WARNINGS: ANGST, MENTIONS OF DEATH AND MORE MATURE CONTENT

Sunday, July 28th

7 Potters in the sky.

Artemis had never heard anything more ridiculous. Utter bollocks is what she said to her godmother Narcissa when she was informed that the death eaters' efforts to cast the young wizard down from the sky proved to be a failure.

Honestly, she was quite happy that he continued to beat their efforts and it's not like she could express that happiness, not even to her fiancé.

She could trust Draco with her life, though, whenever she mentioned the wizard, his jealousy shot through the roof. Not like she could blame him. Harry almost took her away from him, a mistake... now she could admit but that didn't lessen the embers burning within Draco.

Hearing that Mad-Eye Moody was collateral in the mission lead her to feel slightly melancholic. The last time she had seen him was when Bartemuis Crouch jr was inhabiting his body during 4th year, and she wasn't a fan of his overall because of the agitating things he kept saying about her father.

One wizard down... how many more to go?

Artemis knew the side she wanted to be on now. Picking the right side had never been in her best interest as she usually could stay on the sidelines or pull the strings from a distance.

To the rest of the Wizarding World, she had allegedly been kidnapped by death eaters. No doubt that is what her mother told the Daily Prophet to keep any speculation off of her.

Whether or not it sounded believable wasn't what kept Artemis awake at night but many things did. One was that the Darkest wizard to ever live strolled and plotted through the cold halls of Malfoy Manor which prevented her from entering dreamland.

She missed peace, despite never really knowing it.

She missed her friends, her family and other loved ones.

So picking the right side might've been harder than expected but she accepted what was the right path, not just for her, but for the rest of the Wizarding world.

She already knew what she was capable of and knew it was time to accept the darkest parts of herself, instead of running, no, sprinting from it. Dropping the act and living up to her best ability. No matter what it costs.

Making sure that Voldemort's plans wouldn't succeed was a death mission and ensuring that Harry Potter survived was impossible, the kid attracted death at every turn.

Despite his mediocre brain, he was brave.

He was the hope of the Wizarding World, so if he dies, so does everything else.

So perhaps it was time she played against her family name.

She was going to end the war.

***

Thursday, August 1st:

MALFOY MANOR

Artemis had already started her plans.

Although, she felt like she was slipping further down the rabbit hole with no way to claw herself out. Many deaths would commence in this war and she was sure of that, she just knew millions had to be saved.

Walking through the gloomy Malfoy manor she ended up outside in the garden.

Not so far out she couldn't see a thing but not too far from the ceiling-length doors.

All the notorious criminals were away causing havoc, but that didn't stop them from leaving a stench.

Their presence lingered like a bad smell.

Malfoy Manor was never bright and lively, though, the times she visited when she was younger, the home felt warmer as if the sun just about managed to encapsulate the building.

But all that glitter and gold faded away, returning its cold nature into place.

It wasn't a home anymore it was merely a house.

"What are you doing out here? It's almost dinner time, Mother is looking for you and you know what she's like when she gets worried," the tired voice of her fiancé tugged her heels and caused her to turn around.

"I'm barely off the grounds, she doesn't have to worry," she paused upon seeing the scowl on his face, "and my wand is only a grab away," she motioned to her sock where her protection resided.

Draco's smokey eyes suddenly matched the evening sky.

Yes, it was summer, however, everything was far darker than usual. It was as if the weather felt the truth that was approaching. Their impending future and was it bright any more?

"You're alone and I've told you why you shouldn't be. Honestly, your stubbornness is going to drive me into an early grave," he gritted out, huffing as he came closer.

"Better you than me."

He halted his steps after hearing her mumble.

"What did you say?" he asked.

"Better you than me," she said slightly louder this time.

Casting her a glare, he hissed, "Stop that."

Artemis cocked her head to the side, "Stop what?"

"You know what," he spoke lowly, "you're putting yourself down again. I hate it, you know I do and it's not going to make anything better."

Sighing, Artemis reached out, slightly regretting her previous words, "Amore..."

He shook his head and rejected her advances, despite yearning for her touch, "No, it's infuriating to hear you say things like that. It will drive me off the bend."

He knew she thought about death more than anything nowadays and it pained him to see her in such a state.

"If Blaise were here he would jinx you," he said after a moment of silence, stepping closer and landing in front of her.

The mention of her cousin made her frown, "And I would just hex him back."

"Daphne would slap me for letting you get like this and Theo-"

Having enough, she harshly cut him off, "Well they're not here Draco. Not with us, they'll be trapped in Hogwarts without us. Merlin knows what's going to happen in there. Snape may be the headmaster but that doesn't mean he will be able to protect them."

His shoulders slumped and his cutthroat gaze weakened, "I know."

"Mentioning them every day hurts me just like it hurts you," she whispered, hating that she couldn't see the people closest to her.

"We'll see them again. I know we will, I can write to them," he gingerly reached for her hand, hoping that his words could offer some reassurance.

Stuck seeing the same dull walls each day, nearly drove him to insanity. But the hope that he would see his friends and family again brought him some comfort. Even the thought of the Mikaelsons allowed him to feel at ease, whenever he wasn't stressed or looking over his shoulder.

Artemis shot back, "And say what? 'We're locked up and our every thought is monitored. Our wands could get snapped at any moment and our lives might end, what Professor did you get for charms'?"

Draco's frown quickly morphed into a scowl once again, "You don't need to snap at me, I'm trying to be helpful."

"You can help by listening to me."

"I've been listening. I'm always listening to you and I'm tired of hearing you go on about how you have accepted your fate. You won't die any time soon Artemis, I won't let it happen."

"Well, you have to. That's what fate means," her volume rose, startling them both, driving them to snap their heads around, worried that they were being overheard.

Luckily he knew his mother was the only other person occupying the house.

He snapped his head back to face her and hissed quietly, "I don't give a flying fuck what it means. An old loon told you a tale, a stupid prophecy back in 3rd year and now you're taking it to heart? You're smarter than that."

"I would be an idiot if I didn't listen," she started to recite, "'Be careful of the people you cross, children of Icarus and also be careful of the rooms you enter as you leave many envious people in your wake' it's kind of hard not to ignore that."

"No, you would be wise and healthy if you ignored it," he snapped back, making her sigh.

She pinched the bridge of her nose, sharply exhaling through her mouth and then softly inhaling once more. Just when she was about to speak, Draco continued.

"Your father said that 'prophecies only come true if you believe them to be true'. You said that 'idyllic words can make non-believers believe'. You said it!"

"I know what I said," she mumbled, looking down at the floor, wanting to avoid his hurt gaze.

She could've sworn she saw the tears glistening in his eyes, they must've matched hers.

"Then listen to yourself," he pleaded, reaching out and placing his hands on her shoulders.

"I can't," she breathed out.

"Why can't you?!" he snapped again, dropping his hold on her and letting his hands run over his unkempt hair.

Ignoring his plea, she stated calmly, "If one of us were to die it would be me."

He slammed his hands against his ears, hoping it would soothe the aching feeling in his chest, "Stop."

She continued, "We live in between life and death Draco...us Seramores. And I am skating on the edge of this mortal coil amore."

Finding that his efforts to ignore her weren't working he just pleaded again, "Shut up."

"From what I've seen we're disposable, my dad, my unborn baby brother...me," her list reached a tragic end.

"Why are you saying this Arty stop," and that's when his voice cracked and his tears fell.

The aching feeling gnawed at his chest and clawed at his heart. He just wished she stopped speaking.

"if anything happens just know I will always protect you," she tearily promised, placing her palm on his wet cheek.

Abruptly pulling away from her, he shook his head, "I can't listen to this anymore."

"I'll always protect you," she repeated, knowing how much it hurt him, nevertheless, she placed his safely above her own.

Imagining death so much it felt like a bloody memory and with her plans, she wanted to eliminate anything that could prevent her from succeeding. The prophecy had weighed on her mind and the fact it wasn't just hers worried her. Blaise shared the same fate as her and she couldn't fucking get to him, well not physically.

She just needed things to be how they once were. It might've been just unicorns and rainbows, dragon bites and house cups sure, but now everything was uncertain apart from death.

Cold hands touching her face pulled her out of her sombre thoughts.

Draco tried speaking as sternly as possible, "You're not leaving me. Your mum, Blaise, Daph, Theo. Merlin, even bloody Iziah and the rest of the loons. You're not leaving me."

Call Draco melodramatic but he believed that what tied him to Artemis was far greeted than a spell or some unbreakable vow. All he knew was he never believe in soulmates until he kissed her for the first time. His heart never beat fast whenever she wasn't near and his mind, oh his shrewd mind never stopped thinking of her.

They were bonded for life and he wouldn't let her escape that, not unless he escaped with her.

"I can't promise that," she whispered, not wanting to lie to him.

"Promise me," he begged, nearly sobbing.

"But..."

He hiccuped, "Promise me or-"

"Or what?"

"You'll break my heart."

His confession almost wrecked her and even if that didn't his heartbroken expression rendered her ashamed that she caused him to feel such a way. Perhaps she could've said it better or kept it to herself, but he would know. He knew her just like she knew him.

He couldn't be Peter Pan without a Wendy. And if she wasn't his Wendy, how would he cope? How could he?

Artemis shakily nodded her head and whispered, "I promise."

He lifted his pinky and she did the same, pressing a kiss to their hands and their lips. The kiss was rather desperate and needy, but it was what they needed.

"Children! The food is getting cold!" Narcissa's distant voice broke them apart.

He grabbed ahold of her hand and forced a smile, before saying, "Let's go, you just need some food in you, that'll make you feel better."

They both knew it wouldn't, "okay, let's eat."

***

Saturday, August 3rd.

"If we die for them Harry, I'm gonna kill you!" Ron screamed, clutching his broom as he and his two best friends raced from the blazing inferno that was the room of requirement.

"We have to save them!" Harry yelled looking down at three Slytherins, that desperately clutched onto a tower of archaic objects that shook with their weight.

Tears streamed down the emerald trio's cheeks as the flames drew closer. They barely even noticed the Gryfindors swarm around them as they muttered their fears.

"Artemis!" Harry's voice just caught their attention.

"Potter!" Blaise screamed, watching as he came closer.

Artemis' grip tightened because she was struggling to hold on.

"Save them!" she screamed and pushed her Draco onto Harry's broom, luckily he was pulled on.

She ignored his yells as she turned to her cousin and then glanced back at Ron who nodded at her.

The tower was about to tumble from the pressure and a decision had to be made.

The heat crept up on the cousins and kissed their skin, spreading its burning arms and awaiting with venomous welcome.

"Arty don't you dare!"

Artemis ignored Blaise's pleading, looking at the golden trio, as she screamed, "Save them!"

"Arty!" Blaise and Draco bellowed.

Blaise was tugged off the tower by Ron, staring in shock and agony as his cousin's grip loosened and was dragged into the impending flames drawing a gut-wrenching scream from her lips.

The feeling of his heart jumping from its cage pulled the Malfoy wizard out of his daunting slumber.

His breathing was quick, similar to his rapid blinking. Sweaty waves clung to his body and left body-size stains on his sheets.

Images and thoughts ricocheted around his mind.

What did I see? The damn prophecy coming to light. No that can't be, he shook his head, running his fingers through his damp hair. prophecies don't exist, right?

He wouldn't let her be a martyr in this war and certainly not give up her life for him or anyone.

The war was certain as were the impending deaths.

Draco turned to Artemis' sleeping figure that stirred and groaned as she woke up.

An exacerbated smile crept onto his lips, at the sight of her, "It wasn't real."

Not hearing his mumbling, Artemis asked without opening her eyes, "What's wrong Amore, Did you have a nightmare?"

"Yes, but it was nothing to worry about. Go back to bed." He pressed a kiss to her forehead before she could respond.

And it wasn't long until she allowed sleep to pull her back in.

Draco watched her sleeping figure. She's my everything. How could someone be so perfect for me?

He would never stop asking himself that and fortunately never will.

He would be damned if he let down prophecy come to true, certainly not before they became husband and wife.

And that's when he got an idea...

***

Sunday, August 4th.

The next day.

Artemis didn't mention the prophecy again, much to Draco's contentment. Although in the back of her mind, thoughts ran wild with the idea of dying young.

Not that she always thought she would. She thought she would get married, have beautiful children, continue to succeed and gain more accomplishments before death met her.

She searched around his room, for a book that she hadn't read before, or even one she wanted to read again. So she opted for something familiar, something that would put her mind at ease, even if was for just a moment.

Peter Pan by JM Barrie. The muggle book itself was so meticulously placed at the back of Draco's bookshelf out of fear his father would find it carelessly lying around again. Also, neither wanted to risk anything with death eaters just strolling around the place.

Even though most of them were plotting another attack, Artemis, nor Draco wanted to take their chances.

She was aware that most of the muggle books that Septrim gifted the pureblood 5 were placed in Mente Striae, for the pureblood's reputation. Books such as Grimmes brothers' books, The Wizard of Oz, Charlie and the chocolate factory; the last one being their all-time favourite.

Clearing her throat she moved to select her preferred choice, not wanting to dwell on the people she loved and couldn't see.

But just as she tugged on the binding, dozens of parchment cascaded to the floor when she pulled out the muggle book.

"Merda," she cursed and tried to gather them together, aware that Draco hated mess, just like she did.

Various titles stained the top of each page, some more eye-catching than others.

Initially, she didn't think anything of it, well that was until she saw her name peppered through with hearts decorating the 'I' in Artemis.

My treasure, she smiled at the title of one of them. My Wendy. Her eyes gradually became wider as she shifted through them.

Where these poems he had wrote about me? A soft gasp escaped her lips and her gaze sparkled with glee with each line she read of the small poems.

The dates were made out to her years ago, and though some of the parchments looked slightly darker than the rest because of time, the ink remained the same: poised and still.

My Artemis, My heart, My soul.

It felt like there was a poem for each month for the last decade.

She couldn't help but smile at the acoustic poems or quietly laugh at the haiku poems that clearly were not his favourite style of writing.

Her heart swelled at the words on the page and her love for her fiance grew, despite not knowing that it was possible.

Senselessly sitting down she kept reading.

"Brilliant," she remarked, with tears brimming in her eyes.

Although she knew he was talented with a pen, she never knew how much. To this day she thought he randomly wrote her a poem during 2nd year and never bothered to try again, however now she had more to think about, to get lost in.

"Wow."

"So I see you've found them then."

Draco's voice snapped her out of her uplifting moment, causing her to drop a few poems on her lap and apprehensively look up at him, but soon getting shocked when his expression contained no anger.

"I'm sorry for snooping," she joked and wiped away a tear that fell.

He quickly joined her on the floor after shutting the door and spelling it shut.

"Don't be you've found my earliest works," he jested, eyes darting back and forth between the poems and her glistening eyes.

"They were all made out to me."

"There's a few there for Mother, no doubt she already found them."

"I never knew how much you admired me at such a young age," she bashfully said, biting down on her bottom lip, suddenly feeling far too self-aware.

"Well, my love for you didn't just appear out of thin air," he retorted, trailing his finger off her lips, tugging the bottom one down and shooting her a smile. "I'd imagine everyone else knew about how I felt for you."

"They're beautiful," her gaze dropped back to the poems, still in awe of the things had written about her.

Despite the gifts she had given for birthdays, Christmas and countless anniversaries, they didn't match up to the beautiful confessions she stumbled open.

"Well it helps to have such a beautiful muse I suppose," he said teasingly, earning a playful eye roll from his witch.

"Smooth."

He hummed, "The parchments speak for themselves."

She nudged his side, "As humble as ever."

"Just like my future wife".

"Hey."

He raised his ups in surrender before nodding to the poems, "We should put them away, I don't need anyone else to get to these."

"I wouldn't have if you found a better hiding place."

"Well, I thought it did but I'd forgotten that my fiance likes to snoop through my belongings."

"Do not," she feigned offence.

"Yeah, well, put them away," he sighed upon seeing her frown, "I'll promise to give them to you whenever you're feeling out of sorts."

She felt that she was going to cry, instead, she nodded she helped him collect the poems, their fingers glided across the other as they retrieved the rest from the floor furlong the embers that drew their souls together.

Love poured from their chests as they smiled at each other.

Artemis knew she was lucky to have him in her life. He may not have been the nicest or the most caring, but for her, he would do just about anything.

After a while, the couple settled onto his bed, the day was yet to end, though, neither wanted to leave his room. Sitting up against the headboard, her fingers coursed through pages of Peter pan, whilst he lay, facing her with his head tucked between his pillows.

Usually, she would read allowed and she would bask in the tales as well as the voice that would calm him with just one word, but this time he just stared up at her, deep in thought.

"What?" She asked, pulling him out of his daze.

"Nothing."

"Communicate," she instead putting down the book, giving him her full attention.

He scoffed, "Tell me the plan you've been forming and I'll tell you what's on my mind."

She tensed, "How did you-"

"I know you. Especially the faces you make or try to conceal when you're up to something. And the faces you make when you're about to..."

She cut him off, "Shut it and fine I'll tell you the plan... after you tell me what's on your mind."

"Fine," he knew he wasn't going to win that argument, instead he fulfilled her wishes, "Was there ever a time when you didn't want to be with me?"

She didn't tense or flinch at the random and honest question she just went silent, fueling his nervousness.

Suddenly her eyes flooded with memories of the past, upon hearing his question, "You want an honest answer."

Nodding stiffly, he asked, "Yes."

He had to be comfortable with the truth no matter how much it pained him. He wouldn't allow their marriage to start with lies. So he listened, trailing his fingers dragon tattoo on her thigh that her skirt didn't conceal. Preferring to keep his gaze away from hers, because he didn't feel brave enough to glance upon her when she was spitting her answer. He almost wanted to protect himself from the hurt he knew he would feel. It would weaken the blow, he thought, before reminding himself, I put her through alot of bother.

"During 3rd year," Artemis started.

Draco sucked in a deep breath knowing exactly where this was going.

After receiving a nod to continue she said, "You hurt me a lot. Between blaming me for things I had no control over, not defending my father and kissing an enemy of mine at the time, you fucked it."

He cocked up a lot.

"I know," he would be an idiot if he didn't agree.

"Even when you thought that trying to kiss me as a way to reconcile had me doubting our entire friendship. At that point, we were more than friends, we were learning more things about each other, being more intimate with one another, well before everything went down the drain."

An uncomfortable silence engulfed them and Draco had yet to look up at her, instead, he waited for her to speak, aware that although the time he spent away from his closest friends in 3rd year wasn't punishment enough, in truth they didn't reprimand him as much as he thought, despite deserving it.

'The worst year of their life' is what they used to call it. Oh, how they were wrong.

"Even sometimes I think about how easily I forgave you," Artemis' voice pulled them out of their silence.

Swallowing the knot forming in his throat, he asked, "Do you regret it?"

"Sometimes," she answered with sincerity, keeping an eye on him, due to the slight tremble she felt coming from his hands.

"O-oh," his voice was clogged with emotion.

"You made me feel like an idiot and embarrassed me for most of the year, how could I not regret forgiving you so quickly," she didn't intend to sound so harsh, but it was what had clearly been repressing for so long.

"Does that mean you don't want to get married anymore?" he suddenly asked, finally meeting her gaze.

"Of course not," she answered in one breath, putting his mind at ease.

He set his hand on his chest, trying to steady his hammering rate.

She continued, "I just think that at the time I felt like everything was crumbling and I didn't want to lose you."

"I felt I lost you, all of you and I know that was my fault."

"It was," she agreed.

"I'm sorry," he apologised, sitting up, not looking away as she confessed the feelings she kept to herself.

"I know."

"I don't think I made it up to you as I promised, but I am trying. What I said and did then was unforgivable, even with what happened a few months ago-"

"That's different," she interrupted, but he shook his head.

"The circumstances might've been but I still pulled away and treated the lot of you like shit, mainly you, despite vowing to never do or be that way again."

The dark years for the group almost mirrored each other, almost.

Her gaze lowered onto her legs, "I was scared of calling you out on it because..."

"You thought I was gonna off myself?" he solemnly finished her sentence.

"...yeah," she mumbled with a sniffle.

They were pulled into another silence, but this time it wasn't uncomfortable because he gently grabbed her hands and interlocked them with his.

"I don't deserve you half the time, no matter how many times you reassure me, I know I don't but that doesn't mean I'll stop loving you. I'll keep trying to do better. Just promise me that you'll set me straight when I'm being a prick. At the moment it might be catastrophic, but it won't last."

Draco knew how much she craved stability and normalcy, even though, she loved her magic and all things that came with it, sometimes sitting in silence reading or simply learning was all that she needed and he wanted to do that beside her. No more getting house points or playing and winning the quidditch cup or the house cup; they were #living in exile until the war commenced, so peace was scarce, but he would also make sure she got her daily consumption.

Now and even when they were married.

Artemis nodded nervously, "Okay."

"Okay?" with a teasing brow he asked.

"Okay," she repeated with a soft laugh, which he gave a smile in return.

Leaning in, he gave her a chaste kiss.

"Good," he paused, "Now that question is answered, tell me your plan."

"You sure?"

"To live out our dream Artemis, the dream, I'm sure this plan will help."

"It might," the uncertainty in her voice made him visible wince, nevertheless he trust her.

"I will marry you, whether it's tomorrow," he spoke with a slight edge to his voice, that she caught. Seeing that she was about to question him, he kept speaking, "Look, I won't let anything happen to you, so tell me the plan."

"Alright."

Draco didn't care if their future was uncertain, it was a future they dreamt about. And he was going to ensure they would have it, no matter what.

***

a/n:

I felt like I had to mention that artemis did forgive draco way too easily. originally I planned more chapters of him earning back her trust but most of those chapters dragged out more useless events by then I was already doing other books and wanted to get on with it, so apologise for soft the poor writing.

I hate writing characters that forgive way too easily just because the plot demands it or there isn't enough time to write them apart. when it comes to rewrites I wanna add more animosity between artemis and draco because although she missed him and couldn't stand to be apart from him, so do feel like it was out of character for her to forgive him like it was nothing. at the end of the day, he betrayed her and she shouldn't let that slide.

I love writing longevity and confutation and despite the mentions of what he did during act 4/5 I don't think it was enough.

also, the poems were mainly a reference to the prologue, not that I expect many people to remember. I just needed the couple to have a little happiness before I take it away from them.

now, back to the chapter I did mention the prophecy a lot and briefly touched on what it meant and Artemis' attitude towards death and how she's accepting of it. it will play a huge part in the act don't worry luckily for you guys. even Draco's nightmare and how it will have him acting more protective especially because he doesn't want to believe it to be true, nor does he want to mention it because he doesn't wanna add to her little 'death vibe'.

next chapter will take place at Hogwarts with the rest of the pureblood five.