AN:/ Hey guys long time no see! I'll be focusing on this fic for a while, until I get it to chapter 10! So here you go c:

March 23

Severus

A smirk remained plastered on my face, hours after Draco's and Victoria's performance. They were both amazing, their spells, movements, and only the dark factors would recognize Bellatrix's influence in their stances.

Even the Longbottom boy had improved. The once pudgy, shy and incompetent boy now had confidence and magic rolling off him in waves.

My smirk widened as I remembered the despair flashing across the old man's face. Yes, the realised he had little hope of winning this war. But he fully intended to finish what he started. I would have the watch him. The desperate are unpredictable.

"How was she?" I asked Tobias, it has been years since I viewed the man as a true father. And each time I look at the him resentment itches under my skin.

I understand why he beat mother. It doesn't mean I can't hate him for it.

"The girl has potential.. The ability...she is powerful, beautiful..." He met my eyes, voice going deeper as he murmured the last word. "Moldable."

I hiss slightly. "She is independent, strong-" he cut me off, rising from his throne.

"She adores that Dark Lord, Severus. Tell me in five years, if he asks anything of her, will she give it? She has the gene, the power Salazar honored only the worthy with, but so does he. And she can give it to him."

"She won't! Once I explain-" I was interrupted once again.

"She smells of four scents, Severus. This is unnatural and you know this...request of yours can kill her. Now, go to your mate. He longs for you." Tobias said. Changing the subject briskly, turning his back to me. My face set in stone, I bowed to mother before making my exit. Feeling like a child once again, reluctantly going to Remus' quarters.

Opening the door, I let his fist come in contact with my face. Barely moving as his form crumpled to the ground.

Idiotic wolf.

"Did you know?!" He yelled hoarsely. I easily stepped over his form. Watching from the couch as he regained compose.

"What, are you referring to?" I drawled airily waving my hand, easily catching the cup of blood zooming toward me.

"This." He practically spat, throwing what looked to be The Daily Prophet. I caught the offending paper easily. I rose a fine eyebrow as I read the headline.

You-Know-Who uses Hogwarts Competition!

Chief Warlock,Order of Merlin First Class, Hogwarts Headmaster , and the holder of many more illustrious titles Albus Dumbledore intercepted You-Know-Who's raid during the competition at Hogwarts. The headmaster immediately sprung into action. Aurors, the headmaster, and even Defense master, and seasoned politician Lord Slytherin helped against the fight. Lord Slytherin himself went against You-Know-Who, lasting ten minutes against the Dark Lord. But Lord Slytherin and Headmaster Dumbledore arrive on the scene to late. Muggle homes were aflame and bodies of both sides littered the floor. There were few reported casualties on either side. Most notably an Arthur Weasley was My dear readers, as the war escalates we have to ask ourselves, who will be victorious?

Rita Skeeter

Daily Prophet

Below there was a brief video, showing the muggles town that was attacked. Then Riddle and Dumbledore against..Riddle. I looked up from the paper, meeting Remus' pained honey eyes. I felt my heart pang. Fortunately, I ignored the foreign sensation.

"The attack was...predictable." I hedged. It seems that was all he needed.

"Why did you not do anything?! Innocent lives have been-" I cut him off there.

"Lost. Those people are dead. What would like me to do? Go and save the day?" I chuckled bitterly. "I accepted this when I left. I will not expose my family for them," I sneer "do you know the next headline? Former Potions Master Severus Snape Massacred Muggle Town. Are creatures aligning with the dark? No. I will not help those who'd gladly kill you...and I." He slumped against me, nodding faintly. My arm wrapped around his waist on its on accord. Dragging him closer to my frame.

"What if I can't accept that?" He whispered against my chest. And for once in my miserable life I spoke without thinking.

"Then I will spend eternity convincing you."

Ravyn

'So that is why My Lord disappeared. Time turner perhaps?' I set the paper down. Looking around at the varying expressions at the Gryffindor table. Most showed horror and anger. Only mudbloods looked devastated. Travers, a mudblood next to me, clutched the paper, hands trembling and knuckles white.

"Why?" He whispered. I'm sure the question wasn't meant for me, or anyone in particular, but I answered anyway.

"Whatever do you mean?" I asked lowly, innocently, positioning myself to look merely curious and a tad concerned to the Gryffindor.

"All of this carnage. This...why is the Dark Lord doing this? And why can't our illustrious hero do anything about it?!" My eyebrows rose as the boy mocked the paper's words about Dumbledore, completing ignoring 'Lord Slytherin'.

"Well," I began slowly,"Voldemort is with the purebloods, who believe in blood-"

"No! No, not the rubbish the teachers say, our year-mates spout, and the Daily Prophet shoves down our throats. What is his purpose?" He whispered harshly. Meeting my eyes, fire fueling them. He reminded me of Bill, once I told him of my identity.

"You speak to me as if I know." I whispered back, turning my head to nod slightly at whatever the Ronald ranted about.

"And you speak as if I have not seen you walking with Victoria Potter and Draco Malfoy." He retorted. I narrowed my own eyes. I would have to be more careful. I smirked at the blond, leaning into him, huffing slighty as I watched his pupils dilate.

"Touché"

"Mate! Let's go,Mcgonagal will have our heads!" Ron said. Spittle spraying onto his shirt. I withheld my look of disgust with a charming smile. Winking briefly at the blond.

Maybe Bill will let me keep him.

I looked back once more, noting Victoria and Draco weren't at breakfast, and meeting the calculating eyes of Dumbledore. As we locked eyes their lack of attendance became obvious. I blinked once and turned away. While he rose from his throne like chair with a genial smile on his face.

Neville

I looked down at my trembling hands and took another deep breath. I was nervous, that much was obvious,no matter how hard I tried to hide it. No not about skipping off class, I had down that before. What would Dumbledore do if I was caught anyway? Give me detention and take points. Maybe call my parents.

I was nervous about seeing the twins. Ever since the incident with the door knob I was anxious to see them. After I got over my denial I realized I wanted to see them. Only now I needed a valid excuse. There was no way I'd let them know I only wanted to see them. No way I'd give them that advantage over me.

After twenty more minutes of knee jerks and curious glances the bell rang. I bolted out my seat. Shooting Ron another warning glance as I once again caught him glaring at Victoria. Ravyn sent me a nod, grabbing Ron by the elbow. Steering him away from Victoria and Draco.

I exited Sprouts' class, making my way to the nearest secret passage. Luckily it was near my next class. Flitwicks'. Simply pretending I was heading to class I turned a sharp corner. Walking straight into a portrait. Landing rather ungracefully into my destination.

Looking up into the leering face of Fred Weasley.

"George! Come see who came to visit!" He hollered. Helping Neville from the floor before turning back to his work. A sharp pop was heard before George Weasley came into view.

"Well,Hello Neville. Thank you for giving us the pleasure of your visit." George all but purred. Taking a step-forward.

I swallowed, taking a small step back, stuttering out my reply. "N-no problem, George. I need to see the Dark Lord, if he isn't to busy." I muttered the last part.

Fred stopping working, turning towards me with narrowed eyes. "Why do you need to see him." He asked softly. I refrained from snapping at the red head. It wasn't any of his business.

"Victoria." I grit out. Both visibly sank with relief. George sat next to Fred,closing his eyes and breathing deeply. Ten minutes seemed to go by before he reopened them. Popping downstairs before coming back just as quickly with sandwiches.

"Our lord says he will be ready for you in five minutes. Eat." George said, thrusting the tray at me. I eyed it warily, taking out my wand and began running diagnostic charms. After two minutes I deemed it safe. The twins feigned hurt before grabbing two sandwiches for themselves. Fred quickly filled the silence.

"So Neville, read the paper?" He asked curiously. Feeding some of his food to George before eating the rest.

"I did."

"What'd you reckon Dumbledore will do. Many of the order members died-"

"-The Daily Prophet might say it-"

"But the light is losing." The finished. Looking at my intensely.

"Why should I care." I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Your parents will be exiled, most likely die for their treason."

"They aren't my parents!" I spat. "The can rot-"

"He is ready for you Nev." Georgie said, looking at me with sympathy, understanding laced in both their eyes. I turned towards the fire-place.

I didn't need their sympathy.

I grabbed some floo powder, throwing it inside before bearing my mark. Looking at Fred and George once more before I spun away.

Hermione

"Still looking at the Daily Prophet?" A voice asked. I jumped, spinning around to face an amused Draco Malfoy. He was leaning against our kitchen counter. Lifting himself up, looking down at me with a fine amused raised eyebrow. I managed not to swoon at the sight.

Merlin he is beautiful.

"Thank you." He said, smugness saturated his tone. His voice snapped me out my staring.

"What?" I asked, bewildered. I didn't say anything. He laughed slightly, pushing himself off the counter, stalking toward me.

"You said I was beautiful." He pointed out, a smug grin flinted across his face before it was gone. My eyes widened, and I felt my face heat up. I turned away. Scrambling to pick up my things, desperate to escape to my room.

"You need not leave...Hermione." He whispered. Trapping me between his hard body and the table. "Why were you interested in such a filthy piece of literature anyway?" Draco asked curiously. Running long pale fingers up and down my arm.

I was thrown by his question. "Oh u-um look-look at this," I said. Turning around to grab the paper before thrusting it at him. Between what little space that was between us. "I used a magnification spell." I said quietly. Draco toke the paper, looking at it closely. Something flashed across his eyes. I began to quietly escape as he was practically devouring the images.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw an arm shoot out. Grabbing me, pulling me back towards him. I yelled in surprise, looking at him cautiously.

"Why are you showing me this." He demanded. "What does this matter to you." He continued, eyes narrowing and grip becoming harsher.

"Dr-Draco you're hurting me." I said quietly. Reaching behind me to grab my wand. He looked down at his hand and quickly let go.

"You saw the lack of deatheaters on the ground. Anyone could see the difference in the robes each side is wearing," I paused,"The light is losing.."

"Are you bothered by that? What do you see when you look at this." He gestured toward the paper.

"It's war Draco. As sad as it is, everyone will fight, betray..die. Don't think me naïve Draco." I warned. "Those are the Headmaster's men, hardly any muggles died. And The Headmaster will be grow desperate. He can't be everywhere once anymore."

Draco smiled. It was not kind. It was filled with hate and dark promises. But I knew it wasn't directed at me. He stalked forward once again entering my personally space.

"You are brilliant...Hermione Granger."

He breathed out. His eyes alight as if a sudden idea came to his mind.

I laughed slightly, detaching myself from him. Making my way towards the door for dinner.

"I know."

Victoria

"Have you seen Draco?" I asked Neville lowly. Speaking to him for the first time since dinner began. We are sitting at the Hufflepuff table today, Neville not wanting to sit at Slytherin with so many unfamiliar faces.

The Hufflepuff.

"No..I haven't seen him all day. " he murmured, turning slightly to listen to Hermione. I scowled at my food. Neville insisted I across from him, so he had a clear view of Ronald Weasley.

A light touch on my hard had me looking up into the concerned eyes of Cedric. My irritation lessened slightly, I sent a small smile toward the Hufflepuff.

"I'm sure Draco is fine, you needn't worry, now eat. Please." He pleaded. Pushing my food toward me. I nodded slightly, Draco would lecture me for neglecting myself again.

Being stared for twelve years didn't help my appetite.

After the first round of the tournament, I grilled Draco on what our lord had to say. Draco looked slightly shaken but easily brushed off my attempts. Now he was absent, for dinner, something he never missed.

"Budge Diggery, yeah?" I felt myself smiling at Draco's haughty voice tinged with annoyance. I easily scouted over, giving my brother more room.

"Well aren't we just the dream team." Draco drawled sarcastically, glaring at the puffs who were staring around us.

"Draco where were you?" I asked when everyone began talking once again.

"The library." Was the clipped response I received. My eyes narrowed in response. There was no reason for Draco to be in the library. Both of our homework assignments were completed weeks ahead of time.

Then I felt his aura. The filthy, sweet aura had me lose my already non-existant appetite. I gripped Draco's left forearm in warning. His facial expression didn't change, but his body tensed as Dumbledore drew closer.

Low whispers began to emerge across the Great Hall, but it was otherwise silent.

"Ms. Potter and Mr. Malfoy." Dumbledore's voice called out. I slowly loosened my hold on Draco, moving my hand into his own and rising. Behind Dumbledore I saw the seventh year Slytherin's subtlety palm their wands.

I inclining my head slightly in acknowledgement. His face was sit in grim regret, but his twinkling eyes gave him away. I looked down slightly at Cedric and Hermione who were scowling slightly. I successfully smothered a smirk. "Yes headmaster?"I questioned innocently.

His head shook slightly, as if convincing himself for his next words.

"Raise your sleeves."

AN:/ Finally, here's chapter 7! :) Pretty bold of Dumbledore don't you think? I apologize for the wait, and I hope this makes up for it!

P.s- The next chapter should be coming rather quickly