Once everyone had packed their supplies, Snape passed by us and slipped a note into my One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi textbook swiftly, making sure that no one noticed.

I raised an eyebrow in curiosity, but I didn't dare open it now. Most likely during lunch. Which was next.

The bell soon rang and I didn't glance back at Snape, and instead I walked with Lydia, who was heading back to the Common Room to put her things back.

"While you're at it dear cousin, mind putting mine back too?" Draco smirked, putting his supplies on top of Lydia's.

My eyes widened as I saw Lydia bend her knees below the weight on her arms. Immediately I took half of her supplies and balanced them on mine, giving Lydia less weight to carry.

"Draco!" I hissed as she gave him an angry glare.

Startled, Draco looked at me with a shocked expression.

"What?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.

"What do you mean what? Lydia was about to drop her things!" I scolded, nudging Lydia for us to leave.

"Aw c'mon! I wasn't even offending YOU this time!" Draco groaned grabbing my shoulder.

"But Lydia is my best friend!" I said turning around.

"Don't get angry Vanice! I'm sorry, alright! I'm sorry Lydia." Draco exclaimed, putting his hands up in defense.

"It's, like, OK Dracey!" Lydia giggled.

"Here," Draco said, grabbing a bit of mine and Lydia's supplies. "Let me help."

I rolled my eyes but kept walking. Behind me I could hear that he shoved the books into Goyle and Crabbe's arms. I held back a giggle.

A trip to our dormitories later, we were ready for lunch. As we walked, the note that Professor Snape gave me weighed more and more in my pocket as my impatience grew.

When we finally made it to our table, I hastily began to dig through my pockets. Beside me Lydia coughed under her breath:

"I noticed your blush."

Half choking on air, I clenched the note in my pocket, giving her a glare that said 'Shut it'.

She batted her eyelashes at me innocently, but I could tell a devious smile was growing in her lips.

"Alright let's get to it. What does the note say?" Draco urged, not paying attention to Lydia and I.

"What?"

"Oh I saw it. I was right next to you!" He chuckled proudly.

I rolled my eyes and opened the parchment, reading it out loud to them.

.

"Miss Crypton and company,

The phial that you received today is critical. It was meant to come into your possession at a later time however I felt it would be simpler to reward you with it. I cannot tell you of its contents through letter in fear of it falling into the wrong hands. To speak further of the matter, meet Archidia after your Flying practice today near the entrance and she will tell you everything. Your friends may follow if they wish."

.

"I totally want to know." Said Lydia, biting into a chicken leg.

"So do we!" The boys said excitedly.

"Where do you even have the phial?" Draco asked.

"In my other pocket." I said quietly.

We ate quickly, but making sure we were full. Flying was not a time for you to get a weak stomach. As soon as my plate was cleaned, I stood up to leave when a voice caught my attention.

"Look! The owls are coming!"

Above us, hundreds of owls of different species flew down, holding parcels and letters. And to my surprise and joy, Tawn landed on my empty plate, pecking my finger affectionately and dropping a letter.

It was from home.

I opened it, and a tiny silver charm bracelet fell out and clattered into my plate. It was a styled to look like a cuff, but designed with swirls and patterns that seemed to move on their own inside a clear glass that was on the outer part of the bracelet.

Slowly, my eyes scanned the note, realizing that Mother wrote it.

.

Vanice,

You've made us so proud. We never had a doubt you'd be placed in Slytherin; the most noble house. You must do very well and keep your nose clean; give no one a reason to disrespect the name Crypton. Furthermore, Aletta has gotten you a gift; a mood bracelet. It's a Mood Displayer; The color and pattern will change and the mood you are in will be also displayed in letters. Aletta believes that it will help you control your emotions better. She's so thoughtful and creative. Have a good term and don't forget what we've told you.

Love Mother, Father and Aletta

.

I smiled, carefully folded the letter and hid it in my robes. Then my attention went to the bracelet.

"A Mood Displayer huh...?" I mumbled, doubting my sister's choice of gift.

I slipped it on, and it automatically fitted itself to grasp my wrist comfortably. Then, it immediately changed from its clear color to a light orange and the designs began to bounce of from the inside of the glass. In fine cursive, the letters spelled out EXCITED.

"Excited for what?" Draco asked beside me, standing up with Crabbe and Goyle.

"Flying. And after that." I replied.

Then Lydia passed me a small brown box with a pretty red bow on top.

"It's from my Mum. She says one is for you and the other, like me. It's filled with yummy fudge. Homemade. Dracey has some too, don't you?" Lydia said, biting into some.

"Yeah..." He says absentmindedly, looking over at the Gryffindor table. "Neville seems to have gotten something. Let's go see."

We walked by the Gryffindor table, and we could see Neville was holding up a clear ball. Harry and Ron were gazing up at it. As if it was something wonderous.

"It's a Remembrall." Goyle said under his breath.

As soon as we were close enough, Draco snatched the Remembrall out of Neville's hand.

Quickly, Potter and Weasley stood up, giving us glares. Crabbe and Goyle stepped up as well. Lydia and I crossed our arms, watching everyone's move.

Then an annoying voice cut in behind us and I immediately knew who it was.

"What's going on here?"

"Malfoy's took my Remembrall, Professor."

I glared at Neville, who cringed in fear.

Scowling, Draco put it back on the table and stood by us again.

"Just looking." He said, and we followed him out.

We hurried down the front steps onto the grounds. It was a clear, breezy day, and the grass rippled under our feet as we marched down the sloping lawns toward a smooth, flat lawn on the opposite side of the grounds to the forbidden forest, whose trees were swaying darkly in the distance.

The Gryffindors weren't there yet and we saw twenty broomsticks lying in neat lines on the ground.

"This seems fun." I said, standing by one.

"Late as usual..." Lydia said, looking at the Gryffindors.

Soom after everyone was there, Madam Hooch arrived. She had short, gray hair, (that made Lydia gasp with fright) and yellow eyes like a hawk.

"Well, what are you all waiting for?" she suddenly barked at the last people arriving. "Everyone stand by a broomstick. Come on, hurry up."

"Stick out your right hand over your broom," called Madam Hooch at the front, "and say 'Up!'"

"UP" everyone shouted.

Beside me, Draco's flew up, as did Lydia's and mine. From the corner lf my eye, I saw that Granger's had simply rolled over on the ground.

"So sad." I mumbled, giving her a glare.

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•

So I hope everyone is liking the story so far! The pictures I've received for the contest are spectacular!(:

•Q of the Chapter...

- Favorite Quidditch position?

R&R F&F Never Ttickle A Sleeping Dragon and I'll see you next chapter!