A/N: This chapter is really slow. But it is important for the main story-line.

Story: All's fair in love

Author: ∂ลякลиgэl

Summary: Artemis knew that falling in love with him, a man back from the dead was not following her set rules. But rules after all are meant to be broken. Follow Artie as she discovers new horcruxes and a love. Set after HBP. Contains spoilers for DH. Sirius/OC.

Current Rating: T

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot and Artemis.

Chapter: 3 –

Artie's house, on the couch.

Artemis felt a sense of dread coil in her stomach. She wasn't the one to ignore a gut feeling, though she couldn't help but wonder what it was about. She knew that going to the Order Headquarters wasn't the best of ideas, but they didn't have another choice.

She stretched, her muscles ached. She wondered if it was because of her little adventure or there was something seriously wrong with her. She had been through a lot more than this, then why was she still feeling so exhausted?

She rubbed her eyes and started to get up. As soon as she was on her feet, her knees buckled as before and she was on the floor. This time there was no Severus to help her up. She groaned, "The side-effects of killing a Horcrux by a new method" she thought sardonically. Now back on her feet, she still felt a bit unsteady. Her head started to pound. She winced. No wonder that the cave hadn't been much secured. Voldemort had assured, it seemed that the person who tried to destroy a Horcrux would suffer. Her only fear was that it wasn't much more.

She walked carefully to her room. And then, finally in, she headed straight for the bathroom to get soaked for an hour.

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Artemis looked up from the book in her hand. Her muggle alarm clock was ringing. It was time to go. After her blissful shower, she had taken a pepper-up potion. She had then thought of researching more about Horcruxes. Her ancient library, inherited from the Snape's was full of books. But on second thought, she knew she deserved a small break. So instead she read a wizarding novel.Her throbbing head had reduced to a dull pain. She could walk steadily, but still felt as if she had not slept for a month, which was half-true.

She picked up her favorite bag, and went out, and locked the main door with muggle locks and then placed some charms. She had long ago come into the habit of keeping her house safe. Having experienced the bad side of it once, she wasn't eager for a second time.

▬

Artemis apparated near the Order Headquarters.The members had started keeping a watch on people suddenly appearing near-by. Muggles were far and few in the dark alley. She spotted a flashy motorbike resting across a wall. She had always wanted to ride one. Severus used to laugh at her ridiculous desire. As she walked the rest of the way, she realized that she had never met any of the Order members except for Arthur Weasley, Moody, Kingsley Shacklebolt and of course Albus Dumbledore. She wondered what their reactions would be if the saw Severus standing outside their house. It was almost funny. Almost.

She had heard a lot about the Boy-who-lived a.k.a Harry Potter. The things heard from Severus were the ones she ignored. Though he acted as if he hated Harry's guts, she knew that he respected him. Then she had heard about his legendry friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. And once again, she didn't pay heed to any of the things Severus or Draco said to her about the trio. The details about the other Order members were not so animated. She knew of the werewolf, Remus and his new bride, Nymphadora. Then there was the remaining Weasley family. She had recently visited the shop of the Weasley twins. Though she hadn't had the luck to see them. Their products were useful to her in her search. Then she knew about the dead Godfather of Harry, Sirius Black. There wasn't much about him, but Severus seemed to loathe him more than anyone else. She also had once visited Hogwarts, Albus had summoned her for their first meeting in his office. The school, which she would be going to, in September, was breathtaking.

She had reached the meeting place by that time. She pulled the hood of her black jacket over her head. They couldn't afford to lose her identity. She hoped there wasn't any Death Eater roaming. A leak in the Order was the last thing they needed.

She spotted Severus and Draco hurrying towards her. The climate was unexpectedly cold. The two were wearing cloaks over their robes, giving them an creepy look. She smirked the infamous Snape – smirk, Draco still had his entire attitude with him. He walked as if he didn't care, but his shoulders were tense and his face was paler than usual. As soon as he was near her, she pulled him into a big hug. She had missed him a lot.

Draco hugged her back. He slid a chocolate frog in her hand with a grin. She was a chocoholic. She usually ate some chocolate when she was nervous. She grinned back. They didn't need words to say anything. She often wondered why people always thought that Draco was so hard-hearted. He had after all been raised by two death eaters. He did have some cruel ideas for fun, but inside he was as good as others.

Severus smirked at her. She raised her eyebrows. Severus was up to something, she was sure. The three of them stood outside the opening of Headquarters. Dumbledore, the previous keeper, had given them access to enter without a problem. Artemis glanced at Severus, he was murmuring something. The door appeared. Severus knocked, "I probably thought that it wouldn't be best if we straight away went inside. They don't expect us and might attack us, especially me." The other two nodded solemnly.

There was a bit of movement on the other side. Then a voice asked, "Password?"

Artemis looked at Severus, he just shook his head. After clearing his throat, he said in a loud voice, "I did not kill Dumbledore." The door opened. They were allowed to enter.

A/N : amrawo - thanks! Everyone, sorry for the late update, but i have my exams coming up. Th next update will be sooner. Do review!