A/N: Here's another chapter. Enjoy

Chapter 113: The Dark Mark

Harry didn't come around.

And the first days of the Malfoy's at the Order' headquarters were...quiet. Neither of them came out of their rooms at all. If it wasn't for Draco's constant fretting in my head, I would've been worried. Mrs Weasley advised us all to give them so space, because "they will talk to us when they're ready". She was the one taking food to them, and the only one in the house who actually even saw them. But she didn't want to tell us anything about it.

Not that my brother was keen on having a nice talk with him over a cup of tea; no, he had been sitting on pins and needles since the door opened that day. Sometimes we even forgot the two were there, at dinner with Tonks making faces or while Fred and George came by. But it never lasted long.

"I am certain he is one of them. I mean, he did threaten Borgin."

"You do realize there are other means of threatening someone than with a Dark Mark, right?"

"But he has to be. To take his father's place, because he's in Azkaban."

"There's one think I don't understand though. Why do you insist on believing this? I mean, I know he's not the nicest person in Hogwarts, but a Death Eater? Don't you think that's a bit of a stretch?"

"Why are you taking his side? You were there that day with me."

"I was, but as I told you countless times before, I never saw his arm so your suspicions could be confirmed. And even if he had it, that doesn't necessarily mean he wanted it."

"Yes it does. That's how it works."

"No it's not Harry, Selene is right. I mean, I'm not a fan of this example, but look at Snape."

"That's different."

"It is, but it only shows that that Mark doesn't define you."

I got out of the room, not wanting to argue about it anymore, almost slamming the door after me. I later realized that meant I almost woke Mrs Black up and shuddered at the thought.

I went downstairs, plopping down on the couch. What now? We still had almost a month before the start of the term and I didn't think anyone in the house could stand the current situation much longer. But my train of thought was interrupted by a shout from the kitchen.

"Kids, your OWL results are here!!"

I quickly got up and took the envelope with my name on it. It contained a list of school supplies, and one of the OWL results, that had the Ministry' stamp on it.

"But how did these get here? The house is hidden."

"Arthur took them from the Magical Education office and let them here."

Soon, the Harry, Ron and Hermione came too and we all looked over our results.

"It's not bad."

Potter, Selene Alia

Results of the OWL examinations

Ancient Runes- E

History of Magic -A

Muggle Studies -O

Astronomy- A

Care of Magical Creatures- E

Charms- O

Defense Against the Dark Arts- O

Herbology -E

Potions- O

Transfiguration- O

Divination- P

"That's great Selene, you passed everything."

" Almost. I got a P in Divination. But it's not that important. You?"

"Passed them. It's ok. I could've done better though."

"Mione, you only got O's and two E's. We told you there was nothing to worry about."

"Ron? Harry?"

"We both actually passed Divination. But we failed History of Magic."

"But..."

"What?"

"We only got E in Potions. And Snape only accepts students with O in his NEWT class."

"We'll fix it Harry. Somehow. Let's just have fun while we still can."

" With Malfoy here? I don't think so."

"Ok that's it. We can't keep this going.Harry, you've been complaining about that for so long. And I see no one is going to say anything about it, but I have to stay in the same room as you and it's even worse. I know you can't stand him, it's not like I do, but come on, you won't enjoy your break because he is in the same house as you?"

Out of everyone in the house, Ron was the last one I could have ever expected to take Draco's side. But I guess Harry's nagging does wonders.

As they continued to argue, I asked Mrs Weasley to give me Draco's envelope.

"I'll take it to him."

"Selene dear, I don't know if it's a good idea. He's not in the best state and if you lose your temper-"

"Believe me Mrs Weasley, I may not be the calmest person, but I can control myself in this case. I promise I won't lash out at him."

She looked at me for a moment, considering the options and finally sighted.

"Ok then. But please be careful. I don't think he's been sleeping much either."

"I know." I whispered to myself as I turned around and slipped through the door and up the stairs. His sleep has been troubled, with flashes of red eyes and a huge snake and of that awful dark room. The only time he managed to sleep was during the day, when the loud sounds in the house and the occasional screaming rants of Mrs Black scared the nightmares away.

I knocked gently at the door and waited for any sign that I could enter. I got no answer so I decided to ask.

"Draco, are you awake?"

"I think so. Is that you?"

"Yes. I got your OWL results. If you want them, of course."

"Come in."

The trunk in the corner was not even open, though Draco was laying in the bed in a pyjama top and sweatpants. Black, as always. Other than that, the room was not very different from the others. Dark wallpaper with the Slytherin and the Black crests carved in the headboard of the bed, a big window and a spacious wardrobe.

"Muggle clothing? tsk tsk..."

"Yeah, yeah, very creative of you, what can I say? They're actually very comfortable. Even more than silk pyjamas."

"I know, I have a drawer full of them. Now,"

As I walked up to his bed and sat on the edge, he got up and placed himself as far from me as possible.

"Here." I held the big envelope in front of him and he took it. He passed everything, just like Hermione.

"That's great. Those are great marks."

"I guess so."

"Are you feeling better?"

"Well I'm away from him for a start. And my mother is safe now. That's good I guess. But this..." He rolled up his left sleeve and turned his arm so the Dark Mark was right before my eyes."is horrible."

It looked even uglier on his pale skin. Made my heart sink. Like I couldn't believe it actually was there before I saw it with my own eyes.

I hesitantly stretched my fingers forward and touched it. He didn't flinch. At least it wasn't hurting him anymore. But that didn't change the fact that he couldn't get rid of it, no matter how much he wanted to.

"I'm sorry. I really am; back in our second year-"

"Look, if you're going to bring up my Boggart again, you might as well not say anything at all. That was a long time ago, and a lot of things changed. But there is something that I think you should see." his features contorted to form a curious and slightly worried look, as I did with my sleeve just like he did mere moments before. And then I turned my arm.

"But how-?"

"We were right. It is a scar. And it's also oozing with dark magic. It's not like we can do anything about it."

"And it is my fa-"

"No. Please stop blaming yourself for everything. You did what you had to in order to keep yourself and your mother safe. Besides, it's not that bad. They don't know yet though, so keep quiet about this please. I can't do anything about it though. It's like its power is spreading. I can't morph this arm at all."

"This isn't good. At all."

"It's not the worst thing that could've happened either. We just have to be careful. And you can't spend all your time here. I know you don't really get along with the others, but you have to get out of here and talk to them a bit at least; and Narcissa too. " I put a (hopefully) comforting hand over his entwined fingers and he looked up at me.

"I'll try. You're right, I can't hide, I'm a Slytherin after all." he said, rising his chin in the air with a small smirk gracing his lips.

"Oh, dear, you all and your house superstitions."

It was a small step, but it was still progress.

I knew they would never be friends, but at least I hoped to get them to be civil towards each other.