Author's Note: Oh my goddess, I have done it again! It's been another month since I last updated...darn you life for getting in the way! Anyways, I hope ya'll are still keeping up with me and look forward to the 2nd part sooner than normal ;) enjoy and don't forget to review!

Disclaimer (Repeat): I don't not own anything in the Harry Potter universe, just the story/OC I came up with.

Chapter 12- Part 1

It was still very early but the village was buzzing with life. It's the morning of Christmas Eve and I am currently alone walking around Hogsmeade…well, not alone technically since Dumbledore insisted on having a member of the Order with me. I had a few gifts to get still and I felt I deserved a breather.

The sun was still rising so I was making good on my time so I decided to pick up my dress and Hermione's instead of having them delivered. I'm still hesitant about going to a Christmas party even more now; I'm a bit paranoid something bad will happen. I mean, what more could happen?

"Voldemort would find a way…" I whispered to myself. I sighed as I headed out of the shop and towards the mouth of the village. I decided to make a pit stop into the Three Broomsticks before heading back to the castle. No sooner did the bell ding for me another followed suit.

"Two Butterbeers please." I asked as I sat down at the bar.

"You really gonna drink both of those? And here I thought I was lucky to have one!" My escort exclaimed before sitting beside me. She was about my height, give or take a few inches and had spiky purple hair. And her name was crazy, Nymphadora Tonks but she asked me to call her by her surname which was fine by me.

"Oh haha." I said sarcastically before handing her one. I gave the server a few galleons and cracked open my Butterbeer. She smiled at me before clinking her bottle with my own.

"So were you able to get everything ok?" She asked after taking a few sips. I nodded not really attending to my own drink. Noticing this, Tonks nudges me.

"Yes?"

"Are you alright kiddo?"

"Oh I'm great! It's Christmas Eve and I'm sitting here with another babysitter! I just found out my destiny was written, I have to fight regardless of my own choices and I'm related to Merlin! I'm feeling bloody fantastic!" I half shouted. Lucky for me, the only person staring at me was Tonks since the pub was empty.

"Is that all?" I slammed my head against the wood bar earning another clink from our glasses. I felt Tonks embrace me rather awkwardly then rub my back. "I'm sorry kid but know you are not alone and you have people there with you…people that love you and love is what you truly need to win this war." Tonks whispered to me. I looked up slightly to her bright purple hair and a smile.

"Thanks Tonks. But why must everything be so bloody complicated?"

"Because that's what life throws at us; it's one big test."

"Yeah, a test I didn't study for…" I groaned earning a snort from Tonks.

"How about we head back to the castle ya? I think we can make breakfast and you have gifts to hide." Tonks stated as she downed the last of her Butterbeer. She grabbed a few of my bags and headed for the door. A light snow fall had begun and a breeze was sweeping the area.

"Perfect timing you have." I said with smile and she just winked at me.

"It comes in handy."

By the time we reached the castle, it was snowing, hard. But that didn't stop a bunch of students from running past us. Slowly the grounds filled up with students making snow angels, snowmen or starting a few snowball fights.

"Nah, too cold…" I muttered. I may be the child of Winter but I have my limits.

"I have a few words to exchange with Dumbledore before I depart, can you manage the walk to your tower solo?" Tonks asked. I nodded before grabbing the bags from her. Then she did the unexpected, she hugged me close for a few moments. "Be safe kiddo, see ya over break."

"You too, thanks again." I said with a smile. She nodded before walking the opposite direction from me. I sighed and proceeded to the stairs. I had waited a moment for the stairs to change and as I proceeded to the portrait, a few familiar faces were exiting.

"Emma! Where have you been?" Ginny asked first. "Go along Dean, I'll catch up!" Ginny was decked out in Winter wear and I looked up to see Dean along with a few others in the same fashion.

"I forgot to do my Christmas shopping." I said simply. Ginny nodded in response. "And I had an escort."

"Fair enough. Did you want to join me and the guys? We're going to have a good ole fashioned snowball fight with a few members from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff." Ginny asked looking hopeful.

"I'd love to but I have gifts to wrap and work to finish." Ginny groaned at my answer and began to pout.

"Awe, spoil sport! Well, do you promise to join in at least one snowball fight while we're at the Burrow?" I nodded and she squealed before hugging me. Along with Harry and Hermione, Dumbledore gave me permission to join the Weasleys for Christmas Break. I was excited to celebrate a real Christmas with a real family for the first time in years.

"Yes, I'm looking forward to creaming you!" I exclaimed and she dismissed me before running off after the guys. "Kick some butt for me!" I called after her then I recited the password to the Fat Lady. I went into the Common Room and was only slightly surprised to see it empty. Well, except for a certain green-eyed character.

At the sound of the portrait hole opening, Harry looked up and gave me one of those smiles that made me melt. "Hey love, how was your morning?" He asked before moving towards me. I shuffled the bags so they were in one hand so I could half hug Harry.

I kissed his cheek and sighed. "Fine, got all my gifts in record time." Harry's snapped to my other hand when I said 'gifts'. A mischievous glint flashed in his eyes.

"Gifts eh? As in Christmas Gifts? Would one of them be for me by any chance?" Harry asked wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. I tried to rotate so I was near the stairs with the bags behind me.

"Maybe yes and maybe no but you will not know until Christmas morning." I said backing slowly away. Harry's smile broaden and in one swift moment, he made a grab for the bags. But being a Chaser gave me an advantage. I was able to duck and dodge up the stairs. Harry tried to follow me but he had forgotten the stairs to the Girls' dormitories had a special trick.

"Gah!" I heard him shout. I looked over the railing and saw that as soon as Harry attempted to go up the stairs, the formed into a slide.

"Harry, did you forget what the stairs do?" I heard someone ask. I looked down to see Hermione and Ron at the bottom of the stairs. Hermione had her arms crossed and Ron was helping him up. Hermione looked up at me with a small smile. "And where have you been?"

"I could ask you the same thing." I stated with a smirk. Her smile faltered and she turned red along with Ron. "Nice gloss Ron but I think it's more Hermione's shade don't ya think?" I didn't stay long to watch for their reaction, I had gifts to wrap.

I opened the doors and was happy to find myself alone. I closed and locked the door just in case Hermione decided to pay me a visit. I dumped each gift on my bed along with a few bows and paper.

"Now do I want to do to this old fashioned way or with magic?" I asked myself. I looked at the clock and saw it was near lunchtime. I hadn't eaten yet and my stomach decided to protest that thought. "Magic it is. Now, what was that spell…oh yeah!"

I took out my wand and pointed it at the pile on my bed. "Incarcerou Wrapurou". A bright yellow light shot from my wand and hit the pile. Instantly, the paper fused with each gift and began to wrap itself. It only took seconds and each gift was wrapped perfectly; all I had to do was address each one. But there was one gift missing.

I smiled at myself before going over to my nightstand and pulling out a framed photo: Harry's gift. It was a picture from my surprise party…a picture of mine and Harry's first kiss. Colin Creevey had taken the photo but when he tried to magic it so it could move, he did something wrong and it froze the image instead.

I was still happy with it and was glad to keep it but I had to make sure that he kept it a secret. It worked out in the end but I just hoped he would like it. And I hope he doesn't get mad that his gift wasn't in the bag at all. That thought made me giggle.

Knock. Knock.

"Emma! Are you coming out eventually? It's almost lunch and I have a few essays to write before Slughorn's Christmas dinner." I heard Hermione yell from the other side of the door.

"One moment!" I shouted back and the knocking ceased. I looked back down at the photo with another smile. I snapped my fingers and the remaining paper shot from my bed onto the frame. I smiled at my handiwork then headed out of the dorm.

"Finally! Do you know how hungry we are?"

"You mean how hungry you are right?"

"You see! We waiting has made Harry delusional!" Ron shouted. I was laughing and Hermione just shook her head.

The rest of the day was a blur…until the Christmas dinner with Slughorn of course. But this time, I wasn't as excited. At least I managed to finish all my assignments before leaving to the Burrow tomorrow; now that was what I was really looking forward to.

It was 10 till and we were nearing Slughorn's office. I could hear the classical music playing outside of his office. Mozart? Or maybe it's Beethoven? I couldn't pin it exactly since it sounded like more than one composer was overlapping the other in one consecutive piece.

I could hear the voices emitting from the room like a swarm of bees in a hive. I knew that this get together was a bit more exclusive than the last so why were there so many voices? Hermione and Ron were ahead of us and had entered his office. Harry was following suit but stopped since I was lingering outside his door.

"What's the matter love?"

"I just feel uneasy for some reason." Harry sighed, stepping away from the office door and turned towards me. He brought both of his hands to my face, forcing me to face those emerald orbs.

"My love, you are far too gorgeous to have those worry lines etch around your face. Also, I promise that I will protect you from whatever uneasiness we face ok?"

I sighed back and nodded. "You better keep that promise or you won't see your Christmas gift tomorrow." It was an empty threat and it didn't help that Harry feigned shock at my words but it did calm my nerves slightly. He grabbed my hand again and led me forward; the sight before me made my jaw drop.

The ceiling and walls had been draped with emerald, crimson and gold hangings so that it looked as though we were all inside a vast tent. The room was crowded and stuffy and bathed in the red light cast by an ornate golden lamp dangling from the centre of the ceiling in which real fairies were fluttering, each a brilliant speck of light.

A haze of pipe smoke hung over several elderly warlocks deep in conversation and a number of house-elves were negotiating their way squeakily through the forest of knees, obscured by the heavy silver platters of food they were bearing so that they looked like little roving tables.

Moments before us, Hermione and Ron had entered but now they were lost in the haze. I squeezed Harry's hand a bit tighter as he guided us more inward. A few people paused as we passed trying to speak with Harry or worse, snag a picture. I was feeling uncomfortable with each passing minute.

"Harry my boy! Glad to see you made it! And Miss Pendragon, lovely as ever." Slughorn boomed. He was wearing very flashy red and green robes with a pointed Wizard's hat. He gave Harry a hug causing him to let go of my hand. "If you don't mind, would you mind having a word? There are many guests dying to meet you!"

"Uh, sure Professor." Harry responded, unsure. Harry barely answered and Slughorn was already leading him away. He glanced back at me before disappearing and I just sighed, bouncing from one foot to the other. What to do, what to do…

Out of boredom, I made way to the refreshments table and just lingered. I didn't see many of the other 'Slug Club' members around, not even Ron or Hermione and that was causing my anxiety to slowly return.

"Emma!" I turned at the voice and instead have the wind knocked out of me instead.

"Hello Hermione, where have you been hiding?" I gasped and she pulled away.

"We got sucked into the party, literately. I tried to sit by a window till it cleared up but my lovely bloodhound smelled the food then here we are!" I giggled at how over dramatic she was being. "Where's Harry?"

I sighed. "Slughorn stole him." She nodded in understanding, looking unpleasant.

"I said let me go!" Someone yelled. I turned again and noticed the crowd parting. I grabbed Hermione's wrist and pulled her along. It was Malfoy being held at arm's length by Filch. Was he sick? He looked paler than normal and his eyes were dark as was the bags underneath.

"Professor." Filch wheezed. "I apologize for interrupting the festivities but I caught this filth lingering outside under the impression of crashing."

Slughorn stood before them with Harry and Snape close by. He looked between Filch and Malfoy quickly. "Its fine Argus, he may stay." Slughorn stated not really thrilled about the choice.

"I would like a word first…" I heard Snape drawl out as he stepped forward and dragged Malfoy out of the room in the same fashion Filch just demonstrated. From where I stood, I could tell Harry was torn and decided to follow too.

"I'll be back." I mumbled to Hermione before leaving the room. I eventually caught up to Harry as he was exiting the classroom. "Harry!" I called out.

"Emma, I am sorry but I will be back; I know they are up to something." I tried to speak but he interrupted me. "Please wait for me." Harry whispered. He gave me one fleeting look and left. I stood there a few more seconds fighting with myself.

"Oh the Hell with it!" I said to myself before leaving the classroom. The hall was deserted and quiet except for the sounds emitting from Slughorn's office. I looked down each side unsure of where to go. I took a deep breath and turned right. I passed a few windows allowing the moonlight to guide me.

I attempted to walk as slowly and stealthy as possible but my heels kept clanking against the floors. Different scuffs and creaks drove me deeper into a state of paranoia. Getting ready to give up and turn around, I was face to face with whom I was hunting; the look he was giving me paralyzed me, now I was the hunted.

Malfoy was glaring at me now and took a chance. I felt him grab me and slam me against the nearest wall. He whipped out his wand and aimed it mere centimeters from my face. With his other hand, he had my wrists pinned tight against the stone wall.

"And here I thought Potter was nosy…" Malfoy breathed. I struggled in his grasp, fear settling in. He gripped me harder causing me to wince but surprisingly, he let go and stepped back.

I rubbed my wrists for a moment and stared up at him. He was shaking his head a few times and looked at me as if he was realizing what he was doing. He still had his wand trained on me but it was wavered somehow. "Why were you following me?"

"Don't be so full of yourself, I was looking for Harry."

"In the opposite direction?" I swallowed and averted my eyes so I wasn't facing his penetrating gaze. "I'll ask again, why?"

"Harry was following you so I went after him, why do you even care?" I mumbled, still rubbing my sore wrists. He went quiet and I decided it was time to look up. Malfoy was tense and distracted. His eyes were glazed over and just looking around not resting on one spot till they fell on me.

"You should know better!" Malfoy suddenly shouted. "Things are set in motion now and you need to open your eyes! You are a part of it but…" Malfoy paused, grabbing his head as he began to pace. I was confused as I stared at the pacing Malfoy. I didn't know if I should run away or try to engage him.

"Mal-erm, Draco? What is wrong? What are you talking about?" I asked quietly inching closer. I raised my hand and laid it against his shoulder. He jumped back from me at my touch.

"I cannot say but you will know soon enough…just…please be careful especially around your precious Potter, he could get you killed." He spat. "Also, don't hate me for what may happen…at least, not so much as you do now." He almost mumbled then turned away, walking to the dungeons I assume.

I wanted to call out to him but my voice got caught in my throat and it came out all garbled. By the time my voice came back, he was long gone and I was alone. A clock chimed in the distance signaling an hour had passed. I wasn't in the mood to go back to the party so I just marched slowly back to the common room.

I kept going over that bizarre convo in my head and nothing seemed to add up. Was he so sick that he was delirious? Or has resorted to crazy babbling? Or maybe Harry was right this whole time and Malfoy is a servant to Voldemort? Oh no, Harry…how will I tell him?

"Banana Fritters." I said the still awake Fat Lady. She grumbled a response and the portrait swung open. I walked in slowly but I stopped myself. There were a few others in the common room unknown to my presence. They were huddled on the larger sofa and were speaking in hushed tones but loud enough for me to still hear.

"…I heard them Hermione! Snape went after Malfoy and I caught them in the hall. Snape tried to offer Malfoy help with some mission Voldemort had given him, admitting that he had made an Unbreakable Vow with his mum to protect him but Malfoy refused.

Malfoy said he would have to break the Vow because he had a plan all on his own but it was just taking longer than he thought. He accused Snape of trying to steal his glory and Snape replied that he was acting like a child. Then Snape went on about Malfoy's dad being sent to Azkaban and that's when they separated. I'm telling you, he's planning something!"

"Well Harry, Snape is part of the Order…maybe he was trying to get information out of Malfoy?"

"Yeah Harry, he's a double agent for Dumbledore, don't forget that." Ron agreed.

"I don't know you guys…Snape is very shady…" Harry mumbled.

"Harry, it's almost Christmas. You need to stop worrying about Malfoy, just for the holiday at least. Besides, you need to go apologize to Emma for your behavior…I'm sure she's up the waiting for you." Hermione pleaded.

"Actually, she's right here…" I spoke stepping into the light as if I just arrived. Hermione got up first and came to hug me.

"Where did you go off to? I thought you came here but…" She paused, catching herself. I guess she didn't want to reveal that she sat in on Harry's rant rather than check on me first.

"It's fine. I decided to go on ahead and wait for Harry but I got lost and ended having to wait on the staircase." I responded. Hermione looked like she didn't believe me but accepted my answer.

"Well, I am glad you are safe so now I can go to sleep. Sweet dreams ladies and I'll see you in a bit Harry." Ron said with a yawn. He got up then gave Hermione a quick peck on the cheek and went up the boys' dormitories.

"Uhm, I'm going to head up too…" Hermione mumbled and gave me a quick hug before rushing up the stairs. Harry had not spoken another word since I 'entered' the room. He just sat on his seat staring into the fire.

"I thought you were going to wait for me?" Harry asked with a frown.

"You didn't even seem to notice I wasn't here…"

Harry sighed then went silent again. I rolled my eyes then moved over to sit beside Harry. I knew that his pride would keep him from saying anything so I thought to say it first.

"Look, I was worried and was afraid that you could've done something foolish. I am sorry for going after you but can you blame me?" Harry sighed again.

"No but I knew what I was doing."

"Are you sure about that Harry? What if you're right, what then? How would you be able to stop not one Deatheater but two at this very moment?" I asked and he said nothing. I didn't want this to turn into a fight…that was the last thing I wanted to do right now.

Harry opened his mouth to speak but then closed it back up. I leaned over and wrapped my arms around Harry, resting my head on his shoulder. He didn't tense up, flinch or move away which I was grateful for. I rubbed my hand up and down his arm earning another more relaxed sigh.

"It's just so hard to deal with Emma…" Harry mumbled, his head tilting downward. Harry began to shake slightly then something warm and wet hit my leg. Oh no, he was crying. "I just can't take it."

"Oh Harry…if anybody can do it, you can." I replied then I grabbed his face and turned it to face mine. "And you won't be alone; I'll be right at your side." Harry opened his mouth to protest but I silenced him with a brief kiss. "No buts either." I mumbled against his lips.

"But you don't know the added horror I face…"

"So tell me and I can help…" I responded, wanting to taste his lips again.

"I can't." Harry said with a groan. "Not yet at least…not until-"

"The right time, sounds like Dumbledore business." Harry nodded. "Alright then." I grumbled before getting up and deciding to head to bed.

"Emma, please…I just-"

"Can't tell me because it's not the time to do so thus things could unravel, I know. Albus is my godfather Harry, I'm used to those words being said to me." I said with my back to him. The grandfather clock in the common room went off; it was Midnight, officially Christmas. "Good night Harry, big day tomorrow…"

"Happy Christmas Emma…sweet dreams to you."