… A Truth or Two …

I sat on my bed after classes let out for the day looking over the various hair dyes I had. I decided on an ombre style picking out various browns and mixing them until I had the effect I wanted. I went to wash my hair and when I was halfway back to the dorm Neville and Draco popped up seemingly out of nowhere. I jumped and nearly fell on the floor. "What the fuck?!" I muttered clutching my heart. They had their arms crossed not caring that they scared me half to death.

"Why aren't you in the library studying?" Draco questioned. I looked around and bit my lip. They were blocking my path back to the dorm. They shared a look and my bag appeared in Draco's hands. I started to walk backwards and turned to run down the hall. I had barely made it halfway when Neville picked me up and threw me over his shoulder. I threw a fit hitting Neville's back and screaming. Draco stuffed sweets in my mouth to keep me quiet.

I pouted as Neville put me in a chair. I let my head fall on the table. Studying with them was taxing and I felt drained after 10 minutes. "You still have an hour and 50 minutes left to study Lis. Pick your head up." Draco ordered. Groaning I hid my head under the mountain of books trying to hide. I heard others sitting down and heard Katrina and Jessie's whines. I sat up and looked at them in shock. "Charlie sent a letter to them and now I have the same punishment as you two." Jessie sniffled eyeing her books with disdain.

Theo stood behind Kat with quite a few books in his hands. By the end of the study session, I was on the floor grabbing my head because it hurt so bad. Kat and Jess stumbled out of the library in a daze. Neville held out a hand to me, but I pretended he was invisible and crawled out of the library. Kat and Jess had recovered by the time we were near the Great Hall, but I was still crawling and rolling down the stairs. I reached the marble stairs and thought for a minute on how I wanted to get down them.

I was just about to roll myself down the steps when Neville picked me up and put me on his back. Even though I was mad at him I still put my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes. "I'm going to take her to the common room entrance. I think she's worn out." Neville whispered to Draco. "Ok, thanks." I heard Draco go down the steps. "How long are you going to go without talking to me?" Neville wondered as he carried me down to the dungeons. I didn't reply. He put me down and hugged me.

I wanted to wrap my arms around him, but I refused to let myself act on impulse. Instead, I squirmed trying to get out of his arms. "Lis, stop being stubborn. Can you just stay here for a minute?" he whispered. I stopped squirming and his arms tightened around me. We stayed there for a while like that before Neville finally released me. I turned to go to the dorm.

"Lis, could you say something at least. Not look this morning when you were screaming but at least say good night." Neville kicked the ground. I could no longer restrain myself. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him. He was taken aback by my sudden mood change but quickly recovered responding with equal enthusiasm. I was kiss drunk by the time we broke apart. "I need you. Now." I whispered. He grabbed my hand and led me to a storage closet.

I did the necessary enchantments so we couldn't be detected. I turned around and found Neville with his shirt off and pants unbuttoned. I ran my hands slowly down his chest and he pulled me to him. "I want to take my time with you." I whispered kissing his neck. I pushed him backwards until he was sitting on the crates in the back of the closet and straddled him. "I love you dummy." I whispered looking into his eyes. He smiled. "I love you too stubborn girl." he kissed me as I blushed.

He slowly worked my shirt off and I kissed trail down his neck. The hickeys were already rapidly darkening as I ran my fingers across his chest. "What are you doing?" Neville lifted my face. "Marking you. You're mine Neville. All mines." I smiled. He dipped a hand into my underwear teasing me and I gasped putting my head on his shoulder. I moaned softly into his ear unable to keep myself focused on what I was doing. "You don't have to mark me up to know I'm yours." he smirked moving his fingers faster and rubbing my clit with his thumb.

I was moaning mess as I got closer to my release. My hips rolled begging him to go faster. I sat up and kissed him as I came on his hand. My hand slipped into his pants teasing him. I stood up and worked his pants off and climbed back onto his lap. I bit my lip as I slid my underwear to the side and guided his erection to my entrance. I threw my head back as I slid down. I shivered as he hit my g spot. He tapped my hips, and I wrapped my legs around him. He stood up and laid me back on the crate thrusting into me. I whimpered and he leaned down kissing me. I raked my nails down his back begging him to go faster.

I watched as Neville put his pants back on. "Are you going to stop being so mad at me and Draco now?" he wondered walking over to where I sat. I nodded with a smile. He had a multitude of hickeys on his neck, and I had scratched the hell out of his back. I was already dressed. I swung my feet back and forth. "I'll stop being so mad." I promised. He smiled and leaned down to kiss me. I giggled wrapped my arms around him.

"I love you darling." I whispered against his lips. "I love you too little flower. Come on. The school will be waking up soon." He threw his shirt on and led me out. I took a quick shower checking myself for hickeys, but he only left hickeys in places I could cover up like my thighs and stomach. He was going to be pissed when he saw how many marks I'd left. I hurried back to my dorm and curled up under the covers.

I was woken by Pansy at Daphne at lunchtime. "Wake your ass up. You need to at least eat lunch!" Daphne smacked my butt and I groaned rolling over and hiding under my pillows. "I'm tired!" I groaned. "Draco is asking Neville questions about his hickeys." Pansy chuckled. I shot up stared at them sleepily. "What do you mean?! I was napping!" I grumbled. They pulled me out of bed, and I reached for my bed. They threw a jacket onto me and handed me some slippers.

I whined all the way up to the Great Hall. I shuffled behind them as they dragged me inside and handed me over to my brother. "Good morning." I grumbled before putting my head on the table. "It's afternoon princess. Where were you this morning?" Draco tapped my forehead. "I fell asleep in the showers. Then those two dragged me out of bed." I glared at Daphne and Pansy. "Interesting. So, how'd Neville end up like that. From what I heard he even has scratches on his back." Draco pointed at Neville whose hickeys looked more like a bruise from this far away.

I gasped. "Oh my god! What happened?! Did you mess with him again?!" I pouted folding my arms across my chest. "Like hell I did. He was like that in the showers this morning." Draco scoffed. I nibbled on a sandwich. "You guys told me Draco was causing a scene again." I snapped at Daphne and Pansy. They smirked and handed me another sandwich. "Am I supposed to know everything he does when I'm not with him?! You should know how Neville got the marks. I don't have enough fingers and d toes to count the many times Pansy came back to the dorm looking like she'd been out all night with a vampire. Oh no, I bit you're neck and now I'm going to have my way with you. Have a little faith in me, geez!" I snapped at Draco as he opened his mouth. I finished my lunch and went over to the Gryffindor table.

Neville pulled me onto his lap so we wouldn't be overheard. "Did you really have to mark me up this badly. Not even Madam Pomfrey could help me." he whispered in my ear. "I said I needed you, I didn't say how. Anyways, i'll be going back to sleep soon." I mumbled. I put my head on his shoulder. "Aww, are you over here questioning how he got that thing on his neck?" Hermione wondered. I nodded. "I was up all last night studying and I wake up and I found out about this!" I smacked Neville's lightly.

Neville coughed and turned away. "Isn't it just a shame. Would you believe my own brother accused me of this? I have never given him a hickey this bad. It looks more like a bruise or something. Did you get hit or fall out of bed?" I asked him. Hermione smiled as we watched Neville turn redder. "You were not studying. You know as well as the rest of us you don't study unless you're forced to or there's something in it for you." Neville scoffed. "That's not true. After her meeting she helped me study without being forced or getting something out of it." Hermione remembered.

"How would you know if she was studying all night if you were in the greenhouses?" Ron asked around a mouthful of food. Neville stammered and I tsked. "Studying, star gazing, having sex until the break of dawn and he chooses plants as his excuse. I thought we were sticking to excuses that started with the letter s. Shame." I mumbled loud enough for Neville to hear. He had another coughing fit, and I shook my head. I kissed his cheek and followed Hermione out of the hall. I threw an arm around her and winked suggestively at Neville launching him back into a coughing fit as he drank some juice.

I refilled Maria's water and food before curling up under the sheets again. She leapt up when she was done, and I pet her until she was asleep. I woke up the next day feeling well rested. I was just retuning from the from the showers when I bumped into Luna wandering around. "Oh, there you are. Neville is upset. He was so flustered yesterday after lunch and Ron and Harry kept teasing him." she gave me a look. "I didn't do anything! Oh, the poor thing. I should talk to him after class." I stated resolutely.

She laughed and nudged me. I bit back a laugh as we walked down the hall. I avoided Neville and Draco on my way to the grounds. Another afternoon of studying the way they did, and I'd be asleep for a week minimum. I lay on the grass humming to myself and soaking in the sunlight. I laid there singing until it was dinnertime. I skipped into the hall and sat down. "Where were you today?" Draco demanded. I pointed outside and then at the strands of grass in my hair.

"You and Neville's methods of studying are NOT made for this princess' brain." I mumbled. Pansy snickered and I smiled. "So, you slept for a day and a half?" Draco coughed. I nodded like this was common sense. I pinched and poked his face. "Are you sure you're my twin? Did you come from an alternate universe or another Earth far away in another galaxy?" I pouted examining his face. "Oh, shut it!" Draco pushed my hand away and I grinned. I went back to my food. "You made him upset." Pansy giggled. I tilted my head so I could look at Draco's face. He was fighting not to be. I made funny faces until he smiled.

"You guys go ahead. I need to talk to Nev." I waved my friends towards the common room. Neville must've sensed I wanted to talk because he hung back while his friends went up the stairs. I skipped over and kissed his cheek. "You'll be happy to know I'll be in the library all day tomorrow ok! I'm well rested and ready to go back to work." I showed him my best determined smile. He ruffled my hair and I hugged him. "I wonder who left those marks on your neck." I mumbled. He lifted my chin and I saw he was not in a joking mood.

"Too soon?" I wondered. He nodded and I bit my lip. "You left marks too." I mumbled. "Nothing this bad! It's still getting darker. Besides, the only way for someone to see the marks I left on you is if they saw you naked." he growled quietly. I looked at the ground and shuffled feeling a bit sorry. He took a deep breath and wrapped his arms around me. "Don't get so carried away next time, ok?" he kissed the top of my head. I nodded and gasped. "Hey, are you going to study with me?" I asked. He blinked in surprise.

"Please? Pretty please? Pretty please with a cherry on top?!" I whined kissing him. A heartwarming smile lit up his face. "Of course, I will!" he pinched my cheeks. I smiled at him lovingly. "I love this smile!" I giggled tracing his smile with my fingertip. He froze and watched me carefully. "I love you Amaryllis. Now go to bed. You don't want to worry your brother." he waved me towards the common room. I turned back and jumped into his arms. "You mean the world to me Neville. Don't you ever forget that." I kissed him softly.

I sat in the library catching up on my studies and reading through the notes my friends had o kindly taken for me. It didn't take me long to get caught up only an hour. I started on my music assignment. Neville's hands landed on either side of me, and he leaned over and kissed my cheek. "How are you done with this much work already?" he chuckled. "I'm a secret genius and international spy working hard every day to bring peace to our world." I posed like a spy finger gun and all.

"Go back to studying. I need to get a book." Neville walked away shaking his head. his shoulders shook as he tried not to laugh. He came back with his arms full of plant books. I shifted in my seat, so I was leaning against him as I read my book on different music styles and genres. "Nev." I whispered. he hmmed in response. "What's this plant they're talking about?" I pointed to a page in my book. I listened diligently as he explained and kissed his cheek as thanks. A light blush dusted his cheeks, and I kissed his cheek once more before turning back to my book.

He left for one of his classes and I buckled down trying to absorb as much information as I could. I felt a pang in my heart like I was being stabbed with a sword. I leapt up leaving everything as I raced out of the library ignoring Madam Pince's outraged cries. The pang grew stronger as I neared one of the boy's bathrooms. I could hear Myrtle screaming bloody murder inside. Snape whisked past hurrying inside. The pang slowly faded, and I heard Snape telling someone off inside. he came out with Draco whose robes were a bloody mess. My eyes widened in fear. "He'll be fine, but I need to get him to Madam Pomfrey. Follow me Ms. Malfoy." he ordered. I ran after him trying to keep up and keep my emotions at bay until I was given the run down of what happened.

I held Draco's hand. He barely had a pulse and he looked like hell. "What were you doing dummy?! I need you to wake up!" I sniffled and tilted my head up blinking back the tears. "He was dueling in the bathroom with Mr. Potter. I've fixed most of the damage so he should be fine in your care. I have to go back and question Mr. Potter. Let me know when Mr. Malfoy wakes up." Snape muttered and strode from the room.

I held his hand with both of mine and put my head down. I went to move when Madam Pomfrey did her check-up, but she shook her head and motioned for me to stay put. "Maybe singing his favorite song would help bring him around." she offered me a sympathetic smile. I nodded and started singing some of his favorite songs from when we were kids. His pulse began to return to normal and Madam Pomfrey gave him the necessary medicine.

Draco groaned and opened his eyes slowly. "I feel like hell." he croaked. "And you look like it too." I scoffed. his eyes flickered to mine. "Why are you crying Lis?" he tried to sit up but couldn't. I hadn't realized I was crying. I couldn't hold back my emotions any longer and cried like a baby. Draco patted my head telling me he was ok all the while. "Don't scare me like that!" I smacked his arm. "I'm fine Lis. Please stop crying." Draco wiped my tears away. I pouted and sniffled.

Pansy came running in after classes let out and sat next to me. I filled her in on what had happened. "I thought you were studying in the library today?" Draco groaned. I explained what I felt in the library. Neville came in with my things. Draco and Neville shared a silent exchange and Neville tapped my shoulder. I stood up slowly and he led me outside. I shuffled slowly feeling lightheaded. Neville wrapped his arms around me when he noticed. "I have to tell mother. I have to let her know what happened." I mumbled but my feet gave way.

If Neville hadn't been holding me, I would've fallen to the floor. "I can't. I just can't. Can I stay here in your arms for a little while?" I mumbled. "Follow me just a little further, ok?" he lifted my chin. I nodded and wrapped an arm around his waist as he led me through the school. I didn't pay attention to where we were going. He stopped walking and I looked around realizing we were at the alcove. He sat down and sat in his lap burying my face in his neck.

"You can tell me what happened or cry it out. I'm here for whatever you need." Neville held me tightly. I bawled as I told him what occurred and what I felt when I was in the library. I started hiccupping and my tears fell faster. The sniffling returned and I looked at his uniform realizing the part where I had my face was soaked to the skin. I poked at it and looked at him with apologetic eyes. He didn't say anything but switched me to the other side which was still dry and put my head on his shoulder.

"Your robes…" I pointed at the tear-stained cloth. He shushed me and tightened his hold. I still felt a slight chill, so I straddled his lap wrapping my arms around him. He caught the hint and wrapped his robes around me. I still shivered no matter how close I was. "I'm scared." I whispered. I felt Neville shaking and leaned back enough to look at him. a mix of emotions flickered across his face from sadness to anger. I put my hands on his face and he relaxed. I leaned in close, so our lips and foreheads touched. "Stay. Don't ever leave me. I need you. I love you." I mumbled.

"Lis, I'm not going anywhere. You don't have to worry. I love you so much. I need you in my life. I can't stand it when we're apart." he whispered. I kissed him softly and rested my head on his shoulder taking a quick nap. He tapped me until I woke up. "You need to eat." he mumbled. I nodded and let him lead me to the Great Hall for dinner. My friends were waiting outside. "Can you make sure she eats?" Neville asked. They nodded and from the way they looked at me I knew they knew. Hell, the whole damn school probably knew by now whether they said something or not.

Daphne wrapped an arm around me as she led me inside. I felt like people were watching me secretly. I ate without paying much attention. I hated the fact that I cut my hair. I wanted to hide but I had nothing. Shivering I put my fork down when I was done eating. Daphne put an arm around me. "We're here for you." she whispered. I nodded and took out a quill and parchment writing to mother about what happened. "I'm going to go send this letter to mother." I mumbled.

"You're going to the owlry?" Theo was confused. "No, I'm calling the owl to the courtyard." I muttered grabbing my bag. I shuffled out of the hall and into the courtyard. I whistled low and sadly. The owl came swooping down and looked at me. I whistled a mournful note as I slipped the letter into the carrier. It took off repeating the mournful note. I collapsed onto the ground. I curled up and looked at the night sky.

Daphne came out to get me and I followed her back inside. Neville was leaning against the wall waiting. I ran into his arms. "Are you ok?" Neville whispered. I didn't answer. "Are you going to be waiting for me here in the morning?" I mumbled. "Of course, I am. I'll be waiting right here. You need to get some rest. You're worn out. Go on." he waved to someone behind me. He kissed my cheek before letting Daphne led me to the dorm. I spent the rest of the week attached to Neville, Daphne, Katrina, or Jessie when I was visiting Draco in the Hospital Wing. Once Draco was released from the Hospital Wing, I felt a bit better, but I kept a watchful eye on him at all times.

I rolled over in bed unable to stay asleep. The feeling something was wrong kept turning up in my mind. I finally got out of bed and wandered up the stairs to find chaos. There was a massive duel going on and I hid behind a statue as Death Eaters fled from the castle. My eyes scanned the chaos looking for the two people I needed to find. I nearly left my hiding place when Draco ran past being pushed by Snape. "What about Lis?!" Draco shouted. "Your sister will be fine. She can handle herself better than you!" Snape snapped at Draco pushing him out onto the grounds. Harry followed them out chased by several other Death Eaters.

Once they were far enough away, I bolted up the stairs from where they had come from. I made it all the way up to the Hospital Wing and was greeted by a bunch of people who looked like they'd been dueling. They stared at me, but I was only looking for one person. "Lis?" Neville stood up. I raced over hugging him tightly ignoring the shocked looks. "Are you ok?" I whispered. "I'm fine." he mumbled kissing the top of my head. "Are you going to check u on Luna too?" he wondered. "No, I already know she's fine." I buried my face in his neck. "What's going on there?" I heard Lupin ask.

They must've started whispering because I didn't hear anything else. There was a commotion as more people came in. While everyone was distracted by the newcomers, I examined Neville. "Madam Pomfrey already fixed me up. Lis, I'm fine. I promise." Neville mumbled. Tsking, I stopped examining him and let myself be content with him holding me. "Are you ok? I saw my aunt earlier." I mumbled. "I'm fine. What about you? You didn't go with them." Neville sat down pulling me onto his lap.

"I'm not allowed to go home without an invitation. It's too dangerous. They'll let me know when I can go home. It'll be harder for you to visit this summer too." I sighed. Slowly I could feel people watching us again though they said nothing. Luna came over and I jumped up hugging her. "See, I told you she'd be fine. Remember when you guys fought at the Ministry. She was fine then and she's fine now." I pouted looking at Neville. Luna held onto me tightly. "How'd you make it through all the rubble?" Luna asked.

"I hid behind a statue. Everyone ran right by me without even noticing. I've been trained from a young age to make myself invisible." I mumbled. Luna's eyes widened and hurried to stop her tears that were forming. "THEY are always at the house and mother is very protective of me and Draco. It's a safety precaution." I explained. "When you say 'THEY are always at the house' do you mean…" Luna trailed off. "Yes, it was part of the reason mother agreed to let me move out. The way THEY look at people… is just so… ugh!" I shivered in disgust.

"Your Amaryllis Malfoy! I've seen you on the cover of the Prophet a few times." a woman that I guessed must've been Mrs. Weasley held out her hand. I shook her hand shyly. "You must be Ginny's mum." I smiled. "This is the first time I've met you. How do you know.." she trailed off. "Ron's Howler in second year. I recognized your voice." I tapped my ear. She blushed and I bit my lip. "Since you guys are ok, I'm going to go back to my dorm." I hugged Luna. I turned and kissed Neville goodbye and headed out. I could hear Neville being questioned as I walked down the hall.

I was halfway back to my dorm when I ran into Harry. I backed away as he made eye contact. "Can we talk for a minute?" he mumbled. "Are you going to hurt me too?" I whimpered still backing up. "I just want to talk. Nothing more nothing less." he held up his hands. "Neville told me about what you felt the day Draco and I had the duel in the bathroom. I'm sorry for my recklessness. I know I should've said something sooner. I'm sorry." his tone was apologetic, and I met his eyes. "What do you want me to say? You hurt him. I know you two don't get along, but that spell was too dangerous. Especially when you had no idea what it would do. What the hell?! I'm sorry but you'll have to look for your forgiveness elsewhere." I sniffled trying to stop the tears.

Harry took a step forward. "Hit me then. Neville hit me already and I think if you hit me too then you'll feel better. Go on. Hit me." he walked over until he was within hitting distance. "Oh, there you are. Harry what are you doing?" Neville hurried over looking thoroughly harassed. "Did you hit Harry? He wants me to hit him." I mumbled. Neville and Harry shared a few looks before Neville waved me forward. I sighed and focused on any leftover anger I might have. "Are you sure about this? do you remember what happened to Pansy when I was mad at her?" I stalled. Harry winced and looked less sure but still nodded.

I pulled my arm back and punched him in the stomach sending him flying down the hall. "I used too much force I'm sorry!" I shrieked and ran to help him up. Neville helped me get him up. "There's nothing to be sorry about." Harry gasped in pain. "My brother is a bit of a dumb ass from time to time and he acts like he owns the ground he walks on but he's a big softie on this inside like a marshmallow. He wasn't always like this you know. You have to remember everyone was raised differently and we just so happened to be raised by Death Eaters. We've had our emotions taken away and the 'proper' lifestyle beaten into us from a young age." I sighed as I followed them to the Hospital Wing.

Harry nodded listening carefully. "After the duel I sent mother a letter and she told me Voldemort threatened to kill us if Draco didn't complete his mission. Draco idolized the Death Eater lifestyle until the moment he realized what it truly meant. My brother is not the person you think he is. None of us are. We don't aim to play the villain. You have people who truly care for you. Did you know that Draco is terrified of our father and the moment you got him sent to Azkaban last year he felt relief instead of sadness? He's a good person who's being forced down the wrong path." I continued.

The two stopped walking I stared at me. "I know. I 've always known. I knew over the summer when we were invited to attend the meetings that Voldemort wanted to use us as pawns to get what he wanted. I love this place. I love the diversity. I don't want that to change. Snape completed Draco's mission for him, didn't he? My brother doesn't have the heart for this lifestyle. He likes studying and learning. He isn't a killer. Draco is a curious kid trapped in a shell of our parents' making." I ran my fingers through my hair.

"Whatever mission you're being sent on please think first. Think things through and trust in your heart. Focus on what you can do and live with. Everything you do effects everyone around whether you see it now or 50 years from now." I pulled Harry into a warm hug. I watched as Harry stumbled into the wing and turned to Neville. I gasped as he pulled me to his chest.

"I'll be ok. Don't worry. I'll be fine. Darling mother and Draco won't let anything bad happen to me." I whispered the longer he held me. "I don't think I can. I want to hold you a bit longer. I didn't know. Why didn't you tell me?! You can tell me anything you know that right?" Neville's hold tightened. I smiled and buried my face in his chest. "I know but hen you'd be worrying about me and I'd rather see you smile than be worrying." I mumbled.

Neville lifted my head and kissed me. I stared into his eyes. "Next year is going to be different. We probably won't be able to spend time like this anymore until this is all over…" Neville kissed me again. I blinked up at him confused as to why he cut me off. "I don't understand why you're talking like that little flower. Are we not in this for the long run? We can make it through one last year. Do you trust me?" he whispered the last part putting my hands over his heart. I nodded. "I trust you." I whispered as he pulled me to him.

I looked out the train window and noticed we were nearing the station. I hopped off of Neville's lap, but he whined and pulled me back. I straddled his lap and ran my hands through his hair. "Oh, come on. I have to go!" I whined back. He cupped my face and kissed me softly. "You forgot to kiss me." he pouted. "I didn't forget silly. I was just going get my bags down." I pushed him back onto the seat kissing him with everything I had. I sighed and put my forehead against his. "I love you darling." I gazed into his eyes lovingly.

"I love you too. Now go lie to your mother about your relationship status." he winked. I got off his lap and sprayed myself with perfume. Neville watched me with a smile as I fixed my hair and skirt. "Hey, you forgot something." Neville held out the peacock bracelet and I held out my hand. He put it on my wrist kissing my hand. I blushed and tsked at him as I switched from my sneakers to a pair of kitten heels.

I reached up to get Maria and Neville whistled. My blush darkened and I rolled my eyes. I saw Jason walk by and hurried to get the rest of my things. I waved Neville down the train and tried to focus on the emotions I should be portraying. Kat and Jess appeared on either side of me ready to go. I thought back to my first music trip when Neville's jacket stopped smelling like him and when I heard about Neville and the others battle at the Ministry.

Tears splashed onto my cheeks and they led me off the train. I couldn't see through the tears. "Oh, Amaryllis dear! What's wrong?! How long has she been like this?" mother demanded. I launched myself into her arms. I listened as Katrina and Jessie gave mother the break down. To my relief it sounded authentic and not rehearsed. "I want to go." I pleaded. Jason made his way over and handed over one of my journals.

Mother snatched it up. "Sorry it didn't work out Lis. There's no way a Slytherin is smarter than a Ravenclaw. Here, you know what you need to fix so stop asking me. We're over. Try finding happiness on your own. I am not your little project!" he scoffed. Mother stood in front of me and glared at him until he took several steps back. "Who are you to judge MY daughter?! Hmm?! I suggest you remove yourself from my sight young man. Now!" she snapped. "Mother let's go. I want to go." I tugged on her robes.

She shot him one last look and turned back to me. "Amaryllis you are much better than that. You deserve better. People like that will only hurt you. Do you understand me? you need someone who smiles at you when you're being stubborn and refuse to listen." she hugged me. I nodded with my eyes for Jason to leave and a look of relief flickered onto his face. "Mother? Is everything ok? I feel like something is wrong." I whispered as she led me away from watchful eyes. She gave me a look that told me to wait.

"You actually cut your hair without me telling you." she sounded sad. She helped us take our things to the house and I closed my door behind us. She waved her hand at the door doing enchantments prevent eavesdropping as I let Maria out of her cage. "You know I talked to Draco when he got home. Come here dear. I normally like to talk when I'm cutting you hair, but you've taken that away from me. You've been independent from a young age and I've never known how to get through to you just how much I love and adore you." Mother held out a hand to me.

We sat on my bed as she talked. "I'm so sorry my dear child that I didn't see your true feelings. I love both you and Draco so much. I'd do anything for you two, ANYTHING!" she sniffled. I curled up on my bed putting my head in her lap. She stroked my hair with one hand while the other rubbed my shoulder. "Tell me what happened this year." she whispered and so I did. I left out any parts containing Neville or that she would disagree with. "Ugh, and then Draco made Crabbe take Polyjuice potion to spy on me and my friends when we were trying on swimsuits." I shivered.

Mother's hands froze. "What? Repeat that." she kept her vice even but there was a fire in her eyes. "Apparently we were being too suspicious. Snape knows about it too. I was adjusting mine when Pansy opened the door. It turned into this whole ordeal and Draco nearly punched Crabbe because he kept staring at my chest after that." I covered myself with my blanket. "Don't you have to do that photoshoot soon?" mother sounded worried. "Elaine already said it's no big deal if we wear things we're comfortable in. Oh, did you see the article in the Prophet about the half unicorn half Abraxon Kat, Jess, and I helped birth. Wasn't it just wild?" I looked up at her.

I watched until mother had vanished down the street. "Are you ok? You guys talked for hours." Jessie looked up as I closed the door. I nodded. "I even sang her the song I wrote about how I felt growing up. I think we're finally able to begin to understand each other." I smiled and finger combed my hair back. Jess smiled and Kat came out her room from her nap. "Is mother Malfoy gone? How'd she react when you told her about the swimsuit issue?" she mumbled groggily. My eyes went wide and I shivered. "I think she'll talk to Draco first and then act from there. Either way she's livid. I've personally never seen her so outraged in my life." I confessed.

I was packing for the trip when the doorbell rang. Jessie was out with Charlie and Katrina was in the kitchen with Theo. I went to the door since the other two were a giggly mess in the kitchen and not paying attention. I opened the door and found Neville standing there. I dragged him inside before he could speak. "Are you crazy?!" I whispered checking for any Death Eaters. I closed the door and secured it. Kat and Theo stared in shock as I dragged him to my room slamming the door behind me.

"What the hell were you thinking?! Are you crazy?! Do you have a death wish? You are such an idiot!" I hit his chest as tears filled my eyes. He pulled me to him and I sniffled. "I had to come see you before your trip. I'm sorry it was reckless. I couldn't help myself." he mumbled. He was holding me so close I couldn't hit him. "Did I worry you? I'm sorry." he kissed the top of my head. I let my hands fall to my sides.

"You are a reckless idiot, Neville." I sniffled. "Aww, don't cry." he lifted my head as my sniffling continued. I stared at him trying to get the sniffling to cease. "What we're you doing before I showed up?" he rubbed my back calming me down. I put my head on his chest and whined. There was a knock on the door and Neville sat me down on the couch before answering it. I laid down and listened as Theo and Neville had a short conversation. The door closed and I smelled pizza, pasta, cake, and popcorn. "Theo and Kat dropped off some food. Come on." Neville walked over and held out a hand.

I stared at it hesitantly before standing up on the couch and jumping into his arms. "I was packing but I haven't had anything to eat today. I'm hungry." I mumbled. "Pizza first? Or maybe you want the popcorn?" Neville kissed my cheek. "I want the pasta and the pizza. I can tell by the smell the popcorn is caramel and cheddar." I smiled. He put me down and I turned the tv on and picked out movie while Neville put the food on the table. I put my feet in his lap and cracked open a butterbeer. "Why are you packing so much?" Neville mumbled staring at my suitcases.

I cleared my throat. "We got invited to do some performances while we're there, so we won't until the week before school starts." I watched him carefully. He nodded and picked up another slice. "I'll probably be seeing that in the paper, right?" he muttered. My shoulders fell and I stuck out my lower lip in a full pout. "Don't be like that! Elaine and Dylan will be making sure we're comfortable. Uh, how do I word this? Our clothes and such won't be too showy if we're uncomfortable. You can look through my stuff I've picked out if you want." I sat on my knees and leaned forward.

"After we're done eating." he held a forkful of pasta up to my mouth and opened my mouth wide enough to take a bite. I placed my empty butterbeer on the table and laid back on the couch full to bursting and content. Neville smiled and poked my stomach. I tried to tug my shirt down, but Neville began tickling me and I giggled uncontrollably as I tried to stop him. I straddled his waist keeping close so he couldn't tickle me. My chest brushed his as I caught my breath. "Not fair! I was having fun." Neville pouted a small blush on his cheeks from how close we were.

"I do need to breathe silly, and I still haven't finished packing either." I looked sadly at the mess of clothes on my bed. "Why the sad look?" he tucked my hair behind my ears. "I'm going to miss your birthday this year!" I whined. He bit his lip and looked at the ceiling. "I'm not going to be able to your birthday with you but I'm not complaining." Neville countered. "What does my birthday have to do with this? Your birthday is much more important than mine. My birthday isn't for a while, right?" I tilted my head. "How are you so smart but you can't remember your own birthday." he groaned.

I leaned back and he smiled. "Your birthday is before mine silly girl." Neville mumbled still looking at the ceiling. I slid off his lap and went to finish packing embarrassed I forgot my birthday again. Neville put his head on my shoulder and wrapped his arms around me. "Get off me you giant." I mumbled putting my shoes into a suitcase. "I am not a giant you're just on the shorter side love." Neville teased. I grabbed one of my pillows and hit him over the head with it.

A raging giggly pillow fight ensued. I tried to run but he wrapped an arm around my waist, and we fell backwards onto my bed. "Take it back." I panted. He chuckled and poked my side. "I stated a fact. Don't be mad at me. Be mad at genetics." he pinched my cheek. I sat up and he watched me with bated breath. I grabbed a new pillow and started hitting him. Most of my hits missed or he blocked them. I was running out of steam again.

Neville flipped us over wrenching the pillow from my grasp and pinning my hands above my head. "You need to finish packing." he reminded me. I squirmed and he smiled. "Are you going to hit me with a pillow again?" he asked not letting go. I shrugged and he tsked. "Fine! I won't hit you with a pillow again. Now let me up." I squirmed again. He rolled to the side and I finished packing.