Prosapia Aenigmatis - The Family Riddle

Chapter 4

Detention, Quidditch and all the Trimmings

Quinn stared at the worn desk before her as Professor McGonagall entered the room to begin the Animagus lesson. Quinn was sure her professor was furious but no tirade split the still air. Quinn bravely glanced up into Professor McGonagall's face. Her lips were very thin and Quinn's gaze dove back down to the desk. Someone named Moony had carved into the thick wood. Quinn absent-mindedly traced the carving as Professor McGonagall magicked some notes onto the blackboard.

"Miss Finnigan, today we will be learning about the registration process and the immense responsibility that goes along with the Animagus transformations." Quinn guessed that this curriculum was chosen specifically after Quinn's trip to Hogsmeade. "Then we will practice some of last week's work with changing hair length and color. Just be sure you concentrate properly this time because I may not change it back to normal." Quinn nodded quickly remembering all too well last week's session when she had accidentally grown a beard.

Professor McGonagall lectured about the Animagus Registration Office for nearly an hour. She kept emphasizing words like respect, maturity and obligation. By the end of the lecture, Quinn was a ball of nerves. Her entire life Quinn had been described as the dependable one. To hear that questioned by her favorite professor, for whom she held immense respect, was like a punch in the stomach.

When the lecture was over, Quinn was to practice changing her hair color, texture, and length. This was much more difficult than it seemed. Quinn's hands shook with nerves as she closed her eyes to concentrate.

"Breathe Quinn," Professor McGonagall said softly. Quinn started at her first name coming from the professor's lips. She took a deep steadying breath and visualized her hair growing longer. Quinn opened her eyes and felt her hair anxiously. Her golden locks now reached the floor and Quinn smiled for the first time. She had never completed this task so quickly before.

Professor McGonagall was impossible to please today. She simply nodded and gave Quinn her next task. Quinn's hair changed from long to short then through a rainbow of colors. Quinn wished she had a mirror but knew she could practice later on her own. Professor McGonagall gave none of her usual encouragement until the very end of their lesson. She simply said, "Good, Miss Finnigan. I shall see you at detention this evening." Professor McGonagall picked up her wand to clear the blackboard and left without another word.

Quinn sighed with relief. She never would have predicted time with Professor McGonagall could have been so tense. Quinn changed her wand into a mirror and made certain her hair looked normal again before proceeding to the Great Hall.

All through dinner Quinn was distracted. Her first detention was this evening and all she could think of was Fred. Quinn looked up from her ice cream to see Terry Boot talking about his hair. Quinn glanced around her before she realized that Terry was talking to her.

"...and she said I could be a model. Of course she was merely a Muggle photographer, she had no way of knowing about my impending contract with Gladrags..." Terry continued on in this vane for some time. Quinn sighed and excused herself as quickly as possible, rushing back to Ravenclaw tower.

Quinn went directly to the bathroom and stood in front of the mirror. She felt a surge of adrenaline pulse through her and couldn't help but smile. She would definitely see Fred tonight even if they were assigned different tasks.

Quinn tried to chastise herself for looking forward to the detention but she couldn't force her excitement away. She gave in to her anticipation and spent the next thirty minutes fixing her hair and applying a small amount of makeup.

When Quinn was satisfied with her appearance, she snuck out of Ravenclaw tower, avoiding Terry's advances. She walked slowly to the Great Hall and opened the heavy door. Seven gloomy and querulous Slytherins were sitting on the left. Six Gryffindors were gathered on the right. Fred and George were laughing loudly as usual.

Quinn stood uncertainly by the door for a moment before Ginny saw her. Quinn sighed in relief as she was waved over. She joined the Gryffindors with a smile. Inside, Quinn was frozen with panic. Fred was still talking with George but he gave Quinn a small smile, which melted her knees.

Before Quinn could even say hello, Professor McGonagall strode through the door followed closely by Filch. Filch was eyeing the twins, rubbing his hands together slowly with a frightening and satisfied smile. Fred and George seemed to notice this and were backing away slowly, positioning Ron and Harry in front of them.

"You will be separated into five groups as follows," Professor McGonagall said, quickly dividing the fourteen students. Quinn found herself grouped with both Fred and Crabbe. She was simultaneously thrilled and horrified.

Quinn glanced around at the other groups and stifled a giggle. Either this was a strange coincidence or Professor McGonagall had a unique sense of humor. Quinn saw that Ginny and Hermione were stuck with Draco while Ron was with Marcus and Pansy. Quinn laughed out loud when she saw Marianne and George in a group together. Marianne was at least a foot shorter than George, but he was watching her warily. Fred seemed to be laughing about this as well. Filch shot Fred a look of murderous rage and Quinn heard him struggling to control a snicker behind her. Quinn had never been this close to him before. She closed her eyes for a moment trying to steady herself. She wanted nothing more than to voraciously grab him for an eternal enfolding of lips and limbs. Quinn shook herself to rid her mind of the image. She had to stop reading Vixens and Vendettas.

Quinn's group was assigned to clean all of the windows in the school. Quinn gasped thinking of the time and work it would take. Professor McGonagall gave Quinn a look that was easy to interpret; she was giving Quinn a harsher punishment because she had expected better from her. Hermione's group also seemed to have a more difficult task, where Marcus's group was only expected to polish the contents of the trophy room. Quinn was sure all the professors had given up their expectations for Marcus three or four years ago.

Quinn felt someone's eyes on her as she watched the other groups. Ugh, Crabbe. Quinn looked away, trying to avoid his gaze. He seemed to be trying to step into her line of sight, forcing her to acknowledge him and perhaps start a conversation. Quinn's eyes widened in horror at the very thought. Each time Quinn would look further away, Crabbe would inch farther in front of her. He was like a clinging planet in orbit and Quinn was clearly the sun in this solar system. Her only hope was to turn to Fred.

Quinn looked up at him, attempting a pleading look. She was sure it came out more like nauseous adoration. He gave her a big smile and Quinn felt herself start to drool. She looked away immediately. Quinn felt as though her skeleton had been removed and she was only left with unsteady liquid-filled tubes. Fred waved to his fellow Gryffindors and the three of them headed for the first floor to begin the window washing. They were silent all the way to the first set of windows in the Entrance Hall; Quinn had never seen Fred quiet for so long. She and Fred turned their wands into large flat mops. Quinn had to help Crabbe complete the simple spell and he touched her hand. Ugh! Quinn quickly rubbed her palm against her robes, trying not to make it too obvious. She positioned Fred between herself and Crabbe and they all started to work.

"What's your name?" Fred asked suddenly. Quinn looked up at him with wide eyes. Fred was actually speaking to her. Quinn felt her heartbeat double as she looked into his beaming eyes. What was her name? Quinn couldn't remember. She turned bright red as he gave her an amused grin.

"Q-Quinn," She stuttered finally. "Quinn Finnigan." Never had uttering her own name seemed so foreign. Quinn's voice came out as a strangled high-pitched mess, almost like a hiccup.

"Are you related to Seamus?" Fred asked next. Quinn saw that Crabbe had stopped working to watch them. He looked surprised. Undoubtedly, he had never made the connection between her own last name and her cousin's.

"Yes, he's my cousin. Our families aren't close though." Quinn felt as though she may have swallowed her own tongue. Or perhaps it was still lodged halfway down her throat. Her words came out in quiet mumbles.

"How did you get involved in this anyway? I thought it was a Slytherin versus Gryffindor fight. Sweet and Innocent little Ravenclaws don't usually cause trouble," Fred continued, obviously amused by Quinn's awed expression. "Let me guess this is your first detention."

He called me sweet. This phrase replayed itself over in Quinn's head for the rest of the evening, no matter what else she tried to think of. "I-I was with Ginny in Hogsmeade," she choked out. Quinn couldn't believe the way she was acting. Quinn was starting to sound like Ginny. Horrified at the thought, Quinn forced herself to square her shoulders and look confident despite the fact that she was about to collapse. "And yes this is my first detention." Fred chuckled. "But maybe Ravenclaws are just smart enough not to get caught." Quinn smirked before turning back to her window washing. Quinn wished she knew how to raise one eyebrow and not the other but she never could. Aislinn did this often partly because she was often smirking and partly to irritate Quinn.

Fred gave her a look of surprised approval and Quinn tried not to hyperventilate. He looked like he was about to respond when the door to the hall banged open. Professor McGonagall approached looking livid. She had a very red Ron Weasley in tow.

"Weasley here will be joining your group. Clearly he is incapable of being civilized around Marcus Flint," Professor McGonagall said briskly before she turned to Ron. "Weasley if you cannot behave yourself, I may consider removing you from Saturday's Quidditch game." Both Ron and Fred paled considerably and Ron nodded fervently at Professor McGonagall. As she turned to leave, Crabbe guffawed loudly. Ron gave him a menacing look but no one said anything. Fred finally broke the ice.

"Congratulations Ron, you've hacked McGonagall off even more. I didn't know it was possible." Fred patted Ron on the back but was met with only a scowl. "How did you do it? I should take notes."

Ron went on to tell a very one-sided story in which Marcus Flint appeared to have tried to curse himself with Ron's wand. Quinn snorted in laughter at Ron's ridiculous interpretation of the truth. It reminded her of when he had told Padma Patil about fighting off dozens of Merpeople during the previous year. Padma had gushed about it for ages though Quinn had never believed a word. As she laughed, Ron and Fred looked over at her and Quinn went red.

"I think Quinn might doubt the veracity of your claims little brother," Fred said, smiling at Quinn. She looked at him in admiration for a moment before shifting her gaze to Ron. His ears had turned slightly red. Quinn bit her lip nervously.

"I'm sure Marcus deserved it," Quinn said suddenly. She didn't know Marcus very well but if his Quidditch tactics said anything about his private demeanor, she was confident that he deserved it. Ron smiled at her now and Quinn nervously turned back to her window.

As the group continued throughout the school, Ron and Fred began discussing Quidditch. Quinn tuned out for a while; the sport interested her about as much as Terry Boot's hair care philosophy. Quinn was lost in her own thoughts for some time, only paying enough attention to avoid conversation with Crabbe. She was jolted back into the conversation when Ron began to discuss Aislinn.

"It's bad enough to get a detention but she was there at the beginning of the fight and she got off scot free. I'm just saying she should be here with us." Quinn felt anger rise inside her as Ron went on to whine about this.

"Maybe she's smart enough not to get involved," she said suddenly. Ron froze in mid-whine, gaping at her. "I wish I'd left when I had the chance," Quinn said, holding her chin high in the air. She looked nervously at Fred who was regarding her quizzically.

"Why were you even there?" Ron asked now. Quinn felt a twinge of irritation.

"She was with Ginny," Fred said. Ron stood still and regarded Quinn with confusion. Fred seized the opportunity and squelch! He drained his mop over Ron's head. Quinn's sides seized with laughter as murky brown water dripped down Ron's face. Ron didn't find it amusing. He howled in annoyance and grabbed at Fred who danced out of his reach. Quinn silenced her giggles as Ron turned toward her. She could perform a drying spell, but after what he had said about Aislinn, Quinn wasn't in the mood to help. Ron sputtered incoherently as he attempted to dry off. Quinn smiled at Fred who returned the gesture.

Once the four of them returned to their work, it seemed to pass quickly. Quinn watched Fred warily for the rest of the evening. Twice he attempted to shower her with water as well but Quinn was too fast. Quinn tried to seem at ease interacting with Fred but her head was still reeling.

By the time they reached the final window, Quinn's shoulders and arms were numb. Still, she thought as she waved goodbye to Fred, it had been a rather nice evening. Quinn wondered if getting detention again would be a feasible way to spend time with Fred. She pondered this for a moment before realizing that she sounded like Aislinn's horrible magazine article. Quinn shook her head at her own pathetic behavior and practically skipped back to the common room.

* * * * * *

Aislinn paced back and forth in her dorm waiting to hear the knock at her door. The plan had been set up and she was anxious to see the outcome. She had decided to go with suggestion #36 from Teen Witch. Kidnap his favorite pet and tell him you found it in your bed. Insist he come get it himself. Since Draco didn't have a pet, she went for the closest thing he had. His Care of Magical Creatures text. Hagrid thought they were amusing but the students thought they were wretched. Aislinn had a time with Draco's, too. The higher the year, the more ferocious the text. She had heard him complain that it had gone missing the day before and he said he would owl his father for a new one. Aislinn had to act fast after that. She had told Nathanial to wait in the common room for Draco. He was to tell Draco that his book had wandered into the fourth year girl's dorm, and that someone would be waiting for him to retrieve it. It was perfect. Aislinn had put on a nice set of robes and had left her hair down, tumbling over her shoulders. She had heard Draco comment on Pansy's hair once when she wore it up. He had told her she looked dreadful. Aislinn didn't know if it was just because it was Pansy or he didn't like the style in general, but ever since that day, Aislinn was careful to leave her hair down any time she felt she might see him. She was pathetic and she knew it. But Aislinn didn't care. Her infatuation with Draco had become desperate. Aislinn sat down on her bed and smoothed her hair when she heard the knock.

Aislinn leaned back, trying not to look too intentional. "Come in." Draco opened the door and looked at her strangely. He then looked at the book that was chomping on her bed. He seemed to pause for a minute and then his eyes grew cold and an arrogant grin covered his face. He walked over to the bed, keeping his eyes on hers the whole time. Draco stopped in front of her and Aislinn felt her face burning as he leaned in for what seemed like a kiss. His lips were teasing her as he neared her face. She could smell a faint scent of light soap and cologne. He smelled like the ocean. This is heaven she thought as her body instinctively moved towards him. She began to close her eyes as Draco then stopped short, grabbed his book and turned to leave. Aislinn was completely confused by what had just happened. Once he got to the door, he turned and spoke.

"I think #47 would have worked better." Draco laughed at her horrified expression and left the room. How did he know? She wished with all her soul that her bed would open up and swallow her. How could she be such a fool? Of course he knew about the article, she had seen him reading them to Goyle and laughing the other day in the common room. Aislinn took a deep breath to calm herself and got up to leave the room. She had to think of something witty to say to him. She couldn't let him think he had gotten the best of her. She was stronger than that. Aislinn wondered what had come over her lately, she was acting no better towards him than Parkinson. She shuddered at the thought of the repulsive blonde girl. Ok Aislinn, pull yourself together. She got up and went up the stairs into the common room. She assumed an amused expression and headed over to Nathanial, hoping not to see Draco. However, as soon as she sat near her friend, Draco walked in. He looked at her and smiled insolently. She had to say something to let him know that she wasn't completely embarrassed by what had just happened, even though she was dying inside.

"Draco, I didn't know you were such an avid reader of Teen Witch?" Aislinn said mockingly. A few Slytherin's laughed, but Draco didn't seem the least bit embarrassed.

"Of course I am, I have to keep up with my publicity. Haven't you ever seen the Hot House-leaders of Hogwarts section?" He smirked and she heard Blaise Zabini snort from across the room. Blaise never had been one to put up with Draco's vanity.

"You are a piece of work Malfoy, do you know that?" She shook her head and got up to leave.

Draco looked down at himself and responded. "Of course I do, that is why you are hopelessly in love with me." The whole room laughed as Blaise turned around and headed toward him, her long blonde hair flowing behind her. She was a very pretty girl. And she was the only one in Slytherin who would stand up to Draco. In fact, he seemed to enjoy their occasional exchange of words. It seemed to keep him on top of his game.

"You are so full of yourself. What makes you think you are any better than anyone else in this room?" She eyed him closely and brought her hand up to his silvery hair. She looked as if she were daring Draco to pull away. Blaise seemed to immensely enjoy the power she held over him. Draco, of course, didn't move an inch. She played with a piece and then let it go, bringing her hand back down to her side. Draco looked at her strangely and then sighed.

"Blaise, do you really want me to list all the reasons? We would be here all night." He stood tall and waited for her response. She didn't indulge him.

She turned from him and walked towards the dorms. "I am not in the mood to play your games Draco. Good night." She called over her shoulder and left the room.

They all stared after her for a moment and Draco shrugged his shoulders. He looked at Nathanial and then back at Aislinn. Aislinn was becoming convinced that such a list did in fact exist. She thought about Blaise's affect on Draco. She admired the way Blaise stood up to him. Draco seemed to enjoy having someone that would challenge his wit. Aislinn decided she would try it. She put on her bravest face as Draco walked toward them and took a seat next to her. She took slow and even breaths to control the scream that was begging to come out of her as his leg grazed hers. Aislinn tried not to look at him, afraid that her face would give her feelings away completely. Instead she looked at the fire. Draco was silent for a moment.

"I have just received an owl from my father. It seems that your family is invited to the manor for Christmas break. You will get to see my gorgeous home, everyone talks about it. You must be excited." Draco delivered this line as if he were bestowing a precious gift to her. She felt her face wanting to light up at this news but she kept her cool. Aislinn couldn't believe that she would get to have Draco all to herself for two weeks. No Crabbe and Goyle, and most of all, no Pansy. Aislinn then remembered Blaise and put on an uncaring face.

"Excited? Honestly Draco, Blaise is right. You really need to get over yourself." She raised an eyebrow and Draco looked shocked. She felt the same way. He seemed amused and got up to leave the room. She looked up at the clock and saw that it was getting late. She would be getting up early the next morning for the Quidditch Match. She heard someone tell Draco good luck and she kicked herself mentally. Why hadn't she thought to do the same? She got up and headed toward the stairs that led down to her dorm.

Aislinn put on her night clothes and slid into bed. She lay there thinking about what Draco had told her. So she would be staying the whole Christmas break with the Malfoy's. How would she get through that without dying of either embarrassment or love for Draco? And then she thought of Mr. Malfoy. He was gorgeous, too! This holiday would be painful she had decided when another thought struck her. Quinn! What would Quinn do? She had stayed with the MacNairs for holiday since they were little. Quinn's parents went to France every year during Christmas. She wondered if Quinn would be allowed to go with them. Not that Quinn would even want to go. Aislinn sighed. She was already starting to miss Quinn and break wasn't for another two months.

The two girls had always done everything together, including celebrating their birthdays. Their birthday party would be held next weekend in an abandoned classroom that Nathanial and Marcus had put silencing charms on. Their parties where always a mixture of strained nerves and large groups on either side of the room. The Slytherins and Ravenclaws weren't enemies, in fact many Slytherins admired the Ravenclaws' determination in getting good grades. But they weren't friends either. The night usually ended with Draco and Terry Boot battling it out for all around most conceited arse. It was a close tie every year so far. The two hated each other. And she was sure this year it wouldn't be any better. That was the last thing Aislinn remembered thinking of as she drifted off to sleep.

She woke bright and early at the sound of Marianne screeching loudly. She sat up and wiped her eyes groggily. Aislinn blinked hard to make sure she was actually seeing what she thought she was. Gregory Goyle was leaning over Marianne's bed with his grubby hands all over her, apparently trying to kiss her. Aislinn felt as if she were going to puke. She jumped out of her bed and ran to Marianne's. Aislinn pushed Goyle as hard as she could, but he barely moved. "What in Merlin's name are you doing in here? Get out!" She yelled and turned to Marianne who looked furious. They heard a voice from the hall and Goyle froze solid.

"What is going on?" The voice got closer and Goyle looked around nervously, apparently not being able to move his legs. "What the . . ." Marcus opened the door and Goyle got use of his legs and took off. Marcus chased and lunged at him. He missed and fell to the ground. By the time he got up, Goyle had fled the room. Marcus rubbed the back of his head where it had hit the end of his sister's bed. "That boy has a death wish, I am telling you." Aislinn giggled and Marianne looked ill.

"Why me? He is revolting, eww!" Marianne cringed and looked at her brother. "Thanks Marcus, but do you think you could leave so we could dress?" Aislinn looked down and saw she was only wearing a nightgown and blushed.

Marcus laughed. "Don't be embarrassed Aislinn. I have three sisters, I have seen it all." He turned and left the girls' dorm, shutting the door behind him.

Aislinn drew her wand, walked to the door and muttered "Compingo." She heard the door lock and turned to Marianne. "Come on, get up." Marianne was still clutching her covers for dear life. "We have to get dressed, the match starts in an hour." The two girls dressed and went down to the Great Hall for breakfast.

The hall was unusually quiet for a match day. Each member of the opposing teams seemed to be wolfing down their breakfasts in a race to get to the pitch first. Aislinn thought they might be sick if they didn't slow down. She looked up at the head table and saw that Professors Snape and McGonagall were in the middle of a heated discussion. Snape said something to her and smirked. McGonagall seemed to be quite irritated by his remark and she turned to face Flitwick, who was on her other side.

Aislinn looked back and noticed that Marianne was staring at her, quite ready to go. The two girls stood up and fought their way out of the castle and down toward the Quidditch pitch. Everyone was dressed in their house colors, as was tradition when the whole school would meet for a match. The two Slytherin girls talked and laughed as the walked toward the stairs to go up to the balcony stands. When they were at the top, Aislinn looked around. Down below she saw Quinn and Alyssa Davies walking hurriedly toward the Ravenclaw stands. Aislinn then saw the reason for Quinn's quickened pace, Terry Boot was following closely behind them. The two Ravenclaws made their way up to the top and found a seat in between Professor Flitwick and Lisa Turpin. Terry was breathless as he reached the top and his face fell slightly when he saw that the seat next to Quinn was taken. Aislinn didn't understand why Quinn didn't like him. Terry seemed quite taken with Quinn. And he was very handsome, and smart. Sure he was a little vain, but that never hurt anyone.

Aislinn looked around at the Slytherin stands and saw the usual faces. Professor Snape looked as if he were trying to suppress a grin. She knew he liked Quidditch a great deal. It was not unusual for him to threaten the team members with detention if they didn't play well. He seemed to have a running bet with McGonagall every year over the matches between their houses. She assumed that Snape was getting tired of shelling out galleons to the Gryffindor Head of House. Since Aislinn's first had been at Hogwarts, Slytherin hadn't beaten Gryffindor once. There was always this year. She looked past Snape, and saw Mr. Malfoy looking down at his son on the pitch. He looked very proud and Aislinn wondered if Draco knew that his father was here. Mr. Malfoy looked wonderful in his expensive black cloak. She sighed to herself as she gazed at him longingly. What a wonderful father he must be to take time out of his busy day to watch his son. Aislinn started a bit as he caught her gaze. He nodded to her and smiled. He had the same cold smile as Draco and she felt herself blush as she smiled back and turned to Marianne. The small girl looked at Aislinn's red face and raised an eyebrow. Aislinn was saved from an explanation as they heard Madam Hooch blow her whistle to bring the crowd to attention.

Lee Jordan took his place behind the commentator's box. Aislinn didn't think it was fair that a Gryffindor commentated every match. Lee was always throwing in snide remarks about the Slytherins when they played and McGonagall seemed to do nothing about it. Aislinn heard Hooch's whistle again and the players were up in the air. They all held steady for a moment and glared at one another. This promised to be a very exciting game. The crowd started screaming as the Quaffle was thrown in to the air and the game began. Marcus swooped down and grabbed the quaffle out of the air and headed toward the Gryffindor goal. He had still been angry about the comment Weasley had made about him in Hogsmeade and Aislinn guessed that he was out for more revenge. One of the Weasley twins hit the bludger toward Marcus and he dodged it easily.

"Handy bludger work by Fred Weasley of Gryffindor, unfortunately it missed that rat faced..oof," Lee Jordan exclaimed as he winced at McGonagall.

Aislinn looked up to the end of the pitch and saw Draco and Potter looking furiously around for the snitch. She then looked back at the match in progress. Marcus had flung the quaffle hard at Weasley , but he had blocked it and threw it to Angelina Johnson. The girl raced toward the other end of the pitch but she was headed off by Nathanial Baddock and Jacob Montague, the Slytherin Chasers. The two boys turned and flew towards her as fast as they could. Johnson swerved violently and dropped the quaffle."Those dirty, no good, mrmrmr."By the end of that statement Lee's mouth was muffled by McGonagall's gloved hand. Nathanial plummeted toward the ground and grabbed the quaffle just before it hit.

Hooch blew her whistle and yelled "Foul! Slytherin Blatching. Gryffindor, line up for your foul shot." Nathanial sulked and threw the quaffle to Hooch. The two teams formed a semi circle around the Slytherin goal and Hooch blew her whistle.

"Alicia Spinnet will be taking the foul for Gryffindor." Lee Jordan managed to get out his first full comment of the game. Aislinn watched as the two teams flew fiercely from one end of the pitch to the other. After three and a half hours, the score was only 20-10 Slytherin. This was the most ruthless game Aislinn had ever witnessed. Several members of each team had taken time outs for medical assistance. The two teams swooped and dodged their ways back and forth as each team's Beaters gave them a hard time. The bludgers were flying furiously and several times the crowd had to get out of the way of a stray that went too far over the edge of bounds.

The stress level was rising as neither team had scored in over an hour. It was resting heavily on the seekers. Draco and Potter were flying madly around the pitch when all of a sudden Draco turned a 180 and shot towards the Gryffindor goal posts. Potter followed and gained on him easily. The Gryffindor crowd beneath them was yelling furiously at Draco as his hand started to close over the tiny snitch. Just then Colin Creevey stood up and took a picture. The magical flash from his camera was so bright that Draco yelled and grabbed his eyes. Potter was apparently used to dodging Creevey's flash and took advantage of Draco's blind state. The dark-haired boy grabbed the snitch and the Gryffindors went wild. The Slytherins all let out a heavy groan and several began yelling about Creevey as they made their way to the stairs. They had sadly gotten used to losing to Potter and his team, and none of them wanted to watch the Gryffindors' flight of victory that would inevitably take place.

When they got to the ground, Aislinn saw Professor McGonagall approach Snape with a wide smile and her hand held out, waiting for its prize. Snape grumbled and pulled a small bag out of his pockets, placed it in McGonagall's hand and huffed off.

As the crowd parted to let the angry Snape stalk through it, she could see two people inside the Slytherin dressing room through the crack in the door. She squinted her eyes and moved forward slightly for a better view. Aislinn saw one of the figures clearly and thought she would know that face anywhere. It was Draco Malfoy and his father. Draco seemed furious, his whole body was tense. But he was looking down at the ground, rather shamefully. Aislinn's eyes then moved to the man who was standing in front of him. Mr. Malfoy appeared to be scolding his son harshly, with his cane waving in front of Draco violently. No doubt he was upset about the way the match had gone. The Malfoys were full of pride. But surely, she thought, he had seen that it wasn't Draco's fault. After a few more moments, Mr. Malfoy seemed to be finished with his son. He held his cane out to the door and Draco walked through it, his head still down. Once the two were outside, Mr. Malfoy nodded his head to Draco and left quickly. Draco then assumed his normal posture and walked into the crowd. Aislinn had never seen him look so angry in the four years she had known him. She was certain Draco was thinking of finding Creevey and putting him under the Cruciatus Curse. Aislinn watched Draco look around for a moment and then he headed back up to the castle with his broomstick thrown over his shoulder.

Aislinn looked around and she realized that Marianne had seen her watching Draco. The small dark-haired girl eyed Aislinn curiously as Aislinn tried to play it off. "I don't think he is going to be in a very good mood later. It looked like his dad was really letting him have it in the dressing room."

Marianne's eyes widened and she laughed a bit. "What were you doing looking in the boys' dressing room?"

Aislinn blushed." Well, I . . . It was just that . . . I thought I saw something. And then I saw Draco and his dad." She tried to shrug unassumingly, but she had a feeling it made her look even guiltier.

Marianne laughed at Aislinn's desperate expression and pulled her toward the castle. "Come on, let's go see who gets the wrath of the Malfoy temper." The two girls took off in a run toward the castle and headed toward the Slytherin dormitories.

* * * * *

Quinn chatted happily with Alyssa Davies on the way back to the common room after the Quidditch game. Quinn was secretly happy about the results of the game but knew that Aislinn would be furious. Quinn made a mental note to bring the calendar with her next time they met; it could come very useful in controlling Aislinn's horrible temper.

"Do you want to study for Runes?" Alyssa asked nonchalantly as they entered the common room. Quinn smirked. Alyssa was horrible at Ancient Runes; this would most likely end up a tutoring session rather than a study group. Still, Alyssa had helped Quinn with Potions more than once before, so Quinn nodded and the two settled in the corner with their books.

They had only studied a few minutes when Terry Boot seated himself next to Quinn. He gave her his trademark smirk. Quinn felt ill. She gave him an expectant look, hoping to communicate the fact that she was busy.

"Quinn, I've decided something," Terry said with a haughty voice. He reached out his hand and touched Quinn's hair. She gave him a disbelieving scowl and pulled away. "I've decided," he continued, "we are perfect for each other." Quinn's eyes widened. Alyssa tried to repress a giggle. "You have the nicest hair of anyone in Ravenclaw. Well," Terry gave a snicker and smirked, "besides me obviously." Quinn's jaw dropped. Surely Terry must have been joking. Quinn waited for him to laugh. Alyssa began to laugh out loud now and had to excuse herself. Quinn shot her a horrified look; how could Alyssa leave her alone with Terry?

"You see, we're the only two people here who understand the value of good healthy hair." Quinn was too horrified to laugh at this but found it very amusing since she never did more than wash and comb her hair in the mornings. Sure, lately she had been styling it occasionally for Fred's benefit, but Quinn hadn't realized Terry had noticed. She furrowed her brows at him. "In fact no one at this school seems to understand it. That Draco Malfoy has split ends from too much bleach and Harry Potter looks like he stuck his finger in a light socket. And don't get me started on that Hermione Granger. And Roger," Terry pointed over his shoulder at the Quidditch Captain in the corner of the common room. "Our own Head Boy. He can't even keep control of his dandruff! It's a disgrace." Terry looked over at Roger with unmistakable pity. Quinn began to wonder if she had slipped into a horrifying alternate universe.

"So Quinn," Terry said, leaning still closer to her. Quinn leaned back still farther, trying not to fall off her chair. "I've decided to accompany you to the birthday party tomorrow. It's only fitting that we go together. See you then." He stood up and walked away with a wink. Quinn's jaw fell open as she stared after him. All that just to accept an invitation to her birthday party? Quinn hadn't actually invited him but she was too nice to say no to anyone who wished to come. Terry never gave her a chance to say much anyway. Alyssa came up and sat down, looking hopefully at Quinn. She narrowed her eyes and left without a word. Anyone who left her alone with Terry Boot could decipher Ancient Runes by themselves.

* * * * *

The two girls burst into the Slytherin common room, breathless from running the whole way. Much to their amusement, Parkinson appeared to be getting the brunt of Draco's rage. Pansy seemed completely distressed over this. She was desperately clinging to Draco crying, "What is wrong, my love? Don't be upset about that silly little game. I will make you feel better."

He looked at the blonde girl with disgust and pushed her off his arm. Pansy wailed even louder. She was creating quite a scene and Aislinn could tell that this was annoying Draco terribly. Parkinson started again."But darling, I love you. You know how special you are to me. Remember, just last night wh . . ."

"Stuff it, Parkinson." Draco raised his voice slightly and then brought it down to a smooth and icy tone. "I am in no mood for your ridiculous declarations. Get out of my sight, you pathetic girl." His mouth formed a dangerous sneer and Pansy whimpered and ran down to her dorm room. The rage in his eyes excited Aislinn for a moment. He is even sexier when he is angry, she thought. Everyone stared after Pansy in silence and jumped slightly as the door slammed. The Slytherins heads all turned to Draco, who was staring into the fire. Draco turned his gaze to the crowd and gave them all a look of warning. No one said anything to him as they all started talking quietly and went on about their business.

Aislinn watched Draco for a few moments more before she went to her dorm to get her Transfiguration notes. She came back into the common room and took a seat at a table on the other side of the room from the fireplace where Draco was sitting. She looked over her notes but her eyes kept going back to Draco's haunted face. Aislinn knew what he was thinking. Gryffindor had won again this year, thanks to that Potter worshiping Mudblood Creevey and his luminous flash. Aislinn had watched Draco after Potter caught the snitch and smiled brightly at his own team's victory. If looks could kill, Hooch would be picking up Potter parts for the next three months. Draco had been clearly enraged. Then the poor boy was chastised by his father, whom he seemed to admire tremendously. Aislinn wished she could have held Draco while he calmed down after the match. She looked back down to her notes and resolved to actually study. Before she had the chance to become immersed in her notes, Marianne came bounding into the room.

"Aislinn!" she yelled and the whole room turned to look at her. Marianne blushed and walked quickly to Aislinn's table. "Guess what?" Marianne was positively beaming.

"Marianne, calm down." Aislinn laughed. "You look as if you are about to burst."

"Oh, I am! Nathanial just asked me out, on a date! He is going to take me to your party tomorrow night! Isn't that wonderful?" Aislinn thought her friend sounded like she was trying to control a squealing pig. She knew that Marianne had been pining for Nathanial since their second year, and she was convinced that Nathanial had been clueless about it this whole time. She was glad that Marianne would finally be happy. Now if she could just get the object of her affection to notice her.

"Oh Marianne, I am so happy for you! I know you have wanted this for so long!"Aislinn saw Marianne looking at her hand strangely. "Speaking of my birthday, did I show you what my father got me? It is an enchantment ring. It was my grandmother's on his side of the family." Aislinn smiled widely as she thought of her father and held out her hand. On the index finger of her left hand was a silver ring with a green glowing stone in the middle. There were runes going down each side of the band, but Aislinn had not yet deciphered them.

Marianne's eyes got wide. "An enchantment ring, wow Aislinn. Those are very rare!"

"I know. There is a great story behind it, too. Apparently it had belonged to a fairy princess who is somehow associated with my family. My father's family has some interesting history on their side." As soon as Aislinn spoke those last words someone walked by their table and paused momentarily. It was Draco.

He looked down at her and smiled knowingly. "That is nothing, just wait until Christmas." He laughed slightly and walked out of the common room. The two girls looked at each other, puzzled. Aislinn thought for a minute, wondering what he meant by the comment.

"Anyway, this ring is really interesting. It has a sort of protective charm put on it. Whenever a family member is near, the stone glows purple. When a friend is near, it is green. And when an enemy or someone who wishes to harm the wearer is near, it glows red. It is charmed only to work for the women in my family. I was so excited when I received it today." She sighed as Marianne continued to look as if she were on cloud nine. Their party was to be the next night, although she was slightly saddened by the thought. She had hoped that Draco would ask her to be his date for the party, but realistically she knew that wouldn't happen. Almost a week ago Pansy had swooped down on the poor boy and asked him to go with her, giving every one else in the room a look of warning. Aislinn yawned and stretched a bit. "Well Marianne, I think I am going to go to bed, I want to be fresh for the party tomorrow." The two girls said goodnight and Aislinn headed for the dorm room.