so, here it is you guys, I was going to put a few more chapters, but I figure that I should just end it here!

Final Chapter, try to put on something epic, if you're listening to music!

Thank you to all of the people who have reviewed/ favorited and followed this story: DizzyPotter, indigofrisbee, xXMizz Alex VolturiXx, lilly, Winni, hahahehe4ever, Ikisha, ameisrain, bkny1, the dark side of the mind, Yuna1133, Maybelt's Fate, Zyophia Clari, watergoddesskassey, Blaze banks, SillouhetteGypsy, LovemePlz525, naynay87, Lady of Blatant Sarcasm, lenie954, keeluvsfangsandslytherin, Word-and-bullets, Silent Guardian, Afrenchgirl, Hannah Shadis 101, The Original Aussie Ninja, Cassia4 u, and DizziPen

Wow! that was a lot of people! Well, enjoy this ending, I hope you all like it, if i didn't mention you then tell me and I'll add you in there ^_^

Enjoy the show guys! Thanks for helping me finally complete a story!

Our time is Running Out

Parchment 24: The Beginning of a New End

Lixella sat in the open parlor of the Cruxshade manor, admiring the towering windows. She had returned back to the home of her aunt and uncle, two days after the murder of Dumbledore. It had been a week since then. It seemed that everything was coming to a close now, the year had circled back around, and she was in the house that she had begun in. In this year she had made several new friends, some more unusual than others. She'd also recovered several memories, found out her family's past, slept in 4 different bedrooms, learned to speak banshee, fallen in love with the most annoying boy on the planet, become a death eater, lied to Voldemort, and aided in the murder of a great wizard.

Remembering all of it caused her to involuntarily inhale sharply. The world around her was growing darker, colder. Everything was changing, even she was. She had gone from not really caring about much of anything, to having the passion to save an entire race. She had learned to better understand the people that she had judged, ironically, as judgmental.

Her opinion about her family, how they changed themselves for others, had changed because she now understood why they had to. She had done things that most people couldn't imagine. Banshees saw her as their leader, without giving it much question. Lixella did not like this blind faith that they had in her. It made her question herself.

The fact that she had met, befriended, and betrayed the famous Harry Potter, seemed like a distant memory. Her loyalties lay on the wrong side, in her opinion. However, it was the side that had the people she cared about. She would do anything to keep her loved ones from dying, it was a weakness. Watching her parents be buried was enough. No one else needed to be lost, she wouldn't allow it. She couldn't bare to see her aunt, uncle, or cousin be buried. Nor Nym, Jynx, Luna, Neville, Hermione, Ron, not even Blaise, who she had despised at the beginning. Then, there was Draco, the one person she knew had gone through enough shit this year. The image of him, in a coffin, being lowered into the ground, was impossible to imagine. Her mind would simply not let her go there, it was too much.

Without question, she was ready to keep anyone alive, by almost any means necessary. She just hoped that she wouldn't be required to take anyone's life. Her right hand moved to the locket around her neck. At the beginning of the year she'd worn an amulet, but she had stopped wearing it for some odd reason. It had come to her two years ago, in a rather tattered box, with brown wrapping. It was lovely, an opaque blue circle sat in the middle of it, swirling with white mist. The paper had read, "All will return to you, once you can remember this".

She wasn't sure as to what she was supposed to remember. How could she possibly remember something that was lost? You couldn't just travel back to a memory that your mind couldn't recover. Then, it hit her. The package up in her room, the one that Draco had handed her at the beginning of the year, it contained a flask of one of her memories. Could it be, that this was the answer?

"I can't believe it" she said, jumping out of her seat, "All I need to do is look at that memory, it must have the answer!" She stopped suddenly, her expression became grim. "I don't have a pensieve, how am I supposed to view it?" she fell back into the chair. Once again, she had been defeated. Something beyond her control, had stopped her from getting what she wanted the most. If only she knew the person who'd given her that amulet, surely they would have a pensieve for her.

"Have you been sitting her all day?" asked her aunt Iris, as she strode through the door, "Goodness, child, don't you have something better to be doing? And what are you wearing?"

Lixella looked down at her clothes, she was still wearing her pajamas. However, she didn't think it was strange, there was no reason to get dressed.

"I'm wearing my pajamas" she said

"Yes, very observant! And why are you still in your pajamas?"

"Why not?" she asked, rather confused. Her aunt face palmed, and shook her head.

"Why?" she asked angrily, "because we're about to have company!"

"Really?" Lixella asked, "Why? Who?"

"Dear god, have you forgotten your uncle's birthday today?"

Lixella planted her face into the arm of the chair. She was, truly, a terrible niece.

"We are about to have a party for your uncle's birthday, with several very upstanding families, and you just forgot? Lixella, sometimes I wonder if your mind is even on this planet. Go upstairs and change, right now! I'll give you 20 minutes, no more, no less!"

Lixella rushed up to her room to get ready.

It was around 9 o'clock, and Lixella was right back where she had sat that afternoon. However, instead of admiring the windows, she was busy admiring Draco's hair. He was laying in her lap, and she was running her fingers through his platinum blond hair. She could've slapped herself. She was now sitting exactly where Pansy had sat at the beginning of the year.

"I swear" said Jynx, "I will nevah get used ta the sight of you two togetha'. I didn' even see this comin'"

She was sitting upside down, in a chair opposite Lixella, with her feet propped on the top of the chair, and her head hanging off of the seat cushion.

"Oh, trust me, no one did" Blaise said. He was to the left of Jynx, sitting sideways in his chair, with his legs propped up on the arm of it.

"I don't see why" said Draco, "I'm irresistible, ouch!"

Lixella had smacked him, causing him to shoot up from where he was laying.

"What was that for?" he asked, his hand over his nearly red cheek.

"For being a snarky prick" she said smiling

"Ugh, women" he muttered, "so touchy"

"love you too" said Lixella as she turned and propped her legs on his lap.

"well, at least you aren't actin' any different" said Jynx, she pointed at them, "if you two evah get all lovey dovey, I'll personaly hit ya wit' an oar."

"Good" responded Lixella, "Please don't hesitate!"

A few moments passed by. They all sat there, having small conversations. Their parents were all in another room, socializing over the current events. Somehow, the four of them had all migrated to the parlor. Lixella was the first, she had been sitting in there, trying to avoid the many people that her aunt knew. Then Jynx had waltzed in, trying to get away from adults in general. Draco and Blaise had entered a few minutes after her, rolling their eyes at how annoying their mother's were.

"Am I the only one who finds all of this weird?" asked Lixella.

"Prolly, yes" said Jynx, "Wha' are we talkin' about?"

"A party" said Lixella, "After all that's been happening, of course. Isn't it strange to think, that someone would want to attend something, as simple as a birthday party?"

"No, my mother attends any party that's full of the right people" said Blaise.

"Well, now tha' ya mention it" said Jynx, staring at the ceiling, "it is a strange event ta have."

"I mean, it seems so normal, ya know?" asked Lixella, "gosh, even something like summer break seems too normal."

They all sat in silence for a bit, pondering what the next few months would be like.

"I need a pensieve" said Lixella suddenly. They all looked at her in confusion.

"What is with you tonight?" asked Draco, "You keep spouting the most random things."

"No" she said chuckling, "I need it to look at a memory."

"Yes" said Jynx, "Tha's tha general function of a pensieve"

"Yeah, but it's important" said Lixella

"Well, people don't just use pensieves for leisurely enjoyment. So it would have to be important." said Blaise.

"Yes, but I need to see something that I can't remember." said Lixella

"Well, most people do use it to look at things they can't remember" said Draco, "Is there a point to this conversation? Or are you just testing our knowledge of pensieves? Ouch!"

Lixella had punched him in the arm. "Bloody hell" he said, "why are you so abusive, tonight?"

Blaise and Jynx began laughing.

"Because you're acting like a prick, tonight, love" said Lixella, "Now, anyways, I need to see a memory. More specifically the memory that you, Draco, gave me at the beginning of the year. Do you remember that?"

"No" he said, searching through his mind, "Wait! You mean the day that you got me to curse and flick you off in front of your aunt and uncle?"

"Nice!" Jynx laughed, "good one, Lixella!"

"Yes, that day. That was a good day" said Lixella, "It was that memory, that your mom had told you to give me. Where'd she get it from?"

"I dunno, I think one of the house elves gave it to her" said Draco.

"Which one?" asked Lixella.

"I don't keep track of their names…no!" he shouted, he had caught her fist, just before it punched his arm again. "Calm down" he squealed.

"Sorry" Lixella said, lowering her arm

"This is really entertaining" said Jynx.

"Yeah, it is!" said Blaise, laughing.

"anyways, I need to look at it, it may be able to show me how I can recover my childhood." said Lixella.

"The only pensieve that I've ever seen, is in Dumbledore's office" said Draco, "But, I doubt they'd let anyone in there, anymore."

They all stared down, not wanting to bring up the subject of Dumbledore's death.

"of course" whispered Lixella, "it would be there." She hit the back of her head against the arm of the couch. "I guess I'll just never know then" she mumbled.

The rest of the night went on rather uneventfully. Most of it was spent picking on Draco and Lixella's relationship. Eventually though, the party ended, and they all had to get up to leave.

"Don't worry" said Jynx, "I'm sure we'll see each otha', eventually. But 'ey, I gotta tell ya somethin'." Lixella leaned in closer. "I think I might actually be fallin' for Blaise. It's terrible, Lixella, he's just too great. I can't get muh mind off o' the damn boy!"

"Do you want me to smack you with an oar?" asked Lixella.

"No" laughed Jynx, "It's not tha' serious, yet. But really, if it gets tha' bad, ya 'ave permission. Anyway, I'll see ya latah, have a good summah, 'kay?" she said, giving Lixella a hug.

"You, too" said Lixella. She waved good bye as Jynx departed with her mother and father.

"You really aren't that bad, Cruxshade" said Blaise, giving her a hug. "He needs someone to kick him into shape, every now and then." He motioned over to Draco, who was standing next to her.

"Thanks" said Lixella, "You definitely aren't who I thought you were."

"You neither" he said, "See you two later".

The two of them stood alone on the porch, watching their friends depart. Draco put an arm around her, she laid her head on his shoulder, and he kissed the top of her head. It was still and quiet, aside from the rain that had begun. It was strange, the fact that they were always the last ones left. In the end, it was always just the two of them, hanging on to one another, trying to push through everything.

"I'm still scared" said Lixella, sheepishly.

"Yeah" said Draco, "me too." He lowered his arm, and turned her towards him. "But, it's okay" he said as he leaned down and kissed her.

Aunt iris stopped suddenly, she had noticed the scene unfolding on the front porch, through one of the open doors. She gasped, having no idea that the two of them were dating. Narcissa walked up to her, pausing momentarily as she observed the scene, as well.

"Did you know about this, Narcissa?" asked aunt Iris.

"Yes, actually" said Narcissa, "They've been like that since December."

"and here I thought that they despised each other"

"Don't worry, you weren't alone." said Narcissa, patting Iris' shoulder. "But, once you think about it, you realize that they are perfect for one another."

"Oh, this is wonderful" said Iris.

"I agree" said Narcissa, "I'm glad to finally see that Draco has someone to shove him back in line."

"Lixella has always been good at that" nodded aunt Iris, "we should stop prying, where did you put your coat, Narcissa? I'll help you find it."

The two of them separated, and stood there, their foreheads leaning against the other's. It was warm and muggy outside. The sound of rain trickled in the distance.

"I'll miss you" said Lixella

"I'll see you eventually" said Draco, "Don't go crazy without me." He kissed her forehead, and pulled her into a hug. "I love you, Lixella" he said, "Whatever happens from here on I…"

"promise to make sure you'll get through it" she said as she hugged him, taking in his scent. "I love you too, Draco, know that" she leaned up and kissed him, one last time. It was a wonderful good bye kiss, but didn't last as long as they both would've liked. They stopped, and stood there, holding hands.

"Well, it's nice to see you two finally getting along" said Narcissa as she exited the doorway.

"Very" said aunt Iris, who was behind her.

"No more mud slinging then?" asked uncle Zander, "I'll miss the mud slinging."

"I won't" said Narcissa, "I've had enough clothes ruined already. Your aim, Lixella, is far too good!"

They all laughed, then began saying their good byes. Narcissa and Draco got into the car, and they all waved to each other. Lixella realized how similar this was to her memory of leaving Malfoy manor. The roles, however, were switched, she was waving good bye from her porch. Lixella smirked, and stuck her tongue out at Draco, who laughed and mimicked her. She watched the car drive away, hoping that she would get to see it return soon.

Lixella headed up to her room after bidding her aunt and uncle good night. She was thinking of asking about Arthus, but was scared that it might be too soon. She opened her bedroom door, and made her way over to her closet to put her pajamas back on. However, she stopped suddenly, and turned towards the bed. A very curious letter was sitting perfectly on her pillow. It was burgundy, with no seal and no address. She sat down on the bed, and opened it.

Dear Lixella,

I write this to you in secret, and beg you to not mutter a word of this to anyone. In the winter I had hoped to tell you this, but I had not confirmed it. There's something very important for you to know. I believe that the death eaters have discovered my allegiances to The Order. They may soon be coming to take me away. So, I write you this letter as a last hope, as the last information that I shall pass on, from the other side. Last summer, your parents died, which is why you were brought to England. This, I am sad to report, was all a ploy to lure you to Voldemort. He wants to use you as a weapon against the Ministry, the Order, and perhaps even against Harry Potter. You are far more important than you think, Lixella, and everything up until now has been a test. He is testing your allegiance to the death eaters. You have passed all of these tests. But, there is something that they aren't telling you. Prepare yourself, Lixella, for I have made a miraculous discovery. Your father, William, is alive. He has been in contact with the order, and he's looking for you. I'm not sure how long he can fend off the death eaters though. They may not know any of this, so I urge you to keep it a secret. Your father is out there, Lixella, and he wants nothing more than to find you and take you away from Voldemort's grip. Trust me when I say that you cannot let him get too close to you. If he does, then the Death Eaters will find him, and he will die.

I hope that you can make it through what is about to arise in our world, Lixella. Tell my mother and father that I love them, and miss them. But don't tell them about my spying, I want them to remember me as their son, not as a traitor. Good bye, Lixella, I am glad to call you my cousin, and I hope that you will be proud of me.

Sincerely,

Arthus Cruxshade

Small tear drops fell onto the parchment. Lixella had begun crying. Her father was alive, this whole time, and she didn't even know it. Not only was he alive, he was looking for her. She laid down on her bed, clinging onto her pillow. She wanted to march into her aunt and uncle's room and go off on them. Had they even known about this? Do they even know about Arthus? It seemed that they didn't. She couldn't tell a soul, she had to keep quiet. Lixella shot up, and threw the pillow against a wall.

"I am so tired of keeping quiet!" she yelled, "I can't stand all of these secrets, anymore. Or this stupid memory loss! Why can't I just have a simple life in America with my damn parents! No Death Eaters, no fucking Voldemort, No memory loss!"

She planted her face into the mattress and kept crying. This year had been full of twists and turns, it was making her dizzy. She couldn't keep up with all of the things that she had to do. It was as if she was on a roller coaster, one moment, everything was perfect, and she was floating, then, it skyrocketed down. She cried so hard that, eventually, she cried herself to sleep. Her dreams were filled with her asking questions, and gasping for air. She saw Cordellia and the banshees kneeling before her, and her being nervous about her new title. Hogwarts went up in flames before her eyes. Her father became trapped in a large cloud of cinder and smoke. She began running from the fire, trying to escape the disaster that was her life. Then, she ran right into Draco's arms, hugging him as tight as she could.

It had been such a terrible confusion, that whole year. There was hardly anyone there to help her. The world around her was growing darker, but there were faint bits of light. It was all coming to a close, and she could only hope, now, that next year would resolve everything.

THE END, OFFICIALLY! thank you guys for reading, and keep a look out for the sequel, I'm not sure what to call it yet,

if you have an idea for a good title, tell me in a review! or just review me for fun!

I can't wait to hear from you guys, see you in the sequel!

Thank you, everybody!