WARNINGS: MATURE CONTENT, MENTIONS OF DEPRESSION AND TRAUMA

Saturday, September 1st:

HOGWARTS EXPRESS:

"You missed me huh?"

"Very much so," Artemis whined as he kept teasing her.

She missed his hands and the way they'd intertwine with hers, his kisses on her face, his deep voice, oh how she desired to hear it every morning. The low whispers, promises and sweet nothings as he tauntingly kissed down her neck, sent shivers down her spine and made her breathless.

Draco's ring-clad hands gently wrapped around the back of her neck, forcing her to meet his eyes as he spoke.

"How much did you miss me?" he laughed, pressing a kiss to her temple, then her cheeks, but not to her lips, much to her chagrin.

"So much," he pressed his thumbs against her throat, making her breath hitch as she tried to speak. "please."

"Please what?"

She was practically trembling in his hold and he was barely doing anything.

"Kiss me."

***

"Where's Missy?" Daphne questioned as she and Blaise settled in a shared compartment.

Gregory and Vincent were a few seats away from them, Pansy left to go and find Luna and her friends, meanwhile Astoria was with a few Hufflepuff's.

Blaise sighed and leaned his head against the chair, "No clue Daph." He replied tiredly.

He looked drained and bored, which made Daphne's worries skyrocket.

"And Theo?" She asked cautiously, anxious that he might be set off with the tiniest thing.

"I heard my name-" The Nott wizard wandered into the shared compartment, with a joyful looking Dean.

The new couple were not holding hands, but a blind man could see their bond.

Daphne and Blaise turned towards them, the former seemed to be more welcoming.

"Hi boys," The blonde grinned up at them as they settled in the opposite chairs.

Theo, of course took his designated window seat as Dean slid next to him. The pair had beverages in one hand and were interlinking their fingers under the table.

Blaise mustered up a smile and sent it towards the Nott wizard, before acknowledging his boyfriend, "Dean," he nodded at the brown-skinned boy.

"Blaise," Dean said with a smile.

"Theo," Theo exclaimed, earning snickers from all of them.

Daphne's amusement quickly turned sour when she noticed the beverages in their hands, "Where did you get hot chocolate?"

"Teddy convinced one of the cart ladies to bring them on board because it's my favourite."

"So cute," Daphne gushed at them, whilst Her fiancé pretended to gag.

Theo flipped him off, before innocently responding, "I try."

"You really do," Dean mumbled and suppressed the urge to kiss him.

The smirk growing on his boyfriends face snapped him out of his thoughts.

Theo dramatically cleared his throat and turned to Blaise, "Didn't you have the slug club meeting?"

"Yep and so did Arty," The Zabini wizard responded shortly.

His irritation was evident, however his closest friends decided to carry on the conversation.

"How was the meeting?" Dean asked curiously.

"Extraordinarily dull."

Normally, Blaise wouldn't have minded the boring conversation with Slughorn and his other peers for important connections, mimicking socialites, however the close proximity to Hermione, Harry and Cormac made him physically ill, especially when he noticed the obvious lustful stares the McLaggen wizard sent to his cousin as well as Potter's sorrow-filled ones.

Dean shifted uncomfortably as he pondered his next question, "Did you see-"

"Yes, your ex looked as miserable as I feel."

Daphne frowned at her fiancé's words and the other wizards stared at him with pitiful looks. The blonde wanted to grab his hand but he seemed too fidgety and cranky.

Over the summer the couple had bounced between each other's homes, one craving affection and the other comfort.

Daphne had been struggling with her parents' separation and her sister decided to disassociate from the entire thing, leaving her stressed and overthinking about her own relationship with her now emotionally detached fiancé.

Dean physically cringed, "Sorry."

Blaise shrugged, "Not your fault," he waved them all off before clasping his trembling hands together, "I need food."

Theo nodded and plastered on an encouraging smile, "Food helps a broken heart."

"But not a broken mind," Blaise murmured, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere.

***

"You're so needy."

"Shut up."

Artemis rolled her eyes at the smirk on her fiancé's face.

She shifted as she straightened up her creamed-coloured skirt and buttoned up her shirt. It was the brightest thing she had ever worn in years, she supposed it forced her to be levelled minded especially when she had to face all her demons this school year.

Draco was wearing his famous jet-black suit that was currently being rearranged.

"My hair," Artemis stressed when once she realised that her edges had sweated off.

"At least I didn't pull yours," Draco commented and ran his fingers through his.

Artemis always played his hair no matter the context of what they were doing.

"You love it," She snorted and nudged him.

He playfully scoffed, "Yeah yeah."

Draco wrapped his arms around her waist after she zipped up her knee-high ankle boots.

"You're pretty," He whispered in her ear, making her smile sheepishly.

"So are you."

"I know, you told me when you were drunk after Diggory's party," he murmured and buried his head in the crook of her neck.

"Well, I'm never wrong."

Draco stilled, "For now."

Artemis pulled away from him and spun around, "Don't be a prat."

He nonchalantly shrugged and eyed his reflection, "Not trying to be."

Draco hoped not one hair was out of place or he wouldn't leave the room.

"What's wrong?" Artemis questioned, eyes unintentionally travelling to his arm.

Draco snapped his head towards her and squinted at her question, "Does it need to be said?" He rebutted.

Artemis cursed herself for even asking, she nodded down to his arm, "Does it still —"

"It burns Arty, it doesn't stop, I don't think it ever will."

Draco leaned his head back against the door, realising that this would be the last time he would ever ride this train, whether or not he completed his tasks.

I miss how everything used to be.

His mind roared with memories of the past. Everything was changing and it was clearly for the worst.

He barely even noticed when Artemis ended up in front of him, he appeared to be lost in his mind.

Artemis softly smiled up at him, deciding to ignore his harsh comments and gently lifted up his arm and pressed a kiss to it.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

***

"What took you so long?" Daphne exclaimed with a grin once Draco and Artemis strolled into the compartment.

Dean had recently left to join his best friends, leaving Theo to sit between Blaise and Daphne much to his displeasure.

Draco sat down first and helped his fiancé get comfortable next to him.

"I was doing my edges," Artemis shrugged and shot a wink toward her best friends before kicking her cousin's shoe.

Blaise rolled his eyes at her, whilst completely ignoring Draco's presence.

"Why now?" Daphne asked with feigned innocence, "I love the hair by the way."

Artemis' caramel coloured hair was a big choice for the girl and ultimately brought her more attention. Whereas Blaise's hair had to be trimmed slightly because it almost touched his shoulders. His cornrows were braided down, highlighting his striking face, which ultimately increased the amount of gawking and gaping he received.

The cousins were already forbidden fruit to their peers and since their engagements they were even more desirable.

Artemis grinned at the blonde,"Thank you," she paused and glanced at her fiancé, "I couldn't sleep because a certain someone kept munching my face."

Draco scoffed, "You didn't have a problem with it this morning or 5 minutes ago," he stated harshly.

Theo groaned and hit his head against the table, wishing he was anywhere else.

The' glare Artemis sent towards the platinum haired boy went ignored as he was too aggravated to care.

Daphne's eyes widened in shock before turning to her fiancé whilst simultaneously placing her hand under Theo's head so he didn't hit it too hard, "Blaise."

The Zabini wizard remained emotionless, "What?"

"Are you not going to comment on that?"

Daphne was concerned about how angry the godbrothers seemed, she knew that they had been arguing over the summer but she didn't know how bad it truly was.

Blaise laughed bitterly, "Why would I?" He asked rhetorically and finally turned to the Malfoy wizard for the first time, "If AJ wants actively be in a relationship with this prick then okay —"

"Piss off Blaise," Draco snapped.

Blaise mockingly smirked at him, "Love you too."

The witches went to intervene and pull the boys back, since they both senselessly leaned forward, but an abrupt bang made them all halt.

"What was that?" Theo whispered and slowly raised his head from the table.

"Draco's deflating ego," Blaise snarkily commented.

Draco scowled, "Or maybe —0

"Shut up!" The witches yelled, making Theo cover his ears at the noise.

The Nott wizard was unfortunately reminded of their 3rd year and he didn't like it in a slightest.

The witches shot him an apologetic look, before checking over their future husbands.

The train ride only grew more tense, even when the compartment blacked out randomly.

It felt like a bad omen, a warning to go back home and never return to Hogwarts, but it seemed too late now.

"Hogwarts, what a pathetic excuse for a
school" Draco scoffed, "I think I'd pitch myself off the astronomy tower if I have to continue for another two years."

Artemis's heart plummeted at the thought, "You can't be serious," She murmured as she stared at him.

Draco shrugged in response making Daphne and Theo exchange a worried look.

"Draco?!" Artemis gritted out.

She feared losing him, he knew it, they all knew it, yet for some reason he didn't care at the moment, despite the intimate moment they just shared.

Theo sighed when he didn't respond, "Mate —"

"Let's just say, I don't think you'll see me
wasting my time in charms class next year,"
Draco stated and Blaise couldn't help but snort. "Amused Blaise?" He snarled at his godbrother, "We'll see just who's laughing in the end."

Artemis cracked her fingers to relief some stress, "Merlin's sake, just stop." She snapped at the two arguing wizards, who ignored her.

"So dramatic," Blaise quipped in a wry voice, tinged with an irritated amusement. His eyes burned into his godbrothers'.

Draco's scowl depened, "Why don't you shut it?"

"Can you both shut it?" Theo groaned and tossed his head back.

Blaise scoffed and got up, he felt suffocated and that he was close to exploding.

Daphne made contact with him for the first time today by grabbing his arm and no one missed the way he tensed.

"Where are you going?" She asked softly, searching his eyes for an emotion other than anger.

He pulled away from her hold, then replied, "Anywhere else," He rushed out of the compartment, earning many curious looks from his housemates.

Artemis went to get up but Theo beat her to it.

"I'll go check on him," he reassured them with a smile and left in search of the Zabini wizard.

Daphne's aching heart led her to twist her engagement ring around, not out of skepticism or doubt, however she knew it was the only way she could touch Blaise without him jerking away.

She wanted to cry but kept a brave face and stared out the window instead.

Draco went to hold Artemis' hand, despite their prior dispute, however she stood up and sat next to a frowning Daphne.

The wizard sighed and turned to look out the window whilst the witches stared at each other with sullen expressions.

Bloody hell.

***

HOGWARTS GROUNDS:

Finally they arrived and their expressions seemed worse than when they boarded.

Blaise and Theo never returned, leaving Daphne to worry more, Artemis to become disheartened, meanwhile Draco continued to look irritated.

The wizard kept staring at where their bags were and ignored Hagrid's voice who beckoned the 1st years to come out.

The witches stood up and grabbed their belongings then turned to Draco.

"Come one Draco," Daphne motioned for him to follow them, but he made no move to do so.

"You two go on, I wanna check something,"
Draco said dismissively.

Daphne glared at him as Artemis lowered her head, so her lips grazed his ear; he immediately  shivered

"You better not have meant what you said before," She whispered angrily, aware of an unknown listener.

"Maybe... if I didn't have the mark on my arm," He whispered back in the same tone.

Artemis gaped at his words, she had to force herself to not cry, "D —"

"Darling go, I'll catch up," he abruptly cut her off and nodded towards the exit.

She huffed and spun on her feet, Daphne shot him one last glare before following after her best friend.

They exited the train and basked in the darkness emitting from the night sky.

"Fanculo la mia vita," Daphne mumbled and linked pinkies with her best friend.

Artemis cracked a smile, she hadn't realised how much the blonde's Italian accent had improved over these years.

"Fanculo la mia vita."

***

THE GREAT HALL:

It wasn't long for everyone to end up in the great hall in their robes and uniforms after being vigorously searched at the entrance of the grounds. This year the ministry had been more strict with the dress code so they had removed La Mente jackets from the school shops.

The brand itself threatened to sue the establishment for doing so, therefore Celeste and Ophelia receive monthly fees from Cornelius Fudge himself. Fortunately every politician could be bought but what did that say about the future of the wizarding world?

Artemis and her group, par draco sat the furthest from the front, as the first years had been assigned to their houses with efficiency due to the sorting hat.

Dumbledore's presence impacted the cousins greatly, his mere voice threatened acid to explode from their throats.

Blaise decided to sit next to Theo, which filled his fiancé with dread as she was situated opposite them with Artemis sitting next to her.

Harry eventually wandered in with a swollen and throbbing nose, dried blood scattered around it as he made his way over to his friends.

And the culprit confidentially strolled in soon after: Draco had a malicious gleam in his eyes that his group recognised easily.

"I'm guessing that was you, D?" Theo asked, knowing that no one else was going to, not even the Seramore witch.

"It wasn't," Draco responded with a smug smile.

"What did he do?"

"Be himself."

Blaise snorted, "So be exactly like you."

"Stop," Artemis hissed staring at no one in particular.

They all noticed her anxious state, due to the presence of their headmaster. Artemis tried to focus on anything else. Her eyes scoured the hall, bouncing between each table full of chatter and laughter.

Ever since the ministry attack and the death eaters arrest, the Slytherin students were more isolated than ever, which didn't come as a surprise to anyone, the only other house that seemed to welcome some of them were Hufflepuffs.

The absences of the many well regarded students were evident. Marcus Flint had appointed Artemis to be the captain of the Quidditch team. Although it was going to be co-caption but Draco had quit the team. Luckily Blaise would be joining, believing it would help to channel all his angst.

The Weasley twins had opened up their own shop in the middle of Diagon Alley, that Artemis and Theo had visited a few times during the summer, to buy the occasional item as well to persuade them to keep up the business on their end, which they did with ease, with the help of Lee, who assisted whenever he wasn't working with his father.

"I only kicked him in the nose," Draco proudly informed as he shifted closer to Artemis, who rolled her eyes.

Daphne pinched the bridge of her nose, "And why — actually I don't care." She gave up with engaging with him and decided to lean her head on her best friend's shoulder.

"He was eavesdropping on our conversation,"
Draco further explained.

"Well done," Theo clapped sarcastically, "I thought you wanted to be under the radar this year?"

Draco's shoulders slumped, "Potter deserved it."

"Maybe," Theo hummed in agreement, "but you need to stay under the radar," he added, despite hating being the voice of reason.

The job usually fell to Blaise or Artemis or even sometimes Daphne, but since he was the only member of the group who was semi mentally stable, the role fell to him.

"Fine," Draco whispered-yelled to get them all to drop the subject.

He unintentionally carved his jagged nails into the surface of the table as he eyed those who surrounded him.

It seemed like all of his confidants subtly flinched at the voice of their headmaster.

Never have they hated something more in their lives.

"Very best evenings to you all," Dumbledore
began his annual speech, he looked unfazed yet apprehensive.

For many reasons Artemis wanted the man dead, although it was unclear whether or not Draco would let her deliver the final blow. She knew the dark Lord wanted it to be Draco, as it was one of his tasks but she believed all her fury would fade away once the harsh green light flew from her wand.

Her jaw clenched at the sound of Dumbledore's voice as did her fist, Daphne caught the action and grabbed her hand.

"First off, let me introduce the newest member of our staff, Horace Slughorn," Dumbledore exclaimed and everyone's attention turned towards the man standing next to Professor Snape.

Slughorn appeared to be an enormously fat, bald, old man. He is short with an immense belly, so large that the buttons on his waistcoat usually threaten to burst off, yet his crooked smile never wavered, only widened.

"Professor Slughorn has agreed to resume his
old post as Potions Master. Meanwhile, the
post of Defense Against the Dark Arts will be
taken by Professor Snape."

Murmurs spread across the hall, whilst scattered applause started, the Slytherins roared with applause at this. Artemis began cheering, along with Theo and Daphne. Thank Merlin. They were all happy about the news, believing that it would be a good reason to stay in school.

The professor in question tried to not let his amusement breach the surface of his face.

"As you know, each and every one of you was
searched upon your arrival here tonight. And
you have the right to know why. Once there
was a young man, who, like you, sat in this
very hall, walked his castle's corridors, slept
under its roof," Dumbledore continued.

'It's him,' Theo mouthed to the witches, making them crack a smile.

"He seemed to all the world a student like any
other. His name? Tom Riddle." Dumbledore stated solemnly.

The pureblood 5 all exchanged knowing looks.

Ever since they had discovered about Septrim's closeness to the Dark Lord as well as the untimely death of Nova Shafiq, the young heirs had been curious to find out more, however they didn't want to let their curiosity get the best of them.

One would believe that the cousins would be overjoyed by the news since they couldn't be directly or indirectly harmed by you-know-who, however it just caused them to worry more about who could potentially die from being around them.

And regarding the Dark Lord, Artemis had been informed by Draco about the pet snake that always stood close to him, as if it was the only thing he could trust. It made Artemis suspicious, even caused her to think that there was a reason that the two never parted from each other.

Dumbledore further explained, "Today, of course, he's known all over the world by another name. Which is why, as I stand looking out upon you all tonight, I'm reminded of a sobering fact. Every day, every hour, this very minute, perhaps, dark forces attempt to penetrate this castle's walls. But in the end, their greatest weapon is you. Just something to think about," He concluded, resulting in mixed expressions across the room, "Now, off to bed. Pip-pip," Dumbledore beamed down at his pupils.

Draco stared out into nothing, making no effort to move, almost like he couldn't. Which left Theo to lean over and nudge the lost boy.

The hall was full of shuffling and scraping of benches as everyone exited.

"And here I was hoping for a good year," Theo smiled sarcastically at his friends.

The other two wizards mindlessly stood up and followed him.

The witches shared a look as they mirrored their actions, "One can only hope," Daphne mumbled.

***

Sunday September 2nd

POTIONS CLASS:

It was the first day of classes and Artemis still hadn't spoke to Draco, despite him attempting to apologise. Blaise was practically mute, Daphne was thought she had grey hairs due to the stress and Theo seemed the happiest out of the bunch.

Safe to say that their potions lesson wouldn't make it any better. Yes they all chose the class for another year, despite not having Professor Snape teaching it. They were going to miss him in the role, however they were ecstatic that he would be taking over DADA.

The moment the Pureblood 5 stepped into the room, the whole class turned to them.

"Welcome you five," Professor Slughorn
beamed with an anticipated glint in his eye.
"Mr Zabini, Ms Seramore, Ms Greengrass, Mr Nott and Mr Malfoy come in," he motioned them all to come over.

His eyes lingered on the cousins almost like he was transported back to decades ago when he taught Septrim.

The quintet were overwhelmed by the various smells that drifted to their nostrils as they stood by their housemates.

"Now, I'd like to welcome all of you to Potions. Now today we will be talking about these potions you see in front of me," Slughorn said.

Each table had a cauldron with ingredients resting on one side and a space for a textbook that everyone had... well almost everyone.

The door swung open, revealing Harry and Ron, the latter appearing unenthusiastic about being there.

"Ah. Harry, my boy, I was beginning to worry.
We've bought someone with us, I see," Slughorn spoke curiously as he squinted at the red haired boy.

"Ron Weasley, sir," Ron replied "But I'm dead awful at Potions, a menace, actually. So I'm just gonna." He cringed and started to walk towards the door.

Theo pretended to sneeze and quickly earned a playful nudge from Artemis and raised a brow from his boyfriend who stood on the opposite side of the room.

Theo shot him a wink and before it could be returned Slughorn's voice cut through the awkward silence.

"Nonsense, we'll sort you out. Any friend of
Harry's is a friend of mine" Slughorn grinned and

"Gryffindorks," Pansy mumbled spitefully and appeared next to the Seramore witch, ignoring the glare from Daphne.

The Slytherins were expecting the blatant favouritism, but not this soon.

"Gryffindorks," Theo whispered dramatically and received a few odd stares from his friends.

Daphne scoffed, "As if you aren't getting on your not with —"

"Sod off," he nudged her, then nodded over to Draco, who wasn't even paying attention.

The Malfoy wizard was still in the dark about Theo dating, especially since it was a boy from the house he wholeheartedly detested. They all thought it was best to wait before telling him, but everyday things seemed to be getting more obvious.

"It's true," Artemis sang quietly, Theo flipped the grinning witches off.

"Get your books out," Slughorn instructed, pulling the purebloods out of their conversation.

"Sorry Sir, I haven't actually got my book yet,
and nor has Ron" Harry apologised.

"Not to worry, get what you want from the
cupboard" Slughorn motioned to Cupboard near the two wizards, "Now as I was saying, I prepared some concoctions this morning. Any ideas what these might be?"

Artemis raised her hand and Slughorn's smile widened, "Yes, Ms Seramore?"

"That one is Veritaserum. It's a truth-telling
serum. a powerful truth serum that is most commonly used in interrogation," Artemis informed as her eyes darted over the potions.

She recalled the times that Snape would give her a few books that he had decided were worthy for her eyes. She studied each one over the summer and managed to make a few viles and even presented them to her mother, who was proud of her accomplishments.

Artemis continued, "I'm assuming that one a Polyjuice potion," she scrunched up her nose, "it allows whomever that consumes it to transform into someone else," her disgust was clear, why would I want to be anyone else? The idea was sickening. Slughorn beamed as she added to her explanation, "And that's Amortentia, the strongest love potion in the world, caused a powerful infatuation or obsession in the drinker," she concluded and many students turned to the potion in question and stalked closer before the professor concealed it.

"Well done Artemis," Slughorn praised, dropping formalities due to his excitement.

Hermoine almost huffed but kept her composure.

"He's gonna burst out into tears," Theo whispered to witches that surrounded him. "Weep with joy."

Artemis smiled, then whispered, "Like you whenever you see —" she was cut off when she felt a pinch on her side.

"And what do you smell?" Slughorn asked.

Artemis suppressed an eye roll before responding, "green apples, fresh grass, peppermint and hair gel."

It was what she had been smelling since she stepped into the room.

She couldn't help but glance at Draco, who sent her a small smile that wasn't returned.

"Thank you Artemis," Slughorn grinned, then glanced at Draco, "Mr Malfoy, might I Insist you tell us what you smell?"

All eyes were on the Malfoy wizard now.

"Chanel °5, apple body scrub and coconut hair products," Draco replied monotonously.

He noticed Harry shift uncomfortably at their proclamation, making a smirk tug at his lips.

Despite pissing off his fiancé, their love never faltered.

Artemis tried to not smile at his words even though they made butterflies flutter in her stomach.

"Sir? You haven't told us what's in that one,"
A Gryffindor student named Katie Bell stated and nodded to the unknown potion.

"Oh, yes. What you see before you, ladies and gentlemen is a curious little potion known as
Felix Felicis. But it is more commonly referred as-"

"Liquid Luck," Hermoine interrupted.

"Yes, Miss Granger. Liquid Luck," Slughorn nodded, "Desperately tricky to make, disastrous should you get it wrong. One sip and you will find that all of your endeavors succeed."

This caught Draco's attention, immediately thinking that could help with one of his tasks.

He knew that Artemis knew it too despite not looking at him, she still felt his stormy eyes burn into her head.

"At least until the effects wear off," Slughorn
added, "So this is what I offer each of you today. One tiny vial of Liquid Luck to the student who, in the hour that remains, manages to brew an acceptable Draught of Living Death, the recipes for which can be found on page ten of your books."

His students quickly opened their books as they went to their stations.

"I should point out however only once did a
student manage to brew a potion of sufficient
quality to claim this prize. Nevertheless, good
luck to you all. Let the brewing commence"
Slughorn further explained.

The pureblood all stood near each other and began working on their potions, the witches stood between the wizards to prevent any arguments.

The instructions were fairly easy, although they didn't seem to match up to the potion in the slightest.

"I wish I stayed my room," Theo mumbled as the bean bounced away from him, avoiding the small knife in his hands.

Suddenly it launched across the room, past Artemis and Blaise, leaving Slughorn to catch it.

Beans flew and dashed around the room, leaving students more curious and fustrated by their findings.

Artemis grew tedious by the instructions, before she decided to alter her actions, and crushed it.

Her closest friends saw what she had done and followed her lead. Although it was just a hunch, she decided to change the instructions in the book to suit her.

She wondered if Snape would've done the same.

By the end of the lesson, many students became flustered and exhausted, struggling to attempt and follow what was laid out in front of them.

"Merlin's Beard, it is perfect!" Slughorn exclaimed, attracting the class's attention, as he checked Harry's cauldron.

Everyone stood to the side with their dishevelled appearances as the professor made his rounds, expecting a variation of work.

It was only the first day of lessons so he wasn't surprised by the underwhelming results, however he was pleased by Harry's.

If only he saw Artemis' first, she would've won, but she was too tired to put up a fuss, even though she was shocked that Harry of all people managed to make a perfect concoction on his first try.

So suspicious.

"So perfect I daresay one drop would kill us
all. Everyone gather around!" Slughorn motioned everyone to come closer with a grin. The students stood with exhausted looks as he gave Harry the vial of Liquid Luck, "So here we are then, as promised, one vial of Felix Felicis. Congratulations. Use it well."

The Gryffindor mustered up a clap, contrasting the Slytherins wordless disappointment.

Artemis eyed the Potter wizard skeptically whilst Draco glared at him.

Merlin's beard.

***

HOGWARTS CORRIDOR:

Draco didn't hesitate to take off after his fiancé.

Lessons for the day had finished and she still hadn't talked to him due to the comments he had made yesterday.

He had to make this right.

"Arty!" he called after her desperately but she ignored him.

Daphne had already left to go and take a nap, Blaise went on a walk, whilst Theo was M.I.A.

Artemis gasped when his hand grabbed her waist swiftly and opened the door of a broom closet and softly pushed her in before locking it
behind him.

"Move," she tried to sound stern but the voice
crack and the tears running down your face
gave it away.

Everytime she was around him, her emotions went haywire, although she thought she was okay with it, she still wasn't okay with him seeing her cry.

Draco's pain filled eyes stared into hers, then neared her, backing her up until her back hit the wall softly.

Artemis's head rested against the wall as he cupped her face and wiped away her tears.

She instantly warmed to his cold hands, the couple stood in silence. He needed to make it right but he couldn't risk saying something wrong.

Draco's voice cracked as he spoke, "Arty, Darling, just talk to me."

Suddenly all her anger crept on her,"Why should I?" She snapped but didn't move from his cold.

He sighed, "I was angry yesterday, I spoke out of turn."

"That doesn't mean you are allowed to say something as final as that," She stressed.

Artemis' biggest fear was losing the people she loves and the comments he said inspired a fear she never wanted to feel again.

"I know."

"You said you were going to leave me."

Although he never said that specifically, it's what she heard.

He pressed his forehead against hers, "I wouldn't."

He wouldn't... at least not yet.

She sniffled, "You can't promise that."

"I am now."

"B-but —" she hiccuped, more tears flowed out of her eyes and streamed down her cheeks.

Draco cupped the back of her head and brought it to his chest.

Her body racked with sobs as her vulnerabilities escaped her emotionally constipated hold.

Draco never wanted to part from the love of his life, but his woeful thoughts were growing each day.

"I won't ever leave you."

"You better not."

***

It took a whole hour for Artemis and Draco to leave the broom closet.

They sat and just stayed in each other's arms, whilst he reassured her by whispering sweet nothings in her ear.

Oh times had changed, just like their dynamic and neither knew if it was for the better or worse.

They emerged from the closet holding hands.

Not many students were around as they had already made their way towards the great hall for dinner.

On their way there, Draco slumg his arm around her shoulder, whilst she played with the rings on his fingers.

The sound of heavy steps and panting caused them to snap their heads to its direction.

Theo stood in front of them with a flushed face, swollen lips and messy hair.

His struggled to tuck his shirt in and fix his tie.

The couple couldn't hide their amusement.

Draco quirked up a brow, "What were you doing?"

Theo scoffed, "Reading," he replied sarcastically and motioned to his attire.

Artemis cocked her head to the side "Great book huh?" She teased.

Theo groaned, "Shut up."

He quickly threw on his robe to hide his dishevelled appearance.

Draco cleared his throat, "Do books kiss students now or —"

" — or is this just a special one of yours?" Artemis smirked.

The couple started laughing as the trio walked towards the great hall.

Theo rolled his eyes and held back a smile, "Shut it."

Artemis turned to her fiancé before whispering loudly, "Just a special book."

Theo huffed and paced away.

"I hate you," he yelled, not glancing behind him.

"We love you."

The couple continued to smile as they watched their closest friend's retreating figures, but everyone knew that the biggest smiles hide the most pain.

***

a/n:

probably the first/last few smut scene imma write for this act, btw.

my baby blaise is not doing okay, nor is draco, daph or arty.

why are draco and blaise beefing? you'll find out later. unfortunately, it's making theo relive all the events of 3rd year and we all know that was a terrible time.

also, I look forward to writing slughorn x arty scenes, because it would probably remind him of septrim back in the day.

any predictions/ questions?

rest up robbie coltrane