Authors' Note: Hey guys! I have some very sad news: This is the LAST chapter for the Newest Heir. Thanks to all my beautiful readers and to all the wonderful reviews you all have made this an awesome first fanfic. We will be posting another 'chapter' but it will just to say that we have started the next story, and the title hasn't been decided yet. *We would love some suggestions for it.* Will Tatiana ever figure it out? Will she ever meet Voldemort? Those questions you'll have to wait for the next story. In the meantime read and don't forget to review!

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my own imagination to come up with my characters, everything else belongs to the people created it.

Chapter 29

The Hardest Thing

The ringing in my ears started quietly, slowly pulsing louder until I could comprehend actually words. No, not words a song, a song that I haven't heard in a long time. (I'll Be- Edwin McCain)

The strands in your eyes that color them wonderful
Stop me and steal my breath.
And emeralds from mountains thrust towards the sky
Never revealing their depth.
Tell me that we belong together,
Dress it up with the trappings of love.
I'll be captivated,
I'll hang from your lips,
Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above.

I'll be your crying shoulder,
I'll be love's suicide
I'll be better when I'm older,
I'll be the greatest fan of your life.

And rain falls angry on the tin roof
As we lie awake in my bed.
You're my survival, you're my living proof.
My love is alive and not dead.
Tell me that we belong together.
Dress it up with the trappings of love.
I'll be captivated,
I'll hang from your lips,
Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above

I'll be your crying shoulder,
I'll be love's suicide
I'll be better when I'm older,
I'll be the greatest fan of your life.

And I've dropped out, I've burned up, I've fought my way back from the dead.
I've tuned in, turned on, remembered the things that you said

I'll be your crying shoulder,
I'll be love's suicide
I'll be better when I'm older,
I'll be the greatest fan of your...
I'll be your crying shoulder,
I'll be love's suicide
I'll be better when I'm older,
I'll be the greatest fan of your life.

The greatest fan of your life.
...greatest fan of your life.

It is either really dark or my eyes are closed. But now I know that I'm still alive. Judging by the fact that my eyelids feel like they're glued shut, I figured it was the latter. My body also feels as if the job of holding up the sky was now responsibility. Being able to feel my body is a good sign at least, but there is still a tingling feeling telling me that I'm just getting this feeling back. The dusk tickled my nose as I breathed it in from the room; good the rest of my senses are coming back to me. I stretched my fingers out wide feeling the velvet fabric underneath me. I felt lost not knowing how I ended up here; the last thing I remembered was falling to the stone floor. My eyes fluttered open, my eyes adjusting quickly because it was just as dark in the room. The cover fell off of my shoulders as I pushed myself up to sit. I pulled out the headphones, the music still playing. I looked at the song playing, an old song that I didn't even realise I still had. I looked through the playlist, one that I don't remember making. All of the songs were similar in a way, mostly about loss and love and oh my God Draco made this! I flicked it off and rolled up the head phone, putting it back in my pockets trying not to think about what it meant.

What happened? How did I end up here? Oh right, I hugged Draco then he basically drained some of my power, and in my case it was all the energy that I had left. I waited for the pulsing in my head to subside before I stood up. Even in the dim light I could tell that something didn't belong here. The air had a sinister feel to it as if an evil had walked through here. The cabinet doors were opened and there was no sign of Draco. I stood up and looked around; I knew that I wouldn't find him here. I could feel as if I was tied to something, and it was pulling me forwards. Towards the way I knew Draco had taken.

Brushing the blanket off; well it's more of a curtain actually, I stood and let myself be pulled forward. I traveled back the way I had come earlier on this evening; I hope it's still evening that is. Note to self, after I find out what's going on, go to bed and eat some food because you really can't afford to keep fainting. I finally made it out of the room almost landing flat on my face because my foot caught on something. Luckily, my hand managed to find a bolder to hold on to. Wait a second, this corridor is usually empty.

"Lumos" I whispered as I pulled my wand out. With a light to help me see I finally saw the bigger picture. Chunks of stones had been blast out of the walls, looking as if a tornado had run through here. For some strange reason I knew that Draco had been somehow involved with this destruction. My knees ached as I placed my feet under me. Beautiful bruises will definitely start to appear soon, the dark blue ones that are tender to touch I imagine. I pushed off the boulder that had so graciously caught me only realizing, brought on by a shock of pain, that the rough rock had sliced my hand open. Clutching my left fist tight I looked around in the chaos looking for anything that I could use to bandage up my bloodied hand. My search came up short, seeing how there was only more rocks, and my only other option would be to rip a strip of fabric from my clothes but I would need two hands to rip it. With my hand still firmly shut and now dripping blood held out a little to the side I began to make my way through the ruins with only a wand and a vague pull guiding me.

It took quite a bit of light steps and careful placements of feet to get through the wreckage. The air still had that eerie feel to it, and it was even stronger out here. Also everything seems so much darker, like the light has been sucked right out of this place. Deciding that less popular hallways would probably be faster than this obstacle course, I took another hallway. Making my way was much faster, minus the fact that I don't have a map, and once again I am now lost. All I have is a vague pull and the knowledge that I should be heading down. Down a few stories I knew that my guess of going down had been right. Screams and shouts echoed off the walls. There were other sounds, ones that started picking at my memories. I could hear the after affect of casted spells, not able to tell what the target ended up being. I slowed my pace from a run to a fast walk, luckily my feet made no noise on the floor. At each corner I slowed to a stop peering around the corner to make sure I wouldn't be headed into the cross fire of a duel. Fortunately I had gone and managed to yet again become lost, so the chance of running into other people was highly slim. Is a simple 'you are here' sign too much to ask for?

I knew I had gone down several flights of stairs, but how many I had no idea and the only sound I could hear was my quick breath and the pounding of my heart in my ears. Pictures were absolutely no help seeing as most of them had already hid or moved up to a safer floor. There was a throbbing pain in my left hand from the increased blood flow but still I refused to open my fist. I knew a spell that can fix broken bones, but I bet that it would be better to leave it for now and let someone else use magic on it. Eventually I found the light at the end of this labyrinth. Well actually it was a window, and it also it didn't give me any extra light. I would've missed it but the clouds had a greenish tinge to them so it caused a break in the blackness of the hall.

"Nox" I whispered just in case anybody was around. I put out the light so I could see clearly. The clouds were heavy but that's not what caught my eye. Over one of the towers, I'm guessing that it is the Astronomy Tower because it is the tallest, was a sign that I had seen before: the Dark Mark. I had learned that the evil guys, Blaise refused to link the name at that time but I had guess that it was the death eaters, cast that into the sky once they killed someone. I tried not to think about whom and by whom, trying to shake my head clear of it. I needed to find Draco; even if he was out here there is no way I could see without some kind of light. As if someone read my thoughts, a ball of flame erupted catching my attention. There were many people there, all of them wore black and I couldn't see their faces. Luckily I didn't need a face, because I could recognise that blond hair anywhere.

Great I found Draco! Only question now is how do I get to him? He walked away from the roaring fire, following a group of others. I knew that there was absolutely no way I could run down two stories and across the entire grounds to catch him no matter how fast I could run. But then again why would I need to run. They said that it was impossible to Apparate inside of Hogwarts, how did I get here then? Better to try than do nothing. It's a good thing that this was something that I am actually good at, being able to Apparate (even though it's in my own way) perfectly every practice lesson. I closed my eyes concentrating hard on my destination. I spun a little on spot knowing that it did help to get the process going.

The air tightened around me as I felt myself being carried through the air. I opened my eyes to land daintily on my feet. The wind bit coldly, whipping the hair around my face. The blood on my hand felt like it was turning to ice as it dripped down and off of my fist. I ignore it for now, looking around in the dark for any sign of Draco. I looked to my right taking note of large iron gates, probably the entrance to the school. If it was the way out it also meant that it was the spot I had to stop Draco from crossing or else he would be able to leave. I stayed motionless and concealed in the shadows as drumming footsteps grew louder; people in dark robes passed by and disappeared as soon as the crossed the threshold. I must have beaten them here and any minute I should see... Draco. His blond head passed by me quickly, without noticing me. I ducked out of my hiding spot running after him. He will not get away from me this time. I grabbed his arm, right before he past the gates, making sure that he didn't disappear.

Draco wretched his arm out of my grasp turning angrily, as if poised to strike his attacker. I looked up at him and when he met my eyes the stone in his eyes melted.

"Tat, what are you doing here?" His voice was cracked, strained even.

"You are not leaving me. Not again." He looked at the gate then back from where he came as if waiting for someone else. I reached out my right hand and touched his arm reminding him that I was still waiting for an answer. I felt the muscles in contract as if in pain so I pulled away.

"We can't do this Tatiana, and you know why." I heard the familiar piercing tone in his voice again, the same one he used to push me away last time. But I'm not falling for the same thing twice.

"I know. I want to go with you." I pleaded with my eyes; asking him silently never to leave me. He couldn't hold my gaze and I knew why, once he looked long enough he would be trapped. He kept checking over his shoulder as if waiting for someone to come into view, looking anywhere but at me.

"I'm trying to keep you alive!" he shouted at me still not able to meet my eyes.

"Do you know how hard it is trying to stay away from you?"

"It's ten times worse for me! Having to push you away, all the time!" All this arguing was doing nothing but stall time. I wanted to say that I don't care anymore, but that would be a lie.

"You're so infuriating!" I felt like stomping away but Draco suddenly grabbed both sides of my face and urgently pressed his lips to mine. Startled at first but soon melted against him. With my good hand I held myself in place against him, locking my fingers in the hair at the base of his skull. His hands continued to pull me closer even though we were already pressed together. Fervour increased as our lips moved more desperately, as if he was telling me that we would never see each other again.

Realization struck making me hesitate; I was never going to see him again. Our kiss had broken apart but we didn't. I buried my face in his shoulder as I locked my arms around him.

"I never wanted to leave you, but I could never escape from you either." Draco whispered as he kissed the top of my head.

"Don't leave me behin..."

"Miss Nadira I told you to forget about this, but not literally." A voice cut me off, cutting me away from Draco out of surprise. From the dark strolled Snape, he walked straight up to me and held a vial in front of my face. When it dropped into my hands I remembered what it was, it was my memories. Snape had taken them out so that I could protect myself and I still remember that going with him would be my undoing.

"We must go Draco." Snape said, snapping me out of my thoughts. Draco complied, with his head hung low forcing himself not to look at me.

"Wait!" I called stopping Draco from grabbing Snape's arm so they could Disapparate. I ran forwards placing my iPod in Draco's hand. I closed his hand in both of my own, hoping that the blood had stopped flowing. Before he could even question what had happened, all signs of injury had vanished. It took me a second but I remembered about magic and gave a small smile to Snape in thanks.

"You need this more than I do." I said returning my focus back to Draco gazing into his silver eyes one last time before he took back his hand and grabbed on to Snape.

Like a mirage, he slipped away from my grasp and by the time I had blinked, he had vanished in a swirl of black. I just hope that Snape didn't see our entire encounter; seeing it through my thoughts is one thing but with your own eyes is completely different. The tingle on my lips was still there and I couldn't help but feeling like lost. He left without a goodbye, something I had been expecting but now he left me empty. A bunch of emotions started picking away at me telling me that I should decide on one but it didn't work. At least I feel something this time, anything is better than the complete emptiness he left me with last time this happened.

"You are going to pay for leaving me again Draco whatever your middle name is Malfoy!" I yelled to the sky. After that I walked back to the castle in silence. As I promised, no tears were shed but I felt like I was drowning in them. Worst of all was not being able to figure out how to get to main land so I can dry out.

I walked up to the castle; it was a slow walk as if dragging weights behind me. I kept mentally slapping myself, making sure that I didn't focus too much on what, or should I say who is gone. Not watching my steps was my first mistake, causing me to trip on a root. My second was forgetting to light my wand so in attempts to catch myself I ran straight into a tree. I fumbled for my wand, lighting it so that I could see. Brushing off dirt as I stood up, I noticed a flash catch my eye. I stooped and picked up the vial holding my memories, I really shouldn't lose this again. Wait, how did Snape get it in the first place? I don't remember having it in my pocket and that would be the only reason he would've found it on the ground. Trying to figure out how he did it would just make my head hurt. I can just say that he must of used magic and move on.

I finally made it back to the castle, dreading having all that time to myself so I could wallow in self pity. Almost everyone, by the looks of it, was standing outside in the middle of the night. I really missed a lot. I quickened my paced to find them all standing in a semi-circle starring down at the middle. They looked even more lost than I was and some even had tears in their eyes. Coming level with everyone I finally saw what all eyes were saddened for. Harry was bent over and kneeling on the ground, but it was the person beside him that caught my breath. Professor Dumbledore lay still on the ground, unmoving and lifeless. The sparkle in his eyes had been shut, permanently.

One by one lit wands began to rise into the air, starting with Professor McGonagall. Their wands pointed to the sky trying to keep some light in this dark moment. Their mentor, their teacher, their friend was dead. My heart sank when I realised that he was also a part of my life. He had giving me a place to live, he understood that taking me in would be dangerous, but still he let me stay and taught me magic. I lifted my wand like everyone else had, pointing my light at the dreadful sign in the clouds. With my added light, and the Dark Mark was swallowed up and disappeared. I looked around, many of the students and staff had battered faces, cut and bruises visible in this light. They all looked at Dumbledore as if the last hope of the world had been drained. I could sense that they were wrong; they had something that would last no matter what. It was just a feeling and I had no idea how I came on to thinking this, but I knew that they would not stop because of this death. This would help them further, strength wise. What I had just come to realise is that I was in the middle of a war, one that I felt like I had a part in.

The hoard of people started dispersing, groggily walking back to their rooms. I turned around because I sensed someone watching me. Turns out I was right, Madam Pomfrey was glaring at me and I knew the reason why. I wanted nothing more than to crawl into my own bed but decided against it because of the way the medi-witch was looking me. I reluctantly started my way up the stairs. Of course I decided to walk before I was watching where I was going, so I ran straight into someone.

"Thank Merlin you're alright Tatiana!" I was immediately crushes against Blaise's chest as he bear hugged me.

"I won't be if you squeeze any harder." I gasped. I felt my lungs re-inflate with air as he let go of me.

"I have been so worried about you! Where have you been?"

"What are you my mother?" I asked raising an eyebrow at Blaise, if only he could hear himself. He dragged me out of the way of students trying to get up the stairs so they could go to sleep. I knew that I would never be allowed to leave until I told him what happened.

"For the most part I was in the Room of Requirement unconscious." I said bluntly, looking past him seeing if I could sneak past him in any way.

"The Room of Requirement? What in bloody blazes were you doing there; you were supposed to be in the Hospital Wing."

"Since when have I ever really done what I'm told? Besides I went looking for Draco and then..." my words trailed off, on the account of not really knowing what had happened next and not willing to relive the rest at this moment.

"And then?" Blaise's question was full of concern.

"Look Blaise, I'm really tired" I tried weaselling my way out of it, trying to find a means of escape so that I could process everything.

"What happened with Draco?" He said grabbing my forearm, forcing me to look into his dark eyes.

"The idiot kissed me! Again!" I finally gave in; this would free me from a few questions at least. Blaise opened his mouth again but I interrupted, "Please Blaise let me go." I pleaded, wanting nothing more than to be alone with only my thoughts once more. Blaise nodded and stepped aside. I appreciated his concern but he wouldn't stop talking I if didn't stop him. I walked up the rest up the way, my feet feeling like they were being weighed down. Madam Pomfrey bombarded me as soon as I walked in the door. She led me to one of the last open beds in the room and quickly checked over me. She may have said something about being irresponsible with my health but I wasn't listening. She didn't stay with me too long because her other patients needed her more than I did. The room was crowded with friends and family gathered around beds. More people strolled in, and I saw Harry head to the family all with red hair gathered around one bed; I guessed that they all were related to Ron. All the injured had people who cared about them, all but mine. The only friend I had, I had pushed away and my family... my heart ached as I remembered. The emptiness now finally came back to me, it had been there all year but I refused to let it cloud my vision. I missed both of them even more now. I needed to find my mom; I wanted nothing more than for her to tell me everything would be alright, because she's the only one who could understand my pain. The pain of losing my other half and I knew that I could never be completely whole again. I kicked my shoes off and climbed into bed completely clothed. Luckily I was still not completely rested because I would've never been able to sleep if I wasn't.

I woke to a dull light shining into the room. I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes and glared at the open window. Grey clouds covered the sky outside and the only break was that single ray of sun that had managed to find me. I envied everyone else in the room because they were still sleeping peacefully. Madam Pomfrey came out of her office noticing that I was awake, sitting up in bed and already getting my shoes on. No more escapes under her watch I guess. She checked over me, seeing that I was now one hundred percent better physically, she let me leave.

Most of the castle still rest in ruins but the teachers and other adults were quickly fixing it back to its original state. The small amount of people that were awake barely made any noise in the Great Hall. They clumped together so they could whisper quietly. I sat away from the other groups preferring to hear the real story and not useless rumors that have been passed around. Unfortunately I chose a spot not far enough away from a group of girls talking amongst themselves.

"I hear they might close the school." One girl said.

"Now that Dumbledore's gone there's no protection for the other kids, we know that we'll be safe." I forced myself to stop listening. I would have nowhere to go if they closed the school. I don't even know what I'm going to do for summer holidays. Luckily Blaise came and sat beside me distracting me. He explained what he knew of last night, he wasn't involved himself but got the story from Slughorn the new Head of House. I gave him my side of the story, leaving out some details that were too personal.

There were only a couple of weeks left until the end of school. All exams and classes had been cancelled. Most of the kids took liberty of their free time, enjoying summer as it grew closer. I felt more alone than ever. Blaise was patient and let me be. I went to class anyway, trying to take my mind of recent events. On one of the last days I received a letter. Even the owl didn't shock me out of my melodrama, I didn't even notice it. This probably worried Blaise more but he couldn't do anything about it. I opened the letter and read it slowly making sure I didn't miss a word. It was from McGonagall, asking me to come to her office.

"Other people deciding my fate, best not to keep them waiting." I said aloud so Blaise wouldn't follow me. My feet carried me to McGonagall's office. I stopped myself from knocking her door when I heard voices talking loudly from the other side of the wood door. I took a step back and leaned against the hard stone wall.

"Albus never made any sort of arrangements for her?" I recognised it was teacher but I couldn't tell which one.

"He left me a note to keep her hidden." That was McGonagall.

"Did Albus tell you why? Everyone is going into hiding because of what's to come." Another Professor asked.

"What about someone from the Order?"

"She's very powerful we need someone who can watch her." They were talking about me as if I was I a problem that no one wanted to deal with. I sank to the ground and hugged my knees doing my best not to eavesdrop anymore. The voices stopped and I heard footsteps coming towards the door. I quickly stood up and took a few steps away from the door. At least four teachers filled out of the room, I did my best to convince them that I had just arrived and not listening the whole time, giving them a sweet smile to top it off. They looked convinced so I passed by them knocking on the door frame so McGonagall would know I was there.

"Come in." She said plainly. She sat at her desk writing, probably taking notes on what they had just discussed. I sat opposite her waiting for her to tell me her verdict.

"Miss Nadira, as you are aware the summer break is in a few days." I nodded because she didn't ask a question and I didn't know how else to respond. "You turn seventeen in three days making you of age thus; you will no longer have the trace." I was going to ask what that meant, when I realised that I had forgotten about my birthday. McGonagall however continued. "Professor Dumbledore had a wish that you were to be looked after because we don't a repeat of what happened earlier." I knew that she reworded the headmaster's words but I bit to keep my mouth closed. "I have agreed to let you spend the summer with me; however it will be less of a vacation for you because I expect that you continue to catch up in your studies." I nodded again, refusing the urge to leap over the desk and hug her. They could've decided to let me fend for myself for all I knew. McGonagall explained to me a few more details of how the next week and the summer will proceed then ushered me out of the room.

"Blaise I need a huge favor." I said sneaking up behind him, shocking him almost out of his skin.

"I knew you would finally discover how much you really needed me." He retorted after he got over the initial shock.

"Sure something like that, anyways I need a place to stay for the last two weeks of summer." That was one of the issues McGonagall had, she would be at the school and she didn't trust me practicing magic at her house alone. I would get the last two weeks off if I could find a place to stay.

"So you want to know if you can stay at my house."

"Yes Blaise." God he can be annoying sometimes.

"Sure, I'll sneak you in. You'll owe me something." I rolled my eyes at him; I knew he would try something like that.

"Fine." I just hope it didn't involve Blaise's sense of style.

After Dumbledore's funeral most of the students headed back to pack, as it was the last day of school. I regretted my decision to wear stiletto high heels that matched my black dress because they kept sinking into the ground. Many people came to pay their respects; I had no idea who most of them were. The funeral itself was pretty sad, I haven't been to many so I can't really compare. I took off my shoes and walked ankle deep into the water of the Black Lake. I didn't want to leave, but I knew that I had no choice. It was beautiful here, and I haven't been here long enough to appreciate it.

I waited by the train watching all the other students board; I would be leaving later in the afternoon with McGonagall. A bunch had smiling faces, excited to go home, to relax and spend time with their families. Hogwarts grew to be my home, since mine was taken from me and I didn't want to leave unless it was with them. Sadly that was impossible at the moment, but when I can I will find my mom and bring her home. Blaise found me and wrapped his arms around me. I am going to miss him. He was a true friend thru everything that happened. He handed me a piece of paper.

"This is where and when we are going to meet, I'm giving it to you now so I won't have to send an owl. I won't be there to see there to see your reaction so what's the point." I punched him in the arm and hugged him again.

"Thanks Blaise, for everything." I didn't know what else to say so I smiled at him and watched him mount the steps, disappearing from my view. I walked up and down the line, seeing if I knew anyone else that warranted a farewell.

"Aren't you coming?" I heard a voice call to me and I looked around to see who was asking. From inside the train I saw a boy with black hair and a lighting scar on his forehead poking his head out the window. Hermione pushed Harry to a side.

"No I'm spending my summer with McGonagall; I need all the time I can get so I can catch up to you guys." I hollered at them over the roar of the engine. Hermione reached her hand down and I grabbed it, squeezing it.

"You'll have to find a new tutor."

"You're not coming back?" I heard that you could stop going to school when you hit seventeen but I thought out of all people she would stay and learn.

"No someone has to keep these two alive when we... go on our journey."I heard the hesitation but didn't comment. I didn't want to pry, even though my curiosity was nagging at me.

"Good luck then!" The train started forwards, her hand slipping out of mine. She said something but I couldn't hear it, I smiled and waved as the train slowly started rolling. I gave Harry a salute and kept waving as the train traveled out of view. I turned back to the castle taking a carriage back to the castle. It's time for my holiday, if you can even call it that, to being.

Authors' Note: THE END... just kidding, we have another story coming soon. We'll update on this story to tell you what it's called and that the first chapter is up. Thanks to all of you again, we (well Marie) loved writing this story and we can't wait to figure out the next part. The more you review the faster the next story will be up. Leave us your ideas in your review, we love seeing them and take them into account. Maybe you will even see your name as thanks. Our new story title is still in process, so if you guys have an idea, we would love to hear it! I got the idea for the chapter from this quote: Yes I love him. I love him more than anything else in this world and there is nothing that I would like better than to hold on to him forever. But I know it's not for the best. So no matter how much my heart is going to break, I've got to let him go so he can know just how much I love him. Maybe if I'm lucky, he'll come back, but if not, I can make it through this. Review, Review, Review!

Love, C & M