1000 Words

Chapter Six:
Should I Expect Worse?

"The degree of one's emotion varies inversely with one's knowledge of the facts: the less you know the hotter you get." – Bertrand Russell

I vaguely remember what happen the day before. The day before was the start of school. The start of my home again…but I was off…the grounds … wasn't I? My eyes are shut; I could feel the nice warmth of the sun hitting my face. I let a breathless sigh escape my lips as I move closer to the silk pillow casing…wait…silk?

I sit straight up, my mess of wine red hair flying all around me. My hand is gripping the blanket that was in use to cover me…black. I don't have black colored blankets. Looking around the room, I caught sight of a few trophies and many, many drawings. It littered the room but in such a neat fashion about it.

Pulling the covers off the bed my feet gently touch the carpet floor. It was white, a complete contrast against the black of the bed. Slowly, I walk over to the wall which hangs only a few pictures. Pictures? - No. Work of art- that was what these were. The detail in each picture-

My breath is caught as I examine one-from a pile- just below one of a tint of yellow, pencil line drawing of a Cougar. Resting on bed- was that the bed I was resting on - with a careless, feline relaxation way. As if all the bones in its body was completely gone. The drawing that caught my eye, is one of a goddess…so similar to…could it have been me?

The piece of paper was already starting to get color. It was painted in water pastels. The sky was the color of night with flecks of white coming down-snowflakes- coming down to touch the being in the center and ground. What I assume is the ground was covered in white fluff with pieces of red stain-blood perhaps- in drops. Glancing over the female figure, her hair was a deep red, with a dark halo around her almost as if illuminating with a peaceful aura.

I trace gently over the indentation of where a pencil…yes…it wasn't in pen…but pencil was jabbed too hard in once spot. Tracing it over the picture, the texture changes from the girl, where the pencil was seem to have been press into. The work is beautiful…extravagant. Glancing at the woman's face… I see why now, it seemed to be discarded. The eyes seem so void…so empty…

"I see you've taken an interest in my son's work."

How hadn't I caught that feeling before? I spin to look at the door. Standing, in all of his arrogant glory, is Lucius Malfoy. So I wasn't at the dorms… I wasn't back at Hogwarts. I am still at the Malfoy Manor.

"Draco did this?"

A delicate smirk slithers onto his face. "Indeed he did. My son has many talents." His opal eyes linger on my form, as if for me to ask, what other talents. His other talents were well known around the school. His talent in potions far preceded many expectations. Severus had- "Severus…" I whisper in realization.

Opal eyes went from amused and joyful to darkness. "Yes… Severus seems quite…attached to you."

"Last night-" I feel my hand flutter up to where the necklace is…

"Is this what you are looking for?" I watch as his hand dangles a piece of silver metal out. Attached to that metal, is the symbol "Ss" Severus Snape.

"Give me that back. I thought someone of your status knew better than to steal things from young ladies." I snap, but I was anxious. Severus gave me that. It is mine. It was the one thing I could hold onto for eternity and not feel alone again.

"Ah, my dear, you have me misunderstood." His left hand twirls the chain about his hand easily pinning the symbol "Ss" into his palm. "You don't wear necklaces to bed. I was just being thoughtful."

I look at him. If anything happens to that charm… anything. I contain what anger I felt already. That is special…the first gift that I could truly cherish, the promise that I would be his daughter.

"You seem angry." Lucius smirks again, as he lets go of the charm, and now… I see instead of one, there are two. What? He raises his hand, palm facing up, in a beckoning manner. "Your neck looks empty without something there." Stalking up to him, I reach out and gently grasp the fine metal, inspecting the new charm. EP… I smile at it. Eileen Prince. "It seems you know what those letters mean."

I raise my eyes up to his opal ones. Inside of what I thought would be seen, I see something new before in a man like he. True understanding…Maybe I was right to save Lucius Malfoy after all.

"You've been a way for a while now. Your classes should have started. You'll leave after breakfast."

"Thank you."

I could see the slight nod as he departs from the room. Lucius Malfoy had me in Draco's room?

"Shit…"

Turning I look at the bed and it has already been fixed….weird… playing with the necklace I had in my hand, I easily clip it back over my neck. I glance around the room to find my robe. Draco seems so meticulous about his appearance you would think his room would be the same. Ah…but what was it they say? Don't judge a book by its cover.

Grabbing my robe, I move down the stairs, somehow… I know where I'm going. As if by instinct, leads me down through the twist and curves of the Manor and easily to the entrance hall. My eyes don't even move- I was expecting something…albeit I have no idea what I'm looking for… something is suppose to be here. Pulling a piece of hair out of my face, I move towards where I assume, is the dining room. I stop in the main hall, main room…entrance room. There is the fire place, magnificently framed to give it excellent attention.

I had just got up from the fire place when Narcissa turned her red glowing eyes at me. I was lucky that part of me knew that she wasn't threatening my life. Only that she was upset. A Malfoy never showed emotion…but Narcissa Malfoy was not as arctic and aloof as many made her out to be.

I could only smile at that frame of memory from last night. Yes… I remember… I had saved Lucius Malfoy's life.

"Severus, what are you doing here?" Narcissa glanced at him.

"Virginia…"Severus watches me with concern. He had not expected me to be here. I'm sure that no one had informed him…on a brighter note, I'm almost positive that it was I whom had called him here. It must have been at least ten in the evening.

I look at the clock. 10: 15 pm. At least ten…hee… boy was I off. "Hello Severus." I got this strange feeling that I was entering the den of snakes again. "Sorry about the short notice."

"Do you mind explaining…?" Severus stopped when he caught sight of Lucius in the chair, pale as paper.

"Young Mistress must eat." I look at the house elf.

"Trinity…?" Was that right? Was that the house elf's name?

"Oh Young Mistress remembers Trinity. Trinity happy!"

I nod slowly; house elves were so dreadfully weird. They were very strong in magic cores, and even in use of magic. Which was probably why we treat them like dirt, mythical creatures did have tendencies to be intelligent… I wonder if that is why Fudge can't seem to use his brain. He isn't magical. I smirk at this idea. Fudge is, and always will be, an idiot. Glancing over at the room one last time I go into the dining room.

"Virginia…" Severus sighed as he checked on Lucius's form. I could only smile. So what if I did a few things to get my way. "Fix this now."

"Yes yes… I'm working on it."

Lucius gave Severus a well known look. One I could read from Slytherin looks. This one was a special 'you have much to tell' look. Narcissa was giving me a very strange…blank look. As if she wasn't worried anymore.

How weird… maybe it was her Veela side?

"Severus, my husband is not faring well, I suggest you do something about this…now."

Such a demanding woman she is. I can't help but find her…a wonderful role model. Society looks up to her as a high lady. I look at her in a sense of being a strong, fundamentally found woman. Her will is of iron… her strength her own.

"Virginia."

"Yes yes… I'll fix it."

"After this we will be having a long talk." I would have flinched if I wasn't me. Was it at all possible for me to get into so much trouble in less than a few hours?

"Hello Virginia." I sit down in an empty seat.

"Hello Mrs. Malfoy."

Across from me, is a well dressed Narcissa Malfoy, in all of her glory. I could see the slight frame of movements, that she had definitely taken a toll last night. I must have been something of an-

"Narcissa, is fine, my dear." I glance at her, her glimmering blue eyes are alive, not a dull, or a hardness, but a true and unbelievable gentleness, a mother's gentleness. It has truly been some time since I've seen such a look as that. "I've been told that you are expected to be a Snape, come winter." It isn't a question. Not from her. It is a statement of something fierce behind the layers of which are being spoken...protectiveness…of Severus?

I stare at her, while the food appears, Trinity quickly moves the tea, pouring a glass for the lady of the house, and I. Trinity then goes and glance sat the table, before moving. I keep a calm façade as the elf leaves, leaving Narcissa, drinking her tea. I pick up a piece of toast, easily buttering one side of it.

"What do you think, of such a jump from a Weasley, to a Snape."

I don't bother to respond, as I take my time, and bite a small chunk of my toast. Chewing it slowly, I watch the glowing blue eyes. Alluring as they are, to see if they could possibly spill anything from me. A Veela, is always, no doubt, a Veela.

"To be honest, I don't see such a jump. I see a family, a family I will be…appreciated." loved "in. I see a family that will respect me" cherish me "and support me. Something that, no doubt, your husband, and you have given to Draco." Narcissa takes a sip of her tea as I take another bite of my toast. "I've known Professor-"

"You may speak freely. If he wishes to call you daughter, then I no doubt know how close you two are."

I smile politely, "He is a father figure that I never have. I'm happy to have him as my father, or will have him, come winter."

Narcissa watches me, her hawk eyes piercing my every move. Severus did this to me too, and once again, this doesn't bother me. Severus shines in fields no one expected. Poetry, defense, healing, advice, and even dancing, ill mannered he may be in class, but outside of it, any that get to know him, truly see things that have never before been shown.

"I see."

"Narcissa." Her eyes stare at mine, and I can only smile. "Thank you." I stand after finishing my toast, "I enjoyed our talk. I do have to leave now. I'm sorry if I seem in a rush. But with classes starting…"

"Oh yes." She stands as well, guarded, but understanding. "Do tell my son I wish to have a word with him, would you? He has such hard times listening to me."

"Of course, I see him in potions after all."

"Yes…star pupil."

"Almost star pupil. I do have to beat Draco at potions, after all." I smile and easily walk to the fire place. I can hear the light laughter of Narcissa Malfoy. Two impressions down. Should I expect worse?

~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I hadn't thought much of the day. I was in time for Herbology, with Neville; he seemed more than worried about what had happened. News, once again, in Hogwarts, just seemed to explode. Is this what it is like in muggle high school?

Class is easy, of course. Students are still trying to figure out what is going on, remember what to do. Sometimes you have to wonder if people are intelligent. Hogwarts is a school open to all…but is everyone really allowed to be in such a school? Or did people just come because of the Great Harry Potter, The Most Powerful Wizard, Albus Dumbledore, The Head Master.

I cringe at the thought. Not everyone that is gifted should be allowed entrance to a school. I understand that control must be taught, even to half bloods, pure bloods, and muggle born. This is just ridiculous.

I brush my quill over the finish work. It was a written paper on an herb that we would be doing a potion on later this week. What it can be used for. Not too hard. Glancing around me, most were still working. Quills make silent scratch sounds on the parchment. Many different scratch marks digging into the parchment at different speeds…pressure…

I can feel my eyes close at the familiar and comforting sound of parchment and quill meeting. Spending so much time around Severus and his work, it becomes a very nice sound. A comforting sound…and Neville's strokes sound so close to what Severus does…the firm, confident, solid, but smooth and indifferent strokes…ones that know what they are talking about…fully aware that every word written is true and right.

"Virginia?"

I blink, glancing up at Neville. Straightening myself up, I brush my hair out of my face, pulling it down my shoulders. I should probably just braid my hair, that way it stays out of my face. Why am I so tired? "Yes, Neville?" My voice sounds tired…why would it be tired? Again… somehow I feel as if I'm going to be dead by the end of the term. How sad…it is only day 2 of life at school…at home.

"Are you all right?"

"Yes, I'm fine." I give him a soft smile. Concern showing in his bright brown eyes, concern, that is misplaced. No one needs to be worried about me. I'm a strong person. I am an individual. I have magic and flames from hell at my own disposal. I have Hogwarts ready to protect me on school grounds as best as she can. Why would be he so worried about me? "I'm glad to be back within these walls. Headmaster Dumbledore is going to call me soon." Did Luna say something to him to make him watch me closer?

"What does he want?" Since the beginning of last year, Neville just doesn't want anything to do with the Headmaster. I will admit, the fool should retire…but I have no sole reason to be as…loathsome as Neville feels to him. Even Luna seems a bit off at the distaste Neville has. For Neville to hide something from either of us…well…it is impossible…and with the blood of Gryffindor in him, of course he can do the impossible.

"Why don't you like him, Neville? I know that he doesn't really…follow what we do-not that he knows- but what has you so strongly disliked about him?" We always evade this topic…unless it is inevitable. Right now it is inescapable and I desire to know.

"You don't know what he did, Virginia." His muscles tense as he stills. This is his defense against his true and raw anger. The anger that could and can destroy any and all in his path…similar incidents have brought this out of him. Even his grandmother seems to have backed away.

At one point, it showed his wandless magic. Half of the house was chaos when his grandma, screamed and yelled at him for his grades. Neville excess well, much to everyone's over sight. He has a bright mind. Bright mind and a dark rage are two forces that leave to scary circumstances. Circumstances that can be avoided and are…after all… with Neville's new position, not many truly stand in his way. Another reason we have come this far and are going farther than ever before.

"Neville… I-" Could I say those words? Could I say an ap…?

"It's okay." He gave me his boyish smile, the charming boy smile that made Luna fall in love with him. The smile that shows that he is still the same boy then, as he is now, that he still he cowards, but now, he can't coward. He faces things straight on. "You don't know everything."

"It's a good thing I don't." I smile at him. I need to talk to Severus; I know he and I need to have a long chat. Maybe later…or not…

"Have you-"

"I'm sorry Neville…but I really haven't seen anything." I watch him carefully. I know we are all anxious to what I can see…but still. Only I can see so much. He has been desperate… "The future is really dull right now. Nothing is making much sense. I can probably figure it out when my head isn't so…crowded?" I hear him laugh quietly as our beloved teacher snaps at a fellow student. "I've been a mess. I know, school has just started-"

"If you need help, Pyro-girl, let us know, okay?" I give him a friendly smile as Professor Sprout ran her stick over my desk. The orange dingy hair curled up

"Headmaster Dumbledore wishes to see you." Her sharp but friendly tone sent me shooing right out of the classroom.

Does today seem to be moving a little faster than my normal days? And this is only my second hour class…how interesting life becomes.

Holding my bag closer to me, I move out the door, and walk up from the court yard. My robes gently land around me as I hurry up the stairs. Severus's trait, I tell you. A dull throb is forming in my temples. A throb that I haven't felt in a long time….this is unusual… I don't get headaches. Maybe it is just from all the stress of things going on. Most likely is. But it comes at a strange time, why would my headache want to-

"Ouch…" I grip my head. That stupid aching might just get out of hand.

I move with grace down the halls, our headmaster couldn't have picked a better location for his own place. I just have to make it to the third floor. I sigh tiredly. Should I expect anything better in my life?

I see a ghost pass by, nodding her head, the Grey Lady. She is still very beautiful, but she doesn't stay long and I never really look at her. The fact she is see through doesn't seem to help either. Ghosts are normally interesting figures to watch…just sometimes…when you are in a rush, things like this doesn't seem important. And they aren't.

Strolling through the tiled floor, I hiss as my body shudders. A huge shock of pain rockets through me. I reach out and grab the wall, clinging to it as if it were my life line. My eyes clench shut and I can already see nothing but the darkness. Blood rushes my ear, and I try and keep my breathing even. In. Out. In. Out…

The pain continues to shoot up, as if I am being attacked. I shiver; no one has ever attacked in such a vicious manner before. I look up, trying to get my eyes to focus. Seeing an empty classroom, I shove open the door and tumble in. Closing the door I hold onto the desk tightly. Trying to remain standing…trying to keep myself calm…trying to keep down the fear of my own body. Let me stand…let me do this…

I feel my grip slack, my legs give…what am I suppose-

"___ _____!" A young man stands tall in front of me. Shacking me with such a force I hiss. It hurts. How dare he man handle me! Who does he think he is! What am I doing here? Where am I?

I slap him, letting the fire of my nature burn him. No one touches me in such a manner! No one…not him! Not ____. Not ______. Not even my own father! And he dares tries to do this to me! Does he have any idea what he has gotten himself into! I won't stand for this!

"______ ___ __ __ __ !" I shout back in anger, but a piece of me fears. Why do I fear? What is going on?

My body tenses as I'm thrown into the wall. My back groans and my eyes shut. My head slams back against the stone wall of Hogwarts, and I say nothing. Nothing is seen, I hadn't been thrown that hard ever…not even by Tom. Molly did once…but this.

My eyes open to see the emerald green staring back at me with such a force that I press myself back against the wall. The silk of my dress not hiding me from the hunger in that lust filled gaze. Shivers of fright course through my body, where are they? Where is who?

I feel his lips smack straight into mine. A possessive kiss that makes me wants to hurl. It is nothing like the soft and sinful lips of my lovers. Nothing like the breath taking kisses from my white dragon. This is nothing like the gentle and protective kisses from my dark night. A revolting twist in my stomach tells me how wrong this is. How disgusting…how… different. This makes me realize how much I love them. Love who?

I twist my head, and shove him away from me. But the firm, painful grip on my wrist is pinned above my head now. I wince, and seal my mouth shut. I won't let him get any farther. They are coming for me. I can feel them. The dark powerful tug on my soul…the deep anger coursing through my veins…. Who is so angry? Who has the right to care about me in this way?!

I glare up at him, and squirm as his leg slams straight between mine. My anger slowly turns into a fear, a deeper fear that I ever realized. Please don't let this be true. _____! _____! His other hand moves down my stomach and I gasp, his tongue slithers into my mouth. I can feel myself start to die. _____! _____! Stop him! I close my eyes tightly, bringing up the temperature in my body but its slow, it's hard. It has never been this hard before. What did this bloody bastard do to me!

"___'__ _ ____ ___, ______." I twist my head around, and cough, my breathing being shut off from his overly forceful kiss. The tense of his muscle makes me smile. The tone was dark, cold, calculating, possessive, and angry… angry…it was icy.

"_-"

"__'_ ___ ___ _ _____ ___ _____!" I shrink back slightly, feeling the anger and the intension of pain towards me well known. A growl comes from behind _____.

This can't be happening…why now? Why tonight?

I gasp as my body convulses on the floor. The tingling of my arms tells me what it was…it was a warning… I look around, the classroom is gently glowing. Hogwarts comfort…and her apology to what she made me watch. Even my own sight wouldn't have picked this up.

"It's okay." I whisper gently into the thin air. My body continuing to shiver…this isn't supposed to happen. Gently reaching up, I cling to the thought of my family. To the thought that someone will be there to protect me…

Who is trying to hurt me now? Why didn't Hogwarts allow me to hear the names? Why couldn't I remember… why? Why is all of this causing me so much pain?

I sigh quietly, hearing the bells. So I suppose Herbology has ended…Potions next…

Can I even get to class?

I groan quietly, and grimace. The taste of him lingers in my mouth…even now it feels wrong. Wrong? I don't even KNOW him…what is going on?

Bloody hell…life just can't get any more confusing! It just can't! It can't! I won't let it! This is enough! I have school, family, and god knows what else this year. I don't need to be adding a love life! I refuse!

The slight laughter in my head, informs me how wrong I am. How definitely wrong I am…

"Bloody hell…" I mutter, my hands still clinging onto the one piece I am going to hope for.

Closing my eyes, I lay on the ground, stiff and confused…hurt and alone. Please don't let my days be like these…

PosionSeductress: I am terribly sorry everyone, for the long awaited Chapter Six! I feel horrible for withholding such a prize! I will admit. This is probably not my best one. But this definitely will help answer a few things. I am thankful for all the support from my reviewers. You are all the reason I actually have written this chapter- twice- to make it satisfying. I'm sorry it isn't as long as I would have hoped. But I am focusing, quite a bit, on the fact that the plot is thickening for all of you that have been keeping up. More will be expressed! Be patient! I am in the middle of my father leaving and my own move to another place. So my updates my start to vary. I apologize for any trouble this may cause. But the chapters may come faster or slower. But I am over my little writers block. So this should be picking up.

FreezingFire81: I have updated! I hope you enjoy what is to come and what has come. Problems? I see no problems do you? –amused smile-

Peachesandcreme: Yes, Irma is Severus's mother. Yes. Draco and Virginia will definitely be growing closer. But patients are a virtue. I hope you enjoy the chapter.

Slytheringrl17: I am going to keep it rated T. I will just be careful with the wording I give. Like Virginia's lovely vision. I know this isn't as long as I would have enjoyed it. But it did get the point across. I hope I'll see your reviews soon.

Redhots: It will be kept at "T."

Mell8: I have to say, your review is probably one of the more…informative ones I have gotten thus far. Thank you. I changed it from Ginny to Virginia for specific reasons. I will be informing about this later. I promise. But bare with me here. : It was filler in a sense. I did let a few things develop and show. Draco will be making a comeback! I promise you. There will definitely be a bit more time passing and not this slow as it seems to have been going. I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter. So I hope you enjoy this too.

Anonymous: Veronica

Ravenclaw's Redhead: Yes this is a D/G/B pairing. I'm glad you love the pairing. I know I do. And I'm glad I tried my hand at it.

Hogwartsismydrug: Thank you for reviewing. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Redhotchillipeppers: Thank you for your review, I'm glad you have found it to your liking. Yes, Virginia is dark.

Twilightfan1994: Twilightfan… -smiles- I'm glad I have caught your interest. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

3 Wishes: Yes, this is going to be a D/G/B story. But I refuse to actually throw them together in a few chapters. Love doesn't just work itself out. Especially not in this situation, but bare with me here darhling. This story is only just beginning.

Sadinima: Thank you! You are one that reminded me how much my story had to get a move on- but also that it has to go at the pace I have been writing at. The pace of the story. Thank you. Once again, for your compliments, and yes, 100% this is the best pairing. I can't explain their powers just yet, but this should hint at what is going on. I went into a bit more depth for Virginia. But she is definitely not done, nope; her powers are not done either. Blaise and Draco will definitely be showing an appearance of their powers soon.