Okay, kid's, this is a big one, blood sweat and tears went into this, I hope it does justice to what you were expecting from this moment. Atria is really gonna come out of shell this chapter and you're going to see a bit of a different side to her. this is the longest chapter yet and I hope you love it.

As usual please favourite, follow and review.

all but atria belong to JK

so let's get to it

Godfather


The players pelted through the sky. Ravenclaw vs Gryffindor in the second match of the year. Atria stood among her fellow Slytherins in the bleachers, watching as the players flew past the stands.

Harry, flying his brand new firebolt zoomed through the skies with amazing speed. No one was able to catch up to him, Cho Chang was left floundering behind him just trying to keep up.

Atria watched, cheering for Ravenclaw, because to cheer for Gryffindor would count as a serious offence against her own house. But still, she could silently cheer on Harry.

Soon enough the Gryffindor seeker spotted the glittering ball on the other side of the field. He sped to catch the snitch his hand outstretching as he crossed the field in record time. But the game was interrupted, Harry was met halfway by three large cloaked dementors stopping him from going any further.

Harry pulled out his wand. Atria could not hear the spell he cast, but a bright white light extruded from his wand, startling the dementors who plummeted to the ground.

Gryffindor cheered as Harry sped forward clasping his hands around the snitch. Slytherin letting out a round of boos and whines.

But Atria was focused on something else. The dementors lay on the ground, rolling around in agony and Atria watched as they began to grotesquely split. It was like someone had cut them across the torso. But that wasn't all. Swimming around in the large black cloaks, Atria spotted a head of platinum blonde hair. She looked in closer to see the dementors had not been dementors at all. While she had wondered what had kept Draco from a game, a game he never liked to miss. She now knew where he had been. Enacting a cruel joke that had backfired completely.

Atria strode into the Slytherin common room where Draco paced in his 'dementor' cloaks, his fellow pranksters having had probably run off someplace else seeing as he was alone.

"Are you stupid!" She exclaimed storming up to Draco as he roughly pulled the costume off over his head, he didn't look to be in a very good mood.

"Excuse me?" He said to her, his hair ruffled and slightly out of breath.

"What the hell was that?" She demanded from him "What were you thinking?" Atria asked genuinely wanting to know how he had come up with this stupid plan. What was running through his head while he sat atop Goyle's shoulders pretending to be a dementor?

"It was just a prank Atria," he said walking past her about to go to his room not caring for her thoughts or opinions.

Atria moved in front of him, stopping him from reaching the doorway, "Not a funny one," She said sternly.

Draco rolled his eyes at her attempts to intervene, "You don't think so, some might disagree," he said arrogantly staring down at her, obviously very pleased with himself.

"What would your father think," Atria said trying to get through to him, "Making a fool of yourself like that out on the quidditch pitch."

He scoffed at her, but then again Lucius' hand had always been firmer with her rather than his son.

"Someone could have been seriously hurt, yourself included," Atria said getting frustrated, he treated it as he did everything. A big joke.

"The only one who could have been hurt was Potter," Draco said smugly running a hand through his hair. "And that would not bother me in the slightest."

"Well, it would have bothered me," Atria heard herself say before she could stop herself. That had Draco's smug smirk falling. His face fell until impassive and for a moment they both stood waiting.

"What was that?" he said dangerously, before moving in on her slowly.

"Nothing," Atria said nervously shaking her head, suddenly not caring about this conversation anymore. "It's just you would have been held accountable if something happened to him."

Draco's head titled as he smiled but not out of humour, his eyebrows raised as he continued to press the subject," It sounds like you actually care if something happens to him."

Atria shook her head trying to brush it all off, "Stop putting words in my mouth Draco, I did not say that."

But she had ticked a nerve with her words. Draco seemed to see it as a bone to pick. "No you said it would bother you if something happened to him," he said still moving closer backing her up. "So slightly bother or really upset, just how much would it bother you," he said, his voice getting more constrained and a red mist slowly falling over his eyes.

Atria just shook her head before going to move away from him, "I won't talk to you when you're like this."

He sidestepped her, standing tall in front of her, refusing to let her pass, "Like what?" He asked through his teeth.

"I think that's enough Draco," Atria said softly, and the edge to her voice told him she wasn't lying. Her self control was by no means a fragile thing but she left the room before he had another opportunity to crack it.


Atria felt a hand shake her awake as she lay in bed that night. Professor McGonagall's fuzzy figure filled her vision as she blinked her eyes open.

"Professor what.."

"No time dear," she said warmly, "Now come along, quietly," she said before turning and leaving the dormitory in mystery. Her fellow roommates all still slept, so why was it that she was the only one being woken up.

She stood quickly, wrapping herself in her dressing gown, grabbing her wand and leaving the dormitory. McGonagall was standing at the Slytherin doorway waiting for Atria before they left into the dark corridors of the colossal castle.

"Professor, What going on?" Atira asked as the moved throng the castle, confused by all the fuss that ensued around her. A lot of people were awake, wizards and witches with their lit wands walked through the castle as if trying to find something, but Atria continued to hurry forward.

"Everything will be explained later for now just listen and do as your told, alright," McGonagall said placing a hand on Atria's back as the walked up the stairs leading to the headmaster's chambers.

The headmaster office was lit with a red glow from the fireplace, Lupin and Dumbledore stood in its dimly lit depths.

"Excellent," Dumbledore said smiling at Atria as she walked through the doors.

Remus watching as she did. Atria approached Dumbledore directly, she tried to take as little notice to Remus's presence as possible, "Sir what's happening?" Atria asked walking further into the room.

"That must come later miss Black. Right now we feel it is best if you leave the caste. Just for the night," Dumbledore explained, It felt like he was rushing as he lead her further into the room towards the fireplace. Her eyes flicked over to professor Lupin who watched her cautiously.

"Leave?" Atria asked the headmaster.

"Yes, Professor Lupin will escort you to Hogsmeade and you will return tomorrow morning," he said. She knew he was telling her what to do, not giving her a choice. She nodded at the headmaster, still in a sleep-like daze having just woken up. But that didn't stop her from being sceptical.

"It's just for tonight." Remus said walking up to her," the Hogshead inn," he told her. They both approached the open fireplace. She took one last look back at Dumbledore who nodded to her encouragingly. She stepped through the floo, picturing the place in mind and muttering the word under her breath.

The off stench of the hogshead inn filled her nostrils as she stepped into the old building, And Remus came soon behind her.

"Rosemerta," Remus said approaching the barmaid who was waiting for them, "Thank you so much for this."

"Of course Remus, now let's get you both to your rooms, you must be exhausted," she said standing and walking them up the old wooden steps, Atria somewhat straggling behind.

Rosmerta stopped when she reached a pair of to doors, opening both of them for her guests, "These are your rooms now off to bed both of you," she said smiling kindly down at Atria

"Rosemerta, truly we can't thank you enough," Remus said smiling at his old friend.

She gave Remus and Atria a finale soft smile, "Goodnight," She said before turning the corner and leaving them alone.

Remus ushered Atria into the room, "Now Miss Black it is imperative that you not leave this room at any point in the night, are we clear."

She had never really seen his teacher like side, and it hurt Atria a little to see him so tense around her. Atria nodded to him, "Yes professor."

He gave her a nod before going to close the door.

"Professor Lupin," she asked before he could close the door fully, opening it again,"What's going on?"

He could sense her nervousness and gave her a kind smile and Atria felt her self lighten instantly, "Atria, you'll know everything tomorrow I promise. "

She nodded to him giving him a small smile before he closed the door to her room. She locked the door behind him, the old room smelt like rotted beer and dust covered almost every surface. She moved back the covers on the creamy old wooden bed before climbing in. After lying down on the stiff mattress she knew she was not going to be sleeping the rest of the night.


Remus woke up in the old room bedroom. He got dressed quickly before leaving the room to check on his pupil.

"Atria," he knocked, no reply.

"Atria," he tried again. He pushed on the door to find it unlocked, and the room empty.

"Fuck," he swore under his breath before darting down the hall and down the stairs.

"Rosemerta," he called, but as soon as he raised his head he saw Atria sitting at the bar, a plate of breakfast in front of her.

"Calm down Remus she's right here," Rosmerta said as Remus approached the pair.

"I told you to stay in your room," he said approaching Atria who was too interested in her eggs to care.

"I got bored," she said brushing of his worry.

Rosemerta came back placing a goblet of pumpkin juice in front of Atria, "Thank you," said the polite young girl.

"It's alright love," the older women said turning and walking into the back of the bar.

Remus felt somewhat awkward as he moved to sit next to Atria, especially after how their last conversation had gone, "Dumbledore will be here soon, there's something he needs to talk to you about."

"About what happened last night?" She said, "Why don't you tell me," She asked.

"Miss Balck.." Remus began to explain but, she stopped him.

"Sir you don't have to call me Miss Black, you can call me Atria."

His brow furrowed in confusion, "I thought that was what you wanted me to call you. That's what your professors should call you."

"No, sir. I.." she bowed her head her mind a muddled mess, what should she tell him, they were alone now so she had her chance.

"How do you know my uncle?" She asked him in stone faced observation, waiting for him to lie.

"Why does it matter if I do?"

"He doesn't want me near you," she said, "apparently you're dangerous."

"Dangerous," Remus said somewhat pleased that he was seen as such a threat to the great Lucius Malfoy. He shook it off before telling Atria honestly, "Yes I know your uncle."

"How?"

Remus shrugged his shoulder his eyes wandering away as to not look at her while he lied, "Well, his a Malfoy everyone knows him, I've made his acquaintance a few times."

"Your lying to me Remus," Atria said as their eyes locked again this time hers filled with a need for truth.

He leant back, she had just used his first name, and not very politely he might add.

"Atria I want this be very clear," he said sternly, "you are a child, I an adult. My business is my business and if I don't want to tell you something that is my choice," he said in a voice he put aside for miscreant first years.

Atria didn't seem phased at all, "It is my business when I'm dragged into it and how is that any different from you asking into my business."

Remus huffed, "I'm your teacher your wellbeing is my business."

Atria just turned and continued to eat her food, deciding to ignore him and his questions.

"Alright," Remus said purposefully to get her attention, "Right here, right now I'll make a deal with you," He said, his eyes locking with hers, filled with an intimidating amount of determination, "If you want full transparency it is a two way street."

"What do you mean by that?"

"What happened over Christmas," He knew something had happened. Lucius had come into his office in a fit of vengeance. There was a thorn in that mans side and Remus wanted to know how far Lucius would go to remove it, And he knew Atria knew just how far.

"Nothing," Atria stated blatantly before she continued eating her breakfast.

"I don't think so," Remus said shaking his head at her, "your uncle came to see me over the holidays, He was very agitated."

Atria paused a moment her fork halfway to her mouth, "Why would he come to see you?"

"Still haven't answered my question," Remus said dismissing hers.

"Maybe because it's none of your business."

"You want honesty, I expect the same," But something told him she would not break, so then neither could he.

And Atria did not surprise him, she continued to eat her breakfast in silence ignoring him until the door to the inn swung open and another patron joined them.

"Good morning," Dumbledore said merrily walking over to the seated pair.

"Good morning sir," Atria said forgetting her mouth was a bit full, making the older man smile.

"Don't talk with your mouth full Atria," Remus said, making Atria's cheeks turn a shade of scarlet.

Atria swallowed her food before turning away from the bar to face Dumbledore.

"Will we be going back to school soon?" Atria asked, not wanting to stay in this dump much longer, no matter how good the breakfast was.

"Yes but first there are some things I need to explain to you," Dumbledore said holding out his hands as if she were getting ahead of herself. "Now I would like to stress that this is a contained incident, it will not be made public knowledge." She nodded slowly keeping up with his slow pace speaking, "Your father was spotted within Hogwarts again last night, by a student." Atria's mouth dropped in shock, she wanted to ask more questions but he held his palm up stopping her. "He attempted to attack a student, no one was hurt and we are confident after a very heavy search he is no longer within our walls." Remus's hand twitched as he watched her face drop fighting the instinct to take one of her hands in his. "The ministry knows," Dumbledore continued, "not many students know and those who do have been told not to tell others and that is all who will know." Dumbledore looked over his spectacles at her, no glass between them as he said those words. That brought her great comfort. He was telling her Those are all who will know, reassuring her that her uncle wasn't coming to take her away anytime soon.

But that was the last thing on Atria's mind.

"Harry," The name exploded from her mouth unable to help herself, "is Harry alright?" She asked again clearly.

"Harry is fine," Dumbledore said before helping her down from the stool and placing a reassuring hand on her back, "Now come."


Atria was soon returned to her dormitory, it was empty. Everyone having had gone to Hogsmeade, but there was one person she knew definitely wasn't at Hogsmeade. She walked through the school looking for the boy with the lightning scar. She found him eventually.

He was looking very suspicious with his bag in toe, spying down the halls as to make sure no one was watching him and he smiled when he found it was her doing the spying.

"Harry," Atria said as the two charged over to each other, "How are you, are you okay," she asked finally reaching him. There was a moment when they could have hugged, it was close but both stopped themselves.

"Are you? " Harry asked smiling at her, relieved to see her, "I tried to find you in the great hall this morning, where were you?"

"Oh um, professor Lupin took me to Hogsmeade last night, safety precaution."

"Because of him?" Harry asked.

"Yes," Atria nodded, "Because of him," Atria said, both talking about her father.

"How about you, Are you okay?" she asked.

"I'm fine just annoyed," he said running a hand through his messy black hair.

That confused Atria, Why would you be annoyed, scared yes but annoyed, no.

"Annoyed?" Atria repeated

Harry just shrugged before turning to her with a newborn excitement, an adventurous yet ecstatic glint in his green eyes.

"Do you want to go to Hogsmeade with me?" Harry asked her.

"What?" Go to Hogsmeade, the place they had been barred from and told absolutely they were not to go there.

"Come to Hogsmeade with me," Harry said excitedly grabbing her hand which hung loosely at her side before already starting to drag her.

"Harry," she said smiling at his childish excitement, pulling her hand away, "We can't go to Hogsmeade we'll get caught."

Smugness rolled off Harry as he unzipped his bag, "No we won't," he said hauling out the invisibility cloak from his bag.

Atria gave him an unamused glare as he almost bounded with energy.

"Okay, if that's not enough how about this," he said before pulling out a piece of parchment from his pocket.

"A scrap piece of parchment?" Atria asked wondering if the chosen one had finally cracked under the pressure.

"Not any scrap piece of parchment," Harry said holding out his wand before placing it on the parchment, "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

As if an invisible hadn't was writing in solid black inc, words started to appear on the words. And in big letters wrote out: The Maunders Map

He unfolded it as Atria looked on with awe. The paper's purpose became more clear, it wasn't any map, this map charted the entire school, every classroom and hallway. It was all there, as well as the people wandering it.

"This is how I knew madam prince was in bed," Harry said proudly, "Everyone and all passages out of the school, it moves with them, look," he said, pointing to a particular black spot. Snape who was at this very moment slowly moving around in his potion storeroom.

Atria was amazed, "Harry it's.."

"Amazing I know," he finished for her.

"How did you get it?" She asked running her finger along the magical lines of inc.

"Fred and George gave it to me," he said watching the moving pieces on the map before knowing she had given in, "Now come on," He said before leading the way to their escape.

Harry and Atria hurried up to the third floor, they reached one-eyed witch, his eyes constantly looking down at the map as they went. A tiny dot was moving in his direction. Harry squinted at it. The minuscule writing next to it read Neville Longbottom.

Harry quickly pulled out his wand, muttering, "Dissendium!"

Atria watched in awe as the hump on the back of the witch peeled open and Harry shoved his bag into the statue, before closing it once again.

Neville soon came around the corner, "Harry! I forgot you weren't going to Hogsmeade either!"

"Hi, Neville," said Harry, moving swiftly away from the statue and pushing the map back into his pocket, "What are you up to?"

"Nothing," shrugged Neville before he gazed followed over to Atria and he bashfully said, "Hello Atria."

"Hi, Neville," Atria said as nicely as she could manage.

"What are you guys doing?" Neville asked looking between the two, Harry's mouth moved but no words came out, he was having some trouble coming up with a fast excuse.

"Harry was just going to help me with that potions essay that is due tomorrow," Atria said quickly coming to his rescue.

Neville's face dropped immediately at that before he stuttered, "We had a potions essay?"

"Yeah it was set for us, the first day back remember, " Atria said acting sympathetic to Nevilles worry for the non existent essay. Harry too looked in shock at Atria, he had no clue what essay she was talking about.

Neville to looked pale but Atria came to his rescue, "If you want you can go get your things and we'll meet you in the library, I'll be happy to help you"

"Really?" Neville said excitedly, Atria's guilt finally starting to reach her, "Yeah sure."

"Thanks, I'll just go get my things," Neville said before turning on the spot and moving quickly to reach the Gryffindor tower. Which just happened to be on the other side of the school.

"We had a Potions essay?" Harry asked nervously.

"No, I just did that so we could get to Hogsmeade," Atria didn't admit it but part of her was truly exited, not about going to Hogsmeade, she had been to Hogsmeade before it was nothing special. But about doing something independently, doing it while breaking the rules was just a bonus.

But the exited feeling wore off and she broke off with a small gasp, looking over Harry's shoulder. It was Snape. Atria took a quick step behind Harry.

"And what are you two doing here?" said Snape, coming to a halt, looking between the two students. "An odd place to meet as well as an odd pairing, I don't remember you two ever being particularly close."

To Harry's immense disquiet, Snape's black eyes flicked to the doorways on either side of them, and then to the one-eyed witch, "well Atria and I aren't allowed to Hogsmeade it made sense," said Harry.

"Meeting here of all places how odd," Snape went on to say, "You have a habit of turning up in unexpected places, Potter, and you are very rarely there for no good reason. . . . I suggest the pair of you," but Atria cut him off.

"We were just on our way to the library sir," Atria said stepping forward, "Harry and I have been put together for a transfiguration assessment and I refuse to fail just because of his lazy attitude," Atria said hauntingly staring up at her professor.

Snape raised a brow at her reply before giving a small nod, "Very well, off you go."

Harry and Atria set off without another word. As they turned the corner, Harry looked back. Snape was running one of his hands over the one-eyed witch's head, examining it closely.

"Has anyone ever told you that you're an excellent liar," Harry whispered over to her after they were out of sight.

"No, but Thank you," Atria said grinning over at him making him laugh.

The two doubled back coming back to the statue of the deformed witch.

Harry looked around before he opened up the hump on the back of the hunched witch.

"You first," Harry said.

Atria stared up at the gawping whole in the statue. Only standing here now did she realise how tall it was, "Could I have a lift?"

Harry held out his hands as Atria placed her foot in them and not very gracefully dove into the one eyed witch.

Harry heaved himself inside and slid down to meet his bag at the bottom of the stone chute. He wiped the Marauder's Map blank again."Come on Ron is going to meet as on the other side," he said as he led her through the underground passage which was still very murky due to the winter climate.

After a while of walking, he lifted his arms and moved a tile that was above them to the side. He climbed out with his bag before holding out his hands and lifting her out.

He took the cloak from his bag before wrapping it around them and moving his finger to his lips, telling her to stay silent.

They walked up and out of the cellar, into honey dukes top floor.

Atria's heart was beating so fast she thought it would burst out of her chest.

"Come on," Harry said leading them outside and into the street.

Harry pulled her to the back of the hogshead inn, before he took the cloak off her, "Stay right here don't move," Harry said before throwing the cloak back over him.

"Harry," Atria hissed into the air but the foot indents in the snow told her he was already gone.

She sat down waiting for him, making sure no one would spot her. Soon enough two floating glasses of butterbeer floated towards her before the cloak was removed to reveal Harry who looked very pleased with himself, "If you're coming to Hogsmeade you need a butterbeer "

Atria was not all that amused but impressed by his skill, "Thanks," Atria said, both sitting on one of the many boxes that sat at the back of the inn.

"Do you think Neville has noticed we aren't at the library yet?" Harry asked.

Atria head fell in her hand as she mumbled into them, "Don't make me feel any worse than I already do."

Harry shrugged at her, "Don't worry, He'll get over it."

Atria shook her head. Poor Neville Longbottom, he was a form of entertainment Slytherin had partaken in since their first year. Atria had always seen parts of herself in Neville, they had a quite a bit in common, but she wasn't pushed over as easily.

"He shouldn't let people push him around so much," She said truthfully.

Harry nodded, "Your cousin gives him quite a rough time."

"Don't even go there, Potter," Atria said, clear he was not to cross the Draco line quite yet.

They sat, sipping their butterbeer Atria feeling freer then she had in a while. Harry probably didn't know, but Atria had needed this, after constant surveillance the idea of being somewhere and no one knew where made her almost giddy.

"How was your Christmas break? I never did get to ask you?" Harrys asked gazing up from the snow.

"Dull," Atria said plainly.

"Your uncle?"

Atria bowed her head, "the usual," She said beginning to sip at her butterbeer.

The usual meaning angry and aggressive.

Harry breathed in asked slowly, he didn't want her defences to go up before he could get somewhere, but to delay wasted time, "Why do you stay?" He asked.

"You mean home?" Atria asked softly.

Harry nodded.

Now Atria would usually deny everything and every question but Harry had the regrettable knowledge of which she could not deny, he knew more and as much as she loathed him for it, part of her was comforted by the thought that if anything serious happened to her, there was a possible witness. She shrugged at his question, "They're all I know, What else is there."

Harry's mouth dropped open at that question, "So much," he heaved out, "If I had stayed the boy in the cupboard I never would have got here."

"Boy in the cupboard," Atria repeated back to him confused by the metaphor.

Harry admitted slowly, "For the first 11 years of my life, my aunt and uncle made me sleep in the cupboard under the stairs."

"What!" Atria exclaimed at his confession, "Harry that's terrible."

He shrugged off her reaction, "I bet you have your fair share of horror stories as well."

"Yes, But I have a bedroom."

"Well at least my uncle doesn't beat me," he said under his breath.

"Don't overstep Potter," Atria said wincing at his words, "He doesn't beat me," Atria said taking a sip of her butterbeer.

Harry watched her for a moment Atria pausing under his gaze, "I take it back," he said, "what I said earlier, you're a terrible liar."

"They're my family," Atria said sternly, "and yes a complicated one but.."

"No," Harry said cutting her off frustrated by her statement and her unwillingness to blame someone but herself, "Family put you first, not what they want from you."

"What they want from me?"

Harry nodded, "Your uncle used you last year, he made you take that diary and didn't care about the consequence," part of him knew she wasn't taking his word seriously so he made sure the message went far, "Atria you could have died."

"That's a bit of an exaggeration, it's not like he knew."

"But what if he did, he was cruel to you he didn't even make sure you were okay before dragging you home."

This avenue opened a stream of thought Atria would have rather left to the oblivious part of her mind. If Lucius had known what he was doing and what the result may have been, it meant he didn't care if she lived or died. Not that she hadn't had the inkling he never cared. But the hard part came after she was gone and no one cared about the young body that laid in the ground, because no one helped her. It was thoughts like these that made Atria think weak things like giving in and spilling her dark tales to the first person who asked. But she knew why her family kept her in a tight grasp and close sights, and while Lucius had his end, Narcissa had her own.

"When Narcissa was young," Atria began to explain slowly to Harry, "She had a sister who was disowned. Still to this day she says it was one of the most painful and hardest moments of her life," Atria said turning to harry sadly, "In my world, if you abandon your family they don't just leave you, you're dead to them. I can't put her through the same thing, it would destroy her." Atria explained delicately hoping he would get the picture. Not only would her loved ones cease to acknowledge her existence, but she would have nothing. If she left them behind, she left everything with it. The Black inheritance was null and void unless she held fast on the path her grandmother set out for her, and who knows where she would end up without it. Atria knew she was smart and finding work with be no problem but Lucius was too powerful. She would get no job, no support, he had made sure she had no allies in the outside world, none who stood a chance at defending her. She could only wait and watch for which way the wind would blow.

"But if you look after her, who's gonna look after you, whose going to protect you," Harry said softly.

Atria pretended to ponder on the question but in truth, she had known the answer her entire life. But she wouldn't let him know she knew.

The only person, who would ever look out for her, was herself.


"He said he would meet me here," Harry said as they stood under the cloak in Hogsmeade at the spot Ron had told them to meet him. They had been circling this spot for the last half an hour. But no one was here, just the two of them and soon enough all the student would be heading back, "come one let's get back before it gets too late and Snape realises were gone" Atria whispered to him. Harry was reluctant but eventually, he agreed.

They walked for ages trying to find Ron on their way, finding themselves along the edge of Hogsmeade near the edge of the forbidden forest.

"Suppose you'd love to live here, wouldn't you, Weasley? Dreaming about having your own bedroom? I heard your family all sleep in one room is that true?"

Harry and Atria froze at the familiar voices before Crabbe, Goyle and Draco came into view, along with a cornered Ron.

"Draco don't," Atria whispered under her breath.

Harry moved quickly, leading her behind a tree slowly and softly as to not be heard. He removed Atria from under the cover of the invisibility cloak. "Stay here" he whispered before he disappeared again under the cloak.

"We were just discussing your friend Hagrid," Malfoy said to Ron making Atria wince, "Just trying to imagine what he's saying to the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures. D'you think he'll cry when they cut off his hippogriff's..."

Atria found herself digging her nails into her palms, she may have come out from behind that tree and said something but

SPLAT.

Malfoy's head jerked forward as the mud hit him; his silver- blond hair was suddenly dripping in muck.

"What the?"

Ron had to hold onto the fence to keep himself standing, he was laughing so hard. Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle spun stupidly on the spot, staring wildly around, Malfoy trying to wipe his hair clean.

"What was that? Who did that?"

"Very haunted up here, isn't it?" said Ron, with the air of one commenting on the weather.

Crabbe and Goyle were looking scared. Their bulging muscles were no use against ghosts. Malfoy was staring madly around at the deserted landscape.

Harry snuck along the path, where a particularly sloppy puddle yielded some foul-smelling, green sludge.

SPLATTER.

Crabbe and Goyle caught some this time. Goyle hopped furiously on the spot, trying to rub it out of his small, dull eyes.

Atria snuck a peak wondering what Harry was up to.

"It came from over there!" said Draco, wiping his face, and staring at a spot some six feet to the left of Harry.

Crabbe blundered forward, his long arms outstretched like a zombie. Harry dodged around him, picked up a stick, and lobbed it at Crabbe's back. Harry doubled up with silent laughter as Crabbe did a kind of pirouette in midair, trying to see who had thrown it. As Ron was the only person Crabbe could see, it was Ron he started toward, but Harry stuck out his leg. Crabbe stumbled and his huge, flat foot caught the hem of Harry's cloak. Harry felt a great tug, then the cloak slid off his face.

For a split second, Malfoy stared at him.

"You!" he yelled, pointing at Harry's head.

As he began to walk backward Harry quickly moved to cover himself back up. But was more alarmed by the direction Malfoy was heading. He forgot about himself and instead moved quickly trying to reach Atria but it was too late the boys had moved too far back and soon Draco would have a clear view of her as Crabbe and Goyle stood gawking at her.

Atria stood still as Draco moved into view his eyes locking with hers as soon as her figure became clear. His features twisted with anger and absolute shock, " What are you doing here!" he demanded before looking back over to where Harry once stood and back to Atria. But she was gone, Harry as well. If Harry had moved a split second faster maybe she would not have been seen. But it was too late, he had covered her with a cloak to late. They both stood perfectly still watching as Draco ran at breakneck speed, back down the hill, Crabbe and Goyle behind him.

"Harry!" Ron said, stumbling forward and staring hopelessly at the point where Harry had disappeared, "you'd better run for it! If Malfoy tells anyone, you'd better get back to the castle, quick," He stopped as soon as he saw Atria who looked like she was about to pass out.

Harry grabbed Atria's hand quickly, "come on we have to go," he said pulling them as fast as he could on speedy legs back towards the castle, "Don't worry I'll fix this," he said, but she wasn't convinced.

She was going to be in a lot of trouble.


Atria and Harry came back through the courtyard, there was no time to take the passageway through honey dukes they took the cloak away Harry bundling it up into his bag.

"Well well the prodigal children return," said a voice from behind them, they both turned to find Snape standing with a look of suppressed triumph.

Atria tried to calm her breath as both teenagers had been huffing from running.

"Come with me," Snape said simply turning, expecting them to follow. Atria excepted her fate with grace following after her head of house Harry whispering how sorry he was over to her at every chance.

Snape hushed open the potions classroom ushering the children in there. But neither sat as a swept the classroom dragging out another chair, placing the second one in front of his desk.

"Sit," he said as they both timidly walked over to their seats.

Snape, however, did not sit. He stood in front of them, his wicked eyes watching them intensely.

"Mr Malfoy has just been to see me with a strange story, about the two of you," said Snape.

Neither said anything, Atria remained, staring at the ground.

"He tells me that he was up by the Shrieking Shack when he ran into Weasley, apparently alone."

Still, Not a word in response.

"Mr Malfoy states that he was standing talking to Weasley, when a large amount of mud hit him in the back of the head. How do you think that could have happened?"

Harry tried to look mildly surprised. While Atria remained vacant. "I don't know, Professor."

Snape's eyes were boring into Harry's."Mr Malfoy then saw an extraordinary apparition. Can you imagine what it might have been, Potter?"

"No," said Harry, now trying to sound innocently curious.

"It was your head, Potter. Floating in midair." There was a long silence as the two stared at each other waiting for who would break first.

"Maybe he'd better go to Madam Pomfrey," said Harry. "If he's seeing things like …"

"What would your head have been doing in Hogsmeade, Potter?" said Snape softly not giving the boy a chance to finish. "Your head is not allowed in Hogsmeade. No part of your body has permission to be in Hogsmeade"

"I know that," said Harry, striving to keep his face free of guilt or fear. "It sounds like Malfoy's having hallucin….."

"Malfoy is not having hallucinations," snarled Snape, "If your head was in Hogsmeade, so was the rest of you."

"And so was your companions apparently," he said leaning back before slowly moving in on Atria, " I must say miss black, when your cousin came in he was extremely distressed by your presents there as well."

"Miss Black, while Potter may have had attempted to hide, All three boys can vouch for your presence," he bent down, a hand on each arm of Atria's chair so that their faces were a foot apart.

"So, Potter has managed to rope you into his ungovernable ways too mmhh."

"It wasn't her fault," Harry rushed out, "I dragged her along."

"I suspected as much," Snape said giving Atria one last look before pushing himself up and away from her.

"So," he said, straightening up again, "Everyone from the Minister of Magic downward has been trying to keep famous Harry Potter safe from Sirius Black. But famous Harry Potter is a law unto himself. Let the ordinary people worry about his safety! Famous Harry Potter goes where he wants to, with no thought for the consequences. Not only putting himself at risk but his fellow student as well."

Harry stayed silent. Snape was trying to provoke him but he wasn't going to fall for it.

"How extraordinarily like your father you are, Potter," Snape said suddenly, his eyes glinting. "He too was exceedingly arrogant. Strutting around the place with his friends and admirers The resemblance between you is uncanny not only in that but also preying on other students "

"My dad didn't strut," said Harry, before he could stop himself, "And nor do I."

"But you did take another student and put her in more danger, not only disobeying the school but her family as well" Snape went on, pressing his advantage, his face full of malice and gestured to Atria, "preying on students you think lesser than yourself."

"I do not think Atria is lesser than me," Harry said through gritted teeth Snape's baiting ways starting to get to him.

"But the irony. A Black and Potter once again causing nothing but trouble," Snape said talking to himself rather than the students, "How history repeats itself," His lip twisted in disgust at the thought, not at all pleased with the newfound friendship between the two, he did not like it one bit.

"Turn out your pockets, Potter!" he spat suddenly.

Harry didn't move.

"Turn out your pockets, or the three of us go straight to the headmaster! Pull them out, Potter!"

Cold with dread, Harry slowly pulled out the bag of Zonko's tricks and the Marauder's Map.

Snape picked up the Zonko's bag.

"Ron gave them to me," said Harry, praying he'd get a chance to tip Ron off before Snape saw him, "He brought them back from Hogsmeade last time."

"Indeed? And you've been carrying them around ever since? How very touching . . . and what is this?" Snape had picked up the map. Harry tried with all his might to keep his face impassive, looking at Atria as they both had the same dreaded feeling they may be caught.

"Spare bit of parchment," Harry said with a shrug.

Snape turned it over, his eyes on Harry.

"Surely you don't need such a very old piece of parchment?" he said, "Why don't I just throw this away?"

His hand moved toward the fire.

"No!" Harry said quickly. Atria knowing Harry's desperation would have caught Snape's eye.

"So!" said Snape, his long nostrils quivering, "Is this another treasured gift from Mr Weasley? Or is it — something else? A letter, perhaps, written in invisible ink? Or — instructions to get into Hogsmeade without passing the dementors?"

Harry blinked. Snape's eyes gleamed.

"Let me see, let me see . . . ," he muttered, taking out his wand and smoothing the map out on his desk, "Reveal your secret!" he said, touching the wand to the parchment.

Nothing happened. Atria clenched her hands to stop them from shaking.

"Show yourself!" Snape said, tapping the map sharply.

It stayed blank. Harry was taking deep, calming breaths. "Professor Severus Snape, master of this school, commands you to yield the information you conceal!" Snape said, hitting the map with his wand.

As though an invisible hand were writing upon it, words appeared on the smooth surface of the map.

"Mr Moony presents his compliments to Professor Snape, and begs him to keep his abnormally large nose out of other people's business."

Snape froze. Harry stared, dumbstruck, at the message. But the map didn't stop there. More writing was appearing beneath the first.

ÀMr. Prongs agrees with Mr Moony, and would like to add that Professor Snape is an ugly git.Ã

It would have been very funny if the situation hadn't been so serious. And there was more. . . .

"Mr Padfoot would like to register his astonishment that an idiot like that ever became a professor."

Atria closed his eyes in horror. When he'd opened them, the map had had its last word.

"Mr Wormtail bids, Professor Snape good day, and advises him to wash his hair, the slimeball."

Harry waited for the blow to fall. Atria mouth dropped open, they were doomed.

"So . . . ," said Snape softly. "We'll see about this. . . ." He strode across to his fire, seized a fistful of glittering powder from a jar on the fireplace, and threw it into the flames. "Lupin!" Snape called into the fire, Atria freezing at the mention of his name. "I want a word!"

Utterly bewildered, Harry stared at the fire. A large shape had appeared in it, revolving very fast. Seconds later, Professor Lupin was clambering out of the fireplace, brushing ash off his shabby robes. He froze at the sight Atria and Harry sat stiffly, while a cleary enraged Snape paced infant of them.

"You called, Severus?" said Lupin mildly.

"I certainly did," said Snape, his face contorted with fury as he strode back to his desk. "I have just asked Potter to empty his pockets. He was carrying this." Snape pointed at the parchment, on which the words of Messrs. Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs were still shining.

An odd, closed expression appeared on Lupin's face.

"Well?" said Snape.

Lupin continued to stare at the map. Harry had the impression that Lupin was doing some very quick thinking.

"Well?" said Snape again. "This parchment is plainly full of Dark Magic. This is supposed to be your area of expertise, Lupin. Where do you imagine Potter got such a thing?"

Lupin looked up and, by the merest half-glance in Harry and Atria's direction, warning them not to interrupt.

"Full of Dark Magic?" he repeated mildly. "Do you really think so, Severus? It looks to me as though it is merely a piece of parchment that insults anybody who reads it. Childish, but surely not dangerous? I imagine Harry got it from a joke shop."

"Indeed?" said Snape. His jaw had gone rigid with anger. "You think a joke shop could supply him with such a thing? You don't think it more likely that he got it directly from the manufacturers?"

Harry didn't understand what Snape was talking about. Nor, apparently, did Lupin.

"You mean, by Mr. Wormtail or one of these people?" he said. "Harry, do you know any of these men?"

"No," said Harry quickly.

"Atria, do you?" Remus asked.

"No sir," Atria said confidently.

"You see, Severus?" said Lupin, turning back to Snape. "It looks like a Zonko product to me."

Right on cue, Ron came bursting into the office. He was completely out of breath, and stopped just short of Snape's desk, clutching the stitch in his chest and trying to speak. "I gave Harry that stuff," he choked. "Bought it . . . in Zonko's . . . ages ago . . ."

"Well!" said Lupin, clapping his hands together and looking around cheerfully. "That seems to clear that up! Severus, I'll take this back, shall I?" He folded the map and tucked it inside his robes.

"Harry, Atria, Ron, come with me, I need a word about my vampire essay excuse us, Severus." Atria and Harry made a move to stand but was stopped by Snape.

"No Miss Black will stay here I have something I need to discuss with her," Snape said holding his hand up to Atria, pausing her as she moved up from her seat.

Remus looked between the two, nodding at Severus, "Alright. Come on Harry," Harry gave Atria a solemn look before the two left.

Atria sat down slowly as Snape moved back to his desk sitting down behind it. "Do you not care for your safety, Miss Black?" He asked as if talking about the weather.

"I..I.." she stumbled over words, how did one reply to a question like that.

"Not that I blame you," Snape said, "Potter has always preyed on those of Weak will." He said cruelly as he watched her.

Atria hands tightened on the arms of her chair her knuckles going white, "I am not weak willed," Atria said threateningly to her professor.

Snape took no notice of her reaction continuing as if telling a fine tale, "If you weren't then maybe the events of last year could have been prevented."

Atria thought the arm of her chair would snap under her grip, She didn't want to let go, if she did she would surely fly across the table and attempt to strangle him.

A small smile grew on his face as he watched her self control tame her, "Any way, to the reason you're here," he said.

"I thought I was here because I snuck off to Hogsmeade," Atria said not caring that she admitted to the deed.

"Well yes that but," he stopped, his finger drumming on his chair arm before looking at her and continuing, "you've become a girl of many troubles this year, Miss Black."

Atria scoffed unintentionally, "Meaning?"

"I've been hearing interesting stories about you."

"May I ask who from?"

"Teachers and students alike."

"All good things I hope," she said sarcastically, his smug act dropped.

"Not exactly," he said disdainfully.

"Well, what might you be hearing sir?"

Snape was in deep thought, she could see that, it was strange usually he could fling insults as a fast as the speed of light, he was either struggling or about to say something completely different. Turned out to be the latter, "I know from first hand experience you and your uncle have a complicated relationship."

"What does that have to.."

"Don't interrupt me when I'm talking!" he said cutting her off impatiently.

Atria dropped back in her chair, fixing her eyes on a quill that sat on his desk deciding to focus on something to get her mind off her growing rage.

Snape too calmed himself, he needed to approach this delicately knowing her fight or flight reflex would kick in soon enough and he didn't want to deal with either, "Previous events that have taken place on these grounds have us the faculty wanting to make sure all is well in your home life."

Atria sat perfectly still in her chair her eyes flicking up to him as she softly began to ask, "Why don't you ask my uncle? He and you have a fine relationship."

"Well yes I've known your uncle for some time," Snape said, "as I know of his dangerous temper."

Like a boa constrictor wrapping around her Atria's airflow cut off and she felt her mind scatter. Snape could see she was visibly shaken like something had knocked her off her shelf and she was about to hit the hard floor.

"Are you afraid of him?" He asked genuinely curious, but also, wanting to pick the wound bloody, "I think you are and one must wonder why? What possible reason could Atria Black the girl who has it all have to be afraid of Lucius Malfoy?"

"I'm not afraid of him," Atria said though gritted teeth.

"Really, would you care the share with me the form of which your Bogart took Miss Black," her silent but deadly glare told him all he needed to know, "That's what I thought," he said, A gleeful glint in his eye."You should know by now that nothing stays a secret long here." His snarky words where all Atria needed, she stood from her chair and turned but before she could even take a step his wand was drawn and the door locked, "Where do you think you're going?"

"Let me go," Atria said standing her ground refusing to let him bully her for answers any longer.

"You are dismissed when I dismiss you," he growled at her, "Now sit back down," he said dangerously pointing to her then back to the chair.

Atria slowly moved until she sat back down, glaring at him defiantly.

Snape folded his hands in front of him leaning in on his desk as if about to tell her a secret," Lupin has been very desperate in his attempts to get you to talk, but you won't speak to him, will you? Godfather or no-"

It took seconds for her to register the word. Godfather.

"What?" Atria said softly interrupting him causing Snape to pause. "What did you just say?"Atria asked, no demanded.

"Godfather," Snape said plainly, though there lay a delighted expression on his face as he watched her painfully betrayed expression spread.

"Is it possible?" he said cruelly, softly. About to go in for the kill on his already wounded prey. "Has he not told you yet?" Atria just watched him, her eyes blank but telling at the same time, "oh yes, Remus Lupin is your godfather. I remember him being very close to your mother, very close indeed. Your father and he run about like miscreants in their time at this school, thick as thieves so much so, that he entrusted his beloved daughter to him."

Atria was sitting shaking, her eyes were burning and while she had heard every word she was to focused on the heat that built up in her. Where her hands held the arms of the wooden chair, tendrils of smoke started to leak out between her finger.

"I thought it was obvious," Snape continued, digging the knife further into her, "Why your uncle dislikes him so, why he's so protective," he emphasized the word, "of you."

Atria couldn't focus all she wanted him to do was be quiet, "Shut up," Atria said tearfully.

Snape no longer looked as pleased as he had a few moments ago, he now looked enraged, "Excuse me," he whispered through his gritted yellow teeth.

But Atria had had enough, "SHUT UP!" she yelled from across the table.

Snape glared at her, the suspense in the room crashing into collision, "Mind your tongue girl."

"Why?" Atria said the tears growing closer to falling as she shook, "Why should I?"

If Snape had been thinking of anything else but his anger he would have noticed. He would have notices how the many phials had started to rattle, How the books had begun to quiver on their shelves and how the potion brewing in the corner was about to bubble over as the fire beneath grew.

Snape stood from his chair before slowly coming around from behind his desk.

"I've had just about enough of you Miss Black."

"Enough of me," Atria scoffed as he leant over her dangerously, "well I've had just about enough of you sir," she spat out, glaring up at him with red watery eyes, her madness as well as the reflection of Snape inside them.

His hand shot out to grab her arm, "Why you insolent little.." but his fingers barely brushed her jumper as the earthquake that had been building in the room reached its peak. Glass shattered as the phials burst, little shard raining down like hail. The books flew across the room, Snape dodging barley. He pulled out his wand from his pocket as the cauldron in the corner exploded. Snape shielded himself from the flying objects, the room deafening with the sound of destruction.

But it stopped suddenly. Things froze halfway through the air before dropping to the ground as if the power behind them had vanished.

The only sound in the room now was his heavy breathing, the classroom spread out in disarray as Snape looked over at his student. His anger was about to let loose. His face was red as he turned to her ready to explode, but the bomb was disarmed as he watched her state. He took deep breaths as he watched her. She hadn't moved, she remained sitting in the chair her eyes stuck on the desk in front of her, tears leaking out of her vacant eyes. Snape moved slowly closer to her, cautiously. He moved to stand in front of her again but she didn't flinch. He stretched out a weary hand, only then did she show signs of life. Atria's lip trembled and the tears flooded to her eyes. Her hands moved quickly, clasping her wand. She ran, bolting to the door which swung open before her.

She ran into the hallway but after a while, her running turned too stumbling, and tears run down her face.

He could have been it. Remus. The sweet man she had believed in and trusted could have changed her life and protected her from what she was sentenced to. But her godfather, like everyone else, did not fight for her. And that thought alone broke her even more. Was that why he was doing this to her, trying to gain her confidence, help her, to fill in whatever whole of guilt had concaved within him. Again someone using her for their own emotional gratification rather than tending to her own which seemed so inferior to everyone else's.

Lupin's caring eyes flashed in front of her begging to dive into her secrets, some of which she had almost cracked and now felt stupid for the thought. How could he do this to her, how could he betray her like this? Her cries where now sobs and she doubled over leaning against the wall for support. He could have told her, but no her kept it to himself and allowed himself to get closer and closer. Did he want her to know, or would he have always kept it a secret not wanting the responsibility that came with the title of godfather? Not wanting the responsibility that came with caring for her. Leaving her in a world that tortured and bullied her into states of emotional darkness. This was it. All the time's Atria had thought that if she cried she may never stop. This was the one, the finale straw. She sobbed into the stone walls, no one there to hear her cries and Atria felt her heart physically break for the first time.


Remus walked back down to the dungeon content on making sure Atria was alright after her talk with Snape, one he could guarantee had probably not been pleasant. But distant echoing whimpers filled his ears, he stopped a moment taking in the sound, he moved closer and closer, turning corners and going down stairs and as he did whimpers turned to sobs, loud and heartbroken sobs. They bounced off the walls travelling from who knows where but he was going to find out.

And soon he did.

Atria was leaning against the wall her body quaking with loud heart wrenching sobs and he found himself immediately running over to her side. He pulled her slowly away from the wall. She didn't stop crying, almost disorientated, it's like she didn't even know he was there. He felt himself part carrying her, "Atria what happened?" He asked desperately. But he got no response just more cries. He didn't know what to do.

"Atria I need you to calm down alright?" He said brushing the hair that stuck to her teary cheeks away. But she didn't stop, maybe she couldn't it almost looked like she was having trouble breathing.

"Sweetheart," he said softly trying to snap her out of it and she did.

"Get off me!" She screamed at him with unbridled rage that almost made him fly back from the sheer force of it.

She took steps away from him as if his presents made her want to throw up, she stumbled on her feet, floundering for a moment "HOW COULD YOU?" She screamed at him with red, raw eyes. Remus stood bewildered, holding out his arms defensively or ready to Catch her at any moment.

"Godfather," she said softly.

Remus only just understood her. And he too found himself in a state of disorientation as a million thoughts rushed through his head all a jumbled mess under her fire filled eyes.

"MY GODFATHER!" she yelled at him.

He couldn't move, he didn't know what to do, he hadn't counted on someone telling her before he did and now he had no choice but to have the conversation he was not ready for.

"Yes, I know your little secret Lupin," She hissed at him angrily, he could see her heart beating so fast her pulse was jumping out of her neck.

"Who told you?" He asked her softly still trying to move in closer to help her.

"THAT'S NOT THE PROBLEM PROFESSOR!" She screamed at him, "IT'S THAT YOU WEREN'T THE ONE TO TELL ME BUT SOMEONE ELSE."

"Atria I was going too I swear," He said moving closer to her but this time she almost ran from him.

"When?" Atria demanded of him, continuing to move back with every step he took closer to her.

"When I thought you were ready," he admitted. Out loud he only just realized how foolish he sounded and how no excuse, rational or not would help him.

"When I was ready?" She spat back at him," and when would that have been!" She yelled, her face red and tear soaked. Every word coming out with dark anger that blinded her to the words she spoke.

"Atria," he said softly, trying as hard as he could not to force her into his arms.

"There isn't a proper time to tell me you're the reason my life is miserable!" She yelled at him cutting him off, her words echoing into the air.

"Atria, I tried, I tried so hard but it... But I couldn't have been responsible for you. I.." He was stumbling over his words with tears of his own, He had his reason he needed to tell her, but he was scared his excuses could not cover for justification.

Her chest heaved as she found herself extremely exhausted but the tear still came as she softly asked him, "You what?" a sob breaking off her words, "you didn't care enough."

"No, I always cared," He said his own eyes starting to tear, "I just didn't think it would be this bad. Yes part of it was my denial but I was doing what I thought was best, and I know now I was wrong."

Atria laughed, or she cried. But there was not a drop of humour behind it, "Yes," she said, "You were."

"Atria," he tried again to move closer, to make her understand but she didn't give him the chance, she wouldn't let him fill her with sweet stories and fairytales, she wouldn't be weak. So she turned, and she ran.


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