Note: "Imago Liberatio" and the Imago curse were made up by me, if there is any similarity with anything in the Harry Potter series it is most likely that I read it somewhere and couldn't find it again so I gave it a different name. The references to a 'Zecken' are also made up by me. I used a German term and gave it a Harry Potter history.

Chapter 3

Coward!

I could still taste his lips even after I made my way back to my room. Although I was immensely tired my thoughts raced. Should I have bitten him? What would he have done if I hadn't? Could he have truly been genuine? No - No way. Not Draco.

I lay limp in my bed staring at the ceiling. The way he'd roused my emotions made me want to cast the Informis curse again. I wanted to twist his body the way he'd twisted my judgment.

The sheets crumpled under my body. It didn't matter how much I shifted, relief avoided me. It was as though I were a misplaced hatchling in another bird's nest. He'd placed me there in that odd, awkward place. I just wanted peace. Where was my serenity tonight? There was no solace for me in this large musty castle.

The room seemed to shrivel. Imaginary cellophane tightened around my spiritual being. I was suffocating. Panic raced in my chest and I needed to escape. Get out, Persy. Get some air. I needed to break free. Even with the chance of running into Draco again I needed to escape that room.

So, I fled to my hideaway, my sacred spot. I could be alone with my thoughts. The lake was the only thing that understood what was going on inside of me. With its flowing ripples changed by the slightest wind, it understood my soul and how one action from another individual stirred disorder in my heart.

I suddenly heard a rustling in the trees that seemed to continuously grow louder. Annoyed, I leapt to my feet and scanned the trees. My eyes searched for whatever could have disturbed my peace. I had a feeling it was Draco.

"Who's there?! Come out! Show yourself!" I waited for a response but didn't receive one. "I know it's you, Draco! Get out here! NOW!" I yanked my wand from my cloak and readied it behind my back. A familiar voice echoed but I could not make out who it was. It was getting closer and I was getting nervous. "DracoMalfoy!"

An image jumped out of the trees and began running in circles. It was Neville! He was running 'round and 'round jittering and flailing.

"Get off! Get off! Oh for Merlin's sake!" He fell to his knees, still flailing his arms as he spotted me. "Persy! Help me Persy! Get them off!"

What was he carrying on about? There was nothing there. I thought for a moment that Neville had gone certifiably insane. Until, wait, wasn't that one of my father's spells? Yes, it was a mind spell. I remembered him teaching it to me. You'd imagine being attacked by your biggest fear until the caster felt the need to release you. Oh, what was the counter for it?

"Imago Liberatio!" He fell forward with his hands wrapped around his head. "Who did this?"

"Who do you think?" He paused and I didn't answer. "…Why were you calling for Malfoy?"

"I…" Choose your words wisely, Persy. "I… Oh you know how much he loves to torture me. Draco did this?" He definitely didn't need to know about my confrontation. I could see him now becoming all macho and marching back to Draco just to sock him in the nose, then losing again.

"Of course, who else?"

"Why?"

"Why not?" Neville brushed himself off.

"It's taken care of now."

"Right." Neville wasn't very talented at sarcasm nor was he at hiding what he felt. His shirt collar was flipped upside down so I attempted to straighten it and spotted a burn on his neck. He pushed my hands away.

"What was that?"

"Nothing…"

"It's not 'nothing'. That looked like a burn." I yanked his collar away to see the burn again. "How'd this happen?"

"Malfoy's wand." He looked down at his feet and I was suddenly angry. What did Draco want with Neville? Why did he attack him? How absolutely cruel!

"…You don't know why he did this to you?"

"Well… I was heading from dinner and he cut me off in the hallway. Odd one him, he was by himself, I thought that unusual. He sneers at me and says 'Stay away from Persy!' I responded 'Absolutely not! Persy's my girl.' That's when he drew his wand." Neville pulled his shirt collar back around his neck.

"I'm your girl?" I raised my brows. This was news to me and oddly I regretted him saying it. I felt the cellophane envelope me again. I couldn't breathe.

"Of course you are." He wrapped his arm around my shoulder and we settled back into my spot.

"What happened next?"

"Curious tonight?"

"A bit…"

"Hmm…" He looked at me for a moment. I fancied he was contemplating.

"What?"

"Ah it's nothing." He tightened his arm about me. "Anyway, he says 'She's your girl? You couldn't bag a bird if your petty life bet on it.' and I say 'Right, she's my girl. You stop tormenting her!' then he burned me." He tapped the front of his cloak. "After that I pulled out my wand and attempted to jinx him but he was too quick. I was seeing bats before I knew it. I hate bats!"

"I see." I was extremely confused. It sounded almost as if Draco were trying to cut me off. That couldn't be, but why else would he tell Neville to stay away? I wasn't sure, but I needed to get to the bottom of this. I couldn't have Neville in the hospital wing because of me. What could I do? I wasn't going to sit down and have a talk with him. No way!

I cuddled close to Neville and we spent some time under my tree together before bed. Though, that night I didn't sleep comfortably, yet again. My thoughts were racing at the speed of light. I just couldn't shake Draco out of my head. That damned arrogant, pompous, conceited, spoilt…

Neville was beginning to spend quite a bit of time with me outside of classes, meeting me in the courtyard and by the lake where I usually sat alone. He even ate dinner with me one night and I fancied Draco was staring at us jealously.

As far from the truth as that was I still imagined he was sitting at the Slytherin table with his cold, grey eyes fixated on us. That thought brought a feeling I couldn't understand, almost satisfaction.

Word started to spread about a dance this year. It wasn't fancy like a ball, but an ordinary dance, the first one I'd heard of since I started at Hogwarts. From what I'd heard it was a few months away so I wasn't too worried. Avoidance was a known strategy of mine when it came to social gatherings. I would have a stomach ache or a headache, maybe a bout of the common cold.

I remembered the Yule Ball in fourth year. Beauxbatons and Durmstrang had come to our school to take part in the Tri-wizard Tournament. It was extremely exciting! My cousins Beatrix and Dagmar, twin girls from Germany, were there as well. They were the same age as I and shared my dislike for Draco immediately. His father had sent him schmoozing when he discovered they were arriving. He obviously thought that a girl from a long line of dark wizards would be the perfect match for his son, figuring he'd catch the eye of one or the other. I remember it like it was yesterday. They were disgusted.

"Persephone!" exclaimed demure Dagmar. Her hair was curly and blond and her frame was dainty but curvy even at her young age. She had a talent for manipulation and persuasion. She was extremely clever and conniving and knew how to get anything she wanted, even from her sister. On the outside she seemed to be sweet, kind, and quiet. Which she could be if you were on her good side, but when crossed you wouldn't know when it was coming or in what way.

"Why you father send you here?!" Beatrix asked. Her violet eyes washed over the room as her long straight black hair wisped around her shoulders. She was a girl quick to anger and brooding. Once enraged she was insatiable. Beatrix was a hellion and not one to be reckoned with.

When we were children she blew up her parents' kitchen because the cook would not make her blueberry flapjacks. Her first boyfriend was hospitalized after she caught him kissing another girl, and her first year at Durmstrang she was temporarily suspended for hanging a girl from the roof by her shoelaces. When asked why she did it she simply said that she deserved it. There were few people who could calm her. One being Dagmar, another was her father, and lastly me.

In their surprise to see me they came rushing over and left Draco standing in the main entrance. We'd hugged, sat down, and chatted about our childhood, but I swore them to secrecy about my identity. Mother would've killed me if I'd let anyone know I was a Gutweg or if my father found out where I was.

Whether Draco was jealous of the attention I'd gotten or just hated me all-together, I didn't know. The only thing I knew for sure was that he brought his cronies over to our little clique and began to ridicule me. As many times as Draco had teased me - that time I felt worth the least.

"Phony Persy! My you look lovely this evening! Was your dress a hand-me-down from the Weasleys?" He bowed over in laughter as did his colleagues. "Say, you don't belong at a Ball, Phony. You belong in the pig-pens with the rest of the Mudbloods!" Beatrix's eyes flooded with anger at the accusation and she flew to her feet with her wand drawn.

"Sit down, Beatrix." I said.

"Persephone! Why… you let him speak to you zis way?" said Beatrix as she glared back at me. "And to speak of muggle-born zis way…heresy." She shook her head. "Nazism…"

"It doesn't make a difference, Beatrix." I replied.

"Yes it does! You are not what he says! Your fazer is most prestigious writer in…"

"Beatrix, No!"

"Fine. Even if you were as he says, what does zis matter? Oooo! I have no problem causing zis miscreant dog pain!" Her wand flicked and I jumped out of my seat. "Cru-." I flew between them and grabbed her wand.

"Let him be. What does it matter what he calls me? I'll fight my own battles."

"Right! Listen to the Mud-" Draco started. I snatched Beatrix's wand and turned a one-eighty. I pointed it straight at his nose causing his eyes to cross.

"Keep your trap shut. I'm not standing up for you, nor will I ever." He squirmed and winced in anticipation. Once I knew he'd be quiet for a moment I flipped around and handed the wand back to Beatrix. "You guys had better go."

"You sure, Persephone? I would like very much…make him suffer."

"Yes…" I replied. She pursed her lips and nodded.

"Nice seeing you again, cousin." she said, and I winced. So much for secrets.

"Cousin?" Draco's eyebrows rose and his gaze rested on me.

"Come, Dagmar." She whipped around and her sister left her seat as well. Dagmar sauntered over to Draco. She stopped in front of him and looked him up and down with disgust, as if he had a foul odor.

"Zecken!" I could tell by his curious reaction that he didn't know what she meant. This brought a giggle to my lips as my cousins exited the scene.

"What is so funny, Phony?" He sneered at me.

"She just called you a Bloodsucker, what German wizards call a pure-blood supremacist. It's the equivalent insult of a Mudblood to you, twit." I do believe that was the only time I'd ever thought of protecting Draco. He was lucky I had.

Memories, they were exactly why I wouldn't go to that dance. Well, that was what I planned unless Neville decided to make a move and ask me. I doubted he would. He claimed I was his girl, yes, but took absolutely no effort to make it official.

It was a pretty day. The sun shined bright without a single cloud to block its rays. A chill was in the air as I sat by a tree in the courtyard, cross-legged, with my imagination wandering. I daydreamed.

I was at the dance and it was spectacular. The ceiling glittered with thousands of stars and soft music played in the background. Students from all houses were having a great time but I was standing in a corner leaning against the wall in the most horrific dress I'd ever seen. What could possibly have convinced me to wear such a vile thing?

The dress was spotted, black and white with Chinese fringe flowers and ghastly ruffles on the arms. How humiliating! I pulled out my wand and attempted to change the color of the dress with no success.

Neville entered with a Hufflepuff girl at his side who was sporting that god-awful canary yellow. I imagined Sylvester the cat entering the room and chasing her about. Now that would be a funny sight to see; a Hufflepuff being chased around by Sylvester!

Realization hit me. Why was Neville with another girl? I thought he'd surely spend the dance with me if he went at all. I was his girl wasn't I?

My eyes caught a dark figure coming toward me. He was dressed in a black suit with a black undershirt. He reminded me of a Greek god; a god of darkness and destruction.

"Persy!" I felt a hand shaking my arm. "Wake up."

"Hey..." I opened my eyes. Neville was kneeling beside me with a little too much energy for my taste.

"Herbology was amazing. You should give it another chance, Persy. I think you'd really like it if I taught you a little."

"I'm sure you're a great teacher." I grinned and his arm swept around my shoulder.

"I would like to teach you." Neville smiled then straightened himself proudly. "I've been meaning to ask you something." He fumbled about in his pocket for a moment and I thought I glimpsed something shiny. "Well, you know I care about you and well I thought I'd give you something that tells everyone." He opened his hand and revealed a silver necklace with the letters P and N engraved into the pendant.

So the shiny object hadn't been my imagination. Everything else had though, and I was disappointed. There was no Hufflepuff being chased by Sylvester and Draco definitely wasn't approaching. Wait. Yes he was! He was marching swiftly across the courtyard. Oh no. What now?! Would I ever be rid of this parasite?! I glanced behind us hoping that there was a slight chance there would be someone. Not a soul. He was coming at us.

"Put the necklace away!" I said. Neville scowled and like a scolded child he stuffed it into his pocket. "I just don't want him to see it!" We both moved to our feet with Draco closing in. "He'll mock us."

"So? What does it matter what he thinks, Persy? I love-"

"Hogwarts' own little lovebirds are at it again." Draco crossed his arms and smirked. "Do you mind if I borrow your beloved for a moment Longbottom? I'm sure she doesn't. The dame seems to get around."

"Well I never!" I leapt out and punched him in the jaw. He turned and held steady for a moment. "Never assume I don't mind being around you, Malfoy. You'll be in for a big surprise. I doubt your spoilt pride could handle the shock."

He turned on me maliciously. His face was only inches away and obviously my punch hadn't been that strong. It didn't even leave a mark. I could feel his anger and the heat of his body fighting the cold breeze. My chest ached as his hands clasped my arms and he pushed me against the tree.

"Neville?!" I yelled. He'd shrunken away and begun heading inside. "Goddammit Neville, you coward!"

"Loverboy didn't stick around very long, did he?" said Draco. He released me and I was surprised. "He's probably scared he'll see bats again." He laughed. "I'd be more careful in choosing partners if I were you. He doesn't even bother to protect his lady."

"I would escape too if you'd caused me to see the thing I hated most. Oh wait, you already do. It's you!" I'd hurt him, not physically, but I knew for the first time I'd hurt him. I saw it in his eyes. He swallowed and I expected him to say something extremely cruel.

"Well you're free now. Hurry along."

"You're insufferable…"

"Am I? Then why are you bothering to carry a conversation?"

I grabbed my sack from the ground and left him there. It felt like I was carrying a bag of boulders. My energy was spent for the day. He was like a vampire that found its only solace in sucking the happiness out of everything in life.

I needed to find Neville. No good wimp that he was! He'd never been cowardly before. From what I remembered he'd even won his house 10 points in first year for bravery. I understood his fear, but Draco had attacked us all at one time or another.

"Persy!" An arm shot out and pulled me out of sight. "Persy, I'm sorry." Gentle lips kissed me and I wanted to forgive them, but I just couldn't bring myself to. Leaving your woman in the hands of someone like Draco was just unspeakable.

My hand met his chest and pushed him back. His scorned expression was hard to bear and I suddenly felt guilty. Should I have put on the necklace, and if I had would it have made a difference? Would Neville have stood up for me then?

"I need to be alone." I avoided his eyes and carried myself quickly toward the school. I sped to my room and as soon as I arrived I threw myself on the bed and cried. "Why you, Persy?" I asked myself out loud. "Of all of the students at Hogwarts you were the least likely to even have a boy interested in you and what happens? Everyone loses their minds!" My pillow was a comfort as I soaked it with tears. "Stupid, stupid girl! The only one you can count on is you!"

The exhausted, emotionally wrecked body I dwelled in curled into a fetal position and fell asleep. I don't know how long I slept but it was dark when I awoke. I'd missed my last two classes. Not that it mattered; I was horrible in them anyway. Pomfrey would just have to believe that I was out with a headache. Slughorn and Snape would make sure my name was marked off of the day's roster, but otherwise it wouldn't be noticed.

I stretched and felt a few pops in my joints as I moved to my feet and looked in the mirror. My hair was a mess and I quickly took the pins out and brushed everything back into place. My eyes were bloodshot from crying and my face was still a bit puffy, but other than that I was passable as long as no-one got too close. A deep growl sounded from my stomach and I glanced outside. Dinner wouldn't be over yet; I bet I could still make it.

Apparently dinner had only just started. I was thrilled. After a day like that I needed a good meal. A dish of chicken and dumplings appeared before me when I sat down and it smelled delicious. During the meal my eyes wandered the room. They stopped once on Draco who seemed to be having a great time in conversation though he was sporting one nasty black eye. I'd rather he be lying in the hospital wing miserable from the pain he'd caused others. The black eye served him right.

My gaze then shifted to the Gryffindor tables; there was Hermione and Ron, Harry and Ginny, but no Neville. I found that quite odd and decided I should muster the courage to approach their table. They were friendly and I was sure Harry was the one to approach. In all his fame he'd still been one of the kindest people I'd ever come in contact with; brave, sweet, courageous, a true Gryffindor. If it weren't for a large bit of respect I had for Ginny, I'd have swooned over him long ago.

Everyone but Neville was there. Where was he? Why wasn't he at dinner? I gathered the courage to ask and left my half-eaten dinner on the table. My heartbeat was rapid and sweat was pooling in the palms of my hands as I came near the famous Gryffindor.

I wasn't the type to approach someone I didn't know, but I felt the need to know where Neville was. I stopped behind Harry, silent, as his group stared. Hermione rolled her eyes and Ron seemed lightly amused. Ginny sent me a heated almost defensive glare but Harry only turned around and smiled.

"Yes?" he said.

"I was wondering if…" Ginny's hands clenched. I thought for sure she'd jump over the table, grow claws, and lay into me. "Maybe…"

"Hmm?" he hurried me.

"You've seen Neville?" I asked.

Hermione seemed shocked like she'd never expect a girl to come looking for Neville and Ron giggled. She elbowed him. Ginny relaxed and Harry grinned.

"You're Persy aren't you?" he asked.

"Yes… He's mentioned me?"

"He doesn't shut up about you!" Ron exclaimed and received another elbow to the side. "What?! It's true! Herbology and the Ravenclaw girl, that's all that comes out his bloody mouth anymore."

"He's in detention; the library to be exact, organizing books." Harry's grin faded. "This is only what I've heard, but apparently he and Malfoy had a scuffle."

"Why isn't Draco in detention?"

"Oh come now. Everyone knows Draco is Snape's pet. He's the one who separated them." Ginny added.

"Ugh!" I glanced in Draco's direction to find him looking at me with a sly grin. I then marched out of the room and headed toward the library.

Neville was on top of a large ladder pushing a pile of books into place, but they kept floating out and back into random spots. He didn't complain or even curse himself, but just continued to place the books back in no matter how many times they floated away.

"Neville." I said. He looked down and almost lost his balance.

"Be a minute. Be right there, Persy." He climbed down very slowly and I was becoming impatient. As he landed on the last step and turned around I kissed him. He reacted immediately by wrapping his arms around my waist. Maybe he did care about me.

"I'm sorry. I should have forgiven you."

"It's okay." He caressed my cheek. "I need to talk to you." His arm wrapped around my shoulder, pulled me to a table, and motioned me into a seat. "I should get right to it." He wrung his hands together and I knew that wasn't a good sign.

"What is it?"

"I don't think we should see each-other anymore."

"Why ever not?!" My heart crashed into the acidic bile of my stomach and dissolved slowly. "You said we were going to make it official! You were going to give me a necklace! You were my best friend…"

"It's complicated…I'm still your best friend and I'll still give you the necklace if you like but it won't stand for the same thing."

"This is ridiculous."

"I care about you, I do, but this isn't right. I'm so sorry, Persy."

"Don't do this."

"I'm sorry."

"You, Neville, are gutless." I jumped to my feet. "If this is what you want then I can't stop you, but if you're doing this because of Draco, then you don't care about me at all." My body ached all over. I felt like I'd just been hit by a bus and I was dragging around the mangled remains.

He didn't respond. His eyes fell to the table and in his own way I knew he was telling me to leave. So I did. I left him there and didn't look back.