Author's Note: I know I'm terrible! It's been so long but I have no excuse other than work and night school. But I want to really try and continue working on this story for as long as people read it. Reviews are always welcomed!

Note; The closer I am getting to the end of the book, the more I find myself conflicted as to what to do about the canonical deaths. I'd really like to get your opinions on whether or not I should kill the people that are needed to kill, or switch things up. Please let me know what you all think.

~Of Silver & Gold~

Chapter 58: Hurt

" What have I become, my sweetest friend?

Everyone I know goes away in the end.

And you could have it all, my empire of dirt,

I will let you down, I will make you hurt"

Harry was someone who wear his heart under his sleeve. There was no intentional malice in any of his actions and he was not the type to hide his emotions very well. So as he picked up Angel and walked her to the infirmary, the way she gripped his shirt and whispered "Please don't" repeatedly was pulling at his heartstrings. She felt so small in his arms, and despite his friends around him, he felt as if it was only the two of them in this world.

"Harry please don't," She continued softly. "I don't want them to contact my parents…they…they can't know what's going on" she begged.

Angel never begged, and this was the part that actually confused him. But as Luna pushed through the group and stretched her arms out to stop them, he knew it was serious. It was obvious that they could intercept her, she was just as small, and he didn't think she was serious. Still, the way she stretched her arms out and lifted her chin showing her defiance, he forced himself to stop.

"Harry Potter you listen to her request!" she spoke firmly for once in her life. "It's clear she does not want to be taken to the infirmary so we are not going there"

"Luna" Hermione intercepted in a soothing tone to calm the girl, "she's bleeding and took a nasty fall. We cannot just have her cleaned up and move on! It's dangerous and she could genuinely be hurt without us even knowing it. What if it's something internal?"

Luna looked a little shaken at the thought of Angel being sicker than she looked, and she looked badly beaten up. Slowly Luna shrank, but seeing her friend beg her to stop them kept her from completely backing down.

"What…what if we take her to Dumbledore?" Ron suggested awkwardly. Everyone looked at him in surprise and he looked like he too surprised himself. He flushed slightly and waved his hands unsure where that came from. "I'm just saying maybe he can help her and he can just…fix everything"

"Oh Ron" Hermione and Luna said so proud of him and he looked even more embarrassed.

"That's a great idea" Neville said cheerily.

This was the first moment that Angel allowed herself to truly relax. Dumbledore could maybe help and he wouldn't tell her parents. He would fix everything.

…

When they arrived, Dumbledore was talking with Professor McGonagall who was surprised at the grouping that day. She didn't know what to really think about the band of misfits interrupting her conversation with the Headmaster, but as Harry looked at her with hope, she signaled him to sit the young girl down. Both adults noticed how delicately he placed her on the couch, only to immediately hold her hand.

"What happened?" she asked.

"Professor, she was bullied by the Slytherin team, it was barbaric the way that they just-"

"Honestly, professor, it was horrible they hurt her!" Luna began talking at the same time.

Everyone was talking and she felt her head throbbing at all the noise. She hated not being able to utter a word on her own experience. It was obviously that they meant well, but she could ever let anyone speak for her, not again.

"Stop" Angel whispered softly. "Please just everyone stop talking about it like I'm not here. This happened to me, and if you would all be so kind to stop gossiping, I'd first like to get some healing done…without Madame Pomfrey."

"What do you mean without Madame-"

Angel interrupted Professor McGonagall with a fiercr tone than expected. "If you promise me that she doesn't contact my parents then I'll accept her aid"

That got the Professor upset. "Now see here Ms. Malfoy, I will not be given ultimatums when it comes to your health. Madame Pomfrey is pressed by the regulations to check up on you and to inform your parents should any harm come your way and I will not be having any rules being broken."

Both of them stared at one another both unwilling to crack. Meanwhile, the others shuffled to the sides unwilling to get in the middle of the quarrel. It was only but a minute before Angel forced herself up. She wobbled for a second before steadily attempting to get out of here.

"Where do you think you're going?" Harry intercepted and placed his hands on her shoulders. "You cannot just reject healing!"

"If it means they have to know then yes, I refuse healing" She replied stubbornly.

"You're crazy if you think you can just leave without being healed. They hurt you!"

"Did they? Or did I just have an accident falling down the stairs" She snarled in return.

They had never been at these kind opposite spectrums when in a while. Sure they had arguments here or there, but never in front of others. She ignored the way that the other teens shifted uncomfortable at the displayed frustration. She refused to have her be sent back to that hellhole.

"Enough. Everyone please go back to your usual day, that is everyone but Miss Malfoy."

"But professor!" Harry protested.

"Please do as requested."

Harry and the others reluctantly left and Angel stood there waiting to hear what the odd man would say to her. She refused to ask for assistance or ask if she could sit down so she didn't. Instead she waited for him to start lecturing her. Instead she watched him sit down and stare at her as she slightly wobbled.

"Miss Malfoy, am I to assume you would like to avoid heading home?"

She was surprised at how direct his question was; it was quite unlike him. But when she signaled her to sit down, she did as asked, even allowed a small hiss of pain to be emitted.

"I would like to avoid that option if possible. I just need time to heal, the bruises are surface level, at least to my knowledge and I'd rather not miss class"

The way he stared at her, made her just feel like he understood her true reasons. She feared being trapped in that home again, especially with her aunt being there and hurting her more. As he moved forward he very gently placed a hand on her shoulder, which made her look up at him.

"How…how is your home life Miss Malfoy?"

"I…"she looked around before landing her gaze at the phoenix that stared intently at her. The bird looked curiously at her as if he too wanted to know the truth.

"You are in a safe space Miss Malfoy" he reassured her all the more.

"I'd rather not return, it was made very clear that I am not wanted" she murmured. "My brother…he is no longer my brother I…I have nothing to go back for" her voice shook near the end making this real.

The silence loomed over them and she was thankful he allowed her to bite back her tears without being pushy. Taking a shaky breath, she was relieved when he began to speak again.

"Perhaps another lodging might do? Perhaps a proper boat hole...I don't think that a few missed classes would be too terrible, don't you think?"

A hopeful look could not be hidden from her expression and when he smiled her she had to believe that everything would be okay. After all, when did Dumbledore lie?

…

The tightness in her stomach was worth it as Sirius, Remus and Tonks stood there waiting for her. Dumbledore had so gallantly helped her arrive at the lodging and the moment she stepped out, Sirius immediately embraced her. She dug her nails tightly into his shirt making sure she knew she didn't want to leave.

Everything just felt immensely better; Remus and Tonks ran to find a proper healer while Dumbledore and her father spoke of the expectations. Once agreed, he simply lifted her in his arms, murmuring upset how skinny she was.

"How have you let yourself go so soon? You're skin and bones?"

She would had laughed if it wasn't for the fact everything hurt. Still he rambled on about her new room and how perfect it would be. She was glad to see him and how he too missed her. As her head rested on his shoulder, he pushed the door open and allowed her to take it in. The room was significantly cleaner, the bed was made with plush bed sheets and fluffy pillows and she felt like he really tried. He ushered her to shower and to get as clean as possible before the healer came.

It was under the shower that she truly sobbed. Her body hurt, she knew ugly bruises would begin to form. The blood that ran down her body was enough to tell her that it was not something to take lightly. She was weak, but her body still was staying upright which she appreciated. It was a bitter pill to swallow; her brother had made it clear where he stood the moment he threw things at her. She was alone.

A knock on the door made her bite back tears; someone had heard her.

"Darlin' you okay?"

It was Tonks. She was relieved that it wasn't Sirius only because he would be too blinded by emotions to do anything. Still as the witch let herself in, Angel curled down on the tub avoiding the judgment in her eyes.

"Come on love, let's get you to be examined. The Healer is waiting patiently for you." As she said this, she brought a large towel around the teen and wrapped it tightly. Her motions were smooth but strong to reassure her that no real movement would be needed from her. As Angel was helped out, Tonks took her to the familiar face of the Healer. It seemed that this Healer only saw the worse in her.

"Come on, let's get a good look at you."

She said nothing as the Healer fussed over her. The usual bandages went around her and she had told her that she had broken a rib during her fall. The bandage would be around and tightly done to avoid any unnecessary pain. Her bloody lip would heal she was reassured and thankfully nothing serious other than a broken bone had occurred. Once the Healer was done, Tonks helped her change into pajamas before pulling the blanket over the young girl.

"Hey….you know you can tell me anything right? " she began softly as she ran her fingers through Angel's hair. "We are family" she teased as she continued to sooth the girl. "I told my mother about you here. I hope you don't mind that I told her...she grew concerned but sent over some stew.."

Angel wondered just how much Tonks knew, but as she continued, it was clear she understood more than anyone.

"Your story really resonates with her..here" she handed her a letter. "She wanted me to give you this."

Carefully she opened the letter and read what were the first letters from her aunt.

My Dearest Angel,

When my Nymphadora told me about you, I had to reach out. I know how hard it can be,

I know how lonesome it can feel, but know you are not alone.

Your father, myself, we know the struggle and like us you were born to do more.

It's hard to build your own ideas on life, and to see how imperfect your family can be.

Remember, love resonates amongst us all and the world will appreciate you.

But it is okay to mourn, to go through the motions of burying the old you.

But like a phoenix you must rise.

You are made to truly live and love in this world and to ignore social construct.

I do hope you reach out to me. And if you ever want to come visit,

I'd love that.

All my love,

Andromeda Tonks

"Oh love just what have you gone though"

Tonk's words shook her out of her thoughts and it was then that she realized tears were falling from her cheeks. Andromeda's words resonated through her and even more when it solidified what was going on. Tonks gave her a hug that really put Angel in the proper mindset. She refused to answer the questions the older witch asked but as she told her the story of her mother and what she went more in depth of when she was banished…it weirdly made Angel feel like there was someone in the world that understood. Sleep soon overcame her and she allowed herself to simply drift off while Tonks continued to talk.

….

It was three weeks so far and no sign of Angel. Harry found himself trying to find any excuse to bring her up, but it seemed that no one had an idea as to why she was out. Rumors are usual flew around such as the fact that she was forced to leave due to a possible engagement, which annoyed him, to someone pranking her and her losing her hair. It was moments like these that Harry despite being a teenager, and it was all the more annoying as he saw his friends wanting to ask questions regarding his relationship with the Slytherin, but being too wary to actually do anything.

For now…he needed to properly prep for the meeting tomorrow. Fridays meant that it would be the best day. Ever since Umbridge properly took charge of the castle, it meant that all that they enjoyed was taken away. Now for every lesson she was there. Professors would be shaky, ignore any personal conversations, and just not be themselves. All the students were frustrated and so the D.A. efforts doubled in work.

Ever since the news announced that the Death Eaters had been released, any were shaken up and some, like Neville pushed to improve to defend his parents if need be. In turn he found himself struggling in Occlumency; Snape was not an easy professor, yet he tried for the sake of Dumbledore.

"Harry….Harry…"

It was in the midst of his thought process that he found himself being blocked from his way from Cho Chang. He found himself blushing in embarrassment at being caught acting so foolish. Still, her bright smile at him made him uncomfortable once more.

"Hi Cho" he greeted her somewhat breathlessly.

While he told himself that he didn't fancy her anymore, the idea of her being…just who she was, was so charming to him. She was beautiful, and it was hard to tell himself that it was just her beauty that he liked.

"Hi Harry…I'm glad I caught you." Her tone was coquettish making his brain spiral into confusion. "Are you busy right now?"

"No?" he found himself saying. He did had plans of prepping for the meeting but his afternoon plans were somehow out of his head.

"Oh good, then want to head with me to Hogsmeade? I'd rather not head there alone…if that's alright?"

"I'd love that," he said without even thinking it.

One charming smile from Cho, and they found themselves joining the queue of people being signed out by Filch, occasionally catching each other's eye and grinning shiftily, but not talking to each other.

Harry was relieved when they reached the fresh air, finding it easier to walk along in silence than just stand there looking awkward. It was a fresh, breezy sort of day and as they passed the Quidditch stadium, Harry glimpsed Ron and Ginny skimming over the stands and felt a horrible pang that he was not up there with them.

. . .

"You really miss it, don't you?" said Cho.

He looked around and saw her watching him.

"Yeah," sighed Harry. "I do."

"Remember the first time we played against each other, in the third year?" she asked him.

"Yeah," said Harry, grinning. "You kept blocking me."

Thankfully the conversation of Quidditch made the conversation flow easily. He found himself smiling and talking to her as if she was Ron or Hermione. She was friendly and nice and just…she lived up to her sweet

face.

As they began to walk, their friendly bubble bursts as he heard the voices of the people he least expected.

"Potter and Chang!" screeched Pansy to a chorus of snide giggles. "Urgh, Chang, I don't think much of your taste. . . . At least Diggory was good-looking!" It was clear that her teasing was a mixture of genuine dislike and anger. He wondered how much of her comment was for loyalty to Angel and how much was just her being cruel.

Yet, the girls sped up, talking and shrieking in a pointed fashion with many exaggerated glances back at Harry and Cho, leaving an embarrassed silence in their wake. Harry could think of nothing else to say about Quidditch, and Cho, slightly flushed, was watching her feet.

"So . . . where did you want to go?" Harry asked as they entered Hogsmeade. The High Street was full of students ambling up and down, peering into the shop windows and messing about together on the pavements.

"Um…what about tea?" Cho asked tentatively. Their bright and sunny day was beginning to get a bit cloudy.

"Yeah I could go for some coffee" Harry looked around a bit unsure where they could go. "Where-"

"Oh, there's a really nice place just up here, haven't you ever been to Madam Puddifoot's?" she said brightly, and she led him up a side road and into a small tea shop that Harry had never noticed before.

It was a cramped, steamy little place where everything seemed to have been decorated with frills or bows. Harry was reminded unpleasantly of Umbridge's office.

"Cute, isn't it?" said Cho happily.

"Y-yeah" said Harry untruthfully.

"Look, she's decorated it for Valentine's Day!" said Cho, indicating a number of golden cherubs that were hovering over each of the small, circular tables, occasionally throwing pink confetti over the occupants.

"Oh"

The 'oh' in his comment made him realize that not only was this not any outing but rather a Valentine's Day one. He felt a rush of panic go through him as he realized how many couples were there. They sat down at the last remaining table, which was situated in the steamy window. Roger Davies, the Ravenclaw Quidditch Captain, was sitting about a foot and a half away with a pretty blonde girl. They were holding hands. The sight made Harry feel uncomfortable, particularly when, looking around the tea shop, he saw that it was full of nothing but couples, all of was not with Cho. Yes, she was beautiful, athletic, and charming, but she just wasn't….well she wasn't complicated. She didn't make him think, quite the opposite he blanked out when talking to her.

Their conversation tried to flow, it was mostly Cho talking and he found himself adding very little. The idea of people snogging around him made him uncomfortable, especially as she reached out to grab his hand.

Harry felt like this was torture. While this was once all he wanted, right now he wished to get out of here and out of the foggy windows. As he wiped one of the windows the sight in front of him took him aback.

Angel. She was actually back and looking lovely. Her hair was loose with a ribbon on the side of her head tied to form a heart. She wore a red dress, and a black coat around her. The thing that made him really notice was that she looked healthy. She had put the weight she had lost in all the struggle and she glowed. Right now she was smiling…smiling right at.

"Is that Neville with Angel Malfoy?" Cho asked the question he was thinking.

He was a bit shaken at the sight; he knew that they were considered friends. But since he had changed and gotten taller, and slimmer….the girls well considered Neville handsome now. If he wasn't so awkward he would have gotten a girlfriend. But it seemed that now he wanted Harry's girlfriend, especially when he gave her tulips much to Angel's amusement.

"Harry what are you doing?" Cho said as he got up .

"I-I gotta go. I forgot I had to meet someone somewhere?"

"Harry what are-Harry!"

It was no point; as he had ran out leaving Cho and her Valentine's Day plans ruined. Huffing she sipped her coffee wondering just how she could get the boy wonder to like her.

…

"Neville for the third time I'm okay" Angel said smiling at the timid Gryffindor.

"I-I just want to make sure. You took a long time to heal and Luna made me promise to take care of you. Especially since she can't meet us until three" he sputtered.

Angel waved him off as they walked through Hogsmeade. It had been three weeks that she definitely needed. While she was out, Sirius had treated her as if she had been made of glass. He was very protective, muttering at how every time she left she would return with bruises. She tried to smile, but it wasn't the time. Slowly but surely her body healed; Tonks would help her change every morning, and during the afternoons, Remus would walk beside her slowly to help her bones heal. Her injuries had left her a bit shaken up, even flying seemed too worry her. But slowly Sirius, Remus and Tonks helped her come back to be a normal human being. The Healer had even said that she was healing much quicker than expected.

And that was how she found herself apparating back to Hogwarts on Valentine's Day. Luna had been expecting her; she had been the first person that Angel thought about telling about her return. Her and Neville had waited with open arms much to her surprise. Luna had reluctantly said her goodbyes as she and her father would have their traditional afternoon brunch. She had made Neville and Angel be good and spend time together before they would have lunch at Hogsmeade.

So this is where they stood. Neville looked on nervously as people whispered around them. In turn Angel paid no mind to anything. Sirius had made it clear before she left. 'Screw what the people think. You only have one life, don't spend time apologizing for it.'

"Do people always stare?" he asked.

"At you? Always ever since you got handsome" she found herself smirking.

"T-that's not true. Or fair! You know how…" he trailed off red faced.

"Oh Neville…stop I'm teasing. We're friends now remember? You gallantly got people to protect me at my most vulnerable" she said softly.

"You only like teasing me" he squinted earning him a laugh.

"I do" she giggled.

The sunny day grew a bit cloudy and in the midst of her looking a the candy she found a bouquet of tulips being shoved against her face.

"What?"

"For you" Neville said suddenly and loudly much to her embarrassment.

Her cheeks reddened immediately as people stared at the pair curiously. He too seemed to be equally embarrassed.

"N-Neville what the hell?" she asked blushing as she took the pink tulip.

"T-this doesn't look like what you think it means." he got flustered "Well kind of actually.. I got you this because…tulips can mean a lot of things" he began to explain. "The pink are happiness and I wish you lots of it. You…you might seem scary but underneath it all you're kind and Luna has told me how you need some happiness in your life. The white means I'm sorry; I'm sorry I thought you were mean, I should have known you weren't at St. Mungos when you faced some embarrassment. The yellow means friendship, I offer you all the friendship I can give you. And the one red" he blushed. "I wish you love of all forms."

With each word her face grew warmer and she found herself realizing how sweet the Gryffindor was and why he was so special. Without even realizing it she reached out and wrapped her arms around his thinning frame. It was nice to have someone that had nothing up their sleeve and rather actually cared about her like a brother should be doing.

"Thank you Neville" she breathed out a bit embarrassed as she pulled back. Holding the tulips close she looked up a bit mischievous. "I can see why Luna loves you"

"A-Angel!" he said embarrassed.

She laughed only to lean up and kiss his cheek. She didn't care what people thought; he was a nice boy who deserved good things and she knew he was lucky to win Luna over with his kindness.

"Thank you" she whispered much to his embarrassment. "I do hope you give Luna some roses."

Before either could continue their teasing heavy breathing made them both turn around. In front of them was a very messy looking Harry who looked confused, angry and a jumble of emotions. Angel gave him a wide smile happy to see him; she restrained herself from hugging him, it was not the time. Neville in turn smiled brightly at him. Both of their expressions confused Harry greatly.

"Hi Harry, I didn't know you'd be here. Want to come along? Luna is waiting for us to get lunch at Three Broomsticks! She said that Madame Puddifoot's Tea Shop was all reserved for Valentine's Day"

"Oh good, I hate that place. It's too pink and ghastly to look at" Angel commented.

"Sure" Harry said unsure as to what he had interrupted if anything.

"Where did you come from?" Angel asked curiously.

"I-um"

"Oh look there's Luna!" Neville said and grabbed her hand tugging her along.

Harry was a bit surprised at their interaction but was also relieved as the spotlight was removed from the pair. Nonetheless, there was Luna waving happily as Neville rushed to her and charmed a bouquet of roses much to her glee. Harry stayed behind a bit confused and Angel looked adoringly at the pair.

"About time" she murmured happily.

"What? You knew?"

"Oh yes. Luna has liked him for a while and I figured I'd play nice so they would get to know one another better." She turned to look at him and held the tulips close. "Neville is a good guy for someone like Luna. They deserve happiness like…like we can have."

Her words made him look at her in a new light. The time away had definitely healed her perhaps in more ways than one; the way she looked at him made his heart skip a beat and smile a bit wider. He didn't care if anyone was there; he placed a hand on her hip and squeezed. He knew a kiss would be too forward of him in public, but she leaned against him signaling him that she knew.

Yet the urge still did not leave him, so as be looked around realizing no one was really paying attention at the pair…he pressed his lips against her surprised one, he realized it was a lot nicer to do that in public. The noise of surprise but not pulling away made the kiss even sweeter.

"Harry! Please sit down you two, you're making a scene!" Luna said giggling.

The pair sat down a bit embarrassed but they paid no heed. Instead, Harry found himself having a most memorable Valentine's Day. Luna and Neville were apparently a thing, and Angel had apparently set everything up. Was he confused? Absolutely, but as his girl leaned against him as they had lunch, the thought of the earlier afternoon had been forgotten.

….

After lunch, Harry and Angel decided to let Neville and Luna to have some privacy and went on their own. The once sunny day had now clouded over and rain began to hit Hogsmeade. In turn, the pair decided to take advantage of the empty streets and actually walk back to Hogwarts. The tulips had found a good home with an old couple and Harry held her close as they shared an umbrella.

"This was a terrible idea" Harry said somewhat amused.

A giggle was her only response. Was it ideal? No absolutely not but the ideal of having some private time prior to the DA meeting was worth it.

"What? You don't want to cuddle me?" She teased as she curled against his side with her arms held tightly around him.

"Well…I-I didn't say that" he was sure he was blushing. "I did really miss you. You look better…"

"Was that supposed to be a compliment?" she laughed before she hugged him tighter. " But genuinely, I feel so much better"

He knew that there was more in her tone than what she meant. He kissed her forehead and held her close. Whatever she went through those three weeks surely made a difference. And while he wished to be around her during that time, he knew it was perhaps best to not ask too many questions unless she wanted to open up.

Still, as he held her close, she felt fuller, her body soft again her cheeks rounder and overall lovelier in his opinion. Another kiss was dropped on her nose much to her amusement and Harry realized that he needed this, her, them together.

"You sound like you again. I missed you"

The words were not missed on Angel who smiled softly. Was she completely better? No, absolutely not, but she felt like she had taken a step for the better. She had accepted what had happened, and would now think more about herself. Sirius had expressed his own conflicts in youth and somehow it made it all the better. After all hearing her father's own struggle made her know that he actually knew what he was talking about when he gave her that advice.

"I missed you too Harry" and she meant it. "Thank you for always saving me"

He blushed at her words and merely held her tighter. The weather was horrendous and even with charms they were freezing, yet her words, the emotions behind her words warmed him more than she would ever know. Harry vividly remembered how he found her to be shallow and unwavering in her aggressions. It was later that he remembered how delicate she truly was, from her worry over her cat, to her softness when Luna spoke about silly fairy tales. To how she looked so broken when she found her life being a lie, and the selflessness in putting others before her to ensure his and Sirius' happiness. She was more than that girl he first met and that imperfectness made him truly care for her.

Leaning down it was clear she was surprised by kiss and the emotions he conveyed. He felt her be surprised, only for her free hand to slide up his neck to caress his shaggy hair as she clung to him.

"You're too tall" she laughed softly against him when they pulled apart.

Both soon continued to walk at a leisurely pace with him catching her up on everything that went one while she was gone. He avoided telling her of the vicious rumors and instead spoke about what he was doing and the lesson for tomorrow.

"How are you lessons with Severus"

At the question he found himself wincing. In fact, most of his Occlumency classes were tougher and tougher. It seemed that Snape could not ease up: not only because he was who he was, but because Harry was dating his goddaughter, and he certainly did not approve.

"I um...it's going"

A frown etched her face and she sighed. "That bad? I remember when he taught Draco, he always told him to clear his mind each night. I always found it easier if you imagined building a wall in your mind. It seemed to help me."

"You know Occlumency?" He asked incredulously.

She shrugged unsure herself. "I-I don't think so? I don't know, it was instinctual for me to block her."

It was clear who the 'she' was in her statement. "Harry.." turning over to look at him seriously. "I know Uncle Severus can be a bit cruel, but you have to understand, it can be torture to get your mind violated in such a way. When Bellatrix did it, I felt so naked and helpless. It was harder to push back when you don't expect such things. His methods might be mad, but at least you know what you are getting into"

He nodded. "I promise I'll keep trying"

And at that simple phrase, she looked up at him proudly. It was enough for him to wish to repeat anything to have that expression in her face more often. Their walk to Hogwarts seemed a bit quieter then. Both realizing that it was harder to be teenagers than they thought, especially when the real world made it all the more grimy.

…

If she was perfectly honest, she was nervous of entering the snake's den for the simple fact that Draco ruled it with an iron fist. And now that it seemed that he hated her, she found herself unsure if she even had anyone by her side in the house.

Murmuring the password, she found herself nearly sneaking in before she realized how ridiculous she was being. She had nothing to fear. 'You need to live your life, screw what anyone else things reverberated through her mind. And with that, she found herself climbing up the stairs and ignoring the looks she was given.

'She's back'

'So her hair has grown back I guess?'

'She's fatter than before'

'Really fat. She's let herself go'

'I wonder what Draco will say'

She ignored the whispers no matter how insecure it made her. It seemed that it was harder to return to the negativity after the over abundance of love she recently received. But she would not lower her head, for she was Angel Black, no matter what anyone said.