Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter characters, Rowling has all the credit. The artists have credit for their own songs as well, I just love music.

'Italic'-thoughts

Author's note: Sorry to keep you all waiting but I wanted to get a few chapters written for you all. So I hope you enjoy them. ^_^ Okay, and I just realized that I didn't put a song in the Chapter 4, so I'll go back and fix it after I get these next chapters up. ^_^

Chapter 5

Bernard landed at our spot across a lake at the back of the yard. Dad put a spell over the lake so I could sing or scream at the top of my lungs and not a sound would make it across.

As soon Bernard landed I leapt off his back and stormed to the water's edge. "UUGGHH!!!!! That arrogant, pompous, self-centered, asshole!!" Then I let out a fierce scream that echoed, not because of the lake, but because of my 'gift'. (Sirens scream, we don't yell…that's barbaric.)

The ashes full of lies
I gave my soul to you
You cut me from behind

My scream sounded as though it would start over and over again, giving it a ringing effect. As my voice traveled across the water, it began to tremble, pulsing as my voice rushed across it. I saw the invisible barrier vibrate as my voice crashed into it.

Bernard took off to get away from my voice. It was when I sang that he liked my voice; he was affected just like every other animal when he heard me scream. Pain. That's what my scream brings to creatures who hear it, singing is completely different.

Don't act like an angel
You fallen again
You're no super hero
I found in the end

I panted, gaining control of myself once again, and Bernard began to circle down; hoping that I was finished. I heard his claws dig up the earth as he landed; I took one more calming breath and opened my eyes, gazing out over the lake. Bernard trotted up beside me and proceeded to lie down and look at me expectantly.

"I'm not going to sing Bernard; I don't know a good song to sing right now. And I'm most definitely not singing one of my brother's rock songs, or whatever he calls them." I said sitting next to him and meaning against his shoulder. He shook his head, shifting me a bit; he was persistent when he wanted to be.

"Next time you pick the guy okay Bernard? Then point me in the right direction…" I said sighing and leaning more into his side. Bernard jerks his shoulder which causes me to jerk forward and he giving me a dead stare like he trying to tell me something. "What! Stop jerking your bloody shoulder!" I yelled and settled back against him. He jerked his head again, "No Bernard, I don't have anything to sing." I sighed again, I wasn't going to win; 'Stubborn Hippogriff.' "Okay, fine. One song, one! Then I can sit and plan how to get back at him. Agreed?" He let out a jovial squawk. "Okay…" I ran through song choices in my head quickly and the one that I kept coming back to was a group who had a half-Siren lead singer, Amy Lee from Evanescence. So I ran through her songs and decided on 'Tourniquet'. I liked that song, I don't know why, it just appealed to me. And suddenly I felt in the mood to sing it.

Back at the patio Back at the table after Alexis left, James was ready to runoff after her. He felt horrible and awkward at the same time. He just told her that her boyfriend had cheated on her multiply times, and he had just met her today. Okay, that one at the Quidditch match, but he barely talked at all to her; today he spoke almost freely to her.

"Is she going to be okay?" James asked turning to Casandra. "Yes, she'll be fine dear. She just has to vent." Casandra said politely before taking a sip of her tea.

And ask yourself before we say goodbye
Well goodbye
Was it worth it in the end

"Sit down James, she'll be back. It's better if she wasn't around when she vented trust me, last time I went after her while she was venting she burst both of my eardrums and then I passed out." Scorpio said eating his way through a sandwich.

James stared at Scorpio with a bewildered expression. 'Passed out, that's strange.' He cast one more look in the direction Alexis took off in before joining the others in the meal.

"So, have Alexis and Scorpio been invited to Hogwarts this year?" Hermione asked a few minutes into the meal. "Yes, both have received letters and will be attending." Casandra said with a proud smile on her face. "What years will they be starting?" Hermione questioned again.

"Scorpio will be starting his first year and Alexis will be starting her fifth year." Casandra stated, "What year will you be starting James?" James looked up, "Oh, um, this will be my fifth year as well." He said giving a small smile. 'This will shake things up this year, having a Malfoy back in the halls of Hogwarts. But it could be a good thing. Alexis is…nice' James thought to himself.

"This is Rose's fifth year as well, she's my oldest. I believe its Lily's first year if I'm not mistaken. Right James?" James affirmed with a nod to his Aunt's question. "And Al's fourth," James added.

'Geez got your own crew at Hogwarts don't you?" Scorpio jested, though his mother didn't find it funny. "If you're going to be rude you can go back to your room." Casandra said giving a stern look. Scorpio sighed and went back to his meal; he knew better to back-talk his mother because after dealing with her he'd have to deal with his father.

As the meal progressed it turned into Casandra and Hermione providing all the conversation, which caused two bored boys to sit and stare off into space.

Out of Scorpio's eye he caught sight of his Quidditch pitch, 'James plays Quidditch, this could be our escape.' "Hey James, do you want to go play some Quidditch?" Scorpio said gaining James's attention. "Please!" he said jumping up and following Scorpio down the patio stairs and to the outside wall of the patio where two brooms leaned. Draco's company brooms, Sky Serpents 800. The boys hopped aboard their brooms and were off.

Alexis I stood up, happy with my revenge plan against Carl, and stretched. "Alright Bernard, let's get you fed, then me." I said hopping up on his back once again and heading to his feeding shed.

Once fed I had him take me back to the patio, "Thanks luv." I said nuzzling my head into his neck and breathing in his fresh scent. "Go on, I'll see you later." With that he was off and I made my way to the table feeling comfortably smug about my plan.

Mom looked up as I approached, "Well, everything okay?" I chuckled, "Yes mom, everything is fine. I'm starved though." I sat down pulling two sandwiches on my plate. "So, what's the plan of action sweetheart?" Casandra asked with a smirk and humorous eyebrow raised.

I looked over to mom, smiled and laughed as I took a bite. Hermione watched with a curious and confused expression.

"I plan to visit Carl's dad, Mr. Sims." My father's smirk came alive on my features as my mom let out a hearty laugh. Then she turned to Mrs. Hermione, "Mr. Sims is very old fashioned when it comes to 'how to treat a woman'. When he finds out his son, Carl messed around on Alexis he'll explode." My mom laughed again, "I've taught you well dear." Even Mrs. Hermione chuckled as she gazed at me, "I can honestly say I've threatened to take it to the parents before, but I never went through with it; nor have I heard of it being done. Definitely a sneaky, yet smart move." "She's more clever then Draco. She's trouble with motive and means' Hermione thought as she shook her head.

"Where did the boys go?" I questioned. "Out to the Pitch, they grew tired of our talk. Scorpio will be disappointed he missed this. Casandra said looking over to the pitch. I looked too, but from out seats we could only see dots racing in the sky. I turned back grabbing an apple from one of the baskets and taking a long drink. "Well I better get moving if I want to catch Mr. Sims at a good time, and; of course, give Carl back his things. Be back soon mom." I said making my way around the table and kissing her cheek.

I walked back in the house, "Suzanne." "Yes, young Malfoy?" she said appearing. "Could you go and gather Carl's gifts to me and any other items he might have left?" Suzanne bowed low, "Yes, young Malfoy." And she was gone; I continued my way to the fire place in the family room.

I waited maybe a minute before Suzanne reappeared, "Here you are ma'am." I smiled kindly, "Thank you Suzanne. That will be all." Once again she left. I stepped in the fireplace with Carl's things, threw powder and shouted "Sims residence!"

Just when I put my guard away
It's the same old story
You left me broken and betrayed
It's the same old story

• • •

I returned about fifteen minutes later, only to find everyone in the family room; I guessed waiting for me.

Scorpio's face lit up when I walked out of the flames, "How did it go? Did he explode?" I chuckled; "He about turned purple in the face…" movement of someone walking in caught my attention, "Dad!" I ran over to him and threw my arms around his strong figure; I'm a daddy's girl, what of it?

We stood there for a few seconds before he loosened his grip and looked around the room. "Hey dad," Scorpio said and giving dad the 'man' nod and dad reciprocated.

"Well, well, Granger in the Malfoy household…I would have bet my life on it, had I not been here to see it." Draco said while he seemed to have a staring match with Hermione. "It's Weasely now Draco, but I'm sure you know that…" Hermione replied in the same flat voice as Draco. "Granger suits you better," Draco said giving a smirk and making his was to sit on the couch. Hermione gave a small laugh while shaking her head, "Fine, Malfoy. It will be just like old times then." "Wouldn't have it any other way Granger." Draco said leaning his head back and closing his eyes. 'He really hasn't changed much' Hermione thought.

"Long day, honey?" Casandra asked. "Not really, it was just some wankers complaining about how much money their stores received from selling our brooms. They keep wanting more; it's ridiculous I created the damn brooms." Draco said earning a laugh from all the kids. Draco noticed the deeper laugh that was not his son's and looked to find James "Who are you?" James looked over to his Aunt startled, but before he could say anything Draco continued. "Your Potter's boy aren't you… This must be the apocalypse, both Granger and Potter's boy in my house." Draco shook his head as he finished his melodramatic rant.

Scorpio and I tried to hide our laughs as mom got on dad's case. "Draco that's no way to act around guests, or my future boss. Knock it off and act your age." Mom scolded giving dad a nice swat in the back of the head, only earning laughs from everyone, even dad. Hermione laughed openly while James tried to hide his, which caused me to laugh harder.

"You know Draco; I'm impressed; here I am laughing with you and your family. I never figured you for the comical family man. I guess I was wrong you have changed." Hermione said with a serious look and a smile. "I'm not all sunshine and daises Granger." I scoffed at what dad said and hopped on his lap, "But we wouldn't have you any other way father." I said hugging his close, which caused everyone to burst into laughter again.

"Ugh, get off." he tried to push me off.

"No" I said in a winey voice.

"Get away." Pushing again.

"But I love you." I snuggle into him.

"You're so grounded…"

"It was so worth it." I said looking up and giving a smirk. Dad chuckles at this, "Alright, alright, get off." And he lifts me and plops me by his side.

"Really Draco, quite unexpected…" Hermione said with her own smirk. Dad just let out a loud sigh and turned to me, "See what you've done?" I just nudge him and he shoves me, making me fall over on the couch.

"Well, thank you again for lunch. But I best get James back." Hermione said politely and mom went forward and shook her hand again.

Scorpio stood and shook James's hand again. "Look forward to seeing you on the Quidditch team," James said giving a smile. "Like wise," Scorpio said wearing his smirk.

I stood and shook Mrs. Hermione's hand saying it was good seeing her again, and surprising dad did the same. I walked over to James and I could tell he went back to his shy mode. '…maybe I'll have some fun…' I smiled as we shook hands. "Good seeing you again," James said wearing a light blush, he didn't really know the right way to say goodbye to girls; for lack of experience. "I look forward to seeing you at school," and with that I leaned in and gave him a small kiss on his cheek. James froze and watched me as I slowly pulled away. He really didn't know what to do; a part of him was saying to lean over and give her one, but he never listened to that voice nor did he have the gall to do it.

Draco 'WHAT THE BLODDY HELL IS SHE THINKING!?'

Casandra 'They do make an attractive couple; poor boy, he looks lost.'

Hermione had her eyes wide, 'What is she playing at?'

"Umm, yeah, see you at school…" James's brain was on lockdown. When girl's had kiss him, or try to, it was needy and wanting, but Alexis's was almost teasing and yet, gentle. 'She not needy like other girls, she can get whatever she wants…even me…geez I'm in trouble.' James thought never breaking eye contact with Alexis's twinkling eyes.

"Right well, I guess we'll see you at the platform in a few days," Hermione said breaking the odd silence. "Yes," Casandra said walking with Hermione to the fireplace, in between James and I. James moved to follow but glanced back at me quickly and I provided him with a wink.

I don't know if it was me but his pace seemed quicker when he walked over to the fireplace. We all said 'bye' once more and then the flames took them.

"What was that about!?" My dad said in his thunderous voice. "Just messing with him dad, poor guy is way too shy." I said with a smile. "Well don't mess with him again," he said turning and walking away, but then he stopped with a confused face. "What were you all talking about when I walked in? Someone turning purple?" Scorpio, mom, and I laughed. "Yeah, let's get the whole story sis." Scorpio said.

I laughed again thinking about it, "Okay, here's what happened…'

Lie to me once again
It's the same old story
Lie to me once again
It's the same old story

Was it worth it in the end...