We return back to Malfoy Manor several hours later, when Draco is certain that their mystery visitor will be gone. In the meantime, we spend the night eating the horribly unhealthy fair food, riding just about every ride they have to offer, and Draco even won me a teddy bear in a game. I've never had a real boyfriend before, and while I don't know the status of he and I's relationship now, I know for certain that these are the type of things that couples do.

The sun is beginning to peak over the horizon as we step back inside the massive home Draco resides in, sending a cascade of shadows through the windows. His father is standing near the entrance, speaking to a woman who I assume is his mother, since they also resemble each other.

"Draco," His mother coos, before turning to look at me. "I heard you brought a friend."

"Hi." I give her a gentle wave. "I'm Meiqi."

"Meiqi…?" His father raises his eyebrows, grip tightening on his walking stick.

"Chang." Draco answers for me, a bit too quick.

"Pureblood?" His father asks.

I nod slowly, unsure what my blood status has to do with anything.

At this, his posture relaxes ever so slightly, like he's relieved that I share the same status as him. "I'm Lucius. And my wife, Narcissa." He motions towards Draco's mother, who gives me a small nod. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Chang."

"Thank you. And, er, I'm sorry about earlier today. Or, yesterday, I suppose it was. I didn't mean to intrude. Especially on a holiday."

"It's no matter." Narcissa waves a hand. "Any friend of Draco's is a friend of ours. Come, you must be famished."

I'm not, since I'm stuffed on the fair food, but I think it would be rude to say as much, so I follow Narcissa into the dining room, where a house elf is currently placing plates onto the table.

"Lucky, get another plate." Lucius orders the elf in a stern tone. "We have a guest."

The house elf - Lucky - doesn't look up as she swiftly rushes to get another plate, setting it down on the table. A pile of pancakes are on top of it, way more than I could ever possibly eat.

"Thank you." I smile down at her as I take a seat, Draco at my side. The elf's eyes grow wide at my gratitude, but she says nothing as she scurries out of the room as fast as her little legs will take her.

"She doesn't talk." Draco explains as he bites into his own pancakes. "Potter freed our old elf, Dobby, so now we're stuck with a mute one."

"Harry freed your elf?" I frown. I don't know much about house elves, but I'm pretty sure they can only be freed by their masters. I've always found the concept a bit disturbing, truth be told.

"It's a long story." He shakes his head, as Lucius clenches his jaw at what must be the memory, since I can't imagine why else his mood would suddenly go sour.

"So, Meiqi, tell us about yourself." Narcissa prompts with a kind smile.

"Oh." I blink, not used to the question, to people being interested in me as a person. "Er…I'm in Slytherin. With Draco. Also a fifth year."

"And how is school going for you? Do you have a favorite class?"

"Anything but Defense Against the Dark Arts." I say, shaking my head as I think about Umbridge and her cruelty. "If I had to pick, maybe Charms? Flitwick is really kind, and isn't harsh on me if I struggle, like a lot of other professors are."

"Flitwick, the half breed, correct?" Lucius asks, staring at his son.

I stiffen at the language, pressing my lips together, but biting my tongue to keep myself from saying anything. I'm a guest in their home, after all, who am I to criticize their usage of offensive language?

Draco nods, not phased at all by what has me shocked. "Yeah, him."

"And Meiqi, what is your family like?" Lucius questions. "I haven't heard of the Chang family. Are you sure you're pureblood?"

"Lucius!" Narcissa hisses at her husband.

"Er, yeah." I force an awkward grin. "My parents and I immigrated from Shanghai when I was two, for a job opportunity, but the Chang family are pretty well known in wizarding China. My dad works at Gringotts, and my mum is a Court Scribe. Nothing very interesting." I shrug. "And I have an older sister, Cho. She's on the Quidditch team at Hogwarts - in Ravenclaw."

Lucius raises his eyebrows. "Is this the Cho that beat you in your third year's match against Ravenclaw, Draco?"

Draco's pale face goes red. "Yes."

"I remember her. She's quite talented, if she could do better than our Draco." Lucius says. "You must be quite proud of your sister. Do you think she'll go professional?"

"Er, yeah, I reckon she might."

"And what is it you want to do with your life, Meiqi?" Narcissa asks, tilting her head to the side. "Or perhaps you're a bit young, to know what you'd like to do for your career?"

I pause to think this over for a long moment, before speaking. "I think I'd like to be a healer."

"A healer. How fascinating."

"Thanks." I smile, this time not forced. I've never had someone be so fascinated with my life before - asking questions that I haven't ever even thought of.

While the Malfoy family may be nearly as strange as they come, I find that I don't actually dislike them like I probably should. Sure, they say some offensive things, but it isn't like it's about me. I have no reason to be hurt by their words, just like I have no reason to be bothered that Draco doesn't get along with Harry. It simply isn't my problem.

After eating as many of the pancakes as I can fit without getting sick, Narcissa tells Draco to show me to one of their many spare bedrooms, where I'm to sleep. The excitement from the kiss and the general time at the fair has worn off, leaving me sluggish and exhausted, practically asleep on my feet as I follow Draco up the stairs and down the hall, into a room.

It's relatively plain, with green wallpaper, decorated with white flowers, and a bed with a grey blanket thrown overtop it.

Crippling exhaustion takes ahold of me, and I immediately flop down on it, spreading my arms like an eagle as I land on my stomach. The mattress melts like butter against my touch, sinking from my body weight, and I let out an audible moan. "Merlin, this is comfortable."

Draco laughs from behind me, and though I'm not looking at him, I can imagine the expression he's wearing. "I'll leave you to it. Happy Christmas, Meiqi."

"Happy Christmas, Draco." I murmur into my pillow, collapsing into a dead sleep before the door shuts behind him.

As much as I want to remain at the Malfoy Manor for the rest of my life, in the oddly kind care of Lucius and Narcissa, I know my parents must be at least somewhat concerned as to my whereabouts. So, with dread, I floo myself back to my house the next day, flying out of the fireplace and onto the wooden floor, directly in front of Mum and Dad, who are seated on the couch, watching something on the muggle telly we own.

"Mei?" Mum exclaims as I rise to my feet, brushing off the ash from my clothes. "Merlin, Mei, we were worried sick! Where the hell did you go?"

"A friends. I told you, in the note I left."

"You can't just leave whenever you want!" Dad joins in. "Meiqi, what if you had an episode? What if your Deleocardia started acting up again?"

"Then the Malfoy's would've taken me to St. Mungo's, I imagine, if I suddenly collapsed."

"You were at the Malfoy's?" A voice sneers, and I turn to see Cho, standing in the doorframe, leaning against the wall with her arms folded over her chest. I hadn't noticed she was even there until now. "Why would you go there?"

"Because Draco is my friend, like it or not."

"He's a blood supremacist!" Cho insists, gaze darkening. "He's a good for nothing bully, and you know it."

"You just don't like him because you're busy snogging Potter! Get a mind of your own. Besides, what does it matter if he's a blood supremacist? We're purebloods. It doesn't matter to me."

"Meiqi!" Mum snaps. "Don't say stuff like that! You know full well that those beliefs are disgusting."

"I don't care." I cross my arms over my chest, mimicking Cho's stance. "I don't give a damn. At least he cares about me."

Both of my parents open their mouths to protest, but I beat them to it, turning around and dashing up the stairs and to my room, sure to slam the door hard behind me, and locking it for good measure.

Knife-Neck is at my bedside, and tries to speak to me. I respond by flipping him off, before collapsing into my bed, and going back to sleep.

I spend nearly the entirety of the rest of break in my room, only leaving to use the loo and get food and water, though I do consider starving myself, to avoid seeing the faces of my family. Of Cho.

No one tries to bother me, which I'm thankful for. Not even Knife Neck attempts to speak to me, clearly sensing I don't want to be annoyed. Maybe he thinks if he does try and bother me, I'll shove another knife into his throat.

Honestly, I would, if it got him to leave me alone.

When I eventually emerge from my room, just about a week later, to return to school, my parents make no attempt to speak to me more than necessary, nor I them. Neither does Cho, whom I don't even bother looking at.

If she's sorry for what she said to me, I don't think I care. I don't think I'll ever be able to unhear her words, unfeel the pain they inflicted on me. Oh, and the nerve my parents had, to pretend to care about me when I was gone. It was nearly laughable.

We apparate to the platform, my hands holding onto my mothers as lightly as I can without falling over completely. I don't even know why I'm so upset with her, upset with my father, but I can't help it, I can't help the rage burning in me with the fury of a thousand suns.

For favoring Cho over me, maybe. Cho, who's always hated me, Cho, who wants me dead.

"Mei-" My father begins, but I ignore him as I grab my trunk out of his hand, and begin to haul it towards the train with as much strength as I can. Cho lingers behind me for a moment, whispering something to our parents, but I ignore her as I thrust my trunk into the carriage it belongs in, before stepping onto the train.

I slide into the first empty compartment I can find, shutting the door behind me and kicking my feet up onto the booth across from me. My heart is racing, pounding like nothing I've ever felt before, even more intense than the way it had been when I'd kissed Draco on the ferris wheel. But it isn't happiness that is coursing through me, but pure, irrevocable rage.

Draco is probably the only person who could make me feel in any way better right now, but for some reason, I don't bother seeking him out. A part of me simply wants to remain in the current mood I'm in, just for a while. He can help me later, if it doesn't improve naturally.

"Hey, Meiqi." Someone greets me from the compartment door, which is now wide open as they slide it to the edge.

I do my best not to groan, as I look up to see Harry. "Hello, Harry." I force a smile.

"Can I sit here?" He asks, looking at the empty booth across from me.

I don't answer him, instead, I inquire, "Where are your other friends? The girl and the redhead?"

"Ron and Hermione are in the Prefect's compartment." He shifts his weight from foot to foot, biting down on his lip. "And I don't know where Neville and Luna and Ginny are, so…may I?"

"Yeah, sure." I remove my feet from the booth, and he takes a seat where they'd just been, picking at his hands. "How was your break?" I ask, though I find I don't actually care about the answer.

"Fine, fine. Arthur - Ron's dad, is doing much better, thankfully. I reckon you've heard about what happened to him?"

"That he was attacked by a snake? Yeah, I heard. Daphne told me."

"Greengrass?"

I nod.

"You know, you don't have to spend your time with them, right?"

I blink. "What? Spend my time with who?"

"I mean, the Slytherins. They're not always the kindest. You're always welcome to hang out with Ron, Hermione and I instead, if they're bothering you."

"Why would I be bothered by my friends?" I raise my eyebrows.

"I didn't mean it like that. Listen, you're my friend too, Meiqi, and, well, Cho might not want you to know this, but there's this thing we have going on-"

"I might not want her to know what?" A voice cuts Harry off, and I don't have to look up to know that Cho is hovering in the doorframe, a frown on her beautiful face.

"I was going to tell her about-"

"Don't." Cho stops him, her tone harsh. "We've been over this, Harry."

"But-"

This time, I interrupt, by rising to my feet. "Don't tell me. I don't really care. No offense." I shoot a glance at Harry, who seems apologetic, for whatever reason. It isn't his fault my sister is such a bitch. "I'm going to go find Draco. You two have fun, yeah?"

I hear Harry let out a sigh as I leave the compartment, wandering down the hall of the train until I eventually spot a head of platinum blonde hair, seated in between Blaise Zabini and Theodore Nott. Daphne and her sister, Astoria, are across from them, with one seat available - perfect.

"Hey, guys." I greet as I open the door.

They all look up at me and give me various hello's, but my attention is focused solely on Draco, who's grey eyes light up ever so slightly when they meet mine.

"Meiqi! Hi!" Daphne exclaims, as she frantically pats the seat next to her. "Sit down! We were just talking about you!"

"You were?" I raise my eyebrows as I do as she says, taking the available seat at her right. "All good things, I hope."

"Of course." She sends a wink towards me. "As if Draco would ever talk badly about you."

I roll my eyes, though I can feel a blush creeping over me. "What were you saying, then?"

"I was just telling them how you popped over to ours during Christmas. Literally shot out of our fireplace at bloody ten at night, scared the living daylights out of us." A smirk slid onto his lips as we met each other's gaze once again.

"Why'd you go to the Malfoy's?" Theodore asks with arched eyebrows, though the tone in his voice indicates he doesn't care much about the answer. From what I've gathered about him, he's the type of bloke to say things to sound polite, but not have the tone to back it up.

"Er, I had a fight with my sister." I shrug. "No big deal."

"Cho was being a bitch again?" Daphne sighs, placing a sympathetic hand on my shoulder. "Girl, you need to stand up to her. You can't let her constantly treat you like garbage."

"I'd rather not start any drama, or the likes of that. It's easier to just ignore her entirely."

"If you insist." She rolls her eyes. "You're so bloody passive, Meiqi. Someone needs to get you a pair of balls."

"You can borrow Draco's. I'm sure he's more than willing to share." Blaise elbows him, and once again, a blush creeps over me before I can stop it.

"Shut it, Zabini." Draco snaps.

The conversation shifts into one about what Daphne and Astoria got up to over break - which was a whole lot of nothing, the topic nearly bringing me to tears of boredom. But at least they aren't talking about Draco's balls anymore, so I can't really complain.

The train pulls into the station, and I follow the group of Slytherin's off and onto the platform, trailing behind them as we approach a carriage, that's to take us from Hogsmeade to the castle.

As we get closer to them, I notice a strange sort of horse in front of the carriage, that's apparently supposed to pull it. The creatures from Hagrid's class, I remember, the ones only people who have witnessed death could see!

I glance over at Theodore, to find he's already looking in my direction. "You really can see them, then?" He asks, his voice low enough that no one else hears.

"Yeah." I nod. "They're kind of creepy. But I think I like that about them."

The corners of his lips curl up, like I'd just said something amusing to him. "Yeah, I think I like their creepiness too. Who'd you see die, then? I forget what you said to Umbridge."

"My friend." I respond, a little too sharply. He doesn't need to know anything else, I figure. That I see death everywhere I go. "You?"

"My mum. It was the summer before third year. My brother and I both saw it happen. Well, obviously. Otherwise we wouldn't be able to see those damn horses."

"I'm sorry." Is all I can think to respond to him with.

"Yeah, me too." He shrugs, before sliding into the carriage. I follow suit, finding myself sandwiched in between him and Draco, who's hand keeps accidentally brushing against mine as the thestrals begin to pull us down the bumpy road and towards the school. Well, it seems like an accident, but part of me hopes it's intentional.

When we arrive to the school, we pour into the Great Hall for the feast. This time, I sit in between Daphne and Pansy, though Draco is opposite me, his eyes constantly meeting mine as we converse with those around us.

"So," Daphne leans over to press her forehead against mine, her voice low, so only her and I can hear what she's about to say. "What's going on with you and Draco?"

"Nothing." I hiss in response, glancing around to make sure no one has heard us.

"Oi, don't lie to me. I'm your best friend, aren't I?"

"I mean, yeah, but…" I bite down on my lower lip. "I'll tell you later, yeah?"

Daphne rolls her eyes as she pulls away from me. "You better. It's my duty to know all the gossip that happens around here. Obviously."

"Obviously." I repeat, a smile sliding onto my lips.

After the feast is finished, Dumbledore gives a speech, though I can't help but allow my mind to wander during it, back to the conversation he and I had when he'd saved me from Cedric. As badly as I want to talk to him about it further, he's a busy man, and I doubt he has time for the likes of me. Maybe Abe would be able to help me out instead?

I make a mental note to stop to visit him during the next Hogsmeade visit - or sneak out again, if I deem it urgent enough.

After the feast, we all crowd down into the Slytherin common room, and Daphne, true to the promise I made her, drags me into our dorms, sits me down on my bed, and demands to know exactly what the nature of Draco and I's relationship is. Pansy is absent, thankfully, but Millicent is in the room, though I doubt she's paying any attention to us.

"I don't know." I answer Daphne honestly. "We, er…well, we kissed, over break. But I don't know what that means."

"You kissed?!" She squeals, moving her arms around frantically like a mad woman. "And you didn't write to me immediately? Merlin, Meiqi, what is wrong with you?"

"I was a bit preoccupied after it. Sorry." I give her an apologetic smile.

"Oh, whatever." She waves a dismissive hand. "At least I know now. Are you in love, then? Does he love you - do you love him? Are you going to get married? What about children?"

"Oh for Merlin's sake, Daph." I shake my head. "It was one kiss. Nothing to go ringing wedding bells over. I don't even know if we're together or not."

"Oh, please. He'd be silly not to want to be with you. You're bloody gorgeous, after all, and you actually have a decent personality. No offense to the other girls at Hogwarts, but that's quite difficult to find here."

"Well, I'll let you know if anything changes, yeah?"

"You better." She gives me a playful smack on my shoulder.

I can't sleep.

Something has me tossing and turning in my bed, sending my blankets into knots as I attempt to find a comfortable position. But no matter how often I switch the direction I'm laying in, or how hard I close my eyes, nothing works. I'm stuck, wide awake, mindless thoughts racing through my brain too fast for me to properly dissect the meaning of.

Eventually, I have enough. Maybe reading will help a bit - though I know light will disturb my sleeping dorm mates (I unfortunately learned that the hard way about a month ago, resulting in Millicent throwing a hair-covered pillow at me), so I rise to my feet, and make my way into the common room, tucking a textbook under my arm.

Though reading does little to help me, the only thing it does is slow my thoughts to a reasonable speed. Now, I understand that my mind wants me to return to the Hogs Head, and find Abe. He may be asleep right around now, given the time, but also, the bar runs twenty four hours, and he probably gets more business at night, so…

I set my book to the side, having made up my mind. I shouldn't wait any longer, I need answers about what had happened with Dumbledore, and if the Headmaster won't give them to me, then Abe is my best option.

Sneaking out of the castle is an easy process, though I do have to hide from various Prefects that are wandering through the halls. None of them catch me, which I'm not surprised by. I've always been good at hiding, at being invisible, and finally, my skill has paid off.

Though, as I walk down the street that leads to Hogsmeade Village, I wish that Draco was with me. Now, all alone, I feel strangely discontent, like something is missing. The only comfort to me is playing with the necklace Draco had given me, fiddling with the crow as I made my way towards the Hogs Head.

It takes about an hour to get there, but I don't mind the walk, if anything, it's a bit relaxing, even though it's clearly lacking the presence of another person.

When I open the door to the Hogs Head, I notice the place is almost completely barren, save for two people in the corner, wearing large, oversized hoods that conceal their faces.

I ignore them, making a beeline towards the bar, where Abe is mixing a drink, not bothering to look up at me.

Though, my path is cut off, when one of the hooded figures calls out a name through a strange, hissed voice. Not my name, no, but a name I know perfectly well.

"Liya?"

I turn around to look over at the hooded figures, frowning. "No, that's my mum." I take a step towards them, leaning down in an attempt to see the faces of whoever is there. However, my attempt fails, as though the cloak is charmed to conceal whoever is beneath it. "Who are you?"

Though I can't see him, I can tell the hooded figure is smiling, while the one next to him seems a bit uncomfortable. "Ah, you must be Meiqi, then."

"Er, yeah. Who are you, though?" I repeat my question, taking another step forward. For the first time in my life, someone knows who I am, instead of assuming I'm Cho, and I decide I'd quite prefer a complete stranger to think I'm my sister, as opposed to knowing my name. "How do you know who I am?"

The figure shakes his head. Well, I assume it's a he, given the sound of their voice, but I can't be sure. "Sit, Meiqi. We were expecting your mother, but you'll do as well. It seems she has ditched us."

"Why do you want to talk to my mum?" I frown as I do as he says, pulling out a chair and taking a seat. I glance over to look at Abe, to find he's no longer there, the door to the back room shutting the moment my eyes flicker towards the area. He'd left me, with these strange hidden figures.

Should I be worried?

No, Abe would never put me in danger. I may not know him well, but I think I can trust him enough not to intentionally get me hurt.

Knowing me, these men are probably just more dead people, that are overall harmless. Though, Cedric had attacked me. Would Abe be able to save me this time, if these two attacked me? They seem far more threatening than the ghost of Cedric Diggory, anyways.

"That's a good question, Meiqi." The hooded figure says. "Why do you think my friend and I wish to speak to your mother?"

"If I knew, I wouldn't ask." My words come out harsher than I intend.

The silent figure stiffens their posture, glancing over at the other one with what I can imagine is an expression of worry, if I could bloody see their faces.

Then, the other one laughs, a coarse, amused laugh, and the other one hesitantly joins in. Something about the silent one's laugh sends a flicker of familiarity in my mind, though I can't quite figure out where it is that I know him from.

"Your mother is a gateway to something we desperately need. Though, you'll provide an even better one. Perhaps it is a good thing that good old Liya ditched us, yes?"

The silent one nods.

Then, the talking one turns to the silent one, head tilted to the side. "Why so quiet, Lucius?"