Circa March 1996:

HOGWARTS CORRIDOR:

Hogwarts had been under fire... literal fire.

Well not to exaggerate but Artemis's emotions had been so out of control that she had struggled to keep them in. Her composure during most of her interactions with Umbridge resulted in her... setting fire to a few sights on the school grounds.

The pink woman surprisingly wasn't the cause of this, Dumbledore was.

Between every mention of the wizard or sighting she just couldn't keep her overwhelming anger at bay. She didn't want to believe what her family had told her or what they seemed to have speculated but all signs had pointed to the extraordinary wizard.

Compartmentalising was so out of reach for the young witch, bottling up her feelings was something she couldn't comprehend anymore, no matter how hard she tried.

It was exhausting, but so was living at this point.

"Is everything going to get better?" The 2nd year asked, barely managing to wipe away the tear that escaped his eye.

Artemis, George and Fred had stumbled onto the young Hufflepuff wizard after he had been punished by Umbridge. The burning scar on his chubby little hands was prominent until the Seramore witch muttered the healing spell.

Although the writing seemed to fade, the pain and torment hid behind his glossy eyes.

Artemis exchange a glance with the twins, before she replied, "It's going to get worse before it gets better, but don't give up okay?"

Fred nodded along, "Yeah, ours don't even hurt anymore." he showed his healing hand to the impressionable 2nd year boy, who timidly stared at them all.

"That spell helps a lot doesn't it?" George nudged him, shooting him a sad smile.

"Princess over here made it." Fred nodded towards the Slytherin witch, who playfully rolled her eyes.

The 2nd year's eyes bulged out of his head, "Really?"

"I did," she admitted with a tired grin.

"That's sick."

"It is."

George snickered, "Always so humble."

"Shut up." she playfully nudged him, which put a smile on the 2nd year's face.

But soon all delight faded, when Umbridge cleared her throat, attracting their attention, as well as an apprehensive Harry Potter.

The blotchy woman's grin widened as she stared at the 'chosen one', not bothering to shoot a glance at the Seramore witch, who couldn't hide her bemusement.

"As I told you once Mr Potter, naughty children deserve to be punished." the older witch stated with a triumphant grin before she gradually walked away.

The twins stood up, along with Artemis, they joined Harry. They all kept their gaze on Umbridge's retreating figure.

Fred's eyes shone with mirth, "You know what George? I always thought our futures lay outside of academic achievement." his teased.

Geoge hummed in agreement, "Fred, I've been thinking exactly the same thing."

"I'm still up for putting her down," Artemis said carelessly, emitting laughter from the twins, despite knowing that she was being serious.

Harry shot her a disapproving glance, one that she ignored, "What? No."

"Fine, if she wants to take all the excitement out of the school...we need to set a fire under her arse to put it back in," she stated, her eyes drifted between the twins, who smirked boyishly.

They chuckled, "Wicked."

***

Monday, April 22nd:

THE GREAT HALL:

Teachers had been reviewing for O.W.L.S. which ultimately meant that students were studying as well as being given practice exams for the real thing.

It was just as draining as it was perceived to be.

All the students were sitting in their houses, in alphabetical order, Artemis was near the back, alongside Dean and Blaise. Draco and Theo were in the middle, something they despised, whilst Daphne was close to the front.

They all hated assigned seats, especially when they couldn't be near one another.

As time continued, the taunting hands on the clock went slower, as if time was purposefully growing more lifeless.

The pureblood 5 wished that something could pull them out of this hell.

And it luck would have it, the eerily quiet hall was disturbed by an explosion, halting everyone in their movements. The loud noises grew, causing Umbridge to shoot up from her chair and walked toward the disturbing sounds.

Why would you walk towards it? Artemis thought, and here I thought she was smart.

Judging from her cousin and Dean's expression, they were just glad to not have to write anymore.

As everyone glanced around and followed Umbridge's movements, A small firework flew at her face, startling the woman, before exploding right in front of her.

The scene turned extremely chaotic the moment, Fred, George and Lee sped into the Great Hall on their brooms, making exam papers fly everywhere.

Fireworks danced around the room, putting a smile on each student's face as they stood up and move out of the way.

Umbridge looked horrified which only furthered the cheers and laughter.

"Here you go!" Fred exclaimed as he threw a huge firecracker toward Lee, who set it off causing a few Ravenclaws to scream.

They each watched the sight in awe as the fireworks buzzed and shot everywhere.

Small little green firework gently surrounded Artemis, not that she minded, she even wore a genuine smile. Then it went to Daphne who was practically bouncing up and down at it.

Theo and Blaise laughed at the chaos, especially when the firework tried to hit Draco in the face, but the boy quickly moved away but left his shocked face embedded in the wall behind him.

Artemis couldn't help but laugh at her boyfriend, who shot her a glare before bearhugging her to silence her amusement.

The twins and Lee all seemed to send the group, par Draco a wink and then continued with their reign of glee.

Mini vibrant explosions flooded the hall.

It was beautiful.

Filch ran into the Great Hall, panting, scarily looking around the room as he was in search of a member of staff.

"Ready when you are!" Fred shouted to his twin, they both were holding a flaming firecracker, then threw them up into the air and flew away.

The explosion took the form of a huge red dragon, that slithered toward Umbridge. The woman gulped and hastily turned on her feet. Her light steps soon turned into sprint as she wore a look of horror.

"I wish I had my camera," Theo mumbled, watching her run out of the hall, as the dragon exploded, causing all the decrees that hung on the tall wall to fall and shatter, leaving the students in utter happiness.

"Live in the moment Teddy," Dean subtly squeezed his hand, an action that fortunetly no one caught as everyone followed the flying wizards outside.

Theo blushed at the name, much to Dean's amusement, before they joined their peers.

Up in the air, the three chaotic wizards left a sigil in honour of their trio. It was a huge exploding W, with a J slicing through.

Cheers and chants roared through the courtyar. Even Flitwick, couldn't help but join in.

It truly was a blissful moment.

***

Tuesday, May 11th:

MENTE STRIAE:

Quidditch season was coming to an end and Gryffindor and Slytherin were going head to head for the title for another consecutive year.

Everything seemed bittersweet as many of the players were graduating soon and were going to be replaced, but no one would be able to fill their places, their personalities or their spirit.

So to escape the impending exams, the pureblood 5 ended up in Mente Striae, needing a moment of peace.

"Of course, I'm jealous of Daph, she's kissed me and I know I'm amazing at that," Blaise stated smugly, making the other wizards laugh, whilst Artemis gagged in response.

Daphne smacked his arm, "Shut up," her cheeks were already heating up and the light being on didn't help.

The group was situated around the TV, occupying the transfigured beanbags whilst holding different snacks.

Mente Striae really allowed them to calm down and ignore the troubles that lurked outside and travelled throughout the Hogwarts corridors.

"Is gloating a Seramore trait or something?" Theo questioned teasingly, he laughed when he was shoved by the cousins, who sat on either side of him.

"It must be," Draco stated, nodding in agreement as did Daphne.

The cousins feigned hurt and then started throwing popcorn around, earning a few laughs from the others.

"And being annoying little shit is a Malfoy trait then," Blaise quipped, Draco instantly flipped him off.

In all honestly, the group was just glad that Blaise was managing to speak coherently because over the past couple of months he hadn't talked unless it was the occasional comment or 'thank you'.

He still looked tired and worn out, but that didn't stop his friends from trying to help him. They knew it was all a matter of time before he withered away and confided himself to his room so they wanted to make the most of it.

"That must be true," Theo exclaimed, making the witches laugh.

Draco rolled his eyes and playfully pinched his girlfriend's thigh, "I've realised that I'm an amazing person and everyone else is the problem." he said carelessly.

Blaise gasped, "Harsh D."

Artemis flicked her boyfriend's forehead, "I'm right here."

Draco narrowed his eyes at her, "You almost set me on fire yesterday because I said that Senegalese twists look better on you than knotless braids."

The engaged couple gasped dramatically, whilst Theo just chuckled at their dramatics.

"Why would you say that?" Blaise shook his head as he drummed his fingers alongside Daphne's thigh.

The blonde eyed the Malfoy wizard in shock, "What is wrong with you?"

Theo snorted, "So dramatic."

Artemis snapped her head towards the boy, "Coming from 'Mr I sneeze every time I see a Gryffindor student'."

Draco didn't disagree with that logic, "That's justifiable." he said and leaned closer to his girlfriend.

"Well he doesn't do it anymore," Blaise muttered, drawing a confused look from Draco and a glare from Theo, "kidding."

The witches stayed silent, knowing about the Nott wizard's recent escapades, with a certain Thomas boy.

Truthfully it wasn't hard to discover, between the longing looks and secret notes, Theo and Dean were like a fairytale, despite having to keep their relationship secret they were not shy about their affection towards each other.

Dean was wary about going public, especially since he had recently ended things with Ginny, due to discovering his feelings for Theo. He didn't want to seem malicious or intentionally trying to hurt her more by showcasing his happiness and on top of that, he didn't want to have to deal with Ron Weasley.

Whereas Theo didn't want to tell Draco... why, does it even need to be said? It's Draco. So until then, their relationship was to be kept on the down low.

"Moving on," Theo said rolling his eyes, then turned so he was facing the TV,  "we should watch Daria."

The witches disagreed.

"The Simpsons," Daphne argued and Artemis nodded in agreement.

Theo groaned, "Only because the last episode showed that Bart got a girlfriend," he threw some gummy worms at her head, "you're such a sap."

The blonde returned the gesture, "Like you aren't." she gave him a look.

"Am not."

"The day Theo turns into a sap is the day the world starts to end," Draco stated.

He had been resting his head on Artemis's lap for the entire argument, whilst playing with her fingers and pressing small kisses to them.

Daphne couldn't help but swoon at the couple, she also felt slightly guilty for even feeling envious of them as Blaise hadn't been present in their relationship for a while, not that she could blame him. She was positive they would revert to their old ways, even if it happened at a very slow pace.

Theo's voice snapped her out of her thoughts, "Fuck you."

"I know you would like to but I'm a loyal boyfriend."

They all started to laugh before they went back to arguing about whatever they were going to watch.

Neither of them noticed the stars appearing in the sky, they only focused on what mattered to them... each other.

And that's where they stayed for the rest of the night, basking in their happy moments before the sun rose and presented itself with the troubles of tomorrow.

***

Thursday, June 6th:

DRACO'S DORMITORY:

Draco's birthday celebrations were going smoothly, despite having to incorporate a small study session for the O.W.L.S starting in a few days.

He didn't want or need a party as he only wanted to be surrounded by people he liked, therefore he stayed in Mente Striae.

Well, that was until he received a confidential and dated letter from his mother, which obviously was written by her or his father, leading him to believe it was by someone else.

So there he was, anxiously sitting on his bed, eying up the envelope. He had been staring at the letter for a while, unsure about its contents.

Draco knew he had to open it soon as Artemis had already given him a small preview of his birthday surprise, which he was excited to get back to.

He finally let out a deep sigh and opened it up.

Little Luc,

Draco sucked in a deep breath. He hadn't heard that nickname for years.

I bet you didn't think you would see this eh? Well you'll never hear the last of me or my terrific advice.

When I wrote this, your father was complaining as per usual.

Look son, I know you're struggling right now. Please don't think you're alone, you never have been and never will be. I have always been looking out for you and will continue to do so, despite no longer being with you.

Don't be stubborn like you're dear old dad, especially if you're with my princess, she'll be stubborn enough for the both of you.

Draco let out a chuckle after wiping away a few tears.

I want to let you know how proud I am of you, there is no doubt in my mind that you will succeed in life. You are the star amongst our family, the brightest and sometimes bratty star, but you are the light that brightens our world.

The birthday boy rolled his eyes, but his smile didn't waver.

I would like to say that I would've been happy seeing you marry my Arty and even happier to walk her down the aisle.

Draco covered the sobs that escaped his mouth as his heart hammered against his chest.

Yes, I give you my blessing to ask for my daughter's hand in marriage, but that doesn't go without saying.

Dont mess this up.

Forever loving you,

E.S.

Draco read the letter several times and even embrace the vintage scent that was emitting from the parchment.

He tearily smiled at his godfather's words, it pieced back together a part of his broken heart and filled the void of his absentee father.

He clutched the letter and placed it against his chest.

Draco's teary eyes drifted over to his bedside table, where a small box sat, which contained part of his future along with a question that his heart had been begging him to say.

***

ASTRONOMY TOWER:

Draco couldn't wait any longer, so he dragged his girlfriend to their favourite place in school.

She had noticed that he had been rather nervous since he had left Mente Striae.

She just wanted his day to be as special as her 16th was.

"What's wrong? You haven't said anything for 30 minutes," Artemis stated, warily watching as her boyfriend paced back and forth.

The sun was vibrant and its rays were harsh. The summer breeze kissed and cooled down the teen's skin and caused Draco's nerves to gradually calm.

"Darlin-" Artemis was cut off when Draco smashed his lips into hers, she was caught off guard before she melted into the kiss.

He snaked his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to his body.

He was trying to pour everything he felt, not just at that moment, but ever since he discovered what love was. He needed her to know the impact she had on him.

How his heart beat differently in her presence, let alone whenever she kissed, hugged or spoke to him.

He had been bewitched for a while now and he knew never ending.

Draco was the first to pull away, he stared down at the flustered witch, who bashfully grinned up at him.

"If you wanted your surprise now, you should've just asked," she stated, making them both chuckle.

"I mean..." he trailed off with a wink, Artemis continued to laugh, I love that sound, "but I wanted you to be here, with me."

"For tradition?" she asked him, feeling slightly confused when he pulled away and dipped his hand into his pocket.

He shook his head and took a step back, "No, I wanted to tell you something." he said as his eyes darted over her face, she's so beautiful.

"Okay."

"I mean ask you something." he reiterated and sheepishly smiled.

"What did you-"

Artemis's breath hitched as he went down on one knee. She immediately choked back a sob, which made his eyes widen.

"if I knew you were doing this I would've done my edges better." she covered her mouth with her hand.

She could've sworn her heart jumped out of her chest.

He let out a breathy chuckle, "They're fine." he tried reassuring her.

Her palms grew sweaty, "Just fine, nope-" she went to leave but he grabbed her hand, and pulled her closer to him.

"Arty, you have to let me speak first."

"I'm sorry but I'm emotional and I can't suppress-"

"Darling, I know and I don't care, let the tears flow."

Draco was getting used to seeing how to open Artemis was becoming and he loved it.

Although she wasn't as emotional as a normal person, it reminded him of when they were kids and how she would tell him everything that was on her mind, without a second thought.

Oh, how things were easier back then.

But now she was more emotionally unfiltered. It made him for needed, especially when his own parents weren't around.

"It's hard to, because when they start they won't stop," she breathed out and fanned her eyes, "fuck."

"It's okay," he said softly and rubbed his thumb over her hand.

"No, it's not, I'm ruining the proposal," she looked up and blinked back her tears.

"You won't ruin anything in my life."

Artemis exhaled deeply and then nodded for him to continue, "the stage is all yours."

Draco laughed and gave her a pointed look, "Listen before you interrupt."

She playfully rolled her eyes, "I won't interrupt." she promised.

"Really?"

"Nope," she admitted and bit down on her lip, to stop the sobs from pouring out.

Draco's eyes shone with nothing but love.

He cleared his throat and pressed a kiss to her trembling hand,  "You know all those times when you slipped off my family ring and placed it on your fingers, it made me fall in love with you a little bit more. Every time you smiled at me or held my hand made me feel wanted and loved. Just by breathing you give me everything I need."

Artemis kept telling herself to keep calm, but his words almost made her knees buckle and join him on the floor.

Draco continued, "But this isn't just about me. You don't understand the effect you have on me. You're beautiful, talented and the smartest and devious witch I know. Every day you do something that I would never dream of and you execute it perfectly." he earnestly spoke.

Her eyes glossed over again. Be a bad bitch and stop crying, she told herself but it didn't work.

"I know neither of us is perfect," he added with a smirk.

She playfully scoffed, "Rude."

"Truthful," tears pooled in his stormy eyes and he took another deep breath, "but when I dream, it's always about you." he admitted, making her tears flow," I dream of you being my wife and for me to be your husband," he paused and couldn't look away from her face, "and maybe you'll let me knock you up sooner rather than later," he snickered when she attempted to hit his chest, "Your my best friend and my soulmate. I want to build a life with you, to have and to hold you for richer-"

"Yes, I'll marry you." she blurted out and nodded instantly.

"Darling I haven't even asked yet."

"Then ask me." she sounded like she was pleading, a tone that was only reserved for their intimate moments.

"Let me finish."

She sniffled, "Okay."

She watched as he pulled open the top of the charcoal box, gasping when saw the replica of the Malfoy ring, although he had made a few adjustments.

The shank was thinner and more accustomed to her size. Within the intricate details of the ring, many diamonds were added and fitted to complement her style and taste.

Although she couldn't see it, the inscription was one of a kind and if she had seen it now, she would not be able to stop her tears.

WE'RE ABOVE THE STARS MY DARLING.

Theo had been there when he had the ring made and had talked his ear off to make sure every detail was right, even going so far to ask to be the maid of honour, much to Daphne's disdain.

Draco obviously asked Celeste for her blessing, but not only her. He reluctantly let Klaus know about his plans, which he muttered and mumbled throughout their conversation. The interaction was awkward, to say the least, but the Mikaelson hybrid knew that even if he said no, Draco would go through with it regardless.

"We're above the stars my darling," he paused, "We always have been and always will be. So Artemis Joelle Seramore will you do me the honour of being mine forever?"

She nodded vigorously, "yes, I'll marry you."

Draco didn't waste a second and slipped the ring onto her finger.

He picked her up and spun her around as they laughed, basking in all the joy that surrounded them. He didn't ever want to let go, so he didn't. They cried tears of joy and mumbled 'i love you forever'.

Artemis squealed in excitement and kissed all over his face, not caring how cheesy she believed it looked.

They were happy and didn't have a care in the world, they wanted to embrace it before that feeling would be snatched away.

"I was going to mention neverland in my speech but I didn't want to ruin it." Draco sheepishly admitted, making her gleefully laugh.

"I wouldn't have minded, I would've loved it."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

He pressed a kiss to her forehead, "Come on I need to show my fiancé off to the world."

***

Friday, June 21st

DRACO'S DORMITORY:

Unfortunately, that happy feeling didn't last.

It rarely does.

The news had spread that Voldemort had returned and the ministry had finally acknowledged it. But that wasn't all. In their quest to recover the Dark Lords' prophecy, Lucius Malfoy had been arrested, alongside many death eaters meanwhile, Sirius black had been struck down by his own cousin; Bellatrix Lestrange.

Safe to say the school had been a warzone since this information had spread.

It didn't help that Harry reported who had been there during the attack and who had been suspected to be there as well. Everyone who read the Daily Prophet or even heard the whispers about its contents soaked in every word, despite most of it being heavily exaggerated by Rita Skeeter herself.

Slytherin students were getting attacked just out of the mere association with the death eaters. This didn't come as a surprise as most of them had been expecting it, but it was unfair to all the younger years who had not been used to this sort of behaviour, especially when most of their friends had turned their backs on them.

Most of the 1st years had been sent to the infirmary, whilst other years who had been defending them were all subjected to detention.

But ever since the news was released, Draco hadn't left his room, nor had most of his housemates. The Malfoy wizard didn't want to speak to anyone. Truthfully he didn't know how to feel. He loves his father, but his presence mimicked Ezekiel's in that respect.  Which ultimately meant he wasn't even here, despite being on the land of the living.

But despite that, Lucius was still his father as well as Artemis and Blaise's godfather, who they would most likely never see again.

Draco hadn't even realised that he was crying until he felt his pillowcase dampen.

He had been quietly sobbing for the past hour and he couldn't stop.

He heard the door open but he didn't bother to turn around. He felt like he couldn't move, let alone talk.

Suddenly arms encircled him, "I'm here for you," a deep voice said from behind him.

Despite his saddened state, Blaise was going to be there for him.

"He's left me again," Draco cried out and turned around, burying his face into the older wizard's chest.

Blaise's grip tightened on him, knowing that his words wouldn't do either of them justice.

Artemis was next to enter the room, along with Daphne and Theo.

The Seramore witch was seething, but she put aside her feelings and comfort her fiancé.

Soon all the teens ended up in the same bed, huddling around the sobbing boy, not knowing what to do or say, but their presence was enough for him.

Artemis exchanged a look with her cousin before Blaise nodded at towards the door and mouthed, 'go'

***

HOGWARTS CORRIDOR:

"You don't think I understand?" Harry's voice rose in anger as he stared at the Seramore witch.

After leaving the common room, Artemis had been on a mission to look for the wizard, who had been mindlessly walking through school.

His eyes hung low as did the bags underneath them. He wasn't his usual awkward self, he was grieving, but he had grown customed to death, it was practcially his new best friend.

Artemis forced herself to stay calm, "No you don't understand. You don't need a blow torch to start a fire, you need a match and what a big fucking match you dropped Harold!"

He scoffed, "So what you expect me to stay silent like you?"

"You mistake me staying silent as doing nothing when I've done plenty." she hissed, eyeing him annoyance.

Artemis hadn't slept well. She had already received dozens of letters from her mother,  aunts and the Mikaelsons. She didn't respond to any of them out of exhaustion.

"So it's only you that can be in the Daily Prophet?" he muttered.

She couldn't but roll her eyes at his comment, "I'm on it for accomplishments not for putting more students at risk."

"My godfather died!" he yelled.

"And mine is now locked up!" she yelled back.

They were soon engulfed in an uncomfortable silence. fortunately the corridor was bare. The school had never been this quiet.

It was like it was grieving for a time that once was.

Artemis knew her situation was entirely different from Harry's and for that she wanted to apologise.

"It's not the same and yours deserves it."

And suddenly that apology jumped off the astronomy tower.

Artemis's glare intensified, she wanted to warn him. Smack him even for speaking on her family. But... she couldn't.

"Sirius's cousin murdered him in cold blood. She isn't my family, she never has been and never will be."

Artemis had never met Bellatrix, nor did she want to. The only manic and hysterical people she could be around were Daphne and Draco. Whilst she was growing up, she had heard tales of the pain and torture that Bellatrix had inflicted on people. Celeste was determined to keep her daughter away from such things, but it was impossible to do so.

Artemis couldn't help but worry, about what would happen if Voldemort rose to power again and actually won this time.

Harry harshly swallowed, "He was the only family I had left."

"And you would've been in his care long before he was killed. There was a reason why Dumbledore didn't help him out of Azkaban."

"Dumbledore saved me." Harry retorted, staring at the witch in disbelief.

"If you truly believe that, you are really lost, really fucking lost."

"Well, I guess I am, especially now that I am alone."

Artemis cocked her head to the side and sighed, letting his words wash over her.

Harry stared out into nothing. His hands twitched, whilst his face remained bleak. It seemed everyone wore the same mask nowadays.

"You aren't alone, you never were." the witched muttered.

Harry's shoulders slumped, "It's not the same." he whispered.

"I guess it isn't," Artemis knew that it wouldn't be the same, she's she stopped trying to making seem like it was.

The feeling of loss wasn't foreign to her and never will be. She wouldn't wish it on her worst enemy...she would, she really fucking would, but that's not the point.

Grief is the price you pay for love and the only way to cure that is to grieve.

As morbid as it sounded, it was true and both Artemis and Harry knew it.

"But for what it's worth, I'm sorry about Sirius, I know he was a good man," Artemis spoke as softly as possible, shooting Harry a glance.

"And how would you know?"

"Because there aren't many left."

***

After leaving Harry alone, Artemis was strolling back to the common room.

She didn't have the effort to walk quickly, her energy had been drained and the only thing that was truly keeping her going was hope.

Yes, it bred eternal misery, but she would rather believe in that than spend her entire time planning the demise of her enemies... well at least for now.

Artemis felt someone's calm presence beside her, "Hi Lu." she didn't even have to look at the younger witch, to know who it was.

Luna nodded, "Arty." she hummed and sorted through her flyers.

"Do you need any help?" Artemis asked tiredly.

Luna blinked slowly, "You help a lot of people. You need a break."

"I know."

"You won't take a break, will you?"

"It's not in my nature," Artemis muttered.

Luna squinted up at her. She didn't want to but she always felt pity for the Seramore witch. She always thought it must've been tiring being who she was and doing what she did.

"You'll find your belongings soon," Artemis added as they continued to walk slowly.

"I'm sorry to hear about your godfather..." Luna reached out and touched Artemis's hand before letting it go.

"He's awful," Artemis muttered when she caught a glimpse of the bruise the Lovegood witch had been sporting. It looked painful, but somehow Luna wore it with pride.

"Quite, "Luna nodded in agreement, putting a small smile on the older witch's face, "but with the little family I have left, I know that everyone should appreciate there's."

"Thank you, for not judging me."

"I don't think slytherins are bad. I think you are quite lovely, in a positively sinful kind of way."

Artemis huffed out a chuckle, "You always know what to say don't you?"

"No, not really." Luna paused, "congratulations on the engagement." she caught the glistening ring and thought it was very pretty.

The news of the engagement hadn't been reported on yet, Artemis believed it was a bad time to even announce it to the public, but there was no doubt that it be revealed soon.

"Thank you." Artemis sent her a smirk, "and congratulations on your first relationship."

Luna bashfully smiled at the mention of her girlfriend, "Pansy said you would say that."

Her blossoming relationship with the Parkinson witch was a surprise to her, but her mother always told her that every interaction had a meaning whether it was big or small.

"Well, she's smart." Artemis kissed the younger witch's forehead, "Bye Lu."

"If I write to you, will you write back?" Luna asked, rocking on her feet.

Artemis sent her a sincere smile, "Of course."

***

SLYTHERIN COMMON ROOM:

As soon as Artemis ended up in the common room, she cringed once she saw the injuries that most of her housemates were recovering from.

Some were hiding away from the crowds and witch hunts. It was sad to see how quickly they all were blamed for Voldemort's return.

The Seramore witched joined her group, she pulled Draco closer to her, placing his head in the crook of her neck and whispered a few reassuring things in her ear.

It was the last day of the school year, the last day of school for the 7th year students and everything was ruined.

No one person who could stand but especially Blaise, who had been sitting and evaluating the room.

He knew he had been miserable for a while but he hated how everyone mirrored his expression.

So he cleared his throat, dramatically, gaining everyone's attention, "Right everyone listen up." all eyes were on him now. "Look, I know most of you have just been injured, hurt or even shouted at for just being a Slytherin" most of them nodded in agreement,  "That's not okay," he stated, before shooting a look to his cousin.

Artemis hummed, "Just because we wear green doesn't make us the enemy." she exclaimed.

"We shouldn't have to keep paying for our parents sins, when all we want to do is go to school to get an education and make friends." Blaise continued, saddened by how upset the 1st years all seemed.

"Each year it seems like we get a another reason to get hated on for simply being a serpent."

"And I'm sorry to all the little ones who just started their hogwarts experience and have to deal with this."

The 1st years struggled not to cry.

"None of us should have to deal with something that started long before we were even born," Artemis added on and felt her fiancée squeeze her hand, making her return the gesture.

"But don't fret. We were put into Slytherin for a reason. Not because we're evil or malicious," Blaise reassured them.

"Some of us are," Theo commented and everyone cracked a smile.

Blaise shrugged, "Yeah, some of us, but not all, regardless of that, we're the cunning bunch." he stated loudly.

Daphne interlinked their fingers, causing him to shuffle closer to her.

"Clever."

A first year slowly raised their hand, "Determined."

Blaise shot her a small smile, "That's right little serpent. We're ambitious and no one can take that away from us."

"So next year, we might have to face or do a lot but don't forget to always stick up for one another. Don't forget that we set the standard." Many of them didn't know the double meaning behind to Artemis' words, but Draco did. So he squeezed her hand a little harder.

"Slytherin pride." Marcus concluded, grinning at the cousins.

"Slytherin pride." Everyone repeated with triumphant grins before it turned into a full-blown chant.

They were proud of their colours even though they were told not to be.

They might've been Slytherin's for now and but they were Serpents for life.

***

END OF ACT 5

a/n:

well i promised you an emotional rollercoaster. if there are any mistakes it's because i rushed a lot.

drartemis are engaged but everything just seems sad. draco and blaise are sad. artemis is mad. daphne feels inadequate. luckily theo and dean are together. you will see more scenes of them in the future don't worry.

speaking of unexpected, luna and pansy?? cute or nah.

how are you are guys feeling?

act6 might take a while because I'm going into 2nd year of uni and I'm moving out, so bear with me. feel free to reread or go and read my other books. glad to see more readers and ppl commenting. I've already planned everything i'm just tired guys.

this act drained me.

any predictions for the next act? or even deathly hallows? tell me your thoughts. you might see clues on my tiktok.

until then. thank you for reading.

-liv.