A/N: Author's notes are pointless, as few read them, and none really care.
Disclaimer: As always, JK Rowling owns all of the Wizarding world in regards to our favorite Boy Who Lived Then Died Then Came Back To Life. I only own the names Kismet, Sirenity, and Jayden.
Dedication: Of course, to XToxicLullabyX who only insults my writing skills in order to not sound like my sister, and her puzzle.
To Sirenity Cortez's inspiration: I hope this chapter doesn't make you seem too terrible. ;] I love you, Twin!
Now, without further ado:
Chapter Four
-X-X-X-X-X-
As the girls grew steadily used to their new surroundings, the days began to fly by. Before long, Sirenity, Kismet, and Jayden had become part of the student body quite easily. The three joined new clubs, chose favorite classes and electives, and even spent time with the Marauders every so often. No other student could understand how three out-of-place girls could intertwine their lives to quickly with the most popular students in school.
The fourth student stuck in this time wasn't quite so lucky, however. Draco Malfoy mostly kept to himself, but found it rather difficult sharing a dorm with his father, Lucius, and his favorite teacher from his own time, Severus Snape.
He also found it rather annoying when Snape whined about Lily's absence from his life, and was experiencing peer-pressure from his other dorm-mates, Avery and Nott.
"Filthy imbeciles," he muttered to himself one day as the others left for a 'top-secret-meeting with their master', "They have absolutely no idea who I am, and where all this will lead."
Finally bored and suddenly noticing he was completely alone (and talking to himself), he ascended the stairs to the Slytherin common room. There, seated before him on a hard, dark green couch with her back turned was none other than the very bane of his existence: Kismet Vangley.
As he attempted to calm his rapidly beating heart, he placed a smirk on his face and made his way to the brunette girl, who was singing softly to herself.
"How can I pretend to live
When you won't even glance my way?
You've become like air for my shriveled lungs,
And I'll need you every day.
And before the clock strikes midnight, dear,
I hope you'll learn the truth.
But for now, I cannot bear to part
With a wonder such as you."
"Interesting song," said Draco softly as he snapped out of his trance, effectively startling the brunette girl. "I mean, if you're into the disgusting angst-ridden love and all," he ended with a sneer.
"It's for choir, Malfoy," Kismet attempted at a snarl, but found it half-hearted. She sighed, "It's supposed to be memorized, but I can't seem to learn it on my own. It'd be so much easier with Jay or Siren to read back the parts I've missed..." She trailed off, unsure how to finish.
"Here," he said, reaching out his hand to take the music parchment, "I'll help you."
Kismet's eyebrows raised in surprise, "You don't mind?"
"Well, if you want, I can leave..."
"No! That's okay. Uh, thank you for your help," she paused, "Draco."
The blonde boy blushed pink as he stared at the music before him, "Don't mention it. Ever. Now, sing."
Meanwhile, outside the castle, Quidditch practice was underway for the Gryffindor team. James Potter, being Captain, had lost a chaser the previous year, and therefore had had to hold try-outs for a new one. Luckily, he'd found one who worked well with the team, and who could fly faster than anyone he'd previously encountered, save himself.
"Nice shot, Jayden!" called James to the newest member of the team, "Read their body language, McCormick."
"I did! She faked left!" the keeper called back to his captain. He didn't sound the least bit disappointed, however, "Won't get it past me again, Millsap!"
"Oh? Is that a challenge, Mickey?" asked Jayden with a laugh. She received a high-five from another chaser, Dorcas Meadowes, for the excellend shot. Dorcas, James, and Jayden made up the trio of chasers for the team, leaving fourth-year Kirley McCormack as the keeper, Sirius and a fifth-year bloke named Benjy Fenwick as beaters, and Lindsay Spinnet as the third-year seeker.
"It bloody well is, Millsap! Run it again!" at a look from the captain, he added a soft, "Er-Please?"
James couldn't hold back a smile, "Run it again, team!"
-X-X-X-X-X-
After practice, nearly the whole team returned to the castle for a shower and dinner. Sirius, Jayden, and James were the only ones left on the pitch once James dismissed.
Surprisingly, Sirius offered to carry the ball crate to the broom shed at the far end of the pitch, leaving Jayden to walk back with her sister's new boy-toy, James.
"So, how's Siren treating you, Potter?" asked Jayden slyly as she watched his face for a reaction.
His eyes widened in surprise, "I beg your pardon?"
"You know, I'm her sister, and therefore I know more about her than anyone. It seems she's got a bit of a crush on you, and you on her. You should ask her out," said Jayden conversationally. Inside, she was jumping with joy. Sirenity would be so happy if Jayden could convince James to actually ask, instead of the other way around.
"I-I don't know what you're talking about. James Potter does not get crushes," he said firmly, his glasses fogging up in embarressment.
"Sure, sweetheart. Just ask the girl, I'm sure you'll feel much better," said Jayden with a smile as the two finally reached the front steps of the castle.
James turned to face the short redhead, "You think so?"
"Of course! Who wouldn't want to date Sirenity Cortez?" she said with a smirk, "She's gorgeous, and funny, and-"
"-has an enormous arse," cut in Sirius Black as he finally joined his best mate and Jayden.
The comment earned him a slap on his arm, "Don't talk about my sister that way, Black, or I'll hex you to death."
-X-X-X-X-X-
"So, Jay," began Kismet one evening in the library. At a look from Madame Pince, she lowered her voice, "What's going on with you and Lupin?"
"Hmm? Just a sec, Kiss," whispered Jayden as she finished her Charms essay. Finally, she thought. "What was that you said?"
"I asked what was up with you and Lupin. Are you friends or...?" Kismet trailed. She'd only seen the two together during classes, and hadn't heard anything after their date a week ago.
"Oh, no," said Jayden as she rolled up her parchment. Drying spells were wonderful, in her opinion. No more waiting until three am until the darn thing dried before she could roll up her homework, "Remus and I are strictly friends. The walk around the lake was awkward enough to inform us that a relationship in any form other than platonic would be catastrophic for us both." She smirked.
"Ah, well that's-nice," said Kismet as she returned to her Potions essay.
"Oh yes, quite nice," hummed Jayden.
"What are you keeping from me?"
"Me? Nothing, dear."
"Don't you 'dear' me, Jayden Millsap! What's happened," Kismet's former look of amusement had disappeared as she studied her cheerful friend.
Leaning forward conspiritorally, Jayden whispered, "I charmed the Marauder's robes this morning."
"Oh, Jay," groaned Kiss, "I thought you'd finished with pranking when we left Lutheran's."
Jayden folded her arms across her chest as she smiled, "You're just angry that I didn't invite you along for this one."
"Of course I am! Let's go see the effects of your prank!"
-X-X-X-X-X-
A hush fell over the Great Hall as the double doors opened to reveal the school's four most popular blokes. The chatter continued as the boys continued on their way to the Gryffindor table where their friends were sat for dinner. Most girls looked up from their food to gawk at the boys, and the ones who locked eyes with any one of them blushed.
"It's so disgusting to realize how many girls throw themselves at the feet of males," spat Sirenity as she watched the show. "I mean, you'd never see me degrade myself that way!"
"That's because most males tend to throw themselves at your feet, sis," said Jayden with a smile. She was in a particularly good mood this evening.
"That's not true," argued Siren.
Jayden shrugged in response as she watched the Marauders stroll down the aisle between the tables. Snickering could be heard from behind them. A wave of laughter followed their steps as the drew closer and closer to herself and Siren.
Just as they were merely a foot away, a voice among the crowd called out, "Hey Potter! Your dorm-mates know about your stick fettish?"
A new wave of laughter washed over the Hall at this comment, and the four boys took seats around Siren and Jayden. Remus and Sirius sat on either side of Jayden across from James, Siren, and Peter, all wearing looks of confusion, save Jayden.
"What was that all about, d'you reckon," asked Sirius, a crease forming between his eyebrows.
James shrugged in response, turning to Siren, "So, Siren..."
Sirenity quickly took a swig of pumpkin juice to clear her throat, "Uh, yes James?"
"I was wondering," he said, glancing quickly at Jayden who gave him an encouraging smile, while trying to hold back laughter, "See, there's a Hogsmeade trip this weekend-"
"So, that's why they call you Moony!" exclaimed a feminine voice behind Jayden, "Move over, Man-Beast." Kismet had joined the group and squeezed between her best friend and the chubby Pettigrew boy, sharing a smirk with Jayden.
Remus sputtered in response, "Er, I beg your pardon?"
"Pardon given," said Kismet as she tuned in to the conversation before her.
"Oh! Uh, wow. Sure, James, I'll go with you," replied Siren, looking shocked. Kismet and Jayden shared a knowing smile and high-fived under the table.
"Wait, wait, wait! What is going on here?" exclaimed Sirius as he returned from conversing with fellow beater, Benjy Fenwick.
"See, James just asked Siren to the next Hogsmeade weekend and she accepted..." said Jayden as she began to butter a roll.
"No, no! I mean, why is everyone asking if I've a crush on Prongs or Moony more? It's ridiculous! I'm not into blokes," said Sirius seeming scandalized. Jayden had to choke back laughter as she noticed the appalled looks on the Marauders' faces.
"Well, Black," said Kismet with a straight-face, "It seems the back of your robes has pulled you from the closet onto center-stage with about three spot lights trained on you. Your secret is out."
Suddenly, James spun Sirius around to stare at his best mate's back. Written in sparkling red letters were the words Sexually Frustrated Homosexual. His mouth dropped in surprise as he took a leap away from Sirius.
"Mate! I didn't know you swung that way," cried James in shock.
"What way? What are you talking about!" Poor Sirius was confused. He suddenly stepped behind James to study his robes, "Prongs, why's your robes say that you 'Love Polishing Sticks'?"
"Remus! I can see your back...and the rest of you!" Peter had apparently finally noticed the trasparency charm performed on Lupin's robes.
"Wormy's apparently a Sexy Man Beast," said Sirius slowly, "Wait! How come he's not being insulted!"
Jayden, Siren, and Kismet could take it no longer. The three girls' faces screwed up in concentration before Siren let out a snort. After that, the Hall was filled with laughter emmitting from the middle of the Gryffindor table.
"Oh-I-I can't breathe!" said a red-faced Jayden.
-X-X-X-X-X-
After the boys had calmed down from the insult to their Gryffindor pride, and the girls had stopped laughing every few minutes, Kismet left the Gryffindor dinner table in favor of fighting with Draco at the Slytherin table. Siren and Jayden had sat down properly in order to finish the meal, and the boys reluctantly joined them in the same positions they were seated before.
"You know," began James as he cut into a steak and kidney pie, "we'll have to get the three of you back for this."
"Oh yes," agreed Sirius, "definitely."
"Then you boys should know that Siren and Kiss had absolutely nothing to do with the prank," said Jayden with a smirk, "it was all me."
"You?" inquired Remus as he looked at the redhead, shocked. "I would never have guessed!"
"Imagine that, blokes," said Sirius, "An amateur prankster, in our midst."
"Amateur?" scoffed Jayden, "I'm no amateur."
"Oh," said James with a glint in his eyes as he stared down Jayden, "then you wouldn't mind a little challenge."
Jayden seemed suspicious, "What kind of a challenge, Potter?"
"Just a tiny prank-war, Millsap," James clarified. "Unless, of course, you're not up to it."
"Prank-war, huh? Between the Marauders and myself? Seems a little unfair, four to one."
"Oh you can choose anyone you'd like to join your team," said James, "Just none of us. As it stands, you've made the first move, and we'll make the next."
-X-X-X-X-X-
"But we're sisters!" cried an exasperated Jayden. She and Sirenity had been arguing for a good hour or so about Siren's loyalty.
"And he's my boyfriend now," said Siren, "I know it's always sisters first, but we've only been dating a day! In a week or so, I'll join you."
Grumbling about treacherous half-sisters, Jayden stalked from the Gryffindor common room in search of tranquility.
Meanwhile, across the castle, Kismet was currently walking back to the Slytherin common room with Draco Malfoy. Surprisingly enough, the two were neither arguing nor dueling at the present time. In all actuality, they weren't even speaking.
Attempting to break an awkward silence, Draco cleared his throat, "So, er-Vangley. I hear you've joined the Dueling Club as well as the school choir."
"Yes," replied Kismet, staring straight ahead, "I also saw your name on the roster. For the club, I mean."
"Yeah," mumbled Draco.
"Jayden's currently at war with the Gryffindor boys," threw in Kismet wildly. She honestly had no idea what to talk about, and the current situation regarding her best friend and the prank-war was at the fore front of her mind, "I'm joining onto her side."
"Sounds amusing," he said.
"I'm sure it will be."
As the two continued down the corridor in silence, they suddenly heard a hissing to the left, behind an almost-closed door.
"Psst!"
Draco stopped, putting an arm on Kismet's shoulder, "Did you hear that?"
"Malfoy. Vangley. In here!" said the voice again. The two in the hall turned toward the noise and Severus Snape stepped from behind the door.
Letting out a breath of annoyance, Kismet said in a cold voice, "What do you want, Snape?"
"Get in here," he said quietly as his eyes roved the corridor constantly on look out. He stepped behind the door once again and beckoned for them to follow.
As the two entered the unused classroom, the heavy door closed behind them with a solid bang. Suddenly, both wands being held by the blonde and brunette were flying through the air into the waiting hands of Regulus Black. Beside him stood Avery and Nott, and just to the side stood Severus Snape and Lucius Malfoy.
"What is this?" demanded an irate Kismet.
"The two of you are Slytherins. It's time to decide where your loyalties lie," said Lucius Malfoy in a slow drawl, "Vangley: you seem to spend far too much time with a certain two Gryffindors. That isn't at all good for a Slytherin."
Hands on hips, Kismet retorted, "I don't give a crap what you seem to think is 'good' for me! Siren and Jayden are my best friends and I'm not going to stop speaking to them just because you think I should!"
There was a long pause as Draco slipped an arm around Kismet's shoulders, bringing her closer to him. Then-
"Very well," said the elder Malfoy, "Cruci-"
"Expelliarmus!" cried a voice behind Kismet and Draco. The two spun in time to see James Potter catch the wand of Lucius Malfoy.
"Sorry Malfoy, but that spell's illegal," said Sirius with a grin.
The five Slytherins and two Gryffindors began dueling fiercely. Kismet and Draco ducked behind an old teacher's desk as lights began whizzing past them. Completely wandless, the two were no use to their Gryffindor saviors.
"Stupefy."
"Sectumsempra."
"Avada-"
"Also illegal!"
Suddenly, Regulus Black was stunned only two feet away from Kismet's hiding spot.
"Yes!" she cried, throwing the other wand to Draco. The two raced ahead to join the fight that had now been evened four against four.
"Nice of you to join us," said James Potter as he dodged a particularly nasty-looking purple hex.
"Can it, Potter," said Kismet, "we didn't have wands until a few moments ago."
He stopped in disbelief, nearly getting his head blown off by a jet of green light.
"Look out!" Kismet pushed him to the ground, and he snapped out of it, dueling once more as he spoke.
"You let yourselves get disarmed? What sort of an idiotic move was that?"
"I said to can it!"
After a few moments, the five Slytherins were disarmed and stunned. Kismet cast a charm to tie them together and they left them outside Dumbledore's office.
"Well, that was fun," said Sirius cheerfully. "Good thing we were there to save your sorry behinds, eh, Vangley?"
"I had them where I wanted them, Black," spat Kismet with a glare.
"Oh sure," responded James as he shared a smirk with Sirius, "you were about to have an Unforgivable Curse used on you and you were wandless. I'd never let that happen to me."
For some reason, Draco began laughing.
-X-X-X-X-X-
A/N: Did you know that Kirley McCormack is the son of Catriona McCormack (Captain/Chaser for Puddlemere United), brother of Meghan McCormack (Keeper for Puddlemere United), and the guitarist for the Weird Sisters? Just thought I'd point that out! I thought it was interesting!
I think this is my favorite chapter! I absolutely loved the way I wrote it! (Out of sheer boredom, loneliness, and starvation.)
I really have no idea why I write Author's Notes. It's not like I'm begging for reviews, and who in their right minds would read this story anyway?
Jayden:...Joking, Kiss! Don't kill me!
Kismet:Yeah, you'd better be. I'll dye your hair the color of Hannah Montanna's!
Jayden: No! I don't want to look like Siren!
Sirenity: Hey! I resent that!
Kismet: Really? You shouldn't. It's true.
Sirenity:*pouts* You're hurtful.
Jayden: Sticks and stones, sister. Don't let the mean Slytherin harm your delicate feelings.
Kismet: *pulls out a stick and a rock* Oh I have those, too. I can harm your feelings and your bodies!
One more thing: I feel as if I should apologize for the Mary-Sue-ness of my characters. Especially to karabell-karaboo723. (She's the Mary-Sue Slayer, you know. And she kind of scares me, because she's rutheless in her stories.)
I mean, I read this one fic... it's called Attack of the Mary Sues and it's by karabell-karaboo723... (Go read it! It's hilarious!)... and I just feel so darn guilty for writing about TimeTravel, Mary Sues, American Exchanges, and non-canon pairings... It's like that one fic pointed out everything I hate about this story!
Side-prayer: If you'll notice, only Sirenity Cortez is the slightest bit Mary-Sue... Hopefully, you'll only slay her? That is realistically how she looks and acts (Siren: Hey! That's not true!). And this is all for a good cause: the happiness of my best friends. Who could perform a better charity than that?
If it pleases the gods, I promise to write a CANON-based fanfic as soon as I complete this or get bored with it or run out of inspiration or... well, the possibilities are endless.
Again, pointless A/N's... No one reads them.