AN: Happy Thanksgiving! I hope this chapter is an extra treat for those reading today.

His hand lingers on my arm for a moment longer, fingers grazing my skin as though he's fighting the urge to let go. I make the choice for him and move away slowly. "Come find me when you are." I turn and leave Draco standing in the dissolving ballroom, leaving his icy presence that cools the fire in my blood more than he realizes.

Chapter 9: Crossing a line - Paint It, Black

When River returned to the Slytherin Common Room, Theo, Blaise, and Pansy had all been waiting to welcome her and presumably Draco as well. Their faces and music all clearly expected them to return together, and were all surprised and a little sad. River just smiled sadly and shook her head, and turned to go up to their dorm room. Pansy followed on her heels. The two girls talked, River happy to have someone to share with, and somewhat amused when Pansy threatened to verbally eviscerate Draco on her behalf. River had calmed her friend and let her know she would respect he needed time, no threats were needed.

Still, the three Slytherin's made their feelings known to their old friend in their own ways. Pansy was particularly good at holding a grudge, and would often leave with River as soon as Draco tried to approach them all together. Blaise was fairly silent, choosing to let his disappointment read on his face, but not leaving when Draco arrived. Theo was the worst though, and any chance he got would continue to talk about the wonders and glories of River Black, how smart she was, how pretty, and continued until Draco would leave his company.

It got to the point that even Harry, Hermione, and Ginny clearly noticed something had happened. River didn't divulge what exactly had caused the rift, but had expressed there was an interest in Draco. They were mildly shocked at first, but River was quick to remind them she was capable of making up her own mind.

Overall, there had been a thawing of tensions between her friends after the All Hallows Ball. Ginny and Pansy had started to tolerate each other's presence after the afternoon in Hogsmeade, but now Ginny and Luna would also not shy away from approaching River when she studied with Pansy, Blaise, or Theo. Though it was still strange for her to see Slytherins and Gryffindors together at times, River couldn't deny the satisfaction of watching the house lines blur around her. It was a small rebellion against the rigid divides that had once felt so impenetrable.

The first time it happened, Blaise and River had sent them both questioning glances, and all Ginny explained was "we had a nice time at the All Hallows Ball, and if it pisses off my idiot brother, it's a cherry on top." Blaise took a moment to consider her words before saying "you should have been sorted to Slytherin." Another time Pansy and Ginny had been waiting for River in the library, huddled around her usual table and talking about the pressures of being a Sacred 28: "Father expects me to have a husband the day I leave Hogwarts," "Mother wants me to be a traditional house wife and not pursue Quidditch." It was a shared understanding that their individual wants and desires would always be second to that of a man that served as a common enemy they could both loathe.

Pucey, Millicent, and other Slytherins however, continued to make their distrust of River known, trying new ways to press her buttons. From trying to trip her in the halls when she would lose a minute or two, to charms to alter things just enough to throw her out of her routine, and of course Pucey and Millicent's comments. More often than not she was able to discreetly take her petty revenge, with subtle magical subterfuge around the Common Room, Great Hall, and in class. Ginny had helped her turn Millicent's skin a lovely shade of puce from a contaminated cup of tea, a new Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes product that Fred and George had sent for testing. But she had received a detention or two for a few more noticeable acts of retribution. It had been worth it to see Pucey's eyebrows turn into bushy purple caterpillars or his robes turn Hufflepuff Yellow and itchy.

Draco was the only non-constant. While the week after the Ball he had fallen back into his routine of avoiding River or keeping his icy wall in place, the following week she noticed small changes.

On Tuesday Draco had taken the seat next to her in Ancient Runes when Hermione had run late from her previous class. When Hermione arrived, she shot a questioning glance at River, who merely smiled. River had talked with Hermione further after the initial shock of her interest wore off, and explained what had transpired after the ball. Hermione glared at Draco, muttering "blond ferret" under her breath, but ultimately moved to sit next to Theo. River understood that out of all her friends, Hermione had been the most affected by Draco's behavior, and while they likely would never be friends, it was a subtle blessing that River was immensely thankful to Hermione for bestowing. An added benefit was that Theo and Hermione seemed to work well together, and when Draco once again grabbed the seat next to River, Hermione shrugged her shoulders and happily walked to take her new seat with Theo, another tentative bridge of understanding starting to take shape.

Two weeks after the changes in Arithmancy, Draco did something similar in Astronomy. River had originally been paired to work with Harry, her only non-Slytherin friend in the class, and was more than dumbfounded when he asked, albeit with his usual snark, to trade with Harry. Harry looked utterly confused that Draco Malfoy had asked him anything, let alone had done it somewhat civilly, but looking at the smile beaming on River's face had him sigh, shake his head, and move to work with Pansy. Harry and Pansy did not get along as well as Theo and Hermione, with Pansy making Harry do more of the work, but even they seemed to tolerate each other enough on her behalf.

River couldn't help but wonder what these small gestures meant. Did Draco truly want to bridge the divide, or was it just another part of his carefully curated facade? Either way, the mere possibility kept her curious—and hopeful. The first week of December, there was another change.

River's POV

It was another night where I evaded sleep like a plague. Nyx curled up on my discarded school robe that I had worn over a simple black leotard and leggings. Nyx slept peacefully, but with an alertness hidden behind her lounging form, ready to confront whatever threatened me. I work through my stretching, plies, tendus, and rond de jambes before Nyx makes any move to show someone is near. As I begin completing my port de bras though, I feel what Nyx had already alerted me to… the slither of his icy presence.

"You don't need to stay in the shadows." I say while I continue to move through first, second, and fifth positions.

Draco comes around the corner of the open door and slowly closes it behind himself. "Couldn't sleep." It's a statement, because out of all the people around he seemed to sleep just as little as I tended to.

I know that it's been rough
It shows in your reflection
You've fallen out of touch
Got lost along the way

I shake my head as I continue my warm up. "I can't tell the difference between the sleep I avoid and the waking hours I fear."

I feel him falter in his step at my small confession. "What was it like?" He asks tentatively. "Where you were?" Before you came through the Veil.

I don't turn to look at him. Everyone has asked, Harry, Hermione, Ginny, Pansy, Theo… But each time they do, I find myself holding back. I am not sure if it is to spare myself the pity that would undoubtedly follow, or myself from feeling further alienated in a world I don't know where I belong. But Draco has been trying, in his subtle ways, so maybe I should as well.

I take a deep breath, but don't turn around. "I was at a school…or that's what they wanted me to believe."

"What was it really?"

I know it's not enough
But these things they all get better
And even if it's tough

"A prison…a lab…a nightmare." My body trembles lightly as I say the words aloud.

I feel Draco walk up behind me. I am still facing away from him, but the frost of his presence sweeps over my back like cooling relief.

"I'm not entirely sure what the purpose was, what they hoped to achieve. But before I could realize what happened I was the last one…and it was too late."

Draco's fingers gently grasp my upper arms, but make no move to turn me. It's just a grounding presence, for me… for him, and the combined magic between us flows through me in gentle waves. "That's what you see when you go to sleep."

I nod my head, tears pricking at the corner of my eyes. "It…I…sometimes it's harder to tell what's real. If I am still there or in a nightmare."

I know that it's been hard
But even when it's hurting
You're gonna have to start
To learn to recognize

Draco's hands spin me and pull me into him. It's awkward… not like when we danced. It's like he doesn't quite know how to be a comfort to someone else's pain when it seems to reflect his own. We stand there for a moment, just breathing in tandem, letting the moment wash around us.

"I…" Draco tries to start after a minute of silence. "I know how it feels."

I look up at him as a tear slips down my cheek. His hand reaches up and gently brushes it away. He hesitates, as if weighing his words carefully. "Sometimes, when you're surrounded by darkness, it becomes hard to see where you end and it begins. You… you just learn to exist in the shadows."

I feel the weight behind his words, the way he doesn't say everything, but the truth is there—floating between the lines, as tangible as the air we share. He offers me a faint, sad smile. "I can't say I understand everything you've been through. But… I know what it's like to be forced into something you didn't choose. To feel like your choices are illusions."

His words are cautious. Still closing me off to the full truth, but it's something. "What choice would you make… in another life?" I ask tentatively, daring to take another step towards whatever is building between us.

"In another life…" His eyes close and he lets out a deep sigh. "I'd dare to turn my back… the way that Pansy, Theo, and Blaise have. The way I know they wish I would."

That even in the dark
There's lines between the spaces
Hiding where you are

I don't say anything, giving him space to continue if he wants to. I told him to find me when he was ready, but I still don't get the sense he is there yet. Pushing him won't make it happen any faster, and could do the exact opposite of what I intend. Sometimes, the only thing you can do is nothing. But maybe…

"Were you invited to Slughorn's Winter Party next week?" Based on the confusion that shows on his face my question is clearly not what he thought I would respond to his confession with.

"I wasn't invited, no."

"Would you like to go with me?"

He arches an eyebrow, allowing my diversion to take us away from the heaviness of our earlier conversation. "Are you asking me on a date?"

I feel my cheeks blush but push ahead. "Yes." I say with a shy smile that pulls his lips into a smirk of his own.

"I hardly think it's worthy of my presence, but…I could be persuaded."

I lean up and give his kiss a quick peck. That move seems to catch him even further off guard and his hand comes to his cheek, his eyes questioning, I turn around from him and go back to my warm up. "Good, now you can stay and watch, but I'd like to at least dance a little before curfew tonight."

I hear him laugh behind me, his form retreating from where I had been standing. I don't hear the classroom door open though, and when I look over my shoulder, I see him sitting next to Nyx, gently petting her head as she watches him with a look that says "you hurt her I claw your eyes out while you sleep."

I smile and return to dancing.

This is us, you know it on the inside
This is us, so you should show it on the outside
This is us, dust the dust up off your shoulders
Feet on ground
You'll be human again

River's POV

Three days before Slughorn's Winter Party I am studying in the library with Pansy for our Astronomy exam when Harry sits down at our table. Pansy glares at his appearance, and I roll my eyes at her air of annoyance even though I know she appreciates him pulling all the weight in our shared class.

"River…did you ask someone to Slughorn's party yet?" Harry asks. Please tell me you didn't so I can ask you and avoid this being another awkward event I don't have a date to.

I huff, do not bother to set down my quill or look up at Harry. "I did, I asked Draco."

This is apparently news to both Harry and Pansy, as I feel both their minds and eyes on me. I look up and shoot them both glances, "Don't act so surprised, you both knew there was interest."

"I'm more just proud that one of you actually did something about it!" Pansy says with glee in her eyes.

Harry just looks more put out and puts his head on the table. "UHHHH! And here I was hoping that you would go with me and save me going alone…again."

I look at Harry and roll my eyes. "I know someone you could ask." I say nonchalantly.

Harry looks up from the table cautiously, his eyes quickly darting towards Pansy with a look for fear. I roll my eyes again. "Hermione doesn't have a date yet."

"How does the Gryffindor swot Princess not have a date yet?" Pansy asks with genuine surprise.

I shrug my shoulders, quickly sharing a look with Pansy. "From what I can tell no one has been brave enough to ask her. She's not the most…approachable at times."

Pansy seems to pick up on my unsaid clues and snorts. "You could say that again."

"HEY!" Harry protests coming to Hermione's defense. "She's plenty approachable."

Pansy locks on to her target, a shark-like smile on her face. "Oh, so why haven't you asked her scar-head?"

Harry stutters at Pansy's question. "Cause…?"

I roll my eyes and return to my work. "The boy who lived can face perils unknown, and is afraid to ask his best friend to a party."

"I'm not afraid to ask Mione." Harry says getting perturbed by the goading.

"Are you sure about that Potter?" Pansy continues. "Cause it looks like you are a little afraid. Do you have performance anxiety?"

"Yes! WHAT? I mean NO!" Harry says even more flustered as he gets up from our table and leaves, muttering under his breath about Slytherin's not knowing anything and he'll show us.

I don't look over at Pansy as I feel her glare daggers at me. "I'm still upset you didn't tell me you asked Draco, but does Potter really not see the swot clearly likes him as more than a friend?"

I laugh. "You'd be surprised at what they both fail to see."

Pansy continues to pout. "You owe me for helping with… that." She says as she turns back to our exam prep.

"You can pick out my dress for the party." I respond flippantly, but Pansy squeals in delight.

Harry did indeed gather his courage and ask Hermione, much to the chagrin of Ron who had been trying to find a way to get her to ask him. Ron had failed to miss the clear signs that Hermione did not have those types of feelings towards him. His mind had reeked of resentment and hurt for the next few days. Thankfully River had been nowhere near him when Hermione explained that she already had a date to the party, so he couldn't try and blame her for yet another issue in his life.

The day of the party arrived, Ginny, Luna, Pansy, and a very skeptical Hermione joined River in Hogsmeade to look for dresses to the party. Ginny was taking Luna, and while there was tension between everyone, there was an unspoken tolerance that they were all still girls who were excited to look at clothes. By the end of the adventure, no one had said anything worse than a few teasing jabs, and Pansy even complimented Hermione's choice for the evening…if she could do anything with the nest she called hair. Two steps forward, one step back.

The girls parted ways at the gates of Hogwarts, with everyone returning to their respective dorms to get ready. Pansy spent the next hour torturing River's scalp as she braided it into submission for the evening. River mentally reminded herself to never let Pansy suggest she work on Hermione's hair or the poor girl would never forgive her.

River's POV

As Pansy pulls me out of our dorm and towards the stairs, I feel a ball of nerves tightening in my stomach, not from apprehension, but excitement. I look over the railing to see Draco chatting with Blaise and Theo, his back turned towards the stairs. He's dressed in a dark suit, but his top collar looks more undone than if he was wearing a tie. My foot hits the first stair and he turns, his storm gray eyes drinking me in and reflecting his own excitement, even as a frosty wind seems to snake around my arm and rest there.

Theo wolf whistles to us, as Pansy and I reach the bottom of the stairs and walk over to them. "Stunning as always, these two." Theo says as he moves to give Pansy a cheeky pinch and kiss before he lets Blaise whisk her away for the evening.

Blaise notices that Draco has yet to say anything, only that his eyes continue to wander up and down my outfit. He nudges his friend, "This is where you compliment the lady, Draco."

"Apologies, Black, still need to housetrain that one." Theo says with a chuckle as he also takes in the state of his friend.

I catch Draco's eyes lingering on my necklace, the small family heirloom that a friend had sent me at the start of the summer. Something flashes in his eyes, a blink and you miss it moment, but I remind myself to ask him later. "A single compliment wouldn't do you justice. I'm not sure even the stars compare to how you look tonight." Draco says in a low voice only I can hear as he offers me his arm.

I smile at him, and for once I know it is a genuine smile… like the ones from before the Academy. We say goodbye to Theo, promising to be back sooner than later and to smuggle a bottle of alcohol for him sitting this one out.

By the time we get to Slughorn's office, the party is in full swing. Food and drinks appear to one side, while there are tables, chairs, and couches for mingling in the magically enlarged space. Draco and Blaise quickly excuse themselves to get us all drinks, while Pansy and I wander over to where Ginny and Luna are standing with their arms interlocked.

"Ginny, Luna." I say with a smile on my face.

"River, you look so light tonight, no Wrackspurts at all." Luna says with a soft smile before she looks around cautiously. "I hope Professor Slughorn took care of the Nargles."

"I think you mean that you hope her date isn't a Nargle and steals her away." Ginny says with a smirk into her drink.

Luna swats at her, but she knows it's in good natured teasing.

"I have no clue what either of you are saying." Pansy says with a laugh. "But I'm sure River's date will whisk her away at some point like he did at the Ball."

I roll my eyes, but appreciating the light heart teasing none the less. Blaise and Draco appear with drinks for Pansy and I shortly after this is said and I wonder if they heard anything as I blush.

"Ferret, you are looking less Ferrety tonight." Ginny says with a small salut of her glass.

Draco narrows his gaze, but the small smirk on his lips betrays he sees it as a compliment and not a jab. "Nice to see some Gryffindor's have an idea of taste."

They both continue to glare at one another, but malice doesn't reflect in their eyes. More like a silent begrudging understanding. I roll my eyes, two steps forward, one step back.

Someone in the crowd has managed to charm an old phonograph to play, and a lively holiday jazz number begins to play. I look at Draco with the best puppy dog eyes I can muster. "Please?" I ask without needing any further clarification.

He chuckles. "Come on." And he whisks me out onto the makeshift dance floor others are dancing on. He spins me around into a quick step and I am surprised at how well he knows the steps.

"I didn't expect more modern dance lessons to be part of the pure-blood upbringing." I say with a giggle.

"Mother insisted on some of the more popular dances as well." Draco says as his hands come to my waist and he lifts me slightly.

"Remind me to compliment her forethought." I say as he sets me back down and we continue with the dance.

"Sadly she had other engagements to attend to this evening." Draco says off-handedly which shocks me.

"She was invited?"

"Yes, as a former member of the 'Slug Club,' Slughorn does like to try and collect the best of the best."

"Ah… I assume a Black would have been a jewel in his collection."

Draco smiles at my compliment to his mother, "It seems to still be."

It's now my turn to smile. Draco certainly knows the right words to say to make me feel like I am sparkling like a star in the sky. It makes me nervous, because I don't want it to burn bright and fast before freefall like a shooting star. As he twirls me around, I catch sight of Harry and Hermione stepping through the door. I know it would be too much to ask Draco to go with me to say hello, and I see his eyes move to the pair who just entered.

"I draw the line somewhere." He says with a chuckle, before nudging me towards their direction. I smile at him in return.

Hermione's face lights up as she sees me approach them. "River!" She says as she embraces me. Thank you. A silent look passes between us and I know what she's referring to, she's glowing from who she is here with.

"You two look lovely." I say as I pull back to see Harry is also beaming.

"It's all her, she's the Golden Girl." Harry says as he takes Hermione's hand again.

She rolls her eyes playfully and nudges his arm. "Says the boy who lived."

"Uh, you two are going to be the sickeningly sweet couple aren't you?" I say without thinking and both of them immediately look like deer in headlights. Shit. "I just mean if you ever do decide to date." Shit, not helping. "I am just going to go back to my own date before I put my foot in my mouth more." I say trying to make a hasty getaway, but before I do, Harry awkwardly clears his throat and grabs my hand.

"Actually, I need to talk to you quickly." Harry says in a whisper. He nods to Hermione, who seems to already know what Harry needs to ask.

"I'll just be with Ginny and Luna." She says as she walks towards them.

Harry pulls me the other direction, towards some of the bookshelves that hadn't been transfigured into other furniture in Slughorn's office. He checks around to see who might overhear him before he begins. "I had another lesson with Dumbledore."

"And?"

"He asked me to recover a memory… from Slughorn."

"That shouldn't be too hard, the man loves to talk about himself." I chuckle.

"That's just it." Harry hisses. "When I started to ask about something related, he clammed up. Immediately excused himself, which is odd for him."

"Did Dumbledore say what the memory involved?"

"No, just something to do with Horcruxes, but he doesn't know more."

Bullshit. Dumbledore always knows more than he lets on. Even when I got here, he seemed quite at ease with everything I had to say.

"I need your help. I have tried, but maybe… you know?" Harry asks and I know he's referring to my ability.

I glare at him slightly. "If he won't actively talk about it I am not sure how I can pull it from him." I say honestly. "Especially if we don't even know what a Horcrux is. Let's see what we can find at Grimmauld over the winter holiday first." It's a redirection to something I feel less conflicted about. Overhearing someone's thoughts is one thing, but trying to use my Legilimency to pull a memory that someone doesn't want to disclose makes me feel…uncomfortable. Like the existential questions the Academy used to ask me, does the pain or harm to one outweigh the greater good? Who decides who constitutes the greater good?

"Okay." Harry agrees.

A sense of relief washed over me as we both moved to go back to our respective dates. When I get back to Draco's side as he stands near Blaise and Pansy, he sends me a speculative glance. I shake my head and smile. Nothing I speak with Harry about needs to be said to anyone other than him and who he chooses to share with.

After a few minutes, Draco leans down and whispers in my ear. "Ready for another dance?"

My smile is the only answer he needs as he leads me back out to the dance floor. The music shifts into something slower and we easily shift into a slower dance. It's a lovely evening, and I find myself getting lost in the music everyone hears along with my own music.

"River…" Draco interrupts my reverie. "Did Sirius give you that necklace?"

His question catches me off guard slightly, and I feel one of my hands come up to gently run my fingers over it. "Oh… no. It was something Kreacher gave me."

"Kreacher?" Draco asks skeptically.

Well, not exactly, I think. But how am I supposed to explain anonymous letters from 'A friend?' "I'm not entirely sure where he got it from, maybe Sirius' mother left it Grimmauld." It's a half truth, and I hope that is the end of it.

If Draco had intended to ask anything else, he doesn't get the chance as a rather loud and drunk Pucey is being hauled out of the party by Snape. Apparently Slughorn hadn't invited him to this get together, and his presence is unwelcome.

As Snape escorts a disgruntled Pucey out of the room, his gaze lands on me with a warning that feels colder than usual. "I'd advise you to focus on your own affairs, Miss Black," he projects into my mind, leaving me to wonder if he knows more than he lets on. His cryptic message reverberates within me as I try to make sense of the fragments I caught from Pucey's mind—distraction… task… Black.

A shiver runs down my spine. Draco's eyes narrow slightly as he follows my gaze toward the door. He reaches for my hand, his grip a touch firmer than before. "Stay clear of Pucey," he says, almost under his breath. There's something in his tone, a tension that hints at more than just dislike, and it makes me wonder if he knows something I don't.

As we resume our dance, I can't shake the feeling that tonight has only scratched the surface of something far more sinister. But if Pucey or Snape think they can rattle me, they're wrong. I have no intention of turning a blind eye. Whatever Pucey's "task" is, if it involves me I'll find out…on my terms.

Draco's hand at my waist anchors me, his closeness a grounding force amid the chaos in the music that's beginning to take shape around me. I glance up at him, determined, and let the music lead us, for now, finding comfort in the moment.

The next few days passed in a blur. The entire castle was a flurry of studying, exams, and for those leaving, packing to return home for the Winter Holiday. Pansy, Theo, Blaise, and Draco would be staying at Hogwarts to "avoid the manors of horrors," as Theo said dramatically, but River knew he sadly wasn't joking. It was easier to avoid the darkness creeping up around all of them if they stayed at school… stayed where they had each other to lean on.

Hermione, Luna, Ron, and Ginny would be each returning home to see their parents, and River and Harry would be spending the Holiday at Grimmauld. Harry let River know Mrs Weasley had kindly invited them to the Burrow for Christmas Dinner, so they would be heading there after spending the morning with Sirius and Lupin. While River would be happy to see the twins and Ginny, she truly hoped Ron would leave her well enough alone while she was there. She had a few days to decompress before she would need to deal with that though.

On the 20th of December, the Hogwarts Express had been relatively quiet, with more students electing to stay behind than originally anticipated. Thankfully River spent the ride with Ginny and Luna away from Ron. When they arrived Harry gave Hermione a rather lingering hug goodbye, and River sent them a knowing smirk while Luna commented that they had less Wrackspurts around them lately. Sirius and Lupin collected River and Harry from King's Cross before they quickly apparated to Grimmauld.

Kreacher was beyond thrilled to have "his Mistress Black" home for the holiday, and even Grimmauld itself seemed to breathe easier when it felt River enter the wards. The rest of the evening was spent with River being doted on by Kreacher as the others complained loudly about the biased favoritism. River's peels of laughter had everyone smiling.

River's POV

I feel myself allowing my inner defenses to lower slightly being back at Grimmauld. I hadn't slept more than my usual handful of hours, but when I wake to Nyx curled into my side, it feels almost like a slice of bliss from a life before the Academy. I stretch and allow myself to settle into the feeling, when I hear a pop of apparition announcing Kreacher's arrival.

"Mistress Black, Kreacher is here to bring birthday wishes."

I smile. Leave it to Kreacher to want to beat Sirius to wish me a happy birthday. The rivalry for my affections and bickering of those was getting hysterical. "Thank you Kreacher." As I sit up and see the tray he has brought. On the tray, is tea, an orange juice, a fresh croissant, and what appears to be a small package.

"From A Friend, I take it?" I say as I gently take out the card in the front.

"Yes, A Friend." Kreacher says before he apparates away.

XXX

My Dear Miss Black,

This book has been kept in trust for a worthy descendant of the Black line, intended for a moment such as this. Within its pages lie truths that few have seen, and fewer still have understood.

Treat it with respect, for knowledge such as this is both a gift and a responsibility. Remember that it is not merely what we inherit, but how we wield it that defines us.

With all my love,

A Friend

XXX

I unwrap the simple package to reveal a leather bound book. I turn it over in my hands and run my fingers over the embossed lettering, Secrets of the Darkest Art. I open the book, the smell of must and damp peels off the pages, like a skin. The back of the first page bears a small inscription in the bottom corner, R.A.B. My fingers flip through the pages, feeling the magic contained within almost hum in my hands, low and ominous. Harry's request for help comes to the forefront of my mind and I flip to the index in the back of the book, before flipping forward to the appropriate pages on Horcruxes.

I see a red door and I want it painted black
No colors anymore, I want them to turn black

My blood runs cold as I read what this magic entails and my mind spins. It is in the severing of a soul from its mortal tether that one may fracture one's own soul.…The soul, once split, can never fully heal, leaving the bearer a shadow of what they once were. This is what Dumbledore wants Harry to learn about from Slughorn? Did Slughorn talk about this magic to someone? To Voldemort? How on earth can that man expect Harry to come up against someone like that? Someone that would go to these lengths? Why would this friend send me this book? Why am I being trusted with this knowledge?

I close the book and quickly jump out of bed to lock it away in my school trunk. I can't process what I have read and need time to think...kept in trust for a worthy descendant of the Black line, intended for a moment such as this…What role am I being expected to play? Tears begin to sting at my eyes.

Am I just another pawn to move around a board?

I have to turn my head until my darkness goes

A knock on my door breaks me from my inner reflections. "River? You up?" Harry's voice calls out.

I wipe my tears and call out to him. "Be down in a minute!"

I quickly dress and try to put a smile on my face. It was one thing to carry the Black name; it was another to carry its secrets. I need to study the text and its contents more. I need to see what I can find out from Slughorn before Harry does…Harry can't know about this yet, not when the implications are too dire. This knowledge will inevitably change who I can or cannot trust.

Thankfully, the rest of the day is much less tumultuous than my morning. Sirius and Lupin do not force a big celebration on me. There is a small cake at breakfast, because according to Sirius "on birthday's you are meant to eat cake all day!"

It is over cake that I notice the small mountain of gifts on the counter.

"Are those for me?" I ask gleefully.

"There were about six owls waiting this morning." Lupin says as she levitates them to the table.

"In addition to these ones." Sirius says as three more packages join the pile.

I take my time opening each one, smiling softly at how each of the presents reflected the giver so well. Sirius' gift was "Sirius Black's Favorite Songs Vol. 2" along with an antique locket from the Black Family Vault. Lupin's gift is a copy of Defensive Magical Theory. Hermione's gift was practical, a new set of quills. Luna had hand-crafted me a diadem of feathers, similar to something one would wear to dance Swan Lake. Harry's present would compliment Luna's, and were a set of decorative hair pins. Ginny's present was also from George and Fred, and was almost one of everything from the twins' joke shop; the note enclosed specified they were for "my continued harassment of idiot little brothers and troublesome snakes." And speaking of snakes, Theo, Pansy, and Blaise had sent a beautiful jewelry box with an enchanted ballerina dancing inside.

I'm momentarily disappointed that there isn't something from Draco, but as I unwrap the last present, there is a sharp tick tick tick on the window. I turn and see a large Eagle Owl with a small package. I open the window, and the bird delicately hops inside so I can retrieve the package it carries.

Sirius makes a noise of amusement mixed with derision behind me. "I see my little cousin takes after his mother."

I roll my eyes; the large orange eyes of the owl seem to share my sentiments. I feed the bird a treat from the bowl we keep by the window. It bows its head, thanking me for the treat, before returning on its way.

"Well, what did the little prick…hey!" Sirius yelps as Lupin elbows him in the ribs.

"Play nice Pads." Lupin says as I sit down.

I unwrap the black paper to reveal a small velvet box. Lifting the lid, I see a delicate charm bracelet inside. There is a single charm attached, a pair of ballet slippers. I smile, knowing Pansy likely had an idea of what he sent, which explained Theo, Blaise, and her sending me the jewelry box.

"Oh… that's pretty, River." Harry says as I gently fasten the bracelet around my wrist.

Sirius continues to grumble and rub his ribs. Bloody little prick…if he even thinks he's good enough for her…

The days between River's 18th birthday and Christmas flew by like a whirling dervish. From secretive trips to Diagon Alley with Sirius and Harry, mostly tucked under Harry's invisibility cloak with him, to venturing into muggle London for Christmas presents, each day had an edge of excitement. River had managed to find a selection of presents for each of her friends she thought they would all enjoy.

Between River and Harry, poor Sirius' owl, made half a dozen trips to deliver parcels to their friends on Christmas Eve. Thankfully many of the presents were smaller, but River still cast a Featherlight charm on the packages to help the bird in its deliveries. After finding hand dyed washi paper with silver leaf, River knew that it would make a stunning bouquet of origami roses, and had Kreacher deliver them to A Friend for her.

There were also a handful of owls delivering packages for Harry and River as well. Sirius had made them put everything under the tree to open the following morning, but they were allowed to select one to open that evening. River's eyes immediately went to the small package that Draco's Eagle Owl had delivered, and opened it to reveal a new charm for her bracelet, a tiny star with a small black diamond.

Sirius crossed his arms, watching as River's face lit up at the sight of the charm. He couldn't hide the slight scowl on his face, though he tried to soften it for her sake. "Oh, a black diamond—how... fitting." He let out a small, reluctant sigh. "Well, I suppose it's a nice touch. But, just remember, River, if my little cousin steps out of line, you'll let me know, won't you? And Harry here can join me in teaching him a lesson." Sirius gave her a lopsided grin, trying to cover his worries with humor, though River could sense that underneath it, he only wanted to protect her.

Christmas morning at Grimmauld was a relaxed affair. Sirius had loved the vintage leather jacket and Lupin was impressed with River's Charm work so that his new Mont Blanc fountain pen would never run out of ink. Harry's Dragonhide Quidditch Gloves complimented the pair of Dragonhide Quidditch boots Sirius and Lupin gifted him. River was delighted with the new pointe shoes from Sirius and a set of watercolors from Lupin.

But Harry's gift had meant the most, as he gifted her a Wizarding Camera and Scrapbook, "so you can collect positive moments to look back on." She hugged him tight after she unwrapped it and immediately wanted to take a picture of all of them, including Kreacher which both Sirius and Kreacher grumbled about.

The day had been quite lovely, but River was on edge when they went to the Burrow for dinner. Ginny immediately came bounding over to her and Harry, packages for them both from Mrs. Weasley. Inside were the traditional Weasley Family knitted sweaters, but River was touched to see hers was Slytherin Green and Silver. Dinner was nice, and after, when River was helping to clear the table, Ron pulled her aside. River was shocked when he said, "Figured it was time to bury the hatchet, so here's a little something before I change my mind," with a grin and a small gift in hand. It was a bookmark, in the shape of a snake, and River was touched by the small gesture.

Overall, the Winter Holiday had been one of warmth and affection, leaving River on a high she hadn't felt since before the Academy. And while it struck a chord deep in her heart, knowing she would never return to that time, and would never know what could have been, she was glad for the support she had here… the family she was making.

But Family is a tricky thing, as River would experience a few days after New Years Day.

River's POV

We would be leaving to return to Hogwarts tomorrow, and each time I had tried to crack open the pages Secrets of the Darkest Art, I was filled with a sense of dread. I finally resolved that while Sirius, Harry, and Lupin were at the Burrow playing Quidditch, I would stay at Grimmauld and use the library to see if there were any other texts on Horcruxes.

An hour into my search, I'm growing frustrated. "Kreacher." I call out as calmly as possible. I hear a pop behind me.

"Yes, Mistress Black?"

"Is there anything in here that would have knowledge on Horcruxes?" I ask cautiously.

Normally, Kreacher would jump at any question I have. But like when I questioned him about this mysterious friend, he is noticeably silent. I turn and look at him, he almost looks like he is physically unable to tell me. "Kreacher? Are you alright?"

I watch as the old house elf nods his head no.

My magic tingles along my skin, like it knows I am skirting at the edge of something…a secret someone doesn't want found out. "Are you unable to tell me?"

Kreacher nods his head in the affirmative.

"But Kreacher may know someone who can help." He says as he takes my hand and we disapparate to the front hallway of Grimmauld. We are in front of one of the larger paintings, covered in heavy black curtains. "Mistress Walburga Black." Kreacher says as he waves his hand and the curtains open.

I see a line of cars and they're all painted black
With flowers and my love both never to come back

As the heavy black curtains pull back, Walburga's piercing eyes fall on me, and her expression quickly twists into one of suspicion. "Well, well, what do we have… Bella?"

"No, I'm River Black." I say unsure if she expects me to curtsey or wave.

"A Black you say?" Her eyes roam over me. "You do look an awful lot like Bella… how old are you child?"

"Eighteen."

"So I take it Regulus is your father, there is no way that blood-traitor son of mine could have fathered you." Walburga sneers, her voice cold and cutting.

"Well, no. We aren't sure how…"

This seems to confuse the stern woman. "Not sure? Are you a Black or not dear?"

"She is Mistress Black, she is appearing on the Black Family Tapestry." Kreacher interjects.

"Ah, Kreacher, so lovely to see you." Walburga shifts her attention from me to the house elf. "Did you finally evict that no good blood traitor and his mongrel? They shouldn't be left to care for this child. What of Bella or Cissa?"

I feel my magic flare at her words towards Sirius and Lupin. "I need no other guardian…Sirius and Lupin are wonderful guardians." I say in protest at her small mindedness.

She narrows her eyes, a twisted smile forming on her lips. "Ah, so you are like them, are you? Pity, another useless Black."

I see people turn their heads and quickly look away

I feel my magic cracking, along with the house around me. The candles flicker, the furniture shakes slightly, as if in warning to its former Mistress. Walburga seems to pick up on that fact too as she glances around the room at the flickering lights. "Interesting…" She all but hisses before turning her attention back to me. "You're certainly somewhat of a Black if Grimmauld recognizes you as an heir. So tell me, River Black, what do you want from me?"

"Horcruxes, do you know about them?" I ask boldly, not wanting to show any trepidation.

Walburga looks at me with even more interest now. "And why… dear child, would you want to know about Horcruxes?" Walburga's painted eyes narrowed, as though she could see through my carefully constructed facade.

I do not trust this illusion, this remnant of the former Lady Black, but I also don't trust anyone living enough to ask either. Dumbledore is putting Harry into a dangerous game, and information is power when it comes to how you play. "They interest me." I respond with a half truth.

I look inside myself and see my heart is black
I see my red door I must have it painted black

Walburga's smile turns positively feral, as if savoring the thought of someone in her bloodline seeking dark magic. "And yet, perhaps there is still hope for you." She gives me another glance up and down, silently judging, before she continues. "A Horcrux, child, is the ultimate safeguard for those who wish to cheat death—a piece of one's soul hidden away, bound to an object, forever anchoring you to this world. But it is not for the faint of heart. Only those with the will to kill without remorse and the strength to endure the price can hope to achieve such a feat."

Cheating death. That was how Voldemort did it. How he came back after Harry's mother's sacrifice stopped him before. But why would Dumbledore need Harry to learn about these?

"Do you know who has made them?" I ask cautiously.

"Some say an ancestor of ours, a true Black, once sought the secret to creating a Horcrux... Regulus was quite interested in them as well."

Regulus? Was he R.A.B? Is that the mysterious friend sending me things? Was he alive? "Did Regulus have a copy of Secrets of the Darkest Art?"

Maybe then I'll fade away and not have to face the facts
It's not easy facing up when your whole world is black

Now Walburga's eyes flash with curiosity. "Ahhh… so you know more than what you let on." The painting almost salivates at my simple question. "Yes, I believe he did have a copy."

My mouth opens to ask another question, but before any words come out, the Floo behind me flares to life. Sirius, Lupin, and Harry have apparently returned from the Burrow early. I feel the blood drain from my face as the look of shock and horror from the three of them registers.

"And the Blood traitor and filthy pet have returned." Walburga spits venom.

"Mother…" Sirius growls. "Nice to see you haven't changed after being banished behind that curtain."

"As if that would stop me, Sirius." She says while peering down her nose at him. "I was just having a lovely chat with the newest Black. Nice to see she's at least resistant to all of your influence."

Sirius' eyes flash to me, his mother's words playing over in his mind. "River, please go to the library and wait for me." His tone is icy, like it could freeze me on the spot. The resemblance to Walburga in that moment is unmistakable.

I do not question Sirius as I turn and walk back to the library, shutting the door behind me and moving to sit on the couch. Lupin and Harry do not follow me, nor do I think they will with how Sirius radiated anger. I hear the muffled shouts from Sirius for a few more minutes, presumably as he yells at his mother. I'm sure she will be all too glad to goad him about what I was asking about. Stupid. It was stupid to ask her.

I wanna see it painted, painted black
Black as night, black as coal
I wanna see the sun blotted out from the sky

After a minute or two of silence, the door opens, and Sirius walks in. He doesn't look at me, but moves to the decanter of Firewhiskey and pours himself a glass. He downs it before saying a word.

"River, what were you thinking, going to her with questions about Horcruxes?" Sirius asks, his back still to me but his anger and disappointment drip from every word. "She's the last person you should trust with that kind of information."

The words eat at me. I can't break Harry's confidence, because he asked for help with something and clearly hasn't brought it up to Sirius himself. But it also begs the question why Dumbledore wouldn't bring this up either? Is Sirius as much of a puppet as the rest of us? Why does it feel as if no one trusts each other?

"I'm sorry." I say quietly.

I feel Sirius' anger deflate. "You don't have to keep secrets from us." Sirius says as he turns towards me. "Horcruxes are a dangerous business."

"What do you know about them?" I ask, testing the waters to see if my inquiry will cause his anger to flare up again.

Sirius sighs, and moves to sit on the couch opposite of me. "First, where did you hear about them?"

I see a red door and I want it painted black
No colors any more, I want them to turn black

Shit. I can't disclose what Dumbledore has asked Harry outright, and I can't let him know I have Regulus' book. Both would raise too many questions. "In passing." I respond.

The tendrils of Sirius thoughts waft over to me… questions about snakes, about Draco and Theo in particular. Bile is rising in my throat at the direction this is going and I feel tears prick at my eyes. "It wasn't them." I offer, before weighing my next words carefully. "I don't think everyone is being honest with each other." Sirius' mind seems to lock itself down, an icy breeze like what I feel from Snape or Draco stirring. "I feel caught in the middle."

"I can't help if I don't know what's going on." Sirius offers.

Again, his words eat at me and make me question why Dumbledore hasn't talked to the rest of the Order about Horcruxes. It burns like a shot of whiskey. "I'm starting to feel like I am caught in the middle of something I don't fully understand."

It's now Sirius' turn to blanche, as if my words cut at something hidden. "Did someone say something to you?"

Again the thoughts of Theo and Draco appear in the forefront of Sirius' mind. "No, but should they have? Why does it feel like I don't know what's going on?"

"It's complicated." Sirius responds quickly, growing agitated with my questions.

"What aren't you telling me Sirius?" I all but plead.

This appears to hit at something that makes Sirius' anger flare again, and I feel his magic pulse in waves. "It seems like there is a lot we both aren't saying River." He stalks from the room and slams the door behind him.

Tears slip down my cheek. I feel very alone.

I have to turn my head until my darkness goes

Sirius had always been rash, and after his confrontation with River, he felt his magic pulsing the same as it had been the night he confronted Wormtail. He needed answers… now. He takes the stairs two at a time and stalks to Harry's room. He doesn't bother to knock, instead barging in. Lupin is sitting with Harry, both clearly waiting to hear what happened downstairs.

"Harry, you and I need to talk! Lupin, go stay with River and don't let her talk to my bloody mother again." Sirius says as quietly as his frustration will allow.

"Pads…what's going on?" Lupin asks with a worried expression on his face.

"River was asking my mother about Horcruxes and I have a feeling Harry here can tell us where she heard about them from, isn't that right Harry?"

Harry's face is ghostly white. "It was…Did she…"

"No… she didn't give up your secrets boy, but you just confirmed she did hear about them from you."

Harry blanches further and looks like a deer caught in headlights. "Dumbledore asked me to recover a memory from Slughorn, about Horcruxes. I asked River if she knew anything about them."

"Bloody fuckin' moron." Sirius rages as his fist slams into the wall. "I'll be damned if Dumbledore thinks this is the way to go about things. Right, you two, stay here." Sirius says as the crack of his magic disapparating likely leaves a scorch mark on the floor behind him.

Sirius lands just outside the wards of Hogwarts, his anger fueling him. He quickly transforms into his animagus form and bounds into Hogwarts grounds. He doesn't stop running until he is outside the Headmaster's office.

The painting doesn't even hesitate to open for him, Dumbledore likely feeling the shift in wards that had allowed his animagus to pass through.

"Come in Sirius." Dumbledore's voice calls from up the steps.

Sirius takes them two at a time, coming to stand in front of Dumbledore, his anger palpable.

"I don't care what you are trying to do, this stops." Sirius all but demands as he bangs his hand on Dumbledore's desk.

"Sirius," Dumbledore begins, his voice calm but with a hint of warning, "I understand your concern, but I must ask you to trust that there are reasons behind my approach."

"Reasons?" Sirius hisses, pacing furiously. "You're involving Harry and River in this madness without any explanation, leaving them to poke around the darkest parts of our family's history. You should have told her—and Harry—about this prophecy, or whatever else is going on!"

Dumbledore clasps his hands, his gaze steady. "I share your worry, but I assure you, Sirius, revealing everything to River at this stage could put her—and all of you—in even greater danger. Some truths are best uncovered when the time is right."

Sirius glares, not placated. "So, you're keeping her in the dark? She deserves to know what she's up against!"

"Indeed," Dumbledore agrees, nodding. "But consider this: River is still discovering who she is. Revealing too much too soon could overwhelm her, possibly pushing her toward actions she isn't prepared to face. She's shown resilience, yes, but she's also vulnerable, as you well know."

Sirius grits his teeth, clearly torn between his instinct to protect and his desire for answers. "So, what am I supposed to do? Just sit back and watch them struggle?"

"Guide them," Dumbledore suggests softly. "Be there when they need you, as you always have. But understand that River and Harry both have paths to walk on their own terms. The truth will come to them, in time. Until then, I urge you not to burden either of them with the weight of this prophecy. Let them discover their strength first, without the shadows of inevitability looming over."

Sirius clenches his fists, still visibly angry, but Dumbledore's words have slowed his momentum. "I don't like it. But I'll... I'll hold off. For now. But if so much as one hair on either of their heads is touched because of what you are doing… so help me Albus."

Dumbledore nods approvingly, his eyes twinkling faintly. "Thank you, Sirius."

Sirius holds his gaze, reluctantly accepting the compromise, but he's far from convinced. Without another word, he turns on his heel, leaving the room with a heart still heavy with unresolved questions.

Draco sits alone in the Astronomy Tower, staring off into the night sky. While the Winter Holiday at Hogwarts had provided him with some solace, the looming responsibility of what had been thrust on him hung heavy on his shoulders. The most recent evidence of it in the form of the note from his father is crumbled in his fisted hand.

XXX

My Son,

It is time you accelerate your efforts. I expect no hesitation, no delays. Those above you are growing impatient, and failure is not an option.

You know what is required. Do not make me regret placing trust in your abilities. Move with the urgency this situation demands, and remember, any misstep will have consequences far beyond your control.

Prove yourself worthy of your name and position.

Yours,
Father

XXX

Draco let the letter crumble in his hand, whispering the Incendio charm under his breath. The ash slipped through his fingers, a reminder of the weight he carried and the ever-tightening leash his father held. He took a deep breath, trying to steel himself for what was to come.

AN: If you are listening to the music as you read, this will be Ciara's version of Paint It, Black, not the Rolling Stones version. Also, the Mixtape and Christmas gift list are listed below.

Sirius Black's Mixtape Vol. 2

The Doors – "Break On Through (To the Other Side)"

Jimi Hendrix – "All Along the Watchtower"

The Velvet Underground – "I'm Waiting for the Man"

Black Sabbath – "Paranoid"

The Rolling Stones – "Gimme Shelter"

Iggy Pop – "The Passenger"

Creedence Clearwater Revival – "Bad Moon Rising"

The Who – "Behind Blue Eyes"

T. Rex – "20th Century Boy"

Deep Purple – "Smoke on the Water"

Bob Dylan – "Like a Rolling Stone"

The Clash – "Should I Stay or Should I Go"

River's Full Christmas Gift List:

Harry - A Pair of Dragonhide Quidditch Gloves

Sirius - A vintage leather jacket

Lupin - A fountain pen charmed to never run out of ink

Hermione - Leather Bound journal

Luna - a book on folding origami

Ginny - a fresh Harpies Quidditch Jersey, customized with her name on the back.

Weasley Family - A large hamper from Fortnum and Mason's with a collection of traditional muggle holiday treats.

Blaise - An Antique Book on Alchemical Symbols

Theo - all of David Bowie's Records

Pansy - a Hermes silk scarf with snakes on it

A Friend - a bouquet of origami roses on hand dyed washi paper with silver leaf

Draco - A Silver Pocket Watch with the inscription "To see a world in a grain of sand…"