Dreaming Of You

Dreaming of You

Part 21 - To the Letter

The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.

Chapter 35

"I guess you don't listen to advice too well." Mandy sat on the edge of Autumn's bed in the hospital wing. "Didn't I say I didn't want to have to come visit you in the hospital wing?"

Autumn just shrugged. It wasn't as though she could really say much, after all.

"You'll be happy to know your pet rat is safe," Mandy added, ignoring Autumn's vehement and irritated gestures indicating that her ferret was not a rat. "Your so-wonderful roommates wanted to drown it, but they made the mistake of trying it in the girls' bathroom by the Ravenclaw dorms. Su Li walked in on them, and from what I heard they got quite the earful on cruelty to animals. She threatened to jinx them till they couldn't see straight if she ever caught them doing it again." Mandy sighed wistfully. "I wish I could've seen it."

Autumn grinned. Anything that made Pansy Parkinson and Asin Greengrass squirm was a good thing in her book. And she was glad her ferret was ok.

"So anyway, Madam Pomfrey says you get to leave her clutches in the morning," Mandy said. "Guess you aren't as charming as Blaise - she kept him a whole week, after all." She frowned. "Speaking of Blaise - did you know he was going to do something that dramatic?"

Autumn blinked. Blaise had done something dramatic? News to her.

Mandy frowned. "Don't tell me you didn't hear," she said incredulously. "Well, I guess since you're stuck in bed... but still. Tracey Davis saw it, and she told her boyfriend, Jared Fraco, in Hufflepuff, and he told his sister, Pamela, in Gryffindor, and she spread it all round her dorm room, so Ginny Weasley heard, and she told her brother, who told Lavender Brown, who told Parvati Patil, who told Padma Patil, who told me."

Autumn stared. How was it that Mandy had a pedigree for every bit of information that she found? And why did she feel she had to relate that pedigree to everyone she spoke to? Was it a Ravenclaw thing? And just what was it that Blaise had done, anyway?

"Of course, that isn't really the fastest I've ever seen news spread," Mandy said thoughtfully, apparently not noticing Autumn's gestures to get on with it. "You should've heard the grapevines a couple years ago - there was this contest, the Triwizard Tournament, and... well, this thing was left in the dust, that's all I have to say. Anyway, I was talking about Blaise, wasn't I?"

Autumn nodded.

"Right. Blaise," Mandy said. "He slapped Draco Malfoy. For you, if Padma has it right. Quite gallant, especially for a Slytherin. He seems to have quite the loyal streak." She shook her head. "I could really get to like that boy. Pity Terry has to crush his innocent and unsuspecting heart beneath the heel of his boot."

Autumn's response was to roll her eyes. Even without speaking, she could still make sure that her feelings were known.

"True," Mandy conceded. "Knowing Blaise, he'd probably consider it a vow of lifelong devotion. And speaking of the lovebirds," she smirked, "I still have to arrange their meeting. Guess I'll go ahead and do that now." She paused for thought. "I wonder how Terry will try to kill me. Maybe I can learn some new curses. Always useful." She waved cheerfully. "See you tomorrow."

Autumn waved back as Mandy left. She glanced at the clock. It was seven minutes after the Ravenclaw had arrived. Mandy never stayed anywhere long, did she? Well, at least she'd given Autumn plenty of new things to think about. It was unbelievably boring, this not being allowed to talk.

So Blaise hit Malfoy? Good for him. Autumn's only regret was that he'd beaten her to it. When she got out of here, she fully intended to give Malfoy what he had coming to him. She couldn't believe she'd ever had a crush on that cretin.

Well... ok, maybe she could believe it. If she weren't the one he'd chosen to torment, she'd have thought he was being rather clever. Revenge was only sensible, after all, and he'd certainly aimed to make a lasting impression on his intended victim and his audience.

But since she was the victim, she was in no mood to be impressed. After what he'd done to her, Draco Malfoy was the last person in Britain she'd ever consider having a romantic relationship with.

Autumn had no intention of letting Malfoy get away with cursing her this badly. She'd get her revenge on him, all right... but it couldn't be something violent. She didn't want Madam Pomfrey to know about it, after all.

With her mind turned thus towards thoughts of vengeance, Autumn smiled.

~*~

The Owlery was one of Draco's favorite places in Hogwarts.

Not that he would ever tell this to anyone, of course. It wouldn't do to show that much weakness to the Slytherins, even if there didn't seem to be any way they could use it against him. It could be viewed as a crack in an otherwise smooth façade, and what is cracked is all the more easily broken.

But even if he refused to admit it to others, Draco still liked the Owlery. The soft whispers of feathers, the dim lighting, the high and low calls of the different species. Even for Hogwarts, it was otherworldly, as though the owls, not the wizards, ruled this space. It was somehow comforting to step into the realm of glittering eyes and rustling feathers, where life could be as simple as the flash of viciously curved talons following a swoop in the night.

Draco had discovered how much he liked this little-noticed room in his fifth year, when his father had started sending messages of the sort that should not be received at breakfast, under Dumbledore's watchful eye. He began to visit the Owlery to get his letters in the evening, and to enjoy the peace that came only when he was away from all oher people.

Entering the Owlery that evening, Draco wasn't particularly surprised to get a visit from Muut, the Malfoy family owl. He knew that there had been a Death Eater meeting that day, and his father almost always sent instructions after those meetings. Draco was rather hoping for more information about that Witness spying at Hogwarts. He would give a lot to be able to figure out who she was.

Taking the letter marked with the Malfoy family crest, Draco didn't bother to pat Muut. The last time he'd tried it, he'd nearly lost a finger.

He headed over to what looked like a space of shadowed wall, but was actually a small side chamber, used mostly for storing the owls' food. Draco doubted anyone but Filch knew it was there. Certainly he'd never seen anyone else in it. And that made it ideal for reading these letters. Letters of this sort should be in Hogwarts for as short a time as possible.

Leaning against the wall of the chamber, Draco slit the letter open and read his father's words.

Draco -

I have rarely had occasion to be so disappointed in you. I might have overlooked your disgusting display of weakness over the past few days, slipping enough to allow your housemates the chance to usurp your authority, but this morning, when news of the full extent of your unconscionable behavior reached me, I was appalled that my son would act in such a manner.

The Witness is most displeased with your actions towards her - enough so that she voiced these feelings to the Master. She states that, despite her previous interest in you, you have treated her with "the utmost contempt and scorn," rejecting all overtures she has made. Clearly, my command to make her think well of you was lost in flight.

I suggest you seek out the Witness again, and convince her that your previous behavior was not meant to be interpreted as she assumed. And I trust that I need not elaborate on the consequences of failing to return to her good graces.

Reply at once by way of your owl, lest you wish to incur my further displeasure.

- Lucius

Draco stared at the letter in shock. Just to make sure he wasn't hallucinating, he read it again. And again. No, the words were still the same. His father was angry with him. Not just angry, by the sound of it - furious. And Draco had no idea why.

He'd upset the Witness? Draco shook his head, trying to get over his shock. How had he done that? He didn't even know who the Witness was!

Well, at least now he should be able to figure it out. All he had to do was figure out who he'd upset in the past few days.

Who he'd upset...

Draco went pale. No. He groaned. No, no, no, no, nononono. This is not happening. This can't be happening. He covered his eyes with one hand, wishing that the world would just go away. I didn't just curse the daylights out of the Dark Lord's Witness. I didn't.

No response came to his thoughts. Not that he'd expected one of the owls to pipe up with some life-changing advice, or anything. But when the universe refused to take pity on him and let him spontaneously combust, he reluctantly took another look at the letter. Maybe - maybe - there was still some way he could salvage the situation. Or maybe he'd interpreted it wrong - maybe Vance wasn't the Witness.

Maybe the Hufflepuffs would rise up and storm Snape's dungeons demanding fair and equal treatment.

Draco flung the parchment on the floor in despair. How could he not have realized it? Vance and the Witness had even appeared on the scene at practically the same time. It was a dead giveaway. That was probably why Professor Miache paid so much attention to Vance - keeping an eye on her for Dumbledore's Circle.

But she was such an unlikely candidate! That was why Draco had never considered her. A friendless American Mudblood, one of Dumbledore's charity cases, barely able to function in the wizarding world...

Then again, who better to spy for the Dark Lord? The girl was getting one-on-one sessions with about half the Hogwarts staff, and no one thought twice about her questioning the way the school worked since she'd been brought up a Muggle.

Come to that, who was to say she had been? All the evidence for that was her word. Perhaps the Dark Lord had supporters in America, and she was their daughter. The girl could be anyone - a Pureblood American, a British girl with excellent acting skills, even an adult using the Polyjuice Potion. After all, that Moody impersonator got away with it for a whole year without anyone noticing.

Not that that made Draco feel any better. Why, why, why hadn't he noticed something odd about that girl before he'd gone and cursed her? He should have noticed. Looking back, she was the only person in the school the Witness could be. Everyone else had been there too long. That was probably why his father hadn't told him who the Witness was - it was so obvious he should have figured it out for himself at once. He should have been spending these past few days convincing Vance of his best qualities, not antagonizing her and trying to choke her.

And to think, it actually sounded like the girl had started out liking him! He scanned the letter again. Yes, it definitely implied that she'd quite liked him. And that fit, too. He'd been the one to start their rivalry, not her. And all those phone calls from America - she'd been cultivating him as a potential ally, and he'd insulted and spurned her. He'd quite literally flung her offers back in her face.

For one brief moment, Draco wondered what would happen if he just walked over to the edge of the Owlery loft, and then took one more step off into nothingness. Then he dismissed that solution as useless posturing, worthy only of a Gryffindor. There was always another way. It wasn't just a Slytherin belief - it was a Malfoy belief. Nothing was ever completely over.

Draco firmly banished the thoughts of whining despair from his mind. Yes, he'd been stupid. Yes, the situation was bad. But he wasn't making it any better by moping. If he meant to improve relations with the Witness - with Vance - he'd better have a plan.

He looked the letter over again, this time concentrating on the nuances of every word. Lucius excelled in hidden meanings, and Draco knew he'd better find each and every one of them. Then he thought back to his conversations with Vance - all of them, starting with when he'd first spoken to her on that wretched Muggle telephone - trying to figure out her opinions of him, and how they'd changed.

The realizations were not good. Not good at all.

~*~

Autumn's return to the Slytherin fold after her stay in the hospital wing was disappointingly anticlimactic, at least when she first entered the Great Hall in the morning for breakfast. Apparently, the students from the other three Houses hadn't even noticed she'd been gone. The only effect her entrance had was to fuel the rumors that Autumn and Blaise were an item, since he had insisted on escorting her on the long and perilous journey from the hospital wing to the Great Hall.

Neither of them noticed that anything was out of the ordinary until they tried to sit down. Autumn had automatically moved towards Tabitha's side of the table, pointedly ignoring Draco and his minions, but the seats seemed to fill up just as she reached them. After the third person abruptly found a stack of books to occupy the adjoining chair, Autumn lost her temper.

"Ok, what is going on?" she demanded. "If you don't want me to sit down, at least have the decency to tell me about it!"

"We're Slytherins," Millicent Bulstrode said. "We don't do decency."

"You got burned is what happened," Tracey Davis said. "Malfoy got you in front of the whole Common Room. You're radiating bad luck faster than a room full of broken mirrors. No one wants you sitting by them. Blaise can sit here, though. That was a beautiful slap."

"Wait," Autumn said. "Let me get this straight. Draco Malfoy curses me, I spend a day healing, and then come back to find I'm not allowed to sit because I got cursed? Is there something wrong with that logic, or is it me?"

"It's Slytherin politics, is what it is," Tabitha said calmly. "Do try to get used to it, dear. Oh, and find somewhere else to sit, please. I need to study, and you're blocking my light."

At that, Autumn very nearly lost it completely and punched Tabitha. It wasn't any kind of prudence that stopped her, of course. Had Autumn been left to herself, Tabitha would have had a black eye.

Fortunately, Mandy got there in time to stop Autumn from creating any more of a scene. "I heard you were looking for your pet, Autumn," she said, putting an arm around the other girl's shoulders in a manner that seemed to be entirely casual, showing no hint of the viselike grip she was actually exerting. "Why don't you come over to the Ravenclaw table? You can pick it up, have some breakfast, and Nott here can get her nice tan. Everyone wins."

Since it was clear from Mandy's grip that she wasn't about to let Autumn pick a fight and get landed in the hospital wing again, Autumn allowed herself to be led to the Ravenclaw table, Blaise trailing behind, apparently in the hopes that he would be permitted to speak with the elusive Terry Boot.

"Don't hit people," Mandy said under her breath. "Especially not people known for their quick curse reflexes. Honestly, I thought you had at least that much sense."

Before Autumn could respond, Mandy steered her to a seat. "Here we go," she said. "Sit. Stay. I'll bring Su over. She's the one who's got your rat." Autumn scowled at that. Mandy grinned.

As Mandy left, Autumn and Blaise sat down, looking at the Ravenclaws with interest. Contrary to Autumn's expectations, there wasn't less chatter than at the other tables - if anything, there was more. Every topic under the sun seemed to be under discussion, from Obliviation ethics, to the relative merits of love potions versus love charms, to the incredible inaccuracy of the American television show Charmed, to several betting pools on how long various student relationships would last.

Eventually, Mandy returned, bringing with her a sweet-looking Chinese girl who was holding Autumn's ferret. Autumn quickly reclaimed her pet, letting him run up her arm to sit on her shoulder.

"Su Li, Autumn Vance, Blaise Zabini," Mandy said. "Consider yourselves introduced."

"That's not nice at all, Mandy," Su said reproachfully. She smiled at Autumn. "It's very nice to meet you. We've all heard quite a lot about you."

Considering the way the Ravenclaws gossiped, Autumn would just bet they'd heard about her. "So you rescued my ferret, huh? Thanks. I guess I owe you one."

Su grinned at that. "Good. I'll make a note of it. But really, it was a pleasure to take care of such a sweet ferret. We don't often see them as pets around here. But honestly, you didn't really name the poor thing after Draco Malfoy, did you?"

"It was kind of a spur of the moment thing," Autumn said, feeling a little guilty at having so cursed the innocent creature. "Draco Malfoy, the Amazing Bouncing Ferret. I'm thinking about nicknaming him, though. That's a mouthful."

"And a half," Su agreed. "Drake, perhaps? Or... or Bouncy?"

"I think you should call him Mali," Blaise pronounced, peering at the ferret. "He looks like a Mali. It's all in the eyes."

"Mali, huh?" Autumn shrugged. "As good a name as any. Ok, then. Mali it is."

Su and Mandy both got fits of the giggles at that. "I can't wait to see Draco Malfoy's face at that," Su said. "What a sight that will be. Do try to tell him about it in a public place. I think he might just turn purple."

"That would look nice with his hair," Blaise mused.

"Wouldn't it?" Su said. "And then Mandy could get some pictures of it, for the Magical Photography class she's forever suffering in." She shook her head woefully. "You ought to have joined me in Wizardry Across the Globe, Mandy. You would have quite liked it."

"That's a good class," Blaise agreed. "Terry's in that class. Tuesdays, right after lunch."

"And that was in no way disturbing," Mandy said. "Thank you, stalker boy."

Blaise smiled, a little confused. "You're welcome, Mandy. But speaking of Terry - "

"Yes, I know, I promised." Mandy sighed. "I'm working on it, ok?"

"He won't see you," Su translated. "And he's told Mandy that if she ever brings it up again, he'll turn you both to Siamese fighting fish and put you in the same tank."

"Well, that doesn't sound too bad," Blaise said. "I mean, I'd get to be in a tank with Mandy, so that would be ok. We could have fishy conversations. And the tank could be in Terry's dorm room! Maybe this means he's finally realizing his true feelings!" His eyes lit up.

Autumn, Su, and Mandy exchanged glances. "So is he faking it?" Su asked. "Or is he actually this dumb?"

"I think it's for real," Autumn said. "I don't think anyone could fake this."

"He's so cute, though," Su said, smiling benevolently at Blaise. "Like a puppy I had once." She patted Blaise on the head. "Nice Blaise. Good boy. It really is too bad you're so sweet. Terry will rip you apart."

"Terry wouldn't rip anyone apart," Blaise exclaimed, eyes wide. "Terry is a good person!"

This caused approximately half of the Ravenclaw table to choke on whatever they were eating at the moment. Several mouthfuls of pumpkin juice were sprayed across the table as people coughed.

"You really are just innocent, aren't you?" Su said, shaking her head. "Well, I wish you luck, of course. And now I have to get back to my studying. If I don't work on my Divination now, I'll end up fabricating all my homework for that class, like those wretched Gryffindors do." She nodded to each of them, including Mali the ferret, and headed back to her original seat.

"What did she mean, I'm innocent, Autumn?" Blaise asked. "Was I supposed to be guilty? I didn't think I did anything bad. And why did everyone start coughing? Are they getting sick? Maybe they need to go to the hospital wing."

"Don't worry about it, Blaise," Autumn advised.

"Ok." He started to shrug, then froze in place, staring fixedly at the entrance to the Great Hall. Curious, Autumn turned to look at what had caught Blaise's attention. Even though she rather thought she could guess what - or rather, who - it had to be.

The young man who had just entered the Great Hall looked, above all other things, grumpy. That was the first thing Autumn noticed about him. He had a scowl on his face dark enough to douse candles. He also had a trench coat. That was the second thing she noticed. It was a great coat, too - long, flowing, lots of unnecessary straps and buckles. Very sexy. It fit with the antisocial air he projected. He made his way to the Ravenclaw table, radiating resentment that he should have to be awake and moving about at such an ungodly hour of the morning.

There was an empty space on the corner of the table Terry first reached. He dropped into it. Autumn rather got the impression that he would have done so whether someone was already sitting there or not. Groping at the table in front of him, Terry managed to get hold of the mug of steaming liquid that had been set there. He then proceeded to drink the entire cup, apparently without looking at it, scorching his tongue and throat, or breathing. He blinked bleakly at the mug when he realized it was empty, then put his head on the table and went to sleep.

Blaise sighed. "I love it when he does that."

Autumn frowned. "Does what? Drinks stuff without looking to see if it's poisonous?"

"Yes. He's so brave," Blaise said. "And you saw the way he walks, right? I like the way he walks. Like - like a thing that walks really well."

"Yeah," Autumn said, her tone noncommittal. She had indeed seen Terry's walk. It reminded her of snakes and running water, even in his half awake state. She was starting to believe what everyone said, about Terry being quite willing to crush Blaise's still-beating heart beneath his boots. He looked the type. She wasn't quite sure what Blaise saw in Terry. Unless it was the good looks, of course. Then she understood perfectly.

Either way, things did not look good for Blaise. The poor boy was well and truly smitten with a guy who wears a trench coat, and such things rarely work out well.

Autumn stood abruptly, making a decision. "I'll be right back," she said. Then she looked at Blaise. "Stay here." With that, she headed over to where Terry was sitting, and sat in one of the empty chairs surrounding him.

"That seat's taken," Terry grumbled, without opening his eyes.

"People keep telling me that," Autumn said. "I've decided not to listen." She leaned forward and poked Terry. "Wake up."

Terry actually opened his eyes and peered up at her, startled. Apparently, people had learned not to disturb him while he was waking up. "What do you want?"

"To talk to you," Autumn said impatiently. "What, did you think I came over here for the view?"

"It's too early for sarcasm." Terry put his head back down.

Autumn poked Terry again, more violently, until he responded with an angry glare. "I said, wake up. We're going to talk. If you fall asleep again, I may have to hit you."

"I'll curse you," Terry said, eyes narrowing.

"And then I'll hit you again," Autumn said, quite cheerfully. "I'd like to hit something. I've been extremely annoyed lately. I think expressing my emotions would be good for me."

"Violence doesn't solve problems," Terry said, irritated.

"Oh, you'd be amazed at what violence can solve." Autumn smiled. "So are you ready to talk?"

"If I talk to you now, will you go away and let me sleep when you're through?" Terry wanted to know.

"Sure," Autumn said agreeably. "And to make things even easier on you, I'll keep the conversation simple. Your participation will be a bare minimum. I'll talk, and you'll agree with everything I say. Got it?"

"What happens if I don't agree?" Terry asked. "Just a hypothetical question, mind."

"Then I'll hit you," Autumn said.

"You like that solution, don't you?" Terry sighed. "Go ahead, then."

"Ok," Autumn said. "Now, you know Blaise Zabini, right?"

"The kid I cursed a week or so ago, isn't he?" Terry said, frowning. "Yeah, the one who keeps stalking me. Sure, I know him."

"Good. So you'd like to meet him, be properly introduced to him, and talk to him for an hour or so?" Autumn said.

Terry blinked a couple times. "Did Mandy send you over?" he asked finally.

"No," Autumn said. "I sent me."

"Then I'll repeat myself," Terry said. "I don't want to meet that kid. I don't want to talk to him. I don't want anything to do with him. Keep him away from me or I'll turn him into a rabbit and cut off his feet to sell as good-luck charms. Are we clear?"

"No, clear will be when you agree to do what I tell you," Autumn said. "Do you really want me to hit you? Because I've just been cursed, and I have got plenty of anger energy."

"I expect you have," Terry said. "What do you care about Zabini?"

"I don't want him to be unhappy," Autumn said promptly.

"So you want him to meet me?" Terry raised an eyebrow. "Because I warn you, making him happy is not high on my list of priorities."

"Kinda figured that." Autumn shrugged. "Look, Blaise likes you. You don't know how happy it will make him just to be around you for a little while, with you actually speaking to him. You being nice would be a great bonus, but noticing his existence is all you've got to do. One hour. Can you give him that?"

Terry considered this. "What's in it for me?"

"I go away and leave you alone," Autumn said. Terry looked dubious about this reward. "Ok, or possibly chocolate."

"Are you bribing me?" Terry wanted to know.

"Is that what it's going to take?" Autumn asked.

"Does it count if I notice his existence by cursing him? Because I don't know if I can take an hour of his prattling." Terry rubbed his temples, as if he was getting a headache just thinking about it. "If it comes to that, I don't like you talking to me, either. You've had your say. Go away now."

"We've covered this," Autumn said. "The answer's no." Looking at Terry, the epitome of Not a Morning Person, she suddenly got an idea. "So what is it that you were drinking earlier?"

"What?" Terry blinked, thrown by the rapid change of subject. "Tea, of course. What else do you drink in the morning?"

"How about coffee?" Autumn suggested.

Terry scowled. "You can't get coffee here. Too American."

"What if I told you I could get you a pot of coffee every morning?" Autumn asked. "Lots and lots of lovely caffeine to pump through your bloodstream?"

This idea seemed to appeal to Terry. But there was still the consideration of Blaise.

"Only one hour," Autumn reminded him. "Think of it as a job. That's more than a pot of coffee for every minute you spend with him."

"I can see that," Terry grumbled. "I'm not that tired." He sighed. "All right. I can live with that. What time should I come?"

"Well..." Autumn frowned, thinking it over. "Maybe it would be better if we waited till weekend. How does Saturday afternoon sound?"

"As long as it isn't before two," Terry said. "I'm not waking up early for this."

"Before two is early?" Autumn shook her head. "How about four, then? You can be all nice and rested. We'll meet in..." She hesitated, reviewing the list of places she could find.

"How about the Astronomy classroom?" Terry said. "We have all our classes on the roof, anyway, so Sinistra never uses it. It should be empty."

"Fine," Autumn said. "Four o'clock, Saturday, Astronomy classroom." She stood. "My work here is done."

"Good." Terry put his head back down and, to all appearances, went back to sleep.

Autumn shook her head, and went back to Blaise and Mandy. "All settled," she announced.

"What is?" Mandy asked.

"Saturday, at four, in the Astronomy classroom," Autumn said. "Terry says he'll be there for one hour, and that he'll talk to Blaise. He - oof!" Autumn gasped as Blaise flung his arms around her.

"Thank you thank you thank you! You're the bestest Autumn ever! Anywhere!" Blaise squeezed Autumn until she coughed and choked from lack of air. Then he pulled away, beaming. "I'd kiss you, except you're all girly and stuff, and I don't think either of us would like it."

"Thank you," Autumn said. "Please don't kiss me."

"Can I hug you again?" Blaise asked.

"No," Autumn said, and Blaise wilted. "Maybe later." He grinned again, and hugged her anyway.

"So how, exactly, did you pull this off?" Mandy wanted to know. "You weren't over there long enough to really debate it."

"There wasn't really a debate," Autumn said. "There was a little bit of an argument, but it was mostly him wanting to sleep and me wanting to hit him because he wouldn't do what I wanted. We managed to compromise."

"You threatened Terry?" Blaise stared at Autumn, hurt. "You wouldn't really hit him, would you?"

"Depends," Autumn said shortly. "If he doesn't show, I'm thinking that hitting will definitely come into play. Or if he makes you cry."

"Not to be all negative, but isn't that a bit Gryff-like?" Mandy said, raising an eyebrow. "Using violence?"

"Shouldn't think so," Autumn said. "From what I can see, they use violence as a last resort. But after being here a few days, I've decided there's a fatal flaw in that theory. Violence as the first resort definitely seems to get results much faster."

"I take it back, o child of Slytherin." Mandy bowed ironically.

Autumn grinned, leaning back in her chair. "I think I'm starting to get the hang of this place."

~*~

Draco had thought that seeing Autumn Vance around the school was annoying. That was before he realized that, in fact, it was far more annoying not to see her. Especially when he wanted to find her. It was that schedule of hers. She didn't have classes with anyone else.

Eventually, Draco realized, he was going to have to break down and do it. He was going to have to ask someone where he could find her. And it couldn't be a student, either. The only ones who might know were Brocklehurst and Zabini, and after he'd gone and cursed Vance those two weren't likely to tell him anything.

That left the professors, or at least the ones who'd taken up teaching Vance. Pity that Snape hadn't, he wouldn't have given Draco much trouble. Well, he couldn't ask Sprout, she'd made it quite clear that she couldn't stand him, and Flitwick was just strange. Draco didn't bother considering Miache. That left Stellarum and Deva, which wasn't a hard choice at all. Draco didn't want to deal with the Muggle Studies professor if he could help it.

After his Ancient Runes class, Draco hung around as the room emptied. Asin and Pansy seemed to want to stay with him, now that he was back on his throne, but he managed to distract them by pulling a rose out of his wand for each girl. It had a touch of the distasteful feel of a Muggle magician, but it did get rid of Pansy and Asin. They hurried out to safely store their roses in their rooms, arguing about whether the red or the coral was lovelier.

With the girls out of the way, Draco headed up to the front of the classroom. "Professor Deva?"

She looked up at him from where she was seated at her desk. Her eyes narrowed. "What do you want, Mr. Malfoy?"

"I'd like to ask you a question," Draco said. Mentally, he cursed. Was there anyone in the school who wasn't angry with him?

"Well? Get on with it," Deva said.

"Right." Draco hastily cast about for another topic. If Deva was upset with him, he didn't want to jump right into asking for a favor. "I was wondering what would happen if you made a physical representation of a rune."

"Beg pardon?" Deva frowned, confused.

"Well, we've mostly been talking about the powers of runes when you invoke them," Draco said, warming to his topic. "You know, by speaking their names. But what about if you made a rune out of wood, or if you drew it on an object. Would that be different?"

"Yes, actually, it would," Deva said, smiling in spite of herself. "That gives the physical representation the properties of the rune. We won't be trying it till next year, though, because you need a firm grasp of the runes before you can manage. It's complicated - transfiguration and charms, as well as rune knowledge - but it's quite interesting."

"It sounds like it," Draco said. "I'll be looking forward to that."

"Good," Deva said. "I'm glad you're so interested in this class, Mr. Malfoy. You have no idea how much nicer it is to teach responsive students. Speaking of which," she glanced at her clock, "you ought to be getting to your next class, so you can respond to that one."

"Right," Draco said, heading for the door. Before he got there, he looked casually over his shoulder. "Oh, and professor?"

"Hmm?" Deva said absently.

"Do you know where Autumn Vance would be today, at any time? I was hoping to talk to her, but I can never remember that schedule of hers."

"It is complicated, isn't it?" Deva said. "Well, you could try around Professor Miache's classroom, she's usually there. Or - yes, today's Wednesday - or you could try the greenhouses, near the end of the school day. That's Professor Sprout's free period, so Miss Vance should be there then."

"Great." Draco grinned as he left the room. "Thank you very much, Professor Deva. You have no idea how helpful you've been."

~*~

"All right, Miss Vance, that seems to be enough for today," Sprout said. "Why don't you write me an essay on the types of plants that can repel offensive magic, for next time? You don't need to go into too much detail - a foot or so should be fine."

"Right," Autumn said. She gathered up her books and put them in her bag. "See you in a few days, then." She left, rather relieved that she was through for the day, or at least till the evening. Miache was taking her to the roof for Astronomy lessons at eleven, since Sinistra wasn't interested in helping.

Walking among the greenhouses as she headed back towards the school, Autumn was considering her essay - should she group the plants by their properties, or by the types of magic they repelled? - when someone grabbed her from behind and swung her into the nearest greenhouse.

"The hell?" Autumn spun around, eyes blazing, to see Draco Malfoy closing the door behind her. "Oh, you are so gonna die, mister!"

"I really hope not," Draco said calmly. "Then I wouldn't get a chance to tell you what an impressive response you had to my curse."

Autumn stared at him. Was he insane? "What are you talking about?"

"Oh, yes, it was quite remarkable," Draco said. "You got yourself all the way to the hospital wing, and your voice isn't even showing the effects now. I thought it would last at least three more days. You're very resilient, it seems." He smiled engagingly at her.

Autumn blinked. Draco had a very nice smile - that she was not looking at. She scowled blackly. "If you're trying to talk me out of revenge, it isn't going to work."

"I wouldn't dream of doing such a thing," Draco said. "I know how this game works. And I know that you, of all people, know as well." He winked, his smile curving enigmatically.

What the hell? Autumn tried to think what he could possibly be talking about. And she told herself that it was not at all hard to think when he smiled at her. She wished he'd go back to scowling and insulting her. It was much less confusing.

"Look," she said finally, "I don't know what you want, but whatever it is, I don't really care. I'm sick of dealing with you - I'm sick of looking at you! - and I've had a long day. I'm not really in the mood to bruise my fist on your face, so I'm just going to leave and pretend this conversation never happened."

"It'll be interesting to see how you're going to do that," Draco said meditatively. "What with me blocking the door and all."

Autumn couldn't believe it. "You're actually refusing to let me leave? Do you want me to hit you?"

"If you want to, go ahead," Draco said. "Then Tabitha and her friends would let you back at the Slytherin table. It's disgraceful, you having to sit with the Ravenclaws."

"I think someone hit you already," Autumn said. "With a brick. Are you insane? You hate me, remember?"

"Oh, I don't hate you," Draco said, eyebrows lifting in surprise. "How could I hate someone so intelligent, and devious? I just have a position to maintain. You must understand that."

"So you tried to ruin my voice, and you don't hate me?" Autumn said incredulously. "I'd hate to see what you do to people you really don't like."

"Actually," Draco said, a smirk sliding over his lips, "I rather think you'd enjoy it. It's quite entertaining. Though I'm sure you know many more ways to wreak havoc than I do."

"Yeah?" Autumn frowned, trying to figure out whether that was an insult. Surely Draco wouldn't compliment her... would he?

"Oh, yes." Draco's smile deepened, and he reached forward to catch her hand in his. "Chaos... mayhem... destruction and terror... you know all of it. I can see it in you. You could topple the world in the blink of an eye, with your power."

Draco was far too close to her as he said this, Autumn decided. She really ought to push him away. And hit him. She'd been waiting to hit someone all day, and this moment was the perfect opportunity, what with Draco invading her personal space and all. She would hit him. She was just waiting for the right moment, when he least expected it. That was all.

"Your power," Draco whispered, stepping even closer. "Dark and terrible, in its wonder."

And without warning, Draco swooped down and brought his mouth to hers. Autumn froze. She was dreaming. She had to be. This was some sort of bizarre flashback to her crush on Draco, which she was of course completely over by now. Because Draco Malfoy would not do this. He would not drag her into a greenhouse and kiss her, her first kiss, in a way that felt really, really good. He wouldn't move his mouth against hers as though he wanted her, or pull her close to him, or put his hands around her waist -

Autumn shoved him away, coming back to her senses in a flash. Before Draco could do anything, she punched him in the eye. And then on the nose.

"What - " Draco started coughing, blood flowing out of his nose and getting into his mouth.

"How dare you!" Autumn snarled. "You put your mouth on me, you - you - you filthy thing! Don't you do that again! Ever! Ever! Or I'll do worse than hit you! I'll pull out your ribcage and wear it as a hat! I'll cut off your balls with a rusty butter knife and wear them as earrings! I'll remove other parts of your body and figure out ways to wear them! So keep your dirty paws off me! Or else!"

Autumn shoved Draco aside and stalked out of the greenhouse, her face burning and her fist aching. She couldn't believe he'd done that. It had been horrible. Worse than the voice curse. It had been gross, and terrible, and disgusting, and bad on so many levels. It had been humiliating.

But the worst part was that it had also been really nice.

Interlude 35.5

Dear Lianne,

Never write to me again. Or at least, don't go on about Draco Malfoy, if you have to write. I think you jinxed me or something.

You didn't jinx me, did you? If you did, you'd better un-jinx me, because it is definitely not cool. I'd threaten you, but I just used up all my good threats on Malfoy.

Assuming you had nothing to do with what happened, you probably want to know he did. Well, I'll tell you what he did - he kissed me, that's what he did! And don't you dare go getting all excited. He cursed me and put me in the hospital wing for a full day just before. He's a jerk. I should've blacked both his eyes.

Anyway, done with the ranting. Yes, Hogwarts is fun, yes, it's great, no, I don't have any questions, yay Slytherin, yay Hufflepuff. That should cover everything you said in your letter. Oh, and Blaise Zabini says to tell you hello. And he wants to know where you got the toucan. For that matter, so do I.

I don't really like letters, so I guess this is it. Talk to you later.

- Autumn

~*~

Mrs. Black -

I understand that you and Miss Vance know each other from America, just as you know Ms. Connor. A situation has come up for which I require the details of your previous acquaintance. It is imperative that Miss Vance's origins be understood in as much detail as possible.

Thank you for you cooperation. I will expect to hear from you within the week.

- Miache Sanguinis

~*~

Ms. Connor -

Miache Sanguinis informs me that she has already written to Mrs. Black on this topic, so my letter should not come as much of a surprise to you. I am inquiring about Miss Vance's origins in America. Who is she, and how is it that she knows so much about the wizarding world? Are you entirely sure that she is the same girl that you knew in America? And if so, where was she the summer you arrived in Britain? I was under the impression that your former life had vanished entirely.

- Severus Snape

~*~

Draco -

It seems you are not a lost cause after all. You are at least beginning to restore yourself to the good graces of the Witness. I suggest you continue on whatever course you have begun, as she seems to be somewhat impressed with you at the moment. Attempt to persuade her that you have merely been acting the incompetent fool to throw your schoolmates off her scent.

I expect to have your owl back at the Manor with your reply as soon as possible.

- Lucius

~*~

Dear Miache,

Sheesh, rude much? Is that a vampire thing, or what?

If Autumn won't tell you anything about her history in America, you won't hear it from me. I wouldn't want her telling you about me behind my back. Besides, Erin says you got Snape to try to get her to talk, and double-teaming people isn't cool. If you're so interested in Autumn, why don't you just ask her about herself instead of being snoopy?

Sincerely,

Lianne

~*~

Professor Snape -

I really don't think that Autumn's background is any of your business. She, Lianne, and I would prefer not to bring up our past. It's not very pleasant, and it is private. Not to mention that Autumn would probably not be too happy with you asking us about her, instead of asking her. It's very rude, not to mention sneaky.

Also, I do not appreciate the implication that Autumn is anything other than she says she is. If you're suggesting what I think you are, you are way out of line. If not, honestly, you're still out of line. You may be Autumn's teacher, but that doesn't give you the right to all the details of her life, and it doesn't give you any right to the details of mine.

Sincerely,

Erin Connor

~*~

Dear Autumn,

You'll never believe who had the nerve to write to me, wanting to know all about you and your background. Severus Snape, Potions Master and Snoop Extraordinaire, that's who. I've written to Dumbledore about it.

Anyway, I hope you're fitting in at school all right. Li says you've made friends with Blaise Zabini. She also said some rather interesting things about Draco Malfoy. As a member of the best friends circle, I expect details.

A word of advice, though - it sounds like things are going to start heating up at Hogwarts any time now, especially in Slytherin. I'd watch out, if I were you. And if you have any kind of problems at all, don't be afraid to write to me, or Lianne, or even Remus, if you want. We all have to look out for each other.

Lianne and I will try to come visit you soon. At least one of us will be up there for Christmas, both if we can swing it. Hope to see you then!

Love,

Erin

~*~

Dear Professor Dumbledore,

As one of Autumn Vance's official guardians, I think I need to voice a complaint. Did you know that Professor Snape wrote to me being nosy and rude about Autumn? It sounds like he knows a little more about what happened to us in America than he should. You didn't tell him anything, did you? Because Lianne and I told you that stuff in confidence.

Anyway, I'm pretty upset about this letter. I'm also fairly sure Lianne feels the same about the letter she got from Miache. And I thought you should know.

Sincerely,

Erin Connor

~*~

Dear Autumn,

You didn't really mean not to write to you, did you? I hope not, because I'm going to write to you anyway. And of course I didn't jinx you. You're kind of far away for that.

So Draco seriously kissed you? That is so amazing! Was it nice? I bet it was nice. I don't see why you had to go around hitting him afterwards. No good can come of hitting boys who kiss you. They'll either call you a lesbian and stop kissing you, or they'll call you a sadistic dominatrix and try to kiss you way too much.

Tell Blaise Zabini I said hello back to him. And I got my toucan in America, from an exotic pet store. I've also got a macaw, two parakeets, and two cockatoos. And I'm thinking about getting a hummingbird. I like birds. Can you tell?

Anyway, I hope I can come visit you soon. I'm just dying to see you again. Erin and I were thinking we could visit at the same time. Wouldn't that be fun?

Love,

Lianne

~*~

Dear Ms. Connor,

I apologize if my professors offended you. When I suggested that they write to you and to Mrs. Black, I expected them to use a certain degree of tact. In the future, I shall remember with whom I am dealing and endeavor not to expect the impossible.

I assure you, I have not told Professors Snape and Sanguinis anything to which you might object. That was the purpose of their writing to you - they wished to have information that I was not at liberty to provide. They are thinking of the safety of the school and students, however rude they may be.

Do give my regards to Remus. The pair of you are welcome to stop by the school whenever you wish. I would welcome you, and I am certain Miss Vance would be equally pleased.

Sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore

~*~

Father -

I am pleased to know that my attempts to win the Witness back to my side are turning out successfully. It is most difficult to interpret her emotions from her actions. Fortunately, I believe I have found the knack of it. I shall keep you updated on my progress.

- Draco

Chapter 36

"I have to say, I think I'm getting a little nervous about all this." Asin laughed lightly. "I would have expected the Witness to have done something by now. Even a little something, just so we'd all know she's here."

"Has anyone actually explained the phrase 'secret identity' to you, Asin?" Pansy said snippily. "If she reveals herself, she'll lose her power. She wouldn't want to go around showing her cards all the time."

"Well, obviously," Asin said, irritated. "I didn't mean to Hogwarts in general, however you may have chosen to misinterpret my phrasing. I meant, to us. The future Death Eaters. She might have told us, at least."

"Enough," Draco said, with a long-suffering sigh. If no one stopped them, Pansy and Asin would go on and on for hours, each trying to top the other, neither ever really succeeding. It was extremely annoying to listen to. "I didn't Charm this dorm room against eavesdroppers so you two could fight."

"All right, then," Pansy said, sniffing. Asin looked haughtily off into the distance, pointedly ignoring the other girl.

"Good," Draco said. "I suppose it hasn't occurred to any of you that the discovery of the Witness's identity might be meant as a challenge?"

Pansy, Asin, Crabbe, and Goyle all glanced at each other. "A challenge from him?" Pansy asked cautiously. "For us?"

"You have to admit it's possible," Draco said. "Even likely. And in light of that, perhaps we should form an alliance?"

"Draco?" Crabbe raised his hand, looking confused. "Isn't this an alliance now?"

"This is a meeting, dimwit," Pansy said scornfully. "We aren't actually working together. Can't you tell the difference?"

Crabbe frowned, spending a moment trying to figure it out. "No," he said eventually.

"It doesn't matter what we call it, in any case," Draco said quickly. "What I meant was that it would be more productive if we worked together to learn who the Witness is, rather than opposing one another. We'd figure it out sooner, and we'd look more impressive to him."

"Draco does have a point," Pansy said.

"Of course he does," Asin said, smiling dazzlingly at Draco. "He's Draco Malfoy. If he's in favor of this idea, who are we to refuse to support him? I, for one, am all in favor."

"Which is what I meant to say," Pansy said swiftly, "before I was so rudely interrupted. I'm with you, Draco. Don't worry about that."

"I wasn't worried." Draco smiled smoothly at both girls. "Crabbe? Goyle? How about the pair of you?" They nodded. "Excellent. Then first we need to determine who's gotten how far."

There was silence. No one wanted to be the first one to share.

"All right, then," Draco said. "I'll start. The Witness assumed a codename for her own protection - don't you think it's possible that she isn't even a 'she?' It would certainly throw Dumbledore and his lot off the trail if they had the wrong gender."

"What a good point, Draco," Asin said, smiling prettily. "You're so clever."

Draco nodded in gracious acknowledgement. "I'd been considering Professor Miles," he said. "None of you know him, but he teaches Wizardry Across the Globe. There's always been something a little off about him."

"Is he the very short one?" Pansy asked.

"That's Flitwick," Asin said helpfully.

"I know who Flitwick is," Pansy said coldly. "I meant the one who's five feet tall, with blond hair."

"That's him," Draco said.

"He is a little odd," Pansy said thoughtfully. "I always thought it was because he was gay."

"Is he really?" Draco blinked, thinking back a little. "That would explain a lot, actually."

"Well, he's certainly a possibility," Asin agreed. "Especially if we're looking for a man. Although I'm not convinced that we are."

"Who would you suggest, then?" Pansy asked sharply.

"Oh, I don't know," Asin said carelessly. "That Lovegood Ravenclaw girl, perhaps. Surely no one can be that strange naturally. Or maybe Brocklehurst? She always knows all the gossip, has anyone else noticed that?"

"Possible," Draco conceded. "But why only Ravenclaws? Wouldn't it be more effective to have a spy in Gryffindor?"

"The Weasley girl?" Crabbe suggested. "Didn't he use her before?"

"True." Draco gave Crabbe an approving look, for making an actual contribution. "Of course, she might be suspected, since she did work for him once, but on the other hand it might have made her more amenable to his will."

"All these possibilities," Asin said, sighing. "It just makes my head spin, Draco. What do you think we should do?"

"I think we should separate, to think things over," Draco said. "We can talk again later. If our discussions run too long, someone may notice."

Pansy and Asin stood up. "See you later, Draco," Asin said, smiling sweetly at him. Pansy glared at the other girl as the two of them left.

After a moment of Draco gazing pointedly at them, Crabbe and Goyle also left. It might be their room as well as Draco's, but they didn't want to stay in there if Draco was going to stare at them the whole time.

Draco smirked as he locked the door behind the two boys. That meeting had been extremely successful - far more so than he'd expected, really. He hadn't thought Pansy and Asin would give in to his suggestion so easily. He should watch those two more closely. They'd agreed with all his ideas far too willingly. And while he had been trying to feed them false information, he really ought to have had to try a little harder. The girls sounded as though they might be planning something, Asin in particular. Though he rather thought he could guess at least one of Asin's motives. He shook his head. He'd sooner kiss a black widow spider than Asin. It would probably be safer.

Which brought him back to a plan that had been somewhat less successful. Autumn Vance. Draco frowned as he contemplated her, wondering what could have gone wrong there. She'd been attracted to him. He knew it. He hadn't pulled her into that greenhouse intending to kiss her, but with the way she'd looked at him when he'd smiled and moved closer to her, it had seemed like the right thing to do. She'd wanted him to kiss her, he was sure of it.

Which made her reaction to the kiss that much more confusing. He thought she'd liked it at first, but then she'd gone and attacked him. What had that been all about? It couldn't have been a reaction to his kissing skills - could it? After all, he hadn't kissed anyone since Noleta had left. You couldn't forget how to kiss, could you?

No, of course you couldn't. Draco scolded himself for being ridiculous. He was a good kisser. That wasn't the problem. He was viewing this from the wrong angle.

Probably Autumn was still angry with him for cursing her. Not that he blamed her. He was rather relieved that she had contented herself only with hitting him, instead of actually taking parts of him as fashion accessories. That would have gotten some extremely awkward questions from Madam Pomfrey, more than the simple raised eyebrow he'd gotten when he'd shown up with his black eye and broken nose. Not to mention how painful it would have been.

However, if hitting him was Autumn's revenge on Draco for the curse, she was being remarkably easy on him. He would have expected something considerably worse. Maybe she really did like him after all. He could use that. At the very least, he could kiss her again. It hadn't been nearly as bad as he would have thought when he'd first seen her - and how many boys could boast that they'd kissed Voldemort's Witness?

In the best-case scenario, Draco might be able to make Autumn grow attached to him. Not love - he doubted Voldemort would choose a spy who could be caught in that trap - but if she were attracted enough, Draco might be able to get her to talk Voldemort into waiting until he'd graduated Hogwarts for his initiation into the Death Eaters. He didn't question that he'd have to join eventually, but he didn't want to go around with a Dark Mark right under Dumbledore's nose. He'd be certain to get caught, and then he would be in a world of trouble, from both Dumbledore and Voldemort. But if one of Voldemort's favorite Death Eaters decided she liked him enough, Draco might just be able to escape that fate.

Draco grinned. This situation had definite possibilities, that was for sure. He stretched, preparing to get up and venture forth into the Common Room. After all, he did have studying to do.

He didn't even make it off the bed before a blinding pain knocked him flat on his back.

Draco closed his eyes against the sudden agony in his skull, pounding at his temples and behind his eyes. He wanted to scream, but he bit his lip against it until he tasted blood. He would not scream. Whatever this was, he was not going to give in to it.

Draco hadn't thought the pain could get worse, but in the next second it did, making him terribly disoriented. He thought for a moment he could smell feathers burning, and hear the screeching and keening of owls. It was so strange - so vivid. He would have wondered about that, if he'd had room in his head for anything but the pain.

And then, with violent fireworks of fiery orange and blood red going off on the inside of his eyelids, Draco passed out.