The next night Harry and Hermione had been invited to the party some professor had arranged. I was also going, but as an assistant in a way for Snape. You know keep the children in check. It was all going smoothly until Draco was caught snooping around. Snape and I took the job of escorting him out. I lingered behind the two as they went about with their argument.

"It was you that gave the package." Snape growled.

I growled at the lack of concern these two had at being in the open. "Can we not talk in the hallways?"

"Maybe I did Hex that Bell girl. Maybe I didn't. What's it to you?"

When I tell you my neck cracked from how fast I turned to look at him. The bastard altered my spell?! Because of him that girl nearly died!

Snape grabbed the boy, pushing him against the wall. "I swore to protect you. I made the unbreakable vow."

I scoffed. "You forgot the 'we' in that little speech."

"I don't need protection." Draco growled. "I was chosen for this. Out of all others. Me!"

"Again with forgetting the 'we'."

Snape tossed me a look. "You're afraid, Draco. You attempt to conceal it, but it's obvious. Let us assist you."

"Oh, now he remembers to include me." Turning away from the two, I frowned at getting the feeling we were being watched.

"No! I was chosen. This is my moment."

"Hey!" That got their attention. "If you two don't mind, take this somewhere else. I don't know if you noticed, but we are in the hallway."

Draco pushed himself off the wall, straightening his coat with anger. "I am going to sleep. There is nothing else to discuss."

I glared at seeing him stomp off in anger. "I swear that kid is worse than a toddler."

"You should be focusing on him." Snape snapped. "Getting ready for the task."

"It's not that easy." I growled. "May I remind you, we wouldn't be in such a situation if you hadn't fallen for Bellatrix's lure! I was happy standing on the sidelines, but no! Here you come thinking you're smarter than everyone else! News flash you aren't the only one in the room!"

"Keep your voice down." Snape hissed.

"Oh please." I scoffed. "The paintings already heard your argument earlier. This isn't new to them. Surprised they haven't blabbed it out by now."

Snape dared to smile. "Still mad about the bond I see."

"No shit!" I yelled.

"Athena you need to understand you were always going to end up with the death eaters." Snape said. "One way or another. I just moved it quicker down the timeline."

"You are out of your fucken mind. I was finally getting a grip on my life. Being married to Sirius was my saving line. I was away from my father. I was no longer afraid of what the day would bring. But of course, you couldn't see me happy, could you? You did everything you could to make me as miserable as you are. We may share the same blood, but we are not family. You and I are nothing alike. I fight for those I love! I don't go around blaming others for what I have lost! I man up to my actions! Unlike you I don't bend over for any fu-" I felt the sting before I realized what happened. Turning my head back towards him, I saw the look of shock on his face. Clinching my first, I fought against my will to not strike the man in front of me. My entire body shook with rage, just wanting an outlet.

"Athena." He whispered.

"Don't you bloody dare." Seeing him make a move towards me, I jumped back. "Come near me again and I will kill you here right now."

"I did not-"

"Severus." McGonagall walked out from within the shadows. She held a look of displeasure as she turned towards Snape. "Dumbledore is asking for you."

"Not now." His eyes not once turned away from me.

McGonagall suddenly stood between us. "Yes, now."

Snape nodded slowly. "Athena pl-"

"Leave." She ordered.

Snape turned with an angry air to him. I scoffed. He dared lay a hand on me and he's the angry one. Bastard. Everything in me was yelling-screaming to hurt him. Make him pay for marking my skin. For causing me physical pain. Just as I was getting lost in my dark thoughts, a soft hand cupped my chin. Looking up I met McGonagall's soft eyes. I knew she was only trying to help, but it was just rilling me up even more.

"Come." Taking my hand, she guided me towards her office. "Sit."

"I don't want to, thank you." Being in this room was becoming too much for me. I was feeling breathless. The walls closed in on me with each breath I took. "I need to get out of here."

"You need to sit down." She repeated.

"I don't want to sit down!" I froze at realizing who I just yelled at. "Forgive me."

"There is nothing to forgive Athena." She whispered. "I am aware of what you have been going through. I have spoken to Albus about my concerns, but that man is as stunt as they come."

"You've heard." I chuckled. "Probably not even half the story."

"Tell me." She offered. "I am a very good listener."

"No."

"Very well." She placed a cup of tea on the table, before taking a seat. "If you don't wish to talk, you are free to go back to your dorm. Or sit here for a moment and gather your thoughts. I know it must be difficult settling into a new house this far into the year."

Walking towards the door, I grabbed the handle and paused. "Why is he like this?" The words were out before I could stop them.

"Snape?"

I nodded keeping my back towards her. "Ever since I was little he would always look out for me. Everywhere I looked, he was there. Kept me safe. Taught me spells and potions. Make sure no one harmed me when he was around." I suddenly had a dry mouth, making the words harder to come out. "I always wondered why father didn't want me. Why he and I were so different, then I knew. A part of me was happy you know. Happy I didn't share my blood with someone so cruel and despicable. But now, I don't think Theodore would have done so much damages as Snape has done."

"But he has." She whispered. "I have amended enough of your bruises to know that."

It was true. McGonagall had allowed me to enter her home on many occasions. Always giving me a place to stay when I needed a break. Took care of my injuries, when I knew mother wouldn't. In a way, like Molly, she had become a parent to me. "But those were physical. They healed within days. What Snape has done is far worse. He has manipulated me into trusting him blindly, only to turn back around and stab me. Do you have any idea what that is like? Everyone I share blood with, except for my brother has betrayed me. Seeing him pick V-them over me..."

McGonagall quickly dropped her cup of tea, rushing to pull me into her arms. "Oh, child."

"Why doesn't he want me?" I felt stupid and embarrassed crying like a child in her arms. "What did I ever do to him?"

"Nothing." She held me closer. "You have done nothing wrong. This is on him."

McGonagall:

McGonagall pulled the blanket off her couch, draping it over the sleeping girl. She had cried herself to sleep in her arms. It wasn't the first time this has happened. Athena would keep her emotions bottled up. Focus on everyone, but herself. Put everyone ahead of the line over and over, before giving herself a chance. And like an overflowing sealed bottle, there came a time she would explode.

She had pleaded with Albus in removing the child from whatever he had planned. She feared the worse outcome in the end. This girl would die for those she loved and that scared McGonagall.

"You shouldn't be here."

Snape walked out from the corner of the room. "How is she?"

Minerva raised a brow. "With a bruise on her cheek."

"I-I didn't mean to strike her." Snape stuttered over his words. "I lost control."

"That is no excuse, Severus." Minerva snapped. "This girl has already been at the receiving end of Theodore!"

"I know that!" He quickly dialed his tone down at seeing Athena move. "I know."

"You need to leave before she wakes up." Minerva opened her door for him.

"She hates me." Walking closer to his sleeping daughter, he watched her for a moment. The bruise on her cheek was a bright red color, slowly turning into a purple/blue shade. Lowering his hand towards her face, it was suddenly pushed away.

"I asked you to leave." Minerva stood between Athena and Snape once more. "You lost the privilege to touch her when you decided to harm her. Leave."

Snape clenched his hand at his side, giving her a stiff nod. "Right." Pausing at the door, he lowered his head. "How could I ever make this up to her?"

"That's something only you can figure out."

"What if it's too late to earn her forgiveness?"

Minerva glanced at Athena. She knew damn well that wasn't the case. It would take a lot, but Athena could never hate her father. "Then you must deal with the consequences of your actions." She replied. "In your mind, you believe what you are doing for her is the right thing. But in the eyes of others and hers? It appears the complete opposite. You need to give her room to breathe. If you think you must do something, doing from the shadows." She walked over to Snape, shoving him out of her office. "But I must warn you, Severus. You lay another hand on her, you will forever be looking over your shoulder." The door slamming in his face had every painting in the hallway waking up.

Athena:

I wasn't sure just how long I slept in McGonagall's office, but by the time I woke up the sun peaking over the mountains. Walking into the common room I sighed happily at not seeing anyone up at this time. Taking a seat on the black leather couch, I waved my wand towards the chimney. Curling on the edge of the couch, I stared into the flames. Glancing down at my hand, I ran my finger over the blood ring. Then it hit me. "Holy shit!" Running up to the rooms, I grabbed a piece of paper. I had completely forgotten Sirius and I's anniversary. In two days, it will be a year since we married. Which got me thinking about the holiday break. I wouldn't be able to spend it with the Weasley's or with Sirius. Was I supposed to spend it at Malfoy manor? Maybe I could ask to visit my mother or brother? Would he even go for that? Folding the letter and sealing it, I called over a carrier owl and sent the letter off. Everyone would be going back home tomorrow for the holidays, so that was three weeks out of these walls.

"Bloody hell, three weeks of dealing with Aaron and his training." Falling onto my bed with a loud groan, I cursed that man. "If he throws me into the lake once more, I will neuter him."