It took three days for Endil to get her energy back, she had been cooped up in the stall for far to long, there was hardly enough room to walk let alone run. Once she left she was ordered to take it easy for a few days longer, this meant no trailing harry, a mini vacation. Thankfully after what happened at Hogsmead Harry no longer treated her like a burden, he still complained every now and again but he did not shoot her down or ignore her when ever she was near.

In the days of rest Endil found herself confiding with Dumbledour in his office, at first she was slightly unnerved by the thousands of eyes peering at her from the wall but now they were slightly conforting. With as many eyes watching she felt like she was back in the herd, everyone looking out for each other. Going into Dumbledours office seemed utterly pointless, he would ask her to retell what had happened at Hogsmead and then he would sit back and sigh alot. After a few hours he would ask her to leave and then he would summon her back.

As a result of the attack all outside visits from hogswart had been cancelled, curfew had been cut down to sunset and even Endil found herself being limited to time out. She was no longer permitted to go into the woods, she could not run along the edges of the ground, much to her dissapointment.

The whole school seemed to be in a slump of depression, with stricter rules and no outside visits the students were growing tiresom of the school and its stoney walls. The students sat in the great hall for supper, there was a silence that was settled on them. A silence which did not belong. It seemed that even the teachers had picked it up, so after a long talk at the head table it was agreed.

"There is to be a ball" Dumbledore announced, his arms outstretched as wide as the grin on his face. "After all that has happened in the recent days I feel everyone is in need of a little 'pick me up'. It will be held in one week from today, enjoy."

That was the pebble that broke the surface. The room became alive with the chatter that was 'the ball', girls spoke about dresses and how they would wear their hair, the boys spoke about who was going to take who to the ball. Endil continued to munch away happily on her salad, ignoring all that was around her.

"What do you mean your not going, everyone goes" Hermione screetched.

"After what happened with the last function I attended to, besides its not really my kind of thing." Endil explained, her eyes still scanning the words of the book she was reading.

"So thats it, your going to sit in here and read for the whole night." Endil held back a laugh, wasnt that what Hermione always did.

"Perhaps, I might also sleep."

"Argh your impossible."

Hermione turned on her heel and strode away, proberly to find Ginny and discuss shoes or some other idiot thing. Endil tried to continue with her reading but it seemed she was not as in to it before, with a sigh she placed the bookmark in it and set it on the dark wood table beside her. Outside it was still light, so curfew was not going to be in set just yet, she would be able to sneak in a little walk before returning to the common room.

"Curfew is soon" The fat lady called after Endil.

There was hardly anyone out in the corridors, there was the odd teen scampering back to their rooms but that was it. As she rounded the corner she ran into another body, normally the thought would be to apologise and continue on but Endil found herself being pressed against the wall but to strong hands and a hard body.

"Someones cutting curfew close."

"So it seems Draco, best scamper off before your points are deduced." Endil shifted, the cold of the stone was chilling her skin and causing her to break into goosebumps.

"Going to the ball?"

"Not if I can help it"

"And what if some incredably good looking slytherin asked you to accompany him." Draco pressed himself closer to her, Endil had enough time to slip her hands up to his chest before they were trapped.

"Well tell me when said slytherin does and I may think about it." Endil bit back, pushing Draco off her. The feel of his hands stroking her cheek was still present in her mind, yet she was confused to the point of insanity about what it had meant to him.

"Endil wait, please!" Draco shot out a hand and grasped her upper arm softly, turning her around so he could see her face. Endil was suprised to see his cockiness was not present, his arrogance gone and he seemed a little too serious for one such as him. "Would you like to go to the ball with me?"

"I really don't think I will be going, all those people stuffed into a room...Your not going to take no for a answer are you!"

"Not if I can help it" Draco smiled, using the same words back at her as she had to him. Endil sighed softly, take a step closer to Draco who was no longer holding her arm in fear she would flee.

"I really have no desire to go."

"Please you may enjoy it."

"Very well, but if I don't enjoy it I will blame you." Endil half jested, she could not deny the excitement that had settled in her stomach at the thought of the ball. It would be the first time she had attended one, judging by the rest of the girls and how they were acting it was going to be a night to remember.

"It's settled then, I shall be at your common room at 7."

Endil could only nod, unsure of what to say or do. All this human behaviour was confusing, there were no balls or asking to be ones company in unicorn society, it was all based on being the best. There were strict ranks and rules that governed a herd, ones decided by the lead mare and stallion. Humans were scattered, unicorns were grouped. There were no differed partners, just one stallion until he was over thrown, to survive you had to be the best and yet here...here you could be anything.

Endil jumped when she felt something touch her hand, having been drowning in her own thoughts she had failed to notice the reality around her. Her blue eyes flicked down to see Draco's hand touching her own, his long fingers were wound around her small hand and he brought it ever so slowly up to his lips. Draco's own eyes were locked onto hers, a inward smile grew as he watched her eyes grow in size as he pressed his lips to her hand. His kiss was soft, leaving the skin to tingle, much like when he had touched her cheek, and much to her embarrasement her cheeks flushed a rosy red.

"Until then" Draco spoke, his lips inches from her skin, hot breath tingling her skin once more. Endil nodded, unable to find her voice, much to the amusement of Draco. Footsteps broke the sweet moment, both remembering the curfew that had been in place, no doubt the feet belonged to a prowling teacher. Draco's hand left her own, allowing it to drop to her side, both took one glance at the other before shooting off in the opposite direction avoiding detection from the teacher.

The girls dormitory was worse then the woods during courtship, items were lying on the floor, furniture had been moved in order to make room for the many mirrors that had been conjured to the room. On each bed a dress sat, accompinied by a pair of shoes and other accessories that were to be used for this night. Colours of red, blue, purple and even yellows could be seen, some dresses were plain and others humourously overdone.

The doors flew open and there was a gush of girls, like a dam breaking and water flowing. Each girl walked to the beds and picked up their dress, placing it over their clothed body to show the other. They cooed and awed at each other, commenting on style, color and other such things they spoke of. Endil watched from the door, an amused smile on her lips as she watched the happenings of the girls.

"Who is taking you to the ball Endil?" Hermione asked, struggling with her dress as she pulled it over her shoulders.

"Draco" The whole room came to a silent stand still.

"But he hates Gryfindors!"

"I only sleep here, I have no house tied to my sleeve I am not even a student here."

"You are aware of his parents, what he may become." Hermione said, her voice dropping to a whisper to avoid an unwanted ear hearing.

"Yes and yes but there is nothing more to this 'date' as you people call it."

Hermione gave a nod but Endil knew she did not believe her, she had a feeling all the Gryfindors had feelings towards the blonde Slytherin, even if they did not voice them. Endil shook her head and made her way to the bed, slipped in and drew the velvet curtains till she was enclosed in the faint darkness. Closing her eyes she pictured the dress she was to wear then, with the magic from her stone, it materialized in front of her crossed legs.

Endil slipped from her bed, hands taking the formed dress and slipped it on. The silky white cloth felt amazing against her skin, so soft and cool with the faint hint of magic. The neckline plunged down, comming to a sharp V just revealing the sides of her breasts. The back was opened, being held together by a silver chain that ran down her spine, joining with the bottom of the opening that rested just above her hips. The dress flared slightly at the hips and came to a stop a few inches off the ground, exposing the white, strap heels she wore.

Endil turned to the small mirror that she had placed next to her bed, using it to judge how best to have her hair. Her stone glowed as she manovered her hair into different styles, each seeming to be off-looking with the dress. With a angry sigh she curled the white locks, creating loose ringlets that were left lose. She then applied some clear lipgloss and some shimmering eyeshadow and stepped back to see what she had created, feeling rather pleased with how it had all come out.

"Endil, Draco is waiting out in the hall." Hermione said through the door, Endil looked from the door to herself in the mirror. She was feeling slightly nervous, a unusal feeling and something she had not felt so often.

This is it Endil thought, taking a few deep breaths to steady her nerves. Hermione called again and Endil answered, walking to the door she opened it shyly and awaited the other ones approvel.

"Wow" That was all she said, it was all she needed to say. Endil smiled slightly, hooking her arm in with Hermione's as they made their way down the stairs and into the common room that was only half full. Endil tried to hide the blush that came to her cheeks, caused by the eyes that were drifting to and over her, making her feel like she wore nothing at all.

"I have to wait for Ron, I'll see you at the ball" Hermione said, a hint of happiness in her voice. Ron had finally plucked up the courage to ask Hermione to the ball, she was extremly happy saying that this way her night would not be ruined by a over jealous Ron, muttering about it happening before. Endil waved her off as she stepped through the portrait hole and into the hall, looking around for her Slytherin escort.

"You looked like you have stepped out of a dream" A voice spoke from her side, one that could only belong to Draco. He was leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his chest that was covered in formal robes. His hair hung loosely around his face, blonde bangs moved slightly with every movement of his face. He was the forbidden fruit, the very seed of sin and like most she could not avoid him.

"Thankyou, You yourself look extremly handsome all dressed up like that." Draco smiled and pushed himself from the wall, he approached her slowly then held up his hand. With a flick of his fingers a white flower appeared, a single rose with the thorns removed, he placed the sweet smelling flower behind her ear where her hair pooled around it.

"Thankyou again, but I fear I have nothing to give to you"

"Your presence is enough for me, now lets get down there before we miss the whole thing."

Draco held out his hand, allowing Endil to rest her own atop it, her hand was so small compared to his own. The walk to the great hall was a silent one, words were not exchanged because they were not needed, they only things passed between the two were glances. It was not long before they stood at the doors of then Great hall, they were opened to allow passage and would be closed once the ball was to begin. Endil paused at the doorway, her eyes scanning the many bodies already in and moving around, the decorations and the tables that fought for room.

"Have I told you I have a little claustraphobia problem."

"You will be fine, I promise you will forget all of it once you start to have fun." He squeezed her hand, reassuring her that she would be fine. Endil offered him a small, somewhat shaky smile but agreed none the less. Together they stepped through the large doors, loosing themselves in the bodies and lively music.

The ball was nearing the end, Endil had to admit she had had alot of fun during the hours. Draco had not said a word about her unused dancing skills, he would place his hands on her hips and guide her along to the music, within a few songs he had unlocked her skill and she found herself moving along to the music without his help.

Endil felt Draco tug on her hand, he gave a jerk of his head and they moved off the dance floor and over to the side of the hall. The music had changed now, she had been told that a few of the students had offered their own CD's to help with the music, there had been some complaints about the muggle music but nobody seemed bothered now.

"Thankyou for bringing me, I have really enjoyed myself" Endil yelled, trying to be heard over the blaring music. Draco nodded and placed his hands on her hips, bringing her closer to him so he could speak without having to yell.

"No need for thanks"

Endil allowed herself to lean against Draco, resting her head on his shoulder with little effort due to her height being smaller to that of Draco's. She felt his arms wrap around her, she felt protected within his arms, it was something she felt she could get use to. The song that was playing was comming to a soft end, around them many of the couples were in the same position as Endil and Draco, there bodies swaying softly in time with the slowling beat.

Endil felt Draco tense suddenly in her arms, with a cocked eyebrow she looked up to see Draco staring behind her. He loosened his grip on her, allowing her to turn and see what was wrong. Dumbledore was making his way toward her and Draco, a sad expression creased the old wizards face. Endil stepped towards Dumbledore, Draco following her close behind.

"I'm afraid there has been an attack on a unicorn, Hagrid found the body on the edge of the grounds."

"An attack" Endil whispered, a sickening feeling settling like a stone in her stomach.

"We believe it is a warning from the DeathEaters" Draco took a deep breath, he placed a hand on the guardian's shoulder and gave it a small squeeze.

"I want to see the body."

"I really don't think that is a good idea" Dumbledore argued.

"Please, I have lived with the herd my whole life. I want to know who it was."

"Very well" The old wizard agree reluctantly, he knew she would have wanted to see the body but he hoped she wouldn't have asked to. Dumbledore turned and began to pick his way through the crowed hall, Endil made to go after him but stopped when she felt Draco come up beside her.

"You don't have to come."

"I don't but I am."

Endil was thankful that he was going to accompany her, she felt she would need a shoulder to cry on when it come to the body, even if it was not one she knew just the thought of such a creature being killed because of her. Another song began to play as the three walked from the hall, Endil could hear the haunting words as she walked down the hall.

I miss you, miss you so bad

I don't forget you, oh, it's so sad

I hope you can hear me

I remember it clearly.

The day you slipped away

Was the day I found it won't be the same.

Endil, Draco and Dumbledore met up with Hagrid out front of his hut, the game keepe's normally jolly attitude was dampened, his love of animals ran deep in his veins and to know one had been harmed hurt him deeply. No words were spoken on the trip to the forest, the awkward silent was all the more depressing. Endil had been through the Forbidden forest hundreds of times and never, not once, had it looked so blakc, so dark and so dangerous as it did on this night.

Draco appeared to be nervous about the fact they were going into the forest, she could tell be the way he moved, how his eyes flicked everywere and how he flinched if something sounded in the background. She was not sure if it was a past incident, that the forest had been the cause of, or whether he had the feeling the DeathEaters were still around. She reached for his hand, clasping it in her own small one and gave him a reassuring squeeze.

Dumbledore came to sudden stop, reaching out a hand to grasp Hagrids rugged clothing, bring the large man to a stop with a gentle touch. Both turned to the teenagers.

"Are you sure you wish to see it, it is not the most pleasent of sights."

"Yes, I'm sure"

I didn't get around to kiss you

Goodbye on the hand

I wish that I could see you again

I know I can't

I hope you can hear me

cause I remember it clearly

the day you slipped away

Was the day I found it wont be the same

The body was just dumped in a ditch. Endil could see the white of its coat amongst the dark green of the plants, its once clean coat was flecked with black dirt and she could see traces of its silver blood scattered through its mane and over the ground. From were she stood all she could see was the body, nothing that could tell what member of the herd it was.

Endil moved towards the ditch, leaning over to try and get a better look, thankfully a unicorn's body, even when dead, held no scent. The dirt on the edge of the ditch strained under the uneven weight, as Endil lent closer it crumbled, sending the stunned guardian sliding down the ditch and into the body. Draco had rushed forward to save her from the fall, now he stood on the edge, peering down at Endil as she scrambled away from the body.

Endil took deep breaths, trying to calm herself down. Hagrid asked if she was alright and she just nodded. When she attempted to stand up she found that the heels of her shoes sunk into the soft, mud like soil, so she slipped them off and moved forward slightly. From where she stood she could see the top of the unicorns head, the horn had been cut from the skull, leaving a large hole lined with silver blood. Endil turned her head away, swallowing hard to force the bile that rose up in her throat, it was such a horrible sight.

While Endil recovered Draco took the time to slowly slid down the loose bank, comming to a stop nearby and moved to her side instantly. He took her into his arms, rubbing her back, something his mother used to do to him when he was feeling sick.

"The quicker we find out who it is the quicker we can get out of here."

Endil wiped at her watery eyes, straightened up and approached the creature once more. She desperatly tried to ignore the silver blood glittering in the light of the moon, tried to forget that it's horn had been torn out and was proberly now being brewed into some potion. Endil crouched down near the neck of the creature, studying it's body for any firmiliar features, a cold feeling engulfing her. She reached out a hand, using the very edges of her nails to flick the silver flecked hair from the unicorns face. A strangled cry escaped her lips, causing Draco to rush forward and Dumbledore to demand who it was.

I had my wake up

wont you wake up

I keep asking why

and I can't take it

It wasn't fake

It happened, you passed away.

"It's" Endil felt her throat clentch, Draco pulled her to her feet and into his body. "it's my mother" she cried into his chest. Draco wrapped his arms tighter around her, looking up to Hagrid and Dumbledore with a pleading face, he had never had to deal with this before. Dumbledore ducked his head, took his glasses off the bridge of his nose and rubbed his eyes. He had feared it was her mother, he had seen a resemblance between the dead mare and Endil when she was in her animal form

"We should bury her" Draco piped up, rubbing Endil's back once more

"No...no when a unicorn dies it is to be left were it is, its body will break down and provide nutrients for all around it."

"Ah" It seemed sickening to think of it in that way, Draco had no idea to the customs of unicorns and thought it best not to voice his oppinion as of now, or ever. Endil clutched at his dress robes, her body jerking as she ried to calm her irregular breathing.

"Best not linger any longer then we have to, Draco help Endil up please"

"A little longer please Sir."

"Now Draco!"

Draco flinched at the commanding tone of Dumbledore, he did not think it was possible for such a old wizard to hold such a frightening voice. Endil pulled away from Draco, wiping her eyes furiously, aggrivating the skin and turning a even darker shade of red. She bent down and picked up her shoes and moved over to the bank of the ditch, with Draco and Hagrids help Endil was standing on the top staring down at the body while Draco was help up as well.

Now your gone, now your gone

There you go, There you go

Somewhere I can't bring you back.

Endil looked a mess as she stood on the bank. Her eyes were puffy and her face a red color from crying, her white dress was stained black with mud from the slip down the bank. She held her shoes in her hands, silver blood had managed to place itself on her hands. She was a fallen angel.

"Come on we will get you back to the castle" Dumbledore's voice was back to its soft, grandfather like tone. He face was blank, years of hardship allowed the old wizard to mask any feelings, at that point Endil hated him. She had a feeling he had known it was her mother and that was the reason he did not want her comming. He placed a weathered hand on her bare shoulder, Endil jerked it away from his reach, eyes looking everywere but at him.

Hagrid and Dumbledore were the first to move, as if some unspoken agreement had been known, they moved at the exact same time. Endil was torn, she wanted to stay for a little while longer, she wanted to be by her mothers side, but she knew the longer she stayed the harder it would be to leave. Her eyes closed as she fought with herself, heart against head, she bickered. Until Draco placed his hand on the small of her back, the small amount of pressure applied was enough to get her walking, the decision decided by him.

Their pace was slow, they were in no rush to get back to the castle, the ball would be finishing and neither wanted to explain were they had dissapeared to. Everyone in the castle would be in their own worlds, happily chattering about the ball and how much fun they had had, while Endil sat quietly in the corner not speaking.

Endil looked over her shoulder, the picture of the dark woods, looming trees and white coat would be forever imprinted in her head. Her mother was not meant to go in such a way, their race was immortal, their race was proud, their race had just lost the kindest mare that they had ever known. Endil had lost her mother, if it weren't for the damn promise she would not have a thing to live for.

I miss you

A/N: another one down, a bit more darker then most but its not a story unless it has its downsides. Please read and review, it helps me write...makes me feel all happy inside to find peoples reviews waiting for me to read...Glee