Hey guys, for some reason the chapter notification didn't get sent out to some people for chapter 40. Not sure why that happened but if you missed it, chapter 40 is up and is called Yule. Enjoy.

41

Patronus

Emily,

I wish I could have been at the Yule celebrations but we were finally able to get into the tomb and the Goblins were against the idea of me leaving even for a night. It would have been nice though, growing up my family never celebrated Yule but I always enjoyed it when one of my friends would invite me to celebrate with them. I still do not know why my family is so against the old traditions but I very much enjoy them and embrace them. Perhaps it has something to do with my study of ruins and all things 'old'.

As for the Firebolt, if you and Lucius would like me to look at it I can do so. They only thing is Lucius is having to request my help through the Goblins so unfortunately you will have to leave the broom behind when you go back to school for the term. It also means I will miss you when I visit but hopefully I can get some time off this summer once the work site out here is more settled.

Are you sure everything is going okay? Your last letter seemed a bit off. I know third year can be a tough year adding new classes but I believe in you.

Thank you by the way for the new robes and book. I've already gotten compliments on my good taste, so I have you to thank for that.

Have a safe trip back and I will write soon,

Bill

Emily set the letter aside as she climbed off her bed and went to lay next to Isis by the fire. The snake curled around the witch, her own form of cuddling with the human.

"Are you okay missstresss…"

"I'm fine."

The snake made a hiss as if she didn't believe the girl but rested her head against the witch's anyway. The girl started to stroke her companion. Why did people keep asking her if something was wrong? Sure things had changed between her and Cedric since the night of Yule but it wasn't entirely bad, it was just different. As for everything else in her life, she supposed it was going well. Then again there was the question of who had sent her the Firebolt…

A knock at the door broke Emily from her thoughts as she called for the person to enter.

"Em, we need to get going." Draco walked into the room and looked around confused before noticing the girl tangled up with her snake. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

"You sure?"

"Mmhmm."

"If you're sure."

"I am."

"Good, then we need to get going." Draco moved over to Emily and helped her get up from the floor. He scratched Isis' head who hissed in appreciation before offering the witch his arm.

"See you soon…" Emily hissed.

The snake merely nodded as it curled back up in front of the fire. No doubt Severus would be by to pick her up again shortly.

The journey back to school was rather quiet for Emily, Cedric had stopped by to say hello but had spent most of his time with his friends in another compartment. Blaise who was clearly feeling guilty over his recent news had hidden himself behind a text book the entire ride. The only time she had seen more than the boy's eyes was when Daphne had made an appearance. Her interactions were innocent enough but the kiss to Draco's cheek had drawn an annoyed glare from the Italian.

When the group disembarked from the train, Draco as usual began escorting her to the carriages with Blaise not far behind.

"I can take it from here."

Both Emily and Draco looked at the Hufflepuff who was blocking their way and had his hand extended to take Emily's. The witch gave her friend a reassuring smile and allowed her boyfriend to lead her away. When the couple were in the carriage the witch couldn't help herself, "What was that?"

"What are you referring to?" the boy continued to look out the window not bothering to turn and look at her.

"We never usually ride together."

"Before we weren't dating and it was my own mistake that I did not accompany you on the train home for Yule."

"You don't have to escort me, you can spend the time with your friends. They probably see you less than I do on breaks anyway."

"It's no bother." The boy turned and Emily recognized the tight smile he was giving her again, it made her slightly uneasy as he squeezed her hand before looking back out the window. Deciding not to push the topic further the witch rested back in her seat as the carriage made the rest of the way up to the school. When they came to a stop he helped her down and to climb the steps into the Entrance Hall. His body seemed to relax as his friends surrounded the pair and he began chatting with them again.

Emily wasn't used to being around Cedric's friends, though none of them seemed to mind her presence. The witch stayed quiet by her boyfriend's side as he and friends carried on.

"Miss Potter." Emily gave an internal sigh of relief at hearing the voice behind her.

"Yes Professor?" turning the witch acknowledged the stern man.

"My office please."

"Of course." She turned to her boyfriend, "I'll see you later."

The boy nodded his head and gave her a kiss before his attention was back on his friends. Moving quickly Emily followed Severus down the stairs towards his quarters in the dungeon. When they reached the rooms, Emily headed straight for the sofa and curled up in her favorite spot.

"Did you finish the books I assigned?"

"I did," the witch thanked the elf who had popped in with a tray of coffee and tea, along with some biscuits.

"Good, I have been informed by Lupin he plans to start teaching your brother within the next week. I believe we should not waste time either. It is my understanding that the Minister is getting anxious having yet to catch Black and he is pushing for the Dementors to be allowed closer to the school once again."

"Hasn't Lucius done anything to dissuade him, certainly he could help influence the man."

"He has tried but the Minister seems to be getting a backbone about these things. We aren't sure why or where this bravado is coming from."

"Odd." Emily hummed as she took a sip of her coffee, her companion merely nodded his agreement as he poured himself a cup of tea. It was a few minutes later as the witch summoned her second biscuit that she looked over to Severus, "So when do we start?"

"Tuesday night."

0oOoOoOo0

Classes started off well and by Tuesday evening Emily found herself sitting with Cedric at the Hufflepuff table, he had insisted she join him. The witch wasn't sure why it mattered to him if she ate at her House table or with him as the entire dinner he was focused on his friends. Every now and then he would take her hand and squeeze it but otherwise it was as if she wasn't there. Glancing up at the Head table Emily watched Severus sweep from the Hall after looking at her and sending a mental nudge.

"Ced, I have to go."

"We haven't finished yet."

"I know, but I have, and I need to meet with Professor Snape." Emily was careful to use the Potion Masters full title around the Hufflepuffs.

"Why would you need to meet with the Great Bat of the Dungeons?" one of Cedric's friends asked.

Emily's face hardened and Cedric was quick to fix the situation before his girlfriend resorted to hexing someone. "He's her Head of House." The look he leveled at the other boy clearly told him to hold his tongue. "Come on I'll walk you down."

"You don't have to."

"It's fine," Cedric stood up and offered the witch his hand.

Emily took it but she shook her head, "You'll get something from the kitchen if you are still hungry right?"

"I really will be fine, but thank you for worrying," Cedric leaned down to kiss his girlfriend before nodding in goodbye to his friends and leading her from the Hall. "So why are you meeting with Professor Snape?"

The way he said the name made Emily raise an eyebrow in question but her boyfriend seemed to not notice or at least not want to explain so after a few seconds of silence she decided to answer his question. "We are doing some spell work tonight."

"Anything in particular?"

"The Patronus charm."

"I see, that's quite an advanced spell."

"I know but clearly I haven't had the best luck with the creatures…"

"I'm not against you learning it," Cedric cut in, the way he said it sat oddly with the young witch, it was almost like he thought he had a say in what she learned. "I just am surprised."

"Lucius and Severus have been teaching Draco and I spells beyond our year level for awhile now. You've had tutors who help train you that your father hires over the summers. Is it really surprising, most of the Purebloods have extra instruction?"

"I'm aware but most grown wizards cannot produce a corporeal Patronus, I doubt my tutor would even attempt to teach it to me unless I expressed an intent to work as an Auror."

Emily laughed, "That's just silly your job shouldn't limit the spells he teaches you. You are going to be Head of your House, I would think that warrants learning as much as you possibly can."

"And I will but this next summer I will be focused on learning my family magic. I won't be training with the tutor like I used to be, most of my time will be spent with my father so when I see the tutor his time will be more limited." Emily gave a small shrug as they rounded the corner towards Severus' office. "Is Draco going to be with you for this lesson?"

"Not tonight."

"I see." Emily looked up at her boyfriend and tried to gage his mood but once again she got the feeling that something was slightly off.

"You may leave Diggory."

The witch looked forward and realized they had made it to their destination. Severus stood in the Hall facing the pair his arms crossed and an annoyed look on his face. Cedric for his part looked as if he wanted to say something but instead he released a breath and turned to face Emily. "I will see you in the morning."

Emily nodded her head and allowed her boyfriend to kiss her longer than was probably appropriate with Severus standing right there.

"Goodbye Mr. Hufflepuff."

Emily smirked as her boyfriend tried to hide his annoyance before taking off back down the corridor.

"You know you could be nicer."

From the look she received it was clear he didn't agree with her assessment. "We will be up on the seventh floor tonight.

The girl nodded and followed the sour man as he led her to a passageway hidden behind a statue of a snake. She swore she heard him whisper, "Five points from Hufflepuff" but she didn't comment on it. The passage was a long one and had quite the climb, it let the pair out near a tapestry that was of Barnabas the Barmy. Severus paid it no mind as he walked up to a large stretch of bare stone wall, walking back and forth three times a large wooden door began to appear. The man held the door open and motioned for Emily to enter. The witch was surprised by the room that had suddenly appeared, training dummies lined one of the walls and in the center of the room was a large dueling mat. It wasn't spectacular but it was an impressive room for training. She wondered why anyone would hide the space, but perhaps it wasn't about what was in the room instead maybe it was about the things that were practiced in the room.

"It's called the Come and Go Room, others refer to it as the Room of Requirement. I believe this was Rowena's creation and where she likely spent most of her time. It's very possible this was her Chamber of Secrets."

"Does that mean it doesn't always look like this?"

"No, it does not. You must pace three times in front of the wall and focus on what you wish from the room and then it shall create it for you."

"And once you are inside the room?"

"You merely need to think on what you wish to add, no need to pace again."

Emily closed her eyes and focused, suddenly a bookshelf appeared. Walking over to the familiar item the witch picked up one of the books and smiled. "Clearly the room summons things from other parts of the castle."

Severus came over and plucked the book from her hands, his eyes instantly found what had brought the smile to girl's face. "Brat."

She ignored the man and selected another book, "Kind of interesting, don't you think. I wonder if everything is summoned or if it can create things that don't reside within its walls…"

The look Severus was giving Emily was no deterrent for her as she closed her eyes and the Potion Master's favorite chair appeared. The witch was quick to curl up in said chair as she settled in with the book and pondered the limitations the room and how she might be able to test them. It wasn't long before the book resting in her lap flew from her hands and landed in Severus'.

"Well that wasn't nice."

Within seconds the bookshelf and its contents vanished, likely returned to their original place in the Potion Master's quarters. Before she could even think to stand the chair joined the bookshelf and Emily found herself on the floor.

"Did you have to get rid of the chair?"

"We are not here for you to read through my entire library. Or do you wish to lose your soul the next time you encounter a dementor?"

"You would never let that happen."

"I will not always be there. You attract trouble like no one else I have had the displeasure of knowing."

Emily hummed, "I blame my brother and bad luck, I never go looking for the adventures. Also, I think we both know what a delight I am and how much you enjoy knowing me."

"Such a delight, now join me." Emily moved to stand next to the man. "Lupin has decided to use a boggart for your brother's lessons but I am unsure if that will work for you. As I have told you before fears are a difficult topic. You must truly fear something for a boggart to take its shape."

Nodding Emily agreed with Severus, "It's not that I'm above fear, I certainly have felt fearful before…"

"We do not need to delve into fear today. Emotions are not easy to speak about and I don't expect you to go into detail with me aloud tonight. I am sure you can imagine my decision to not overwhelm you with adding another strong emotion tonight."

"Because the Patronus is fueled by love…"

"Correct, I want you to focus on one difficult emotion until you have gotten strong and competent enough to deal with the elements of fear and love at one time."

Emily nodded in understanding, "So what would you like me to do tonight."

"Tonight, we will work on the intonation of the charm and attempting to cast it without facing an enemy. If you read all of what I assigned you, you are aware that the charm is useful for sending messages. In those instances, you will not be facing an enemy and it will be far easier to cast. It will also be a useful skill to have for the future."

"Okay."

"Close your eyes and call forth your memory. When you feel ready speak the words 'expecto patronum' aloud."

The witch did as instructed and called forth the memory she had thought would help her best. She allowed the scene to play replay in mind…

She laid in Draco's bed, her head tucked into her friend's chest. She felt the relief surrounding her as he held her tightly to him.

"Never again," he promised her. "Never again will those animals be able to hurt you. I will protect you."

His words were said with so much strength for the first time in her life Emily truly believed it. She was going to be free and she had a new best friend to thank for it. The world she had only just entered went beyond anything she could ever dream. She felt strength in this new life and in her newest companion. She finally had a place to belong, she was a witch and she would finally be free of her muggle relatives.

Draco's arms gave her a squeeze and she felt herself begin to drift off to sleep. She was safe.

Letting the feelings of the memory wash over her, she raised her hand and spoke the incantation, "Expecto patronum."

Silver smoke began to emote from her wand whirling around itself, slowly it started to grow outward until it suddenly vanished.

"That was a good first try," Severus said remaining where he was. "Try it again."

And she did, for the next hour the young witch attempted the charm over and over to similar results. Finally, she felt drained and tired. Severus could tell she was at the end of what her magical reserves could likely handle for her first night attempting such an advanced spell.

"I think that will be all for tonight." He handed the girl a bit of dark chocolate. "How do you feel?"

"Exhausted."

"You will get better with time, the more practice you put into using your reserves the more it will build up to sustain you for longer."

"I feel like I have practiced longer than this though."

"You have," Severus agreed motioning for Emily to follow him from the room. "You have never though had to tax your core with a spell like this before. When you are dueling, the curses and hexes you have used have not been to this magnitude."

"By learning this, I will be able to start practicing more advanced magic then."

Severus shook his head, a smirk on his lips. "You never cease."

"Where is the fun in slowing down?"

"You are already beyond your year in knowledge. There is no need to push yourself too far."

"This coming from a man who was creating complex spells and potions before the end of his sixth year. Were you not the youngest person to achieve your mastery in potions?"

"For the last few centuries, but others have made the same accomplishment and I know you have tried dabbling with spells."

"Not well, I have only been able to slightly alter spells."

"Like the birthday howler you sent William."

Emily nodded, "I was able to alter the color from red to blue and instead of yelling it sang. It wasn't a very difficult alteration though."

"Far better than most fifth year students could accomplish."

Shrugging Emily exited the passageway in the dungeons and stopped, "I guess but where is the fun in being average. I want to be the best."

It was the first time Emily had spoken the desire and Severus nodded in understanding. "You could never be average." Giving the girl a hug he urged her away towards the dorms, "Now off to bed."

The rest of the week passed by quickly and come Saturday Emily was grateful for the Quidditch match between Ravenclaw and Slytherin. It meant that Cedric had to spend the day with his team and together they would go and scout the match. He would be unable to drag her with him as she would be seen as a spy being from another House and so close to the members playing. It wasn't that she didn't want to spend time with Cedric but everything with him felt strained lately. He required her to eat with him or to spend her evening studies by his side in the library yet he barely acknowledged her.

"There you are, I didn't know if you were coming." Daphne patted the spot next to her in the stands and Emily was quick to join the other witch. She noted Blaise was no where in sight, he had been rather distant lately.

"I wouldn't miss one of Dray's games."

"Well you have been glued to the Hufflepuff's side since we returned."

Emily sighed, "I know, he has never been like this before."

"It's like you two have entered an official courtship, has he presented you with a contract?"

"No, he hasn't, he still has another year left here at school and he seems to hate speaking about what happens after he graduates."

"How odd, the Diggory family is well off, I would think he would rather look forward to all the opportunities he will have once he leaves Hogwarts."

"I can't make heads or tails of it right now," Emily said joining the other Slytherins as they cheered for their team taking the field.

"It will get better."

Emily smiled at the witch before turning her focus back to the pitch. She hoped Daphne was right, that this was just some odd phase her boyfriend was going through and perhaps once he settled back into his routine at school he would lighten back up.

As January ended and February began Emily found herself balancing the demands of her boyfriend and her friends a bit better. Of course it had come at the expense of losing her calm demeanor with Cedric but he had finally started to understand that she needed her own space as well. It was beginning to feel like it had before Yule and Emily was grateful for the change.

As Cedric pushed her up against the wall in a secluded part of the dungeons Emily moaned. She loved how he was nipping at the skin on her neck as he pressed himself against her. She pulled at his hair in an attempt to guide the man's lips back to her own. He eagerly obliged her and the pair spent the next few minutes losing themselves in the taste of the other. Eventually they slowed and Cedric rested his forehead against the witch's as the pair caught their breath.

Emily smiled as she was lowered so her feet could once again touch the floor. "I need to meet with Severus," she breathed.

"Or we could have some more fun," Cedric smirked as he leaned back down, capturing Emily's lips with a lingering kiss.

"I wish we could, but these lessons are important and there's no need for Severus to want to kill you any more than he already does."

The Hufflepuff laughed as he leaned back and pulled Emily away from the wall, "I don't know why he hates me, I'm a perfect gentleman."

Emily raised an eyebrow at the comment as she used her free hand to fix her clothes. "Do I look okay?"

The boy stopped to look his girlfriend up and down. His fingers ran over her reddened lips, "You look beautiful."

"I'm being serious."

"As am I, you look as you always do. Nothing to worry about."

Emily rolled her eyes but stretched up on her tip toes to peck her boyfriend goodbye as they reached the passageway she used to get to the seventh floor. "I'll see you tomorrow."

He hummed in response, "Have a goodnight."

Rushing up the tunnel Emily ran her wand over herself ensuring she was put together before stepping out and crossing to where the wooden door was temporarily waiting for her. The second she stepped through it she heard the familiar whoosh that made her believe the door disappeared from view on the other side of the wall.

"You are late."

"I'm sorry, I was with Cedric."

"I know. You should pay more attention to the time, I am not going to continue these lessons if you would rather slack off with a boy."

"This is the first time I have been late."

"And let it be the last time. If you had read the paper this week you would know that now is not the time to be slacking on this task."

"I read the papers," Emily challenged. "I know that Fudge has won out, the dementors will be moving closer in towards the school again. They have placed a 'kiss on sight' order for Sirius Black."

"Good then let's get to work."

The pair worked tirelessly but still the best Emily could do was create a large silver mist that was as large as she was. It was becoming frustrating, why could she not get it to form a proper shape?!

"You are doing better than you think and just look how long you can hold it," Severus encouraged her as her last attempted faded from existence.

Emily shook her head, her ability to maintain the spell was strengthening but for the last few sessions the mist had not progressed. "Maybe I'm not using a strong enough memory."

"It would be surprising for one at your age to easily understand the kind of love it takes to fuel this spell. I would have been shocked if you had a strong enough memory to fuel it from the start of our lessons."

"Then what is the point of doing this if I won't understand the emotion well enough?"

"I didn't say you will never get there, this is just the beginning and you have far exceeded many who have even attempted the spell. You will get there, it takes time." Emily sighed as she shot off a spell in frustration at one of the dummies along the wall. "Despite your tardiness today I have been impressed with your work. I was wondering if you wouldn't want to help me with some more complex brewing I have been working on?"

"You want my help?"

"Well, it would be more of an opportunity for you to learn. We have worked on some complex potions together before but this year I have been tasked with providing Lupin with his Wolfsbane, I thought you might enjoy assisting in the task."

"I would," Emily responded, quickly filing away the answer to Lupin's ailment. She had long realized something was wrong with the man and she had her guesses due to the timing of his bouts of sickness and Severus' lesson all those weeks ago. It certainly was interesting to have her thoughts validated.

"Good then you will come to join me tomorrow night. We can begin and I will show you what is required of you but you will need to take a little time everyday to stop in and check on the potion. If you are going to join me, I want you to observe the complete process."

"I can do that."

"Good, now head back down to the dorms. I want you to start reassessing your memories, you must find one that fills you with warmth and strength, it needs to power everything that rushes through you."

With a swish of his wand a deer appeared before them, the silvery beast sauntered up to Emily and nuzzled the hand she had lifted to touch it. The feeling that ran through her at being so near the animal made of silver light was awe inspiring. It made Emily wonder if at her age she would ever really be able to conjure such a creature. Before she could ponder it anymore the animal bowed to her before taking off through the wall. "I must go meet with the Headmaster, but I would also like you to read through the book I have had an elf deliver to your dorms. I believe it is waiting for you in Draco's room."

"Thank you Sev," the girl hugged the man as they moved to leave their hidden training room.

"Don't mention it Brat. Now go on."