Catching up with Malfoy at the Two Broomsticks, we grab a secluded table at the corner. The two broomsticks wasn't something fancy. The drinks weren't the best, but they quince the thirst. Glancing around my eyes scanned the few customers in the small pub. I spotted Ginny with some guy. A few teachers. Looking past the staircase, I noticed Hermione, Harry, and Ron. Thinking back to what David had just told me, I took in the small smile both Harry and Hermione sent my way. It pained me that after the birth, those will be no more.

"Black!" Malfoy hissed.

"What?"

He gestured the package sitting between us. "How are we going to do this."

I swore this kid knew nothing. "A simple spell will do Draco." Grabbing the package, I shrunk it down to pocket size. "Take this into the restroom, if you can, place it in the girls. Place it somewhere visible, the spell will wear off once you do." For once he did what was told. At that moment a young girl I had seen a few times walked into the pub. Waving my wand underneath the table, I cast a small spell. It was harmless. All it did was imprint the task of something or someone. In this case, find the package and take it to Dumbledore.

Staying for a few moments, we waited until she left with the said package. I still couldn't get over the disgusting feeling of what I had done. Whatever was in that package couldn't be good for his health. I kept going through ideas of how I could sabotage this delivery.

"That's done with, let's get the hell out of here." Malfoy grumbled.

I gestured to the bartender for another Butterbeer. "You go on ahead, I am staying for a bit."

"Whatever."

I needed to speak with Hermione. I needed to talk to someone and right now she was my only friend. Seeing the trio stand up to leave, I grabbed my coat and walked out behind them. I wanted to be clear of the small town before approaching them. To the outside circle, I was still the friend that betrayed them. I chuckled at the buzzed Hermione. Reaching my hand out for her shoulder I stopped. Someone gave out a blood cold scream. Glancing past the trio I growled at the scene in front of us. "Why can I never get a bloody break!" The girl I had enchanted was laying flat on the snow. Her friend sobbed on the side repeating the fact that she had warned her not to touch it. Which was odd, seeing as how I made sure she wouldn't be tempted to touch whatever it was. Before I could make my way towards the package, the girl was sliding from side to side like a ping pong ball. Suddenly lifted into the air, her mouth wide open, whispers spilling out, then she simply dropped. "What the hell was that?"

"Don't get any closer." Hagrid came rushing for the girl. "Get back, all of you." Picking up the girl, he gently shook her trying to get some reaction.

I spotted Harry approaching the necklace. "Harry, don't."

"Do not touch that, except by the wrappings." Hagrid warned. "Do you understand me?"

"We know Hagrid." I pushed Harry away from the package, using my wand to wrap it up once more. "You take her to the infirmary. We will take this to Professor McGonagall." Picking the package up, we rushed back to school. We found Professor McGonagall in her classroom. "Long story short, one of the students picked it up and touched it. She was suddenly possessed and here we are now."

She stared at me with a blank stare. "I'm sorry?"

Placing the package on her desk, I used my wand to unwrap it. "Don't touch it."

She sent word for Snape the moment she saw what it was. "You're sure Katie did not have this in her possession when she entered the Three Broomsticks?"

"It's like I said." Katie's friend began. "She left to go to the loo, and when she came back, she had the package. She said it was important that she deliver it."

"Did she say to whom?"

"To Professor Dumbledore."

I flinched at the mention of the name. This was not how it was supposed to happen. It was only meant to be a pick-up and delivery. The girl was not supposed to get hurt. But shit never goes how one plans.

"Very well. Thank you, Leanne. You may go." McGonagall's eyes fell on us. "Why is it that when something happens it's always you four?"

"Believe me, Professor. I've neem asking myself the same question for six years." Ron sighed.

I rolled my eyes. "I blame Ron and his bad luck."

Snape walked in before Ron could muster up a response. Snape used his wand to levitate the necklace, spinning it around for a full view. The animals in the room screeched and howled in fear.

"What do you think?" McGonagall asked.

"I think Miss Bell is lucky to be alive." He side-eyed my way.

"She was cursed, wasn't she?" Harry asked. "I know Katie off the Quidditch pitch. She wouldn't hurt a fly. If she was delivering that to professor Dumbledore, she wasn't doing it knowingly."

"Yes, she was cursed." McGonagall whispered.

Of course, Harry had to re-open his mouth. "It was Malfoy."

We all turned and stared. I clenched my jaw at the fact that I was going to have to vouch for the youngest Malfoy. Fuck I hate my life sometimes.

"That is a very serious accusation, Potter." McGonagall spoke with a stern tone a hint of surprise was heard as well.

"Indeed." Snape growled. "Your evidence?"

"I just know."

"You just...know." Snape watched the boy with a snake-like gaze. Almost mesmerizing in a lethal way. "Once again you astonish with your gift, potter. Gifts mere mortals can only dream of possessing. How grand it must be to be the chosen one."

I slowly raised my eyes at Snape, warning him to back the hell up. Seeing the challenge in his eyes, I stepped in front of Harry. "You have to admit it's a lot of coincidence. They were both in the broomstick at the same time. Malfoy left a few seconds before Katie. Can't rule out anyone now, can we?" Yeah. Yeah, I know. So much for vouching.

McGonagall stopped Snape from replying. "I suggest you go back to your dormitories. All of you." I had to pull Harry out with me since he decided staring down Snape was the right path to go down.

Later that night laid sleepless in bed. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't let go of the guilt I felt for Katie. Because of me, she could have died. The girl was two years younger than me. I knew what I was getting into when I took the deal...okay that's a lie, but I didn't think I would harm anyone innocent. Let alone a student. How would I ever face harry or my child for that matter if she had died? How do you tell your child that their mother is a murder? Regardless of the reasons behind said action. Tossing the blanket off, I had finally given up on getting any sleep tonight.

And where do you think you are going?* Runespoor hissed.

'Can't sleep. Going out for fresh air.' Slipping on my coat, I glanced back at him. He was currently curled up on my pillow, the middle head raised. The other two were dead asleep. 'Want to come?'

Seeing how that girl is still out for one of my heads, I think it's best I join you.*

Having a three-headed snake companion was not all that bad. While I was in class, he was usually out wandering the school. Thanks to him, I now knew all the tunnels that would lead me out undetected. Of course, I rarely used them but it never hurt knowing them. The moment I stepped out into the open air; I felt a heavy weight off my chest. Being out in the open has always been my saving grace. Allowing the snake to slither off, I took a seat on the grass.

It was quiet, a little more than so. It got me thinking of what was still to come. I had only a few months until my child was born and I was already missing a lot. I haven't been able to see my stomach grow. Or have Sirius by my side, dealing with my mood swings. And who knows how long I would be away from both of them after the birth. To think I had hoped in being a better parent than mine ever were. Must run in the family to be a screwed-up parent. And wife. Sirius must be hating me at the moment. I just hope that when this is all over, he could forgive me.

"It's late, what are you doing out here?"

I jumped to my feet at the sudden appearance of Aaron. "Better question, what the hell are you doing here? You can't be seen here or with me!"

"Well, if you keep yelling, they will find me." He snapped. "I came to speak with Snape. It appeared the delivery task went wrong."

I scoffed. "Yeah, and a girl got hurt in the crosses."

Aaron shrugged. "It happens."

"It happens?" I pushed him back. "I nearly killed an innocent girl! Someone that had no clue as to what had happened to her."

Aaron suddenly wrapped his arms around, my back against his chest. His hand covered my mouth, stopping my yelling. "Keep it down." Looking around he made sure no one had heard. "Listen to me very carefully Athena. In war, there will always be collateral damage. Innocent ones will always fall, even if they have no say in the situation. Don't feel too bad, the girl survived and is recovering well."

"Let me go." I growled.

He slowly removed his hands, taking a few steps back. "You knew what you were doing when you took the deal. Regardless of which side you stand on, innocent people will get hurt. You either kill them or get them killed."

"I didn't think it would be like this."

"No one does." He said. "And I would be lying if I say you get used to it. You don't, but you come to terms with it."

I glanced up at him. "How? How do you come to terms with hurting or killing someone?"

He shrugged. "Just think that while you do what you are told, your love ones will remain alive."

I shook my head. "Was it worth it?"

Grabbing my chin, he forced me to look up at him. "That is only a question you can answer. I have to go back, but the dark lord will be sending new orders." Giving me a slight bow, he disappeared into a ball of smog.

I stared at the spot he once stood at. I could never really understand him. Some moments he was caring and understanding, but then there were moments like this. He was distant and cold. Indifferent to the situations he helped create. Yet, when we are alone that gentle side will sneak out and show itself. I have wondered about his story, but whenever I asked he just change the subject. There was something more about that man. And I really didn't want to figure it out.

Time jump:

The next morning everyone was buzzing with excitement. There was a quidditch match between Slytherin and Gryffindor. So as you can imagine there were both good and bad vibes. I sat on the bleachers, watching the match play out. Ron was playing way better than I would have imagined. In the end Gryffindor ended up winning the game. I refused to go back to Slytherin common room. They tended to be heavily sore losers.

Walking the hallways aimlessly, I allowed my mind to wander back. What would it have been like to be raised by Snape? Would I have had the same childhood? Meet Sirius? Or even have been friends with Harry and Hermione? Maybe then Snape wouldn't have been so miserable. I would have started school along with the others. Be doing something with my life right about now. But then again, I probably wouldn't have married Sirius. And although not being married by force was a good thing, I don't regret it. I mean it will also make an interesting story to tell the kids.

'Charms spell. I'm just practicing.'

That was Hermione's voice. She sounded upset and...was she crying? Who he hell made her cry?!

'Well, They're really good.'

That was Harry. Leaning against the wall, I listened in on the conversation. I know it was wrong, but I needed to know what was wrong with her. Who the hell made her cry?

'How does it feel, Harry...when you see Ginny with Dean? I know. I see the way you look at her.'

'Oh, um-

I had a suspicion to who she was talking about. But for the sake of the boy, I better be wrong. Just then said boy and Lavender came giggling into area. Stopping just before the other two. 'You always did have terrible timing.'

'Opps.' Lavender giggled. 'I think this room's taken.' She wondered off, looking for probably another make out spot.

'What's with the birds?' Ron asked with a chuckle.

'Oppungo.'

I cringed at the charm. 'Better run Ron.' I didn't want them to see me, but hearing her sobbing I couldn't help myself. Walking into their line of view, I called out softly. "Mione?"

Hermione looked up, running into my arms. She held onto me with all her might. "I got you." I could take anything thrown at me. I always know I will come out on top. But my weakness have and always will be my family. Sirius, Hermione and Harry. They were also the ones I would die defending. "I have you."

Harry walked over to us, placing a hand on Hermione's back. "It feels like this."