Trading Places

TITLE: Trading Spaces 17/?

RATING: R (slash warning m/m)

PAIRING: HG/SS, HP/DM, HP/HG (friendship)

A/N: We will be updating every two weeks, possibly with more than one installment,
depending on fate and life. Any constructive criticism is greatly appreciated.

SUMMARY: What do you call a cross between a Gryffindor and a Slytherin? A prefect!
Don't worry, it's not "what would happen in he had been sorted into . . ." Dumbledore
works in mysterious ways as Voldemort grows in power and daring. Other than that?
Shippyness, Snogging, Shagging, Snippy and Snarky! Trust me, it'll all make sense in a
little while.

GRATUITIES:

Are at the end of the fic this time. . . .

****************************************************************************************************


Severus scowled at the intruder in his home. "In case you haven't noticed,
Lucius, I'm busy at the moment. You'll find the door fifteen meters to your right. " He
started to march down the hallway with Hermione still in his arms.

Lucius' mouth curved into a wicked smile. "Like I said, don't mind me. Carry on
with what you were doing. I have absolutely no objections." His eyes were glassy and
his movements were slower than usual. He'd obviously been drinking.

"Put me down," Hermione said, sotto-voice to Severus.

Severus glowered at Lucius who was watching them with a delighted if dazed
expression. "But-"

"Now, please," she insisted.

Severus groaned. "We were going to-"

"Yes, and now the mood is ruined," Hermione said, stifling a smile.

Severus reluctantly let her slip from his hold but he kept his arm firmly around
her. "Has anyone ever told you that you have the worst timing, Lucius?" he snapped.

"From my viewpoint, I'm right on time," Lucius rejoined. "And there's no need
to be shy, Severus, I've seen it all before."

Hermione gaped at the Potions Master.

"That's right, dear girl, Severus here is quite an exhibitionist. Why, he and I
have-"

"We've been over this before, Lucius," Severus snapped."One has to be a
*knowing* participant to be considered an exhibitionist."

Hermione relaxed then. Of course, he'd never been involved in anything that
sordid.

Lucius grinned. "Like you didn't know I was there!"

"Dammit, man" Severus bellowed. "I've told you a million times, I'm not in the
habit of checking my closets as a prelude to romantic liaisons." He narrowed his eyes.
"Or under my bed."

"That *was* disappointing," Lucius said with a sigh. "I'm more of a visual
person. Although the moaning and the--"

"*I* don't appreciate being spied on." Severus took a moment to appreciate the
irony of that sentence.

Hermione couldn't help but be curious but she kept her mouth shut, in case
Lucius misconstrued that as a curiosity of another sort.

"I was hoping you'd say that," Lucius purred. "How do you feel about active
participation?"

"I'm against it!" Hermione said emphatically.

"Well, I never knew you felt that way about me, Lucius," Severus said dryly.

"I don't." The blond-haired man was busy looking Hermione over. He slid his
cane onto his lap in what she could only describe as a provocative manner. "This might
appear to be merely a handsome piece of craftsmanship but, it has *other* uses to.h
ah
a flick of the wrist, I can-"

"Please don't finish that sentence," Hermione managed to say, turning a brilliant
shade of red. She couldn't believe it! She'd planned her seduction of Severus down to a
't' and yet here she was being propositioned by Lucius and his creepy cane.

Severus was staring at the cane with a disconcerted expression. "What could it
possibly. . .?"

Lucius stood up and sauntered towards the pair. "I can see why you chose her,
Severus." He extended a hand, intending to touch Hermione's cheek. "I wonder if her
skin is as soft as it looks."

Severus smacked his hand away. "I think we've already had this discussion
about you coming near anything of mine." He stared at his now tainted hand in
disgust, trying to remember if he had any disinfectant potion in his room.

Lucius pulled back. "You always were a prude." His gaze drifted to Hermione,
a peculiar hear lit them from inside. "You won't hold Severus' attention forever, you
know. It might be useful to have friends in high places. Perhaps you and I could come
to some sort of *arrangement*."

"I think you should state your business, Lucius, while your tongue is still
attached," Severus snarled. He held Hermione tighter against his side.

"Temper, temper. . .," Lucius chastised. "Be careful, Severus, I'm starting to
think you have feelings for this girl."

Severus merely stared at him, a muscle working in his jaw.

"Fine," Lucius sighed. "I was only dropping by to be polite. Weren't you the one
who said," Lucius paused, pasting on a irritated expression and moving his cloak about
him in a very dramatic way. "I must be informed every time a Death Eater sets foot on
Hogwarts property!"

"I said something to that effect," Severus acknowledged, still glaring at the man.
. .who was staring at Hermione once more. "Well. . .?"

Fueled by brandy and his own depraved appetites, Lucius was distracted yet
again by the young girl before him. "Go put on your school uniform. We can play a
game. You can be the naughty school girl and I'll be the professor who-"

"Lucius!" the Potions Master shouted. "Since you can't control yourself, I'm
going to remove temptation from you." His eyes warmed as they came to rest on
Hermione. "Why don't you go back to your room now?" He cupped her cheek in his
hand, brushing his thumb lightly across her lips. "I'll see you in class tomorrow."

"Sure," Hermione said, relieved to be getting away from Lucius. "Goodnight,
Severus." On impulse, she pressed a kiss to his thumb.

Severus's eyes flared. And he had just been lecturing Lucius on self control. He
cleared his throat before he spoke. "Go straight to the dorm," he requestedore ore he
reluctantly removed his hands from her. He didn't want her to be out roaming the
hallways when Lucius left his apartment.

"Goodnight, Severus," she murmured. She darted a glance at Malfoy.
"Goodnight, Lucius."

"I would ask you for a kiss too, but Severus would have an apoplexy."

Severus mentally performed Avada Kedavra.

Hermione scurried out of the room.

"The young ones are always the sweetest," Lucius murmured, watching
Hermione with predatory eyes as she left the room.

Severus looked disdainfully at the lecher in front of him but was really disgusted
by himself. He despised Lucius' jaded desires, but was he really any better? Hermione
wasn't underage but she was no less innocent. He always considered the
student/teacher relationship to be, in many ways, sacrosanct. While he didn't feel that
many of his students earned that type of commitment from him, Hermione was a rare
exception. And how was he repaying her faith in him? By giving into her novice
seduction attempt without even putting up a real protest. She was so young, she
probably didn't realize the full implications. He looked at Lucius, who was now
running his hand over his cane in a manner Snape was not at all comfortable with. No,
he wasn't like Lucius. He would never use a cane to - well, he would never *own* a
cane, now. Never. Ever. He glanced away from the elder Malfoy.

Severus cleared his throat. "What did you come here to tell me, Lucius?"

Lucius resumed his seat with a wide smile. "How uncivilized of you, Severus.
You won't share your toys and you haven't even offered me a drink. "

Severus glared at him but finally nodded. "I could use a drink myself."

***********


'Wanna be bad?' Draco's words echoed in Harry's ears. He crossed his arms over his

chest, and regarded the blond from beneath a thick fringe of ebony lashes. Draco
swallowed the hitch in his breathing at the sultry look. Slowly, Harry looked Draco up
and down, taking in the sleek muscles, narrow hips, wide shoulders, chiseled facial
features and finally the sinfully carved mouth. Grinning, Harry looked him in the eye.
"What did you have in mind?"

Draco raised an eyebrow. "Well, first I was hoping for a ride on your Firebolt."
Harry coughed, hiding a grin. "Not that one, Potter."

"Right then." Harry gestured with the aforementioned broom. "Shall we?"

Together, they walked out of the dungeons, through the Great Hall and out onto
the grounds. Harry climbed on his broom, letting it hover just off the ground, tucking
his feet under and gave Malfoy a questioning look. Draco walked over to him and with
a hand splayed between his shoulder blades , pushed him further up the broom.
"Move over, Hero. I'm driving."

Malfoy slid onto the broom in front of Harry, his legs brushing tack ack of
Draco's thighs. Draco leaned back, his broad shoulders resting against Harry's muscled
chest, shivering as he felt Harry's breath on the back of his neck. He wrapped his hands
around the broom and they took to the air. Harry reached his arms around Malfoy to
grip the broom as well. Harry resisted the urge to control the movements of the broom,
but found it near impossible.

"Stop that, Hero." Suddenly, Malfoy's hands slid over his, removing them from
the broom. He placed Harry's hands on his waist. Then increased the speed of their
flight. "Hold on."

Harry rested his chin on Malfoy's shoulder, peering ahead of them into the night.
His fingers lightly dug into Draco's sides and he found the position not unpleasant,
though rather unsettling. Malfoy seemed to be intent on seeing what the broom could
do, and sent them into a deep dive, chuckling softly at Harry's gasp before pulling up.
"Stop breathing in my ear, Potter. It's distracting."

"Are you ticklish, Malfoy?" He ran his hands lightly up and down the other
boy's ribs, feeling the muscles jerk under his fingertips.

"No. Quit trying to feel me up, Hero," Draco answered harshly. "And quit
trying to distract me before we both end up in the lake."

Harry frowned, wishing he could push or punch Draco, but that would only end
up in them both crashing. An idea for revenge came. Smiling wickedly, he turned his
face into Draco's neck, letting his lips brush Draco's ear. "So sorry."

"Yeah, well - " Draco's words faded into a drawn out hiss as Harry's teeth closed
over his earlobe gently. "P-potter!"

"Yessss?" Harry hissed in parseltongue. He could feel a tremor go through
Draco. Languidly he sucked on the skin just behind his ear for a moment and then ran
his tongue along the shell of his ear. He let his fingers rub soft circles on Draco's hips.
Draco moaned softly.

"Stop that!" Draco insisted.

"Why?" Harry asked innocently. He let one hand slide forward, gripping
Draco's thigh. "You know you like it."

"For Merlin's sake, Hero!" Draco groaned, rolling his head to the side as Harry
continued to kiss his neck.

"You asked if I wanted to be bad," Harry pointed out, biting down on blue vein
and sucking slightly.

"Exactly. I didn't ask if you wanted to shag," Draco shot back out as he landed.

"Point taken." Harry pulled back, swinging himself off the broom. "But then
there's nothing bad about how I do that."

"Who are you and what have you done with Potter?" Draco asked, feet now
firmly on the ground, but knees still shaking.

"What are we doing back here again?" Harry looked around, ignoring the
question. There were back in the little spot by the lake where Draco had first kissed
him.

In reply, Draco grabbed his hand, instinctively entwining their fingers and
pointed his wand skyward. "Lumox!" The wand blazed too light, forcing both boys to
avert their eyes for a moment. "This place is special."

"Aw, Draco, you hopeless sap," teased Harry.

"Keep dreaming, Hero." His silver eyes flashed. "Particularly about me."

Harry flushed. "How did you - I mean, I don't - "

"Save your breath, Hero." Malfoy grinned. "You talk in your sleep."

"Let's cut to the chase." Harry started blushing more brightly.

"I thought we already had . . ." Malfoy smiled under his breath.

"Why are we here?" Harry narrowed his eyes at him, suddenly realizing they
were still holding hands. Quickly he let go, stuffing his hands into his pocket.

"Right then." Malfoy gave him an amused look as he gestured with his newly
freed hand. "Like I was saying, this place is special. My father cloaked it. Nobody will
know what we do here, what spells we cast or how we cast them and no one can find
us."

"I could," Harry murmured, looking around with new eyes.

"Well, so could I, as we are both here," Draco said, exasperated. "The point
being that people who are *not* here can't find us."

"That's not what I meant." y rey reached into an inner pocket in his robe and
pulled out the Marauder's Map. He wasn't sure if he wanted to share it with Malfoy,
but he was too curious about whether he could find them on the map to resist. "I
solemnly swear I am up to no good."

"I'll alert the Daily Prophet," Malfoy snorted. But his curiosity was peaked, and
he leaned over Harry's shoulder, shining his wand on the paper. His eyes widened as
the map revealed its secrets. Harry skimmed briefly over the castle, turning quickly to
the lake. He pointed to two dots so close they almost seemed to be one, labeled 'H. J.
Potter' and 'D. S. Malfoy.' "Holy Merlin! That's us . . . and the rest of Hogwarts!"

"Yeah." Harry quickly rolled the scroll up, forgetting to erase it in his haste.

"What else you got hidden in those robes, Potter?" Draco smirked at him.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Harry returned. "So, like I said, I could find us."

"Trust me, Hero, you're the only one," Malfoy stated.

"Wait, are you saying we're cloaked from the Ministry here?" Harry thought
back to what Malfoy had said.

"That's right, Potter." Draco's lips twitched with amusement. "Let me know
when you finish catching up."

"You want to . . . cast spells," Harry said slowly.

"Very good." Draco sighed impatiently.

"And you don't want anyone to know," Harry added. "Dark spells?"

"Maybe." Draco grinned, stepping closer. "The point is, I want to cast spells . . .
with you."

"How sweet," Harry mocked. "You could at least buy me dinner first."

"C'mon, Hero. Aren't you the least bit interested to see what we can do?"
Malfoy's voice held an air of anticipation and wanting.

Harry remained silent for a moment, considering. He almost felt like he was still
dreaming. Hanging out with Malfoy, kissing . . .it was all so . . .surreal. Harry
shrugged. "In for a knut - in for a galleon."

"I'll take that as a 'yes', Hero," Draco purred.

"Surprised you wait for consent," Harry muttered, but he took a step closer to
Malfoy. "What should we start with?"

"Something simple, maybe . . .work up to the hard stuff. . ." Draco mused,
worrying his lower lip, a line appearing between his eyes.

Harry hid his smile. He often saw that expression on Draco's face in potions
when he was concentrating. Harry frowned, wondering where the fond memory had
come from. 'You're losing it, Potter,' he thought to himself.

"Losing what?" Draco asked, looking up.

"What? I didn't say anything." Harry looked startled. Had he said that out
loud, or was Draco actually able to hear his thoughts? He decided to distract him and
think about it later. "How about a levitation? That's pretty simple."

************

Ron stared at the Slytherin portrait. "I just need to give something to Harry
Potter. I don't even want to go in!"

"No!" Paranoid Pete said, eyeing him suspiciously. "As soon as I open up, you'll
go racing in and try to discover all of our secrets."

"Honestly!" Ron said, rolling his eyes. "All I want to do is get this to Harry."

"I bet!" Paranoid Pete cried, "He's a former Gryffindor. He's probably a spy.
That's what your doing with the book - you want to pass SECRET INFORMATION!"

"Pete, let him through," Hermione said, coming onto the scene.

"Hermione!" Ron said, grinning at her. "Thank goodness."

"What's the password?" Pete snapped.

"Sneaky snake," she repeated dutifully and the passageway was revealed. "What
brings you to Slytherin's dorm anyway?" she asked curiously as they both went
through.

"I have a diary for Harry," Ron said, holding up the manuscript.

"I think he already has one." Hermione frowned.

"Not this one." Ron smiled smugly. He turned to look at Hermione. Her hair
was slightly mussed, her lips were swollen and her eyes were a little too bright, like she
was ready to cry. "Are you alright there, Hermione?"

"Yes . . . no . . . I don't know." She finally sighed. "Do you ever find yourself in a
situation where you thought you knew what to do so you did it and it worked, but then
it didn't, because Malfoy ruined everything, so you thought maybe you should rethink
what you thought you should do in the first place?"

Ron looked a little puzzled. He hadn't really understood what she said, so he
grasped onto the one part that made sense. "Well, Malfoy usually does ruin
everything."

Hermione started to sniffle, her eyes welling up with tears. Ron did what any
teenage boy would do. He panicked.

"Oh, don't cry! Please don't cry!" He hugged her and Hermione started to cry
in earnest. "It's ok. I'll get Malfoy for you!" She chuckled and cried at the same time,
almost choking. "Wait, wait - I have an idea!"

"You do?" She sniffed, pulling back to look up at him.

"Yeah! Whenever I'm upsed cod confused, I know exactly where to go!" Ron
grinned. "And I always feel better later, maybe a little hungry, but better."

Hermione looked at him curiously.

"Let's go visit Hazel." Ron smiled. He had planned on going there after
delivering Harry's 'present' anyway. "It'll be . . . relaxing."

************


Lucius held his glass of brandy aloft, a bit of it splashed onto the carpet because
his hand was unsteady. "To the Dark Lord," he toasted.

"Sycophant," Snape muttered under his breath but he obligingly lifted his glass
and then brought it to his mouth. "What have you planned?"

"Can't two old friends sit by the fireplace and enjoy a glass of brandy?" Lucius
chastised. "Have you forgotten *all* the niceties?"

Severus stared at him.

"If you insist on being churlish , I'll flu out of here with your brandy. I only
stopped by out of. . .respect for you."

He took in another mouthful of brandy. If he was forced to spend much more
time with Lucius, he might have to drain the whole decanter. "Fine, prattle away."

Lucius settled back in his chair. "How is Draco doing in class?"

"He has top marks in all of his classes."

"Yes, well, school's only been in a session of couple of days," Lucius said
disdainfully. "That's to be expected."

"Draco *always* has top marks," Severus snapped. He despised the way Lucius
treated his son. If he didn't know better, he'd swear the older man was jealous.

"Higher than your. . .what *do* you call her? Girlfriend? Lover?" Lucius
questioned with a smirk. "Toy?"

"*Miss Granger* represents the very pinnacle of academic achievement. . .no
one's marks are as good as hers. However, that doesn't mean that Draco's aren't
exemplary."

"It just means that my heir was bested by Mudblood," Lucius said bitterly,
taking a sip of brandy.

Severus ignored the slur. "Draco's grades are much better than your's were, If I
recall correctly," he rejoined.

Lucius glared. "And what of his. . .social engagements?"

Severus knew he was asking about Draco's love life. Lucius disapproved of his
son's homosexuality. . .as if being a pedophile was more appropriate. "I make it a rule
to not get involved in my student's romantic attachments."

"Unless, of course, they're *attached* to you," Lucius replied, toasting him. He
traced the rim of his glass with a finger. "Tell me about her, Severus."

"What did you come here to tell me?" Severus prodded. He had no intention of
feeding Lucius' perverse lusts by discussing Hermione with him.

"Very well, if you're going to keep badgering me about it. . ." Lucius began with
resignation. "I've always though the student body needed to be thinned out a bit . .
.don't you?"

Severus filled his glass once more. He was weary of the other man's propensity
for cat and mouse games. "And?"

Lucius drained his glass. "We're sending a little raiding party to the school
tomorrow night." He smiled, then. "We need at least thirteen Mudbloods for a ritual."

"The Dominion Spell? " Severus asked sharply.

Lucius nodded. "All those years of burying your nose in a book finally payed off,
eh?" He took another drink. "Yes, Lord Voldemort is going to increase his power by
bleeding them and offering their lives to the dark forces."

"That would nearly double his power," Severus said thoughtfully. He needed to
warn Dumbeldore. "What time should I expect you?"

"After midnight," Lucius answered, his eyes drooping a bit under the weight of
all the alcohol he'd consumed. "It should be quite a party. Why don't you and your
toy join us?"

"How will you get passed Hogwart's defenses?" Severus asked tightly.

"Wait and see," Lucius said with a laugh. "I'm going to be in on it," he bragged.
"I haven't done this in years," Lucuis said wistfully. "Do you remember when we used
to go to the Dark Revels, Severus? I miss those days. The blood rites, the torture. . ."

"Where are you starting the attack?" Severus remembered only too well. That's
why he needed to stop this.

"Gryffindor Tower," Lucius answered, a lecherous smile on his face. He tipped
his glass up to the firelight. It appeared as if the flames danced in the amber liquid.
"Just think of it, Severus. . . all of those lovely little girls."

*************


Harry looked into Draco's silver eyes. They seemed to be swirling with power
and emotion. Their matched breathing came in short pants. Harry felt icy cold, but
Draco's high cheekbones were splashed with brilliant heat. Both hands entwined, their
knuckles stood out in white relief.

Harry glanced at the ground, twenty feet below. "Ready to come down?"

"Never." Draco grinned wolfishly.

For the past hour they had been levitating everything around them, first with
wands, then with a swish of hand and a jointly whispered, "Wingardium Levioso."
Now, holding hands and concentrating, they had levitated themselves. Silently, their
eyes met and they slowly floated towards the ground. Harry pulled his hands away,
still staring at Draco, who looked at him as if to say, 'Well, Hero?'

"That was wicked," Harry whispered. He loved to fly, and the idea that he could
do so without a broomstick delighted him. He wrapped his arms around himself,
shivering uncontrollably. "But I'm freezing."

"I'm on fire." Draco looked him in the eye as he unfastened the top three buttons
on his shirt. "Come here, Hero."

Harry slowly walked forward. Draco reached out, hands gripping Harry's waist
and pulled him up hard against his hips. Harry gasped. Draco's skin was heated and
nearly burned him wherever they touched. Draco sighed as Harry's icy cool body came
into contact with his own. Harry reached up, sliding his hands through Draco's hair,
reveling in the comforting warmth. "That was kind of - "

Draco's lips covered Harry's as he whispered into his mouth, "Intense?"

"Mmm-hmm." Harry kissed him back, slowly, relishing the heat of Draco's
mouth against his own. He licked Draco's lower lip in an echo of Draco's earlier kiss,
and tenderly, thoroughly explored his mouth. Draco made a low sound in the back of
his throat, half protest and half longing. Harry pulled back to ask him if he was ok.
And promptly spotted a very large spider creeping towards. His eyes flashed.

"Harry, what - " Draco sounded dazed.

But Harry had already pulled his wand. He stepped back quickly, moving on
pure instinct, and grabbed Draco's hand. Without thought, he pointed the wand over
Draco's shoulder. "Avada Kedavra!"

The spider fell to the ground, still. Harry tilted his head back, smiling in
satisfaction. Draco spun, still clutching Harry's hand and saw the spider. He turned
back to Harry, eyes wide.

Suddenly, Harry realized what he had done and he started to shake a little. He
tried to pull his hand out of Draco's, but Malfoy just used it to tug him close once more,
wrapping an arm around his waist and turning them to fthe the dead spider. Harry's
voice lowered as he said, "I didn't mean to."

"Look at you, casting the killing curse." Draco whispered, his lips brushing
Harry's ear. "Knew you had it in you, Hero."

*************


An hour later, Severus and Lucius had consumed the rest of Snape's brandy.
They were still situated in front of the fireplace. Severus knew all the details of the
attack and they'd be ready for them. He just needed to sober up before he told
Dumbre. re.

"You should leave, Lucius," Snape said as he attempted to sit up. His legs
weren't cooperating, however. It wasn't the first time Lucius had shown up at his home
drunk, although it was the first time he'd joined him in imbibing. Severus loathed
losing control over himself or a situation.

The other man's eyes were shut. "I'm going to stay with you," he said sleepily.

"No, you're not. I only have one bed. . .and you're not welcome in it." He stood
up and started to make his way to his room.

"Why does everyone think I'm trying to get in their bloody knickers?" Lucius
asked, thoroughly confused. He followed Severus down the hall, holding on to the wall
for support.

"Because you are."

"Oh, right. . .well, that makes sense, " Lucius replied.

"So, off you go, then," Severus said. "I have important things to do."

"Ah, yes. Passing out."

"Yes, and I'm not going to do it around you." Severus rubbed at his blurry eyes.
"There's no telling what you'd do to me."

"You're a bit old for my tastes," Lucius sniffed.

"Oh, I'm too old to molest but not too old to be observed?" Severus opened the
door to find Lockhart's book lying on his counterpane. . . which was now powder blue.
His eyes bulged. His entire bedroom had been given a Gilderoy pastel make-over.
There were matching bed curtains and a. . .dear Merlin. . .a dust ruffle as well. All of his
wrought iron furniture had been gilded. There were pink rugs on the every part of the
floor. Several of Severus' old school photos were framed on the wall now. He was
scowling and pointing a finger at Sheldon in all of them.

"How?!" He gestured to the bed. "Why?!!" He pointed to the floor. "PINK!!!"

"Ta da!" Sheldon leapt to his feet and gave an exaggerated bow. "As the Mascot
of Evil, I have taken on the task of redecorating your room. As Evil's Head of House,
you needed a much more villainous bedchamber."

"Good show," Lucius nodded with satisfaction. "Not sure I agree with the entire
color scheme but the rest of it is vastly improved."

Severus glared at his old friend and enemy.

"Well, really, Severus, you swoop about looking like a funeral director. You
should incorporate some color into your life."

Severus was visibly trembling from a mixture of rage and shock. "I'm going to
kill you!" he said to the Book.

Sheldon sighed with appreciation. "Isn't he the evilest?" he said to Lucius.

"No, he's seldom evil. I'd say he's kind of naughty," Lucius said dryly.

Severus took a step to the right to put more distance between them. The last
thing he wanted was Lucius thinking he was 'naughty'. "I'm not taking my clothes off
around you, Lucius. Stop trying."

"Speaking of, did you get him some new clothes too?" Lucius asked curiously.

Severus turned to the book, eyes blazing. "So help me, if you touched my robes,
I'll-"

"He *is* too evil!" Sheldon disputed. "Professor Snape's already handed down
two death threats."

"I'm clearly more evil than Severus," Lucius insisted, affronted.

At this point, Severus had thrown open his wardrobe and was relievedfindfind
that all of his clothing was still as black and billowing as it had been that morning.

"You?" The Book said disdainfully. Sheldon stared down at his shoes. "And
those don't match your outfit. Evil is always color coordinated."

Lucius gasped in outrage.

Severus reached over and picked the book up by a corner gingerly. "If you enter
my chambers again, I'm going to use every single Unforgivable curse on you. Do you
understand me? Every single one!"

"Wow!" The Book crowed. "What a threat!" He looked at Lucius. "*You* didn't
think of that, did you?"

Lucius had thought of a comeback for the earlier remark by then. "It's easy to
be color-coordinated if everything you own is black!"

Severus shoved Sheldon into Lucius' hands. "Here, take this and get out."

Lucius looked down at the book with a bemused expression. "We shall see who
is more evil."

"Yes, we shall!" Sheldon said, tugging viciously on a handful of Malfoy's hair.

"Blood hell!" Lucius roared, dropping the Book to place a hand on his aching
scalp.

"Bwaahhaaa!!" The Book danced a jig in front of the door. "You'll never be
more evil than me! Or him!" Sheldon ran out of the room cackling.

Severus smiled. . .one pest gone. He turned to Lucius. "Leave."

"Fine, I'll just go say hello to my son." Lucius turned towards the front door and
staggered towards it. "And make sure you come tomorrow night. Bring the Granger
girl with you."

Severus sobered up a bit at that thought. "We'll be ready for you."

*************


Ron and Hermione found Hazelheart sitting on a large rounded stool about the
size of a table in the Hufflepuff Common Room. The place closely resembled a jungle.
There were plants of every size, shape and description. There were hanging plants on
the ceilings. Huge potted plants were in every corner and several were scattered on
every single table. Some of them had a very strange but not unpleasant odor. The floor
was covered in straw mats and a couple of students were seated crosslegged on them.
Several trays of incense burned in the room as well, giving it a smoky herbal smell.
There were beaded curtains on the windows that partially obscured the sunlight.
Hermione recognized some Muggle lava lamps on a couple of the end tables.

Haze blinked a couple of times as he saw them. "Woah! I didn't know you two
were in Hufflepuff."

"We're not, Haze," Ron explained patiently. "We just came to see you."

"Well, cool," Haze said, extending a paw. "Cop a squat."

They took that to mean that they should sit down on the large stool with them.
It was made of a spongy green fabric that reminded Hermione of a large toadstool.

Next to Haze was a large piece of glassware with a small hose attached. He was
smoking on the end of it.

"Thanks," Hermione said, feeling a bit more relaxed already. Ron was right
about this place. It was very calming. She shot a look over at the red head, but his eyes
were closed and he seemed to breathing in, dee deeply.

"How's it going, dudes?" Haze asked, settling back a little

"Alright." Ron smiled, leaning on his elbows.

"Hermione, how are you, dudette?" Haze smiled at her, slowly.

"Alright, I guess . . . " she trailed off. She didn't feel nearly as upset as before,
but she was still disappointed. "I have this problem . . . "

"S'ok . . . you can tell me." Haze coaxed. "We don't judge around here."

Hermione leaned forward, biting her lip a little. "There'sethiething that I want,
and I couldn't get it, but then I thought I was going to get it, but something happened
and I didn't."

"I see." Haze inhaled and exhaled thoughtfully. "Well, the way I see it, you got
what you wanted. Now, you just have to chill out, y'know? Until it's the right time to
*have* it." He leaned forward, forehead creasing with the profundity of his thoughts.
"Sometimes I want to do something, but it's not the right time. So I have to *wait*, until
it is the right time. And then," He paused for emphasis. "It *is* the right time and I can
do it. You have to chill. . .go with the flow."

"I think I get what you're saying." Hermione said slowly, leaning against Ron on
the stool, who was now dozing with a pleasant smile on his face. "I have to *wait*, but I
still get what I want." Somehow, this seemed like a profound thought.

"Yeah . . .it's all about timing." Haze blew a smoke ring in the air, and Hermione
giggled. "So, how's Harry?"

"He's great, I guess." Hermione was starting to feel really mellow. She frowned.
She didn't think there was anything wrong with Harry. "Why do you ask?"

"Well, I saw him with Draco the other day - "

"And?" She replied lazily, poking her finger through various smoke rings that
came her way.

Hazel frowned, remembering his deal with professor Snape not to saythiything.
"Well, I saw . . . they were . . . and then . . .bam! And I was kinda wondering . . ."

"Oh!" Hermione's cheeks blazed a little. "Yeah, Harry and Malfoy. . .that's
weird, huh?"

"You already know about that?" Haze's eyes widened. "Woah . . .you're like
psychic or something."

"Nah," She laughed. "I've seen them do it before." Then she laughed. "Well,
you know not. . .everything."

"With the . . ." Haze made a gesture with his paws. "And then the . . ." his eyes
widened and he held his paws far apart. "And then with the yelling and the - "

"I know all about it," Hermione dismissed.

Haze nodded, he had been a little concerned about his friend, Harry. He spent
too much of his life stressed out in Haze's opinion. Obviously Hermione knew about
the joined magic thing, and it was under control. Now, he could relax again. He shifted
positions and blew a smoke "H" at Hermione.

She giggled.

***********


Lucius closed Severus' door behind him. He was distracted from his thoughts
by a familiar hissing sound at his feet. He rose one manicured brow. "If it isn't the
Slytherin mascots."

"Look, Snippy, its Luci-yuck, " Snarky said making a face at the blond man.
They had finally managed to stop floating that morning. "All right, first and second
year girls, back to the dorm!" the little snake called. "And lock your doors!"

pas pasa, pervert?" Snippy said.

Lucius extended his cane to the animals, expecting them to hop on it. While he
didn't particularly like them, one had to be polite to one's mascots. After all, they were
the Dark Lord's chosen symbol. "Well?"

"Nuh-uh, no way," Snippy and Snarky cried in unison as they backed up.

"We don't know where that's been," Snippy said, crinkling up his face.

Lucius tried again but they continued to back up.

"Well, we probably do and that's why we don't wanna touch it!" Snarky stated.

"What do you want with us, Luci-yuck?" Snippy asked, beginning to be afraid.
"Should we run for it?"

"No means no, Malfoy!" Snarky said, twitching his tail angrily.

"Yeah, what part of 'no' don't you understand? The 'n' or the 'o'?" Snippy
jeered.

Snarky turned to his fellow serpent. "Quick, think of a distraction!"

"Y'know, Malfoy," Snippy said coyly. "Though we'll *never* be interested, if
you catch Haze at the right moment, he might not object."

"Hell, he probably won't even notice!" Snarky added. "Watch out though, he
might shoot that green shit at you!"

Snippy turned to Snarky. "That'd be pretty sweet."

"C'mon, then. Climb on the stick," Lucius tried to coax them. "You know you
want to."

"Uh, no. . .we really don't. Keep your stick to yourself, pervert!" cried Snippy,
alarmed. The two serpents were now cornered against a wall. "Get away!"

Snarky glared at the blond man. "And now we're trapped in the corner like a
second year girl after Luci-yuck has been in the brandy."

Snippy hissed at him. "Decided to add another perversion to the long list, eh?"

"Well. . .you can't touch this!" Snarky shouted. He was about to do the
accompanying shimmy, but he was afraid it would be too provocative for Lucius to
resist.

"Yeah, I wish we had a *real* hammer or at least some baggy pants to hide in!"

"Fine, I'll just have to pick you up myself," Lucius said resignedly.

"Oh god, NOOOO!" Snippy yelled. "He's going to touch ussss!"

"Snaaaape! Hiney!!" Snarky shot a look at the blond man. "NOT YOUR HINEY!
Harry! Harry, help!" Snarky began to scream in a panic. "Sssave usss!"

"DRACO!!" Snippy hollered, trying to slither over Malfoy's hands as he reached
for him. "Godammit, pervert! We said 'no!' "

"You superfreak!"Snarky curled his tail around Snippy, trying to pry him from
Lucius's grasp. "Let go of Snippy! Let go, I said!"

"Run, run away, Snarky! It's too late for me! But you can save yourself . . ." he
trailed off as Malfoy successfully managed to scoop them both up and place them on his
shoulders.

"What do we do now?" Snarky cried. "You think he just wants us as an
accessory to the pimp cane?"

"Maybe." For a moment, they both opened their mouth in a parody of the snake
cane, which they both agreed was extremely accurate, but soon decided they were too
exposed that way.

"I don't know what's in more danger! My mouth or my tail! Which way do I
turn, Snippy? What do we do?"

"If you find yourself too close to any orifice, you bite, Snarky! Bite hard, and
don't look too closely at what your chomping on!" Snippy ordered, trying to coil
himself in a way that protected head and tail.

"Are you cold?" Lucius frowned.at wat wouldn't do. He attempted to pull them
closer to his neck, under his hair to warm them up, but they kept squirming away.

"Ewww . . . stop it! We are not impressed by your superior conditioning and
high-gloss shine!" Snarky leaned far to the left.

"If you don't stop it, I'm going to pull your hair!" Snippy threatened.

"Help!" Snarky thought about biting into his neck, and then was afraid Lucius
would think he was trying to give him a hickey. "HELLLLLLP!"

"What in the bloody hell is all that racket - Father!" Draco stopped suddenly as
he rounded the corner, on his way to speak to Professor Snape.

"Hey, Draco! Look at us! Who do we look like?" They both posed, mouths
open as if hissing, on each of Lucius shoulders, attempting to gesture at the 'tainted
love' cane with their tales.

They both came out of their poses then. . .after all, this was a serious matter.
"Draco! We need your help," Snippy hissed. "We're about to be violated!"

Draco covered his grin with a cough, trying to appear serious. He stood up
straighter, and looked as das dad. His father moved closer to him, putting a hand on his
shoulder. Draco felt Lucius bracing his weight, and scented brandy on him.

"Hello, Draco."


"Sir," he said respectfully. Snarky took the opportunity to slither across the
bridge of Lucius's arm to safety.

"Phew!" He wiped his forehead with his tail. "Now you, Snippy'mon'mon, you
can do it!"

"I can't! I'm afraid to go behind his head . . . I don't want to get too close!"
Snippy cringed.

"Father - you appear to have a snake on your shoulder." Draco pointed out,
wondering just what his father was doing there.

"And so do you, son." Lucius pointed out, trying to figure out how the snake
had gotten from him to Draco through a drunken haze.

"Please, Draco, don't let him take me!" Snarky cowered behind Draco's neck.
"Please, man! If you have any shred of human decency at all . . ."

"Geronimo!" Snippy leapt off the six-foot man's shoulto tto the dusty floor
below. Quickly, he slithered behind Draco's shoe, trying desperately to grasp part of
his robe in his fangs and hide behind it. "Did he see me?"

"Superfreak! He's a superfreak!" Snarky danced back and forth, adding, "He's
superfreaky!"

"Pervert!" Snippy called, before quickly ducking back behind Draco's robes.

Snarky scowled at the blond man. "Great. Now we have to shed our skins to get
rid of Luci-yuck germs."

"Too bad we couldn't do it on his shoe," Snippy said thoughtfully. "But he
might take that as an invitation."

"Alright, Snippy, let's sneak away. Very, very quietly now. . . and remember,
avoid the cane . . ."

Draco bit his lip, and finally faked a coughing fit to cover his laughter as the
snakes slithered away down the hall.

"Aren't you supposed to be in Gryffindor Tower?" Lucius sneered, seeming to be
sobering up a bit.

"I was just working on a little extra credit project for Professor Snape," Draco
replied tightly.

"A Malfoy doesn't need extra credit to get good marks." His father instructed,
swaying slightly.

"Unless they're trying to overcome another Malfoy's reputation." Draco crossed
is arms over his chest. "Did you come here to see me or am I just attracting bad luck
today?"

"Stopped by to see Snape." Lucius frownnarrnarrowing his eyes in an attempt to
stop his double vision. "And his new pet."

"And his new bottle of brandy, eh, Father?" Draco sighed.

"Watch your tongue, boy." Lucius scowled. He raised his cane at a threatening
angle. "Your impertinence will not be tolerated."

Draco's flinch was so small that no one but Lucius would have caught it. He
gave his father a mocking bow. "So sorry, Father."

"I should remove you from this school. You could take the DMarkMark early.
You're not learning anything of consequence here in any case." Lucius sneered.

'That's what you think,' Draco thought darkly. "I can keep a better eye on that
old fool and any resistance they form here. That was the whole point of me coming
back without the Dark Mark, remember?"

"Just be very careful, Draco." Lucius glowered down at the young man, trying to
control the spinning feeling in his head. "You better have something useful to report
soon."

"Yes, Father." Draco couldn't keep the drawling sarcasm out of his voice. "Just
make sure you can remember my report come morning."

"I don't like your tone." That was all the warning Lucius gave. He swept his
cane towards Draco with bruising force.

Draco reacted quickly, childhood memories crying in his ears, as he saw the cane
arcing forward. He dropped to his knee, crouching back, one hand covering his face,
the other stretched forward in front of him. "Expelliarmous!"

He heard two soft thuds and then the hall was silent. Rising to his feet, he
surveyed the scene in front of him with a sickening drop in his stomach. His father's
cane lay cracked against the wall of the hallway. His father was sprawled on the floor,
at his feet, unconscious. His chest heaved, his mind racing, trying to figure out what to
do. He turned, running down the hall towards the Slytherin Rooms.

And promptly ran into one Harry Potter. "Draco!"

"Hero, I need you," Draco whispered urgently.

"Draco, this is so sudden." Harry laughed but then took in Draco's shaken
appearance, and put his hands on Draco's shoulders to steady him. "What's wrong?
What happened?"

Draco grabbed his wrist and pulled him back towards his father. He gestured
frantically to the passed out man and broken cane. "I - I didn't mean to."

"It's alright." Harry kneeled down and checked Lucius's pulse. "He's fine - just
passed out." He turned to look at him. "What happened?"

"I don't want to talk about it," Draco muttered. He walked over and picked up
his father's cane, a piece in each hand, vaguely wishing he could break it in half, again.

"Mobilicorpus!" Lucius's body lifted into the air. "Where should we put him?"

"Slytherin Common Room," Draco replied tightly. "They're used to him
sleeping it off there." His father had ruined endless weekend visits and conferences.

They walked through the halls, into the Slytherin room and deposited Lucius on
a leather couch. Draco resisted the urge to throw the broken cane onto his chest.
Harry took it out of his hands. "Repairo!"

Draco refused to take it back and Harry set it on the floor next to the couch.
Draco walked over to the other couch. "Good night, Hero."

"Are you going to sleep down here?" Harry stood in the center of the room, arms
crossed over his chest.

"Not letting him stay here alone," Draco replied.

"You don't have to stay on the couch. " Harry bit his lip. "You're welcome to
stay in my room, tonight."

"You could at least buy me dinner, first."


***********


Hermione was seated at a rough hewn table in the middle of Hogwarts' kitchens.
The room was lined with enormous stoves and magic larders. The cupboards were
nearly overflowing with every sort of Wizard food imaginable. After she'd left Haze's
place, she felt verygry gry and had swung by for a snack. The House Elves had only
been too happy to provide her with a turkey sandwich and Doritos. Apparently, Dr.
Troy had stocked the castle with them. They'd also given her a thick slice of chocolate
cake. Hermione shut her eyes as he she ate. She couldn't remember food ever tasting
this good. The bread. . .the mayonnaise. . .the cheese. . .all of it was wonderful as if it
were made fresh.

Hermione also felt incredibly relaxed. She felt as if she'd spent a day at the spa
or something. All from visiting Haze. She made a mental note to thank him for his
advice and the wonderful smokey scent in the air. . .what was it again?

"Hermione?" Severus asked, blinking. He'd come to the kitchens for a stout pot
of coffee so that he could address Dumbledore. He hadn't cast any sobriety spells
because they were notoriously unpredictable. He could end up being serious for the
next few years. . .not that any of his students would notice a difference.

"Oh, hello, Severus. . .oops! I mean, Professor Snape." She looked around the
elves were no where to be seen. "I guess its okay to call you by first name here."

Severus shook his head. "We can't become lax, Hermione." He frowned. "Didn't
I tell you to go straight to your room?" Then, he studied his surroundings, confusion
knitting his brow. "I'm not in your room, am I?"

"No, I don't have food in my room. Snakes ate it. And yes you told me to go
there but I got distracted by Ron. S'okay now," she mumbled as she bit into her
sandwich.

"Ah ha!" Severus managed to focus on the large coffee pot and staggered over
to it. Thankfully, it was all set to brew coffee in the morning and he just had to wave his
wand to turn it on. He sank into a chair beside her. "And what did you and Mr.
Weasley do?"

"We went to see Haze," she answered. "I really like him. He's a very wise
badger, you know." She laughed as if it were a joke.

Severus was charmed by her girlish giggle. She seemed to create her own
gravitational pull - at least where he was concerned. He nearly tipped over his chair
because he was leaning forward too far. "Hermione, I have to ask you something very
important. . . have you been inhaling any illegal substances?"

"Nope!" She gave him a pearly smile. "Have you?"

"Of course not." He seemed shocked at the very suggestion. "I've only had a bit
of brandy."

Hermione leaned forward and sniffed him. "You've been drinking more than a
bit. I can smell it on your breath. It's kinda sweet smelling." Then, she inhaled again,
deeper this time. "Mmm. . .you smell nice. Did you know that?" She took his hand in
hers and pressed it against her face, burying her nose in his sleeve. "Every time I get
near you I get the urge to bury my face in your shirt." She laughed again. "Men smell
good."

Severus grinned, feeling absurdly pleased. . . .then he scowled. "Who else have
you smelled?"

"Tonight?" she asked, her brow furrowing.

"Did you smell Lucius?"

"Nah." Hermione wrinkled her nose. "I don't wanna get that close. But, I do
think he has pretty hair."

"Do you like it more than mine?" Severus asked, a little jealous. He gasped.
"You don't think my hair's greasy?"

"L'il bit. I don't mind though." She dropped his hand and tugged at her own
unruly curls. "Not exactly Rapunzel here."

"Who?"

"You, silly! That's who we were talking about. . .right?" Hermione asked,
popping another Dorito in her mouth.

"I don't think you should be eating those," Severus said, glancing at the dayglo
nacho chip.

"Don't get between me and my snack food," Hermione said, clinging to the bag
of chips. "I'll flippendo you if you try."

"There's no need to get violent." Severus looked longingly over at the coffee pot
which was two feet away. "It's so far away. I need to drink some but I have to walk all
the way over there."

Hermione was staring at his mouth. "Will you kiss me?"

"Not in front of the elves," Severus said, quite seriously.

"But they're not in the room!" she protested, leaning forward. "I bet they're
asleep."

"We really shouldn't. In the dungeons is one thing. . .but out here? In the
open?"

"I'll give you a Dorito if you will." She waved an orange nacho chip at him in
what she hoped was a seductive manner.

"Put that thing away, you're going to put someone's eye out. Probably mine."

"Try it!" She waggled the chip at him. "It's good."

"It's. . .orange. . .that particular shade doesn't exist in nature." Hermione
pretended the chip was an airplane and made it dive at Snape's mouth. "What the
bloody hell-"

She stuffed it in his mouth.

Severus chewed and swallowed defensively. "That was horrid."

"Now, will you kiss me?" she asked hopefully. "It'll just be a quick one. I
promise." Hermione said, giving him the puppy dog eyes Harry and Ron were unable
to resist. "Please?"

"I don't think that. . .mpflf" Hermione leaned forward and pressed her mouth
against his. Severus pulled back to look at her, a dazed smile on his lips. "You taste a
little like that infernal snack food."

"Sorry," she replied, wrapping her arms around him.

"I forgive you." Severus permitted himself to enjoy another of her kisses. After
the day he'd had, he really needed this. He slipped his fingers into her hair and
leisurely explored her mouth. Hermione took the opportunity to move herself from her
chair and unto his lap. He could gladly stay like this forever. Holding her felt so right,
as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Severus realized he had no willpower
when it came to her but he couldn't bring himself to care.

"Professor Snape!" They both turned their heads to find Professor Dumbledore
standing in the center of the room, a thunderous expression on his face. "Would you
care to explain yourself?"



A/N: So sorry for yet another cliffhanger! Look for Griff-Gruff and Rune to make an
appearance in the next part. It should be ready in 2 - 3 weeks.


Gratuities:


sweetevangeline- Oh, don't be too angry with Luci-yuck. He furthered the plot, right?
:) And we had a lot more snogging this time. :)


Mayhem's Journalist- Yes, Hermione said a big 'no' to that idea. But he asked her ;).
Snippy and I call each other that too. LOL. We also call each other Frodo and Sam,
particularly when we're on a quest. This weekend we set out to get hot dog buns. . .but
alas, we returned without them. Glad you enjoyed the funny lines. We have too much
fun sometimes.


Diartemis- We dig you too, you dig? Now, I sound like Shaft. Anyway, we appreciate
it and we're glad you like Troy. He's rapidly becoming my favorite character. We just
had to connect Ollie and Draco. . . you know Draco had to have been there and done
that.


JeminiaAuburn- Yep. Luci-yuck can be quite a biatch. :) But he's wonderfully evil to
write. And whoohoo I have a writing style. And I thought I was being so damned
sneaky. :) Thanks so much.


Rainwaters- Dumbledore bought a clue this time. Uh oh, Daddy's mad now. Hope
you enjoyed this chapter. . .we're upping the stakes a bit. Pass me a snickers! :D


Rowenna- My apologies for the butchering of your name. I usually w the these in the
wee hours after I've finished editing. . .like, say, now. :) But I managed to spell it right
this time. And they had more snogging this time. . .more to come! Thanks!


Bre- LOL. We might want Luci-yuck to join but Hermione would never let that
happen. Maybe we should do a gag reel where some things that wouldn't happen do. :)
And you don't like Sting? *gasp* That's sacrilege! You have to love all blond British
men. . .David Bowie, Tom Felton, Sting, etc, Tony Head. . .the list goes on. :) Glad you
liked the funny lines. :) Thanks!


Meemo- Lucius furthered the plot. :) That's what he's good for. I'm glad you like it and
I'm glad you reread it. I might have to do that so I can remember everything. LOL!
Thanks!


Rumidha- I hope you can make it to the end of school! Thanks for reading and I'm glad
you liked all of the developments. Things are going to get faster from here on out.


DemonChild- Thanks! Glad you like Bounty Hunter too.


Elbereth- Can you have Snip and Snark? Hmm . . .they want to know what kind of
food you have before they agree. :) Thanks! Glad you still enjoy it. And well we have

Gay!Wood but you know. . .who could resist Malfoy?


DarkOpalDragon- Well, we updated *really* fast this time. LOL. Glad you are still
enjoying it. Thanks!


Amythest- Glad you thought so. Lucius just shakes things up, doesn't he? :)


kickedoutofthegoblet- Bwahhhaa!!! Sheldon has been giving us lessons. Thanks!


Lunadeath- Sooner this time! And hoped you like Sheldon's part in this one. :)


Lucent- Aww, come on. We both know that Sting *was* The Police. :) Thanks! Glad
you still enjoy the fic.


Grrbbaby- But have you read really good, tasteful smut? Hmmm? And did you like
the H/D scene in this one? LOL.


Lori- Oh, come on. He's not *that* bad right. Luci-yuck is good for plot development.


Nonblondspazz - shag? You could at least buy us dinner first . . ., th, thee, thee . .
.anyways, like Haze says, chill out. Sometimes you have to wait for the right time.

Andrian - Just make sure you pass it back!


honey666-len - We promise to put Rune and Griff-gruff in very soon! As for the rest,
you ask, we deliver . . .most of the time. thee, thee, thee . . .


Harmoni - thank you, thank you. Couldn't resist the Draco/Oliver angle. Yummy and
a half, huh? <trying not to drool> definitely no bad there.


Cherrygal3 - better than Frizzy's? <awed gasp> thank you! Your review was awesome!
We really appreciate it. I hope you recover from your surgery well, and I hope you
enjoyed the new chapter. Plenty of more snogging in there, for you.


Menecarkawan - hope you got enough H/D . . . well actually, no I don't. S'posed to
leave you wanting more, right?


S.Wing - Hope you liked the new scenes . . .let us know.


The Muses - LOL! The basilisk was my favorite part! We were watching the movie,
and we could just see the snakes running into him and being like, "Woah! What a
freak!"


The Man-Eating Dust Bunny - aww, don't mention it, man! One good turn deserves
another! Hoped you liked Sheldon in this chapter - that vicious hair puller!


Vmorticia - yeah, when Snarky showed me that part, I almost had diet coke coming out
of my nose - Odor Eaters(!), ha! Feel free to use it in your fic - want, take, have, as they
say in Buffydom. And I think the desk thing . . .must be some suppressed thing from
school days . . . y'know, teacher's desk = power = . . .y'know what? I'm going to stop
there.


Eegurl - thanks!


Lottalita - ha, ha, ha! We *love* your pick-up line. It's going in! We'll find a place! I
trust we got this part out soon enough for you.


DarkAngel - wish granted.


Natzlin - hope this chapter was just as much fun - let us know.


LMiC2001 - thee, thee, thee . . .odor eater . . .! We'll try. thanks!


Silvermoonbunny - it's pretty perfect . . .now, if only we could get just the right song
for D/H . . .


KittyKat589 - go ahead and laugh, but don't die on us! We need you to review! We
love you!


Madam-pyro - Troy just keeps getting better doesn't he? Look for him in the next part.
And thanks, I really liked the O/D past stuff, too. Oh, and get this! That ice cream
parlor *exists* in our home town! Weird, huh?


Ophelia - all is forgiven. You may be the only one who commented on the floating
snakes, and I kept cracking up about it. They still have half a bag left - so there may be
more floating in the future.


Mizuki Ashiya - *I* want to be a parseltongue, too! Even though Daniel Radcliffe is
only in his early teens, <blushes> I think it's kinda hot when he speaks parseltongue.


Medea - Hide your dental floss. <thee, thee, thee> I was just going to leave it at that,
but thought it might frighten you away! Sorry, for the typo.


Lynntownsend - Snippy and Snarky would like to say that they prefer to receive candy,
not kisses. Ssanks!


Ezmerelda - thanks!


Snapegirl - we're begging you - try to remember the name of that fic or at least where
you read it at! We'd love to read it! PLEASE!!! And thank you, thank you, thank you!


Ellemorpheus - Thank you so much! Umm, we were wondering, <shyly kicking the
ground with toe of shoe> what's an Americanized fic? Is it a bad thing?


MadAboutHarry - Thank you so much for recommending us on WIKTT! We love you,
man! A lot! <blows kiss, throws hugs> Thanks!