Author's Note: I had, had HAD to update as soon as possible before I expected to because of VintageRose503 who by the way is honestly writes the quirkiest and funniest reviews. I quite like it and it brings a smile to my face that reviewers care about this story.

~Of Silver and Gold~

Chapter 23: Epiphany

Walking away from their interactions with the Gryffindors, Angel could not help but have all the anger dissipate as the fear began to rise within her once more. She didn't want to be out here, and she wanted her parents. No matter how much Draco tried, she couldn't help but wonder how he wasn't nervous.

"There's nothing to worry about, trust me." He said.

She sighed.

"You know I do….but why weren't you scared? I mean you were so confident and-"

"I very well couldn't show fear now could I?" he asked shaking his head.

Angel bit her lip and frowned slightly.

"So you faked confidence towards them?" she asked.

Draco nodded and squeezed her shoulder.

"Look doll, you need to calm down. You aren't supposed to show fear in front of enemies" Draco cooed.

Angel nodded and she leaned against him oblivious to just what lies he was feeding her. Well he didn't lie. He didn't! You are never supposed to show fear to an enemy, but he wasn't frightened. He knew who those people were, he had heard one of them even say last names of prominent pure bloods.

They were Death Eaters, that much was obvious, but his mother confused him. She seemed genuinely worried which would make no sense if she knew and was part of the order as was his father. Maybe they weren't, but they associated with them? He didn't want to think about it, all he did care about was that they couldn't be harmed and that Angel would be safe. She was too young to understand this and she needed to be sheltered.

He smiled and kissed her forehead tugging her along.

"Come on, mum will be waiting." Draco said changing the conversation.

She agreed, but then a bright green flash flew through the sky they both looked back. They realized that it was a colossal skull, comprised of what looked like emerald stars, with a serpent protruding from its mouth like a tongue. As they watched, it rose higher and higher, blazing in a haze of greenish smoke, etched against the black sky.

Angel's breath hitched seeing the symbol that felt like a bad omen. She shivered against Draco seeing something so intimidating, so dark before the sky. She turned to look at Draco and saw his eyes glittering, but had a hidden emotion she couldn't pinpoint.

"Angeline! Draco!" they heard someone call out.

They turned to see their mother running their direction. Angel calmed down and rushed over embracing her mother tightly. She was so relieved that her mother was there and that she was safe. She felt someone wrapping an arm around them, and she knew that it was Draco as he also embraced his mother. She was glad that she was safe and that they were together.

"Where's father?" Draco asked.

Angel pulled back and noticed that it was true, he wasn't there. Narcissa simply fan her fingers through Draco's hair and sighed.

"He went off with the Minister to help bring back some order in this horrid place" Narcissa said scrunching her nose. "He said we should go home and he'll be there later."

She placed her hands on their backs and nudged them along. They walked through another clearing and when Narcissa took out the portkey and they felt the familiar tug in their stomach.

Landing, Angel immediately leaned against Draco looking paler and a little blue. He grabbed her and chuckled slightly.

"You need to get used to that you clumsy witch" he told her.

He winced as she elbowed him and he led her into the Malfoy Estate gates. Narcissa walked ahead of them and they continued to be but a feet behind her.

Narcissa was walking ahead because of her anxiety. She in no way wanted her children to know that the people that they were torturing the idiotic muggles were people they grew alongside with. She shook her head thinking of how Lucius had responded to her comment.

She reached the doors to the manor and she watched her children walking alongside one another. She knew that if her husband was indeed going to return to the dark side, they would be forced to rely on one another. She saw them being close and she knew that they would hopefully be like that to the end.

"I-I think that you should go to your room, I'm sure you're exhausted" Narcissa cooed.

Angel and Draco didn't protest considering their exhaustion. They practically leaned against one another as they went up the stairs. They murmured goodnight to their beloved mother and then they went off upstairs.

"Night" Draco mumbled.

"Goodnight" Angel murmured and she kissed his cheek tiredly and walked inside her room.

She took off her robe and she removed her slippers, so she could go to bed. The moment her head hit the pillow she fell into a deep slumber. Her body was exhausted from the running she had done, as well as emotional exhaustion. She tried the whole night to ignore those dreams of the Muggles crying out in pain, and when she did, all that surrounded her mind was the dreaded darkness.

With Draco…

Draco meanwhile took off his coat as if it was nothing, throwing it to the side. He wondered just why his father did what he did to the Muggles. Yes they were disgusting, and practically animals, but he didn't really mind until he saw his sister's reaction.

Her eyes were showing disgust and a few tears as well. At that moment, he kind of felt ashamed to enjoying the scene while his sister had obvious distress. He held her close and felt her shiver and practically cling to him. As Potter had accused his father, he felt no need to defend his father, but she sure did. She practically fought for her father, something that made his stomach drop slightly, thus he stopped her before she got too far. He sighed thinking that school was coming up close.

With Harry….

He couldn't believe it, there were people that actually believed in the Dark Lord and were supporters. He couldn't help but groan at the thought that there were more people that wanted him dead and wanted revenge as to what he had done when he was a mere baby. He covered his face and sighed thinking that there wasn't a year where he could relax.

Then he remembered that he had buggered up everything with Angel. He sighed and looked up at the top of the tent. She was so pretty, he had to admit that, and the way she composed herself when at the game was something to think about. She looked so nervous around him, probably because last time they were together they had spent a long time with one another and laughed and had some uncomfortable moments with the lack of personal space.

He had to admit they had taken a few steps towards one another, but that all was ruined the moment he accused her father of being part of those bandits. Her saw her shift and the wall being built right up. He cursed slightly and wondered just why this had to happen to him.

'Why are you so upset that she's not happy with you?'

Covering his face he laid in bed wondering when this got messy. It was clear that he liked her in a different way than others. It mattered what she thought of him, what she said to him, if she even noticed him. All of that mattered. Merlin, did he like like her?!

As he heard other snores, he turned to his side and closed his eyes falling asleep letting his body relax and he fell asleep immediately. His mind continued to show him his mess up and shifted to the idea that there were people out to get him.

Following Week….

Angel was rushing through her room packing up everything she would need. She smiled as she saw Pansy murmuring things to herself and picking out clothes for Angel and what she would do. Turning around she crossed her arms and quirked a small smile wondering what the raven haired girl was doing.

"What now Pans?" she asked.

"Well I think that these skirts are too long" she said lifting one of Angel's skirts and she placed it on her own hips.

Pansy merely raised her brow and showed her that the skirt was so long it touched her knee.

"I think they're fine, they touch the knee like the rules state" Angel said shrugging.

She heard her friend sigh loudly and she smirked shaking her head. She threw pairs of socks into her suitcase and turned back to face Pans.

"And how short should it be?" she asked.

Pansy let out a wicked smile and she took out her wand waving it around and pointed at the skirt shortening it up.

"Pansy!" Angel yelled cheeks pink.

"You need a boyfriend and this skirt might aid you in the process" Pansy said smirking.

Angel shook her head amused, but allowed it knowing that Pansy wouldn't give up unless she got her way. She hummed softly and saw her best friend sitting on her bed and began to read off the list.

"Now girl," Pansy began. "we need your uniform-"

"With a skirt below your knee" Angel interrupted.

"as I was saying" she said glaring " uniform, nice shoes, your tie, oh!"

"Oh?" Angel repeated.

"Get out your best jewelry!" Pansy said excited. "We're having a ball!"

"Ball?" she asked confused.

"Well we need to get dress robes. Oh! I can't wait we can go to Madame Malkin's and get our dress robes, and buy gorgeous gowns too!"

Angel took the note from her and laughed lightly.

"You're doing that alone, it's for fourth years dear" she told Pansy.

She laid on her bed and sighed in relief. As much as she loved shopping in general, but shopping with Pansy ….that was a totally different situation all together. Shopping with Pansy wasn't a chore, but an actual professional sport. It involved strength, endurance, and good taste.

"Oh no you're not, I'll make sure you get a date so you can come to the ball with me" Pansy said smiling.

Angel lifted her head and smiled thinking her friend was being silly.

"As your date? Does that mean you're ditching my brother and taking me instead?" she teased.

Laughter came out of her once she was thrown a stuffed animal by Pansy. They were truly the best of friends, and could talk about anything.

"You git, of course Draco will take me…and Blaise can take you. That'd be fun right?" she asked.

Angel made a face and Pansy frowned.

"What's it with you all and Blaise?" Angel said sighing. "I don't want anyone taking me out of pity as simple as that"

Pansy smirked wondering just how oblivious Angel was to Blaise's intentions. She didn't know just how infatuated the boy was with her. In fact no one had told her, one dumbstruck look that the Italian had given her friend was enough for her to know.

"Fine, I will bother you with that later" Pansy teased.

Angel smirked and sighed while Pansy put Angel's clothes in her suitcase. Pansy was beginning to put some of her fashionable flair into Angel's clothing, like a mother hen would rather than a friend.

"How was Christmas?" she asked.

Angel frowned.

"Well father's been hard at work at the Ministry ever since the incident at the Quidditch Cup. For Christmas he sent us the usual gifts. Draco got a new broom, I got more jewelry and it was a quiet evening. Mum got some of the finest jewelry and a new gown to ease her nerves but I doubt it did anything." She finished.

"Why not?" Pansy asked. "If my husband sent me all those expensive gifts, everything would be thrown out the window!"

Angel smirked and shook her head.

"Mum was so nervous she tried to bake." As she saw Pansy making a face she laughed softly.

"Yeah it was bad, the house elves were having a breakdown as she burned the dough and she just stopped and went to cry. She's very stressed out."

Pansy shrugged.

"Daddy hasn't been home either, probably busy with Mr. Malfoy" Pansy said shrugging.

"Hurry up girls!" they heard downstairs.

"Coming Drakie!" Pansy called out.

Angel laughed and closed her suitcase. A house elf immediately rushed over and she levitated it from Angel's hand. She said thank you and walked downstairs with Pansy towards Draco. For once neither of the girls had their uniform on, considering that they decided to change on the train.

"Come on, it's raining outside" Draco said. "Mum is taking us,"

"What about father?" Angel asked.

Draco shrugged. "He's still working"

Angel frowned.

"Come now dear, you know that your father is a hard worker and he'd be here if he could okay?" Narcissa cooed and nudged them along.

Once they reached Platform 9 and ¾ , it was time to say goodbye to their mother. Draco allowed a quick hug before he rushed off to the train, Angel in turn took her time and hugged her mother tightly.

"I'll miss you." she murmured.

"Angel darling" she began, "I want you to be careful okay?"

That caught her attention and she looked up at her mother confused. Narcissa smiled and caressed her cheek.

"I just want to make sure that you are safe. The last years haven't been the calmest and you...darling I love you so much. Draco can be tough and think he can take on the world, but look after him okay? Look after one another okay?"

Angel nodded and hugged her mother tightly once more before rushing behind her brother. It seemed easier this time, but it was hard not to notice how alone she looked without their father showing his intimidating nature and protecting her.

"Here's a good spot!" Draco said and opened the empty cabin.

They entered the cabin and they placed their suitcases over their seats and sat down once more. Soon the trio was met by Blaise.

"Hey mate!" Draco said and happily patted Blaise on the back.

"Hey Blaise" Pansy said hugging him.

Angel wondered just why they were so happy that he was here. It wasn't like they hadn't seen him in forever, they saw him a month ago! But she got up nonetheless and before she could greet him, she was pulled into a tight hug by him. She flinched in surprise.

"Hey" she heard him whisper against her ear.

"Hey" she whispered in return.

She wrapped her arms tentatively around him and she noticed just how tall he had gotten. He seemed to be holding her tight, so much so that she was slightly out of breath. She pushed him away from her and smiled shyly till she saw his expression. He had that look that he had given Susan Miles from Ravenclaw when he was infatuated by her. She froze slightly wide eyed till she remembered where they were and pulled apart.

"So…I'm starving" she said nervously playing with the ribbons on her sundress.

"Let's go to the cart yeah?" Pansy said knowing the sign.

Blaise sat down and smiled.

"Get me a chocolate frog luv?" he asked.

Angel paused looking annoyed before faking a smile.

"Same" Draco said showing obvious amusement.

"Okay" they girls said and closed the door behind them.

As soon as they were walking Pansy giggled and stopped as she saw a glare from her friend.

"What?" she asked innocently.

"He's ruining everything" Angel said frowning.

"What do you mean?" Pansy asked.

"He's giving me that look, and I don't like it" she replied annoyed.

"Why don't you? He's a popular boy and well…he's good looking and caring and talks nothing but good things about you and-"

"That's nice and all Pans, but I don't want to think about that with him. He's my friend and well.."

"You're still not over-" Pansy began.

"What are you-" then Angel froze staring at the scene before her.

Pansy looked confused till she turned to see and understood why it was that Angel froze near the trolley.

There was Harry Potter buying a chocolate frog and staring at a gaggle of girls. The one in front was the seeker of Ravenclaw…Cho Chang. The way that Harry stared at her was obvious infatuation, his cheeks were red, his glasses were skewed and a stupid smile was planted on his face. Meanwhile the girls giggled and nudged Cho who smiled politely at Harry and turned away to see the face of the two Slytherin girls.

"Hello" Cho said greeting them as she realized they were there.

"Chang" Pansy replied.

Harry knew this was the second time that he had seen Cho Chang. The first time was during a Quidditch match the previous year. The moment he saw her he had made her uncomfortable, but then this year she was very beautiful. She had pale skin and lovely almond-shape eyes. She made his stomach feel funny and he felt his face heating up as they shared a look.

"Hullo" Angel murmured.

The moment he heard that voice he broke out of his stupor. He turned to face the young Slytherin in an almost guilty manner and stared at her uncomfortable. He felt tension in the room and then heard Cho beginning to talk.

"Hope you'll be at the next Quidditch game" Cho said politely towards Angel.

Angel's hand moved towards her hip and made a defensive stance.

"If you had half a brain cell you'd know Quidditch is cancelled this year" Angel replied.

Pansy giggled and smirked at Cho's flushed expression of embarrassment.

"Good day" she said hurriedly and turned to face Harry, giving him a small smile. As she walked away Harry's eyes trailed her.

Angel had never felt something like this. Her blood was beginning to boil, her cheeks reddening in anger, and her hands formed fists.

"What'd you like dearie?" she heard from the trolley lady.

She noticed that the woman was smiling at her kindly and showing a small glint in her eyes knowing that she noticed her reaction to the girl. Angel sighed and smiled at the woman kindly, her smile was contagious. She decided to ignore Harry and instead ordered.

"I'll like a Sugar Quill-"

"Er…Angel I'd like to explain that um…well that wasn't-" Harry began.

"Oh and two chocolate frogs" Pansy added knowing Angel was ignoring the Potter boy.

She gave him a disapproving look and noticed Angel looked in the verge of exploding in anger or tears.

"And another sugar quill" Pansy added.

"Here you are dears, that'd be two galleons" the woman said.

She was paid and gave Harry a small reassuring smile and walked away with her trolley.

"Look-" Harry began. He didn't know why he was even trying to explain himself but he felt he needed to.

He noticed that she was looking at him with a raised brow and her shoe tapping waiting for his reaction. Her face was one of anger, for he knew that look too well and he looked at her like a kicked puppy.

"I'm sorry-" Harry added.

"What for?" Angel said. "-for insinuating that my father was a Death Eater? Or was it for wasting the trolley lady's time while you stared hopelessly at Chang hm?"

Harry had the decency to flush at her comment. He felt himself being pressed against the wall from her intimidating stance and saw her expression more closely than before. Her eyes showed anger, for what, well that wasn't clear to Harry. But he also saw frustration and hurt making him feel funny as well, but funny in a bad way.

"Well?" she whispered.

He felt his whole body flush all over and his bottom lip tremble as her breath was hitting his lips. His heavy breathing, he noticed made her cheeks flush and she stepped back. He turned towards Pansy remembering that she was there and he flushed even more as she was smiling with a glint in her eye.

"Like I had told you before, don't ask for forgiveness if you don't know what you are asking forgiveness for" she muttered.

She licked her Sugar quill and turned to walk away with a giggling Pansy. As she did Harry followed her with his gaze wondering just how even in anger she managed to make butterflies appear in his stomach, make him look like a fool, and like her all the while. He sighed and tried to take a bite of his chocolate frog that is until he saw that it had jumped away. He groaned and followed the trail that the trolley lady said.

"You love him" Pansy whispered.

Angel turned to look at her and glared.

"Don't say such stupid things" Angel hissed.

"Say that to that blush and that jealousy I saw" Pansy said. "If you ever realize it, then just know you have support right here" she said smiling.

Angel blushed and she walked in the cabin handing the frogs to each of the boys. Draco noticed her look and tilted his head.

"You okay?" he asked.

She nodded and smiled.

"Just tired you know" she said.

Draco dropped the subject and Pansy gratefully began to chat with them distracting them from Angel and leaving her to her thoughts.

She closed her eyes and began to think just what was going on with her. Every time that she thought of Potter she felt her cheeks warm up and her stomach tug. She liked being near him, and she even liked arguing with him because he reacted so easily to her taunts. She heard Pansy's words one more. You love him. She shivered as she thought over the power of the words.

'Do I? 'she thought.

Oh this was not good. She opened her eyes and sat up stiffly earning looks from the trio. She needed to get out of there and really think this over. The fear of a panic attack rose and she found herself needing to make an excuse. Biting her bottom lip and stood up picking up her bag.

"I'm going to go change" she mumbled.

As she walked out she heard Pansy say.

"I'm coming too!" she said in a rush.

As they walked towards the girl's loo, Angel closed the door and sighed deeply.

"What-" Pansy began.

Angel lifted her hand to immediately silence her. She feared the idea of someone hearing her.

"Look if there's anyone inside" Angel ordered.

Pansy pushed all the doors and they all opened easily showing they were alone. Angel signed in relief and covered her face.

"Well?" Pansy tapped her foot waiting for a response.

Angel mumbled a few spells, specifically a locking charm and a silencing charm around them.

"Well?" Pansy repeated. "Hello?"

She didn't have to wait long as her young friend began to pace around the room murmuring nonsensical things until one word was heard clearly:

"Bloody hell!" Angel exclaimed.

"What?" Pansy said confused.

"I can't believe that git got to me!" She exclaimed.

Kicking her bag angrily she found herself just acting childish. She was angry, thrilled, scared and curious as to what she was beginning to feel. The fact that she could not find any other reasons to feel this way towards him made her panic.

"Who?" Pansy said.

"Potter" she hissed in anger.

Pansy had an expression of confusion which was not uncommon. But Pansy Parkinson was intuitive when it came to emotions. So it didn't take long for the panicked pacing of her friend to give her the answer she was looking for. Slowly but surely a small smile began to appear on her face and she let out a small giggle jumping up and down in excitement.

"Oh! That's so romantic!"

Angel turned to face her confused.

"You love him?" Pansy exclaimed.

She flinched at her older friend's words. Did she love him? She didn't know that. She just knew that she would like to have more interactions with him. And she wouldn't mind if he held her hand, and stopped arguing with her.

"Well that I don't know yet…but.."

"But?" Pansy pushed eyes bright.

"I don't like Chang"

"Why?" Pansy said nudging her.

"She makes me jealous" Angel admitted.

Pansy bit back another gleeful squeal.

"Because you lo-"

"I don't know that!" Angel interrupted.

"But you're not denying it?" Pansy asked.

"I can't deny that yet" Angel mumbled.

Pansy giggled and they began to change into their uniform.

"This is going to be a great year" Pansy said. "Might get that boyfriend after all"

Angel blushed and rolled her eyes, not admitting that she was hoping that would occur as well. Because now as she had this revelation, she could only hope that this year would go smoothly for once.