Disclaimer: I own very little.
Chapter Thirty-One: The Beginning of the End
Despite my feelings of separation growing within me, I still pursued a relationship with Oliver for the rest of my days at Hogwarts. Year after year, we were still the couple that did nearly everything together. After all that time, I truly loved Oliver. However, I knew that my future would be very different from his. Year by year, the Dark Lord was growing stronger and stronger; I was not blind to this, but I wanted to try to have a normal life while I could and that meant continuing my relationship with him.
With the passing years, not only were we growing, but Harry Potter was also becoming more and more famous. His accomplishments in the Chamber of Secrets, his taming of the hypogriff, and when it came time for his fourth year at Hogwarts, there was the famous event known as the Triwizard Tournament that had made its way to Hogwarts.
Before I get too ahead of myself though, there was much that happened in those years with Oliver and me, as well. We came to know each other better in those years than we had at any time before. There are so many memories I have of he and I walking along the campus, admiring the castle and the grounds while enjoying the seclusion for a bit. I remember going to the Quidditch games, cheering him on for the victory, and being a support when they lost. Anyone who knew Oliver knew that he didn't take losing lightly. Especially not to Slytherin.
Slytherin's Draco Malfoy also continued to grow more and more obnoxious as the years progressed. There was something in his mind that thought I wished to speak with him simply because my mother was friends with his family. Every time, I reminded him that I never spoke with my mother, at least not recently. He seemed to laugh this off and remind me that I had to see her again sometime. I liked to tell myself that I would go on for as long as I could without seeing her. I knew the day was growing closer, and Draco was my personal reminder of the darkness lying ahead.
Not only did my relationship with Oliver grow, but also the other members of the Quidditch team, not to mention the Weasley family who became more of like a family to me than anything else. Fred and George's pranks became more impressive while my ability to see through them before they unfolded advanced just as quickly. Despite the fact Harry Potter was Hogwart's own celebrity, he and I had some very pleasant conversations. I would have, by the end of my career at Hogwarts, considered him to be an acquaintance of mine, as well as his red-headed friend Ron and intellectual friend Hermione. Besides them, there was also the girls from the Quidditch team, whom I enjoyed talking with. Well, most of them that was.
There was one girl who never seemed to warm up to me entirely.
I always felt like there was some sort of a barrier between Katie Bell and myself.
It wasn't that we disliked each other, really, but there was just a single factor that came into play and that was Quidditch. Oliver always loved anyone who could give him a good Quidditch conversation and though I attempted to understand the sport, no one could talk to him more in depth about it than Katie. She was so enthusiastic about it that at times it made me envy her ability to get him so worked up and passionate about something. Every time I encountered her, I was friendly and said nothing but nice things, but there was always a little tension since it was no secret she had been fancying Oliver since we were in our first year.
Katie aside, when time came for Oliver to graduate and move on to his dream job of playing for Puddlemere United. It was such a fantastic celebration when he received the owl during breakfast at school; we were all thrilled for him and laughed as he ran around the Great Hall screaming and cheering at the top of his lungs.
It was several months later that we began to discuss the seriousness of our relationship since I was only in my sixth year of school and he was nearly done. We both knew that a long distance relationship would require work; my heart told me to end it there, but when I saw his large brown eyes looking at me and telling me of the future we could share…I melted and forgot about my own troubles for just a while longer.
That summer my father and I spent an especially large amount of time with the Woods are we helped them pack up Oliver's supplies and prepare him for life on his own. He moved into his own flat in Dorset, just minutes from the arena. Over the course of those years, our families had also grown close and it was just as hard for my Dad to see Oliver living on his own as it was for me and his parents too. I remember nagging him about putting some type of decoration on the walls of the flat other than just the Puddlemere United flags and posters, but in the end he won the argument on account that, for the time being, he was the one living there and not myself. After he said this, I found there to be little arguing left.
During the year of Oliver's absence, I was able to pay more attention to my schoolwork and enjoy the social atmosphere that came with the Tri-wizard Tournament. The school was going to allow Oliver to come back for the evening of the Yule Ball since it was such a special occasion. However, before the ball could take place, the names had to be drawn from the goblet and a series of challenges had to take place for students from not only Hogwarts, but also Durmstrang and Beauxbatons. Needless to say, with the introduction of a school full of, to put it mildly, brutes and fairy-like girls, Hogwarts became a much more unique atmosphere. All of the girls seemed to be drooling over Viktor Krum, the contestant from Durmstrang, while the boys were waiting for a glance from Fleur Delacour, the blond-headed dream girl from Beauxbatons.
It was hard to believe that any such evil could come from such an exciting, intense scene in the Great Hall when the names were being drawn. In fact, it wasn't Harry Potter being picked for the tournament that was the most surprising thing that happened.
The Yule Ball, with excitement and too much perfume coating the air, was one of my last positive memories from Hogwarts. I remember that Christmas evening like none other; the girls dormitory was a complete disaster zone amongst the clothes and shoes strewn about. I specifically remember opening my powder and dabbing my brush into the cream-colored powder when I looked over the line of the girls giggling as they strolled out of the bathroom to presumably move on to another step of their preparation.
"Is Oliver coming for the evening?" Hermione Granger, the fourth year brainiac whom I rather liked had asked.
As I swirled my brush and smiled, I answered, "Yes, I had his attendance approved. And you, who are you going with again?"
She smiled as color rushed to her face, "Viktor Krum."
I raised my brow at this and smirked at her, "I know a lot of girls who are probably very jealous of you, Hermione."
She looked down, clearly embarrassed, "It is quite something. I certainly wasn't expecting it."
"I'm sure you'll have a splendid evening regardless," I said with a smile before running my fingers through the freshly formed curls in my hair and turning to retrieve my dress from where it hung behind me. The teal blue of the dress is still one of my favorites, even to this day. The dress' bottom flowed into many ruffles, but not an overload like many 'fairy tale' dresses. It was a strapless gown with a lovely jewel at the waist just above where the skirt began.
As I pulled the dress down and stepped inside, Hermione began speaking again.
"Lana, do you ever-" She began, but then laughed and shook her head. "No, no, nevermind."
I pulled the dress up, covering my body, but paused as she said this to look at her, "Yes? Please ask."
"Do you ever wonder why we try so hard to go through all of this? I mean, look at us. We've all been standing around for hours getting ready and making sure every little detail is perfect. Why does it matter? Why don't we just go down there and show up as we are without any show?" She asked me, looking straight at me as I awkwardly held up my dress, attempting to zip it. After she was finished speaking and I processed what she had said.
She certainly had a point. We spent nearly more time getting ready than we were at the event itself. I chuckled as I half zipped my gown and looked at her.
"It's entirely for memory's sake, Hermione. One day, you are going to look back on the memories you have made tonight and remember how grand the entire evening was. Not only the dancing with the attractive date, but also the valuable time that you spent before chatting with all of your friends. It's all of those factors together that make it memorable. Enjoy these times together while you can because before you know it, you will be in your final year at Hogwarts, left wondering where the time went" I said to her, taking several steps closer.
She smiled at this and with a chuckle answered, "I suppose you have a point. It doesn't mean that my hair isn't still being an absolute bother. This flower is going to be the death of me."
I chuckled at this, "I can secure the flower in your hair if you zip up this dress."
"Of course" She smiled as I turned and she secured the dress on my body.
And with that, Hermione and I assisted each other in finishing to prepare for the evening that followed.
More than anything, I remember seeing Oliver for the first time in many months and feeling an abundance of excitement flowing through my veins. He was dressed very handsome in his suit and bow tie that I had insisted he wear. I hardly had time to admire his dress, however I ran to embrace upon seeing him. As thrilled as I was to see him, his arms encircling me were warm, but I still felt a hollow feeling in the pit of my stomach.
"It's so good to see you" He murmured in my ear, kissing me softly on the cheek.
I smiled and placed both my hands on his arms as I looked at him, "You as well. We can actually speak in person and not hide behind ink and parchment."
"It's wonderful, isn't it?" He asked with a chuckle, offering his arm to me as we strolled through the castle's hallways leading to the ballroom.
"Has Puddlemere been all you've dreamt it to be?" I asked with a smile as we came upon a group of other students.
"Oh, I have many stories for you."
And many stories, he did have. We talked and laughed and enjoyed one another's company just as we had before. In fact, I could pretend that we hadn't even been apart at some points in the evening.
And with that, we began the long, enchanted evening of dancing and celebrating of the tournament. It was a time filled with laughter with our friends and reminising on all of the memories we had shared together. When the band played the slow songs, Oliver and I danced, enjoying the presence of one another that we had not been able to enjoy for many months. Just as I had enjoyed our time together in previous years, this time, I truly felt that there was something only slightly off. I could not place my finger on exactly what it was, but when I felt his hands at my waist, I would look up to see that his eyes were elsewhere. I should have been completely thrilled that he was here and yet, I had this feeling that his mind was not set on me. This was a selfish thought, but we were in a relationship and this was our reunion. However, I could not stay too angered at this minute detail because I would soon remind myself of the guilt I was carrying of pursuing a relationship with someone who I was leading into potential danger, one day.
Finally, when one song ended, he slid his hands from my waist and met my eyes, "Do you mind if I step aside for a moment?"
I looked back at him, nodding before saying, "Go ahead."
I watched as he squeezed my hand before stepping out of the ballroom, decorated as this beautiful winter wonderland. I mingled amongst the other students for several minutes and found that a large amount of time had passed and Oliver had yet to return. I waited until I found it to be appropriate and began to make my way through the large mass of students. Once on the outer rim, I saw Ron Weasley and Harry Potter seated at tables, clearly not interested in dancing. Their dates looked less than thrilled, as well. I laughed mentally at this as I approached them.
"Have any of you seen Oliver?" I asked, raising my voice over the music pounding.
"Eh, I think he went that way," Ron answered, swinging his hand around to indicate he knew what he was doing, but I could see that he didn't.
Harry rolled his eyes before meeting my eyes and confirming his answer, "Yes, he is that way Lana."
"Thank you," I answered with a smirk before continuing through the tall doors that they had pointed toward.
That feeling of guilt sitting in my stomach changed to something entirely different when I took a step through those doors and turned my head to see Oliver crouched down in front of another girl, who was sobbing. He was holding both of her hands and, from what I could observe, whispering to her. A couple of steps closer showed me that this girl was Katie Bell, who was crying her eyes dry. I stood there for several seconds, stunned at what was presented before my eyes. Of course, it was nothing major, but it, in some odd way, confirmed this guilt that had been sitting in my stomach.
As I looked at him comforting her, I saw an image of how perfect they were for one another. She loved Quidditch and he loved it just as much as she did, if not more. She was so free and full of energy while I was tied down to a past that I couldn't change no matter how hard I tried to cover it up. He was doing nothing entirely controversial by comforting her, but the image was enough for me to realize what needed to be done.
All of the memories I had with him were beginning to fade as I saw what the future could be for them.
It was for this reason, I had to act on the feelings of guilt pitting in my stomach. So, I took several steps closer to the both of them, tenderly. Oliver looked up when I was just steps from him and immediately dropped her hand. Katie sniffled and looked at me with tear stained eyes.
"It's alright, Oliver," I said softly, not wanting for him to be ashamed.
He quickly came to his feet and met my eye, "I-I was just trying to be-"
"I know you were," I answered calmly, looking into his brown eyes and even smiling slightly.
He was clearly baffled by this reaction and I could feel Katie's eyes baring into me. I looked down to the girl, sitting in her sorrow, and offered my hand to her. She reluctantly came to her feet and I then, with my other hand, grabbed Oliver's hand.
"I don't want there to be any secrets with us. Therefore, I want you to be happy Oliver, and if that means-"
"Lana, we need to talk," He immediately cut in, pulling his hand from mine. "This isn't-"
"Oliver, I'm simply telling you-"
"Please," He commanded, a look of seriousness falling over his face as I dropped Katie's hand and held his gaze. "Come with me."
"Very well," I responded simply, following him farther down the hallway so that no one could hear us.
"Lana, I was only trying to see what happened. Please, do not misinterpret what was going on," He told me so tenderly that it nearly made me melt at how genuinely concerned he was.
"I do not misinterpret," I answered, just as soft, placing my hand on his cheek. "I just have this feeling, Oliver. I know you would never be unfaithful; this is me, not you."
He paused for several minutes, looking into my eyes, searching for an explanation, "Lana, we've barely even been able to talk tonight. It's only been a joyful evening and now you think you can feel something between Katie and I."
"Dear, I have always felt it. I know that there is something special you share with her that I could never have. Please, when I say this-"
"What are you saying?" He demanded, stepping away from me fiercely.
"Oliver, I-"
I stopped myself and gazed off into the distance, hearing the distant sound of happiness in the distance. Many years before, when I felt that Oliver and I would be over shortly, I had not pictured it taking place in this sort of environment. However, I felt that I could not allow Oliver to leave here tonight with the impression that I was still full-heartedely in love with him.
"Oliver, I am going to be entirely honest. I care for you deeply, do not misunderstand that. Conversely, I cannot allow myself to completely fall in love with you when I feel that there is someone else with whom you should be with," I said simply, not wishing to delve into the family matter.
He took a step back again, folding his arms over his chest as he shook his head, "It's more than that."
"No, it's not, Oliver. I just-"
"Now, you're lying to me," He said, looking directly at me. "There's something else and I would make a hefty guess it has something to do with your family."
My heart nearly fell out of my chest as I avoided his eye, but forced myself to look back at him, "There's nothing wrong with them right now."
He was clearly becoming frantic as he placed a hand on my shoulder, "Lana, just tell me what. Don't do this with Katie and-"
"Oliver, please just make this easier on both of us. You know that Katie is better for you than I am and I know that I can't relate to you-"
He interrupted me by kissing me passionately on the lips, stopping my words from reaching his ears. He lingered inches from my face between each kiss, "Please, stop. Lana, I-I love you. You don't mean-"
I kissed him again softly, cutting him off before patting his shoulder, "Goodnight Oliver. It has been a pleasure knowing you."
"That's it? Nothing else? After all this time?" He asked, desperate for some sort of answer as he held on my wrist, but I shook my head.
"You know that I care for you Oliver, but I do not love you like I should be able to. There is someone else who can," I whispered to him, kissing his hand before pulling my wrist away. "Please, just let me go."
He said nothing else. He only watched me as I turned to return to my dormitory. I knew that he deserved more, but I was too scared to give him much of anything else. I could feel his eyes on me as I continued down the long stretch of corridor and I've no doubt that if I had even began to turn around, he would have welcomed me warmly. At that point in my life, I had to break up with Oliver in order to accomplish what I was bound to do.
After the excitement of the ball calmed down, there was still a third event to be performed. In the wake of my break-up with Oliver, I faced a whirlwind of questions, especially from the Weasleys and other Gryffindors. They all wanted to know the details, but I remained vague with them. I suppose it was only fitting seeing as I was also vague with Oliver when I broke the news to him. The truth of the matter was that I couldn't let myself go into details because then I would realize that I was making a mistake and I could not allow danger to be brought to someone who I cared so much about.
I stood in the stands, just as excited as any of the other Gryffindor students, cheering on Potter as they reached the end of the tournament. I remember the day just like any other student, the crisp air biting us all, not only with coolness, but also anticipation of what was to come. It was for this reason that we were all on the edge of our seats when the champions rushed into the maze for their last trial. I chatted with my friends over who we thought would win. The typical conversations ensued for minutes upon minutes.
But something had to go wrong. Something always had to go wrong. We sat there for hours with silence upon us and no word of anything. People began to get restless and I felt it just as much as anyone else. Never did this anxiety predict what Harry Potter would bring back with him when he appeared in front of us. Just as everyone rumored how dangerous the Triwizard tournament was before, so it appeared to be playing out. Cedric Diggory, the boy who everyone loved, lay dead on the ground as the rest of us took in the sight and watched a hysteric Harry Potter cry over his death.
At this point in time, I could feel something was certainly changing in the air. There were whispers of the return of Lord Voldemort and Harry was not one to keep the topic secret. There were claims that he had returned to power; I remember feeling that fear floating about in the air. Deep inside, I knew that it had to be true, but the rumors swirled about for many days as people mourned, but eventually time healed, or at least covered up the wounds. The atmosphere certainly was never the same, but some of us in our last year still had to finish school and enjoy those end of year activities. I would be lying if I said they were completely normal.
I finished school at Hogwarts in the top percentage of my class and with many honors, but still couldn't help but feel horror pitting in my stomach. The joyous years of being under the protection of Hogwart's bubble were over for me and that summer I was forced to enter the real wizarding world. The world where we are forced to make something of ourselves and at that point in time, I was not entirely sure what I wished to do, but found that the Ministry of Magic would be a decent start.
If only I could have just gone to the Ministry.
It was one trip to my mother's house that changed everything and confirmed the rumors that had started at the tournament with Cedric's death.
Despite my father's wishes, I travelled to see my mother once, just to check in on her. I made sure that I would not linger for any longer than necessary, but simply stop in for a cup of tea. When I arrived at the house, for a moment, it felt like home. It felt like I could simply walk in on my young family seated for dinner. I took a deep breath in, telling myself that this was not the case and I was to walk in and walk out. In fact, I contemplated leaving right at that moment, but she was my mother and I owed her something after all these years.
"Lana?" Her voice rang in my ears, so foreign to me after so many years. She opened the door before I could even knock. I forced a smile as she opened the door, inviting me into what used to be our home.
"Mother, how are you?" I asked, returning the smile as she pulled me into an embrace. I noticed that she was remarkably slimmer than before.
She coughed into her sleeve before answering, "I'm just fine dear. A-and yourself?"
"I am well. I graduated from school mother; I am sure father at least wrote you to say this?" I asked, looking at her with concern for the more I looked at her, the paler she seemed to be.
She laughed at this, with little humor before coughing dryly, "Oh, dear I haven't heard from your father in years, months. But I keep up with the dates in my head, you know. How wonderfull."
She seemed so much older than what she was, as she guided me into the living room, it was almost as though I was speaking to an elderly woman rather than my mother. How odd it was to see her in such a state; I almost pitied her. Almost. It was when I heard a creak from the kitchen that I nearly stood up and left. Perhaps, I was being too impulsive, but when I saw my mother's eyes dart over, in fear seemingly, I felt my heart drop.
She stood quickly, "Um dear, can I offer you a cup of tea?"
Just as she did this, I suddenly felt as though I had stayed there for long enough. The situation was pained and awkward at best. How easy it would have been for me to simply say that I needed to get to the ministry!
I stood up, just as she was doing so, "Mother, I really don't have much time, but-"
She grabbed my arms, "Dear, please, stay-"
"I have to get to work, mum" I said quickly, though I had yet to receive a job. I shook her grip on my arms and started for the door.
"Lana Stockholm, don't you dare leave this house" She commanded, in a voice much stronger than the woman I heard just seconds before. Right as my hand was hovering over the knob, I heard the lock click tight. I swallowed hard, not wanting to accept my stupidity for wishing to see my mother. I should have listened to my father and never come to see her, but my heart kept telling me it was the right thing to do.
"Oh no, don't leave, dear Lana. The party has only just begun" A much cooler, menacing voice said from behind me. The mere sound of his voice sent chills rushing down my spine as my skin tingled with fear. I swallowed again, trying to tell myself that this was just a dream and not real. I tried to keep my eyes on the door knob and away from his, but I knew that he would demand my attention. I heard his footsteps coming closer and closer to me until finally he stopped, right behind me. His breath tingling on the back of my neck as he placed his hands on my shoulders. "I certainly wouldn't want for you to miss anything important."
The sensation of his touch was almost like burning, but as cold as ice at the same time. I wanted to begin crying for I knew what was coming; rather I kept my composure and turned as he turned me around. When I had turned, I kept my eyes on the ground, looking at the feet of a monster. After several seconds, he moved his hand under my chin and forced me to look into his newly formed, piercing blue eyes.
"I am in need of your service, dear Lana," He whispered to me, as I took in the sight of his pale skin and harsh, relentless face boring into mine. "Your time has come."
And thus, in a matter of minutes, my life went from that of a normal girl just out of school, to that of a servant of Lord Voldemort.
A/N: Well, everyone, that is the last chapter of this story until the sequel. I have been debating where to end it for awhile now and this is where I will leave off for now, but there will be a sequel! Eventually! I am currently in the process of writing the sequel to my Hunger Games story, so you all should definitely check it out if that interests you. Anyways, thanks for reading, let me know what you think, and I will be back sometime with the sequel!