HAPPY EASTER everyone!

So, I was going to post on Wednesday, but I ended up doing other things and...just didn't. I'm happy to see more people reviewing though...that makes me sooo happy!

As I told everyone, I've had laptop issues and had to buy a new one. I'm not using it much yet...I think I told you that too...but eventually I'll get there! Also, I also told you about going off to training for work. In the time since I returned from that class (it was DMV2...and no, I don't work at the DMV), I've been struggling with title transfers. There's just sooo much to know...and steps that MUST BE PERFECT. If I make mistakes, then the DMV sends it back to the office and and I have to fix it...which means calling the person and telling them they have to come back in...which, of course, pisses them off. Anyway, I think my brain is broken! SOB!

Anyway, I'm posting today...four days after when I'd wanted to post! It's a short one. I actually didn't realize it was so short until I started to format it to post. SIGH! Sorry.

Special thanks to Sharie, coffeegoddess, and chao-hellsing for taking the extra time and effort to review.

And again...HAPPY EASTER!

Chapter Forty-four
What's in a Name?

"She doesn't even know the names of the Houses," Abraxas said to Tom, shaking his head with disbelief. "Or what each one stands for, for that matter."

"Yes, I do!" Buffy argued indignantly, annoyed that the boy wasn't addressing her directly. "I've been reading Hogwarts: A History every night before bed, you know. Well, I guess you don't know, but I have. I've been reading all my books! I need to catch up! But it's all so new to me and...well, I'm used to English and math and science and cheerleading...not Charms, Dark Arts, Quipage, and Transformation."

Abraxas snorted. "It's Quidditch."

"And Tranfiguration," Tom corrected gently.

Buffy turned and glared at Tom. "Whatever!" she snapped, her eyes quickly going from the dark-haired boy back to the annoying blond. "What difference does it make really. And all of the Houses have such silly names that it's easier to just go by color."

"Buffy, each House is named after its Founder," said Tom, reminding her of what he knew she was already aware. He was trying to sound both annoyed with her flippancy and amused by it. The latter so as not to raise Buffy's ire any further—why he cared so much, he didn't know—and the former for his housemate's benefit. It simply wouldn't do to allow Abraxas Malfoy to see him drop his shield completely—the way he'd done with Buffy Summers. It was already unfortunate that his housemate had come across them more than once and witnessed a side of him that he'd never wanted to show anyone at Hogwarts. A side of him that he hadn't been aware he had. And, to be anything less than respectful of their Founders—especially Salazar Slytherin—in front of another, was just unacceptable! What was he turning into?!

Buffy huffed. "Yes, I know that!" she said, somewhat less snappishly. "But really, they're such... peculiar names. Don't you think?"

Tom shrugged casually. "I have never thought about it before now," he said. And he truly hadn't, but he'd forced himself to hide a smirk at the comment, because anyone meeting her would probably think she was the one who was peculiar! But he definitely didn't want to upset her, and, for the life of him, he couldn't figure out why the her opinion should mean so much!

"Well you wouldn't expect the Founders of a school of witchcraft and wizardry to have common names, would you?" Abraxas asked, clearly aghast at the mere suggestion.

Buffy rolled her eyes. "What is it with the wizarding community and thinking they're above normal, everyday, names. I mean, what sort of name is Abraxas anyway?" she asked, knowing full well that the question would irritate the blond—and not caring one bit about it. In fact, she could hardly wait for him to burst a vessel.

And it definitely ruffled his feathers.

Tom looked from Buffy to his housemate. Abraxas was nearly sputtering with righteous indignation—and it took everything Tom had to remain expressionless. If it had just been him and Buffy sitting together, and Buffy had that look on her face, he might have actually laughed.

"I'll have you know that I'm named after the mighty Abraxan," the blond boy said loftily—then frowned when the girl stared at him blankly.

"Um. Am I meant to know what that is?" Buffy asked.

Huffing, Abraxas continued. "The Abraxan are a gigantic and extremely powerful breed of winged horses," he explained, his tone more than a bit exasperated by her lack of knowledge. Apparently she hadn't got to the chapter on Abraxan in her books.

Buffy made a face. "You're named after a big flying horse?"

"Not just any horse!" he snapped. "The Abraxan are...massive. They are not simply... big! And I can assure you, they are quite impressive."

"Hmm. Okay," said Buffy with a shrug and a smirk. "Whatever you say, Mr Pegasus."

Abraxas snorted. He wanted to make a scathing remark—about ignorant American girls—but the girl amused him, so instead he chuckled. "The confusion over the House names...it's the same as what you like to do with people's names, isn't it?" he asked instead. "It's done to entertain yourself while making others to squirm."

Buffy flipped her hair over her shoulder and said, "I don't know what you're talking about, Malfoy!"

"Well, at least she had my name right this time around," the blond boy said, laughing some more as he looked at his Housemate. "I think we should keep an eye on this one, Riddle."

"I doubt that will be necessary," said Tom—determined not to allow anyone else the pleasure of keeping an eye on Buffy. "From what I've seen, Buffy is quite capable."

Abraxas hmm'd.

Buffy nodded. "Yes, that's me. It's my middle name, you know. Capable," she said—then frowned. "Well, actually, it's Anne, but I've pretty much always been capable...and not needing of eyes on me." She narrowed her eyes at Abraxas Malfoy and continued. "So, you know, keep yours to yourself."

Abraxas shook his head. Despite what Tom and Buffy said, he'd keep an eye on her. And he knew others would as well—as soon as they met her! She was definitely unique. Possibly even unique enough to be sorted into Ravenclaw? To himself, he hmm'd again and watched Buffy Summers. She'd turned to look at Tom.

"So...I want ice cream. We're done here, right?" she asked as she balled up her napkin.

Tom blinked at her rapid shift in focus and said, "Oh yes. I suppose I've also finished. And I wouldn't be opposed to an ice cream, if you'd like some, Buffy." The idea of being able to buy treats was almost enough to make him smile—but he wouldn't, not in front of others.

Buffy grinned at Tom, pure happiness shining in her emerald eyes. Standing, she looked down at Abraxas—who quickly rose as well.

"Um. You're welcome to come along, if you want. We were going to poke around the alleys and see what we can find. Though, we don't have much time." She looked at Tom and repeated, "We don't have a lot of time now."

Tom nodded. He wasn't sure how she knew. There wasn't a clock anywhere near them and there were no windows to see how light it was outside, but she must be correct. He was sure that they'd spent longer in the Leaky Cauldron than they'd intended to.

Abraxas looked between the two of them. Buffy had shifted her gaze to the table and was collecting her things. He noticed that she'd scooped up her wand—that had been left casually lying on the table—and poked it into her hair that she had up in a ponytail. And Tom was...well, the other boy's dark eyes were narrowed on him. Abraxas could tell that he wanted to be left alone with the girl, so he obliged.

Shaking his head, Abraxas said, "As interesting as that offer sounds, I need to refuse. I'm expected at home, so I won't be able to join you. My parents are expecting guests this evening, you see."

"Oh. Yeah. Okay," Buffy responded quickly, glad he'd declined. "Well then, maybe we'll meet again soon. I'm sure you'll pop up next time we're hitting Diagon, as that's what you do."

Abraxas frowned, wondering why she thought that. He just didn't go to Diagon Alley that often. These had been chance meetings. Did she really think that he was following her? Or, maybe, she was simply trying to wind him up again. That must be it, he decided when he noticed the smirk on her face. She's a very odd girl, he thought.

~oOo~

"Well, I'm glad to be rid of him," Buffy said to Tom as they headed toward the ice cream parlor. "I mean, he's not totally horrible, but he's super full of himself. I've known others like him. My parents are expecting guests, you see," she mimicked, rolling her eyes. "It's like he wanted us to know they're having an important dinner party and we weren't invited. Not that I'd want to be, mind you."

Tom hmm'd. He'd be interested to see Malfoy Manor—he'd heard enough about the bloody place! "He's right, you know. About Slytherin. It might be difficult for you, if you're sorted into my House," he said quietly. He hated to admit it—especially out loud—but it was true. Buffy was too bright and shiny for his House. She would really stand out. But then, maybe that was just what Slytherin needed.

"I'll be fine," Buffy said, waving her hand dismissively. "I'm used to being out of place girl...and time now too, I guess." She laughed. "I still want to know what House I'm in, like a.s.a.p...so we can get used to it...know my colors...and plan our attack, so to speak."

Tom smirked. "Attack?"

Buffy shrugged. "Well, you know...how we'll manage our House and deal with all their crap if I'm sorting into Slytherin, because I don't want to spend all my time there dealing with that nonsense. Or how we'll continue to be friends if I'm not, because I'm not giving you up, Tom. I'm just not! So don't you dare try to distance yourself from me if that happens, because you're...stuck with me." She nodded decisively, as if the subject were final.

Tom eyed her. For several moments he just stared down at her. She was gazing up at him defiantly, as if she expected him to argue. He had the urge to argue with her and, at the same time, he knew it wouldn't do any good.

~oOo~

Tom and Buffy ate their ice cream mostly in silence. As Tom watched her eat, he kept expecting her to cause a scene, but she behaved herself this time. Probably because they ate quickly. And then they poked around Diagon for a short while. Unfortunately, it was quickly time for Tom to get back to Wools.

They parted at the Leaky Cauldron. She had wanted to see him to the orphanage, but he'd refused, saying that he didn't want her out alone longer than she needed to be. Buffy had, of course, rolled her eyes and told him that he was being silly—that she'd probably be out alone later that night—but he'd insisted, squeezing her hand when she'd grabbed him, then kissing her when she just stood there staring up at him expectantly.

"Go now," he said, giving her a little push. "It won't be any easier in another minute or two."

Buffy smirked. "All right. You first."

He chuckled. Then shrugged and nodded—and walked away without looking back.

Buffy watched him walk down the street, then sighed and quickly returned home.

~oOo~

From the doorway to the Leaky Cauldron, Abraxas Malfoy watched the pair part. Annoyingly, Tom Riddle went one way and Buffy Summers another, so he couldn't follow both. He chose to follow the one who he'd decided was the safer option, but kept his distance.

He thought he'd been clever. He'd told them that he was expected at home. It was true, of course, but at the moment he was too curious to leave. Instead, he'd bid them farewell, then moved out of sight and watched them exit into Diagon Alley without giving him even the slightest thought. At this point Abraxas had ordered another drink and found a table in the shadows to await their return, knowing they would eventually pass back through the Leaky Cauldron in order to go home.

They weren't gone long at all. From the shadows, he'd watched them re-enter the pub and pass through quickly, as if on a mission. But he'd soon discovered that they were ending their day together.

When the door to Charing Cross Road closed behind them, Abraxas had followed. He was, of course, leery about stepping out into the Muggle streets. He was accustomed to arriving at the Leaky Cauldron by Floo or Apparating directly into Diagon Alley with his parents. His father would be furious if he found out about this. And his mother would have a fit if she were to become aware. But he was too curious to go straight home tonight.

And so he waited until they were out of sight and then he hurried to keep up.

~oOo~

I've done my part...and now I'd love to hear from YOU!

I've been trying to post this chapter for about 30 minutes now and every time I attempt to copy/paste it in here, it saves all bunched up. I'm going CRAZY! This is attempt FIVE! Grr Argh!