Time jump:

After that day, I was sent on more outings with Eva and Aaron. On a good note, I haven't been forced to do anything like that again. I usually went along as backup. Voldemort was gathering all of those that betrayed, abandoned, and spoke ill of him. Showing the world he was back and taking back what he believed was his. The ministry was coordinating with the order, trying to put a stop to Voldemort and the death eaters. Not that it was going too well. Due to the ignorance of the ministry, they lost a lot of time. What was spent trying to take Dumbledore down, could have been spent planning something else.

"Do you know what they are speaking of?"

I turned my head away from the book I was reading. Draco took a seat on the couch across from me. "No, but they have been in there for a while." Voldemort had called Draco's parents and Bella into the office hours ago.

"You ready for school?" Draco asked.

I shrugged. "No. You?"

"It's the same as always." Draco scoffed.

I chuckled. "For you maybe. But for me, it's going to be an awkward year."

"Why?"

"Where have you been this summer?" Seeing the shy look, I rolled my eyes. "I haven't spoken to my friends since I came here. I haven't spoken to my husband or brother. Being in school I will have to see and face them again."

"Why did you do it?"

That caught me off guard. "What?"

"Why did you give up your freedom for him?" Draco mumbled.

"Because I love him." Saying those words rose a fire from within. "I would give my life for Sirius, simple as that. If bringing him back, meant I stand on the opposite side. So be it. I'll be by his side again soon enough."

Before Draco could reply, Aaron walked over to us. "Athena, grab your coat. You too Draco."

"Where are we going?" Draco asked, scurrying after the tall wizard.

Aaron held the door open for us, ushering us out. "Diagonally. Severus wants you both to grab everything for this school year."

"Yes, shopping!"

Aaron huffed. "Since when did I get demoted to a babysitter."

Time jump:

Sitting on the bench outside the book store, I watched the witches and wizards walk past me. Many first-years were excited to get the year started. You had friends meeting up, taking off in a rush. Parents and guardians catching up with each other. I reached for the chips in my bag, waiting for Draco to be finished with his school shopping. But seriously how long did it take a boy to grab books.

That got me thinking, how was this year going to be. I haven't spoken to Hermione or Harry, much less Sirius. I wonder how he was. Was he mad? Sad? Did he hate me? Or was he actually happy I left? I wanted to see him. Feel his arm around me once more. There have been many nights I have tried sneaking off, just to see him once more. Every time I was either caught by Aaron or Eva. In the end, I always went back to my room, longing for Sirius.

"Ron, you can't be serious in taking that to Hogwarts."

I threw my head up, scanning the crowd. I knew that voice. Skimming through the bodies of witches and wizards, my eyes landed on Hermione, Ron, Ginny, and the twins. Mama Weasly stood behind them, looking to be in a rush as always. I didn't dare move a muscle, fear they would see me. 'Of course, I'd be a coward in front of them.' I wouldn't know what to say. I decided to not draw any attention to myself, dropping my head down, keeping my eyes focused on the ground.

"Mum, we still need to grab my-Athena!"

I cringed at the sound of my name. Looking up at them once more, I was met with multiple eyes. I didn't dare look them in the eyes, I stopped just below. 'Say something! Anything!'

"Athena!" Ginny waved frantically, making her way to me.

To my surprise, Molly stopped her. "Ginny, your books."

"But, mum?" The poor girl was as clueless as Ron is with math. "It's Athena."

I suppose Ginny isn't aware of the situation. Hell, it appears Ron isn't either if the look of anger was any indication. I wonder if Harry knew? Giving Ginny a slight wave, I looked away. 'Just leave already. Please.'

"Athena, have you finished?" Aaron appeared in front of me, Draco by his side.

"Yeah, waiting on you two." I mumbled.

Aaron rolled his eyes. "Draco had a malfunction in the clothing section."

"Shut up." Draco glanced around, noticing Hermione and Ron. "Filthy mud blood."

Hearing those words, I grabbed him by the back of his jacket. Pulling him down to the ground, I sneered in his face. "Speak of her like that again in my presence, I will rip your tongue out with my bare hands. Understood?"

Draco tried putting a brave front, but the boy was shivering underneath. "Yes."

Letting him go, I grabbed my books and took off. I couldn't bare being near them and not speak or hug them. Seeing Ron's anger towards me didn't sit right with me. He never gets angry at me. 'I fucked up.' What hurt the most was Molly preventing them from coming near me. Just what have they been told? The only ones that knew were Hermione and Sirius. I know for a fact they wouldn't lie to the others. So why the hate?

Time jump:

Having everything set up for tomorrow, I sat at the corner of my bed. I always thought I would be sleeping in a cell or under watch 24/7. Instead, I had my own room. It wasn't anything fancy. I had my bed in the middle of the room, with a black and red cover. Two nightstands on each side of the bed. One wall was my closet. The other was a windowsill, with a platform. I had a few pillows and books scattered around it. The wall across from my bed held my dresser and a bookshelf. Nothing special.

Grabbing one of the pillows, I sat cross-legged on the bed. Placing the pillow in my lap, I played with a string aimlessly. I needed to see Sirius. It had to be tonight. It was the only chance I had. Tossing the pillow away, I grabbed my shoes and bolted out of my room. Leaving the manor, I stood on the porch inhaling the fresh night air. I always did feel more at home in the night. When the sun went down, I was at peace. Just as I was going to step down, a hand grabbed my arm. 'Seriously?!'

"Going to see him will cause you nothing, but problems." Eva hissed, tugging me away from the stairs. "We have been over this Athena."

"Eva please." I begged. "Just this one time."

"No."

"Please. This is my last chance. I go back to Hogwarts tomorrow and won't see him until who knows when."

Eva sighed. "If you get caught or seen with one of them, Master will not hesitate to punish you."

"I know." I was well aware of the consequences this could bring. Voldemort was fine with me leaving the manor, as long as I stayed away from them. "And I'd take whatever it is."

Letting go of my hand, she crossed her arms and turned her back. "I haven't seen you."

"Thank you." Jumping off the porch, I landed on all four paws. This would be a lot quicker.

Time jump:

Trotting past the hedges, I poked my head out. Making sure no one was near, I dashed across the street. The familiar scents coming from the street, had me grinning like an idiot. This was home. Jumping the small fence, I trotted up the steps just about to scratch the door.

"Sirius you are drunk." Someone giggled.

"No, not drunk. Just-just tipsy." That was Sirius. "You must be the one drunk."

Placing my nose at the bottom of the door, I growled at the scent I caught. 'Un-fucken-believable.'

"No, I don't get drunk." She laughed. "Hey."

"Yeah?"

"Do you remember the nights we used to sneak out of my house?"

Sirius laughed loudly. "Y-yes! Your father always tried hexing me the next morning."

"Just seeing him chasing you away was hilarious!"

"Perhaps for you." Sirius replied. "For me, it was a life and death situation."

"When did it all go downhill between us?" Her voice had gotten softer. "We were so in love with each other."

Do I leave? What was I supposed to say? What am I thinking, I am not even supposed to talk to him. But he's drunk. She's drunk. It doesn't take a genius to deduce what might happen next. Raising my paw and placing it on the door, I paused.

"Are you not going in?"

I jumped at the sudden voice of Remus. 'Holy shit!' Growling softly, I shook my head.

"He misses you, Athena."

With a slight scuff, I walked past him. 'Yeah, he sure does.'

With Sirius:

"We were yes." Sirius mumbled. "But that was long ago. Our love was of juveniles. We sought the thrill of one another."

She placed her hand on his. "Do you not feel it anymore?"

"Esme." Removing his hand from hers, he ran his finger over his ring. "I don't, not with or for you. I love my wife. I am in love with my wife. She gives me the thrill and excitement I need and want in my life."

Esme sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Guess I should squash the little hope I have."

"Sirius?" Remus walked into the sitting room, his eyes falling on his friend and his friend's ex-girlfriend. "Am I intruding?"

Esme was quick to grab her purse. "No, I was actually leaving already." Placing the glass of wine on the table, she stood to leave. "Good night Sirius."'

"Night."

Remus watched the blond close the door behind her. "So that's why she refused to come in."

"What?" Sirius quirked a brow. "Who?"

"Athena."

"Athena?!" Sirius jumped from the couch, rushing out of the house. "Where is she?!"

Remus shrugged. "Don't know, she left as soon as I got here."

"Why didn't you say something earlier?!" Sirius growled.

Remus raised a brow. "But you were having such a lovely night."

"Fuck!" Sirius yelled. "She's probably thinking the worse of me right now."

"Does she have reason to?" Remus asked.

"Of course not!" Sirius snapped. "I went to the pub, drank a little too much, she helped me get back home. She drank some wine and talked. That's all." His eyes scanned the streets, hoping to catch sight of her. "How could I have been so stupid!"

Remus took pity on his friend. "She headed back into the park. My guess back to the Malfoy Manor."

Sirius sighed in relief. "Thank you, old friend." Taking off into the park, he just hoped in being able to catch up to her.

Athena:

I knew I shouldn't be so angry at him. But it hurt. Of all the fucken people he could drink with, why her! Did he forget how she acted towards her?! Did he forget the insinuations she had given him?! How many times has this happened? Has this become a thing with them? Was he sleeping with her?!

"I should have just stayed at the manor." I groaned.

"More like you should have stayed home." Sirius's gruff voice came from behind me. "With me."

'Should have stayed in dog form.' Turning on my heels, I crossed my arms. "You got enough company from what I saw."

Sirius raised a brow. "I haven't seen you in almost two months and this is what I get?" Seeing the look I gave him, he dropped the smile. "I'm sorry. Nothing happened or was going to happen. This was the first time she was even over. I had too much to drink at the pub, she helped me get home and we were just talking."

I knew I should believe him, but there is always that nagging voice in the back of my head. "But why her?"

Sirius chuckled. "I don't know. It's just how things happened."

"Convenient for her." Looking up at him, I took in his image. He was a hot mess. The man wore a half button-up shirt. His hair was grabbed in a lazy tie. He had a shadow of a beard. "You look horrible."

"You look amazing." He breathed.

Biting my lower lip, I made my way over to him. Sirius watched me with intense eyes. Almost made me turn tail and run. Grabbing his hand in mine, I shivered at the rush I felt. "I have missed you."

"Not as much as me." He whispered.

We stared at each other for a few moments, almost as if we were seeing each other for the first time. At that moment rain began to fall. Yet we didn't move, allowing the water to soak us completely. Sirius tugged at my arm, pulling me into his arms. Without a moment of hesitation, he claimed my lips in a searing kiss. My arms wrapped around his neck, diving deep into the kiss. I didn't realize just how much I have missed this until I had it once more.

The rain ran down our faces to where our lips meet, each of us tasting the cold drops. Instead of detracting from the intensity of the moment, it brings us to new heights. Sirius pushed his lips in more firmly and the wave that ran through me was intoxicating, causing my head to swim. Those drops weren't just magical, they were divine. Each one washed away an unseen pain, a doubt, angst. For the time our lips were locked together the world itself ceased to exist, blurred and indistinct as a wet painting left out in the torrent that fell from the dark cloud above. When we pulled back his eyes were like every fantasy I'd ever had of him, every moment I had wished could exist between the two of us. The kiss, the look, a stolen moment that could have just washed away but instead was set, color-fast, indelible.

"I have to get back." I whispered.

Sirius held onto me tighter, refusing to let me go. "To hell with that. Stay. Right here with me."

"I don't go back, I lose you for good Sirius." Cupping his jawline, I kissed him softly. "I will not allow that to happen again. I lost you once already, I will not go through that again. I love you too much."

Pushing my wet hair back, he inhaled deeply. "What you did was foolish and dangerous." He stopped me from replying. "I understand why you did it and had that been me, I would have done the same. Still doesn't mean you should have."

"I needed you here with me." Laying my hand in his chest, I listened to his heartbeat. "I need you."

"Then stay."

Time jump:

Walking into the manor, I shrugged off my soaked jacket. Placing it on the coat hanger, I looked up to find both Aaron and Eva standing at the bottom of the stairs. Both held disapproval looks and arms crossed. 'Shit.'

"Do you have any idea what time it is?" Aaron said.

I glanced at the large clock on the wall. "It says it's 2 am."

"Exactly!" Eva snapped. "2 in the damn morning. Should I remind you that tomorrow both you and Draco go back to Hogwarts?"

I raised a brow at the seriousness of her voice. These two were acting more like my parents than my real parents ever did. "Damn, I am sorry. I went out for a run. The rain got me and I decided to wait it out."

Aaron stepped down from the staircase, walking over to me. He tilted my head to the side. "Rain gave you that mark as well?"

'Dammit, Sirius!'

"Athena go to bed." Eva ordered. "Severus wants you up and ready by 6 am."

"Fine." Jogging up the stairs, I walked to the nearest door. Opening and shutting it, I crept towards the banister. I wanted to hear what they were talking about.

'You knew she went to meet up with him.'

'Yes, but-'

'How could you be so irresponsible! You know he wouldn't have allowed this to go unpunished.'

'I know Aaron, but I also know what it's like being in her shoes. She is still just a young girl. 18 to be exact. Forced to marry and leave everything behind. Only to have a good life and get it ripped away. So, if letting her go see that wizard gave her some peace of mind, then so be it.'

'Don't talk to me as if I don't know what she is going through. We were both in her shoes. And unless you want what happened to us, happen to her, don't let this happen again.'

'If he does, that would be breaking the pact they did.'

'True, but you and both know she wouldn't risk it. It's the whole reason she here in the first place.'

'Why is he so fixated with her?'

'Not sure. My guess is she's maybe family?'

'Family? Not following.'

'She comes from the Gaunt line. But the last of the males died in the last battle. The only ones to live were females. One being Athena's mother. My guess is she has some sort of connection to Lord Voldemort.'

Taking Aaron's last words, I walked back into my room. Related to Voldemort? How in the hell does that work? I swear if it comes out that my mother shagged nose-less over here, I am going to be sick. Grabbing a piece of sheet, I quickly wrote down a quick letter to mother. I needed to clear my mind up about this. Opening the window, I called over Aaron's crow. Giving him a treat, I watched him take off into the night sky.

Walking over to the mirror, I rolled my eyes at seeing the red mark on my neck. The damn wizard was worse than a leech. I debated having it removed, but I couldn't bring myself to do so. I hated being marked, it made me feel like some sort of property. But from him, I wished for it.

A soft knock came from my door. "So?"

I quirked a brow. "So what?"

Eva scoffed. "Did you see him?"

"Yeah." I couldn't help, but blush.

"I'm glad." Eva held certain hurt in her voice. "You shouldn't be here Athena."

"Think I don't know that?"

"Listen to me." Eva kneeled in front of me, placing her hands on the sides of my chair. "You will be asked to do something. I don't know what just yet, but Athena, whatever it is don't. Don't give in to that darkness inside."

"Darkness?"

"We all have some inside us. The one capable of doing things we never believed capable of. The nasty part of us." She held my wand in between us. "The same one that drove you to hurt that man."

"I-"

"I know." She whispered. "Whatever it is that you have been focusing on these past weeks, hold on to it. Your will is going to be tested beyond your limits."