"I-I-I know I am not to be here." Cissy's trembling voice pulled me back. "The dark lord himself forbid me to speak of this."

"If the dark lord has forbidden it, you are not to speak. Put it down Bella we mustn't touch what isn't ours."

I glanced at the witch, smirking as she placed the ornament back over the fireplace. "You truly lack manners, don't you?"

"Enough, Athena." Snape hissed, his attention turning back to Cissy. "As it so happens, I am well aware of your situation Cissy."

"You?" Bella scoffed. "The dark lord told you?"

"Your sister doubts me." Snape smirked. "Understandable, over the years I've played my part well. So well, I've deceived one of the greatest wizards of all times." Bella growled dismissing his words. "Dumbledore is a great wizard. Only a fool will question it."

"Well, she is a fool." I grinned up at the searing which.

"Remind me again why she needs to be here." Bella growled.

"I never doubted you, Severus." Cissy spoke with a calm voice as if soothing him.

"You should be honored, Cissy. As should Draco." Bella said.

Cissy glanced between Snape and I. "He is just a boy."

Snape shook his head. "I can't change the dark lord's mind. But it might be possible for me to help Draco."

I raised a brow, scoffing. "Great, now I feel so much better about this."

"Swear to it." Bella whispered. We all turned to her in shock. "Make the unbreakable vow." Snape opened his mouth, but no words spilled. "It's just empty words. He'll give it his best." She walked around Snape like Nagini would some prey. "But when it matters the most, he'll just slither back into his hole. Coward."

Jumping to my feet, I was stopped by Snape's arm. "You fucken bi-"

"Take out your wand." Snape ordered.

We all turned to him, not sure if he was being honest or fucking with us. But before I could say a word, he ordered me back to my seat. I watched in both anger and frustration as Snape and Cissy grabbed each other's arms.

Bella waved her wand, casting a glowing ribbon around their united arms. "Will you Severus Snape watch over Draco Malfoy as he attempts to fulfill the dark lord's wishes."

"I will."

"And will you to the best of your abilities, protect him from harm."

"I will."

"And should Draco fail, will you yourself ensure Athena Black carries out the deed the dark lord has ordered Draco."

His eyes fell onto me. "I will."

Turning away from him, I clenched my fist in anger. 'You have doomed us both.'

I refused to look up as Cissy and Bella left. Bellatrix laughing loudly as she closed the door. Running my hands through my hair, I gripped it tightly.

"Athena." Snape placed a hand on my shoulder, calling my name once more.

"Do not!" His touch was fire to me. "It wasn't enough you have ruined my life, now you place your life in my hands! I cannot do what was asked of me! How dare you make that pact!"

"Listen to me, I had no choice!" Snape snapped. "What was I supposed to do?!"

"Anything but that! Say no!" I was losing control. I needed to get away from him. "For fuck's sake! For once in your miserable life act like the man you are! Act like my fucken father!"

"Athena?"

"You are willing to give your freedom and life for Draco fucken Malfoy!" I stepped back as he tried to grab ahold of me. "And what do I get? Why do things for others when I am standing right here?! Your daughter! Instead of doing what most fathers do, you do a complete 180 and screw me over." At that moment I realized what I was doing. I was Athena Black. I cry for no one. I beg for nothing. My child will not hear or see its mother like this. Wiping the tears off, I stood up straight. I refused to speak another word to him. Nothing, but wasted saliva. Grabbing my coat I left him there. I have lived this long without him, what's the rest of my life.

Time jump:

Walking into the common room, I stopped at the main entrance. For once I didn't know where to sit. Voldemort had asked-ordered me to watch over Draco. Keep him close to me, but I couldn't very well sit at the Slytherin table. Glancing towards the Gryffindor table, I spotted the group. To my not-so-shocking discovery, I was met with hatred eyes. Harry wouldn't even look up at me. Hermione was the only one with no hatred in them. Sucking it up, I slowly made my way towards the table. Every step I took was an echo louder in my ears. Many whispering about me.

"Athena Black."

I froze at hearing Dumbledore call my name. Glancing towards him, I frowned at seeing the sorting hat. Didn't they house the New Year's already? "Yes, sir."

"Come."

Holding my head up high, I approached the teacher's platform. "Sir."

"I understand there have been a few changes in the houses. Allies and loyalty have shifted." Dumbledore said.

Looking over my shoulder to both Gryffindor and Slytherin. "Others may have, but I know where my loyalty stands sir. It has not changed." My eyes landing on Snape. "Don't see it changing anytime soon."

"That's good to hear." He turned around, gesturing to the stool. "Sit."

"Sir?"

"Take a seat." He ordered.

I frowned, scooting onto the stool. I masked my face as Dumbledore placed the sorting hat onto my head. 'What the hell is going on?!' All eyes were on us. Suddenly I was feeling sick.

*Hmm, this is odd.* The hat mumbled. *Never have I had to re-house a student. Let's see, what do we have here. Hmm, interesting.*

"What?"

*Half-light. Half dark. Evil dwelling inside fighting the good. Neither winning.* He mauled around for a few seconds. *The lion becomes a snake. Slytherin!*

All was quiet as I stood from the stool and turned to face Dumbledore. "Is that an order sir?" Dumbledore gave me a small nod, gesturing towards the Slytherin table. "Very well."

I refused to look at Harry and the others. I couldn't bare to see the look on their faces. I can already see the anger, betrayal, sadness. Arriving at the table, Draco pushed over one of his goons making space for me.

"Did you know about this?" Draco asked.

I shook my head. "I didn't even think it was allowed."

"Is this because of me?" He glanced over at me with a pair of his puppy eyes.

"No, this is Snape's doing." I mumbled. "I was ordered to watch over you, what better way than to be moved houses."

"What about them?"

I followed his sight to Hermione and Harry. Both sneaking glances my way, each with a different look in their eyes. "I will handle that later. Right now, I really need to get some rest."

"I need to talk to you later." Draco whispered. "About the orders."

I pinned him down with a glare, lowering my tone. "Do not speak of that here. You will wait until we are alone."

"You don't give me orders." Draco spat.

"May I remind you who is watching over who." I whispered. "You do as I say."

"Hey, Athena!" Jeremy called from the end of the table. "Hey!" Rushing down to me, I was tackled into a bear cub hug.

"How have you been?" I shooed over the kid next to me, sitting Jeremy down. "How's your mom?"

"I've been good. She's good too." He reached over for my hand, examining my ring. "What's this?"

"Marriage ring."

Jeremy gasped at me. "Your father went through with his promise of marrying you off?"

I nodded. "You know him. He gets what he wants." Pulling my ring off, I held it in front of me. A smile appearing on my lips. "Although for once I can say he did something good for me. I am actually happy with him."

Jeremy went pale, looking as if he was about to hurl his breakfast. "You are happy with Lucius Malfoy?!"

"What?! Malfoy?!" I yelped. "Now I feel sick. Where the hell did you come with the idea that was who I married?"

Jeremy gave me an obvious look. "Wasn't that who your father wanted to marry you off to?"

"I didn't marry Malfoy, Jeremy." I sighed, slipping the ring back on. "I married Sirius Black."

A look of relief came over the boy. "You scared me a bit there."

"I am going to call it a night, have to unpack and get some sleep." Giving his hand a squeeze, I made my way out of the common room. On my way out, I managed to catch Hermione's eyes, gesturing for her to come. Waiting for her in the hallway, I spotted Snape and Lupin walking out as well.

"Athena, how are you?" Lupin stopped in front of me, offering me a smile.

"Been better professor. How is Tonks?"

"She's doing well, asking about you non-stop."

Snape cleared his throat. "We must get going."

"Right." Remus held his hand out to me. "I am sure tonight will get better."

I stopped myself from reacting as I shook his hand. "I'm sure professor." Waiting for them to walk away, I unfolded the note in my hand.

*Meet me at Hagrid's*

I recognized that handwriting even if I were blind. Chanting a small spell, I watch the note burn. "Don't need anyone finding it."

"Finding what?" Hermione appeared beside me. "And what did you just burn?"

"A note."

"What kind of note?"

"The personal kind."

"I'm your best friend. Personal doesn't exist in our vocabulary."

"Seriously?"

"Dead serious."

With an eye roll, I pulled her into a tight hug. "I have missed you 'mione."

"I have too." Pulling herself away from me, she whipped her tears away. "What happened? Why were you moved to Slytherin?"

"I'm not sure." I shrugged. "I was ordered to keep an eye out for Malfoy. That might have something to do with it. But I don't like this."

"You should have never taken that deal, Athena." Hermione whispered. "Everyone thinks you have truly sided with him. That you are by his side." I laughed, trying to imagine myself by Voldemort's side. "This isn't funny Athena."

"Laughing has gotten me through enough." I chuckled. "Besides, I need it to be this way, Hermione."

"Why?"

"Harry needs to focus on himself. He needs to be prepared for what is to come. If he finds out the real reason as to why he will do everything to try and get me out." I stopped at seeing the twins walking towards us. For a moment Fred gave me a gentle smile. He appeared to be coming my way, but one nudge from George and he looked away. "I take it the Weasley's have no clue?"

"No, Molly has been a mess." Hermione said. "The day word got to them; she nearly blew up the house. Mr. Weasley had to physically detain her from going after you. Ron just locked himself in his room."

"And Harry?" I was afraid of what the answer would be. I had seen the looks he gave me. "How's Harry?"

"Hurt." Hermione whispered. "Thinks what everyone else does. That you betrayed us. Fell in the greed of power and madness."

I scoffed, tossing my head against the wall. "It doesn't take much to lose someone's trust."

"They are just hurt." Hermione said. "I am sure that when they find out the truth, it will be back to normal."

"The only time they will find out, is when this is truly over." I mumbled. My eyes gazed over the ceiling of the hallway. I hadn't noticed the detail on it before. It was rather beautiful. Right in the middle was a carving of a great dragon. "Do you know anything about that?"

Hermione glanced up, nodding her head. "The white dragon. A protector in a way. The last of his kind. White as snow, with ocean blue eyes. He watches over the mountains. Or so they say."

"You don't believe it?" I asked.

She shrugged. "Never seen him. In fact, it has been years since he has ever been seen. From what I read the last one to spot him was Dumbledore and that was when he was still just a teacher."

"Hmm, guess he rather not be seen." Pushing myself off the wall, I stopped my approach at seeing Harry and Ron walking out. "Bloody hell." Harry's steps faltered, picking up to rush past me. Ron on the other hand doubled back, grabbing Hermione's arm and attempting to pull her away. "If you wish to keep that hand Ronald, I suggest you let her go. Now." Both boys stopped, staring wide-eyed at me. "It wasn't a suggestion. We were talking."

"Hermione has no business talking to a..." He stopped.

"A what Ron?" I narrowed my eyes at him, daring him to say it.

"Athena." Hermione warned. "Leave it."

"We were not done talking Hermione." I stepped forward. "Besides Ron is no one to be dragging you off like a bloody rag doll."

"I am her friend." Ron snarked. "For all we know you might be trying to make her pick a side."

Reaching out I grabbed the front of his shirt, pulling him in close. "If you would even think that, you never truly knew me."

"You're right I don't." Ron hissed. "The Athena I thought I knew would have never betrayed us. You chose power and blood over us. Your family!"

"Watch what you say next Ron!" I growled. "Like you said, I have chosen blood over family. You have no idea what I am willing to do."

"Athena that is enough!" Harry pulled Ron out of my grip, standing between us. "I will not let you threaten or harm anyone."

I stepped back. "Nothing, but a little harmless banter Harry."

"Athena." Draco suddenly appeared behind me, followed by Ian and Jeremy. "Everything alright."

"Yes." I forced myself not to order them away right there. This would just make matters worse with Harry and Ron. "What is it?"

"Our talk." Draco grinned, his eyes never leaving Harry.

Seeing the anger in Harry rise, I turned to face the boys. "Go back to the dorms. I have somewhere else to be right now, I will be there shortly after." Jeremy and Ian grabbed Draco, pulling him away. "Draco."

"What?"

"Stay in the dorms." I ordered. "You go nowhere unless it's with Jeremy or Ian. Understood?"

"Yeah, whatever."

"So, you give orders now?" Ron scoffed.

I sighed, dropping my head. "Ron, I am not in the mood for fighting. There is a reason to all of this." I turned back to them. "Hermione, see you three in class." Walking past them, I held my head up. Ignoring Ron calling my name to come back and face them.

The moment I stepped out into the open air, I exhaled deeply. I hadn't realized I was even holding my breath. Taking in a few deep breaths, I felt the pain in my chest subdue. My hands wrapped around my stomach. "I am sorry. I know these days must be very stressful for you as they have been for me. But I assure you, I will try and take it easier for you." As I rubbed my stomach, I gasped at the slight kick I got. "Seems you are rather active tonight." Another kick. "Just watch the bladder."

Making my way down to Hagrid's hut, I noticed Buckbeak laying in the field. "I thought you hadn't gotten my note, love."

"I did, but a few things got in the way." Turning around on my heels, I grinned at seeing Sirius walk up to me. "What are you doing here? I told you n-"

"Yes, yes I know what that letter said." Sirius placed his hands on my shoulders. "But did you really think that was going to do anything?"

"There is a reason I told you to stay away." I scoffed. "Sirius, I don't want anything else to-" I was cut off by his lips on mine. 'This man does not play fair.' Wrapping my arms around his neck, I pulled him in closer. One of his hands went to the back of my neck, while the other wrapped around my waist. "Sirius."

"You would have to kill me if you wish for me to stay away." He whispered.

I laughed, cupping his cheek. "Sirius, the last thing I desire is being away from you. It sucks, but it's a small price to pay. You are alive and by Harry's side. He is going to need all the help and support he can get."

Sirius frowned, bending down to my level. "Do you know of something?"

I looked away, not knowing how to dodge his question. If I say something it can save a life, but end another. If I don't two lives can live, but one will cease to exists. No matter how I looked at it, lives would be lost. "No, just talk."

"Of what?"

I shook my head. "Sirius don't ask me that. Not now."

"Athena, if this is something we can use to our benefit I need to know." Sirius pushed it.

I sighed. "Sirius I am tired. I just got into a fight with Ron and Harry. I have been moved to Slytherin and I really don't want to have an argument with you. I don't know exactly what they planning, I just know they are. I am not the most trusted person to them." Walking out of his arms, I hugged myself. "I need to get back inside." Turning to leave, I suddenly wrapped in his arms. My back against his chest.

"Forgive me." He whispered. "I didn't mean to upset you. I came here to see you, not interrogate you." Turning me around to face him, he leaned in for a kiss. "I haven't had a single night of sleep, since you left."

"You're not the only one Sirius." I whispered.

Sirius laughed. "I have been sleeping alone for years. But ever since the first night you slept by my side, I discovered I never wanted to sleep in bed alone."

I raised a brow. "So what? You telling me you have other women in bed right now?"

Sirius's eyes darken in that moment. He slowly began backing us up, until my back hit the pile of firewood. "You worried it could be Ysmay?" He leaned in closer, his mouth hovering over mine. "She has been wanting to come back for drinks again."

Narrowing my eyes in anger, I pulled him in for a searing kiss. "She comes within 20 feet of you and I will end her fucken life. Make her hurt till the last second."

"Ohh." Sirius chuckled. "You do have a rather charming dark side love." Sirius picked me up, sitting me down on the pile of wood. I now sat at his height level, eye to eyes. He placed his palms on the outer wall of the hut, trapping me between his arms. Leaning in closer to my ear he whispered. "I love it."

Scooting forward, I placed my hands on his waist. "You." Kiss on the cheek. "Have." Kiss on the jaw. "No idea." Pulling him into another kiss, I chuckled at the groan he gave.

Sirius moved forward erasing all distance between us. The warmth from his body covering me from the chilling night. His mouth moved to my jaw and down to my neck. His hands leaving the wall, landing on my thighs. Had it not been for buck-beak squawking, I wouldn't have remembered where we were.

"Sirius."

"Hmm?"

"Stop."

"Why would I do something as foolish as that?"

I ran my fingers through his hair, giving him a slight tug. "Because we are out in the open."

"So?"

"So, I have not completely lost all dignity." Pushing him off, I jumped off the wood only to have him corner me once more. "Mr. Black."

"Mrs. Black." A smirk appearing on his lips. "Mm, I love the sound of that."

"I need to go back in." I looked away, not wanting him to see me blushing. "The last thing I need is someone seeing me sneaking around with my husband."

"Fine, but I will need to see you soon." His voice coming out in a growl. "I can't take being away for long."

"I know." Pulling him into a hug, I buried my face into his chest. "I just want all of this to end."

"Soon love." Kissing the top of my head, he inhaled deeply. "Did I hear you right earlier? You were moved to Slytherin?"

"Yeah, just today." I muttered. "I was ordered to keep an eye on Draco."

"Ordered?" Sirius laughed. "You are the worst in taking orders, Athena."

Rolling my eyes, I jabbed him in the gut. "Shut up."

"Well, there is one place you do take orders well." He grinned. "The bedroom."

"Sirius Black!"

Sirius grabbed my chin, forcing me to look up at him. "Deny it." I raised a brow. "Deny it." I looked away, feeling a hot flash rising up inside. "You can't because it is the truth."

Glancing back at the school, I bit my lower lip. I knew I was going to be in so much trouble, but it was going to be so worth it. "Take me home."

Sirius gaped down at me. "What?"

"Take me home." I huffed. "Right now."

"You sure you want to do this?" He was already walking me towards buck-beak.

I jumped onto the animal. Sirius climbing up behind me. "Certain." His arms came around me, grabbing the reins. "I want to forget about everything, if just for tonight."