A/N: Thank you for the reviews, I love them! I'm glad you're all enjoying the story still :) Half of the next chapter is already written as well, so it won't be long until it's uploaded! T x

Chapter 60.

Magnolia walked into the new Divination classroom a few days later with excitement. As soon as she walked through the door she gasped, the room looked like it had become a part of the forest. Everything from the mossy ground beneath her, to the trees that surrounded her, and the stars in the sky above peaking through the leafy tops of the trees made Magnolia feel like she had been transported to the Forbidden Forest and not just walked into one of the lower ground classrooms of Hogwarts Castle.

"Miss Potter."

A deep voice that Magnolia remembered well drifted across the room from a clearing, where Harry and Firenze stood. Magnolia smiled at the Centaur, practically skipping away from her friends towards him. She grasped his outstretched hand as she got close enough, and he lifted it to his lips pressing a soft kiss there.

"Miss Potter, it is good to see you so well."

"Thank you, Firenze, it's good to see you too." Magnolia hesitated, "But, what- I mean, are you ok?"

Magnolia motioned to the Centaurs chest, where a bruise the shape of a hoof was clear and looked painful.

"My herd, as you may recall, are firm on their stance of how we behave with humans. They did not react well when I informed them I had taken this teaching position."

"Oh Firenze, I am so sorry."

Magnolia didn't know what else to say, which was just as well as Firenze bowed his head slightly before turning to the rest of the class and beginning their lesson. It was a strange lesson to say the least. The entire class were all laying on the floor, gazing up at the stars, as Firenze explained to them the difference between human 'fortune telling' and Centaur's way of reading the large picture for the future. Magnolia knew that the excitement for their new Divination professor had worn off from all the girls who had been giggling about him, by the end of the lesson.

Magnolia herself had enjoyed the class, it was much different to the way Professor Trelawney had taught them, and she found it interesting to learn from a different species point of view. As the class packed up, Magnolia and Harry were both called to stay after everyone else had left. Begrudgingly, Draco and their friends told Magnolia they would meet her in the Great Hall for dinner.

"Harry Potter, you are a friend of Hagrid's, are you not?"

"Yes." Harry responded.

"Then give him a warning from me. His attempt is not working. He would do better to abandon it."

Magnolia was as confused as Harry looked. She hadn't seen Hagrid as much as she would have liked to this year, but she had seen him in class looking slightly worse for wear, Magnolia wondered if that was what Firenze was talking about. Harry tried to get the Centaur to tell them what Hagrid was attempting to do, but he wouldn't divulge any secrets and sent Harry on his way, asking Magnolia to stay behind for a moment further.

"The time for your decision is drawing nearer, Miss Potter."

"My decision?"

Firenze half-smiled at her coyness, "You know of what decision I speak."

"And you have known since my First Year, haven't you Firenze?" Magnolia challenged, "I remember you telling me, when we first meet in the Forbidden Forest, you told me that my decision would be grave."

"I had known for longer than that, Miss Potter."

"And you didn't think to tell me what I would have to choose between? If I had known sooner-"

"The decision would still have needed to be made." Firenze gazed upwards, towards the stars that twinkled above them, "As Centaurs, we watch the sky's and observe the world around us. We do not interfere in what must be."

"So, I have to make a decision? I have to choose between them?" Magnolia implored, "Can… Can you see what I will choose?"

Firenze shook his head, "We never have. Your destiny lies with yourself, Miss Potter, most unlike most others. It is clear you have a choice of three, but which route you choose to take, that is completely your own decision."

"Three choices? From what I can tell, I have two. Good or Evil. Light or Dark. Right or Wrong."

"All will become clear, Miss Potter. Certain things must play out, and then your decision will count. I do not envy you for the role you must take."

Magnolia had wandered to the Great Hall practically in a trance after that. She was feeling less sure of herself and her future after what Firenze had told her, even though before their conversation she had no clue what to do. Magnolia sat next to Tracey and ate in silence, before being pulled from her seat by her friends and absentmindedly following them to their Common Room. Firenze had told her she had three choices. Three. What else would happen to give her yet another path to choose from. She had to choose between Harry and his side, or Lord Voldemort, Draco, and their side.

Around her, Magnolia could hear her friends chatting between themselves, aware that she was lost in her own thoughts. When Draco stood, reminding Magnolia that they had Prefect Rounds, she had followed him still wrapped in her mind. As they wandered through the Castle, Magnolia was still pondering it all. Theo had been right; she would have to make a choice, no matter what Draco had to say on the matter. Magnolia had to make a decision that would sway the outcome of the War, but what would her conscious allow her to do?

The following morning, Magnolia tried to put the whole thing out of her mind, instead focussing on her classes for the day. Daphne had asked if she was ok when she had gotten back from Patrol the night before, but Magnolia had brushed it off by just saying she was tired and going to bed.

During dinner a few weeks later, Magnolia sat with Pansy, Tracey, and Daphne, laughing at one of Ravenclaws as they received a rather unexpected Howler from their parents. Magnolia had always thought that Ravenclaw's were a very strange House, studious and extremely clever but they didn't always get the most House Points or even the best grades. This particular Ravenclaw, Caroline Burns, was being chastised for receiving a T on her latest Potion essay because she had been too distracted by arguing with the Ravenclaw Common Room door about her answer on the riddle.

As the girls strolled to the Library, ready for an evening of studying, they were finally joined by the boys. They quickly told the boys what they had missed at dinner, still giggling at the look on Burns' face when she had received the Howler.

"We need to talk." Draco told Magnolia, taking her hand, and pulling her to the side of the hall, "You need to be more careful with the Centaur."

"Firenze? What are you talking about?"

"It has been brought to Professor Umbridge's attention, and mine, that you are too close with him."

"Too close? What is that supposed to mean?"

Draco sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, "I have been told that you and the Centaur are flirting in classes and in the halls when you see each other. Professor Umbridge has also been warned about the two of you."

Magnolia scoffed, "That's ridiculous. Draco, you've seen us in class."

"I know, and I told them that. Professor Umbridge however hasn't, and she detests Half-Breeds and anyone that fraternises with them. Lia, you need to be careful."

Magnolia sighed herself, she knew Draco was right. Umbridge had been harder on her the past couple of weeks, leading to Magnolia snapping back a few times. Magnolia had told Draco what Firenze had kept her back for in their first class the night after, he knew that Magnolia had been trying to get more information out of the Centaur, even if he didn't agree with it. As far as Draco was concerned, nothing would harm Magnolia no matter what choice she made. Magnolia nodded and agreed with Draco that she would be more careful. She had other things to worry about anyway.

The O.W.L's were drawing ever closer, and Magnolia was still sneaking into DA classes with her brother when she could. Harry had just started teaching them the Patronus charm, and unfortunately for her, Magnolia still found herself completely unable to cast anything. Her attempts hadn't been made easier as George often would send his Magpie Patronus to soar around her, and Harry's doe would trot around the Room of Requirement.

"Don't forget, we have DA this evening." Harry reminded her as she left Care of Magical Creatures with him Ron and Hermione.

"Maggie has Prefect Patrol today." Hermione answered for her.

"Exactly, sorry Harry, you'll have to see me fail at casting a Patronus another day."

Harry put his arm around his twins' shoulders, squeezing her tight to him like he used to do when they were young, and she was sad or scared.

"Don't worry, Mags." Harry dropped a kiss on the top of her hair, "You'll figure it out. We just have to find your best memory. I know you can do it."

Magnolia smiled up at her brother, not missing the smiles Ron and Hermione sent each other at the twin's exchange. Things had been getting better between the pair. Hermione had told Magnolia one evening during a study session that Harry had received letters from Sirius making sure that he was taking care of her. Magnolia had seen some of the letters Sirius had sent, he would often write to them both in one letter, but Harry had then shown her the other letters Sirius had sent to him only.

Sirius had been firm with Harry in them. Telling him more about his own brother, and their relationship, and how devastated he was when they drifted apart. It seemed to have all sunk in for Harry, and at his change of behaviour Magnolia had adjusted hers too. Harry didn't even sneer at her Slytherin friends when he saw them all together anymore. She was sure he still did when she wasn't there, but at least he was trying in front of her she thought.

Later that evening, Magnolia was wandering the lower levels of the Castle on her own. She had worried when Draco told her they would split up for their patrol that evening, tasking himself with the upper half the Castle. She was still thinking over why he had wanted them to split up for the evening, usually they did the whole patrol together, it gave them time to be by themselves and they'd often sneak into an empty classroom to spend uninterrupted time alone.

It wasn't until the following morning that Magnolia realised why Draco had wanted them to patrol separately. When she woke up, Pansy and Daphne were deep in conversation about the events of the previous night. The DA had been found out, by Cho's friend who had told Umbridge all about it, leading to Umbridge and a group of students- Draco, Pansy, Daphne, Theo, and Blaise included- interrupting last nights DA meet. Magnolia was told that Harry had been caught almost instantly by Draco and taken to the Headmaster's office by Umbridge. Magnolia barely heard Pansy telling them that Professor Dumbledore had then disappeared, leaving Umbridge to take his place, as she ran out of her Dorm Room to find her brother.

"Harry!" Magnolia cried in relief when she saw her brother sat at the Gryffindor table eating breakfast, "You're still here!"

"Did you know?"

Magnolia couldn't help but remember Theo asking her the same question only a handful of weeks before, and the thought that she would soon need to pick her side drifted through her mind again.

"Did you know what they were going to do last night?" Harry asked again.

"No. I had no clue until I woke up this morning."

"I noticed you weren't there, where were you?"

"I was patrolling, like I told you." Magnolia sat next to her twin, "Draco told me we were to split up last nights patrol. I didn't realise why at the time."

Harry nodded at his sister, before handing her a cup of tea in response.

"Is everyone- Is everyone safe?" Magnolia asked quietly.

Harry nodded, telling his sister what had happened. Dobby had appeared suddenly, warning Harry and the other DA members that Umbridge had found out and was on her way, which had given them all time to escape and run. Harry had been the only one to be caught, but Pansy had been sent into the Room of Requirement to gather evidence and had found the parchment with all of the members names on it. Magnolia bit her lip, that would mean that Umbridge knew every person who had been in those meetings, including herself.

She listened more as Harry told her everything that happened in Professor Dumbledore's office, how he had taken responsibility entirely for the DA, and had disappeared into the night in a bid to get Harry and the others out of trouble. Magnolia wrapped her arm around her brother, resting her head on his shoulder, when she saw how defeated and guilt-ridden he looked.

"He'll be back." Magnolia mumbled to her twin, "Umbridge won't be in charge for long."

"And while she is, we'll make her life hell." Fred's voice came from across the table.

Magnolia hadn't seen the Weasley twins sit down opposite them; she hadn't noticed half the table that had been listening to the Potter's conversation.

"Have you heard what she's done already?" Ron asked the twins in disgust, "Created an 'Inquisitorial Squad'. Prefects with a power complex."

"We've already had points docked this morning by them." Hermione added, her eyes flitting between Harry and Magnolia.

"Not all of us." George grinned.

"Some of us can think on our feet." Fred continued, smirking just like his brother.

"Can't take point away when you're stuck in a Vanishing Cabinet."

"I wonder where Montague ended up."

"Or when he'll find his way back."

"If he finds his way back."

"Oh well, Fred, doesn't matter anymore, does it?"

"No, George. Not now with Dumbledore gone."

"We reckon a bit of mayhem is exactly what our dear new Head deserves."

"Maggie, try and speak some sense into them, wont you? They won't listen to me!" Hermione huffed, "They could get in such terrible trouble!"

"You don't get it, do you Hermione?" Fred replied before Magnolia could say anything, "We don't care about staying anymore. We'd walk out right now if we weren't determined to do our bit for Dumbledore first."

"Which reminds me, phase one is about to begin." George continued, "You should all take some extra time in here this morning. Make sure the Professors know you lot had nothing to do with anything."

Before Magnolia could begin questioning George on what he meant, she saw Harry watching someone behind her. Turning, she saw Filch stomping towards them, an ugly smirk on his face as he stopped by the twins, pulling them from the table and telling them that Headmistress Umbridge wanted them. Magnolia nudged her brother and grinned as they were led in the opposite direction of the Headmaster's office, and towards Umbridge's usual office. Magnolia wouldn't have been surprised if the Castle was refusing Umbridge entrance to the Headmaster's office.

As the twins walked into Umbridge's office, Umbridge smiled sickeningly at them, gesturing for Magnolia to take a seat, and for Harry to wait outside the door.

"Miss Potter, what would you like to drink? Tea, water, Pumpkin juice?"

"Erm, tea I suppose." Magnolia replied hesitantly.

"Wonderful, now tell me about last night."

"I was patrolling, ma'am." Magnolia began, not having to think about what she was saying as she took a small sip of the tea Umbridge had just handed her, "Draco and I had split up, he took the higher floors of the Castle, and I took the lower."

"And you weren't involved in the group we split up last night?"

Magnolia shook her head, "I didn't hear about what happened until this morning, Ma'am."

"Drink up dear." Umbridge smiled, "Are you sure you had no knowledge of what your brother was doing?"

Magnolia brought the cup to her lips as Umbridge asked her question but didn't drink any of the tea as she felt the truth bubbling beneath her lips. Magnolia thought back to her last encounter with Umbridge and her tea. She hadn't been able to stop herself from spilling her truths then. Magnolia looked at her Professor as the realisation dawned on her. She emptied her mind, trying to use the one thing she knew she could do to stop the truth coming out.

"I'm sure, Professor."

"But your name was on the parchment was it not?" Umbridge asked, before indicating for Magnolia to drink.

Magnolia brought the cup back to the lips, trying to make it as believable as possible that she was drinking the tea. She knew now why Theo, Draco and Sirius had reacted so badly to her having had tea with Umbridge before. Her stomach rolled at the thought that a Professor in this school could do what she was doing.

"It was, I went to the initial meeting at Hogs Head and agreed then. However, you then bought in the rule that all groups were to be disbanded unless with your approval. Harry didn't gain your approval, so we didn't continue. I can't understand why there was a group last night, ma'am."

Suddenly, the door flew open, and Draco appeared, looking slightly dishevelled. Magnolia watched as Umbridge sat back in her chair, glancing between her and Draco, before clasping her hands together and smiling in her faux sweet way again. Although Magnolia was glad to see Draco, she knew that they would have to have a difficult conversation about his own involvement in the events of the previous evening.

"Wonderful." She chirped, "I do always appreciate it when two stories match up. You are free to go, Miss Potter, unless there is anything else you wish to tell me?"

"No, Professor, I don't think there is." Magnolia sneered back.

Draco held his hand out for Magnolia to follow him then, obviously desperate to get her out for the room. She quickly fell in line, feeling his hand on the small of her back as he practically pushed her out of the room. Harry was leaning against the wall when they walked out, and Magnolia didn't miss his sharp glance down at Draco's hand that still rested on her back.

"Harry…"

"Don't worry, Mags, I've got this." Harry pulled his sister into a hug and whispered in her ear, "Are you ok?"

"I'm fine," Magnolia whispered back even quieter, "Don't drink the tea, Harry."

She stepped back from her brother, seeing his puzzled expression but she couldn't tell him anymore then that as Umbridge's voice carried through the door, calling Harry in. As he walked into the dragon's den, Magnolia wrapped her arm around Draco's and walked with him out to the Castle grounds for fresh air. As they approached the Great Lake, Draco pulled her closer, breathing in the scent of her hair.

"Thank God, you didn't drink it."

"The tea? I did, only a small bit before I realised what she's been doing." Magnolia looked up at Draco, anger in her eyes, "How can you be ok with her doing that?

"I'm not. However, I must stay on her right side. I had tried to get you out the questioning, I'd already told her a story. Goyle told me that you and Harry had been taken from the Great Hall."

"Well, it seems we both had the same story." Magnolia smiled, "I don't understand how you can be part of what she's doing though, part of the Inquisitorial Squad."

"Like I said, I have to keep her on side." Draco smirked, "You know, you put up more resistance about me falling in line with Umbridge then you do with the Dark Lord."

They sat under a tree for a while after that, just revelling in the others company and watching the Giant Squid lazily drift across the top for the Lake. Magnolia was glad for some time out; the upcoming O.W.L's were beginning to worry her more and more, so she had been studying later into the night and during breaks. Leaning back against Draco's chest, his fingers stroking up and down her sides, she felt herself slipping into a slumber.

The serene peace was interrupted by a loud boom that made Magnolia jump from her place in between Draco's legs. The pair looked towards to the Castle, just in time to see fireworks flying through the windows of the Castle. Magnolia smirked; sure she knew who had set those off. Making a mental note to congratulate the Weasley twins the next morning, Magnolia turned back to Draco to sit back down and continue their relaxing afternoon with just the occasional boom interrupting them.