"I Want It That Way -By: Backstreet Boys"
SongFic By: Deep Shadows and EckoStalker

Author's Notes: This is the alternate ending, for all you Alexis and Artimis fans who don't want to see either of them die. Enjoy.


You are my fire,
the one desire...

Artimis sat with Severus Snape, crying about Alexis," She's my soulmate. She can't do this. I NEED her." Severus let her cry, knowing that Alexis was the fire that feuled Artimis. Her only desire was to see her friend safe and out of danger's grasp.

Believe me when I say
I want it that way...

Artimis stood abruptly, and rushed out the door. Severus followed, confused at her actions. Artimis threw the doors open and stepped out, facing a black clad figure. Alexis drew her wand on her friend and Artimis froze in midstep.

But we are two worlds apart
can't reach to your heart...

"Alexis? It's me. Put your wand down and come here." Artimis said, frustrated, but not moving forward.
"Callabella, back off!" Alexis yelled forecfully, and Artimis looked hurt.
"Callabella? It's me! Artimis! Your best friend!"
"I think not!" Alexis sneered and Severus grimaced as Artimis stepped back, stunned.

When you say I want it that way...

"What? Hello! We've been best friends for years. Put your wand down and come here!" Artimis put her hands on her hips, staring confusedly.
"You blood traitor, back away from me!" Alexis growled.

Tell me why.
Ain't nothing but a heartache Tell me why.
Ain't nothing but a mistake.
Tell me why.
I never wanna hear you say,
I want it that way...

"Alexis, it's not too late to come back. Just tell me why you can't. Stop breaking my heart and talk to me." Artimis yelled, drawing her wand for defense purposes.
"Because the damn beaurucrats want 'justice'. Because they took away my right to revenge."
"It was a mistake! It can be fixed. They'll understand."

Am I your fire,
Your one desire...

"Come on. Don't you believe me?" Artimis cooed.
Alexis glared and replied, "Why should I believe you?"
"Did the past several years fly from your memory? Have you forgotten all about me, don't you miss me?" Alexis's eyes darted about for a moment, then quickly returned to Artimis's eyes. Severus had walked down the stairs and everyone else stood in the doorframe.

Yes I know It's too late
But I want it that way...

"It's too late, Artimis. Just give it up."
"I know it's too late to remove your mark, but it can work out for the best! There has never been something we could not overcome! Don't make me have to keep our promise!" Artimis nearly pleaded the last part, even though she stood tall and intimidating.

Now I can see that we're falling apart
from the way that it used to be...

Alexis didn't want to think about the past. But it bubbled unwillingly. All their problems they had encountered, and how they always found a way around them. And she remembered their promise.
Am I throwing all that away? Yes, you are not that anymore, you're not what you used to be... argued another voice. Alexis looked at Artimis, into her pleading eyes. It's in the past.
Alexis shook her head and glared," Me and you are done, Artimis. I've already made my choice. I can't escape from it."
Artimis slowly shook her head, tears brimming in her eyes. She whispered loud enough for them to hear,"That's not true. As long as it's you and me, there's nothing we can't do."

No matter the distance
I want you to know
that deep down inside of me
You are my fire
the one desire...

Alexis's wand hand wavered , her own eyes shimmering. What if she is right?... Maybe I can change... It was differnet than I thought it would be, as a servant to Voldemort.
No! You are his! Argued her darker side.
Artimis saw Alexis's struggle and smiled discreetly. She said quietly, "No matter waht you do, I'll be here to help you when you need. You know that deep down."
Alexis struggled and realized something. She was the one supporting me all these years. She kept me going when I felt like quitting... Alexis looked at Artimis and locked gazes with her, drawing strength and fueling the stages of rebellion against her Master.

You are.
You are.
You are.
Don't wanna hear you say.
Tell me why.
Ain't nothing but a heartache...

"Let me help you. Please Alexis. I can't go on without you. You're slowly killing me." Artimis begged, her own wand quivering.

Tell me why.
Ain't nothing but a mistake...

Alexis finally lowered her wand to her side. She stared at Artimis, the truth dawning on her and renewing her confused senses. It... it was a mistake... why, am I d,doing this? She looked around at all the familiar faces around like it was the first time she had in ages. My... my f,family. Artimis nodded her head and smiled, tears slipping down her cheeks. Alexis started trembling and dropped her wand, staring at her hands, then her clothes and her left arm in numbed shock. Oh my god... "Wh... What have I d, done?" she whispered aloud, silent tears burning her jewel green eyes.

Tell me why.
I never wanna hear you say.
I want it that way...

Artimis dropped her own wand and rushed to Alexis pushing her arm down and tackling her in a bearhug. "You came home. I swear as long as there is breath in my body that I will find a way. Just promise me one thing..." Artimis said smiling and holding Alexis close.
"What? Anything." Alexis muttered shocked and out of breath.
"That you will never turn against me again. Next time I can't afford to hesisate to kill you. I will not bat an eye till I have killed you."
Alexis swallowed and managed to choke out, "Fine... with me..."
Artimis laughed and squeezed Alexis as she collapsed into her arms, both lowering to the ground as she buried herself into Artimis, crying and venting all the past pain and doubts.

Cause I want it that way...

Artimis let Severus help her up and she led Alexis into the house, the rest of the family sparing a loving smile for Alexis as she was taken in. They all loved her and having her back was something they all had hoped for and they were willing to fight to keep her there. They wanted it that way...

What do ya think? Pretty Spiffy eh? Review!!!! (EckoStalker) And {Deep Shadows}