Professor Snape kept staring at the painting and trying very hard not to twitch. It was difficult. It was the oddest painting he had ever seen yet he could not keep his eyes away from it.

"It is isn't it?" Professor Dumbledore queried.

"Yes, professor, it is a horcrux but I doubt that it belongs to the Dark Lord, sir. I am not sure what to tell you except that I don't know whose it is."

"A vile thing, Severus. I will destroy it. Once Ottery is done with it."

"Why do you trust that bumbling fool, headmaster? The boy is clearly an idiot. He doesn't know what the devil he's talk about half the time and his potions end up exploding more often than doing anything else."

"That's because they're explosive potions, Professor Snape," Ottery replied. "Teddy likes blowing stuff up."

"Why am I here again?" Professor Snape remarked, his annoyance clear on his face as the day was long.

"You're the prize in the crown jewel of my plot, Professor. I'm using you as bait for Octavius, the painting as bait for Conrad, well payment really and the star of Azorath as the other prize for capturing a certain miscreant who thought he could take my place as leader of Ottery's Love Brigade. Nobody crosses me and lives."

"I've crossed you time and again, Mr. St. Catchpole. I don't know what the devil you're talking about."

"Yeah, well, that's because you're hiding under Professor Dumbledore's skirts."

"Impedimenta!" Professor Snape fired a spell. Ottery ran across the room laughing, while Professor Dumbledore said at them, "I don't wear skirts."

♥

"Ottery thinks he's so smart, doesn't he?" Conrad exclaimed taking a drink from his glass. :bubbly: "The silly fool. I'm almost tempted to steal the painting under his nose, but we've made a deal and I don't see any point in going back on it."

"I should hope not Mr. Fate, I would hate to have to evict you." Mr. Simian exclaimed standing behind him.

"So, when does the action start?" Giovanni asked Blaise walking up behind him.

"Soon. Very soon. I need all the players to be here. Teddy's on the airship, Draco is making an as of himself over there fawning on that Ravenclaw, you're here and I'm here so that leaves us waiting for ..."

"Wow. She's pretty," Giovanni exclaimed.

"Excuse me," Blaise said.

"The girl on his arm. I didn't know we could bring dates," the red head said grabbing a handful of hors d'oeuvres from a passing waiter. The guy winked it was the Swede from Ottery's airship but Giovanni didn't recognize him.

"I can't believe I let you talk me into this," Madison said giggling. She look radiant in a very body tight light blue dress that accented her figure, her long hair cascading around her graceful bare neck. On her arm, dressed in equally resplendent robes was Freddie blushing shyly his bow tie too tight, his cloak long and dark cascading down his back, a rapier at his side.

"I can't believe I'm doing this," Freddie said.

"Hey Freddie!" Ottery screamed as he ran past the boy and ducked a blast from Professor Snape who was still following him.

Adam walked in. He couldn't believe that Octavius was going to try something so bold. To steal the painting and try to take out Professor Snape. It was ridiculous. Ludicrous really, but he had no intention of being involved, he was merely here to see the show.

♥

Next Up: Fireworks

Replies: I first heard about the Stallions in one of Marguerite Henry's books, Connie. I loved their story, I haven't read it in years, I should ... but I have too many other books to read Nope Mary was not referring to Snape I couldn't think up of an interesting dead person to write so ... And Snape is the reluctant guest Connie, c'mon, why would he want to be anywhere there's fun and laughter? Thank you for sticking it out. I'm drawing this to a close soon. Senorita Maxie where are you? You better be posting to your story or holding up a bank ... *Is the sheriff of this here town* LOL