In the dim-lit living-room of the Malfoy Manor, five Death Eaters await their master's arrival, to hear of the secret plan that is to happen in the near future.
One might think they'd wait in silence, but the dark, curly haired Lestrange woman kept sneering at me, her own niece, for I do not belong with them.
After all, I have only served the Lord for a few months.
Narcissa remained silent, while Severus tried to smoothly make her sister shut up.
Poor Draco was confused and scared beyond understanding, especially without Lucius around.
I, on the other hand, grew impatient with her immaturity and lashed out with a simple spell, to knock her off her chair.

me:Have you no respect for this meeting? Have you no shame? The Dark Lord is about to arrive, and you behave like a spoiled brat? Unbelievable!
Bella:You should not be here! You are too young to be trusted!
me:Cease your jealousy. I am simply better than you.
Sev:Do you doubt our Lord's decisions, Bellatrix?
Bella:O-Of course not! But I still don't trust either of you!
-?-:Do I hear the sound of mistrust?

With a gasp, I quickly left my seat and went to greet the Lord, leaving Severus faintly smirking, and Bellatrix disheveled and staring in disbelief.

me:My Lord, you've arrived!
Voldy:I have, my child. I see you have been behaving well.
me:Everything I do is for my Lord.
Voldy:I like the sound of it, which is why, I have decided to trust you and young Draco here, with a special mission.
me:Anything, my Lord.
Voldy:Kill Dumbledore.

The atmosphere in the room got significantly tenser at the sound of that order. So tense,if fact,that you could cut it with a knife.My breathe was hitched in my throat,and I stole a glance at Severus,who seemed just as surprised as I was.

me:M-My Lord, Draco just recently became one of us. Isn't this task a bit difficult for him?
Voldy:It is. Which is exactly why you will be there to aid him and make sure the mission is a success. Understood?
me:I...Yes, my Lord. I will think of something to make sure Dumbledore will die and ensure the ultimate success for our cause.
Voldy:That's what I like to hear~.

After the meeting was over, I took Draco's hand in mine and lead him to my room, trying to help him relax.

me:Draco, it will be fine. We will manage this, somehow.
Draco:But it's Dumbledore! Even He has trouble dealing with Dumbledore! What can WE do?!
me:I don't know yet, love, but we have a whole year to think of something.
Draco:I just-....What-...Why?! What even is going on anymore?!
me:Draco...love, try to calm down. In 2 days we're going back to Hogwarts and we will be fine, okay? I will protect you, no matter what.
Draco:How...Just how can you pretend so well? You look so confident and fearless...Like you're a whole other person entirely...Even in these chaotic situations!
me:That's what I've been doing for the past years. It's not easy, but....it's what I have to.
Draco:Do you think...We will get out of this alive?
me:Of course we will! Don't even dare think otherwise!
Draco:You were right. Things aren't as I imagined them to be...It's like a never-ending nightmare! And it hasn't even began for real!
me:Yeah...I know...But please be brave. We can do this!
Draco:Could you...Could you hold me tonight?
me:Let's spend the night like this, together. Nothing can harm us if we are together, right?
Draco:Mhm...Guess you're right...Don't leave me...Ever.
me:I never will.

With that, we laid on the comfy bed, me embracing him tightly, as I played with his soft platinum hair reassuringly, hoping he will be able to fall asleep and feel at peace.

The next day I went with Severus back at his home, reluctantly leaving Draco alone with only his mother there, but there was nothing to be done.
(Perhaps not so) Surprisingly, however, while I was in the room, reading, two certain individuals entered the house, stayed for a while, then left just like that.
Upon further inspection, I see Severus on his sofa, pretending to read the newspaper yet looking rather...Out of it.

me:You did it, didn't you?
Snape:I did.
me:*sighs*After what happend last night, the whole thing made more sense. I just hoped it wouldn't happen.
Snape:Your aunt is surely...Persuasive.
me:I want her to drop dead already! No, even better, I want to torture her into insanity, just like what she did to Neville's parents.
Snape:The only difference is, Bellatrix's sanity has always been questionable.
me: *chuckles* You're not wrong. Just promise me we'll be alright. All three of us. I couldn't care less what happens to anyone else...No, not even me, just you and Draco.
Snape:Didn't I tell you to mind your own business before you care about others?
me:*smiles* First Year after the Troll incident. How could I forget? My leg still hurts sometimes when I think of it.
Snape:Good girl. Maybe actually follow that advice for once.
me:As if you do~.

On our way to Hogwarts, I stayed with Draco, Pansy and Blaise in a compartment, until a small 3rd-grader came by to give Zabini and I invitations to see Slughorn ,like he's some kind of celebrity.
Clearly, the meeting didn't last long, and I got back to our compartment, relatively pissed off and bored out of my mind.
To make matters worse, after Zabini told Draco everything that's been happening at the meeting, he got exponentially more annoyed, until he sighed and let his head on my lap, so I could play with his hair.
Finally, he calmed down.

However, at the end of our ride, Draco ushered us to go ahead, as he took care of the intruder -most likely Potter-, and we got reunited back at the Castle, where the Sorting, the Feast and the Speech happened.
What was more than peculiar was Dumbledore's darkened hand that seemed wilted. Severus teaching DADA was not a surprise for me since he told me long before of his and the Headmaster's arrangements.

And so, the next day we began our schedule with Potions, along with the Gryffindors. Shocker or not, Harry and Ron were incredibly late yet still present, and had to fight over the last new book.
Lucky guess who won.

Slughorn quizzed us on 3 potions, which Hermione answered faster than the blink of an eye, earning 20 points, then he made some of us sniff the Amortentia one, just for the fun of the lesson.

Slughorn:Ah, Miss Black, Professor Snape talked very highly of you, saying you're his brightest student and excel in Potions. And how many O.W.L.s did you get?
me:All of them. Outstanding for 10, except for History of Magic, where I got an E...Maybe that was because I almost fell asleep during the examination...*grins*Oops,my bad~!*shrugs*
Slughorn:*laughs*Very well done indeed! And, might I say, I might have done the same if I were you. Now, what do you smell, my dear?
me:Let's see...I smell...the scent of the forest after the rain...Hot chocolate...and um...Green apples.
Slughorn:Those are very lovely scents indeed! Thank you, Raven. Next!
Draco:Vanilla, heavy velvety curtains, red wine and the burnt logs in the fireplace.
Slughorn: Ah, yes, rich and classy scents, just as expected. Very nice tastes, Mr. Malfoy.
Ernie: Professor, what's in that one?
me: Felix Felicis, obviously.
Slughorn: Miss Black, very well! It'd be foolish to ask whether you know what it does, correct?
me: Drink it and you'll be extra lucky for quite a while. I suggest taking it before exams...*winks* It lets you pass all your OWLs with flying colours.
Slughorn: *laughs* Raven, Raven, you sure do have a great sense of humour!
me: Why, professor, they say flattery gets you nowhere! *grins* Which is true, since you don't get a vial of flattery.
Slughorn: Who needs flattery when you have luck, amirite?
me: Precisely!
Michael: Have you ever taken it, professor?
Slughorn: Yes, twice in my life. Once when I was 24 and once when I was 57! Best two days in my life.
me: Oho, professor, I bet you whoever that lucky lady was, sure had a nice day as well.
Slughorn: I know I did.

Now, Slughorn made that potion our prize if we managed to successfully complete the Draught of Living Dead. Piece of cake!
Stretching, I grab the ingredients and start the process, grinning from ear to ear that this was one of the potions Severus taught me quite recently, during the Summer holiday.
Looking left and right, I raised my eyebrow in confusion seeing everyone struggling or doing wrong steps in completing the said potion. All of them, except Potter, surprisingly, who managed to finish not long after me.

Slughorn: Raven, my girl, I couldn't help but notice you didn't even touch your book! Have you already memorised it during Summer?
me: You could say I'm just a highly passionate about this subject, just as Professor Snape mentioned before.
Slughorn: Yes, yes, how could I forget. Then, this is your rightfully earned prize, dear! Use it well!
me: *grins* Thank you so much, professor! I'm sure the day I choose to drink this is going to be one to remember!

On our wait to the next class, Draco suddenly stopped and grasped my wrists, looking straight into my eyes, confused.

me:What is it, Draco?
Draco: How did you do that?
me: Do...What, exactly?
Draco: Charm Slughorn, of course! And do that potion!
me: *confused* Charming Slughorn is just about the easiest thing in the world. And the Draught of Living Dead is one of the potions Severus taught me last month. Why?
Draco: But how did you manage to chop off those sopophorous beans?!
me: Chop them off? You have to crush them!
Draco: Beg your pardon?! It clearly says so in the book!
me: Let me see that-....!! No way! It does say so!
Draco: Told you so..
me: But...Half of this potion has wrong instructions. It's virtually impossible to chop one of those beans off and even if you manage to, it'd be fruitless. Ah...Whatever. I'll just take a look at the book tonight, correct everything there is to correct, if needed, and I'll just give it to you. I don't need it. *winks* Who knows, maybe next time a lucky potion is the prize, I'll just let you win it~.
Draco: The way I see it, we'd need more than luck...Whatever, thanks, love. If at least your odds are up, then I think we may have a chance. Use it well.

With that, he kissed my cheek and held my wrist gently, going together to the next class.
However slightly boring this Potions class might have been without Severus, I got to see him in DADA, where he passionately spoke about Dark Arts and the proper way of defending yourself against them.
As well as that, he had us practice non-verbal spells against each other, which for most of them proved to be a true challenge, and cheeky Potter managed to use such a strong Protective Charm against Snape, that he was forcefully thrown back.
Gasping, I run to his side, making sure he's alright, yet he was not even paying attention to his injuries, but to backlash the insensitive way Potter replied.

From then on, this year was relatively and surprisingly usual, without much to bother about- and especially not Quidditch-, and thanks to Snape, I managed to avoid Slughorn's parties quite often (and when not, I just dragged Draco to suffer with me).

However, what started as a nice Hogsmeade trip ended up rather strange for me, Pansy, Emma and Jessie who walked around and gossiped like regular teenage girls, enjoying the peaceful snow, until a shrill shriek echoed around the village which caught our attention enough to have us run in that direction, and see the Trio and Hagrid there, next to Katie Bell and her friend.

On the ground, next to Katie, there was a package, from underneath which a shimmery glint could be seen. Ron bent to touch it, but Harry stopped him frantically. Crouching down and taking the paper away carefully, an ornate opal necklace was visible, poking out of the paper.

Harry: I've seen that before. It was on display in Borgin and Burkes ages ago. The label said it was cursed. Katie must have touched it. How did Katie get hold of this?
me: *confused* The hell were you doing in a place like that?
Harry: Shush.
Leanne: Well, that's why we were arguing. She came back from the bathroom in the Three Broomsticks holding it, said it was a surprise for somebody at Hogwarts and she had to deliver it. She looked all funny when she said it...Oh no, oh no, I bet she'd been Imperiused and I didn't realize!
me: Someone used a curse on her? Under everyone's noses? That's creepy.
Herms: She didn't say who'd given it to her, Leanne?
Leanne: No...she wouldn't tell me...and I said she was being stupid and not to take it up to school, but she just wouldn't listen and...and then I tried to grab it from her...and - and -!
Emma: It's okay, Leanne, she'll be alright!
Jessie: Bet on it! Let's bring her to Madam Pomfrey and she'll be just as new!

When we returned back to Hogwarts, I whispered to the girls to go back to the Common Room and to make sure Draco would be there to wait for me. We sure need to have a little... domestic chat.

There, we met with McGonagall and Filch, and realising the gravity of the situation, she told him to bring the necklace I showed her to Severus, and we were to follow her into her office.
After Leanne told her what happened, she was sent to the Hospital Wing to regain herself, and Minerva looked at us, awaiting a more...descriptive narrating of the feat.

McGonagall: What happened when Katie touched the necklace?
Harry: She rose up in the air and then began to scream, and collapsed.
me: Wait, really? That's a far worse curse than I expected.
McGonagall: You weren't there, Miss Black?
me: I did not see it happen, no. I only arrived there after I heard her scream, and by that time, she was already on the ground, unconscious.
Harry: Professor, can I see Professor Dumbledore, please?
McGonagall: The headmaster is away until Monday, Potter.
Harry: Away?
me: Don't be so rude, Harry! You're speaking to a teacher, not to Sirius!
Harry: That's none of your business, is it?
McGonagall: Yes, Potter, away! But anything you have to say about this horrible business can be said to me, I'm sure!
Harry: I think Draco Malfoy gave Katie that necklace, Professor.
me: I beg your pardon?!
McGonagall: That is a very serious accusation, Potter. Do you have any proof?
Harry: No, but...
me: If it's a no, then stop speculating like that!

Throwing a glare in my way, he told her about Draco's visit to Borgin and Burkes and the conversation they had over-heard between him and Mr. Borgin. That was, to say, not good in the slightest.
When he had finished speaking, Professor McGonagall looked slightly confused.

McGonagall: Malfoy took something to Borgin and Burkes for repair?
Harry: No, Professor, he just wanted Borgin to tell him how to mend something, he didn't have it with him. But that's not the point, the thing is that he bought something at the same time, and I think it was that necklace -
McGonagall: You saw Malfoy leaving the shop with a similar package?
Harry: No, Professor, he told Borgin to keep it in the shop for him -
Herms: But Harry, Borgin asked him if he wanted to take it with him, and Malfoy said no -
Harry: Because he didn't want to touch it, obviously!
Herms: What he actually said was, 'How would I look carrying that down the street?'
Ron: Well, he would look a bit of a prat carrying a necklace.
me: Rude.
Herms: Oh, Ron, it would be all wrapped up, so he wouldn't have to touch it, and quite easy to hide inside a cloak, so nobody would see it! And even if someone were to see him with a necklace, he could just say it was a gift for Raven or his mother. Everyone know he's always gifted her jewelry for Christmas. I think whatever he reserved at Borgin and Burkes was noisy or bulky, something he knew would draw attention to him if he carried it down the street - and in any case, I asked Borgin about the necklace, don't you remember? When I went in to try and find out what Malfoy had asked him to keep, I saw it there. And Borgin just told me the price, he didn't say it was already sold or anything -
​​​​me: Guys...What the hell have you been doing?! Don't you know that stalking is rude? But this just took it to the next level of creepiness. Harry, you just hate Draco and Slytherins in general and that's why you want to blame him for everything weird that's been happening lately.
Harry: That's not true! Malfoy is evil, anyways, and his parents are Death Eaters, just like you, if you haven't forgotten, so I'm sorry for suspecting the obvious! And besides, Hermione, you were being really obvious, he realized what you were up to within about five seconds, of course he wasn't going to tell you - anyway, Malfoy could've sent off for it since
McGonagall: That's enough! Potter, I appreciate you telling me this, but we cannot point the finger of blame at Mr. Malfoy purely because he visited the shop where this necklace might have been purchased. The same is probably true of hundreds of people -
Ron:- that's what I said -
McGonagall:- and in any case, we have put stringent security measures in place this year. I do not believe that necklace can possibly have entered this school without our knowledge -
Harry: But -
me: Besides, Potter, Draco didn't come to Hogsmeade today. I think he mentioned having a detention.
Harry: How do you know that?
McGonagall: That is true, Miss Black. He was doing detention with me. He has now failed to complete his Transfiguration homework twice in a row. So, thank you for telling me your suspicions, Potter, but I need to go up to the hospital wing now to check on Katie Bell. Good day to you all.
me: Good day, professor...

Feeling a huge dose of adrenaline and worry rush through me, I sprint to the Common Room, stutter the password frantically and get inside, looking spazzically for Draco, like a lost meerkat.
There he was, on the ground, in front of the fireplace, staring into the dancing flames, lost in thought.

Draco: Parkinson told me you were expecting to see me.
me: That is correct.
Draco: Then, what is it?
me: You, uh...You didn't tell me you lacked the time for homework. I could have helped...Or something.
Draco: Don't bother. It will all be in vain, after all. After this year, nothing will mater anymore.
me: No, don't say that, please! It's like you're giving up your life and hope and I cannot accept something like that.
Draco: What else is there for me? You were there when he said it. Kill him, or he'll kill my parents. Who cares if I fail a class?
me: And you think the necklace attempt would have gotten you anywhere? Potter knows you were at Borgin's and what you asked him. They were spying on you.
Draco: *shrugs* Who cares? Let them spy all they want.
me: Why do you not let me help you? We're in this together! I cannot let you suffer this burden alone.
Draco: Don't you already have so much to deal with? Pretending to me his most loyal servant and whatever? It's obvious for everyone that he prefers you.
me: That's exactly why I have to help you. That, and because...
Draco: Because...?
me: Because...The only thing that's still protecting us is Dumbledore, and he's weakening greatly, trying to find ways to...eradicate the evil. Its not only I who's trying to help you. Besides...We're like a dynamic duo, aren't we? Always have been.
Draco: *snorts* It's always been you, Perks and Moon, the cheerful Slytherin Trio.
me: And yet, everyone knows we're closest to one another.
Draco: Do they?
me: *smiles* I thought you always knew the gossips around?
Draco: Maybe sometimes I'm afraid to hear them.
me: Don't worry, Draco, you have me. And no matter what happens, I will be here for you, okay?
Draco: And what if something happens? Didn't you always say how you have to fight and sacrifice yourself to defeat the evil, just like Potter? What then? I will just be alone again, with nobody to care or understand me. I don't want that.
me: I...Well...
Draco: I'm not going to let you die. I can't do that. If you die...I couldn't live with myself.
me: And if I don't die? What difference would it make?
Draco: It may sound selfish, but at least I won't have any regret living a life of despair with you by my side. The world could end and it won't matter for me.
me: Do I really matter so much to you, that you would give up your freedom, just for me to stay by your side?
Draco: I'd wish for nothing more in this world.
me: Wish no further, I'm not going anywhere.
Draco: Come here. Let me enjoy our time together as much as I can. Allow me to be selfish for just a little longer.
me: *smirks* If that's how it is, then allow me to do your Transfigurations homework~.
Draco: *smiles* Ah, just do what you want.
me: Don't I always?
Draco: You do.

With that, I went to sit next to him, cuddling to his side, him wrapping his arm around me, holding hands, and enjoying the peace and the lovely sounds the burning wood made.
​​​​

-----

Sooner than later, Christmas came, and with that, Slughorn's famous Slug Party, to which I forced Draco to accompany me.
Trying to blend in wasn't too easy, however, since we both stood out (with our elegance) thanks to our matching outfits, and as soon as we got there, I was dragged around by Hermione, trying to escape McLaggen.
And if that wasn't enough, just as she spun me around a couple of times and McLaggen came about asking for her, I hear my name being shakily said by a woman.
Woman that proved to be Trelawney, tipsy from way too much Sherry on her tongue, speaking with Luna and Slughorn.

Trelawney: Raven Black!!
me: Ergh...Hello.
Trelawney: My dear girl ! The rumors! The stories! 'The Chosen One'! Of course, I have known for a very long time. . . . The omens were never good, for you or for Harry. . . But why have you not returned to Divination? For you, of all people, the subject is of the utmost importance!
me: I think I can handle my visions just well.
Slughorn: Ah, Sybill, we all think our subject's most important! But I don't think I've ever known such a natural at Potions! You and Harry both are natural! and...instinctive, you know - like his mother! I've only ever taught a few with this kind of ability, I can tell you that, Sybill - why even Severus -Stop skulking and come and join us, Severus!

Seeing a drunk Slughorn just randomly put his arm around Snape and drag him towards us, I choked on air from the shock, staring at his hateful face.

Slughorn: I was just talking about Raven's exceptional potion-making! Some credit must go to you, of course, you taught her for five years!
Snape: Well of course, she is a brilliant student from my own house who chose to be attentive and consistent in her progression.
Slughorn: She's a natural, I'm telling you! You should have seen what she gave me, first lesson, Draught of Living Death - never had a student produce finer on a first attempt, I don't think even you, Severus -
me: That's because he taught me this Summer how to do it. There's no one better at this than him.
Slughorn: *laughs* Look at her, so modest! Remind me what other subjects you're taking, Raven?
me: Potions, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Charms, Transfiguration , Herbology...
Snape: All the subjects required, in short, for a Healer.
me: Yep. I'm hoping...Ergh... I AM going to become a Healer.
Slughorn: And a great one you'll make too!

As we continued out annoying chat regarding fame and my future, we suddenly see Draco being dragged by the ear toward them by Argus Filch., making me gasp in surprise and run over to them.

me: What the hell are you doing?! Put him down!
Filch:Professor Slughorn! 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?
me: Of course yes! He came here as my date! Now cease this madness, you're embarrassing everyone here!
Slughorn: It's nothing, nothing. If he's Raven's date, then it's alright. I did know your grandfather, after all...
me: Oh, right, Abraxas, was it? Heard he was a great person.
Draco: He always spoke very highly of you, sir. Said you were the best potion-maker he'd ever known...
me: Isn't that adorable? Professor, I never knew your fame was so great around the country. Damn, I must have surely missed a lot while staying in the muggle world! Now I'm jealous!
Slughorn: *laughs* No need, no need, m'girl! Everything is a lesson and a new experience! It's all worth it, in the end!
Snape: I'd like a word with you, Draco.
Slughorn: Now , Severus, it's Christ mas, do n't be too hard -
me: It's okay, professor. It was a lovely party and thank you for inviting us! I'm looking forward to the next one as well, so I'll keep in touch. Happy Christmas everyone and good night!

Not awaiting his answer, I grabbed both their wrists and hurry out the of the party, glaring at Filch and turning on the corridor, checking so nobody would listen on us.

me: Fan-freaking-tastic! Not even on Christmas night can we enjoy anything fine in this world!
Snape: Perhaps your date here shouldn't have been caught sneaking around.
me: Can you blame us, Severus? Honestly, look at us. We look like we've been sleep deprived and tortured for months with no end, and still, it's not even the beginning.
Snape: I can blame you, especially since you know very well the consequences of failing.
me: Severus, please-
Snape: We cannot afford mistakes. Draco, if you are expelled-
Draco: I didn't have anything to do with it, all right?
Snape: I hope you are telling the truth, because it was both clumsy and foolish. Already you are suspected of having a hand in it.
me: Ah, yes...Potter and his group.
Draco: For the last time, I didn't do it, okay? That Bell girl must've had an enemy no one knows about -
me: Draco had detention with McGonagall that day!
Draco: -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!
Snape: Ah... Aunt Bellatrix has been teaching you Occlumency, I see. What thoughts are you trying to conceal from your master, Draco?
Snape: I'm not trying to conceal anything from him, I just don't want you butting in!
Snape: 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 -
Draco: So put me in detention! Report me to Dumbledore!
Snape: You know perfectly well that I do not wish to do either of those things .
me: Guys, stop it already! We are not enemies here! We're trying to reach the same goal!
Draco: That's just how it is, Black! And you'd better stop telling me to come to your office!
Snape: Listen to me. I am trying to help you. I swore to your mother I would protect you. I made the Unbreakable Vow, Draco -
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! Better use that Vow to protect her! I don't need it, but Merlin knows she does!
me: Draco...
Snape: What is your plan?
Draco: It's none of your business!
Snape: If you tell me what you are trying to do, I can assist you ...
Draco: I have all the assistance I need, thanks, I'm not alone!
Snape: You were certainly alone tonight, which was foolish in the extreme, wandering the corridors without lookouts or backup, these are elementary mistakes -
me: He was with me! He had my alibi!
Draco: That, and I would've had Crabbe and Goyle with me if you hadn't put them in detention!
Snape: Keep your voice down! If your friends Crabbe and Goyle intend to pass their Defense Against the Dark Arts OWL this time around, they will need to work a little harder than they are doing at pres-
Draco: What does it matter? Defense Against the Dark Arts - its all just a joke, isn't it, an act? Like any of us need protecting against the Dark Arts-
Snape: It is an act that is crucial to success, Draco! Where do you think I would have been all these years, if I had not known how to act? Or your dear Black here, slithering her way around him like a vixen? Why do you think your dear Aunt Bellatrix hates her so much? 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 -
Draco: They're not the only ones, I've got other people on my side, better people!
Snape: Then why not confide in me, and I can-
Draco: I know what you're up to! You want to steal my glory!
me: What-?!
Snape: You are speaking like a child. I quite understand that your fathers capture and imprisonment has upset you, but -
me: Draco, wait-! Don't go!

Before I could do anything to stop him, he strode away faster than the blink of an eye, to where I could guess, was our Common Room.

Snape: Charming.
me: I think I'm losing my mind...
Snape: That's one thing you can't afford.
me: I know, I know...But he's not telling me anything...All he's saying is that he'd gladly give up his freedom for me...But...Severus...You and I both know...
Snape: He's not a bad kid, but he should work on his emotions.
me: I know...
Snape: You should take better care of yourself. I know studying and all the planning doesn't allow you much self-care, but that doesn't mean you should neglect it.
me: I...I don't know anymore...I just...*deep breathe* I want this all to be all over already...This prolonged agony...
Snape: Have you had any visions lately?
me: Yes...They don't let me sleep...The girls are getting worried...Pansy, Emma and Jessie...I keep waking up in the middle of the night to the same kind of vision...It's so unsettling...So scary...
Snape: What is it about?
me: I don't even know...! It's just me, killing everyone...Torturing them, Lucius near me, and in front of me...It's either Emma...or Jessie...or Hermione...Hell, even Pansy and Draco were in that spot...A-And...
Snape: And myself.
me: *nods* Y-Yes...I've seen Sirius die...And Remus...Tonks and even Fred...Ahhh, I'm losing my mind!!
Snape: I believe it's time you stopped those destructive visions.
me: B-But...What if they hold the truth? Even one of them? What if something happens to any of them and I could have prevented it? Even with just a warning? Like...Like how I saved Sirius!
Snape: *sighs* You cannot save everyone, Raven.
me: But at least I can try...I don't have much to leave, Severus! Only this year and the next, maybe, but at least, I want to believe I lived with no regrets.
Snape: I'm not alive here just to see you die. I let Yami and Lily die, and that was my mistake from the start. I shouldn't have trusted either him nor Dumbledore to keep them safe. This time, however, I'm not going to fail again. A job well done is the one you do yourself.

I couldn't even phantom what was going through my mind anymore, but I could feel my breath hitch in my throat as a sob escaped and a waterfall of tears streamed down my cheeks, as I threw myself in his arms, holding him as tight as I could.

------

Today was the day everyone left to go home for Christmas and with that in mind and another week of feeling zombie-like, I quietly walked up to the teacher's table, in front of Severus, and biting my lip and trying not to let any more sorrow show on my face, I extended my hand to him, in a pleading manner.

me: Can we go home, Severus? Just this once, I want to see what's it like to really celebrate Christmas. It doesn't have to be anything important...Just us. Please. I...*whispers* don't know if I'll ever get that chance again...

Looking at me in slight surprise, he blinked twice, then raised to his feet, came over to me and put his arm around my shoulder, guiding me to his office, as I clinged on his cape.
He told me to pack everything up and that he'll await me on the train, and that's how we finally spent a Christmas together.

As hilarious as it sounded, he took me to his house to unpack, then we went to the Bank to get money, got a tree, decorations and all that mattered, and putting silly muggle carols on the background, we started decorating the house and the tree with fairy lights, ornaments, and colourful tinsels.
In the end, he had to raise me up and put the Star on the peak of the Tree, cause I couldn't reach it, but it was all worth it.
Taking the magic camera, I started taking pictures of just about everything, later putting them in an album.

Who'd have thought Christmas could be so nice?
After we finished we baked cookies and settled in front of the fireplace, me leaning on him, looking at the tree quietly, with an obvious smile on my face.
This whole atmosphere was relaxing and cheerful, just like how nothing bad could happen to us. Like there was no evil around to harm us.

What was weird, however, was a knock on the door, which after opening it, revealed a black dog that transformed into Sirius as he padded his way inside the house.

me: Ergh...? What are you doing here?
Sirius: Hermione told me you might be here. Dumbledore too.
me: Ah...Right. So...Hi?
Sirius: *smiles* I just...Erh...Wanted to say "Happy Christmas" for tomorrow. I'm a bit sad that you didn't choose to spend it with me and the lot, but I can understand why.
me: Well...Thanks, I guess. Happy Christmas to you too, Sirius.
Sirius: Here, a gift. Remus told me you haven't opened the letters yet, which makes complete sense, really, but I think you need this more than I do.
me: It's nicely wrapped. Did you do it yourself?
Sirius: *grins* No, I used to suck at this. Everyone would know their gifts were from me by the way they were wrapped...
me: *snorts* Yami...Mum taught you, didn't she?
Sirius: *nods* Yes, she did. Should have seen their shocked faces when the gifts weren't so poorly wrapped, it was hilarious.
me: I can only imagine, Pads. I also appreciate the colour scheme. If I dare say, quite matching.
Sirius: There may be some evil guys, but you and your mother are ever-living proof not all of you are the same.
me: Tonks' mother too, I believe?
Sirius: Ah, yes, dear Andromeda. I quite miss her.
me: Why don't you go visit her one day? I bet she misses you too.
Sirius: You know...I just might. *winks* Thanks, Midnight.
me: *confused* Midni-...Did you just give me a Marauder Name?
Sirius: I think you deserve it, after all. Bye, kid.
me: Th-Thanks...See you!

Grinning, he unexpectedly engulfed me in a hug, kissing my head, then with a wink, he ran away, leaving me there, awestruck and rooted to the spot, staring at the spot in front of me, as Severus got up and closed the door in front of me.

Severus: Well, then? Open it already.
me: I...ergh...Yes, of course.

Blinking in confusion, I gently unwrap the gift, my hands shaking like crazy, and what was there made my legs tremble in emotion, slapping a hand over my mouth, trying to muffle my cry.
Inside there was a framed, moving picture of dad and mum, grinning in my direction and dancing under the cherry blossom trees. It was so beautiful, so full of feelings that I couldn't even stand anymore, and falling to my knees, I hug the imagine tightly to my chest, letting big droplets of waters fall from my eyes like a river.

This could have still been real, had HE not been there to ruin everything.

If Wormtail didn't betray them, she'd still be alive.

If HE wasn't such a threat to everyone, that could even be me and Draco one day.

And yet...All of these are so surreal...Happiness is ephemeral...
And I will have to die, for my loved ones to live.
I cannot even be selfish in my decision, for I couldn't bear to see them suffering, especially at the hand of that...That monster.
Nobody should have to live with such pain all their life.
Nobody should have to hide their emotions and pretend to be someone they're not, just to complete some silly mission.

People should be free and happy.

And if my death will ensure that...

...Then so be it.