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Circa July 1996:

PUREBLOOD HEIRS PROMISE TO TIE THE KNOT. YOUNG LOVE, TOGETHER FOREVER, OR JUST FOR NOW?

The buzz surrounding Artemis and Draco's engagement was loud enough for a bee to get frustrated.

The newly engaged couple seemed very happy, but it was anything but...

The melancholic feeling wasn't because they fell out of love, it was due to the issues surrounding the up-and-coming events of the year.

The impending doom that has become their life was suffocating the young Malfoy heir and making him choke on his own dread.

Between smoking and plotting, the summer has been very morbid for him.

Artemis believed that lighter hair coloured would brighten her vengeful mood but it practically did the opposite, the caramel-coloured dye only distracted her for an hour or two before her mood became transfixed on inflicting pain upon anyone who so much looked at her wrong.

So as said before, the couple was still so utterly in love, that the stars couldn't catch up with them, but their futures proved otherwise.

***

Tuesday, July 10th:

DRACO'S ROOM:

The moment Draco apparated back to Malfoy manor he rushed up into his room, gritted his teeth and held back the tears pooling in his eyes.

He had put on a brave face for his mother and a stoic one for the sickly smiles of other death eaters. Bile kept threatening to explode from his throat, however, he couldn't appear to be weak. For his mother, his fiancé and most of all - his family name, since his father cocked it up for them earlier this year.

He hastily opened his bedroom door and was met with Artemis's apprehensive expression, which quickly turned to a doting one once she noticed his shaking figure.

Artemis immediately stood from his bed and held her arms out, allowing him to run over and collide with her warm body. He sobbed into her chest as she ran her ring-clad fingers through his hair.

Draco could finally breathe in the safety of her arms. No facades, no fake niceties, just them.

"I've got you," she whispered as they stumbled over to his bed.

Artemis gently sat him down and placed his head on her lap. She continued soothing him as much as possible.

"It burns, it won't stop burning," he croaked out, making her feel guilty that she wasn't there, "I just want it gone," his hoarse voice was full of fear, "I hate it."

His arm would never be the same. He was branded... marked with the most famous symbol for malignity known to the wizarding world.

He wanted to blame his father for this burden and so he did.

"Let me see it," Artemis said softly.

Draco tensed, "It's vile."

"Darling-"

"No."

Draco believed if she looked at the dark mark on his arm, she would never look at him the same.

He wouldn't blame her for calling off the engagement and leaving him. It would be the easy way out and an escape from him, something he desired himself from time to time.

"I won't judge you."

Her voice was sincere but the excruciating pain mocked the trust he held for her.

"How could you be so sure?" He questioned cautiously and she didn't take his doubt to heart.

Artemis instantly kissed away the tears that stained his cheeks.

She had only ever seen him so broken a handful of times and she always tried her best to make him feel more than adequate, she needed him to know that he was loved. That she would be there, always.

"Because I know I won't judge you," Artemis continued to speak softly, cautious that he was very vulnerable at the moment.

Truthfully she had to leave soon and join her family at their manor but she didn't want to leave her fiancé alone. Not like this.

Draco nodded stiffly and let his actions speak for him, believing his voice would be too fragile to converse.

Artemis watched as his trembling hand slowly pushed up the already creased sleeve of his dress shirt. With every inch, the fabric revealed how sore and blistered his arm looked.

He bit down on his bottom lip to prevent more sobs from escaping, he couldn't bear to look into her eyes when she saw it.

Draco tried not to blink or he would be transported back to that ghoulish place, surrounded by people whose blood mimicked his, but his fearful eyes contrasted theirs.

Surprisingly Artemis had never seen the dark mark before.

As she stared down at his branded limb, her hand senselessly traced over the slithering design, instantly making him flinch back.

"I'm sorry," Artemis uttered with tears pooling in her eyes.

He swallowed harshly, before carelessly speaking, "I won't blame you, you know?"

She stared at him, confused, "For what?"

"For leaving me."

"What?"

Artemis's voice was merely above a whisper. Why would I leave him?

"Now that I have this," He said, flinging out his arm roughly, wishing for it to fall off.

She carefully grabbed his face, turning him to face her, "I wouldn't." She promised.

He scoffed bitterly, "You should." He mumbled, facing away from her.

Draco never thought he was good enough for her; now he never would.

The dark mark was tormenting him, a reminder of everything wrong in his life and the horror to come. He didn't want Artemis anywhere near that. Especially with what he had to do later in the year, without fail.

Artemis stared at him lovingly, "We're above the stars remember, that's a vow that isn't said lightly. I meant every word-"

"Arty... I would understand if you left-"

Artemis cut him off, "I'm not leaving you, don't think that, don't ever think that."

Draco blinked back his tears, his breathing accelerated as the pain he felt worsened. Her healing spell would be pointless and even though there are many more, he thought the pain could serve as punishment for all his wrongdoings in both the past and the future.

"Okay," he managed to whisper.

Draco never wanted to leave her hold, he never wanted to leave her. Never.

But things never seemed to work in his favour.

Artemis carefully picked up his reddening arm as her glossy eyes locked onto his. Her lips trailed over her skin, soothing the burning sensation momentarily.

Between each kiss, he felt like he was being pulled closer to tranquillity.

But how long would that last?

***

Thursday, August 26th

SERAMORE MANOR:

Artemis descended the stairs after sending Ciara to deliver a letter to Draco. She was aware that he had visited Borgin and Burkes with her aunt.

She knew about his plan; the whole group did. Although the pureblood heirs tried to keep secrets from each other, it never really stuck. They were all dealing with their own issues, but Draco's burden seemed all too big to deal with alone.

Artemis advised her fiancé that it was a good thing that no one was kept in the dark, however, Draco still was apprehensive but didn't bother to argue with her about it.

Artemis strolled into the living room and immediately locked eyes with the oil paintings that hung near the fireplace. Klaus painted them of course, one was of her and her mother. She knew that Klaus wanted to put his and Marcel's up - he refrained out of respect but she didn't mind, she even implored him to do so.

Klaus sent her a smile before he went back to lounging with Celeste on one of the sofas, whilst Marcel teased them.

This was one of the times when they were all calm, especially after the incident that took place a few weeks ago.

"Oh shit," Artemis yelped and jumped away from her shirtless fiancé the second Klaus barged into her room.

Fortunately, she was wearing by her pyjama set, however, it only furthered Klaus's anger.

The Mikaelson man eyed the couple, his bubbling fury was evident,  "Yes, oh shit," he mocked, before turning to an irritated Draco, "You, get out," he instructed then nodded to Artemis, "Put some bloody clothes on, it's summer, not the Sahara desert."

"I don't need to listen to you," Draco scoffed with a smug smile.

Klaus was about to snap until Marcel filed into the room after hearing the altercation.

The adoptive son rolled his eyes at the scene, "Out now," he commanded the Malfoy wizard who sighed in response and moved off the bed.

Draco had yet to cover put on his robe.

"Or I could burn down the house," Klaus suggested with a menacing smirk.

"And I'll burn you," Artemis challenged.

"Celeste!" Klaus screamed.

"He's my fiancé, I can snog him if I want."

Artemis laughed at the memory as she came over to sit next to marcel.

He whispered, "Help me tease them-"

Klaus interrupted him, "Marcellus, we're trying to de-stress," He motioned between him and Celeste.

"So?" Marcel and Artemis asked in unison. They both adorned cheeky smiles.

Seeing this throughout the summer amused Klaus greatly, Celeste too, but she honestly thought it was creepy how much they did it.

"You two need to stop talking in unison," The older Seramore witch exclaimed.

Artemis sighed, "You and aunt Lia do it all the time."

"You do love," Klaus said, nodding in agreement until he caught her glare.

"Shut up," Celeste muttered, with an eye roll, making them snicker, "We all need to have a discussion," she announced with a nervous smile. Klaus quickly grabbed her hand.

Marcel looked towards Artemis, who cocked her to the side and eyed the couple.

"You're not pregnant are you?" was the first thing to come out of Artemis' mouth, stunning the parents.

Marcel laughed loudly at Artemis' question "Are you?" he added with a smirk.

"Marcellus," Klaus scolded.

"I'm not pregnant," Celeste responded, shifting uncomfortably at the question, "But there is something big we want to tell you-"

Artemis's mouth gaped, "You're getting married?"

Marcel place a hand on her shoulder, "Artemis I think it's better if you let them explain." he murmured and she nodded slowly.

"Fine."

Celeste leaned forward, keeping eye contact with her daughter, "Since Nik and I have been seeing each other for almost 4 years now-"

"Can't believe it's been that long," Klaus said in astonishment.

"Nik let me finish," Celeste exacerbated, getting tired of being cut off.

Klaus held his hands up in surrender, "Apologies."

"Whipped," Marcel attempted to cover up his words with a cough, making the younger witch grin.  

The parents remained unamused.

"You are," Artemis couldn't help but agree.

"Artemis," Klaus scolded.

"Sorry," Marcel and Artemis disingenuously apologised, shooting each other a smirk before turning back to the couple.

Klaus ran his thumb over Celeste's palm, wanting to calm her nerves as well as his.

The older witch cleared her throat and then started to speak as delicately as possible, "I was wondering- I mean we were wondering," she motioned between her and Klaus, "if you were okay with Nik adopting you," she proposed carefully.

The room fell silent and Artemis had to blink back her shock. Celeste quickly wondered if it was a bad idea.

Marcel turned to look at Klaus, he instantly caught the worry flashing through his father's eyes.

"What?..." Artemis trailed off, her mouth went dry, "you want to adopt me?"  she asked, unsure if she heard correctly.

"If only that's okay with you," Klaus added quickly.

"Me? Why me?" Artemis thought aloud.

The last couple of months had been a royal disaster, between the aftermath of Christmas day, Blaise's coldness, Artemis' plotting, Daphne's parents separating, Lucious' arrest and Draco being forced into his father's position.

Artemis had only recently started having full-on discussions with her mother, allowing Celeste to regain her trust, the same couldn't be said for Blaise, who had avoided his mother at all costs.

Artemis couldn't see why Klaus wanted to take on the responsibility of being her parent, in her eyes, she was hard work, too much hard work.

"You're basically my little sister," Marcel stated, smiling down at her.

He had already discussed the adoption with both Celeste and Klaus a few weeks ago and instantly believed it was the right thing to do and the best thing for their extended family.

After all, they had already argued like siblings, he had scolded her for kissing Draco in his vicinity. She had done the same for any lady friends he brought around.

"I've considered you my daughter for a while now," Klaus exclaimed, his eyes didn't waver from Artemis.

Both Seramore's hearts warmed at his words.

"You have?" Artemis asked and received a silent nod,  "Are you sure because I haven't been the nicest to you."

"We know," the adults said simultaneously as they all grinned.

Klaus chuckled, "You're as stubborn as they come Artemis, sneaky, cunning and intelligent, sometimes I get worried about what bounces around that head of yours."

Artemis shrugged innocently, "Revenge mostly."

Marcel nudged her, "Definitely Scheming."

"Homicide," Celeste added, although she wouldn't put it past her daughter.

"Like a true Mikaelson," Klaus quipped.

"Mikaelson-Seramore," Marcel countered.

Celeste pondered, "Seramore-Mikaelson."

"Seramikaelson?" Marcel joked, the name sounded like a spell.

"Could I keep my name?" Artemis asked with a laugh, stunning the adults again.

"So you want me to adopt you?" Klaus questioned slowly after a moment of silence.

Over the past 3 years, Artemis had been apprehensive about building a relationship with Klaus for many reasons, the biggest one being that she didn't want to replace her father or disrespect his memory. As well as this, she was fearful that she would lose another father figure, especially since her godfather was sent to Azkaban, and she doubted she would ever see him again.

She was losing too many things, too many people and if she let Klaus in she would open herself up to more heartbreak.

But she knew she needed someone else to lean on, especially in these dark and uncertain times.

"If you'll have me," Artemis responded, with tear-filled eyes.

Klaus let out a sigh of relief as he stood up and motioned for her to do the same, "Of course little witch," he exclaimed joyfully.

There wasn't a dry eye in the room as they all hugged one another.

"I won't call you dad, but I might call you Nik," she mumbled into his chest.

"Whatever you want love."

***

CELESTE'S STUDY:

After the heartwarming exchange, Celeste called her daughter into her study to speak.

It seemed like the impromptu place where they had all their touching interactions: Artemis' acceptance letter to Hogwarts, bequeathing Ezekiel's ring, acknowledging baby Seramore and now this.

Despite being a gifted Legilimens, Celeste didn't ever want to penetrate her daughter's mind again because she was still reaping the consequences for that now. She knew that Artemis and the rest of her group were practising both Occulemency and Legilimency over the summer to become as skilful as their favourite professor. Celeste even offered to help her daughter with a few lessons and Artemis accepted it from time to time.

Artemis stared at her mother with narrowed as the older witch walked around her desk, seeking something.

Celeste's desk was like its own vault.

What could she have this time? Artemis was knocked out of her thoughts when she heard scuffling and barking.

She gasped when she saw the little puppy in her mother's arms, Celeste started to speak, "Now listen-"

"You got me a puppy," Artemis screeched and ran over to her mother, who chuckled at her reaction.

"I was going to gift him to you at Christmas, but Nik thought this would soften the blow with the whole adoption."

They both agreed to get a Doberman Pinscher puppy because they grow to be powerful and muscular.

Artemis couldn't tear her eyes away from the caramel-coloured puppy, that her mother was holding like a baby,  "Because Nik is also a dog, I understand," she mumbled and stroked the canine.

Celeste laughed, "Arty-"

"I heard that!" the hybrid yell from across the house, but the witches ignored him and focused on the puppy instead.

"He's adorable," Artemis cooed and scratched behind his ears emitting joyful pants from him.

The puppy stared at her in curiosity and that's when Artemis noticed the amber and lime specs in his eyes.

Artemis gasped, "His eyes-"

"Will darken as he gets older," Celeste informed her.

"Thank you, mum."

Celeste had to suppress her tears, she hadn't been called 'mum' in months. It had only been 'mother' for a while. Although she never used to mind, it just sounded so cold, due to the guilt she had been feeling since Christmas.

"You're welcome, my darling daughter."

Artemis kept doting on the 3-month-old puppy, "Will you be at home with him when I go to school?" she asked her mother.

Celeste playfully scoffed at the question, "Of course, I will, I can't let him run wild, Binky will have a meltdown," they both laughed at her words, "But during the summer..."

Artemis winced at the thought, "Mum, you know that I might not be coming home-"

"I know, so does Nik."

Celeste and Ophelia had been informed by Narcissa what Draco had to do and it was clear that Artemis wouldn't let him do it alone. As much as they all wanted to protect their children, there will always be something looming over their heads.

Celeste sighed when she saw the sorrow appear in her daughter's eyes, "He isn't happy about it in the slightest, but you need to let me know that you're okay."

"I will," Artemis promised and let the puppy climb into her arms and sniff her clothing, trying to become familiar with his new owner and best friend.

"Are you sure you're okay with the adoption?"

"Probably the best news I received since my engagement," she said without a second thought, shocking her mother, "Are you okay with it?"

"Of course," Celeste grinned at her, then continued, "Your father will always be with us," she said sullenly, "Ezekiel was the air that I breathed, then suddenly there was no air when he was gone..." she purposefully cut herself off, "But when I met Nik, I felt alive again. I would never dream to replace your father-"

"You're not. You're happy and I'm happy that I have someone to look up to again."

Artemis didn't notice the lonely tear fall from her mother's eyes. Celeste was overjoyed.

The new family pet became restless and shuffled around in Artemis' arms, his hind legs unintentionally tugged on her jogging bottoms, revealing something she needed to cover up quickly.

"Arty," Celeste tutted once she saw a tangled black dragon that permanently slithered from her daughter's waist to her thigh.

The tattoo honestly looked beautiful and although she received permission from Celeste, Artemis knew Klaus wouldn't be impressed.

"I'll use a charm to conceal it."

Draco was also unaware of the tattoo as well however, Artemis knew it would lighten his mood and possibly drive him to an illustrious state.

She recently got it with Daphne a couple of days ago, they also got matching ones on their pinkies. The small 'S' represented Spectres. They understood that the boys would've also wanted one, but since there had been arguing, mainly Draco and Blaise, it was wise not to mention it just yet.

"But make sure that Nik doesn't see, he'll have a heart attack," Celeste advised, then pulled up her daughter's jogging bottoms.

"But he can't die?"

"As if he won't overreact."

***

SERAMORE LIVING ROOM:

"That better be fake," Klaus gritted out the moment he caught a glimpse of what permanently rested on Artemis's side.

The teen witch rolled her eyes when Marcel also noticed her tattoo. She wished she had used the charm sooner.

"We both know the answer to that is no," Artemis huffed out and tried to suppress her amusement as she found the outrage on the father-son duo's faces hilarious.

Celeste pinched the bridge of her nose when Klaus stood up and dropped his sketchbook and went over to her daughter, "Celly, love, please get a cloth."

"It's art, like what you do," Artemis exclaimed.

Klaus threw his hands up in the air, "I paint on canvas, not on skin."

Even though he had a few tattoos, he didn't think Artemis was old enough to get one herself.

"Mum said it was fine," Artemis blurted out and immediately received a glare from her mother.

Klaus's head snapped in his partner's direction, "Oh, did she now?"

"Shit," Artemis cursed and exchanged a look with her mother before the pair ran off.

Klaus chuckled darkly, "Son let's go."

The two male supernaturals took off after them, ultimately filling up the house with laughter, screaming and small barking from the puppy, who wanted to join in with the fun.

***

Friday, August 27th:

BLAISE'S ROOM:

The gloomy weather didn't affect Blaise as he stood on the balcony attached to his room, waiting for his mother to come and speak to him, whilst Elijah resided in the music room, where he would play the piano for hours on end.

The melodic sounds that echoed through the mansion were the only thing that aided the Zabinis in their day-to-day lives. No arguments took place, but that didn't mean everything was in matrimony. It was the opposite but Ophelia didn't stop her efforts to win back her son's trust.

Elijah was a huge help, between adopting Blaise and being there 24/7, the Mikaelson man seemed to unintentionally replace Ophelia. Some days Blaise didn't even look at his mother, let alone speak and with the new school year approaching things were not looking good.

"So you wanted to talk..." he drawled when Ophelia strolled next to him, making him turn slowly to face her.

He always wanted to be respectful but struggled to be in the vicinity of someone who removed a vital part of his childhood, regardless of how traumatising it was.

Ophelia gulped nervously and looked up at him, her son was now standing at 6 feet tall and towering over her.

She quickly hugged him, which caught him off guard. Blaise had no choice but to hug her back, not wanting to feel like a complete arsehole.

When the pair pulled out of the short-lived embrace he wiped away the stray tear that escaped her glossy eyes.

She hadn't touched her son in what felt like years, however, she knew she had to be patient and not rush the process, despite how much she wanted to.

Over the summer, his height wasn't the only thing that changed, his hair did as well. He was constantly tying it up or putting it into cornrows himself. He had learnt because he didn't want to rely on his mother and he didn't want to bother his cousin.

"I wanted to apologise for what I did," she started her thousandth apology and stared up at his vacant expression, "I didn't realise how much it would affect you."

Blaise sighed, it sounded more bored than tired, "I understand you messed with my head to stop me from dealing with what you dealt with but you still infiltrated my mind," He stated bluntly and Ophelia had to stop herself from visibly flinching at his tone.

She nodded timidly, "I know baby I just didn't want you to go through what I went through."

He clenched his jaw, "That wasn't your decision to make."

"It was," she argued and he squinted down at her, "The day you were born I promised to protect you and that was the only way I could then."

She just hoped he could comprehend the lengths she would go through to make sure he was safe.

She couldn't bear the thought of losing her only child, she only hoped that day wouldn't come before her time.

Blaise let out a shaky breath, finally showcasing another emotion other than vexation.

"But you can't just lie about something like that. I was abused for years and I didn't even know. I didn't know how to react or how to feel because it basically never happened at all," He stressed.

He was stuck between wanting to have his memories restored or living in uncertainty. He didn't know what was worse.

"I'm sorry," Ophelia said quietly and tried to reach out for him.

Blaise stepped back, causing her heart to break.

"Don't, you weren't the one that beat me," Annoyance dripped from his harsh tone.

Ophelia winced, "But —"

He shrugged, "Just let me deal with it and I'll be fine."

"I can't let you deal with it alone Blaisey."

Ophelia couldn't let him struggle anymore. Therapy wasn't on the table as he didn't want to see one and also didn't need another party knowing their family's business.

Blaise laughed bitterly, "Or what, you'll take my memories again?"

"N-no-"

Blaise cut her off again, "Can I go and find Elijah?" He asked with a tight-lipped smile, making his mother sigh sadly.

"Of course," she replied meekly and was instantly left alone in his room to her loud thoughts.

They taunted her about how her son no longer trusted her anymore.

And the sad thing was, they were right.

***

Sunday, August 29th:

SERAMORE KITCHEN:

It was 4 am in the Seramore household and the Malfoy heir had just used the floo system to transport there.

He wanted familiarity and warmth; contrasting with his cold and formal home.

Draco didn't even care if his fiancé was asleep; he just needed to know that she was near to seek the peace he desperately needed.

His arm oozed and ached no matter how many charms or pastes he or his mother had applied to it.

Draco didn't even flinch when he felt Klaus flash into the kitchen. It had happened many times throughout the summer months he had gotten used to it.

He liked the familiarity of the Mikaelson men, not that he would ever admit it. Perhaps it was the fact they had enough power and strength to wipe out an entire species. But Unfortunately, vampires couldn't get violently involved with the wizarding world or it would break the peace treaty of 1945, which was when the last global wizarding war ended.

"I'm guessing you can't sleep," Klaus guessed as sauntered past the wizard and plucked two glasses from the drying rack.

"What gave you that idea?" Draco cocked his head to the side mockingly.

Klaus playfully rolled his eyes at his tone. Somehow Draco managed to have an attitude despite the pain he was in. It was another thing the pair had in common, much to everyone's annoyance.

"How's the arm?" Klaus asked as he set the glasses of water on the kitchen island.

"Just like how it was the last time you asked."

"Maybe a vile of vampire blood could cause the pain to subside."

Klaus already gifted Artemis a batch and she was prepared to place it into Mente Striae just in case she or her friends were ever in trouble.

Draco craned his neck to the side, "How could I be so sure that you wouldn't snap my neck after I took it?"

Klaus shrugged, "You just have to trust me."

"Not gonna happen," Draco jested and took a sip of water.

"Poppycock," Klaus exclaimed and narrowed his eyes at the wizard, "You started trusting me a while ago."

Whenever Draco would wander the corridors of the manor he would usually end up in Klaus' art room. Neither would talk, but the hybrid let the wizard play with his art supplies until he would give in and start sketching himself.

Klaus recognised the same inner torment in the wizard's eyes that he flashed through his. It hurt and it was intense but it weakened whenever he picked up a paintbrush or pencil.

It allowed them to feel control in a world that is utter chaos.

"I could say the same thing about you," Draco retorted.

"Touché."

The two snickered and downed the rest of their drinks, Draco faster than the hybrid.

The pair were interrupted by the sound of small patting against the kitchen floor, making them turn in its direction.

The Doberman puppy excitedly panted and ran into the room after smelling that one of his new owners was awake.

He was named Itri. Meaning star and deriving from Tamazight.

Artemis felt almost compelled to name him that. She told herself that if Draco couldn't be near her at least she had another star around, that she hoped wouldn't burn out anytime soon.

Itri trotted over to where Draco stood, the Malfoy wizard almost smiled when the puppy circled him, wagging his tail and hitting his legs.

"Isn't he a relative?" Draco teased as he looked at the hybrid.

Klaus groaned, "Watch it, Draco."

The wizard weakly raised his hands in surrender, "He's cute though."

"He's hard work."

Klaus didn't mind having a pet, especially an emotional support one. As long as it helps Artemis he kept telling himself.

"Does he help Arty?"

"He does."

"Would he help me?"

Klaus heard the seriousness of Draco's tone despite the stoic expression on his face.

"He would," The hybrid nodded, then shuffled the dog food over to Itri to allow the puppy to eat.

Itri happily chewed on food, whilst being blissfully unaware of the conversation around him, but he did feel the shift in the room.

"Draco —"

"Arty loves me," the wizard stated, staring into the empty glass of water.

Confusion furrowed Klaus' brows, "I know," he replied.

"She loves me so much that she wouldn't let anything bad happen to me," Draco gulped before he continued, "she caters to my every need even if she's struggling-" he almost choked on his words, making Klaus shuffle closer to him, "she's my everything and I can't let her get involved."

"She will," Klaus murmured, seeming frustrated by his daughter's undying loyalty to the wizard.

"I don't want her to get hurt, I can't let her get hurt or I won't forgive myself."

Draco's voice cracked just like his facade. Klaus watched him warily.

"If you love her, you won't let that happen." The hybrid spoke softly.

"I'm so scared," Draco admitted and Klaus brought him to his chest and hugged him gently.

The wizard sobbed quietly, attracting Itri's attention, making the puppy snuggle up to his legs.

Klaus felt him tremble in his hold, "It will be alright mate," he whispered.

The pair wished his words were true.

***

a/n:

well... this is the first sad summer chapter I've written and sadly it sets the tone for the rest of the act.

half blood prince was a dark book and the film adaptation should've matched its energy but unfortunately, it wanted to be too many things at once.

you've already caught a glimpse of how most of the purebloods will be acting both alone and around each other. blaise will not be himself and you'll just have to watch him act out, just like draco. i want you guys to see them all processing their trauma and stress. i don't want to skip over important things like this because it is not something you can just get over in a matter of chapters, it is ongoing and will shape them in the future.

any predictions for this act based on the books, films or this chapter?

remember that itri is the same name nova wanted to give to her son as a middle name?

what did you think of the adoption and the family shifts? even draco and klaus?

just to end off on a light note, these are the pureblood 5's favourite songs:

blaise's fave song (what a wonderful world. louie armstrong . 1989)
artemis's fave song (candy rain. soul for real. 1994)
draco's fave song (everybody wants to rule the world. tears for fears. 1985)
daphne's fave song (waterfalls. tlc. 1994)
theo's fave song (bohemian rhapsody. queen. 1975)