I awoke that evening completely dazed and confused. The sun that had been once cast into my room now showed little sign of giving any sort of light through the closed curtains as I sat in the blackening darkness. Clearing the sleep from my eyes, I felt around for my wand to notice it not within reach. I took the notion and channeled my newly awakened energy to produce a flame towards a nearby lantern to continue my search. However, within moments I became exhausted and started to rack my brain of my final steps before slumber.

Although the mornings events were a mixed bag of emotions, I gave a sigh of relief once I came to the coherent conclusion that I was not asked to follow the troupe of malicious murderers to brand my body with the ever forsaken mark of death. Snape's promise rained in my conscience with a pertinent intrusion. I didn't want to like this conniving man. I didn't want to thank him for possibly saving my life with the false promise to 'cure' me. I was well aware there wasn't a cure for Lycanthropy but if his words didn't keep Voldemort at bay I may as well be dead right now. I sighed and rubbed my growing headache over my palms.

Voldemort mentioned having more of a well thought out plan for me than the obvious one the newcomer Crabbe had mentioned. The curiosity sickened me. There was more to all of this than my uncle had led on and now the possibility of holding a dark mark on my skin burned worse than the poison that still sloshed within my stomach. I was trudging into black murky waters that I could easily get stuck in, like a quick sand death trap. But I had walked in so far that it was almost just as easy to move forward than it was to try to retrace my steps out of it. Luckily I now didn't have to do this alone and from the looks of it, Draco had successfully made it out of the courtroom alive. I had to find him. There was a small possibility he may have some idea as to what was going on.

I scoped the room again for the location of my wand. I had no idea the time and my stomach started to growl (much to my delight). The diluted potion of Wolfsbane has soaked into my body well enough to allow the effects to actually work. Who would've thought? I couldn't help but shake my head at the thought that Snape may actually know what he is doing when it came to creating a decent batch of Wolfsbane. Well, he IS the potions professor after all, Lyra. But why help me? Maybe he had other ill intentions for my well being as well. The thought skimmed my brain as my eyes started to adjust to the images around me.

A slight chill shifted though the still and uncomfortably quiet air. No sounds could be heard below and the house was….calm. This was a rarity and it almost made me question the reality of it all but I decided to welcome it. Laying on the edge of my bed rested a pile of neatly folded clothes that I had once strewn over the floor in a dirtied mess. Quibbly must have snuck into the room and took the liberty of washing my belongings. Either that or someone asked her to. Turning the corner of the bed I noted several hidden boxes covered in an elegant T&T. A gift? This couldn't have been possible. But upon opening the white box did I realize what sort of passive aggressive behavior had been sent. T&T, Twillfit and Tatting's, Mrs. Malfoy's most favored shop. Neatly folded within the boxes lay silk and lace dresses of all lengths, much too wealthy for my tastes. I looked down at my own measly attire and scoffed. This must've not been much to her liking. I couldn't blame her but I preferred the comfort of my own worn sweaters and bottoms. I was not a doll to be dressed but the sentiment was there, whether it was in good intention or not.

I shimmied out of my loose fitting dress and quickly pulled over a sweatshirt and some snug pants, instantly wrapping myself in a warm comfort I begged to hold. Heading over to the dresser I intended to grab my brush but what met me sent my heart into a fluttery whirlwind of girlish giddiness. Written in familiar loops and elegant connectedness sat a note.

Meet me in the library when you awaken.

Love

Love. The slip that had been produced later last week was spoken again and this time there was no mistaking it. My heart quickened more rapidly at the sight of the word and I sat dumbfounded staring at the small piece of parchment that rested in my hands. My mind wandered to our meeting this morning. The intensity. The passion that he demonstrated. The dominance. He wanted me, even now, even in this deteriorated state. Even in this state of confusion. "My feelings for you have not faltered. With you I am unstoppable." This boy was crazy and delirious. But what would that make me? I dismissed the thought and pulled my long hair into a messy bun before exiting down to the library to meet him.

I was greeted with a fiery glow from the blazing hearth when I entered the sanctuary. The flames produced enough light to spread along the features of the blonde that so casually sat in one of the leather couches, seemingly deep in thought. But he wasn't alone. Barely visible sat another being hunched over, his arms resting on his knees and the tousled mess of dirty brown hair covered most of his own features.

As soon as Draco caught my movement out of the corner of his eye did his demeanor change. He sprang up to meet me, pulling me into a tight embrace.

"How are you feeling?" He breathed into my ear as his hands caressed the small of my back but I couldn't keep my eyes off of the brunette that refused to acknowledge my presence, his gaze resting hard at his feet.

Draco released his hold before I finally cleared my throat and produced a fine in response. He led me over to the warmth of the fire before the other boy finally looked up from his continuous stare on the polished floor. His deep green eyes pierced through mine for a moment of utter shock before he took another sip from the glass of dark liquid that he held loosely in his hands.

The blonde fell back on his indented spot on the couch and draped his arm over the side casually. "Lyra, this is Theodore Nott. Theo, Lyra." The young boy produced a pursed smile with his lips and nodded politely before straightening his posture. He looked very different from the prestigious boy I had met informally earlier this morning. He was withered, tired, and clouded from the liquor that I assumed pulsed through his blood. I noticed his left arm bandaged and stained with a slight trace of blood. I curled my legs close to my chest at the thought of what had just happened to him a few hours prior and tensed at the feeling.

"Whisky?" Draco motioned towards the bottle that rested on the table in front of us, trying to be forward with his manners. I shook my head in detest.

"Prolly better that way then. Theo seems to be doing a fine job polishing it off himself as it is." The brunette furrowed his brow and chugged the last of what was left in his glass before setting it on the table.

The next few moments were strangely unbearable as the silence took over the room. Theo's glare shifted from Draco to me several times trying to catch onto our relationship and I began to question again how they actually knew each other. Draco seemed oddly comfortable within both of our presence and settled farther into the comfort of the couch.

Finally Nott took initiative to break the silence. "Lycanthropy huh? That was a lucky misfortune you came by today." I was stunned at the words and the forwardness of his direction.

"I…..I wouldn't call it lucky. Normality hasn't been a friend of mine since my arrival here."

"And when was that?" This boy was clueless. I sighed.

"Lyra has been a guest within the Manor since school ended." Draco said curtly. A guest. I rolled my eyes at his choice in words. I felt far from a guest in this house even with his odd forms of hospitality.

"That's convenient," Theo replied almost in slight resentment.

"Don't be jealous Theo." The brunette scoffed and poured another glass, instantly chilling it with his hands.

"You're skilled in it too? Wandless magic that is." I questioned from across the room. Theo looked at me slightly confused before taking a drink. Draco turned to me.

"The Notts are one of the oldest Pureblood families in England. Theo and I learned this magic at a very young age love."

"Wait, are you not a pureblood?" Theo asked intrusively.

"Erm...yes ...but my parents never taught me how to do….. that." I motioned towards the chilled glass. The look that Theo gave made me shift uncomfortably in my seat. Judgement was spread over his features but he remained silent in courtesy.

"They were Aurors." And as if on cue, the glass slipped from Theo's hand and fell to the floor splintering into large shards. His expression quickly changed; the glare shot towards Draco's direction but Draco didn't falter.

"Don't be so careless Theo." Draco waved his hand and the shards of glass came together once again, replacing the contents back within it on the table.

"Me? Careless? Draco…" The boy's head darted quickly back from me to his friend once again.

"Do you know the risks of this?"

Draco took a deep, calmed breath, a slow evil grin spread over his features that sharpened in the glow from the fire. "Of course. Why do you think Voldemort wants her? She is with us now. Useful in so many ways." Theo seemed to relaxed a little in his seat while my body unfurled with resentment at his words of disconcerting 'truth'.

"And your parents approve of this? I always saw your father as a hard arse when it came to certain … guests."

"His concerns lay elsewhere at the present. A girl in my bed should be the least of his worries."

My mouth dropped at his snide remark.

"Draco! I'm sitting right here you know!"

A slight twinge of red spread over his cheeks, barely enough to notice. "Erm...right." Honestly, is this how he talked about me to his bunkmates? Don't be stupid. Of course it is. I grumbled to myself and sat more irritably on the chair.

"I'm sure he berated you about your case all week."

Draco scoffed and shifted within his seat, crossing his arms. "That only puts it lightly." Finally a topic I could get on board with but as if I had asked too soon there was a burst of energy that came parading through the entrance of the library. Blaise strode in sporting a dark green blazer and some fitted black pants. I noticed Theo's gaze change and Draco's posture stiffened.

"Oi Theo, how would I know you would be here? I've been looking everywhere for you!"

"You knew exactly where I was going to be today Blaise, don't play this off." Theo frowned. Blaise chuckled at his friends sour response and plopped down on the couch next to Draco, ignoring me altogether.

"It's been a while since I've been in here. Typically not the place to hang casually is it mate?" Draco scowled at his comrade but ignored his insolence. "In fact, it's been a while since I've been over period. What's that all about? Playing favorites with your death eater buddies? Maybe I should start sporting the ugly thing on my skin too." Blaise chuckled to himself and took the bottle of whiskey from the table, pouring some into an empty glass.

"That is not something to joke about Blaise." Draco responded sternly, clearly noting Theo's change in demeanor at the mention of their mark. Theo made an attempt to cover his bandaged arm but winced slightly at the touch from his own shirt.

"I thought you didn't like the idea of becoming a death eater Theo? Last I recall you hated the word." Blaise now set the glass down on the table that he had just poured and relaxed back into the couch with the bottle in his hand. He took a swig before crossing his ankle over his left knee.

"I didn't want to." Theo murmured from his seat, looking back down at the same seemingly interesting spot on the floor below him.

Blaise huffed amused and took another gulp of whiskey. "One reason I'm glad I don't have a father to try to follow in their footsteps. It's all a mess if you ask me."

"Maybe a father would benefit you in making wiser choices." Draco's lips were pursed in growing heat at the rudeness of his friend but Blaise was quick in rebuttal.

"In cause you forgot, I am not the one who almost failed last year for a little play by play from Voldemort in return for what? Being constantly watched by the ministry and a record for attempted murder?" Draco's shoulders dropped in surprise of the slick condescend words that flowed naturally from Blaise's mouth. "You should know that words spread quicker than fire in our community. Don't look so taken aback. I'll keep my clean conscious thank you." And with that he took yet another swig from the bottle, leaving Draco at a temporary loss for words. I could see his anger building with each movement Blaise produced. I'm sure this was one of the reasons why he didn't invite the boy over ever. It surprised me that they remained friends after the way they talked to each other, but then I remembered Draco could spit insults just as fluidly as Blaise could. But that was all play. This seemed serious.

"How long have you've been drinking today mate?" Theo questioned as Blaise had no trouble gulping down the liquor like it was juice.

"And why is that your concern? It is summer last I checked. No responsibilities right? Well…. at least for me anyways. I could say less for you two. I'm sure there is lots to do hunting down people in the ministry. How is that coming along by the way?"

"I thought news traveled quickly in our community?" Draco spat.

"You're right. Looks like you have more work to do." He grinned at Draco without the slightest of reaction towards the blonde's pursuing hatred. Finally his glare fell on me. His grin widened, making my stomach clench.

"You're awfully quiet over there Princess. You look just as pitiful as Theo over there. Were you a lucky candidate today as well? Or do you just get special invitation here because you're sleeping with a Malfoy?"

"That's enough Blaise." Theo said calmly, quickly coming to my rescue. He could clearly see Draco's now reddening face from across the room. Blaise flashed his white teeth at me, the fire casting a deepening shadow across his face making his dark eyes seem lustful and maniacal, the same ones I had seen earlier in the year trapped again the walls of the castle. I pulled my knees closer to my chest, the insecurity covering my being completely.

"Well, you lot are no fun." He stood walking over towards me, just enough for me to catch a whiff of his musky scent before heading towards the fire. He swung the bottle completely upright, finished off the liquor before throwing it into the flames. Instantly the fire roared to life with the taste of alcohol Blaise had provided it with.

"When you decide to have a bit more of an adventure, let me know won't you? Maybe Quidditch tomorrow?" He looked back over towards Draco, catching his scowl and smiled to himself.

"Wait, you can't leave the house can you? Theo then?"

Theo glared intently at his friend. "Maybe."

The answer was good enough for the dark male as he turned to make his exit. "Alright then. Tomorrow it is." With that, he left.

Upon his departure, Draco let go of all of the pent up anger he had in a huff of steam. He quickly took the last glass of whiskey Blaise had left, chugged it and got up, making his way towards the back of the library to the hidden entrance. I made a motion to go after him before Theo caught me.

"Don't. He'll be back. Blaise knows how to get to him. Just let him be for a moment." I sighed and sat back down in my chair focusing my attention on the fire, my thoughts continuing to place Theo's position in all of this.

"Is it safe to assume you are a Slytherin?"

Theo narrowed his eyes, his fingers running over the length of his lower expression idly recreating my similar thoughts. He breathed out heavily before leaning back into his seat more relaxed.

"You assume correctly. And I am to think that you're that Ravenclaw that latched to him last year," he stated factually.

"I did not latch to him." Theo raised his eyebrows hastily amused but kept his silence.

"Well, I've heard nothing but good things if that makes you feel more confident."

I scoffed. If Draco was anything like how he had acted just moments ago to his buddies, then Theo's words of reassurance did nothing for me. I tried to avoid eye contact on the continued awkwardness but the sight of the boy fiddling with his bandage pulled me back into the harsh reality that we lived in.

"Did it hurt?"

The disrupted silence shook the boy from his trance as he looked at me somewhat confused. He cleared his throat before murmuring, "no". There was hesitation in his voice as he looked down at his bandaged arm again, quietly running two fingers down its length. I could tell he still was uncertain about his choice and questioned why he did it.

"Your father. He is one too?" Theo looked up at me with his bright green eyes and nodded slowly.

"Sorry." I whispered. I truly did feel sorry for the boy. He didn't have much say, if any, in this decision it was clear and now he was branded for life, just like I so luckily avoided today.

"So… how did your father land a job as an Auror? Surely he wasn't a death eater?"

I laughed lightly to myself. "No, but my uncle is. And my aunt. My father… he just decided to take a different path I suppose." I had to use my words carefully.

"And Draco dragged you into this mess?" His words were innocently intended but the deepening root that lay beneath the true answer scolded my thoughts. Theo knew nothing and although his questions seemed to be for the betterment of conversation, I couldn't trust anyone. Not yet.

"I am sure you know how convincing Draco can be." With that, a true smile leaked over Theo's face. He nodded his head slowly in silenced agreement.

"I can only wish you luck with that one. He's an arse but he means well….mostly. Pride often masks true understanding of a situation I have come to find out."

"It seems to be a common trend with you Slytherins." I chuckled.

"The part about pride or the part about being an arse?"

"Both." We both shared a moment of amusement, the air lightening with each bantering comment.

"Well I think it is very presumptuous of you to assume that every Slytherin is a prideful git."

"Would you care to prove me wrong?" Theo's face darkened slightly and I could see the playfulness merge into a more intentional fire.

The boy leaned over once again, resting his elbows on his knees, his eyes trailing up my body. "Determination has a way of presenting itself in different forms but I assure you that only the clever can override the feeling of pride when it comes to climbing to the top. Certain sacrifices are to be made along the way and not many acknowledge that difference."

"But sacrificing doesn't make a person humble. Some use it to their advantage as a means of leverage."

"You're right but humility is not a necessary trait to becoming successful love."

The thought caught me for a moment. A vengeful smirk caught the light from the fire as it danced over his features.

"People often mistake humility with leadership. Being a leader derives from self-motivation and determination, not from being self-effacing. But it is when you cross that threshold of having power does pride overtake certain senses and that doesn't form true leadership either."

"So then what does?"

"Wisdom."

I was impressed at the boy's quick argument. "If you truly are who Draco leads you on to be, that is why Voldemort wants you. Someone willing to sacrifice who has the wisdom to make accurate and mindful decisions. It is a dangerous weapon that many of his followers do not possess." I shuttered at the thought.

"Isn't it all counterproductive then? Voldemort using my wisdom to make choices that are for the sole-purpose of his success?" Theo smirked and looked into the burning fuel of the fire, alluding to his agreement.

He wasn't like the others, that was now clear. Theo was thoughtfully slick but still held the stance of a pureblooded heir, though not as cocky as many other Slytherins I had faced. Not like Blaise. Not even like Draco, although I could see their discussions being intelligently intriguing. Those I could actually find distinguished and amusing.

Draco's reentrance shook us both from our pensive states. His tall form now towered over the back of the empty black couch berating us with a playful expression.

"I see you two have made leeway." Theo gave a muffled chuckle and looked back at his friend.

"And you?"

Draco threw a long necked bottle onto the pillows with a grin before turning to me. "We have a long night ahead of us." His icy gaze caught the flames and sparked within his irises, sending chills across my spine.

Theo looked down at the bottle and cleared his throat, breaking Draco's thought. He turned to the brunette and smiled.

"It was good to see you again old friend. I have a feeling we will be seeing each other more often now."

Theo smiled into his words and extended a hand. Draco looked at the bandaged arm he was presented with and pulled his fellow Slytherin into an embrace. Theo looked slightly taken aback by this abrupt gesture but relaxed into it. The moment was meant to be remembered, and almost a little too personal for me being present, but I watched it in slight awe.

As soon as Draco let go did Theo turn to me and nod in my direction. "Ms. Carrow. It was a pleasure." I smiled, still curled up in my chair.

"You as well Theodore." He gave Draco one final smirk before walking into a black cloud of smoke. And just like that we were alone.

Draco walked around to the front of the couch and sat, pulling the bottle of wine from the corner.

"It's not from Urquhart's vineyard but I would say the quality is just as proficient. Care to join me?"

I looked at him curiously, his previous demeanor had vanished being replaced with a lighter mood.

"Depends. What are your intentions on how to spend the evening Draco?" He chuckled and shook his head.

"It's been a long day Lyra. My intentions are clean, however, I will not detest whatever you may have in mind." Reverse mind play. Clever. I smiled into my sweatshirt and stood to join him, taking his outstretched hand from the couch. He swiftly pulled me to his lap and took hold through the thick fabric that wrapped me so tightly. Draco's lips descended onto mine within seconds, giving me just enough time to entertain the thought of picking up where we left off this morning. But all too soon did the image of Amycus reenter my mind, forcing me to break our connection (much to Draco's irritation).

"It's awfully quiet tonight Draco. Isn't that a bit suspicious?"

He nipped at my ear. "I would take the opportunity if I were you."

I pulled my head away slightly, avoiding his advance. I was not about to have another intruder find me in a less-than-compromising position as before. It was bad enough that Narcissa noticed my lack of attire earlier, how would she feel seeing her son on top of me?

"Where is everyone?"

Draco bit his tongue and sighed in frustration. "Out I suppose. Why do you ask?"

"I would very much like to consider my reputation here."

Draco laughed, "That's what you're concerned about? I'd be more worried about being attacked."

I raised an eyebrow as the comment seemed to roll out all too easily.

"I'm only joking Lyra. I've already told you about the numerous charms in place. It's secure, I promise."

"That doesn't stop people from barging in here!"

"Would you like me to place wards around this room too?" I could tell he was getting heated and I honestly was questioning why he didn't feel privy to our privacy being evaded either. Finally he closed his eyes and regained composure.

"I can take you to the safest part of the house if you'd like. It has a silencing charm, concealment charm, anti-unlocking charm….."

"Draco, I've already been in your cellar. I'd prefer not to go back." My small smile gave way but he only frowned in response.

"That's not what I meant. Come, I'll show you." He nudged me off of him and grabbed the bottle of wine before hastily making way out of the library with me quick to follow.

Author's Note: It took me a while to get Theodore where I wanted him. JK mentioned at a point in time that Draco saw Theodore as an equal and if you think about it, they do have quite a bit in common. However I do think that their reasoning to become death eaters are quite different although they both claim it is per their fathers' expectations. It is made clear that Theo did not want to become a death eater but he did not fight it. We will/do get to see more of a compassionate side of Draco towards his friend as he helps him through this process. My hope is to put Theo into more chapters to come because Draco's relationship with him is not like that of his other friends, especially Blaise.

Speaking of Blaise, I love writing him. He is such a jerk. He knows all there is to know about the rumors going around (as he takes care to know details about almost everyone in the Wizarding World- I have to say his mother takes a huge role in this). We have seen Blaise drink before on several occasions, each one worsening. He seems quite aware of this but continues regardless of the consequences. Both Draco and Theo latch onto this and speak out against it and against him until Draco just finally leaves in anger (better than another fist fight though yes?)

Sneak peek on what is to come: Lyra and Draco discuss his trial (finally!) and some other deep emotional moments are shared between the couple. Lyra also learns more about Draco's relationships within his society and the expectations that are to come with a pureblood status, since she is clearly not trained on this. Love all of you! Please continue to read and give suggestions and reviews if you can!