After drugging me up with a shit ton of pain relieving potions, Dumbledore sent me on my way.

"Really Severus, you're making me go to Potions? I could die," I hissed and he just pulled me down to the dungeons. I plopped down into my seat in the front, and the room began to fill in. Once everyone was there, Severus began speaking.

 "Before we begin today's lesson, I think it appropriate to remind you that next June you will be sitting in an important examination, during which you will prove how much you have learned about the composition and use of magical potions. Moronic, though some of this class undoubtedly are, I expect you to scrape an 'Acceptable' in your O.W.L., or suffer my displeasure," he said, gazing around the room.

 "After this year, of course, many of you will cease studying with me. I take only the very best into my N.E.W.T. Potions class, which means some of us will certainly be saying good-bye," he said, his eyes resting on some Gryffindor. 

 "But we have another year before that happy moment of farewell, so whether you are intending to attempt N.E.W.T. or not, I advise all of you to concentrate your efforts on maintaining the high-pass level I have come to expect from my O.W.L. students.

    "Today we will be mixing a potion that often comes up at Ordinary Wizarding Level: The Draught of Peace; a potion to calm anxiety and soothe agitation," he said, locking eyes with me. What's he going to do, give me one to test?

 "Be warned: if you are too heavy handed with the ingredients you will put the drinker into a heavy and sometimes irreversible sleep, so you will need to pay close attention to what you are doing. The ingredients and method are on the black board, and you will find everything you need in the store cupboard. You have an hour and a half, start," he said, waving his wand so everything was on the board and the cupboard was open.

This potion was slightly similar to the one I did last year, but more complicated. I could manage of course, if only my mind wasn't on my possible death. I was working half- heartedly, and I felt eyes on me the whole time. I was feeling the pain very slowly start to creep back into my body, and there was only about ten minutes left.

 "A light silver vapor should now be rising from your potions," Severus said, and I couldn't tell if mine was light purple or light silver.  Severus started walking around as my vision started blackening and blurring. I gripped the table as my ingredient fell from my hand, and my legs felt numb. Severus reached me, and I looked up at him painfully.

 "What is this supposed to be?" he asked with one eyebrow raised.

 "The Draught of Peace," I said, clenching my jaw. I could barely see Severus now, but he seemed unaware of my pain. I bit my lip as my arms started feeling the tensing and cramping of my muscles, along with the burning feeling of them tearing apart.

 "Tell me, can you read?" he asked with a sneer and I peered at the blackboard; that's exactly what it was, black.

 "No," I said, holding in a sob.

 "Professor her hours almost up!" Pansy cried and a wave of whispers filled the class. Severus didn't say a word, and then the whole world was black. My whole body felt like it burst into fire and suddenly my father's face was in my head; an advanced perk of occulemency.

 "You have exactly three minutes before you die. The question is: will I save you?" he asked coldly.

 "Father," I gasped out in surprise.

 "Please, if you're going to kill me just do it quickly," I said, not meeting his gaze.

 "Recreandae," father said with a glare and I felt relief flood through my body, almost like the Draught of Peace. Then I felt a flash of heat across my back, and I gasped, but it subsided quickly.

 "Where's Draco?" I asked, and father met my gaze, though he ignored my question.

 "I'm very sorry Leah. You get your blind rage from me, you know. I love you, my daughter," he said sincerely and I was at a loss for words.

 "I, um...yeah...thanks. I love you too," I said, and he frowned.

 "I have an apology gift for you when you are able to return to the Manor. Please do not hate me," he said, and then he faded out. My eyes fluttered and I blinked a few times to see Pansy crying over me, with her hands over her face. Severus was looking away, jaw clenched. I heard numerous sobs from around the room, and then the doors opened.

 "Headmaster," Severus said, and I felt too heavy and exhausted to move.

 "Miss Riddle couldn't be saved. We should move her body to the infirmary." 

 "She wasn't saved in time?" I heard Draco's voice ask. My eyes closed heavily and my breathing was shallow.

 "I tried so hard, no, she couldn't have died," he said frantically and I heard Pansy cry loudly, then she gripped my shoulders hugging me and crying into my shoulder. I tried to comfort her, but I just felt so dead.

 "Mr. Malfoy," barked Severus, but Pansy was pulled off me and the Draco gripped my shoulders tightly.

 "Leah you are so stubborn! You aren't dead, do you hear me?" he asked angrily and I mentally rolled my eyes.  His grip tightened on me and it sent quick little pain signals through my body, which made my eyes fly open and a slight gasp escape my lips.

 "Leah?" he asked in surprise and I blinked a few times.

 "Pomfrey!" Sev called sharply.

 Madame Pomfrey rushed over and shooed Pansy and Draco away. 

 "Can you open your mouth, Leah?" she asked softly and it took everything I had in me to part my lips. She poured the liquid into my mouth and I gagged, but swallowed it. I felt feeling return to my limbs and my vision came back completely. I could move again and slowly felt completely refreshed.

 "Oh my God, you did it!" I said in shock, looking at Draco. Pansy pulled me to my feet and into a tight embrace.

 "I thought you were dead," she said, hugging me even tighter. I pulled back and looked around the class seeing tearstained faces. 

 "Well...okay. Shows over, I'm fine," I cleared my throat.

 "Leah, we were so scared," Crabbe said and I flashed a smile.

 "I wasn't," I lied.

 "Oh shut up," Potter snapped and I glared viciously at him. Weasley nudged him and then Potter looked away. The bell rang and I went to leave, but Severus grabbed my arm. I sighed and hung back, waiting for everyone to leave. Draco hesitated but I waved him on and he nodded, leaving.

 "Miss Riddle..." Severus said, looking uncomfortable.

"I was scared for you," he said and I gave him a small smile.

"You should've known father wouldn't let me die," I said.

"You're like a daughter to me, Leah," he said and I felt myself tear up.

 "Thanks, Sev," I nodded.

 "Are you alright?" he asked, hugging me tightly. I pulled back and grabbed my stuff.

 "I'm fine, Sev. Relax," I smiled, and then walked out. Draco was leaning against the wall, waiting for me, but I held up a hand and jogged over to Potter.

 "Hey guys, I have to talk to you," I said, pulling back Potter and Weasley.

 "What?" sighed Potter.

 "I've realized...I really do not want to be like my father. Could you please help me?" I asked in a whisper. Potter's eyebrows shot up and he hesitantly nodded.

 "Yeah...but you've got to promise me you're on our side," he said firmly.

 "I promise," I nodded and he nodded.

 "Thank you, we really need you," he said, and then they walked off. I doubled back to Draco and smirked at him.

 "Breaking promises is an addiction of mine you know."

***

-Shay