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
- 17
- 18
- 19
Melody rubbed her temples and groaned. “My goddess, what a fucking day.”

Draco chirped his agreement and flew over to her desk. She smiled and ran a gentle finger over his head and back.

“I’m going to regret letting the kids go here aren’t I?”

Draco nodded and chirped again. It had been one hell of a day and she’d only taught the oldest of their bunch. Tensions ran high all day long as evidenced by the almost fight in a hallway that Hermione had diffused with a quick tickling spell. She’d almost blown her cover to do it but she knew Serena’s hot temper would have gotten her expelled.

“Imagine,” Melody said as she shut the door with a finger flick. “Telling Thomas he didn’t have the nuts to put up or shut up.” Her somber mood cracked and she burst into giggles. “Oh. I wish I could have seen his face.”

Draco chirped and flew off the desk, turning into himself again. “It was priceless. Then Ara joined in, offered to even him out.”

“Ow,” Melody winced. “Well, good thing your wife is quick on her feet…or wings.”

Draco nodded in agreement. “That’s what I thought. Isn’t dinner soon?”

Melody hummed. “Yeah, here in about half an hour. Wonder what our children are planning, are we?”

Draco grinned. “Well, lunch was interesting enough.”

Melody pursed her lips to keep her from cracking up again. She remembered lunch very well. Apparently, there had been a conspiracy and every single one of their kids had ended up a very lurid neon color with dots in a conflicting color, also neon. Then there had been the hair. She could only recall a clown having a tamer hairstyle. Whoever came up with the plaid mohawk with a kinky curly ducktail had outdone themselves. The best part? It was contagious! Anyone they touched ended up like that.

Melody couldn’t help it. She burst out laughing. “Oh, I wish I could have seen the look on that hag MacNeeley’s face when fifteen kids showed up looking like a box of tie die threw up on them.”

Draco joined in on the chuckling as well. “She looked like she was about to have kittens when Circe sent every single one of them back and berated her for her ignorance. You think she’d know a simple transference spell, squib or not.”

Melody winked. “Made her brother look like a damned fool too. Of course, Rhap has always been extremely gifted in color charms.”

“You think Hermione will have a shot?”

“Oh definitely,” Melody said with a dismissive wave. “MacNeeley knows basic year charms but the obscure, the ones just for fun, nada.”

Draco smirked. “We have just a small bit of practice in them.”

“Oh, a negligible amount, to be sure,” Melody said with a serious face. “However, I did hear mention of perhaps an impromptu concert. Not sure what’s going on there. I hope they are smart enough not to try anything in the dining hall so soon.”

Draco could only shrug. There was no telling what their kids were up to. His ears picked up muffled steps outside and he shifted back to his bird form before a knock sounded. Melody growled and flicked her hand to open her door. In stepped the bane of her existence, Michael MacNeeley himself.

“Professor MacNeeley,” Melody growled and fingered the charm on her necklace. She didn’t trust herself with him and was thankful they’d thought to give everyone protean charms. They were linked to every member of the family. She knew her boys would bail her out in a jiffy and could keep from hexing the bastard a new one. “Can I help you?”

MacNeeley came in and plopped down on her desk, trying to look suave as he did. He just looked like a damned fool…and he pissed Draco off to no end. The tiny little hummingbird few up and pecked at the charms teacher’s head causing the man to yell and swat about like a buffoon.

Melody smirked. “I don’t believe Roman likes you Professor.”

“That little menace has a name?” MacNeeley growled, falling off the desk from his exaggerated movements.

“Oh yes,” Melody said happily and held her hand out for Draco to land on it. “He’s normally very docile and sweet. Now, may I ask why you are here?”

MacNeeley crossed his arms and winced. “Why didn’t you tell anyone what those blasted kids had done? You could have saved us all a lot of trouble.”

Melody raised an incredulous eyebrow. “I figured that a medical professional could have figured it out. And if not, certainly a charms teacher could spot it. After all, it is only an OWL level spell.”

“But it is highly frivolous and unorthodox, not to mention completely obscure!” MacNeeley seethed.

Melody shrugged. “Kids like frivolous things. They hurt no one and the kids that did end up colored only did so because they touched them. I believe an unwilling touch is worthy of a demerit, is it not?”

“What are you playing at?” MacNeeley asked softly. He started stalking over slowly which ended up more like a rotten impression of the cartoon character Dishonest John. “I can understand you being protective of Snape’s kids, but what are the others to you?”

Melody sneered. “Why is it any of your business? It’s hardly a crime. I never called you out for favoring anyone. I treat them all fairly in the classroom and that’s as far as it goes.”

“I know what this is,” MacNeeley said suddenly. His eyes lit up like he’d just solved world hunger. “You’re angry at me for the other day.”

Melody sniffed. “I haven’t a clue what you are on about.”

“I realize that it was probably a bad time,” MacNeeley purred. “But my offer still stands. We could be good together.”

Draco thought he was going to be sick. Instead of vomiting, he tried to fly at the fool and peck his eyes out. He was held back by a quick flick of Melody’s wrist.

“Stand down Roman,” Melody said softly. “He’s not worth it. MacNeeley, I’m not sure what it’s going to take to get this through your thick skull. I don’t want you. I am happily married to the vampire of my dreams and he only shares me with one other person. I suggest you back out of this classroom right now before you get yourself into trouble.”

MacNeeley chuckled. “Husband, is it? I thought vampire marriages weren’t recognized.”

Melody gritted her teeth. “They aren’t.”

MacNeeley grinned crazily. “Then you aren’t truly married, and there is nothing he can do to me. Vampire legislation won’t allow him to lay a finger on me.”

“Who said anything about him laying a finger on you?” Melody asked sweetly. “He’s a very talented doctor and healer MacNeeley. He has a knowledge base as large as Severus’s. Besides, under legislation, he is allowed to protect his mate from untoward advances.”

“You want me,” MacNeeley hissed. “I can see it in your eyes.”

“No, that’s disgust,” Zach spat as he stalked into the room. Nate and Aiden were hot on his heels.

“Hello boys,” Melody said softly. “How are you this evening?”

“I’d be better if this wanker would leave you the fuck alone,” Nate said darkly.

“How dare you talk to me like that!” MacNeeley spat.

“How dare you make a pass at my mother,” Nate countered, his eyes narrowed. “You know, it isn’t my dad you’d have to worry about.”

“Y-your mother?” MacNeeley asked weakly.

Zach gave a cruel smile. “Can’t you see the resemblance? Everyone says we have her eyes.”

“B-but…vampires can’t have children.”

Aiden smirked. “But they can adopt them.”

MacNeeley looked a little green. “W-who’s your father?”

“Oh for fucks sake,” Melody huffed. “Boys, are you sure you want everyone to know?”

“Why not?” Zach asked. “I’m not afraid.”

“Nate?” Melody asked.

Nate gave his mother a soft smile. “I’m not ashamed of who my father is.” He lowered his voice so only his family could hear. “Not now, when I know the whole story.”

Melody’s breath hitched with emotions. It took all she had to croak out the next words. “Aiden? Have you discussed this with your family?”

“Of course,” Aiden scoffed. “We’ve never cared.”

Melody nodded. “Ok boys. If you’re sure?”

“We are,” the twins answered.

“What in the hell are you going on about?” MacNeeley hissed.

Melody rolled her eyes. “Honestly MacNeeley, does the obvious answer escape you? Or perhaps the fact that I expressly told you that my husband would only share me with one other person didn’t click? If that can’t creep through that slush you call a mind, then perhaps the fact that they look so damned much alike might jump start your brain.”

“Snape,” MacNeeley croaked. “They’re all his kids.”

Melody clapped slowly. “Oh well done. That must have taken most of your meager intellect to figure that one out.”

MacNeeley looked like he was on the verge of a meltdown. He was looking back and forth in between the three boys and Melody. The expression on his face looked like a kicked puppy.

“Oh look,” Aiden said softly. “You blew his mind.”

Melody gave him a nasty smirk. “Not that hard to do Aiden. It’s time for dinner. Do you mind a tag along or would my presence cramp your style?”

“Actually, we have some things we would like to discuss with you,” Aiden drawled and then turned to Draco who was currently perched on the edge of the desk. “Roman, would you care for a ride?”

Draco chirped and flew over to Aiden, settling himself onto his shoulder. They all left the room with MacNeeley still inside, gaping like a codfish. Melody led the way to her office, ushering everyone in and warding the door. She smacked her forehead against it a few times and then spun to see three bewildered teens.

“You do realize that this is going to be over the entire school by curfew, right?”

“Yes,” the three answered at the same time.

Melody sighed and nodded. “Look, I’m not bothered by it. Really. I couldn’t give two shits but boys, you do realize that you’ll be outcasts now, right? I mean, I’m honestly not sure how surrogacy will go down here.”

“We do,” Zach said. He walked over and gave his mom a hug. “We sat down and had a long chat with those guys from Lily’s healing. We told them that father agreed to the surrogacy because dad was a vampire. They were cool with everything.”

Melody nodded. “Vampires are still very much feared and hated. You know this.”

“Do we ever,” Nate sneered. “But, we have plans to change all that. It’s about damned time that people started getting over that. I mean, Dumbledore obviously doesn’t give a rat’s ass.”

“And,” Zach jumped in, “Demitri and Narcissa are practically married anyway.”

Aiden nodded. “Not to mention that my mum is the head of the Vampire Liaison Office.”

Melody cleared her throat. “And your status?”

“Well, no one really needs to know about that,” Aiden said softly. “After all, daywalkers don’t exist.”

Melody gave a teary smile and nodded. “Okay. You’ve obviously thought this through. I just…boys…I’m so proud of all of you.”

“Oh mom,” Nate said as he lifted her up and spun her around. “We were…shocked at first but…we’ve always loved father. And we understand now what he did for all of us, what you had to do, what everyone had to do.”

Zach nodded. “It’s time we grew up mom. We’re sorry.”

Melody beamed at him. “Sorry enough to apologize to your father?”

“Um, we already did,” Nate said shyly.

Melody chuckled. “Well, I must say you’ve thought of everything. You two really are more like him than you know…with a little of my crazy. I’m just glad your dad’s blood tempered you too. Oh, um…you guys weren’t planning anything in the dining hall were you?”

Aiden raised an eyebrow. “Been listening in?”

Melody gave a pointed look to Draco, who was still perched on Aiden’s shoulder. “Well, a little birdie might have said a few things.”

Aiden chuckled. “No, there is an impromptu concert happening outside after dinner. We didn’t want to push it today…but those chairs are going to have an accident come tomorrow.”

“Good,” Melody huffed. “I just wish I had thought of it earlier. It’ll take Whorple ages to replace the charms on all of those.”

“We’ll just have to stay ahead of her then,” Nate said.

Zach gave her an angelic smile. “Of course, one never knows when a Weasleys Wizbang will stow away in your pocket either.”

Melody giggled. “Oh goodness, Salem won’t know what hit it. Come on boys, escort an old woman to dinner?”

“My Lady,” Zach said with a snap of his feet and a bow.

“No, MY Lady,” Nate said, copying his brother and offering his arm.

“How about both?” Melody offered and looked to Aiden.

“That’s alright. I’ll just mimic my father and stalk around behind you like a great bat.”

Melody cackled. “Well then, let’s be off. I’m sure Roman would like to spend some quality time with Julie.”

They set off down the hall, ignoring the strange looks everyone was shooting. Escorting a teacher to the dining hall was unheard of. Add that to the host of other odd things about the newcomers, and it was a virtual gawking smorgasbord.

“By the way boys, excellent work on the charms earlier.”

“Thank you,” all three answered.

“Rhap was most thrilled to test it out,” Aiden said politely.

Melody sniffed in amusement. “I’m sure she was. MacNeeley was certainly out of sorts with it.”

“That bastard,” Zach seethed. “What did he think he was doing?”

“Well,” Melody hedged. “It started out as an accusation that we were out to get him and his sister, which is absolutely preposterous.”

“Oh, to be sure,” Nate said with a barely concealed smirk.

“Exactly,” Melody said primly. “Then he claimed that he thought it was because I was angry because he propositioned me at the wrong time the other day.”

“Not that any time would be the right time,” Aiden said. “But why was the other day so wrong?”

Melody sighed. “Because Whorple banned Alex and Celeste from the castle.”

“NO!” All three boys shouted, making the students in the hall jump. Some even shrieked.

“I have excellent hearing boys,” Melody said in mild annoyance.

“Sorry,” they murmured.

Melody nodded in acceptance. “Anyway, suffice it to say that Severus and I were a bit miffed. We’ll get it revoked, seeing as they are your parents, but it was upsetting.”

“We can have family watch at the quidditch tryouts, can’t we?” Nate asked suddenly.

“Yes, why?”

“Because they can’t deny it if we request for dad to come,” Zach answered, catching on quickly.

“And I’ll invite mum,” Aiden added.

“So you’re trying out after all?” Melody asked curiously.

“Yes. It is time I stepped out.”

Melody grinned. “Rhapsody chewed your ear off, didn’t she?”

Aiden growled. “They are still ringing.”

Melody chuckled. “I’m proud of you Aiden…and I’ll give you my full support. I’m sure your father will appreciate it as well.”

“He never played,” Aiden said with a frown.

“Not because he didn’t want to,” Melody murmured. “He never got the chance. Change of subject. What will you be playing tonight?”

“That depends on whether or not we can bully Scorpius into singing,” Aiden said, giving a look to Draco. “We thought it might make it…easier…for him to gain the attentions of a certain someone if she had a chance to see one of his many talents.”

Melody sighed. “I’m assuming that my boys have been informed of what is going to happen?”

“Why didn’t you tell us about our mates mom?” Nate asked sadly.

“We would have handled it just fine,” Zach added.

Melody sighed. “Because I wanted you to be kids, to date whoever you wanted, to not think about being tied to someone. I wanted you to have a fucking life. Is that so much to ask for?”

Zach snorted. “It is when you are who you are.”

Melody rolled her eyes. “Well, I’ll give you that. Does Scorp know about this though?”

“Not the mate part,” Aiden mumbled. “But he’s already interested in her. I have it on good authority that she thinks he’s hot. She’s sure he’s just another arrogant jock and she isn’t into them.”

Melody grinned. “And you believe that if she saw that he was a sensitive singer, it would soften her up a bit.”

“And increase Scorpius’s confidence,” Aiden added. “He really doesn’t give a fuck what people think about him but he’s still scared to put himself out there.”

Melody nodded. “Scorp is so talented and I’m glad he’s not egotistical but he needs to be as sure of himself here as he is with the colts. Lizzy has already seen what a good dancer he is. Roman, you want to talk to him?”

Draco flew over to her shoulder and chirped softly, bobbing his head up and down. They had Scorpius pegged. He was smart, funny, and boisterous but he also harbored insecurities like any teenager. He tended to stick to the areas he was comfortable with as far as social situations went. He’d speak with him as soon as he could.

“Good,” Melody said softly. “Aiden, set it up please. Now, if Scorp agrees to this, what are we singing?”

“Bunch of rock,” Zach said confidently. “Hell, we’ll even go a cappella if he’ll agree to it.”

“And if not?” Melody asked.

“Heavy metal,” Nate said with a grin. “That way Aiden doesn’t have to get all embarrassed when he’s solo. He can just scream.”

“Watch it,” Aiden hissed.

Melody chuckled. “Aiden, you have a beautiful voice. Zandra was quite taken with it.”

“You think so?” Aiden asked, his voice unusually timid.

“Yes. You worry too much. Just like your damned father, you are. Anyway, what about the girls?”

Zach snorted. “Aiden has been unsuccessful at talking Rhap into singing and Cadence won’t even think about it without her.”

“Not to mention that James will have his work cut out for him with Cadence if Rhap does happen to agree,” Nate added.

Melody hummed. “It might be prudent if the girl’s mates could see their talents as well. Aiden, how is the jealousy thing going?”

“Alright, I guess. Rhapsody said she couldn’t tell.”

Melody nodded. “She won’t be able to. She’s flying blind…and it terrifies her. Please try not to pick on her too much…in that aspect anyway. You want to give her a hard time about her temper or something, be my guest.”

With that last sentence, they had arrived at the dining hall. The quartet strolled in, completely ignoring everyone else. She patted each of the boys on the arm and smiled. “Thank you gentlemen. I’ll see you later.”

“Mom,” Nate and Zach said softly. Aiden merely nodded his head.

Draco opted to fly with Melody since Hermione was currently sitting on Severus’s shoulder. He was surprised that more people hadn’t noticed them yet but he supposed they were quite tiny. He flew over and nuzzled his wife’s beak. Merlin would he be happy when he could hold her in his arms again. Being separated most of the day was draining.

“I take it the boys told you?” Severus asked when Melody was seated.

“Yes,” Melody said. Her voice was a bit strained with emotions. “I-I can’t say how happy I am.”

Severus reached over and patted her hand. “Nor can I. So, what are we planning this evening?”

Melody snickered. “Depends on Roman’s silver tongue –er- beak. We’re to be treated to a concert, singer to be determined.”

“Perhaps a medley?” Severus asked.

“It’s a thought,” Melody said with a smile. Then she saw MacNeeley come in and scowled so darkly a few of the students jumped in shock.

Severus pursed his lips in anger. “What did I miss?”

Melody sighed heavily and snuck her hand behind him so she could covertly touch his temple. She closed her eyes and sent him the conversation she’d had just moments ago as well as the one with the boys. He had his hands curled into fists by the time she was finished.

“I’ll kill him.”

Melody shook her head. “I’d prefer running him off first, if you don’t mind. We’ll need to have a meeting tonight. I believe he and Ara and Serena had a bit of a run in today after their scuffle in the hallway. We’re going to have to do this quickly Sev, or it isn’t going to be pretty.”

Severus grunted and stabbed his food moodily. “After the concert then. I have rounds at eleven tonight.”

“I’m having a thought,” Melody said, her eyes slightly glazed. “Do you still have that stash of that foul smelling potion you confiscated from the boys last year? You know, the one your first daughter managed to brew in her second year. Because if you do, Aiden is quite the little copycat.”

“Of course, not that the bloody brats didn’t make another batch.”

Melody nodded. “Well, there’s your alibi. Now I need one. I have the ten shift.”

“Perhaps Cadence?” Severus offered.

“Mmm. We’ll see.”

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Scorpius made sure he wasn’t being followed before he ducked into Melody’s office. She’d told them the ward combination should anyone have need of it. No one had seen him enter. He reset her wards and slunk down into a chair.

Draco flew off his son’s shoulder and shifted into his regular form. He lowered himself into the chair next to Scorpius with a groan. “Merlin, that form will give you a crick in the back for sure.”

Scorpius chuckled. “What did you want to talk to me about dad?”

“Singing,” Draco said softly and studied the awkward shift that his son made. “The boys told me what you are all planning. They also said that you are reluctant to participate. Why is that?”

Scorpius sighed and lowered his head into his hands. “I’m not that good.”

“Bollocks,” Draco snapped. “You’re a damn sight better than a lot of people, even some professionals. Melody is always going on and on about how wonderful you are.”

Scorpius snorted. “Melody would cheer on a dead horse.”

Draco chuckled at that one. “Perhaps, but Scorp, she wouldn’t lie to you. She didn’t lie to James did she?”

Scorp smiled. “No. Told him she’d heard dying cats that were better…but she also said he should take up a piano or something.”

Draco grinned. “She told me to stick to dancing and to stay the hell away from the band. You have to admit though, James can play a mean piano.”

“I suppose so,” Scorpius said with a huff. “But dad, what if I make a fool of myself?”

Draco grinned. “Then you’d fare better than I did.”

Scorpius gave Draco an incredulous look. “You’ve never made an arse out of yourself.”

Draco laughed until tears flowed down his face. “Oh Scorp, you haven’t been listening to our stories very closely, have you? Let’s see, there was the time I tried to get Harry in trouble for sneaking out our first year and ended up in detention right beside him. He bested me the next year when we dueled. I threw a snake at him and he talked to the bloody thing like it was his best friend. Your mother punched my lights out in third year. Fourth year, fake Moody turned me into a little white ferret. Fifth year, I botched a potion and ended up in the infirmary with pink skin for a week. Sixth year, your mother and I made utter fools of ourselves at every possible turn due to our bond. Should I continue?”

Scorpius furrowed his brows. “I never heard about your skin turning pink.”

“Glamour,” Draco said with a smile. “No one but the potion class knew and they all thought I was cured. The whole of Slytherin didn’t let me live it down for months though.”

Scorpius burst into laughter. “I bet not. But still, what if…what if I, um, don’t make a good impression?”

Draco looked at his son for a very long time, causing him to squirm a bit before smiling. “She’ll love you, Scorp. Sometimes, you just have to put yourself out there. I remember when I proposed to your mother. I was absolutely terrified. I mean, we didn’t HAVE to get married and we were still just teens, not any older than you in fact. She had every right to turn me down flat but I sucked it up, got down on my knees, and recited the strangest speech you’ve probably ever heard.”

“And she said yes,” Scorp said with a smile.

“Actually, no she didn’t,” Draco said with a laugh. “I knew she was about to turn me down so I told her to think about it. She said yes that day though…and I’ve never regretted it. The point is, how will you know unless you try?”

“What if she hates me?”

Draco shook his head. “Son, you will find that females, especially the good ones, are remarkably forgiving. Your mother forgave me for five years of torment and trying to nearly kill her. I’m sure Lizzy can forgive you if your voice cracks.”

Scorpius nodded, not the least bit surprised that his dad knew exactly who he was talking about. Finally, he nodded. “I’ll do it.”

“Terrific. Your mother and I will be in the front row…chirping you on.”

Scorpius chuckled and waited patiently for his father to shift back and settle on his shoulder. “You know dad, you and mum are being surprisingly cool about all of this.” He paused until his dad fluttered in front of him, his head tilted in question. He grinned. “Thanks.”

Draco bobbed his head and settled back on his son’s shoulder. It wasn’t often they were called cool parents. It was kind of nice actually. It made thoughts of why they were doing this seem not quite so horrible.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

“Alright Salem, are you ready to rock?” Scorpius yelled into the microphone. There was already quite a gathering. It wasn’t every day they saw students lugging instruments outside and erecting a stage.

‘He looks good up there,’ Hermione thought to her husband. They were both perched on Severus’s shoulder so they could see above the crowd.

‘I’m glad he decided to do this,’ Draco thought back.

‘We’ll have to see if Lizzy is too.’

Draco craned his neck until he saw the timid little blonde that had already captured Scorpius’s attention. Her eyes looked like galleons they were so round. He chuckled. ‘Something tells me that she’s surprised…and not in a bad way.’

Hermione turned to get a glimpse as well. Scorpius was just introducing the band at that point so she wouldn’t miss anything. Lizzy looked about ready to faint. Well, she certainly was in for a big shock. The boy standing beside her was scowling. He looked familiar but he wasn’t Ara’s mate.

‘That’s Rhapsody’s mate, if I’m not mistaken,’ Draco answered. ‘The hunter.’

‘Why does he look like he just swallowed a nasty potion?’

Draco turned in time to see Rhapsody give a cheeky wink and blow a kiss at Aiden. ‘Ah, that’s why. Looks like the jealousy thing is going over well.’

Hermione giggled (which came out as a twitter) and landed on Severus’s shoulder again. ‘Hopefully Zandra and Aiden will go this smoothly.’

‘We’re about to find out,’ Draco said in shock.

‘What?’ Hermione cried but before he could answer, she saw it for herself. At the edge of the wards stood three figures in a small copse of trees. No one had seemed to notice them yet. Scratch that. Melody noticed. She took off at a dead run to figure out what in the hell they were doing there. Surely Alex and Celeste weren’t really standing there with Zandra.

“What in the fuck are you doing here?” Melody growled.

“It’s my fault!” Zandra said quickly. “I…I um…”

“Ran away?” Alex offered.

Zandra sighed. “Yes. I just…I had to get away. I hate being cooped up.”

Celeste snorted. “We thought we’d ask you what to do with her but this is about as far as we were willing to go considering it isn’t curfew yet.”

Melody huffed. “You’re banned from the castle, not the grounds. Zandra, what about the house bothers you?”

“It’s so…quiet now. Lily and Cecil have been sleeping most of the day and there is only so much reading I can stand. I, I have to have something to do or I’m going to go crazy. The memories…they torment me if I can’t focus on something.”

Melody sighed. “Alright. You aren’t well enough to attend full time…but I see no harm in checking the place out. As you can see, things have started off with a bang. Um…I suppose can disillusion you. Severus and I will stand on either side of you to keep people from bumping into you. You must be completely silent and still though. Understand?”

“Oh yes. Thank you. I-I like listening to the band.”

Melody chuckled. “Alright, this is just a tap. It has to be hard, part of the spell. Sorry.”

Zandra squeaked when Melody smacked her on top of the head with her wand but remained silent afterwards. She melted out of sight, blending into the scenery.

“Okay you two flying rats,” Melody said with annoyance. “Transform and I’ll give you a lift.”

“Wow!” Zandra shrieked.

“SHHH!” Melody said hastily. “The band isn’t playing yet. Yes, they are animagi. Anyway, come on. Stay close.”

‘Well this is going to make it interesting,’ Draco thought.

‘And now Aiden knows,’ Hermione whispered.

Rhapsody and Cadence had barreled onto the stage and were whispering frantically about Zandra arriving. Aiden paled a bit but nodded all the same.

“I’m in if you are Scorp,” Aiden muttered.

“Can’t back out now,” Scorpius replied. “Let’s do this.”

The band cranked up just as Melody arrived with two bats and an invisible Zandra. To their surprise, it was James that came up to stand behind them so no one would try to walk through her and Severus. Rose stood in front because she was quite a bit shorter and wouldn’t impede Zandra’s view.

Scorpius and Aiden stepped up to the mikes. With deep breaths, they began singing in harmony:

I judge by what she’s wearing just how many head I’m tearing off of assholes coming on to her.

Each night seems like it’s getting worse.

I wish she’d take the night off so I don’t have to fight off every asshole coming on to her.

It happens every night she works.

They’ll go and ask the DJ to find out just what would she say if they all tried coming on to her.

Don’t they know it’s never gonna work?

They think they’ll get inside her with every drink they buy her as they all try coming on to her.

This time somebody’s getting hurt.

Here comes the next contestant.

Is that your hand on my girlfriend?

Is that your hand?

I wish you’d do it again.

I’ll watch you leave here limping.

I wish you’d do it again.

I’ll watch you leave here limping.

There goes the next contestant.

The kids outside went wild…all except for the gang members. They apparently didn’t miss the pointed stares they were getting from the band. They understood immediately. This song had been deliberately chosen as a message: mess with the girls and I’ll rearrange your limbs.

‘We’ll that message was received loud and clear,’ Draco chuckled.

‘Wonder how Zandra likes it?’

Hermione stared at the space between Severus and Melody where Zandra was. She could make out a few ripples as Zandra moved, unable to help herself. The tune was quite catchy. The next number was a bit more risqué than any of the adults would have liked…in this setting at least. However, the kids loved it. Hermione wondered briefly if the first years registered the fact that the subject of the song was getting a blow job in the car.

Unfortunately, someone did register it. Whorple. The fat hag was huffing and puffing as she waddled up like a giant grey tugboat towards the makeshift stage the kids had built. If she frowned any harder, her face was going to crack. She flicked her wand and the sound from the instruments died immediately.

“What is the meaning of this?” Whorple shrieked in outrage.

Aiden snorted, placed his wand to his throat, and cast a sonorous. “Band practice, why?”

“This is entirely inappropriate and against the rules!”

“Where?” Aiden asked and produced a scroll. He deftly unrolled it and held it up for everyone to see. Sure enough, it was the entire rule list for Salem. “If you could point it out where it says no playing instruments outside, then we’ll gladly stop.”

“It says no blatant disruptions!”

“I’m sorry,” Aiden said, though just how not sorry he was oozed from his stance. “I fail to see the problem. It is after diner. We are outside. No one is being forced to be here. In fact, if you had noticed, there are sound barriers to keep the sound from drifting into the castle.”

Whorple spluttered for a few moments before she reeled around and turned on Melody and Severus. “Are you going to let them get away with this?”

Melody snorted. “They’re not my kids tonight.”

Severus couldn’t help but chuckle. “Headmistress, I believe Aiden is correct. The children are not intentionally disrupting anyone’s evening.”

“I suppose Hogwarts let you get away with this then?” Whorple asked in disgust.

“Actually,” Aiden countered. “There is a special room inside the castle that allows us the privacy to practice without being detected at all. I’m afraid that Salem holds no such luxury.”

Whorple turned purple with rage. “Are you saying that Salem is subpar?”

“No,” Aiden said with a quirked eyebrow to rival his father. “I’m merely saying that the room I spoke of was a particular luxury that Salem doesn’t hold. Hogwarts and Salem are night and day from one another.”

“How do you justify your answer?” Whorple demanded. “Salem is the top magical academy in America!”

“It’s the only bloody academy in America,” Severus murmured under his breath which caused Melody to snicker.

Aiden smirked at his father before answering. “I never questioned Salem’s curriculum, or even the castle itself. In fact, there are several luxuries that Salem has that Hogwarts didn’t. The ability to return home on the weekends and quidditch teams based on year are some of the privileges that we weren’t afforded there. Then again, the teachers at Hogwarts are more diverse.”

“How dare you!” Whorple cried. “How dare you criticize our teachers. They all have outstanding backgrounds and are gifted in their subjects. You of all people should know that.”

Aiden snorted. “I didn’t criticize the teachers. Diversity of origin has no bearings on intellect. I merely meant that the teachers come from diverse backgrounds and ancestries.”

“How could you possibly know that?” Whorple snapped.

Aiden smiled evilly. “You hardly need to look at a Centaur’s family tree to know what species they are. In addition, there is a half-goblin, a werewolf, a vampire, and a half-giant on staff. The vampire actually replaced a ghost that had been teaching for the better part of a century.”

“That’s preposterous!” Whorple sneered. “Such creatures have no business being in a school. They are dangerous!”

Aiden’s eyes narrowed in anger. Before he could say anything, Rhapsody leapt on stage and slapped her hand over his mouth. “No Aiden, it isn’t worth it. She’ll never understand.”

“Understand what?” Whorple sneered.

“That creatures are just like everyone else,” Melody said darkly, saving the children from having to explain further. All eyes were on her now. “You know, bigotry like what you have just displayed is why there were not one, but two wars in England. Only then, it wasn’t about being a creature, it was about magical blood purity. I watched as wizards, witches, house elves, centaurs, giants, vampires, and werewolves fought together and died for the exact same cause: equality.”

“What lessons could a vampire possibly teach?” Whorple sneered. “Or a werewolf?”

Melody sniffed. “That werewolf, as you call him, is as gentle as a lamb and one of the best Defense teachers I have ever met. Who better to teach a class about dark creatures than a dark creature? The vampire? He’s been around since before the days of Merlin, actually met the wizard himself. How much do you think he’s witnessed in his lifetime? Actually, he visited the castle the other day. The seventh years have all met him.”

She raised her voice and caught the eye of several of the other seventh years. “Did he once strike you as a blood thirsty fiend? I told you all he was a history professor. Did one of you think to test this knowledge? No. No you didn’t.”

She shook her head sadly. “The half-giant is the kindest and most generous man you’ve ever met in your life. He has a gift with all manner of deadly creatures. His brother, a full giant, is completely domesticated…and quite handy if you’d like to fell a large copse of trees. The centaur, you’ve never heard more beautiful or accurate predictions. And the half-goblin is the most talented charms teacher I’ve ever met, a dueling champion, and a wonderful choir director. What about them is so horrible?”

“If you like them so much, why not stay?” Michael MacNeeley yelled.

Melody gave him a cruel smile. “Because I retired. I only returned to teaching because I was bored and I thought Salem would be the perfect place to start again. It is my alma mater after all.”

“You dropped out,” Michael said triumphantly. Shocked murmurs raced through the crowd.

Melody pursed her lips. “I did…for health reasons. Once I healed, I completed my studies…under the tutelage of one Albus Dumbledore.”

Everyone fell silent at that declaration. Like Harry Potter, Albus Dumbledore was a name that everyone was familiar with. The one true owner of the elder wand who defeated one of the darkest wizards to ever live and survive the assassination attempts of another. The man was brilliant, if unorthodox, and he commanded respect.

Draco twittered at the shocked reactions from the crowd. Of course, he and Hermione had known that tidbit of information for a while. Even though she was unable to perform magic after Severus switched a portion of her core with her sisters, she still wanted to complete her education. Albus offered to tutor her in theoretical practice and she accepted. That was after the fall of the Dark Lord, after Severus had offered his life as a spy…and before Harry came to Hogwarts. Now it gained the respect of others. They didn’t have to know exactly how she had completed her education, just who she had studied under.

“What health reasons?” MacNeeley snapped.

“I don’t believe that is any of your business,” Melody sneered. “Now, as much fun as I’m having answering your useless questions, I’m afraid that it is now close to curfew. Children, I believe that by the time you clear everything away, it will be time to go inside. Please do so now.”

“Yes Professor Bach,” the children chanted in a chorus and began to put their things away somberly.

“Good grief,” Melody said in exasperation. “I didn’t say you had to do so as if you were attending a funeral.”

The children laughed and began singing silly songs and dancing around as they shrunk their instruments. Seeing that the show was over, the other students of Salem made their way back into the castle. There seemed to be a change amongst them though. Whispers of how passionately Ms. Bach had defended creatures swept through the crowd.

“Why would she defend them like that?”

“Doesn’t she know how dangerous they are?”

“Well, they can’t be too dangerous. I mean, Dumbledore is a fruitcake but he’d never put his students at risk.”

“How is letting a vampire and a werewolf teach not putting them at risk?”

“Werewolves are only dangerous on the full moon. I don’t see why he couldn’t teach.”

Melody smirked in triumph. She hadn’t quite planned on having such a public debate about creatures, but she couldn’t have been more pleased with the outcome. Now the students might have original thoughts of their own. It was a step in the right direction at least.

“How dare you,” Whorple hissed into her ear. “How dare you try to make me look like a bigoted fool.”

“Isn’t that what you are?” Melody spat. “You’ve banned my husband from this castle simply because of what he is. It wasn’t his choice to become a vampire. He’s not a soulless creature of the night and yet you condemn him on those grounds. Will you kick his children out of this school on those grounds as well?”

Whorple smirked. “I think you and I both know those aren’t his children.” She gave a pointed look to Severus, who was still standing off to the side. His large frame was providing a safe spot for Zandra to hide behind.

“Two words Whorple,” Melody said darkly. “Blood adoption.”

“What?” Whorple hissed.

Melody gave her a serene smile. “Their last names are Lee. Why do you think that is?”

“You mean to tell me that they are vampires!”

Melody rolled her eyes. “No. Vampirism is a venom contracted curse which is activated by death. Sharing blood has no bearing on turning a victim. The twins are human. My point is that their dad is a vampire and they will not take kindly to the views that you push on these ignorant children. It’s bigots like you that start wars. I do wonder what their parents would think, should it get out that you are putting false ideas into their minds.”

“Is that a threat?”

“It’s a promise,” Melody said softly and spun around, stalking off to the castle. She shot a look to Cadence and Aiden which they quickly caught. They would meet her in a few moments.

Whorple gawked for a few moments before spinning back on Severus. “You need to rein in your lover Snape, or she might find herself without a job.”

“Madam,” Severus drawled. “She hasn’t been my lover for many years, but I would be worried about my own skin if I were you. There is a reason the Dark Lord recruited her and you will do well to remember that.”

“If you think you can bully me-“

“I never said anything of the sort,” Severus cut her off. “I’m merely reminding you of who you are butting heads with. I can imagine the field day the paper will have with the news of the school sending fifteen teenagers to the emergency ward because they were wearing a simple charm. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have papers to grade.”

AN: Sorry this wasn't up earlier guys. I've spent most of my day at the ER. Anyway, that Whorple got her ass handed to her didn't she? *evil grin* As always, thanks to everyone for your uplifting reviews. I read them a LOT. I mean, there isn't much else to do in the ER, is there? Anyway, keep them coming and let me know how I'm doing and if you find any errors. Until next time...Love you guys!

*The song they band sings is Next Contestant by Nickleback. (the one after that is Animals by the same band)
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Fooling Fate *sequel to Bound*

Fooling Fate sequel to Bound