Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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A/N: There will be one more update after this, and then the story is over.

Please review!

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Tom and Emma got together rarely now, usually in his potions lab. Emma was quite happy their affair appeared to be dying, and couldn't wait for it to be over completely. But he still seemed to be stringing her along through to the end of the school year, which was approaching rapidly.

Finally, N.E.W.T.'s were over and done with, and the Hogwarts' Express would be leaving the next day. Tom looked Emma up during lunch, and told her to meet him that night at his lab.

So that night, as usual, Emma went to see him.

"Well, Emma," he began. "I have good news for you." He grinned at her as she gave him a puzzled look.

"I have decided I am going to let you live," he continued.

Emma gulped. "W…what?" she whispered.

"Yes," he said with a smirk. "After all, you have helped me obtain two very useful potions. Additionally, I have enjoyed your company. You have provided me with some…pleasurable moments. Therefore, I have decided that as a reward, you will be allowed to continue living your life. I shall ensure that you will not be killed by my command."

Emma just stared at him as he laughed softly.

"However," he added. "I must warn you, that should you cause me any problems, ever, that that reward will be revoked. For example, if either of those potions ever turn up, anywhere at all, I will assume you have been involved in that. And I will find you, no matter where you are. Do you understand that, Emma?"

Emma nodded. "Yes, my Lord," she said quietly.

He stared at her for a little while, his eyes narrowed. "If you ever go against me, Emma… or if you ever do anything that displeases me, I promise you that you will regret it. You…and your family. I shall personally come out to Henley…or wherever they may be at that particular time, and take care of them. And I shall make sure to let Beth know who to blame for her suffering." He gave her an evil smile.

Emma's eyes opened wide, at the mention of the name of her birth town and her sister. How could he possibly know about them?

"You see, Emma, you cannot keep secrets from me. I will know!" he turned around for a moment and stared at the wall. Then he turned back to her.

"I trust you know what would displease me. And if you are ever in doubt about whether I would approve of something…just assume that I would not." Once again he took a little break before he continued.

"I shall also allow you to use the potions for yourself, if you wish. Just you, no one else. Do not even mention them to anyone else, ever. Is that clear, Emma?"

"Yes, my Lord," Emma said again.

"Then we no longer have anything to say to each other," he said, turning away from her. "You may go."

Emma stood there for a moment, staring at him, wondering if he was going to say goodbye. But when he remained quiet, she just left. She understood that that was it, it was over.

Emma practically skipped back to her common room to finish her packing. She was free at last!