"Romilda is gonna die," Regulus laughed. 

"Hiya, Harry!" Romilda said as she stood in front of Harry, twirling her hair. She had been checking him out. When Nova left with Ginny, Romilda took it upon herself to approach him. 

"Goodbye, Romilda," Harry tried to step around her, but she moved in front of him again.

"I love how she is terrified of Nova," James grinned. 

"Don't we all, Jamesie," Alex laughed. 

"Who wouldn't? She's my niece!" Regulus exclaimed. 

"If that's what you were going by," Marlene laughed. "She'd be a lil cinnamon roll that couldn't scare a butterfly."

"Oi!" Sirius objected. 

"Don't even try to deny it, Sirius," Lily smirked. "She's terrifying from Remus's half of the genes."

Sirius began muttering incoherently under his breath angrily.  

"I was wondering if you would like to join me on a date to Slughorn's Christmas Party," Romilda asked. She kept checking Harry out in attempts of flirting with him, but it was rather awkward. 

She was making Harry uncomfortable. 

"I already told you. I'm going with my girlfriend." Harry rolled his eyes as he tried yet again to go around her. 

"You know she is cheating on you, right?" Romilda tried desperately. 

"S-she r-really thinks t-that w-was g-gonna w-work!" Sirius said through his laughter. 

Harry seemed to think the same thing because he too was laughing. 

"That's the funniest thing I've heard since Seamus trying to convince me he isn't gay!"

Romilda turned red. 

"You're looking a bit peckish. Have some water," Romilda suggested as she withdrew a bottle of water. 

Hermione had warned Harry not to accept anything from anyone, especially when it came from Romilda. There was most likely a love potion in it. Not only would Nova beat his arse if she thought he was cheating (even if he was under a love potion), but she'll laugh her arse off. 

Hell, she'd probably take a picture of him while she's at it. 

Then she'd fix him. 

But definitely not before she put the memory into her locket. 

"No thanks," Harry said coldly. He moved to go around her yet again, but Romilda had yet to move. 

"I insist."

"And I insist you move."

Harry sent Blaise and Theo, who had been watching the whole scene play out with laugher, a pleading look. Theo sent him a look that clearly said, "Do it yourself, lover boy."

 Romilda continued to make Harry feel uncomfortable. It was like he was some sheep and she was a wolf. 

Harry placed his hands on her shoulders and move Romilda to the side. 

"No means no, Romilda," He said icily. "I'm happy with Nova. And I'll always be happy with her. If you would kindly leave me alone, it'd save yourself the pain."

"YOU TELL HER, WONDER BOY!" Theo celebrated as he threw his hands in the hair, his brown hair moving slightly. 

"Anyways . . ." Blaise said as Harry approached them. "We're looking for your deadly and scary girlfriend. Do you know where she is?"

"She's off doing scary girlfriend things," Harry answered simply with a shrug.  

"Probably cuddling with Shadow or helping Timmy with his homework," Theo suggested. 

Despite being in different houses, Theo and Blaise were close with the Gryffindors. At first, everyone was hostile with each other, but they didn't fancy Nova kicking their arses so they stayed civil with each other. Over time, they grew together and became friends. 

However, with the war raging on, they had to stay secret. Blaise and Theo, much to Nova's dismay, were staying in their current positions to gather intel. Nova would then report back to the Order their discoveries. Unfortunately, in order to avoid raising suspicions, they had to pretend to hate each other. 

Nova was an exception. One of Blaise and Theo's orders from their parents (and Voldemort, but mainly their parents) they were to keep an eye on Nova. They were to find her weaknesses and her strengths. This meant they were allowed to be seen in public together. Blaise and Theo were giving their parents general information, not specifics like they wanted. Sometimes, to annoy their parents, they'd tell them small things about her. 

For instance, yesterday Theo sent a letter is his mother stating Nova had an obsession with fuzzy socks . . .which wasn't false. However, this annoyed his parents greatly. They wanted to know what would break her to the very fiber of her being.

"Speaking of my scary girlfriend," Harry began. "She has a message for you two. Specifically Blaise."

"Should I be scared?" Blaise asked.

"Yes."

"100%."

"You bet, Slytherpuff."

"Most definitely."

"It's Nova. That's not even a question anymore."

"She's my niece . . .you should be scared."

"You might wanna just run or something."

"No," Harry laughed. "Theo should."

"How the bloody hell does that work?" Theo demanded. 

Harry smirked before turning to Blaise. 

"She said to wear a red bow tie. Not a green one. Not a blue one. Not a regular tie. A red bow tie." Harry informed as the smirk slowly began to grow on his face. 

"That's oddly specific . . ." Blaise pondered. "Did she say why?"

Theo was the color of a tomato. 

"Theo here apparently gets hard when you wear a red bow tie," Harry smirked. "Nova says seeing him squirm and try to control it will be the highlight of her evening."

"Potter, your girlfriend is evil," Theo said through his flush. 

"I know," Harry grinned proudly. 

"Have fun!" Harry called as he walked off. 

***

For the first time since the first week of school, Nova sat in her dorm room alone. 

Lav was off snogging Ron. Pavarti was most likely with her sister. Hermione was in the library avoiding Ron. 

Apparently, while Nova was beating the shit out of Romilda Vane (yes, the situation had escalated into Ginny beating the shit out of Vane's friends as Nova attack Romilda. After a few moments, Dean and Seamus stepped in and pulled Nova and Ginny away. Nova will admit with great satisfaction that everyone was cheering Nova and Ginny on anyways . . .back to the point), Hermione had set birds on Ron. This left healing scratches on the redhead. 

Nova and Ginny praised Hermione after that, practically carrying her around on a throne like in those muggle movies. To which Hermione told them to stop. However, both girls knew Hermione loved it. 

As Nova waited for her nail polish to dry, she looked around the room. 

Clothes were strewn all over Lavender's corner. Parvati's corner wasn't much better. Hermione had books and papers messily organized. 

Nova got up and began to move their stuff around a bit. It was enough for them to notice, but not enough to lose their stuff. It was just enough to annoy them . . .which was the point. 

Her smirk faded once she caught sight of a certain object. With a stoic expression, Nova moved to the box with a lioness walking across it, leaving dog paw prints as she went. 

"Oh shit," Sirius swore. 

With a shaky hand, Nova picked the box up. 

"Lupin-Black Supremacy," Nova whispered faintly. 

Nova's eyes began to sting as she read the last few messages her Da left her. 

Each was written in his perfect pureblood handwriting they both shared. The perfect penmanship every child raised in a pureblood household was supposed to have. The perfect cursive most thought came naturally, but in reality, their hands were whacked with a wooden ruler if it wasn't perfect. 

Good luck with your O.W.L.s, Lion! -Dadfoot

The next letter looked like it was written in a haste. As she read the letter, Nova discovered it was written the day of her father's death. 

Nova,

I know you're off trying to save me since Voldemort tricked you. I know there is a possibility of my death. That's something I learned during the First War; you never know when you'll meet your demise. Dorcus didn't know. Marlene didn't know. James and Lily didn't know. 

In case I don't walk out of the Ministry, I wanted to save goodbye and leave with a parting message. 

I know you're probably rolling your eyes and calling me dramatic and, in your words, "a big softy". 

I love you, Lion. I always have and I always will. You are my little girl, my little lion. I want you to know I'm proud of you. I've always been proud of you. 

I've been proud of you since you named me 'Snuffles' (I know I said I hate the name . . .but I secretly don't). I was proud of you the moment you kicked down that door in the Shrieking Shack as you raised your wand to me. I was proud of you the moment you showed the undying need to protect your friends. 

And I was hella proud when you trick the rat. 

You're Nova Lily Lupin-Black. You've faced more things than someone your age should have to. You have a pet dragon. You're a star Quidditch player. You're a sass extraordinaire. You don't take shit from anyone. You're a rebel (which as Moony always tells me, "Don't look at me! That's all your genes right there.") You're beautiful. You're stubborn and proud of it. You joined the Order of the Pheonix, an adult group designated to taking down one of the greatest evils to walk the Earth. 

You're the one thing I didn't think I could have; a daughter. I wouldn't trade you for the world. I couldn't ask for anyone better to restore honor to the Black family name. 

You have faced many challenges. Those challenges make you who you are; a strong and badass young woman with the world at her feet. 

When I die and I will die, it might be years from now or within the next few hours, my death officially becomes another challenge you will have to overcome. 

And you will overcome it, Lion. 

Grief is never easy. I would know. I learned so after Marlene and Dorcus's deaths. I learned so after Lilyflower's. I learned after James's death (which was admittedly the hardest). 

Don't let the grief consume you. Don't allow the beast that lays within the shadows to swallow you whole. Now I'm not saying to not grieve . . .grief is a good thing. It's a good thing if you grieve properly. Don't grieve as I do; drowning myself in alcohol, and lashing out. 

I know I gave Harry a hard time, but I couldn't have chosen anyone better for my little girl. You both compliment each other as the moon does the stars. He's a good guy and he treats you right, which is all I could've hoped for. 

And Harry if you're reading this, which you most likely are, I will kill you if you mistreat my little girl. I don't care if I'm dead. I will haunt your sorry arse. 

Nova, you will face many more challenges. That's just life. However, with the war on its way . . .there will be bigger challenges. 

Don't give up, Lion. When things get tough, do what you do best; be Nova Lupin-Black. Be the girl that can make grown men quiver before her. Be the girl with the power to change the world. Be the girl with cunning wit, and the ambition to take on Voldemort himself (THAT DOES NOT MEAN GO AND CHALLENGE THE BASTARD TO A DAMN DUEL). 

I love you, Nova Lily. Never forget that. 

~Dadfoot

P.S. Harry, if you're seeing this . . .take care of my little girl, or I will fly up from the bits of Hell and make you wish Voldemort got to you first.

Nova sat on the edge of her bed. She read the letter over for the seventh time, but she already knew it by heart. 

For the first time in months, she allowed the tears to fall from her eyes. She allowed each silvery tear to hit the floor. 

Sobs wracked her body as she threw the box at the wall opposite Nova's bed. 

"Fucking box," She muttered begrudgingly. "Stupid. Stupid. Box."

Shadow slowly dragged a stuffed animal toward her favorite person. Nova noticed what Shadow was doing leading her to pick up both the cat and what she was dragging. 

It was Padfoo. It was the black dog stuffed animal Nova had since she was a baby. 

Nova froze as she looked at it. Slowly, she brought it to her chest before curling into her side as she laid on her bed. 

Shadow burrowed herself under Nova's arm, not caring as her owner's salty tears hit her black fur. 

Another five minutes went by of Nova crying. Her brain was wracked with memories of her Da. Every memory; good and bad. 

"Raparo" a voice whispered as they noticed the broken object in the corner of their room. 

Hesitantly, Hermione and Ginny walked into the room. 

"Nova?" Ginny called. 

They heard a muffled snuffle come from Nova's bed where the curtains were drawn, hiding the mattress from sight. 

"You have five seconds to open these curtains before I do it," Hermione said both forcefully and softly. "And don't you dare try cloaking yourself."

Nova had not moved. She didn't move to open the curtains. She didn't move to wipe the tears from her face. She continued to cry silently. 

"Do we have to watch this?" Sirius asked sadly. "I can't watch this."

"It's okay, Sirius," Alex said softly as they placed a hand on his shoulder. 

"You can go, Pads," James assured. "We'll come to find you when the party starts."

Slowly, Sirius left the room as he was too pained to watch his daughter fall apart knowing it was his fault and he couldn't do anything to help.

Ginny cautiously drew the curtains back. 

Nova fell her bed dip down as her two best friends sat on either side of her. 

"Nova," Hermione began softly. "It's going to be alright."

"I was going to ask if I need to kill Harry but . . ." Ginny began. "He is in his dorm spending three hours trying to decide which tie to wear."

"He's gone," Nova said with a hoarse voice. 

"I know," Ginny said softly. 

"May I read it?" Hermione asked motioning towards the letter. 

Nova handed it to her as she rested her head on Ginny's shoulder. 

Ginny remembered last week when she had another flashback to the Chamber and Nova had been the one to comfort her. In attempts to calm down, she had delicately run her hands through her hair. 

"Oh, Nova . . ." Hermione said softly as tears prickled her eyes. 

Ginny grabbed the letter from Hermione as she gingerly pets Nova's hair. Hermione placed her arm around Nova's shoulder. 

"Listen, Nova," Hermione said as Ginny put the letter off to the side. "It's okay to cry."

"It's okay to grieve, Nox," Ginny said in a soothing voice. "It's gonna suck for some time. You told me three years ago that some days are worse than others, and you were right. It takes time to heal. Your Da meant a lot to ma. He meant a lot to loads of people. Even a blind person could see how much he meant to you."

"Gin is right, Nova," Hermione said softly. "It takes time. You can't keep pretending his death hasn't affected you. You can always talk to us about it. You can talk to your Pa about it. You can talk to Harry. Sometimes you just have to cry-"

"I do cry," Nova objected. 

"Crying angry tears on the Astronomy Tower while you throw things after seeing Sirius's star doesn't count," Ginny said softly. 

"Y-you know about that?" Nova stammered. 

"Yeah. You should try seeing us fit under the Invisibility Cloak with Harry and Ron," Hermione joked. 

"We aren't saying you can't go to the Astronomy Tower and cry over Sirius's star. We're saying you should talk to someone too. Crying is therapeutic." Ginny stated. "We are saying you shouldn't pretend you're okay. When you get in the state you're in now, you find someone to talk to."

"Nova, we love you," Hermione said softly. "Seeing you like this, it breaks our hearts. Especially since we can't help, knowing you are too stubborn to accept help."

Nova let out a tearing laugh. 

"I love you guys too."

"As you should," Ginny grinned. 

"If I'm not mistaken," Hermione smirked. "We have a party to get to."

***

"Well aren't you handsome?" Nova grinned as she joined Harry at the base of the stairs. His hair look tamed . . .sorta. He wore dark dress robes and his eyes practically popped out of his head when he saw Nova. 

"sdfkaefidj dka'ienkkd ens;ifhaofdfehr," Harry stammed. 

"Nice on, Harold," Marlene giggled. 

"At least he didn't cry," Sirius teased as he looked at James. 

"That was on my wedding day!" James justified. 

"Let's not forget the ball at the end of seventh year," Lily smirked. "I walked down the stairs, and my Tough Guy here looked close to tears."

"I had seasonal allergies!"

"Those allergies were about as seasonal as Sirius's were when he watched the Titanic," Regulus let out a bark of laughter.

Nova wore a black cocktail dress that ran down to her knees. It clung to her figure and had thin black straps. She wore four-inch stiletto heels and had a mischievous grin on her face that was almost always there. Her hair had been curled and rested over her right shoulder. Dark red lipstick coated her lips. Her golden locket rested at her throat and her Nyx bracelet rested on her wrist. She also wore the diamond earrings Harry had given her for their anniversary. 

Much like the day Nova wore a tuxedo to annoy Umbridge, she looked like something untameable tamed. 

"A year of dating and you'd think you can form a single sentence," Nova joked. 

"Awe! Don't be too hard on him, Nox!" Ginny teased as she joined them. Her red hair was in a high ponytail and she for a silk emerald green dress (that she had borrowed from Nova upon the girl in question heavy insistence) that hugged her figure with thick straps. "You look extremely hot."

"Why thank you, Gin," Nova grinned. 

Her mental breakdown earlier was completely forgotten. 

Harry was still frozen in shock. 

"Do you think if we just leave he'll realize it or . . .?" Nova whispered as she leaned over to Ginny. 

"I think we should just go and let the poor boy recover," Ginny agreed. "I think you shocked him silly!"

"Oddly enough," Nova said as they left through the portrait hole. "That's not the first time that happened."

"That'll be a story for the kids," Ginny laughed. 

Nova blushed and looked down. 

"NO KIDS!" Sirius and Regulus yelled in unison. 

"No, not happening." Regulus persisted. 

"No kids." Sirius repeated. 

"I want a son, ya know?" Nova said as she recovered from her blushing state. "He's gonna be a total mumma's boy."

"I wouldn't be surprised," Ginny laughed. 

"Anyways . . .are you going with Luna?" Nova asked. 

A large grin appeared on Ginny's face. 

"She's meeting me there."

"That's sweet," Nova grinned. "Wonder how Hermione's date with Cormac is going."

"I hope it pisses off my brother," Ginny grinned maliciously. "He needs to sort out his emotions before I beat him with Phlegm's french baguette."

"I'd help you," Nova laughed before turning serious. "You know Fleur isn't all that bad? She's actually quite wonderful."

"Mum doesn't like her much," Ginny commented. "I just wish I knew her more. Before she marries Bill, of course. It doesn't help she is always commenting on something. Most of the time they're about the luxuries France has to offer as opposed to what the Burrow does."

"You know she loves Bill, right? Like a lot." Nova said calmly. "She also loves the Burrow. I don't think she means for it to sound derogatory. I think she is just comparing the differences. I think maybe you should look past your biases of pretty pink princesses to see the real Fleur. I had to. I didn't like that she was part veela at first, but I started talking to her. She's a pretty amazing person. I personally think you'll like her."

Ginny stopped for a moment, thinking. 

"Fine. I'll try. But only because my wifey suggested," Ginny nodded. 

"Damn straight!" Nova grinned. 

"Nox, I'm not straight," Ginny laughed. 

"I know, Gin, I know," Nova grinned. "So . . .we should most likely go find our second wifey, don't ya think?"

"To Hermione!" Ginny yelled. 

"To Hermione!" Nova repeated. 

"Wait! What's Luna?" Ginny asked. "If you two are my wives . . .what's that make Luna?"

"Your husband, duh!" Nova laughed.

"Speaking of husbands . . ." Ginny began as a smirk grew on her face. "Do you think Harry recovered from his shock yet?"

"I-"

"I'm here!" Harry yelled as he barreled down the corridor. "I'm here!"

"Took ya long enough," Ginny laughed. "We were about to enter. Actually . . .I'm going to find my husband. You two love birds make sure you come to the party and not get lost in a broom closet."

"Ha. Ha. Ha." Nova said sarcastically. 

Ginny winked at them before strutting into Slughorn's office. 

"You look great," Harry said as he grinned at a Nova that was taller than normal, but still shorter than he was. 

"I always look great," Nova teased. 

"But I mean like . . .extra great," Harry grinned. 

"Nice vocabulary, darlin," Nova teased. 

Harry pulled her to his side and kissed her temple. 

"Happy Anniversary, love."

"Happy Anniversary, darlin."

"Shall we go in?" Harry asked with a raised eyebrow. 

Without another word, Nova strutted into the party with Harry at her side. 

Whether it had been built that way, or because he had used magical trickery to make it so, Slughorn's office was much larger than the usual teacher's study. The ceiling and walls had been draped with emerald, crimson, and gold hangings so that it looked as though they were all inside a vast tent. The room was crowded and stuffy and bathed in the red light cast by an ornate golden lamp dangling from the center of the ceiling in which real fairies were fluttering, each a brilliant speck of light. Loud singing accompanied by what sounded like mandolins issued from a distant corner; a haze of pipe smoke hung over several elderly warlocks deep in conversation, and a number of house-elves were negotiating their way squeakily through the forest of knees, obscured by the heavy silver platters of food they were bearing, so that they looked like little roving tables. 

"Harry, m'boy!" boomed Slughorn, almost as soon as Harry and Nova had squeezed in through the door. "Come in, come in, so many people I'd like you to meet!" 

Slughorn was wearing a tasseled velvet hat to match his smoking jacket. Gripping Harry's arm so tightly he might have been hoping to Disapparate with him, Slughorn led him purposefully into the party; Harry seized Nova's hand and dragged her along with him. 

"Damn it, Harold," Nova hissed. "I don't wanna meet crusty people."

Harry bit the inside of his mouth to keep himself from laughing. 

"Harry, Nova, I'd like you to meet Eldred Worple, an old student of mine, author of Blood Brothers: My Life Amongst the Vampires —and, of course, his friend Sanguini," Slughorn stated. 

Worple, who was a small, stout, bespectacled man, grabbed Harry's hand and shook it enthusiastically; the vampire Sanguini, who was tall and emaciated with dark shadows under his eyes, merely nodded. He looked rather bored. A gaggle of girls was standing close to him, looking curious and excited. 

"Harry Potter, I am simply delighted!" said Worple, peering shortsightedly up into Harry's face. "I was saying to ProfessorSlughorn only the other day, 'Where is the biography of Harry Potter for which we have all been waiting?' " 

"Er," said Harry, "were you?" 

Nova laughed at him as she snagged a glass of champagne. 

"Just as modest as Horace described!" said Worple. "But seriously" — his manner changed; it became suddenly businesslike —"I would be delighted to write it myself — people are craving to know more about you, dear boy, craving! If you were prepared to grant me a few interviews, say in four- or five-hour sessions, why, we could have the book finished within months. And all with very little effort on your part, I assure you — ask Sanguini here if it isn't quite — Sanguini, stay here!" added Worple, suddenly stern, for the vampire had been edging toward the nearby group of girls, a rather hungry look in his eye. 

"Here, have a pasty," said Worple, seizing one from a passing elf and stuffing it into Sanguini's hand before turning his attention back to Harry."My dear boy, the gold you could make, you have no idea —" 

"I'm definitely not interested," said Harry firmly, "and I've just seen a friend of mine, sorry."

Just as Nova moved to follow him, Slughorn called her over. 

"Nova dear! I have someone that would like to meet you!" Slughorn waved. 

"One second, Sluggy!" Nova yelled. She turned to Sanguini and spoke in a growl. "Listen, bud, you'll stay away from those girls before I make the sun seem like an ice cream sundae."

With that, Nova joined Slughorn. 

Slughorn stood next to a tall woman with long brown hair and tan skin. Her soft brown eyes studied Nova, who stood five inches shorter than her. The woman wore a magenta dress that hovered an inch above the floor. 

Nova was nearly bursting with excitement as she recognized who stood before her; Gwenog Jones, captain of the Holyhead Harpies.

"Gwenog, I'd like you t meet Nova Lupin-Black," Slughorn smiled. "She's a Gryffindor chaser. One of the best I've seen. Better than James Potter I'd say, and he was one of the best."

"Oi!" James objected. "I'm better! I'm the best! I'm-"

"She's better than you were James," Lily laughed. 

"I know," James cried. "And I'm so proud of her!"

"She's been in the papers for some years now, haven't you, Nova?" Slughorn asked. 

"Since I was thirteen," Nova confirmed before continuing dryly. "Was treated like a rat when my father escapes prison. Got interrogated for escaping an abusive home. Forced to compete in a tournament, Skeeta was all over that. Half of it was lies. Told the world Voldemort was back. Got trashed for that. My father wasn't a mass murderer. This was proven, of course, after his death. Sure I've been in the papers."

Gwenog laughed openly. "You were right, Professor, she's got quite the sense of humor."

Nova grinned. 

"Nova, where's Harry?" Slughorn asked. 

"Probably hiding from the crowd of girls that have been following him or crying in the corner because there isn't any treacle tart," Nova joked. 

"Well . . .I best be off," Slughorn smiled. "Feel free to converse without me."

"Will do, Sluggy," Nova saluted. 

Gwenog laughed again. 

"You play really well, by the way," she complimented. 

"You've watched me play?" Nova asked, completely astounded. 

"Of course! Slughorn suggested I come to the Slytherin versus Gryffindor match," Gwenog said happily as she threw her brown hair behind her shoulder. "It's been quite a few years since I've been here. One of my last memories of this place is when the Marauders covered the floor of the Great Hall in syrup with a sticking charm the didn't wear off for a week."

In heaven, James and Sirius grinned bashfully. 

Nova, who had been taking a sip of her wine, started coughing. 

"It was a week before my graduation-Nova, are you alright?" 

"I'm alright," Nova assured as her face slowly became its normal color as opposed to red. "What year did you graduate?"

"1978," she answered. 

Nova's eyes lit up. 

"You were in the same class as my dads?" 

"Remus Lupin and Sirius Black?" Gwenog asked. Nova nodded. "Figures. You look-"

"Like them? With Remus's eyes and hair and Sirius's face and attitude?" Gwenog nodded. "I get that a lot."

"I was shocked when I heard Sirius killed the muggles. Of course, he hadn't actually. It didn't make sense to me how the Sirius Black that hexed Bellatrix Lestrange for nearly killing Lily Evans could've killed the muggles." she remarked. 

"Yeah well . . .guess that's what happens when our Minister decides to be a lazy arse bum, doesn't it?" Nova raised an eyebrow drank out of her glass. 

"I suppose it does-"

Gwenog was cut off by Filch pushing a soaking wet Draco Malfoy into the room.

"Professor Slughorn," wheezed Filch, his jowls aquiver and the maniacal light of mischief-detection in his bulging eyes, "I discovered this boy lurking in an upstairs corridor. He claims to have been invited to your party and to have been delayed in setting out. Did you issue him with an invitation?" 

Malfoy pulled himself free of Filch's grip, looking furious. 

"All right, I wasn't invited!" he said angrily. "I was trying to gatecrash, happy?" 

"No, I'm not!" said Filch, a statement at complete odds with the glee on his face. "You're in trouble, you are! Didn't the headmaster say that nighttime prowling's out unless you've got permission, didn't he, eh?" 

"That's all right, Argus, that's all right," said Slughorn, waving a hand. "It's Christmas, and it's not a crime to want to come to a party. Just this once, we'll forget any punishment; you may stay, Draco." 

Nova noticed how angry Draco looked by the sentiment. 

That meant one thing; her bloody cousin was up to something. 

"It's nothing, nothing," said Slughorn, waving away Malfoy'sthanks. "I did know your grandfather, after all. . . ." 

"He always spoke very highly of you, sir," said Malfoy quickly."Said you were the best potion-maker he'd ever known. . . ." 

"I'd like a word with you, Draco," said Snape suddenly. 

"Oh, now, Severus," said Slughorn, hiccuping again, "it's Christmas, don't be too hard —" 

"I'm his Head of House, and I shall decide how hard, or otherwise, to be," said Snape curtly. "Follow me, Draco."

Harry caught Nova's eyes across the room. Both simultaneously agreed to follow him. 

"I'm sorry, Gwenog, but I must be going," Nova apologized. "I need to go make sure my friend is alright. She brought a rather dreadful date in hopes of making her crush angry. Rather silly of her seeing as they're both in love with each other, but that's a story for another time."

"Alright, Nova. It was a pleasure to meet you," she smiled. "Be sure to come to tryouts after graduation. I think the team will take a liking to you just as I have."

Nova grinned. "I'll consider it."

As Harry left the party, Nova pulled him to the side. "Cloak. Now."

"Already on it," Harry whispered. 

"You're supposed to be under it," Nova teased. 

"Yeah. Yeah." Hary rolled his eyes. 

Slowly, the couple began to walk down the corridor. Thanks to Nova's enhanced hearing, they were able to tell where they were easier. Both pressed their ears to the door of the abandoned classroom.

". . . cannot afford mistakes, Draco, because if you are expelled —"

"I didn't have anything to do with it, all right?" 

"I hope you are telling the truth, because it was both clumsy and foolish. Already you are suspected of having a hand in it." 

"Who suspects me?" said Malfoy angrily. "For the last time, I didn't do it, okay? That Bell girl must've had an enemy no one knows about — don't look at me like that! I know what you're doing, I'm not stupid, but it won't work — I can stop you!" 

There was a pause and then Snape said quietly, "Ah . . . AuntBellatrix has been teaching you Occlumency, I see. What thoughts are you trying to conceal from your master, Draco?" 

"I'm not trying to conceal anything from him, I just don't want you butting in!" 

"So that is why you have been avoiding me this term? You have feared my interference? You realize that had anybody else failed to come to my office when I had told them repeatedly to be there, Draco —" 

"So put me in detention! Report me to Dumbledore!" jeered Malfoy. There was another pause. 

Then Snape said, "You know perfectly well that I do not wish to do either of those things." 

"You'd better stop telling me to come to your office then!" 

"Listen to me," said Snape in a very low voice. "I am trying to help you. I swore to your mother I would protect you. I made the Unbreakable Vow, Draco —" 

"Looks like you'll have to break it, then, because I don't need your protection! It's my job, he gave it to me and I'm doing it, I've got a plan and it's going to work, it's just taking a bit longer than I thought it would!" 

"What is your plan?" 

"It's none of your business!" 

"If you tell me what you are trying to do, I can assist you —" 

"I've got all the assistance I need, thanks, I'm not alone!"

"You were certainly alone tonight, which was foolish in the extreme, wandering the corridors without lookouts or backup, these are elementary mistakes —" 

"I would've had Crabbe and Goyle with me if you hadn't put them in detention!" 

"Keep your voice down!" spat Snape, for Malfoy's voice had risen excitedly. "If your friends Crabbe and Goyle intend to pass their Defense Against the Dark Arts O.W.L. this time around, they will need to work a little harder than they are doing at pres —" 

"What does it matter?" said Malfoy. "Defense Against the DarkArts — it's all just a joke, isn't it, an act? Like any of us need protecting against the Dark Arts —" 

"It is an act that is crucial to success, Draco!" said Snape. "Where do you think I would have been all these years, if I had not known how to act? Now listen to me! You are being incautious, wandering around at night, getting yourself caught, and if you are placing your reliance in assistants like Crabbe and Goyle —" 

"They're not the only ones, I've got other people on my side, better people!" 

"Like your cousin? Black?" Snape sneered. 

"It's Lupin-Black." Draco hissed. "And no. I haven't even spoken to her. I know if I do my mother's stupid plan will fail."

"Then why not confide in me, and I can —" 

"I know what you're up to! You want to steal my glory!" 

There was another pause, then Snape said coldly, "You are speaking like a child. I quite understand that your father's capture and imprisonment has upset you, but —" 

That was all the warning got before Snape moved towards the door. 

Nova quickly grabbed Harry by his shoulders and pushed him into the wall. She pressed her body into his as they hid in the shadows. Both seeming to forget they wore the cloak. 

Despite the situation, Harry found his heart beating fast and it wasn't from almost being caught. 

Nova peered down the corridor, exposing her jaw and neck. He could smell her perfume as it delicately drifted to his nose. 

Harry's heart was practically bounding in his chest. 

"They're gone," Nova informed. She looked at Harry who was biting his lip and had his eyes screwed shut. "What? What's your problem?"

"Nothing," Harry said quickly. 

"Are you sure? You look a bit-" Nova trailed off. A grin overtook her features. "Do you have a boner right now?"

Harry's dark red face was all the answer Nova needed. 

She started dying of laughter. Tears started to form in her eyes from her laughter. 

"Oi! It's not my fault! You're the one looking like a fucking goddess!" Harry hissed. 

"Awe! Thanks, darlin!" Nova grinned and kissed his cheek. 

Harry blushed again. 

"Shh!" a voice whispered down the hall. "You're gonna blow our cover!"

"Zip it, Nott!" Ginny's voice hissed. 

"You zip it, Weasley!" Theo whispered. 

"Both of you be quiet!" Blaise ordered. 

"Will one of you just cast the bloody spell?" Hermione's voice came. 

"We can hear you!" Nova called. 

Blaise, Theo, Ginny, Luna, and Hermione all stepped out looking sheepish. 

Blaise wore black dress robes with a red bow tie. Theo wore the exact same thing but with a grey bow tie. Luna wore some odd silver dress that she managed to pull off. Hermione was in a light pink dress. 

"And what do you think you're doing?" Nova asked with her arms crossed. 

"Putting you and Harry under the mistletoe," Luna said in a dreamy voice. 

"Abort! Abort!" Theo was yelling. 

"Abort mission!" Ginny joined in.

With one last mischievous grin, Blaise dashed after the group. 

Harry looked up and saw mistletoe hanging above their heads. 

After nearly a month of random girls trying to get him under the mistletoe, Harry was finally under the plant with the girl he loved. 

"So . . ." Harry trailed off cheekily. "Do I get my kiss?"

"No." Regulus and Sirius said in unison before being smacked on the back of their heads by Alex and Dorcus. 

"Maybe," Nova grinned before leaning in. 

It was a soft and delicate kiss, but it meant the world to them.