Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Chapter Nine

The Tattle Tale

--

Speak when you're angry- and you'll make
the best speech you'll ever regret.

--

I must admit that since out first kiss Fred and I have been in a state of euphoria. It had been a month since Voldermort had "checked-up on me," and Fred and I were getting along so well it was like some sort of dream. I had become good friends with Harry, Hermione, Ron, and George of course. Since our reconciliation everyone in Gryffindor had stopped ignoring me. I had met so many wonderful people. I was so blessed. The only frustrating thing to Fred and I both was the fact that in front of Malfoy, and Slytherin's in general, we had to act like we barely knew each other. Our relationship had to remain a secret, or an unconfirmed rumor. Malfoy and Snape, as well, could not know about us.

Fred and I sat, fingers laced under our desk, in McGonagall's Transfiguration class. We were turning badgers into desk lamps. I was so bored I could scream. I transformed it into a decorative lamp before McGonagall even said 'Begin.' After that I merely sat and whispered pointers to Fred until her managed to turn the badger into a decent somewhat furry lamp. There weren't many other students who managed to even turn the animal into anything at all. By the end of class three badgers had become vicious and had cornered a dozen students atop McGonagall's desk. She froze the badgers and returned them to their cages. The old woman's hair was somewhat askew under her ancient green pointed hat. McGonagall straightened her long robes and wiped a bead of sweat from her forehead.

"Class dismissed." She said in an extremely distressed voice.

The class looked wearily at each other before beginning the process of leaving. I gathered my things from my desk and placed them carefully into my messenger bag. Fred teased me about my Hermione like academics. I rolled my eyes and nudged him playfully. I felt a kind hand on my shoulder before I left my desk. It was McGonagall. She peered down at me over her spectacles.

"Miss Dolohov, may I have a moment?" She asked.

"Of course, Professor." I nodded.

She spun about and headed for her desk. Fred snuck in a quick kiss while her back was turned.

"I saw that, Mr. Weasley." She said, still with her back turned.

I giggled lightly and gently patted his cheek. He sent me a humorous grin and rolled his eyes lightheartedly. He took my bag from me like a gentleman and walked towards the exit after George. He mouthed "What do think she wants?" I merely shrugged in return. I didn't know.

"Well, I'll see you at dinner." He smiled, adjusting my bag's strap over his shoulder.

"Alright." I nodded. "See you."

McGonagall motioned towards the wooden chair beside her desk with her open palm. I tentatively sat down across from her. She laced her fingers together and rested her hands upon her desk. She looked at me over her glasses again and a kind smile graced her lips. I adored Professor McGonagall. She reminded me of the Grandmother I never had.

"So, Miss Dolohov, it has been made quite evident that you have been blessed with great talent in Transfiguration." She said sincerely.

"Thank you, Professor." I smiled kindly in reply.

She cleared her throat before continuing. She didn't need to have me stay after class just to compliment my abilities. There must be something else.

"Well, I'm sure you are wondering why I asked you to stay after class." She said finally.

I nodded.

"I wanted to speak with you about a very serious matter in private." She explained.

McGonagall waved her hand in a circular motion above her head. The door slammed shut, followed by a sound that couldn't be confused with anything but a lock. The blinds covered the windows, no one could see or hear us. I swallowed hard. What was going on?

"I'm going to ask you question, and I'm only going to ask it once." She said, leaning forward. "Because I expect you to tell me the truth."

"What is it, Professor?" I urged nervously.

"Are you or are you not an unregistered animagus?" She asked bluntly.

I gulped. She had figured me out, the clever old bird. I had to hand it to her. None of my other instructors had figured it out. My only fear of admitting my power was the fact that McGonagall may turn me in. She respected the Wizarding laws, and I couldn't see myself as an exception. However, if she wanted me to get into trouble then she wouldn't have gone to such great lengths to conceal our meeting. I figured that if she did feel the need to turn me in there was no way she could prove it. I mean, they couldn't condemn me with just one witness.

"Er-" I stammered, still unsure of my answer.

"This conversation will remain simply confidential." She interrupted, trying to reassure me.

I took a deep breath and nodded.

"Yes, I am." I admitted.

She smiled victoriously.

"I knew it." She grinned. "I can always pick out a fellow animagus."

"I'm sorry for not registering." I said. "I just didn't want to be forced into using my power to benefit…Er- the wrong sorts of people."

I knew all too well that if my Dad found out that I could transform then he would force me to become a spy for Voldermort. No, it was best that only a few select people knew about my ability.

"I understand." McGonagall said warmly. "Could I ask what your animal form is?"

"Sure." I shrugged.

I stood up from my seat and leaped into the air. I immediately took flight, circling the room a couple times before landing upon her desk once more. I looked up at her and cooed calmly. She took a closer look at me.

"Fascinating." She whispered softly.

I was a pure white dove. My sole identifying mark that all animagi obtained was the color of my eyes. They remained the crystal blue shade that I had in my human form instead of inheriting the dark iris of the real bird. I hovered in the air for a moment more before landing delicately back in my seat. McGonagall beamed. She looked at me as if she were my proud parent or something.

"How long have you been able to morph?" She inquired.

"Um…since I was about thirteen." I thought, furrowing my brow. "So nearly five years now."

McGonagall's eyebrows raised once she heard how young I was when I first learned to morph in my animagus form.

"Impressive." She smiled weakly. "Who else knows about your power?"

"Just you, my Brother, and Fred." I replied.

"I advise you continue to be selective about whom you choose to reveal your secret to." She said. "As you already know there are forces among us that would love to expose your ability for their own devices."

"I've only told people I trust." I said. "And I will continue to abide by my conscience."

McGonagall smiled and nodded slightly in reply.

"Good." She said, getting to her feet. "Now, I'm sure you'd like to return to Mr. Weasley."

I blushed and laughed a bit. I liked McGonagall, I liked her a lot. She correctly predicted my following actions. I left the Transfiguration classroom and headed off to the Great Hall to join Fred and the rest of the gang for supper.

--

After dinner Fred, George, Lee Jordan, and I sat in in the Common Room. We told jokes and funny stories with a bit of Quidditch talk mixed in. I feared I would burst at the seams after George told the story about he and Fred's attempt to enter their names in the Goblet of Fire. I was gasping for breath when Fred gave an impression of their elderly result. I feared we were loud enough to wake Ginny when I saw her climbing down the girls' staircase, looking exhausted.

"Sorry, Ginny." I said, trying to stifle my laugh.

"No worries." She yawned, landing me an envelope. "Athena just dropped this off on your bed, so I figured I'd just bring it down to you before I fell asleep. Goodnight."

"Thanks." I said, still giggling.

Familiar handwriting graced the top of the envelope. It was Grigor's. I instantly recognized it. I ripped open the cover to read the letter I had been anticipating for weeks now. I had written five more letters since I had last spoken to Voldermort. Even though Voldermort had given me his word that he'd ask Grigor to return my letter, he still did not. My eyes scanned the letter as the boys continued to joke around.

Dear Nemesis,

I sincerely apologize for the delayed response to your letters. The Dark Lord has so graciously bestowed me with more tasks, and I have therefore been much more unavailable for leisurely activities. The Dark Lord was greatly displeased when he found out I had yet to write you after he so fiercely instructed me to. Therefore, I am now fulfilling his wishes.

I was vastly disappointed to hear you were placed in Gryffindor. I heard from Draco's parents that you have been quite detached from him since your arrival. This bothers me, Nemesis. I fear your refusal to remain loyal to you pure blood peers will rise suspicions of your devotion to The Dark Lord. It will not please The Dark Lord to hear his bride-to-be is a blood traitor. I hope to hear better things about your academic and social progress next time I am in contact with the Malfoy's.

Your Brother,

Grigor A. Dolohov

The smile instantly faded from my face, and Fred took notice. He stopped horsing around with George and sat down beside me with a serious look upon his face. Before he could ever ask me what was wrong I had risen from my seat. My eyes turned into dark hollow orbs, but this time I did nothing to conceal it. I was furious as I shoved open the portal forcefully, causing the Fat Lady to protest loudly.

"Where are you going?" Fred called after me, rising from his seat.

"To kill Draco Malfoy." I said simply, leaving Fred standing in stunned silence.

I wasn't really planning on killing him. It was just a figure of speech, but I sure as hell wanted to deck him square in his face. I headed for the dungeons. I had no idea where the Slytherin Common Room was, but I knew it must be in the darkest and most dismal area in the castle. I clutched my fists closed as I thought of how furious I was with him. I knew Voldermort was using Draco and Snape to get reports on me, but to make me seem like a blood traitor. That could get me killed! Alright, to be fair he wasn't exactly lying to his parents. I had been avoiding him, and all Slytherins really. I didn't care for any of them at all, especially Draco. But the fact that he tattled on me to his mummy and daddy made me furious. His stupid little updates on me were the only thing keeping me from having to marry the ruddy old bloke sooner. If I displeased Voldermort too much I was certain he would force me home…to be with him. I could not let that happen. I searched the halls for a Slytherin to ask for directions, but I couldn't find one. It was after dark, so I figured they'd be crawling out of their coffins to find fresh blood to drink. I smirked at my own internal joke.

Finally, I found Crabbe and Goyle without Malfoy in toe as usual. They looked terrified once they laid eyes on me. I had forgotten about my eyes, but I sent them nasty glares anyway.

"Where is Malfoy?" I sneered viciously.

"Er- in Snape's Office." Goyle stammered nervously. "He had to turn in an essay."

I stomped off towards Snape's Office, somewhere I actually knew how to get to on my own. I thought I would destroy the message from Grigor in my hand before I would even see Malfoy. When I finally got to Snape's Office the door was closed, but I could hear their voices inside. I pointed my open palm at the door, opening it suddenly. Snape was sitting at his desk with Draco standing on the other side. They both ceased their conversation to look at me. Both of their eyes widened at the sight of me. My eyes were dark hollow orbs, my finger nails had grown three or so inches, and my face was contorted with anger. Snape stood from his seat but said nothing.

"Draco." I seethed, narrowing my gaze at him.

"Briney?" He stuttered.

I waved my open palm towards the open door, closing it loudly. I slammed the letter onto Snape's desk harshly, nearly ruining it. They looked curiously at it before they read it. When they were finished I snatched it up from the desk and crumpled the letter up in my hand.. A blue fireball appeared in my hand, charring the message immediately. I snapped my fingers and the blue orb disappeared along with the ashes from the letter. Both of them were a bit shocked to see my sudden display. It was quiet for a moment, only the sound of my heavy breaths echoed against the cold stone walls. Snape was the first to speak.

"Nemesis-" Snape started.

I held by hand up rudely to silence him.

"Shut up! It's my turn to talk!" I snapped, shocked it actually came out of my mouth. "First of all, that's not my name. My name is Briney, so call me accordingly. Second of all, what gives you the right to tell your parents that I'm a blood traitor?! That could get me shipped out of here, Draco! Is that what you want?!"

I didn't look at Snape. My eyes remained glued to Draco, awaiting his reply.

"No, of course not." He insisted. "I just-"

"Wanted to tattle tale like a bloody four year old to your mummy and daddy because I wasn't following you around like a lost puppy?" I hissed. "Excuse me for making my own friends!"

"You shouldn't be associating yourself with those sorts of people." Draco seethed. "I've even heard a nasty rumor about you and a Weasley, one of twins no less, I hope to God it's not true."

Snape's ears perked up.

"I don't know what you are talking about." I lied, crossing my arms across my chest.

"Oh, I think you do." He smirked. "I heard from Pansy who heard from a Ravenclaw that you were seen snogging Fred Weasley in the clock tower and-"

"Master Malfoy, surely you cannot honestly believe such hogwash." Snape said, more for his own benefit than Draco's. "Miss Dolohov has more sense than to become involved with anyone, besides The Dark Lord of course. It would be suicide."

"Exactly." I lied. "And if I find out that you say one more shoddy remark about me to anyone, you won't even get the pleasantry to live to regret it."

"Fine." Draco pouted. "But I highly suggest you pick your friends wisely from now on, because I can only cover for you for so-."

"You'll keep your mouth shut if you know what's good for you." I hissed, snapping another fireball in my hand for effect.

"Fine, whatever." Draco said reluctantly, rolling his eyes.

Draco stomped off in a fit like a child that had just been scolded. He closed the door behind him, leaving Snape and I alone. I took the liberty of commandeering the desk opposite his large leather chair. I took a few deep breaths and counted backwards from ten until I returned to my normal composed self. I then stood once more and turned back to Snape just once.

"Sorry for Er-" I said, biting my lip awkwardly. "Shouting…at you."

With that I left his office and journeyed back to the Gryffindor Common Room, feeling very relieved for getting my rage out. Half way back, however, I realized something. I had spent so much time and energy focusing on Draco's flaw that I hadn't even concentrated on the text itself. Now that I thought back to the letter I focused on Grigor's speech. It was cold and emotionless, so unlike my Brother. He didn't even address me as 'Briney.' He knew how I despised being called by my first name. He hadn't called me Nemesis since…I can't even remember. Something had happened. Something had changed my Brother, changed him for the worse. He had become like my Father, like one of them.

Fred was the only one in the Common Room when I arrived back. He was snoozing on one of the large chairs, clearly waiting for me. His eyes slowly opened at the sound of my return. He smiled lazily, stretching idly.

"So did you murder Malfoy?" He smirked.

"No." I replied simply.

"What's the matter?" He asked, sitting up straight.

"Let's not talk right now." I said, sitting on his lap and cuddling up in his arms. "I just want to sit here with you in silence."

He pulled me closer, resting his chin atop my head.

"Alright, whatever you want." He said kindly, petting my blonde hair gently.

I listened to his beating heart within his chest. It was steady like his calming breaths. I thought about what Malfoy and Snape had said. What I was doing was insane. I was promised to another man, a very powerful and vengeful man. They were right. I was slowly but surely committing virtual suicide. If I was discovered red-handed by Malfoy with Fred, I would be done for. I sat there, thinking about my consequences. For some reason death didn't seem so bad when compared to a life without Fred. Once I met him I knew from that moment on that there was absolutely no way I could live without him. I also knew, however, that I was going to have to. In nine short months I would be betrothed to the horrible creature for eternity.

I hugged Fred tighter as if he were about to disappear. He needed to know about my secret. He deserved to know. Maybe he would think of a way to save me from a life of misery. No, that wasn't his burden to bare. It was mine, and mine alone. I nuzzled my head against Fred's chest, wishing I could remain in his arms forever. There in his arms, I was truly happy.

--

Snape laid with his hands behind his head in bed, staring up at the ceiling. He had been trying to sleep for quite sometime with no avail. He could not get the conversation between Draco, Briney, and himself out of his mind. He kept replaying her expression when Fred's name was spoken. He couldn't remember is she flinched or not. The rumor would have some girth if she had displayed some form of physical response.

She would never have feelings for a Weasley. She was too intelligent to defraud Voldermort. She knew all to well the consequences of such actions. No, she was much too good for a Weasley anyway.

--

Coming Soon: Dumbledore will finally be featured! Briney spends time with the trio. Quidditch, Quidditch, Quidditch. Ivana Dolohov contacts Briney asking for help. Dumbledore's Army intrigues Briney, but will she join? Umbridge regrets ever coming in contact with Briney Dolohov. Briney makes plans for the Christmas holiday. Briney can see thestrals, as well. Briney meets Molly and Arthur. How will they react to a Death Eater's daughter?

A/N: Okay, after writing my 'Coming Soon' chapters I realized how long this fricking thing is going to be! I'm thinking over 100,000 words…AH! Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this chapter… I apologize, again, if the Snape thing creeps anyone out. It will play a VERY important part in the story much later. You'll see what I'm talking about when it happens. I think Snape is sexy, so I don't get grossed out when I write him in a romantic light ;)

PS-Once again, thank you SO very much for all your wonderful reviews. They mean so much to me. For real, I love writing this even more because of all of you. I will be updating a lot lately because I started my summer job in 2 weeks, and I want to get a lot done before then. But I think I may only have one update between now and Monday. I have a benefit to attend, graduation parties, 5k run, road trip with the besties, and interning. BUSY BUSY BUSY =)

Review, please!