Chapter 10

And that was it. It has been a full 10 days since my first Hogsmeade trip. There had been another one a week after but it felt wrong to venture back after what had happened...even though I had gifts to buy and I definitely wanted to get something for Katie to open up while she was at St. Mungos for her treatment. While away, Dean Thomas had to take her spot as Chaser. The team felt bad for doing so but we had no choice since our first match was in 2 days time.

I sighed before finally getting out of bed. I was moving rather slowly this morning compared to the usual. My thoughts flipped back and forth between Katie's condition, the first game, Christmas break and where I currently stand with Harry. Oh my dear Harry. Neither one of us brought up that conversation again.

Harry was becoming more obsessed whether it was with that damned Potions' book or his conspiracy with Draco Malfoy. I was worried as were the rest of us and I didn't know how to interfere. Oh and to top it all off, today is my 17th birthday and the only one who knows is Albus. I wasn't looking forward to the rest of the day.

I made my way down to the common room where Harry, Hermione and Ron were currently waiting for me. Before even looking Harry's way, I locked arms with Hermione before exiting the common room. Once ahead of the two boys, Hermione began to speak in a hushed voice.

"I'm guessing Harry hasn't claimed you completely yet huh?"

"Yeah and please don't give me another monologue on patience either." I sighed and Hermione snapped her mouth shut. Feeling guilty and needing a distraction, I asked Hermione about how she and Ron were doing. She took my bait and went on about how they aren't a couple still but may be one by Christmas.

I tuned her out after a few seconds before sitting down and having my breakfast. No sooner did we sit, Harry and Ron slid in the seats in front of us. Ron dug in while Harry cast his eyes downward. But I was not discouraged even though I did pour my heart out to him. Before any more wallowing could begin, I noticed Luna skipping towards our table.

"Good Morning Gryffindors!" Luna said as she plopped down next to me. We all murmured a different response. "Emma, I have a favor of you." I quickly swallowed my toast and dusted myself off before giving her my full attention.

"Shoot."

"Do you think you could take a stroll with me this afternoon?"

"A stroll?" I asked puzzled.

"Yes, a walk around the lake; we haven't chatted in awhile and I wanted to see if you would be interested." Luna asked. I still felt puzzled and wondered why but this was Luna and I know she's not a natural trickster like most students.

"Uh, sure. Hermione, do you think we could do that study session later today?" I asked, turning my body towards her. She choked on her pumpkin juice and I was afraid I may have offended her.

"Oh no! Go right ahead!" Hermione exclaimed further puzzling me. I quickly glanced at Ron and Harry; Ron was flushed and Harry's eyes were still hidden. Maybe Hermione wanted some alone time with Ron? I shrugged the odd sensation away and chatted a bit with Luna before she had to leave for classes while I did the same.

I went ahead of the group while they each scrambled to catch up. I rolled my eyes even though they couldn't see, clearly miffed. "You guys could've finished your breakfast." I said to no particular person.

"Well, I am one of your guides." A male voice responded causing me to sigh. "Sick of us already?"

"No, just you…" I mumbled.

"What?" He asked with a puzzled expression. I mumbled a quick 'nothing' before entering the Charms classroom. But it was true, I am sick…love sick that is. I sat in my usual spot on the end with Harry next to me while Hermione and Ron sat directly across.

Once seated, I noticed that Ron pulled Hermione's chair out for her causing to her blush. At that moment, I felt envious of Hermione for the first time and I loathed myself for it.

"Good Morning Class!" Professor Flitwick squeaked. We each murmured our own response; half the class was still not fully awake. "Today we will try to the vinegar into wine spell again but this time, non verbally." With a slight flick of his wand, a small glass that had a pungent odor without a trace of color appeared in front of each student.

I gasped even though he pulled this trick before but he was quiet and I was awed by how easy it seemed but sadly, nothing in reality is that easy. "Each of you must attempt to do this spell without uttering a single word. Whoever does it successfully, no homework for the evening; those unsuccessful, an essay on the history and uses of nonverbal charms will suffice. Begin!"

I just stared at my glass of vinegar, trying to will it to change. A few people around the room seemed to be doing the same, even Hermione. Many of the students said the incantation aloud then tried it again non verbally; nobody was able to do it yet.

After a half hour, I and the rest of the class were getting frustrated. I had almost gotten it but it only changed half way; gold in color but still reeked of vinegar. Filtwick was impressed that I got even that far but he was explaining that my mindset was fully with the charm; oh how right you are Professor.

I kept trying and trying but I just couldn't get it which caused me to get more and more frustrated. I looked up and noticed that Hermione was squealing with delight; she got it. Ron seated next to her, bright red in the face with a broken glass and damp robes. It seemed as if he blew his up…again.

I checked the clock and saw we had another 20 minutes to finish. I sighed and stole a glance at Harry. I don't know how but he seems to have frozen his vinegar; I didn't know vinegar could even freeze at all.

"Well, it looks like we both have an essay to write huh?" Harry whispered and I gave a curt nod in response while still trying to focus on my glass. I heard Harry huff beside me and his chair scrap the floor. "Ok Em', what is wrong? Are you still mad at me?" I snapped my head in his direction, annoyed with his attitude and frustrated that I couldn't get the nonverbal charm correct.

I gave him the coldest glare that would make even Lord Voldemort cower back a few inches. Harry's expression faltered when he saw my glare and I thought he would scoot away too.

"You must be the stupidest person in this school if you are to ask me that question." Once those words were said, a clock chimed signaling the end of class. I quickly gathered up my stuff and rushed out the class.

I heard Professor Filtwick call out my name but I ignored him. I ran and ran past students and around corridors to the dungeons. I was so angry at how stupid Harry can be! I mean, really? And here I thought Ron was the stubborn thick-head of the group.

I slowed down once I reached the entrance for D.A.D.A. and stood a few yards away. So far, only Slytherins were waiting for Snape to open the doors and I really didn't want to have detention for hexing any of Snape's favorites.

After a few more minutes, I noticed the trio catch up and Snape finally open the doors for class. I entered and made a beeline for a desk in the back of the room. Hermione took a seat next to me while Harry and Ron took one up front. I could tell Hermione wanted to say something but I gave her a look that clearly meant for her to shut it.

The rest of the day was a blur…a very dull and lifeless blur. After another round of nonverbal spells (which I still had trouble grasping), we had free period and I spent it alone. Hermione made a few efforts to talk to me but I wasn't in the mood and she seemed almost as distracted.

I spent free period alone in a secluded corner of the library and eventually met up with them for History of Magic followed by Herbology. Hermione would give light chit chat while Harry and Ron brought up the rear. Ron would crack a joke but it did little to lighten up a conversation.

There were a few times when Hermione appeared anxious about something but I couldn't place it. It was more apparent by the time Herbology ended and she tried to rush me to meet Luna.

"You don't want to keep her waiting you know and, erm…we have those Charms' essays to write so you mustn't take too much time but make sure it's enough!" Hermione exclaimed, looking nervous but I felt suspicious of her behavior…especially since she didn't have to worry about an essay.

"Uhm, ahem. Don't mind her Emma, she always gets like this in classes: completely mental." Ron stated while trying not to blush. He cleared his throat as he attempted to push Hermione towards the castle. Harry lingered for a few moments, still silent. As I prepared to head to the lake, he spoke up.

"Em'…I'm sorry for being the stupidest person in this school." Harry whispered. "I've never been in love before and I'm still trying to figure it out. Just don't give up on me yet." He finished before turning to catch up with Hermione and Ron.

I stood for a few moments long after they left me in a state of shock. I had to catch my breath and couldn't begin to process his words but I knew there was something else I had to do at the moment: go meet up with Luna.

From a distance, her blonde hair shined in the sunlight as she stood by a large tree next to the lake. She was still dressed in her school robes which meant she went straight there like I did. As I got closer, I noticed she was holding a small white box with a red and yellow ribbon tied around it.

I slowed my steps and ended up stepping on a loose branch that snapped immediately; she turned and smiled at me.

"Emma, you're here." She said airily. She moved to where I stood and hugged me tightly; that was the first time she has ever done that to me.

"Of course I'm here, why wouldn't I be?" I asked. I could feel her smile against my cheek.

"Because it's your birthday and you shouldn't be taking demands of others." I froze in her arms...I don't ever remember telling her my birthday.

"H-how did you know its m-my birthday?" I stammered. Luna pulled away from me, laughter dancing along her face.

"That I cannot say but it doesn't change that I know and that the day is yours."

"Technically my birthday is the day of the Winter Solstice so it's not exactly mine."

Luna giggled and shook her head at me. "But I have a gift for you, the child of Winter." Luna stated before placing the box on my palm.

The box was smooth and light. I shook it slightly and heard a rattle from the inside. I looked up at Luna for some sort of hint and she nodded for me to open it. Feeling giddy, I untied the ribbon half way just so I can lift up the lid. Feeling puzzled, I pulled out a piece of what was inside.

It was two items actually, a pair. It was a pair of silver hooks that looked like they were for earrings the rest of it was puzzling. Dangling from the hooks were 3 bottle caps but in the middle was carved in an oval shape while two more were on either side cut in half. I recognized them immediately.

"Butterbeer bottle caps." I whispered, earning a small smile from Luna. But these weren't ordinary bottle caps…no, they were carved and silver colored dangle earrings…made for me. Tears welled up in my eyes at the sincerity and kindness of the gift. "Oh Luna…"

"I thought they would match your dress…" Luna whispered back. A few tears slipped and I found myself lunging for Luna. "You like them then?"

"No, I love them." I replied allowing the tears to fall freely.

The sun was setting and I had to bid adieu to Luna. I had homework in every class to work on and half of it needed to be turned into tomorrow. I took the final staircase that led up to Gryffindor tower and was greeted by a nervous Nelly.

"Hello Neville, did you forget the password again?" I asked. He appeared to be distracted but quickly nodded.

"Yeah! You know me hehe." I gave him a puzzled look. "Nobody has passed by yet so I was just waiting…" Neville said with a pause and I nodded before giving the Fat Lady the password. I went in ahead of Neville and received one of the most shocking moments of my life.

"SURPRISE!" I squeaked and backed into Neville who was grinning broadly down at me. My hands flew to my mouth in attempt to hold back any more sobs. The whole common room was filled with streamers, confetti and magical balloons. At the top of the room was a large banner that said 'Happy Birthday Emma' that changed colors every few seconds.

I felt Neville hug me but I was still frozen in place. The next person to greet me was Hermione. "I know you weren't in the best state earlier so I hope this surprise makes up for it." Hermione whispered. It didn't take long for me to start choking up again. "Please don't cry Em'."

"Shush it Hermione! It's her party and she'll cry if she wants to!" I heard another person say and I felt more arms around me; the first thing I saw was long bright red hair and I knew it was Ginny hugging me close.

"I just…" I paused in order to clear my throat. "I never celebrated my birthday before let alone get a surprise like this; it was so kind of you all to do this for me."

"Why wouldn't we? Dumbledore specifically said to make you feel at home remember?" I nodded slowly at that statement feeling truly special amongst the Gryffindors, home to the most loyal.

"Now that the sappiness is hopefully over with, you have presents to open!" I smiled before being led to a spot by the couch that had a few decorated packages waiting for me. It wasn't much but way more I could even dream to ask for. Most of the Gryffindors present chipped in with one another to get me a wide range of candies, cakes and cookies.

My first gift was from Ron; a knitted hat, scarf, and glove set. Hermione got me a book on ancient bloodlines hoping I could find more information about my own. Neville gave me a plant that resembled an aloe plant but had the same effects even against dragon burns. Both Dean and Seamus gave a bottle of Firewhisky; how they snuck it in, I had no idea.

"Maybe with this, we can get better acquainted later." Seamus said with a wink.

"Not while I'm here." I turned to see Harry creep up behind me, shooting daggers at Seamus. He threw up his hands in surrender and said he was joking. Seamus excused himself to go grab a drink leaving Harry and myself alone. Throughout this whole function, I haven't seen or heard from Harry. I had missed him to be honest and I still questioned the last thing he said to me earlier.

"Hiya Harry." I greeted, feeling small in his presence.

"Hey back and happy birthday." Harry said in a similar tone.

"How did you guys know it was my birthday? I don't remember mentioning it." I asked. He gave me a look that said I should know who it was. Albus.

"I wish you could've told us yourself."

"I didn't think it was that special…"

He rolled his eyes at my statement then smirked. "I guess I don't have to give you this?" I noticed for the first time that he was holding a small white box with a red bow. "Ah, do you want it or not?" Harry asked once he caught me staring at it. I gave him a nod and took it slowly.

Instead of inspecting it like my other gifts, I opened it quickly. Inside was a slightly smaller black velvet jewelry box. I pulled that one out and began to open it emitting a small creaking sound. A small gasp escaped my lips. Lying inside was a thin silver chain with a crystal snowflake sitting in the middle.

It was a perfect snowflake down to the light blue topaz gemstone shining in the center, my birthstone. And there was more; on the lid of the velvet box was an inscription: 'Snowflakes in nature are fragile and delicate; but each one is unique and one of a kind'. I looked up for a moment and smiled at Harry whose eyes hadn't left me the whole time.

"This is so beautiful Harry and very sweet of you." I whispered. "I love it. Would you mind putting it on for me?" I asked, holding the box out to him. He nodded and took the box. He asked me to lift my hair and turn…I did as he requested. With nimble fingers, he fumbled with the clasp a few times before fastening it together.

Assuming the snowflake was heavy instead was very light as it rested just before my bust line. After it was in place, Harry's hands lingered on my bare collar bones causing me to shiver. I turned around, eyes locked with Harry and noses barely touching.

"How does it look?" I asked, taking a step backward.

"You or the necklace?" I blushed for some odd reason.

"What do you think silly?" I asked once more. He looked down for a moment and took a step forward so our noses were barely touching again.

"I thought the necklace looked nice but now it pales in comparison to your beauty." If I wasn't red before, I sure as hell was now.

"Harry, you mustn't say such things...my heart can't take it…" I whispered. The loud sounds of the common room buzzed down into a dull roar while I was with Harry. We were alone together in a secluded area by the window out of earshot. I felt like it was just us in the world, nothing else at all.

"My heart is the reason for these words!" Harry exclaimed in a hushed whisper.

"Actions speak louder than words Harry! You can say all you want but-" He cut me off with his lips at that moment and I was lost. His lips were sweeter and softer than I ever imagined. The kiss itself was urgent yet gentle and just as I was to return it fully, he pulled away breathing heavily.

"How's that for action?" He asked in between breaths. Still catching my own breath, I giggled and nodded in approval.

"Good…very good Mr. Potter." I gasped while trying to stifle my laughter. Harry faced me with a stern look.

"Didn't I ask you once not to do that?" Harry asked, trying to look serious but was failing miserably which made me start a giggling fit.

"Well, I'm kind of stubborn…I blame the guy I'm falling in love with, he's a negative influence." I snickered. He feigned shock at my words making me giggle again and he laughed in return.

Once our laughter ceased, Harry closed the gap between us and took me in his arms. His forehead rested against mine as he stared down into my eyes. "I'm sorry for being a git, I truly am. You don't know how long I've wanted to be just like this." Harry whispered, his warm breath ticking my nose.

"I'm sorry you were being a git too cause we could've been like this so much sooner." I responded. He gave a hearty laugh at my comment.

"FINALLY!" Someone yelled and we both turned to the sound. I had forgotten we weren't exactly alone. By the looks of it, my birthday Firewhisky was cracked open early and half the bottle gone; shot glasses were littered around the room.

"Yeah, it took ya'll long enough! Nice kiss by the way, WHOOP WHOOP!" Ron cat called and I hid my face in Harry's neck. Harry's arms tightened around me and he was shaking with laughter. He said a few words to Ron but I didn't really hear. He pulled away and looked down at me before giving me a peck on my forehead.

"Get used to this love, you're my girl now." Harry said softly in my ear. Chills went down my spine at his words; I'm Harry's girl. I looked up and grinned. I then stood up on my tip toes appearing I was to kiss him again for the crowd but went for the corner of his mouth earning a few boos. "No fair." Harry whispered.

"All is fair in love and war Mr. Potter."

For all of the next day, a permanent grin was etched onto my face. Even with Double Potions first thing in the morning and Double Transfiguration after (which I bombed completely and lost a few points from my head of house), I was just as giddy as ever.

It all started when I first woke up, feeling as if I was still in a dream. I walked down the stairs to the common room and there was Harry waiting for me. While on the last step, an impatient Harry scooped me up in his arms and swung me around then planting a soft kiss on my lips. I had to pinch myself again and again...this was REAL.

Our names were circulating the rumor mill by breakfast and were at its peak by lunch. I found myself on the receiving end of more stares and whispers, the lot of them from jealous females. Hermione would whisper encouragement from time to time: 'you wanted him, you got him but be ready for the good and bad consequences of being Harry's girl'.

Hermione said those words last night and it helped slightly. I was still jittery but having Harry's large warm hand in mind put me at ease. But once it was time to go to Divination, the jitters had returned. I remembered we had to face all four houses and Professor Trelawney in one period.

"It is ok love, the most that will happen is she will either be happy in her own morbid way about how we present ourselves." Harry stated as we climbed up the ladder.

"And if we're lucky, Malfoy might be missing this class as well." Ron chimed in before leaving us to sit with Neville. I seated myself in my usual seat and got out my journal while Harry did the same. I still had a slight giddiness but it kept escaping me.

"Oh look, its Hogwarts favorite celebrity and his girlfriend!" A voice drawled out. I guess we can't always be so lucky. "So Emma, decided that you wanted to die young?"

"I don't Malfoy, have you? I mean, you are well on your way by being a prick and not watching your mouth…it's like you have a death wish." I said icily. A few students nearby snickered at me and I looked up for Malfoy's reaction. I could tell he was angry but there was something else present in his eyes…it looked a lot like fear. Instead of responding, he backed away slowly to his table eyes on me.

"Nice work love, I think you are rubbing off of me quite well." Harry whispered while a small smile tugged at his lips. Yes, I was pleased at how well he backed off but I couldn't help but be suspicious. Nonetheless, I couldn't dwell much on the subject since our lovely Professor just made her appearance known.

"Afternoon class." Our Professor droned; I was bored already. She was wide eyed and bushy tailed like normal. She had a large orb which I could only assume was a crystal ball in her hands and she seemed to be talking more to the ball than the rest of us. I don't remember Seers even needing crystal balls that much.

"Today class, we will be looking into the beyond. Each of you will need your own crystal ball and will need to look deeply…" Her words drifted off and she paused a moment, staring into her crystal ball. I hadn't noticed before but inside her ball, a thick sort of smoke appeared. Slowly, that smoke turned dark as did the rest of the room.

A few students whispered in confusion and attempted to get our Professor's attention but she was still in a catatonic state, eyes locked on her ball. Then all at once, the air was cleared with an invisible gust of wind that also blew out the candles leaving the windows as our only source of light.

I was getting scared now and I wasn't the only one. I moved closer to Harry, his arm protectively around me. Then another sound pierced the quiet air, it was the sound of a heavy object hitting solid wood. I looked and saw that the ball Professor Trelawney was holding was rolling towards me.

Hoping that she could move now, I looked up; the sight before me made me want to scream. Her eyes had rolled to the back of her head and her arm was bent at an angle with one lone bony finger pointed straight ahead…at me.

"Emma Pendragon!" A voice yelled, gurgled and deep from Trelawney's mouth. It was a voice that did not belong to her body…a voice that chilled my blood to the bone. A thick black smoke began to emit from her mouth and flooded the room. A few students screamed or cried but most were too afraid to even run.

The voice gurgled again, its mouth growing wide producing more fog and more noise. "Listen to my words and head them for I am the holder of your prophecy!"

'The ultimate Power to conquer Evil approaches...

Born from parents with the purest of hearts,

But one descended from a wizard of ancient magic...

Marked as a savior with powers to prevail,

Side by side with Evil's marked equal…

Darkness will consume both worlds,

Unless both rise up to shed a bright light

And the Good shall destroy the Evil that plagues the Earth.'

All at once, the eyes belonging to Professor Trelawney closed and the black smoke disappeared as quickly as it came. Her body gave an involuntary shudder and she fell to the floor. Not realizing I did so, I slowly began to stand up. Harry was still next to me but he was in a state similar to mine.

Much like Malfoy was a few moments ago, I was in a state of fear and shock. My mind was racing a million miles a minute in attempt to process anything. As if having a mind of their own and not caring for anything else, my legs moved away from the table and I allowed myself to do the only thing I could think of: run away.