" Hey, birthday girl ! " Harry swooped down, picking me up, and twirled me about in his arms. " Happy Birth-day. "

" Put me down ! " I shrieked, clinging to his neck. When he saw the look of terror on my face, Harry wisely put me down. Ron placed several packages before me on the blanket.

" She's opening my Mum and Dad's gift first. "

" Your parents sent me a gift ? " I couldn't believe it.

" Happy Birthday, Erin." Hermione said, coming over, her arms full of presents. Ron reached for the presents, emptying her arms. Then he pulled the Head girl into his arms.

" Thanks, " I said, smiling. Harry glanced up at the sound of an owl hooting softly above us.

" Who's owl is that ? " He asked. A large dark Great Eagle Owl fluttered onto my lap. I looked at the front of the package clutched within its talons. Hermione looked hard at the bird, then, at me. I just shrugged.

" Don't know, " I muttered. I unlaced the package from the owl's leg. I took out an owl treat from my pocket and gave it to the bird. The owl took off into the open sky.

" Who's that one from? " Harry asked trying to take the package from me.

" Like I said, I do not know. " Picking it up I shoved it into the depths of my book bag. I would open it later, away from prying eyes.

" Fine, " Harry huffed. I decided to ignore him as I pulled one of the brightly wrapped packages towards me. I ripped through the wrapping paper and tore through the tape on the box. Finally, I lifted out a beautiful eagle quill and a bottle of dark green ink.

" Oh, Ron. Thank you. It's beautiful. " I jumped up and threw my arms around him hugging him.

" Hey, " Hermione exclaimed. " Paws off. " In response, I stuck my tongue out at her.

" Actually, " Ron spoke up. " Thank my parents. That was from them. " I pulled another package towards me as Harry moved several of the gifts. I pulled open the bright paper and pulled out a journal.

" What's this for ? "

"To keep your deepest thoughts and wishes in, Erin. " Harry said. " You're welcome. Happy Birthday. " Hermione motioned to the rest of the packages sitting beside and in front of me on the blanket.

" Books ! " I exclaimed after pouncing on them and ripping the paper to shreds. " I can't wait to start reading them. " Picking them up, one by one, I could see that they were on human transfiguration. " Thanks, Hermione, " I smiled, moving the books and reaching for my guitar.

" So what are you going to play today ? " Ron asked in between bites.
" Hey, do you take requests, Erin ? " Harry asked.

" What did you want to hear, Harry ? "

" I don't know what it's called. I only remember a part of it. " I was intrigued.

" Can you sing what you know ? "

" Sure. " Harry cleared his throat as he thought hard on the song that he could remember his mother singing to him that All Hallows' night. "Trying so to keep my love from

showing, All the while not knowing you loved me too. "
" Can you remember anything else ? " A minute passed,

then,

" And after all had been said, Here we are, my love,
Silent once more . . . That's all I can remember. Do you know the song I'm thinking about ? "

" I think so, Harry. Hold on. " I picked up my guitar. Then, let my fingers just dance over the strings.

" I loved you once in silence,
And mis'ry was all I knew.
Trying so to keep my love from showing,
All the while not knowing you loved me too. " Harry had his eyes shut. I could see tears slipping past the wispy inky curtains. Hermione and Ron were transfixed.

"Yes, loved me in lonesome silence;
Your heart filled with dark love would flame in you forever,
And I'd never, never know the flame was there. "

Slowly on cat's feet, he approached. Harry's eyes were still closed, letting the music surround him, remembering the only memory of his mother. Ron and Hermione's eyes widened. I smirked to myself. I knew it. For some reason my singing pulled him out of the shadowy depths of the dungeons and into the sunlight. Would he sing with me again ? I wondered.

"Then one day we cast away our secret longing;
The raging tide we held inside would hold no more.
The silence at last was broken!
We flung wide our prison door.
Ev'ry joyous word of love was spoken. " I could sense movement behind me. Even if I hadn't seen Hermione and Ron's eyes widen, I would've known someone was behind me. That smooth baritone joined my voice.

"And now there's twice as much grief,
Twice the strain for us;Twice the despair,
Twice the pain for us
As we had known before. " His voice blended perfectly with mine. How did he know every single song that I played ? I continued on, but, Professor Snape's voice died,

"And after all had been said,
Here we are, my love,
Silent once more,
And not far, my love,
From where we were before . . . " I let my voice trail off as I played the last notes of the compelling music. I could feel dark eyes resting upon my form. " Harry ? " I asked.

" Thank you, " He mumbled. I just smiled. " I think I need to be alone, now. " Rising to his feet, Harry raced to the castle.

" Harry !!! " Hermione exclaimed jumping to her feet.

" Harry ! Wait ! " She took after the haunted boy.

" Hermione ! Hold on ! Could you wait for me ?! " Ron went after his girlfriend.

" It seems that not everyone has a taste for the finer

music, " The Potions Master sneered. I leaned back so that I was resting against his legs. Then, I tilted my head back, so I could look up at the dark annoyance.

" You don't know the entire story, " I asked. " So, please desist. " He stepped back and I fell to the ground.

" Really, Miss MacLaine, you should not take the liberties that you do. I am not inclined to favour you with anything, except detention." A wicked grin appeared upon his tight lips.

" Let me guess, " I said drily, " Detention would entail being chained up in the dungeons at your tender mercies ? " An eyebrow rose at the thought as a gleam, ever so wicked as his smile, lit his eyes.

" Chains, Miss MacLaine ? Do you think me that sadistic, that cruel ? "

" That kinky, " I retorted, promptly slapping a hand over my mouth as soon as I uttered it. No, I didn't ! I did not just say that to the Potions Master.

" Really ? " That brow raised again. " Pray tell, you never have to honour me with your presence in detention with me. For the consequences shall be, " He leaned down and helped me to my feet. Staring into my blue-green eyes, he finished, " Dire. " With that he turned on his heel, black robes billowing. Knowing that I was watching his retreating back, the Potions Master stalked back to the castle. Shoving the rest of my gifts into my book satchel, I started behind the retreating dark figure.

Slowly, I opened the door and sank into the last unoccupied seat by the classroom door. I slammed my bag on my desk, causing the students around me to jump.

" What's with you ? " Dean Thomas asked.

" None of your damn business , Thomas, " I snapped.

" Are you okay, Erin? " Seamus Finnegan asked. Getting it out, I slammed my black ink bottle hard onto the desk. Grabbing my Raven quill I flung it next to the ink. My notebook I threw atop it. How could he ? How could the man just forget one of the most important days of my life ?

Tears filled my eyes as I threw myself into my seat. I moved my notebook and retrieved the raven plume from underneath. With painstaking slowness I uncapped my inkwell and opened my notebook, so it would look like that I was taking notes.

" What's her problem ? " Someone muttered, I ignored it. That's when Professor Snape strode through the door, his eyes sweeping about the class. His eyes narrowed when he didn't see me in my usual seat in the front row. Why the hell isn't Erin MacLaine here ?! Does she think that she can do as she pleases ? Circe ! As the dark orbs touched upon the back rows of the class, he found me with murder in my eyes. What the hell happened ? Just a few moments ago she was happily singing. Women ! But, he moved onto the front and began the lesson.

I fought down the urge to stare at Professor Snape, which was very difficult, since his voice was compelling and those dark eyes, which were really a very deep dark brown, were hypnotizing.

" Can anyone tell me why the potion Veritaserum is administered very carefully ? " His eyes swept the room. I kept my hands under my desk, gripping each other tightly. I knew the answer and the bloody arse knew I did. " Any

one ? " He sighed. I stared down at my desk.

" Very well. Veritaserum, when administered in large amounts, can be quite fatal. That is why the Ministry has to regulate the dose and control of the potion. It depends on the skill and magick of the brewer as to how potent the truth serum can be. Those kept at the Ministry are very intensely potent, indeed. What does this potion do ? " Padma Patil raised her hand. " Miss Patil ? "

" Veritaserum, with only three drops, can make anyone spill their guts to you. It makes you tell the complete and whole truth. "

" As she said, Veritaserum is indeed a truth inducer. With only three drops, no more than three drops, one will reveal their deep, innermost secrets. Today, we will brew the potion after discussing the effects that it can induce. " Though I had been listening intently, I didn't jot down a single note.

"Miss MacLaine. " He drew near the back of the class,

" Tell me, why the ratio of Valerian and the Draught of Peace has to be closely monitored ? " Steeling myself, I ignored him, my eyes trained on my desk. If he was going to ignore my birthday, then, by Merlin, I would ignore the man, too. " Miss MacLaine ? " He approached the back row. " Answer the question. " I remained mute. " I do believe that I asked you a question. A question that requires an answer. Well ? " Inwardly, I was seething. But, I remained mute. " Answer me now! "I continued to stare at the desk. "Ten points from Gryffindor. I expect an answer, Miss MacLaine. " He could wait forever and a day for a bloody damn answer. " Perhaps there is something amiss with your hearing, or perhaps your brain ? " That was it ! I turned murderously icy eyes up at the Potions Master.

A breath caught in his throat at the frosty malice held within the depths of those blue-green orbs. What the blue blazes was going on with her ? Just a few moments ago she was singing for her friends, not a care in the world. What had set her into this mood ?

" What the bloody damn hell do you think !?! " Burst forth from my mouth. Thunder sounded outside, making its presence known down in the dank depths of the dungeon. I had the attention of the entire class. The whole room was staring at me.

" Pardon ? " That silky smooth voice held a note of poisoned wealth.

" As if you don't know ! " I rose to my feet, knocking the chair over. I met him glare for murderous glare. He looked ready to murder me where I stood. He was furious.

" What, pray tell, are you on about ? " Thunder rumbled again, filling the air. Even the Potions Master looked wary, now.

" What day is today ?!? " I demanded, my voice raising.

" A Friday ? " Confusion shone within his deadly eyes.

" All Hallow's Eve ? "

" Exactly ! My birthday ! " I shot at him. The man was completely bewildered.

" My eighteenth birthday ! You forgot ! You completely forgot ! " I was beyond pissed.

" Miss MacLaine !!! " Professor Snape hissed. I ignored him.

" After the liberties you took with me how could you forget my birthday ? "

" How dare you, Miss MacLaine ! "

" At least my friends, those that actually care about me, remembered my birthday. " My voice cracked at the end. I was close to breaking. That was what he was doing to me. Thunder sounded again. Even harder and louder than before. Half the class jumped at the sound.

You must have a heart made from stone you insensitive, uncaring prick ! " Grabbing my bag, I swept every thing intro my bag. Thunder sounded again, fierce and awful. I stormed out of the classroom, slamming the door behind me. I had had enough of Professor Severus Snape.

I wound up in the room I shared with Hermione. Settling down on my bed I pulled the anonymous gift out of my satchel. Untying the twine that held the package together, I discovered that there was a jewelry box atop a clothes box. Who would be giving me clothes ? I wondered. I picked up that box first. Pulling the top off I revealed tissue paper. Peeling the tissue back an Emerald green satin thong edged in black lace was revealed. My mouth dropped open.

" What is it ? " Hermione asked from the doorway. All I could do was stare. Wordlessly, I passed her the box. She looked down.

" My god ! " She screeched.

" Keep your voice down, " I hissed.

" Erin Lily MacLaine ! Who in the hell would be sending that to you !?! " Hermione demanded.

" I don't know, " I breathed. A card was underneath the knickers.

' Go with me to the Ball tonight, you can wear these. Luve, Draco.' I read. I had to close my eyes. He was just bound and determined to get me into trouble.

" What's it say ? " Hermione interrupted my thoughts.

" It's from Draco, " I admitted.

What the hell have you been doing with a Slytherin !?! " Hermione demanded.

" Nothing, " I refuted. " Absolutely nothing. " But, I couldn't quite meet her eyes. " All right, we've kissed. But, that's it ! " Triumph flared in her eyes at being declared right. Wisely, she chose to change the subject though.

" What's in that ? " She asked, nodding towards the little black box.

" Let's find out. " I picked up the black velvet box. Opening the long black velvet box, I gasped,

" Jesus, Mary, and Joseph ! "

" What ? " The sun glinted off silver casings interspersed between emeralds and diamond.

" Lo, ok. " She did.

" Holy. . . What are you going to do, Erin ? "

" Not tell Harry, " I breathed.

" Obviously. " I took a deep breath.

" I don't know what to do, " I confessed to my room mate. Rising to my feet, I hid the bracelet in my trunk at the foot of my bed. Then, Hermione and I left to join the boys for dinner.

Long jagged white-yellow forks of lightening lit up the rolling dark clouds. BOOM !! Thunder sounded, echoing throughout all the castle, the windows in Gryffindor Tower shook within their casements. Looking out the window, I watched the clouds burst open, wanting to be outside, amidst the power and the fury of nature. For a few moments I watched the storm. Sighing, I turned my eyes towards my bed. On it lay my costume and masque for the dance. It was a strapless black mini-dress that ended in tatters. The elbow length gloves that came with it, lay atop. The masque atop the gown looked like it was made for it. It was covered in the same black satin. Black chiffon ribbons trailed down the sides waiting to be tied.

Walking over, I sank down onto the garnet padded bench at my vanity. I had just finished working a rich vanilla-scented body cream into my pale skin and wore Draco's gift beneath my dark red satin dressing robe. Taking off the garnet red towel, an auburn waterfall made dark from my shower fell down my back and shoulders. I just left it alone. Applying a porcelain foundation I used a heavy hand with the baby powder afterwards. My skin looked positively white. I applied a light silver on my lids, a deeper silver in the crease, and a vanilla on the brow bone. I used a dark silver to line my eyes, then curled my lashes. Lots of black mascara finished my eyes. On my lips I used a deep dark red and set it with a sheer light silver sealant so the colour would shimmer all night. Rising I approached my bed. Grabbing the dress I pulled it on. I went back over to my vanity and stood before the mirror gazing at my reflection. Tugging it into place and smoothing it down over my curves put the dress into place. I pulled the gloves on as well. I tied the masque about my eyes and adjusted my hair so that it covered most of the sheer ribbons. I, then, tied my school robes about my neck, but, didn't button them up. I grabbed the witch's hat off my bed and positioned it just so.

" Erin, " Hermione said coming out of the loo as I was stepping into black stilettos,

" Are you ... ? " Her jaw dropped when she saw me. " Are you trying to give me a heart attack !?! " She demanded.

" You better hope McGonagall doesn't see you. What were you thinking to buy that !?! "

" Maybe I was hoping to get laid," I said calmly. Hermione just stared at me.

" I'll never understand you, Erin, " She finally said. " Are you ready ? " I nodded as I followed her out of the room. She went down the stairs first. Her date, Ron, watched her every move. She stopped before him. Ron handed her a rose. She giggled. I followed. Catcalls and wolf whistles followed me down.

" Knock it off !!! " Harry yelled. Every guy's eyes were upon me. " Hey, she happens to be my cousin ! So quit thinking about it. Besides, she's going with me. "

" Lucky dog, " Someone mumbled. But, the boys backed off.

With that, the four of us departed for the ball.

Thunder rumbled overhead as we entered the Great Hall. Lightning cracked above. The only lights were the numerous floating candles interspersed with the lightning. I looked up, remembering the scene in the classroom earlier. A smile flitted about my lips. My eyes strayed to the Head Table. He was resplendent as the Phantom.

Harry tugging on my hand brought me back to the present. I allowed myself to be led to a table not that far from the Head table itself. Music started up at once. Harry turned towards me.

" Erin, would you do me the honour of dancing with me? "

" I really don't feel like dancing right now, Harry. I'm sorry, " I responded. " I'm sure Neville wouldn't mind you taking a turn with Ginny. " Harry turned questioning Emerald eyes to the couple.

" Neville, " He asked, " Would you mind if I asked Ginny to dance ? " Neville Longbottom looked at him curiously.

" It's up to Ginny. But, I don't mind. "

" Ginny, " Harry began.

" Yes, Harry, I'd luve to, " Ginny answered. Harry stood up and offered her his hand. She slipped her smaller one into his. Harry pulled her to her feet and promptly whisked her off. My eyes trailed up towards the Head table. Only to see that the Potions Master was no longer there. Did he not even want to be in the same room as me ? Tears began to prick at my eyes. Before they could fall, I leapt to my feet.

" Erin . . . " Neville began.

" I don't thin . . . " Hermione started to say.

" Just let her go, " Ron said, surprising everyone.

I made my way to the garden. I walked along the cobblestone path ignoring the occasional giggling coming from the bushes. Was I that in luve with the man ? Why did luve have to hurt like this ?

Passing the tall fountain in the center of the garden, the sound of water hitting water faded into the distance as I leaned against the wrought iron railing, gazing up at the stars. Faintly, I could hear another song start. Why did affairs of the heart hurt so much ? Why did he have to keep pushing me away ? Should I have really come here ?

Out of nowhere a hand covered mine on the railing, yanking me back into a strong, solid chest. The mystery man twirled me in his arms so that my breasts were crushed against his very masculine chest. My bosom was heaving, my breath coming out in pants. Music softly began to fill the air.

"I love you, I hate you,
Forget you, but I'm afraid to.
You loved me or did you?I'll never be sure.
But one thing's for certain.
In spite of this hurtin,'
I'll always be
Hopelessly yours . . . " His arms tightened about me as he began to waltz me around the dark garden.

" From laughin' to cryin,'
From livin' to dyin,'
From heaven to a heartache
I know I can't cure . . . " I peered up at the mystery man, trying to figure out just whose arms I was in. I could feel his breath tickling the shell of my ear. I let my arms slide up around his neck. If at possible he pressed me even closer against his hard frame.

"In spite of this hurtin,'
I'll always be
Hopelessly yours.
I cry on the slightest of notions,
'Cause I'm just going through the emotions.I love you, I hate you,
Forget you, but I'm afraid to.
You loved me or did you . . . ? " Large hands traveled lightly up my rib cage.I shivered in response. I trembled within the embrace, holding my breath. We were right in front of the fountain.
" But one thing's for certain,
In spite of this hurtin,'
I'll always be,
Hopelessly yours.
I'll always be,
Hopelessly yours . . . " Water splashed onto water behind us. Thunder no longer rumbled up above. A light wind blew the clouds away from the moon, revealing it to be full. A howl pierced the air. It sounded close by. I exchanged looks with the man who held me tight within his embrace.

Severus ! It was Severus ! My heart beat a wild tattoo. His dark eyes held my own blue-green ones captive. There was something within the dark depths. Entranced, I watched as his face came closer and closer. His lips settled over mine, his eyes holding me prisoner. With one step I was lost within the dark depths of his eyes. I could feel his tongue parting my lips. Slowly, my eyes began to slide shut. A cool draft across my damp lips had me opening them again. Without warning, those lips swooped down, crushing mine beneath as his tongue rushed inside hungry for the taste of me.

" OW, OW, OWWWWWWW !!!!!!!!!! " Rent the air, tearing us apart.

" Remus ! " I gasped. Deep dark brown eyes flashed with fire, then, filled with something else entirely. Gazing coldly down at me, Professor Severus Snape turned on his heel, striding away from me, cape billowing about him.

I just watched him leave, my eyes following his familiar form. How could I !?! How could I be so

stupid !?!! Remus was out there without me. But, Severus had been here . Holding me within his arms. I was such a fool !! Breaking out of my reverie, I ran after the man. I had to explain ! I had to tell him why I uttered another man's name after I had been kissed senseless by him.

" What are you doing down here, Mudblood ? " He demanded. My eyes widened at the remark. It just served to remind me that I really, truly wasn't magickal.

" None of your damn business, MacNair, " I sneered, not backing down from the mocking challenge within his voice.

" Gryffindors have no place down here in the dungeons. "

" Really ? " I tossed my head back. " Then, what are you doing down here ? "

" You insolent, little bitch !! " Aidan MacNair hissed.

" Crude, arrogant whelp, " I tossed back, trying desperately to figure a way out of this situation. I had a wand, but, was only a mere muggle. Magick was not the solution. My eyes ran over the boy in front of me. Toothpicks really weren't my type. While I had been thinking, the boy advanced upon me. My back hitting the cold stone floor brought me back to the reality of the situation. A hand reached out. My wand was pulled out from it's hiding place, down my front.

CRACK !!!! My hand flew to his cheek. Aidan MacNair glared down at me maleovently. The wand was thrown down the dimly lit corridor. Evidently he believed the same delusion as the others. With a swift tug my bodice gave way. It ripped down the middle, the black satin fluttering about my waist. A scream was welling in my throat. Swallowing, I choked it down. Another hand came in between us. He grabbed a breast, squeezing, laughing cruelly.

" Go on, " Aidan MacNair taunted. " Scream. No one can hear you down here. No one will save a useless Mudblood. " I swallowed nervously, meeting his cold cruel brown eyes. Hatred, lust, and evilness warred within the brown depths. The hand upon my breast shoved me down onto the cold stone floor.

" Wha, " I wet my lips unconsciously. His eyes watched my tongues movements hungrily. " What do you want ? "

" That should be painfully obvious, Mudblood ! " His hands went to his pants, yanking them open. Fear bubbled within my veins. I tried breaking away. He just laughed.

" There's no escape, " He rasped. " Crabbe ! Goyle ! " Big, dark shadows stepped away from opposite walls.

" Hold her still. " Each big brute grabbed an arm. Aidan MacNair shoved my skirts up to my waist. Then, sank down atop me. Tears pricked at my blue-green eyes.

" Why, why are you doing this ? " I gasped out.

" Because I can ! " Aidan smirked evilly. I tried moving underneath him.

" I don't think so, Sweetheart. " He grabbed a hip in each hand. Roughly he pulled me across the uneven, rough stone floor back to him.

Through the thin satin barrier I could feel his length rubbing against me. Closing my eyes, I prayed to the Gods that someone would come. Anyone. With a murmur the satin barrier vanished. Shoving my resisting legs apart savagely, cruelly, Aidan MacNair lunged forward sheathing his lance into my quite resisting body.

" NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! " The hysterical scream echoed off the stones in the dungeon up into the rafters of the huge castle.

A few yards away from the rape his pen jerked reflexively as his blonde head snapped to attention. That voice sounded familiar. Jumping to his feet, Draco Malfoy grabbed his wand, flying out into the dimly lit corridor. He didn't have far to go. Soon he was confronted with the sight of Aidan MacNair atop a young woman.

" Well, well, " a rich aristocratic voice interrupted. Aidan MacNair paused mid-thrust, glancing up to see Draco Malfoy sneering down at him. " What do we have here ? Couldn't wait to get her to a bed ? " The boy in question glared up at the blonde.

" Wait, your, turn, Mal, foy ! " Each word punctuated with a cruel thrust of his hips. A roar erupted from MacNair's throat as his need filled my body. Then, unceremoniously he withdrew, rising to his feet.

" Your turn, Malfoy. Then, Crabbe, and finally,

Goyle. "

" Bring her over here, " Draco Malfoy commanded. A smirk graced the slightly full lips. " I want to see what the bird looks like. If she's worth it. " The two goons hauled me roughly to my feet, jerking on my arms. Dragging me between the two, they brought me before Draco. Through a watery veil I could make out a pair of light topaz blue eyes.

" Where's her wand ? " Draco demanded. " Accio MacLaine's wand ! " My wand came sailing into Draco's outstretched hand. " Thanks for the present, " He smirked. " Release her, " He commanded Crabbe and Goyle. They dropped their hands, making me crumple to the floor. Pocketing my wand, Draco knelt down, scooping me up into his arms. Turning on his heel, he strode back the way he came.

Back in the Head Boy's Room he went straight to the fireplace. Shifting me about in his arms, Draco grabbed ash from the mantel. Stepping inside, he released the flue powder, exclaiming,

" The Hospital Wing !! "