"And so it begins." Madam Pomfrey said, under her breath, as the doors to the hospital opened and half of the Slytherin Quidditch team entered, one of whom was being floated along in the air by the captain. Striding across the room, she asked, "What happened?"

"Dunno." Danielson said, levitating Vega's body over to a bed and gently setting him down. "We were at tryouts and... well, these two know more than me..."

Stepping off to one side, he let Hydrus and Viola move forward. Viola went to the side of the bed that Madam Pomfrey hadn't taken up position at, putting a hand on Vega's shoulder. Hydrus glanced over at the matron. "We aren't sure what the problem is." He said. "This has only happened once before..."

As Madam Pomfrey gave Vega a once-over, Hydrus recounted both incidents involving Vega's sudden changes and subsequent blackouts. The mediwitch narrowed her eyes as she listened, suddenly doing a series of precise wand movements over Vega's chest. When Hydrus had finished, Madam Pomfrey let out a long, low sigh. Looking between the two Malfoys, she leveled her gaze at Hydrus when she replied.

"Well, I can definitely tell you that something is going on. I'm just not sure what. I'll be looking through his father's records, though. Something very familiar about this, and that's not a good thing." She said.

"Is... is it serious?" Asked Viola.

"I'm not sure." Madam Pomfrey stated. "If it's anything like what I believe it might be, there's a chance it could grow to be incredibly dangerous. I hope I'm wrong. I'll get ahold of the Potters later today, if possible. Perhaps one of them might be able to enlighten me on a few things."

"Can you tell us anything, or is it something that shouldn't be spoken about?" Asked Hydrus.

"Oh, there's something wrong with his magical core. Simple as that. His father had all sorts of 'issues' with his own. He really is his father's son in that regard, unfortunately. That all said, I'm not too terribly worried." Said Madam Pomfrey. Turning, she called out toward her office, "Gabrielle, would you bring me some Dreamless Sleep? And there's a small vial of blue liquid in the second drawer of my desk, I'll need that, as well!"

"You going to tell me what the blue stuff is, finally?" Came Gabrielle's voice from the other room.

"Against my better judgement." Madam Pomfrey said.

The younger mediwitch came walking out of the office a moment later, two small bottles in her hands. "Didn't mean to overhear, but it was kind of hard with the door open. Usually you're bothered by stuff you can't explain. Why aren't you worried about him?"

"The Potters have strong blood. If I'm right, Mr. Potter here will wake up in a day or two, acting as though nothing had ever happened." Madam Pomfrey said, taking the smaller of the two bottles from her assistant. With Viola's help, she got Vega sitting upright enough to pour the contents into his mouth. The Dreamless Sleep quickly followed and, after she was sure he had swallowed the both of them without incident, she laid him down and covered him up. "But I would like you to keep an eye on him, Gabrielle. Strong though he indeed was, Harry managed to surprise me on occasion. I've no doubt his son will do the same. If anything out of the ordinary happens, come get me. I don't care where I am or what time it is. Understand?"

"Yes ma'am." Gabrielle said. Watching as Madam Pomfrey headed back toward the office to call up the Potters, she turned toward the students. "Alright, you lot. We'll let you know how he's doing. And you can come by after meals to visit if you want, okay? Try not to worry too much. If Poppy's acting like that, it can't be anything too bad. Since it's still fairly early into the year, not many have had a reason to come here yet. To be honest, it'll be a nice break from brewing things for St. Mungo's. The burn victims seem to finally be healing up, but any little bit helps."

"You heard the lady." Danielson said. "Let's get out of here and let him get some rest."

"Come on." Hydrus said, helping a still-shaky Viola to her feet. "He'll be fine. Just like last time. He'll probably come out of it looking for the better, too."

"I hope so..." Viola said, hugging herself again. "He's just so..."

"Yeah. I know. But sitting here worrying won't help anyone. It wouldn't do any good if you made yourself sick." Hydrus said, his hand moving to rub his twin's back as the Slytherins started back toward the doors. "Let's go study something. It'll help get our minds off of things."

Viola nodded, taking a deep breath and slowly letting it out. "Alright... we'll come back up to check in on him after dinner tonight."

"Of course."

Danielson was the last of the Slytherin team out, and closed the door behind him after casting one final glance toward the bed Vega was in. Gabrielle was still standing next to it, running a few scans of Vega for herself. Shaking her head, she murmured, "Damnedest thing I've seen in a long time. ...So, you gonna need to be chased out?"

She looked up at Lapis, who was still standing on the other side of the bed. He looked frustrated, though even he wasn't sure why. Without looking at the nurse, he replied, "No, I'll go. Let me know if anything happens. It's my fault this occurred, no matter what they might try to tell me. If I hadn't asked him to race, this wouldn't have happened."

"Never know." Gabrielle said, tucking her wand away. "He was going to try out for the team anyway, right? That means he would've gotten in the air, regardless of if you were there or not. Chances are, their captain would've figured out someone to fly with him. Could've happened then, too."

"I... suppose it might have. But..." Lapis said, biting his lower lip.

"Look, I know you're worried. But leave it to us, alright? He's in good hands here. Stop on by tonight if you'd like. Looks like the others might show up, too." Gabrielle said.

Closing his eyes for a moment, Lapis shook his head. "I don't think that would be wise. It doesn't matter if everyone else tells me it wasn't my fault. Unless Potter says it for himself, I'd rather not be here to see him wake. If he feels like seeking me out afterward, that's his business."

Gabrielle studied Lapis for a moment. "Don't tell me you're..."

"Blaming myself still? Of course." Lapis said, turning and heading for the door finally.

As he opened it and slipped out of the hospital, Gabrielle frowned. "That wasn't what I was going to say."

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

"Poppy? Haven't talked to you in awhile, what's up?"

"It's your son." Said Madam Pomfrey, staring into her fire at Tonks' head. "He seems to be following in his father's footsteps."

There was a pause as Tonks put together what the matron was saying. "Oh god, is he okay? What happened to him?"

"That's a very good question. The Malfoy twins say this has happened before, though. As I'm to understand, Quidditch tryouts for Slytherin were this morning. Apparently something happened out there. Nymph--"

"Tonks."

Rolling her eyes, Madam Pomfrey continued, "Will you ever get over that? Why not just get your name changed if it bothers you so much?"

Tonks glanced off to one side and mumbled something under her breath. Shaking her head, she sighed and looked back up at Madam Pomfrey. "So he blacked out on his broom? Did he break anything, Poppy?"

"No... in fact, he seemed to have quite a spectacular showing. But yes, he did pass out. It was once he was back on solid ground. Listen to me, Tonks. Is Harry around?" Asked Madam Pomfrey.

"No. He's out helping Wolf's men right now..." Tonks said. "Why?"

"I don't want to alarm you, because it could turn out to be nothing. But I do think you should be aware that something's not right about Vega's magical core. I've only ever seen this once before, and that was with Harry. Now what that means, I'm not sure yet. It could mean there's a second personality lying dormant somewhere within him, it could just be an oddity passed down from Harry. I'll run some more tests on him... and I'm quite sure he'll be in here as much as his father was. But until I know more, that's as much as I can tell you, Tonks. His body is exhausted from the exertion. I'm not sure someone as small as him should be pushing himself to that extent. He's got all of his potential teammates nervous. Miss Malfoy in particular seems worried about him. But by all rights, there's nothing wrong with him, oddity with his core aside."

Another sigh, and then, "Great. Hopefully, at the very least, he won't have any problems with wild magic. That's all we need - a repeat of Harry and the Gauntlet." Tonks said, closing her eyes for a moment. "Well, I want you to get ahold of me when he wakes up, Poppy. Let me know if anything else happens, no matter how small, alright? I had a feeling he might run into some troubles at school, but I didn't think it would be like this. Poor dear, he's already written me a few times. He thinks he isn't good at almost anything. I keep trying to tell him that no one's really good at anything their first year. He takes after Harry in regards to Quidditch, though. Not sure Harry knows that I know, but he spirits him off occasionally to teach him things about flying and the sport. Drives me up the wall, it does. I just hope Vega didn't think he had to prove anything to himself."

"Well, whatever the case, I'll be surprised if he isn't up and about by tomorrow afternoon at the latest. And yes, I'll let you know as soon as I dismiss him, alright? When Harry gets home, tell him what I've told you, alright? If he has any idea what might be going on with his son's magical core, either have him call or just send him over. I know he can get here quickly if he wants." Said Madam Pomfrey. "Anyway, I really do need to get back to minding my cauldrons, Tonks. St. Mungo's has every apothecary and medical team in the area busy right now..."

"I know. Harry's frustrated that he and the Aurors aren't getting anywhere in regards to the attacks. They're out all day and sometimes well into the night. Good luck, Poppy. And don't forget to take some time to rest. Have to keep reminding Harry to do just that sometimes..." Tonks said.

"I know my limits, I dare say." Madam Pomfrey said, smirking crookedly. "Well then, good day to you, Tonks."

"And you, Poppy."

With that, Tonks' head vanished from the flames. Madam Pomfrey leaned back in her chair, sighing quietly. Glancing at her desk, where Vega's records were spread, she narrowed her eyes. "I know my limits. Time will tell us if your son knows his..."

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

"Nng... what hit me?"

Vega whimpered as he tried opening his eyes. He knew perfectly well that no one was just standing there, shining a flood light in his eyes, but that's what it seemed like. His head felt like someone had tried cracking it open with a mallet, and his entire back was sore. Sitting up slightly, and keeping his eyes closed, he tried recalling what happened. He had been at breakfast, then he had gone to the Pitch with his friends, and...

"Ah, hell." He muttered, eyes cracking open just slightly. "I knew it..."

"Feeling alright?" Came a gentle voice from next to him.

Not expecting someone to be right there, Vega jumped, jerking his head around and opening his eyes fully to see who it was. These were both terrible ideas, as his neck gave an unhappy 'crack' and the light only made his head pound even worse. Squinting again, he turned to glare weakly at Gabrielle Delacour, who looked far too amused for her own good. "Well, I can jolly well say I'm good and AWAKE now, thanks..."

"I'm here to serve." Gabrielle said, smirking. "No, really, are you feeling alright? C'mon, lay back down and let me give you a once-over, alright? Poppy'd have a fit if I didn't. She's had me keeping an eye on you whenever I had any free time. Not that I mind - it was a good break from minding the cauldrons. Glad that's over with."

Laying back, Vega winced slightly as Gabrielle's wand poked his chest a few times. "Not sure I understood half of that."

"Hm? Oh, right, right. Well, we finally finished our supply for St. Mungo's early this morning. Told Poppy she should go rest. Don't tell her I said so, but a woman her age has no business running around acting like she was still youthful. Damn smart, mind, but sometimes doesn't keep track of her own health."

"I've... how long have I been asleep?" Asked Vega, opening his eyes again and trying to make them acclimate to the light.

"Couple days. It's the third of October right now, about... an hour or so from dinner, I believe." Gabrielle said, setting her wand up against one of Vega's temples. It gave off a dull, glowing pulse for a few moments. "...Well, just like she said. You seem to be alright, physically."

"Could do with something to eat. And drink." Vega said. "Am I going to need to wait for Madam Pomfrey to wake up to be released?"

"Nah. She said if I couldn't find anything wrong with you, I should go ahead and let you go. If you can walk, anyway. May feel a touch wobbly for a bit. After-effects of the potions we had you on while you were out." Said Gabrielle, tucking her wand away and smiling down at him. "Your clothes are on the chair on the other side of the bed. I'll duck out and let you get changed, alright?"

Vega nodded and Gabrielle pulled the curtains around the bed. Tugging back the covers, Vega swung his legs over the side of the bed. And, after a stretch that seemed to make twenty separate places in his back pop all at once, he hopped down. Shifting his weight around for a moment to ensure he wouldn't topple over the minute he tried pulling his pants on, Vega began to change into his robes. As he finished up, trying to make his messy, blond hair stay down, he called out that he was decent again.

Gabrielle pulled the curtains open again and asked, "Not shaky at all?"

Vega shook his head. "Not so far. I think I can make it downstairs."

"Alright. But take it slowly, okay? Don't want to take a tumble and end up back in here with a broken leg or something, yeah?"

"Yeah... gonna have to remember to glare at dad. Seems like I inherited his bad luck." Vega muttered, his lower lip jutting out slightly.

"Aww. Go on, get outta here before I end up hugging you to death!" Gabrielle said, grinning. "And if Viola Malfoy tries to latch onto you when she sees you, just sidestep. Don't need to crack your head on anything, either, and she seems the type."

"Too many dangerous things to watch out for. Glad you startled me awake or I might have ended up getting hurt." Vega said, rolling his eyes as he turned and headed for the doors.

"Seeya around!" Gabrielle called after him.

"Not if I can help it!" Vega called back, smirking over his shoulder. As he slipped out into the hallway, he tilted his head one way, then the other, grimacing as his neck popped. "Oww..."

It was close enough to supper time that he figured he'd take it easy. He plotted a course for the Great Hall and started walking. When he reached the stairs, he warily stared at them as they shifted about time and again. Knowing better than to trust the handrails for support, he placed one hand on the wall and began to descend. He still hadn't memorized which steps and segments had their own quirks yet, and he really didn't want to end up back in the hospital. He had already missed a few days of classes. Because that was exactly what he needed - falling even farther behind everyone else!

As he reached a landing, he swore quietly under his breath and ducked around a corner. Peeves the poltergeist was flying in a straight line up the center of the stairs, letting out an ear-piercing squeal as he went. Vega waited a minute, then slowly peered around, looking up, then down, and not seeing the poltergeist in either direction. But he was sure Peeves was still somewhere nearby. And he was in no mood to be assaulted by the poltergeist. Sighing, he muttered, "Maybe I should take dad's advice about that room after all..."

"What room?" Came a voice from behind him.

Letting out a surprised yelp, Vega whirled around, reaching for his wand. He stopped midway to it when he saw who it was. Closing his eyes, he blew out a low breath before glaring. "And hello to you too, Eskander. Can I help you?"

Lapis Eskander, along with a pair of first year girls, was standing in the corridor, looking slightly confused. "Merely asking a question. Why were you doing that, by the way?"

"Peeves." Said Vega, scowling. "What are you doing here?"

"We were heading down to the Great Hall." Lapis said, nodding back at the girls. "Can't believe I'm asking this, but do you want to tag along? If Peeves does show up, he at least won't be able to get all four of us at once."

"Not sure I should. Gabrielle didn't tell me much about what happened." Vega said, eyeing Lapis cautiously. "I'd ask you, but again - dunno if I can believe what you say."

"...Say what you will, Potter. I've got nothing to hide. You beat me to the Snitch, landed, and keeled over. Danielson floated you up to the hospital wing. You slept a few days. And now here you are. Anything else you'd like to know?" Lapis asked, arms crossing.

"Woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?" Asked Vega, scowling.

"Lapis was in a good mood until we ran into you." Said one of the girls, looking annoyed that they had been halted for so long.

"And you two would be?" Asked Vega.

"Valerie Carmichael." Said the girl. She was the same height as Lapis and had cropped, brown hair. Her dark eyes were still glaring in Vega's direction. "And this is Sam."

"Samantha, thank you." Replied the other girl, dryly. "You don't like me calling you 'Val.' So cut it out already!"

Giving Samantha a withering glance, Valerie turned back to Vega. "So now we all know who everyone else is, can we please get downstairs now?"

"Yeah. Peeves may end up finding us if we keep this racket up." Samantha said, glancing around.

"Well, Potter? Joining us, or going it alone?" Asked Lapis.

"...Oh, fine. But if any of you try anything..." Vega began.

"Stop being paranoid, shrimp!" Valerie barked, striding past the group and heading for the stairs down. "No one's going to be trying anyth--"

She was interrupted as a large water bomb connected to the side of her head and exploded, drenching her in ice cold water. She let out a cry and instantly about-faced, rushing back behind Lapis.

"Except him." Samantha said, cocking an eyebrow as she looked up at Peeves, who was floating, just visible, up a few flights of stairs.

"Feeling up to a good run, Potter?" Lapis asked, giving a tired look at Vega.

Vega paused, looking between Peeves, who had another large water bomb ready and waiting to be thrown, and Lapis. Behind Lapis, Samantha was helping Valerie dry herself off. Weighing his options, he gave a weak nod. "Lesser of two evils. Right. Any bright ideas?"

"Not running in a group. No sense in all of us being doused." Lapis said.

"Again!" Cried Valerie, shaking her head and causing water to fly about.

"Again." Repeated Lapis. "I'll go first, the girls will come after me, and you'll bring up the rear, Potter."

"Why do I have to be in the back?!" Asked Vega.

"You two are tasked with defending us maidens from the black knight up there." Samantha said, her tone dry once more. "Let's see how good you two can think on your feet."

"Why am I being dragged into this?" Lapis asked, rounding on his friends. "All I said was that we were making a break for it."

"Not a very friendly thing to do." Commented Samantha. "That's all."

"Those things are freezing!" Valerie stated, glaring at Lapis. "We'll mind the stairs so you two can mind that idiot!"

Sighing under his breath, Lapis glanced aside at Vega. "You heard the ladies, Potter. We've been put to task. Shall we, then?"

"If we must." Muttered Vega, his headache feeling like it was trying to kick his left eye out of his head. "I just want to get downstairs and eat."

"Yeah, what he said!" Valerie agreed.

"Wands out then, all." Lapis said. Taking a step forward, he peered around the corner and quickly ducked back. Seconds later, another water bomb, poorly aimed, splashed the ground nearby. "Where the hell did he even get them? Okay, in three, two... GO!"

Lapis darted out from around the corner, taking the next staircase in a few large bounds. Valerie and Samantha went after him, descending slower but still keeping a brisk pace. Vega followed the girls, taking a potshot at the poltergeist's backside as he tried getting a bead on Lapis. This caused him to cry out something Vega was sure he would get a month's detentions for repeating, and made him drop a good many of his water bombs.

"Oh crap - UP AGAINST THE WALLS!" Vega hollered, flattening himself back as one of the dropped water bombs splashed the edge of the stairs he was on. Valerie let out a shrill squeal as her legs got doused in icy water for a second time. Samantha had jumped back from her friend seconds before it exploded and managed to escape unscathed. Lapis, however, wasn't as lucky, and had one of them drop squarely on his head. He let out a girlish cry at this and bit out a string of words that Vega couldn't understand.

"Go, go!" Samantha called out. "Before he recovers!"

Lapis, looking as murderous as a soaking wet eleven year old could look, began running again. He tried drying his robes off as he went, leaving Vega to try and keep Peeves busy. Peeves didn't need any coaxing, as he knew quite well who had zapped him. If Vega had been just slightly taller, or slightly slower, he would have ended up in worse shape than either Valerie or Lapis. A bit of water on his sleeves and shoes aside, he was faring rather well, however.

When they reached the Entrance Hall, they made a dead sprint towards the double doors leading into the Great Hall. Peeves was still giving chase and still howling in irritation, water bombs flying at an alarming rate now. The poltergeist knew that the Great Hall was off limits. He wasn't physically capable of getting into it. Lapis and Samantha hit the doors and opened them as fast as they could, stepping inside as Valerie and Vega came rushing in. Together, the four threw the doors shut again. The sound of at least a dozen water bombs splashing against the other side filled the air, followed by Peeves letting out a defeated whine.

"Well..." Vega said, panting heavily, "That was an event..."

"Yes." Lapis said, taking time to properly dry himself off. "It certainly was. Can we try not to ever go through that again?"

"I'd be happy with that. Why the headmistress doesn't just banish him is beyond me. She likes him about as much as we do." Valerie said, sighing as she sat at the end of the Ravenclaw table. Sliding a shoe off to pour the water out of it, she scowled. "Just shove him down in the dungeons or something."

"Try it and we'll figure out a way to stick him in your tower." Vega said. "It's cold enough down there, we don't need help."

"Looks like we've provided the first bit of the evening's entertainment." Samantha said, sitting opposite Valerie. "Look."

The group turned their attention to the front of the room. A few members of staff had gathered already and had been talking amongst themselves when Vega's group came charging in suddenly. Most of them looked highly amused. Professor Flitwick was trying to bite back an outright laugh, but he wasn't doing too good a job of it.

"Fantastic." Lapis muttered darkly. "Oi, Potter. Was meaning to ask - could I have a word after dinner?"

"About what?" Asked Vega, heading for the Slytherin table.

"What happened out there on the Pitch."

"...Alright." Vega said, slowly. "I think I can drop the paranoia for now."

Lapis nodded and went to sit. Vega tilted his head to one side. There was an odd look in the other Seeker's eyes. He wasn't sure what to make of it. Shrugging to himself, he sat at the end of his House's table and started to dry off the bits of his clothing that had been splashed. This was, decidedly, not how he had planned on spending his time after waking up from what appeared to have been a mini-coma.

Bit by bit, students began filtering into the Great Hall, some dripping wet. It seemed as though Peeves had gone on something of a water bomb rampage after having been unable to drench his original targets. Vega had his arms crossed on the table, his head down and his eyes closed. He had never wanted aspirin so badly in his life. And the noise in the area wasn't helping one bit. Finally, he heard a sharp cry that he had been waiting for. Sighing inaudibly, he lifted his head just in time for Viola to throw her arms around him.

"You're up! Why didn't you come tell us?!" She asked, her voice a few pitches higher than it should have been.

"Not so loud, Vivi, please?" Vega muttered, wincing. "I've got the worst headache right now... and I wasn't sure where you were. Figured it best to just wait here."

"Sorry..." Viola said, biting her lower lip. Letting go of her friend, she sat next to him as her twin brother sat opposite. "Are you alright?"

"Best as the hospital staff can tell." Vega said. "Kinda feel like sleeping again, though. Between escaping Peeves and all of this noise..."

"Ah, is that why he was going berserk?" Hydrus asked. "He was yelling something about 'ickle firsties' or somesuch nonsense."

"Met Eskander and his friends on the way down. Had to make a break for it together." Explained Vega, nodding over to the trio of Ravenclaws. "...Guys, if it's all the same to you, I think I may go and lay down. I really don't feel good..."

"Are you sure? You haven't eaten yet..." Viola said, sounding worried.

"I'll be alright. I'd rather get some sleep first, though. Wanna get somewhere with little light in it. It's too blasted bright out here..." Said Vega, closing his eyes for a few seconds before standing.

"Will you be alright on your own?" Hydrus asked. "We can help you get back to the dungeons if you'd like."

"No, no, I'll be able to get there..." Vega said, his cheeks lighting up faintly. Glancing away, he added, "I feel strong enough, I just want to get somewhere peaceful. I'll see you two later tonight, alright?"

"If you're sure, then." Hydrus said, slowly. "Be careful, though. Peeves might still be waiting out there somewhere."

Smirking weakly, Vega replied, "My legs still work. I've had more than enough time to catch my breath. Being small finally came in handy for something, at least."

Waving as he headed for the doors, Vega opened one and peeked out. He wanted to make sure an ice cold balloon filled with water wasn't going to come flying at him. When he was sure it was safe, he slipped out of the Great Hall and started walking. He wasn't, however, heading for the dungeons. But just as he reached the staircase, he heard a voice calling his name from behind. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw Lapis running over to him.

"...Oh, right. Sorry. Headache's making me lose track of things." Vega said, frowning. "What'd you want to talk about, then?"

"It's about what happened." Lapis said, crossing his arms and giving Vega a strange look. After a moment, however, he seemed to grow nervous. "If I hadn't pushed you like that..."

Vega blinked. "What?"

"The Malfoys told me that something like that happened once before. Had I known, I wouldn't have pushed you that hard." Lapis said. Looking frustrated, he turned away, hands sliding into his pockets. "The reason you've been unconscious for so many days..."

"...Is because I'm thick and felt like I had to show off." Vega finished. "Is that what this is about, you blaming yourself for what happened? Look, I'm FINE. Whatever the heck that is, it doesn't hurt me."

"It could have. It easily could have." Lapis said, shaking his head slowly. "Had you blacked out in the air, with as high up as we were at the end..."

"Then Madam Hooch would have slowed me to a halt before I made a crater." Vega said, putting a hand on his hip. "Eskander, are you feeling alright?"

"Huh?" Lapis turned around and stared at Vega strangely. "Of course I am. Why do you ask?"

"You're acting odd." Vega stated, brow creased. "This isn't how you acted around me before the accident."

"Yes, well, I was taught a few things that day." Lapis said, sounding bitter. "At the very least, I now know you're the real deal in regards to Quidditch..."

"For all that matters." Vega scoffed. "Not going to become a second year here by being good at ruddy Quidditch."

"Nothing to do about that except train. Incidentally, where are you headed? The dungeons are not upstairs, Potter." Lapis said, fixing Vega with a pointed look now.

"Uh... was going to head to the library." Vega said, thinking quickly. "Even if it's crowded there, it's quiet. I just need a place where I can nurse this headache away. If it doesn't get better by evening, I'll ask Professor Sinistra if she can get me some aspirin or something. Stupid magical medicine. What good is it if it can't solve a headache, of all things?"

Lapis surveyed Vega for a few seconds before nodding slowly. "Alright. I'll buy that for now. One more thing, though."

"What?"

"Are you still planning on being Slytherin's Seeker?" Asked Lapis.

"I'd like to try. I just have to reign it in and get better so that stuff like that doesn't happen anymore." Vega said. Then, grinning slyly all of a sudden, he continued, "What's wrong, Eskander? Are you going to be unable to fly against me when the time comes? Scared it might happen again?"

Lapis spluttered for a moment before glaring at Vega. "Scared? Of you? Get real, Potter. You're too tiny to play Seeker! Even if you get to the Snitch first, it isn't going to help your pathetic reach out! What are you going to do, magically extend your arms to grab it?"

Rolling his eyes, Vega turned and started back up the stairs. "Oh, shut up, Eskander. Go back into the Great Hall before I find Peeves and sic him on you."

Lapis smirked until Vega had gone out of sight. The smirk then faded, replaced by a frown. Shaking his head, he headed toward the Great Hall again. "I'm scared, Potter. But not for those reasons..."

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

Author's Notes: Let's recap. Vega's apparently prone to extended stays in the hospital, something's up with his core, Vega's going somewhere that isn't the Slytherin common room, and Lapis is acting strange! Now figure out what all of that means!

Go on, I'll wait!

...Oh, fine, don't then. I guess I haven't gotten far enough in for it to make any sense yet, have I? Guess that means you'll have to keep reading if you want to find the answers out, huh? Speaking of, I've completely broken the chapter guide I jotted up! Yup, already! HOWEVER, I think I can knock it back in line perfectly next chapter! Because the next chapter is slated to be our first Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson! Or at least, the first one that you'll be seeing about.

And before anyone asks... the pattern will continue. At least for a little while. Something is going on with the DADA class, but what might it be? And who will be the one to actually figure it out?

That one, my friends, will be something you won't find out until book 3.

Post edit edit: Sorry this one took so long. It's been done for ages, I'm just a colossal layabout! I'll try and be better with the updates. Only five so far is pretty embarrassing a schedule.