Author's Note: The closer I am getting to 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. Reviews are always welcomed!

Chapter 61: Falling From Grace

A Week later…

Isolation - she mulled this over glumly as she looked at her new living arrangements. She didn't know what power Draco had over everyone, but all the girls in her year moved things around to make sure that no one would be staying with her this year. This was farther than what they usually did; before they just avoided her but slept in the same room. Looking across the room she noticed that they had taken everything with them, making it clear that no one was planning on returning.

Many would think that this would be as good thing, some privacy, but for her it was torture. A few months ago she thrived within her social circle within her house. To thrive within Slytherin you needed a pack mentality and never went against the head. And she had done exactly that. It had been one loss after another, but never to this degree. After punching Draco he told everyone that if they wanted to survive another year they would no longer talk to her.

'Being around you is social suicide. Draco made it really clear and well...I can't do that. Daphne said I shouldn't even be talking to you. As I said before, it's not personal but you brought this upon yourself. But with our history...just make sure you don't eat the tray of biscuits you'll get delivered. Don't accept any mail if you can help it.'

Those were the last words Astoria told her before she took her things. She was the only one in Slytherin that at least bothered telling her what was said about her and what to avoid. She had avoided all mail coming her way much to the clear frustration of her house. She knew she could ask to be moved but...she wasn't a coward.

Throwing herself onto her bed she groaned. The nights were always the worst. When Luna could go back to her common room and talk to her friends in Ravenclaw and Neville had Harry and his gang. In turn she went back to the unbearable loneliness. Sighing she began to look through her things before she found what she was looking for.

Forcing a fake smile on her face, she uttered his name-

"Sirius Black"

It only took a few seconds before she saw the face of a person who understood her plight. He smiled brightly at her once he noticed it was her and she felt her heart clench. He had cleaned his beard up and had gained weight, something that made her smile at the thought.

"Hello Darling,"

"Hi dad" she whispered softly.

His face changed as he took her in. She saw his bright eyes shift as he studied her and grew a bit grim. Her smile wavered as he really took her in and then she knew there was no point in trying.

"That hard? Love you could have called me sooner. What's going on?"

Slowly she spoke about the last few weeks that he hadn't seen her. Of the order, now that it was out, of Dumbledore running off and leaving Hogwarts under Umbridge. She tried to breeze over her own isolation but he didn't let her get her way.

"Teens can be little shits" was the first thing he said after everything, she couldn't help but laugh at the bluntness of his words. She wiped tears that were beginning to form. "I know it hurts doll, it always does," he explained. "But you're like your old man, you're stronger than you give yourself credit for."

"And smarter" A voice behind him said.

A guffaw was heard and some struggle before another image appeared in the mirror. She smiled softly seeing Remus there with her father. It comforted her knowing that they were taking care of one another.

"Sunshine!" he greeted.

As they chatted she instantly felt the weight just lift a little. Was she lonely? Yes, once homework ended and everyone went to their respective bedrooms. But now, now she felt loved.

"Remember love, you are born of adversity, you are meant for great things and this won't last forever." Remus wisely said.

"And you can always call!" Sirius pushed himself back in frame. "I keep this mirror close so there will always come a response from me. You are my first priority and if you need anything I am here"

"We are here" Remus corrected him and grinned.

Both men looked to the side as it was clear that a meeting was starting. They looked regretful that this was happening and their conversation needed to end.

"Thank you" she whispered softly. "I love you both"

The conversation ended and she found herself feeling lighter. If her father could do it, so could she. She was made for this, and she was strong enough to power through.

…

Charms Classroom…

This day was incredibly odd. It was not your normal Wednesday. For one thing, there was a great deal of pandemonium occurring. So far she had seen dragons comprised entirely of green and gold sparks were soaring up and down the corridors, emitting loud fiery blasts and bangs. She had a fear of losing her hair but they seemed to have clear targets: chaos. As students ran in fear or interest, Luna glided through the hallway with calmness. She was especially fond of the shocking‐pink Catherine wheels five feet in diameter and shooting stars.

Now in Charms, it seemed that Professor Flitwick had no qualms about interrupting their lessons to call a very disheveled Umbridge to their classroom. Subconsciously, the grip on her wand tightened so much so that Luna placed her hand over hers and gave her a look. It was clear that they would not intervene. The firework dragons flying overhead forced the class to end early. As they were leaving she heard the professor speaking with the Headmistress.

"Thank you so much, Professor!ʹ said Professor Flitwick in his squeaky little voice. "I could have got rid of the sparklers myself, of course, but I wasnʹt sure whether or not I had the authority."

Her eyes brightened as Umbridge practically snarled at the small man before the door slammed on her face. Satisfied, Angel and Luna intertwined their arms and walked down the corridor. This day was definitely picking up.

….

Saturday….

So much for those words. She was cornered and she knew she was going to get beaten up. This had never happened until recently, to feel so unpopular that it seemed appropriate to everyone else that she needed to be pushed down more. Draco looked so pleased to have her in the dungeons away from everyone so he could hurt her and get back for her punching him. She felt so tense and tightly wound that she could snap at any moment.

With a flick of his wand, her waiting ended as he lifted her in the air from her cloak. She felt a burning pain from the thread roughly chafing her skin as he twisted her around. She refused to cry, it was uncomfortable, but it was not that it hurt but rather the hate in his eyes that hurt the most. How was this the same person she admired for so many years? How was this her 'big brother' who she defended from the world? She gritted her teeth as he hung her upside down like a rag doll. She slid her hands over her skirt in hopes of not showing her bloomers to the other leering boys behind him.

"Don't you think this is enough?" Pansy said softly as she was tasked for the lookout.

"It's enough when I say it's enough" Draco growled. "And to me, it seems like the evening is only beginning. Isn't that right blood traitor?"

"Eat slugs" She hissed in return, baring her teeth like a frightened animal hoping to scare off prey.

"Yes, I do think this is enough Mr. Malfoy"

The drawl was unmistakable and everyone froze. Snape looked angrily at the situation. First with Angel with her red marks on her neck and her attempting to hide her decency as he had swung her around like a doll. It was eerily familiar and something that triggered him more than he cared to admit.

"P-professor!" Blaise said in fear.

"All of you get out of my sight this instant before points will be docked. You will all be assigned extra work and for your sake you better complete it as punishment."

No protest and as everyone left, she stayed floating upside down with the blood quickly running to her head. She wanted to cry especially as her godfather put her back down on the ground.

"Come with me, some pepperup will help with the nausea" he murmured and attempted to help her up.

She shook her head before groaning. No she didn't need a stupid potion, she just needed space. She was tired of being prey, weak prey at that. Getting up, her legs wobbled like a newborn dear.

"I-I'm fine." she gritted out. "Permission to go to the Kitchen"

"The Kitchen?" he repeated confused.

"I'd rather get some food, at least I know it's safe"

He grunted, signaling that it was good for him. Stumbling towards the kitchen, he felt his hand on her shoulder stopping her.

"Please come to me if this continues"

She could not find any words and instead nodded before wobbling towards the kitchens. As she got close to the closest stool, she sat down and let the house elves swarm around her. She smiled softly once some banana pudding was placed in front of her. Sugar would definitely help. Trying to lighten her spirit, she knew she needed to kill some time.

….

"Having fun Potter?"

It was clear to Harry that Snape was mad, very mad.

"Amusing man, your father, wasnʹt he?" said Snape, shaking Harry so hard his glasses slipped down his nose.

"I ‐ didnʹt ‐"

Snape threw Harry from him with all his might. Harry fell hard on to the dungeon floor. Harry so scared it was clear that the professor was furious.

"No," Harry said, getting to his feet as far from Snape as he could. "No, of course I-"

He could not find the proper words, all he could do was mutter apologies as the scene continued to play in his head. Snape would not back down.

"Get out! Get out of my sight!" He threw Harry in the direction of the exit. "Potter, I donʹt want to see you in this office ever again!"

And as Harry hurtled towards the door, a jar of dead cockroaches exploded over his head.

He wrenched the door open and flew along the corridor, stopping only when he had put three floors between himself and Snape. There he leaned against the wall, panting, and rubbing his bruised arm.

He had no desire at all to return to Gryffindor Tower so early, nor to tell Ron and Hermione what he had just seen. What was making Harry feel so horrified and unhappy was not being shouted at or having jars thrown at him; it was that he knew how it felt to be humiliated in the middle of a circle of onlookers, knew exactly how Snape had felt as his father had taunted him, and that judging from what he had just seen, his father had been every bit as arrogant as Snape had always told him.

….

Sunday

"But why havenʹt you got Occlumency lessons any more?" Hermione asked again.

He tried not to walk away from her in his annoyance. How could he possibly tell her what was bothering him? He wasn't sleeping, for fear that Snape would kill him while being vulnerable. He avoided the Dungeons for as long as possible and the Great Hall to avoid making eye contact. So as much as Hermione meant well, it was very frustrating to have to lie to her when she was constantly prodding. Still, he saw the entrance to the common room and sped up a bit.

"Iʹve told you," Harry muttered "Snape says I can carry on by myself now Iʹve got the basics."

"So youʹve stopped having funny dreams?" said Hermione skeptically.

"Pretty much," said Harry, not looking at her.

Before Hermione could continue, he pushed the door open to the common room.

"I-do you really think I can be an Auror?"

"I think you can do whatever to want to be Neville, I'm just saying that you could go into a less aggressive field if you want, like what about a healer?"

That voice caught his attention; Angel was in the Gryffindor common room. Luna looked through pamphlets curiously as Neville and Angel were chatting over careers as they played chess. His gaze was caught by Neville who signaled her to turn around and as soon as she did, Harry was greeted with one of his favorite things: her smile.

Shortly after her argument with Draco, she told him she was willing to be more open about their relationship. She would never want to flaunt it but she never rejected him and even sought him out.

"Hi Harry" she kissed his cheek before he sat down beside them.

His girlfriend was much more demonstrative in front of his friends. She shuffled around him and laid comfortably as Hermione continued the conversation, already unphazed by their interactions.

"Well, I donʹt think Snape should stop until youʹre absolutely sure you can control them!ʹ" Hermione huffed indignantly clearly not letting the topic go. "Don't you agree with me Mal-I mean Angel? Is it normal for Snape to just stop teaching him?"

'Oh no' he thought. It was one thing when he was pushing questions away from Hermione, but now to have Angel asking? It pained him to lie to her.

"Wait what?" she stiffened in his arms. "My uncle stopped teaching you Occlumency? How?"

"He said I knew the basics and he just did" he shrugged.

"You should go talk to Snape. He listens to what you say" Hermione told Angel.

"No, No! You do not need to do that" he said as his girlfriend was beginning to sit up. He tried to wrap his arms around her to keep her in place but instead she turned to look at him. It was clear she wasn't buying it.

"You're telling me that you took but a few classes of Occlumency and now you can block people from entering your mind?" she asked incredulously.

"Y-yeah" he uttered.

"And he didn't bother teaching you Legimancy?" her tone was rising.

"Thank you" Hermione added. "It makes no sense to just stop"

"Drop it Hermione" he warned. "And Angel, you know how your uncle is. I didn't bother pushing because it's not like he liked me...plus with Dumbledore gone, I'm sure he has bigger things to worry about"

That got her. Slowly Angel's incredulous expression changed to a soft one and she nodded. Hermione was hard to stop, but as his girlfriend moved closer to kiss him in comfort, that shut Hermione up. Intimacy in front of her tended to do that and he took advantage of it but pulling his girlfriend close. Afterall his friends might get that he has a girlfriend, but it was different to actually see it in front of them.

"Did you guys meet with McGonagall yet? Oh-that's gross" Ron's voice immediately ended the kiss.

Angel pulled back with amusement as a pamphlet was shoved their way in a form of explanation. While no one was friends here, they trusted one another; especially after they were all caught and the Slytherin sided with them.

All fifth‐years are required to attend a short meeting with their Head of House during the first week of the summer term to discuss their future careers. Times of individual appointments are listed below.

Harry still felt odd as many talked around him. The talk of careers began and while he had some interest, he still did not know if he could concentrate, let alone leave the plaguing memory behind. Every night since the incident he swore he saw his mother look at his father with such hate. How was that man the brave person that he was a good man he was sworn to be? Worse of all, Snape had stopped teaching him, and he knew he was more susceptible to Voldemort.

"I think you would be a good Healer Neville" Luna chirped.

When he trailed back to the conversation he noticed that Angel was not as oblivious as his other friends. Especially because, amongst the chatter that began, she wasn't prone to take a part of it unless she had something to say. So as he came back to his senses she noticed she was frowning.

"Hey...is everything ok?" she whispered softly to him.

He nodded absentmindedly and she curled her body closer to him under the blanket and wrapped her arms around his waist. He knew what this meant; he would receive comfort now but they would talk about it later.

...

Monday

A Zero.

He couldn't believe that not only did he try his hardest in that potion but that Hermione sabotaged him by cleaning it up before he could take another vial to Snape. The smug hate filled look on his face was more sinister than ever and Harry couldn't blame him. All he could think about was getting out and just avoiding Hermione at all costs. He couldn't bear to look at her today.

So up the flights he went towards the Astronomy Tower. It was a relief that it was closed not only because Umbridge saw it as a dull lesson, but the weather did not permit a class to even take place. The cold air child his bones but his lungs took in as much air as he could to hopefully relax.

But relaxation was impossible; the dread continue to haunt him. Every time he closed his eyes he saw just how his mother's eyes were so full of hate. He had a growing pit of disappointment growing for his father; was that the man that he had idolized so much? That had stories of heroism...that got the girl that stated that she hated him?

"Harry? Harry are you up here?"

Turning around he noticed Angel had climbed up to find him. Her cheeks were red from either the cold or the seven flights of stairs she took. And by the way she had a satchel on her side he could tell her lessons had ended for the day.

"Granger told me about the incident earlier with my uncle. I'm sorry that happened but I'm sure that if you ask for an assignment for extra credit he will give it to you."

"He won't" Harry immediately shot her down. "He hates me Angel...and that won't ever change."

She frowned and let the satchel fall from her shoulder as she shuffled over to him. Sitting beside him she took his hand within hers and sighed. "I know it can be hard sometimes, but it has to get better...:"she shrugged, "that's what I tell myself so I can get through the nights."

Looking over to her he noticed she looked a bit tired, he had rarely left her side during the day and after curfew they went their separate ways. And while he wasn't the best boyfriend in the world, he could tell it was hard for her to leave him in the evening, there was a sense of dread that rose within her once they separated.

"Is everything okay in the dorms?" he asked softly. "Are they leaving you alone?"

She laughed bitterly, and sighed. "All they've done is either ignore me, or try to get me to drop out. I've avoided any and all mail in fear that they are hexed liked some biscuits I received earlier this week. I also try to avoid getting out of my dorm once it gets dark in the dungeons…"

"What happened?"

She stopped talking and looked out towards the balcony. Silence loomed over the pair as she took in the view. Harry could tell that she was shutting down, so he did the first thing that came to mind. He stretched his hand out and took her smaller hand in his, squeezing lightly to show he cared. Still she sighed and turned over to properly look at him.

"They are now leaving me alone" she stated clearly stating something happened before. She took a deep breath and continued. "My uncle has kept an eye out for me...you know he's not as bad as you think"

He grumbled unintelligently and avoided eye contact in fear that he wouldn't like where this was going.

"That's why...if you want, I can talk to my uncle to continue your training and help with your grades."

He groaned. "That's never going to happen"

Silence fell over the pair and they sat in some level of comfort. While Angel looked out taking in the sunset, Harry tried not to feel like he was just a liar. He wasn't necessarily lying, he told himself, he was omitting information.

"Harry...how could my uncle simply stop training you when you once told me Dumbledore requested he teach you?"

He shrugged. "I don't know, he just did"

"But he always does what Dumbledore says, why would he stop now?"

"He just said that the lessons were done and moved me along."

"So he never gave you a reason?"

"No, not at all, just told me I didn't need to show up anymore."

"Oh…." the tone in her voice was a red flag. "I thought he told you that you had the basics and that your lessons were completed. What's the truth Harry?"

"That's true! I can take care of myself...he didn't say it in so many words but it's clear to me."

She pulled her hand away and he knew that he had tripped himself up. When he turned over to look at her, he saw her annoyance rising.

"You're lying to me aren't you?" her tone was rising in volume. "Just what are you keeping from me Harry?"

He felt cornered and he found himself unable to get out of the hole he made himself. That's when he knew he had to be honest with her; maybe she could understand since her own father was technically involved. So he began to spill what he did and what he's been dealing with since the beginning. Yet he couldn't bring himself to describe every detail but it was clear that it was negative. Slowly her eyes shifted from anger to disbelief, to surprise to anger once more.

"You shouldn't have violated his memories like that, those were his chosen memories there and you- you did an awful thing Harry. You were lucky he let you run"

The comment sobered him up instantly and he looked down at his girlfriend. She was clearly disappointed and a bit angry. He wondered why until he remembered what Bellatrix had put her through. She had been forced to hide her intimate memories and it had shaken her to feel so naked in front of someone that clearly hated her.

"A-Angel look into my memories, see what I saw. I-I need to talk to someone about this"

She immediately shook her head at his request. She would not do this to her godfather. She would not hurt him by knowing his intimate secrets.

"It's wrong, he-he clearly is embarrassed by what you saw and it will not help by me knowing. Come on, our curfew is coming and I don't want detention"

As she tried to get up, he reached out to grab her hand, he couldn't fathom her being upset and leaving him with another thing over his head.

"Please" his tone was tight. "I need someone else to understand what's happening here and it can't be Hermoine or Ron...they wouldn't get it."

Her lips thinned as she mulled it over.

"I-I don't like going into people's minds Harry, and what if I go in someplace I'm not allowed in?"

"I trust you, and I don't have much to hide from anyone, let alone you"

She took a deep breath and Harry knew he had her. Slowly she relaxed her shoulders and nodded firmly as if mentally preparing herself for what she was about to do. She kissed his forehead and properly got up.

"Take a deep breath and tell me when you're ready, okay?"

"Ready"

Her voice was so soft that he barely heard her before she uttered the words:

"Legilimens"

And then he felt like he had been tackled go the ground.

…

When he finally felt like he could breathe he noticed his girlfriend hovering over him with a worried expression and her eyes wet with tears. Once he tried to get up, he immediately was engulfed into a hug from her and he automatically held her close. She was a bit shaky, probably from what she just did to him or from what she saw.

"I'm sorry" he whispered softly.

"Oh Harry" she whispered in return, "what they did to him was horrible. Why would they..."

"That's why I need to talk to them. I need to understand how they could do that? I mean I would never do that and I was their age!"

"Of course you wouldn't" she immediately responded. "No one would so...so I get why you've been acting weird and well...why my uncle hates you more than ever." she frowned. "Harry it's horrifying to have your most intimate and lowest points in your life be shown to someone that you despise…I don't think he would ever teach you again."

He nodded solemnly.

"I have to talk to Sirius and Remus! I need to get ahold of them and see it in person."

"And how could you possibly do that Harry? Ever since Umbridge took over, much of our communication with the outside world has been muted. I don't see how-"

"I have an idea" his eyes shone brightly and Angel knew that meant trouble.

"I'm not going to like this am I?"

"Not at all...but are you coming?"

It was her turn to smile.

"I never say no to adventure"

….

Two Days Later…

"Again I just want to say that this is a terrible idea and I'm frankly disappointed in you Angel for going along with this."

Hermione's tone was one of a very disappointed mother and Angel would have laughed had it not been that a part of her agreed that this was very much not a good idea.

"Look Granger, I don't think that this is the wisest choice" Angel admitted as she packed her bag, "but it's necessary"

"Why?" Hermione frowned. "Why not wait till break? Both of you barely made it out of Umbridge's clutches by the skin of your teeth, and yet you still want to go back in there? You're smarter than that"

Now that was a low blow and Angel stopped mid-fold to turn and look at Granger. Now they weren't the best of friends but they could have proper conversations if needed. Angel could admit that Hermione was the brightest witch she had ever known, but the girl could not fathom why someone would disagree with her. That was Hermione's deal that Angel tried to let go. The girl thought there was no other option but the one before her.

"Hermione knock it off, let them make their own choices. Aren't you tired of giving advice to people?" Ron snidely commented.

It seemed that Granger was still getting flack for ruining Harry's potion and affecting his grade. Ron apparently had sided with Harry (per usual) and was arguing with Hermione.

"Don't you get involved Ronald!"

"But you can?"

And that's when they both started bickering. Angel rolled her eyes and finished folding Harry's sweater to put it in their bag. The plan was clear...use the invisibility cloak to sneak into Umbridge's office and confront Sirius and Remus about what occurred all those years ago. She felt conflicted about the situation because now she too wondered how people like her father and uncle Remus could simply do that to someone yet be so wonderful now.

'You know there are more layers to a person that what you first see'

Her conscious was right. Afterall she had held Lucius Malfoy to the highest regard until he suddenly became ugly in her eyes. And that pedestal could never be built again. She shuddered at the thought.

…

He could just imagine Professor McGonagallʹs reaction if he was caught trespassing in Professor Umbridgeʹs office mere hours after she had vouched for him... there was nothing to stop him simply going back to Gryffindor Tower and hoping that some time during the next summer holidays he would have a chance to ask Sirius about the scene he had witnessed in the Pensieve... nothing, except that the thought of taking this sensible course of action made him feel as though a lead weight had dropped into his stomach... and then there was the matter of Fred and George, whose diversion was already planned, not to mention the knife Sirius had given him, which was currently residing in his school bag along with his fatherʹs old Invisibility Cloak.

Pushing the door opened he caught his girlfriend folding some items for the pair but obviously lost in thought. He noticed Hermoine and Ron arguing behind her making it clear that they had gotten something in her head. He knew better, he knew he could wait, but he couldn't function as he could without simply going to the person who did all of that.

"Hey, wanna go?"

He noticed he scared her but once she nodded they rushed off.

Harry's heart beat very fast as he left the common room. He was halfway along the corridor outside when he heard the unmistakable sounds of a diversion going off in the distance. Fred and George had started. There were screams and yells reverberating from somewhere above them; people exiting the classrooms all around Harry were stopping in their tracks and looking up at the ceiling fearfully ‐ Umbridge came pelting out of her classroom as fast as her short legs would carry her. She barely paid attention to him as she rushed off yelling for people to get out of her way.

"Let's go if you're sure" Angel murmured softly.

But he had made up his mind; hitching his bag more securely on to his shoulder, he set off at a run, weaving in and out of students now hurrying in the opposite direction to see what all the fuss was about in the east wing with Angel holding onto his hand very the pair reached the corridor to Umbridgeʹs office and found it deserted. They dashed behind a large suit of armor whose helmet creaked around to watch them, Harry pulled open his bag, seized Sirius' knife and threw the Invisibility Cloak over the pair of them. With her arms wrapped around his waist, they slowly crept from behind the then crept slowly and carefully back out from behind the suit of armour and headed towards Umbridgeʹs door.

Inserting the blade of the magical knife into the crack around it and moved it gently up and down, then withdrew it. There was a tiny click, and the door swung open. As soon as the door opened he shoved her inside and closed the door quickly behind him. Both teens were clearly nervous.

"It's over here Harry"

It was clear that while he was taking in the horrifying nightmare that was Umbridge's cat infested office, Angel was busy trying to get them out of there. Rushing towards the chimney, the pair immediately set to work. Harry could not get his hands to stop shaking so Angel took lead in the next phase of their plan.

"Don't worry" she murmured, "you got us this far, I'll do the rest"

And with that she cleaned the fireplace and sprinkled the glittery powder into the wood before she signaled him to get in. He was nervous, that much was clear, but his girlfriend was determined to get answers as was he. So with that -

"Number twelve, Grimmauld Place!"

The horrible pulling began and Harry closed his eyes and continued to repeat to himself that this wasn't as bad as he thought. It couldn't be.