A/N: I feel like this chapter's a bit rushed. I dunno, that's my sentiment with all my fics. Head's up guys, I won't be updating this next week. Time to update another fic. Two week tops, I'm updating then!

Thank you all so much for your reviews and faves! They've all motivated me to keep writing. I'm surprised that I'm more motivated with updating this compared to my other fics.

EDITED 122015. I realized that both Tonks and Lupin died during the Hogwarts War. I'm sorry for that mistake, I follow the movie. (I know, it sucks. We used to have a HP book collection, but they disappeared or got stolen)

EDITED: 041516. In case anyone's notice, I based off the current Defense Against the Dark Arts professor - Phoebe de Fer, after Vivienne from Dragon Age: Inquisition.

DISCLAIMER: JK Rowling owns Harry Potter and I'm just borrowing them for the purpose of this fic.

[Fifth Year: Shaken]

Albus liked Defense Against the Dark Arts, just like his family (with the exception of their mother). It was no secret that he – well, the Potter siblings, really – was especially proficient in this subject, and how advanced he was. Maybe it was because their father had trained them at an early age or maybe because even though the chances of evil lurking were slim nowadays, the class was still beneficial, rushing the adrenaline in him.

"What is your greatest fear?" asked their professor – Phoebe de Fer, casually pacing before her students.

He, and the rest of the fifth years, were lined up in five rows. He stood second to Jesse Hofferman from Hufflepuff.

de Fer was discussing today's topic – fear.

"Fear is a four letter word, children." she said, taking slow strides. "Fear is what keeps us in the shadows, what paralyzes us, what makes us weak." Slowly, the corner of her lips lifted into a smile. "There is nothing to fear but fear itself, they say."

Boggarts, in particular, was just that – fear.

They took form of everyone's greatest fear.

Following her predecessor's example, she kept the tradition of having students line up and face their fears, even for a while.

It had been a fun class.

Albus had a fair fear of clowns.

Astley's was of spiders.

Lorcan's was of snakes. (Scorpius and Astley laughed at this)

Lysander's was of ventriloquist dolls.

Scorpius' was of his grandfather.

He had no idea what Erin's was, being that she missed class that day. And the funny thing was, she missed it on purpose.

And so being of sound mind, and because he was free of school activities, he went to the one place he knows he'll find her.

Thank god it was Friday.

Reaching the Forbidden forests, he was greeted by Buckbeak II at the fork of the forest. He bowed at her, who bowed in turn. Getting in deeper, he was met with fairies, giggling and pointing at him, he ignored them, following the path Erin would take. Hearing a rustle to his side, a herd of unicorn appeared. He let them pass, trotting in their wake.

It was no secret that every once in a while, he'd tag along with Erin during the weekends, hanging out with both the Magical Creatures and her, for obvious reasons. And each experience was something, sometimes, earning him a bruise, scratch and near broken limb. It was all experiences worth skipping Hogsmaede meetings.

Finally reaching the edge of the forest, he found Erin, sitting on a rock while Marlowe rested beside her. The hippogriff was probably asleep, with the trickling river lulling it to sleep. Above them was Safira, conquering the skies, her white feathers camouflaging with the clouds.

Erin was in her uniform, her purple dyed hair tied into a low ponytail behind her back. There was a familiar book in her lap, he noticed, and she so fixated on it. He knew to be the one thing she'll never get tired of reading over and over again. Her purple hues danced along the lines, her thin fingers tracing the pages. He can't help but marvel at her hunger to know more about the unknown creatures that linger in the wizardry world, how she's always willing to know more.

Putting his hands on his pockets, he was just about to open his mouth when he felt something nudge his head. Looking over his shoulder, he found nothing. But then it came again, and it felt sharp, like twigs.

"Albus?" Erin called, looking up from her book.

It came again, nudging at his stomach. But there was nothing in front of him but the path he took, littered with leaves. He was sure there was something.

Behind him, he heard her snapping the book shut, followed by her careful footsteps towards him. When she was beside him, she looked ahead and laughed, much to his surprise.

She reached out her hand, towards the direction of the unseen object nudging him. He was about to stop when he heard the grass moving, like something had moved to Erin's side.

"W-What…?"

"There, there, you." She cooed, resting her head against the unseen object – or in this case, a creature.

Puzzled, he gently followed Erin's actions. He was shocked when he felt something against his fingers – something smooth and slippery, but it was also velvety. It was a creature, alright.

"What is…?"

With her head still against the unseen creature, she looks up with those big eyes of hers. "Thestrals."

Thestrals, he remembered them during Hagrid's last discussion. He recalled during his second year, when he and his family took the carriage, he was curious to what was pulling them when Rose told him. Curiously, he let his hands glide across its head, towards its spine, feeling the ridges of bones.

"You're tickling it!" cried Erin, making Albus stop and drop his hand. "Alright, sit!" something then landed on the ground, Erin followed suit. "There's a good boy!" she clapped her hands, keeping her eyes on the unseen creature. She then tapped her lap twice, and then the thestral landed its head on her lap. By the size of it, it must be a young fowl.

"I wonder why you're all alone." She cooed, running her fingers on its head. The gesture made him smile; she'd make an amazing magizoologist alright, with her dotting nature with the creatures.

"Trust you to know what it is." he said, casually, he sat next to her. "We missed you in class today."

She turned to him, smiling shyly. "I overslept!"

He arched a brow at that. "We only have one class and it's on the sixth period."

Gasping, she lifted her hands to her mouth. "Really? I thought it read 6 am! I mean, who would dare come to class that early?" she huffed, hands on her hips.

"Who would dare come to a midnight class?" he countered.

They laughed at that. Time may have passed and things may have changed, but her naiveté and silliness hasn't. He made her smile, how it never fails to make his heart skip a beat. Mentally, he patted himself for a job well done.

"Don't worry, I bet Astley'll fill you up on what you missed."

"Hmm…" she hummed, returning her attention to the creature on her lap. "Oh, I think he fell asleep."

Staring at her lap, where the thestral laid its head, he asked. "How can you see them?"

Erin winced; her expression fell slightly before regaining her composure. "Only those who've seen death at least once, and accepted the reality of death, can see them."

"O-Oh, I'm sorry-"

She shook her head, a small smile on her lips. "It's okay, you didn't mean it."

Her mother. He remembered, she died when Erin was younger. Bile formed on his stomach at the thought of it.

Great, just when he made her smile, now, he's made her sad.

"They say that they're omens of bad luck and misfortune just because only those who've seen death can see them. But I think otherwise. I think they appear to those who've seen death because it's a reality – people come and go, and they're there to say, 'it's alright,' and they're grieving with us."

"That's beautiful," he said quietly.

"Hmm," her hands returned to the creature's head, stroking it as it slept. "death is a reality, one we all fear to accept. It's man's greatest fear."

"You just summed up today's lesson."

"Thank goodness then."

A cool breeze wafted, brushing Erin's wayward hair. She tucked them behind her ear, her eyes still on the sleeping creature, even though they'll just slip away again. He so badly wanted to tuck them for her.

Peering up at him, she suddenly laughed.

His brows furrowed together, eyes narrowing. "What is it?"

Biting down her lip, she took the ends of her ponytail and played with the ends of her dyed hair. "Remember that one time you complimented my hair? That you said it made me look like Snow White?"

"Yes." He had no idea where she was going with this.

"Well, I just noticed how adorably unkempt your hair is!" she giggled to herself, covering her mouth with one hand.

Surprised, he couldn't help the blush that rose to his face. Albus ran a hand through his hair, attempting to fix it. But when that didn't help, Erin took it upon herself, carefully leaning towards him and ruffled her thin fingers through his thick hair.

"I didn't say I didn't like it, I just think it's an adorable shade of raven."

Touché, he thought, four years too late.

"Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander." He read the cover aloud.

"That's my favorite book in the whole wide world!" Erin declared.

They were having lunch at the Ravenclaw table. The moment the two arrived, Astley hurriedly asked her where she was and where she had been, followed by the twins and her brother. Scorpius merely recognized her presence and quietly sat down.

"It's the only book in your life, you mean." Her brother, Scott remarked, flipping through the pages of his Charms textbook.

Erin shoved him playfully. "Oh, hush you!"

Scamander. That must mean the twins' grandfather. He can remembered Erin telling him of the time when she pegged the twins to have their grandfather sign her book. Curiously, he flipped the book open and found his signature, along with the message of 'To dear little Erin, have I made you happy now?'

"Yeash, way to remind us of the time you pegged us over and over and over again for grandpa's signature." Said Lysander, resting his palm against his cheek.

"Those were the days," Lorcan said with a shudder, reminiscing with his twin. "she'd wait for us outside our room and peg and peg and peg and peg-"

"-on and on and on and on and on, with the pegging!"

"It's a wonder how we're even friends."

Astley appeared then, putting a bowl of something in front of Erin.

"Chips!" she cried happily at the sight of it, completely ignoring the twins.

"Where have you been?" Scott asked Astley, who in turn showed a letter. He nodded at that and turned to his notes. Albus eyed the two in heated interest, but his attention soon returned to Erin.

She took a piece and put it in her mouth, moaning in delight with her eyes shut, as if savoring the moment.

Albus watched as she shoved more chips into her mouth, almost comically resembling a chipmunk.

Yet, she looked adorable. Too adorable.

"Albus?"

"E-Erin?" he wished he hadn't been too obvious for staring at her. From the corner of his eye, he swore he saw Scorpius smirk against his textbook.

She lifted a chip to him. "Chip?" she offered with a messy smile.

Erin had been strangely quiet all day, Monday.

He wondered if it was because Scott was graduating this year, James having mentioning it when they met the Alisdair siblings earlier. Or was it because Marlowe was sick? (According to Scott) Or was it when Astley strode towards the siblings with today's paper in hand?

"Look at this," she said. It had intended to be for Scott, but hearing her best friend's voice, curiosity took over her. Instantly, Erin paled.

The headlines read of a prison riot at Azkaban had occurred and that a few had managed to escape.

Scott turned to his sister worriedly, whose eyes were still on the paper. Putting his hand on his sister's shoulder, he pulled her to him, making her lean against him; and pressed a quick kiss on her forehead.

"I'm sorry," Astley said, disintegrating the paper with a quick spell.

He had no idea how the events of today affected her so.

She was inattentive, lost. Her friends became worried, even the ghosts and paintings she conversed with noticed her lack of energy.

For the rest of class, she just spaced out, looked deep into space.

Come lunch, they found her at the Ravenclaw table, staring deep into space as her nails scraped through the wooden table.

"Are you alright, Erin?" asked Scorpius. She looked a bit peaky. In fact, she didn't seem to hear him. It took Astley's soft nudge to break her out of her reverie. She jumped in surprise.

"H-Huh, what?" looking up to meet Albus' eyes, she tried to smile. "Y-Yeah, I am! I am, I am!" she even laughed, but it was obviously forced.

But even he could tell that she wasn't. He didn't press, but offered her a plateful of chips. She smiled gratefully, but it didn't reach her eyes.

After lunch, an announcement came saying that everyone was invited to a special event later after dinner. Nobody knew why, but it stirred up excitement from the students.

Dinner was a fast event, for students quickly stepped out while House heads, Head boys and girls and prefects were setting up the Great Hall, leaving the students to wait outside. It was a buzz outside, the group wondered what was going on inside.

The twins had joked that maybe they brought down Fluffy, the three-headed dog, which was an attempt to make Erin smile. Though, they were rewarded with a feeble one.

The double doors then opened, Scott, being one of the head boys, welcomed the students and invited them in.

Upon re-entering, instead of the four house tables, replacing it was one long platform that stretched across the room. They were greeted by two head boys from Hufflepuff and Slytherin who asked for their wands. Astley asked why, but was answered with silence.

He met his family up ahead, Lily waving at him. He nodded at them, and then turned to his friends.

"I'll just…" they all nodded in knowing, save for Erin, who held unto Astley's coat.

"We'll be with Scott," said Astley, before leading she and the group to the other side. He watched them going through the sea of students until they met Scott.

Turning to his heel, he struggled to get past students until finally reaching his family.

"What's going on?" he asked.

"It's a dueling club." James said.

"Dueling club?" Lily repeated. "We had those?"

"Yes. Because of an incident that happened years back, it had to be closed down. But after the war, the school saw the need for students to defend themselves. So now, it's open again and exclusive for just about anyone." Explained James as the head boys set up the wands. When something came to mind, he turned to his siblings, the corner of his mouth twitched. "Did you know dad and Scorpius' dad fought before?" James said.

"Really?" Lily was curious. "Who won?"

"Dad, of course." James said smugly. "And I'm sure, that if any of us get called gets to prove that we are Dad's children."

"That sounds sort of biased, don't you think?" Albus said to his brother.

But James only snickered, exchanging glances with Fred.

Professor de Fer explained to the students the dueling club that it was now open to all, affirming James' statement, and what they were called for today was a look at what they'll be doing specifically in the club. First off, it would be Professor de Fer versus Professor Aldama from Muggle Studies. Obviously, Professor de Fer showed to be the far superior and won. Students clapped eagerly.

The dueling club has been a ground to test the student's capability to defend themselves. Also, it was a sort of sportsmanship and show-off of skills. There were three trials for the selected students.

Everyone's wands that were collected were placed at a wheel by the side. Above it, a sort of contraption could recognize the owner of the wand and yell its name, he was pretty sure it was a new invention.

A Hufflepuff prefect stood by wheel and turned it, and everyone held their breath.

The first duelers composed of a scrawny dark haired lad from Hufflepuff and redhead girl from Slytherin. The redhead walked up haughtily, smirking at the lad. Despite his appearance, the Hufflepuff lad proved to be a promising and skilled duelist. The girl from Slytherin lost, angrily stomping away from the platform. Across the room, Albus swore he saw Scorpius and Astley exchange amused looks.

The second time the wheel turned, his family held their breathes. He saw very much how they wanted to be a part of it, even if they weren't sure if they'd join the club or not. They sure were competitive.

The next duelers were a dark-skinned girl from Ravenclaw and an Asian-girl from Slytherin. He knew the dark-skinned girl to be the captain of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team, though he wasn't entirely sure of her name. When the two dueled, it was clear that they were equally skilled. No doubt, they were rightful Ravenclaw and Slytherin. The match came to a draw. The two shook hands.

Now that's sportsmanship, he thought to himself watching the two part ways.

"Albus Potter." The sound of his name took him by surprise, making him look up.

The wheel stopped had at his wand, earning shrieks from his family. Well, he was a skilled duelist and all, so this must be a walk in the park for him.

He was about to walk up the platform when the name of his opponent turned up.

"Erin Alisdair."

Albus froze at the sound of her name, behind him, he could have sworn he heard Lily gasp, his other cousins murmuring amongst themselves.

He looked up, watching as a surprised look crossed her face. Beside her, Astley looked ready to take her place, but was held back by Scorpius. Not that he was against the idea, but he knew that what's done is done, and they can't do anything about it. The twins caught Erin, as she took a step back in surprise.

Just then, Scott appeared before them, disregarding the murmurs of everyone. Gently, he led his sister to the platform. Before letting her go, he allowed a gentle kiss on her forehead, and a hug, before watching her go.

Erin climbed up the stage with a look that seemed eager, yet scared. He felt a hand on his shoulder; he looked up to find Lily looking at him worriedly, James and the rest of their family right next to him.

"Good luck."

Climbing up, he took his wand, gripping it tight, and his mouth twitching slightly.

"Wands at the ready!"

He noted that she took a deep breath, as if to calm herself down. He knew Erin too well, aside from being a brilliant witch who adored magical creatures; she absolutely hated violence in any form. In all his years of knowing her, it was pretty obvious that she was a pacifist. Very rarely were the chances you would see her angry or to hex someone or something. Every form of anger or hate thrown at her, she just laughed it off or rekindled them with kindness. Though it was ironic that her parents worked as an Auror, making her experience a lot of violence, but he was told that her parents had always kept it from Erin.

He looked straight into her violet hues.

At the signal, incidentally he casted a 'Stupefy' of which she countered quickly. Students awed in place. He could see her friends – Astley, Lorcan and Lysander, Scorpius, and her brother, Scott, watching, all particularly worried for her. Scott, most especially.

Albus connoted that she was shaking; he wondered if she noticed it.

A few spells later, Albus clearly showed to have the upper hand, gaining the advantage, whereas Erin proved to be a rather clumsy duelist.

But upon seeing the watery gaze in her eyes accompanied by her now labored breathing, he decided to end the match. 'Expelliarmus' And then it was all over.

There were mixed reactions, but nonetheless, he was praised for his skill.

There was a thunderous applause, accompanied by awed murmurs. Albus turned to Erin, only to find that her eyes had rolled to the back of her eyes. He panicked.

Albus didn't care for their praises as he ran towards Erin, who suddenly collapsed on spot, catching her before she fell from the platform. "Erin? Erin!?"

She was so cold and pale.

"Erin!" he heard Astley call, Lorcan and Lysander not very far. Scott, most especially, had a dreaded look on his face.

Lifting Erin in his arms, he hurriedly got off the platform. "Move!" he called, making way for the door.

Hospital Wing.

After she was attended to, Erin's body slowly relaxed and she drifted off to a deep sleep. The color of her cheeks slowly returned.

Her brother, Scott, leaned over to brush strands of hair away from her face. Astley sat next to her, holding her hand as she looked at her dear friend, the Scamander twins on the other hand just sat by the next bed, right next to Albus, feeling completely useless.

It was clear that she left an impact to every one of them, Albus especially. He took it really hard.

"I-I'm sorry…." Albus whispered, hating himself for sounding so pathetic.

Scott sighed, caressing his sister's cheek. "Don't be, we didn't expect for this to happen."

"I hate to say this, but I'm glad it was you Albus." Says Lorcan with a small smile, one that seemed forced.

"Indeed." Lysander nodded. "At least you knew about Erin's condition, not everyone knows about."

Astley was silent, but was listening.

Scorpius appeared with a box full of imported chocolate. "Just a little treat for Erin when she wakes up," he explained. "she always did wanted to know why Belgian chocolate was the best."

Everyone laughed at that. Really, Erin.

"Shh!" Mrs. Sprout called grumpily. The group immediately quieted.

He went back to Erin, watching the gentle rise and fall of her chest. She was still pale, having eaten a little during dinner and from the trauma. He clenched his fists painfully, hating himself for being so insensitive. He could've back down, but he didn't! He felt so stupid. His subconscious was telling him that he just wanted to show off, that he was superior compared to Erin. Those thoughts ate him.

"Hey Scott?" he turned to the older Alisdair. "C-Can…" he cleared his throat, meeting his eye. "Can I watch over her?"

Scott raised his brow in question. "Why should I?"

He gulped nervously; especially that he had everyone's attention. Scott was really intimidating, almost as intimidating as Astley. "To make up for what I did."

"Albus!" Astley cried in shock. "She'll hardly blame you for it-"

"Still!" he said aloud, ignoring Mrs. Sprout. "I want to make up for what happened. If I don't, my guilt will eat me alive."

Scott stared at him, his arms crossed and looked adamant to move from his spot. However, seeing the sincerity in his words and actions, he nodded. Albus sighed in relief.

"But no funny business."

The twins snorted. That statement caused him to blush, sputtering that he wasn't that kind of guy. Scot gave him a half-smirk, and in turn, earned a whack in the head from Astley.

And from across the room, he heard a familiar laugh. He found his family, James and Fred laughing away, hearing his and Scott's exchange. Albus blushed even more.

Mrs. Sprout frowned at the number of people entering the clinic, but didn't do no more.

Shortly after everyone had left, Albus leaned against the chair, tired after today's events. His eyes trailed to the sleeping girl, whose skin illuminated in the moonlight. Reaching over, he lifted the blankets to her chin, making sure she got enough warmth.

"…no funny business, eh?" that made him laugh. "This is funny business already – me, watching over the girl I fancy for the night." A dry laugh escaped his mouth; he slumped against his seat, loosening his tie in the process.

It sure sucks to be the reason for the girl you like to be lying unconscious.

He closed his eyes, massaging his throbbing temples. When he opened them, he saw, from across the room, today's newspaper lying on one of the beds. Earlier that day, Astley had burnt the one she brought in. He never got to read the headlines.

Before he knew it, he crossed the room and plucked the newspaper from Mrs. Sprout's desk, returned to his seat and began to read the newspaper, however, this newspaper was from seven years ago.

The headlines were about Rylund Flexler – a notorious wizard who was known to be one of the few followers of Voldemort, hater of muggles and wizards alike. After the war, he was on the loose, hiding and killing any muggle and wizards who came his way. Eventually, he was jailed by a skilled Auror, but had escaped years later. Authorities were yet to find him, but knew that his escape meant seeking for vengeance. And he got his vengeance, by taking it out on his captor's wife and child. The wife was killed before her child, the child being, to his surprise, Erin. She was only eight when it happened.

"Only those who've seen death at least once, and accepted the reality of death, can see them."

So that's why she could see threstrals! Erin had witnessed firsthand how her mother was murdered.

He dropped the paper, shock written all over his face, his blood ran cold. He turned to Erin, his heart clenching painfully. How tragic.

Albus helplessly stares back at the unconscious girl. He slips his hands under the sheets, reaching for her hand, squeezing it tight.

She's been through so much in her life – losing her mother at an early age, and then her father. He's seen her cry her heart out when she lost her father, how much more about her mother? Whose death, she had to accept? Godric, he sucked in his breathe. She was so young! What did she do to deserve this?

Pressing his lips against her fingers, his heart bled for the girl he fancied. He then pressed his lips against the back of her palm, praying that she'd wake up soon. And because he couldn't help himself, he stood from his seat, still holding her hand, and pressed his lips against her forehead.

I'm so sorry.

He woke up with a start; he hadn't realized that he slept. Momentarily disoriented, his eyes took in the white sheets. Right, clinic. Lifting his body, he then stood from his seat; he took a few stretches, before returning to his seat.

"Al...bus?" he heard beside him.

Whipping his head to her, relief washed over him.

"Hey," he said wearily, rubbing at his tired eyes. He smiled tiredly at her. "how are you feeling?"

"A little better." she whispered, slowly sitting up.

He nodded, the next words weighing heavily against his tongue. It was hard to look at her without feeling guilty. To keep him distracted, he filled up a glass of water and handed it to her.

Once she's finished drinking, the room fell into silence again.

"I...I'm sorry about what happened..."he says, after a moment's silence.

Setting the empty glass on the table, Erin fell silent, biting down her lip. "D-Did...did they tell you?"

He shook his head, she frowned but then he showed her the newspaper.

She blinked, smiling softly. "You don't have to say you're sorry, you didn't know is all." Her eyes looked up, one arm on her stomach, the other across her head.

"Still-"

"Did you know I wanted to drop Defense against the Dark Arts?"

His mouth clamped shut, letting her talk.

"Ever since the semester started, I wanted to stop attending that class. These past few years were good, although, I honestly almost fainted during our first year."

Turning to her side, facing Albus, her eyes caught on the newspaper in his hand.

"Did you know that after my mother was killed, I was scared of magic? Dueling, specifically?" she met his eyes. "It was trauma, really. But after that, I barely looked or touched a wand for a year." Albus stayed silent, listening intently. "There were times I'd shake violently when my father or grandfather would cast a spell or simply lift his wand." she shook slowly. "And there were nightmares, of him and mum. Mum died protecting me and h-him." she was shaking violently now, tears springing in her eyes. "I'd see him, he was smiling at me. I didn't like that smile. I was next, he said-"

Albus thought of doing the one thing he could do; he took her in his arms, holding her as she cried.

Erin rested her head against his shoulder, sobbing hard as she clung unto him. He let her cry, she needed this.

He hated this, seeing her cry. It was so out of character. He now understood better her pacifist nature being a mere cover-up of her immense fear.

Rubbing comforting circles around the small of her back, he made a silent vow to protect her. That she will never be harmed while he's still there.

Once she calmed down, he whispered into her ear. "Better?"

She nodded, slowly breaking away from him. There were still tears down her cheeks, she wiped them away hastily. He helped her wipe them away. The tears didn't make her less beautiful.

"By the way, Scorpius left some chocolate."

She laughed, much to his relief. "How thoughtful."

Setting the newspaper on the side, he reached over and gave the chocolate to her. It was a rather large chunk of chocolate. He watched her break it into two before handing him the half.

He thanked her and ate quietly. Albus had helped her sit up properly, to which she laughed at. ("I'm fine, really!")

Whilst eating their chocolate, the two talked – who visited who, what happened after, or have you noticed Scott and Astley lately? The last question made Erin choke on her chocolate as she laughed; Albus quickly poured her a glass of water and handed it to her.

"Did you know what my patronus was?" she asked him, handing the glass back.

"What?" he asked, setting the glass down, curious and highly intrigued.

"My mum."

He stopped chewing. "Your mum."

She nodded, putting down her chocolate. "Funny thing though? I always thought it'd be dragons. I loved dragons." Twitching her mouth, she took a bite of her chocolate again.

"How did you know it was your mum?"

Staring at her chocolate, she put it down and sighed, bringing her knees together. "A year after her death, and a day after, dad came to me…" she trailed. "he told me, I could see mum again. But I told him that she was dead. I saw her die. But he would have none of it. He lent me his wand and told me to repeat after him." Taking her wand out of her pocket, she absentmindedly swished it in the air, whispering the words. "Expecto Patronum." Silver wisped out from her wand, a figure conjured – a woman, looking almost like Erin, smiling at them both. "Dad said, quoting a good friend, 'know this; the ones that love us never really leave us. You could always find them here.'" She put a hand over her heart. It clenched tightly at the sight of her mum.

After all these years…

"Erin," Albus called, alarmed.

She looked up in confusion, still seeing her mum there.

She thought that her mother would disappear, but then, another figure conjured. Erin narrowed her eyes at this. But those eyes slowly widened when a familiar figure stood beside her mother, the smirk she knew so well. Despite the tears staring anew, she smiled. It was her parents.

"Well, he was right." Albus says, watching her patronus. "The ones we love never leave us."

Something landed on top of his hand, it was Erin's hand. Flipping his palm upward, he tangled their fingers while keeping his eyes on her.

"No," she whispered, nodding in agreement as the patronuses slowly disappeared. "they don't."