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All The Stars In The Sky	By : lemonsqueeze13 Category: Harry Potter > General > General Views: 5428 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 1
- 2
- 3
Chapter 2: Power

“Black, Narcissa!” a younger and much less stressed McGonagall bellowed out. She actually looks so youthful; I suspect it has less to do with the war and more to do with a select few students. What the hell had the marauders and the Weasley twins done to the poor woman.

Narcissa tried her best to look as controlled and calm as possible, but she really couldn’t hide her nervousness from the people she grew up with. As she sat down on the stool, she surreptitiously took a quick peek towards us before the hat was plonked on her head. Guess she’s made her mind up to where she wants to go.

“Slytherin!” yeah. The hat wants what the heart wants. Narcissa practically ran her way down towards the table and quite contentedly squeezed in next to Bellatrix, who put a comforting hand on her sister’s golden hair and ran it through once before resting it on her shoulders. The both of them looked over to Andi and I. I gave Bella an approving nod, she lifted her nose in the air higher than it already was and a small smile threatened to show on her face. Clearly she’s happy that I’m happy with her, Bella is so easy to read, I guarantee she will be as terrible at occlumency as I am. I gave a little wink to Narcissa, she just dipped her head in embarrassment and returned a smile to Andi who smiled as sweetly, as we were want to do in public, at the both of them.

“Black, Sirius!” Ah, here we go. Just look at the little bugger strutting his way up the podium. He’s got his chest out and everything, what an absolute tosser.

“Oh for pity’s sake!” Andi hissed out as she brought her hand up to cover her embarrassment with Sirius. I had to laugh at that.

“Gryffindor!” pin drop silence. Nice Sirius nice, your sorting is just as awkward as Harry’s was, congratulations. Sirius’ surprise was only overshadowed at old Sluggy’s confusion. Sorry Horace, guess you’re never going to complete that collection.

“Ouch! Blimey Andi!” she’d clutched my arm under the table and dug her nails in. Oh dear, she’s looking extremely worried, so are Bella and Narcissa for that matter.

“Ara - Sirius - he” she hurriedly whispered.

“Stop blabbering Andromeda, I told you this might happen. Don’t worry, I’ll sort it out.” I took her hand in mine and managed to get her claws to stop digging into my flesh. She kept holding onto my hand though, doing her best to break every bone in it.

Sirius stood a little stunned, McGonagall pulled off the hat and gently gestured towards her house’s table for him. Giving a small nod, he started making his way down and took an uneasy glance towards us. Bellatrix got her wits back about her, gave Sirius a reassuring nod and started clapping loudly. This seems to snap everyone out of their shock as they quietly followed suit. I’m going to have to do something really nice for Bella because of this. Sirius stole a look my way, I blew him a nice little kiss. This quelled whatever worry he had, beaming a wide grin at us he puffed his chest out again and marched down the table and sat at an empty spot.

“Don’t encourage him Ara, he’s making a fool of himself!” Andi clenched my hand tighter still.

“Andi, he needs no encouragement at all to turn himself into a spectacle. Also, if you’re so keen on breaking my bones, just use the curse next time, there’s no reason whatsoever to put me through this torture.” Oh no, she’s glaring again.

“This is your fault; you deserve all this pain. Now shut up and comfort me already.”

“Fine, fine, but please stop gripping so hard, I promise you something snapped in my hand earlier.” I ran my thumb over the back of her hand and she finally loosened her death grip a little. If she leaned a little closer into me, I didn’t bother mentioning it.

The sorting went on, I didn’t catch too many familiar names, but did my part in welcoming all the fresh faced firsties. That is until it came to the person I was possibly looking forward to the most.

“Evans, Lily!” wow, that used to be my mum. The hat took a little bit of time with her.

“Gryffindor!” she’s got a really nice smile. Thanking McGonagall she walked down to where the rest of the first years had gathered, she seemed a little unsure where to sit until Sirius scooted over and pointed at the seat next to him. Giving him a quick thanks she sat and smiled at him. Sirius, I’m going to kiss you for real now. I’m going to personally make sure you don’t piss her off too quickly.

Remus came soon after her, poor guy was so terrified of being here. He kept glancing towards Dumbledore the entire time looking for reassurance. If he had a tail right now, it’d be tucked so far down he’d be tickling his belly button with it. He, as before, got sorted to Gryffindor. Bless my old mum’s heart she pulled the scared bloke down next to her and practically forced him to calm down a little.

The P’s started coming in, Pettigrew was sorted to the Lions as well and sat with the other first years. I’m going to make sure that little prick ends up no where near the rest. I’m not going to actively have him shunned or anything, just keep the little rat on the perimeter, it would be my fault alone if I let him be in a position to betray everyone again.

Old dad was next. He too decided to strut. Sirius and he really were made for each other. When James sat down next to Sirius, it was essentially love at first sight. If Walburga were here right now she’d have probably strangled him for being Gryffindor and, in her mind, gay.

The S’s were next, I had tagged Snape during Lily’s sorting, he was immediately downtrodden when she went to Gryffindor. He clearly knew that wasn’t going to be his house.

“Skeeter, Rita!” wait what? No way.

“Slytherin!” Oh no fucking way! I had no idea the little insect shared the same year as Harry’s parents. And, she’s in my house now too. I’m a prefect, I’ve got a responsibility to look after the bloody beetle now. Well no thank you, Andi can handle her. I still haven’t forgiven her for the shit she pulled with the Tri-Wizard Tournament, and of course all the filth she published with Fudge’s help in fifth year. I’ll show you both disturbed and dangerous.

Oh, missed Snape’s sorting. Slytherin of course. Just look at him, looking at Lily all forlorned, he’s been this pathetic his whole life it seems, he didn’t grow into what he was, he was already there, albeit with a lot less resentment and anger though. But not to worry, I’m sure he’ll get there and start cursing the Potter name before you can say death eater.

I know Dumbledore wanted Harry to forgive Snape, and help me understand why Snape had done the things he did. But honestly I think I hated him more after my little pensieve adventure. Whatever, we won’t have problems as long as he keeps the hell away from me. I mean no wonder Slytherin has such a shit reputation, when you get people like Skeeter and Snape sorted into it. Literally two of the most venomous people Harry ever had the displeasure of knowing.

“Now that the sorting has reached it’s end, I welcome the first years and welcome back all others to the beginning of a new year at Hogwarts. Please enjoy the feast prepared for us, and look forward to all the learning yet to be had. Now without further ado, Tinsel, Peach, Hubbly & Bubbly.” Dumbledore spread his arms as the food appeared.

He does this every year, calls out four random words and the food comes. In Harry’s timeline, he’d only done it once during the first year, but now he’s done it every year since I’ve joined. They’re the names of the house elves serving the tables. Cheeky old codger likes to give the image it’s his conjuring. He’s not overtly stating it, that’s not his style. No, he just lets the little children's imagination run wild, and lets them come to their own conclusions.

You ever heard the phrase ‘Don’t bite the hand that feeds you’?

The feast as always was delicious, no-one makes a treacle tart like a Hogwarts house elf. More importantly however, Andromeda finally left my hand so she could eat. As much as I adore Poppy, I’d rather not visit her at least until my first Quidditch game or duelling session. Dinner went on until we were finally released to our duties of guiding the first years to their dorms. Andi and I being the newly appointed fifth year prefects had that privilege tonight.

Right as everyone had begun leaving the great hall, Sirius scuttled over towards us. “Ara! You’re not sore about me being Gryffindor are you?” He looked uncharacteristically serious and a little anxious as he asked the rest of the Black family this. We were all in Slytherin, while he was the sole Lion after all. I just sighed lightly and patted him on the head.

“Sirius I’ve known you’d be Gryffindor the day your mother threatened to hex your arse off and you in response pulled down your trousers and stuck out your boney bum to her. That, is both bravery and stupidity, all hallmarks of a Gryffindor. And need I remind you that I’ve already pre-empted this conversation with the house, so you’ve nothing to fret about. Just write your parents a letter and let me handle the rest.”

He visibly deflated in relief. “Don’t worry Siri, we’re all here, no matter how irritating you are.” C’mon Andi give the kid a break.

“Alright now off with you, you mongrel. Don’t keep your little strays waiting any longer.” Bellatrix pointed towards Lily, Remus, and of course James, waiting on him. Sirius turned back towards the four of us, gave a searching look, and satisfied with what he saw, nodded and rushed back to his new friends.

“You’ve got a job you two” Bellatrix told Andi and I. “Best not keep the young ones waiting.” She said as she went her own way back to the Slytherin dorms.

Now that we were at the dungeons, it was time for the meat of the matter. Slytherin initiation. Gryffindor doesn’t have this, I’m sure Ravenclaw doesn’t either - being the house of the reclusive academics. Hufflepuff might have their own version with rainbows and unicorns, but Slytherin took setting ground rules very seriously. You don’t just join Slytherin, you must earn your place.

As Andi, I, and the new kids approached the wall that hid the entrance, I hissed out the password in parseltongue. Completely unnecessary on my part, but always good for a laugh, especially when they jump in surprise. Slughorn encouraged me to do this after the first time he caught me trying to terrify one of the Slug Club party guests.

We entered to find, as with every year, all the furniture in the room pushed back to the walls and all the current residents either alongside or on the furniture. Creating a large empty space for the first years to come and display themselves. Slughorn, was facing the fireplace, his back turned towards everyone. He was flanked by Bellatrix and Lucius Malfoy on either side. Both were staring daggers at the fresh meat. The entire common room was bathed in a soft green glow coming from the Black Lake’s water. All very ominous, all very scary, for the first years at least.

Andromeda and I took our leave from them and joined the rest of the house on the sidelines. Leaving the first years to awkwardly shuffle closer together and anxiously glance around the less than welcoming faces surrounding them.

“Slytherin is now your house my children, and as with any house, those living under the same roof as you are all family.” Slughorn started his speech, still looking at the fire, not bothering to turn around. Does every Slytherin have to be so damn dramatic all the time?

“In a family we all strive to care for each other, help nurture one another, and above all protect ourselves. Feel free to make your friends and enemies outside these halls, but always remember that family comes first. We all know that in a home there is a hierarchy to be followed, and it is no different here.” We’ve all heard this speech before, but most were still paying rapt attention.

“At the top of this hierarchy is me, Professor Horace Slughorn, potions master and head of Slytherin house. When at hogwarts I am your father. You answer to me first and foremost, if you cause trouble or if you are in trouble, you will always answer to me first. Not the Headmaster, neither the Deputy nor any of the other Professors. Me. Standing beside me are the heads of the Slytherin council and the next in the hierarchy. Bellatrix Black and Lucius Malfoy. They are in charge of each and every prefect here, they are in charge of each and everyone one of you from this point on. I shall now secede the floor to them. Council if you please.” And with that Sluggy took his leave and joined me on the side with the rest of the students.

“Charming introduction as always Professor.” I whispered as he got comfortable on the plush green wingback in front of me.

“Ah! Ara my boy! Thank you for your kind words, and thank you for bringing the little ones unharmed. With your silver tongue I imagine it was rather enjoyable for them coming in.” chuckling quietly he looked up at me with a questioning eye.

“Yes professor, they certainly jumped for joy… at least I hope it was joy, wouldn’t be becoming of me going around scaring eleven year olds.” I put my hand on his left shoulder and gestured back to the center with my chin, the show was restarting.

“Well hello ickle firsties, once again welcome to Slytherin house.” Oh starting right off with the baby voice.

“Allow me to reintroduce myself. I am Bellatrix Black. Henceforth known as, your new big sister.” quick switch to gentle tone. She suddenly shifted and wrenched a first year girl by the collar of her robes and dragged her back to the front. She kept a firm grip on the frightened little girls robes as she gently began running a soothing hand through her hair. Bella’s bringing her full arsenal out today.

“And as your big sister it’s my job to make sure that you’re all doing your best in classes and getting the marks we expect of you, to make sure that no one is being bullied, to make sure that you keep Slytherin’s image and keep all your mischief hidden or if all else within these commons. And most importantly to make sure that you do not embarrass this house!” Oh she’s going in for the kill, her countenance switches so quickly. Suddenly Bellatrix painfully grabs a handful of the girl's hair and yanks her head to the side eliciting a pained squeal. Bellatrix leans in and gently strokes her cheek with the first years’, eyes keeping contact with the rest of the initiates, as she continued with her hostile tone.

“Because I promise you, should I feel you deserve it, my punishments will be most uncomfortable.” She quickly let go of the girl who immediately fell to the floor on her hands and knees, straining to hold back her tears. All this might seem a little harsh, but it’s necessary to set boundaries this early, give these little demons an inch and they’ll run the whole quidditch field. And Bellatrix is just a master class at this sort of delivery, I’ve seen her do the mood and tone switch a hundred times, but it still sends chills down my spine.

“Are we all understood? Good!” and back to the baby voice. Just fucking phenomenal. Oh! And she’s cackling now, full on, head thrown back and top of her lungs. Any villain would be green with envy. If I could clap without ruining the mood Bellatrix, I’d be giving you standing ovation for this. Just a masterpiece of threatening children.

“Oh my, Ms. Black is delightfully terrifying is she not?”

“You’ve no idea Professor.”

“Ok Lucy dear your turn, no need to keep your subjects waiting.” Nicely done, got a parting shot on Lucius as well. He just sneered at her as they walked past each other.

“I am Lucius Malfoy. Head of Slytherin council. You will do as I say, and will stick to your assigned stations in life. Be very aware of your worth in our world, and do not overstep your bounds.” Lucius gave his practiced leer to the youngsters, before turning around and walking back.

Sluggy’s face soured a bit at his address. “Mr. Malfoy seems to disagree with my sentiment of family.”

“Yes he seems quite taken with the rising blood purity dogma as of late. Especially after he made acquaintances last summer with an old school chum of his father’s. I believe you know of him too professor.” Slughorn stiffened under my hand. He knew who I was talking about.

“If you’d like professor, I could knock him down a few rungs on the ladder. He’s been grating my nerves since last year, and I’d have done it regardless, but I feel a more public humiliation is in order don’t you?”

Slughorn quickly grasped my hand on his shoulder and turned a worried look in my direction. What is it with the hand holding today? “This friend of Mr. Malfoy is a dangerous foe to have Ara, please think it through before you decide on any course of action pertaining to anybody in Mr. Malfoy’s corner.” See this right here is why I like Sluggy, despite the fact that he loves networking like no other, he wholeheartedly cares about us. That’s more than I can say for most people I’ve had experience with outside the family. And don’t even get me started on Harry’s life.

“Don’t worry, I know exactly what I’m dealing with. There’s no Riddle Ara Black can’t solve professor.” I gave his stunned face a wink and walked forward and stood in between the council and the first years. All eyes on me now.

“Quite the … inspiring speech Lucius. Any other tidbits of wisdom? Or are you finished spilling your tripe?”

“Black! Return to your hole before I force you back there.”

“Come now Malfoy, there’s no need for that. It’s just a simple question. Are you, or are you not done vomiting your bullshit, so that I may now speak?” Ooh, he’s cross with me now. Wands out lads.

“Bloody well understand who you dare talk down to Black, lest you realize how far the fall is.” Uh oh, seems he’s ready to finish me off if the green light on the tip of his wand is any indication.

I gave a quick nod to Bellatrix, she got the hint. Rushing forward she quickly grabbed the still sitting first year and pulled her into her lap. I just wanted the girl out of the way, not for her to continue suffering under Bella’s idea of skinship. Poor kid can’t seem to catch a break. “Well aren’t you ickle babies lucky. Dinner and a show. Professor Slughorn, I believe that Ara has decided to challenge Malfoy for his seat at the head of the council yes?”

“Y-yes… quite. Very well, let us activate the dueling wards. Come everybody take a nice step back towards your nearest wall. Duelers call in your seconds.”

“Antonin Dolohov” Lucius commanded the 6th year. Good choice, he's powerful, skilled, and lightning quick. But best of all I’ve been looking for any opportunity to raze him since I remembered he was the arsehole who almost killed Hermione at the ministry.

“Hmm, Casper Gamp” he’s a younger quidditch teammate. Chaser.

“WHAT!” the little third year screeched out. I motioned him over and ducked over him to quietly whisper.

“Listen don’t worry, I know you can cast a protego by now. Ill conjure a brick wall for you, cast the shield and huddle down for the fight. I just need someone to keep out of my way while I fight these two. You think you can do that for me?”

“Uh… sure. You certain you don’t want any help for this, they aren’t exactly pushovers. Didn't Dolohov win a dueling tournament or something? Andromeda looks ready to go.” He pointed to someone over my shoulder. I looked back and saw a thoroughly pissed Andi. Shite. Forgot about her. Well too late now.

“Yeah she’d probably help Malfoy at this point. Just relax and leave it to me.” He nodded and got in position behind me. Neither Dolohov or Malfoy were pleased at my choice of second, they know I intend to fight them by myself.

The wards went up and surrounded the four of us inside a transparent cube. “Very well gentlemen, Ara Black is officially challenging Lucius Malfoy for his seat as head representative of the Slytherin council. You may now commence!” Slughorn announced the start of the fight.

Dolohov immediately took charge and fired off a curse, Lucius receded into the back and shot off his own. I didn't take the time to figure out what they were, in one smooth motion I ducked under Dolohov’s curse, swiped my wand to conjure the wall for Casper, and ended the swipe by batting off Malfoy’s hex with the tip of my wand. Casper wasted no time and dove behind the wall, cast his shield and prepared to wait out the fight.

With the introductions finished, we began taking our positions. Lucius stood behind and away from Antonin, arms raised and wand pointed out in his dueling stance. Dolohov was right up front, knees bent and body hunched over slightly, wand in his left hand pointed directly at me. This was a traditional technique for fighting with a partner, the person in the rear was in charge of distracting the opponent and shielding, the person up ahead was the main fighter.

I stood with my wand side shoulder facing them, shrinking myself as a target. Lucius impatiently cast an exploding hex, I shielded, as it impacted a cutting curse courtesy of Dolohov sailed towards my knee caps. I hopped over, and twisted to my left as another blasting curse hit where I’d landed. The salvo continued like this for a while as both older boys alternated firing powerful curses at me non-stop in an effort to keep me occupied. I didn’t bother shielding after the first rally, I simply dodged or swatted any I couldn’t out of my way.

While I was sort of hopping around, trying not to get cursed by anything, the both of them were taking steps forward with each curse. Advancing up the field to try and limit room for me to act and box me in between their wands and the wards at my back. There’s a reason why these two will become inner circle death eaters, they are very capable in a fight. And judging by the smirks on their faces they are certainly aware of their proficiency. I almost feel a little bad slapping those grins off.

Using their own tactics against them sounds like a good idea, I cast a nice, large and powerful shield in front of me and started taking quicks steps forward. All their curses kept bouncing off forcing them to keep retreating, unless they wanted to be hit with ricochets of their own spells. In one fell swoop, I’d turned our positions around.

Dolohov did not like this one bit and decided to dispense with the schoolyard spells. He conjured a flame whip and started waving that thing around with abandon. Lucius caught on quick and cast a continuous stream dancing flame hexes, very fast with great potential for damage, really good tactic. I matched each of the flames with low powered banishers, dispelling them before they reached me, this also gave me space enough to avoid the flame whip.

The lack of any connecting curses really got on Dolohov’s nerves, so he decided to change focus from me to Gamp hiding behind the wall. Roaring in anger he unleashed a full powered incendio, dousing the wall in a sea of fire. Casper’s shield wasn't holding up too well either.

“ARA HELP!” Casper, once again, screeched at full volume.

“What’s wrong Black? Is the sound of Gamp burning alive bothering you?” Oh is that how you want to play it Dolohov, alright I’ll bite. I launched another shield to stall Malfoy’s assault as I ran back to the wall.

“Fulmen” I had to say this one aloud, can’t have people thinking I can cast one of the toughest dark art spells with practiced ease, it would bring too much attention, more so than being able to use it at all at least. Instantly a blinding flash of lightning arched out of my wand and fanned out the width of the dueling space. Dolohov and Malfoy both were smart to drop any offensive and shield themselves, the results of being hit by this spell are not pretty.

Taking advantage of their cowering, I tossed an alarte ascendare at Dolohov’s feet. The same useless little jinx that Lockhart used on the snake back in Harry’s second year. Dolohov was sent arse over tea kettle up in the air, keeping up the momentum I chained in a captivatus and cocooned him in chains, before ending him with a weak degravo slamming him down hard to the floor with a nice meaty thump.
Yeah. He’s finished.

Lucius finally popped up from behind his protego, and witnessed his friend and partners mangled heap on the floor.

“Don’t worry Lucy, he’s not anywhere near dead, but it might be a while before Pomphrey clears him for solid foods.” God I love taunting Malfoys, they always have the best expressions. And sure enough, Lucius’ face contorted into the most hateful scowl he could pull off. Abandoning any thought of defence, Lucius pulled back his arm, and in an enraged shout launched a bright pink curse. The flesh rotting curse, looks like it’s time to end this. And as much as I’d like to deflect this and just disarm him, the whole point of the duel was to knock him off his hippogriff, so something a little flashy is more appropriate.

Quick as I could shouted and cast perfringo the bone shattering curse, I do have to speak his language to get through to him after all. The two spells connected in the center, and a battle of magical wills began, sort of like the priori incantatem effect, but without the whole golden phoenix cage and ghosts popping out; just a pure contest of magical power. I’d purposely said the name of the spell, so Lucius would know exactly what he's facing, and judging by his new frightened expression I’m confident he’s got the idea.

So far I’d just held my magic in place, not forcing or retreating so the spell clash was kept where it was, Lucius however, was visibly struggling. He wasn’t going to be able to keep this up for much longer. Encouraging my power a little, I allowed it the connection to flow and advance in Malfoy’s direction. He was on his knees now, pointing his wand as hard as he could. Really wasn’t helping him any.

“Black! Stop this!” Oh look, he’s panicking. I brought my free hand up to my ear and leaned my head in his direction a little.

“I’m sorry Lucius, I don’t think I heard you properly over your whimpering. Are you telling me you surrender, and abdicate the head of the council to me?” Just twisting the knife.

“YES I FORFEIT! Now stop your fucking spell already!” I accepted his resignation with a nod and flicked my wand so that the spell would miss his carefully combed hair and sail over to the ward behind him. Oh woops, and not a minute too soon, I’d put a little too much into that, it’s managed to crack the ward, that would have killed him for sure. Even mum would’ve had my hide if I killed him. Lucius just stared at me in abject shock and horror, a look mirrored by almost everyone else in the room as the wards were collapsed.

Oh bollocks! Thats right, they were all probably just expecting a few stunners and disarmers, not the full on duel to the death we essentially had. Well that’s what you get when you put two of Voldemort's favourite new recruits against someone as incredible as me. You get you’re galleon’s worth. Well at least Casper seems happy to not have died, he’s laid flat out on the ground there.

“Looks like Slytherin has a new big brother, c’mon everybody welcome your new head of council Ara Black.” Cue excited cackle. Bellatrix, you cut through tension in a room like no other, I’m really looking forward to rewarding you now. As everyone joined the ceremony I took my bow as Slughorn approached us.

“Yes splendid, now everybody back up to your rooms. It’s been a busy day for all and I feel it’s time we all retired for the evening.” The spectators began shuffling as they excitedly discussed what just happened and the subsequent ramifications that will inevitably follow. Sometimes I wish they were a little more like Gryffindors, and were just excited that they got to see three people almost kill themselves. As the crowd thinned out Slughorn crept even closer to us.

“Lucius, please do escort young Antonin to the medical wing and give Poppy dear my regards. Have her take a look at yourself as well, no harm. And despite my displeasure at your conduct I would like to congratulate you on a well fought match.” Malfoy just gave a curt but respectful nod as he left with a levitating Dolohov next to him, but not without his patented baleful glare aimed at Bellatrix as she waved him out the door.

“It seems, Mr. Black, that you have been holding back your talents from me.” And as predicted Sluggy’s hooked.

“Well professor, then I’d say it’d be prudent if we spent a little time together, so you can prick my brains about anything you want.” Slughorn gave me a small smile and nodded.

“That sounds like a smashing idea. But I think I’ll retreat for tonight, you have already provided me enough to ponder on. Frankly I’ve had two Blacks terrify me already, so I’d very much like to be spared a third demonstration of your family’s particular flavour of terror. If you’ll excuse me.”

Bellatrix and I bid him a goodnight and turned around to find a livid Andromeda staring me down. I’m honestly too tired to deal with this. Thinking quick, I shoved Bella onto her path, toppling them both over and made a dash for my room.

“ARA GET BACK HERE!” Success. Bellatrix I promise you that reward will be worth it. Oh they’ll chew me to shreds in the morning, but that's tomorrow, but all I want to do for what's left today is get to bed. Entering my private suite - prefects in Slytherin get their own rooms, with baths attached - I was once more ambushed by a woman. At least this one doesn’t seem cross with me, so I might as well hear her out.

“Alessandra, as nice as you are to gaze at, what exactly are you doing in my room?” Alessandra Zabini. 6th year, and a very hot Italian number.

“Well Ara, I thought that I might take some time to congratulate you on your new appointment.” She stood up from my bed leaving an imprint of her very shapely bottom on my sheets. She slowly stepped into my space and began running her hands over my chest.

“And while I’m here I thought I’d also ask you for a favour.” She whispered that last part in my ear and had herself a nibble. Right, this is happening.

“I’ll give you that favour on one condition Zabini”

“Hm?” She just moaned questioningly without taking her lips of my neck, slowly starting to divest my of my clothes.

“You keep up that accent of yours for me.” She just giggled, and continued lavishing me with her attention. Guess I know what I’m doing for the rest of the night. I do so love a girl who can roll her r’s.

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I’m making my way down to the infirmary, I’d been called in during breakfast by fourth year Gryffindor messenger boy Frank Longbottom, on Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall's behalf. I use that specific title, because that’s exactly who I’m planning on meeting. I’m guessing this has to do with last night's duel. Just a hunch.

And as much as I wish I was heading down for this alone; I do have plans for this meeting aside from getting yelled at a sit happens; Andromeda wasn’t having any of it. The entire trip down she’d chastised me on my behaviour the previous evening, and what she has in store for me should I pull something like it again. Keep in mind, this is after she spent the majority of breakfast lecturing me on what I did and why it was wrong.

Here, finally!

“Mr. Black explain yourself!” Those two seconds of silence were pure bliss.

“Good morning headmistress, how can I help you?” I replied with a smile. She simply stared at me, thin lipped and barely suppressed anger, pointing at the frail form of Antonin Dolohov tucked into his cot. I took a minute to examine him seriously.

“Well headmistress, I’m no expert, but it looks to me as if, Dolohov here has had a good number of his bones fractured, it's almost as of he was flattened somehow. You really should send him to a healer professor, I’m not nearly competent enough to treat him.” Andromeda very loudly slapped her forehead in frustration.
“I’m very well aware of his condition, thank you Mr. Black! What I meant was why have you put him in his current condition.” Right, better stop fooling around, she’s none too happy about this and clearly wants a justifiable explanation. Plus, I need to ask her for a favour, so best not ruin my chances of getting that fulfilled.

“Lets call it retribution for trying to roast a third year alive in front of the rest of the house shall we? I’m sure professor Slughorn and the rest of Slytherin would corroborate the events should you want to ask them.” She reared back to fire another set of questions, before quickly deflating and letting out a tired sigh.

“Very well, please do try to control yourself for next time, as I’m sure there will be a next time.” I gave her another smile and shifted my focus behind her to the new arrival.

“Should I be preparing for the arrival of a burn victim then Ara?” Ah Poppy Pomphrey, easily in Harry’s and mine top five favourite staff, right up there with Hagrid.

“Hello Poppy! I hope your summer was restful.And no, everyone else is fine.” Giving me a resigned smile she turned to Antonin and got to checking him through.

“With you around Mr. Black, I do my best to get as much rest during the summer before your inevitable arrival in my domain.” I laughed and turned back to McGonagall, feigning a surprised expression, I clasped my hands behind my back and signalled for Andi to help me out. Time to get the main course underway.

“Oh! Deputy headmistress McGonagall! What a coincidence running into you here, I was just about to go looking for you.” This is a pre-marauders Minerva, she’s not got enough experience hiding her irritation just yet, and it shows.

“I was the one who called you here Mr. Black” Those are some thin lips there Minerva.

“Honestly Ara, must you bother everybody you come across. Just leave her alone. I’m sure she’s much too busy to hear your plans to reintroduce wizarding heritage events to Hogwarts.” And Andromeda intercepts the quaffle.

“Well why not Andi, all I’m thinking of is a couple of old festival type ceremonies, maybe a few student lead classes to talk about them.”

“Why would anybody be interested in that? All the muggleborns and more than a few half-bloods already consider those of us who grew up in magical communities antiquated savages.” She’s flying at manic speeds towards the rings and lines up her shot.

“And anyway it’s not like it's ours or the school's responsibilities to share and educate all these immigrants in our culture. If they fail to integrate its their own fault.” She shoots, she scores! What an absolute scorcher. McGonagall looks flummoxed, angered, understanding, and reflective all at the same time. I may be a parselmouth, but I’ve got nothing on Andi’s tongue when she’s trying to prove a point.

“I… I see what you’re trying to do Mr. and Ms. Black. If you are serious about your proposal, I would request a formal submission and discussion so that I may have a clear picture as to what you would want to achieve. I myself am not against anything, and do confess am intrigued as to what you may want to have us do. At the very least you’re reasoning is sound so I am inclined to at least listen.”

“Excellent professor! I believe we have you last for transfiguration on Thursday. We shall meet you for tea and biscuits after. Goodbye professor have a nice day!” I grabbed Andi, and ran us out of there before she changes her mind.

“That went better than expected, how you manage to irk someone, but still get a favour out of them I’ll never understand”

“Well, most people don't have a secret weapon named Andromeda Black. It’s the weekend by the way, wanna hang out?”

“Not today, I’ve plans with Pandora. Why don’t you join us, I’m sure she’d love to have you.”

“Er… maybe some other time... ”

“Why are you so awkward around her? You know what nevermind, I have to run, I’m going to be late. You can sort out your Pandora issues all on your own today. Bye!” Phew, she’s gone. She has way too much energy for the morning. Speaking of, I guess I’ll head back to my room, I wonder if Alessandra’s up yet, I sure am.
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All The Stars In The Sky