A/N: This is by far the longest chapter, and for good reason. Well, I'll leave you all to read the story.
Chapter 18
Remembering Sinister Plots
A fallen star
At least I fall alone
I can't explain
What you can't explain
You're fighting things
That you didn't know
I look at you with such distain
The walls start breathin'
My mind's unweavin'
Maybe it's best you leave me alone
A weight has lifted
On this evenin'
I give the final blow
When darkness turns to light
It ends tonight
It ends tonight
Just a little insight
Will make this right
It's too late to fight
It ends tonight
It ends tonight-
" It Ends Tonight"
The All-American Rejects
" Why are you doing this to me?" Alana cried out, weakly. " What have I done to deserve this?"
" You stole something from me. Now, I'm taking it back by ridding the world of you." They replied.
Alana wished she could just catch a glimse of her captor, but the mirror infront of her had a thick condensation all over the plane of glass from her bath, and her vision was becoming incredibly hazy. She knew that she had already lost a great deal of blood; the proof was all over her body and the floor. The person who was torturing her laughed and held up the dagger for her to see. The jagged blade was coated with her blood in a crimson sheet. Tiny droplets dotted the handle.
Also, she could make out bony, deathly pale fingers with long, red nails clutching the handle. Her captor had to be female. Alana knew that she could identify her if her mind hadn't already begun to cloud over from exhaustion. She felt like every inch of her body was going numb from the pain. Her legs were becoming weaker and weaker by the second. Then, Alana felt the girl's breath near her ear. It sent chills up her spine.
" Good night, Lil Miss Perfect." She hissed, say the last words mockingly.
Alana's eyes would have widened if she'd had the strength. Only one person had ever called her that!
" No." She murmured.
" Oh yes. This is the end for you. Don't worry...I'll take his mind off of your death. Before long, you'll only become a dim memory in the back of his mind. Draco's in good hands."
That's when her captor released her. Alana swore she saw a flash of black hair as she fell. It seemed like everything had gone into slow motion when her body made contact with the hard, cold, marble floor. She lay in a puddle of her own blood, unable to move. Alana shivered because she felt so unbelievably cold. A heartless cackle rang through-out the room before disappearing through the door. Alana continued to lie on the floor; too weak even to groan in pain. It all seemed so hopeless now. Here she was, lying on the floor in the Prefects' bathroom, bleeding to death with no strength to yell for help. She could feel herself waning away with each passing moment. Right now, it seemed like her only choice was to just give up. What was the used in fighting? There was no reason for her to keep on living. If she did give up, Alana could escape not only her physical pain, but her emotional pain as well. She would never have to think about Draco again. Yes, to give up was her only way to freedom.
As everything began to darken, a few tears trailed out of her eyes. All of the memories flooded back again. Even as she was dying in the worst possible way, Alana longed for him. No matter how hard she tried to deny it, Alana would always love Draco. Her heart would be his forever more. For the first time in what seemed like ages, she didn't mind. That thought suited her just find. Who was she kidding. Alana couldn't just forget about all that her heart felt for him. She gave one, last lingering smile before closing her eyes and said in a hoarse whisper, " Draco, if you can somehow hear me, I just wanted to say...goodbye. Please, know that no matter what I've said to you, that I love you in everyway imaginable. Do me this one, last favor...never forget me."
And with that said, Alana gave one last gasp before she slipped into unconsciousness. Even as she lay there, her voice seemed to echo through-out the room in her last, desperate plea.
Never forget me...
" No!" Alana screamed as she shot up in bed.
Her chest was heaving heavily as she looked around the room quickly. She was terribly frightened as she scanned her dark room for her assailant. The moon cast odd and eerie shadows in the dorm, but otherwise Alana saw no sign of another human in the room. She put a hand to her forehead and tried to calm her breathing as well as her heart because it was still pounding hard against her breastbone. When would this dream ever leave her in peace?
" Alana, are you okay?" A tired voice asked as something sturred beside her. " What's wrong?"
Draco sat up and looked at her worriedly through his exhaustion, confused to why she had screamed and woken him up from otherwise a good night's sleep. She didn't answer him, but just kept staring down at her comforter. Alana could feel that the sheets wrapped around her middle were soaked with sweat. Her body was trembling from fear and wouldn't stop no matter how hard she tried to make it. Sensing her distress, Draco wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her bare shoulder tenderly. Alana visibly relaxed and leaned back against him. He rested his head against hers, and she brought a hand up to palm his cheek.
" Why can't I sleep without being awaken in the night by that horrid nightmare?" She whispered, sorrowfully, trying to keep her tears at bay.
" Oh, you had it again?" He murmured, sympathetically, tightening his grip on her waist and pulling her closer for comfort. " I'm sorry, Love. I'm here now. Nothing will harm you, I promise. Do you want to talk about it?"
" What's to talk about?" She sighed, despairingly. " It was the same. It always is. I hate seeing myself dying each and every night. I hate seeing all that blood. I hate feeling so weak and helpless. I want to be free from this nightmare."
" I know...I know." Draco cooed, kissing her cheek affectionately. " I'm sure it will go away in time."
Alana let out another sigh before turning to Draco. His hair was slightly unkept from sleeping, but his eyes shined in the darkness with a comforting spark. The moonlight gave his porcelean skin a heavenly glow, making Draco seem like a dream himself. She nestled herself up to him, wrapping her arms weakly around him and laying her head against his chest. Draco returned the embrace, kissing her own mussed hair lightly.
" I just want to forget about it. Draco, please," She murmured in a quiet, but desperate plea, " help me forget. I need you to help me forget."
Draco nodded in understanding, gently laying her down on the bed and kissing her lovingly. Alana pulled the blankets over them and just focused on the kiss. Their bodies argued over dominance with what little strength they had left in them. Draco pushed gently with a hand on Alana's shoulder to get her back down onto the bed as she tried to arch against him again. That's when Alana felt him slip out of his boxers and start rubbing up against her with his hard erection. As soon as Draco slipped into her, everything else just disappeared from her mind. He and their love making became her only thought. Alana shut her eyes, letting her tears trail out of them slowly. Draco wiped them away tenderly before leaning down to capture her lips with his. They went on like this until the faint blue light of dawn started to peak in through the windows.
When the two finally climaxed, Draco collapsed on her, staring down at her with eyes filled with both love and worry. He cupped her cheek and kissed her lightly before pulling out of her and moving to take his place beside her. Then, he pulled her into his arms to where she was smotheringly close to him. His legs locked around her own, making sure she remained that way. Alana felt him bury his face in her now damp hair and whisper into her ear, " I'm here, Love. Just remember that. I'll protect you from this dream. You're not alone anymore. I won't leave you."
Alana nodded, trying not to cry again. She knew that she could count on Draco to always be there to protect and comfort her. Ever so slightly she shifted to where her head could rest comfortably under his chin, closing her eyes and praying for a dreamless sleep. Draco kissed her hairline affectionately before settling down to sleep himself.
The next morning, Alana sat in the Common Room in front of the fire silently staring off into the brightly dancing flames blankly. She felt so unbelievably tired that it wasn't even funny. That nightmare had been plaguing her since the night after the party in the Room of Requirement. What puzzled her about it was that she didn't know what it had to do with anything. It seemed somehow familiar, but she didn't know why? Who was the person in her dream that had tried to kill her? In the dream she knew, but when she woke up, Alana couldn't remember. Suddenly, Draco came into the room with two cups of tea in his hands. When he noticed the preturbed look on Alana's face, worry creased his brow. He walked over to her, placing the cups on a small, coffee table before kneeling in front of her.
" Is everything alright?" He asked, softly.
Alana came back down to earth and noticed her love staring at her in concern.
" Yeah..." She sighed, " I was just thinking was all."
" You seem to be doing a lot of that lately." He replied with a smirk. " Even more than usual really."
Alana smiled slightly at his attempt for a joke, but otherwise said nothing. Draco cupped her cheek gently and looking deeply into her eyes. His face became somewhat more serious.
" I'm sure it will go away in time, Love." He assured her with a warm smile. " I've never been wrong about anything that concerns you before."
" I know." She answered, placing a hand on top of his. " Thank the Lord I have you, Draco. You always make things better for me."
" Hey, what can I say? It's my job." He chuckled before giving her one of the teacups. " Now, drink some of this. It will calm your nerves down a little."
That Saturday was rainy one, so everyone stayed in doors, not wanting to be soaked by the May showers. The ball was only five days away, which kept everyone in high spirits. The group went to the Room of Requirement just to hang out for the day. They sat around and chatted or played cards and other games. There was nothing to do really. At one point, Alana was laying on one of the sofas in Draco's warm arms. He played with a strand of her long hair between his fingers lazily. Jezebel and Blaise were in a rather heated game of Texas Hold'em with Ginny as the dealer. Harry sat behind her with his arms around her waist. Ron and Hermione were curled up in a chair, making out passionately and oblivious to everything else around them. Cleo and Ryan were laying together on a large Persian rug that was spread out on the floor; hands entwined as they rested their eyes, while Hannah and Michael were in a similar position.
Suddenly, the peaceful atmosphere was shattered when Blaise turned over his cards and won the game for the fourth time. Jezebel scowled before pounding her hands on the table and yelling, " To bloody hell with this game! What's the point of playing when I can't win?"
Everyone seemed to jump out of their skin from her outburst. Draco looked over at them and raised an eyebrow, while Alana clung to him, still startled. Blaise smirked and replied, " I'm sorry that you're so bad at poker, darling, and have no poker face whatsoever."
" I'm so terribly sorry, darling." Jezebel mimicked in a pout, crossing her arms baby-ishly for added affect. " Neh neh neh..."
Everyone started to laugh, only to recieve a glare from Jezebel. Blaise got up and walked over to his indignant girlfriend, who was pretending to ignore him. He chuckled and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her neck affectionately.
" Oh come on...schnookums, you can't be mad at me forever." He said, continuing with his kisses.
" Yes, I can." She insisted, though she was losing hopelessly by the look on her face. " Just watch me."
But when Blaise kissed her lips, she gave in and kissed him back. They were really getting into it when Draco yelled, " Hey, get a room! We don't need to see you two necking in here!"
The two separated and smirked over at him.
" It's not like you don't do the same to Alana in public." Jezebel piped up.
Draco opened his mouth, but then closed it.
" True." He admitted, leaning down to kiss the girl in question.
Everyone laughed at this. Alana pushed him playfully away from her, causing him to tumble off of the couch. This just made the group laugh even harder. Draco pretended to glare up at Alana, who had to hold her side because she was laughing so hard.
" You think that's funny, do you?" He asked, raising his eyebrow.
" Yes, actually...I do." She answered with a giggle.
That's when Draco reached up and pulled her down on top of him. They rolled a little to the right, almost colliding with Cleo and Ryan. Finally, Alana got him pinned down. Draco struggled, but it was a vain attempt.
" Nice try, darling." Alana teased, smugly.
" Nice try, darling." He mimicked in a girly tone.
Everyone, including Draco himself, laughed at that one. An hour or two later, the group left the room to go to their Common Rooms before dinner. Alana decided just to go with Draco to his dorm and wait. On their way there, the two passed by Pansy and her little gang of sluts. The lovers hadn't noticed them as they laughed and whispered endearments in each other's ears. Pansy and the other girls glared at Alana with pure resentment for stealing away their Slytherin Prince, but she didn't notice. Her eyes were set on Draco. They were about to pass them all together when Pansy suddenly called out, " Well, if it isn't the Prince of Slytherin himself, Draco Malfoy, and his suicidal girlfriend. Are you going to help her cut her wrists or something?"
Draco came to a dead hault, bringing Alana to one, too, since he had his arms around her waist. He spun around and scowled at Pansy, narrowing his eyes savagely. She merely smirked back at him, pleased with his reaction.
" Why don't you just leave us the hell alone, Pansy?" He snarled, darkly. " Don't you have some bastard that you need to go fuck?"
" I'm sorry, Draco, but you seem to have found another whore, so why would you want me?" She spat back.
" Come on, Draco, let's just go." Alana whispered, pulling desperately on his arm.
" No, I want to straighten the slut out." Draco growled, trying to advance towards Pansy, but Alana help him still.
" Ignore her." Alana pleaded. " Don't stoop to her level."
" Yeah, Draco," Pansy added, mockingly, " don't stoop to my level."
" When are you going to get over me, Pansy?" Draco snapped at her. " I don't understand why you can't move on. Oh wait a minute! I actually do understand! No one in their right mind would want you!"
Pansy's smirk turned to a dark frown rapidly after that comment. Draco however had one curl up on his lips, seeing as how he had struck a nerve.
" You should have known that if I wouldn't take you, no one would." Draco added on for good measure. " All well, I guess you'll just die a lowly whore after all."
" What did you say?" She shouted as he turned to leave. " Wait! Don't you turn your back to me, Draco Malfoy! Look at me when I'm talking to you!"
Draco merely held up an offending finger in response as he and Alana walked away. Pansy stood there seething, glaring icily after the two. Millicent tried to put a hand on her shoulder, but Pansy just slapped it away harshly. Alana looked up at Draco as they proceeded on their way down to the dungeons. His face was still stone cold after his encounter with Pansy. She pulled on his hand, making him stop. Draco just continued to look off into space angrily, not paying attention to her. With a frustrated sigh, Alana pushed him up against the wall and snogged him furiously, not knowing how else to get his attention. His eyes widened in shock at Alana's sudden boldness, but didn't complain. He kissed her back hungrily. He groaned as she allowed him to enter her mouth. Their tongues met in their usual fierce battle over dominance. They continued like this for awhile until they parted for air. Alana leaned against Draco, clutching his shirt as she gasped for breath.
" That was...unexpected." Draco commented with a raised eyebrow. " What brought that on?"
" Oh...nothing. I just wanted to snog you like crazy for no apparant reason. " Alana replied, sarcastically. " What's the matter with you? Why were you so angry after we left her?"
Draco looked to the side in shame and ran a hand through his hair.
" I don't know. It's just...she makes me so angry when she talks about you like that. I can't stand it. It's fine if she insults me. That I'm used to, but I just hate it when people mess with my girl. You know?"
Alana smiled in understanding and gave him a brief, yet lingering kiss, showing him that it was alright.
" I know, but if you don't control that rage of yours, it may just cost you one of these days." Alana warned him.
" Come on, Alana." He chuckled. " It's just Pansy."
" Draco, I'm serious."
" Okay, okay, I'll try to be a little more causious about my temper next time." Draco assured her. " Now, come on. I'd like to take a shower before dinner and if we stay here too much longer, I won't be able to."
" Okay, Mr. Clean." Alana joked.
Draco laughed with her as they continued down the dark corridor. When they finally got to his dorm, Draco started to strip off his clothes as Alana sat on the edge of his bed. She blushed slightly as he took off his boxers. He noticed and smirked, walking over to her.
" What are you blushing about?" He asked. " It's nothing you haven't seen before."
Alana smirked back up at him and pointed towards his bathroom. He just chuckled and walked off towards the bathroom, grabbing his robe that was hanging near the door. Not long after, Alana heard the shower turn on and the sound of the glass door closing. She leaned back on the bed, stretching out lazily and closing her eyes. The soothing sound of running water lulled her into a sense of comfort. Just as Alana was about to fall asleep, a familiar syrupy voice asked, " Well, well, well, alone again are we?"
Alana's eyes flew open and she sat up hurriedly. Standing in the doorway was none other than Pansy. The Slytherin slut stood there with the door slightly open. Alana hadn't even heard her open the door to Draco's dorm! Pansy just smirked back at the shocked look on her face. Soon, though, Alana's look of shock turned to one of hate.
" What are you doing here, Parkinson?" Alana hissed. " No one gave you permission to come into this room."
" I can go anywhere I please." Pansy replied, haughtily, walking farther into the room and leaving the door slightly ajar. " I don't need anyone's permission, especially from a blood traitor such as yourself."
" Just get out of here before I..."
" Before you what?" Pansy laughed, cruelly. " What is a weakling like yourself going to do, Kaligaris?"
That laugh seemed to remind her of something; Alana just wasn't sure what. It was dry and brittle like sand. Pansy's laugh made every hair on her body stand on end. Alana watched her warily as Pansy stalked towards her slowly, calmly.
" What do you want, Pansy?" Alana asked, apprehensively, not trusting her as far as she could throw her.
" I wanted to finish what I'd started, and that involves you, Alana." Pansy explained, saying her name mockingly. " Alana...I don't see how Draco can say it without throwing up."
" Just get out, Parkinson!" Alana told her in a raised voice, pointing towards the door.
" Oh, are you going to go hide behind your little boyfriend now like you always do?" Pansy asked in a baby-ish tone. " Oh, wait a minute! He's not here to protect you anymore. Just like he wasn't there to rescue you last time."
" What in the bloody hell are you going on about, Pansy?" Alana snapped in frustration.
" Oh, that's right," Pansy exclaimed, faining shock, " you don't remember!"
" Remember what?" Alana sneered, getting up from the bed and crossing her arms.
" Tsk tsk...what an awful memory you possess." Pansy commented with an evil smirk, reaching into her cloak. " Well, maybe this will help you remember."
With that, she pulled out a strange looking dagger. Two snakes were engraved in the silver hilt to be entwining upwards. Right in between where their jaws met was a dew-drop-shaped emerald that glinted omniously in the light of the room. The blade was jagged-looking and stained with blood. Alana's eyes widened to a terrifying extent. She did recognize that dagger! Suddenly, images of that horrible night came flooding back to her rapidly. It was as if everything was coming in on fast-forward. She saw everything that had transpired that night. Alana saw her weak form laying on the marble floor in a puddle of her own blood. She saw Pansy smiling evilly from behind her, holding the blood-covered knife up for her to see. Pansy's evil cackled filled her ears once again like a haunting song. But most of all, Alana remembered the fear and helplessness she'd felt consume her as she slowly started to bleed to death. That sickening feeling washed over her again; dread filling her thoughts.
But soon, it was replaced with a sudden burst of blazing rage. Pansy was her assailant! Pansy was the one who had tried to kill her! It was Pansy who had nearly ruined her relationship with Draco and then, tried to murder her so she'd be out of her way permanently! Never before had she loathed someone as ardently as she did that treacherous slut. Alana glared at her darkly; pure loathing burning brightly in her usually-serene, sapphire eyes.
" You!" Alana cried, pointing an accusing finger at Pansy. " You're the one who tried to kill me! You sunk so low as to try to commit murder, just to win back a guy who hates you with every fiber of his being! You pathetic, little, worm of a girl! That was low even for you! What do you have to say for yourself?"
" I suppose this is where I'm supposed say that you've got it all wrong and that I'd never try to murder you. But that would just be a waste of my valuable time." Pansy commented, faking a yawn of boredom. " Fine, I admit it. I tried to kill you! A lot of good it did me, too! That stupid mudblood Granger and blood traitor Weasleyette found you before you lost too much blood! I shouldn't have toyed around with you. All well...I won't make that same mistake twice."
" There is no way in Hell that I'm letting a fucking whore like you kill me!" Alana retorted, pulling out her wand.
Pansy sighed and rolled her eyes in annoyance before shaking her head and pulling out her own wand. Alana eyed it warily as she raised it towards her.
" I'd hoped that you wouldn't put up much of a fight, but I guess I was wrong." Pansy said, stalking closer to her. " It doesn't matter, though. This won't take long."
Before she even said an incantation, Alana fired a jet of red light towards her! Pansy didn't have time to run before it hit her square in the chest and sent her flying up against the wall behind her. She slid down the wall with a groan before glaring daggers at Alana.
" You'll regret that one, Kaligaris." She said through her teeth.
" I told you once before that I know spells that you haven't even dreamed of." She retorted, smugly. " I'm about to show you what I was talking about."
" Oh, I'm so scared that I'm shaking in my boots." Pansy replied, sarcastically, getting to her feet.
Alana sent another spell at her, but Pansy dodged it and sent one of her own towards Alana. The Ravenclaw ducked behind one of the posters to Draco's bed. The spell was reflected and sent towards Pansy. She conjured up a shield that just absorbed the spell. The shield disappeared, and she walked briskly towards Alana.
" Expelliarmus!" Alana shouted, a jet of green flying towards her opponant.
It hit Pansy's wand hand, and sent her wand flying. Pansy gasped and looked after it. Alana took this opportunity to make a dash for Pansy's wand. But, Pansy saw this and dove for her wand. She cursed as she fell a few yards short. As Alana made to pass her, Pansy grabbed onto her ankle, causing Alana to fall flat on her face. Pansy scrambled up to her feet and obtained her wand. Just as Alana was sitting up, rubbing her head, Pansy pointed her wand at her throat. Alana looked down at it in terror. She crawled back into a corner as Pansy proceeded forward. The Slytherin witch smirked maliciously in triumph as she dug the wand into the other girl's throat. Alana made a gagging noice when she did this.
" Like I said...this wouldn't take long at all and it didn't. What happened to you showing me those spells, Kaligaris?" Pansy taunted, gleefully. " All well, it doesn't matter now anyway. Just give up and surrender to me, Alana. You're as good as dead."
That's when Alana glared up at her defiantly and spit down on Pany's highly-polished, black boot.
" I would never surrender to the likes of you, Parkinson." She snarled, venomously. " I swear, someday you will get yours. I condemn you to the worst fate that could ever be imagined. A Dementor's kiss is what will await you if you kill me."
Pansy scowled; her rage rising to dangerous heights. She dug her wand even deeper into Alana's throat, almost cutting off her oxygen.
" We'll just see about that." Pansy hissed, quietly. " I have friends in high places."
" Heh, just keep telling yourself that, whore!" Alana laughed, mirthlessly.
" I've had enough of your insolence!" Pansy howled. " Avada..."
Suddenly, a jet of green knocked her wand out of her hand before she could finish her spell. Pansy looked at where it had fallen, dazed completely. Then, she and Alana directed their wide eyes towards the place where the other spell had come from. That's when they saw Draco standing in the doorway of his bathroom, dressed in his black bathrobe and wand at the ready. His hair was still plastered to his head, so soaked that it was still dripping with water. He must have heard the noise from the girls' duel and rushed out of the shower. Draco's eyes were narrowed savagely at Pansy, who looked a little worried by his presence.
" I can't even turn my back one second without you doing something completely stupid." He sneered, visciously, before looking down at Alana. " Are you okay?"
She nodded before getting to her feet and running to him. He embraced her firmly as if to never let her go.
" Okay, next time you're showering with me." He whispered with a chuckle.
" Whatever you say." She replied, burying her head into his chest. " I'm just glad you got here in time."
He kissed her head and hugged her back even tighter. Then, the sound of clapping reached their ears and shattered their moment. They looked up and realized it was Pansy who was clapping. She wore a smirk on her face; her eyes gleaming dangerously.
" How touching!" Pansy gushed, sarcastically. " The two lovers are re-united once again! Oh Draco, when will you learn?"
" This stops here, Pansy!" Draco shouted, angrily, pushing Alana behind him protectively. " You have gone too far this time!"
" This is only the beginning, my dear Draco!" Pansy announced, spreading her arms wide for emphasis. " You know as well as I do that you cannot be with her. You were promised to me, and I intend to keep it that way!"
" Draco, what is she talking about?" Alana asked, severely confused.
Draco sighed and turned his head slightly towards her.
" Before I was born, the Parkinsons and Malfoys made a deal. Their offspring would be betrothed if they were a boy and a girl; there for securing a pure bloodline, so they could become Death Eaters. I've always been against this, but it was forced upon me." Draco explained. " Until I met you, I just went along with it. But now, no one can make me marry Pansy. If I tie myself to anyone eternally, it will be you, Alana."
" Not if I can help it!" Pansy shouted, picking up her wand. " Expelliarmus!"
Draco's wand flew out of his hand, but Alana stepped forward with hers. Pansy just smirked and hissed, " What are you going to do to me, Lil Miss Perfect? You're no match for me! I've proved that time and time again. You're just prolonging your demise. Just face it, you're too much of a weakling to beat me, Alana."
Alana finally lost it, tired of listening to Pansy's tauntings, and bellowed, " Crucio!"
Pansy fell to the ground, writhing in pain. She jerked around in odd positions. Alana just kept adding more to it, making sure the slut suffered just as much as she herself had. Seeing her like this, brought a weird and malicous kind of joy to her heart. An evil grin twisted its way onto her lips. Draco noticed this and became disturbed by it. He had never seen this side of Alana before...ever. When the sounds of Pansy's wailings reached his ears, Draco ran up behind Alana and grabbed her wand hand, trying to yank it out of her grasp.
" Stop, Draco!" Alana protested. " I'm not finished with her yet!"
" Alana, think about what you're doing!" He objected, trying to reason with her.
" It's nothing she doesn't deserve!"
" I know!" Draco replied, looking pleadingly into her eyes. " But you can't sink to her level, just like you told me! If you really want her to suffer, let her live and see us together! That will harm her more than any spell ever will!"
Alana looked at him uncertainly for a second before lifting the curse. Pansy let out a gasp of air, lying on the ground in the fetal position. Slowly and painfully, she uncurled herself. Alana kept her wand at the ready, just to be sure she didn't try anything. When Pansy stumbled to her feet, she swayed dangerously, but managed to keep her balance. Then, she directed her cold eyes towards Alana and smirked.
" Bravo!" She praised, hoarsely. " Bravo indeed, Kaligaris! I never thought you'd have it in you to use an Unforgivable. I must say you have impressed me."
" Shut your mouth, Parkinson!" Alana snapped, feeling light-headed.
She could see why not many people dared to used Unforgivable Curses. They stripped you of your strength rapidly. Suddenly, Pansy summoned her wand into her hand and blasted back both Alana and Draco! Alana's wand went flying out of her hand and, Pansy caught it with ease. Damn, Alana should have seen that one coming! She mentally cursed herself for letting Pansy get ahead of her.
" Incarcerous!" Pansy shouted, pointing her wand at Draco.
Draco suddenly felt like he had invisible ropes tied around himself. He couldn't move at all with this full-body bide on him!
" Incarcerous!" Pansy yelled again, putting another body-binding spell on Alana.
The same thing happened to Alana, who winced at how tightly Pansy had it around her. Pansy slowly walked up to her to where her boots were right in front of Alana's face. She then, kneeled down to look her in the eye with a smirk.
" Leave her alone, Pansy!" Draco growled, angrily. " This is between you and me! Leave Alana out of this!"
" She has everything to do with this, Draco! She stole you away from me and now, she's going to pay for it with her life!" Pansy retorted, before going into a syrupy voice. " Oh, but don't worry. After I'm done with her, it's your turn. If I'm correct, it's been a few months since we've fucked. That should be punishment enough for you."
Draco glared at her darkly as she turned back to Alana. She clutched her chin with her long, blood red nails, digging them into her skin. Alana didn't privilege her with a wince. Pansy wasn't worthy to see her in pain.
" I said you were going to regret hurting me." Pansy purred with a sweet, yet sinister tone.
" I'm not afraid of you, Parkinson." Alana proclaimed, boldly, her eyes burning with confidence. " Nor am I afraid to die. I'm just ashamed that it has to be by the hand of a pathetic whore like you."
Pansy scowled hideously before shrieking out, " Crucio!"
Alana felt a searing pain explode in her chest. She thrashed around on the ground through her binds, but never uttered one scream. This seem to infuriate Pansy even more.
" Scream, bitch!" Pansy shouted at her, increasing the strength of the curse. " I know the pain is driving you mad! Scream God damnit!"
Alana just glared up at her defiantly, pursing her mouth closed tightly. Draco gazed at her in sheer panic. He could see the tears of pain pouring from her proud, sapphire eyes.
" Pansy, stop this!" He pleaded. " I'll do anything you ask, if you just release her!"
Pansy sent a reproachful look at him, showing that she wasn't going to stop no matter what he said before turning back to the girl still thrashing about on the floor.
" I'll make sure you die before this night is over!" Pansy swore in a rage filled voice. " I swear to God I'll kill you!"
Finally, she lifted the curse, watching Alana gasping in pain. Alana wanted so badly to sob at how much pain she felt at that moment, but she'd kill herself first before she let Pansy see her shed a single tear. Pansy smirked down at her before kneeling down in front of her and whipping out the dagger again. Draco's eyes widened when he saw it. He recognized that dagger! It used to belong to Salazar Slytherin a long time ago, and he knew only of one individual that possessed a relic like that, but Draco didn't want to believe it. How could he do something like this? How could he sink this low? Not even he could be that heartless! He watched helplessly as Pansy placed the dagger at Alana's throat. Once again, she felt the cold, piercing blade against her tender flesh.
" Heh, never again will you kiss this neck, Drakie." Pansy told him, turning her maniacal gaze towards him. " Unless you aren't bothered with skin that's been drenched in blood."
Draco glared at her savagely; his eyes turning to pure, cold steel. Alana looked up at him from where she was lying on the floor only a few yards away from his feet. They made eye contact, and at the same time, tears trailed out of their eyes and down their pale faces.
" I love you." Alana mouthed with a weak smile.
" I love you, too." He mouthed back.
Pansy was too busy wallowing in her triumph that she didn't even notice the exchange. She merely pressed the blade even harder against Alana's neck, allowing a slight sliver to form in her skin. Alana froze as she felt a wet, sticky liquid run slowly down her neck.
" I should have just slit your throat the last time, but now I have my chance to finish what I'd started." Pansy hissed, smugly. " I guess this is farewell, Kaligaris. I must honestly say that I won't miss you. See you in Hell."
Alana closed her eyes and waited for her life to end. But before Pansy even had the chance to cut open her throat, the door to Draco's dorm burst open and someone yelled, " Expelliarmus!"
The dagger went flying out of Pansy's hand. Before anyone knew what happened, Pansy had been drug off of Alana and was being handled less than gently. Her screams could be heard in the backround, until something had silenced her. Alana lie completely still, too tramatized to move. That's when she felt two strong arms take her limp body securely into their grasp. Her body was brought closely to another's in a firm and desperate hold. It was only when she heard a familiar voice whispering endearments into her ear did she realize who was holding her. Alana clung to Draco as if afraid that if she let go of him someone would separate them permanently. Her body trembled with a bone-shattering shake. Jezebel and Ginny had long ago stunned Pansy and put a full-body bind on her. The two witches walked over to them and kneeled down beside the lovers.
" Oh Alana..." Jezebel trailed off looking down at her.
" Are you okay?" Ginny asked.
" I...I was s...so sure that sh...she was g...going to k...kill..."
" It's okay, Love, " Draco whispered in her ear softly, " Pansy will never harm you again. I'll make sure of that."
Alana nodded before burying her face in the crook of Draco neck and sobbing into it. Draco palmed the back of her head, bringing her even closer to him than she was already. Tears trailed out of his eyes slowly. He'd almost lost her yet again. How could he have let that happen? Draco had promised that he'd keep her safe, but because he'd let his guard down, Alana almost had been killed again. Finally, his attention was brought back to reality as Alana whimpered and choked out, " I could h...have died! Oh Draco...she...she could have k...killed me! She almost tore us apart...again!"
" Sssh...Alana," He murmured back, stroking her hair comfortingly, " I'm here now. That's all that matters. We're together, and it'll be over my dead body that I let someone take you from me. I swear that to you."
She nodded her head, but still clung to him desperately. Ginny rubbed her back in soothing motions. Jezebel glared down at Pansy's motionless form and asked, coldly, " What exactly happened, Draco, and how did Pansy get in here?"
" I'm not entirely sure. I was in the shower when she came in." Draco answered, looking up at Jezebel. " I heard a lot of commotion coming from my bedroom and rushed out of the shower, thinking that Alana had gotten hurt or something. That's when I caught Pansy with her wand at Alana's throat. I managed to blast it out of her hand, but before we knew what had happened, she'd gotten it back and put full-body binds on us. The rest you witnessed first hand. Pansy was trying to...to slit Alana's throat."
" We should just kill her now." Jezebel spat, seethingly, scrambling to her feet and pointing her wand at the unconscious witch.
" I agree." Ginny put in, glaring at Pansy visciously.
" No." Came Alana's muffled voice.
They all looked at her in shock. She'd been completely quiet until just then.
" But Alana..." Jezebel began.
" I said no!" Alana exclaimed, looking up at Jezebel with bloodshot eyes.
Jezebel shut her mouth immediately, not wanting to provoke Alana any further because of her current state of mind. Reluctantly, she lowered her wand.
" Sadly, I'm going to side with Alana on this one." Draco said with a sigh. " We can't kill her, not yet anyways. She needs to be interrogated, and the headmaster needs to hear about all the trouble she's caused."
Alana nodded in agreement before adding, solemnly, " I told Pansy that I condemned her to the worst fate that could ever be imagined. A Dementor's kiss will surely await her now. I plan to see to that through."
Jezebel looked at her friend worriedly for a second before pointing her wand at Pansy again and levetating her.
" We better get going to the headmaster's office right away. I already sent Cleo to tell him that we had a problem and would be there to see him shortly." She advised. " I'll send a Second year to fetch Snape as well. He'll need to be there with a vial of Veritaserum, just incase Pansy doesn't want to spill her secret."
Ginny got to her feet along with Draco, who helped Alana get up carefully. Her legs felt like limp noodles as she tried to walk. She just felt so weak and frail from everything that had happened in less than an hour. Draco directed her out of his dorm and down the stairs, keeping a secure arm wrapped firmly around her waist. On their way down, Draco changed out of his robe and into some clothes with a flick of his wand. When they came into the Common Room, the other Slytherins stared at them out of curiousity and confusion. Jezebel surveyed them critically before calling over a small, petite girl with a pale complexion and bleach blonde hair.
" Go to Professor Snape and tell him that his presence is required at the headmaster's office immediately." Jezebel instructed, sternly. " This is very urgent business. Oh, and make sure he has a vial of Veritaserum with him. If he asks any questions, tell him that Malfoy is involved. He'll come for sure then."
The girl nodded obediently and rushed out of the door. Draco smirked at Jezebel and voiced, " I forgot that you actually are quite smart when you want to be, Sinclaire."
" Well, what can I say?" She answered, returning the smirk. " I can't act like a dumb blonde all of the time like you."
Draco's smirk fell into a scowl, and Alana had to keep herself from laughing. Slowly, they made their way up to the headmaster's office from the dungeons. When they came to the statue, Cleo was pacing frantically in front of it. The instant she saw them, she hurried over, fussing over Alana worriedly.
" Oh my God, Alana, are you okay? Did you get hurt? What did that bitch do to you?" She went on a million miles per hour. " How did she get into Draco's dorm? Did you take her down or did Jez and Ginny save you guys?"
" Cleo...CLEO!" Alana shouted to get her to stop talking, grasping her shoulders with as much strength as she could muster, " I'm fine. Pansy didn't hurt me, except for the slight cut on my neck."
" To Hell with the cut, Alana!" Draco objected, snappishly. " She put the bloody Cruciatus curse on you! I'm just surprised that you can even stand, let alone walk."
" She did?" Cleo asked, frantically, going into another round of histerics. " Oh, Alana, you shouldn't be up and around!"
" I'm telling you...I'm fine." Alana assured her, exasperatedly. " I feel a little faint, but that's all. I'll be okay. Besides, you all need me to testify against what Pansy said she tried to do to me and everything."
They all nodded in understanding before Cleo told the statue the password, so they could go up the steps to the headmaster's office. After knocking on the door, they all stood completely silent, waiting for an answer.
" Come in." Someone finally called.
Cleo opened the door and allowed the others to go in first before walking in herself and closing the door. Professor Dumbledore sat behind his dark, wooden desk, looking over some documents. When he looked up, his brilliant blue eyes surveyed everyone in shock. It was the first time any of them had ever seen him unnerved. He took in Pansy's body being levitated by Jezebel and asked, sternly, " What on earth is going on here?"
" Sir, we caught Parkinson here trying to murder Alana." Jezebel replied in an urgent tone. " She had both her and Draco here in full-body binds and was torturing them. It was just by chance that Ginny and I came to look in on them when they were late for dinner."
Dumbledore turned increasingly pale and sat down in a dazed fashion. He gestured for Jezebel to set Pansy down in a nearby chair. She did so, but not before taking her wand away.
" Okay now...a little more clearly so I understand everything," Dumbledore spoke in a soft voice, " someone tell me what happened."
Before anyone could say a word, Snape barged into the room, looking even more peeved than usual. Dumbledore raised a gray, bushy eyebrow at him and asked, kindly, " Aw, Severus, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"
Snape looked around at the students around him before his dark gaze was finally set on Jezebel, who had her arms crossed with a satisfied smirk.
" Miss Sinclaire said my presence was required here, Headmaster, and I was to bring a vial of Veritaserum with me." Snape sneered in annoyance. " I'm wondering why I was called here in the first place though. Would anyone like to elaborate for me?"
" Well, Professor," Jezebel began, calmly, " one of your students tried to murder Miss Kaligaris and was torturing Malfoy. The student in question is Parkinson over there. Does that clarify things for you?"
He merely glared at the girl, but seemed satisfied enough. Dumbledore then, fixed his warm gaze on Alana, who had remained quiet this whole time, while encased securely in Draco's protective embrace.
" Miss Kaligaris, is what Miss Sinclaire said all true?" He asked, smiling at her assuringly.
Alana nodded her head slowly and said barely above a whisper, " Yes, it is all true. Pansy was trying to kill me."
Suddenly, a groan came from the accused. Pansy started to awake and was shifting uncomfortable in her binds. When she opened her eyes, they became full of fear and rage. Their flashing green depths darkened severely when they settled on Alana.
" What in the bloody hell is going on here?" She screeched, angrily, thrashing around on the chair. " What am I doing here? Let me out of these binds! I demand to be released at once!"
Alana flinched, shying away from Pansy and burying herself even more into Draco's hold, who tightened his grip on her.
" Calm down, Miss Parkinson." Dumbledore advised her, patiently. " You're being restrained for your own good."
" Oh, shut that annoying hole you call a mouth, old man!" Pansy spat, seethingly. " I will not calm down until someone lifts this fucking spell off of me!"
" Okay then, " He muttered under his breath, " then, you can tell us whether you tried to kill Miss Kaligaris here or not."
Pansy looked back at Alana and glared at her visiously. An evil smirk twisted upon her lips as she sneered, " I don't have the slightest idea as to what you are talking about, Headmaster."
" Why you little whore, " Draco snarled, darkly, as Alana restrained him from throttling Pansy, " how dare you lie right in my face! You know you tied to kill Alana, Parkinson! I heard you swear that you would! I watched as you placed that blade right at Alana's throat!"
" Oh Draco, why must you lie to these good people?" She purred in a syrupy voice with a sinister gleam in her eye.
" I swear, Headmaster, " Draco told him, almost pleading with Dumbledore to believe him, " she's lying! She tied to kill my Alana!"
Dumbledore nodded with an understanding smile before gesturing towards Snape. The Potions teacher understood and pulled out a vial that contained a greenish-brown liquid from within his black robes. Pansy's face paled when she set her gaze upon the vial. Then, she glared at Alana and Draco, who both glared right back at her. Snape approached Pansy as she started to struggle against her binds again. He pulled her head back by the hair to make her be still and he poured the potion down her throat. Pansy's face soured as she licked her lips to wash away any remains of the potion. Then, Snape stepped back beside Dumbledore as the headmaster stood up as well.
" What's your name?" Dumbledore asked, sternly.
" Pansy Lynnel Parkinson." Pansy mumbled, darkly.
" Do you know why you have been brought here?"
" Because these bitches say that I was trying to murder Alana Kaligaris."
" Did you do what they claim you did?"
Pansy pursed her lips and sent him a venomous look. Dumbledore tried to remain calm as he asked, " Did you do what they claim you did, Miss Parkinson?"
Again she stayed silent. Everyone could tell that it was causing her great discomfort not to answer his questions, but she remained as stubborn as ever.
" Miss Parkinson, answer me!"
" Yes, okay!" Pansy exclaimed, exasperatedly, pouring out her deadly secret. " Yes, I did it! I tried to kill her! I tried to slit her throat! Let the whole world know that I tried to kill Alana Rosaline Kaligaris! I'm not sorry in the least! I feel no remoarse whatsoever for what I did! If given the chance, I wouldn't hesitate to do it all over again!"
Everyone was dead silent after her outburst. Nothing disturbed the quiet air that had settled around them. Pansy lay on the chair, panting heavily with a pleased smirk playing upon her lips. Dumbledore had paled tremendously along with Professor Snape, who stared at her incredulously. He just couldn't believe this.
" But...why, Miss Parkinson?" Snape whispered, shaking his head. " Why?"
" Oh, don't play dumb, Severus!" Pansy snapped. " You know that the Dark Lord wasn't pleased when he learned that Malfoy was going against his wishes by seeing Kaligaris. He was going against the plans that had been set for him since before his birth. The Dark Lord hates it when his followers disobey him. Let's just say that he gave me insentive to kill her. He even had one of the senior Death Eaters give me his special dagger to do the job of making sure that she was disposed of."
Draco tensed at this information. His suspicions were correct about the dagger. When he saw him next, the person who kept Voldemort's dagger was going to pay; he promised himself that. No one was going to plot to kill his Alana and get away with it.
" Was this the first time you attempted to take Miss Kaligaris' life?" Dumbledore asked, hoarsely.
" No, about a month ago I tried to kill her in the Prefect girls' bathroom. I would have suceeded then, but Granger and Weasleyette found her before she had bled to death. When I heard she had gone into a coma, I thought she would never wake up and tell who her attacker was. I was afraid for a short time when she actually did wake up, but then, I heard that she had no memory of what happened that night. It was then that I swore I'd finish the job. All I had to do was wait for the opportune moment." Pansy explained with pride.
Everyone had paled exceedingly. Ginny and Jezebel looked as if they were going to be sick because of how much joy it brought Pansy to tell them this. But, it was Draco who was the most disgusted with the Slytherin whore. He didn't think she had been capable of such things, but he then realized just how wrong he had been about her being harmless.
" I can't believe you, Parkinson." He said in a deadly quiet tone, shaking his head at her smirking face. " You were the one who left Alana in that bathroom to die? How could you do it? How can you live with yourself?"
She let out another one of her dry, mirthless laughs. Everyone cringed at the evilness of it. When she stopped, Pansy just smirked back at him and replied, " I would do anything and everything to make sure you were mine for all eternity, Draco. I have been hopelessly in love with you since the moment I set eyes upon you. That will never change. I wasn't about to let some loathsome, Ravenclaw bitch steal you away from me. This was personal. And you know what? I'd do it all over again if I could."
Dumbledore looked at her with a horrified expression. It was as if he couldn't believe that such a phycopathic girl had been living in his school all these years.
" You're sick, Pansy!" Jezebel spat at her. " Real sick!"
" Thank you, Sinclaire. That means a lot coming from someone as lowly as you." Pansy hissed back malicously. " I'd just watch your back if I were you. You and Zabini are both no longer trusted in our circle. You're on the extent of being dubbed as blood traitors like the Weasleys."
" You're empty threats don't scare me." Jezebel told her, shaking her head in disbelief.
" We'll see how empty my threats are in due time." The slut replied.
Then, Dumbledore turned to Snape and asked, " What should we do with her, Severus?"
" She is clearly a danger to the school and the entire Wizarding World, Headmaster." Snape told him, emotionlessly, before turning to fix his eyes on Pansy. " She belongs in Azkaban with the rest of the Death Eaters that we've managed to capture. Perhaps there...she'll be of no threat to anybody, but herself."
Pansy's face drained of all color when the name "Azkaban" was mentioned. She began to thrash around in her binds again.
" No!" She wailed like an injured animal. " No, you can not send me there! You can't! I refuse to go!"
" I'm afraid, Miss Parkinson, that you are past that point." Dumbledore told her, solemnly. " I cannot let you go free just so you can do more damage than you've already done. I'll send for the Dementors to pick you up in Hogsmeade. Severus, you'll be incharge of guarding her until they arrive."
" Yes, Headmaster." Snape answered, obediently, waking over to Pansy with his wand raised at her.
She fixed her glare directly on him and scowled venomously at him.
" How could you do this to me, Severus? Wait until the Dark Lord hears about this! Betraying one of your own? It is like betraying the Drak Lord himself!" She shouted at him before turning to the others. " He's a traitor to us all. Do you honestly think he's on your side? He's a fake! A fake I tell you!"
" We're far beyond all of that." Snape told her, sternly. " The Dark Lord is not my master and therefore cannot control me. Actually, he can kiss my ass for all I care. Let him rot in Hell with all rest of you scum."
Pansy let out another enraged howl as he levitated back up into the air. She thrashed about as much as she could. Her eyes rolled around in her head maniacally before they became set on Draco. He and Alana both looked at her with pure loathing and despise.
" Draco, mercy! I beg you to show me mercy!" She pleaded, helplessly. " I love you! Draco, I love you!"
" Pansy, after what you have done, I am far beyond the point of forgiveness." He told her in the coldest tone anyone had ever used. " Your love means nothing to me; never has and never will. Now that I have my true love by my side, nothing will ever replace her. Besides, you know I'm not the type of person that forgives easily."
She scowled at him viscously and shouted, seethingly, " Then, it's revenge upon you both! I'll get my revenge. You'll see! My word shouldn't be taken lightly. I'll kill your little whore and you will be my husband until death due us part. Just you wait, Draco Malfoy! Just you wait!"
Her rantings became more distant as Snape took her out of the room and down the corridor. A moment later they all heard him put a stunning spell on her to silence the wretch. Alana buried her face back into Draco's chest and started to sob again. He held her close in a reassuringly firm grip. He whispered endearments and promises into her ear softly. Tears were appearing in his own eyes as he did this.
" Ssh...it'll be alright, Alana. Please, don't cry, my love. Remember...it wounds me deeply when you do." He murmured, quietly only for her to hear. " I'll protect you always. I'd risk my very life just to keep you out of harms way. She'll never kill you. It'll be over my dead body when she does."
She nodded her head as she continued to cry. Dumbledore's mood was lifted as he watched the lovers. Even in the presence of evil, love still triumphed, and Draco and Alana were a perfect example of that. He cleared his throat to be heard and everyone gave him their undivided attention.
" I want to thank you all for you're support towards Miss Kaligaris and Mr. Malfoy here. I'm sure they deeply appreciate it. Also, I want to praise you on your bravery. Half the things that were said in this room, I couldn't believe myself. I'm sure you all have learned greatly from this. Now, I give you leave to return to your dorms." Dumbledore explained to them with a weak smile. " You all look like you need a good nights rest. Let's put all this tragidy behind us and look forward to the brightness of your futures."
The group mumbled a thanks to the headmaster before leaving his office silently. When the gargoyle closed behind them, they all embraced each other lovingly before parting to go to their own Common Rooms. Jezebel said that she'd just room with Ginny for the night, which meant she was actually giving Draco and Alana time alone together. This they both seemed to appreciate. As the two made their way back down to the dungeons, Draco surveyed the look on Alana's face intently. It was surprisingly calm and serene. She hadn't looked like this since the very beginning of their relationship. The air about her was comforting and pleasant. She noticed after awhile that he was staring at her with a thoughtful look on his face.
" What is troubling you, Draco?" Alana asked him.
" Nothing. You just look so...care-free." He explained, carefully. " You haven't looked like that in the longest time. I must admit...it's quite refreshing. Why the sudden change? A second ago, you were petrified to wits end."
Alana smiled wistfully before saying, " It's just what Dumbledore said. We need to put all the bad things that have happened to us this year behind us and enjoy the things that are happening now while also, looking ahead at our future. It just made me realize how lucky I am to have all my friends and family. With out them and especially you, I wouldn't be the person that I am today. It just seemed to clear my head of all my cares and worries."
" I'm glad." Draco replied with a warm smile, bringing her to a stop and taking both of her hands into his. " I'm always happy when you're happy, and this just makes my happiness soar to unexplainable heights."
" I'm thrilled to hear it." Alana told him, leaning into his body and standing on her toes to kiss him.
Draco smiled and closed the distance between their lips. Everything suddenly went right with that one, simple kiss. The plots against them and Pansy's threats were tossed away and forgotten completely. This brought back the pricelessness of their first kiss, renewing it in a way that both of them had thought impossible. The lovers were just focused on one thing and one thing only...each other. When the sweet connection was broken, they smiled at each other with all the warmth and love they could ever possess.
" Never leave me." Alana whispered to him, desperately, closing her eyes for another sweet kiss.
" Would never dream of it." Draco answered, his hand coming up to palm the back of her neck and swooping back down to claim her lips with his again.
A/N: Have I ever stated how much I hate Pansy? Well, now you know. I have only one more chapter for you guys. Review.