Heat of the Moment

A/N: All things Harry Potter belong to JKR. I make no money from this.

Many thanks to my awesome beta, Southern_Witch_69! Sun, you're the greatest!

Chapter Eight

Heat of the Moment

Draco stood in the home of his childhood, looking out of his bedroom window. The party his father was having for Ginevra and him was the next day. Draco sighed, long and heavily. He didn't feel like celebrating his marriage at the moment.

His wife would hardly speak to him. He'd been spending his nights on the couch in their rooms at Hogwarts, and Draco had no doubt that he would be spending this one on the couch in the small sitting room just outside his bedroom door.

He didn't blame her for being angry...furious...with him; he deserved it. But how long was she planning on punishing him? He remembered going to Severus and Grangers' rooms the morning after he'd tried to explain things, begging Granger for some sort of insight as to how he should handle the situation.

He could tell that those two had made some sort of break-through, and while Draco had been happy for Severus, he wondered why his wife couldn't understand, just a little.

Granger's eyes had frosted over a little when he'd walked in, swallowed his pride, and asked her advice. When she'd seen how sincere he'd been, she softened up a bit.

"She just needs time and understanding," Granger had said. "No two people react the same in these kinds of situations. She's told me that she feels you abandoned her, and I think that, more than anything, is what hurts her the most. Just be there, and listen if she wants to talk. It wouldn't hurt for you to read the book she has on the subject either. Perhaps that will give you a bit more understanding."

After that, Granger had turned on her heels and walked into the bedroom, leaving him to speak with Severus in private.

Draco shook his head and then laid it on the window. He was taking the advice to heart, but it was so hard. Ginny had informed him earlier, quite icily, that she was going to take a turn in the gardens. His father had kept up the spell started by his mother that allowed enough warmth during the winter months to allow it to continue to bloom.

Thoughts of his mother caused his already aching heart to hurt all the more. He wished so badly that she was here so that he could talk to someone. His father wouldn't do...not by a long shot.

Draco knew that Lucius thought that he was mad at him for dating again. Nothing could be further from the truth. It was his flaunting, his utter disregard of Narcissa's memory, that bothered Draco. He didn't begrudge his father companionship, which Lucius seemed to think. He just wished he acted more appropriately.

Draco turned from the windows and went to lie down on his bed. He was tired. A very apt word. Tired of fighting with both his wife and father, tired of pretending things were fine in public, tired of stress and strain, tired of not being able to comfort his wife, but mostly, he was tired of the constant ache inside of him.

He was smart enough to realize that though her sessions had helped her tremendously, Ginevra was still having a few problems after her attack. Flint. Be looking behind your back, mate. I'll be coming for you.

He turned on his side and closed his eyes, trying to sleep. His last thoughts before he lightly dozed were of his mother, the beautiful Narcissa, and how he wished she were alive to witness the birth of her first grandchild.

*** *** ***

Lucius had seen his daughter-in-law walking towards the gardens. She really is a very lovely young woman. If Narcissa were here to train her in the ways of society and dress, she could be quite stunning. He ruthlessly clamped down on thoughts of his wife, as he was wont to do every time she popped into his mind. He couldn't survive otherwise, no matter what his son thought.

He wondered where Draco was and why he was not walking with his lovely young wife. A stroll in the gardens could be very romantic if one knew how to use them to their advantage.

He had some time before his meeting with Arthur Weasley, so Lucius decided to have a stroll with the new Mrs. Malfoy. Walking up to her and holding his arm out for her to take, he simply said, "Mrs. Malfoy, it would be my pleasure to escort you through the gardens."

Taken aback, Ginny only slightly faltered. "Of course," she said, very lightly placing her hand on his arm, yet not moving any closer.

Lucius stiffened minutely, well aware of the fact she did not want to touch him. "Where is my son? I would think he would want to be the one to show you around."

"He doesn't need to cater to me, Mr. Malfoy. I am perfectly fine walking the gardens by myself." She gave him a telling look.

Stopping to look down at her, Lucius raised a pale blond eyebrow. Before he spoke, the thought ran through his mind that her cleavage was coming along nicely since pregnancy. I do hope Draco is taking advantage of that! "I was thinking more along the lines of romancing you, dear, not catering to you. And do call me Lucius. We are family now after all."

"All right."

"You're not the talkative sort, are you? Is everything okay?" Lucius was beginning to wonder about his son and his wife. They were newlyweds after all. And they certainly had not dated very long before they'd wed, else he would have heard something.

"Yes, why wouldn't it be? I'm just tired. Perhaps I have walked enough today. I think I'll go take a nap before supper."

He stopped and looked down at her, which caused her to stop and look up at him in return. Without meaning to, he let his eyes drift to her enticing bosom once again. "My son seems to be very fortunate in his choice of wives." He licked his lips.

Ginny stepped back from her father-in-law, face full of fury. She'd been a victim before...never again. Whether he'd intended it or not, she took his compliment as some sort of offer. One she didn't care for. "I don't care for the suggestiveness in your tone, Mr. Malfoy, and neither would Draco."

He managed to look utterly shocked by her statement. "Do pardon me, my dear Ginevra. I meant no impropriety. Only stating the obvious and the fact that I am happy for my son and his great fortune."

Lucius walked towards Ginny and gently stroked a hand down her cheek. "You are a very beautiful woman after all. But then, you know that. All of the beautiful ones do."

"Excuse me," said a voice from behind Ginny. "I was just checking on you, Ginevra. It's getting a bit late. Have you finished your walk?"

Draco was taken aback by the joy on his wife's face when she spun around and saw him. He'd not seen that look in her eyes, especially directed at him, for a while now.

"Yes, I have." Ginny quickly walked from Lucius to stand beside her husband. "Your father offered to show me around the gardens, but I'm a bit tired. I think I'd like to go have a nap."

Draco looked from his wife to his father and back, wondering what the hell Lucius was up to now. "I can walk you up if you'd like."

"That would be nice. Thank you, Draco." Without another word to her father-in-law, Ginny turned to walk back towards the house.

Draco narrowed his eyes and looked towards Lucius. "Father?"

"I have a meeting at the Ministry I must attend. Don't hold supper." Looking over his son's shoulder, Lucius called out, "Good evening, Ginevra!"

She didn't answer, only kept walking, so Draco turned to follow her. Gently placing a hand on her shoulder to slow her, he asked, "Are you all right? Did my father say something to upset you?"

"It's nothing. I'm truly tired, Draco."

Ginny continued up the stairs in silence, and Draco wondered if it was because she was still angry with him and didn't want to talk to him or if it was something his father may have done. For his sake, he better hope he'd behaved properly where his wife was concerned.

*** *** ***

Severus sat on one end of the sofa as his wife sat on the other, both reading a book. He'd finished all the grading that needed to be done so that he could spend most of his time in their rooms. He didn't want anything to spoil the fragile make-up with his wife.

They had not gotten back to the way they'd been before she was attacked, but they were much better than they had been, even if they were being overly polite. Severus detested polite.

"Are you getting hungry? It's getting rather late."

Hermione looked up from her book. "Yes, now that you mention it, I am." She turned and smiled at him. "Shall I have our supper sent here? I don't really feel like walking to the Great Hall."

"As you wish." Severus rose to place the books back on the shelf, wondering what he could say to her. Before, their conversations had flowed with ease. Now, they both seemed cautious.

"Are you looking forward to the party Malfoy is having tomorrow night?" Hermione asked her husband, keeping the topic a safe one.

Severus looked at her, his eyes penetrating hers. When she seemed to be getting uncomfortable, he spoke. "I suppose so. I haven't socialized with anyone for some time." Suddenly, a thought occurred to him. "Are you? Do you think you will be all right attending?"

She smiled warmly at his concern for her. "Yes. I'm looking forward to it! I really need to get out of this castle!" Hermione turned as a house-elf she didn't recognize brought the food in and set it up.

Severus furrowed his brow. "You're not a prisoner here, you know," he told her, defensive of her comment.

She turned to look at him. "I never said that I felt like one, Severus. Things have been busy for you with the end of term and grading papers, so we've not been anywhere for quite awhile. That's all I meant."

"I see." He walked to the table, sitting down. "Are you going to join me, wife?"

"What is it? You've not been yourself today." Hermione watched him, chewing her lip in concentration.

"I have offended you?"

"No, you haven't offended me, Severus, but you've been short and defensive sometimes. Have I offended you?"

It was on the tip of his tongue to tell her this whole situation offended him, but he held back. He honestly believed...knew...it was his fault that things were strained between them. "No, you have not. Why would you ask me that?"

"I don't know. You seem... aggravated for some reason."

He held out his hand and motioned towards the chair opposite him. "Please sit down and eat. You need nourishment. You've done nothing to aggravate me. I'm sorry I've given you the impression that you have."

"Okay." Hermione walked to the table. After she sat, she began to fill her plate, becoming even hungrier as the aromas filled her nose. "The food looks wonderful."

Barely stopping the snort that wanted to escape him, he told her, "Well, it certainly tastes wonderful." What next, the weather? Which robes I will be wearing to the party?

"Mmmm, I agree. I've had a few cravings lately," Hermione informed him.

"Oh? You've not mentioned it. What have you been craving?" I crave something myself, but not food, he thought, knowing he would never say that to her. It was too soon, and Severus hated rejection.

"It's nothing weird or out of the ordinary. I crave spotted dick. I've had it brought to me a couple times."

Severus wisely decided not to say that he could give her dick every night if she wanted it. It was too crude, juvenile, and not his usual manner, but he wanted her so badly. He'd gotten used to sex with his wife on a regular basis, and while he had been sharing the same bed with her, they'd shared nothing else. Nor did it look like she planned to any time soon.

He was determined to allow her to make the first move when she was ready. Severus knew he had no right to expect anything from her on an intimate level. His needs didn't matter.

"No, not weird," Severus told her. "Are you feeling the baby move at all?"

"Only little flurries, but I love it!"

She smiled brightly at him then, and he had to set his fork down so that he wouldn't drop it. She was beautiful to him at that moment, and all he could think was, I want her.

Clearing his throat, he asked, "When is your next appointment? I would like to go with you if you're agreeable."

"Well, normally I would only go every three months at this stage, but Madam Pomfrey wants to see me once more this month due to the... circumstances. So, I will go two days after Christmas. I wouldn't mind at all if you wanted to join me." Her look changed then, going more serious. "You never used to ask me before, Severus. You always just came."

"Things were different between us then. I hadn't hurt you." He stood and walked over to the bookshelf, picking up the book she'd been reading about surviving an attack. Not facing her, he informed her, "I've read this."

Her voice was full of surprise when she asked, "You have?"

He looked at her then, and the wonder in her face combined with her stunned tone hurt him. "Yes, I have. I would do anything to ensure your happiness and well being, Hermione. I thought that you understood that."

She was speechless. Wanting to lighten the mood because she suddenly felt as if an argument was coming on, she said, "I'm just not used to seeing your sensitive side. I didn't know you had one really." She grinned so that he would understand she was joking.

Hermione immediately saw that her husband had not taken her joke very well. "Pardon me, Madam," he called to her, using the formal title to mask his feelings of anguish, "I will apologize for my insensitive behavior, once again and, everyday following if you require it, until you believe that my words are sincere." He didn't yell, but the anger was evident in his voice.

"Oh, Severus, I didn't really mean..."

"Think nothing of it." He knew that he'd cut her off again, but this time he was absolutely sure she was going to tell him that she didn't mean what she'd said about his insensitivity. The fact of the matter was that, joking or not, there was usually some small grain of truth in what people said. "I've just remembered a potion I'm brewing for Poppy. I need to attend to it. I'll be back shortly."

"All right," Hermione said as he'd walked out. "Well, you've buggered that one up right and proper, Mrs. Snape," Hermione muttered to herself. She wondered how she could get things back to normal. "It was a bad joke, you idiot! You know how easily hurt he can be."

Her husband hadn't even attempted to touch her since the night of his confession. Not even a brief hug hello or a kiss on the cheek when he left to go somewhere. Hermione wondered if it was because dredging up old memories had upset him. She'd been trying to watch what she said to him because she knew how hard it had been for him to discuss his past with her. He'd opened himself up, and Hermione was determined not to make him sorry he did.

Apparently, her strategy wasn't working. Something was off with him today. Should I go to his lab and talk to him about it? No, I'm not even sure that's where he actually went. I don't believe for one second that Severus Snape would forget a potion he'd been brewing.

She sighed, feeling lost. She decided to have a shower and go to bed. She seemed to tire easily these days.

~~~~

Severus returned to their rooms at half past ten. He was not surprised to find that his wife had retired. The book he'd been reading on pregnancy said it was not uncommon for a woman in her condition to need more rest during this time.

I shouldn't have left. She needs to feel secure and loved, and I just went off and sulked like a child! How will she come to depend on me if I show her constantly how undependable I am?

He started to pour himself a drink and indulge in a good brood when he heard the first whimpers from their bedroom. "Hermione?" he called out.

A long moan was his answer. "Hermione?" he asked again.

"No! Get off of her! Stop!" she called out, voice full of terror.

Severus ran into the bedroom to find his wife thrashing on the bed. "Hermione," he gently shook her, "wake up. Wake up now, love!"

When she felt someone grip her arms, Hermione began to fight like a mad woman. Lashing out she pushed and clawed at Severus. "Let me go! Stop it!"

"Hermione! It's me, Severus! Hermione!" Nothing was working. He couldn't wake her. He was afraid she was going to harm herself or possibly the baby. Desperately, he yelled, "MISS GRANGER!"

Her eyes snapped open, and she stared blindly at former Potions professor for a moment. All of her movement stilled until her bearings came back to her. She began to cry softly. "I'm sorry."

He wanted to gather her in his arms and comfort her, but he wasn't sure if she wanted to be touched. The book had said everyone's reactions varied. "You don't need to apologize to me for that. Are you okay?"

"No, but I would be..." She decided to chance it. She needed to feel safe and secure, and the only way that was going to happen was in her husband's arms. "I would be," she said again, "if you held me. I need you, Severus. I didn't mean to hurt you earlier. It was my attempt to joke. It was a bad attempt, and I'm sorry for it."

"Ssh," he soothed, happy that she needed him, even though he hurt over the circumstances. He rose and took off all of his clothing except his boxers.

Getting into the bed beside her, he held out his arms and said, "Come here."

She gratefully went into his arms, laying her head on his chest. Hugging him tightly, she smiled and closed her eyes. "Love you," she told him sleepily.

Severus closed his eyes, breathed in deeply, and tightened his grip. "And I, you."

*** *** ***

Draco sat on the couch in his sitting room, his head full of Ginny. She'd gone straight into the bedchamber when they'd returned to his bedroom, and he hadn't seen her since. She hadn't even come out to eat, though he hoped that she'd called upon one of the elves and had eaten in bed.

He needed to check on her...make sure she was all right. His father had done or said something to her; of that he was sure. He couldn't really tell, but it looked as if Lucius had had his hand on Ginevra's cheek. Why though? Why would he be touching her in such a way? It didn't make any sense.

The relief in her eyes when she'd realized that he was behind her was unmistakable. Had his father frightened her? In what way? Deciding he could no loner stand not knowing, Draco stood and walked into the bedroom.

His wife lay in the bed on her side, one hand tucked up under her cheek, sleeping. She's so beautiful. Even more so with our child growing inside of her. Before he could stop himself, Draco reached out to stroke her hair.

Ginny was up and scrambling back so fast that Draco was taken aback. "Stop! What are you doing in here?"

Draco started to answer her, apologize to her, but before he could speak, Ginny continued, "Draco would not appreciate the fact that you..." She stopped suddenly, breathing heavily. "Why do you have your hair pulled back like that?" she snapped...rather than asked.

The fury in Draco was so great that he had to take several deep breaths before speaking. "Who did you think was in here, Ginevra?" he asked, although he already knew. He just wanted to hear her say it.

Ginny didn't want to talk about Lucius Malfoy. From the look in her husband's eyes, she decided it was for the best that she said nothing. "Oh, no one. I was dreaming, that's all. Why do you have your hair tied back?"

"It's getting long and was bothering me, so I pulled it back to keep it out of my face. Answer my question, Ginevra. Who did you think I was?"

Ginny sighed. "Don't do this, okay? I'm fine. Just tired, that's all."

"What did my father say to you in the garden? I know that he's upset you."

She wouldn't answer him and refused to look him in the eye. She shook her head. "There's no point in this, Draco. He's your father. Leave it."

"No, I don't think I will. I won't have my wife feeling upset and scared in my own home. Her home. I'll be back; get some rest."

"Draco..." Her would-be objection fell on deaf ears as Draco turned and headed out. She shuddered, knowing that a confrontation was inevitable.

~~~~

Lucius stormed into his study, ready to commit murder. "How dare he refuse me! Sniveling boot licker, thinking he is better than a Malfoy! Someone needs to put Arthur Weasley in his place."

He picked up a Ming vase and flung it across the room, flowers scattering around as it broke. "He thinks to keep me out, does he? Thinks he can just deny me, Lucius Malfoy, my rightful place in the Ministry? Well, we shall see. I will not tolerate this. I will take action against him."

Lucius' ranting was halted by the door being thrown open and an irate Draco storming in. "A word, Father."

"It seems you have forgotten your place, boy. You do not enter my study unannounced or uninvited!" His already frayed nerves were about to snap.

"No," Draco said, voice only slightly shaking, "it's you who seems to have forgotten their place. You will leave my wife be. I can be no clearer than that."

"Your wife? Your WIFE? Come now, son. She's just some trollop who's fucked her way into a good fortune. She is from nothing and not worthy of you. She knew if she didn't become pregnant, you would never wed her."

Draco balled his hands into fists. He'd never once come up against his father, had always been afraid to, but at the moment, nothing would give him more pleasure than to pound Lucius face to a bloody pulp. "Watch yourself. I happen to care very deeply for my wife. I won't have her hurt or even insulted by you. Remember that."

"So, the pup grows a pair and stands up to his father. You would choose this...her...to break out on your own and risk all that you have? Some Mudblood-loving, fortune-seeking woman who knows how to use her wiles?"

"I risk nothing, Father. Nothing I would care to lose. With the funds Mother left me, I have much more than you." Draco knew that was an extremely sore spot with his father, so he pushed the point. "In fact, we both know that I own half of this mansion and the whole of the Lestrange estate as well. But all of this is a moot point. I don't know what you're playing at, but you will leave my wife alone."

"Don't push your luck here, boy." Lucius was not in the mood for one of his son's temper tantrums. "Not only does she use her wiles and seduce you but she also comes whinging to you as well. What did she tell her loving husband her big, bad father-in-law did to her? I am curious."

Draco struggled to remain calm, but it was a battle he was fast losing. "She never said a word. She mistook me for you when I came into the bedroom."

Lucius yawned, unconcerned. "You bore me. Answer me this. How do you know that she did not come on to or act inappropriately towards me? Perhaps she is tired of the boy and is ready for the man?"

Draco merely raised a pale blond eyebrow, much the same way his father had done in the garden earlier. With an amused look, he told Lucius, "Well, you certainly flatter yourself." Then he burst out laughing. "Oh, to think that you actually believe you could make me doubt my wife by using... yourself! Potter would have been a more believable story, Father. She detests you."

Insulted, Lucius bit out, "Then why, may I ask, are you here? If you see me as no threat..."

"Make no mistake, she feels threatened by you...not me...and that I will not tolerate." When his father started to speak, Draco cut him off, saying, "I mean it, Lucius. I've never stood up to you, I know that, but when it comes to my wife, there is nothing I wouldn't do to keep her safe and happy." He left out that he'd failed her before but would not fail her again.

Lucius searched his son's eyes and could see the determination in them. He'd always thought that if the boy's confidence ever grew, he would be a formidable opponent. "Then I will leave you to it. I wouldn't sully myself in any case with the likes of her."

"Right. I'm sure you wouldn't." Draco turned to leave, stopping just before he reached the door. "This is the last time we'll discuss this. The next time, I will hex before I speak."

After he'd gone, Lucius wasn't sure if he was proud or infuriated. He decided, more than anything, he'd rather be pissed and went for his fifty-year-old scotch.

*** *** ***

Harry and Ron stood in the alley a few blocks down from the Ministry. They only had a few hours before they had to transfer Nott and Flint to Azkaban, but the owls that they'd received had intrigued them.

They had each gotten one the day before that was marked urgent. The contents had been vague, but had requested that they meet at this time and place.

"Who do you suppose sent us those owls, Harry? I've thought on it and can't figure it out."

"I have no idea, but it better not be your stupid brothers playing some sort of prank."

Ron chose not to comment because he'd thought the same thing himself. They were both startled by two pops of Apparition. They immediately stood back-to-back, wands at the ready. Some may have called them foolish to come here on the request of persons unknown, but at least they would be prepared.

"Show yourselves," Harry commanded, not liking the fact that he couldn't see who'd Apparated.

Suddenly, Severus Snape and Draco Malfoy appeared. They stood side by side and said nothing.

"What's this?" Ron asked, suddenly a very bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. "What are the two of you about?"

"Weasley, Potter," Severus started, "we've a request."

Harry looked from one man to the other, extremely curious. "Where are Hermione and Ginny?"

Shaking his head with impatience at the ignorance of the Boy Who Lived...how he'd ever defeated the Dark Lord he would never know...Severus snapped, "At home, asleep in bed. Where do you think they would be at this late hour?"

"Well, where do they think you've gone?" Ron directed his look at Malfoy.

Draco was not about to let on that he hadn't been sleeping in the bed with his wife and she'd never know he'd even left, so he merely told his brother-in-law, "They don't know that we've gone anywhere, Weasley. They were sleeping."

"What if they happen to wake up and wonder?" Ron demanded, not liking the thoughts of his sister or Hermione being alone. At least until those two were locked up tight in Azkaban.

Harry held up a hand. "Maybe the two of you had better explain what this is about. If you're here for some sort of revenge towards Ron and me, then you've wasted your time. We won't apologize for doing nothing wrong."

Ron simply nodded his head in agreement.

"No," Severus spoke, "that's not why we've asked you to meet us." Swallowing his pride was hard for a man like Severus, but he wanted to clear the air. "It seems that Draco and I should thank you actually."

"Save it," Harry said, not wanting to hear it. "It's enough that you know the truth now. Is that why you wanted to meet?" Surely that was not what this was about.

"No," Draco said. "We've a favor to ask. A big one."

"Oh?" Ron asked, looking at Snape this time, hardly believing that man would ask anything of Harry and him.

"Indeed. We want a few minutes alone with Nott and Flint," Severus explained. "Kingsley let it slip to me that the two of you were transferring them to Azkaban tonight."

Harry and Ron looked at one another. How many times had they said they would like to have a few minutes alone with those sodders? They couldn't risk their jobs, however much they wanted to.

"What's the plan?" Harry asked Snape. If it was a good one, he and Ron would likely agree.

"We'll ambush you at an undisclosed location," Snape began the explanation, wasting no time. "We will pretend to Stun you and then let Flint and Nott see what it's like to be a victim and unable to defend oneself."

The idea had merit, Ron thought. However, as he looked at Malfoy, he began to speculate. "Do you think you could take him?

"Without question, Weasley."

"Be sure," Harry warned. "Because if they escape..."

"They won't," Severus assured. "In any case, the two of you won't really be Stunned. What do you say?"

Once again, Harry and Ron looked at each other. If the situation were reversed, they'd want to do the same. Besides, who's to say that if they didn't agree, Snape and Malfoy wouldn't still do as they'd planned, actually Stunning them for real?

"All right," Harry agreed. "Here's the timeframe." Snape and Malfoy paid close attention as Harry mapped out the itinerary.

~~~~

Harry and Ron grabbed Flint and Nott as they held the Portkey that would take them to the rocky shore surrounding Azkaban. Just as they'd landed, they felt the hit of the fake Stunner.

They both fell to the ground, lying very still. Flint looked to Nott. "What's going on? Has your father planned an escape?"

"Not that I'm aware, but let's not waste this opportunity! Let's get out of here."

"Wish Disapparation was allowed. That's a bloody long swim!"

"Going somewhere?" a voice asked from behind a rock.

Flint and Nott spun in circles for a few moments until they spotted the two men dressed from head to toe in black. Masks hid their faces, but Nott was sure who they were.

"Snape," he mocked, "what a tasty little wife you have."

Severus said nothing, and the tension mounted.

"Surely that's not Malfoy, Jr. with you?" Flint taunted. "You'd have done better to bring your wife than him."

Suddenly all the rage and ache that had been inside of Draco unleashed itself, and Flint was the unfortunate recipient...the cause of all the troubles that had been happening in his marriage so far.

Before he could control himself, as Severus had told him to try and do, Draco simply walked over to Flint and broke his nose. He found it was much more satisfying than a punching bag.

Then it began, man to man, no wands or magic. When it was over, Flint and Nott lay in an unconscious heap on the ground. Severus and Draco were satisfied that their wives had been avenged, and so had they themselves. Looking to Potter and Weasley, the men nodded their thanks and Disapparated.

Grinning, Harry asked his mate, "What do you think? Azkaban or St. Mungo's?"

Christy's Notes: Flint and Nott had it coming, I say. Severus and Hermione are afraid to offend one another, but that can't last long. Poor Draco! Party up next and an unwelcome surprise for Ginny.

Heat of the Moment by Asia is from 1985.

SW_69's Notes: I wonder if they'll have any good whiskey at the party. I'm a bit tired of Ogden's, but I wouldn't mind something smooth.