A/N: I know, I know. You all hate me right now. I promise I can explain why it took me so long to get this chapter out. My grandmother got very sick, so my mother and Iwent out of state to take care of her for about a month. Upon my arrival back at my home state I went to my girlfriend's house where she promptly dumped me, resulting in a week long stay in a psych ward for cutting. Once I got out, I moved in with my ex (yes the one that was the reason I went to the hospital in the first place) and her parents. I had to settle in and get m therapy set up. Anywho, enough with the excuses, here is a chapter for your pleasure. Enjoy! (:

I woke in a cold sweat once more just as the first rays of the morning light broke the treetops. I glanced at my bedside clock only to discover it was just after five in the morning. Knowing any further attempts at sleep would be fruitless, I quietly slipped out of my bed, gathered my clothes for the day and padded out of my dorm. I stealthily made my way to the nearest prefects' bathroom in order to shower. While I was waiting for the water to heat up, I began to unravel the bandage from around my forearm. I hissed in pain as the water caressed the wounds there. Blood mixed with the water to make little ribbons of pink that slipped down the drain. It was a beautiful sight to see. My pain was washing off and going away. I stared transfixed until all of the water ran clear. It was then that I finally looked down at the cuts themselves. There they were, ruby gashes wrapping around my arm. Ironic really, that Gryffindor's hourglass is filled with rubies. We receive them when we do good, but I release m own ruby drops when the darkness comes. This train of thought caused me to chuckle darkly as I drug my scrubby over the wounds. I must not let them get infected. Honestly, I could have kept them clean, and even healed them with magic, but that would undermine the purpose. It would take away the raw emotion behind all of this. No, I will stick to the muggle way with these.

After allowing myself a few more moments of the painful prickle of hot water, I began to get ready for the day ahead of me. I glanced at my arm in the process of drying off and never was I more greatful for the fact that Hogwarts school robes were made with long sleeves. My bloody secret would remain mine.

A/N 2: I know it is an incredibly short chapter, but I really wanted to get something up for everyone who ma be interested in this story. I will begin writing another chapter as soon as I possibly can, but seeing as this Saturday is my birthday (Sweet Sixteen!) I may not have the opportunity for a little while, though I swear the wait won't be nearly as long as the wait for this one. Once again, I am deeply apologetic for the wait!