A/N: Here's another chapter. Enjoy:))

Chapter 107: Not really a break

It wasn't like any other previous break. Summer at Hogwarts usually consisted of me blasting music, staying in pajamas all day long, eating in the kitchen, trying to make upper years' potions, writing letters and other things that kids usually did when left home alone.

But this time I wasn't alone. Most of the teachers were part of the Order so they kept coming over to talk to Dumbledore, and in the first two weeks they didn't even leave at all; they stayed at the castle and put up all sorts of complicated protection spells.

That was why I spent so much time in my room. I managed to find out everything that was happening in both the Muggle and Wizarding world through coded letters to and from my friends; Fred and George assured me that everything was good on Diagon Alley. Sure, some stores closed, but no one got kidnapped or killed and there weren't any Death Eaters roaming the place, and that was all that mattered. Harry was safe, and mostly left alone by aunt Petunia and uncle Vernon. Dudley was out with his gang the greater part of the day, so he was free to do whatever he wanted as long as he didn't get into anyone's way.

Out of everyone, Ron and Ginny had the biggest surprise upon arriving at the Burrow; their mother was inexplicably angry, and they soon found out why: Bill came home, and not alone, but with Fleur Delacour. They met at the Ministry soon after the Triwizard Tournament, and got along rather well, he showed her around and it was not long before they fell in love; they were going to get married just before the beginning of our seventh year. Mrs Weasley couldn't stand her unfortunately, but there was nothing she could do about their decision.

Just a month into the holiday, Dumbledore came back from a trip. They were rather usual, he went away all the time, but it was different. The only ones left at the castle were Selene, Dumbledore, Minnie and Sev. So the three of them waited for the headmaster at the edge of the grounds when he came back. As soon as he apparated, he lost his balance and fell. Sev caught him, saw something and froze. He helped Dumbledore up and his expression had changed from neutral to something between anger and worry.

"What was it? And why on Merlin's beard did you have to touch it? You should've known better than that."

"It was, I thought, Severus-"

"Whatever is it that you want to say, you can say it later. Let's just get you inside."

He exchanged a few looks with Minnie and started walking.

"What happened? Why is he like that? Is he hurt?"

"Selene, I don't really know what happened, but you should get to your room. And please stay there this time, don't wander. Whatever it is, it's going to be okay. Go now."

"Ok then. But when you do find out, please tell me. " I ran up to the entrance and made my way to my room, passing through the Grey Lady on my way.

"Ooh, what is it child, why are you running like that? Did you not see me?"

"I'm sorry, I have to get back. Something's happened and professor McGonagall thought it would be better for me to go to my room."

"Hmm, the guts of children these days. When I was young..."

It was pretty late and I decided there wasn't much left to do anyway so I went to sleep. The view from my bed was beautiful. The arched ceiling had glowing stars and constellations painted on it. It wasn't real, like in the great hall, or moving, just a normal painting with a spell on it so it would glow; I didn't even paint it, Dumbledore did it for me, because I was awful at art, in any form of it. I liked staying up at night, looking at those stars, naming the constellations and pretending I was actually good at astronomy. I could pass the class, yes, but it was impossible for me to ever find a new star, since I barely knew where the actual ones were.

I don't know how long it took, and don't remember it happened, but at some point I should've fell asleep, since in the morning I woke up, remembering next to nothing about the previous night, other than the chilly air of the mountains surrounding the school.

It was pretty late, almost noon, but upon entering the kitchen, and inhaling the smell of fresh out of the oven chocolate chip cookies, I decided I couldn't say no to a delicious breakfast. After filling my stomach and walking up the stairs, I remembered about the incident and decided to go check on Dumbledore and maybe find out what happened that made Sev so angry with him and Minnie so worried. I mean, how bad could it be?

I knocked on the door and as soon as I heard a faint 'come in' I entered. At the desk was sitting Dumbledore, obviously still exhausted, almost falling asleep in his chair. His right hand was blackened and wrinkled, looking like it could turn to ash if anyone touched it. Sev held it, examining the burn or whatever it was, being careful not to cause the headmaster any pain, but it wasn't that easy.

"What made you think it didn't carry a curse anymore? They last fat longer than the objects they are held in, so it didn't matter that it was destroyed. But why, why did you have to do it!?"

"I'm an old man Severus, and what is life without a bit of adventure every now and then?"

"Not this kind of adventure. What if it killed you on the spot?"

"Well, it didn't. But it's obviously going to at some point, so, how much do I have?"

"A few months, maybe a year if we take care of you. But-"

"What!? He's dying? But h-why? Why can't you save him?" They both turned to me, seeming to have forgotten that I was there, hence the surprise on their faces. I walked up to them, wanting to take a look at what happened to Dumbledore. But I couldn't get any closer than four feet away. It was making me feel sick and nauseous.

"That's dark magic. How?"

"That is, I'm afraid, not something that you are supposed to know Selene. I'm sorry." He took out his wand and pointed it at me. 'Obliviate' I blacked out for a couple of minutes, trying to hold tight to that memory but I couldn't.

What was I doing in the headmaster's office again?

"Uh, what was I saying?"

"You were asking us about when are you leaving to Grimmauld Place."

"Right. But I didn't get my answer. "

"In a couple of weeks. There are still a few things left to do here and then I'll take you."

"Thanks Sev."

I started packing my things and sent letters to everyone. Two weeks was a long time, but then again, there was never enough time to pack.