"I'm a youkai, a half breed. Every new moon, I lose my powers and become completely human."

"Wow," Ron was in shock. "Even purely human you'd still be beautiful." Once again, Hermione hit him. "Perhaps we should, ah, leave her and Harry alone?"

"Good idea," Hermione sighed and began dragging him away.

"Let's go," Harry grabbed and began to pull.

"No, we mustn't leave the common room."

"We are going somewhere private to talk."

"Harry, I'm scared, I'm mortal, this is where I feel safe."

"Don't worry, the place I'm taking you is safe, it can look and be invisible to all, while to us it is any where you wish to be."

"Alright." If I was even thinking about him being my mate, I had to learn to trust him. He nodded and led the way. Soon we were in front of an empty wall, he passed it three times and told me to think of the place I felt the most safe.

I thought of the time I was in the unicorn's pool. It was beautiful and safe there. They protected me from harm… Harry opened the door and before my eyes was the beautiful scene, including unicorns.

"This is where you feel most safe?" He asked amazedly.

"Yes."

"It is beautiful."

"I know, that's what makes it so safe." I took his hand as the door swung closed and disappeared. Leading him to the side of the pool we sat under the mango tree on the hill looking over the water. "What did you wish to talk about in private?"

"For one thing, why are you so scared to be mortal?"

"I'm not sure whether or not my father would know about my little condition. He may not know the day, but he'd know it's there, that could be dangerous."

"I agree, but all of us, everyday live our lives as mortals. We learn not to fear the dangers like that. Each day we could meet our end."

"Don't think demons don't live like that. Immortals can be killed by fatal wounds, at least demonic ones can."

"What happened to your goddess side?"

"I don't know, but I get the feeling that plays into my frailty."

"My dear, please will you sing for me?"

"All you'll here right now is fear."

"Even so, let me hear your beautiful voice."

"Fallen angels at my feet, Whispered voices at my ear, Death before my eyes, Lying next to me I fear, She beckons me, Shall I give in? Upon my end shall I begin Forsaking all I've fallen for I rise to meet the end… Don't turn away...(Don't give into the pain) Don't try to hide... (Though they're screaming your name) Don't close your eyes...

(God knows what lies behind them) Don't turn out the light (Never sleep, never die)"

"Is that truly how you feel? You're ready to give up everything for everyone else? What about you?"

"Why do I matter?"

"You do matter, greatly. We're going to stay here till morning breaks."

"Okay."

"No argument?"

"None at all. I feel safe here. The unicorns protect me."

"The unicorns?"

"They protected me from him. They gave him their blood. So that he'd leave and wouldn't find me."

"So that's why he was able to get at them."

"Unfortunately. Harry? Could you turn around please?"

"Sure," he saw the dress appear so he turned his back.

"I don't feel right staying in somewhere that looks like outdoors in my pajamas."

"I understand, I would either," He said as I finished zipping up the dress. I think this was part of Harry's imagination to. There were effective cut outs around my stomach, and chest. It only covered the necessities. But it also was mine, I was planning on perhaps shaking a little salsa, it would distract him to learn.

"I'm done." He turned around and instantly his eyes widened. He eyes curved around the fabric it was short and covered only the necessities, but it was fashionable. Every place had ripples it was comfortable and flowing. The heels I wore only accented it and the beautiful silver jewelry that matched so well with the pink, red, and white tones of the outfit so well.

"A dance floor." He looked behind me.

"I guess one of us had the idea."

"I think both of us did." He came up to me and took my hand. "Care to dance?"

"Of course." Right as we began to step on the dance floor my body began to pulsate.

"What's wrong?" I had fallen backwards onto the dance floor when I felt it.

"My body… is pulsing."

"What does that mean?"

"The night is over. I'm changing back." My legs grew strong and agile. A perfect teardrop shape as my abs tightened back to the dancers abs I've always had. My hair curled and twirled around my waist and legs as it grew back to its original long, black waves.

"You are even more beautiful." He complimented me as I finished changing back to my original self. He took my hand and began to slow dance. A hot beat started to play in the background.

"I don't think that's the beat the song calls for."

"How shall we dance?"

"Alright." I moved my feet into the starting position. "Left forward." I moved back as he moved. "Pause, Right moves into place." I moved my body with him. "Back to beginning, left side."

"What is this?" He laughed. He was enjoying himself.

"This is the basic step of salsa."

"Salsa?"

"It's a Latino dance. It's a beautiful sensual dance."

"I see," he smiled. "And why do you enjoy this dance?"

"Firstly because you Brits get all out of sorts when it's done. It's beyond not proper. Secondly because dance is the second best form of non-verbal communication."

"What's the first?"

"Guess." I kissed him. He readily kissed back as his hand found its way to be entangled into my hair. His other reached for my lower back as he pulled me close. As he released me I just thought of something. "Think breakfast has started yet?"

"Who cares? Let's dance." He spun me.

"Not like that, like this." I showed him how to spin. "You are the lead, don't forget it's the man's job to make the woman look good." We both laughed. After a while he began to get pretty good at the basics and I knew he could start learning harder steps, but I also knew at this point his feet would never forgive him. "Let's head to breakfast."

"But why?"

"Your not hurting yet, but believe me your body will feel that lesson later. Besides, we've been out of our dorms all night. If we don't show up to breakfast, what will people think?"

He sighed. "Your right."

"Glad you realized it."

"Are you going to breakfast dressed like that?"

"Why not? I'm Salsa worthy." I clicked my tongue right before running playfully out the door to great the morning sun. I never made it that far before a hand reached out and grabbed me.

"Marina?" I tried to cry out, but it all that was heard was so low muffling. I watched as Harry ran in the direction of the Great Hall, he thought I had already left to go there.

"You take my breath away." I heard a low voice ooze from behind me. I was spun around to face Malfoy.

"What do you want?" He was thoroughly scanning my neck.

"You haven't mated yet, smart move."

"Mate?" I tried to seem confused. "What are you talking about?"

"I'm sure you already know, your instincts must be wanting to burst free." He was right, they did. "Does my scent peak your desire."

"Does peaking my desire to kill count?"

"Feisty, I like that."

"Evil doesn't really appeal to my taste."

"You're a demon."

"I'm also the daughter of a goddess." I said stiffly. "Which means I can do this." Lightning crashed at his heels. "Now let me go or I promise the next one won't miss."

"He knows where you are." Malfoy backed away from me. "He'll see you shortly." Laughing he left. I ran down to see Harry and the others in the Great Hall.

"Hey, there you are." Harry smiled at me. Clearly he had been worried.

"What happened?" Ron whispered to us once I had sat down. "Neither one of you was in the dorms last night. Me and Hermione had a right job covering it up."

"Nothing happened, I just took her somewhere I knew was safe to wait out her transformation."

"What about safe from you mate?"

"Nothing happened."

"Ahem," Dumbledore stood up and waited for everyone's attention. "It has been brought to my attention that students of this school would enjoy a Halloween ball, with or without the triwizarding tournament. Henceforth it has been decided that we shall once again have a ball for forth years and up on Halloween. Thank you." With that he sat back down as everyone cheered and went into non-stop conversation.

"This is wonderful!" Hermione squealed.

"Yeah," Ron sighed.

"We had a little trouble finding dates last year." Harry whispered to me.

"Harry?" there was a tall Asian girl standing behind Harry.

"Hi Cho."

"Hi, umm… you know how today is the first Hogsmeade weekend?"

"Yes."

"Well, umm… I was wondering if you'd like to meet me at this café I know of there. It's right beautiful. Perhaps around noon?"

"Oh," Harry's smile dimmed. He turned to look at me. "I'm not sure."

"Please Harry? There's something I need to discuss with you. All right, think about it. Here's the name of the café, whether you decide to show or not I'll be there at noon. I'll wait till one."

"You should go," I said once she walked away.

"What?"

"She said she needed to discuss something with you and by the look on your face you know it's something that has to be discussed."

"Yes, I won't be gone for more than an hour though. Noon to one, that's it."

"Do whatever you like." I got up to go back to the dorm to get ready for the trip to Hogsmeade. Hermione giggled and followed me.

"Ron asked me to spend the day with him." Her smile was so bright.

"That's wonderful, come on." I pulled her to my trunk. "We're going to make you look hot!"

About an hour later we ran downstairs to meet Harry and Ron, "Hermione," Ron gasped. "You look amazing…" I think his words trailed off as the drool took over his mouth.

"So umm…" Harry seemed uncomfortable as he spoke. Luckily he was saved by an announcement.

"Listen up," Professor McGonagall spoke in a loud clear voice, "I have just received word that the wizards hospital is taking blood donations for all those who have some vile disease where their cuts will not close. I expect all of you to be generous."

With that she left. "So," Harry looked at me. "Want to come with me to donate blood?"

"Um." How do I tell him? "I can't Harry."

"Why not? Odds are is that the most generous house will get extra house points."

"Probably," Hermione agreed. "Everyone here is planning on going."

"I just shouldn't."

"But," Harry began to protest again.

"HARRY, NO!" I shoved him out of my way as I ran out of the common room. I didn't stop running till I hit a rock near the lake. I fell on top of it crying my eyes out. I don't think I should give blood. I'm a diabetic, if my bloods put into someone whose not diabetic I don't know what might happen, I'm not sure if they'd even take my blood, but I won't take that chance. There's a lot that's wrong with me.

"Marina?"

"Go away Harry."

"What was that?"

"None of your business! Go away Harry!"

"Marina it is my business! I… I love you."

"What?"

"I said I love you."

"Harry, I'm sorry, you can't love me."

"Why not?"

"Look Harry, I can't give blood. I'm a diabetic." I lifted my uniform so he could see the pump. Actually I decided to send my robes away to my dorm. It was easy for me. "I don't know if they'd take my blood or what would happen if it was put into a non diabetic if they did take it."

"Diabetic?"

"Please don't ask. But that isn't all. I also have hyper-thyroids and weak bones."

"And a pretty messed up childhood." He sighed.

"Hyper-thyroids that will eventually kill me if diabetes doesn't. Harry I'm not healthy I'm not a good person for you to love."

"So what? I want to love you anyway. It's my choice isn't it?"

"But it's a bad one. Go meet Cho today, tell her you love her. I can see in your eyes you care for her."

"I care for her, but Marina please, understand, I love you. I could never love Cho the way I love you."

"How do you know if you don't give her a chance? Give her a chance Harry, she'll be better for you."

"So," An oozing voice drawled from behind us. "Marina, would you care to join me on this beautiful Hogsmeade day? Just for an hour in the morning?" Malfoy asked all to sweetly.

"Sure," I saw the hurt look on Harry's face, but I knew I was doing the right thing. He shouldn't love me.

"My dear?" Malfoy, I mean… Draco, held out his arm for me in a gentlemen like fashion and I took it. I felt so bad, all I could think as I walked away was, I'm sorry Harry.

"So?" Malfoy broke the silence once we got to Hogsmeade, "How do you feel about some butter beer?"

"I think I could use it." He led me to the three broomsticks. "No, not here." I pulled Malfoy over to the Hogshead, it was a shady bar, but it was where I worked. I got them to sell sugar free butter beer.

"The usual?" The rough bar tender smiled as he saw me.

"Yes, please."

"Butter beer please," Malfoy chirped in.

"Sugar free or not?"

"Not." Malfoy looked confused. "What kind of bar sells sugar free butter beer?" He asked snidely as we sat down.

"Well this one, because I work here. I convinced them."

"Why?"
"I'm a diabetic." I showed him the pump. It was inserted into my side. "It pumps insulin into my body when I need it. I needed to keep my sugar levels steady for a year to get it."

"Oh," he didn't seem to know what to say. An hour went by really fast. "Well," he said after a while, "I have to go meet some people. I'll see you later."

"Yeah, later."

"Now all I have to," I spoke to myself, "is think of something to do."

"Marina." Harry ran up to me as Cho left him, she seemed close to tears. "Marina please come walk with me."

"Sure, but what's wrong with Cho?"

"I gave her a chance. Marina I want you. I sat there and she kissed me and Marina I called her your name."

"What?"

"I said Marina, not Cho. I couldn't sit there without thinking of you. If I want to love you let me decide. I know your flaws, but I love you anyway. I want to love you. I want to always love you!"

"Harry… I'm speechless and that doesn't happen to often." I laughed.

"Please, just let me love you."

I knew I couldn't keep pushing people away. I was highly conflicted. I really loved Harry as much as he claimed to love me. That's why I wanted to push him away. I knew that I deserved to be happy, but I was so scared of him being unhappy with me. No, I have to stop this. I can't keep pushing people away. "Harry, I love you. Of course I will allow you to love me, I want you to love me."

"Marina, I need you to love me." He breathed as his lips gently held mine.

"Harry." I lips locked passionately as he held me in his arms. His hand found it's way up my neck; his fingers gently wrapped my hair around themselves.

Suddenly we heard a loud, "Ahem."

"Dumbledore." Harry stumbled out the name, as we instantly pulled apart.

"So," he smiled at me, "You have chosen then?"

"Yes," I smiled.

"Even when your human side wanted to push him away."

"I still love him. He's the one my human and demon side can live with."

"So he will be your mate?"

"Yes," Harry replied soundly.

"Then I suggest you mate before the 3rd full moon from now."

"I will not mate right away."

"You have three moons." He said. "After that, I'm not sure how things will go."

I looked to Harry who nodded. "We will sir."

He nodded and left. "Harry, are you sure this is what you want?"

"Yes, as I said I love you with all your parts and flaws. To me you are perfection incarnate for lack of a better word."

I smiled. "I love you."

"And I love you." He smiled back as he pulled me to an isolated pond near by where he began again to deepen our kiss…