Life Goes On

~ Sunday, March 4th 1999 ~

The dark cupboard curled around him. Painful threats boomed outside his walls. He shivered with icy dread but reassured himself that he was safe in his cupboard. Uncle couldn't get in… Couldn't… get in…

"Filthy, disgusting freak! You need to learn your place, boy! No good brat. You're a burden to everyone around you! I'll beat the freakishness out of you!"

A booted foot slammed into his ribs. He howled with pain and fear. "No! Please! I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Uncle! I'll be good. I'll be GOOD!"

Like deja-vu, a strange awareness shimmered through him. Like he'd been in this place a hundred times before. With a howl of determination, he pulled away from the sick fear and endless pain.

Rose looked on as Uncle beat the child at his feet. Boy was on his knees, his skinny arms wrapped around his head. White agony crackled around his broken body, highlighted by bright flares of orange. It was the color of deep-seated fear. Black emotions poured from her Uncle. Flashes of bright green, sick greed, hellishly lit his face.

Her attention slipped away from the horrific scene and instead caught on the blood staining the end of the bedspread. Aunt Petunia would be so upset to see her bed covers dirtied. Very carefully, she pulled the quilt off; it would be horrible if she got blood on the sheets as well.

Aunt Petunia was standing in the kitchen, her arms crossed over her chest. The midnight blue surrounding the woman told Rose that her aunt doubted she'd be able to clean the quilt without ruining it. Rose smiled brightly. She was almost excited. She'd get the blanket as clean as new and then her Aunt would have to be happy with her.

Silas watched as Rose cheerfully stuffed the washing machine with the bloodied quilt. A sneer stretched his face. He was sincerely glad he'd cast a spell to make himself invisible. He would rather stab himself in the arm before talking with his hated Aunt. Disgusted, he left through the back door, almost smiling when he heard Petunia shriek in fear as the door seemingly opened and shut by itself.

He would escape this hellhole. Escape this crappy neighborhood with all the perfect little houses and the perfectly horrible families. He'd leave all these scumbags behind and never look back. Until then, he'd watch and wait. He'd survive to make the Dursleys truly regret ever knowing him.

Silas Apparated to the school library. It was the only place that held any interest to him. The rows of books soothed his temper, while the quiet calmed his jarred nerves. It was here that he would learn how to protect himself. No one would have power over him again. Striding forward, he removed a tome and curled comfortably on a window seat. A picture of basilisk lay before him. He gasped as the gigantic snake came to life and jumped off the page.

Gabriel felt more alive than ever before. Adrenaline pumped through his veins; his senses were sharp to any little change. He dodged as the basilisk stuck down and nimbly avoided the coils that tried to wrap around him. Slash, stab, roll, jump… He felt a breeze as the massive head passed inches from his vulnerable skin. Fangs glistened with deadly poison. His life hung in the balance and survival depended on his skill alone.

"That all you got?" he laughed breathlessly.

The beast reared back in frustrated fury. Heart thudding in his chest, he recognized his chance. He stabbed upward, twisting his body out of reach. The sword pierced the top of the mouth. The snake spasmed violently before collapsing. Gabriel gave a wild victory cry, his fist pumping the air. Practically vibrating, he turned to the innocent child lying helplessly at the foot of a massive statue. She was saved.

Kit shook her head. Boys were so stupid. Why fight when there were so much better things to do? She head back toward the bedrooms. A nice, long bath sounded good. Her hips swayed sensually as she thought of the pleasurable night ahead of her.

A hand grabbed her wrist, and she turned to see that a blond had come upon her unawares. Her heart beat faster in pleased surprise as he lifted her up and carried her to a large canopy bed. His long-fingered hands traveled up her shirt, and Kit spread her legs to accommodate his body. Goosebumps erupted along her arms as his hand grabbed a fistful of her hair, forcing her to expose her throat. She moaned, pulling him closer.

"So beautiful… Kitten…"

Demon stormed through the forest in a fit of rage. A castle burned and crumbled behind him, hundreds were dead, but it wasn't enough. Vile hatred bubbled up from his stomach, and he reached out to obliterate the disgusting world that existed before him. He would destroy it all, everything, and set himself free. Flinging his head back, he screamed.

Destruction exploded from his body… until nothing else existed…

…not even himself.

xXxXxXx

Remembrance Day was one of both joy and sorrow. Families gathered to remember how dark things had been at the end of the war and acknowledge the sacrifices and efforts of those who made peace and prosperity possible. It was a time of celebration, but it was important to remember the cost, so as not to take such a time for granted.

Ginny didn't need Remembrance Day to remind her of the costs of the war. Everyday was a remembrance day for her. The only thing that would keep dark times at bay would be continued effort and vigilance. Had they been smarter, quicker, Voldemort wouldn't have had the chance to rise as high as he did before being taken down. With this in mind, she flooed home and into her mother's grasping arms.

"Ginny!" Molly kissed her daughter's cheek and lovingly ran her hand over her sheered locks. "How are you? Are you doing well at school?"

"Yes, Mum. I received my Auror training results. I passed. I start in August."

Molly forced a smile. She hated the fact that her only daughter was so bound and determined to place herself in harms way, but at least it was after the war. Things should be safer now. "That's wonderful, dear. I know how difficult it is to get into that program."

"Thanks." Ginny carefully maneuvered them further from the fireplace just as it flared and Luna stepped out.

"Luna! How wonderful that you could make it."

Ginny used the distraction to escape her mother's grasp. She slipped into the kitchen and smiled as Bill pulled her into a hug. "How are you?" she asked, looking up into his slightly deformed features.

Bill smiled, elongated canines flashing in his mouth. "Well, Fleur is expecting."

"Merlin…" Ginny breathed. Her brother had been trying for years. They had almost given up, believing the werewolf attack had rendered him infertile. "Congratulations!"

"Thanks, sis." Bill kissed her cheek and released her. "How about you? Did you get into the program?"

"Yep. Got my acceptance letter last week."

"Good job, Gin!" Bill lightly punched her shoulder affectionately.

"Who else is here?" she asked, stepping over to the stove to smell the cooking food.

"Fleur is setting up the picnic tables with George and Percy. Dad is talking with the Diggorys out in the garden. The Lupins and Blacks should be here momentarily."

Ginny nodded. "And you're stuck with kitchen duty?"

Bill laughed softly. "I don't feel comfortable in crowds. You know that."

"Enough chatter," Molly scolded as she returned to her domain. "It's almost time for lunch! We have to finish this up."

Ginny fled outside and greeted the rest of her family. An hour of small talk later, Molly called for them to all sit down. Lunch was a lively affair. Fleur and Tonks talked excitedly about babies while Teddy and Marissa fired questions at Bill about his appearance. Halfway through the meal, Teddy changed his features to match the eldest Weasley sibling.

"Bill! Don't encourage him!"

"At least he's not all red," Remus reassured Molly with a smile. "Better a wolf than an imp."

Molly blushed, flustered. "I can't imagine the difficulties of raising a shape shifter."

"It can be difficult," he allowed but with a tender smile down the table at his son.

"Are you kidding?" Sirius barked out a laugh. "The kid's going to be the ultimate prankster of his generation!"

"As long as he's not caught, I think I can live with that."

"Remus!" Molly scolded.

The two men laughed.

The first two Remembrance Days had been similar to this one with happy chatter between close friends and family. Ginny had been baffled. She'd come expecting solemn moods and talk of those they were there to remember. It had angered her terribly. Ron was dead, and it seemed like no one cared, but this year Ginny understood better. It wasn't that they didn't care. Ron wouldn't have wanted her or anyone else to stop living their lives.

Luna smiled at her from across the table. She'd been trying to explain this to Ginny for a while. The redhead saw her expression and blushed, gently kicking her friend under the table. Luna, of course, knew she would retaliate and had moved her leg. Instead, Ginny kicked Mrs. Diggory.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Ginny said quickly, shooting a glare Luna's way.

She just stared innocently back.

"Let's begin," Molly announced as the plates and leftover food were spelled back into the kitchen. "Thank you all for coming for this year's Remembrance Day. We are all here and healthy due to the efforts and sacrifices we've all had to make. Let us go around the table and speak of someone who gave their life to make today possible."

While Molly spoke, Arthur had passed out candles. She gestured for Sirius to begin.

He stood and looked around at the group in front of him. "Last year, I asked you all to remember my godson, Harry Potter. This year I want to remember Draco." Sirius ducked his head as everyone stared at him in surprise. Clearing his throat, he continued. "He may still be alive, but… Draco lost his birth family when he went against their teachings. Because of his condition, he lost his right to be with his heart-family.

"Vampirism is worse than lycanthropy in many ways. It doesn't just overcome him once a month. He lives with these horrible urges every single night. He can no longer eat meat or go out during the daytime. I think he truly did lose his life just as much as those who died. The only thing keeping him from giving in and becoming a soulless creature is his remarkable dedication and strength of will."

Sirius then lifted his candle and lit it. Everyone remained silent, honoring the one Sirius wished to remember, as the candle slowly floated into the air to hover over the solemn man.

Remus stood next. "I am honored to be the one to ask that we all remember Harry Potter. He not only sacrificed his life by dying to protect us, he sacrificed his childhood for us as well to become the Savior we needed."

The candle was lit and rose into the air to join Sirius'.

Tonks rose. "I'd like to remember Charlie Weasley. He was a great leader. He put his people's needs before his own and led us with a fair, guiding hand despite his young age." She sat and hugged her son, who sensed her sadness and crawled into her lap.

"I want to remember my Angel," Marissa said simply. No one asked her to explain further. This was a private moment where you could say as little or as much as you needed.

Bill stood and held the candle in a slightly clawed hand. "I light this candle in remembrance of Michael Story. He was a good friend of mine; we worked together at the bank. He died alongside more skilled Aurors. He was a very brave man who always did what was right, no matter what it cost him."

Fleur spoke in soft and beautiful French. Her candle rose up and joined the others.

Percy went next. "I wish to remember Albus Dumbledore." There was a shocked breath from the others. It was well known that he and Fudge had worked together to try and discredit the old Headmaster for years. "As I spend more years working in the Ministry, I come to understand better what Dumbledore faced. He may have made bad decisions, but the path he chose was a hard one to walk. Sometimes it is not easy to recognize the right decision, let alone make it. I want to recognize his lifelong effort of improving our world."

"I remember Fred," George said simply. His twin had suffered a severe head trauma during the Final Battle and had fallen into a coma. Six months after that, he had died. "Magic can't fix everything, so we should be careful to protect what matters most to us." Tears fell down his cheeks, and he covered his face as his father pulled him tightly against his side.

"I want to remember Family," Arthur stated roughly. "So many were broken by the war, but so many new ones were formed. It's important to remember that we need each other and that we never stand alone."

"Let us remember Neville Longbottom and all those who are still missing or lost, so that we may welcome them home," Luna said happily.

Ginny stared at her candle for a long moment before speaking. "Ron," she finally choked out. She wished she could say more - tell everyone how much she loved him, about their childhood together, their fights and their close moments. - but it was too much, and she ended up only able to say his name.

"My son, Cedric, whose death brought awareness to the people," Amos Diggory offered solemnly.

"My sister, Leila, who fought with the Order and died." Belinda Diggory added her candle to the group.

Molly was the last to stand. "I want us all to remember the happiness we had with those we lost, and the happiness they would wish us to continue. We are their legacy. Let us remember that."

The last candle floated above the table. Then as one they shot up into the air… up… higher… until their light became the first stars in the night sky, slowly to be joined by a thousand others.

xXxXxXx

~ Monday, March 5th 1999 ~

Monday morning dawned bright and clear. It was warmer than it had been all year. Hermione left her dorm room and smiled at her fellow students as they passed. Some classmates waved her over, and she joined them at the foot of the stairs leading to the classroom building.

"Morning, Hermione. Did you study all weekend again?" Rosaline asked with a friendly smile.

"Of course," Hermione lied smoothly. She pointed her finger at the girl and wagged it at her. "Your grades are important, you know. And Professor Smidgen has an interesting view on Asian-American politics during the nineteenth century."

"Herm," Christopher groaned and pushed her playfully. "I haven't even had coffee yet!"

She laughed.

They stood there talking for another few minutes before heading up to their first class of the day. Hermione felt greatly relieved that her make-up had successfully hidden the dark circles under her eyes and her bulky sweater had concealed her weight loss. March was just not a good month for her. Worse, she suspected that she would get less than one hundred percent on the test today. She was already planning an extra credit assignment to make up for it. As she feared, she left the classroom certain she didn't score as high as she preferred.

Rosaline heard her sigh and gently touched her arm. "Hey, you okay?"

"Yeah. Are you ready for the bar exam?"

"No," the girl laughed, "but I'm taking it anyway."

"I hope I do well," Hermione muttered. Law was intricate and difficult enough to keep her busy, and she liked that she might actually help people one day.

"You know you will. Want to go get breakfast?"

"No, thank you. I have homework to get done before my next class."

Rosaline wasn't surprised by this answer. Hermione was in many of her classes and they lived in the same dorm, but the girl hardly ever accepted invitations to hang out. They probably wouldn't talk at all, except Hermione was always willing to help with homework or lead study groups.

"You need to balance work and fun. It's not healthy studying all the time," she observed.

Hermione smiled. "You're right. Maybe next time," she said cheerfully before tossing a wave and hurrying to the library.

The day passed slowly, and Hermione only left her favorite table to go to class. Dusty, weighty tomes held her attention to the point where she didn't even notice the hours slipping by.

"Miss…?"

Hermione looked up. Her eyes were blurry from staring at pages for so long. Rubbing them, she answered, "yes?"

"We're closing. Did you want me to put these books aside for tomorrow? They're reference books, so you can't check them out."

"I know," Hermione muttered irritably before sighing. "Sorry. No. Go ahead and put these up. Thank you."

The elderly woman nodded.

It really was dark. The days were beginning to get longer, but the sun still set early. Wrapping her coat more securely around her, Hermione set off for her dorm. Her steps echoed on the sidewalk. Leaves rustled in the trees, sounding like whispers. The eerie atmosphere had goosebumps erupting along her arms.

"Nothing's there. Don't be ridiculous," she whispered sternly to herself.

Nevertheless, when she heard the golf cart of campus security come up from behind her, she was relieved. She looked back to see two men, one heavy-set, the other thin, talking boisterously about some bet they had going.

"I'm telling ya, you're gonna lose. No way she'll put out on a first date."

"We'll see, won't we?"

"Your loss is my gain!"

Hermione stepped off the path to let them pass her.

A walkie-talkie beeped. The driver lifted it to his mouth, "This is Dursley."

Hermione's eyes went wide. Before she could even contemplate what she was going to do, her feet had her running after the cart and calling for it to stop. The thinner passenger jumped out. His hand rested on the taser at his hip.

"What is it, Miss? Some trouble?"

"No… I just thought I recognized… Are you Dudley Dursley?"

The beefy blond stared at her in confusion. "Yeah. We meet in a bar somewhere?"

"No…" She had no idea what she was doing. "I, um, knew your cousin."

Dudley's eyes narrowed to slits, but before she could back away or stutter out some kind of apology, his face softened into a smile.

"Harry, huh? Been a while since I thought about him. Hey, why don't we get a few drinks this weekend? You can catch me up."

"Well, I, uh, don't really…"

"Great! Which dorm are you in? I'll pick you up Saturday night at seven."

"Oh… um, Conrad…"

"I'll be there, Miss…?"

"Granger. Hermione Granger."

"Great," Dudley said again, his chubby face crinkling in a smile.

Before she could protest or really understand what just happened, the golf cart was speeding away.

xXxXxXx

~ Tuesday, March 6th 1999 ~

The next day Marissa came running into the house with a shriek of joy just as Draco and Severus were spelling the last streamer into place.

"It's so pretty!"

"Inside voice," Severus drawled warningly, but he did pat her head fondly. "You're a bit early."

"Sorry. She was just so excited." Sirius stepped into the sitting room with several wrapped boxes in his arms. "She woke up at six this morning, didn't you, magpie?"

"It's my birthday!" she answered with a twirl.

Draco winced at her shout. "Happy birthday." He bent down and picked her up for a hug.

She kissed his check. "Thank you, Draco. Do you think Angel will come this year?"

"I don't think so."

"Oh." Her face went slack with sadness for a moment before she shrugged it off. "We'll have fun anyways, won't we, Draco?"

"Of course, princess." He set her back on her feet and admired her dress. "You look very beautiful. The dark purple goes really well with your hair."

"Thanks! Auntie Tonks helped me pick it out."

Tonks stepped into the room carrying Teddy on her hip. Remus followed after her with yet more gifts. Marissa quickly ran to help him arrange them on the table.

"I'm so glad I wasn't there for that," Sirius said quietly to Draco. "It's hell getting her to stand still."

"I bet."

"Let's dance! I want to dance!" Marissa ran over to Severus and looked up at him with her big eyes. "There just has to be dancing if this is to be a real party. Please, Sev'rus?"

Severus stared back, seemingly unmoved. Then with a sigh, he called for Omi. "Can you fetch the radio, please?"

Marissa clapped with a happy cheer, while Draco snorted at the older man for giving in.

Severus lifted his eyebrow in response. "Dancing is apparently a necessity."

"May I have this dance?" Sirius asked his adopted daughter once the music started to play.

"You can have the next one, Papa. First I'm going to dance with Draco!"

That said, she grabbed the blond's hand and pulled him over where there was some space. Severus laughed. And Draco thought he was going soft!

"Teddy, no!"

The toddler laughed as he ripped one of the navy blue streamers down. Tonks hastily spelled it back up and glared at her husband for laughing at her. Teddy wiggled, trying to get free. With a sigh, she set him down. He immediately took off for Sirius who was snickering in the corner about something or other. She wondered if she should be worried.

"May I have this dance?"

Tonks smiled up into Remus' eyes as she accepted his hand.

Over in the corner that had Tonks so worried, Severus approached the prankster. "What, pray tell, are you doing?"

Sirius grinned in response. "I just thought I'd liven things up a bit."

With a dark glower, he whispered, "What did you do?"

"I spelled the gifts so that she'll make a different animal sound as she opens each one. Harmless. Really."

Severus remained skeptical, but his attention was distracted as Teddy tried to crawl between his legs and under his dress robes.

Sirius barked out a loud laugh. "He probably thinks it's a tent!"

"Make yourself useful for once, Black," he ordered harshly, trying to escape the giggling little boy.

"Fine." Sirius swooped in and hefted Teddy into his arms. "Whatcha doin, ya imp?"

"Playin," the boy answered innocently.

"Why don't we go play over there? Wanna dance?" He swept over toward the dancers, twirling Teddy through the air.

The boy laughed loudly, his arms outstretched as if he believed he was flying.

"It's your turn, Severus," Draco announced.

Marissa offered the Potions Master her hand.

"I'm afraid my knee won't allow me the pleasure," Severus answered smoothly.

"I'll go slow. Promise."

Backed in a corner, Severus was left with no other recourse but to bow and accepted her small hand.

Smiling, Draco sat on the couch and just enjoyed the festive scene. Remus and Tonks joined him shortly. The werewolf was looking well, despite his condition. Grey streaked his brown hair, but his eyes were bright and his face was relatively unlined. Tonks had short yellow hair in sharp spikes, her eyes a happy blue.

"How are things?"

"Well," he answered her.

"Has Severus come up with a better potion for you?" Remus asked compassionately. Of anyone there, only he had any inkling just how hard it was for Draco.

"No, but I manage." Even though Remus could understand, Draco was not interested in talking about his condition or what he had to do to prevent the disease from taking over completely. "I hear Bill and Fleur are expecting their first child. Are they excited?"

"Oh, my, yes!" Tonks exclaimed brightly. "They're pretty sure the baby will be healthy like Teddy, too."

"That's good."

"Mummy," Teddy called as he ran over. "Dance with me!"

"I'd be delighted." She giggled as she bent over and let her son lead her off.

"Nice one," Remus remarked, knowing his son's request was his friend's doing.

"I thought so," Sirius returned with a grin.

The party continued with dancing and games. Everyone was relaxing and having a good time. Omi brought out the cake and everyone sung for the glowing birthday girl. Marissa had tears of joy in her eyes by the time they finished and took a deep breath to blow out all her candles. Sirius moved to help her cut it, but she insisted that she was old enough now to do it on her own.

"Who wants a big piece?" she called.

Her little hand held the large knife and she brought it down, not noticing her other hand was braced on the table for leverage just where she was cutting. She gasped as pain went up her arm. The knife fell messily to the carpet. Blood welled up and spilled down her hand. Tonks, Remus, and Sirius rushed forward. Severus moved, instead, toward Draco.

Draco had gone ridged. His pupils dilated out so much, they covered the iris. Small, delicate fangs pushed out from his upper gums. Only Severus' hand on his chest kept him from stepping toward his prey. The hunger he fought so hard to tame roared up from his gut. Starving… He sidestepped, but the annoying brace against his chest moved with him. Baring his fangs, he hissed in warning.

"Go outside, Draco," Severus barked, voice hard and unyielding. "Now."

He almost couldn't do it. The smell of the hot, rich blood filled the room. It was so good. He could literally see himself picking up the deliciously small girl. She wouldn't be able to fight him. All the blood, nurturing him. A distant part of his mind told him he should be horrified at the idea of Marissa lying limp, dead, in his arms, but he couldn't feel it. All he felt was a singing joy at the thought of killing her. Thankfully, habit had him turning away. He allowed Severus to push him toward the front door. Draco could smell the blood from the hall. It hurt so much to move away. He was so empty…

Then the fresh air hit his face. Tears stung his eyes at the loss of the decadent scent. Why did he torment himself so? The blood would be so heavenly in his mouth, coating his stomach, warming him from the inside out… He was so tired of this futile struggle. Eventually, he would lose control. Why not now?

Gasping, Draco ran from the house, down the hill, and toward the town. He needed to relieve the pressure badly. He was starting to lose control. Shadow, he told himself desperately. Think of Shadow.

Severus returned to the group, his expression tight with worry.

"Will he be all right?" Sirius asked.

"Yes." Honestly, Severus couldn't deal with the alternative right now. "How is Marissa?"

"I healed her as best I could," Remus answered. "Do you have a pain-relieving potion?"

"Of course." Severus had Omi fetch it.

"Thank you," Marissa said miserably after she drank half a dose.

"Come on. Want to open presents?" Sirius coaxed.

"No."

"How about some cake?" Tonks offered.

"Cake!" Teddy agreed and clapped his hands.

"Is Draco mad at me?"

"No. He just needed fresh air," Severus reassured her, stroking a hand through her curls.

Marissa nodded and let herself feel better. Severus would never lie to her. "Okay. I'll have some cake."

They all sat down and had some. By the time they got to the presents, Marissa was back to being excited. She laughed with the others as she mooed and quacked as she opened each gift. Clothes, books, toys… She was a very lucky girl. A few hours later, when things were winding down, she went with her Papa upstairs. Sleepily, she kissed Shadow's cheek and whispered goodbye.

Sirius ruffled her hair and lifted her into his arms. "Did you have a good party?"

"Yes. Thank you."

"Don't thank me. Thank your host."

"Thank you, Sev'rus," she said obediently as they came even with him at the front door. "Tell Draco bye and I love him."

"He loves you, as well," Severus answered.

She gave him a sleepy wave as Sirius carried her outside and Apparated away.

"Goodbye, Severus," Tonks said softly, Teddy out like a light in her arms.

Remus shook his hand. "Thanks for having us over."

"It was a pleasure. As long as we keep it to once a year."

Remus and Tonks laughed.

Severus sighed as he shut his door. It was time to get to work. He went from room to room very carefully casting an air purifying charm. It wouldn't do for even a hint of blood to remain. If Draco even once tasted blood in his condition, he'd lose his grip on humanity. There would be no turning back at that point.

xXxXxXx

~ Wednesday, March 7th 1999 ~

Shadow ran wildly through the forest. Roots and bushes grabbed at his feet, and every time he fell, his heart slammed even harder against his bruised ribs. They're coming! Run, run! Terrified, he looked desperately behind him. He could hear them gaining. The masked men would catch him and drag him back to the graveyard! With a hoarse cry of pure terror, he scrambled back to his feet and flung himself forward.

Gasping sobs sounded loudly in his ears. They'll hear! Shut up, shut up! Darkness tunneled in his vision from a lack of oxygen, or perhaps too much. What remained of his clothes hung around him in tatters. Branches scrapped and scratched at his skin. The sting of pain spurred him on. They'll hurt me; they'll kill me!

He broke free into a tiny clearing. His legs wobbled and then gave out. Shivery exhaustion made his limbs limp. No! He crawled forward, his eyes darting madly around. He needed shelter, a hiding place. Calls and jeers sounded behind him in the woods. They're coming! He couldn't get up; he was too tired. Run! Please!

Something moved to the right. A flash of white. Shadow froze. Every muscle seized up, his lungs and heart locked in place. All the blood drained from his face only to whoosh back into frantic action when it wasn't a Death Eater but a bird. Mind racing, he scrambling for the tree line for some type of concealment. He was blind to what he was seeing.

The beautiful white peacock daintily stepped toward him. It's sharp beak opened and let out a harsh, coughing cry.

"D-d-rac-c-o?" he stuttered. His heart began to beat at triple the pace. "God," he moaned. "Run! Get out of here! THEY'RE COMING!"

Draco didn't listen. Instead, he lifted his long tail and began to fan it out. The delicate neck arched, the head feather raising as the bird tilted his head coyly. Shadow could only stare in shock. The magnificent peacock flapped his wings and did a funny little hop-step, still focusing on Shadow, the tail feathers displayed enticingly.

"Draco…" Despite himself, Shadow felt his quivering body relax, the fear draining away. His heart and tears slowed. "But…"

Another hop-step forward and the peacock was within touching distance. As if in a dream, Shadow reached forward and traced a finger down that silky neck. The bird preened, the tail display bobbing happily. Trembling, Shadow brought his hand back to his chest, new tears choking his raw throat.

"They mate for life, you know."

His head lifted to stare at his father.

Severus calmly sat next to him, his emotions a tranquil void that soothed Shadow's senses. The dark-eyes held his own for a moment before flicking back toward the gorgeous bird. "Even if you die, he will never find another mate. You are his one and only."

Shadow snickered weakly, amused that his father was saying such sappy stuff.

"Well, it's true," the stoic Potions Master defended himself. "Besides, weren't you the one who told me you'd rather live?"

He was confused for a moment, but when he turned to ask Draco, he realized Draco wasn't with him. It was just Severus and him lost in the tunnels under the bank.

"I can't believe we're talking about stuff now." He laughed and covered his face. "We're hiding from goblins, miles under the earth. We may not even escape, and we're sitting here in the dark having a therapy session."

"We will be here awhile until the alarm decreases. It would be better to talk to speed time," Severus gently returned.

Shadow hesitated but then gave in to the inevitable. " Sometimes I dream of what would make Seraphim happy. Having everyone he cared about safe and together in one place, a place where no one else could come. Then I see the people I care about there, too. I can understand where he's coming from. I mean, it would be comforting to know everyone I loved was safe, but I still can't imagine living like that. Trapped in one house, never to leave, no one else allowed to leave either."

He sighed and stared down at his hands, one of them wrapped from wrist to fingers in gauze, underneath was a painful burn. "I know it would protect me from getting hurt, but it would also keep me from really living life. I want to live my life, not hide away from it, even though it can be scary and it can hurt me. Because, otherwise, I'd just be imprisoning myself… God, I want to live, really live."

The sheer emotion cutting through him, shocked Shadow. Yes, he remembered now… remembered everything… And it hurt, especially lately, but Shadow remembered good times, too. Good times laughing with Neville. Oh, Nev, I'm sorry. His semi-uncles who stood with him through so much. Remus, Sirius! He remembered plotting with the Slytherins, admiring their strength to face adversity in silence, never giving up their watchful post, waiting for the enemy to reveal a weakness. Miles, Rogan, Lillian! And of course there was Severus and Draco - Draco - He longed to return to them all.

He was done being stuck here, wherever here was, at the mercy of whatever memory wanted to suck him in. Dursleys, Death Eaters, his multiple personas all clamoring to be heard. Well, he'd heard enough! He wanted out. He wanted to be free. These horrible nightmares were almost unbearable the first time. He didn't want to live them over and over.

They're in the past! It's over! I want to live, "…really live…"

Chapter end.

A/N: I'm pretty sure in the next chapter Shadow will awaken! Oooohhh, I'm so excited. (laughs)