39

It wasn't long before word spread through the castle that Sirius Black had been the reason for the slumber party in the Great Hall on Halloween. The theories running through the students got more outrageous by the day. In some he turned into a plant, others he was so powerful he could command the dementors to stand down as he waltzed into the castle. If he were that powerful, Emily thought as she passed another group of students discussing the event, then he wouldn't have waited over a decade to escape Azkaban.

Another topic of discussion was the Fat Lady, the protector of the Gryffindor's common room entrance. Her portrait had been ripped on the night of Black's break in. Fred and George were initially thrilled with her replacement Sir Cadogen but they seemed to be the only ones. From what Emily had heard, the portrait challenged anyone who passed him to a duel and was constantly changing the password for protection without informing a single soul.

"I must say, this is finally getting old." Emily and Draco looked up from their cauldron as the twins entered the room.

"Can't get into your common room again?" Draco teased.

Emily nudged her best friend as the twins set about prepping their work station. "Gred and Forge would never tire of that, just yesterday they were laughing as they watched a group of seventh years get into a yelling match with the painting."

"Nope."

"We're over it."

"What happened?" Emily asked, carefully watching as Draco stirred the potion counterclockwise ten times.

"We were supposed to have Quidditch practice tonight but no one can get into their rooms to get their gear."

Gred tossed his brother a jar as he shook his head, "We finally had a time where Madam Hooch had agreed to watch us as well."

"Why would you need a professor at your practice?"

"Apparently Professor McGonagall doesn't think Harry should be out in the evenings unsupervised."

"Something to do with Black."

"The team is all worked up."

"You should have seen Wood. He's panicking right now, perhaps someone should have taken him to Madam Pomfrey…"

Emily looked away from her cauldron as it started to simmer and moved towards the lounging area to wait. "Isn't he always in a tizzy?"

"More so than usual since we are playing Hufflepuff instead of Slytherin."

"Which by the way old Chap," Fred added pointing towards Draco. "I would stay far away from the team. They think you were faking the whole arm injury to get out of playing in the bad weather conditions."

"Right, I get mauled by a magical creature and somehow I'm supposed to heal perfectly overnight."

Emily rolled her eyes as she laid back to stare at the ceiling, people really didn't think logically. If Draco had been injured in a normal accident with an inanimate object or by a simple spell he would have healed quickly, unfortunately damage done by magical creatures isn't easily fixed. She felt her friend was rather lucky Madam Pomfrey was able to do all she did and the only lasting effect was the now fading tenderness.

0o0o0o0o0

The day before the match between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, the winds had really begun to pick up. The castle was incredibly dark, extra candles and torches were hung to help light the corridors and classrooms for the students. Draco for his part kept staring sadly out onto the grounds.

"I wish my arm was better," he repeated for the hundredth time that day.

"Dray I say this with love. Shut up." Blaise turned his head in an attempt to hide his smirk at the witch's comment. "It's almost completely healed. Madam Pomfrey even let you take off the sling but she was very clear, no Quidditch yet."

"But look out there, if I could win in this…"

"Yes, yes, you would be a hailed success and no one could doubt your talent. Now would you stop stalling we need to get to Defense."

The small group headed off quickly to make it to their next lesson and were surprised to find Severus standing in the front of the room. He nodded in the groups direction as they took their seats and Emily briefly wondered where Lupin was. As the man started his lecture he never said a word about the DADA professor so the witch concluded it was nothing special and the man must be sick, Lupin had looked rather worn down the day before.

About ten minutes in the door to the classroom was pulled open and a panting Harry rushed in. "I'm so sorry Professor…"

"I'm sure," Severus cut the Gryffindor off earning a shocked look from the boy. "I believe one point for every minute you were late is sufficient."

"Where's Professor Lupin?" Harry asked not moving from his spot by the door.

"Sit down Potter."

Harry still refused to move as his eyes scanned the room. "Is he okay?"

"If you do not sit down that will be another 10 points from Gryffindor."

"Is he sick?"

"10 points from Gryffindor." The statement was met with sighs from the Lions in the room. "If you must know so we can continue, he is too ill to teach today. I am subbing, now sit."

"What's wrong, will he be back soon?"

"He is not dying I assure you. If I need to ask you one more time to take your seat Gryffindor will be down another 50 points."

"Mate," Weasley warned, seemingly seeing reason for once. Harry shook his head and slowly made his way to his seat.

Severus walked around to stand behind Lupin's desk as he riffled through the various papers but nothing seemed to be what he was looking for. "As it appears that Professor Lupin has an issue with organization and I am unsure of what subjects you have already covered..."

"That's simple sir," Granger said waving her hand back and forth in the air trying to get Severus' attention. "We've done Boggarts, Kappas, Red Caps and just last week we worked on Grindylows."

"Did I ask for assistance Miss Granger?"

"No sir."

"Then please do not speak out of turn or your House will continue to add to its losses today."

Severus began skimming through the text until a smirk crossed his face. "Today is a good day to study werewolves," Severus announced.

"But sir, we aren't supposed to do werewolves this week," Granger cried looking over her notes frantically.

"Five points from Gryffindor. Miss Granger I do not believe I called on you to speak."

The girl blushed bright red as she ducked her head and started flipping through her book in an attempt to more than likely skim what they were about to go over.

"Everyone turn their books to page 394." Once everyone had done as instructed Severus moved back around the desk setting the open text behind him. "Can anyone tell me the difference between a wolf and a werewolf?"

Granger's hand shot into the air, a few Slytherins including Emily and Draco raised their hands as well. Severus took a moment but before he could call on anyone, Granger in her normally eager way started to blurt out an answer, "They vary in very small ways…"

"Another five points from Gryffindor. Miss Granger, if you look around you there are others in the class who know the information as well. I did not call on you and I believe I have already sufficiently warned you about speaking out of turn."

Granger looked as if she was going to cry as she surveyed the room realizing she in fact was not alone in the knowledge of what was being asked. She stared at the floor as all of the third year Gryffindors glared at the Potions Master.

"Of course they know the answer too," Weasley exclaimed, his face getting red with anger. "Their families are dark and werewolves are dark creatures! Hermione knows the answer because she studies, but you would never call on her because she's not one of your pet snakes!"

"Detention!" Snape moved to stand close to the boy who looked up fearfully at the man, suddenly he had lost all his will to fight. "You would do well not to speak in such a way in my class. Your prejudice against Houses above your station could get you in trouble. Like your friend Miss Granger, I suggest you learn to hold your tongue."

Everyone seemed to quiet down after that and the rest of class passed without another interruption. When the bell rang Severus assigned the class a paper on the werewolf to be turned into him by Monday. The Slytherins all nodded and left the room while the Gryffindors took a moment to complain about the unfairness of a sub assigning homework though they were rather mumbled complaints as no one wanted to join Weasley in detention.

The next day Emily found herself sitting in the stands waiting for the Gryffindor vs Hufflepuff match to start. The rain was miserable so Emily and Draco were sheltered under a large umbrella. Both teens were wrapped up tightly in warm clothes in an attempt to stave off the cold winds, the pair had also taken a little of a warming potion to help with the chill.

With the weather Emily wondered how the players would manage to see anything. The majority of the school had come to watch the game but on realizing how hard it was to see, many people had turned around and gone back in the castle to keep dry and warm.

When the teams finally took to the sky Emily sighed, "I can't hear anything."

"Perhaps they haven't done anything worth announcing."

"Or it's too hard for Jordan to see anything."

"There is that. We could always go back inside."

"Ced is playing, I should be out here watching him."

"Hard to watch what you can't even see, I'm sure he would understand."

"It's about being supportive." Draco gave Emily a look that clearly showed he thought she was being ridiculous. "Let's just give it a few minutes…"

Draco nodded his head reluctantly in agreement and wrapped an arm around his best friend as they continued to attempt to watch the match. The sky kept darkening, making it more and more impossible to see. Emily wondered why they didn't have large lights centered on the field, surely if muggles could do it in their stadiums wizards could as well.

When the lightning started Madam Hooch appeared to call a time out. Both teams landed and everyone in the stands sat back hopeful someone was going to forfeit. There was no such luck for the frozen bystanders as a few minutes later Emily noticed someone whipped by them on a broom.

The witch started to shiver and she wondered if the potion was wearing off, "Dray can you pass me the Warming Potion, I'm getting cold."

"Em, we need to go." Draco stood up and turned to help Emily up as well.

"But Ced is still playing."

"You can see him play another time. We're leaving, now."

Seeing the panic in her friend's eyes, Emily did as she was asked and stood to stand. Just as she took Draco's hand to leave dread overcame her. She heard a familiar rattling before her vision started to go black.

"You can't have her! Please have mercy…" the woman was sobbing as she pleaded from her spot in front of a crib.

"Stand aside you foolish girl." A dark figure kept his wand trained on one of the small figures behind the crying woman as he motion for her to move.

The woman shook her head unable to move, "No please, don't kill him. Take me, kill me!"

"You give me no choice in the matter. Avada…"

A flash of green filled Emily's vision as the sight faded from her view. She felt weak, in the distance Emily could hear her name being called.

"I've got you Em," she heard Draco say as she fought to open her eyes. Trusting in her best friend the witch allowed her eyes to stay closed and her body to relax into his arms.

"Is she okay?" a silky voice asked.

"I noticed them and tried to get her to leave but we weren't fast enough. She took one step and fainted again."

"Take her down to my rooms, immediately. I'll send an elf with some chocolate and food. The teachers are all meeting with the Headmaster for a bit but then I will join you both."

"What's going on? Em?" a worried voice entered Emily's head and she wanted to open her eyes but her body was too weak.

"She'll be fine Mr. Diggory. Please continue to your dorm, I'm sure your House will be celebrating you."

"I think I should stay."

"I don't have time for this, return to your House. You may see Emily later."

"I have her," Draco promised. "I'll send word once she wakes up."

That must have satisfied the Hufflepuff or Draco was tired of waiting, as Emily felt herself be carried away and the cold recede a bit as she was finally taken out of the rain. She felt in a daze as she was carried through the castle to Severus' quarters. When she was placed on the leather couch she felt herself be draped in a blanket. She heard some bustling around her but as she warmed, all she wanted was to drift off to sleep.

"Come on Em, I need you to drink this."

Emily felt herself be held up a bit and a cup pressed to her lips. She could smell the chocolate as she parted her lips and allowed a bit of the liquid to flood her mouth. As she swallowed, warmth began to spread fully back into her body.

"One more," the voice instructed. She obeyed and this time she opened her eyes as a second shot of heat flooded through her. "Thank Merlin," Draco breathed helping Emily to hold the cup on her own.

As everything in the witch's brain cleared she continued to sip on the dark chocolate cocoa. "Why were those creatures there?"

"That's a good question," Severus said as he walked over to Emily and started to examine her. "The Headmaster believes the creatures are feeling starved being so far away from their prey at Azkaban. The match was an emotional feast, so to say."

"And what about the game? We sat in that weather for nothing now?"

Severus shook his head as he ensured the blanket was still tightly around the witch's lap. "Diggory caught the snitch before anyone was aware of the Dementors."

"So, Harry finally lost a match?"

"Yes, though you should know your brother is just as effected as you are by the creatures and fell from his broom about the same time you fainted. The Headmaster was quick to act and slow his fall from his broom. He is currently up in the Hospital Wing under Madam Pomfrey's tender care."

"Oh, so Ced didn't win fairly."

"Em, Mr. Hufflepuff had no idea about the Dementors. It was fair." Draco moved to sit next to Emily and pulled her into his side.

"He'll want a rematch."

Severus rolled his eyes as he moved to take a seat by the fire, "Yes he already has demanded one and his request was denied. It was deemed your brother had enough time to react and win before noticing the creatures."

"I see."

"I've informed Lucius of the events of today, he is stuck in France working on a negotiation but he sends his love and wants you to know Fudge will be hearing from him."

"Good," Draco said rubbing Emily's arm. "Though speaking of informing people, I promised Mr. Hufflepuff I would let him know once you were awake."

Draco looked over at Severus who pretended not to know what the boy wanted until finally Draco raised an eyebrow at his Godfather. The man sighed as he called one of the House elves to them.

"Master Snapey calls, what can Norbey do for you?"

"Can you inform Cedric Diggory of Hufflepuff that Emily has awoken and is doing well."

"Right away Master Snapey."

As the elf bowed and vanished from the room the two teens burst into laughter, hearing Severus referred to as Snapey would never get old.

0oOoOoOo0

"I'm glad you're feeling better," Cedric said, giving Emily's hand a squeeze as the pair wandered around the dungeons. "I was worried about you."

"Once I had some chocolate I was fine."

"I would have liked to have seen you to ensure that," the Hufflepuff ran his free hand through his hair, slightly frustrated. "Professor Snape wouldn't let me visit you all weekend."

"He's a bit protective, he wanted me to rest and he said visitors in his quarters would not only disturb my peace but his own."

"And we wouldn't want that."

"No you wouldn't, have you had one of his detentions?"

"No, but I have a feeling he is looking for any opportunity to give me one. You should have seen him in my lesson last week. He practically stood there the whole class waiting for me to make the smallest mistake."

"Would you like me to speak with him?"

"No," the boy sighed turning to Emily. "I shouldn't be complaining. I should be happy you are well."

Emily nodded her head as Cedric leaned down to kiss her. Just as the kiss was heating up a throat cleared, echoing through the corridor. Cedric was quick to step away from the Slytherin and instantly froze. Turning Emily had to hide her smirk as an annoyed looking Severus stood before them with his arms crossed. Looking at the boy he motioned with his head for the him to leave.

"I'll see you later," Cedric said leaning in bravely to peck Emily's lips before quickly taking off.

After a few moments of silence Emily started to giggle and Severus rolled his eyes. "Brat."

"You don't have to scare him so much," Emily stated walking over to join the sour man as they started walking through the halls. Severus merely mad a noise in response. "Seriously, he told me that you have been paying close attention to him in potions."

"Did he?"

"Sev, please. He's a nice guy, he's a Huffelpuff…"

"Exactly he's a Hufflepuff. I find more of them in broom cupboards than any of the other Houses."

It was Emily turned to make a disbelieving noise in answer, "I don't know why you don't like him. He comes from a good family and he is the sole heir to a Noble House that has maintained a neutral stance for many decades. I would think I've done well."

"There's something about that boy…"

Emily shook her head as the pair turned down another hallway, they were going to get nowhere on this topic. "So I believe you must have something to tell me since you went to the trouble of tracking me down."

"I don't need a reason," Severus said stopping for a moment by the corridor that would take them back to the Slytherin Common Room. "Though yes, today I did wish to inform you that Lupin has requested to teach your brother the Patronus Charm."

"That's rather advanced."

"It is, most grown wizards cannot produce one and though I hate to admit it, I agree with Lupin. The Quidditch match was the second time the pair of you have fallen victim to the Dementors. You need to know how to protect yourselves."

"Is Lupin offering to teach me as well?"

"No, he stated Potter requested his help and asked Dumbledore if it would be alright to proceed. Naturally the Headmaster came to me and suggested that you may benefit from the lessons as well, so I have agreed to teach you."

"When do we begin?"

"After the holidays, I believe this year you will be participating in Yule and it will give me time to ensure you have the correct materials. There are a few books I have sent off a request for, but I don't know how quickly they will get back to me. They are rather obscure."

Emily nodded in agreement, the holidays were fast approaching and she could appreciate that he wanted her to have reading material on the topic. "Of course, when you have the books I will be happy to read through them first."

"Good, now off to bed and don't let me catch you like I did again."

Laughing Emily hugged the man before heading back to her dorms for the night.

0oOoOoOo0

The last two weeks of term passed quickly for Emily and before she knew it she was in a carriage with Draco heading into Hogsmeade for the last trip of the term.

"Remember what father said, Dementors are stationed around the village. They shouldn't come in it till night when we are gone but if you feel anything…"

"Yes, yes I know. Make Mr. Hufflepuff bring me right to you and we will head home early. You are worried over nothing."

Draco shook his head as the carriage came to a stop and he climbed out before helping Emily down. Turning to the waiting Cedric the blonde was very serious, "If anything happens you bring her straight back."

"I will, I worry for her safety too."

"Good." Draco gave the boy the once over before turning back to Emily. "Meet us for lunch at the Three Broomsticks.

"Don't worry so much," Emily said moving to take Cedric's hand. The pair took off down the cobblestone path and the witch sighed in relief. She loved Draco but he had been extremely protective as of late.

"Don't get upset with him. After the match we all just want you safe and with Fudge increasing patrols in the village we have reason to worry about you."

"I'm not fragile."

"I didn't say you were. Now, I believe you were saying something about being out of Sugared Butterfly Wings yesterday."

"Well, yes."

"Then let's go pick some up and enjoy our morning before we meet the others for lunch."

Emily agreed and followed her boyfriend towards Honeydukes.

Later in the day the pair wandered into the Three Broomsticks and joined Draco who was already seated at one of the booths in the back.

"Where's Blaise?"

"Grabbing your drinks," the Italian replied as he set down the tankards on the table. "With everyone coming in for lunch we figured it was best not to wait."

"Thanks mate," Cedric said picking up his drink and raising it up to the others. "To the end of term."

The others mimicked the Hufflepuff before they all took their first drink. Emily smiled as she felt the normal warmth spread through her body. As she relaxed back she took a moment to look around the room and to her astonishment her eyes fell on her brother Harry. From what she understood he didn't have a signed pass to come to Hogsmeade. It had been the gossip for days that McGonagall had refused to sign for him after he begged her. Emily figured he hadn't been at the Dursley's long enough to find a way to coerce them into signing it before he blew up Marge and had to stay in Diagon Alley.

Suddenly the witch watched as her brother was shoved under the table by his friends. Weasley and Granger looked worriedly towards the door as Harry suddenly vanished from sight completely, likely in thanks to the invisibility cloak he had. Following the worried Gryffindors' sight Emily realized why they were hiding her brother, Professors McGonagall and Flitwick were walking towards them followed by Hagrid and nonother than the Minister of Magic himself, Cornelius Fudge.

The group took a seat at the table that separated the two tables of students. Hermione looked around the room and Emily watched as the girl levitated a nearby Christmas tree to block their table from view. Shaking her head, she leaned into Cedric who was ordering her lunch. Madam Rosmerta smiled at the group as she finished writing on her pad and moved on to her newest table to welcome them.

"You okay?" Cedric asked glancing briefly over to Draco who nodded as if he too noticed Emily's distracted state.

"I'm fine, just tired from all the walking we did."

"You're sure?"

Turning she kissed the boy's cheek, "Positive."

It wasn't long before the group's food was served and the teens all dug in. Their conversations were light and excited as they discussed the upcoming break. The Malfoys would be hosting a Yule Ball this year and they would all be in attendance.

"I COMFORTED THE TRAITOR!"

Hagrid's voice caught the attention of most of the tables in the pub and Emily wondered what they were talking about. McGonagall was quick to hush the giant as the others at his table looked at him with sympathy. Shortly after, once everyone was certain there wouldn't be another outburst, they returned to their meals and conversations. Turning back to her meal Emily wasn't disturbed from her conversation until Harry darted past their table and out the side door.

"Wasn't that your brother?" Blaise asked taking a sip of his butterbeer.

"I think so."

Draco raised an eyebrow as he set his napkin on the table, "I thought he didn't have permission to be here."

"How am I supposed to know?"

Draco nodded his head as he motioned towards the front, "Shall we head back up to the castle?"

Everyone agreed and Blaise escorted Emily outside as Draco and Cedric paid their tab. It wasn't long before the group was in a carriage heading back up to the school. The group spent the rest of their time before dinner wandering in the snow-covered courtyard and talking about things of little importance.

When the group headed to the Great Hall for dinner that night they almost ran over a man in a green pinstripe suit. Looking up Emily realized they were once again seeing the Minister of Magic.

"Draco, my dear boy." The man smiled and gave a small bow to the Malfoy heir. "How are you?"

"I'm quite well Minister and yourself?"

"Well enough, though this business with Black escaping has made things rather difficult." Fudge shook his head as he looked at the rest of the group of students and his eyes went wide as he noticed Emily. Giving a bow he held out his hand and the young witch took it, letting him kiss it in greeting. "Miss Potter, my apologies. It is so nice to see you."

"You as well Minister. I do hope you'll be joining us for Yule."

"Of course! I wouldn't miss it for the world. Lucius has always thrown the greatest parties. And Mr. Diggory will you be joining in the festivities."

"Yes, my family is looking forward to it," Cedric answered shaking the man's hand, their Houses were on equal standing so the pair merely nodded to the other.

"Good, good." The man's eyes fell on the last member of the group and a touch of fear entered his eyes, "Mr. Zabini, always a pleasure."

"Likewise Minister," the pair nodded but neither moved to shake the other's hand.

"Well I must be off, I need to head back to the Ministry I'm afraid before I can go home. I wish you all safe travels home."

"Thank you, you as well," Draco said as the group moved aside to let the man through. Minister fudge quickly put on his bowler hat and disappeared out into the grounds.

Giggling Emily bumped Blaise's shoulder with her own, "Why do you have the Minister for Magic running out the door to escape you?"

"My mum. He used to fancy her back in school, they may have even gone on a date. When they grew older her husbands mysteriously kept dying… I think he's glad to stay far away from her or I now."

"Your mother would not have dated someone like that," Emily said looking back at where the man had once been.

"You should have seen husband number 3."

The group laughed as the entered the Hall and took their places for dinner. All in all they had a wonderful day and were very much looking forward to their departure for the break.