Mixed Blood

Chapter Three

No one had seen any sign of Serena until dinner. She walked into the Great Hall by herself, and sat at the end of Gryffindor table alone. Harry saw her sitting alone and decided to join her.

"How was your walk?" He asked as he sat across from her.

"Good, I found my way back to all of our classrooms." She told him.

"You didn't get stuck in any trick steps or on the changing staircases?"

"No, the paintings on the walls warned me about them, and they even warned me about Peeves. I haven't had the pleasure of meeting him yet."

"Trust me, you don't want to meet Peeves. He's such a pest."

"Harry, can you tell me why it is that Draco hates Gryffindors so much?" Serena asked catching Malfoy's gaze from across the room.

"Well, you see, err, his dad's a Death Eater, you know one of Voldemort' follower's. Death Eaters, like Voldemort, hate muggles and anything that has to do with them. So I guess following in his father's shadow Draco hates Gryffindors because our house consists mostly of muggle-borns. Also, for the past five years Gryffindor house has had the house cup and the Quidditch cup. We took it from Slytherin house, so they all hate us for that." Harry explained. "He's quite competitive really."

"So he prizes the fact that he's a pureblood and he hates to lose?"

"Yeah that about sums it up."

"Well, think I'm crazy if you want, but I'll bet he's really a great guy, but he wants his father's approval, so he acts the way he thinks he has to." Serena said to Harry.

"Or maybe he's just an ass."

For the first time that day, Harry made Serena smile. That made Harry feel more comfortable around her. Now he knew that she was human after all.

"So, err, you were in the Quidditch shop back in Diagon Alley right?" Harry asked timidly.

"Oh right, I saw you and Ron there." She said remembering.

"Oh so you did notice our existence?" Harry said.

"Sorry about that, I have a tendency to appear unapproachable. I hate too much attention. You know how it is."

"You're normal, look at me I have this bloody scar! Everywhere I go there's someone gawking at my head and praising me. I hate it!" Harry said fiercely as he continuously speared the pork chop in his plate. "You didn't look at my forehead when we met, thanks."

"I figured it would bother you...so, you play quidditch?" she asked.

"Yup, Seeker, what about you?" Harry said puffing out his chest with pride.

"I've never played. I really want to though. I've practiced, but I doubt I'm as good as you...I don't think I'll ever be that good. You know I hear things, I hear you're amazing on a broomstick!" Serena said. "I just learned how to fly on a broomstick, so I don't think I'm a good flier at all."

"Well Ron and I are going to hold try outs for the team, you should come. Then we'll see if you're any good, ok?" Harry said to her. "Besides, I'm kind of hoping we'll be able to find someone who can 'match my talent'. I want to try Chasing this year. I didn't get to play in the quidditch league for the last two years; I'm the only one remaining from the original team."

"Sounds like fun. Maybe I'll be there." Serena said.

They talked about all kinds of things during dinner. They spoke more about quidditch, and the events Hogwarts holds, and past experiences Harry had at Hogwarts over the last five years.

"Wait 'til next month. The Halloween feast and dance are gonna be the most fun. I think Dumbledore enjoys dancing. Let's see there's Halloween, Christmas and Valentine's Day. They're all going to be good fun, but Halloween and Christmas are gonna be the best!" Harry said, as he took a sip from his goblet.

"Do you have to dress fancy for all of these dances?" Serena asked.

"Well, for Halloween you're supposed to wear a costume of some sort. You have to wear dress robes to the other ones."

"So I have to dress up on Halloween?"

"Why are you lingering on Halloween? Is it a bad day for you or something?" Harry asked raising an eyebrow.

"Not really, but on Halloween I'll be sixteen." She said quietly.

"Cool, you're a Halloween witch? That's neat!" Harry, excitement filling his voice.

"Oh I'm special alright." Serena said sarcastically.

"Well I'm gonna keep it in mind. I'll remember, you'll see." Harry said.

"Right, whatever. I don't care, my birthday hasn't exactly been great for the last fifteen years...I don't expect this one to be any different." She said to Harry. "Especially since it's on Halloween."

"I always remember my friends' birthdays!"

"You know, it's ok Harry. I'm not going to hate you if you forget." She said again. "I'm used to it."

The golden plates cleared and dinner was over. Harry walked back to Gryffindor Tower with Serena. They talked the whole way there. He asked her tons of questions about Canada and her old school. He was finally getting to know the mystery girl from Diagon Alley. Once they got to the portrait of the Fat Lady, Harry spoke the password, and the Fat Lady swung forward allowing them passage to the common room. Harry led Serena in, and they sat on a sofa next to the fireplace. Harry couldn't believe how much Serena knew, and the kinds of spells she could cast, she never ceased to amaze him.

"Well, Mr Potter, we'd better get some sleep. We have Defence Against the Dark Arts, Charms and Double Potions on Monday!" Serena said, stretching as she stood up.

"Yeah you should watch out for Professor Snape. He's known to get under your skin, and he favours his house, Slytherin...he loves to take points from Gryffindor for no reason at all." Harry warned her.

"I'll try to remember that." Serena said as they arrived to the top of the stairs to the dormitories. "Well, it was nice talking to you. Good night Potter." She said imitating Malfoy.

"Good night Serena." Harry chuckled as they each went into their dormitories.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Monday morning started with a bang...literally. Ron was making a tower of exploding snap cards in the boy's dormitory, it was three feet high and it finally exploded. Harry jumped out of bed and landed on the floor, face first. He was dreaming a great dream, but now, he had no idea what it was about. Ron looked up at Harry, his face was singed, and he shrugged. Ron got up and headed to the loo to clean the burn marks off of his face. Harry quickly threw on his school uniform and his robes, and headed down to the common room.

"Harry what's your hurry?" Said Ron as Harry rushed down the stairs. "Class doesn't start for another half an hour."

Harry slowed down once he had reached the bottom of the stairwell. He quickly strode through the common room and out the portrait hole, leaving Ron behind. Harry walked straight to the Great Hall for breakfast. The reality of his behaviour was that he couldn't wait to see Serena again. He enjoyed her company, he simply had to talk to her again He hasn't felt this way about a girl since his fourth year (Cho Chang). He dated her for a little while, his first girlfriend; they eventually broke up because Harry didn't feel he was ready for a serious relationship. Although he cared very much for her, he couldn't help the way he felt.

Harry finally reached the Great Hall. He looked around and saw Hermione sitting at Gryffindor table.

"Hey Harry! Good Morning!" she said, Harry smiled and began to walk to her.

"Good morning, Potter. Have you no manners?" Said a cold drawling voice behind Harry. "You walk right by without saying a word, it's rather rude."

Harry turned around to see Serena leaning against the railing of the staircase. She had a sneer on her face, and she began to walk toward Harry. She reminded Harry of Malfoy, she was talking like him, walking like him, and she had his favourite facial expression down pat. She was really scaring Harry.

"Umm, good morning Serena. I didn't see you there." Harry said with a nervous smile. " Care to join Hermione and I for breakfast?"

"I don't know Harry. I get the feeling your little girlfriend doesn't like me." Serena said looking at Hermione.

"She simply sees you as competition. She's not used to it. Really you can't blame her either. You're very smart, and you're magic is very well developed. You haven't had trouble with anything yet." Harry said as they walked to the table together.

Hermione rolled her eyes when they sat down with her. Harry ignored it, as did Serena. Harry and Serena each had a golden bowl appear in front of them, and they filled them with porridge. Serena put a ton of sugar in hers, and she began to eat it. Harry watched her eat as he too ate. Hermione noticed this and muttered something under her breath that sounded like "Boys!"

"Is something the matter Hermione?" Serena asked.

"Oh good the mails here!" Hermione said, as the rustle of wings grew louder.

Several owls flew into the Hall. Many of them dropped packages and envelopes in front of their owners. A copy of the Daily Prophet, the newspaper of the wizarding world, plopped onto the table in front of Hermione. A large package fell in front of Serena, the bird that brought the package wasn't exactly small, nor was it an owl. The bird had magnificent plumage, and a certain kind of warmth came from it. When it opened it's beak, it sang a beautiful song...but it sounded like music not a bird singing.

"A phoenix? Your post bird is a Phoenix?" Hermione said.

Serena stroked the beautiful golden feathers of the bird, and nodded to Hermione. Serena offered her goblet to the bird, which drank deeply, sang its beautiful melody once more, and took to the air. Hermione and Harry watched the phoenix fly away as Serena opened her parcel.

"Oh, how stupid of me! I forgot my textbook for Defence Against the Dark Arts at home. Good thing Mystère brought it for me today."

"Mystère? Fitting name for it." Said a drawling voice behind them. "Really Valmont, are you desperate for attention? You need the most expensive and strange things imaginable to get attention?"

"I don't believe it's her who craves the attention, Malfoy. Why do you constantly bother us Gryffindors when you hate us so much? If you want our attention, why don't you try saying hello?" Hermione said to Malfoy.

Malfoy sneered and faked a laugh.

"Want your attention? If I wanted your attention Granger, it wouldn't be to talk. I can think of other things a mudblood whore could do with her mouth for her pure blooded superiors." Malfoy said and the Slytherins who were with him laughed.

Harry clenched his fists to prevent himself from hitting Malfoy. Hermione shook with rage; everyone was looking at Serena to see what she would do. She wasn't looking at any of them. But something about the way she was sitting there doing nothing indicated that she was furious.

"Oh, I'm sorry Valmont, did I anger you somehow? You're not a dirty mudblood lover are you? Why would you of all people in the wizarding world be friends with this kind of filth?" Malfoy continued as Serena exhaled heavily.

She finally turned around but she kept her eyes down.

"That's right Valmont. That's the way to act in front of your superior. Perhaps you should teach that," he pointed at Hermione, "the proper manners to have in my presence."

"Perhaps you, Malfoy, should learn the proper manners to have in my presence. For the son of an aristocrat you don't act very respectful in front of those who could kick your ass with the blink of an eye." Serena said. "I think you should bow and apologize."

"I think not!" Malfoy protested.

Serena raised her head and stared into Malfoy's steely blue-grey eyes. Her eyes were no longer the strange, icy, blue colour they usually were; they were on fire. They shone a scarlet colour and Malfoy backed away a bit as she stood up. She walked slowly towards Malfoy, who was backing away into the Entrance Hall, his group of Slytherins dispersed as she came closer to him. Harry and Hermione followed them into the Entrance Hall. Finally Malfoy came to a wall and he couldn't back away any farther. He would have tried to run away but she was to near to him. She stopped walking directly in front of him, leaving hardly any space between them at all. He continued to look into her eyes, she blinked once and they had returned to normal. Fear and panic began to fill Malfoy's eyes.

Serena raised her hand slowly to his face. He winced expecting her to hit him. Instead, she gently touched him, and he opened his eyes as she caressed his face. He began to relax a little, still not knowing what she would do. She ran her fingers through his hair, and let it rest on his chest. She could feel his heart beginning to beat rapidly with her every touch. She slowly drew her face closer to his, and she could feel his heart racing even quicker than before.

"I know your desire, and if you ever think you can make it with me Mr Malfoy, you'd better smarten up." She whispered in his ear. "Now I suggest you apologize to Hermione, or you will deeply regret insulting her in front of me."

"What could you possibly do to me Valmont? You don't have any power over me." Malfoy murmured to her.

" I know you fear becoming a ferret, now don't you? I could always tell everyone that your father sent for you. We all know that he will soon enough."

Draco's eyes grew wide with fear. How did she know?

"Honestly, your sixteen years old, how hard is it to say you're sorry?" Serena said with a malicious sneer on her face.

"I- I- I'm sorry Hermione." Draco stuttered.

Serena pulled away from him and patted his chest.

" That's a good little ferret. Have a good day Mr Malfoy. And do try to keep your eyes away from my ass would you?" Serena said as she Harry and Hermione returned to the great Hall.

Malfoy stood in the Entrance Hall still stunned by what had just happened. After a few moments he returned to the Great Hall and sat down at the Slytherin table. He tried his hardest to avoid the looks he was getting from the Gryffindors.

"Aw, poor Malfoy, life's a bitch." Serena said. "Like I told you anything he throws at me gets thrown back ten times worse..."

"Yeah clearly you can handle yourself...what did you say to him anyway?" Harry asked.

"Oh, nothing really. I just know what he's thinking, that's all." Serena said.

After that Harry and Hermione were at a loss for words. Who would know what to say...Serena made Draco Malfoy apologize to Hermione Granger! It was probably the first time in his life that he had apologized for anything. And to a muggle-born none-the-less... If his father ever found out he would probably turn Malfoy into a toad or something.

Serena finished her breakfast and walked out of the Hall back to Gryffindor tower.

"Wow, I guess Malfoy's not gonna be talking to me around her again." Hermione said.

"Maybe we should go get our things for class Hermione." Harry said as he stood up to go to Gryffindor Tower.

Hermione followed Harry she didn't speak much at all. Despite the attitude Hermione had been giving Serena...Serena still defended Hermione. Hermione didn't understand it at all. When Harry and Hermione entered the common room they saw Serena sitting at a table talking with Ron. They were playing Wizard Chess, and it appeared that Serena was winning. No one ever beat Ron at chess, but Serena was winning.

"Hey Harry! Serena said you're going to hold Quidditch try-outs. When's this going to happen?" Ron asked.

"I haven't decided yet Ron. But it'll be soon. We need a team, and a team needs practice, lots of practice. Six out of the seven players are going to be new right? So if we plan to beat Slytherin, we'll need tons of practice." Harry rambled.

"Well, Oliver, whenever you decide upon this, you should put a notice up on the board huh?" Ron said.

"Hey, I'm not Oliver...I don't want to win the Quidditch Cup that badly...but it would be nice...and I don't doubt my fellow Gryffindors...we'll do fine." Harry said.

"I think that if you want a head start you should aim to have try-outs next week." Serena said. "Malfoy's planning his try-outs for the week after."

"I'm not going to ask how you know that, but next week sounds great." Hermione said, not knowing that Serena had some psychic ability.

"I think I already have an idea as to who should be on the team. And just so you know, I don't really want to be the captain either." Harry said.

"But you have to be Harry. You're the only one from the original team left! I know you weren't allowed to play in the Quidditch League since our third year, but still you're the only remaining player from when we were in first year!" Ron said.

"Well we'll see what happens at try-outs ok Ron?" Harry shrugged.

"If Harry doesn't want to be the captain then he should be the one to appoint the captain right? It's Harry's decision isn't it?" Serena said. "But until then, I think we should head down to Defence Against the Dark Arts now."

"Thanks for, err, defending me earlier Serena..." Hermione said as they all walked to their first class of the day. " I wouldn't have expected you of all people to do that for me. And I'm sorry for acting the way I have lately. It's just that I'm so used to being the only girl that they hang out with. I guess I'm a bit jealous."

"It's alright Hermione. If I were you I would probably be a bit acting that way myself. Not to sound arrogant or anything though. But I mean I've never had the kind of attention you've had from these guys. I would have given anything for friends like them back home." Serena said. "I'm a lot like you Hermione. My studies came before everything, I shut the world out of my life. I had some friends, but none of them were like Harry or Ron."

"You make it sound like you've known them all your life." Hermione said raising and eyebrow.

"I spent most of last night talking to Harry. He told me a lot about you and Ron. He told me about your little adventures here, and all the times when you guys worked together to get each other out of trouble. You guys have a pretty strong friendship you know."

"Oh I see...I suppose I should have been more friendly toward you huh?" Hermione said feeling a bit embarrassed.

Serena laughed. "It's alright. Don't worry about it. I may not be a patient person, but when it comes to people, I know I need to give some time."

"So we can try to be friends now then?" Hermione said as she felt her face grow to be even redder.

"Of course we can."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Who do you suppose our new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher is?" Ron asked as the four of them approached their first class of the day.

"Professor Anna Archer." Serena said. "Dumbledore told me, and she was one of my teachers back at Phoenix Gate, three years ago I think. She was trained as an Auror, she graduated from Phoenix Gate the same year I turned one. She's not very old at all, but she did help fight against Voldemort, so she knows what she's doing."

"Umm, okay..." Ron said.

They walked into their classroom to find a picture of a giant leopard stalking through an African village. A blank line fell beneath the picture, and five X's fell beneath the line.

"Now that's an odd painting, the picture isn't moving." Ron said.

"It's a muggle painting Ron. It was never bewitched to move." Said Serena.

"Good morning everyone!" Said a pleasant voice.

A woman walked into the room. She wore robes of deep blue and silver. Her hair was a copper colour, long and curly. Serena was right Anna Archer wasn't very old at all; she was in fact young and quite attractive.

"Now then, my name is Professor Anna Archer. I do believe it is time for class to begin. So can anyone tell what the creature is one the board, and can they tell me what the five X's indicate?" The young professor asked.

Naturally Hermione's hand shot straight up into the air, but not so naturally so did someone else's hand. Serna's hand went into the air almost the same time as Hermione's.

"Alright, Hermione is it? What do you say?" Said professor Archer.

"Yes professor, the creature indicated in the painting is a Nundu. The five X's below it indicate how dangerous it is. Five X's is highly lethal, and one is virtually harmless." Hermione said beaming with pride that she was chosen instead of Serena.

"Very good, alright...oh! Serna Valmont! It's good to see you again my dear. Now then Serena, can you tell me, where the Nundu is found, and why it is considered to be so dangerous?" The professor asked her past student.

Serena cleared her throat.

"The Nundu is considered by many to be one of the most dangerous beasts in existence. It is a gigantic leopard, native to East Africa, whose breath carries disease and death. Whole villages have been wiped out by the Nundu." Serena said casually, though everyone looked at her as though she was some kind of dictionary.

"That's exactly right, good job girls, ten points each." Archer said.

Class went by quickly. They discussed all kinds of bizarre creatures. Professor Archer also informed them that she had received permission form the Ministry of Magic to use the Imperio curse one her students, to teach them how to shake it off. Harry didn't see much of a problem with this at all. They had done this, somewhat, last year when Mad Eye Moody was teaching them.

Class ended, Hermione and Serena each received thirty points for Gryffindor, by simply answering the questions. Hermione, despite her new friendship with Serena, was still very competitive. It seemed she was quite determined to become Head Girl. It was more than obvious that Hermione was up against Serena for the position. Hermione was not in any way going to make it an easy thing for Serena to get.

Professor Flitwick' s class flew by since they simply reviewed the charms they had learned in the previous year and continued to study apparating and diapparating. He did it mostly for Serena's sake, so she would know exactly where they were and where they would be starting off this year. The class went well and Gryffindor earned a few more house points. Serena even got started on using her wand. The Bell sounded and class ended.

"Well, who ready for it?" Harry said. "I know I can't wait to see good old Snape again. I almost miss his insults and sarcasm so much I can hardly contain myself!"

Ron laughed, and they all walked down to the dungeons together. They walked for a moment in silence, until they heard a snicker behind them. Ron rolled his eyes as he heard a girl giggle after an all too familiar voice threw out a few extremely rude comments out into the air.

"Now I know you didn't just say any of those things to us, especially after what you and Serena discussed earlier, now did you Malfoy?" Harry said turning around.

"To you? Of course not Potter. I wouldn't dream of it." Malfoy said as he walked by them.

"Malfoy, what did I tell you about your eyes and my butt?" Serena said as Malfoy passed her.

Malfoy stopped walking for a second but then he kept going. Serena saw him blush at her comment, his ears turned a little pink. This time Serena had the last laugh.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Professor Snape burst into the room, the same way he always did on the first day with this class, and he proceeded to the front of the room. He whipped around; his black robed swishing with his every movement. He glared at all of the entire class, except Malfoy of course.

"This year," He paused, "will not be as simple as the past four. You will work twice as hard and twice as much, as it is I see you three times a week. If that is too much for you to handle, you will not survive my class next year at all. Today we will write down the ingredients, and methods to making two potions. One is a poison and the other is its antidote. You will brew them both the next time I see you. As it is you are now in your sixth year at Hogwarts, you will be taking classes on Saturdays, not that it affects this class at all, and I believe I will be seeing you next on Wednesday morning, and that is when these will be brewed. Now begin writing the notes." He demanded, and with a wave of his wand, a chalk began to scribble on the blackboard.

Serena muttered a few words and her quill began to scrawl across the parchment she had in front of herself. Her quill was writing everything she was reading. Neville's quill was doing the same, which got a strange look from Professor Snape. As it appeared Serena was a good teacher, since she taught Neville how to do that, and it stayed in his head.

There were a lot of ingredients in these potions. The methods needed to concoct these potions were very complex, class dragged on as the class continued to take notes. Everyone, except Serena and Neville, paused the shake off writer's cramp. They had an hour and a half to brew two potions on Wednesday, when they could have an hour and a half on Wednesday to make the first one, and an hour and a half on Friday to make the next one. Snape was really going to make them work hard this year.

Finally the bell went and class ended. Everyone hurried to pack his or her things and left.

"We'll see you upstairs for dinner ok Serena?" Harry said, not wanting to be the left in the room with Snape.

"Yeah I won't take long." Serena said as she slowly packed up her things.

Everyone left, and it appeared that Serena wasn't the only one who was taking their time. Serena glanced out the corner of her eye to the other side of the room. Malfoy was packing his bag just as slowly as Serena was. It was no coincidence; he was doing it on purpose.

"Whatever you're plotting, Malfoy, don't." She said. "I will just get you back, and you know it. Why begin something you'll never finish? You could never win against me."

Malfoy threw his now packed bag over his shoulder and walked toward Serena. He walked right up to her; there was hardly any space between the two of them. It appeared he was trying to intimidate her the way she had to him. Unlike Malfoy Serena didn't cringe when he approached her, in fact she stood her ground.

"Is that so, Valmont?" Malfoy said. "We'll see."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

September went by slowly. Most of the classes consisted of note taking. There were very little hands on activities. Hagrid's class was the one with the most hands on things to do. They were constantly running away from certain creatures, no one knew what they really were. As for the three-headed snake, they finally fought until Art lost. They were always arguing about who ate the last rat. Knowledge ate the last rat yesterday, and War ate it the day before that, and Art never got his fair share of the rats. Art was always whining, so Knowledge and War finally bit his head off. If you think about it that was rather pointless, since the rats all went to the same stomach.

October flew by a lot quicker than September. Charms class had many new charms that they were practicing, now that they had finished their study on apparating. Professor Archer kept to what she had told them on the first day, she had been using the Imperio curse on them all month. Harry was now able to shake it off in seconds, same with Serena and Malfoy (figures). Professor Sprout, the Herbology teacher, had them planting seeds and taking care of whatever grew form them. (They were all different kinds of seeds, they were to identify what they were after the plants had grown.) Snape had them brewing potions left right and centre, it seemed he was out to make Gryffindor look stupid, but with Serena and Hermione there it wasn't working. Even Neville was doing well. Professor McGonagall was teaching them about Animagi. They spent these classes outside, just in case someone actually changed into something big. They had discovered that Hermione could turn into a sparrow, Ron could turn into a Fox, Harry could turn into an Eagle, and Malfoy could turn into a silver hawk. They also discovered that Serena was a special Animagus, meaning she could turn into multiple creatures, excluding mystical creatures. Also they had gone to Hogsmeade a few times on Sundays.

Before they knew it, it was the night before Halloween. Everyone was finishing up his or her costumes for the next night's dance and festivities. Even Serena was adding to a costume. Everyone had a date for the dance as well, everyone except Serena. She had made it clear that she didn't want to go with anyone in particular. Harry wanted to go with her but she told him to take Ginny.

"I told you Harry, I'm going alone." Serena said to him as she fixed up a part of her costume in the common room. "Besides, you're going with Ginny now, remember?"

"Oh yeah, but what about the Christmas dance?" Harry asked.

"I'm not sure about that one yet, that's like two months away, don't worry about it yet."

"She's serious Harry, She's not turning you down because she wants to go with someone else. She's seriously going alone." Hermione told Harry.

"Alright I'll believe you, this time." Harry said as he walked away from Hermione and Serena. "But why would she want to be alone tomorrow? It's her birthday." He wondered out loud as he approached Ron.

"Did you buy that thing you wanted to buy for her?" Ron asked making sure that Hermione and Serena couldn't hear him.

"Yes I did, I bought it when we went to Hogsmeade last week." Harry told him. "I sent Hedwig to get it, she brought it to me yesterday in the dormitory."

"You've got to show it to me before you give it to her." Ron said.

"Yeah I will, definitely." Harry said, "I just hope she likes it."

"Well the way you described it to me, I think I would like it if I was a girl."

Harry laughed as he turned and headed towards the boys dormitories with Ron.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The boys changed into their costumes the next night, before the dance. Ron's costume was fairly simple, as it was they couldn't really afford to spend too much money on the material for his costume. Fred and George were doing fairly well with their joke shop, but it was only getting big. Ron had been shopping in the Muggle world with Harry last summer, and he had gotten the idea for his costume there.

* Harry what is that? * He recalled asking Harry.

* That? That's a muggle movie Ron. Peter Pan, why? * Harry told him.

* What's a movie? *

* Well, you know that funny box Uncle Vernon had in the corner of the room, when you cam to get me? *

* Yes... *

* That's a television. You watch movies on them, it has actors and actresses in it, but that's a cartoon so they only play the voices. Muggles draw pictures and animate them to move. You do know what an actor is don't you? *

* Yeah. So is that a kind of magic Muggles use? *

* Not exactly, they use machines to make their drawings move, no magic, remember muggles are non-magic folk? *

Ron looked at the movie cover once more.

* Peter Pan huh? Hey look he has red hair! *

"Well, how do I look Harry?" Ron asked. "Do I look like Peter Pan?"

"Yes you do, exactly like him. Smashing tights Ron. I can't believe you're actually going to wear tights." Harry said as he fought off his laughter.

"Oh shut up Harry! It's Halloween!" Ron said as he looked at himself in the mirror that stood in the corner of the room.

Ron's costume was brilliant. He had everything, the green tights, the little pointy, green shoes, and the hat with the red feather in it, the torn green shirt, the brown belt and dagger, he even charmed his ears so they would be pointy. He looked exactly like the picture he had seen, and since he was a wizard he could even make himself fly if he wanted to.

"Hey, stop ogling at yourself in that mirror would ya! You mind helping me out with this clip thing?" Harry said.

Ron pried himself away from the mirror and helped Harry did up the clip to a cape he was wearing.

"Nice look Harry! You look great!" Ron said shoving Harry in front of the mirror.

Harry had gone with a medieval approach. He wasn't a big fan of tights, so he put his own little touch to it. He had decided to be a prince. He had found the perfect things to wear at Madame Malkin's robe shop in Diagon Alley, so he bought them especially for this dance. He had a fancy red shirt that Madame Malkin told him had actually come from a prince in medieval times. The shirt had gold embroidery on it; it looked like vines of some sort. He also wore a pair of fairly loose white pants that he bought there as well, and a pair of black boots that almost came up to his knees. He tucked his pants into the boots. Around his neck was the golden clasp of a royal blue cape, line with red satin. He also had a black belt; with a sheath attached for a sword he had asked Professor Dumbledore for. (The sword of Gryffindor. The Sorting Hat had dropped it on Harry's head in his second year.) Harry tried his best to tame his unmanageable hair as best he could, and placed a crown he bought in the muggle world upon his head. He took his glasses off, and Ron had placed a spell on his eyes so that he didn't need his glasses for the night.

"Wow, Harry, you look good. You really look like a medieval prince!" Said a girl's voice from the doorway.

"Hey Ginny. Are you ready to go?" Harry asked.

"Ginny?" Ron asked as he raised an eyebrow at his sister. "What are you supposed to be?"

Ginny wore a long white robe embroidered with green and gold vines. Harry noticed that her hair looked a lot longer than it's usual shoulder length. Half of her hair was up in mass of fiery red curls, and the rest of the curls went down to the middle of her back. Her hair had golden glitter in it and it sparkled with her very movement. A gold band went across her forehead, and was weaved into her hair at the back.

"I'm a druid. They're like gods or something in Ireland or whatever. I saw a picture of one. I thought it would be neat." She said. "Don't worry about my hair, Serena and Hermione put a spell on it to make it longer, and Serena styled it for me. It'll go back to normal tomorrow."

Harry walked up to her, and gave her kiss on the cheek.

"You look good to me." He whispered to her, and offered her his arm as a prince would. "Shall we?"

She took it and said thank you. They began their decent to the Great Hall.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

They had reached the Entrance Hall to find everyone waiting outside of the Great Hall. The giant doors the hall were closed. There were a lot of first year students there as well, Harry wondered if they were allowed to dance. Usually first years aren't allowed to stay at the dances. After a few minutes, the Slytherins had come up from their common room in the dungeons. Pansy came up dressed as a black cat. She had clearly used magic on her eyes, hair and face to make it look more like a cat. (Since she usually looked like a pug nose dog.) Following slowly behind her were, Crabbe, Goyle and, of course, Malfoy.

Malfoy glared at Harry, Harry assumed it was because his costume was so elaborate. When Malfoy saw Ron, a huge grin came across his face, he walked away laughing at Ron's tights.

"Smashing tights Weasley! Did you borrow those from your sister?" Pansy said as she passed by. "Draco, you look marvellous!" she said grabbing Malfoy's arm.

Malfoy Looked at her with a look of disgust on his face, and pulled his arm out of her grip.

Harry examined Malfoy's costume. It was just as elaborate as Harry's was, but that was to be expected of a Malfoy. They would never settle for anything but the best. He had the same idea Harry had. He too went for a medieval approach, but he wasn't a prince, or so it seemed, he didn't have a crown on his head. Harry assumed he was a knight without the armour. How was Malfoy going to dance with heavy armour on? He wore a black medieval shirt that was very similar to Harry's, with silver embroidered vines on it; he had a black cape lined with sliver satin, a black belt; with a sheath attached to it with a silver sword in it. He wore black leather pants tucked into boots like Harry's. Like everything Malfoy owned this was all very impressive, a little more impressive than Harry's, since it was probably all from the medieval era. Knowing Malfoy's father, he probably kept this stuff from his ancestors.

Finally the doors to the Hall opened. The Hall was decorated the same as it always was every year. Floating pumpkins replaced the floating candles. A cloud of live bats flew above them around the enchanted ceiling, which depicted the full moon outside. Black and orange table clothes covered the tables, and the golden plates were filled with sweets of every sort. It appeared that this year there were games to play after dinner. Bobbing for apples of course was one; pin the tail on the niffler was another.

As everyone sat at their tables Dumbledore stood up to address his students.

"As I'm sure you've all noticed, there is several game stations set up around the hall. These are for anyone who wishes to play, but try not to ruin your lovely costumes. The dance will commence one hour after all of the plates have cleared. All first, second, and third year students will be taken back to their houses by a prefect at the time of the dance. For now I will ask that all of you please sit and have a good time." And with that said the golden plates cleared their goodies, and were replaced by an extravagant feast.

Many first, second and third year students hurried to finish their meals. They did want to miss any part of the games. If they couldn't dance, then they weren't going to sulk all night. Everyone followed this example. They all ate quickly so they could play games. Harry looked down the Gryffindor table. He hadn't seen ant sign of Hermione or Serena all night. He was rather anxious to see their costumes; he had only seen parts of them when the girls were sewing them. But that's about it. In reality it was pointless for him to be looking for them, since they probably used magic to change their appearances. There was no way Harry would recognize them.

Finally everyone had finished eating and the plates all cleared. Everyone got up from their tables, most of the younger students went to the games, the older students found themselves wandering around out in the garden outside the front doors, Dumbledore had enchanted the yard just for tonight. Harry, Ron and Ginny found themselves outside the front doors, just below the stairs was a terrace that led into the garden. The ground was cobblestone, and there were little white benches set into the ground for them to sit on.

"I can't wait for the dance to start!" Ginny said, as she danced around on the spot. "You boys are going to dance more than one dance this year right?"

Ron shrugged.

"I plan to." Said Harry. "Of course I'm going to dance with my date, and with Hermione, and hopefully Serena will dance with me at least once."

"Wow you got 'em lined up Harry!" Ron said.

"Well let's go find Hermione and Serena then. I saw them at dinner, but I haven't seen them yet...it's almost been and hour since the plates cleared." Ginny said.

"Knowing hose two, they're probably the prefects who are taking the first years to the tower." Said Ron.

"I just want to see their costumes." Harry said.

"Oh they're very well put together. Those two put a lot of work into their costumes. I won't tell you what they are but they're both from movies." Ginny told him.

"Oh come on Gin, I know you're just dying to tell." Ron said.

"No way! You have to find out on your own! It's not my fault you're anxious to know!"

"Anxious to know what?"

Ron and Harry turned to see a girl with straightened, pearl white hair looking at them. She descended the staircase slowly. They could see this girl had purple paint on her left cheek, and her costume was two sky blue pieces. One piece was the part wrapped around her chest, and the other was a skirt that had a slit up the both sides. She had a gold anklet on her right leg, and her feet appeared to be bare, but no one in their right mind would go barefoot in a castle. They supposed she had made sandals or something invisible for the effect of the costume.

"Hermione?" Ron said, his eyes wide and his jaw dropped.

"Nice hair! What are you supposed to be?" Harry asked.

"Well my parents bought this Disney movie called Atlantis, and I wanted to use that for Halloween. I'm Princess Kida from the movie." Hermione told him.

Harry thought for a moment and he remembered seeing bits of that movie as he walked in and out of the room when Dudley was watching it.

"Yeah I saw some of that. You look like her...wow that's so cool." He said.

"It's a little revealing, but it's cool none-the-less. I really like your hair." Ron said.

"Thank you, but if you think this is revealing, wait until you see Serena! It took a good charm to keep parts of her costume on her body. She actually needed help with something, I was amazed." Hermione said.

"Yeah I would say, there isn't a lot that she can't do." Ron said.

"She said that we're a bit behind. She has learned all of this already at Phoenix Gate. She expects we'll be getting into new things soon." Hermione explained. "She's like me books and cleverness. She spends her spare time reading."

"Great another book worm!" Said Ron, as he ducked behind Harry to avoid a swing from Hermione. "It's no wonder you two are such good friends now. You finally have someone to go to the library with!"

Hermione stuck her tongue out at Ron, who stuck his out in return.

"Now that is awfully mature of you two." Said the loathsome drawl of an all too familiar voice.

They all rolled their eyes and turned around to see Malfoy leaning against a tree.

"You people should be put back into first year," He said, "you still act like you're eleven years old. I thought you would all be past the sticking your tongue out phase and act more mature by now."

"You want to talk about maturity Monsieur Malfoy?"

Malfoy turned around to see Serena standing at the top of the staircase. He stared at her as she slowly walked down the stairs.

She wore dark eye make-up, which brought out her magnificent blue eyes. Her hair was like Ginny's only it wasn't curly, and she had a very intricately designed headpiece on. She had armbands on both of her upper arms, and manacles on her forearms. She also wore a skirt, made of black satin, and it too had high slits like Hermione's. She had a very elegant necklace on, and it attached itself to some kind of metal breast piece that rested on her chest. The strange thing was that this piece only covered her chest, there was nothing on her back at all. Now they understood what Hermione meant when she said it took quite the charm to keep certain things on Serena's body. She, in a way, looked Egyptian.

"Ok, what are you supposed to be?" Ron asked.

"Akasha, Queen of the Damned." Malfoy said, still admiring her costume. He was impressed that a Gryffindor could out do him.

"I see you know your muggle literature, I'm impressed." Serena said with a smirk.

"I see you charmed your teeth as well. I'm impressed." Malfoy said, Harry glared at him.

I know he's not trying to use his charm on her! Harry thought.

"Actually Hermione charmed my teeth Malfoy, even Akasha the mother of all vampires needs help from time to time. But I believe we were talking about maturity out here." She said her face becoming serious and cold. "You think that they should be sent back to first year because they were goofing around like friends do." She said as she stood in front of Malfoy. "But what I find immature is the fact that you, my dear black knight, continue to pester, and make fun of them for reasons such as their family name, or for not having any parents, or for being muggle-born! So what if she's muggle-born? She's smarter than you, her grades are better than yours and I don't see you getting all those house points! Harry may not have parents, but then again neither do I! Come on Malfoy make fun of me because I'm an orphan as well! And what the hell is wrong with being a Weasley? They may not be the richest people, but they are highly respectable. I would give anything to be a part of that family, simply for the fact that they are nothing like your family Draco Malfoy! They aren't ignorant, or rude or obnoxious! They are humble, kind, and in my opinion that's what makes them rich!"

As she said this Ron and Ginny beamed with pride. Malfoy didn't seem phased by Serena's lecture.

"I like your attitude Valmont. You could have been a great Slytherin." He said.

"Well thankfully I'm not." She hissed. "If I was I would probably be like you. A spoiled little brat who has no real friends, and who enjoys the attention of real people who will tell me to piss off because my 'friends' won't! I don't want to be like you Draco, I don't want to be widely hated, and I don't want to be a thorn in anyone's ass but yours!"

Draco took the hit. And it hit him hard by the look on his face. It seemed he had finally been told something he never wanted to come to grips with. His friends always agreed with him, and they always did as he told them to. They never said no, they never told him to shut up, it was always sure!

"Come on guys, Dumbledore has a few things to announce before the dance. Let's go inside." Serena said to her friends, and they all left Malfoy to stand-alone for a moment, until he too went inside, just after they had.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Serena, Ron, Ginny, Hermione, and Harry walked into the Great Hall, to see that all of the house tables had been transfigured into a whole bunch of smaller tables. These little, round tables were scattered around a circular dance floor, a small stage had replaced the teacher's table at the head of the room. Harry and Ron quickly ran to an empty table before some one else decided they wanted to sit. Ginny, Serena and Hermione followed them, and they all sat at the table together.

Dumbledore stood in the centre of the stage. He cleared hi throat, and began to talk to his students.

"I'm glad to see so many of out older students at this dance again this year. Before we allow our honoured guest to begin, I was just informed this afternoon that we would be receiving a new student tomorrow afternoon. She is coming here from a school in Ireland, and her name is Morigan McLeod. She is in her sixth year, so I will be asking Ms Aaron, Ms Neaves, Mr Malfoy, and Ms Valmont to come to my office tomorrow at two o'clock. That way we can sort her into her house the same way we did at the beginning of the year with Serenity. All right, now that I've said that, I would like to introduce our guests this evening. They are a popular group, and they specialize in muggle music, I hope that won't be a problem for anyone." He said looking at a few Slytherin students over his half moon spectacles. "I'm glad they were able to come, now would you please welcome our guests, Cloud."

Everyone began to clap and cheer. Harry clapped, but he only did it so he didn't look like a stupid git. He had no idea who this group was but he was glad they specialized in muggle music. At least he would know the songs, and he might actually be able to dance to them. He hardly ever danced at these dances because half the time the music sounded like wailing saws. How do you dance to the sound of someone playing a saw?

Cloud took to the stage. They had instruments that were in fact very muggle. They had guitars, keyboards, and drums. They were dressed like muggle rock stars as well. The band consisted of a base player, a guitar player, a drummer, a male lead singer, and a female lead singer, and two female back up singers. Harry was impressed at how daring these people were. He looked around the room; he was trying to see what Malfoy thought of this group. He found Malfoy, but Malfoy was cheering just like everyone else. It seemed a little strange, Malfoy hates muggles with a passion, and yet here he is cheering on this band that specializes in muggle music.

The band played its first note of the night, and all the girls started to wail as the male singer began to sing the first song. It was indeed a muggle song. Harry was glad, but at the same time he was disappointed. This would mean he'd have no excuse for not dancing this year. Every year he said he didn't know the songs, and he couldn't get into it, all the songs sounded the same. This year he was stuck dancing.

Ginny looked at Harry. Harry looked back.

* Great. * He thought.

Ginny grabbed Harry's hand and dragged him onto the dance floor. Ron watched and laughed. To his dismay, Hermione grabbed him and dragged him onto the dance floor as well; after all, Hermione was Ron's date this evening.

Serena watched as her friends danced to Cloud's music. She remained at the table alone for a few songs, until Harry returned, his cheeks a little rosy, with a goblet of fruit punch for Serena, and one for himself.

"Quite the energetic one that Ginny huh Harry?" Serena said watching Harry gulp down his drink.

"No need to tell me Serena, I was the one dancing with her." He said still breathing heavily.

Serena gazed out at the dance floor. She caught a glimpse of Ron and Hermione dancing to a much slower song than the last few, Ginny had now moved on to Neville as a partner. Pansy was hanging all over Malfoy; Serena assumed she had forced him to dance with her, since he wasn't even touching her. Serena had to smile at that. Her gaze then drifted to the band. Cloud...where has she heard that before? She examined each band member, finally her eyes stayed on the female lead vocalist. She did know where she heard of them! It was an old band she was a part of back home. The female lead vocalist was her old best friend, Kari.

Kari was no taller or thinner than Serena. She was a very pretty young lady. Her hair fell a few inches below her shoulders, and it sparkled like frost. If Serena recalled correctly Kari's hair was naturally that way. No one knew why, perhaps it was because she had some Veela in her, but that was only an assumption. As it appeared it was now Kari's turn to sing. Kari was a big fan of muggle pop music, so naturally she had chosen to sing a popular song that was recently released in the muggle world. It was an up beat song, and everyone began to dance. Everyone except Harry and Serena.

"Serena..." Harry said.

"Yeah Harry?"

"Do you want to dance?"

"I would love to Harry." She said with a smile.

Harry offered her his hand, which she had accepted, and they headed for the insanity that was the dance floor.

Hours passed, and the dance got more intense. Some students had been dancing since the first song, and never stopped. Others were tired, but they enjoyed the music, so they sat and listened. Harry and his friends had all sat down for one of the slow dances. Poor Ron was ready to fall down dead. Hermione had him dancing almost all night; his face was as red as his hair. Being a muggle born girl, she knew all of the songs Cloud had played, and she was having a hell of a time.

"Serena?" Harry said quietly.

"What is it Harry?"

"Would you join me for a walk out in the terrace?" He asked timidly.

This was the time he was going to give Serena her birthday present.

"Yeah sure Harry." She said wondering why he was so scared.

Harry and Serena stood up to go outside. Hermione was going to follow them, she could use some fresh air, but Ron quickly grabbed her arm and shook his head; indicating that it wasn't a good idea. Hermione sat back down, and Ron went to get her a drink.

Serena and Harry hadn't even made it to the doors when they heard some one call out to Serena.

"Serena! Serena Valmont!?"

They turned around to see Kari shouting at her.

"Hey don't be a stranger girl! Get your ass up here and sing a song with me for old time's sake!"

Serena's eyes went wide, and she could feel herself blush. She hated being singled out like that, that's why she quit the group.

"Go ahead. We can go out later." Harry said nudging her forward.

Serena swallowed hard as she walked through the pathway everyone made for her. She climbed onto the stage, and Kari gave her a hug.

"This girl was my most best friend in the world, before she moved here. I'm very disappointed that you never wrote to me. What are you doing in school? You know you don't really need to be here, damn girl, you look good." Kari said to her. "Ok, you know what we gotta sing right?"

Serena raised an eyebrow.

"No way Kari! No way!" She said backing away to get off the stage.

"Serena! Come on! It's your stage! Don't let all your classmates down!"

Everyone started to cheer for Serena, trying to encourage her to sing. The Slytherin's on the other hand were either booing her or laughing at her. Serena saw Malfoy snickering at the back of the room. Serena looked at him for a moment, and that's when she did it. She used her magic and bright red flames enveloped her. When the flames disappeared, Serena stood there in a totally different outfit. She wore a shirt that looked like a piece of cloth, that resembled flames, wrapped around her breasts and it tied up at the back leaving long bits of it flowing behind her, she wore a pair of leather pants, and platform shoes that made her another 4 inches taller. Kari nodded to the band and they began to play a muggle song, Overprotected that was originally performed by a muggle singer Britney Spears.

Everyone hollered and cheered for her as she sang. She sounded so professional. They all danced, and she looked at Malfoy who was no longer snickering, but scowling at her. After she finished that song the band went into another Britney Spears song, Slave 4 U. Kari started to sing it as Serena walked off stage. She walked around the boys that were on the dance floor, she teased a few of them and moved on. It was clear where she was headed. Kari finished her verse of the song, and then it was Serena's turn. By this time she was standing in front of Malfoy. She looked him in the eyes as she sang. She moved closer to him, turned around and leaned her back against him. She could feel his heart beginning to race as she began to move her hips to the music. She wrapped her left arm around his neck, and she slid down his body as all the boys cheered and whistled. When she got back up she turned and looked him in the eyes again, his cheeks had gone red. She put her face up to his as though she was going to kiss him, but instead she leaned close to his ear and whispered, "down boy, don't get so excited," then she pushed away from him, and walked back to the stage. Harry stood at the door of the hall while this happened. He hadn't noticed but his mouth was wide open. He couldn't believe it, Serena never ever struck him as the type of person who could be so...outgoing, and he never ever thought she could be such a tease. He was a little disappointed that she hadn't come his way but he would never let anyone know that.

After the song had ended, Serena used magic to change back to her costume and she walked, holding her head high, back to Harry, who's mouth was still wide open. She pushed his mouth closed with her finger, and dragged him outside. The sooner she got out of there the better; she didn't want everyone staring at her anymore.

"I can't believe you did that!" Harry said as he and Serena walked out into the terrace.

"Honestly, neither can I." Said Serena, "I don't know what possessed me to do it, but it was fun."

"I'll bet." Harry said sarcastically, as he played with his foot.

"Oh come on Harry! I don't need to give Malfoy a reason to make fun of me. That's the last thing I need. Look at it this way, now you have something to use to make fun of him." She said with a smirk. "If ever there's a next time, I'll keep you in mind ok?"

"Don't go there! But I mean, Malfoy...Draco Malfoy."

"So?"

"He's like the scum of the earth. The guy doesn't have a heart."

"He has one somewhere, and if he doesn't then at least he has a..."

"Don't even say it!"

Serena stuck her tongue out at Harry.

"Careful now, if Malfoy sees that he might tell you to go back to first year too." He said to her, "He wait a second, your tongue's pierced too?"

"Yeah, you just noticed?"

"Well obviously. I guess you don't stick your tongue out that often do you?"

"Ok, off the topic of my tongue..." Serena said feeling a little awkward, "how did your Quidditch try outs go? I'm sorry I couldn't be there for them, I was studying, like you should have been, for potions."

"I wish you would have been there, we're still in need of a chaser or a seeker. I really want to chase this year, I've been practicing as a chaser, and I rather enjoy it. But so far it doesn't look good for our team. We're short a player, and the only people who want to try out can't because they're first years."

"So then, aside from Ron, who's on the team?"

"Well, Ginny, and Seamus are chasers, Collin and Denis are the beaters, and Ron's the keeper."

"Well I'll come to the next practice and help in any way that I can ok? I'm not that good on a broomstick but I'll try."

"That would be great. Maybe you'll be the new chaser, we really need that player if we want to play and win again this year."

"Now then, quidditch and all small talk aside, what did you really want tot talk about, Harry?"

"I never said I wanted to talk, I said I wanted to go for a walk."

"Well then we'd better start walking." Serena said standing up from the bench she was sitting on.

Harry and Serena walked into the magic garden Dumbledore created. It was very beautiful in there. The trees all had a kind of golden glow to them, and little fairies flew around. Some fairies dropped a wreath of flowers on Serena's head as she walked by them. She heard them giggle as they flew away.

"Well we're walking, now what did you want to talk to me about."

"Why do you think I want to talk to you? Maybe I just want to walk."

"You're lying, I know you are."

"Well I haven't gotten a chance to say happy birthday yet."

"Aw, that's sweet, Harry. Thanks."

"Here, I bought this for you in Hogsmeade last week." He said shoving a small velvet bag, tied with a silver ribbon, in front of Serena.

"What's this all about?"

"It's your birthday present, I told you I wouldn't forget remember?"

"I can't take this, Harry. The only birthday presents I have ever gotten in my entire life came from my aunt and Dumbledore."

"Well now you can look forward to getting one from me as well. Besides, I'm not going to take it back, or give it to someone else. I bought it for you."

Serena took the small bag from Harry. She untied the silver bow, and put two fingers inside the bag. When she took her fingers out, she brought a delicate, silver box-link chain out of it.

"Oh Harry it's beautiful!" She said; her eyes were sparkling with delight.

Harry took the chain and put in around her neck. It didn't dangle too much; it fit at the base of her neck just right.

"It looks good on you, it brings out the sparkle in your eyes." Harry said.

Serena threw herself at him and gave him a huge hug and a kiss on the lips. Harry graciously accepted her thank you.

"Well I'm going to go back now, you know to make sure Ron doesn't get himself killed. I know he's going to make fun of Malfoy, I just know it." Harry said, feeling his cheeks turn pink.

"I think I'm going to stay out here for a while. I'm enjoying this little garden, I want to enjoy it more before it's gone." Serena said, "And I'm a bit scared to go back in just now."

"I understand. Well I'll see you in a bit then I guess." He said as he turned to go back to the school.

Serena turned her back to the school, and looked up at the night sky. Stars speckled the sky, and the moon was full. Serena loved nights like this. A gentle breeze blew past her making her shiver.

"Here." A voice said from behind her, as a cape found itself around her shoulders.

She looked at the cape, expecting it to be Harry's, but upon further examination, it wasn't the beautiful blue cape Harry wore. She spun around and dropped the cape on the ground.

"Well that was rather rude." Malfoy said as he picked his cape up off the ground. "Give a girl your cape to keep her warm and what does she do? She throws it in the dirt."

"Well next time try saying hey or something!" Serena snapped.

"Whoa girl! Easy, just take the damn thing would you? It'll keep you warm." He said holding the cape out to Serena again.

"No thanks, Malfoy, I think I'd rather freeze."

Malfoy walked around her, waiting for her to comment about his eyes wandering again, but she didn't say anything. He draped the cape around her again.

"Don't be foolish, you'll catch cold." He said.

"Nothing Madame Pomfrey can't fix."

"You wouldn't abuse magic like that." He said walking back around to face her.

His silver blonde hair glistened in the moonlight, and his blue-grey eyes glittered like the stars. Serena found herself getting lost in his eyes as he stared down at her. She had to admit, Draco Malfoy was a very handsome young man. She quickly looked away from his eyes before he got any ideas.

"I heard Potter say it was your birthday."

"How did you hear that?"

"I was behind the trees over there." He said pointing to a patch of trees behind Serena. "The path on the other side is very close, I could hear everything. I came around when he was giving you that chain."

"Oh, you are so sneaky." She said, and rolling her eyes. "Why are you out here any way Malfoy?"

"I needed to um..."

"Get some air, cool down and relax?" She said raising her pierced eyebrow.

Malfoy turned an adorable shade of pink.

"Shut up already! I am a human guy you know!" He said his cheeks turning even darker pink. "Besides you shivered and I thought you could use this to warm up a little."

"So you do have a heart after all." Serena said.

"Yeah it's in there somewhere."

They both giggled. Malfoy was much more handsome when he had an actual smile on his face, instead of one of those sneers he usually wore.

"Well since it's your birthday, I'll give you the pleasure of dancing with me tonight." Malfoy said.

"Oh really? Can I?" Serena said with exaggerated enthusiasm.

"Just don't get any ideas from it Valmont. I still dislike you."

"Sure you do Malfoy. Sure you do."

"Well then Serena, shall we? I believe it is the last dance soon."

"Then I will dance with you Mal...Draco." She said. "That's the first time you've ever called me by my first name."

"Don't get used to it."

"Oh quite the charmer aren't you?" She said sarcastically.

"Do me a favour, don't tell anyone that I was being nice, ok?"

"Oh why not? Makes you look like a good guy?"

"No we can't have you Gryffindors thinking I'm a push over, because I'm not. I'm not going to take it easy on them at all this year, especially the quidditch team."

"I see, well good luck against them. They seem pretty tough."

"Good, I knew Potter wouldn't disappoint me."

Together they returned to the Great Hall. Serena followed behind him a little. She was rather enjoying the view.

* Hmm, Malfoy has a pretty nice ass. * She thought to herself as he led her out onto the dance floor.

She could feel the eyes of everyone on them as she and Malfoy got onto the dance floor. For some strange reason Serena didn't mind it this time. She didn't care at the time that Harry and Ron were looking at her with their mouths wide open, when Malfoy put one hand on her waist and took her hand with the other. She didn't care that Pansy Parkinson was cursing at her when she put Malfoy's other hand around her waist with the other one, and she didn't care that Ginny and Hermione scowled at him when she put both of her hands around his neck.

"Where I come from, we dance like this." She told him.

As they danced to the last dance of the night together, Serena found herself once again getting lost in Malfoy's beautiful blue-grey eyes. She grew more comfortable with him with each passing second. She knew there was goodness in this young man; it was just a matter of time until he showed it. Then again there was his other option, but she didn't want to think of that.

By the time the song had ended, Serena had her head on Malfoy's shoulder. She didn't know if it was because she was tired or if she was starting to like him. Either way she didn't care. The only thing she was worrying about now that the dance was over, and now that she was out of Malfoy's arms, was facing Harry in the morning.

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