AN/- hey everybody, I know it's been really long since I updated so I just thought I'd give you guys another reason to be happy-although I really want to know your reactions after this chapter because it is a critical part of the story

Chapter 59

"It's been weeks since you've had that book Harry—you practically sleep with it—and you have no desire to find out who the half blood prince is!" snapped Hermione as she, Harry, Ron and Audrey made their way to Hogsmeade on the snowy November morning.

"I didn't say I wasn't curious and I don't sleep with it!" smirked Harry as he denied the accusation while the snow grew heavier as he walked faster making Hermione increase her pace, Ron threw a look at Audrey as she sighed too—Hermione had been after Harry's life about that potions book and truthfully it was becoming a little annoying now.

"It's true—I always check on you before you go to bed—to say good night—and I always see you with that bloody book!" said Ron as Hermione gave him a pleased smile.

"It's like living with Hermione," added Ron as Hermione stopped and turned around to throw him a glare as Audrey giggled to herself.

"Well—I was curious—so I went to the lib—,"

"The library and?" chorused the two boys as Audrey got in line with the other three.

"And nothing—there's no book that says anything about the half blood prince—let alone any wizarding royal family," said Hermione shrugging as Audrey frowned—but she was sure she had seen that name in the library.

"Well—I guess that settles it then," said Harry as he looked around and passed a hand around Audrey waist making her blush slightly and smile at him as he smirked inwardly.

"Filius!" said someone in who was in the front as the four friends say professor Flitwick make his way towards them as he flinched a little.

"I thought you'd be heading to the three broomsticks," said Professor Slughorn as Flitwick thought of an excuse.

"No—sorry Horace—umm... emergency choir practice," said Filius after thinking for a minute and then hurriedly walking away as Slughorn shrugged and walked away, Flitwick passed them throwing Hermione a small smile.

"Anyone fancy a butter beer?" asked Harry as they agreed.

When they entered Harry and Audrey's eyes fell on the table most visible near the bar where Slughorn was chatting up some wizard they had never seen before—he seemed too drunk to be bored by Slughorn who was happily babbling away.

Harry helped Audrey out of her coat as she gave him a small smile, however there was a person who was staring at them with interest and when Harry caught Malfoy staring at them, he glared back at him as Malfoy cleared off as he went towards the insides of the pub and took a left from the kitchens.

"What would you like?" asked the waiter coming to their table to take their orders.

"Four butter beers—three warm and one cold," said Hermione knowing Audrey preferred hers cold. They waited till the waiter brought them there orders while they looked around the pub.

"The slick git!" snarled Ron as he spotted Ginny and Dean cuddling up in the booth in the corner.

"Honestly Ron, they're just holding hands—and snogging," began Hermione as she changed the end of the statement noticing the change in behaviour.

"I'd like to leave!" he said adamantly as Audrey frowned.

"What—you can't be serious!"

"That happens to be my sister!"

" So what if one day she saw you snogging me—do you expect her to get up and leave?" asked Hermione disgruntled by his attitude not really realising what she said as Ron blushed deeply and when she did she covered it by gulping down a large helping of butterbeer.

"You've got a little bit-," said Ron pointing out that there was some foam stuck on her lip, a thought crossed Audrey's mind—she wondered why it was only Ron who kept noticing this—she also wondered what he'd do if they were together—she quickly shook her head. Harry waved out to someone suddenly.

"Harry my boy how have you been!" asked Slughorn shaking his hand.

"Good and you sir?" he replied courteously as Audrey turned around in her chair smiling interestedly.

"What are you doing here sir?" asked Harry as Slughorn laughed his belly heaving heavily as his drink slopped almost everywhere and sloshed almost on Hermione's hair.

"Oh—hands on deck Granger—the three broomsticks and I go way back than I'd care to admit—I can remember it when it was one broomstick," laughed Slughorn merrily.

"Ah—lovely I see you're here too Snape—so what have you thought of it?" asked Slughorn.

"I don't know yet sir," began Audrey shrugging.

"Oh—but my dear you promised me Halloween,"

"I did sir—but—I—"

"What is it about sir?" asked Harry curiously as Slughorn turned to him.

"Oh—in the old days I used to host the occasional supper party—nothing too grand—select student or two—I gave out the invite to you and Snape—haven't gotten a reply yet—would you care on joining?" asked Slughorn.

"I'd consider it an honour sir," said Harry as they turned to Audrey.

"I suppose there is no getting out is there," shrugged Audrey smiling as Slughorn chuckled and shook his head.

"I'll come sir-gladly," said Audrey smiling as Slughorn beamed and turned to Hermione.

"You could come too if you want Ms. Granger," smiled Slughorn as Hermione choked slightly on her drink.

"I'd be delighted sir," she said wiping her face of any extra foam,"

"Lovely—look for my other owl," smiled Slughorn patting Audrey's head lightly and walking away with his drink.

"Good to see you Willenbee," he said to Ron before leaving.

"What are you'll playing at?" snapped Ron at Harry and Audrey.

"Dumbledore's asked us to get to know him," said Audrey calmly as Ron understood and nodded as they continued with their drinks and spoke a little about quidditch.

The bell over the door tinkled again a little loudly this time as Audrey turned to look at who it was, too her surprise her mother was shaking out snow from her hair as Sirius pulled off his coat.

"The usual Rosie," shouted Sirius grinning at madam Rosemerta as she smiled a little blush crossing her face as Professor Sinistra who had come with them glared at him pointedly as he looked at her and smiled muttering something in ear—almost nibbling it as she giggled at their shameless display of public affection. Audrey pretended to gag as Harry slipped his hand into hers from under the table—she made another gag face as she laughed when he raised his eyebrows.

"Hello little buggers," smiled Sirius as he ruffled Harry's hair roughly he felt as if his brain had shaken inside.

"Get off Sirius!" laughed Harry as Rosemerta personally delivered the drinks smiling flirtatiously at Sirius as Rachel sat down next to Audrey and started talking about her classes.

Harry and Audrey however were not blind they could see how uncomfortable it was getting for Sinistra, Ron and Hermione—so they decided to head back to Hogwarts seeing that they'd rather eat at school then spend the money on eating something not as good as that.

They walked slowly down the empty road that led to the school Ron and Hermione were walking ahead as Ron spoke to her urgently about the charms essay as Hermione explained the finer details of the assignment to him. Audrey shivered because of the cold which helped in forming red blotches of blood on her already pale cheeks, she flushed as Harry smiled; he turned to look behind and then ahead as Hermione and Ron had already taken the turn in the road.

Harry pulled her to him as she leaned into him her hand resting on his chest as he kissed her softly, she reciprocated with equal vigour, but there kiss did not last too long as a shrill scream from beyond the turn made them break it. Fearing the worse—they pulled out there wands and dashed to where Ron and Hermione were staring and Katie Bell passed out on the floor as a parcel—a necklace with glittering emerald lay besides her hand while her friend screamed.

"I told her not to touch it!" she wept as Katie suddenly opened her eyes—they were glazed—as if made from glass. Katie then moved on the ground for one side to the other twitching harshly, she was yanked from one side to the other as if an invisible force was pulling her apart, her body was then suddenly lifted into the air as she stretched her arms not flailing, just laying there limp and lifeless as something tried to stretch her into two—she shrieked—it was horrifying as Hermione gripped Ron's hand as tightly as she could. Then with a lifeless thud Katie fell onto the ground—moving no more—her face twitching like in she was having a convulsion.

Harry walked over to her as his attention was on the necklace close by, Audrey next to him as she kneeled into the snow and approached a wearily hand towards the necklace.

"Don't touch that—apart from the wrappings!—oh dear—dear—dear!" said Hagrid as he dashed to help Katie, picked her up in his arms as he asked the five Gryffindors to follow him.

It took them hardly any time to get from the hospital wing to professor McGonagall's office as she ordered the four Gryffindors to follow her there. She placed the wrapped necklace on the table careful enough to not touch it. She then turned to look at the four students.

"I would like you tell me what happened," asked Minerva as Katie's friend who recognized Audrey recognized as Lianne Armstrong—she was in the dorm room right next to there's along with Katie Bell and a few other seventh years. Lianne couldn't really speak as she still sobbed a little more.

"Are you absolutely certain Katie did not have this before she entered the three broomsticks?" asked Minerva possibly gentler than before.

"It's like I said—she went to go to the loo—and when she came back she had this—she said it was most essential that she deliver it," sobbed Lianne as Minerva frowned.

"Deliver it? To whom?" asked Minerva a little surprised.

"To professor Dumbledore," said Lillian a little shaken as Minerva stood up straighter.

There was a knock on the door as Minerva waved her wand to open it—Audrey noticed Malfoy stride in with a roll of parchment—she could see how vehemently Harry glared at him. A second later Audrey saw her father enter the room and shut the door behind him.

"Mr. Malfoy—please wait while we tackle this first," said Minerva as Malfoy nodded as stood away from the four Gryffindors.

"Severus—have a look," said Minerva as Snape strolled over to the other side of the desk where the necklace was placed and levitated it with his wand.

"What do you think?" asked Minerva cautiously as Snape studied the necklace.

"I believe—Ms. Bell is lucky—to be alive," he said smoothly refusing to let his eyes shift from the fine piece of jewellery.

"She was cursed—I know Katie off the quidditch pitch—she wouldn't hurt a fly—she had to be cursed!" said Harry suddenly as the Minerva turned to look at him.

"Yes—Potter, she was cursed," agreed Minerva as Harry looked at Malfoy and then back at his head of house.

"It was Malfoy!" said Harry confidently as Audrey noticed a fearful guilty look cross Draco's face but it went as soon as it came—Audrey had been with him for two months teaching him transfiguration—she was a good observer—she knew a lot about Malfoy from his body language—you could tell he was frightened—fearful—as if hiding a secret that could end the world, he wasn't like the Malfoy she knew two years ago—he was no longer—full of himself—well—seeing half the school thought he was a creep because of his father, although he had a fair few friends—Audrey couldn't really be counted as one of them—but then again—she and Draco had become closer than what she thought they were—she did not dislike him anymore—although she was pitiful—he would smile at her sometimes—they cracked jokes too—but it was still a pretty long distance till they could trust each other—Audrey decided to end it that day—even if it would cost her something she had taken for granted—Harry's trust.

"That is a very serious accusation Potter!" said Minerva sternly as Harry did not give in.

"Indeed—your evidence?" asked Snape turning suddenly and as intimidating as possibly even Audrey jumped a little startled.

"I just know—"replied Harry glaring back at Snape with utter defiance.

"You just know—tell me Potter—how grand must be to be the chosen one—to have gifts us mere mortals only dream of possessing," snapped Snape wildly as Harry did not say anything.

"Please sir—I saw Mr. Malfoy too—lurking near the women's lavatory at the three broomsticks," said Hermione unsure as to whether to say this or not. Snape turned his face to her and frowned.

"I was waiting for Astoria to come out," said Malfoy disgustedly.

"But Ms. Greengrass is in the hospital wing—recovering from burn wounds Mr. Malfoy," said Minerva frowning as Draco looked up—like he was cornered—they were going to expel him now—they knew—not even Snape could change anyone's mind now—the dark lord wpuld kill him—he would murder his mother first—his mother who—

"I don't think Malfoy was in Hogsmeade at all—because if he was in Hogsmeade— the other slytherine's would be too—but as far as I am aware the Slytherine team are practicing quidditch today—and seeing that Malfoy is a part of the team—he couldnt have possibly even wandered away—they are practicing for the mathc—they cant just let a team member walk away like that—I don't think Blaise would let that pass," said Audrey as Draco looked at her shocked—Audrey Snape—was taking his side!

Audrey did not look at anyone as Severus stood up straighter—Harry looked at her like she had just betrayed him—she wondered what his reaction would be if he found out she had ben tutoring him for over two months now.

"Alright—I suppose that settles that—I would suggest you return to your dormetories—I shall grade that and return it Mr. Malfoy—good day," said Minerva shortly as Lillian glared at Malfoy and then walked out—Hermione rushing behind Lillian as Ron dashed to catch up with her. Audrey noticed Harry look stiffly at her and then turn around in violent fury and stalk out of the classroom. She followed him not noticing that she was being followed herself.

"Harry—Harry—come on—where are you going?" she called after him as he turned in a harsh way looking dagers at her.

"None of your business is it—but if you must know—I am going to the hospital wing—possibly where my real friends are headed—they were right about you—you don't belong in Gryffindor—so why don't you go slithering with your Snake friends—I sure they'll like that—beside Malfoy's dying to shag you—is that why you did that Audrey—some sort of joke—some devious plan you planned with him over these two months-years?" asked Harry looking hurt.

"That's not true—I just really didn't see him in Hogsmeade—and I thought you were wrong—I didn't want you to get into trouble"

"Really—do you really think I am that thick?—you think I am daft?—that I wouldn't find out that you'd been going off with Malfoy ever two days at lunch into empty class rooms—what do you do there—shag each other senseless—boy if I knew how right he was calling you a slut that day—I wouldn't have beaten up Smith," snarled Harry angrily as sick smile plastered on his face. Audrey didn't know where this was coming from—there relationship had been strong—she had no idea he was so insecure—so insecure that he didn't trust his girlfriend at all—didn't care that he was making her cry.

She slapped him right across his face as tears flowed down while Harry looked at her defiantly.

"Is that what you think of me—that—that—I am some sort of—cheap trash—who'd just go around sleeping with people—I was told to tutor Malfoy in transfiguration—that was where I went every two days—I thought if I told you—you'd just be troubled for me—I told them the truth of what I thought the situation was so that maybe—just maybe you wouldn't get into trouble for opening you're big mouth—but you know what—I am glad you considered telling me this because I know just how much you care about me now—before I made a terrible mistake of actually falling in love with an ass hole like you," she cried as Harry gulped—her explanation was believable—but in his place of mind he refused to understand it.

"I promise never—ever to speak with you again—seeing that is what is best," she said as she turned around—a last sniff and she ran down the hall leaving him staring at the place where she stood only a few seconds ago—he already missed her warmth.

Malfoy had seen everything—he had heard everything—he felt terrible about everything—Astoria had told him about Snape—she had told him about Snape—and how terribly wrong he was about her—he had refused to believe her then—but he was a different person now.

He followed her as quickly as he could; he saw her wipe away frustrated angry tears as she sobbed angrily still refusing to stop anytime soon. She walked all the way over to the tree on the slope overlooking the frozen black lake. She crashed herself against the tree and cried harder as she sat down breathing loudly as she wiped the tears again.

"Snape?" Draco called softly as Audrey whipped out her wand and looked at him angrily remnants of tears shone in her obsidian eyes.

"Just get lost Malfoy—I am really in no mood for your rubbish!" she snarled at him as he took another bold step towards her.

"I just wanted to talk," he said as Audrey looked up at him.

"What is there to talk about?" snarled Audrey as she looked away as the vapour from the cold left her mouth.

"Lots to talk about—like what you said inside—why Snape why did you support me?"

"I didn't support you—I just said the truth,"

"Not a Gryffindor for any reason Snape—that was a bold move in there—going against Potter and standing up for me, why?"

"No reason—"

Draco sighed—she wasn't going to tell him then, maybe if he could win her trust like she had just won his.

"Audrey—I just—I trust you—I have never trusted anyone before—like I have begun to trust you—please—believe me when I say this—I—I—want you to be my friend—I don't expect you to agree but we could try," he said as Audrey didn't say anything—Draco smiled—at least he had successfully calmed her.

"May I walk you to the great hall before we throw each other glares again?" he asked her as she nodded unsure, she sighed to herself wondering if this was going to work—she crossed her fingers hoping he wouldn't realise how unaware he was—how he was slowly falling into a trap she had not set but on his own—she would play along—it would make her task only easy.

"So, what do you think of the new and improved Astoria?" asked Audrey softly as Draco looked at her frowning.

"the same," he replied shrugging.

"So you don't like here yet?" she asked him a little dissatisfied with his answer.

"What—no—I'm in love with her," he replied frowning as he revealed something he had never revealed to anyone before.

"What?" she asked surprised as Draco nodded blushing as the crimson on his face was inevitably seen on his face.

"Always have—always will," he said shrugging.

"She doesn't think so—she thinks you don't-," began Audrey as Draco sighed.

"Yes—I have been a right foul git to her when we are at school—I suppose it because-,"

"You're a Slytherine?" asked Audrey softly as Draco nodded

"Why do you believe in these ideas?"

"Do you not?"

"I do not care for such frivolous thinking—I believe in keeping my mind open,

"I was brought up this way—sometimes I try to see things differently—I have always tried—but I tend to fail miserably," he said disappointed.

"Maybe if you weren't such a prat—people might just like you—but people I mean people apart from Parkinson and your foul ghouls," said Audrey seriously as Draco gave her a laugh, she had never heard before—he had a nice voice, one could say so.

"I don't have many friends who are different,"

"Considering me your friend already—very trusting aren't you?"

"Don't expect you to go Slytherine on me—after all you seem to detest everything Slytherine,"

"I do not understand you," she lied.

"You know I meant Snape—what's his problem anyway—you seem to be quite right in the head—I mean what is expecting from you?"

"I don't suppose he was expecting me in the first place—I do not like him—I cannot see what my mother possibly saw fancy in him,"

"Me neither,"

"I mean he's a death eater!"

"Yeah," said Draco a little unsteadily as he refused to look her in the eye again. Audrey knew she had him cornered—she wondered if—if this was how it was supposed to be—them ending up as friends—could she help him out?

"You're one of them too aren't you?" she spoke as softly as she could as Draco's eyes widened—thick tears falling as he turned away.

"Draco—I'm no one to judge if you tell me what happened?" she said, she suddenly saw a spark of anger in his grey eyes.

"It's all your fault anyway—this mark on my bloody hand is all your and your boy friends fault!" snapped Draco as Audrey frowned.

"he's not my boy friend—not anymore anyway!" she snapped back at him looking away instantly.

"Yea—well you'll end up with him—the dark lord said you're his defender—it is you're fate!" he snapped wildly at her.

"What—I am his what!"

"I have to go!" he said turning away as he walked away clearing his eyes.

Audrey was boggled—what in the bloody hell was a defender? She decided that she would need to corner Malfoy again—making him tell her whatever he knew—make him tell her about his mission as well. She would have to work her best to befriend him.

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