Araminta Malfoy-Potter: Taking Hogwarts

L.

Sarah Michelle and Araminta decided to call it a Hogsmeade day. They pledged to drop off their purchases in their respective rooms and then meet again in the Great Hall, because people would be mixing it up between the House tables tonight. It was everyone's favorite time of the year: karaoke night!

"It's the most won-der-ful time of the year," Araminta trilled as she walked down the hall with bells on. Here was an activity that she was a natural at! Karaoke night was going to be a blast.

"Hey, Araminta," Harry called as she came into the Great Hall. She could see that Ron and Sarah Michelle were sitting with him too, as was Hermione, whose eyes were red and puffy.

Araminta waved back in response. "Coming, just a minute." She hurried over to the Slytherin table--theirs was the only one without people from other Houses sitting at it.

"All right, Draco, you're coming with me," she said.

His gray eyes flashed stormily. "How come you didn't meet me at the Trollish Ballet?"

"Um, well, I wanted to say thank you to someone, so I gave her my ticket. Did you have a good time?"

Draco frowned. "The ballet...sucked."

"Well, I know how you can have a good time. Come on!" She grabbed his sleeve and refused to let go until he got up and let her drag him over by Harry and Hermione.

"Hey you guys!" Sarah Michelle waved from beside Ron, who was really getting into the spirit of things by eating lo mein and sushi with a glass of bubble tea. "Are you ready for the karaoke contest?"

"Sure," said Araminta.

Albus Dumbledore took the stage. He was wearing a robe with a great big collar and everyone could see he was wearing old-school parachute pants underneath. He also had on a thick gold chain and a ski cap.

"Welcome, welcome one and all to Hogwarts Karaoke Night! It's the first part of Quidditch week, and the first of many activities which will lead up to the first match of the season (which will be followed by the Quidditch Ball). If you have a song you want, just let me know. I'm going to be the DJ!" He put on his headset and sat down in his usual seat.

"Let's be first and sing a song to cement our friendship!" Sarah Michelle came running up with the song catalog. "Oh, there's even stuff in here from the future! Well, you're a good singer, right? I'm sure we can make up a tune when we see the words!"

Sarah Michelle made Araminta come up on the platform by the staff tables with her. Professor Flitwick charmed the lights to look like a real stage, and they began to flash red and peach as the music started.

Araminta felt momentarily nervous. "What's the name of this song?"

"It's called All the Things She Said and it's by Tatu. I don't know how it will sound, but I hope we do a good job!" Sarah Michelle replied cheerily. The music started and Professor McGonagall transfigured them each a microphone out of a pair of candlesticks.

All the things she said
All the things she said
Running through my head
All the things she said
All the things she said
Running through my head
This is not enough

Araminta and Sarah Michelle sang their hearts out even though they didn't really know the tune. At the end, everyone started clapping and shouting for more, but Araminta thought it would be a good idea to let other people have a turn.

***

LI.

Next, Seamus F. got out of his seat and dragged Neville up to the front, holding his frog Trevor, for a trio. "What should we sing, Nev'?" everyone heard him ask.

Neville looked down at his toad. "Anything but that something wicked this way comes song. It makes me think of boring books that I have to read."

"Oh, okay," said Seamus, and then he started looking in the karaoke catalog. "Hey, I think I found one that would be perfect for us!"

"Really?" Neville looked really interested. "What song would that be?"

"Well," said Seamus. "Can you rock out? I mean, really rock out? Otherwise, I'll have to pick something a little more tame that you can handle."

"Of course I can rock out!" Neville protested. To demonstrate, he started headbanging and Trevor croaked him a beat before joining in.

"Hey, I guess you can!" Seamus said, pleased. "Let's sing one of my personal favorites, which is Whisky in the Jar by Metallica, though it's actually a traditional song, so I don't really have to give anybody credit." They picked up their microphones and started singing.

As I was goin' over the Cork and Kerry mountains
I saw Captain Farrell and his money he was countin'
I first produced my pistol and then produced my rapier
I said stand and deliver or the devil he may take ya

I took all of his money and it was a pretty penny
I took all of his money yeah I brought it home to Molly
She swore that she'd love me, never would she leave me
But the devil take that woman for you know she treat me easy

Musha ring dum a doo dum a da
Whack for my daddy-o
Whack for my daddy-o
There's whiskey in the jar-o

Being drunk and weary I went to Molly's chamber
Takin' my money with me and I never knew the danger
For about six or maybe seven in walked Captain Farrell
I jumped up, fired off my pistols and I shot him with both barrels

Musha ring dum a doo dum a da
Whack for my daddy-o
Whack for my daddy-o
There's whiskey in the jar-o

Ron Weasley jumped on top of a table even though Sarah Michelle grabbed his robes and tried to pull him down. He shook his fist in the air. "Hey, are you having a go at my mother? I don't think my mom would let either of you two in the house, much less..." He trailed off, turning red.

"Twelve points from Gryffindor, Mister Weasley, for interrupting the song," said Dumbledore. "However, I will give them back and maybe even add some on if you will be the next performer."

Ron sighed and walked up to the front, scraping his feet with each step.

"Fine," he said to Dumbledore. "I don't want to pick. You pick and let me get this over with."

Dumbledore scratched his beard and then opened his mouth wide. "Aha! I have found the perfect song for you, Ronald. Let's get you jiggy." He waved his wand and Ron appeared with really baggy jeans and a baseball cap turned backwards. Suddenly, the lights started flashing again and Ron started walking up and down the tabletops to a steady beat while Dumbledore laid a scratch over Aaron Carter's Come Get It.

The door bell rings cuz the party's here
I'm crankin up the stereo like it's New Years
Walkin' 'round the house like who's Da Man
(Everybody do it like Ron can)

First on the floor, you know that's me
Bustin' out the moves like it's MTV
I'm guessin' where I'm goin' cuz I lost my head
Then I jumped on table, this is what I said

People all around you gotta
(Come get it)
Everyone together sing it loud
(Come get it)
Jump all around come on
(Come get it)
What...
(Come get it)
Say it again
(Come get it)

People all around you gotta
(Come get it)
From the left to the right, make noise
(Come get it)
Here we go now, come on
Uh uh what what

Na na na na... Na na na na...

The crowd went wild for Ron's rap. He spun his cap around and leaned down in Hermione's face. "Top that, 'Mione."

"All right," said Hermione defiantly.

***

LII.

Hermione walked up to the front and snatched the karaoke catalog out of Dumbledore's hands and began to flip through it, muttering angrily to herself. At last she slammed it down on the table and pointed one long finger at the page. "I want this one," she snarled.

Albus Dumbledore looked pleased and waved his wand, changing Hermione's robes into a tight blue catsuit.

Hermione looked down at herself in horror. "Oh no, you didn't."

"Oh yes, I did," said Dumbledore, grinning. Hermione sighed and held up her microphone to show she was ready. A running beat echoed though the Great Hall and she began to belt out with a strident voice.

My, my, at Waterloo Napoleon did surrender
Oh yeah, and I have met my destiny in quite a similar way
The history book on the shelf
Is always repeating itself

Ron leaned over to Harry and muttered, "Well, if she'd read something besides Hogwarts, a History, maybe she wouldn't feel that way." Harry laughed in response.

Waterloo - I was defeated, you won the war
Waterloo - Promise to love you for ever more
Waterloo - Couldn't escape if I wanted to
Waterloo - Knowing my fate is to be with you
Waterloo - Finally facing my Waterloo

Dumbledore snapped his fingers and even the other teachers seemed to be getting into it. Hermione raised her arms up and used gestures to punctuate her singing as her voice went from high to low.

My, my, I tried to hold you back but you were stronger
Oh yeah, and now it seems my only chance is giving up the fight
And how could I ever refuse
I feel like I win when I lose

"I don't," said Harry. "When I lose, it still feels like I lost. What's she on about?"

"Shh," said Professor McGonagall as she walked by, nodding her head to the music and giving a little shimmy with her hips. "I can't hear the singing!"

Waterloo - I was defeated, you won the war
Waterloo - Promise to love you for ever more
Waterloo - Couldn't escape if I wanted to
Waterloo - Knowing my fate is to be with you
Waterloo - Finally facing my Waterloo

Hermione leapt into the air and off the stage. She then vaulted onto the table where Araminta was sitting, touching the hands of her supporters as she waltzed down the planks.

So how could I ever refuse
I feel like I win when I lose

She finally stopped in front of Draco, dead serious, and with big, unshed tears making her eyes shiny. She held her microphone close and sang the last in a gentle voice, crooning it to him as if she were soothing all of the bad feelings between them.

Waterloo - Couldn't escape if I wanted to
Waterloo - Knowing my fate is to be with you
Waterloo - Finally facing my Waterloo
Waterloo - Knowing my fate is to be with you
Waterloo - Finally facing my Waterloo
Waterloo - Knowing my fate is to be with you

The music came to a halt. "Whatever the future brings, Draco, know that you were my Waterloo." Hermione dropped the microphone on the floor and ran out of the Great Hall.

Draco turned to Araminta. "Do you think I should go after her?"

Araminta thought for a second. "No, she'll just go inside Gryffindor Tower and lock the door. Give her a little time. Things will work out." She gave Draco a big hug. "Let's enjoy the rest of karaoke night."

***

LIII.

Araminta turned to Harry. "Hey, there's a pretty good song in the karaoke catalog that's called I'm With You, and it's by Avril Lavigne. The karaoke's magic, so you can't sing it wrong! Why don't you give it a try?"

Harry polished his glasses for a second, deep in thought. "Well, doesn't it bother you that you can't do anything wrong tonight? I mean, a wrong note or two...it adds character."

Araminta had heard that before. "Nobody likes to listen to people who can't sing. That's why so many people aren't going up there. Their singing might kill everybody else. Just a little, come one Harry, please?" she wheedled.

"Oh, okay." Harry picked up the microphone Hermione had dropped and walked to the front of the room. The lighting turned blue and a small spotlight focused in on his face.

Ron rummaged through the platters of food that appeared on the table. "Somebody give me an apple."

Sarah Michelle sighed. "Do you know how inappropriate it is for you to ask for fruit right now?"

Harry cleared his throat and began to sing in a voice that was a little wavery but improved as the song continued.

I'm standing on a bridge
I'm waiting in the dark
I thought that you'd be here by now
There's nothing but the rain
No footsteps on the ground
I'm listening but there's no sound

Isn't anyone trying to find me?
Won't somebody come take me home
It's a damn cold night
Trying to figure out this life
Wont you take me by the hand
take me somewhere new
I don't know who you are
but I... I'm with you

The Gryffindor boys started yelling and whistling like wolves. "Show us what you're made of, Harry!" they shouted in a burst of boyish, testosterone-induced good humor.

I'm looking for a place
searching for a face
is anybody here I know
cause nothing's going right
and everything's a mess
and no one likes to be alone

Isn't anyone trying to find me?
Won't somebody come take me home
It's a damn cold night
Trying to figure out this life
Won't you take me by the hand
take me somewhere new
I don't know who you are

Harry looked across the room and sang the last line to Araminta.

but I... I'm with you

"Harry, that was wonderful," Araminta cried, jumping out of her seat to give Harry a big hug as he returned to the table.

"It was slightly better than the last time I heard a troll sing, so good on you, Potter," Draco sneered. Araminta wondered how they'd ever gotten together in her remembered future (which was also her past).

"Well, I'd just like to see you try!" Harry retorted.

"Watch how a master works the crowd." Draco stood up with a determined look on his face.

"Wait! Malfoys don't sing!" said Araminta.

"Didn't you hear him? That was a challenge! I have to!" Draco wrenched the microphone away from Harry. "I'd like the song Complicated, also by Avril Lavigne," he announced. His eyes went misty and he began to sing to an unseen person.

Uh huh, life's like this
Uh huh, uh huh, that's the way it is
Cause life's like this
Uh huh, uh huh that's the way it is

Chill out whatcha yelling' for?
Lay back it's all been done before
And if you could only let it be

you will see

It was obvious to Araminta that Draco was singing about his shattered relationship with Hermione. They both showed so much emotion when they sang that Araminta managed to keep some hope.

I like you the way you are
When we're drivin' in your car
and you're talking to me one on one but you've become

Somebody else round everyone else
You're watching your back like you can't relax
You're tryin' to be cool you look like a fool to me
Tell me

Why you have to go and make things so complicated?
I see the way you're acting like you're somebody else gets me frustrated
Life's like this you
And you fall and you crawl and you break
and you take what you get and you turn it into honesty
and promise me I'm never gonna find you fake it
no no no

When the song came to an end, Araminta joined the crowd in a standing ovation. Draco had done so well, and she felt very proud of her dad. Even Harry gave a few grudging claps.

Dumbledore stood up then, and announced: "The next song will be the last one for Karaoke Night. Who should we ask to sing for us, students of Hogwarts?"

A hush fell over the Great Hall. Who would it be?

***

LIV.

Sarah Michelle raised her hand and shouted out, "Araminta Malpot!"

The whole crowd took up the chant. "Mal-pot, Mal-pot, Mal-pot," they cheered until she made her way up to the front.

Araminta took the microphone from Dumbledore. "This evening went by so quickly, and so many people wanted to sing! I'd like to invite two good friends from Slytherin House, which hasn't really had a chance to sing tonight, to come up and join me for the last song. Pansy Parkinson, Millicent Bulstrode, would you please sing with me?"

Pansy and Millicent came to the front, looking pleased but also rather nervous. "It's okay," Araminta whispered. "I've been practicing singing with a phoenix for so long that I think I can do all the parts."

Araminta stepped to the center.

Every night in my dreams
I see you, I feel you,
That is how I know you go on

Far across the distance
And spaces between us
You have come to show you go on

Pansy and Millicent moved so that they stood beside and a little behind Araminta. To Araminta's surprise and pleasure, they chimed in with complementary notes that sounded good with Araminta's voice.

Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the heart does go on
Once more you open the door
And you're here in my heart
And my heart will go on and on

Love can touch us one time
And last for a lifetime
And never let go till we're gone

The candles began to swirl around to make it look like they were actually standing on the front of a ship with the reflected light on water making wiggly patterns on the ceiling and walls. A soft mist rolled across the floor to heighten the mood, and they went on with My Heart Will Go On, which was written by James Horner but sung by Celine Dion.

Love was when I loved you
One true time I hold to
In my life we'll always go on

Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the heart does go on
Once more you open the door
And you're here in my heart
And my heart will go on and on

As the music swelled, a sniffle came from behind them. This was no ordinary sniffle--most of the listeners, at least, those with any sensibility, were crying by now. This was the sniffle of Severus Snape, who stood up awkwardly and sang the last in a clear bass voice.

You're here, there's nothing I fear,
And I know that my heart will go on
We'll stay forever this way
You are safe in my heart
And my heart will go on and on

Severus Snape and Pansy Parkinson stared at each other for a long moment, and then Snape waddled away as if his feet hurt. Pansy stared after him as the music faded away.

"Are you okay, Pansy?" Araminta asked, worried. "Did he do something to you?"

"I'm great. Just great," Pansy replied and went back to her seat. "No, there's nothing between us."

Dumbledore waved his wand. "There. I've returned everything in the Great Hall to its original state, and I must remind you that tomorrow will be a good time to finish your work or work ahead, since Spirit Week at Hogwarts is such a busy time! Don't forget about the Quidditch Ball which will be held here next Saturday, one week from today. And now, I bid you a fond goodnight."

***

LV.

Araminta spent most of Sunday having quiet time in her room. She felt worn-out from stress and her throat was sore and not a little scratchy from singing so much the night before. She hadn't realized how much Fawkes-Iolanthe's magic supported her voice. On her own, it was difficult to remember simple rules like 'sing from your diaphragm' and 'project.' She had hot tea to soothe the overworked muscles.

Araminta had just drawn herself a bath full of pink bubbles (watermelon scented, yum) when she heard a muttered oath outside her door. Curious, she wrapped her bathrobe tightly around herself and pulled the door open wide. "What's going on?"

Sitting on the floor next to the door was Professor Severus Snape. He was holding his head in his hands and he looked absolutely exhausted.

Araminta tapped him on the shoulder gingerly. "Hey, Professor Snape, what's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong," he growled. "I am merely lightheaded, and I will be gone soon enough. Go back to your room."

"Should I get Madam Pomfrey?" Araminta asked, worried. "She'd know what to do."

"No. I can't abide her meddling," said Snape.

"Well, you can't just sit out here in the hall. It's damp and chilly, and you'll catch a cold." Araminta bent down and slung Snape's arm over her shoulder before hauling him to his feet. "Forward, march. Right in there. Steady...steady, now." She maneuvered him into her room and closed the door.

He was heavier than he looked. "You're squooshing me," she said. "Come on. Faster."

"I'm coming," he mumbled from under his greasy hair.

"Right--there," she grunted, pushing his weight off of her. "Whew," she said, wiping the sweat from her forehead as she settled him on an ottoman.

"I suppose you're going to comment on my weight," he said sourly.

"Huh?" said Araminta. "Uh, I'm just not as strong as I look. Why don't you rest here for a little bit before you try to get where you were going?" She snapped on the Wizarding Wireless, which began to play the tune that Araminta, Pansy, and Millicent had been singing last night.

Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the heart does go on

"Waaaah," cried Snape, wiping his nose on his sleeve. "Turn that dreck off!"

Araminta hurried over to the radio and turned down the volume while she inserted a CD of nature sounds (to soothe the savage beast) instead. "Professor Snape, is this about Narcissa Malfoy?" she asked in a direct fashion.

Snape stopped crying in surprise. "What--why--how did you...what do you mean?" he finished, drawing himself up haughtily.

"I mean that you're still stuck on Narcissa and you need to get over her for your own good. She's married and has a child." Araminta thought back to what she'd told him once before. "I'm sure there's another Narcissa out there for you. There are plenty of fish in the sea."

Snape considered this for a few seconds. "I suppose you are right. I have been feeling rather emotional lately."

"Well then, Mr. Cranky Pants, you should take my advice more often. I know just the thing to make you feel better--a bubble bath."

Snape nodded. "That does sound good. I'll take one when I get the plumbing fixed in my rooms. The shower hardly ever works."

So that's the problem,

Araminta realized. "Actually, I have a bath all ready, and I don't mind if you take it. Go on," she said, and smiled when Snape waddled into the washroom.

***

LVI.

Snape emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a fluffy pink bathrobe and wearing a pair of Araminta's bunny slippers. He was having a hard time keeping his towel on his head. "Er, a little help?"

Araminta bent him over and helped him wrap the thing around his head. "Keep your head up, and keep the towel on; otherwise, you'll be dripping everywhere."

"Heaven forbid I leak," Snape growled.

"Sit down and have some tea while you get dried off," Araminta offered.

"Thanks, I think I will," Snape replied. "Is there any lemon?"

"I should have known a sourpuss like you would take your tea that way." Araminta pulled a little bell and had a house-elf bring a lemon and a knife.

Once Snape was settled and sipping his tea, Araminta pulled her foot spa from underneath her four-poster bed. While Snape looked the other way, she got it ready and surprised him by plunging his feet in.

"What the %^&*O!" yelled Snape. "Oh, oh, that feels really good."

"Should I turn it on massage?" asked Araminta, pleased that he liked it.

"Please," Snape purred. "Oh, that should bring down the swelling in my ankles."

Araminta carefully removed the towel from Snape's head and rubbed it over his hair. "Why don't you let me comb and dry this for you?"

"Sure," Snape murmured, in a daze. "Whatever you want."

Araminta twisted the ottoman so that he couldn't see himself in the vanity, then trimmed his hair neatly. It was still kind of long, but it wasn't hanging in greasy lumps anymore. She found a little bit of gel in a drawer--her hair didn't need it, so it must have belonged to the person who lived here before she did--and used it to style his hair.

Snape's satisfied grumbling suddenly turned sharp. "Ow!"

"What?" asked Araminta, putting the scissors away guiltily. She hadn't cut him, had she?

"Give me your hand." Araminta held her arm out and Snape grabbed her hand and pressed it tightly against him. "Do you feel that?"

Araminta swallowed. How was she supposed to answer that? Of course she could; she could see the twitching underneath the bathrobe. "Um."

"Have you ever felt anything like that before?" he asked, insistently.

"No, I haven't," Araminta replied. There it went again.

"I don't want you to tell anyone else about this, Araminta. It's a secret between you and me."

"But, Professor, someone is bound to figure it out sooner or later," Araminta contradicted. "The swollen ankles. The emotion. The exhaustion. You're pregnant."

Snape nodded. "No one can know."

Araminta put two and two together. She didn't need a calculator to figure this one out. "It's Pansy's, isn't it?"

Snape's jaw was set. "No one else can know, then. I'll have the child as discreetly as possible, and then Pansy will raise it as her own."

"It's a him," Araminta said.

"Pssh. How can you know that?" Snape retorted.

"Let's just say I have an idea." Araminta smiled. "Blake Parkinson will be a handsome boy."

"Blake?" said Snape. "That's a fine name. I think I like it."

They smiled at each other.

***

LVII.

On Monday morning, Araminta woke up at the crack of dawn. She had a lot of boring classes today, and she hadn't done her homework at all. Luckily, she was a fast reader and a really good writer and she churned out foot after foot of essay before breakfast. The clock was ticking away, so Araminta pulled the bell and had a house-elf bring her a breakfast burrito that she could eat with one hand while she wrote.

Finally, Araminta put the finishing touches on her last essay and made a run for it. Her first class was Care of Magical Creatures with a much younger than she remembered Hagrid.

"Gather 'round, gather 'round," Hagrid shouted. Araminta ran up to join the group and stood next to Harry.

"These here are singing toads. If you pet 'em jus' righ', they'll sing for you and sing with you, and then you can be in the Hogwarts choir. It's a requirement tha' you 'ave one to be in it."

Araminta raised her hand. "Can people who have another singing pet, like a phoenix, be in the choir? Or is it only for people with singing toads?"

"On'y for singin' toads," Hagrid answered. "After all, if you've got a phoenix in the group no one'll listen to anythin' else!" He chortled. "You've got a good enough voice to get yerself a phoenix o' yer own and go on tour."

Araminta smiled softly to herself. Then, she whispered to Harry, "Now I feel really embarrassed."

"Don't," said Harry. "Everybody heard you the other night. It was beautiful."

"Well, thanks," said Araminta. "But I'm really more of a duet person."

Harry winked at her. "Maybe someday we can make beautiful music together."

"Oh, you," Araminta said and punched him on the arm.

"Listen up," said Hagrid, interrupting their private moment. "Now, when I give you a singing toad, ye've gotta put him under yer right arm..." He held one up to demonstrate. "'E'll struggle a bit, but keep him in a firm grip. Don't squeeze, though, or 'e might pop!"

Araminta noticed that Neville Longbottom turned a little bit green at this.

Hagrid went on. "Now, ye've 'eard the sayin' 'fine as frog's hair'? Well, toad's hair is even finer. Yeh can' see it atall. But if yeh rub a singing toad the wrong way, yeh'll get a nasty case o' warts and 'e might bite. Rub from the head down, like this." Hagrid petted his toad gently.

Araminta accepted a singing toad and managed to hold onto the slippery fellow, then rubbed it absentmindedly. Harry, Ron, and even Neville had tamed their beasts, but Hermione's was still struggling in her grip. In spite of this, the toads looked at each other and started opening their mouths so wide you could see into their throats. "Galump," said one. Then they broke out into a heavenly, if overbalanced toward the bass, chorus.

"Ten points teh Gryffindor!" cried Hagrid.

***

LVIII.

At long last, Araminta heard the bell that heralded the end of the school day. She flung her heavy backpack over her shoulder and joined the throng of students who were pouring out of the school like lemmings and heading down to the Quidditch pitch.

Girls in short, pleated robes were leading two groups of shouting students, which could be heard all the way across the grounds. "Gryff, Gryff, GRYFF-in-dor," yelled the supporters of the red and gold, while the remaining students chanted "Sly-the-RIN, Sly-the-RIN."

Araminta did her best to stand somewhere on the fringe so as not to attract the attention of either group. What would she do this week when everyone expected her to choose sides?

Albus Dumbledore walked to the center of the pitch and held his hands up for silence. His voice magically enhanced, he said, "We expect the highest ethical standards from each and every one of you this week. Today we have a pep rally, Wednesday is Inside Out Robes day, Friday evening is the Gryffindor-Slytherin Quidditch Match that will kick off our season, and Saturday evening is the Quidditch Ball. Anyone found breaking the rules may lose the privilege of attending one or more of these events."

Araminta swayed to the beat as the Gryffindor and Slytherin dance teams showed off their routines and clapped her hands in appreciation after the Hogwarts choir performed. The highlight of the evening, though, was a display of magical fireworks that exploded without any stinky smoke and stayed brightly lit in the air.

As Araminta walked back to the castle, she realized she was right behind Pansy--so close that she could have stepped on her robes if she was the clumsy type. "Hey, Pansy, wait up."

Pansy stopped and turned around, her face expressionless. "What do you want, Araminta?"

Araminta took her hand. "I just wanted you to know...I'll be there for you. Now, when the time comes, and even after." She looked around to make sure no one was listening, and continued in a low voice. "I figured it out, and I won't tell anyone else. You're going to have a beautiful son named Blake and live happily ever after."

Tears shone in Pansy's eyes. "I'd like to believe that," she said. "Sev--Snape is being so difficult about the whole thing. He doesn't want me to get in any trouble, and he's worried about the Death Eaters all the time."

"Death Eaters...oh, yeah. Snape is a smart guy. I'm sure he'll think of something," Araminta reassured her friend. "Let's get inside before it gets to be too dark to see."

***

LIX.

Araminta and Pansy went back to Araminta's room, and Araminta let Pansy cry on her shoulder. Then they had some chocolate and girl talk before going down to dinner. All in all, it was a very enjoyable evening even though an air of worry hung about Pansy like a noxious cloud.

For the next two days, whenever she wasn't in class, Araminta dodged Hermione's dirty looks to search the library from top to bottom. She didn't find anything useful about time travel; the only thing she found was a book about Time-Turners, which only went backwards, and that there had once been a book published by the Ministry of Magic on the topic (but it was now missing from the library).

Araminta was feeling world-weary. All around her, shiny, happy people were scurrying back and forth through the halls in anticipation of the kickoff Quidditch Match and Ball, and You-Know-Who was far from anyone's mind. Yet, every day, Araminta felt less and less comfortable here. She knew that she needed to get back to her own time, to her own home. Her soulmate was here but her heart wasn't.

Once, she saw Snape take one look at his breakfast and bolt from the room. She wished there was something she could do to help, but the only thing she managed to do was put a hand on Pansy's sleeve to keep her from following and possibly giving their secret away. To top it off, Millicent was moodier than ever and picking fights with the both of them every chance she got. Araminta and Pansy tried to be the better people and not respond to the name-calling and demands.

Finally, just before sunset on Tuesday, the clouds broke and a gorgeous peach and gold sky was visible between clouds of scarlet and violet. Araminta sneaked away for a moment to herself, transformed into her unicorn Animagus form, and streaked across the outer portion of the grounds, reveling in the beauty of nature. Sometimes, she decided, you have to treat yourself.

***

LX.

Wednesday was Inside Out Robes Day, and everyone had a good laugh at the scraggly seams that showed. Some people, like Seamus and Dean, went all-out and wore their robes inside out and backwards.

Slytherin and Gryffindor students each chose a corridor to decorate in their House colors, and classes were canceled on Wednesday afternoon so that the students could complete their displays. Araminta ran back and forth between the two, first helping transfigure roses until they were enormous for a wreath like the ones they give horses who win races in the Gryffindor hallway and then running over to the Slytherin side to charm gummy worms into long, glittery snakes that swam back and forth near the ceilings.

After an enormous feast, the professors and headmaster carried clipboards up and down the corridors, making notes on the decorations. Professor Snape was pale and wan, but gave Araminta a half-smile when he passed her. Finally, everyone trooped into the Great Hall.

The teachers put their heads together and finally Dumbledore stood up to make an announcement.

He held up his hand and cleared his throat. "I know that every one of you is on the edge of your seat with anticipation! We have thought long and hard about our decision, and we do not make it lightly."

A low murmur went around the House tables. Who was going to win--Gryffindor, or Slytherin?

"After a heated debate, the other judges and I would like to announce that the points for hall decorations awarded to Gryffindor will be eighty and the points awarded to Slytherin will be eighty."

This time, the murmur was louder and confused. Dumbledore motioned for everyone to shut up. "Yes, my friends, this means that so far, we have a tie! Therefore, we go into the first Quidditch match of the season with all of the houses in a tie--excellent work, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, in your classes, I might add--and this will make everything much more exciting!"

Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw students seemed pleased at the compliment, but Harry and Draco were growling at each other across the hall and trying to be intimidating. This was a painful reminder to Araminta that come Friday, she'd be playing Quidditch for both teams. How was she going to get through the match without making her father or her boyfriend mad?

Just then Draco stood up and swaggered over to where she was sitting next to Harry. "So, hope you learn to catch before Friday's match, Potter. Otherwise, I'll be bored to death waiting for the Snitch to come my way."

"Hey!" Harry stood up, rolling up his sleeves. "You wanna fight about it, or did you give Crabbe and Goyle the evening off?"

Draco sneered. "They're too good to touch the likes of you, Potter."

Harry jumped over the table and ran at Draco, but Araminta got in the way and pushed them apart. "Stop! Stop it, please! I can't stand this, and I don't want to have to choose between you."

Draco and Harry put their fists down reluctantly. "All right."

"No, not all right." Araminta wanted this finished once and for all. "We're family...um, er, we're like a family, and I want you to promise me you'll be nice to each other from now on."

Draco and Harry shook hands, trying not to touch each other. "Fine," they said, "but we'll still be playing against one another in Friday's Quidditch match."

Suddenly, Araminta couldn't wait for Saturday.

***

LXI.

On Thursday, Harry came up to Araminta. His ears were red at the tips and he looked really nervous. "So, um, Araminta, have you heard about the Quidditch Ball?"

"Of course," said Araminta. "I've got my costume and everything. How about you?"

"Uh, yeah," said Harry. "So, you've probably heard that we can't ask people to be our dates, then."

"Oh, I guess I had heard that part," Araminta remembered out loud. "Because it's a costume party, right?"

"I wanted you to know," Harry continued, "that I would have asked you if it was allowed. And if you want, I'll tell you my costume."

Araminta stopped in her tracks. "Harry, I'd know you anywhere. Across space, across time, across all boundaries." She took his hand in hers. "I'll find you at the Ball, don't worry."

Harry grinned and leaned forward to kiss her on the cheek, but an owl flew in between them and dropped a large package into Araminta's arms.

"What's that?" Harry asked curiously.

"I ordered some potion ingredients and some jokes from Diagon Alley. I'd almost forgotten about them!" said Araminta. She opened the box and put the Fainting Fancies into her pocket.

Harry lifted the heavy box for Araminta and carried it back to her room for her. "So what is all of this stuff? It looks like you're going to make a love potion." He stopped in his tracks and his face fell. "Don't you know that I love you without potions?"

Araminta waved her hands. "No, no, it's not that at all! The love potion is for somebody else!"

Harry started smiling again. "Good, because I want you to know that I could never love anybody else..." He trailed off and looked worried. "Araminta, do you believe in prophecies? I mean, if someone makes one, do you think it has to come true?"

Araminta knew what he was talking about--he'd heard the elves telling Dumbledore about his foretold love in the arms of a Malfoy. "Yes, but sometimes not as we thought they would. For example, maybe what you think is going to happen isn't right. What if you didn't hear the whole thing, for example? Can you see how easy it would be to be wrong about the entire prophecy and then spend the rest of your life trying to avoid it, or even to make it come true?"

"Oh yeah!" Surprise and recognition lit Harry's face. "In fact, I know someone who heard a prophecy wrong, and wasted his life over it. Well, I'm not going to waste mine. I'm going to spend every possible moment I can with you."

Araminta giggled. "Okay. Here we are, at my room," she said, unlocking it with her key.

"Can I come in?" Harry asked.

"Well, I'll need you to carry that in for me," said Araminta, "so, yes."

Harry brought the package in and set it down. He looked at Araminta nervously, as if he were sure she would refuse. "And can I stay?"

"Of course." Araminta smiled and closed the door so they could have some privacy.

***

LXII.

Harry rubbed Araminta's shoulders as she stirred the potion. His hair was messy and he had a happy smile on his face. "Are you sure you won't tell me who you're making that for?" he murmured into her hair.

"Nope," replied Araminta, snuggling back against his broad, muscular chest (he was cut from years of playing Quidditch).

"Pleeeeeeease?" Harry wheedled. "I'll keep it a secret."

"It already is a secret, Harry," Araminta said. "If I tell you, it won't be a secret anymore. Also, it's a matter of life and death that two people get together." She turned around and put a hand to his cheek. "Please trust me, and please don't ask me again."

"All right." Harry put his hand over hers. "But only because I love you so much."

They kissed passionately for ten minutes, until a knock was heard at the door. It was Snape!

"Quick, into the closet!" Araminta pushed Harry towards the other side of the room, but it was too late! The door was opening! Harry dove under the bed just in time.

"Oh, did I leave that unlocked?" Araminta giggled. "Silly me." She walked over to the vanity to distract Snape--she didn't want to get caught with a boy in her room!

"It's getting worse," Snape said, ignoring what she had said. He sat down on the bed heavily and Araminta heard Harry give out a squeak as he was squished underneath. "Come see."

Araminta put her hand on his stomach, as she had the other day. Blake was kicking like there was no tomorrow. "He's going to be a soccer player, that's for sure. How much longer until he's born?"

"I don't know," Snape admitted. "My dad never wanted to talk about this sort of thing, and most other men don't want to talk about their wizarding pregnancies. They just shudder and say 'never again,' usually."

"And the morning sickness?"

"That's better, actually. None today. Actually, I came to speak to you about this Friday's Quidditch match. You are aware that you are a member of both teams?"

"That's what Madam Hooch said," Araminta said uncertainly. "I've been wondering about what I'm supposed to do. We've been so busy this week that there hasn't been time to practice, and--"

"And you've never practiced with Slytherin House at all," Snape finished for her. "Professor McGonagall and I will be meeting with Madam Hooch and the headmaster tomorrow afternoon to determine what position you will play in the match. I know that I don't have to tell you that we expect complete loyalty--to both sides."

"Ye-ye-yessir," Araminta stuttered. She was starting to get a little bit scared--not just because of all the things that could go wrong with the Quidditch tournament, but because Harry was still trapped underneath the bed. It was dusty down there, and she wasn't sure if he could breathe with Snape on top. "Is there anything else?" she asked, hoping that this would be a hint to Snape that it was time to leave.

"No, nothing else," Snape sighed. "Thanks for talking to Pansy, by the way. We've talked, and I'll be taking Blake to her parents' house after he's born. They'll take care of him, and she'll be able to see him. He'll be safe there."

"That's wonderful." Araminta beamed. "I'm glad everything is working out...and I hope you and Pansy will be able to work things out, too."

Snape sighed again. "The world is against us. I'll ask her to marry me once she graduates, if she's still in love with me then. Anyway, I must be going."

As soon as she closed (and locked, this time) the door behind Snape, Harry came rolling out from underneath the bed, sputtering and coughing and covered in a fine layer of dust. "I suppose I'll have to keep that a secret too?"