Prosapia Aenigmatis - The Family Riddle

Chapter 12

Aislinn slept better that night than she had in weeks. The result was waking very late the next morning, and finding herself all alone in her dorm. Aislinn sprang out of bed, dressed as quickly as she could, and bounded up the stairs into the common room.

"Aislinn, have you been sleeping all this time?" Marianne asked as her eyes ran over Aislinn's disheveled appearance. Aislinn smiled weakly and Marianne laughed. "Come on Aislinn, you can't go to Hogsmeade looking like that." Marianne grabbed her friend's arm and dragged her back down to the dorm room. Marianne pulled out her wand, did a quick refreshing charm on Aislinn, and the two girls headed back up to the common room.

Nathanial was sitting by the fire, waiting for them impatiently. "Come on you two, we are likely to be the only students left in the school by now." Nathanial said in an irritated tone.

Aislinn scowled at Nathanial and he laughed while taking Marianne's hand. The three of them headed out of the entry way and into the corridor. They talked excitedly as they made their way into Hogsmeade.

"Marianne, I am really nervous. What if he tells me no?" Aislinn was beginning to panic at the thought of talking to Marcus about the ball. She had never been nervous to talk to him before, but the thought of rejection was sending a course of absolute dread through her veins. Aislinn wrung her hands nervously as the three of them approached The Three Broomsticks.

Marianne looked at Aislinn in mild disbelief. "This is my brother we are talking about, Aislinn. Why on earth would you be nervous around him?"

"Well, it isn't Marcus so much, just the thought of rejection. Arrgh, I hope he is there. I feel like I am about to explode!" Aislinn pulled on a piece of her hair and followed Marianne and Nathanial into the pub.

They walked in and saw the group of Slytherins sitting at their normal table in the far corner of the room.

Marcus was immersed in conversation with Draco and a few other members of the Quidditch team. Crabbe and Goyle were sitting on one side of Draco, with expressions of equal stupidity on their faces. Pansy and Millicent Bulstrode were sitting across from Draco. Blaise was sitting at the far end of the table with Tracey Davis, scowling at Pansy and trying to ignore the girl's shrill giggles. The three Slytherins headed to the table to join their housemates.

Nathanial sat down next to Marcus, and was immediately sucked in to the endless Quidditch talk. Marianne rolled her eyes and took the seat next to Nathanial. Aislinn looked around . . . the only available seat was next to Pansy. Wonderful, Aislinn thought as she slowly sat down. Aislinn looked desperately at Marianne.

Aislinn was desperately trying to block out the horrid conversation that she was hearing. Pansy and Millicent were quietly whispering.

"Oh yes, and I just love the way his hair is so wonderfully platinum. Reminds me of the pale first morning sun. That is surely the color of the heavens. And the storms in his eyes," Pansy sighed," I could get lost in the endless pools of gray."

Aislinn wanted to laugh at this; since when were pools gray? She also felt ill at Pansy's ridiculous comments about Draco, but that feeling paled to what followed.

"Oh, Draco is okay," Millicent said, "but my Gregory, he is an animal. He sure knows how to make a girl wild. He is such a beast. Just the other night..."

Aislinn felt the contents of her stomach rise as she sprang out of her chair. She could not listen to another word. Everyone stopped their conversations as Aislinn abruptly stood. Marianne looked up at her friend's expression of extreme sickness.

"Aislinn, are you all right?" Marianne asked.

"Uh, yeah, I'm all right. I just need some fresh air." And a strong memory charm, Aislinn thought. She quickly walked out of the pub and into the street. Aislinn found the first bench she could and plopped down on it. She let her body give in to the full cringe it had been threatening since she heard the words animal and beast Millicent used to describe Goyle. That was wrong in so many ways; Aislinn couldn't even begin to think about it. She instead busied herself in looking around for anyone she knew. Aislinn looked back at the door to the pub when Marcus came out. He saw her, smiled, and walked over to the bench where Aislinn was sitting.

"Mind if I sit?" Marcus smiled and Aislinn gestured for the empty space on the bench. She began twirling a strand of her hair absentmindedly, dreading what she was about to say. Marcus spoke first however, giving Aislinn a temporary break from her nerves. "Marianne told me to come out here and find you, she said you needed to talk to me about something." He looked at her quizzically and Aislinn sighed.

"Marcus, I was wondering," Aislinn paused and looked at the ground, still twirling the end of her hair, "that is to say, I wanted to ask you, um, if you would go to the Valentine's Ball with me. Just as friends," Aislinn added quickly; she didn't want him to get the wrong idea. Aislinn looked up at him and he was grinning. Aislinn felt relieved and smiled back.

Marcus chuckled a bit. "Of course I will go with you Aislinn. I was going to ask you to go with me, as friends, too. But I didn't think you would want to go, because of my age." Marcus gave her a weak, slightly embarrassed smile.

"Marcus, don't be silly. I don't care about your age. And besides, we are only going as friends, age has nothing to do with friendship." Aislinn shrugged and Marcus smiled again.

"Well, I better go back in. Weasley and Potter were in there when I left out; I need to make sure there isn't any trouble going on. You know, since I am the official big brother to all of the Slytherins." He laughed and headed back into the pub.

* * *

The next morning Quinn was positively skipping as she prepared for her trip to Hogsmeade. Now that she and Aislinn were friends again, Quinn felt able to handle anything. Hogwarts felt like home again. Now that she was no longer despairing over Aislinn, Quinn let herself get truly excited about Fred for the first time.

After breakfast, Quinn met Fred, George, and Ginny in the Entrance Hall. The four of them headed for Hogsmeade together.

George had been different since his attack. He was quieter, more subdued now. Quinn knew that Fred was worried about this. Fred was trying to bring George out of his shell. He seemed to think the best way to accomplish this was to play a trick on Filch. As she held conversation with Ginny, Quinn overheard the words Mrs. Norris, feathers, and cat chow. Quinn tried not to think about what would happen if they were caught.

It was very cold in Hogsmeade and as they walked along the main street Quinn shivered. Suddenly Fred had his arms around her, vigorously rubbing in an attempt to keep Quinn warm. She was still shocked each time he touched her. Quinn could never get used to the feeling of his hands anywhere near her. She knew she would never regard that sensation as ordinary.

Fred bought Quinn some fudge at Honeydukes. The third piece however contained a concealed acid pop. Once her mouth stopped fizzing, Quinn smacked Fred fiercely. He was snorting with laughter at finally tricking her. Quinn was furious with herself for letting her guard down. At the same time it was wonderful to see him play a prank for the first time since the attack.

They all went to the three broomsticks for lunch. Fred kept Quinn laughing all through the meal as he told embarrassing stories about Percy as a child. Apparently Percy had requested business robes and a tie at the age of five and had worn them every day until they were positively rags. Apparently he had wandered about the Burrow declaring that one must "Dress for Success."

Quinn sniffed her food gingerly and watched Fred for any signs of mischief. All seemed clear until Quinn was about to take a sip of her Butterbeer. The lip quivered dangerously.

Quinn looked around the pub thinking fast. She saw the perfect target smirking from a booth across the way. Quinn grabbed her mug and sauntered over.

"Here ya go sexy," Quinn said, trying not to gag. She flipped her hair for good measure. Terry Boot looked back at her skeptically. "It's a peace offering," Quinn said, leaning in a bit and smiling. "As the students with the best hair, we need to stick together. For the greater good." Quinn used her best acting skills to hide her excitement as Terry nodded and picked up the mug.

"Well as long as it's for the greater good," Terry said pompously. He still didn't drink. He was regarding Quinn with a familiar smirk. Quinn eyed him with growing unease. "I know why you did it," he said now, his eyes roaming south of her face. Quinn forced herself to maintain her innocently happy expression. "I forgive you. It's easy to get jealous. I'm sure we can work past it eventually." Terry winked at her and Quinn felt her butterbeer slush angrily around her stomach.

"You know I saw you've become closer with Roger Davies lately. Perhaps we could work together and by the ball we may be able to solve the problem. I think we go for a three pronged attack, anti-dandruff potion, cleaning charms, and lilac shampoo." Terry went on in this vein for a while, still not drinking from the mug. Quinn began to grow impatient. Still she adopted a thoughtful and pleasant demeanor, waiting for him to finally drink.

Ten minutes later he was still talking. Quinn sat back, amazed. He had switched the topic to himself and Quinn was afraid he might never stop talking. Her eye was beginning to twitch with irritation. Terry was talking about how his period of baldness had really taught him the value of hair.

"But It's over now and we can be together," Terry reached out a hand and took Quinn's in his own. When Quinn saw that Fred looked rather nervous at this, she smiled happily. Terry must have thought she was smiling at him. He squeezed her hand and finally raised the mug to his lips.

Quinn sat in heavy anticipation for a moment. Nothing happened. Quinn looked quizzically at him. Terry was talking about shampoo. Quinn wasn't following the one-sided discussion. Her eyes traveled to Fred, who was laughing madly. Quinn realized that there had been no prank at all. Fred had just been playing with her. Quinn glared at him and got up quickly. Terry grabbed her arm quickly. Quinn shuddered.

"Where are you going?" Quinn just glared at him. She was too angry to speak. Terry saw the familiar flash of anger in her eyes and let go immediately. Quinn stalked back to her table and sat next to Fred. She took a deep breath, trying to decide whether to punch him or just yell. George was giggling a bit and even Ginny seemed to be enjoying it. Quinn glared.

Fred reached out one of his strong hands and Quinn held her breath slightly as he put his arm around her. She looked away, using all her willpower to not smile. Fred responded by shifting his arm lower, to Quinn's side. He gently tickled her and Quinn shuddered away from the contact, barely suppressing a giggle.

Quinn saw George roll his eyes at this sight but Ginny seemed to find it adorable. Quinn scowled. She had no interest in being adorable. She resisted laughing at Fred's incessant tickling and stood up grumpily.

"Ginny, do you want to go to Gladrags? We could see if they have anything good for the dance, before you go to meet Hermione," Quinn said, waiting for the other girl to get up. Ginny stood and Quinn led the way out the door, leaving Fred and George, who seemed to be animatedly discussing something Quinn was sure she didn't want to know about.

"I'm sorry Quinn," Ginny said suddenly, fidgeting with her hands.

"For what?"

"Well, I sort of gave them the idea..." Ginny stopped and blushed. "I said that with all the pranks they had been trying to play, the worry was almost worse than anything they could do to you. I didn't know they would do that. Fred must have known you would give the mug to Terry. He can be really observant when it comes to planning a prank." Quinn smirked.

"Yes, enduring Terry Boot is worse than anything the two of them could cook up. He is just a horrid person." Quinn shuddered once again at the thought of Terry, and the two girls entered Gladrags in comfortable silence.

* * *

Aislinn sighed and leaned back against the bench. She sat there for some time, watching the various students pass by along with the occasional witch or wizard who lived in Hogsmeade. They usually stayed in their houses on school trip days. The students apparently annoyed them endlessly. Aislinn was sure that the Weasley twins had pulled pranks on several of the innocent inhabitants of the village at least once or twice before.

Just then Draco, Crabbe and Goyle came sauntering out of the pub. Aislinn immediately looked down at her fingernails, trying to look interested so they wouldn't notice her staring. This was a perfect opportunity to do some spying, Aislinn thought. As she was about to get up from the bench, Pansy and Millicent came creeping out of the pub. The two girls where looking after Draco and his goons and began following them. Aislinn watched as the girls caught up with their targets and Pansy fixed herself on Draco's arm. Millicent stood next to Goyle, but he seemed to pay her no mind. He and Crabbe appeared to be deeply involved in a conversation about some sort of food.

Aislinn got up quietly from her bench and walked slowly after the group, paying close attention to keep a good distance behind them. She made sure that there were plenty of spaces in between the buildings so that she could hide out of sight if they happened to turn around. Aislinn followed them for a while as the group went in and out of various shops. Crabbe, Goyle and Millicent seemed to be content to stay in Zonko's and Draco and Pansy headed for a nearby alley. Aislinn thought Draco must have been telling Pansy something important for him to be taking her off alone. Aislinn waited until they were out of sight, then made her move to the edge of the building that the two were hiding behind.

Aislinn stood there for a moment and heard nothing. She leaned over a little closer to the edge of the building and heard what could only be described as moans coming from the other side of the wall. Aislinn wanted to gag and she turned to run. When Aislinn turned, she ran right smack into Potter and Weasley, both of which had stupid grins on their face. Aislinn wanted to scream, or curse, but she knew if she did Draco and Pansy would hear her and know she had been following them.

Weasley grinned even bigger when he finally spoke. "Quite the little voyeur you are Macnair." He chuckled lightly. Aislinn felt her eyes grow wide, but she could not make a sound in fear that she would be caught.

"Keep your voice down, Weasley!" Aislinn finally whispered frantically. It was too late though. Draco and Pansy came strolling out from behind the building. Draco stopped when he saw Weasley and Potter.

"What are you all doing?" Draco asked them with a sneer. He looked at the three of them, apparently wondering why they were standing here together.

"We weren't doing anything, Draco. I was just looking for Quinn when these two came over here and started annoying me." Aislinn felt bad but she had to say something to cover for herself.

"Looking for Quinn, is that what you call it? I was under the impression you were . . ." Aislinn muffled Weasley's words by putting her hand over his mouth before he could finish his statement. Aislinn assumed the most threatening expression she could manage.

"I will thank you to keep your mouth shut, Weasley. What I was doing is no concern of yours." Aislinn was fuming, and afraid of getting caught. Weasley just stood there staring at her when Draco grabbed her arm and pulled her around the building.

Draco appeared livid. His whole face was screwed up with fury. "What do you think you are doing Macnair? Becoming pals with the Gryffindors, your father won't like that too much. Neither will your Grandfather I dare say."

Aislinn's eyes widened, this was going all wrong. She was supposed to make Draco trust her, not be suspicious of her. "No Draco, that isn't what was happening. I was standing there when they came up and started harassing me. I was about to tell them off when you and Pansy came around the corner." Aislinn looked at the ground and Draco loosened his grip on her arm.

Draco stepped back from her and studied her for a moment. A look of triumph flashed across his gray eyes and he moved closer to her once more. "What were you doing here anyhow Aislinn? Spying on us?" Draco noted Aislinn's expression and a smirk broke out across his face. "I never knew you were like that Macnair." He brushed his finger along her cheek and Aislinn shuddered, restraining herself from looking in his eyes.

"Draco, I was just looking for Quinn," Aislinn said hoping he would believe her.

Draco smirked again; he clearly didn't believe a word she had said. He leaned in closely and spoke in a whisper. "All right Macnair, whatever you say." Draco walked back around to the front of the building.

Aislinn stood there for a moment, trying to take in what she was feeling. She hated Draco with all her being, but she still got that feeling when he was around. Damn veela! She wanted to curse herself for being so easily manipulated. Aislinn walked to the front of the building and stood there, looking up and down the street. Aislinn saw Quinn and Ginny Weasley walking into Gladrags and she ran across the street and into the store.

Aislinn walked into the shop and spotted Quinn and Ginny looking at a rack of nice dress robes. Aislinn headed over to her friend.

"Quinn, I need to talk to you." Aislinn looked at Ginny, hoping she would get the hint.

"Oh, um, I need to go see Hermione anyhow." Ginny looked at Quinn and turned and almost ran out of the shop.

Quinn looked strangely at Aislinn. "What's up?"

Aislinn sighed and told Quinn about what had just taken place in the ally. "I didn't know what to do." Aislinn sighed again and then smiled. "I do have some good news though, Marcus said yes. Care to look for our robes now?"

"Oh I am so glad you are going, although I wish our dates were friends," Quinn said as she walked over to a rack containing a hideous set of robes made out of lime green and brown striped fabric. She took a look at the robes and held them out to Aislinn. "These would look nice I think." Quinn struggled to hold a straight face at Aislinn's disgusted scowl.

"Uh, no thanks." Aislinn looked around and found some bright orange robes that had little red dots on them. "You could wear those, they would go with your date's hair." Aislinn laughed at Quinn's mock hurt expression.

The girls continued picking out the tackiest robes they could find for one another when Aislinn heard the shopkeeper begin to talk loudly to someone.

"These are the latest fashion. Just in from London this morning" The shopkeeper passed Aislinn carrying a set of men's robes in a vibrant pink and soft lavender. Aislinn followed the woman, wanting to see what sort of man would wear robes in those colors. She walked around the corner and saw Professor Snape staring at the woman like she had just turned into an overly large Flobberworm.

Aislinn hurried back to Quinn. "Come on, you have got to see this." Aislinn took Quinn by the arm and pulled her to where they could just see Professor Snape scowling at the saleswoman.

The woman pulled a fresh set of lilac robes from the pile and held them up to him. "Now, these are the exact robes that Gilderoy Lockhart purchased from me yesterday afternoon. Any man would be crazy not to want to follow his fashion example." The woman beamed at him, ignoring the murderous expression that had taken over his face. Aislinn sniggered at the thought of Snape wearing lilac.

"Woman," Snape began, he seemed to have put up with all he could stand, "I simply asked for a set of black dress robes. I would never lower myself to wearing something so vulgar and outlandish." Snape sneered at the pile of robes the woman had lying on the chair. "No man in their right mind would wear robes made from such nonsensical colors."

"Fine, if you don't want to keep up with fashion I will go get black for you. But I must tell you; you are far too pale for black. You will look washed out and positively . . ." she paused, "ghastly!" She turned around and stormed off into the back of the store. Aislinn and Quinn stood there too intimidated to move by the look of anger on his face. Aislinn was sure no one had ever talked to him in that manner. Aislinn pulled Quinn back over to the rack of new dress robes and they began to giggle. The woman scowled and collected the pile.

Just then they heard an angry roar and Aislinn and Quinn looked at each other briefly before running to the back of the store to see what was happening. As they skidded around the corner, they saw a livid Snape pointing his wand at the woman who looked terrified. They were standing by the cosmetics counter and the woman had apparently just taken a bottle of Demetrius Dingler's Instant Hair Degreaser out of the cabinet.

"How dare you insinuate about my personal hygiene!" Snape roared at the cowering woman. "I am the Potion's Master for Hogwarts! I am quite capable of creating my own 'Hair Degreaser'!"

"Then sir, I must insist you do so. You should be ashamed walking around as if you have never bathed a day in your life!" The woman spat back at Snape in the same sneering tone he had used.

Snape growled at the woman and raised his wand, but the woman wasn't finished with him.

"And another thing, Sir," The woman let the word roll disgustingly off her tongue, "While you are making that hair potion, I suggest you make a very strong teeth whitener as well. Yellow teeth are terribly unsightly. Yours actually remind me of a young man who has been coming here buying Hogwarts' uniforms rather longer than any other student I have ever seen. I tell you . . ."

Aislinn scowled as she realized the woman was talking about Marcus. His teeth weren't yellow, they were just sort of, gnarled. Quinn nudged Aislinn roughly and she turned back to where Snape was now muttering a spell and the woman went silent immediately.

The salesgirl began frantically flailing her arms about and mouthing soundless words and Professor Snape had a very evil, satisfied grin on his face. Quinn sniggered a little too loudly and Professor Snape immediately turned to where they were standing; his eyes narrowed when he spotted them. His face was contorted in anger but his eyes conveyed surprise as he realized who was watching him.

"Miss Finnigan, Miss Macnair," Snape barked at them and the girls froze instantly. "Come here at once!"

Aislinn glanced at Quinn whose eyes were wide as saucers. The two girls slowly walked over to where Professor Snape was standing.

Quinn cleared her throat. "Yes sir?" she asked, looking up at him much more calmly than Aislinn could.

"Do you enjoy staring at me so much that you have resorted to spying? First you want to take me to the Ball, now this? I must say Miss Finnigan, I am flattered." Snape spoke with an icy voice and Quinn began to protest, but he cut her off. With a wave of his wand, Quinn fell silent like the sales woman had just moments before.

"If I may continue, you and Miss Macnair will be serving detention with me tonight. Eight o'clock." He turned to Aislinn and gave her a sharp look. "I am most disappointed Miss Macnair." Snape began to leave the store, his robes billowing around him when he turned suddenly as he neared the door.

"And Miss Finnigan, Mr. Weasley won't be there this evening so there will be no point in agonizing over your appearance." Snape chuckled mirthlessly at the look of humiliation on Quinn's face and left the shop..

The three of them stood completely still for a moment and Aislinn then turned to face Quinn who was mouthing desperately but no sound was coming out. Aislinn then looked to the sales woman who was doing the same. Aislinn stifled a giggle and pulled out her wand. "Finite Incantatum." Quinn growled like a bear and Aislinn was frightened momentarily.

"Merlin, another detention? How can he do that? It's not my fault he is in desperate need of cosmetic potions," Quinn said in a vindictive tone.

Aislinn thought quickly, she had to cheer Quinn up. "Think about it this way Quinn, getting detention from Snape will surely impress Fred. Besides it is only detention. How bad can it be?" Aislinn shrugged and Quinn looked at her as if she were insane.

"True. Fred will think it's fabulous," Quinn said, imagining the proud smirk on her favorite face.

Aislinn sighed, "You know Quinn, I think I might have to work on my spying techniques if I am going to stay alive...I mean...I have been caught twice in one day."

Quinn giggled a bit at Aislinn's forlorn expression. "Let's just grab some robes and get out of here; we can go to Zonko's and see what we can find to humor ourselves."

Aislinn smiled and nodded. She then began perusing the racks of dress robes, hoping to find a decent pair quickly. Aislinn eyed several pair of pink and purple robes and even entertained the idea of grabbing a set so she could leave the shop. She pushed the thought out of her mind however; she did not want to be a clone to Parkinson, whose favorite color was pink.

"Aislinn, come here," Quinn called from across the shop.

Aislinn walked over to her friend who was holding a gorgeous set of robes that were the color of blue topaz.

"Quinn, those are spectacular. Fred will pass out when he sees you in them, the color is perfect for your eyes!" Aislinn exclaimed as her friend grinned.

Quinn then held up another pair of robes and Aislinn gasped. They were a deep claret and they were exquisite.

"I thought these would look nice on you Aislinn, accent the darkness of your hair," Quinn said with a sly smile and then added, "I hear Snape is especially fond of blood red." Quinn snickered and Aislinn rolled her eyes.

"Oh they are marvelous Quinn, thanks. Now, let's pay for these and get out of here," Aislinn said and the two girls made their way to the counter, purchased the robes, and walked out into the street.

* * *

Aislinn left the Slytherin dorm to find Quinn. They had detention in 15 minutes with Snape and Aislinn knew better than to be late. They had agreed to meet at the entrance to his class 10 minutes before the detention was to begin.

Aislinn rounded the corner and saw Quinn standing there with a nervous expression. Aislinn realized that Quinn was still new to detention and that she had never had one with Snape before. Aislinn had only had one detention with Snape; it was the previous year, during the Snapey bear ordeal. She would never forget it. He had made her gather the dead rats throughout the castle and shave them for the potions work the next day. Aislinn spent her whole potions class imagining the dead carcasses and almost retched on the floor. She dearly hoped he wouldn't make her do anything that vile again.

"You ready to venture into the depths?" Aislinn grinned but Quinn didn't return the gesture. Aislinn furrowed her brows. "I am sure it won't be too bad."

"Aislinn, did you forget what he made you do last year?" Quinn asked her incredulously. "Have you forgotten what an unbelievable arse he is?"

"I was just thinking about that actually, but I don't think he would make us do that, not for this detention." Aislinn hoped more than believed what she said was true, but she didn't want Quinn to be nervous.

The girls stood silently outside of the door for a moment and Aislinn decided that she should let Quinn know how to act, so that Snape would be easier on her. As Slytherin-like as Quinn could be at times, she was still a Ravenclaw, and therefore had limited knowledge about the way Aislinn's house worked.

"Quinn, I should tell you something before we go in for detention," Aislinn paused to make sure Quinn was taking her seriously. When she had gained Quinn's attention, she continued, "When Professor Snape opens the door, your actions must make it clear that . . ." Aislinn stopped speaking abruptly as the door to the Potion's dungeon flew open and Snape stood sneering at them.

Aislinn immediately lowered her gaze to the floor and she could feel Quinn's eyes on her. Just do as I do Quinn. Aislinn knew she was not telepathic but she put every ounce of concentration she had into sending Quinn that message. Aislinn failed miserably and as Quinn squared her shoulders and looked Snape confidently in the eyes, Aislinn knew that Quinn had signed and sealed her own torture sentence. Snape liked to be in control of the situation at all times. Aislinn knew better than to look him in the eyes. Quinn on the other hand would never be submissive to him, even if it meant shaving rats was her punishment. She couldn't bear to let him get the best of her.

Quinn strode purposely past Snape and into the classroom. Aislinn followed, her eyes still fixed on the stone floor. Aislinn would not raise her gaze to meet him until spoken to, as every Slytherin knew was the way he preferred. Professor Snape was all about mind games. One of the main reasons he loathed the Gryffindors as terribly as he did was for the fact that they were too stupid and proud to know when to fold. Every Slytherin had been introduced to Professor Snape's ways their first year. Aislinn knew Quinn was in for a rough night.

"Macnair," Snape spoke in his classic silky voice and Aislinn looked at him for the first time. "As you are a competent Potion's student, your detention will be to assist me in preparing a sample potion for my second year students." Aislinn nodded and walked quickly to a bubbling cauldron across the room.

"Finnigan!" Snape barked and Quinn jumped slightly at the tone and curtness with which he spoke her name. A brief look of horror passed over Quinn's face, but was immediately replaced by an impassive expression. Snape's lip curled into a menacing sneer.

"A cauldron full of rancid armadillo bile was spilled in the storage room about an hour ago." Snape paused to conjure a scrub brush and pail of soapy water. "Take these and clean it, thoroughly. No magic Miss Finnigan."

Quinn stared at him for a moment and she appeared as if she were struggling with the decision whether she should hold her tongue or let loose the remarks that where forming in her mind about the unfairness in the difference between Aislinn's punishment and her own. Don't do it Quinn, keep your mouth shut! But once again, Aislinn's attempt at telepathy was in vain.

"Sir, why do I get such a harsh punishment?" Quinn asked with a cold tone. She refused to break eye contact with Snape. Quinn was ready to explode with loathing.

Snape's eyes went cold with fury and Aislinn waited for the inevitable. Everyone always accused Snape of favoring the Slytherins, and it was true. However the Slytherins knew it was because they never back talked him and generally lived in fear of the man. Most of them had experienced his wrath first hand and were less than eager to relive it.

"Miss Finnigan," Snape began, his black eyes glinting with animosity, "are you questioning my authority and ability to perform my duties as a professor?"

Quinn's eyes widened as Snape walked quickly to where she was standing. "N-no Sir," Quinn mumbled as she looked up at him. He stood a little more than a foot from Quinn and leaned down so that his face was even with hers. Quinn tried to stand her ground but he was so remarkably monstrous that all she wanted to do was back away. She was reminded of the twin's prank on Bill over Christmas. Having that atrocious face so close to her own made her feel ill and cold all over.

"Twenty points from Ravenclaw, Miss Finnigan." Snape smiled mirthlessly at Quinn's horrified expression. Aislinn was sure Quinn had never been the cause of lost house points before. Snape eyed Quinn closely as she stood silently before him.

"I believe you have work to do, Miss Finnigan. Unless you would rather stand here and have me relieve your house of more points for your refusal to obey me."

Quinn immediately grabbed the scrub brush and pail and stalked off into the storage room. Aislinn sighed as Professor Snape quickly walked over and stood in front of the cauldron next to her. Aislinn merely watched as he fastidiously added ingredients to the potion. He worked in silence for nearly ten minutes before he spoke.

"I heard Mr. Malfoy telling those imbeciles he calls friends that he found you standing with Potter and Weasley in Hogsmeade. As much as I understand your dislike for Malfoy, I must say Aislinn, socializing with Potter isn't going to convince Draco of your loyalty to your family," said Snape, his eyes never leaving the potion ingredients.

"Sir, I was not socializing with Potter and Weasley. I had been following Draco when he and Parkinson went behind this building to, erm . . ." Aislinn stopped speaking and blushed slightly as she looked up at him.

Snape merely nodded, his eyes still fixed on the task at hand. "Continue, Miss Macnair."

"Well, I realized what they were doing and I was about to leave when Potter and Weasley came up behind me. They, well, they thought I was watching." Aislinn blushed again. "That's when Draco saw me standing with them. He was convinced I was watching his display with Parkinson, too."

"I see. Well Aislinn, I suggest you be a little more careful next time. Malfoys might be arrogant, but they aren't stupid. Your slip ups will become harder to explain, and Draco will catch on." Snape turned and looked at her. "Be careful Macnair, these aren't children's games you are playing."

Aislinn nodded and looked back at the cauldron. Snape left the list of ingredients and told Aislinn to finish the potion, and that when Quinn finished cleaning, they were free to go. Aislinn watched him as he strode across the classroom and into his office, slamming the door behind him.

Aislinn worked silently for the next hour, thinking about what he told her.

Finally at half past ten, Quinn came sulking out of the storage room. A look of disgust and pure exhaustion was written all over her face. Quinn scanned the room and let out a huge sigh as she realized Snape was nowhere in sight.

"I . . . Hate . . . That . . . Man," Quinn said in a slightly ill sounding, completely exhausted monotone voice. Aislinn tried to stifle a giggle but it broke free. Quinn glared at her mutinously.

"Honestly Aislinn, how could you like him? I've met rodents who I respected more. What a foul excuse for a human being." Quinn continued in this vein as she and Aislinn left the room. Aislinn rolled her eyes but said nothing.

"Obviously he's rather insecure if he feels the need to bully other people, children no less," Quinn said, turning towards the dorms. "He must have some big inadequacy to be so insecure. Maybe he can't get it..." Quinn looked up with a smirk and realized she was alone. Aislinn had clearly gotten sick of Quinn's comments and headed for bed. Quinn grumbled and let out an irritated sigh. She continued her pilgrimage to Ravenclaw tower in silence.