Sighing, I pull my coat around me tighter and swear at the cold wind as if it’ll do something. It’s bloody cold and there’s no shelter on the rolling plain you have to cross on the way to Hogsmeade, plus being in a bad mood always seems to make you colder. Because, yes, as you may sense from the fact that I've sworn at the wind, of all things, I am in a bad mood.

The reason behind my bad mood is quite simple, though I’ve most likely blown it out of proportion (I have a habit of doing that) - my friends have completely bailed on me. Said they’d meet me in the entrance hall to walk into Hogsmeade and no one turned up. I waited for half an hour as well. Still no one. So now I’m trudging down the slippery path to Hogsmeade village and freezing to death on my own.

As my walk progresses, however, my bitterness fades away - I’m not one to hold grudges because it takes too much effort when other things should take precedence - grudges aren’t logical - and I’m sure they’ll have an explanation. Though, if the explanation comes from Kate, I won’t bother listening. It’ll be something like ‘The Aliens gave us a lift there’ or ‘The Giant Squid needed a chat’. No, I’ll look to Lena for my answer and I expect a good one.

I regard my friends individually as I walk, having nothing else to do, as I fancy myself quite a observer and enjoy trying to sum people up, though apparently I’m not very good at it. However, I judge myself on that, and try to ignore negative input - plus that was from Peggy, who I am most certainly not going to listen to.

I start with Kate, who immediately brings the words ‘stark-raving mad’ to mind. That’s an exaggeration, of course, but in some cases it’s appropriate. She is strange - very - but I think that’s partly brought on by an unspeakable incident that happened last year at Lena’s hand. Kate’s never really been the same since then, and is on a variety of potions to keep anxiety and depression away. I’ve tried to persuade her that Muggle drugs would be better, but she won’t have it. On the whole, though, Kate’s ok. Me and her can have a laugh when she wants, though it’s incredibly annoying when she calls me ‘Idiot Claw’ - which is all the time, unfortunately for me. But I admire her strength after what she’s been through - she never seems to falter.

Peggy...well, my opinion of Peggy started bad. She seems irritating and girly, always giggling and gossiping about something or another. And now that she’s dating Sirius Black and has hurt Saoirse considerably, I won’t have anything to do with her. Some say I’m a Ravenclaw all the way, but I also uphold a steadfast loyalty for my friends, and Saoirse is my friend - but not Peggy.

Saoirse. I’ll  admit it - I like her. I’m not one to not know how I feel, though I’m told I have to be less ignorant with matters of empathy for others, though I will deny that, and I know that I like her. I’m not quite sure why, to be honest - there’s all the guys in my year raving on about Jodie Foster, Olivia Newton-John  and a tone of Muggle celebrities and then I go and fall for a crazy Irish girl who is barely even aware of my existence. But I am aware of why I am attracted to her - because she’s haunting and secretive, because she’s not all she seems and someone has to find out what’s up. 

I move on to Claire and go over my opinion of her - this is a common activity for me, just to know where I stand. However, my opinion of Claire hasn’t changed over the years - I met her properly in fourth year and ever since then I’ve thought she’s simply one word - great. She’s another strong person who you seem to be able to put anything on and she’ll deal with it. Sometimes she gets a little stressed, yes, but no matter how much she’s overloaded, Claire always has time for everything. Lena disagrees with this, saying that something gives with Claire and that she'd have to be superhuman to take everything, but I still support my statement. 

Lena and I often debate and argue good-naturedly, which is part of what makes us such good friends. She's my best friend, and, in all honesty, was my first. We're in the same house, have similar opinions and are both intellectuals, so it only fitted that when we met searching the muggle section of the library for Chemistry books in fourth year that we became good friends afterwards. Before that I just went around being a loner because the boys in my year didn't accept me due to my cleverness - they still don't. I suppose kind of rubbing it in their faces when I was in my first year and acting like a bit of a know-all didn't do me any good, but I like to think I've changed. However, they continue to ignore and exclude me, so I just hang out with a group of girls. Sounds sad, but I don't look at it that way.

I've barely met Sisa, but I'm not sure about her. She's very wild and is incredibly rude - though admittedly I had no problem with her verbally attacking Peggy the other day in a long strong of wild Spanish that was spat into the girl's face. It was quite amusing, though Claire and Lena didn't see the funny side and dragged the Spanish Girl away. But I had to restrain my laughter at Peggy's surprise. Unsurprisingly, Kate did not restrain herself and promptly rolled around on the floor laughing, causing Peggy to storm away.

My train of though is halted as I finally reach Hogsmeade High street, immediately heading for the Three Broomsticks. My guess is Lena and Claire got dragged down early by Kate, who lives in the Pub most of the time because they play The Beatles on a muggle Gramophone and she can't hear the music anywhere else. I have no idea where Saoirse could be, however - The Irish girl wanders on her own a lot and doesn't always stick with the others. She might be with Sisa and in that case in the pub (the girl has a job playing her violin for the entertainment of customers, don't ask me how she even got it seeing as she's rude to everyone she meets), but I'll just have to see. I would like to talk to her, but, knowing Saoirse, she won't listen to a word I say.

I turn off and enter the dark inside of the bar, finding it extremely busy and very warm, roaring fires burning at the hearth and warming me up considerably after my journey in the icy wind on the way here. I scan the crowd inside but can't spot Lena, Kate or Claire, and despite Sisa residing on a platform in one corner and playing a wild tune on her violin, Saoirse doesn't seem to be around. Sighing, there's nothing for me to do but take a seat at the bar and listen to Sisa play until my friends make an appearance. However, just after receiving my butterbeer and having been seated for only a few minutes, I hear a friendly voice with a familiar accent call my name.

''Alex! Hey!'' I turn around to see Peggy making her way towards me, hauling Sirius along as well. Immediately my face darkens and I stiffen - as I have expressed, Peggy is no longer my friend. So now the mission in this conversation will be to subtly tell her that and imply that I do not want to speak to her again.

''Good morning, Glenn.'' My voice is formal and I don't smile, moving my eyes to inspect her boyfriend as well, who's grinning arrogantly at me in an attempt to try and make me feel inferior.

Peggy looks taken aback. ''You can call me Peggy, you know.''

I just smile quickly to imply that I will not be calling her Peggy and instead will be using her second name on the rare occasion that I speak to her. She sees my reaction and looks at me with unsurety and Sirius Black pipes up, earning a glare from me. He's teased Lena continuously over the years and was awful to her when they dated - on the whole I thoroughly dislike the guy.

''Hey, Megs, shall we grab a table?''

Peggy turns her boyfriend. ''One second, I just want to speak to Alex. Can you get a table?'' Then it's back to me whilst Sirius Black nods and goes off to find a table, as if she's determined to make me speak to her. ''You here on your own? Where are the others?''

I shrug. ''No idea. Kate probably dragged them into Zonko's or something.'' There's a pause as I refuse to ask her anything.

''Have you seen Saoirse?'' Peggy asks after the silence, making me involuntarily tense up.

''No, why?'' My voice is sharp and Peggy senses it. It does intrigue me as to why she wants to see the Irish girl if she's fallen out with her, but her answer explains it.

Peggy looks at me and speaks warily. ''Nothing. I just wanted to give her a message.''

''Ah, yes, Sisa told me about that little message you sent to her the other day.'' My voice holds an underlying bite and there's anger in my expression. It really was a poisonous little note and I can't quite believe that Peggy wrote it - I didn't think she had that kind of spite in her. But Peggy's answering look confirms it.

''Great. Good to know you finally know something about Saoirse.'' She answers, clutching her shoulder back with clenched hands as I remind her of her little composition. 

Her reply angers me. ''Are you implying your note educated me?'' I say in disbelief, laughing scornfully. If anyone knows how to navigate a subtle argument, it's me, and she's not getting away with that little jab. ''I know plenty about the girl, Glenn - more than you do, anyway, from what I grasped reading that message.''

''Right.'' She's looking a hot and angry now but fires back with scorn. ''So you know plenty about Saoirse even though she won't even listen to you in conversation.''

I blush at that. No, she doesn't listen to a word I say. But that doesn't mean I don't listen to what she says - it doesn't mean that I don't know anything about her. ''Just because she doesn't pay much attention to me doesn't mean I don't with her. Unlike you, I am sensitive to people's feelings.'' I answer smoothly, enjoying making a dig at her.

She looks at me with angering her face but changes the subject before I can fire my best points at her. ''She doesn't like you, Alex. She never will.'' Her voice is spiteful.

I gather myself well, looking at her and smiling falsely, my expression mocking. ''Perhaps I should point out that since you don't speak to her anymore, your opinion does not mean anything to me.''

She looks at me sourly. ''You'd argue to the ends of the earth, wouldn't you?''

''Until the person I am arguing with sees sense, yes.'' I answer back quickly. It is true, I will debate on and on. I don't necessarily see this as a bad thing, though - I can win most arguments, which comes in handy. 

She laughs scornfully. ''Well good luck with that. I'm never going to 'see sense' about you.'' She cocks her head and looks at me as I continue to smile at her mockingly. ''I mean, you're so sad, Alex. Sitting in a bar all alone on a weekend and arguing pointlessly with me. Get a life, for pity's sake.''

But her words don't affect me - I don't give a damn what Peggy Glenn thinks of me, only that she knows I dislike her, which I'm sure she does by now. ''Oh, this argument is far from pointless. It has acted as a vessel for me to show you that I dislike you heartily and wish to avoid speaking to you. Unfortunately you don't seem to have picked up on that.''

She looks at me spitefully, knowing that I've won the argument. ''I picked up on that from the start, Mr Matton.'' She turns to go, finally, face petty as she slips off the chair she had made herself at home on. ''Good day.''

I don't bother saying any kind of farewell, just smile at Sirius Black as he sends a glare my way. Well, that was satisfying. 

Turning away, I notice a red-headed girl entering the pub and realise it's Saoirse, who promptly ignores Peggy and Black, though the former sends the Irish Girl a glare. I snap into gear as she stands alone by one of the tables, looking around, and slip off the bar stool I was seated on, approaching her.

''Hey - Saoirse.'' She turns as I speak and looks at me absentmindedly. 

''Oh - Alex - hi.'' She says in her lilting accent. ''I didn't know you were here.''

Immediately the way she's dressed strikes me - I'm not usually one to notice what girls are wearing, but her clothing is very strange today. Not that it doesn't look nice, it's just a little...historical. Her skirt is a deep blue colour and patterned at the hem with celtic knots and hides her shoes, with a high waist and a blooming skirt like something from the seventeen hundreds made of rich wool. On her upper she's wearing some sort of blouse out of white cotton that's relatively normal, but then there's a bodice that looks very like a corset that criss-crosses across her torso and chest, a celtic-styled pin clasping it together at the top. Her hair's also loose, unlike in most instances, held back slightly at the front but flowing over her shoulders and down her back like a red mane. She's also clutching what looks to be a violin case.

''Well the others didn't turn up, so I came by myself.'' I say, ending my stare. ''You don't know where they are, do you?''

''You mean, Claire, Kate and Lena?'' She questions. ''No, sorry. I've only just arrived here and I haven't seen them this morning.''

''Ah, ok.'' I answer. There's a pause as Saoirse's gaze moves to rest on Sisa playing her violin on the platform before I snap into gear. ''Well, d'you want to come and have a drink?'' I gesture towards the bar.

Saoirse looks up and looks to the bar. ''Well, I might as well. A drink should loosen me up.'' She moves independently and is already ordering a drink when I reach her. I catch the words ''Firewhisky, please'' and look at her amusedly.

''May I ask why you need to ''loosen up''?'' I say, grinning as I take a seat on a stool next to hers.

She looks at me and looks nervous. ''I always have to be intoxicated to some degree if I'm going to perform. Otherwise I can't.''

I look to the violin case she's still clutching and crease my brow. ''What - are you performing with Sisa?''

She nods, still nervous. ''Yes.'' She turns her head to look at the Spanish girl, who's playing a jigging tune now whilst several people clap enthusiastically. ''She suggested I ask for a job here to make some extra cash. God knows I need it.''

I see the last comment as her opening up slightly and pounce. Maybe I can make her open up a little more now that she's actually listening to me. I told Kate I would. ''Are you short of cash?'' I ask concernedly, creasing my brow.

But my plan doesn't take off at all - because that's when she stops listening to me, watching her friend play instead. ''No, no, she got that crescendo all wrong.''

''What?'' I say confusedly, looking to Sisa.

Saoirse grabs the pitcher of firewhisky the barman has just put down for her and takes an alarming swig of it before jumping down from the stool. ''Right. I'll show her.''

I watch in a mixture of amusement, frustration and disbelief as the Irish girl approaches her friend, whom she stops playing and says something inaudible before producing her fiddle and beginning to play the same jig Sisa had been playing - only this time te sound is different. It sounds much more lively and Saoirse's playing is much faster, fingers dancing on the strings and foot tapping as she begins to jig herself. It's clear now she knows the tune well, and that it's Irish. 

''That's how it's done!'' I hear her shout to Sisa, taking down her violin once the bar is finished.

Sisa looks at her amusedly and I also realise that swig of firewhisky has certainly caused Saoirse to become more relaxed. ''It is an Irish tune, yes?'' Sisa inquires in her rolling accent.

Saoirse nods, grinning. ''But you don't play it with a violin. You play it with a fiddle.'' 

''Well go on. Show me.'' Says Sisa, also smiling widely. And Saoirse, now at ease and, to some degree, intoxicated, does, starting the tune again and playing it in a lively, classic fashion. A little way through, Sisa, watching Saoirse's movements, begins to play as well, changing her style so they play the violins as fiddles  in synchronization. The crowd begins to really clap then, pleased at the sight of the two girls, dressed classically and playing a lively tune. I don't clap, of course, but it's kind of fun to see Saoirse like that and the tune is good. It's also great to see Peggy leave sulkily halfway through and Kate, Claire and Lena enter as she and Sirius Black go out.

Immediately Lena spots me and I jump of the stool nimbly and approach them as Claire and Kate watch Saoirse. 

''Alex! We've just been all over looking for you!'' Lena says, though her words are said good-naturedly. ''I'm so sorry we didn't meet you - Kate when racing off when she heard there was a sale at Honeydukes and Claire and I were forced to chase after her.''

I grin as I see Kate's arms are full of separate brown paper bags and she's eating several sugar quills, an amusing sight, and my previous annoyance at their absence disappears. ''It's fine - I've had an ok time in here, anyway.''

Lena smiles then looks to Saoirse and Sisa with raised eyebrows. ''Yes, the atmosphere in here certainly seems very lively.'' She turns to the door then addresses all three of us. ''Shall we go outside? It's a bit loud here, that's all.''

Kate shrugs and turns, as does Claire. ''Sure.'' Says the latter. We head to the door and out into the open, cold air coming over me like a wave and making me shiver and pull my long trench coat tighter around me. The girls are doing the same with their coats, which of course produces the usual comment from Kate as she looks me up and down.

''Why are you so fond of Muggle clothes? You never wear cloaks.''

I roll my eyes. ''It's not that I'm overly 'fond' of Muggle clothing - I just find them more practical. Plus this trench coat is much warmer than a cloak.''

Kate shrugs and leaves it, though it's a common debate for us. We wander down the street as Lena starts a conversation after looking from me to Kate amusedly. ''Anyway, yeah, sorry about not being there this morning.''

I shrug. ''No worries.'' I look at Kate's confectionery as she begins on an acid pop. ''I take it the mission to Honeydukes was successful.''

Lena laughs. ''Very.'' There's a small silence as I look to Claire, who's staring at the ground and is strangely silent - it's not like her to participating in conversation. Before I can comment on the matter, however, Kate's speaking.

''What was happening with Tortoise and Diva? I didn't know Tortoise played the violin, let alone did it for money.'' 

Lena shrugs. ''I knew she played the Fiddle - I didn't realise they were the same thing. But I wasn't aware she had a job playing in the pub.''

''Sisa got her in, I think.'' I say. ''At least, that's what she told me.'' Returning to the matter of Saoirse, I address a general question to Kate, Claire and Lena whilst creasing my brow. ''Did you notice she was dressed a bit weirdly.''

''She looked nice.'' Answers Lena good-naturedly. ''But yeah - she was dressed in kind of historic clothes - probably for her performance. Looked to be jacobean era, but I dunno - Peggy'd know what era they were from.''

''Actually, speaking of Peggy, I saw her in the pub.'' I say, ready to tell of my conversation with them. ''Along with her idiot boyfriend.''

''What did you say to her?'' Questions Lena warily, raising her eyebrow.

''Don't worry, I wasn't rude.'' I say reassuringly. ''Well - not very rude...'' I loom at Kate, who's looking at me accusingly. ''We're just not going to be speaking again.'' I say innocently.

''Al, you really should stop trying to defend Saoirse. It is partially her fault, you know.'' Says Lena, playing Claire's roll as the latter continues to stay silent. ''You interfering won't really help.''

''I didn't interfere.'' I answer indignantly. ''I just informed Peggy of who's side I'm on.''

''She already knew, no doubt.'' Lena answers. Her preaching is irritating me slightly because I know she's right. ''Your crush is very obvious.''

I roll my eyes exaggeratedly - I'm sick of hearing that. ''It's not. Besides, I don't have a crush on Saoirse, I just like her.''

''It is obvious.'' Kate enters the conversation again, though her support of Lena's statement is said absentmindedly and before I can say anything, she's changed the subject. ''Idiot Claw, you can't play any instruments, can you?''

I crease my brow, confused. Still, random conversations are usual when hanging out with Kate. ''Er - no.'' The truth is, though I love Led Zeppelin, Jethro Tull and just prog rock in general, I'm hopeless with music and my singing voice certainly isn't the best. So yeah, I'm not very musically adept. 

''Good.'' Answers Kate resolutely. ''Me and you can be T.L.I.M.T.s. of our friendship group.''

''What?'' I ask in bemusement. ''Tlimts?''

Kate nods as Lena and I exchange glances and grin in confusion. ''Mhm. We are the Totally.Lacking.In.Musical.Talent.s - the Tlimts.''

''Er - ok...'' I answer. 

''Kate, what makes you think you are a 'tlimt'?'' Questions Lena like the good friend she is, though there's a slight smile on her face. ''None of us are particularly musical.''

''Well Tortoise and Diva both play the violin spectacularly well, Groot's flute playing is brilliant as well, and you're great on your guitar-''

''No I'm n-'' Begins Lena, cutting across Kate.

''You are, so be quiet.'' Says Kate, cutting across Lena in a similar fashion to the way her friend had as I watch with amusement. ''As I was saying - all of you are great with music. Laura plays the piano, even, and Peggy can certainly dance and sing.''

''Kate, you definitely are not a 'Tlimt', or whatever you whatever you're calling yourself. Someone who can make up a conversation out of Abbey Road references.'' I put in, remembering an amusing conversation from the other day when Peggy had attempted to exchange conversation with Kate, who had insisted on her replies being references from The famous Beatles Album. It had been incredibly funny to see Peggy trying to exchange in small talk, asking Kate; ''Which colour d'you think Sirius'd like better?'' and Kate answering ''Got to be good looking cause he's so hard to see.'' as a reference from 'Come Together'. She had then gone on to belt the chorus in answer to another of Peggy's question before singing fragments of 'Octopus's Garden' in reply to Peggy's next flow of questions. In the end Peggy had been defeated by Kate and given up, though whether the defeat was intentional or not, I do not know.

''Yeah, Kate, actually - don't give us that. You are not a Tlimt - I mean, your rendition of 'Maxwell's Silver Hammer' is absolutely awesome.'' Insists Lena. ''Now stop being stupid.''

Kate opens her mouth - probably to deny it and cause Lena to try and convince her even more - but Claire cuts across before she can say anything.

''Hey guys, I need to go into the library.'' Claire gestures to the building that we're now outside, having wandered far down the high street. It's when I notice the lines in her forehead, the circles around her eyes and the tired look to her expression - somethings not right with Claire. She seems caught up in something of her own.

''Oh right - well, we'll come with you.'' Says Lena, turning off to head towards the door. ''You coming, Al?''

''Actually, I might go back to the Three Broomsticks. See how Saoirse and Sisa're doing.'' I say, knowing that Kate'll run off into the depths of the library at once, Lena'll absorb herself in a familiar volume and Claire'll get busy with her research, so it won't be very interesting for me.

''Oh, ok.'' Says Lena, Kate already walking off with Claire as they both hurry to get to the house of books that is basically a temple for the three. ''See you later?''

I nod. ''Yup - see you.'' Both Lena and I turn at the same time, me heading up the street. Well, time to go back to observing my friends and barely being able to call myself part of a group. It's kind of ironic, isn't it - the only guy in the group is the lonelinest out of everyone and is the one who's constantly ignored. I suppose that's because I'm only really friends with Lena and Claire - I've never met anyone else who likes me. I don't know why - probably because I'm too clever. Apparently from Kate I'm irritating. Instinctively, I let out a sigh. Well, being an outcast has always suited me. 

Once back in the bar, I order another butterbeer and sit there watching Saoirse and Sisa play. After the first few lively numbers, the audience have lost interest and they're playing for background tunes, but it's still interesting to watch them. The two make quite a good pair when Saoirse is intoxicated, it seems - she's lost her guard and seems quite wild and courageous now - more Gryffindor. Although they look very different; Sisa with her wild dark hair and eyes, face tanned and exotic, Saoirse auburn-hair with deep blue eyes and a small, pert face - they seem very similar. I over analyse the situation as I sit there, examining members of the crowd in the pub and wondering if I've turned invisible. It certainly feels like I'm just some spiritly presence, unseen by anyone. It's quite fun, to be honest, but gets tiresome as Saoirse and Sisa play on and the other three fail to make an appearance. An hour later, I hand the bar man the required bill, grab my coat and walk outside once more.

This happens a lot - my friends socialise with others in the friendship group and I'm left alone. It's my fault, I guess, for not suiting their conversation, and the fact that I'm a guy, but it gets irritating. Still, I can deal with it. I'm not one to break down and cry because I'm lonely and alone.

I decide to head back up to the castle - there's nothing for me to do in Hogsmeade due to the I have little money and have spent a majority of it on drinks, so I start walking back up, looking forward to taking a walk by the Black Lake - it's definitely my favourite place in the grounds and looks great at the moment now that Autumn's arrived. Chestnut leaves are blowing all over the place and the sky is grey, giving the lake a eerie look - which I like. 

However, walking back, I hear shouts from the woodland -  shouts I recognize. I stop, listening carefully, I realise the person I can hear is Lena - and she's in trouble. Pausing only to retrieve my wand from my pocket with a flourish, I dash towards the copse from which I can hear taunting voices and retaliating shouts. I know the glade - it's a place where Lena, Kate, Claire and I have often hang out. 

Running through the trees, I enter the woodland to find Mulciber, Avery and Snape surrounding Lena, firing random jinxes at her and laughing. Lena lunges at Snape as I stand there, stunned, and gets hit by his jinx as he fires one at her, laughing. ''Oh, you're a savage little thing, aren't you, Fairweather?'' Says Avery as Lena desperately tries to stop her ears growing any larger as a result of Snape's curse.

''More like physcotic.'' Snape bends down to look at Lena, cocking his head. ''You're mad, aren't you? You little bit-.''

As soon as the words leave his mouth, I snap into gear. Quiet and quick, I dash across at him and barrel into Severus Snape, not making a sound as my fist comes into contact with his hooked nose. There are shouts and taunting calls as I wrestle Snape to the ground, but I can't hear what they're saying. They stop when I begin to hit Severus Snape savagely in the stomach, winding him before my fist returns to his face and blood's drawn as his nose begins to bleed. I hear Avery and Mulciber approaching then, but I'm too fast, grabbing my wand and firing curses at the both of them before they can do anything. Snape then receives a punch in the chin as he struggles to stem the flow of blood pouring from his nose before I jump up and fire more curses at Avery and Mulciber, ducking to avoid spells sent towards me. I've always been exceptional at charms and duelling, and they're no match for me - all Avery and Mulciber know are painful hexes and jinxes that are useful only for bullying, and they can barely cast them as it is, which is why they needed Snape along with them to attack Lena. Lena. I look round to see she's got rid of the ears but is struggling with incanting the counter-jinx for the long teeth she's got as a result of a nasty duelling spell. Flitting past her nimbly, I incant the counter-jinx hurriedly before turning back to Avery and Mulciber, who are approaching me. Quickly, I send a nose-breaking hex towards Avery which he doesn't dodge in time. There's loud and painful crack, then his nose begins to bleed and he drops down to clutch it. Grinning in victory, I turn to Mulciber and hold out my wand, ready to send a nice curse his way...

''ALEX!'' A wild, panicky voice laced in disbelief shouts from the entrance to the glade. ''ALEX, STOP!''

It's Claire, who comes rushing over, brown bob swishing as she approaches. ''You've gone too far!''

I would disagree with that statement, seeing as these three bullies have plagued Kate and Lena for some time and are bastards through and through, but I stop anyway, seeing as both Avery and Snape have suffered enough. Mulciber rushes forward and ushers Avery away as the latter stands, though there are poisonous glares sent to me as Snape and the other two head off, enough done. They're in no state to continue dueling and I don't think they'd consider duelling Claire, who's actually quite popular among her classmates. Letting them go, I approach Lena, who's just removing the last jinxes and looks up at me as I come over, though Claire, sat by her, speaks first.

''You've got blood on your coat.'' She says, not looking at me. I look down at my woolen trench coat and find this to be true - it's probably Snape's. I deal with it quickly.

''Scourgify.'' The stain disappears and I turn back to Lena, who's now getting up, Claire helping her worriedly. ''You ok, Lena?''

''Yeah, I'm fine.'' She answers, brushing herself down. ''But thanks anyway.'' She catches sight of my bruised knuckles. ''Bloody hell, Alex - you didn't have to smash Snape's face in quite so passionately.''

''I did.'' I spit, my loathing for the boy coming through. ''Severus Snape is a slimy bastard.''

Lena laughs and shakes her head, but I take that as gratitude. However on my comment, Claire looks to the ground and blushes, catching my eye for a second. I crease my brow as she turns, wondering what's up with her today. Something's not right.

''Come on, let's head back to the castle.'' Lena's saying as I stride to walk beside her and Claire. ''Hopefully they won't tell anyone about that.''

''What? That they were bullying a girl in their own class and got defeated by one measly Ravenclaw alone?'' I say with humour. ''Trust me, they won't be telling anyone. It'll make them look bad.''

''Alex, did you have to be quite so savage?'' Claire reprimands me in an irritating fashion - I did just save Lena, for god's sake. 

''I wasn't savage, I was fair.'' I answer back, ever the logical one. ''Both Avery and Snape deserved to have their faces smashed in. Pity you stopped me doing it to Mulciber, too.''

''Don't worry, Claire, he's not usually this menacing.'' Says Lena teasingly. ''You rarely see Alex angry.''

''They were bullying you, that's why I was bloody angry.'' I say indignantly.

''I'm not insulting you for being angry. Calm down, Al.'' Says Lena humorously. ''And yes, thank you. I get that you were being a good friend and have no problem with you smashing Severus Snape's face in.''

I laugh and grin, Lena having coaxed my good mood back as she always does. But the previous look returns to Claire's face and she looks away again, causing me to crease my brow and watch her for a pause before turning away as a question comes to mind.

''By the way, where were you and Kate, Claire? Why'd you leave Lena alone?''

''I can walk by myself you know, Alex. I don't need a personal bodyguard.'' Says Lena, sounding humorous but employing an undertone of bite.

Claire's also annoyed by the question. ''She wanted to walk back up to the castle and I'd said I'd follow on. Kate was meant to come with me but she made a visit to the Three Broomsticks first so she was gonna catch up.'' She says indignantly. ''We had no idea those three would attack Lena.''

''Yeah, look, it's nobody's fault.  As I say, I don't need a personal bodyguard. I'm fine.'' Insists Lena, anxious to press that she's okay on her own. But the thing is, Lena isn't safe on her own. Ever since what she did last year, she's been the target of every bully in Hogwarts - and Hogsmeade, for that matter - and none of us, her friends, feel comfortable letting her go anywhere on her own. And, using today as an example, you can see that our concern is not unnecessary.

''How'd your research go, anyway?'' I ask Claire, changing the subject. There's no way we can get it across to Lena that we don't believe she's safe without one of us with her. 

''Okay, thanks. I'm investigating this house my Father lived in before he died.'' Says Claire, looking at me gratefully. I'm  the only one who ever takes a real interest in her research and do try to help her, though Kate and Lena are pretty good as well. The former teases her quite a bit though. ''I think I'm gonna visit it.''

''The house? Where is it?'' I ask, interested. However, before Claire can saying anything, a sneering voice makes all three of us jumps as it talks unpleasantly from behind.

''What a cute little trio of idiots you make.''

I spin on my heel along with Lena and Claire to see Severus Snape, face cleared of blood but horrifically bruised, clutching his wand in one hand. He looks scarily savage and I instinctually reach for mine, slipping it out of my pocket.

''You've already had a hammering from me once, Snape. Bugger off before you receive another one.'' I say threateningly, bringing forward my wand. 

''Oh yes, I meant to thank you for that - what's it they call you - Idiot Claw.'' Snape says venomously. ''Unfortunately, however, you will not be 'hammering' me again. Expelliarmus!''

A  jet of red light shoots towards me but I jump to the side and dodge it easily, Claire being the one to deflect the spell as I leap out of the way. However, her expression isn't normal and she stares at Snape in a strange way.

Snape, despite his failure. ''Ah, I see you've learnt the value of teamwork. However, when I'm not caught off guard, I can easily defeat you.'' He holds his wand aloft again, ready to aim another spell. I didn't know the gu was so stupid - we're three skilled duellers and he thinks he can beat us? Really? ''Perfunctoru-''

''Oh no you don't!''

No, he doesn't even get to try, seeing as Kate comes crashing through the undergrowth, shoves him from the side as she uses a well-suited battle cry and sends him spinning towards the lake shore. It looks like he's going to be fine for a minute, but he wobbles on the bank and in he goes, flailing for the short fall and landing in the dark waters of the black lake. We all rush over to see as the splash is heard, and find he's ok - just wet and stranded. Spitting out what looks to be disgusting tasting water, Snape begIns to claw his way through the water in his heavy black robes towards a fallen tree. It's at that point we withdraw and everyone begins to laugh.

''Well done Kate.'' I say, clapping the girl on the back with a grin. ''Perfect timing.''

''Perfect timing indeed.'' Puts in Lena, cheeks rosy as she continues to laugh and a wide smile spreads across her face. ''You must have planned that entrance.''

''Why thank you, good people.'' Kate answers, bowing ceremoniously. ''And no - I'm just wonderfully spontaneous, Eel.''

Lena and I both laugh again, Kate cracking a grin, before Claire, who's also laughing, says; ''Come on, guys, let's get back to the castle before Kate does anything more dramatic.''

''That sounds like a good idea.'' Says Lena humorously. ''Come on Kate, Al.'' She begins to walk with Claire, linking arms with Kate. I smile and move to join them, however, something on the ground catches my eye as I turn. Bending down, I find it's a old photograph of a woman who's the spitting image of Claire. Turning it over, I find 'Claire Prince' to be written in blue ink on the back in Claire's neat handwriting, confirming that it's hers. Looking at the surname, a connection is made in my head and I realise the reason behind her strange behavior today. My eyes look to the retreating figure of Claire and I slip the photograph into my pocket, moving to follow the three girls. Severus Snape is not someone she wants to be involved with. Because, unlike her, I know what he's up too.

Outcasts happen to be very good listeners.