Serena wouldn't go to sleep. For an eleven year old, you'd think she would quit being so immature. "Please Serena, go to bed. There is no use arguing this anymore, it is done." She glared at me, her arms crossed over her chest and her lower lip pouting. I sighed and sat next to her on the bed. "Serena, darling, can't you see I'm doing this is for you? I just want to do good by you, won't you let me?"

Some of the fight left her, and she slouched in resignation. "But what if something happens to you?"

"Nothing will happen to me."

"That's what Mum and Da said!"

"Hush," I cooed, pulling her into a hug. I stroked her back, ignoring the shaking of her shoulders. "I'm your big sister, I'm mean and silly and everything else you've ever called me. I make mistakes and I've gotten us both into trouble. I have laughed with you, cried with you and mourned with you, there is nothing that will tear us apart. I will be here when you need me, and make myself scarce when you don't. I will always watch over you and protect you, even when we're old and you don't want me around anymore." I laughed, though it probably sounded more like a broken sob. "I will be there when you get married, and if you want, I'll be the one to walk you down the aisle. Mum and Da may have been wrong, and they may have left us, but I will never, ever, leave you."

Serena sniffled and looked up at me with big, watery eyes. "Promise?" she asked. Her voice was small and frail. I once again remembered how fragile she really was, how young.

"I promise," I smiled.

"Cross your heart?"

"Cross my heart and hope to die." Her smile lit up the room, and I tried my best to ignore the morbid words. Serena wiped at her eyes and flopped down on her bed. I leaned over and pulled the covers up to her chin. I was about to head back to my bed when she grabbed my wrist.

"Tell me a story?"

I smiled and sat back down. I remembered a tale our Mum used to tell, and I did my best to retell it. "Once upon a time."


Serena's eyes were closed and her mouth open. I could barely hear her even breathing, but I could see the small smile still present on her lips. I tucked her in and kissed her cheek, releasing a small laugh at her mumbled ew. I stood slowly and watched her sleep for a moment. Her eyes had closed a long while ago, but I still finished the story. She looked so peaceful while she slept, like nothing could touch her. I only wished it was the same for when she is awake.

"Cross my heart."


The morning was a flurry of activity, full of elves bustling about in preparation for the morning meal. I shook Serena, but she wouldn't wake. I was about to try again when one of the house elves broke from the busy horde. It was a girl house elf, covered in ragged and ripped cloth. She was skinny and frail looking, hunched over and her head lowered in a bow. I noticed this before, but the house elves from Malfoy Manor seemed so much more broken.

"Mornin' Missus," she started, her voice quivering and soft. "Missus Malfoy wan's you ta have these." She snapped her finger and a large pile of clothing appeared on my bed. There were all sorts of colors and patterns, and they all looked like dresses.

"Thank you, um, what is your name?"

"Oh, mah name i'n't 'mportant Missus," she stammered out. She held her hands out in a defencive manner, waving them around.

I smiled, "Nonsense, you were kind enough to bring these to me, and I can't thank you properly without your name."

She looked sad and cast her gaze to the floor. "I can' 'member my name. 's been so long 'ince anyone called me name, I can' 'member wha' it was."

My heart broke and I suddenly felt the need to ensure this little elf felt some sort of kindness. "Well then, would it upset you if I gave you a new name?"

She looked at me with shock and awe written all over her face. A smile pulled at her lips and I swore her eyes sparkled. "No Missus, please Missus!"

"How about Adara?"

"Wha' does it mean?"

My smile grew bigger and I dearly hoped she would like it. "Beauty." She looked ready to protest, but I didn't let her. "It is a name you truly deserve, and I would be honored if you would accept it. I may not be your master, but to me, you are a truly beautiful soul."

Adara's eyes filled with tears, and I almost started to cry too. "Thank you Missus, thank you." Her voice was quiet, and I barely heard it, but it was there. She looked so genuinely happy that I couldn't help but open my arms in invitation. She paused, but then she came forward and allowed me to pull her into a hug.

"Sweet little Adara, I won't let you forget this name." Adara broke into a big grin and nodded her head. She waved a little and walked out of the room. I could feel the warmth of my heart grow at her reaction, and I was genuinely happy that I made her happy. The look on her face was worth more than all the gold in Gringotts, and it was there because of such a simple act. It made my heart sadden and glow at the same time. Glow for her smile, and sadden that no one did something so simple for her before.

"Sylva?" Serena called, her voice sleepy and her hair tousled.

"Yes?"

"How did that story end?"

I couldn't help it, I laughed.


That was a short one, but I had to put something uber cute in there to help you see how kind and ADORABLE my three favorite characters are. Sylva, Serena, and Adara, I love 'em! Anywho, please review!