"Losing Grip -By Avril Lavigne"
SongFic By: Deep Shadows

Author's Note: This is the first ending. The one we feared everyone would flame us for. If you read it and don't like it, read the next chapter for the alternate ending. Even if you do like it read the Alternate ending. Enjoy {Deep Shadows}

Are you aware of what you make me feel, baby...

Artimis sat in the Lounge, talking quietly to Severus, tears flowing down her cheeks. He tried to hold her but she would let no one touch her. Suddenly she slammed the book in her hands down, grabbing her wand. "It is time." She mumbled as she stormed out. Severus followed, a look of fear and knowing on his face.

Right now I feel invisible to you like I'm not real...

Artimis stood in the doorway of her house. A black clad figure stood before her.
"Alexis, you damn well know that mask doesn't scare me. Take it off." Artimis spoke, her voice cold and heartless. The figure removed the mask and Artimis stepped forward.

Didn't you feel me lock my arms around you?
Why'd you turn away.
Here's what I have to say...

Artimis stood, hands on her hips, wand in one hand.
"Didn't you hear me calling you? Why did you ignore me."
Alexis smirked and Artimis fought to not kill her then and there. Severus placed a hand on her shoulder and she shrugged it away.
"Alexis, do you know what I have been through?"

I was left to cry there,
waiting outside there,
grinning with a lost stare...

"I felt your pain." Artimis said showing her newly scorched arms. Alexis frowned sarcastically.
"Come back Alexis. It doesn't have to be this way."
"There is no other way."

That's when I decided.
Why should I care Cause you weren't there When I was scared I was so alone...

"Alexis don't make me do this. There is still time. Come back to me." Artimis pleaded, tears threatening to take her over. Alexis stood stock still, unaffected.
"There is no more time."

You need to listen.
I'm starting to trip
I'm losing my grip
and I'm in this thing alone...

"Damnit. There is always time! Please, for the sake of our friendship. Come back."
"What friendship is that?" Alexis asked and Severus grimaced. He knew Alexis was testing Artimis's boundaries. Artimis yelled," You better listen! I'm losing it because of you and your CHOICE! Don't make me keep my promise!" Artimis said, her anger rising. Alexis snorted.

Am I just some chick you place beside you
To take somebody's place.
When you turn around can you recognize my face...

"Were you ever truly my friend!" Artimis screamed, raising her wand at Alexis. Her hands were shaking in anger. Severus felt a tug of sorrow for her broken heart. Alexis said nothing, smiling carelessly.
"How could you do this to me! Do you even remember me? Do you remember our friendship?"
"Of course I do. But it's all in the past now. We were children then. Times change." Alexis replied with cold laughter.

You used to love me,
you used to hug me
but that wasn't the case,
everything wasn't okay...

"Are you willing to throw it all away to be one of THEM!? They killed both our mothers! Do you remember that? They killed ME! Do you remember THAT!?" Artimis yelled, the rest of the household coming out and cautiosly forming a loose circle around the two former friends.
"I love you, Alexis. I love you like my kid sister. Please don't do this!"
"Love is worthless. Power is the only worthy thing in this world!"

I was left to cry there waiting outside there,
grinning with a lost stare,
That's when I decided...

Artimis drew herself up, smiling minutely then her face went totally blank, her blue eyes no longer sparkling. Alexis drew into her dueling stance.
"Let's do this then!" Artimis stated through gritted teeth.
Alexis smirked and replied,"You've never outdone me once so don't get too happy about losing!"
"Alexis, I hate to tell you but I WILL be the one walking away and if I'm not, then neither are you. The 'Family' will make sure of that!"
"Family. Ha. Never was and never will be." Alexis spat. Severus decided it was enough.

You need to listen
I'm starting to trip
I'm losing my grip
And I'm in this thing alone...

"Alexis! Artimis! You don't have to do this!" Snape yelled. They both looked at him, not relaxing.
"Just walk away, Alexis. Artimis, just go inside. This doesn't have to happen!"
"Sir. In my third year you gave me advice. NEVER turn your back on your friends. I will not walk away!" Artimis replied, glaring at Alexis.
"Nor will I Severus!" Alexis said, locking eyes with Artimis.
Artimis nodded and stated coldly," Severus, shut up or you're next!"
Alexis pointed her wand at Artimis, yelling,"Crucio!"
Artimis fell to the ground on her knees in pain but did not scream.
Through gritted teeth she yelled,"Is that all you you have sister?"
Alexis looked angry and then focused harder, Artimis wincing. Artimis fought the spell off and stood, tears flowing down her cheeks. Alexis was shocked and the spell faltered enough for Artimis to yell," I'm so sorry Alexis. Avada Kedavra!"
Green light emitted from her wand and Alexis fell to the ground, dead.

Crying out loud
I'm crying out loud
Crying out loud
I'm crying out loud...

Artimis fell and crawled over to Alexis's dead form. She cried over her body, banging her fists on her chest.
"You stubborn ass!" She screamed to the sky.

I was left to cry there
waiting outside there
grinning with a lost stare
I was so alone...

Alexis lay on her back, a grin on her face, her emerald eyes open and staring at the sky. Artimis cried, kissing her forehead. "I love you." she whispered, her voice catching in her throat.

Why should I care
'cause you weren't there
when I was scared
I was so alone...

Severus rushed to her, cradling her in his arms. She cried into his shirt, moaning pitifully.
"Alexis, you fool. Why did you come here!" He said to her corpse. He looked into Artimis's eyes and saw insanity and rage.

You need to listen
I'm starting to trip
I'm losing my grip
And I'm in this thing ALONE!

He grabbed her chin, "Artimis. Talk to me!"
"Alexis. Damn you." She muttered over and over, not even looking in his eyes. Draco came up but Severus pushed him away, picking her up and carrying her to the house.
Artimis felt empty and cold. She had done what she promised Alexis all those years ago.
Alexis... damn you... she thought numbly.
She felt Severus carry her but she did nothing. Her heart laid out of the house in the form of a short, white haired woman. She was the one who ended up alone after all and she would never be the same again.

Go, review and tell me that I can't kill Alexis. I will nod at you and smile waiting for you to read the next chapter.... {Deep Shadows}