Monday, May 13th:

THE INFIRMARY:

After what felt like an eternity, the Seramore heir let out a breath. Banadgaes restricted her small movements, binding her to the discomfort of the hospital bed. Each limb burned like a dragon had scorched every inch of her body.

She had almost died.

The moonlight shone through the room and illuminated the empty beds that filled the room, but what brought an aching smile to her frail face, was that she wasn't alone. Heads that belonged to her friends, family and fiancé rested on the sheet that covered her lower half. Some snored, whilst others whined as they turned in their slumber.

In the corner of her eye, she caught the shiny and metallic silhouette of a cup, The Quidditch cup. A Slytherin scarf wrapped around the neck of the trophy. Blaise clutched it tightly, whilst keeping his other hand on her calf.

The shuffling of feet made her slowly look up, blinking back her tiredness as her gaze settled on Madam Pomfrey.

The medi-witch softly smiled, rounding the packed corner of her bed, "I told them to leave an hour ago Dear, but they didn't listen, who does anymore? Do I need to re-dress your wounds?" she asked quietly, nodding to the bandages that smothered the Seramore girl.

"No, they're fine, thank you," Artemis winced at her coarse voice. The older witch quickly placed a cup of water to her lips. With a few gulps, it was pulled away, "How long have I been here?"

From the faces she could see, her friends looked exhausted despite their sleeping state.

Placing the cup on her bedside table, Madam Pomfrey replied, "Every day since the incident. It's been a speedy recovery for you," she paused then turned to the sleeping students, "but for them, I saw a few tears here and there."

"Have they been okay?"

The question stunned the medi-witch, the poor girl almost died, yet she was asking about them? nevertheless, she nodded and said, "Your bedside is never vacant," her eyes travelled over to the platinum-haired boy "Although your fiancé has a habit of telling me what to do."

"He does that with everyone," she whispered, smiling at Draco's hand, his pale fingers twitched until they were interlinked with hers.

It's funny, his cold skin brought the warmth that soothed her in a way that the bandages couldn't.

"His snark caused a few fights not even your cousin could handle," The medi-witch informed, recalling Draco spilling insults toward the younger Jones wizard. It was as entertaining as it was irritating for her to deal with.

With a sigh, Artemis apologised, "Sorry."

"Don't apologise dear. Rest."

Before she could close her eyes, she had to ask, "What about my mum? Does she know?"

Nodding with a shocked looked, Madam Pomfrey hushedly spoke, "She came by immediately, with your father and brother. According to professor Mcgonagall, they had to restrain your father from going after Harry Potter."

When Celeste caught the sight of Artemis in the infirmary, she broke down in tears, her knees gave out and sobs racked her body, leaving Marcel to console her, whilst Klaus raged around the room, needing to find out who was responsible for the curse inflicted on his adoptive daughter. And when Blaise returned to the room with a bloodied hand, he told everything, leaving the hybrid to find the Potter wizard who was serving detention with Snape. It took a few professors to secure him before he angrily went back to check on Artemis.

It was a scary sight.

Artemis' body tensed at the mention of Harry, despite finding comfort when the medi-witch referred to Klaus and Marcel as her father and brother.

When Padam Pomfrey turned to leave, but younger witch asked one more question, "Has professor Snape come by?"

"Every day."

***

Tuesday, May 14th:

Delicate fingers played with the curls at the ends of her braids.

Draco lay on Artemis' bed, quietly telling her stories from his favourite fables. Regardless of if she was asleep or not, he wanted to talk to her. Whenever her other friends disappeared to go to their lessons or to eat and bathe, he was there and if he wasn't Blaise, Daphne or Theo occupied his space.

She could've died, his consciousnesses screamed at him every second of the day, reminding him why she was lying in the hospital bed in the first place.

If only he turned quicker or pushed her out of the lavatory, he would be in her place. But he wasn't.

Draco would never forgive himself for this and even though no one blamed him - she didn't blame him - he felt it, whenever he walked the lonely corridors at night or when he closed his eyes to sleep. Oh, but that was the other thing, sleep rarely took him and when it did, he was only reminded of the pain he caused, the terror that was meant for him, not Artemis.

"I thought I lost you," he whispered as his voice broke.

Artemis squeezed his hands, "Never."

As night turned to dawn, the sun broke through the clouds and beamed through the long windows.

Running a hand over his face, Draco croaked out, "It's my fault."

"It's not."

"I'm meant to protect you."

Scoffing, Artemis turned to him with a strained expression, "No, we're meant to protect each other remember?"

"But-"

"Ti amo, mi amore," she said, pressing a kiss to his hand.

"I love you too," he shakily breathed out.

Draco would never grow tired of hearing her say variations of those three words. I'm lucky she is saying them at all, he thought.

"You're my Peter," she cooed, then pressed a kiss to his nose, grinning with a blush washed over his ivory cheeks.

"And you're my Wendy."

"Exactly," she mused, "I got hurt. But I'm still here," with you. "Okay?"

"Okay."

He shuffled closer after noting her wince. Placing another pillow near her side and picking up her cup so she could drink some water. Her weak voice had strengthened as did her other wounds.

"Now, can you tell me another story?" Artemis cheekily asked, earning a nod and smile from him.

"Of course."

***

Wednesday, May 15th:

With a huff, Theo turned to the Greengrass witch who walked around Artemis' infirmary bed.

"Daph, stop burning sage, it's ruining my hot chocolate," he whined, lifting his mug, then it pulled closer to him, hoping that the smoke would kiss the contents.

"Put down your hot chocolate and help me." Daphne sassed and purposefully walked closer to where he sat.

"Can you both shut it?" Draco snapped at the pair, who continued to bicker.

Rolling his eyes, Blaise crossed his arms and shot a glare at him, "Draco shut up they're trying to help."

"You shut up."

On either side of Artemis' bed, their glares didn't falter, the only thing that prevented a fight was the sleeping witch.

Aurora and Alana brought a few snacks, before leaving for their potions class. Luna had made Artemis a green replica of her renowned glasses which Draco almost laughed at, until Pansy threatened him with a hex, and then tugged her girlfriend away. Dean stayed for a while, mainly to keep his boyfriend company. Nevile brought a few books, and he gave them to Blaise since he didn't want any trouble with Draco. Lastly, the Jones brothers kept the group entertained with gossip that had been travelling through the school until Draco decided to have another argument with Iziah, resulting in the half-bloods leaving.

Hearing the commotion Daphne turned to the platinum-haired boy, "Stop being a prick Draco." she sneered, jabbing the burning plant in his face.

"Get the sage out of my face," he hissed, then moved back when it almost caught him, "You could've burnt me."

"No, I couldn't."

"Daph please try this time," Theo egged her on, making Blaise snicker.

Draco's mouth fell agape, "Fuck you."

"Love you too," Theo teased and took another sip of his hot chocolate.

Stirring in her slumber, Artemis uttered, "Even on my deathbed, you guys are arguing."

Her voice grabbed their attention and although she didn't open her eyes, she knew they were smiling down at her.

"It wouldn't be us if we didn't," Theo quipped, "Dean brought you hot chocolate, by the way."

"Theo drank it," Daphne informed, then stifled a laugh at the glare she received.

"Don't be a snitch."

"Don't be greedy then."

Artemis' eyes finally fluttered open, tiredly dancing between their figures, before they settled on Draco's hand, which was holding hers.

"Have you guys eaten today?" she asked.

Of course, Theo nodded quickly, having eaten two plates of breakfast. Daphne had a few things and even made sure that Draco and Blaise had a slice of toast since they barely ate a plate between them over the last couple of days.

"Have you?" Daphne wondered because it was almost 4 pm.

"She hasn't," Blaise remarked, avoiding his cousin's gaze.

Using her wand to stop the sage burning, Daphne proposed, "We should go and get you something."

Artemis sighed, "You don't need to."

Daphne's face dropped, "You're eating and that's final," she stated firmly, causing the Nott wizard to stifle a laugh and Artemis' eyes to widen, "Theo, Draco come with me."

The wizards all immediately objected.

Theo gasped, "What?"

Draco vigorously shook his head, "No."

"Now," Daphne hissed, then turned on her heels and strolled out.

Theo groaned and followed her as he drank the rest of the hot chocolate, whilst Draco stayed sitting in his chair, gripping Artemis's hand, not wanting to leave her.

"Go," Artemis told him and he frowned.

"No."

Giving him a pointed look, she said, "Draco, I'll be fine."

A flash of emotions kissed his face before he let out an exasperated sigh. He pressed a kiss to her forehead as he rose from his chair and let go of her hand.

"Fine."

Draco's eyes settled on his godbrother's, they exchanged a silent nod as the former followed after his friends.

When the infirmary door slammed shut, Blaise stayed quiet, his gaze didn't find his cousin's nor could it bring itself to. He was ashamed and embarrassed that he didn't find Artemis earlier that fateful day. Perhaps she wouldn't have been the one to slowly bleed out of the bathroom floor. He should've stayed with her instead of chasing after Harry with Theo. As the oldest of the group, he viewed himself as the protector and he had let her down.

Noting his inner turmoil, Artemis shuffled over and motioned for Blaise to join her. The wizard kept his mouth shut, but untied his shoes and loosened his tie before crawling into bed, with her back facing his chest.

His tense state gradually relaxed the more he held onto her. His hands gently rested on her sides, not wanting to unravel her bandages.

"Can I ask you to do something for me?" she asked quietly.

"Theo and I already beat up the golden boy."

She snorted, "I know," she responded, recalling what Dean had informed her. He had to drag his boyfriend off of Harry, whilst Vincent and Gregory did the same with Blaise. "Thank you."

She could feel him shake his head behind her, "Don't thank me, I should've done more," he murmured, glad that she couldn't see the tears forming in his eyes, "Merlin's beard, uncle Nik was going to kill him."

"I heard."

"It was funny," he muttered against the silk scarf wrapped around her hair.

"I don't doubt it," a ghost of a smile tickled her lips.

"Mum and 'Lijah came the day after to see you," he said tiredly, "Mum almost threatened to burn down the school."

"That doesn't surprise me."

"Me either."

Their family seemed to be gunning for Hogwarts. Even Septrim was going to visit, but according to a few letters that Sapphire had written, it wasn't wise for him to travel in his furious condition. the news that their granddaughter was in hospital inspired fear that they haven't felt since their son passed away.

Even though they were grateful that Artemis was recovering rather quickly, they still couldn't drop the idea that something else would transpire.

"I need you to do something else," Artemis stated rather anxiously.

"Anything."

"I need you to brew a potion."

Nervously gulping, Blaise hesitantly replied, "AJ, you know I'm arse at them. I've only been passing because I'm next to you."

"Get Daph to help or even Theo," she said, interrupting him.

Since she would not be leaving the infirmity for a couple of days and Draco was occupied in the room of requirement, she needed someone she trusted to start her life-changing plan.

"Okay, what potion?" he dared to ask.

"It's a new one," her voice suddenly quieted with each word, wary that others might be listening, "my notes for it are in Mente Striae," she paused, "it will take a couple of weeks to do."

"Don't worry, I'll get it done."

***

Friday, May 17th:

Standing up from the hospital bed, Artemis straightened out her uniform and scanned the room. There were a few aching and injured students, as for her, her scars had not faded, but the memory of that day will forever be engraved in her mind. Luckily today she was allowed to leave due to Madam Pomfrey's approval.

Artemis was unsure of whether she wanted to return to normalcy, but she had to. It was time.

The soothing sound of a robe grazing over the floor snapped her out of her thoughts. She glanced up at the familiar pair of dark eyes that always made her feel safe.

"Professor Snape?"

"Artemis," he greeted her, "I heard you are leaving the infirmary today."

"And you wanted to visit your favourite student again?" she teased, cocking her to the side.

Holding back an eye roll he declared, "Suddenly, I regret leaving my office."

Feigning hurt she placed her hand to her heart, "You wound me."

"Honesty is the best policy. Haven't you heard that it is not good to lie?" he asked, slightly amused.

"Only if you aren't skilled at Occulmency," she argued.

Raising a brow, he leaned forward, "And are you?"

"Well you're my teacher aren't you?" she rebutted smugly.

"Indeed."

As the minutes drew closer to 9 am, the pair stood conversing. the tense atmosphere suffocating the school grounds contrasted with the calm conversation.

Clasping his hands behind his back, Severus noted, "I'm surprised that Mr Malfoy hasn't come to collect you."

The absence of Draco was prominent because he had been at her bedside since she arrived. Every time Snape would visit the Seramore witch he was either hassled by him or ignored.

"Draco's running late. Not that I don't mind, since I've been here, I've gotten used to the dull smells and whines of my peers."

"Ghastly," Snape muttered.

"Isn't it?" she asked, rhetorically.

"When you head back to your dorm, you'll be met with a certain plant that Mr zabini requested on your behalf," he informed quietly.

"Thank you."

"And I also added a few more to help with your studies," he added with narrowed eyes.

Stiffly nodding, she replied, "Thank you."

"Right," he cleared his throat and stepped back, "I'll be on my way."

"Wait," her voice halted his movements.

He let out a sigh as he turned around, "What is it-"

Snape reeled back when she threw her arms around his waist. Her sudden action startled and confused him dearly.

"Thank you for saving me," her muffled voice and hidden face concealed the tears that pooled in her eyes.

"No need to thank me."

Before he could return her gesture, she pulled away.

His cold exterior would've melted away if she held on just a little longer.

Taking a step back, Artemis smiled up at him, "Bye professor."

Sending a single nod to the witch, he turned on his feet and walked away, trying to fight off the smile that tugged on his lips but failed severely.

***

HOGWARTS CORRIDOR:

"Shit, I forget your scarf in the infirmary," Draco cursed and ran a hand down his face.

"It's okay," Artemis reassured him, but her soft tone was pointless against his worries.

His eyes darted between the long corridor and his fiancé. He nervously scratched his forehead as he tried to work out the time it would take to retrieve the scarf and return it to her. Making her walk back with me would tire her. But he shouldn't leave her? Right? She could defend herself if anything would happen.

He vigorously shook his head, "It's not."

"We can get it tomorrow," she proposed, offering him a smile.

"No, stay here, mon amour, I'll be back soon okay?" he promised, eyes boring into hers.

"Okay."

"I promise," he rushed away and paced back to the infirmary, leaving her alone.

Artemis anxiously played with her rings, whilst she leaned against a wall, counting every second that passed. Students and professors strolled without a care in the world, and ghosts chatted and giggled, lost in their conversations and witticisms.

She hadn't given much thought to her N.E.W.T.S. The exams that she was planning on completing in her 7th year and studying this year. She didn't have the time, it seemed to constantly slip from her grasp and she couldn't stop it.

"Artemis."

She immediately tensed and fearfully turned toward the familiar green eyes, she never wanted to see again.

To harry, she looked scared. Is she scared of me? He wondered as he took a step closer only driving her to take one back.

"I'm so sorry."

"Go away," she gritted out. Her hand feverishly itched to grab the hand that she hid away in her sock. He can't hurt me if I hurt him first. But judging from his fading black eye and a busted lip, Blaise did a great job of that.

"I promise I won't hurt you," he explained, raising his hands in surrender, "Artemis I didn't know what the spell would do, I promise."

She laughed at him, rather manically. Her fear was quickly replaced with anger. And her stance grew more rigid.

"Do you think I care? I would've bled out of Snape didn't come in time," she seethed, keeping her eyes solely on his.

He stammered, "I-I didn't mean to hit you."

"So you meant to use it on the boy I love?" enraged, she asked.

"You could've died because of him," he snapped.

"No, I could've died because of you."

The animosity they shared formed a bubble that engulfed them and would've made whoever tried to pop it, burn with fury.

"I never meant to hurt you, Draco was the one who started it," he reiterated, scanning her face, only detecting the anger he was feeling.

Whenever he could escape the grasp of Snape's detention, he aspired to visit her in the infirmary, though he knew he would only receive another beating from the group guarding her bed. Or perhaps another visit from her adoptive father. Harry was apologetic but he certainly wasn't foolish enough to do that.

"He wouldn't have started anything if you just left us alone," her heart pounded against her chest with each furious word, "Why were you following us anyway?"

"You know he hexed Katy bell," he fumed.

Luckily the only students that were near were on the other end of the corridor, therefore they couldn't hear the uproar that was triggered by Harry's appearance.

"I know nothing," she snapped, nostrils flaring at his insinuation, even though it was true.

"You know everything. Especially about that room.

Her furious eyes narrowed, "What room?"

"Your family's room."

His statement made her body freeze, luckily her angry expression didn't fall. How the bloody hell does he know? Who told? She didn't have time to think before she snapped again.

"What?!" her tone darkened as she stepped closer to him, taking up his personal space.

"Dobby told me," he further explained, monitoring her face, expecting to see the truth breach the surface.

The house elf informed him what he had heard from his old master. A conversation between Lucius and Ezekiel when they didn't realise he was around. A secret family room, hidden in the school Harry Potter. The words stunned Harry, but it made him realise where Artemis would disappear to or why he couldn't find the pureblood 5 on the marauder's map.

A glint of betrayal flashed through her eyes, before she asked, "He what?"

His gaze softened as he huffed out his response, "Look Artemis I get visions, it's like you-know-who wants me to know things, to torture and torment me."

"I don't care."

He ignored her and continued with his explanation, "One of those visions was in a room, one that I've seen before or been in and I think you know what I'm talking about."

"I don't," she denied. Her fingers curled into her hands, the nails threatened to cut through the surface, extracting blood.

"During 2nd year when I went into Tom Riddle's dairy I think I saw him in that room," he pressed, however, his words seemed to agitate her more.

"You think I will tell you anything after you almost killed me?"

"Artemis listen to me, your grandfather knew Tom riddle and they were friends-"

"That has nothing to do with me!" she yelled.

"It has everything to do with you!" he yelled back.

"I'm going to make this clear, stay away from my family, stay away from my fiancé and especially me. Anything you get told about my family will be misconstrued and twisted. So Harold do me a favour and stay out of things that doesn't involve you!" she shouted and stormed away, towards the infirmary.

Harry watched her figure disappear around the corner with a clenched jaw and a dry mouth.

He may not have gotten the answers he needed but he was certain he would soon.

***

"Arty, I'm sorry I took so long," Draco apologized after the witch entered the room, "I swear that medi-bitch is a hoarder," he presented her with her silk scarf, "I searched all over the place."

"I can't wait to leave this school," she panted out and blinked quickly, confusing him.

"Wait- what?" He blinked back his shock, then noticed her trembling hands, "Who upset you?"

Gulping, she shook her head at his question, "Can you take me to the trophy room?" She asked quietly before he grabbed her shaking hands.

"Tell me who upset you and I'll deal with it." Draco's gentle grip contrasted his harsh tone.

"Potter."

Artemis' took a step back as soon as he inhaled deeply and laughed. What the fuck? Draco even wiped away a tear before and then started walking past her and towards the door.

"He's dead."

She immediately pulled back, "After the trophy room please."

"Then after..." he wasn't asking, he was calmly informing.

"You can find him and bring the boys."

"Deal."

***

THE TROPHY ROOM:

The heels of her shoes hit against the rough floor of the praised room that was rarely visited but always talked about.

Draco was impatiently waiting outside, tapping his feet against the creaking floor, clenching and unclenching his fists, needing to occupy his hands instead of allowing them to smash against a wall or into Harry's glasses.

Harsh sun rays ran over Artemis' face as she walked up to the centred metallic statue of amour.

Her eyes danced over the amber-coloured accessories wrapped around the tall armed sculpture.

"Hi Ced," her voice grew quieter with each step she took. Letting out another breath she continued, "I'm sorry I haven't come to see you in a while."

I haven't had the time, she wanted to say, but couldn't bring herself to.

"If you were alive, I know you would still be bumping into me," she joked, despite herself, "either accidentally or to piss me off."

The metal caught the sun's attention and shone brighter with each word she uttered.

"I just wanted to tell you," she paused and looked down at her shoes, "I almost died."

Blinking aggressively, she turned her gaze to the ceiling.

"I was bleeding out on the boy's lavatory floor," she choked out a laugh, "disgusting right?" she wiped away a stray tear, "and the culprit has been and will be thoroughly fucked up," she anxiously rushed out, quickly glancing to the door, where her fiancé was standing and pretending not to listen to what she was saying.

Artemis exhaled sharply and confessed, "When I thought I was about to die, you know what I was thinking? That if I died, the people that I love would be in so much pain. But in the same thought, I would be able to see my dad, my brother and even you."

Staring tearily ahead at the statue she couldn't help but feel immensely guilty for letting in those thoughts. She practically scolded Draco for thinking so and almost acting on it. It may have been selfish, but why couldn't she be selfish for once?

Approaching steps made her flinch until the scent of green apples wrapped itself around her.

Rolling her shoulders back, she built up the courage to finish, "It sounds blissful, but I have too much to live for," she sadly smiled at silver and yellow abstracting her line of sight, "and I'm sorry you aren't here anymore. I'm sorry you can't live to see what future will be unstowed upon this school and the wizarding world. I just hope that you know I'm fighting for what's best."

June 30th would change everything for everyone.

A cold hand slipped in hers as a husky voice spoke, "You are fighting for what's best my darling."

Nodding slowly, Artemis murmured, "I hope so."

***

a/n:

kinda ended on a sad note.

next chapter is the last one of the act.

any thoughts or feelings?

idk why I just feel numb because of this chapter. again, Snape x arty moments are my fave.

what do you think of everyone referring to klaus as arty's dad and marcel as her brother? too soon?

i just know that septrim, sapphire and celeste instantly thought about ezekiel when they heard what happened to artemis.

i will try and meet your expectations for the last chapter, the potion that arty will create, what she will say to dumby and more.

p.s. i'm itching to write a nova x tom book but no promises.

game of thrones fans... a story will be coming.