The Green Flame Torch

CHPT 9: Christmas at the Malfoy's

The list came around of all the students who wanted to stay for the Christmas Break. Lilah was glad to see that Draco was not on it. She didn't particularly want to go home for the holiday, but the fact that the Malfoy's lived right over the valley was very appealing to her. Another aspect of the holiday that gave great cause for excitement was that Imogen had agreed to let Lilah visit her Muggle girlfriends in Surrey.

Lilah walked into the girl's dorm, fresh from the shower. She changed out of her dressing gown and into some clothes. She went about the room organising what she was going to take home with her. Her wet hair caused her to shiver so she wrapped a light blanket around her. She had so much junk lying on her bed, giving barely any room for her to sit down. But, there was so much she wanted to show her friends. She was determined to tell her girlfriends the truth. They would understand. It was so stupid concealing this as if it was something wrong.

The door knocked.

"Yes?" Lilah asked, as she was the only one in the room.

"It's me, Draco."

"Come in."

The door opened and in walked Draco, bundled up as well, in a non-to-flattering jumper. His cheeks were rosy, as was his nose. He looked so much like a little boy to Lilah that she couldn't help but giggle.

"What are you doing?" he asked noticing the mess on her bed.

"Packing. What does is look like?"

"But it's two weeks before we go on holiday!" he said sitting in an armchair near the fireplace looking a bit fidgety.

"I know. I guess I was just excited. I'm going to visit my old friends back home."

Draco did not look interested as Lilah remembered her friends were Muggles and probably not to his liking because of that.

"So, what are you doing for Christmas?" she asked.

Draco looked happy that she said it rather then him.

"Going home. My parents always have a grand do in the ballroom with all their friends. I can invite who I want because they have a slightly smaller party in the smaller ballroom for the kids."

"That sounds nice." Said Lilah meeting his eyes.

"Well, er," Draco mumbled as he pulled an envelope out of his pocket, "Here."

He handed to Lilah.

"What's this?" she asked opening it.

"An invitation."

Indeed it was. Very elegantly done as well. With a gold envelope and gold leafing for writing on the silver card that said, "To V. Lilah Snape."

Lilah smiled.

"I'm sure I can go." She said.

"Brilliant." He said with a smile.

They sat there for a moment, just smiling.

"So, do I have to dress posh?" she asked.

"It couldn't hurt." He said getting up.

He looked at her peculiarly and then went up to her. He reached his hand out to her face. Lilah felt her body constrict with excitement and fear. His hand touched a curl dangling by her ear.

"Your hair's curly?" he asked.

"Yes. I usually straighten it."

He wrapped the curl around his finger.

"Why?" he asked, "I like it like this."

Lilah felt her face get hot. Not sure if it was because of his compliment or the fact that his hand had just slightly touched her cheek. He let her curl drop back down.

"I guess," she sighed, " I do it so that I look more like my mum."

Draco raised an eyebrow.

"Well everyone in the Snape family has straight hair but me." Added Lilah realising for the first time how stupid her reason really was.

"Okay." Drawled Draco.

They stared each other again in silence.

"I'll be off then." He said getting up, "Just wanted to invite you."

"Bye." She mumbled.

Draco left.

Lilah returned to her packing. She reached into her trunk looking for anything that was left to decipher through. She pulled out a slightly battered scroll with a purple ribbon on it. Lilah looked down at Fred and George's story about Corona. She had forgotten to return it.

***

The holiday was drawing near and Lilah was determined to get a word out of Lupin. They had not talked much since the love potion incident. He seemed to be angriest towards her then any of the other teachers. Lilah leaned against the wall near his office waiting. He came walking up the hall, pale as usual.

"Hullo, Professor." She mumbled.

He looked at her sternly and nodded.

"Can I help you with anything?" he asked formally.

"I want to talk to you." She replied shortly.

He sighed, "All right. Come in."

He opened the door and Lilah followed.

"What is it you wish to talk about?" Lupin asked placing his papers on his desk.

"Well two things; First," Lilah took a deep breath and spouted the words too quick for Lupin to interject, "Why did everyone think my mother dead and second, why do you hate me?"

Lupin sat there stunned. His mouth slightly hanging open.

"Er, Lilah, I don't, well, I don't hate you." He said softly.

"Then why are you all of a sudden so cross with me?"

"I'm just disappointed in what you did."

Lilah shrieked, "But I didn't do it!"

"I gathered that much," Lupin said quietly, "I meant in how you've treated Hermione and her friends. Accusing her and ignoring Harry and Ron. I thought you were friends."

"Well you thought wrong," she huffed, "And just for your information Granger never liked me and was never nice to me! Who else could I blame? She hates me. And Harry and Ron are ignoring me, thank you very much."

"I see." Said Lupin looking solemn, "Lilah it's hard for them to understand how you feel when you don't even try to speak to them. I know it is hard to always be at peace with people, especially at this age."

"So you don't hate me?"

"Not in the slightest. Maybe you should try to talk to them." Suggested Lupin.

"I've tried." Lied Lilah who didn't want to sound guilty of anything.

"Would it help if I spoke to them?"

Lilah looked up at him; his brown hair prematurely graying and all disheveled. He looked quite pitiful. Harry would listen to him; he had this appearance that made you want to feel sorry for him. Then Lilah's eyes narrowed.

Clever, she thought.

"Stop skirting the issue." She said piercingly.

Lupin sighed and his eyes looked pained.

"Lily I can't tell you anything."

"Why?" she shouted, 'Because you don't know?"

"I just can't tell you anything. Let us leave it at that."

"But . . ."

"I said leave it."

Lilah felt she should stay quiet, change the subject, but then thought the better of it.

"No!" she screamed.

"Lilah I can't." Lupin pleaded, "Please don't put me in this predicament."

Lilah ran over to Lupin.

"I saw the portrait. And the part in Hogwarts a History. I know she ran away! Who are you protecting!"

"You!" Lupin yelled slamming his hand on the table.

Lilah was shocked and suddenly thought Lupin looked different, almost animalistic, but it went away quickly.

"Me?" Lilah asked softly.

Lupin raised his hands up to her then quickly brought them down, as if he second-guessed to embrace her.

"I'm sorry Lilah." He whispered and turned away from her.

Lilah and Lupin were quiet for a while. Lilah took the silence as an opportunity to channel him. A rush of pain and guilt surged her body. Lilah let out a small sob and sat down. She watched him as he sat quiet with his head in his hands.

Lilah walked over to her bag and set them down on her desk. Lupin looked up.

"How is your mother?" he asked his chin resting in his palms.

"Fine. She's been sick, but other then that." Lilah mumbled.

"Oh." He sighed.

Lilah felt a flare go off inside.

No! The truth is she's mad! Lilah thought, She cries for no reason and always looks like she could go at any minute! Why should I lie for you?

The classroom door opened and the rest of the students streamed in. Lilah sat down fuming unbeknownst to Lupin.

***

Lilah smiled at her trunk as she waited for the train to arrive to take her home for Christmas. In her hand was She Wore A Purple Crown. Lilah had been determined to return it to Ron, but lost her nerve every time she approached the Gryffindor House. She stood up knowing she had about a half-hour until she had to leave. Out the Slytherin House she went, down to the library.

Sitting in the history section like she thought he would be, was her newest searching partner, Nigel. He had a pile of books stacked around him as he read. Yet again, Lilah had become jaded by the torch, but Nigel was determined to help, just like Draco was.

"Hi, Nigel." She said.

He looked up and smiled broadly.

"I have a favor to ask." Lilah said and Nigel nodded.

"Could you," she continued, "return this to Ron Weasly?"

Nigel took the scroll.

"What is this?" he asked.

"Some silly story his brother's wrote." Said Lilah sitting down next to him.

"Oh. Okay." Nigel said and put the scroll in his bag, "So you excited about Christmas?"

"Of course she is." Said a drawling voice.

Lilah turned around and rolled her eyes at Draco.

"Everyone is excited about Christmas." He smirked as he approached them.

Nigel scowled and closed his book.

"I'm gonna go now." He mumbled to Lilah.

"You don't have to leave." She said.

"Oh I think he does." Sighed Draco.

Nigel left the books on the table and hurried off with his bag.

"You scared him away." Scolded Lilah.

"So," said Draco taking Nigel's seat.

"He was just being nice."

"Lily, love, I will never understand why you enjoy associating with those mudbloods." Draco said in a tone almost endearing.

Lilah felt disgusted, and then it hit her. She had forgotten she hated this prejudice prat. But, now, he was being so nice to her. She felt confused.

"Well, I guess I'm too complex for you." She teased.

"Indeed." Draco sighed with a smile.

The trip home was quick with Draco there and "Exploding Snap" to pass the time. Or "Exploding Snape" as Pansy renamed it, much to Lilah's dislike. Grandmama was waiting for her at the station. Lilah waved goodbye to her friends. She found it odd that she was being separated from Draco, when he would literally be in walking distance from her when she got home. He waved standing next to his parents. Lilah saw Lucius smile at her as she turned to go. She could feel eyes burrowing in the back of her head. She hoped it was Draco. Lucius was beginning to give her the creeps.

Lilah spent only the first night in Abundantia, receiving many hugs and kisses from grandmama and Imogen. The next day she was driven to Surrey. Her Grandmama pulled into the driveway leading to Athena's house. Lilah stepped out, her stomach tense. She bid grandmama farewell as the door burst open and her friends attacked her with even more hugs. She was dragged in the house. Her things were thrown somewhere and she escorted upstairs to Athena's room. They immediately began to inform her on all the important news of their lives. Kathryne's belly button ring, Frances conversion to Buddhism, Athena's new boyfriend for the week. Lilah felt completely out of the loop.

She couldn't share with them what she had hoped. All about her school and experiences. The nightmares and the torch. Nothing. The girls for the first time to Lilah seemed so, silly. It wasn't as if she didn't try to talk. But, when she mentioned that her new friend's name was Draco, Agnes and Frances couldn't stop laughing for a good two minutes.

"So, no more Mr. Emerald?" asked Athena.

"No. I mean I still fancy him but. . ."

"But, dragon boy would be upset." Giggled Frances.

"Remember girlies, they are just mates." Said Athena, "Right?"

"Er, right." Mumbled Lilah.

Later that night when everyone was asleep, Lilah pulled out her sleeping potion. She only had one vile left, but she wasn't taking any chances even if she wasn't in school. No sleep walking here that was for sure. Lilah tried to quietly undo the cork. She heard some stirring and froze. Then she began to pull it out again. She pulled tightly and it came out with a soft, pop.

"Lily?" whispered Athena.

Lilah jumped almost spilling the potion. Athena was sitting up in her bed.

"What are you doing?" she asked inching towards Lilah who was on the floor next to her.

"Er, nothing."

"What are you hiding?" asked Athena suspicious.

"N-nothing." Said Lilah pushing the vile behind her.

"Well, I just thought you had some potion or something and I was wondering if you were okay." Said Athena.

"P-potion?" chuckled Lilah nervously, "What do you mean?"

Athena sighed and leaned in.

"I know." She whispered.

"Know what?" gasped Lilah.

Athena sat up and looked at the girls then reached for Lilah and pulled her out of the room. She closed the door quietly behind her.

"Follow me." Whispered Athena.

"How do you know?" asked Lilah following Athena.

"Because, my parents are wizards. I mean I wasn't sure at first but, how many muggles have an owl for a pet?" giggled Athena.

"Then you're one too?" squeaked Lilah with delight.

Athena heaved a sigh as the arrived to a large door.

"No. I'm a squib." She mumbled.

"Oh." Sighed Lilah.

The entered the room and surrounding them was an enormous Library.

"Why didn't you tell me you knew and that you were well, you know?" asked Lilah.

"Because I found out for sure after you had left to Hogwarts. I asked your mum. She didn't seem very happy that I found out and forced me to never tell."

"Forced?" gasped Lilah.

"Well, made me promise. I had to have a spell put on me and everything. You see I am your secret keeper." Said Athena; "I can't tell a soul. I don't really know what will happen if I do. But I wouldn't want to break my promise to your mother."

"But you always acted like you didn't know. You even asked who Harry Potter was!" exclaimed Lilah looking around the room.

"I had too. If I said I knew then the girls would know the truth about me as well. And you know how mature they are." said Athena.

Lilah nodded.

"So, why are we here?" asked Lilah.

"My mum's library. Full of every possible book on magic. I just thought it would be a safe place to talk."

Lilah couldn't believe her luck. She walked up to Athena and hugged her tightly. She was so happy that she finally had someone who could relate to her here. Lilah explained the potion, her nightmares, Draco, Harry, Nigel, everything. The girls were up all night, talking. When their friends awoke in the morning they were just getting ready for bed.

Lilah arrived back at Abundantia, very happy. The next day was Christmas Eve. All day Lilah could feel her anticipation. It was her first real wizarding party. When 2 o'clock rolled by she assumed it was a good time to get ready for the 8 o'clock party. She put on a blue formal robe of her's with roses embroidered in purple on the bell shaped sleeves and in a row down her back. She curled her hair, remembering what Draco said. Imogen protested Lilah going from the moment Lilah came home. She could hear arguing outside her room right then.

"We must keep up with appearances." Scolded grandmama to Imogen.

"Mother, she is too young for parties anyway." Snapped Imogen.

"I remember you being much younger and running off to that Karkaroff girl's house for parties all the time."

When the time came to go Lilah was put in a carriage with Grandmama. Grandmama had this idea that it was unbecoming of a young lady to arrive to a party via Floo powder. They rode through the shallow glen between the hills. Lilah could see the silhouette of the Malfoy mansion growing larger with each moment. They pulled up in front. Lilah was helped out by several house elves. Bianca bid her farewell and the carriage was turned around and left. Lilah stared out at the façade of the Malfoy mansion. Enormous pillars held the roof up in front. Each with a dragon carved into them. The steps leading to the house were covered in a red and green carpet and floating torches were lighting the way. Lilah walked up the steps, holding her stomach.

The front doors opened and down a large hallway were house elves all lining the way bowing. The one in front bowed and escorted her. As she walked through the enormous halls and rooms she felt cold. The rooms were so big and yet, they had so little in them. She stared at portraits on the wall of the many Malfoys over the years: Tiberias, Flavia, Horace, and Circe. The faces stared at her as she walked by them. She was lead downstairs through even more halls. Lilah was amazed Draco never got lost in his own house. She heard murmur of children laughing and music. She came to a large white door, it opened by itself and Lilah was let into a large ballroom. Many Slytherin's were there and some other children she did not recognize. The room was decorated with floating candles and holly. There were four Christmas trees decorated all like each other in each corner and in the back-center was a large buffet table covered with all the foods one could want: hams, roast pork, turkey, mince pies, treacle pudding, jellies, biscuits, and fizzy drinks.

Draco saw Lilah standing still in the doorway, staring at her surroundings with an apprehensive look. He walked up to her.

"Hi." He said with a smile.

"Hi." She answered.

They both stood for a moment in nervous silence. Draco glanced at her up and down. He himself was in a long blue formal robe as well. Only his had form-fitting sleeves and no roses just a high collar and a black belt.

"You look nice." Said Lilah.

Draco looked up, nervous because he didn't say it first.

"Er, thanks. You do too."

Lilah felt a scream and arms flung around her.

"There you are Lily!" giggled Pansy; "We've been waiting forever."

Pansy began to pull Lilah away from Draco.

"Come on." Urged Pansy, "You have to see the ridiculous thing Millicent tried to squeeze into. You'll just die."

Lilah followed.

Draco went to the MB collection that was stacked up on a table. He searched through them. He smiled as he found Xenia's newest one, Dreams. He looked back at the girls and opened it up. He tapped his wand on the one already playing a song by some boys group called the Vampire Boys, that Pansy brought. It stopped then he started the Xenia one. Lilah turned in the direction of the music and shouted "Oh my God!" and tried to drag Pansy to dance with her. Exactly what Draco wanted. Pansy of course wouldn't budge, so Draco went over to the girls.

"Lily want to dance?" he asked.

"Sure." Said Lilah.

"What about me?' pouted Pansy.

"You didn't want to." Said Lilah as she was led to the dance floor in the center of the room.

Pansy just stomped her foot and turned away.

After a few more dances to Xenia, Lilah was thirsty. Draco and her stopped for a drink. As she sipped some Butterbeer, Draco was singing under his breath the lyrics to the song that Xenia was singing.

"All the angels are envious of me." He sang, "I'm a goddess of dark fantasy. This is what I am. I won't take it back. Call me what you want. Just call me black."

Lilah smiled to herself. He couldn't sing.

Lilah nodded her head towards the music and asked, "You like it? Xenia?"

"Black?" asked Draco whose eyes suddenly grew wide.

"Well not particularly the song Black, I mean her as a . . . Draco. Draco?"

Lilah poked Draco in the shoulder as he stared off into space.

"Xenia Black." He whispered.

"Yes, Xenia. Song, Black. Me, Lilah. You, Draco."

"No Xenia Black!"

"What are you talking about?" asked Lilah.

"Her husband is locked up right?"

"Yes."

"And her latest album is being called into question because of the lyrics. Why? Because she is married to Sirius Black!"

"The nutter trying to kill Harry?"

Draco nodded.

"She is not." Pouted Lilah.

"Listen to the lyrics!" he said then spoke out the lyrics, "I won't keep in hiding. I will come on back. No matter how you tarnish my name's forever black."

Draco nodded at her in finality and Lilah knew he had a point.

The rest of the party went by in a blur. Denial over Xenia or fun on the dance floor, it all meshed into one in Lilah's mind. And then it was over. Parents came down from the adult party in the larger ballroom above. Bianca was invited in, when she came to pick up Lilah, by Narcissa to "catch up" over tea. Lilah was glad that Lucius wasn't anywhere to be found.

"Draco, darling," said Narcissa as she handed Bianca a cup of Earl Grey, "Why don't you give Lily a tour of the house?

Draco rolled his eyes. And escorted Lilah out of the room into the hall. When they were out of hearing distance he turned to Lilah, "Do you really want to see the house? It is just a bunch of rooms."

"No, I'd like to see your room, er, house." stammered Lilah.

"Well," said Draco his cheeks with a tinge of pink in them, "My room is that way."

He pointed down the stairs where the kid's party had been.

"Okay." Squeaked Lilah and went to the stairs followed by Draco.

The two walked into "Draco's Wing" as it was called. It was the lowest part and completely isolated from the rest of the house. Every room down there was his. He had a bedroom, recreation room, study, another recreation room, bathroom, and extra rooms for friends and guests. They entered his bedroom. On the walls were portraits of well, Draco. All from different ages and on the farthest wall were posters of his favorite Quidditch team. On the wall leading to another room were broomsticks held up on pegs. In the center of the room was a large queen-size bed. Far too large for a boy his size. It had satin silver sheets and large black and silver throw pillows. The rug was deep red and the walls were ash brown. On the wall leading to another room Lilah noticed a tapestry covered the entryway.

"Well," sighed Draco falling on his bed, "This is my room."

"I gathered that much." Said Lilah walking towards the tapestry.

When she was close enough she saw that it was of a dark starry sky with a baby dragon and little witch sleeping in it.

"I have the same tapestry in my house." Gasped Lilah.

"Really?" replied Draco although Lilah could tell he wasn't interested.

"Yeah, well, whatever." She mumbled.

Lilah pushed the tapestry aside and it led to one of the recreation rooms with a billiards table and chests full of trinkets and gadgets for any boy to be amused with for years.

"Wanna play?" asked Lilah pointing to the billiards table.

"Not really." Mumbled Draco still lying on his bed.

Lilah walked over to him.

"So, what do you want to do?" asked Lilah her arms crossed.

"Nothing, I'm tired."

"Well, I'm bored. Amuse me." Lilah commanded.

Draco reached up and pulled her down on the bed. She fell next to him on her face. Lilah rolled over onto her back, her heart beating fast.

"What you do that for?" she asked turning her head towards his.

Draco shrugged his shoulders, "Felt like it."

He turned his face towards hers. They lay there, looking in each other's eyes.

"Draco!" called Narcissa.

Draco and Lilah both jumped up off the bed.

"Y-yes." Answered Draco, his voice breaking.

"Lilah has to go home." Said Narcissa opening the door.

"Oh, okay." Said Draco making sure he was far enough for Lilah not to cause suspicion.

"Well bye." Said Lilah.

Draco nodded and Lilah was lead upstairs.

She climbed into the carriage and turned in her seat to watch the mansion disappear. She felt a smile come across her face and hoped that Grandmama didn't notice.

The trip back to school was lively enough with everyone showing off what they got. Lilah was seated next to Draco sporting his gift for her around her neck. It was a necklace with a "V" charm on it. Grandmama and Imogen both showed their dislike of it.

"Why couldn't he of picked out one with an "L" charm?" asked Grandmama.

Lilah tried to ignore her grandmother's voice in her head and made jokes with Draco as they rode across the countryside.

When they arrived at Hogwarts Lilah's first thing was to find Nigel. She found him easily enough, in the history section. They spoke of Christmas and what they got. Away from Draco's eye range of course, thanks to Lilah.

"Did you give Ron the scroll?' asked Lilah.

"Oh, sorry. I forgot."

"Nigel." Whined Lilah.

"I'm sorry. I left it in my room, too excited about Christmas and all."

"It's all right." Lilah lied.

"I will do it. I promise."

"Thanks."

Lilah parted with Nigel after Draco found them.

"What? Does he have radar on you?" asked Nigel as he got up to leave.

"I guess." Sighed Lilah.

Nigel entered the Hufflepuff common room and was drowned by three pairs of arms.

"Nigey!" shrieked Sally-Anne in her California accent.

"Girls!" grunted Nigel as he tried to break free; "I need to get something from my room."

"But we haven't seen you all break." Said Hannah in her usual angelic tone.

"It'll only be a minute, lord." Nigel laughed, broke free from Susan, Sally-Anne and Hannah's grip, and ran to his room.

Justin was unpacking as a means of ignoring Ernie who was showing off his gifts.

"Hullo!" Justin called out.

Ernie nodded and continued to gloat.

"Hi." Said Nigel as he ran to his bureau.

"Your fan club attack you already?" joked Justin.

Nigel made a noise as a way of answering and wildly searched for the scroll. For some reason Nigel felt he had to help Lilah. Whether it was in looking for this torch or just delivering that scroll. Maybe it was destiny. Maybe it was fate. Maybe it was just that he was thirteen and she was hot. Nigel found it finally in a corner in a bag under his bed. Justin and Ernie watched baffled as Nigel ran back out of the room.

"It's gotta be a girl." Said Justin after Nigel left; "You know how he gets."

"Who's the lucky one? Sally-Anne, Susan or Hannah?" asked Ernie.

"Is there a difference?" chuckled Justin.

Nigel ran back though the six arms grabbing playfully for him.

"Nigey, what's the rush?" Asked Sally-Anne.

"I have an errand to do. It'll only be minute." Said Nigel as they let go again.

"Yeah, we've heard that one before, love." Sighed Susan.

He made his way to the Gryffindor common room with a little help from his friend Ginny. She was always ready to help him with things, always. But then again most girls usually were when it concerned him. At that moment Ginny was personally escorting him, arm wrapped around his. She said the password and the portrait swung open and they entered. Ron and Harry were sitting by the fireplace talking. Hermione was on the sofa reading.

"Nigel!" called Ron, "What brings you here?"

"This." Said Nigel handing Ron the scroll.

Fred and George ran over in frenzy.

"There it is!" screamed George.

"Where was it? Why do you have my baby?" asked Fred as he snatched the scroll and began to caress it tenderly.

"Lily had it." Said Nigel.

Fred dropped the scroll.

"No! Not again!" shrieked Fred, "Honestly, being forced to like an underclassmen was embarrassing enough the first time! Get some disinfectant! Quick!"

"Don't worry. The scroll isn't under a spell or anything." Said Nigel picking it back up and handing it to George, who jumped back.

"Why did she have it?" asked George poking the scroll with his wand.

Ron shook his head at Nigel. Nigel didn't quite understand.

"Ron gave it to her, right?" said Nigel.

"Ronald!" Fred and George yelled.

"She wanted to know about Corona!" Ron yelled back.

"How dare you blaspheme Corona's name in such a way." Gasped Fred.

"Sod off! You fancied her too!" shouted Ron causing Fred to bite his lip.

"It's okay." Assured Nigel, "I promise. Just take it."

Fred and George exchanged nervous glances and George finally took it. Nigel was satisfied and sat down next to Hermione.

"Besides I don't even think Lilah did that potion." He said.

Hermione snapped her book closed and looked quite hurt.

"You think I did it?' she asked.

"Of course not. But, I don't think she did it either."

"I think Nigel's mind has been confused by a pretty face." Mumbled Harry.

"Harry I know she looks like the most guilty but it makes no sense why she'd do it. Besides Hermione isn't the only person who didn't get on with Lilah. Isn't it possible someone else could have done the spell to her?" declared Nigel.

Hermione sighed, "I wish I thought so well of people as you do, Nigel."

Harry and Ron seemed not at all interested in talking about Lilah, guilty or not. There was an awkward silence. Nigel tried to think of something to say.

"So what is the big deal with that scroll?" he asked.

Fred and George ran back over in rush

"It's about Corona!" exclaimed Fred.

Ron looked uneasily at Nigel and mumbled, "Don't get them started."

"Who's Corona?" asked Nigel.

Fred and George gasped, "Who's Corona?"

Fred proceeded to unroll the scroll and beckoned Nigel forward.

"You asked for it." Mumbled Ron.

"Sit down and listen." Ordered Fred to Nigel.

Hermione sat back giggling. Harry was amused as well. Nigel looked down at the scroll and saw that there was writing on it in different colors.

"Look, we used a dictation spell for this. Just listen, it has all of us on this." Said George who touched his wand to the scroll and said, "Fred and George Live!"

Suddenly voices could be heard. Whenever the words were uttered by a certain person a color designated to them illuminated what they were saying. Fred's voice was the first.

It said, "Hullo, My name is Fred Weasly."

"And, I am George, his brother."

"We needed a topic to talk about so we chose Corona Macfadden. We decided that since Corona is no longer at Hogwarts, for four years now, that we must keep her memory alive!" continued Fred.

"And we want to enlighten you all with the wonderment and beauty of, drum roll please. Corona Macfadden, in She Wore a Purple Crown!" announced George.

"The first time I met Corona was a long time ago." Said Fred; "I remember it well. Actually, I don't. I was just born."

"Anyway," said George, "Cory's dad, Phineas, is Scottish and a Muggle. But we still like him. Even if he is Scottish."

"Well, when she was really young her dad noticed she performing spells well. She once made Bill dance against his will when she was just four!" said Fred.

"I wish I were alive to see that." Sighed George.

"That's when they started to test her and came to the conclusion that she was, well, a genius!" continued Fred.

"She is also a natural born shape shifter!"

"She's not a shape shifter you git! She's a body shifter. A Mutacorpi!" shouted Fred.

"Whatever, technicalities."

"Since she was young Cory had this talent to make any feature of her's to look like anyone else's. At first she could only do eyes and such. But, by the time she was twelve she could make herself look like anyone she wanted."

"No need for Polyjuice people!" declared George.

"She was placed in the esteemed house of Gryffindor. Alas, she left when we were just in our third year though." sighed Fred.

Nigel was smiling, somewhat remembering this girl. He knew her by reputation but never had a name to go with the legends.

"Now you may be thinking, 'So she was this hot genius, big deal!'" said Fred.

"But we aren't finished!"

"Cory isn't your typical genius."

"No bookworms here!" said George.

"The girl knows how to party and can cause mischievous with the best of them."

"Namely, us." Mumbled George.

"The most amazing thing about her is her personality." Added Fred, " So laid back and carefree. And of course her hilarious sense of humor.

"Here is an example of what she is like. A boy approached her during the orientation one year and introduced himself. She said, 'Hi, I'm Corona.'"

He said, 'Oh you mean like the flames around the sun during a solar eclipse.'

She said, 'No! Like the beer!' and stormed off." Chuckled Fred.

George whimpered, "You're making me miss her."

"Another perfect example is through her touching and inspiring bonds with one of the Hogwarts professors."

"Yes folks," said George, " we are talking about none other than Professor Snape."

"For some reason she likes him" mumbled Fred.

"He hates her."

"He hates everyone, probably even his mum." Sighed Fred.

"Anyway, since she entered school, Potions was one of her favorite classes, next to transfiguration, because she is a shape shifter."

"Body shifter!"

"I think she just likes to aggravate Snape." Said George.

"Neither of us has ever been in a potions class with her but the stories of what went on in there are legendary."

"She once made Snape's hair turn into snakes!" said George.

"I don't know why he tried to expel her. She was only trying to pay homage to the Slytherin mascot."

"Yeah! And they weren't even poisonous!"

"Or the time she made Snape disappear for a week." Said Fred.

"No one complained, except for Snape." Mumbled George.

"Well, anyway, in order to get a more in depth idea of what it was like we have three guests with us."

Nigel saw Hermione rise up with a smile. He also noticed that a couple of other Gryffindor's were sitting around listening.

"Please give a heart felt welcome to my little brother Ronald, Hermione and his most lightning boltness Harry Potter!" announced Fred.

"How come I didn't get a lengthy introduction?" whined Ron.

"Zap You-Know-Who and you'll get one!" snapped George.

"Now, you three were present when Corona was made the first, and probably last, Professor's Assistant to Snape." said Fred

" What was it like?" added George.

"Well," said Hermione, " it was Corona's last year and she some how, I don't know how, got Dumbledore to make her Snape's assistant. I remember on our first day she was sitting, I mean floating in front-."

"Oh! I forgot! Corona is an excellent hoverer! Go on Hermione." Said Fred.

"Well" she continued, ", she was hovering around like this purple meditating ghost or something."

"I remember one time" interjected Ron, " when she was floating around, Malfoy said something stupid to her and she didn't even grab her wand but just snapped her fingers and he couldn't speak for the whole day! It was beautiful."

Nigel couldn't help but snicker. As did everyone else.

"She did a lot of things to Malfoy." Said Harry, " Like when she gave him a love potion from her class book. She said, 'It's the only way you're gonna get a girl.' The look on his face was worth those twenty points we lost. No matter how many points were threatened to be taken from Gryffindor, or how many that were, she just kept at it. "

She's a genius; they're eccentric." Sighed Ron

Nigel noticed Hermione stopped laughing.

"Now thank you Hermione, Harry, and his most royal pain in the red headed ass, Ron" said Fred.

"Remember the last end-of-the-year feast Cory attended?" asked George.

"Of course." Replied Fred.

"Cory was head girl by this time, yet again for reasons beyond us."

"Dumbledore finds her amusing."

"Well," continued George, " as head girl, #1 in her class, and all around goddess, she asked to say a few words being it was her last year and all."

"She stood up and said in her adorable Scottish accent, 'I'm gonna miss yeh all so much. I will look back when I am really old and senile and wish for those days of fun and fit lads. And, mostly I will miss yeh.' And she pointed to this random Hufflepuff boy." Said Fred.

"And, then, here's the best part, she walked over to the professor's and said, 'But seriously I will miss me favorite teacher in the whole world, Professor Snape. I'll miss yeh!' Then she began to cry, ran to Snape, and hugged him. He looked like he was about to die. It was great!" squealed George.

"Then she tapped the air with her wand" continued Fred, " and a wrapped box appeared and she gave it to Snape and said, 'I made it meself.' Snape had to take it 'cause everyone was looking at him."

"He opened it and in it was a little statue of him. 'Tap it with yeh wand and say, 'Snap Snape'!' she screeched. He did and the statue started walking around his hand yelling out, "Ten points from Gryffindor! Ten points from Gryffindor!" The look on his face."

Fred sighed, "Priceless, there are some things money can't buy."

"I almost cried."

"Me, too." Pouted Fred.

"Well, that is our little schpiel about our beloved friend Corona Macfadden." Sighed George.

"Good day." Said Fred.

The room broke into applause. People were laughing and smiling. Except for Hermione who had this odd solemn look. Fred rolled up the scroll while George passed around a hat for "donations". What they ended up receiving were three Knuts, two beetle's eyes, and a spoon.

Hermione got up and was pacing.

"You alright?" asked Ron.

"Yeah." Sighed Hermione.

She looked over at Nigel.

"What happened to the potion that Lilah Snape had?" she asked him.

"Don't know." He shrugged.

"Snape took it from her." Said Harry, "He probably has it."

"Right." Sighed Hermione and headed towards the exit.

"Where are you going? It is almost curfew." Said Ginny.

"I want to see the potion formula." Said Hermione.

"Your going down to Snape's?" gulped Ginny.

Hermione nodded.

"Anyone want to come with me?" she added.

Ron through his hands up, "I'll pass."

Harry shook his head, no. Hermione shrugged her shoulders.

"Fine." She sighed and went to the portrait when Nigel caught up with her.

"I'll go." Said Nigel.

Ron saw Lavender and Parvati burst into a giggle fit while they watched Nigel talking to Hermione.

"Okay." Said Hermione with a smile and stepped back through the portrait hole followed by Nigel.

They walked down the hall and within seconds Ron was sprinting up behind them with a reluctant Harry.

"I thought you said you weren't coming." Mumbled Hermione.

"Changed my mind." Said Ron who scowled at the back of Nigel's head.

The quintet headed down to the dungeons.

***

Lilah walked down the hall to where her uncle's office was. She needed more sleeping potion and maybe could have a little chat about her mother. She arrived and he was there, amazingly enough. He was in the back by his cauldron stirring something. The room had a foul stench from the liquid in the cauldron.

"Uncle Severus?" Lilah called.

He looked up and nodded to her. She went in and sat down.

"How are you?" she asked.

He grunted his response

"What are you making?" she asked looking into the cauldron.

"Nothing important," he mumbled, "Just some medicine for Professor Lupin."

"Oh." She said scrunching up her nose.

Snape stayed quiet and stirred.

"Well, I had a fun holiday." Said Lilah.

Snape looked up but said nothing. Lilah assumed it was okay to go on. She told him all about the presents and the party at the Malfoys, well almost everything.

"That reminds me." He said finally," I've been meaning to ask you how you are getting on with young Malfoy."

"Oh, fine."

"He's a good lad. Don't let his parents shirk your opinion of him"

Lilah stared baffled at her uncle. She never thought she would ever hear the word "good" used to describe Draco. And never thought it would come out of her uncle's mouth.

"Okay." She said wondering what he really meant by that and why he had wanted Draco and her to be friends in the first place.

Ron was lagging behind.

"Is this really that important?' he whined.

"I just want to know how complicated the spell was." Said Hermione.

They arrived at Snape's office.

"Harry and I will just wait here." Said Ron.

"Suit yourself." Said Hermione as she opened the door with Nigel following.

Hermione looked around for Snape.

"Can I help?" asked Lilah giving up on a good way to veer the conversation to her mother. Truth be told she was petrified to ask her uncle.

"I guess." He shrugged, "I need some frozen Ashwinder eggs from on the shelf."

Lilah went out into the front office to get it, just as Hermione was about to call out for Professor Snape. Lilah's presence caused Hermione to lose the ability to speak. Nigel was about to say something but Hermione cupped his mouth. Lilah walked to the shelf running her fingers over the many viles and jars, her back to Hermione who was trying to sneak back out the door.

"What was it called again?" asked Lilah.

"Ashwinder eggs!" called Snape.

Lilah looked through all the jars and Hermione stopped to watch as Lilah passed the eggs twice with her hand. Lilah pulled out a jar of eggs and stared at it curiously. Nigel almost said something to help, but Hermione kept her hand over his mouth.

"How many?" Lilah said to the back of the office

"I need three grams of it crushed." Called back Snape.

Lilah went to Snape's measuring scale and opened the jar. She tried to pull out just one egg but the jar slipped from her hands and all of them rolled out and some cracked open oozing their insides onto the measuring scale. Lilah fumbled around looking for something to clean it up, resolving to use the blue jumper she had on.

"What's that noise?" said Snape coming into view.

Hermione and Nigel ducked behind the door.

Snape saw Lilah who was covered in a black yolk of some kind. He picked up the jar and shook his head.

"Lilah, these are Clabbert eggs." He snapped, "Honestly, don't you pay attention in class. Look at this mess!"

"Sorry!" Lilah snapped back.

"Clean it up!" he snapped again and went into the back.

Lilah continued her cleaning efforts as the door creaked. Her head shot up and she saw Hermione and Nigel standing there.

"What do you want?" she asked.

"I...I wanted to see the love potion formula." Answered Hermione.

Lilah looked at Nigel then and Hermione.

"Why?" she said as nicely as she could being that Nigel was there.

"Hermione just wanted to see how hard it was. Right?' Nigel said looking at Hermione.

Lilah stared at them for a second.

"Fine hold on."

Lilah went to her uncle's drawer. She tried to open it quietly and looked for the paper. She didn't know why Hermione really wanted it. After all she made it! She found it and pulled it out and handed it to Nigel.

"You can't take it." Said Lilah.

"Of course." He said looking at it.

He stared at it for a second and his eyes grew wide.

"It's from a school book." He said.

"So." Said Lilah.

Hermione looked non-to happy to hear this as Nigel handed it to her.

"What is this all about?" asked Lilah.

Hermione read it:

AMOS CONTACTUS (Love Touch Potion)

2 frozen Ashwinder eggs

9 Rose Petals (red preferably)

3 g Honey

6 g Ginger

½ Kilo of dark Chocolate

2 silk worms

Crush eggs and simmer in honey for two hours. Then throw in rose petals and ginger. Bring to a boil and add in chocolate while saying, "Venus Trado Basio". When the chocolate is all melted add in the silk worms for only three minutes then scoop them out. Let it cool for a couple minutes and drain. Makes enough to create ten hosts.

This potion uses touch to spread. Once ingested by a host they can transfer the spell to anyone they touch. Each person the host touches becomes infatuated with them. The spell can only be broken by the antidote, on page 377, or if the host is kissed and wants to be kissed by one of the victim's, on the lips. Only with one of these two ways will the spell leave the host and the victim or victims.

Hermione handed the instructions back to Lilah.

"Come on Nigel." Said Hermione.

"Why won't you two answer me? What is going on?" snapped Lilah.

"I don't know myself." Said Nigel.

"Don't worry." Said Hermione to Lilah, then turned and left.

Nigel shrugged his shoulders, bid Lilah farewell, and followed.

"What's up?' asked Ron as Hermione left the office.

"Nothing." She mumbled, "Nothing I just need to go -"

"To the library?" said Ron and Harry.

Hermione heaved a sigh.

"Yeah. Mind you," she said as she walked back to the Gryffindor common room, "I don't particularly want to."