lightly, returning the hug. Likely because of Hermione, she did not detect the smell of firewhiskey on him. "Well done, Ron. You must have been brilliant!"

"Bloody lucky, I was," said Ron sheepishly, his arms still around Natalie.

And then Natalie's stomach dropped. She saw Ginny emerge from behind Ron, staring at Harry with a blazing happiness on her face. As she passed them, Natalie could distinctly smell the firewhiskey on her. The red headed girl pushed through the people clambering around Harry, launching herself at an unsuspecting Harry. She flung her arms around his neck and for an agonizing second, Natalie thought she would kiss Harry, but he avoided her craning head, wrapping his arms around her in a forceful hug. Behind Ginny's head, Harry looked at Natalie with an apologetic smile.

Natalie clenched her fists, mentally forcing herself not to reach for her wand. She had not kissed him, she repeatedly told herself but Ginny's intention was clear. She breathed in sharply, ignoring the apprehensive expressions of those who had witnessed Ginny's attempt to kiss Harry.

To restrain herself even further, Natalie turned her back from Ginny and Harry to find Ron and Hermione behind her. With a slight startle, she noticed Ron's arm draped around Hermione's shoulders.

"Do you want a butterbeer?" Ron said enthusiastically, apparently not realizing Ginny's intentions. "There's some stronger stuff but I gathered you wouldn't like it."

"Yes, I'll have a butterbeer," said Natalie, smiling at him.

"I can smell the firewhiskey," noted Natalie, wrinkling her nose.

Hermione was staring furiously at Ginny who was now talking to Katie Bell, looking quite disappointed. Harry was talking rather animatedly to the two Gryffindor beaters who looked absolutely ecstatic. "I'm sorry about Ginny," said Hermione angrily.

Natalie shrugged her shoulders though she could not help but be touched by Hermione's anger on her behalf. "It's not your fault."

Hermione's eyes turned to her. "You must want to hex her."

"I do," said Natalie, trying to keep her eyes off Ginny so that her temper would not be ignited. "But I don't want to say anything or do anything that I might regret… like other instances in the past."

"Well phrased," said Hermione, chuckling though her eyes returned suspiciously to the red headed girl.

"She's had a lot to drink I suppose- I could smell the firewhiskey on her," said Natalie, wrinkling her nose in disgust.

"I told them not to abuse the firewhiskey," said Hermione irately. "It's forbidden among students and if Professor McGonagall finds out, I will certainly not be covering for anybody."

"I'm surprised you allowed it?" said Natalie, looking around. Quite a few of the sixth and seventh years had glasses of firewhiskey in their hands.

"At first, I told them we could not have the drink in the common room but a few of the seventh years managed to sneak it in- I realized with all the celebrations, they were going to drink the firewhiskey so I figured it would be damage control to only allow the sixth and seventh years to have it. Though I will be having a very serious chat with Ginny about her behaviour tonight regardless of how well she played."

"You better make sure I'm not there when you do that," said Natalie with a rueful smile.

"You two look pretty happy," said a deeper and slightly slurred voice behind them.

Both girls swiveled around to see Dean looking at them with a goofy grin. He had a glass of firewhiskey on his face though judging by the lucid look in his eyes and the smell coming off of him, this glas was not his first.

"Gryffindor won, didn't they?" said Natalie cheerfully.

"Yes, but you two don't see two happy with Ginny," said Dean pointedly, using his glass to motion toward the red haired girl.

"You saw her," stated Hermione, her eyes narrowed at him.

"Of course," agreed Dean, a contemplative expression spreading over his face. "She's always had a thing for Harry. That's why we broke up."

Hermione raised her eyebrows at him. "She told you that?"

Dean shrugged his shoulders. "I picked up on it. She was pretty testy with Natalie here so it seemed reasonable that with the amount of attention she paid to Harry, she still fancied the bloke."

Natalie suddenly remembered the strange look Dean gave her on the night he and Ginny broke apart.

"That night, you two broke up," recalled Natalie. "You stared at me in an odd sort of way. Was that because you wanted to tell me-

"How do you remember that?" exclaimed Dean in amazement. "I was thinking of telling you but Ron was with us so I didn't want to piss off another Weasley that night."

Natalie laughed. "A very good idea though you didn't need to warn me. I figured she still likes Harry quite a bit, but she needs to move on."

"I agree wholeheartedly," said Dean dramatically. He saluted her with his glass, drinking the firewhiskey in one gulp.

Hermione crossed her arms against her chest. "Dean, you really need to stop now."

"One more drink my dear," said Dean jovially, casting an arm around Hermione. "Where would we be without you keeping us all in line?"

Before Hermione could reprimand Dean further, Ron stepped into view, glaring at Dean. He handed Natalie her butterbeer before pulling Hermione away from Dean.

"Dean, you need to stop with the firewhiskey before you do something stupid," said Ron coldly. "Seamus is already pissed and he's ended up snogging some 3rd year girl in the corner over there."

The goofy grin on Dean's face quickly disappeared. "Bloody hell! A 3rd year girl?"

"Yes," snapped Ron. "And I don't fancy explaining to McGonagall why the two of you are draped over girls 3 years younger."

"That wouldn't happen to me," said Dean defensively, appearing to sober slightly.

"Then stop drinking the firewhiskey," Hermione stated sternly.

Dean shrugged his shoulders at them before walking away in the direction of the food table.

"Brilliant teamwork, that was," commented Natalie wryly.

Ron and Hermione smiled at each other.

"That was a good idea, Ron," noted Hermione.

"It's actually true," answered Ron, shaking his head in disgust. "I ran into Seamus with that girl."

Natalie stood on her tiptoes to try to find Seamus and the third year girl, but before she could turn her head to locate the proper corner, a familiar pair of lean, wiry arms wrapped themselves around her waist.

"Harry, I'm going to drop my butterbeer," Natalie gasped though she was laughing.

Harry rotated her around to face him. "I wouldn't let that happen, would I?" said Harry with an excited twinkle in his eyes.

Harry leaned in closer to her, his expression becoming more solemn. "I'm sorry about Ginny."

Natalie saw Hermione grab Ron's arm and engage him in a very animated conversation.

"Harry, you don't have to apologize," muttered Natalie, attempting to release herself from Harry, but he kept a firm hold on her.

"You were right," said Harry morosely. "It seems like she does have feelings for me and if I'd let her kiss me, I might just hex myself into oblivion."

Natalie smiled at him. "Don't worry, I would have hexed you myself."

Harry laughed, filling Natalie's chest with a rejuvenating warmth. "You don't need to tell me that though Ginny took me completely by surprise."

"She did have quite a bit to drink," said Natalie though she did not want to create an excuse for the girl.

"Yes, but she still should know better," said Harry, disapproval evident in his tone.

Natalie sighed. "Yes she should. Besides my fight with you, things with her haven't been that bad. I'll try not to lose my temper-if she feels bad, then it's her decision whether she wants to apologize. I'm not approaching her."

Harry nodded. "I agree."

"Let's just enjoy tonight," said Natalie as cheerfully as she could. " Snape's attempt to ruin Gryffindor's chances were fruitless."

"I can't wait to see him on Monday," said Harry with a big grin on his face. He gave Natalie a light peck on the lips before pulling her towards him in a half hug. "Thanks again for before."

"That's what I'm here for," said Natalie softly so only he could hear.

"I know," Harry whispered.

Once they separated, they found Ron and Hermione looking at them with very amused expressions on their faces.

"Made up, have we?" asked Hermione airily.

"Oh keep quiet Hermione," said Natalie disdainfully. "Of course we have. Would Harry kiss and hug me otherwise?"

"Harry did you really have to do that?" said Ron though he also had a lopsided grin. "Half the bloody girls in the common room are giving Natalie the evil eye."

"Don't they always?" answered Natalie acidly.

"I'm just happy that you two resolved your argument," said Hermione, yawning. "Having to endure your fights is very tiring."

"Made me more nervous than the bloody Quidditch match," assented Ron.

"Look who's talking," said Harry and Natalie in unison.

All four of them glanced at one another in exasperation before breaking out in laughter. As they clinked their butterbeers in cheers, Natalie could not help but think that this day had turned out very nicely.

A/N: How did you like Natalie's confrontation with Snape and the Natalie/Harry reconciliation?