Alyssa threw her jacket on her desk and sighed looking out the window. A huge snow storm decided to pass through and seeing as some classes were outside, the day had been cancelled. Everyone was glad too, and not because they got out of class, but because everybody seemed so tensed up lately. The Christmas Ball was coming up. Students and teachers were fretting about with what to wear and how the decorations would be set up.
Not to mention the tension that stirred up between few select students. After the weekend, the great Golden Trio continued to start fights with one Draco Malfoy. Nothing would be said, yet once they crossed paths, a brawl would ensue. Many house points were docked, and detentions given, yet nothing seemed to calm them down. It was a complete mystery.
Alyssa walked into the bathroom and turned the hot water on in the shower. She stripped her clothes. Once the water started to steam, she stepped in letting the hot water pass over her head and down between her shoulder blades.
She was sore. With her brother around, he was always trying to figure out everything about her powers – which only led to her practicing them. Brad could tell she was getting even more powerful as the days went by, and he wanted her to get them under full control. Alyssa could move things, throw things, set things on fire, conjure light – basically anything she set her mind to.
Classes were becoming more demanding then ever. Their Christmas break had just begun and teachers made sure to give them as much work as possible.
Alyssa stepped out of the shower and dried herself off with her towel. Putting on some new clothes, she threw her hair up into a ponytail. She grabbed her books so she could get to the library and get a head start on all her work. Sitting at an empty table in the far corner of the library, Alyssa set to work, spreading papers, books, and her quill around the table in front of her.
She lasted about twenty minutes before piling her things back up and throwing them in her bag. She barely made a dent in her homework but decided to put it off till later. Looking at her watch – it was 4:37 – she stood up and ran her hand through her damp hair. She pulled it out of her ponytail and let it cascade down her shoulders, then grabbed her bag and left the library.
It wasn't long before she could hear the persistent wining of one Pansy Parkinson. Alyssa rolled her eyes as she turned into the same hallway and sighed as she watched Draco become the victim of such indecencies.
Draco seemed perfectly delighted at the sight of her, though. Once in sight he smiled brightly and practically ran over to her throwing his arms around her.
"Alyssa!" He shouted – very out of his normal character. He was choking the breath out of her as she barely responded at his unusual behavior.
"What a pleasant surprise!" He continued, "I've been looking for you all over the place."
Alyssa glanced around his arm to see Pansy glaring daggers through his back. If looks could kill he'd be long gone. "Draco – what is wrong with you? Get off me." She snapped quickly.
He dropped his arms and took a step back adjusting his robes, trying to regain his composure. "Well, Pansy" she drawled "It's been fun catching up, but time goes on – alas, we must go." Before Pansy could open her mouth to reply, Draco and Alyssa took off in the opposite direction.
"Maybe you should get a restraining order?" Alyssa suggested.
He shrugged, "Doubt that'll work."
"Should I kill her?"
Draco stopped walking and looked at her. Alyssa looked up at him with innocent eyes and simply shrugged. "Now, that would be the best Christmas present ever."
Later that night, Brad met with Alyssa in her room right after dinner. Alyssa opened the door and saw him already perched on the edge of her bed.
"Practicing again?" She asked stifling a yawn.
He nodded, "Let's go."
They walked to the Room of Requirement, where they were told by Dumbledore to practice her magic. They walked past the wall three times and the door appeared. Brad held the door opened for her and she stepped in, surveying the room. The walls were bare stone, as was the floor. The room changed each time they went there, depending on what needed to be done. Alyssa looked at Brad suspiciously as he shut the door behind him.
"As you can see," He started motioning to the room, "We won't be needing anything. This is quite a simple task. Here, take a seat." He pointed to the very center of the room, and Alyssa sat down on the floor.
"The point of what we're doing is to make you learn to control your powers. What you've seen has just been little bits of what you can actually do." He stood in front of her as he spoke. "If these Death Eaters learn to control you in any way – before you do – that's how you'll be used as a weapon."
"And that's obviously a bad thing." Alyssa said.
"Yeah. I don't mean to scare you, but you can do anything you put your mind to. You have the power to destroy… to kill." Alyssa looked up at him with sad eyes. She looked back to the floor and folded her legs beneath her. Brad took a seat in front of her.
"But moving on… Tonight, I'm going to… shall we say hypnotize you."
"You can do that?" Brad nodded. "Since when?"
"That's beside the point." He said waving a dismissive hand. "All you need to do is relax. When I put my hands on your temple, you will close your eyes. You will see images that are going to upset you."
"What's the point of that?"
"I'm trying to get a rise out of you. It'll take you to a breaking point, you'll see and feel what that is – and that's when you have to control it. You must concentrate as best as you can to control what's going on around you."
"What if I can't?"
"Then I'll do it for you. But – don't think like that – I'm sure you'll be fine."
Alyssa sighed and watched as Brad flicked his wand at the room. Instantly, portraits were hung to the walls, tables with glasses and candles were set up, bookcases piled with thick books stood high and furniture was set around the room.
"What's all this for?"
"You'll see." Brad said. He looked at her then sat closer with their knees barely touching. "Are you ready?"
Alyssa nodded, sat up straight and rested her palms on her knees. "Everything will be fine." Brad said. He reached forward and placed his fingertips at her temples. She closed her eyes and soon she felt herself drifting – like she was falling asleep.
Suddenly she was getting images of memories flashing across the backs of her eyelids. It was all of her father, her childhood, like looking into a Pensieve. All of their fights – finding out he was becoming a Death Eater, finding that disgusting Dark Mark branded on his arm, watching Lucius Malfoy have his way with the only man Alyssa thought she could trust. It was all horrible. She could feel the shaking and the trembling surrounding her, but it didn't stop there. Being tortured like a test subject. Reading headlines of missing Muggles and knowing that her father had taken part of that. Her parents divorce. Her family's lives being threatened.
Everything stopped for a moment, and Alyssa could hear Brad's soft voice. "Control it, Alyssa."
Alyssa tried to concentrate, but it wasn't working. She was loosing control; her emotions were getting in the way. It was like a rush of blood and she could feel her breath becoming short, her heart beating faster and faster. The memories were flooding in as she tried to block them out; seeping through her built up barriers.
Then it was clear. Everything stopped and Alyssa opened her eyes.
She was in midair. Her feet were hovering awkwardly about a foot off the floor. Brad was standing a few feet away from her, staring at her with his wand at the ready. Alyssa looked around slowly; tables were toppled to the floor and broken into two. Glasses were smashed and the shards spread around the room. Portraits were lying torn and broken on the floor and the furniture was ripped to bits.
"Are you okay?" Brad asked.
Alyssa took a few calming breaths and her feet touched the floor. She hadn't realized she was crying and wiped the fallen tears. She took one look at Brad and frowned.
Then she took off, and ran out of the room.
She ran all the way to Gryffindor common room and quickly muttered the password. Glancing around the room, only one person was there. Alyssa sighed in relief as the portrait slammed shut behind her. Harry glanced up from his position in front of the fire; he had been reading the Daily Prophet. Crookshanks hissed and jumped off of Harry's lap and up the stairs to the girl's dormitories.
"Alyssa?" Harry asked curiously, "Are you okay?"
"No." She sobbed as she made her way over. "I'm sick of all of this."
Harry stood up as she reached him and she flung her arms around her neck. "I'm so sorry, Harry." She said through tears, "But I don't think I can talk to anyone else, no one can understand." The force she was putting on him pulled them both down so they were kneeling on the floor.
"It's okay… it's okay." Harry said trying to calm her down. He rubbed his hands along her sides trying to comfort her as she took deep shaking breaths.
He tried untangling her death grip from him. "Do you want to go in my dorm? It'll probably be more private there, everyone's out."
Alyssa wiped at her eyes and nodded.
It was around an hour later when Alyssa woke up in Harry's bed, Harry at her side. She'd spent God knew how long ranting on about the pressure she was feeling. She never realized it until moments ago with her brother. It might've been just an experiment but to her it was like reliving her past. A past she didn't want to even remember. Sure there were good things in there, but also lots of bad things. Things that people should never go through.
Mostly she felt betrayed. Alyssa had heard stories of people becoming Death Eaters, and the crimes they committed. But she didn't know anyone could actually do things like that, and especially to her. Alyssa felt like she was carrying a heavy burden. She didn't want these powers – this gift. To her, it wasn't a gift; it was something that people could only use against her.
She knew exactly why she chose Harry to talk to. She couldn't very well spill it all to anybody. Harry knew what it was like to be in a dangerous position. He knew what it was like to have these pressures, these burdens. Alyssa felt she could relate to him; or he could at least listen to her and not judge her.
She turned in Harry's arm to face him. His eyes were closed and he was lying on his back.
"You awake?" She asked softly.
"Yes." He answered. She turned over on her back and rubbed at her face. Her eyes stung and she could tell her cheeks were puffed up. "How are you?" He asked.
"Better. Sorry for… the whole rant thing."
"It's fine… I understand what you're going through." He removed his arm from her waist and held her hand in his. "If you ever need to talk to someone…"
"Thanks, Harry."
"Can I ask you something?"
Alyssa turned her head and looked at him.
"Why didn't you tell Malfoy about this?"
Alyssa sighed. It was a completely innocent question, but she didn't really know how to answer it. Why didn't she tell Draco? She usually opened up to him and him with her. But this was different somehow.
"Draco's feeling a lot of pressure right now; he doesn't need me to lose my mind like this. Especially since this has to do with his father. It's a bit too personal for comfort, I think."
Harry nodded his head and didn't say anything more. He wasn't aware of Draco's position. In Harry's mind, he was still the son of a Death Eater, and wanted nothing more than to fill his father's footsteps. Alyssa didn't think anything would change his mind, or Ron's, or Hermione's for that matter. And it sucked.
"Hey, what time is it?" She asked. Harry craned his neck to look at the clock.
"Almost 10." He answered.
Alyssa mentally winced, "Crap. I need to get going. Brad's probably having a shit fit." They both sat up, Harry chuckled at the odd term she had used.
She ran her hand through her hair and wiped at her face a couple of times, then turned to Harry. "Thanks again, Harry. I... it's good to get stuff off your chest." He nodded understandably.
They both leaned into each other and gave a tight hug. Harry rubbed her back, "Anytime, I'm here."
"Thanks, Harry." Alyssa said smiling. "I'll see you tomorrow." She got up from the bed and he smiled, "Goodnight," He said. And she turned from the bed and walked out the door.
A few people were in Gryffindor now. It was the last day of classes so everyone was out with friends. They looked up as Alyssa passed with curious glances. She ignored them and walked through the portrait. She became increasingly fidgety as she walked down the deserted hallway. Her hair was a mess and she was sure that her eyeliner was smudged everywhere. She hadn't meant to fall asleep but she had to admit, she was wiped after that venting session. And Harry was incredibly comforting; she couldn't help it.
As she turned the corner she heard the familiar voices of Blaise and Draco. Through the dark hallway she could see their shadowy figures and she rubbed at her face again before they met at the middle.
"Alyssa?" Blaise asked squinting through the darkness. They both had their wands out and seemed to be doing patrolling duties.
"Hey." She said quietly, still fidgeting with her hair.
There was an awkward silence before Blaise spoke up. "You look like shit." He declared.
Alyssa furrowed her brows and dropped her arms to her sides, "…thanks."
"You've been crying." Draco said. Alyssa mentally slapped herself; she knew he'd be able to tell. Her eyes dropped to the floor and she nodded quickly. He stepped forward towards her but she put her hands up to stop him.
"No – it's fine… I'm just gonna go to bed, I think." Draco looked sadly at her but nodded anyway. She offered a smile before continuing on down the hallway.
When she got to her respectable common room, Brad, Ginny and Hermione were all seated around the blazing fire. Brad looked over and instantly stood up at the sight of her.
"Alyssa-"
"Brad, don't. I've had enough share time this evening." Alyssa said putting up her hands and walking towards Draco's room.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Alyssa stopped dead in her tracks and turned around slowly.
"What are you…?" She paused as he gave her a meaningful look. "You saw what I saw?"
"Yes." Alyssa knew what he meant; he had no idea that their father had ever used the Cruciatus on her.
"I - I can't talk about this tonight, Brad." She spat out quickly and turned to open the door and shut it behind her. She rested her back against it and took a few calming breaths. "No more crying." She muttered as she wiped away the fallen tears.
Alyssa walked over to Draco's bed and took off her shirt, followed by her pants. She crawled onto the bed and snuggled under the covers, distinguishing all the lights save for the fireplace. It was late and the full moon shone between the curtains of the large window. Tomorrow, Alyssa thought as she closed her eyes, was the first day of vacation.
It wasn't long before Draco came in. He noticed Alyssa's form comfortably on the bed, and softly shut the door. He quickly got undressed and got into bed next to her. "You awake?" He asked softly.
"Yes." She answered. Draco got closer to her as she grabbed his hands and wrapped them around her. "How are you?" He asked.
"It's been one hell of a day."
"Tell me about it." He offered. Alyssa turned on her other side to face him. Her face was silhouetted by the moons light, but it shone over Draco's face completely. She smiled at the sight; he really was beautiful.
"Maybe tomorrow, I'm exhausted." She put a hand to her mouth to stifle a yawn.
Draco gave a small smile and kissed her on the lips. "Goodnight, then."
"Night, Draco." She snuggled closer to him and he wrapped his arms possessively around her. It had barely been five minutes when they both fell asleep.
"So, why have I been summoned for this discussion?" She droned. It was freezing outside and she wanted nothing more than to get back in the castle.
"Well… I wanted to talk to you a-about Blaise."
"About Blaise?"
"Yes, about Blaise."
"What about him?"
She shifted her boots in the snow a bit before answering. "Well… you know, we've been dating a while… and…"
"Oh, get on with it!"
"Ugh! Fine!" She snapped stomping her foot into the snow. "It's just, we're getting into our – relationship, I guess – and I've – well, we've – been thinking about… y'know… taking it to the next level."
Alyssa stared at her a moment. "You mean… sex?" she asked rather matter-of-factly.
Ginny shifted in her boots once again, a blush rising on her cheeks. "Well… yeah."
"Well what do you want to know?"
"I dunno!" Ginny whipped her head around as a gust of wind rushed by. "But I need to talk to someone about this, and why not you?" Alyssa rolled her eyes. "I'm serious. You have the whole guy thing down to pat, and I don't know what to do about it."
Alyssa nodded and winced as another rush of cold air blew by. "Do you love him?"
"No. Well – I don't know – maybe." She scoffed. "But I do like him a lot. It's pretty serious; I do know I haven't felt this way before about anyone. But I don't think I'm in love with him just yet."
"Oh, if only Ron knew!" Alyssa said laughing.
Ginny turned scarlet. "No way! He needs to keep his ruddy nose out of my business. And besides – I've been friends with Blaise since last year. Hopefully he's not too surprised by this." Ginny chuckled herself for a few moments before sobering up and continuing on with the conversation.
"So, what was your first time like?" She asked curiously.
Alyssa smiled in thought before answering. "Well it was with Jason, in case you didn't know that already. It was the summer before my second year at Beauxbatons, I was almost sixteen. It was like a mutual decision, y'know? We were both ready, we'd been foolin' around forever," She said with a laugh, "And it was perfect." She added.
Ginny smiled, "I take it this would be your first time?" Alyssa asked her. Ginny gave a mute nod.
"Well, the choice is yours. If you're ready and this is something you really want to do-"
"It is." Ginny said excitedly.
"Yea, yea, I know." Alyssa said rolling her eyes.
"Does it hurt?" Ginny asked innocently. This was one of Alyssa's most frequently asked questions.
"Well it didn't hurt for me. But it helps if you're not tense; if you're freaking out and tense about it you're bound to feel a bit uncomfortable. But if you just relax… it'll be just fine." Alyssa assured her.
Ginny nodded and kicked some specks of snow off her boot. She adjusted her coat as another wind passed through and pulled her hat farther down to cover her ears. "What's it like with Malfoy?" She asked curiously.
At first Alyssa looked astonished that she'd ever ask, but then the shock settled and she gave her a small smirk. "Wouldn't you like to know?" She asked slyly. "But lemme tell you, I was glad I wasn't a virgin when I met him 'cause when I did I just wanted to rip his clothes off and pounce right -"
"Okay, I asked what it was like not for a bloody description."
Alyssa merely shrugged. "It's fantastic." She said enthusiastically, Ginny rolled her eyes. "And that body – WOO!" she continued.
Ginny held up her hands to make her stop, "All right, all right! I got it!" Alyssa threw her head back and let out a roar of laughter, holding her hands to her stomach. "Oh, Ginny." She moaned wrapping an arm around her shoulders and ruffling her hair. "You're like a lil' sis, you know that?"
"Thanks." She said sarcastically.
Alyssa nodded then gave her a tiny slap to the back of the head, "Now let's go, it's bloody freezing out here."
"Using our slang, are we?" Ginny said, raising an eyebrow. Alyssa simply shook her head and they both trudged through the snow and back to the castle. They stomped the clumps of snow off their boots as they stepped inside and entered the Great Hall.
Normally Hogwarts was practically empty during Christmas. But with the ball fast approaching, everyone fourth year and up had decided to stay. The tables in the Great Hall were about half their usual size, and during the day large fireplaces were lit by the staff table with couches surround them. Ginny and Alyssa sat down on one large couch and took off their jackets and boots. Almost instantly a House Elf popped by asking if they wanted anything, after receiving orders for two hot cocoa's, the elf popped away and back in record timing.
Ginny quickly gulped down her hot cocoa before getting up again. "Well, I must be going."
"What're you up to?" Alyssa asked curiously. She received a knowing glance and raised her brows, "Ah, hot date. Go on, then." Ginny gathered her things and with a wave departed form the Great Hall. Alyssa made herself more comfortable and pulled her legs underneath her. She wrapped her hands around her mug and took another sip of the cocoa.
She had no idea how long she'd been sitting there until she felt a presence next to her. Turning her eyes and resting her eyes upon her neighbor she smiled to herself, "Another book, Hermione?"
Hermione huffed and wiggled into the cushion of her seat. "Yes. I thought I'd get a bit of light reading before dinner."
Alyssa looked over at the size of the book and rolled her eyes. It was barely a minute before a house elf arrived taking a guilty order of hot cocoa. Hermione was still wary about asking house elves to do things for her; Alyssa could barely stand the lecture.
"So how's everything going for the ball?" Alyssa asked curiously.
"Planning has been rather hectic. But everything is going to turn out perfect, I'm sure."
Alyssa nodded in agreement. "I can't wait to wear my dress." She said gleefully.
"I know me neither." Hermione spoke with her eyes still speeding along the lines of her book.
Alyssa picked her hot cocoa and took a few more sips. They fell into a comfortable silence as Alyssa sipped her cocoa and Hermione read her book. After a while Draco showed up by Alyssa's side. He bent into a squatting position so he could speak right to Alyssa's ear without being overheard.
"I've got to leave for a bit to take care of some things." He said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.
"What things?" Alyssa asked suspiciously.
Draco's eyes glanced briefly at Hermione who quickly snapped her head back to her book. He let a tiny smirk show before continuing. "I'll tell you later, I should be back late tonight." Alyssa nodded as he stood up. He swooped forward briefly to kiss her forehead then left quickly with his cloak billowing behind him.
Alyssa looked back to the fireplace wondering what Draco could possibly be doing. He had only left the school once before, other then Hogsmeade, and returned in the middle of the night in a horrid mood from a meeting with Lucius. This night couldn't be much better.
Her thoughts were interrupted by two coughs from Hermione. She looked over at her and Hermione tried not to seem obviously interested. Alyssa rolled her eyes and ignored her.
Another few seconds and Hermione let out a frustrated sigh. Alyssa continued to ignore her before she finally spoke.
"Doesn't it seem strange that you're the only one he's ever gotten close to?"
"What's that supposed to mean?" she asked turning her position.
"Well… it's just odd. He's never nice to anyone and here you come and he's all lovey-dovey."
Alyssa sighed, now frustrated, "What are you trying to say, Hermione?"
"I'm just saying that maybe you shouldn't trust him." She spat out quickly.
"Look, he may have given you reasons not to trust him, but he hasn't done that to me."
"But it just seems you barely know him, how could you trust him so easily?"
Alyssa scoffed, "If anyone of us doesn't know him, it's you. You don't know what his life is like or what he goes through, you just judge him because of childish mistakes." She snapped.
"Childish mistakes?" Hermione looked absolutely offended. "Calling me a Mudblood is a childish mistake? I think someone a little more than a child should know the gravity of saying something like that."
Alyssa faltered for a few seconds. "I can understand that he hurt you because of that. But you don't understand that he's been taught to act like that, to not accept others because of where they come from. You can't possibly tell me you don't know what Lucius is like."
"I do." She replied honestly.
"Then you should know that Draco wasn't born with that hatred. He was raised with it."
Hermione looked spent but wouldn't fall that easily. "But how do I know if I should believe you? You expect me to believe that Malfoy has actually told you all those things?"
"Some things, yes. But a lot I know from personal experience." Hermione seemed surprised so she continued. "I know Lucius personally because… my dad's a Death Eater. Before he left my family he was really good friends with Lucius so I know what he's like and I know that if anyone was living under his roof they'd act the way Draco does, too."
At this point Alyssa stood up and grabbed her jacket. She'd had enough of this conversation; she didn't need to justify the reason she was with Draco.
"I still don't trust him…" Hermione finally said. "And I don't think you should, either."
Alyssa stopped and narrowed her eyes. "I think I can make that decision myself." Hermione looked away and continued reading her book. Alyssa sighed and left the Great Hall and back to her dorm to take a shower.
Later that night, Alyssa was in Blaise's room with Ginny and a few others of his Slytherin friends. Draco still had not showed up from whatever it was he was doing; she was starting to get worried, even with the numerous shots that were being passed around the room.
"Does this happen often?" She asked Blaise.
He looked at her, confused. "Does what happen often?"
"Draco being summoned then disappearing for God knows how long."
Blaise hesitated before answering, "It's been happening since fifth year. He's not a Death Eater, but he may as well be with what he's been through."
Alyssa nodded. The bottle of vodka was then passed to her so she took a swig and passed it to Blaise. "I hope he's all right, though."
"Me, too." She swaggered a bit and Blaise grabbed her shoulder. "You all right there?" Alyssa nodded and looked at her watch, "Yea, but it's getting late. I think I'm gonna head in."
Blaise nodded and kissed her cheek as she stood up. "Good night." Alyssa walked over to Ginny and said she was going to bed, "Do you want me to walk you back?" Ginny asked.
"No, I'll be fine. See you tomorrow." They hugged before Alyssa left and walked into the hallway. She decided she'd head to the kitchens briefly for some hot cocoa before going to bed. It was a little past eleven o'clock, way past curfew. And if she was caught she'd be in big trouble. She walked down the dark, empty hallways trying to ignore the constant dizziness she felt.
Just as she was about to enter the portrait to the kitchens, a lit wand was cast upon her. She froze and slowly turned around.
"Ms. Bennington, what a pleasant surprise." It was the unforgettable drawl of professor Snape. "May I ask why you are out this late?"
"Uh…" Shit! What if he can tell I've been drinking? I'm so screwed!"Uh… I wasn't feeling well so I went to the kitchens."
"Does the kitchen carry any medicine?"
"Well… no, but I just need something to settle my stomach." Alyssa gave a weak smile and a nervous laugh escaped.
Snape's smirk grew wider for a moment but then it disappeared completely. "Come with me, Ms. Bennington."
He turned and headed the opposite direction. Alyssa winced and slapped herself on the forehead. For a few seconds she actually thought of making a run for it… but then decided that would make matters worse. She hadn't even realized where they were heading; all she could think about was how much trouble she'd be in. "I'm actually quite glad I've found you this way." Alyssa stopped dead short and practically choked. "This saves some trouble. I have something to show you." Now she was incredibly confused, what the hell could he possibly show me?
"I don't exactly follow, professor." She looked around herself and finally realized she was in the dungeons heading towards the potions classroom. "What is it you have to show me?" They approached the potions door and stopped outside of it. He paused and glanced at her, "I can only advise you not to get too worried about this, it's happened before and -"
"What's happened before?" She said exasperated.
She could have sworn he rolled his eyes before opening the door. Alyssa looked over his shoulder into the dim candlelit room; she couldn't see a thing. They walked further into the room and she finally saw what Snape wanted her to see. Draco was collapsed on the floor, a vial clutched in his hand that he had downed seconds earlier. His white button up shirt was dampened from sweat, and even in the dim lighting, Alyssa could tell he was whiter than a ghost. She quickly rushed to his side and knelt beside him, his eyes were barely opened and he was breathing heavily. She brushed his hair back from his forehead and looked up at Snape.
"What happened to him?"
Snape sighed before answering, "He was put under the Cruciatus curse for a rather long time, causing it to be more severe than usual."
"Than usual? You mean this happens regularly?" she received a nod, "Well why the hell doesn't anyone stop it?" She snapped.
"Speaking out of term is what got him in this situation in the first place. There would be worse consequences if one tried to stop the course of action."
"Who cares? Don't you realize what this could do to him? People have gone insane!"
At that point Draco finally made a sign of life, his head twitched to the left and he said, "I'm fine, honestly." Alyssa's head snapped back down to look at him. She stroked the side of his face gently, trying to comfort him. "I'm taking him to bed." She grabbed his hand tightly, "Can you move, Draco?"
"Yes, I said I'm bloody fine." He snapped, though he struggled with Alyssa's help to get off the floor. She wrapped his arm around her shoulders to support him. Snape stepped in front of them as they slowly made for an exit. He handed Alyssa a vial, like the one Draco was holding earlier. "Give this to him when you get there, it'll help the pain." Alyssa nodded and pocketed the vial before making her way out with Draco. It was taking so long to return to his room. It didn't help that Alyssa was losing her wits wondering what would happen if they just happened to come across someone.
"This is crazy. Y'know, I just lose my mind thinking about what the hell could possibly be going on that keeps you all day, then you just show up half dead from being tortured and I'm told that it's just no big deal and it's happened before! Like this is just some normal thing, well next time I'll just think to myself, 'Gee Alyssa, Draco could possibly be getting tortured at the moment but don't worry! It's no big deal, it's happened before! This is just a normal day's work!' Is that what you want me to think?"
Draco scoffed and snarled. "Could you please stuff it for thirty seconds? I have a throbbing headache and your continual nagging is driving me over the edge."
"Oh, sorry. You should be used to this by now so I'll just shut up." She didn't say another word till they reached his room. She helped him change and watched as he collapsed into bed, Alyssa felt like his mother having to tuck him in. She made him drink whatever was in the vial Snape gave him then went to her own room to change into some pajamas. When she returned she thought that Draco was fast asleep. He was silent and made no movement as she crawled in bed beside him. But when she settled herself in the covers and grabbed his hand he adjusted his arm so it was wrapped around her shoulders. She watched his chest rise and fall as he took deep even breaths. Alyssa realized that things were going from bad to worse, and things would go even more downhill before it got better. She didn't close her eyes till she knew he was sound asleep.
A/N: sorry it took so long to update! i was having major difficulty with getting this chapter down, then holidays started so it was all hectic! but here it is, and the next chapter will be out much more quickly! So here you go, and reviews please!
