Familiaris

La Luna: Chapter 3

The moment that everyone in Hogwarts had been waiting for arrived. The Triwizard champions were to be announced. Cedric walked into the Great Hall with his friends: Nila, Mortichai, and Kalinda. He tried his best to look calm, but his wavering smile betrayed his nervousness. He sat next to Mortichai breathing deeply, trying to ignore his disquiet. When the food appeared on the plates he felt more at ease and ate happily, chatting with his friends. While drinking his pumpkin juice, he felt a tap on his shoulder and turned around. He met two eyes of sparkling onyx.

"Hi Cho," he said with a smile.

"Hi, I just wanted to wish you good luck," she answered in a demeanor not common on a girl talking to Cedric.

She stood tall, for the petite thing she was. Her head was held high and her attractive face glowed with self-confidence.

"Thanks . . .er . . .aren't you rooting for Roger to get picked?" he asked looking over at a very attractive seventh year Ravenclaw boy, talking animatedly with Fleur Delacour.

"Well, you know of course I will be Ravenclaw biased," she smirked.

"Naturally," he agreed playfully.

"I just didn't want you to think us Ravenclaws were heartless."

"Well thank you ever so kindly," he said with a broad smile.

"Cho!" called a voice.

Cho looked over at her table. And saw Roger beckoning her back over.

"Well, I need to go," she said with a shrug then winked, "Good luck Ced."

Cedric said goodbye and she promenaded back to her table. Cedric's eyes following her every movement.

"Don't even try it," Mortichai warned him.

"What?" asked Cedric innocently as he turned back to his table.

"Roger's fancied her for months."

"Yes, well right now," smirked Cedric, "Roger seems to be trying to fancy the pants off of Fleur."

"Lucky bastard," sighed Mortichai.

Cedric chuckled to himself as he made sure his golden plate was spotless. After all of the students were full and content, Dumbledore rose from his seat and announced The Goblet of Fire was to begin choosing the champions. A few moments of tension filled The Great Hall as a flame erupted from the goblet and a paper flew out. Dumbledore grabbed it in mid air and read,

"The champion for Durmstrang will be Viktor Krum!"

Cedric clapped heartily as one of his most idolized Quidditch players hobbled out the hall.

"Fancy going against him," sighed Nila, "I wouldn't know whether to hex him or ask for his autograph."

"Likewise," smirked Mortichai.

The flame erupted again and another piece of paper flew out and Dumbledore grabbed it.

"The champion for Beauxbatons," called Dumbledore, "is Fleur Delacour!"

"Now her," began Mortichai, "I wouldn't mind asking for a . . ."

But he was cut off by Nila's hand.

"Just shut up. Is that all you ever think about?" she snapped.

Mortichai thought for a second, pushing her hand away, then responded happily, "Yes!"

"The Hogwarts Champion," Dumbledore called, as the students of Hogwarts held their breaths, "is Cedric Diggory!"

"I knew it!" shouted Mortichai slamming his hands on the table excitedly.

The whole Hufflepuff table erupted in a chaotic applause. Mortichai clapped a stunned Cedric on the back. Kalinda was screaming insanely with delight as Nila had tears of disappointment in her eyes. She clapped however, at the knowledge that at least her friend got the chance, not some cheeky Slytherin.

"Come on mate." Mortichai urged.

Cedric stood up smiling broadly and walked with a new spring in his step towards the door. As he passed Nigel he observed the younger classman for a moment howling happily with his friends for his success. Cedric´s smile widened across his handsome face and he continued on his way. He entered the room and Krum and Fleur were standing quietly by a flickering fire. Fleur looked up coyly at Cedric and smiled. He smiled quickly back and walked to the wall. He took deep breaths again. He was again feeling the nervous knots in his stomach as he pushed his fingers through his brown hair.

"Are joo okay?" asked Fleur slinking her way towards him.

"Oh, yes of course," mumbled Cedric with a fake smile, putting his hands behind his back. "Just nervous I guess."

"I feel zee same way. C'est impossible! Joo know," she purred.

Cedric nodded his response when Harry walked in looking utterly lost.

"What is it?" asked Fleur, "Do zey want us back in zee hall?"

Harry just stood there looking up at them, eyes wide and said nothing.

* * *

Later that night, Cedric entered the Hufflepuff Common Room and was greeted by a tumultuous applause. Kalinda threw her arms around him and squeezed tightly.

"I can't believe it! Bloody wicked!" she shrieked and kissed his cheek.

Cedric tried to make his way to a seat in the room as more and more girls threw themselves on him. Kalinda hurried him off to the sofa much to his delight. There, Cedric found Mortichai was seated next to a melancholy looking Nila.

"Nila, you all right?" Cedric asked as he sat down.

"No. But, I'll get over it," she mumbled then got up, "Congrats, love."

She leaned over kissed his cheek and went to her room. Cedric got up to follow, but Mortichai grabbed his arm.

"Don't. She left so that she wouldn't be sulking and ruin your party," he whispered.

"Is she really going to be fine?" asked Cedric.

"Of course," sighed Mortichai; "She's a Patil. They're tough. Don't worry. Enjoy the party!" he exclaimed then leaned closer to Cedric, "Enjoy the girls."

"I worry about you mate," sighed Cedric.

Sally-Anne scurried past the ogling girls and gripped onto Cedric's neck. Hannah and the rest of the fourth year Hufflepuffs stood near by.

"Go Big C!" she screamed.

"Big C?" he asked puzzled.

"Yeah! Nigel's Mini C and you're Big C!" she giggled.

"Brilliant Sally," he sighed.

"Cedric, don't you think it's a bit cheeky for Harry to have put his name in the goblet?" asked Justin.

Cedric shrugged, "He said he didn't do it."

"Bollocks!" exclaimed Ernie, "How is it possible for so many amazing things to happen to one person? He has to cause some of it."

Cedric shrugged his shoulders again and looked over at Hannah who was standing by Nigel. She smiled bashfully and pushed her curly hair back. Nigel observed them for a second and walked over to Cedric.

"You believe Harry right?" asked Nigel.

"I don't know. Ernie's got a point," yawned Cedric as he stretched his arms.

"Yeah, but he doesn't want the attention, I assure you," Nigel insisted.

"Here we go again," grumbled Susan walking to the sofa.

"What?" asked Nigel.

"You trying to defend people you barely know," she smirked sitting down.

"Well, if memory serves she was innocent; thank you very much."

"Sure she was," teased Cedric.

Nigel snapped his head towards Cedric.

"Who are we talking about again?" chuckled Cedric.

"Lilah Snape," sneered Sally-Anne.

"Oh right. Snape's niece," Cedric said to himself.

"The fit one who was all flying out of windows?" asked Mortichai.

"Yes," mumbled Nigel.

"Right," he mused.

Mortichai leaned back in his seat thinking about something that brought a content smile to his face. Nigel pursed his lips and hoped it wasn´t anything to do with Lilah.

* * *

The Slytherins had a cloud over them since Conrad Warrington, their choice for champion, had lost out to Cedric Diggory. Lilah didn´t much care. Cedric was attractive and Conrad wasn´t. In her mind The Goblet had made an excellent choice. She smiled at this thought as she ate her breakfast. As usual she was at the end of the table next to Blaise who was engrossed in an over-sized book. Draco sat a few seats away jabbering on about "Bloody Potter". Lilah rolled her eyes and looked to her side at Blaise. His curly brown hair was combed back making perfect waves.

"Why are you always reading?" she asked, ignoring the fact that the last time she asked him a similar question they had a fight.

"The same reason you are always with that Hufflepuff," he mumbled not looking up from his book.

"And what would that be?" she smirked.

"To avoid conversing with Slytherins," he answered matter-of-factly.

"All right, I get the point," she huffed and turned back to her breakfast.

She heard a snicker next to her. She looked over and met Blaise´s eyes. They were narrow and brown with a ring of green inside them.

"Are you laughing at me?" she snapped.

"You make it far to easy," he replied with a smile.

"Lord. If you hate me, fine! I´m used to it!" she snapped.

"I don´t hate you," he said in a calm tone, "You amuse me actually."

"Oh, well bloody great," Lilah sneered.

"You know remarks like that are really unflattering," he sighed. "You´re such a pretty girl and you just ruin it being angsty all the time."

"I´m not angsty," she pouted.

"Yes you are!" he chuckled, "Always running around crying because no one likes you. Honestly. No wonder no one does `cause you keep acting mental."

Lilah felt upset, mostly because he was speaking so calmly towards her. The words he was saying weren´t to be taken lightly and yet he seemed to act as if he was talking about the weather. She didn´t know if he was being obnoxious or concerned. It was like nothing bothered him.

"Like now," he sighed closing his book and turning towards her, "You have this crinkle above your nose, looking at me like I´m mad."

He reached forward towards her with his hand and Lilah almost smacked it away as it touched her forehead. However, he lacked the malice of Draco that she was used to. So, she froze in her seat instead.

"Relax, Snape," he sighed.

Lilah did as she was instructed.

"You see," he said caressing her forehead with his thumb, "Now you look gorgeous. You have such potential to have every boy madly in love with you."

Lilah turned away from Blaise and his hand.

"Why would I care about that?" she snickered.

"You seem to like having two boys fighting over you already," said Blaise with a shrug.

Lilah´s eyes were wide.

"I do not!" she snapped.

"Oh really," leered Blaise, "Then why do you always sit directly next to Draco wherever he goes and always cling to that Hufflepuff?"

"I do not," she tutted.

"Yes you do Snape," sighed Blaise picking up his book again, "And you know you like it when one of them gets all pouty like a five-year-old at the sight of you with the other."

"No I don´t." she muttered munching on her toast, huddled over.

Blaise sighed and got up grabbing his belongings.

"Sit up Snape." He sighed, "You might want to try to show off your figure."

Then he walked off with Lilah gaping at him.

* * *

Cedric walked outside with the Hufflepuff Quidditch Team a week later. Due to the fact that there were no regulated Inner House games that year, Cedric worried that the team was losing its touch. So, once in a while they would go out onto the Quidditch field and practice. It would usually turn into a free for all game with penalties being performed left and right. But, it was all in fun, so Cedric didn't mind.

Today they had scheduled with the Ravenclaw team for a real game. As they approached the field they saw some of the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs in the stands. All the fourth year Hufflepuffs were there. Sally-Anne and Hannah were holding a sign saying, "Champion Diggory is my husband." Cedric shook his head and chuckled to himself. On the other side a few Gryffindors and Slytherins sat in the bleachers cheering on the other team.

Their opponents, the Ravenclaws, were already up in the air. Cedric looked for Hooch who had agreed to referee, but she was running late. Cedric straddled his broom and rose into the air.

"Diggory!" shouted Roger Davies, the Ravenclaw Captain, "Where's Hooch?"

Cedric shrugged his shoulders and he went higher then Roger and looped around in the sky. Suddenly a figure came charging towards him and just before crashing into him, shot up and looped around him.

"Ah, I see Cho is here," Cedric smirked.

Cho began to giggle and stopped her broom as she hung upside down.

"Ready for a royal thrashing?" she giggled her long black hair falling in her face.

"Don't be so sure of yourself," smirked Cedric.

Cho turned her broomstick around and came to his side.

"I have been wondering, how does it feel to be the champion and the captain? You must be very popular," she smirked.

"Is a bit unnerving. I got asked by three sixth year girls for me to autograph their school bags," he sighed.

"You know you like it," she teased.

Cedric was about to answer when Hooch blew her whistle to announce her arrival. Cho looked over, winked at Cedric, and dove back down to the field. Cedric followed.

The game was just as would be expected. Hufflepuff lost splendidly. But they were good-natured about it as they always were. The Ravenclaws walked down the line shaking hands with each player in habit from the formal games. Cho came up to Cedric and smiled.

"Better luck next time."

"I'll surprise you one day," Cedric smirked, "I might even one day catch the Snitch."

Cho giggled and shook his hand. They were the last in line and stayed by each other talking. Roger joined them and slowly lured Cho away. The rest of the students who had watched had made their way onto the field as well. Sally-Anne hugged a sweaty Cedric with no care. Cedric went to hug Hannah who backed away.

"You're all sweaty," she pouted.

Cedric glared at her for a second then chased after her, threatening to give her a hug if she liked it or not. Hannah ran around her friends and settled behind Nigel.

"Save me!" she giggled.

Nigel stood tall in front of her with a smile.

"Go away sweaty man!" he shouted at Cedric.

"You can't hold me back!"

Cedric reached for Hannah but Nigel jumped in the way. Cedric observed Nigel for a second then ran at him and raised the younger classman off his feet. He tried to carry Nigel off but Nigel jumped away and tackled Cedric from behind. Within seconds the boys were wrestling around on the field and Sally-Anne beat herself for not having her camera.

* * *

As Herbology came to an end Professor Sprout let the Gryffindor´s go first, but held the fourth year Hufflepuffs behind for a few words.

"Thank you for staying, this shan´t take long," assured the pleasantly plump witch, "Now, I have been instructed as have each head of house to discuss the upcoming Yule Ball with my house. It is a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament. It is held on the eve of Christmas Day and will start at 8pm and go to midnight."

Hannah and Sally-Anne lit up and Nigel felt a lurch in his stomach.

"So is that why we had to get those dressy robes?" asked Sally-Anne.

Hannah met Nigel´s eyes for a second and smiled softly at him. He smiled back and returned his attention to Professor Sprout.

"Yes," said Sprout happily, pleased to see the positive response. "The required attire is a dress robe. You all can go. It is open to fourth years and up. But, you can invite younger classmen if you wish."

"Er, do we have to go?" an apprehensive Susan asked quietly.

"No, you don´t," said Sprout a bit concerned, "But, it is a splendid way to get to know the foreign students."

Susan nodded and her ebony face looked out the window, ignoring everyone else´s eyes.

"Now," continued Sprout, "I hope to see you all there with your partners. And, I know I need not worry about you doing anything foolish. Just remember that the school rules haven´t changed even though your attire has. But, I´m sure we will all have a wonderful time."

The fourth year Hufflepuffs left class in a bundle of nervousness and excitement. Nigel new from the moment Sprout mentioned the Ball who he wanted to ask, Lilah. A smile spread across his face then quickly fell. Maybe asking her wasn´t such a good idea. She knew he fancied her like nothing else and she didn´t care for him like that. Maybe it would be rude of him to ask her. But, they could just go as friends. Nigel sighed to himself distressed. He knew very well that he didn´t want to continue as just her friend.

"So, Nigel, when are you gonna pick me up?" giggled Sally-Anne.

"Huh?"

"We are going together, right?" asked Sally-Anne as their group walked on.

"Oh, er," Nigel stammered, he knew Sally-Anne and he did everything together, but not this time, "I don´t want to just be with one person," he mumbled, "I want to hang with everyone."

Sally-Anne stared at him for a second, then laughed nervously. Hannah pursed her lips, but didn´t say anything.

"Uh, yeah sure whatever." Sally-Anne sighed and walked ahead of him; Hannah joined her.

Sally-Anne´s usually cheerful face changed dramatically once Nigel couldn´t see her and if he could, he would have been frightened. She walked on quickly refusing to talk to Nigel the rest of the afternoon. Nigel wondered what was wrong, but dared not ask. He never knew what went on in her warped mind. But, he probably didn´t want to. For at that moment she proved it was possible to add Lilah, and every four-letter word in the English language, into one sentence.

* * *

Lilah walked down the stairs from her room, on a Saturday, headed for the Hufflepuff house to pay Nigel a visit. She skipped happily across the Common Room and passed the Slytherins, without care. As she reached the wall she felt a tap on her shoulder and turned and saw those green ringed eyes, again. This time they looked her up and down disappointedly.

"Where are you going?" asked Blaise.

"Hufflepuffs. Is that okay with you?" she snapped.

"Sure. But, are you really going to wear that?"

Lilah felt her face go red as she looked down at the sweater and bootleg jeans she had on.

"Why not?" she spat.

"Well, I mean," said Blaise leaning closer, "Considering the Ball and all, I reckon you are going to try to get that Hufflepuff to take you. And I just thought you would wear something, well, more flattering."

Lilah felt her mouth drop open in confusion and shock.

"Are you a poof or something?" she asked.

Blaise blinked a few times then began to laugh.

"No. I love girls," he chuckled.

"Then why do you care?"

"Because," he said with no care, "I´m bored, and in light of our little talk the other day, I just thought you would like my advice."

"I don´t need your advice," she huffed and turned away from him.

Blaise leaned up behind her and whispered in her ear.

"Just let me try something. If you don´t like it I´ll leave you alone."

Lilah felt her stomach lurch as his breath touched her ears.

"W-what are you going to do?" she asked.

"Come on. I´ll show you," he replied with a smile.

Blaise grabbed her arm and lead her back to her room. Lilah just followed utterly confused, but liking the angered look on Draco´s face as he saw Blaise take her away.

Blaise closed the door behind him as they entered her room.

"Okay, what do you have that is a dress and sexy?" he asked.

Lilah began to laugh.

"Why is this so important to you?"

"I told you," he sighed, "I am bored and you´re like a project for me."

"Great," she groaned then looked at her wardrobe, "I don´t know what I have."

Lilah went through her clothes and pulled out a few dresses. Blaise looked at each one as she held them up against her.

"The blue one," he said pointing to a spaghetti strapped dress that fit her tightly and went to her knees.

"It´s bloody freezing out there!" she shrieked. "I´m not wearing that!"

"The Hufflepuff can keep you warm. Now put it on," he ordered.

"No!"

"Look, if every boy down there doesn´t turn their head as you walk by I´ll let you change back into this lovely jumper and jeans combo."

"Fine!" she snapped and began to lift up her sweater.

Blaise didn´t move.

"I need to change," she hissed.

"So? It´s not like I´ve never seen a girl in her knickers before," he said matter-of-factly.

Lilah had this feeling he wasn´t lying.

"Well I don´t care!" she spat, "Leave the room!"

Blaise rolled his eyes and turned around.

"Hurry up," he huffed.

Lilah couldn´t believe him. She almost told him so and was about to hit him repeatedly with the hardest object near by. Then, she realized he had picked up a magazine from one of the girl´s beds and was reading it oblivious to the fact that a girl was just about to strip in the same room as him. Realizing he wasn´t leaving and didn´t really care about her soon to be almost naked body, she pulled her sweater off. Lilah continued to change as quickly as she could keeping her eye on him, but Blaise was oblivious. She slipped the dress on in record time and stood there in a huff, glaring at him.

"Okay. I have the bloody thing on." She growled.

Blaise looked up and smiled.

"Better," he said quite satisfied with himself as if he personally made Lilah´s dress, "Why would you wear something that hides your body? Which is excellent I might add."

Lilah didn´t know if he meant he had seen it while she was changing or by the way the dress fitted her or through his imagination. Nevertheless, she was enraged and oddly flattered at the same time.

"Whatever," she mumbled.

"Now come on," he beckoned her to the door.

"But, I´m freezing!" she shouted.

Blaise looked around, grabbed a light jacket from near by, and handed it to her.

"Don´t put it on till we leave the common room," he said and grabbed her hand and lead her back downstairs.

They entered the room and Blaise headed out the Common Room as Lilah made her way across it. Sure enough each boy in the room looked at her and followed her with their eyes as she walked out. The wall closed behind her and she found Blaise leaning against the wall, arms crossed, looking rather pleased with himself.

"So?" he smirked.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Shut up!" she growled.

Blaise shook his head.

"You have a lot to learn," he said with a smile.

"And I suppose you wish to teach me," she sneered.

"Maybe," he shrugged.

"Well," she hissed throwing the jacket around her shoulders, "Now I am freezing and I wasn´t going to get Nigel to ask to the Ball anyway. So thank you ever so kindly Zabini."

"But you have to admit you look good," he sizzled, touching the dress´ fabric around her waist.

Lilah wanted to hit his hand. Wanted to smack it away. But she let him touch the dress in spite of herself.

"Have fun Lily," he smirked and walked back into the common room.

Lilah shrieked out. Every emotion she had came threw her yell. Flattery, lust, anger, embarrassment; it all jumbled together. She took in a deep breath clutched the jacket to herself and ran towards the Hufflepuff Common Room. But when she arrived she hesitantly took the jacket off and held it over her shoulder. If she was going to be in the stupid dress might as well put it to use.

* * *

Cedric sat next to Fleur talking as Harry walked in. Each champion in turn was to have their wand weighed and have their pictures taken. Cedric had already been photographed and Harry was next. Harry went with Rita Skeeter the reporter into a broomstick cupboard for a few minutes then came out again. Cedric smiled pityingly at Harry as Fleur purred in his ear. He didn't quite catch what she said.

"Pardon?" Cedric asked.

"It was nusing," she pouted.

Cedric had his wand weighed and sat by Fleur again waiting for his next instructions, when the door opened. A woman scurried in holding a large brief case. Her hair was up in a knot with spiky purple strands of hair coming down from it. She had on a purple muggle looking suit with extreme makeup on her face. Cedric looked down and noticed she also had on knee high paten leather purple boots. Harry's face immediately lit up.

Everyone looked over at her for a moment then proceeded to observe Viktor's wand being weighed. She hurried by, waved to Harry and made her way to Rita. She mumbled something to the obviously embarrassed Rita who then sneered back at the purple woman and began to insult her. Or at least it looked like that to Cedric. But the woman was unfazed and proceeded to open up her brief case and pull out three notebooks and showed Rita certain pages. Rita huffed grabbed the notebooks and escorted the woman out.

Cedric got up and walked over to Harry, who obviously knew the purple woman.

"Who was that?" asked Cedric quietly.

"Corona Macfadden. I guess she is working with Rita," shrugged Harry.

"The Corona Macfadden!" exclaimed Cedric. "Why is she working for that woman?"

"Don't know," mumbled Harry. "Most likely for some odd reason like, she likes Rita's glasses or something."

"You know her?" asked Cedric rather impressed.

"Yeah, she's friends with my friend...er...ex-friend Ron's family," grumbled Harry.

"Oh," sighed Cedric, "Cool."

* * *

Nigel walked down the hall quickly. He had promised to meet with Lilah to help her with her Transfiguration homework in the Library. He hurried down the stairs turned and he saw Lilah standing there, her back to him. He stopped and noticed that something was odd about her. For one thing, she wasn't in uniform but in a bright blue robe and another, she seemed to be floating.

"Er, hullo?" he mumbled.

The girl turned and Nigel knew it wasn't Lilah. The girl or whatever she was, smiled at him. They stared at each other for a moment in the deserted hall as if frozen in time. Then, she hovered up the stairs towards him. Nigel gaped at her, eyes opened wide. She couldn't be a ghost. Ghosts were gray and see-through. She was in bright vivid color and he gathered around fifteen. She came up right to his face and a waft of the forest surrounded him. Her almond shaped blue eyes observed him with innocence and he felt as if he was getting lost in a mist. She had an odd glow about her, definitely not human. She smiled and Nigel immediately recognized that smile, it was Lilah's.

"Don´t be afraid," she whispered. "I´m here to help you."

Her voice was thick and flowed through him like honey. Nigel couldn't help but feel at ease, euphoric, like when he had seen the Veela dancing at the Quidditch World Cup. She giggled and reached out towards him with a delicate olive hand, then snatched it back as footsteps approached. She instantly vanished. Nigel's mind snapped out of his daze and he tried to figure out what he was doing. He took deep breaths as a few Ravenclaw fifth years walked by.

"Hi, Minicee!" giggled one of them.

He looked over and saw a pretty Chinese girl wink at him.

"Er, it's Nigel!" he called after her.

But, she seemed to not be listening and carried on her conversation with her friends. He wondered how she knew about that name. Did the whole school know? Was he now forever branded Mini-C? He cursed Kalinda silently for making the name up and continued on his way to the library. He pushed back the appearance of the floating girl. In his mind it seemed to be nothing more then just a glimpse, a slight encounter with some sort of being. Wasn't anything to worry about he heard a voice in his head repeating to him. And the more it repeated the more he believed it.

He kept walking until he came to the library. He walked up and a red headed man was talking animatedly with a woman. Nigel didn´t quite see the woman but heard her voice. The man was rather burly and blocked his conversation partner. Nigel ignored them, even though they were rudely blocking the doorway and squeezed around them.

"Oy! Minicee!" called a voice.

Nigel gritted his teeth and turned and saw the woman who the man had been speaking to was Corona. She beckoned him towards her.

"How are yeh?" Corona asked.

"Er, fine." Nigel answered scratching the back of his head; "Did you call me that name?"

Corona nodded happily.

"Aye, I asked these Hufflepuffs girls how yeh were and they told me about your new name."

"It´s not my new name." Muttered Nigel.

Corona kept smiling and the man next to her looked very amused.

"Oh, where are my manners?" exclaimed Corona.

"You have manners?" gasped the red headed man.

Corona pushed him playfully and faced Nigel.

"This is Charlie Weasley. One of me oldest friends," She said pointing to the burly red head, "You remember him from the Quidditch World Cup."

"Vaguely." Mumbled Nigel shaking Charlie´s hand.

"Well, I actually shouldn´t be in the castle. Quite secret. But, Cory had to drag me about," mumbled Charlie who looked not at all upset that Corona made him do this.

"Mum´s the word," whispered Corona to Nigel.

Nigel nodded.

"So, er, why are you here?" Nigel asked Corona.

"Oh, am an assistant to Rita Skeeter." Corona said quickly, "She´s a reporter yeh know. I wanted to go into Auror training, but thought being a reporter would be so much dirtier."

"Okay," mused Nigel.

Charlie laughed quietly to himself.

"Well, just been walking about interviewing you lot on Harry all day," Corona sighed. "Rather boring. I mean I know the bugger better then most of these gits lying saying they are his best friend."

"B-but wait," Nigel stammered, "Isn´t Skeeter the lady who writes all that rubbish about Harry?"

"Aye." Corona nodded.

"And, you´re his friend!"

"Aye."

"Then why are you helping her?" inquired Nigel.

"Well, I do give her the real information, but she changes it," Corona sighed with a shrug, "Not much I can do. Harry knows that."

"Are you sure?" implored Charlie.

Corona nodded her violet head and looked at her wand.

"Well we best be off," she said suddenly showing the watch to Charlie who nodded quickly, "Need to go harass the students some more."

"Er, right." Stammered Charlie.

Nigel said goodbye to them and began to walk away. Corona scurried next to Charlie then stopped, looked down at the simple robe she had on and right before Nigel´s eyes it shrank! Suddenly she had on a purple revealing dress with ruffled sleeves and two slits on the sides for her legs. Her hair tied itself up in a knot and she rose in height as three-inch heels appeared on her boots. Nigel was about to ask how she did that when he remembered she was a Mutacorpi. Corona observed herself, as did a rather pleased looking Charlie. Then the two left quickly, arm in arm.

* * *

Nigel sat in his DADA class waiting for it to start. He feared and respected Professor Moody, who was in front scribbling away on the chalkboard. Everyone in was settled into their seats and sat quietly looking ahead at their imposing teacher. The room was silent for a few tense moments and everyone exchanged confused glances as Moody continued to scribble away on the board. The squeaky chalk made Nigel twitch once or twice. Then Moody faced them.

"Blood Binding!" he abruptly announced, pointing to the board as everyone jumped, "That is your lesson for today."

Nigel observed the board and it had many notes all around it and in the center the words that Moody just uttered.

"There are many kinds of ways to do this Dark Art. And the one more complicated then the other," hissed Moody hobbling forward, "This art is used to force people to be related to others or to lose their identity. At first it was created for a positive reason. And, oddly enough the idea came from the Muggles. The threat of this art is relatively new, having first been created back in the fifties. It stems from what Muggles call cloning."

Nigel looked up from his parchment he was taking notes on.

"Cloning?" he said out.

Moody looked down at Nigel, eyes narrowed. He gulped fearing the worst. He had just spoken without raising his hand in Moody´s class! Moody continued to stare down at him for a moment and did something Nigel had not expected him to do; he smiled.

"Yes," Moody said with a nod, "You are Muggle born. Share with us what it is."

"Er, w-well," Nigel stammered as the class looked at him, "It´s a science of trying to make a double of a person. But, it´s never been done by a Muggle that I know of."

Moody nodded and continued, "Well, they will figure it out eventually. Muggles are smarter then we give them credit for."

Nigel knew his face was turning some shade of red and looked back down at his notes. He didn´t much like speaking publicly.

"But, yes it is from the Muggles attempts at cloning. Now, there is a legal way of creating a double of yourself, but it requires years of training and is done by becoming a Simulacrum. These are the only wizards or witches that use non-Blood Binding ways to create clones. It is an old art and they must be registered just like Animagi and Mutacorpi. But this ancient art is very very difficult and takes years to achieve. Thus witches and wizards wanted a way to do it faster. And they yet again turned to the Muggles for inspiration. Now, Mr. Moon,"

Nigel looked up again, feeling very nervous.

"What does it mean to be a blood brother?" Moody asked.

"Er, well," Nigel began in a quivering voice wishing Moody wouldn´t single him out again, "it is a thing that some young Muggles do. They usually cut their hands and bring them together so that the blood meets. They try to be related that way. I doesn´t work though."

"Well, it can if you know how," added Moody, "If you know the right spells you can make anyone your blood relative. Now at first Blood Binding seemed a wonderful idea. To make your closest friend your true brother or sister. But there are side effects. For example, let us say that Mr. Fletchley here and Mr. Moon want to be brothers. So they do the cutting of the hands and say the right incantation, familiaris. Instantly they are related. But, who ever of these two has the more dominating genes will over power the other. Brown hair as Mr. Moon has is more common. Therefore it dominates Mr. Fletchley´s blonde hair. Now, after a week or two Mr. Fletchley´s hair may turn completely brown, his eyes might turn brown as well, like Moon´s. He might get shorter and his face might contort to look more like Moon´s as well. In the end he would look exactly like Moon´s blood related brother."

Nigel met Justin´s eyes and saw Justin was looking rather amused about being Nigel´s brother.

"You see," continued Moody, now standing in the center of class, "It is a bit questionable. And has been abused. People have forced others to be related to them for their own benefit, usually inheritance. That is why it is considered a Dark Art, of sorts. Now, this simple form of Blood Binding is not illegal but very much looked down upon. The more advanced ones most definitely are, however, illegal. The most advanced would be along the lines of cloning. Through the proper spell and mixture of blood, you could make anyone and everyone your clone. For example Ms. Abbot has a favorite aunt that looks just like Ms. Perks and she dies. Now Ms. Abbot wants her aunt back so she does the spell on Ms. Bones. With this art genes can be overpowered by dark magic and Ms. Abbot can force Ms. Bones who is black to look just like Ms. Perks who most obviously is white."

Sally-Anne began to giggle at the thought of Susan with blonde hair.

"What is so funny Ms. Perks?" snapped Moody.

"N-nothing."

"How would you feel if one day you look like you and the next you are Moon´s twin?" hissed Moody.

"Uh, not so happy?" mumbled Sally-Anne.

Stop mentioning me, Nigel thought with a sigh.

"I thought so," Moody sneered, "Now this spell can be done however you want. You can make your child be your clone or make your child have your clone. Whatever you wish. You see your own blood can be turned against you in many ways. It can be used in many forms to bring upon your downfall. Even help your enemy gain your power with it. But, those spells are not listed under the Blood Binding art."

"Now how do you defend yourself, you ask?" continued Moody, "Is very difficult because there isn´t really a way. Defensive spells and hexes, etc. are your only ways to get away. But, you need to know what is out there. Constant Vigilance! Never underestimate even your closest of friends."

Nigel left class eyes like saucers

"Be careful Justin," warned Sally-Anne in a ghostly voice, "I am going to make you into Susan!"

"Shut up!" snapped Justin.

"But, don´t you think you´d look sexy?" asked Sally-Anne putting her arm around an annoyed Susan.

Justin didn´t answer and sped up his walking. Nigel walked slowly behind them. The Hufflepuffs turned the corner and made their way towards their Common Room. They didn´t know that only they and the Ravenclaws were to be given this lesson. Moody seemed to think the other houses didn´t need to learn it.

* * *

"Lily!" called a voice and Lilah turned away from Nigel who was talking to her and saw Blaise Zabini waving her to come over to him.

She pouted and excused herself from Nigel. Nigel watched them suspiciously as Lilah approached Blaise. "What do you want?" she asked.

"Nothing really," he smirked. "Just wanted to annoy the Hufflepuff."

Blaise leaned over and waved at a pouting Nigel. Lilah smacked his hand down.

"Why?" she exclaimed.

"What´s his name again?" asked Blaise thoughtfully ignoring her question.

"Nigel," she replied through gritted teeth, "And what a stupid thing to do!"

"No it isn´t," he answered not at all insulted, "He sees us together he gets ideas. He gets jealous. He wants you more. Is all-relative. I mean you´ve seen what it´s done to Draco. Every time he sees you with Nigel, I swear he is ready to pounce."

Lilah tried to hold in a giggle.

"Malfoy´s just a prat," she mumbled pushing her hair back, "And I don´t care even if he does fancy me."

"You´re a horrible liar," Blaise smirked taking her hand and observing it against his, as if comparing sizes.

Lilah tried to pull her hand back but her body wasn´t cooperating with her thoughts. And as Draco and the rest for the Slytherins walked up behind them she found her body was being down right defiant as it inched closer to Blaise. He looked behind him, saw Draco and leaned over to whisper in Lilah´s ear.

"I bet he thinks I am saying something sensually arousing to you and making you want me," he growled.

Lilah´s breath quickened and she suddenly felt hot.

"In your dreams," she sneered pulling her face away from his.

"Now is that such a nice thing to say?" Blaise pouted meeting her eyes.

"What should I say?" she smirked, "Something like, but you are making me want you?"

"Yes. Much better."

Blaise dropped her hand and put his arm around her waist and led her away. Not without first looking back at Draco and Nigel with a cocky smile.

* * *

Sally-Anne sat in the common room next to Susan, Hannah, and Justin. All four were trying to do their homework. Sally-Anne and Hannah seemed to be the only ones being successful however. Both girls were the best students out of the Fearsome Five, as Mortichai had so graciously dubbed the fourth years. Sally-Anne scribbled down her final answer for her History of Magic homework. She looked up from her parchment, observed her work for a moment, then handed it to Justin to copy. He smiled gratefully at her and began to copy. She had an endearing smile on her face as she watched him hurriedly jot down the answers, then looked up.

"I'm bored," she pouted.

Hannah looked up from her work, shrugged indifferently, then looked back down. Sally-Anne huffed and got up and walked by the seventh year boys as they talked.

"So what is next for our champion?" Nila asked Cedric teasingly.

"Well the first task is tomorrow," sighed Mortichai. "Best be keeping in shape."

Cedric shook his head with a smile and saw Sally-Anne.

"Hey, Sally!" he said.

"Hi!"

She sat next to Cedric.

"Why is the first task before the Yule Ball?" she asked him.

She had been pondering this for weeks. Cedric shrugged his answer.

"That's because they want to see who would be left worthy for the ball," drawled Mortichai.

"Who are you going with?" asked Nila, not at all acknowledging Sally-Anne´s presence.

Mortichai glanced over at Sally-Anne, but answered Nila.

"No one. You?"

"Aragon Quirke," answered Nila with a coquettish smile.

"That git?" gasped Mortichai.

Nila ignored him and turned her attention to Cedric.

"What about you Ced?"

"I don't know. I guess Kalinda," he said.

Sally-Anne barely spoke just watched. A triumph for her to keep her mouth shut.

"Oh," replied Nila sounding disappointed.

Sally-Anne left them after a while, mostly for Nila's snub. They embarrassed her as if she was unwanted.

"Cedric doesn't have a date for the dance," Sally-Anne sang softly in Hannah's ear, trying to ignore her snub.

"And?" sighed Hannah.

"And what?" shrugged Sally-Anne.

"How does this effect me?" asked Hannah.

"You should go with him!" exclaimed Sally-Anne who was quickly quieted by a stomp on her foot by Hannah.

"He's a seventh year," hissed Hannah.

"So. He thinks you´re cute. You know he wants you."

Hannah blushed and looked down.

"He does not," she replied.

Susan ignored them and continued her homework. Justin kept glancing up and looked interested in the conversation, but he immediately dashed back to his work when the girls caught his eye.

"I bet it would drive Nigel nuts," giggled Sally-Anne, "You with Cedric."

"That's not very nice," interjected Susan.

"All's fair in love and war," snapped Sally-Anne.

"Yes, and are we at war?" sneered Susan.

"No, but, don't mess up my quoting woman!" shouted Sally-Anne.

Hannah looked over at the seventh year boys as Susan and Sally-Anne bickered more. Cedric looked over at her and smiled. She felt her stomach jump and smiled back. What Sally-Anne said seemed so far fetched. Why would Cedric want her? She shouldn't start obsessing over him too. She learned her lesson with Nigel. The boy that all the girls wanted was never a good choice.

"Life sucks!" exclaimed Sally-Anne.

"Why?" asked Justin.

"Because I don't have a date for the dance," she whimpered.

"None of us do," empathized Hannah.

"Yeah, but at least you have a choice!" whined Sally-Anne falling on Justin's shoulder, "I know Cedric will go with you. And Nigel and you are destined for each other. But Ron doesn't love me."

Hannah just sighed and looked back at the seventh years.

"Does Ron have a date?" asked Justin

"No." whimpered Sally-Anne.

"Have you even asked him to go with you?" Justin implored.

"No."

"Then do it," Justin suggested sounding rather amused.

"No! I can't do that!" shrieked Sally-Anne.

"Look, if you ask Ron," interjected Hannah, "I'll . . . I'll ask Nigel."

"Really?" chirped Sally-Anne. "Man, you've got guts."

"When?" asked Susan

"Next time I see him," stated Hannah her head held high.

"You lot still doing homework?" asked Nigel behind her.

Hannah's face went red. Nigel stood smiling down at them, naive to their conversation. Ernie was with him.

"Go get him, tiger," whispered Sally-Anne who pushed Hannah out of her seat.

Hannah jumped up and smiled nervously at Nigel. Sally-Anne grabbed Susan's arm and giggling ran upstairs. Justin looked over at Hannah for a second and followed Sally-Anne's example pulling Ernie away as well.

"Er, Nigel?" she asked, "Can I speak to you for a moment?"

Sally-Anne giggled loudly as she ran up the stairs dragging the reluctant Susan behind her. She opened the door and fell on her bed.

"She's gonna ask him!" sang Sally-Anne.

Justin and Ernie stood in the doorway. Justin had a grave expression his face.

"You shouldn't of put her on the spot like that," mumbled Justin.

"She said she would do it," snapped Sally-Anne, "Why are you guys lurking in the door way?"

Justin and Ernie exchanged looks and entered the room. Justin walked over next to Sally-Anne and sat next to her.

"Do you ever calm down?" asked Justin as Sally-Anne proceeded to bounce on her bed with her knees.

"No!" she screamed and tackled Justin with a pillow.

Hannah hurried in the room after a few moments. Sally-Anne looked up with an irremovable smile.

"So?' asked Sally-Anne.

Justin seemed none to keen to hear her answer and left the room quickly dragging Ernie with him.

"So?" repeated Sally-Anne.

Hannah looked up to answer Sally-Anne, but the tears in her eyes stopped any further queries.