Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Fooling Fate sequel to Bound	By : goldhorse Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 44179 -:- Recommendations : 3 -:- Currently Reading : 3
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. That lucky duck JK Rowling does. I don't make any money from this fanfic. I just play with her toys and put them back in relatively good condition.

Chapter List
- 16
- 17
- 18
Hermione stumbled downstairs to find the entire house in chaos. Trunks were everywhere, clothing scattered around them along with dozens of books, parchments, quills, and various potion ingredients.

“Where in the hell is my broom?” Rhapsody called out.

“It’s in the shed with mine,” Aiden answered from a different part of the house.

“No that’s mine,” Cadence yelled.

“Then it’s got to be under my bed,” Aiden called back, hissing when snickers broke out. “It isn’t like that!”

“Sure,” Zach called back. “Because I always store my broom under my boyfriend’s bed!”

“I didn’t know you swung that way,” Rhapsody said merrily.

“That’s not what I meant,” Zach yelled in horror.

“Sure!” Aiden called back. He zipped into the living room, sparing a wink for Hermione before he disappeared again.

Hermione couldn’t help but giggle. They might not want to go to Salem, but they were in high spirits indeed if they could tease each other like that. She weaved through all the junk and plopped down on the sofa. Draco had opted to sleep a little later. He’d stayed up chatting with Zandra for longer than he had planned but he was glad she was finally willing to talk.

“Gosh they’re loud this morning,” Harry said as he jumped over the back of the sofa and sat beside her.

“Morning Harry,” Hermione chirped and gave her best friend a hug. “How are you feeling?”

“Like a million galleons,” Harry grinned. “And don’t think I don’t know you guys drugged me.”

“You don’t seem too out of sorts about it.”

“No. I needed the sleep,” Harry admitted. “I didn’t mean to push myself to that point.”

“We know Harry. You were worried. Have you been to see Lily this morning?”

“I have actually. She seems a bit more at peace this morning.”

“That’s good,” Hermione said quietly. “Draco stayed up late talking to Zandra about her experiences.”

“How’s he handling it?”

“He’s okay with it,” Hermione sighed. “I think it’s helping him finally put his demons to rest.”

Harry nodded. “Ginny was really worried about him. He looked like death warmed over in those memories.”

“It was hard for him,” Hermione admitted. “He’s stronger than anyone would know though.”

“I don’t think anyone is going to contest that either,” Harry said as he threw an arm around her. He watched the children running to and fro to get their things together. “We’ll never make it at this pace.”

Aiden stalked into the room about that time. “That’s why they’ve conned me into packing for them.”

“Why you?” Harry asked.

Aiden shrugged. “I’m the fastest.”

“Well you best get a move on,” Alex said as he entered the room.

“Where’s Zandra?” Aiden asked. “Rhap said I had to be careful.”

“You do,” Hermione said. “But she’s still asleep and Draco will keep her up there if we need him to.”

Aiden nodded and began rushing around the room so fast that he was just a blur. Items flew into trunks, across the room into piles, and against the walls to clear the walkway. In minutes, everything was organized and packed.

“Your just as OCD as your dad,” Alex teased when Aiden came to a stop. He laughed at the boy’s suspicious expression. “It’s a good thing.”

Aiden nodded. “Hurry up you lot or we’re going to be late!” He yelled. All the kids assembled in the living room moments later.

“Alright then,” Alex said. “Have we got everything?”

“I’m still missing my broom,” Rhapsody said softly.

“I’ll get it,” Aiden said and started to rush from the room, only to be stopped by Rhapsody.

“Slowly please.”

“Sorry,” Aiden said, flushing slightly.

“Soon,” Rhapsody promised him. “I promise. Just not yet.”

Aiden nodded and accepted a kiss on his cheek. He looked up just in time to see Zandra’s wistful look as she stood on the stairs.

“I expect the same favor,” Rhapsody whispered, knowing that only those with sensitive hearing could pick it up.

A slow smirk crossed Aiden’s face. “My, my, have we been having devious lessons with your crazy aunt?”

Rhapsody snorted. “I’m pretty sure I’m fine all on my own.”

“True,” Aiden said softly. “Deal.” He leaned over and kissed her forehead before trudging up the stairs in carefully measured steps.

“Nate,” Zach called. “Help me get this shit outside. I don’t like it when Rhap gets that look on her face.”

“Sure thing,” Nate said, not wanting to evoke Rhapsody’s wrath any more than he already had.

The others burst into giggles.

“Honestly,” Rhapsody huffed. “I’m as gentle as a lamb.”

“A fire breathing one,” Scorpius scoffed.

“Alright, fun time is over,” Alex butted in before things could get out of hand. “Everyone outside. You guys will port key over in five minutes.”

“You aren’t going?” Zandra asked.

“No,” Alex said with a sheepish smile. “Celeste and I aren’t exactly…welcome.”

“Why not?”

“It’s a very long story,” Celeste said.

“I like long stories,” Zandra insisted.

“Harmony!” Alex yelled.

The blonde woman came scurrying down the stairs. “Sorry, just visiting Lily. Ginny is right behind me. OH!”

“Oh what?” Alex asked in a sugary sweet voice.

“No need to be ugly,” Harmony snapped.

“I’ve done no such thing,” Alex said as he crossed his arms.

“Oh for fucks sake,” Harmony growled. “Avoid it. I’d like to be on time for something for once in my life.”

Alex nodded. “Port key is activated.”

“Wait,” Hermione called, looking around. “Where are Hugo and Annabel?”

“Or Draco for that matter,” Alex added.

“I’m here,” Draco said tiredly as he lumbered down the stairs.

“Here we are!” Hugo announced triumphantly as he sprung from the kitchen, a banger in each hand. Annabel shook her head and peeked out from behind him.

“Good. Outside before the port key leaves without you,” Alex said and shooed everyone outside.

“You’ll need to transform before we go,” Harmony informed Draco and Hermione. “It’ll be less suspicious that way.”

“Don’t worry Dad,” Scorpius said happily. “We’ll hold on good and tight.”

“You’d better,” Draco warned before he transformed into a tiny green hummingbird and flittered over to his son’s outstretched hand. Hermione followed his lead, flying to Ara.

“On three,” Harmony said and held out a long piece of rope, brown with stains, the very same rope that had brought Hermione and Draco to this place twenty years prior.

They touched down in a landing so perfect, Merlin himself couldn’t have choreographed it better. Considering that all of the children had been internationally port keying since they were babies, they all had the hang of it quite nicely. It took everything they had not to laugh at the gawking stares they got from the few people outside.

“Hey guys!” Melody said happily as she bound over to them. “Just let me send all your crap to your dorms.” She flicked her wand and sent trunks and satchels flying. “There. Adults, you guys just need to sign some papers with the headmistress. Kids…and birds…you’re all going to follow me to my classroom for one last good luck speech before heading to the main hall.”

The adults, save for Hermione and Draco in their bird forms, peeled off after Harry to head to the Headmistress’s office. The others trailed after Melody, trying very hard not to make comments on how utterly boring and silent the school was. They received stares as they followed along like little ducklings but they were quite used to that at Hogwarts. When they were all safely inside the classroom, Melody closed and warded the door for privacy.

“Now then, you can see how incredibly fun your stay will be,” Melody began as she hopped onto her desk so she could see everyone. “A few reminders before we throw you to the wolves. The chairs in the dining hall are spelled to list age, magical level, and creature status. Please use the spells Severus and I showed you to make them read humans of normal levels.”

“But I am human,” Hugo said quietly. He was much more like Luna, soft spoken but not quite as airy.

Melody grinned. “Yes you are, but you are also an empath and it will read that…so use the spell or get someone else to cast it for you.”

“Um,” Annabel said quietly. “What happens if they figure out I’m part werewolf?”

“The same thing that happens if they figure out the boys and Serena are daywalkers. You’ll be cast out.”

Draco felt Hermione’s anger through their bond at the callous treatment of the children. She was glad that they had let Hugo and Annabel know what they were years before. At least it wasn’t a shock when they discovered this little bump in the road. He scooted a little closer to her on Scorpius’s shoulder and nuzzled her neck with his beak, the only comfort he could offer at that juncture.

“Oh,” Melody said suddenly. “Just a heads up, Thomas Gregory and gang, minus Cecil and one other unfortunate boy, have returned.”

Hermione’s stomach bottomed out. One other unfortunate boy…it had to be Albus’s mate. How horrible. The sadness in Melody’s eyes was all she needed as confirmation. How many more would the Master claim before this madness was over?

“Who was the boy?” James asked softly.

Melody inhaled sharply, obviously fighting to keep her emotions in check. “He was Chloe Cartwright’s nephew.”

“Sergei’s wife?” Aiden asked softly.

Melody nodded. “And your Astronomy teacher.”

“What was he doing with a gang like that?” Serena asked sharply.

“Attracted to power,” Melody said sadly. “And in the end, he was too weak. He succumbed the day after his necklace was removed.”

“How is Cartwright taking it?” Zach asked.

“Not good,” Melody said softly. “But she is more determined than ever to help us. Seek her out carefully if you would.”

“Will do,” Nate said. “Does anyone here know who our parents are?”

Melody shook her head. “There is a class of fifth years that knows that Hermione and Draco are Severus’s children. A sixth year class is aware that Scoripus and Ara are their children. I think that’s about as far as it goes. Honestly, whatever you want to tell people is fine.”

“Well, it isn’t like I can hide is it?” Aiden sneered. “Snape isn’t a common name.”

“No,” Melody said softly. “He’s got quite the reputation, your dad. Here though, most consider him a hero. It is a decidedly less bleak outlook than at Hogwarts.”

“Yeah but we have to be taught by him now,” Serena said.

Melody chuckled. “Well that should be a blast. You should explode your cauldron…if only to see him turn a lovely shade of purple to keep from screaming at you.”

All the children laughed at that one along with two tiny hummingbirds. Severus could never bring himself to outwardly scream at his children. Bellowing instructions was one thing, but cutting them down like he did his students in the past was something he refused to do. It would be hilarious to watch him try not to lose it. As good of a hold as he hand on his temper, exploding cauldrons was something he didn’t tolerate.

“Okay guys,” Melody said after they’d all calmed down. “The first bell is about to ring. You’ll need to file into the dining hall and wait for Whorple to tell everyone of your arrival. I’d encourage you to slink into a corner somewhere and observe. Once you are announced, you’ll be asked to sit. Most sit according to years, but you can sit wherever you want…and I’d love to watch Whorple try to keep a civil tongue. If you wanted to burst out in song, I’d be most pleased. However, the standard protocol is a dull murmur…if that. Warning bells will sound if the noise level goes above acceptable.”

“Well that settles it,” Rhapsody said snidely. “I’m quoting Macbeth…loudly.”

“I’m in,” Serena said.

“Me too,” Ara said, glee evident in her face.

“I guess I’ll be Hecate,” Cadence said softly.

“Well done,” James encouraged softly and smirked at her blush.

“Well, are we quoting the entire scene?” Scorp asked. “Because if we are, I’m so Macbeth.”

“Why the hell not?” Rhapsody laughed. “Give ‘em something to stew over.”

“I’m the first apparition,” Zach proclaimed.

“Guess that makes me the second one,” Nate said with a grin.

“Well, that leaves me with the third,” Aiden said softly, to which everyone cheered.

“Damn,” James sighed. “Guess I’m Lennox. Be prepared to die Scorp!”

“Never!” Scorp cried with a raised arm and accidentally knocked his parents off his shoulder. They pecked at his head for a moment. “Sorry! Sorry! Geez, mum, dad, stop!”

Melody chuckled. “That’ll teach you to be more observant. I take it you girls will be the three witches?” At their nod, she grinned. “Well, I’ll be waiting with my golf clap. This school could use a bit of culture. Now, off with you, shoo!”

The children filed out of the room, grins plastered on their faces. How often did they have the adults' blessings to wreak havoc on the school? This was brilliant! They barely cared about the pointing and whispering when they walked into the dining room. Instead, they crowded in a corner like they’d been advised and plotted their very first prank. It was sure to land them in Whorple’s office, but there was hardly a rule against quoting ancient plays in the dining hall.

Hermione chirped a giggle out. ‘I swear, they should all be Melody’s children…or maybe Fred and George had a hand in their raising.’

Draco chuckled. ‘Well, at least they are having fun with it. They should have a little at least. How long are we going to stay with them?’

‘Until the weekend. We’ve got to study the MacNeeleys.’

‘Right then. Let’s enjoy it while we can.’

They flew over to Aiden’s head to get a better view of the dining hall. They were thankful that the boy froze underneath them, giving them the best advantage. He was the tallest one and currently standing the furthest out in the room. From their perch, they could see all the children…most staring at the newcomers. Melody had scrambled to the front and taken her seat next to Severus. They could hear her relaying the children’s plans and he approved, if his evil smirk was anything to go by. It seems that his expression also prompted a first year to cry. A seventh year had turned around and was trying to comfort them, letting them know that it wasn’t her fault. He just looked scary.

“Um, guys,” Aiden said softly. “I’ve got to turn around.”

Draco and Hermione fluttered up a few feet to let him turn only to land again. They didn’t want to miss this for the world. They could see the six students that had cast with them in the forest. Their faces held an eagerness that the others didn’t. Then again, they’d seen how powerful the newcomers were. The other children had curious looks, all that is, except for the gang. They were easy to spot; deep scowls and angry eyes adorned their faces. They blamed the children for their arrest and subsequent deportation. Served them right, no good tossers.

A chirpy clearing of the throat caught everyone’s attention. Hermione and Draco shuddered at the similarity it held to Umbridge’s tone. Even now, the puffy pink toad haunted their dreams. At least she had a permanent bed in the Janis Thickey unit…and they were proud to say they had put her there. It was a fitting punishment, forever tormented by the filthy half-breeds she’d tried to eradicate. And if she happened to shriek like a banshee if Draco accidentally made clip-clopping sounds, so be it.

“Good morning students,” the nasally high pitched voice whined. It grated on the children’s nerves immediately if their soft groans were anything to go by. “If you haven’t already noticed, we have several new students that have come to us. Please step forward and let me introduce you.”

“She said we weren’t going to be sorted,” Zach muttered.

“Didn’t say they wouldn’t announce us separately though,” Nate murmured back.

“Shut it,” Aiden snapped. “It doesn’t matter.”

Whorple gave them a smile that could freeze fire. “Now then, shall we start with the oldest?”

Rhapsody and Cadence stepped forward, holding each other’s hands for support. Cadence was wearing a pair of sunglasses designed by Melody to cut some of the glare from auras. She knew how painful coming to a new school would be, new auras and wards to get used to, and had crafted them especially for her. The lenses looked like regular glasses with a yellow tint to the casual observer but the children knew what they were. Rhapsody was careful not to bump into anyone save Aiden, less she scream from the torrent of fates that would come crashing in on her. Whorple introduced the girls, then Melody’s twins, followed by Aiden. Gasps of shock sounded as she announced the name of Snape.

“Honestly,” Aiden growled.

“It’s not like you don’t look just like him,” Zach chuckled.

“Look who’s talking,” Aiden muttered.

“We look like mum,” Nate argued.

“Except for the hair,” Aiden countered. “And the height...and the voice.”

“You can stop anytime,” Zach snapped.

Aiden smirked and listened patiently as they introduced his sister; more gasps followed. They moved on to the others. James and Albus got even louder reactions than he and Serena did. Of course they would. It seemed like they just couldn’t get out from under their father’s shadow, something Aiden knew that Harry absolutely hated worse than his children did.

“I hope you enjoy your time here at Salem,” Whorple said insincerely. “Please take your seats by year.”

The group turned as one and snuffed out evil chuckles as they walked to two empty tables in the back. The murmurs grew louder at their blatant disregard.

“Blimey,” Hugo cried out as he sat down.

“Bloody hell,” Aiden hissed. “I’m going to melt these damn chairs.”

“I’m sure father wouldn’t mind,” Zach said, hissing as he sat down. “Even with the bloody charm, it smarts.”

“How do they stand it?” Cadence asked, her eyes tearing up.

“Hey,” James said and immediately threw his arm around her to comfort her. “We’ll be okay. We’ll figure it out, okay? Deep breath.”

“I’m sorry,” Cadence said, breathing deeply to get herself under control. “It’s just…it’s so bloody bright and these fucking chairs and-“

“Well, the chairs are going to have an accident,” Aiden growled. “So don’t worry your pretty head about that any longer.”

“Perhaps you should ask permission?” Rose asked and nodded to her parents who were perched on her shoulder. They’d switched to hers right before Aiden was introduced, not wanting to draw any more attention to him than he already had.

“Oh, right,” Aiden said, his cheeks pinking. “What say you?”

Draco hopped off Rose’s shoulder and flew over to Aiden’s plate. He spread his wings and puffed out his chest, which made the children chuckle a bit. Then he gave an exaggerated nod of his head. He wouldn’t care if they burned every piece of furniture in the hall.

“Right then,” Zach said jovially. “Consider it done.”

“Damn it’s quiet in here,” James hissed.

“No it isn’t,” Nate countered. “Every damn one of them is whispering about us.”

“What are they saying?” Albus asked softly.

“What aren’t they saying, that’s the better question,” Scorpius said darkly. “It’s always the same thing. Who are they? Where did they come from? Snape really had kids? Who in the hell would fuck him?”

“Well, I know of two people, actually,” Serena said curtly which made everyone else snicker.

“Three,” Nate said darkly.

“What?” Serena asked in shock.

“Nate,” Rhapsody warned.

“She should know. Hell, we didn’t know until a week ago. Bloody shock if you ask me.” Nate shuddered.

“Then consider her feelings and tell her somewhere else,” Rhapsody hissed.

“No, you have to tell me now,” Serena hissed and then looked at Aiden, who didn’t look the least bit surprised. “You know!”

“I do,” Aiden said slowly. “But I’m not sure you’re ready to know yet.”

“I want to know!” Serena all but yelled.

“Take a gander at dad,” Aiden said softly.

Serena turned to see her dad sitting next to a very red Melody. He had his hand on the bridge of his nose, obviously exasperated at their conversation. She narrowed her eyes. “Melody is never embarrassed about anything. What the fuck?”

“Language!” Severus snapped, making her cringe.

“Sorry dad,” Serena said softly. “But now I have to know. What other woman did he sleep with?”

“Who said it was a woman?” Zach muttered.

Serena’s eyes widened. “Oh fuck no! Not-not…your dad?”

The twins ducked their heads, not wanting to face their half-sister at that point in time.

“How in the fuck did you figure that one out?” Serena shrieked and cringed when her dad reprimanded her again.

“Why don’t you ask Aiden?” Nate snorted.

“Because I know where he found out.” Serena’s lips thinned out in annoyance as she glanced at Rhapsody. “But how did you two know?”

Zach threw his hands in the air. “I’m not in this. Nate started it.”

“We went to the basement to give father a piece of our minds and heard him and mom talking about it. Said that dad would give him another go if he weren’t bound so tightly to Celeste.”

“That’s disgusting!” Serena wrinkled her nose.

Hermione and Draco had their heads buried in each other’s wings, their little bodies chirping in mirth. They could hear Severus muttering about how his love life wasn’t up for discussion and the children all expressing their level of disgust. They remembered that day quite well. They’d just informed Harry about their bond. Alex came up out of the blue and propositioned Celeste and Severus to fulfill Melody’s request, a foursome before she had to be introduced to Voldemort. She was in horrid shape after but insisted it was one of the best nights in her life.

“Ugh,” Serena groaned. “I’ll never be able to look them in the eye again.”

Aiden started chuckling. “Honestly, it’s just sex.”

“Yeah, but…ugh. The thought of our dads going at it is gross.”

“I’m sure they enjoyed it very much,” Aiden said, taking every opportunity to poke at his sister.

“What about mum though?” Serena asked. “Didn’t she have a say in that?”

Everyone at the table clammed up, including a very red Aiden.

“Oh no,” Serena moaned. “It was a foursome, wasn’t it?”

Aiden refused to look at her. He knew she’d see the truth in an instant if he did.

“Gross,” Serena groaned. “My mum and their dad.”

“You do realize this means both our moms, right?” Zach said timidly.

“That sounds kinda hot, actually,” Scorpius said softly. Laughter erupted at they heard Melody squeak in shock.

“Oh for fucks sake,” Rhapsody snapped. “Why can two girls go at it and blokes think it’s hot but two blokes go at it and everyone’s all grossed out?”

“For the record,” Serena said dryly. “All of it grosses me out.”

“Well, in general though,” Rhapsody said with a chuckle. “I think two guys going at it would be hot.”

“Well, you aren’t getting a demonstration so you put that thought out of your mind,” Aiden growled.

“You stay out of my head!” Rhapsody yelled.

“I didn’t have to get in your head,” Aiden huffed. “It’s written all over your face.”

“Still,” Rhapsody pouted.

“I’m with Rhap,” Ara said softly, making her parents stare at her. She blushed horribly.

“Me too,” Cadence whispered.

“Well, then you should find a bloke that swings that way and ask to watch,” James said as he covertly glanced at a subdued Albus.

“Maybe I will,” Rhapsody said. “We’ll use a two way mirror and have some popcorn. No boys allowed. Hell, we might even have an all-girl orgy.”

“Well that’s hardly fair,” Aiden countered. “If you get to watch, why can’t we?”

“Well shit,” Rhapsody said with a sly grin. “Why don’t we all just step into a classroom and have a mutual wank right now?”

“Because that would negate the boy on boy action you wanted in the first place,” Cadence countered.

“Aiden would do it for me, wouldn’t you?” Rhapsody asked, her eyelashes fluttering and her lips in a pout.

“Certainly not,” Aiden sniffed. “I’m related to everyone at this table…save you and Cadence. That would be entirely too weird.”

The entire table busted out in rambunctious laughter while Aiden blushed when he realized the hidden meaning of his words. He was good and caught though so he took the ribbing good naturedly. Even his dad and Melody were trying extremely hard not to laugh at his unintentional slip up. A warning tone sounded out in the hall.

“What the devil was that?” Albus cried.

“The warning tone you dunderhead,” Serena snapped. “Were you not paying attention? They sound out when the noise level gets too high. Culprits receive detention.”

“Sucks all the fun right out of it,” James sighed.

“Well, let’s put it back in, shall we?” Rhapsody stood up in her chair and cleared her throat. “Thrice the brinded cat hath mew'd.”

Serena grinned and stood with her. “Thrice and once the hedge-pig whined.”

Ara jumped up, eager to do her part. “Harpier cries "'Tis time, 'tis time."”

Rhapsody cackled and quoted the next lines. “Round about the cauldron go; In the poison'd entrails throw. Toad, that under cold stone. Days and nights has thirty-one. Swelter'd venom sleeping got, Boil thou first i' the charmed pot.”

The girls embraced and shouted together, “Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble.”

Serena ignored the angry look on Whorple’s face and continued with her lines. “Fillet of a fenny snake, In the cauldron boil and bake; Eye of newt and toe of frog, Wool of bat and tongue of dog, Adder's fork and blind-worm's sting, Lizard's leg and howlet's wing, For a charm of powerful trouble, Like a hell-broth boil and bubble.”

There were shocked murmurs now. Still, the girls embraced again and quoted the lines. “Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble.”

Ara glanced at her parents, their little birdy figures nodding in encouragement. She grinned and quoted her lines. “Scale of dragon, tooth of wolf, Witches' mummy, maw and gulf, Of the ravin'd salt-sea shark, Root of hemlock digg'd i' the dark, Liver of blaspheming Jew, Gall of goat, and slips of yew Sliver'd in the moon's eclipse, Nose of Turk and Tartar's lips, Finger of birth-strangled babe Ditch-deliver'd by a drab, Make the gruel thick and slab. Add thereto a tiger's chaudron, For the ingredients of our cauldron.

The murmurs had become loud musings now. Some were cheering them on, others chastising them for their shenanigans. They ignored them and continued. “Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble.”

Serena glanced up at her father, who was watching with rapt attention. She smiled brightly and quoted the next lines. “Cool it with a baboon's blood, Then the charm is firm and good.”

Rhapsody jerked Cadence up to stand on the seat next to her. The shy girl blushed and looked down, quoting her lines to the table but loud enough for everyone to hear. “O well done! I commend your pains; And every one shall share i' the gains; And now about the cauldron sing, Live elves and fairies in a ring Enchanting all that you put in.”

The rest of the children joined in singing songs about black spirits before they allowed Cadence to sit down.

Serena stood up and looked straight at Whorple, defiance in her stance. “By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes.” *

The rest of the children continued on with their lines as Serena continued to stare down the Headmistress. By the time Scorpius finished quoting his last lines, every eye was riveted to their performance. Melody and Severus shot up from their chairs, their applause startling the other students. No one had noticed Harry, Ginny, Harmony, and Philippe slipping in behind them. The children took a bow.

“Brava!” A dark haired woman at the end of the teaching staff yelled and then whistled through her fingers. “Brava!”

“ENOUGH!” Whorple screamed, causing the children to jump and fall silent. “That is enough of this…this…whatever display you call that.”

“It’s called a play,” Severus said. “Surely you’ve heard of it?”

“Nevertheless!” Whorple screeched. “A scene like that has no place in a dining hall. Since you are all new, I will let it slide this one. Anymore disruptions like that and it’ll be detention for each and every one of you!”

“I thought it was wonderful,” Melody gushed, much to the annoyance if the Headmistress. “Perhaps you can do theater on the weekends, outside of course to avoid disturbing others.”

“Maybe Sunday?” Rhapsody called. “We’re rather busy on Saturdays.”

“Perfect!” Melody cackled. “I’ll see you on the lawn then.”

“That’s enough,” Whorple hissed. “Everyone eat and then get to class!”

“Here birdy, birdy,” Melody called in soft voice.

Hermione and Draco came flying over, knowing that they were being paged.

“That was an absolutely brilliant performance,” Melody sighed as she stood behind the table with the other adults. “Everyone set?”

“Yep,” Harry said. “They’re all signed up, permission for weekend trips and releases for quidditch and field trips and whatnot.”

“Good. I suppose you’ll want to get back to Lily,” Melody said knowingly.

“That would be my preference,” Harry said softly.

“Alright. Good luck you two,” Harmony said. “Zandra’s fit to be tied, demands to know why Alex and Celeste aren’t allowed at the school. He’s taken to hiding. It won’t be much longer until he cracks.”

“When can she know?” Ginny asked.

Harmony bit her lip and grabbed Melody’s hand for a stronger link. “Um, give her the week. Let her live under his care for a bit longer.”

“Will do,” Ginny said and grabbed Harry’s hand, marching her way out the door.

“There goes a woman who knows what she wants,” Philippe snickered.

“Are you sure it isn’t Harry’s third leg?” Melody asked and chuckled when James shrieked in outrage. Someone had obviously filled him in.

“That was low,” Harmony chided half-heartedly. “Anyway, we need to be going. I think I’ll plan out what I can see so far. Are we still going this weekend?”

“As long as these two take it easy,” Melody said, tilting her head towards the two tiny birds perched on her arm.

“See you then,” Harmony said, kissing her sister’s cheek and dragging Philippe out the door.

“And then there were four,” Melody said, sitting down in her seat with a sigh.

“I cannot believe they were discussing our sex life,” Severus hissed under his breath.

“Well, they did get one thing right,” Melody hedged.

“What?” Severus snapped.

“It was entirely hot.”

“Gross!” Serena cried.

Hermione and Draco fell all over themselves at the look of mortification on Severus’s face. It was even more perfect that the horrified awe on the children’s faces.

Melody giggled. “Well, keep your nose out of your dad’s business. Now then, you two, which class are you going to? Animals aren’t allowed to roam with the children so you’ll have to pick either me or Sev. Keep in mind if you go with Sev, you get to hear his first year speech again. He’s been chomping at the bit to recite it.”

“You are exaggerating,” Severus sniffed.

“And you have been practicing it. Muffling charms or not Sev, I can still hear you.”

“Drop it,” Severus warned.

“Sure sweetie,” Melody said in a sickeningly sweet voice.

“Enough!” Severus almost shouted. Several of the younger years cringed.

“Damn,” Melody giggled. “You’d think you were evil incarnate.”

“I’m not?” Severus asked snidely.

“No, just a demon in the sack.”

“Ack!” Zach and Nate gagged at the same time, much to Melody’s amusement.

“Merlin’s beard woman, would you stop?”

Melody batted her eyelashes at him and he shook his head.

“Don’t answer that. I’m going.”

Hermione chirped and hopped onto Severus’s shoulder. Draco opted to stay put. They could cover more ground that way…and he could still listen to his father’s speech from Hermione’s ears. Severus muttered darkly to himself the entire way to his classroom.

“Can’t believe they’d discuss intimate details of their parents’ lives. Oh who am I kidding? Of course they would. Bloody woman has rubbed off on them entirely too much.”

Hermione could only chirp in amusement and make herself cozy on a high shelf. She’d be safe there, should anyone happen to explode their cauldron. Considering the first two classes were first years, it was highly possible. She watched as the scared students filed in, their eyes wide in fear. She almost felt sorry for them…almost. After all, she’d survived this class and Severus was much mellower now. She almost shivered in glee when Severus slammed the door with his wand and swooped down on the terrified first years.

“You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion-making. As there is little foolish wand-waving here, many of you will hardly believe this is magic. I don’t expect you will really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses…. I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death – if you aren’t as big a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach.”**

Hermione let out a chirp of mirth as she watched the student shake in fear while Severus instructed them on the proper way to mix a simple potion to cure boils. He spared a glance and a wink for her and then turned to tend the rest of the class. If nothing else, Severus’s class from this view point would serve as entertainment.

AN: Look, look, look! *points up* I wrote a chapter. *dances with muse* Those kids, ey? The rest of their day is coming up!

*For those who didn't get it, (and because I don't want to plagerize) the kids quoted my favorite play scene ever, Shakespeare's MacBeth Act 4, Scene 1. I thought it was quite appropriate, considering MacBeth learns his fate during that scene. If you want to read the whole thing: http://www.shakespeare-navigators. com/macbeth/ T41.html (take out the spaces)

**This was taken directly from the Sorcerer's Stone. I do so love that speech.

As always, thanks to everyone for reviewing. I'm glad you have stuck with me, despite how dark it's been. I hope this was a bit of light in an otherwise gloomy story. There's so much more to come. Keep those reviews coming and let me know how I'm doing and if you find any errors. Until next time...Love you guys!!!
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Fooling Fate *sequel to Bound*

Fooling Fate sequel to Bound