Unraveled
Chapter Twenty-Nine: Complications of the Heart and Soul
News traveled throughout the wizarding world that Sirius Black was innocent of all the crimes that were charged against him. He was not the murderer who turned not only the Potters over to Voldemort and killed a dozen Muggles, but he was also a not traitor. The sentence was handed down from Minister Fudge quickly. The Dementor's Kiss was adminstered and Peter Pettigrew would spend the rest of his natural life in Azkaban as an empty shell.
Some students at the school couldn't believe that they had actually seen Fiona Black before and hadn't realized that she was Sirius' daughter. Most of the world didn't know she existed, but Sirius was able to keep everything quiet. All the property of the Blacks were once again allowed to be used. Thalia had frozen almost all the accounts before leaving England before, except for Sirius' bank vault.
However, Fiona was more worried about Draco to notice any changes in her environment. She went back to class the day after he had awoken. He wasn't attending any classes. The Malfoys were stripped of all property. Arthur Weasley had discovered a lot of illegal dark arts goods because Draco had given an inventory of what he knew, but Mr. Wealsey found more, surprising Draco.
The house was investigated by the Aurors. Voldemort was gone and no one knew where he was going. Wormtail told them that he wasn't sure. He was never told. It was the truth. Voldemort planned to move during the operation at the Hogwarts to retrieve his granddaughter. Sirius made it a point to keep that part of Fiona's background quiet.
Draco wasn't talking much. He told Fiona about where the things where in the house. He wasn't talking to anyone, but her. Madame Pomfrey could hardly get him to eat. He was sleeping most of the time, waking up from horrible nightmares. Nell started to give him sleeping potions to help him sleep.
Harry was happy just as everyone else. The only thing that made him unhappy was Fiona. She was miserable. She was also waiting for Sensei Ran to return. She wasn't paying attention in class according to the teachers. Remus tried his best not to say anything, but he admitted it when Sirius asked it.
Harry took to watching again. She came to the common room late because she spent most of her time at the infirmary. She did her homework there. She and Draco talked quietly as he told her about what it was really like to grow up a Malfoy. He had nothing good to say about his father. He blamed himself for not realizing that his mother had been killed sooner. How could he have not noticed?
Late one night, Harry sat to wait up for her again, pretending to do his homework and studying. Hermione had to admit it: Fiona was a good influence on him. He waited until eleven o' clock. He tried to look busy when she came in.
"Harry? What are you doing so late?" she asked. The common room was empty.
"Um…homework. I had a lot to catch up on," he lied.
"Do the fifth years really get that much work because of the O.W.L.s?" she asked.
"Yes." He wasn't exactly lying to her about that. He had managed to finish all of Hermione's extra exercises ahead of time.
"I won't keep you then."
"Wait."
She paused at the staircase towards the girls dorms. She had no idea that it was driving him insane that she was so close by, yet so far. It was the same right now, being in the same room together. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I just wanted to ask if Draco was feeling any better," he said quickly. He'd do anything just to keep her a while longer.
"He's fine. He's starting to walk around more. I've been giving him his assignments from the teachers. Aunt Nell's not sure if he should be moving around as much. I do my homework, while he does his. Harry?" She stopped because he was just staring at her again. "Did I do something wrong?"
He broke off and looked at the fire. He really had to stop staring at her like that. He just couldn't help himself. She smiled for a moment as she started laughing softly. "What?"
"It's just I remembered something. Just before Draco got hurt. He came to the Shrieking Shack. His skin was kind of greenish, which went well with his eyes, and there were pieces of pink thread in his hair. It was so funny. But we got into a fight. He said that it was you who did it," she stopped when she saw the look on his face. "You didn't, did you?"
"You want to know for sure?"
She nodded. He replied, "Yes. I was the one who told the Fred and George to do it. All of it. It was all my idea. He had it a long time coming."
"What?" she asked. Fiona realized that Draco had been right all along. "But, why? Why would you do something like that? Was it because of that fight earlier?"
"It was everything, Fiona," said Harry as he closed the distance between the two of them. He looked at her with his emerald eyes glowing. "Did he tell you why?"
She shook her head as she took a step back from him. Harry closed that space as well. "Harry, why did you do it?" she asked.
"Because of you," he replied.
"What? What do you mean by that?" she demanded.
Harry backed off and went back to gather his things from the table. "Never mind. I'm going to bed," he muttered. Why didn't he just stop himself earlier from talking to her? He should have been in bed an hour ago. He was losing sleep again because of her.
"'Night," he said as he got to the staircase on the other side of the room. Fiona was fuming. She ran to him and placed her hand on his shoulder. "Answer me!" she demanded.
"I don't have to answer anything," he said coldly.
She pursed her lips as she glared at him. "I want an explanation! How is it my fault that Draco got into all that? I want you to answer me!" He shrugged her off, causing her to tumble back. He stood stunned for a moment as she adjusted her body for the fall. "What was that for?!" she shouted. Any louder, she would have woken everyone up.
Instead, she woke Hermione who came down. "What's going on in here?" she asked.
"Nothing. I'm going to bed," said Harry defensively as he felt his cheeks go flush.
"No," exclaimed Fiona more forcefully as she got back on her feet. "Answer me."
Harry paused again without turning, he said, "You should know." With that he left for his room, feeling terrible for causing her to fall.
"Are you okay?" asked Hermione.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Hermione, you've known him for a while, haven't you?" Hermione nodded. She knew where this conversation was going. Fiona continued, "Sometimes, it's like he has a split personality. Or multiple personalities. I thought he was just shy at the beginning when we first met at the Shrieking Shack. Then, at the dance he was so nice. Now, he's acting like I've done something wrong. I have no idea what I did."
"Fiona, Harry's confused right now. Everything's happening so fast. There are a lot of things expected from him. He's really sweet when he wants to be. He's considerate and kind. He's just worried for you. We've known him for years, much longer than you. He just doesn't think you're safe with Draco. So, he's worried. After what happened, you can't blame him."
"I think I know who I feel safe with and who I don't. Right now, I feel safer with Draco than him. Draco never pushed me," said Fiona coldly as she went off to bed. Hermione stood there shaking her head. Little did she know that she was joining the group of perplexed people who have gone through all this long before with another Potter.
*
Harry tossed and turned all night. He felt terrible for letting her fall like that. He should have caught her. He could feel his heart ache a little at a time. Why was this so hard for him? He spent most of his time just watching her during meals. Ron, at first, tried to stop him, but in the end gave up.
Fiona sat with Ginny and Neville for the most part. Neville was helping her with Herbology, which confused her horribly. Hermione offered to help, but she turned her down. At least if Hermione were helping Fiona, then Harry would have an excuse to be around her. She always said hello to him and asked him how he was doing. Harry wasn't letting her get close enough. He didn't want to sound stupid in front of her.
"Fiona, are the wizarding schools like this in America?" asked Seamus.
"I heard that they let the children come home everyday," added Dean.
"What kind of fashions do they wear?" asked Lavender.
"I hear that some schools don't require uniforms," said Parvati.
"Um…I never went to a wizarding school in America. So, I don't know the answers to any of those questions. I had a private tutor for magic, while I went to the non-magicks schools," said Fiona.
"You went to the Muggles' schools?" asked Lavender.
"Was your mother a witch?" asked Paravti.
"Yes. We moved to America after my father was taken away. It was before I was born. I was raised non-Magically," replied Fiona uncomfortably.
"Was she Muggle born?"
"No. I'm not sure. Her father's a wizard."
"Stop," said Harry quietly, yet firmly. Everyone fell silent. The boys were half afraid to look at him, knowing that he was angry.
"At least, I'm answering questions, Potter," snapped Fiona angrily as she stood up. "I've had enough." They were getting annoying, but she kept her cool and her manners. Remus and Sirius were seated at the head table and saw the whole thing as she left. Both men glanced at each other. Professor Dumbledore had watched the whole thing with quiet amusement. It had been many years since he saw something like that. The way Fiona had said Harry's last name was almost identical to the way another young woman had said it before.
"Someone should follow her," said Ron quietly.
"Yes," agreed Hermione as she looked at Harry pointedly.
"What? Why should I?" snapped Harry, angrily.
"Because you made her mad. Now, go and fix it," said Hermione bossily.
"Shut up," said Harry. "Stop being a know-it-all."
Hermione seethed as she glared at Ron to do something. "Harry, just go. Please before Hermione starts yelling and really embarrasses the rest of us," urged Ron.
"No."
"Harry."
"I said no."
Ron put his hand on Harry's shoulder, who turned and glared at him. "Okay. I get it. For the love of Merlin, seek help."
Sirius shook his head. Ron really did reminded him of himself when he was younger. He told James the same thing before. "Do you think he'll go and follow her?" asked Nell, sitting next to him.
"Is he a Potter?" asked Sirius with a laugh. Remus nodded in agreement.
Sure enough, Harry finally stood up and left the Great Hall. He wasn't sure where he was going, but subconsciously, he was looking for Fiona. He knew where she would be, visiting with the ferret.
"Okay, I thought that you were exaggerating before about him, but I'm starting to believe you," said Fiona quietly as he stopped at the open door. "It's like every move I make is going to get my head bitten off. I don't even know what I did wrong."
Harry heard Draco reply. His voice sounded strange. It was soft, barely above a whisper, "What did he do again?"
"I told you about last night. Just right now, he got all snappy at the table. In front of everyone."
"Are you all right?"
"I have a bruise on my side because of my fall."
"I would have told someone."
"Hermione saw it. She took off five points from Gryffindor. I don't want to take points off my house."
"Don't worry about it. Potter's taken off more than fifty this year," snorted Draco.
"How are you feeling? Any better?"
"I don't think I'll ever be better Fiona," he admitted quietly.
"You just have to hang in there, Draco. I'm here, if you need me," she said softly.
Harry leaned back against the wall. Yes, he didn't like it when she spent time with Draco. However, he realized that she was loyal. She was a true friend to those she choose to be friends with. Draco was lucky to have her as a friend. Harry would think less of her if she abandoned him. Harry could feel his heart give in even more. He had to be with her no matter what.
He could hear her talking to Draco in softer tones than normal to help him. She really was a gentle and compassionate person. She was beautiful inside and out. Harry strengthened his resolve. He had to follow Sirius' advice. He went back to the common room to do his homework.
Fiona came in earlier than usual. She spotted Harry and quickly went for the stairs to the girls' dorms. Everyone froze in places, waiting for the next round of words, but she turned and left without saying anything. They all turned back and looked at Harry. "What are you looking at?" he demanded.
Everyone quickly looked away and went back to work. Hermione marveled at the fact that Harry was done with all the extra assignments she had put together as part of their practice for the O.W.L.s.
"Ginny," said Harry suddenly, remembering something. "Fiona's with you, right?"
Ginny looked at Ron who was behind Harry, he sort of nodded. "Um…yeah," she said slowly. She was reluctant to give him an answer. Harry nodded and went back to reading his transfiguration book. "Why?"
Harry gave no answer. Hermione gave him a crossed look. "Harry, if you're planning anything I'll have to take points off Gryffindor," she said.
"I'm not planning anything, Hermione," said Harry finally. "Let me read my book."
"I just realized something. With Sirius free, you can go live with him instead of the Dursleys," said Ron.
"That would give you the perfect position," said Fred thoughtfully.
"Can we all please talk about something else?" pleaded Harry with a roll of his emerald eyes.
"But, your love life is so interesting," said George.
"Or rather your lack of one," joked Ron.
"That's it! I'm going to bed," exclaimed Harry angrily as he got up and left the common room.
"He scares me," commented Neville.
"You're not the only one," agreed Ginny.
"Well, remember Ron, Dean, Seamus, and I have to sleep in the same room as him. What do you reckon is going on? I don't know Fiona Black that well, but she's nice. Very smart. Pretty soon she should be caught up with Herbology," said Neville.
"She's also very pretty," observed Seamus in a lower tone, afraid of what would happen if Harry heard him.
"Why are we talking so low? He's not here," reminded George.
"Oh, yeah. It's like everything she's doing is making him mad," observed Ginny in a louder voice.
"He just can't express himself properly that's all," said Hermione.
Ron didn't say anything about knowing that Fiona was Harry's dream girl, both literally and figuratively. This whole thing was driving Ron mad. "Stupid Harry," he muttered under his breath.
Fiona paced up and down her room in her pajamas. She knew it was too early to dress for bed, but she didn't care. All she knew what that she was mad. Never in her whole life did she have to tolerate someone like Harry Potter for so long without screaming. She folded her arms across her chest and flopped onto her bed. Stupid Harry Potter. Why was he being this way? Why was it bothering her so much?
She grabbed Scruffy who was sitting on her bed. "Boys are really stupid, Scruffy," she told him. She looked at his button eyes and said, "You're no help. But that's okay." She decided to wait before going back down.
She drew the curtains around her bed and opened the book that her godfather, Severus, had given her. She started to read the story of how the wizard Merlin was trapped in a willow tree by the enchantress Morgaine Le Faye. She had read the story dozens of times. She could read it even more than that.
She told Severus it was her favorite book because it was the first book her mother ever read to her. He was pleased with that. They talked from time to time, but not as often as she did with her other godparents. He kept his distance, but maintained a watchful eye for her. Fiona knew that there was some bad blood between her father and him. Leave it to her mother to select him regardless.
Remus told her about a prank that her father pulled on Severus that nearly got him killed. Fiona learned more and more about James Potter. She tried her best not to get in Harry's way. She kept reminding herself that Harry had been through a lot more than her.
Meanwhile, in the other side, Harry sat next to window, thinking about her and everything that had gone horribly wrong that day. Why didn't he have to make so many stupid mistakes? He shook his head. She got him so mixed up. He wasn't thinking straight. He was getting obsessive again.
By eleven everyone else had gone up to bed. Harry had changed and gotten into bed before any of his roommates returned. He waited until Ron stopped pacing in front of his bed, deciding whether or not to talk to him before getting up again. He crept back downstairs and saw Fiona sitting in front of the fire. She looked up at him and quickly turned back to the fire. He paused for a moment before approaching her.
"What do you want from me, Harry? I'm getting tired of all this," said Fiona finally. She turned and looked at him. In his emerald eyes, she saw herself looking at him.
"You don't understand," said Harry softly. "You just don't get it."
"What do I have to get? You are a jerk. You're just kicking Draco when he's already down. It's not fair, Harry. Look, if I'm your problem, then don't take it out on him. Take it out on me. I want to know why you did what you did! I want some answers," she said as she stood up to leave. He grabbed her arm before she could leave. She tried to struggle, but he held her in such a way that she couldn't do anything to him. "Let me go," she hissed at him. She was surprised at how strong he was. He was stronger than Draco; it was no wonder he had won the fist fight earlier. He hid his strength in his lanky frame.
"No," he said firmly. "Not until you understand." He sounded angry.
"How am I supposed to understand? Let me go. Please," said Fiona as she struggled. "You're not making any sense."
He pulled her closer to him. He kissed her softly, taking her by surprise. He lifted his head. His eyes were softer. He let her go. He stepped back from her. She looked at him with an unreadable look on her face as she touched her lips. "Harry…"
"I love you," he declared loudly. The silence was deafening after that. Fiona had a flabbergasted look on her face. She shook her head furiously. "No," she insisted forcefully.
Harry felt his heart ripping clear from his chest. He couldn't believe what he had just said. "Look, Harry. We don't know each other that well. I—" She couldn't say it. It would be cruel. "—I don't know what to say. I'm flattered. Very. I just don't know what else to say."
"Fiona," pleaded Harry. He'd give almost anything to stop her from looking at him the way she was. She pulled away from him. "Please, don't go," he pleaded.
"I—I'm tired," she stammered. She had to get away from him.
"Just look at me," he pleaded again. She was avoiding looking at him. He made a grab for her again, but she pulled away quickly this time. Her eyes were filled with tears. "Just leave me alone. I'm going to bed," she cried as she made her escape.
Harry watched as she ran upstairs. He wanted to follow her. He would have, but his legs couldn't move. He sank onto the sofa. What had he done? What did he do that was so wrong? He couldn't believe he'd actually said it. He told her how he felt, and she just left like that.
This was a nightmare. She looked like she was scared out of her wits. He had no idea what he had done to her. She was truly scared out of her wits. She burrowed into her sheets the moment she got into bed. She wiped the tears that were gliding down her cheeks.
She touched her lips again. It was a first kiss. He took her first kiss. She hugged Scruffy tightly. He still made no sense to her. How could he say something like that? He was in love with her, but she didn't know him very well. He made her so confused half the time and he just turned her completely upside down. Worst yet, he probably didn't mean it. Why would he play such cruel games with her?
He stayed where he was until the fire burned out before getting up and staggering off to bed. Ron took one look at him and shook his head. Harry gave him a look that told him not to ask any questions. He got into bed and quickly drew the curtains.
The only consolation he had was the kiss. At least he got to do that. Then, he had a realization. It was his first kiss. He was also pretty sure that it was hers as well. Despite how bad he was feeling, he couldn't help, but smile.
*
Fiona didn't get much sleep, and by the time she did, it was close to morning. Ginny had to wake her up. "Fiona," called Ginny.
"I'm awake," she mumbled. Ginny noticed that she had her arms wrapped around Scruffy.
"Cute dog. You're going to be late, if you don't get out of bed," said Ginny as she left the room to go for breakfast.
Fiona got up slowly and got ready for class. When she came down, much to her dismay, only Harry was waiting for her. His cheeks were tinted pink. "We have to talk," he said softly. She avoided his gaze.
"Yes," she replied in an empty sort of voice. She avoided his gaze.
"What's wrong?" he asked carefully as they walked along the nearly empty hallway. Harry looked ahead and glared at anyone watching them. As a result, people were moving along quickly to get away from them.
"Why did you say that?"
"Why wouldn't I?"
"I don't understand," said Fiona, finally stopping in the hall. She looked at him. The sky outside was gray. The threat of rain was becoming was obvious. She looked outside, then back at him. "You barely know me. How can you say that?"
"Tell me when was the last time you played the piano at that classroom in San Francisco? You have nightmares because Voldemort is coming after you in your dreams," he said softly.
"My dad could have told you that," she said skeptically.
"He didn't. You always play your violin. Your father never mentioned that. You can also play the tin whistle," he said.
Fiona froze. The only person who knew that she was doing that was her mother. "How do you know?"
"I saw it. In my dreams," he whispered.
If Fiona was disturbed before, she was completely flustered now. She stepped back away from him until she bumped into the wall. He closed the distance between them again. "Look, I know that it sounds insane—"
"You're damn right that it sounds insane!" she interrupted. "Just stop! Take it back!"
"Take what back?"
"Take back what you said last night!"
"What?"
"What you said!"
"You have to be specific."
"That you love me!"
"You should keep your voice down. And no."
"What do you mean 'no'?" she demanded in a lower voice. It was infuriating her that he was being so damn calm.
"Why would I take it back? I meant what I said," he whispered softly.
"Dreams. You're doing all this because of some stupid dreams. They don't mean anything. Nothing," whispered Fiona.
"How can you be so cynical?" asked Harry.
"Because."
"That's not a good enough answer. Listen to me. Please. Why is it bothering you so much? It's not like I'm asking you to love me back."
"You're being stupid. How could you?"
"How could I what?"
"I don't want to talk anymore."
"Fiona," he whispered. He had no idea why she was so upset over this. He reached out to hold her, but she pulled back and pressed up against the wall. He let his arms drop to his sides. "I won't hurt you. I wouldn't do that. Just give me a chance. That's all I want."
"No," she whimpered as she slipped past him and took off running full tilt. He stood there absolutely stunned. She ran for shelter. She made her way to the infirmary to find Draco writing something on parchment. He looked surprised at her and tucked the parchment into the book that he was writing on top of. He could see the distress that she was in.
"What's wrong?" he whispered.
"Nothing. No. Yes. I don't know. I'm so confused," she whispered.
"Come here," he said gently. He gestured for her to sit on the edge of the bed with him. She took a seat. He put his arm around her and said. "Now, tell me what's wrong?"
"Is it possible to fall in love with someone just because you see them your dreams?"
"I don't know. Then again, I supposed almost anything is possible. Fiona, people have dreams to refresh their spirits. If the dreams are good, then it's good for the soul."
"Have you ever kissed anyone before Draco?"
"Do you mean a real kiss?" he asked unabashed.
"What do you mean? What difference does it make?"
"Well, I've been kissed by Pansy. Somehow I don't think that counts. I don't even like her. So, if you mean, have I ever kissed anyone no. But, I've been kissed. Why are we talking about this?"
"Have you ever been in love?" she asked, ignoring his question.
"No. Not really," he admitted. "However, you're the closest person I've ever felt like being in love with."
Fiona gave him a weak smile. "I don't know about that. I don't think anyone in their right mind should fall in love with me. They could stand to get hurt."
"You mean by Voldemort? I understand. Completely."
"Thank you Draco. For being there for me."
"Not a problem, Fin. You're my best friend. The only friend I've ever had," he whispered.
"Ditto."
"You should go to class."
Fiona stood up. Draco had given her the strength to get through the day. He gave her a smile, which she returned. "I'll see you later."
"Yes. Later. Good-bye, Fin."
"Later."
He waited until she was gone before saying, "I'll miss you." He pulled the piece of parchment out of the book. He had to add more lines to it. It was a letter he was writing to Fiona. He had finished the letter to Sensei Ran, thanking him for being a wonderful teacher and a good friend. The necklace that Sensei Ran had given him earlier was in the envelope. He wrote Fiona a longer letter. When he was done, he folded it up slowly and sealed it in an envelope.
He looked out the window. He hadn't spoken to anyone, but Fiona ever since they came back from the Forbidden Forest. He had received news from the Ministry of Magic. Somehow, Dumbledore convinced Fudge that Draco had done nothing wrong.
That was not how he felt. He felt like he had done many things wrong. It was his fault that Fiona almost died. He hadn't done much to protect his best friend. He felt guilty about his mother. He had done many terrible things because of his father's influence. He got out of bed and dressed. It was going to rain soon, but it didn't make much of a difference to him.
He pulled out his wand, but left it on the nightstand. Instead, he found the dagger that he carried in his trunk. Technically, none of the students were allowed to bring things like those to school, but he always kept it just in case. It had a silver dragon carved into the handle. He had do it. He took out a scarf that he had asked Fiona to ask Mr. Weasley to bring from the household. She thought it was an odd request, but did so anyway. It was made of light blue silk and smelled like his mother's purfume. There was no other way. He couldn't spare a moment's weakness. It almost happened when Fiona entered the room. He went to the door and quietly left the infirmary.
Draco swore that he would make the world a better place. The world would be better off if he had never existed, and now he was going to fix it.
*
Sensei Ran arrived on a raft that docked at the edge of the lake. The ominous gray sky troubled him greatly. Then, a light drizzle started, and he pulled his hood up. He made his way up to the Headmaster's office.
He came in, but knew what had happened. The high priestess had told him what had happened. He was greatly troubled because the necklace that he had given to Draco gave him signals that something was wrong.
"I will have to go see him immediately, Grandfather," said Ryu.
"Draco has a fight ahead of him, Ryu," said Professor Dumbledore.
"Does he have anyone?"
"He has his maternal grandparents in France, but he has not contacted them. He has requested that they not be contacted," said Remus.
"His grandfather was the one who arranged for the marriage of his parents, so he doesn't trust them much," added Sirius.
Ryu frowned. He knew that the boy was obviously abused. "I'll take him," he said quietly. The decision was easy.
"What?" asked Nell.
"I'll be his guardian. He needs someone. I'll do it," he said with a tone of finality in his voice.
Dumbledore nodded. "Are you sure you can?"
"I'm a teacher, Grandfather. I've been dealing with children for a long time."
"I mean will your high priestess allow you to," clarified Professor Dumbledore.
"We'll find out when we get there, won't we? But I'm a maverick. She knows that," said Ryu with a shrug.
The meeting continued for the next hour and a half as preparations were made. Ryu had to get a progress report on Fiona. He felt something wrong in the air. The drizzle had become stronger. It wasn't a good omen at all.
*
Draco got to the top of the Slytherin side of the Quidditch field. He took a look around. It was a good place for this. He had wished he could have had a less painful way of doing this, but he didn't want to waste time brewing a potion for this. He pulled off his cloak and rolled up his right sleeve. He tied the blue scarf around his upper arm tightly. He made sure it was tight enough.
He pulled the dagger out of its sheath with his left hand. He cut into his flesh, trying best not to wince, even though no one was around to see it. He hissed through the pain. He wasn't doing this because his family name was in disgraced or all the money and property had been seized.
No, he was doing this because he had barely anything to begin with. He didn't want anyone else to feel any pain because of him. It was best that the Malfoys were wiped out of existence all together. He had cut into a vein and sank onto floor. He choose the top because there was a small wall to support his back. At least he could sit up for this.
The rain was now dropping from the sky, cooling the cut he had made, but not stopping the blood. He sat and waited for the end.
Meanwhile, Fiona sat in class. Listening to Professor Sprout telling them what they had to do at the greenhouse. However, she was jolted wide awake, when a vision flashed through her head. She could see Draco and where he was. She could see the condition he was in.
"Miss Black, please sit down," instructed Professor Sprout because Fiona had stood up automatically.
"I'm sorry, Professor. I have to go," said Fiona hurriedly as she took off running. The class sat there stunned at her departure. Fiona ran from the greenhouses into the hall. She ignored Filch who told her to stop. She tore through the empty hall.
"Madame Pomfrey!" she shouted as soon as she got into the infirmary.
"What's wrong? Oh my, you're wet. You'll get sick," said the nurse.
"Where's Draco?" she demanded. The bed was left unmade and empty.
"I don't know. I've asked Filch to go and look for him."
Fiona walked over to the nightstand. "Why is his wand here? He wouldn't go anywhere without it," she said. She started moving the sheets around. Looking for anything. She found the envelopes under the pillow. She tore open the one addressed to her and quickly skimmed it. "Oh my God," she murmured.
"What is it?" asked Madame Pomfrey.
"I have to find him," said Fiona as she took off running again. She kept running in the hall. She didn't put the letter in her pocket, so it slipped out. She went outside into the rain. Where would he go? She felt frantic. There was no way this was going to happen. Fiona looked around outside. The rain was coming down hard, making the visibility harder.
"Draco!" she started shouting. "Where are you?! Answer me! Please!" She could feel the tears coming. She staggered as she looked around. This was impossible. Where would he go? "Draco!" she called again. This was worse than any nightmare she had had. She felt helpless again like when her mother died. No. She wasn't going to lose her best friend. She had to find him.
Madame Pomfrey was angry. Not only did Draco disappear from the infirmary, but Fiona had dripped water all over her floor. She mopped it up just as Ryu Ran came in with Sirius and Remus. "Your daughter dripped water all over my floor," she told Sirius, annoyed.
"Where's Draco Malfoy?" asked Ryu.
"I don't know. He's gone. Mr. Filch is looking for him right now. Fiona Black came in and left in a hurry to go look for him," said Madame Pomfrey.
"What?" asked Sirius. "She's supposed to be in Herbology."
"Like you've never ditched a class in your life," pointed out Remus.
Ryu Ran spotted the note that was on the bed. He picked it up and noticed that there was some weight on it. It felt like there was something more than paper in it. He opened it and the necklace fell on the bed. He read the note.
"What does it say?" asked Sirius as he watched the expression Ryu's face change.
"He's going to kill himself," whispered Ryu as he handed the letter to Sirius and left the room. Sirius read the note and passed it to Remus.
*
Draco could fell the life draining out of him slowly. All he could do was wait. The pain wasn't that much. He looked up at the sky. It was a good day. He felt strange. He deserved the pain. After all the things he had done to others, he deserved it. It was the only way.
Fiona was looking around the grounds, drenched in the rain. It was so hard to see in front of her. She had to find him. How could she have not noticed the pain he really was in? She should have known better. Why didn't she notice the signs he had given her? Why would he say good bye if she was going to see him later anyway? She stomped her foot in frustration.
If she really was his best friend, then she should be able to find him. She looked around, trying to focus. She turned and saw the high towers of the Quidditch field. She had to take the chance, even if it wasted time. Draco loved Quidditch. Even without the rain, the field still would have been empty. She took off despite the slipperiness of the grass as fast as she could.
She kept going until she reached the field. The walls of the field seemed to loom over her head as she looked around. Where would he be, if he were there? She looked and decided to try going up a random side, perhaps, she could see better going higher. Perhaps it was fate or sheer luck, but she had chose the Slytherin side to climb up. She almost slipped down, but spotted Draco leaning against the support wall at the very top of the stands. Leave to it him to make it so much harder on me, she thought.
"Draco, what are you doing?" she asked him. Her voice sounded like it was coming from a funnel. He turned his head.
"Draco, what have you done to yourself?" She moved closer to him, but he was not able to get up. He picked up the dagger and pointed it at her. "Don't come any closer, Fin," he gasped. The skin in his arm was turning blue. She looked down and saw the cut at his wrist. The blue scarf was tied tightly, making the blood flow easier.
"Stop, don't come any closer." He pointed it at her for a moment. She didn't step back, instead she went forward. He realized that threatening with the dagger wouldn't force her back, so he slashed his wrist again. It hurt, but it also caused the desired effect: she stepped back. "Don't do that!"
"Why did you come?"
"I had to. Don't do this. Please. Just give me the dagger, Draco."
"No. Go back. Leave me. Why the Hell do you care?!" His voice sounded strangled. He slashed his wrist with the dagger again.
"Don't do this, please," pleaded Fiona.
"It's over, Fin. I'm tired. I've had enough. I can't fight anymore."
"We'll do it. I won't let you fall. You promised me. I promised you. Please, don't do this to me. To yourself. Draco, I know you're strong enough. Just stop."
"I'm not as strong as you, Fin."
"No. Please, don't do this! Don't do this to me! I need you!" Tears were coming down as hard as the rain.
"I can't fight anymore, Fin. Please. Just understand."
"You promised me! Draco, please don't do this!"
"Get away from me. Please."
"Just give me the dagger. Let me help you," she sobbed.
"Things would be easier without me. I'm only slowing you down. Fin, I'm not worth fighting for."
"Draco, you're the only friend I've got. Don't leave me, too." Her voice was softer. Her eyes locked with his. He hadn't really cried since the attack. The loss he felt was burying him slowly. His soul felt like it was gone. He didn't have much to lose. She reached out her hand. Her eyes remained locked with his. She trusted him. The only one who trusted him. He couldn't lose that trust.
He handed the dagger to her. She took it from him as he fell forward. She caught him in her arms as the rain continued to pounded on them. She held him tightly. She threw the dagger down, making a clunking sound on the wood. "It's going to be all right. I won't let anything or anyone else hurt you," she whispered as she pulled the scarf loose. There was blood that washed off by the rain.
Neither of them saw Sensei Ran standing behind them. He picked up the dagger. He had phased through the barriers of the castle and teleported to the top of the stands. His powers were different from the magic that everyone else used, so he was able to get through the barriers easily.
Draco sobbed painfully. For so many days, weeks, months, and years, he had to hold it all in. He felt some release finally. He could feel his loss and admit it. Now was his time to cry and be helped. When Fiona said she would protect him, he believed her.
Sensei Ran walked up to them. He found the sheath and put the dagger in it. He walked up to the pair. "Draco, I'm here. We'll help you," he whispered as he pulled Draco from Fiona. "But, you have to trust me."
Draco nodded numbly. "Then sleep. In the name of the Goddess, sleep," he commanded as he put his hand over his eyes. Draco's body went limp. Sensei Ran supported his body as he held his hand over the slashes on his wrist and healed them.
Fiona watched this in amazement. "How did you do that?" she whispered.
"You will learn how soon enough," he replied.
Sirius and Remus made it up the stands. "How did you get here before us?" asked Sirius.
"What happened?" asked Remus.
There was blood on Fiona's clothes. "Draco's just sleeping. Let's go back before we all catch pneumonia," she suggested.
"It's been a long day," she added as she walked ahead of them. Ryu supported Draco with Remus' help. Sirius insisted on checking if Fiona was all right. When they came in, Harry stood there waiting for them. Ginny was holding the letter that Fiona had lost.
"Is he all right?" asked Ginny as she looked at Draco.
"I don't know," replied Fiona. She made eye contact with Harry briefly. "We have to go." She walked with Sensei Ran, Remus, and Draco. Her father looked at all the students standing there. The Slytherin wore looks on their faces that were far from sympathetic. They were cruel and heartless. Sirius took a deep breath.
"Everyone clear the hallway," he said loudly. He wasn't a teacher, but everyone quickly cleared out of his way. The Slytherin threw him dirty looks. He didn't even bother to look at them. They weren't worth it. He looked at Severus who was standing nearby. As the head of Slytherin, he was immediately alerted about the situation. He was also disgusted by his own students.
"Is it any wonder why Voldemort was created in my house?" he asked out loud.
"I can see why," admitted Sirius. "Snape, you saved my wife years ago. You kept my daughter alive, even before she was born. I never would admit it before, but I would like to—"
"I would rather have you not say it, Black. I don't require it. I don't deserve it. I would not hear it from Thalia before. I won't hear from you, no matter how much of your bloated pride you set aside. I will do what I have to do for Fiona, but do not think for a single moment Black that we are even allies. We just have common interests," said Severus before he turned around with his robes billowing behind him. He went towards the direction of the infirmary.
Sirius turned to Harry. "Did you get something to eat yet, Harry?" he asked.
He shook his head. "Then, let's go to the village. We don't need to sneak out of here. I don't think Professor Dumbledore will mind if we asked for permission," said Sirius. Harry nodded and they walked off.
The rain had stopped, but the sky remained gray. A new battle was creeping along waiting to be fought. It was time for everyone to prepare. All everyone could do was hold their breathes and wait for what was to come.
AN: Surely, I couldn't write a chapter about complications without making it really long. Harry's had some complications of the heart, while Draco's are of the soul. We've got conflicts up the yin-yang. Speaking of which is my own original work. ^^ It's my own original story please check out the website for it at http://yinyang.dreamelf.net. There's hardly anything there yet! I'm such a tease. But, I've been writing this fic, and I'd like "to strike while the iron is hot" so to speak. I feel if I take a break, then the writer's block may come. Adios.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. Come on try me…go ahead. You won't get jack. @_@