Prosapia Aenigmatis - The Family Riddle

Chapter 3-Hogsmeade

Quinn surveyed herself in the mirror with a grim smile. She looked nicer than usual, having actually put some effort into her hair today. She wore her newest robes and had applied some light makeup. Her hair, normally pulled into a messy ponytail, was straight and framed her face. Rather pathetic, she told herself. All this effort on the off chance that Fred might see her with Ginny that day. That was assuming Quinn could endure the Hogsmeade trip. If she could get through this day, she could survive anything. Quinn took a deep breath and forced a sugary smile onto her face before heading out of the door. She was to meet Ginny after breakfast in the Entrance Hall.

Quinn stumbled down the stairs to the Ravenclaw common room. She loved this room. The Ravenclaws had their own collection of books, which had been added to over the years, featuring quite a few that belonged in the restricted section. Quinn decided long ago that Ravenclaws could be very Slytherinesque in their determination to receive the top grades. These books were merely another edge they gave themselves. The bookshelves lined the south wall of the room and Quinn had an intense desire to grab one and curl up on one of the window seats to read for the day. She paused, staring at the bookcase with desire.

Quinn smirked now, realizing that no matter what Aislinn claimed, Quinn truly was a Ravenclaw. Quinn couldn't imagine a Slytherin looking at a bookcase with desire, besides perhaps Aislinn herself. Quinn amused herself momentarily with the thought of Crabbe or Goyle reading anything. Then she remembered Crabbe's strange behavior and shook her head violently, hoping that if she could induce brain damage it would remove that picture from her memory.

"Hey, Quinn, how's it going?" Quinn whirled around to see Terry Boot seated by the fire on the large blue couch. He patted the seat next to him. The last thing Quinn wanted to do was sit with him and she was about to tell him so. Then Quinn remembered Ginny's twenty-minute speech in potions about Harry's pajamas. Quinn sighed and sat next to Terry, attempting to delay the inevitable horror that would be her day.

She looked over at Terry. Quinn had once thought he was handsome, for a week or two during her first year. He was tall and athletic with a great tan and dark blonde hair. He was smirking at her. Terry didn't have a smirk like Draco Malfoy; there was no contempt in his eyes. Terry's smirk was pure self-appreciation. He seemed to be daring her not to fall in love with him. Quinn felt ill.

"Quinn I thought I'd let you go to Hogsmeade with me. It will be fun," Terry said, smiling now. Quinn wondered which would be worse, a day with Ginny or a day with Terry. Terry would probably 'let' her buy him lunch as well. And Quinn was pretty sure going on a date with Terry wouldn't catch Fred's attention. She wondered if Fred would be in Hogsmeade, would perhaps want to talk to his little sister. Quinn smiled blissfully at the thought. "You look good today, Quinn. I'm glad you're taking an interest in your appearance. Look where it got you." Terry smiled brilliantly now and Quinn was reminded of Professor Lockhart. Her eyes widened. As if in slow motion, she watched Terry's arm snake itself around her shoulders to hug her closer. He raised an eyebrow at her.

"Sorry Terry, I'm already going with someone else," Quinn said, standing quickly and trying her best to look sincerely upset. Terry often helped Quinn with her homework; she didn't want to infuriate him. Maybe she did have some Slytherin tendencies. "I don't want to break my plans. Maybe next time." Quinn quickly walked out of the common room and shuddered with disgust. The fact that he would ask her to go to Hogsmeade on the day of the trip was so arrogant; he was assuming she wouldn't have other plans. After feeling Terry's hands on her, Quinn was never more thankful for Ginny Weasley. She would enjoy a heated debate about Harry Potter's flossing habits before she would let Terry touch her again.

Quinn was distracted all through breakfast, thinking about Fred. She hoped against hope that he would be in Hogsmeade today and that he would say hello to Ginny. She shook off Alyssa Davies' questions about her newfound interest in Gryffindors and quickly finished her eggs. Quinn discreetly waved to Aislinn at the Slytherin table and made her way to the Entrance Hall.

Ginny was seated on a bench talking with Hermione Granger. Quinn hoped neither of them would realize Aislinn was Quinn's best friend. Quinn rolled her eyes at what Aislinn would do to impress Draco. True Quinn would have done the same to impress Fred but that was Fred. Draco was horrible in Quinn's opinion and sometimes she genuinely worried about Aislinn.

"Hi Ginny, ready to go?" Quinn asked with a saccharine smile plastered on her face. She was sure her jaw would hurt from smiling by the end of the day. Ginny bounded up from the seat like an overexcited toddler. Quinn sighed.

"Yeah, this is going to be so much fun," she said in a giggly voice, waving goodbye to Hermione. "I wanted to tell you about how Harry helped us de-Gnome our garden a few years ago. It was so cute to watch." Ginny went on describing Harry's humane behavior toward the Gnomes as they exited the school. Quinn felt like a parent listening to her child's recounting of their school day. "Of course once he figured out they would bite, the Gnomes were flying. He's really strong you know." The two made their way into Hogsmeade and to Honeydukes at first. Quinn tried to steer them toward the joke shop next, hoping to run into Fred and George but had no luck. Ginny wanted to go to Gladrags to look at the new robes. Quinn agreed finally, realizing she could use some new robes herself.

When they got to the store however, Ginny didn't want to buy. Quinn looked down at the other girl's patched robes and felt a little embarrassed. Quinn decided not to buy anything either, so the two girls just glanced at the merchandise, trying to find the most gaudy fabric imaginable for a laugh. For once, Ginny shut up about Harry Potter and Quinn started to actually have a good time. Ginny found a pair of socks with a lightning bolt pattern however and she picked the topic up where she had left it.

The two girls headed for the Three Broomsticks for lunch and Quinn was actually in a pleasant mood. Sure Ginny was now discussing Harry again but Quinn knew she could endure it. Fred would probably stop in for lunch soon and Quinn was trying to formulate a plot to attract his attention should he come over to see Ginny.

The two girls found a prominent table where Quinn was sure Fred would notice them, if he came in. After ordering, Quinn looked up from her menu and felt her eyes widen. Aislinn was seated in the corner with her fellow Slytherins. She seemed to be attempting a sympathetic look but she was failing miserably. Aislinn was smirking and despite her efforts, she began to giggle. Quinn sighed, wanting nothing more than to bury her face in a large sand dune.

"I wondered for a while if he practiced it, he's so good with a quill," Ginny was saying. Quinn looked incredulously at her. How could the girl still talk about Harry? Quinn had wondered if it would be difficult to befriend Ginny. Now she laughed at the thought. Ginny was practically begging for attention. Quinn couldn't blame her, with so many brothers. Still people would give Ginny more attention if she ever had anything interesting to say. "Especially for being Muggle raised, he's so neat with the ink." Quinn couldn't take it anymore. She could feel Aislinn's smirk on her and wanted desperately to shake Ginny until she shut up about Harry.

"Ginny," Quinn interrupted, her polite demeanor flying out the window. She was going to tell Ginny Weasley to get a life and that no one would EVER possibly want to hear all this about Harry Potter. No one should even know this much about Harry. Not even Harry. Ginny needed to know that she was acting like a pathetic love-starved kitten, she needed to- Quinn's capacity for thought escaped her as the door opened and Fred Weasley waltzed in with George in tow. The entire Three Broomsticks burst into applause and the two bowed politely. Fred looked more excited than George, who seemed to be favoring his right arm. Fred waved cheerily at them and Quinn felt her skin burst into flames. Ginny waved back as Quinn tried to get a hold of herself. Fred and George sat at the bar and began conversing with Madam Rosmerta. Quinn sighed audibly, her eyes closing lazily as she mentally pictured a day with Fred in Hogsmeade, rather than Ginny.

"I know, poor George," Ginny said, breaking her train of thought. Quinn was startled. Not only was Ginny talking about something other than Harry, she had brought up the twins. Quinn tried to think of something to say, a way to keep this topic of conversation. There seemed to be a gap between her brain and her mouth, all she could do was stutter. "What did happens? No, I mean what happened?" Quinn said quickly, glancing in what she hoped was a casual way back at Fred. She locked eyes with his reflection in the bar mirror and immediately turned back to Ginny with a blush.

"His detention. Fred had to shine all the armor in the school but poor George. Filch was very upset about him landing on Mrs. Norris. George had to hand-wash all the dishes from dinner last night. No magic, no Elves helping him. He was in the kitchens until two this morning," Ginny replied. Quinn's eyes widened as she thought of how many dishes the school must be used to feed over one thousand mouths. "He had to ice his hand this morning because it was swollen," Ginny said now.

"How did Fred take his break up? Is he all right?" Quinn asked, very excited to finally be talking about her desired subject. Ginny furrowed her brow a bit.

"Well Harry said," Ginny began and Quinn groaned. "He seems fine in Quidditch practice, but he hasn't talked about it much. You know Harry's pretty distracted at practice sometimes. Being the Captain and all. He's been spending all his time coming up with plays lately." Ginny continued the conversation as Quinn pondered spells that would prevent Quinn from having to listen. Quinn watched Aislinn get up with a few Slytherins and head for the door. She gave Aislinn a pleading look but she knew there was nothing Aislinn could do. Quinn wasn't sure she wanted to be seen with Marcus Flint anyway. Those teeth, yuck! Quinn turned back to look at Fred and once again locked eyes with him in the mirror behind the bar. This time Quinn, gaining courage, kept eye contact for a few seconds before she turned her blushing face back to Ginny. Ginny was still going on about Harry. Quinn listened for a few more minutes before her attention drifted.

* * *

Aislinn looked up from the magazine that she, Marianne and Nathanial were looking at. She saw Quinn and Ginny Weasley walk in and take a seat at a table near the door. Quinn seemed to be looking for someone. Fred, Aislinn thought. She noticed that Ginny seemed to be enraptured in a conversation with herself and Aislinn stifled a laugh. Poor Quinn, having to endure a day full of nothing but Harry Potter talk. The thought made her ill. Quinn continued looking around the room and Aislinn caught her eye. She tried to give her a look of sympathy but she knew it didn't come out right. She couldn't help but start laughing and Quinn rolled her eyes and looked back at Ginny as if she were some form of alien.

"Give me a break, who would actually do these things?" She turned to see Nathanial reading the Get the Boy You Want, No Matter How it Must Be Done article she and Quinn had read the previous evening. She laughed at his look of disgust as he began reading one of the suggestions. "Owl his mother for baby pictures and threaten him with blackmail? These people are insane!"

Marianne laughed, "Insane, but brilliant." She grabbed the magazine away from Nathanial. "Do you think these would work?" A mischievous look spread across Marianne's face and Aislinn laughed. She had wondered the same thing herself. She had found a few that weren't totally outrageous. She decided she might try one on Draco, when the time was right. As if he heard her calling him mentally, he walked in at that exact moment. He was, of course, followed by his two sidekicks. As they walked past the front tables, Crabbe shot a look of longing towards Quinn who seemed to be trying to get a word in with Ginny.

Draco looked around the room and headed over to their table, apparently wanting to talk to Marcus. The Slytherin game against Gryffindor was to be the following Saturday morning. When they arrived at the Slytherins' table, Draco looked at them and narrowed his eyes at Aislinn. He then gave her an arrogant smile and sat down next to Marcus Flint. Crabbe and Goyle looked mortally wounded that there were no free seats next to their Liege. The two immense boys wandered over to Aislinn's side of the table and Goyle took an empty seat next to Marianne. Crabbe then sat on his other side, still looking longingly at Quinn across the room. Goyle looked at Marianne and attempted a smirk, which looked strangely more like a hideous grin. Marianne smiled back politely and faced Aislinn with a look of horror. She saw Goyle sneak his arm around Marianne's shoulder and she watched her stiffen. Marianne gave Aislinn a pleading look, but before Aislinn could make a sound, Marcus was looming over Goyle, with a menacing face. He grumbled through his gnarled teeth at Goyle who let out a squeak of fright and got up to move.

Marianne mouthed a soundless 'Thank You' to her brother. Marcus gave Marianne a smile and shot a look of warning to Goyle who was now on the other side of Crabbe. Marcus took his seat next to Draco once again and the two boys became immersed in their Quidditch strategy. Aislinn had often thought that if Marcus had put as much energy into his studies as he did Quidditch, he would have graduated three years ago as he was supposed to. He must have held some record, she thought, as the oldest student to ever be in Hogwarts.

A round of applause broke her thoughts. She looked up to see Fred and George Weasley take a bow as they entered the Three Broomsticks. Several students were laughing and patting them on the back, no doubt, congratulating them on yesterday's scheme. She had to admit, it had been ingenious and hilarious as well. She saw Draco stop his conversation with Marcus as he noticed the twins enter.

"I suppose they think themselves rather funny," he scoffed and several of the older Slytherins laughed. "A couple of mindless idiots is what I would call them." It was obvious to Aislinn that Draco was jealous. He was used to being the one who got all the attention, and rightfully so, she thought.

"Oh Draco, they will never be as wonderful as you are," Pansy crooned to him and plastered herself to his side. He smirked at Pansy and she began giggling furiously. Aislinn wanted to gag. She didn't understand how Draco could put up with that hideous girl following him around constantly. She sincerely hoped that he didn't like Pansy. She looked over at the twins again as Fred waved to Ginny as they passed her and Quinn's table. Quinn blushed heavily and Aislinn wished she could be there sitting with her best friend. Instead she had to sit here and watch Pansy practically groping Draco.

After 10 minutes or so of Pansy's constant praise and giggling, Aislinn decided she couldn't endure any more of this disgusting scene. "Marianne, Nathanial, how about we go to Zonko's? I feel the need for some amusement." The three of them rose from the table and turned to go. Marcus then stood up.

"Do you mind if I go, too? Er, I need a few things from there myself." He shot a revolted look at Pansy and walked to stand next to his sister.

"Sure Marcus, the more the merrier." Nathanial laughed and the four of them headed out the door. As they passed, Quinn gave Aislinn a look of extreme desperation. Aislinn shrugged and waved discreetly just before exiting the pub.

Once the group was outside, Marcus began to speak. "I don't know about you guys, but that Parkinson girl makes me ill." He shuddered dramatically and continued. "The way she clings to poor Draco as if he were her sole life force and she would perish if she let go of him for an instant. Eurgh, she is repulsive." They all laughed and Aislinn sighed. She had to do something to get Draco's mind off Pansy, if it was even on her. Aislinn guessed he liked the attention much more than he liked the actual girl. They made their way to Zonko's and entered the store. They began looking around and joking about various items when the door opened and three fifth year Gryffindors walked through it. They were followed shortly by Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle. Draco had a mischievous look on his face.

"Uh oh," she heard Marianne mumble.

"Come on!" Marcus grabbed Aislinn's arm and the four of them walked over to where the group of fifth years were standing.

"Weasley," Draco began with a smirk."What are you doing in here? Shops are for people who can buy things, you know, with that stuff called money. Or perhaps you have never heard of it?" The group of Slytherins laughed as Ron went scarlet with anger.

"What do you know about it Draco? You don't know anything about my family." The red-haired boy was shaking with anger.

"You're right for once Weasley. I know little about your family. I only know that my father has more money in his sock drawer than your family has probably ever had in their Gringott's vault." The group of Slytherins laughed again. Draco had a deadly expression on his face as he stood head to head with Weasley. Everyone was silent for a moment when Marcus let out a snort, followed by a fit of laughter. This seemed to enrage Weasley even further, pushing him past the breaking point.

"I wouldn't laugh if I were you Flint. You've got to be the oldest student Hogwarts has ever seen. And I will tell you something else, if my family did have money to throw around, I would buy you a book on dental charms to fix those twisted teeth you've got." Ron Weasley had just made a big mistake. All the Slytherins looked at Marcus who was seething. Even Potter seemed to realize what Ron had done, as he was looking horrified at his friend. The next thing Aislinn heard was a loud pop as Weasley went sprawling across the floor. Draco pointed at Ron and laughed. Marcus seemed to be containing his anger and was quietly standing at Draco's side. Ron seemed content to stay on the ground and Aislinn was sure a punch from Marcus was enough to make anyone stay on the ground.

"What's the matter, Potter? You're brave enough to protect your own sorry arse but you can't protect your friends?" Draco said, sneering dangerously. He leaned closer to Potter so that Aislinn could barely make out the words, "Just like your parent's friends couldn't protect them." Aislinn wasn't sure what that meant but it seemed to enrage Potter. His bright eyes flashed with anger as he lurched forward, however Granger stepped in front of Potter before he could reach Draco. Granger looked angrier than Aislinn ever would have imagined from the decorous Gryffindor.

"You arrogant, self appreciating bastard!" She drew back and slapped him across the face with all her might. Draco reeled and clutched his cheek as Potter sniggered, momentarily forgetting his anger. Poor Draco, his beautiful face. Aislinn felt herself becoming angrier by the second, but before she had a chance to move, Pansy shrieked and tackled Hermione. An all out brawl ensued. Fists and arms were flying as the shopkeeper frantically tried to break the students apart. Aislinn wanted no part of this; she quickly made for the door and ran out into the street. The week before Slytherin vs. Gryffindor matches were usually tense, but this year it seemed to have multiplied.

She glanced around hoping to find Quinn but had no such luck. Aislinn decided to go back to Hogwarts before she was seen leaving the fight. The walk was very quiet after the loud confusion at Zonko's. Aislinn wondered briefly if any of her fellow Slytherins would be angry with her for leaving. Aislinn was a true Slytherin but even more she was truly independent. She was determined that she didn't care what the other Slytherins thought, except for Draco perhaps. Aislinn sighed thinking of him, wondering if he would need anyone to heal his wounds later. Aislinn resolved that she would try out the idea she had gotten from Teen Witch sometime within the next week. She only hoped Draco would survive the fight in Zonko's for her to put it into action.

* * *

"Do you want to go to Zonko's now?" Ginny asked, standing up. Quinn would rather have stayed to watch Fred and George but she noticed they were paying their tab. Quinn nodded and the two girls headed for the door. They walked the short distance across the road to the joke shop. Quinn saw a crowd of students inside but she couldn't make out their faces until she and Ginny entered the shop. They seemed to have walked into the middle of World War III. Ginny's eyes widened and Quinn followed her gaze. Harry Potter seemed to be in the middle of the fight along with Ron Weasley and, Quinn looked on in shock as Hermione pulled Pansy Parkinson's hair. The three Gryffindors seemed to be taking on seven or eight Slytherins at once.

Quinn knew they should go but she was sure Ginny would never leave while Harry was there. Quinn backed up to the wall, trying to stay out of the line of fire. The door banged open and Fred and George ran in with excited grins.

"Fight, Fight!" George shouted with glee. Just as he did a small fist came out of nowhere and clobbered him in the face. He reeled backwards a bit with a grunt and stood flabbergasted as tiny Marianne Flint smiled up at him.

"Oh my god, George. You got hit by a girl!" Fred cried out, narrowly avoiding someone's foot, which was kicking madly. Quinn wondered what had happened to Aislinn if her fellow Slytherins were in the middle of this fight. Maybe she had been smart enough to get out.

A moment later, Quinn wished she had been smart enough to leave when Professor McGonagall barged in the door and announced detention to all the students present. Quinn's mouth dropped. She had never received a detention in her life; in fact Professor McGonagall was always very nice to her. Quinn saw Professor McGonagall glance at her with surprise and disappointment and Quinn lowered her eyes to the floor. Animagus training this week would probably be very tense after this.

The fighting had stopped and everyone was assessing the damage silently. Ron was on the floor again and his eye was starting to swell. Harry Potter, who was only slightly ruffled, was about to help Ron to his feet. Ginny rushed past her wounded brother to Harry who looked surprised at the attention. Ginny looked as if she was about to hug Harry ferociously but stopped herself at the last moment, looking embarrassed.

"Harry, are you all right?" Ginny squealed with anxiety. Ron looked incredulously up at his sister before Fred helped him to his feet. The Slytherins were quickly leaving the store grumbling about Professor McGonagall. Draco seemed to be forming a bruise and Quinn wondered how Aislinn would react to this. Quinn hated being stuck in the middle. She wanted to be with Fred, a Gryffindor and a Weasley while her best friend was in love with Draco. It would not be an easy situation to manage. Quinn felt out of place as she and the Gryffindors walked back to the castle. Ginny seemed embarrassed by her reaction in the shop and walked silently next to Quinn. Fred and George were recounting some of the better moves Ron had gotten in, attempting to cheer him up, Quinn supposed. Hermione was looking concernedly at Harry, who seemed lost in thought.

Quinn said goodbye to Ginny in the Entrance Hall and made her way to the common room. Her first detention, she thought to herself as she began her studying. A part of her was horrified at the idea, especially since she had no part in the fight and wasn't entirely certain what it was about.

Another part of Quinn, the part that caused her to smirk a bit just then, was sort of proud. Her first detention; Quinn felt like a rebel. Perhaps Fred would be impressed. Quinn sighed, thinking of his laughter earlier that day. Quinn's plan was certainly working. Ginny was accepting her as a friend and bringing Quinn into her own group of friends. Now how to get Fred's attention, Quinn wondered. She needed to be alone with him or, Quinn smiled, at least get up the nerve to talk to him one day.

Quinn entered the Great Hall for dinner with Alyssa Davies. She surveyed the damage on the faces of the other students. Her own house was rather upset with her for taking part in such nonsense. Ravenclaws could be outright boring sometimes. Quinn ignored them, looking around the Hall. She tried to hide a smirk at the large welt on Draco Malfoy's face. For being outnumbered, the Gryffindors seemed to have come off rather well in the fight.

As she was leaving dinner, Quinn caught Aislinn's eye. "Meet me in the library," the other girl mouthed and Quinn nodded. She could run up to the common room for a bit and she would be at the library in an hour to talk to Aislinn. Quinn was sure her friend would be impressed that Quinn had received detention.

* * * *

When Aislinn walked into the Great Hall for dinner that evening, and amusing sight awaited her. Apparently Madam Pomfrey had refused to treat any of the students involved in the fight. "It is for their own good." She had heard her telling Professor Dumbledore in the hallway.

Over at the Gryffindor table, Ron Weasley sat with a huge black eye. Hermione Granger's face had what looked like scratch marks all over it. Potter also looked fairly roughed up. She walked over to her own table to survey the Slytherins' damage. Draco had a small hand-shaped bruise under his left eye. Crabbe had a broken nose and even Marianne looked as if she had gotten in on it. Aislinn was glad she had left when she did. The whole group had gotten detention with McGonagall. She didn't get a chance to talk to Marianne much during dinner but the young Flint was glowing with pride. Aislinn could only imagine what that was about. The two girls finished their dinner and got up to go to the common room. She caught Quinn's eye as they were leaving. "Meet me in the library," Aislinn mouthed to Quinn and turned back to exit with Marianne.

When they reached the common room, it was empty. Thank you Merlin, Aislinn thought. She wanted some peace and quiet for a while after today's scene. The tension around Hogwarts had become insurmountable. The two girls took a seat on the black leather couch in front of the large fire. Aislinn faced Marianne. She eyed her cautiously for a moment. "So are you going to tell me what happened after I left?"

Marianne smiled brightly and rubbed her right hand. "After you left, the Weasley twins came in yelling Fight, Fight! It was too good an opportunity to waste. I wheeled around and punched one of them right in the face. It was rather funny, even his brother thought so. Although I don't know which one it was that I hit." Aislinn prayed silently that it was George and not Fred. She would never hear the end of it from Quinn if her precious Fred was hit by a Slytherin. They talked for a few more minutes before Aislinn headed back to the library to meet Quinn, hoping Quinn wouldn't be mad about what happened.

* * * * *

Quinn rushed into the library and looked around for Aislinn. She was at their usual table, lost in thought apparently. Quinn hesitated before moving toward her. She remembered all too well her last encounter with Crabbe in the library and had no desire to repeat it. Quinn cautiously peered around the bookcases for his lumpy figure. She sighed in relief as he was no where in sight. Aislinn was still lost in thought as Quinn sat down.

"What happened?" Quinn asked. Despite being at the fight she had no idea how the whole event had begun. "Were you there?" Aislinn jumped at Quinn's words. Probably thinking of Malfoy, Quinn thought scowling.

"Yes, I was there at first. Well, you know how it is every year before the Slytherin/Gryffindor match. Tensions are high. Potter and his gang walked in Zonko's like they owned the place. Draco, Crabbe and Goyle came in after them and saw how they were acting. He only did what he thought was the right thing. Draco couldn't let the arrogant Gryffindors' egos get out of control. He had to put them in their place." Quinn looked at Aislinn with disbelief. She had never seen Aislinn so blindly defend Draco's actions before. Usually when Draco was wrong, Aislinn would admit it. Lately, however, things had gotten out of control. Quinn wondered if she should bring it up but decided against it.

"George got hurt," Quinn said, breaking the strange silence.

"Oh good!" Aislinn said with relief. Quinn's jaw dropped as she stared at her best friend. Aislinn seemed to realize what she had said and blushed. "I don't mean good, I just...Marianne said she punched one of the twins. I was afraid it was Fred." Quinn laughed now.

"No, but Fred thought it was rather amusing that George got hit by a girl," she replied. Aislinn seemed to regain her glazed look. She was thinking about Draco again, Quinn was sure of it. "I got a detention." Quinn said, hiding a smirk. Aislinn looked up in shock and then burst into giggles. Quinn feigned irritation but soon she giggled as well.

"Only you," Aislinn said in between bouts of laughter, "could get your first detention for," Aislinn snorted and turned very red, "something you didn't do." Aislinn appeared to be unable to breathe and Quinn started to laugh at the sight of her. The girls gasped for air for several more minutes before they settled down. Aislinn looked thoughtful.

Quinn sat in silence for a few minutes and stared at Aislinn as the dark-haired girl looked off in space, completely caught up in her own thoughts. "So like I was saying. After Fred and I snogged passionately for a little while, we hopped on his family's Hippogriff and took him for a ride." Aislinn looked at her, still a little distant.

"What?" she asked as Quinn began to laugh.

"Are you going to tell me what is wrong? Or should I just go back to the common room and listen to Terry tell me witty anecdotes about himself?" Quinn rolled her eyes and Aislinn sighed.

"That's just it though, Quinn. I don't know what is wrong. I'm just confused I guess." Aislinn hoped that would quell her friends curiosity, but Quinn looked back at her with an expression that told Aislinn she wanted to know more. Aislinn sighed and continued, "Earlier in Zonko's, Draco made a comment to Potter that made him absolutely furious. I was actually quite frightened of the malice in his eyes. Draco said something about Potter's parents. I thought they were dead, how does Draco know anything about them?" Aislinn furrowed her brow as she looked down at the table once more. Quinn didn't know how to respond so she shrugged and changed the subject.

"So, erm, Have you decided which suggestion you are going to try from that article?" Quinn hoped this would take her friends mind off what she had been thinking about.

"Well, I have narrowed it down to two choices. Honestly, some of those suggestions were so illegal and outlandish, I wouldn't be surprised if any poor soul who tried them ended up with a one way ticket to Dementor central." Aislinn cringed as she thought about the Dementors that had been at Hogwarts during her second year. Professor Lupin must have taught Potter how to ward Dementors off because he used the charm against Draco during the Ravenclaw/Gryffindor match that year. Draco and Marcus had planned for weeks before to come out onto the pitch dressed as Dementors during the match. They intended to scare Potter off his broom again so that Ravenclaw would win the match and Slytherin would then take the lead in points toward the cup. Unfortunately, Potter had scared the daylights out of the Slytherin boys with the charm and he caught the snitch. Aislinn came out of her thoughts and Quinn was staring at her with a blank look. "I'm sorry, I'm not very good company tonight, am I?"

Quinn shrugged slightly and gave Aislinn a half smile. "Go to bed Aislinn. Dream of Malfoy and get it all out of your system. I will see you after Transfiguration tomorrow. I have a feeling McGonagall will be less than pleasant at Animagus practice."

Aislinn nodded gently and got up from the table. As she walked out of the library, she passed a small red-haired Gryffindor girl. That would give Quinn someone to talk to. Aislinn laughed out loud slightly and Ginny narrowed her eyes at Aislinn as she went to pass.

"Going to make another Weasley crack, are you? I know what kind of person you are. Stay away from me and my brothers!" Ginny was practically shrieking at the end of her proclamation. Aislinn looked at the Gryffindor as if she were insane and Ginny stormed off into the library. Aislinn paused for a minute to let her brain register what had just happened. She had no doubt that Quinn would hear all about this once Ginny spotted her in the library. She hoped Quinn wouldn't be mad, but Aislinn truly hadn't done anything to provoke the girl. She decided that she had too many things going around in her mind. She freed herself of all unpleasant notions and made her way down to the Slytherin dorms.

As she entered the common room, she saw Draco sitting in a large high back chair staring into the fire. His eagle owl was perched on the back of his chair looking down at him. Draco was holding a piece of parchment that looked like a letter down by his side as if he had just finished reading it. She knew better than to disturb him. He looked at her and nodded as she walked past him. She gave him a tired smile and went down the stairs that led to her dorm. Aislinn climbed into bed and fell asleep thinking about poor Draco's face and how she wanted to kiss the bruise under his eye.

* * * *

Quinn looked up from her book and gasped as Ginny entered the library. Quinn tried to hide behind A History of Magic, so Ginny wouldn't see her. She glanced over the top of the book and saw that Ginny looked furious. Her face, usually blissfully blank, was scrunched into a scowl. Ginny spotted Quinn and began to stride over.

Quinn gasped as, in slow motion, Ginny tripped over a chair. One hand went out to the table and one in front of her as she began to fall. Ginny's face contorted and she went down face first. She was soon sprawled on the floor with her red hair tangled around her.

"Those chairs really jump out at you sometimes," Quinn said, trying to keep a straight face. Ginny scowled at her. "What's wrong?" Quinn retreated back to her table with Ginny following.

"This Slytherin girl," Quinn froze at these words. "She was the one I was talking about, in charms the other day. She's just horrible." Quinn realized the two girls must have met outside in the hallway.

"Did she say anything?" Quinn bit her lip and tried to think of a way out of this situation.

Quinn had always tried to stay out of the rivalry between Slytherin and Gryffindor. Now she found herself right in the middle.

"No I didn't give her a chance. She would have though; she's ruthless," Ginny said emphatically.

"Ginny I have a confession to make." Quinn decided that honesty was the best policy. She was always a horrible liar anyway. "That horrible Slytherin is my best friend." Ginny's eyes widened and Quinn continued to talk. Ginny was a trusting person; Quinn only needed to convince her that Aislinn had a reason for acting the way she did. "We've known each other since...birth actually. But I'm really worried about her." Quinn sighed heavily and tried to gauge Ginny's reaction. She seemed skeptical. The cynicism made her look almost intelligent and Quinn was too shocked to talk for a moment. Finally she regained herself and proceeded with her carefully worded explanation.

"Aislinn likes Draco you see. More than likes him; she adores him. No one really understands it, least of all me. Please don't tell anyone Ginny." Ginny's jaw dropped open. Quinn rushed her words a bit, trying to elucidate further. "She's been acting strangely, she loses control when she's with him. Honestly I don't think it has anything to do with your family. Aislinn barely knows Ron. She just wanted to impress Draco. Did you ever feel that way?" Quinn tried to keep a straight face; this was the vital part of her speech. "No matter what Aislinn does it's not enough for Draco to really notice her. She's getting very upset about it, otherwise I'm sure she would never have insulted Ron. She's really not like the rest of those Slytherins, I swear."

Ginny was silent, staring off into space. Quinn felt like a barrister delivering her final argument to sway the jury. "It's almost like Draco looks right through her. Do you know what I mean?" Ginny swayed a bit physically at these words and looked at Quinn with surprise. Quinn stared back innocently. This is too easy, Quinn thought with a twinge of guilt. Think of Fred, she convinced herself.

"I had no idea," Ginny said, trying to look reserved. Quinn could tell that Ginny had been taken in. Quinn nodded grimly. "I can understand that. I'll try to be less judgmental next time. I'm sure she didn't mean any harm." Ginny paused for a few moments and Quinn saw the vapid look reappear in her eyes. "You know after Harry was in the Triwizard Tournament, he was acting very strange." Quinn groaned silently. "There are a few ways you can help Aislinn feel better." Ginny went on to describe making Harry a get well card and bringing him tea. Quinn decided she had to interrupt now or she would never finish studying.

"I'm so glad you understand Ginny, I was very worried," Quinn jumped in during a pause in the description of how Harry likes his tea. "Because I want to invite you to my birthday party next week and I don't want it to be awkward. Draco will probably be there but he won't bother you." Quinn stuttered as she got to the important part of her plan, the integral part. This was the entire reason that she was inviting Ginny Weasley to her birthday party. "I was thinking about who you should bring. It occurred to me that you know someone who is probably sort of down sort of lonely lately. And he always likes parties, I'm sure that Fr..." Quinn stopped as Ginny interrupted.

"Oh gosh, I don't know if I could invite Harry. I'm so shy around him. Plus he doesn't even know you; he would feel strange," Ginny said with a squeaky voice. Quinn gritted her teeth. "But you know the other day he was looking at me in the common room and I swear," Ginny continued to describe how Harry had asked to borrow a quill, but the way he asked had meant so much more. Quinn wondered if listening to this could possibly be damaging her brain.

"Hey Ginny I've really got to study and I think you should go back to your common room. Maybe just hint to Harry about the party and he will ask you. Go try it." Quinn physically pulled Ginny out of her chair and pushed her toward the door. She buried her face in her hands and tried to picture the only thing she really wanted for her birthday, a dance with Fred. After a few minutes, Quinn gave up on that dream and resumed her studying.