I've been away for a long long time. I'm very sorry. Just got caught up in life and lost track of this finished story just sitting on my computer. Apologies to anyone still reading. I hope to get all of the chapters up really soon.
Chapter 7
Goodbye, Persy.
I woke up in the hospital wing with my pockets emptied and a massive headache. What could have possibly caused me to pass out? Maybe I didn't know the answer to that, but what I did know is that I felt horrible, like I'd been hit by a train.
"Ow… My head." I moaned as a blurry image hurried toward me. My hand reached for my glasses but was intercepted before I could reach them. Who was that?
"Here I'll put these on you." My glasses slid on and the image became clear. Wonderful. It was Draco.
"Get out of here. You're going to get me in trouble!" I shifted in the bed trying to at least gain comfort.
"In trouble? You won't get in trouble with me around. One call to my father and Pomfrey would be out of a job." He sniffed. A wand appeared at his neck and I knew it was Pomfrey. Interesting place to pull your wand on a student.
"Is that so?" He grabbed his wand and flipped around, pointing it in her face. Now that was pompous. To think that you're so powerful you can pull your wand on a staff member. "I will tell you this one more time, Mr. Malfoy. Leave or you will be suspended. She's already been through enough. The last thing the girl needs is you."
"Draco…" I said, reaching out for his cape. My fingers grasped the edge of the material and I tried to pull myself up. I didn't know why I was even requesting. He wouldn't listen to me. He'd probably push my hand off. "Put away your wand."
My energy was depleted and my fingers lost their grip. Wooziness filled my brain and I went falling off of the bed, glimpsing a wand clanking to the floor. Then everything went black…but I didn't pass out. He caught me and laid me on the bed, making himself comfortable as he sat beside me.
"You could have torn my cloak." His expression snotty.
"At least nothing happened to the floor." I said, referencing the night in the room of requirement. A grin spread on his face.
"Absolutely. We couldn't have that."
"Mr. Malfoy, this is your last chance." Pomfrey edged. He glared back at her defiantly.
"If I have any say in this…" I said.
"I would say you do."
"I would prefer that he be escorted out…" His proud smugness gave way to anger. I knew what he was thinking, that I'd betrayed him. I damn well should have but I wanted to know the truth. All of the worrying and strife had put me here so why let it take me further into turmoil?
He'd humiliated me by placing that pendant around my neck and I wanted to give it back to him now. After that I could avoid him all I wanted and move on with my life.
"Well then Mr. Malfoy, if you will-."
"…but let him stay, please." Pomfrey appeared puzzled but contemplated.
"Oh? Are you sure Miss Moonbeam?"
"Yes." I broke my gaze from her and stared into his eyes. He was still angry. Let him be. He deserved it with everything he'd put me through.
"You believe avoiding me will make me disappear..."
"Usually, yes. Right now, no." I attempted to push myself into a sitting position but I was too weak. He continued looking at me and I at him. I couldn't manage to lift myself. "Are you going to help me or not?" I said breathlessly.
"Could it be that Persy actually needs me?" He replied as he pulled back the sheets and looked my body up and down. "I think I'll just help myself."
"You wish." I gave him the evil eye and weakly pulled the sheets all of the way to my neck. "I ask you for one favor and you have to make it about yourself." I readjusted in the bed with my back to him.
"Well, I was thinking about you." I felt his hand trail my shoulder, then my neck, and then his finger swirling around my ear. I shivered at his touch and wished he were a kinder being so that I could turn around and melt into his arms.
"Please don't touch me." I responded with the exact opposite of what I wanted, but if I'd welcomed him it would only give him the wrong idea. Why send him the message that I really wanted him when I was trying to end the vicious circle of love and hate.
"So you want me to touch you somewhere else? Alright." His hand slid under the covers and rubbed my back. I let my eyes close softly, enjoying the warmth of his hand.
"Stop touching me or I'll call Pomfrey." I forced out. He retracted his hand immediately and I felt his weight lift off of the bed. Good he was leaving. I could rest easy now. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the silence. It lasted for a few moments until I could feel something close to me again. I knew someone was there.
"I know you didn't mean that. I've been thinking, Persy." His hand slipped into my hair but I didn't dare open my eyes. "You should visit Malfoy Manor over spring break. I would like to show you the gardens." I quickly flipped over and faced the other side of the bed. I really didn't want to face him now. My chest was aching. He really wanted to spend time with me? I heard him sigh, then walk heavily around the bed.
"Do you honestly think turning over is going to make me leave?"
"That's the idea." I opened my eyes and raised my brows snottily.
"If you want me to leave then why did you tell Pomfrey to let me stay?"
"I wanted to give you this back." I took off the pendant and tossed it to him. "You put it on the wrong girl."
"No I didn't."
"I don't want it."
"Yes you do." He leaned over and attempted to clasp it around my neck.
"I'm serious, Draco. I don't want it. You deceived me. Why would you do such a thing?"
"I love you. I did that so the peons knew that you were mine."
"What? Other boys?" I looked at him like he was crazy. "Do you see any boys waiting in line to date me?!"
"They're petrified of me. If I weren't around, there would be a line."
"Do you have any idea who you're talking about?" I tried to push myself up again but failed and his arms slid around to help me up.
"If you only knew what they say about you."
"Who?"
"Doesn't matter. You're mine."
"I am?" I said with a scoff.
"It's smashing you've finally accepted it." He moved forward and hovered over my neck. His breath was warm and invigorating. Then he kissed it softly and lingered for a few seconds. I felt him clasp the necklace. "Wear it proudly." His breath was sweet fire, causing my skin to scream.
"Do that again..." I'd lost control. My hormones were talking for me. He smirked and buried his face in my neck, my hand resting on the back of his head. I tried to keep him there but the more he kissed my neck the more I wanted to kiss his lips. I pulled back and moved his face upward. "No, up here." He kissed the bottom of my chin, then the top, then my lips.
My arms flew around his neck and in a flash he had me crushed against him. Then his hand moved to my hip and he pressed me backward against the bed.
"I take it you're feeling better, Miss Moonbeam." Snape's voice rang out. Draco jumped up immediately.
"Uhh… Umm…" Draco started toward Snape.
"No explanation needed, Mister Malfoy." Snape said as he plopped his hand onto Draco's shoulder then looked at me. I threw the sheets over my head embarrassed.
"Persy is… uhh… very tired and needs her rest." Draco said.
"You seriously expect me to believe what you two were doing was rest?" Snape said.
"He was just visiting-." I said as I pulled the sheets down.
"Miss Moonbeam, I will address you in a minute." He replied. I sighed and rolled my eyes, then rolled over on my side, facing away.
"I can expl-."
"Quiet, Draco. I don't want to hear it." Footsteps approached the bed. "Persy, turn around." I rolled over and glared at him. "Sit up." I tried but my strength was still low, and he helped me into a sitting position.
"Thanks…" I said.
"Missing anything?" I became alarmed and immediately remembered that my pockets were empty. My eyes enlarged and I searched around my area. The cloth wasn't there.
"I don't know-." I said.
"I have the fabric. I thought that you should know."
"Oh. Well thank you, sir."
"Come by my office after dinner and it will be returned to you." He raised his brows and I furrowed mine.
"Yes sir."
"You're lucky there is an extended lunch period today." He looked at me then at Draco and walked away, then stopped. Pomfrey was coming toward us. "Would you mind helping me with something?" He said to her.
"I should stay here with the students."
"It will only take a few moments." He guided her out of the room and I heard the door lock. Only a few seconds later Draco made his way back onto the bed.
"Now where were we?" His hand slid into my hair and he pulled me into a kiss. I pulled away.
"I need my rest." I teased. He smirked and kissed me again.
"You need me." I nuzzled him.
"You don't deserve another chance."
"I don't need one. I never did anything wrong." I bit his lip.
"You think deceiving me isn't wrong?"
"I didn't deceive you." He kissed my forehead. "I claimed you. There's a difference."
"So now I'm a prize?"
"You always have been." His lips met mine and he pushed me against the bed again.
That evening I was released after Pomfrey administered the last potion to return my strength. I was lucky, it was just in time for dinner and I was starved! I ate heartily and Luna was there to make sure I ate every last bite.
"I can't believe you passed out. I came to visit you last night but you were sleeping. Neville was there too. We talked for a while. He's nice, kind of an odd one he is." She stared off into space with a warm smile. "Would you like some of my dinner?"
"No, thank you. I'm full." I replied.
"I'll leave it for you if you prefer." Luna said. "I must be going. I have to meet somebody. See you later." She got up and left me there. Who could she be meeting? She didn't have a boyfriend that I knew of. Interesting.
I thought about Neville saving me. I would have to thank him next time I saw him. How long had he stayed by my side? I thought about him for a few moments, then about Draco. Neville was the past now, and Draco was standing on his second chance. I hoped that I was making the right decision.
Speaking of Neville, he didn't have a girlfriend either. I wondered what he and Luna would be like if they were together and smirked. They would be an odd couple.
After dinner I made my way to Snape's office. I didn't know if he'd really meant for me to see him or if it had just been a cover-up so that Draco wouldn't know I had the helm. Either way I would just pop in to see.
My feet took me lightly down the halls. I felt sprightly and believed then that I would never miss another meal. As usual no one noticed me as I slipped into Snape's office and closed the door. He was sitting at his desk rummaging through papers. I cleared my voice.
"Persy, have a seat." I came forward into the room and sat in the chair across from him.
"Did you want to speak with me?" I said.
"Yes." I swallowed hard.
"But you already have the helm back."
"It is about your father, and Draco." I panicked. My father? Draco? He glanced at me then sat up straight and glared down at me condescendingly.
"I don't understand. Is something wrong with my father?" I jumped up. "Please tell me where he is."
"Your father is fine, sit down." I returned to my chair and stared at him in anticipation. "I am telling you this in complete secrecy. Keep this to yourself, Persephone."
"Okay." I sat on the edge of my seat.
"Draco does not know of this and he must not find out. Hold out your hand."
"Why?"
"Do it, now." I held out my hand and he turned it palm up, laying it on the table then pulled out his wand. "Secretum Fabula!" He flicked his wand and my palm stung.
"Ah!" I jumped up. The image of a key tattooed itself into my hand then disappeared. "What in the hell was that?!" He stood up and walked around his desk, approaching me.
"As much as I would like to believe that I can trust you to keep silence about the helm, and about what I am going to tell you, I cannot take that chance again. You weren't careful enough last time, Miss Moonbeam. This is far too important and I can't risk a foolish child losing things about the school." He leaned against the desk. "With this spell you will not be able to speak of this subject with anyone but me."
"A spell to keep me quiet? You aren't going to hurt me are you?"
"No, silly child." He chucked a book down in front of me. 'The Helm of Darkness.' It read on the title, then below that: 'The history of the legendary Helm of Hades by Gustav Gutweg.' I suddenly became very confused. I shook my head in disbelief.
"My father didn't write that."
"Yes, he did." He opened the book and pointed at the golden signature just inside of the first page. It read 'To Severus, your lifelong friend, Gustav.'
"Why don't I know about this book?"
"Because you don't need to know everything." He picked up the book and flipped through the pages until he came to a picture of my father and showed it to me again. "Your father wrote this just after the first wizarding war. It was taken out of print immediately because of the dangers the helm held. Dark wizards were searching everywhere for it."
"Because it makes you invisible."
"Not just invisible. The powers in this helm are strong enough that the witch or wizard may walk right through another. You do not make a sound, save for the betrayal of speech." He closed the book. "In Greek mythology there was a weapon made for the god Hades during the war Titanomachy when the gods defeated the Titans, sending them to Tartarus."
"How did it get into human hands?" I asked.
"Hush. I'm not finished." He walked behind me and I lost temporary sight of him. "It is made of dogskin, with wings attached, but of course you know that. You've worn it."
"So you're hiding it in the school? Why?"
"Not hiding." He placed the cloth onto the table.
"Your father knows of your presence in Hogwarts. He always has."
"Then why doesn't he come and see me?" I said.
"He thought it best for you to be with your mother."
"I don't understand what the point is in telling me this."
"Lucius Malfoy wants to smuggle you to his manor and bring you to your father with the Helm, which is why I have it. The helm was sent by Voldemort."
"So this isn't some hidden artifact from the ministry to help Dumbledore! You double crossing…!" I jumped up yelling at him.
"Silence!" He hovered over me. "I will tell you one last time to sit down." I slunk back in my seat cowering. He'd never spoken to me like that. It was demanding, and parental. "There. Now that we have that covered." He stuffed the cloth back into his pocket and hid the book in his desk. "Dumbledore wants the helm, to return it to its rightful owner. That is why I agreed to bring it to Hogwarts, not to help Lucius."
"Alright then. Why would he send the helm here to smuggle me out just to give me back to my father?" I raised my brows. "Are they blackmailing him?"
"Blackmailing?" he sighed. "No, Mr. Malfoy wouldn't dream of blackmailing Gutweg. Not being his biggest fan. He wants knowledge, and your father's copy of The Helm of Darkness, for Voldemort."
"So that he can go anywhere and do anything without being detected…"
"Clever girl. I always believed you should have been a Slytherin, but it is the intelligence that sets you apart."
"How is it going to help me to know about this?"
"So that you are watchful and careful of who you befriend. I am sure that he does not trust me completely, so keep your eyes peeled."
"You mean Draco."
"He doesn't know. His father didn't know about you until you told Draco you were a pureblood."
"Are you sure he didn't change toward me because of that?"
"I'm sure he did, but he was already on mission before. His sphere-." He stopped. "Nevermind that."
"Sphere? I heard that before. What is it?"
"Nothing important." He said sternly and I decided to change the subject.
"Was my father disappointed that I wasn't in Slytherin?"
"No. Your mother was a Ravenclaw." I sat and thought for a few minutes then began to get up. I gathered my things and made my way toward the door then stopped.
"You said you wanted to talk to me about Draco." I turned my head.
"Yes. I wanted to advise you to know what you are getting into. His father and aunt are death eaters. He will not change into someone like that boy… Neville." He sneered. "Be careful."
"Well, Professor Snape." I turned completely around. "Remember the family I come from, and my mentor. Besides, who would want someone perfect?" I smiled slightly.
"Well then, I only ask that you watch your steps and your words."
"I will. And Professor Snape?"
"Yes?"
"I think what kept me from being in Slytherin is not that I'm extremely smart, but that I don't share the same values." He nodded and I exited the room, letting out a deep breath. Talk about an exhausting conversation.
I walked for a while to clear my thoughts. Not long and I would have to head back to my dorm. This was a lot to take in and I couldn't tell anyone! And it wasn't just that I was sworn to secrecy but that I couldn't physically say anything. I had to carry this horrible burden, this worry, and this decision.
In those moments I was already considering finding my father. I even thought of marching straight up to Snape and demanding to know where he was. I did care for my mother but she was becoming increasingly unloving as the days went by. Sometimes I wondered if it was because I reminded her of my father. Maybe she still loved him…
I decided to go to the library and draw my thoughts out by studying. I entered the eerily dark room and made my way through the tall stuffy corridors. Just as it had always been, too large and ominous.
My thoughts hovered over what subject to study but I couldn't decide on one I was interested in reading at that moment. I leaned against the bookcase and let out a sigh. Then my mind wandered to Draco. Should I steer clear of him?
He seemed honest and truthful but what if it was all a plan to help his father? What if he knew about it and Snape had no idea he was in on it? It would all fall together and explain why he was suddenly 'in love' with me. Oh I hoped that wasn't true. I hoped deep down into the heart of my soul that he wasn't using me. Just when I'd started to let him in I got news like this.
My mistrust for him led me to look for a book about Sincerus paper. I wanted to know what it was, if it actually existed. So I searched and found a book on truth spells and serums, charms and such, and sifted through it. I wanted to know why Draco's letter had sounded so different from him, and if it, and in all if he had really written it.
I moved about in the chair to get comfortable and flipped the pages. Truth Serum, no. Truth be told curse, no. Sincerus Paper! Jackpot! I pressed the pages open and dug my eyes into the words.
It read:
Sincerus paper is what would be called in other words truth paper. This makes for absolutely honest and pure correspondence between partners and colleagues. If one needs to relay a message or is under interrogation, this paper may be made to ensure that nothing comes forth but complete truth.
An easy but long process, it takes three days of concentration from the creator, and all words must be written by the witch or wizard who is creating the paper.
Tools needed:
1 Eye of Newt
2 hairs from your head
5 Toadstools
4 level tablespoons Balm of Gilead
1 Cyclamen petal
Parchment Paper
Cauldron
4 vials of Truth Serum (See page 93)
5 drops of blood
First Day: The serum is created and two of the vials and two drops of blood are combined. This must simmer for four hours exactly, no longer no shorter. Then it must be taken from heat and allowed to congeal for two minutes.
Add Eye of Newt and hair, stir into mixture until potion turns bright blue and it becomes hard to stir. Place back onto heat for three hours. Cool overnight.
Second Day: Place Toadstools on top of hardened mixture. (DO NOT return to heat. Toadstools will heat mixture.) Once mixture is softened add Balm of Gilead and one drop of blood, then add parchment and stir for five minutes. Remove paper and hang to dry. Let cool over night. (Mixture will not congeal, do not leave somewhere that it may spill.)
Third Day: Stir mixture well. Add Cyclamen, 2 drops of blood and last two vials of truth serum. Insert paper once more. Stir five minutes. Let dry for one hour.
Once your paper is dry then you are free to write whatever message you want to relay, but forewarning, this letter cannot be anonymous, it will sign your name in your own blood and seal itself. (If you wanted Anonymity Paper see page 54)
Once your letter is sealed send it to the recipient and wait for a response. Good luck!
(Note: Sudden loss of control of your quill may happen. This is only proof that the paper is working, and in some cases your quill may write in a different style, you may say things you would normally repress, your language may differ, and ramblings may occur.)
I held my breath. He went to that much trouble to write one letter? Then it was simple. There was no way that someone else could have written it. It had to have been Draco, and he was telling the truth. My fingers trailed over the page and I smiled.
"Well well well, a Ravenclaw who questions her own intelligence." I jumped up and flung my book on the floor, accidentally hitting him in his chin. "Ugh! What the hell! Stupid prat!"
"Oh Draco." I said sweetly. He sat there silent holding his chin for a few moments. "Did you bite your tongue or do you want me to do that again?"
"You want to make it up to me? Then come kiss it better." He held his hand to his chin and I closed the space between us and stood in front of him.
"Well are you going to move your hand or not?" I said. He dropped his hand and looked back and forth at mine that were still at my sides as if he were waiting for me to slap him which I should have. I raised my hand and slid it into his hair, he pulled me into his lap, and I kissed him.
"Seriously, about the paper-." I interrupted him with another kiss. I was glad I'd looked in the book. I needed the confirmation that he truly meant what he'd said. It was all explained and now I could just enjoy being around him.
It lasted for a while but my lips trailed to his neck and I rested my head there. This was so different, so strange, being with him. He wasn't different but everything else was. I didn't feel that I had to worry about taunting or teasing.
"You aren't a prat, or stup-." I kissed him again. He was admitting he was wrong and that set me on fire. Not ever, not once had he admitted that he was wrong.
"Just shut up." I said, smirking at him. I began to play with his tie.
"So I guess we won't be doing any talking tonight."
"We can talk when we're thirty." I winked and began to tug at his tie. I wanted to kiss his neck and the damned thing was too tight.
"Sweetheart, what are you doing?" He asked.
"I'm trying to loosen your tie so it's easier to kiss your neck." I looked up at him and he grinned then loosened it himself.
"Better?" He asked and I nodded, kissing it gently. I lingered and his hands met my hips lifting me off of his lap and placing my feet back on the floor, then he closed the book and grabbed my hand, leading me out of the library.
"What… Where are we going?" I whispered as we exited the library and moved down the hall.
"Somewhere more private." He said and I stopped. He tugged my hand for a second then turned.
"Draco, that's not what I had in mind." My eyes pleaded, I knew they did. I wasn't going to jump into the sack with him already! He rolled his eyes.
"I'm not going to shag you." His nose upturned as if he didn't approve of me and I suddenly felt small and reacted out of old instinct.
"Good. Well I don't want to 'shag' you either." I jerked my hand away and marched in front of him.
"Good then. Go shag Potter or Longbottom."
"Maybe I will!" I flipped around and glared at him. "Harry would be a hell of a better boyfriend than you." His face became stone and he trudged at me and grabbed my arm.
"You won't touch Potter."
"Draco, you're hurting me." He loosened his hand but his expression didn't change.
"You won't touch him."
"Of course I won't." I furrowed my brows in confusion. "You're not making sense. You're the one that brought him up. Why would I want Harry Potter when I've got you?"
"Now that you've got me, what are you going to do?" He looked down at me, raising his brows.
"Where were you going to take me?" I turned around and his arm shot around my waist.
"I'll show you." He guided me down the hall, up rows of stairs and through more hallways until he took me through that familiar door. We were in the Room of Requirement. "Remember this room?"
"Vividly." I said as I walked on in front of him.
"I didn't appreciate the way you left." I felt his face burrow in the hair behind the nape of my neck and I closed my eyes.
"I didn't appreciate how cruel you were." He pulled my hair to the side and kissed my neck.
"Am I cruel now?" His hand trailed under my arm and squeezed my breast.
"Quite…" I bit my lip basking in his touch for a moment, then removed it and roamed the room, examining the random items thrown around. I didn't need him getting the wrong idea.
"You don't want me to touch you." I glanced at him and watched a sneer enter his features. "Would you rather return to your house?" I held my silence, stopping just behind a dusty table with a pile of linens beside it. I was torn. Part of me wanted to let him explore me until dawn and part of me was alarmed by Snape's warning. Even now I questioned his motives, knowing the honesty in his letter still couldn't keep me from being skeptical. This was all so fast, like a dream. "Say something!"
"I-." I held back again and did the only thing I could think of. What I knew how to do best. I tried to escape. I held myself strong and marched toward the door. There was no way I was going to be able to open up to him, not after all of these years.
"Colloportus!" He yelled." "You're not leaving this time."
"Just let me go. This is all a mistake…"
"A mistake? I'm a mistake?"
"…Yes." I glanced at him but couldn't stand to look in his eyes. My gaze fell on the doorknob. "Open the door."
"No." He said demandingly. "I brought you here because this is where I told you I loved you. I won't let you leave until you tell me why you cannot make up your mind."
"I already have. Open the door."
"You really are a terrible liar, Persy. Your emotions betray you. Obviously you have not learned to repress them as much as you believe you have."
"And you are emotionless. What's your point?"
"Emotionless? I hide them well but that does not mean that I don't feel them."
"Do you feel this?" I walked up and slapped him and he turned, holding his cheek. "That is for the way you've treated me for six years."
"And this?" He sneered and pushed me forcefully against the door and kissed me hard. His hands went separate ways, one between my shoulder blades and the other un-tucked my shirt and slid inside. I melted to him. His lips were a bonfire on the parched beach of my skin as they jumped over my cheeks, chin, forehead, and neck, then back to my mouth. "That's for not telling me for six years who you really were. And after that kiss, tell me you don't love me."
"I can never trust you after the things you've done to me, Draco."
"You swore to give me a chance!" He smacked the door.
"What use is there?" I felt tears in my eyes and my lips began to quiver. Why was I doing this to myself again? He was silent for a few moments, staring into my eyes.
"I am beginning to believe that you are the one that can't be trusted."
"Me?!"
"Yes, you. I thought that you were better than this, that you were someone who would be true to your word and allow me to prove myself."
"You won't do anything but hurt me, Draco.
"Wrong. I was ready to spend my life with you." Was. Past tense. I choked back tears that were indeed my doing. I was playing games with him, but it wasn't on purpose. It was because I wanted him and I was afraid. "But I'm done. No one tramples on my heart."
"Then that's it. Things go back to the way they were?"
"No. I will just convince myself that you never existed." Those words stung like no other thing he'd ever thrown at me. He'd always been the person that noticed I was there. No matter who ignored me, no matter how transparent I was, he always found a way to let me know he acknowledged my presence. I broke into tears, knowing that now I would be invisible to everyone, and worst of all to the person I hated but loved. The two-faced god I'd always admired but always loathed. "Alohamora!" He said and the door unlocked. "Goodbye, Persy."