Sunday, September 1st 1995:

EDGE OF THE FORBIDDEN FOREST:

The new school year had just started and everything seemed off.

The Hogwarts express journey, the prefect meeting and even the sweets on the carts.

Artemis felt like she wasn't fully present in anything she was doing. She contributed to conversations that took place during the drowsy meeting, although Draco had to keep nudging her to check to see if she was okay.

She was also annoyed she was surrounded by people she disliked. She couldn't believe that Ron was a prefect as well as Pansy. At least with Pansy, she could slightly understand, but the fact that he was picked and not Nevile was truly shocking. Artemis and Hermoine were staring each other down, the former founding pleasure in the distaste on the Granger witch's face when she had discovered that she was also a prefect.

But the Gryffindor witch wasn't the only person who stared at her. Pansy had kept trying to get her attention, whether it was through a smile or a wave. Artemis ignored all her advances because she found them extremely disturbing and annoying.

After they had all exited the train, the pureblood 5 had started walking through the forest and towards the carriages.

They were all matching: the boys wearing their renowned black suits, meanwhile, the girls adorned longsleeved dresses that stopped before their knees and clung to their figures. The ankle boots they wore, boosted their height by a few inches, allowing them to come close to the boys' shoulders.

Draco scoffed when he noticed that the golden trio were close to him, his eyes narrowed onto the back of Harry's head as they all grew closer.

"I'm surprised the Ministry's still letting you walk around free, Potter," he spoke maliciously

"Can't this wait until the morning?" Theo muttered and then nudged Artemis who seemed to be in a daze. The Nott wizard had noticed that she had been zoning in and out of their conversations and he had grown worried, "are you alright?"

"Yeah," she nodded absentmindedly, shooting him a forced smile, before catching up with her boyfriend.

Theo watched her walk away and made a mental note to keep checking in on her.

Draco stalked closer to Harry, causing Hermoine to back away and clutch onto her briefcase, "You better enjoy it while you can, I expect there's a cell in Azkaban with your name on it."

Having enough of his taunting, Harry quickly lunged at him, but Artemis pulled Draco away, whilst Ron mirrored her actions and held back his best friend.

Draco eyed the Potter boy in disdain, "What did I tell you, complete nutter!"

"Just stay away from me!" Harry shouted, seeming stressed and irritated.

Artemis dragged her boyfriend away, staring up at him tiredly. She heard Blaise, Theo and Daphne laugh behind them.

"Was that really necessary" The Seramore witch questioned, feeling exhaustion take over her body.

Draco stared down at her, "Haven't you seen what he's saying in the Daily Prophet?" he asked in a hushed tone, knowing full well that she had, "Dementors in a muggle town, complete rubbish, he's making it up, all for attention," he paused, "he shouldn't even be here, I don't why he isn't expelled."

"There is nothing that we can do about that," she mumbled.

And that was when he caught her tired tone. His eyes widened with worry, "are you okay?"

She nodded, not even looking at him.

He instantly snaked his arm around her shoulder and brought her closer, feeling her laboriously breathing against his chest as they continued to walk toward the carriages.

He had known that she was still taking Cedric's death extremely hard as well as the rest of his friends. So he promised himself that he would be there for them because that was the best he could do.

As they made it over to the carriages, the one before them departed, leaving the group to wait for another empty one.

Artemis was startled when she noticed a horselike figure, standing close,  pulling the carriages. She had usually seen them each year, but their appearance had stood out to her more for some reason.

The creature had shadow grey-coloured skin, wings and ghostly white eyes. it appeared to stare directly at her, breathing rather heavily and gently moving its head from side to side.

It was a Thestral.

"They actually exist," she whispered to herself, but the group heard her clearly.

Daphne cocked her head to the side, coming to stand next to her, "What?"

"Thestrals."

Her answer made them all exchange questioning looks with one another.

Theo yawned, "Is that Italian because that certainly isn't English," he was met with a flick to the forehead from the cousins, making him groan and flip them off.

Artemis rolled her eyes, "Shut up T and no,"  she then gestured in front of them, "can't you see the creature pulling the carriage?"

They immediately shook their heads, sending her worried glances, that she ignored.

"Nothing's pulling the carriage Temi" Theo murmured, rubbing his head, still soothing over their mild attack.

"Are you alright cousin? it's pulling itself just like it has been...for the past three years," Blaise shuffled closer to her, whilst simultaneously grabbing Daphne's hand.

"They haven't."

"They have." they all responded.

She pinched the bridge of her nose and shrugged off Draco's arm, "I'm not mad okay." she stressed turning to them as she clenched her shaking hands.

"Darling." Draco grabbed them, attempting to calm her mood but she only grew more irritated.

She turned away from their concerned expressions.

Suddenly a voice spoke up from a nearby carriage, starling them all, "You're not going mad Artemis, I can see them too" it was Luna. She sat with her unique pink glasses covering her blue eyes as her hair was pinned back in a braid. Artemis's let out a sigh of relief and turned to her, "You're just as sane as I am" she grinned and turned her magazine the right way up.

"Hi, Luna." The Seramore witch tiredly waved at her,  "So you can see them?"

"Of course!"

"Then why can't they?" Artemis motioned to the other purebloods, who apprehensively stared at the Ravenclaw witch.

"Because they haven't seen death," Luna stated looking directly into her eyes.

Artemis felt her heart plummet at her words, "What?"

Blaise was the first to hear her voice breaking, so he strolled closer to his cousin. He already knew that she was uncomfortable with returning to Hogwarts, let alone being in the presence of something he couldn't see.

"Not like you and I" Luna added, sending her a reassuring smile, but Artemis couldn't return it.

Blaise tugged on his cousin's arm. "Okay, we'll get in another carriage," he said loud enough for everyone to hear.

"Okay, bye Artemis."

Artemis stiffly waved the younger witch goodbye, "Bye Luna." as she turned away, she caught the jealous expression from Daphne, finding it slightly amusing that the blonde was annoyed by their interaction. "What did you do that for?" she nudged Blaise, who sent a nod to Draco who seemed to be pleased that they were no longer in Luna's presence.

"She scares me." The Zabini wizard muttered as they walked toward an empty carriage.

"She's younger than you."

"So are you and you scare me." he countered and the boys hummed in agreement.

She playfully rolled her eyes, "Aww thanks."

The boys helped the girls onto the carriage, then lifted the rest of their hand luggage and placed it next to them.

Daphne immediately interlocked her pinky with her best friend, wearing a content look, that Artemis wanted to laugh at but chose not to.

"But what does she mean that you've seen death?" the blonde witch thought aloud, still pondering Luna's words.

"Thestrals are creatures that are only seen by people who have witnessed death," Artemis explained, staring out, looking over at the creature.

But I haven't seen death. She thought. I would know.

She knew that Cedric's didn't count as he had already passed before he was transported back to the quidditch pitch.

Draco's face scrunched up in confusion as he and the boys sat opposite them, "But you haven't."

"I know."

"Don't worry," Daphne sent her a smile,  "we'll figure it out." she said optimistically and Artemis found solace in her words, "but who was that girl?" she asked, referring to Luna.

Draco snorted at the jealously flashing through Daphne's eyes, "Luna Lovegood. Rumour has it, she's more looney than Trelawney." he joked, making the boys laugh.

Artemis sent her boyfriend a pointed look, "She's not a nutter, she's sweet" she scoffed, then suddenly the thestral started walking, pulling the carriage toward the castle, causing the teens to gently rock side to side.

Blaise shared a look with the boys, "Weird." he mumbled and they snickered again.

"Well this is a great start to the year, Temi is going mad," Theo announced.

Artemis glared, "Shut up Theo."

***

THE GREAT HALL:

After everyone changed into their robes and uniforms, they headed to the great hall, ready for Dumbledore's annual announcements.

Artemis couldn't help but look over to the Hufflepuff table during the sorting hat ceremony. Their amber-coloured uniform kept reminding her of her fallen friend. It wasn't long until the rest of her group followed her gaze and met with the Jones brothers and Alana. They all, par Draco exchanged sad smiles before turning to look back at the headmaster.

Artemis didn't even feel like eating once they were presented with food, although Daphne made sure that she ate at least a few things, worried that she would repeat Theo's behaviour from 3rd year. It would also be harder to keep an eye on her because Daphne wasn't sharing a room with Artemis anymore and even though it was initially sad, they were glad that they had their own spaces.

Draco held Artemis's hand under the table, squeezing it every few minutes to remind her that he was near.

As the feast approached an end, Dumbledore started up his announcements again, "Prefects are chosen either by their intelligence or personality, sometimes even both," he started, "We have chosen two fifth-year pupils from each house to be our new Prefects. You were all notified during the summer I presume?" he didn't wait for an answer and he started calling out the students names, "Gryffindor prefects, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley."

A few Slytherins began to boo immediately after the pair walked over to the front, standing next to the headmaster.

"Hufflepuff prefects, Hannah Abbott and Ernie Macmillan. Ravenclaw prefects, Anthony Goldstein and Padma Patil," Dumbledore waited for the students to come closer.

"Slytherin prefects, Draco Malfoy and Artemis Seramore," most students cheered or whooped at the sound of the latter name being called out, "however due to her outstanding work from last year, Professor snape believed that Pansy Parkinson should also be awarded this year. "

Although Slytherin house received some disapproving looks, they couldn't say anything, because they all knew that Gryffindor was always given special privileges.

As Artemis walked up to the headmaster along with her boyfriend and her housemate, she stared at Professor Snape, who seemed to be holding back a smirk.

"Everyone please give a round of applause for your new Prefects!" Dumbledore grinned, and the Great Hall erupted with cheers for them, some more than others, "You may go back to your seats" he ushered them away, "Now, we have two changes in staffing this year. We're pleased to welcome back Professor Grubbly-Plank who will be taking care of Magical Creatures while Professor Hagrid is on temporary leave."

Before Artemis could sit down, Draco not so subtly pulled her onto his lap, wrapping his arms around her and murmuring sweet nothings, making her smile.

Daphne grinned then looked away.

"We also wish to welcome our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Dolores Umbridge," he paused, allowing his students to turn and stare at her.

The new professor seemed to be a short squat woman resembling a large pale toad. She had a broad, flabby face, a wide, slack mouth, and a little neck. Her eyes were bulging and pouchy. Her outfit burned its way through everyone's eyes. She was engulfed by variant shades of pink.

Artemis believed it looked rather ghastly, the woman contrasted Professor Snape and McGonagall who was dressed in all black. She also noticed the hint of irritation on her favourite teacher's face, due to not getting his desired position for another consecutive year.

Theo had to turn away from the woman, swallowing the bile that inched its way up his throat, "Already hate her." he muttered toward Blaise and Daphne.

"Agreed." the couple agreed.

"And I'm sure you'll all join me in wishing professor good luck. As usual, our caretaker, Mr Filch has asked me to- " Dumbledore was interrupted off by passive 'ahem'.

Professor Umbridge slowly got up and placed her bright pink pocketbook on the table.

Blaise rolled his eyes, "Here we go."

"Thank you Headmaster for those kind words of welcome," her voice was high-pitched and breathless, she smiled as she stood in front of Dumbledore's podium, and the headmaster had no choice but to move to the side, "And how lovely to see all your bright, happy faces smiling up at me"

No one was smiling at her. Not a single person.

Artemis raised a brow, "She's clearly blind."

"Or delusional," Draco whispered, rather loudly.

Blaise, Daphne and Theo nodded in agreement, " it's both." they muttered, but Professor Umbridge clearly heard them, she stopped her speech momentarily before continuing.

"The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizards to be of vital importance Although each Headmaster has brought something new to this historic school..." she nodded towards Dumbledore,  "progress for the sake of progress must be discouraged. Let us preserve what must be preserved, perfect what can be perfected and prune practices that ought to be prohibited."

The room remained silent, most students didn't bother taking in her words, finding them to be empty and pointless.

"Thank you, Professor Umbridge, that really was most illuminating" Dumbledore grinned and clasped his hands together, whilst the woman walked back to her seat, "Now may the new Prefects lead the first years to their dormitory."

"Come on Darling," Draco groaned and helped his girlfriend up, "Time to get this over and done with."

"That's the spirit," she laughed at his annoyance.

***

HOGWARTS HALLS:

"Alright listen up" Draco yelled at the nervous 1st-year students outside of the great hall, with Artemis and Pansy on either side of him.

His girlfriend elbowed him after noticing how frightened the 11-year-olds were, "Be nice," she rolled her eyes at his behaviour, "Hello, I'm Artemis Seramore," she sent them all a wide smile.

Most of them seem to stare at her in awe.

"The Slytherin princess." one of them gawked in shock, causing a few of the surrounding 1st years to whisper before Draco sent glares in their direction.

Artemis couldn't hide her amusement, "and this is my boyfriend —" many young wizards seemed to frown at her proclamation as did Pansy.

"Draco Malfoy," Draco said annoyedly.

"And I'm Pansy Parkinson," The raven-haired witch nodded at them.

"Alright, just follow us"  Artemis ushered the apprehensive students toward the common room, with Draco and Pansy in tow, "Please remember your way down here, We're not always going to be around to show you the way."

They neared the common room, walking down the stairs and through the dungeons where the 1st years stared at their surroundings in anticipation.

"Make sure you keep up," Pansy motioned for a few of them to catch up.

Draco stayed silent the whole time.

Arriving in front of the Common room, or in Artemis' eyes, one of the best common rooms in the school house, other than Hufflepuff.

"Please remember the password, it's not that difficult and we don't change it," Artemis exclaimed, standing near the portrait of her ancestor: Adriel Seramore.

They often changed the portraits to the common rooms every couple of centuries and Artemis was proud that someone from her bloodline was the face of the house.

"Pureblood" after she said the password loud enough for the 1st years to hear, The portrait swung open, revealing the emerald common room, that emitted a fresh and comforting smell.

Theo and Astoria sat on one of the leather couches, speaking very quietly so no one could hear. Artemis and Draco exchanged a smirk before they all stepped inside.

Blaise and Daphne were nowhere to be seen, presumably already shacking up in her room.

Artemis nudged her boyfriend after noticing they had been quiet for the majority of the tour.

"Alright!" Draco clapped his hands together and adorned a fake smile, most of the 1st years looked frightened again, "Girls on your right, boys on your left. Boys try not to go into the girl's dorm, stay out of my way and more importantly those who look at my girlfriend for too long will be sent to Azkaban" he promised darkly, he nodded at all of the young wizards who gulped back in fear, "yes it's the law now so try not to get caught." The 1st years immediately ran up to their dorms, "have a nice stay," he yelled at their retreating forms.

"What is wrong with you?" Artemis huffed out a laugh.

"At least try and be patient with them!" Blaise exclaimed as he sauntered back into the room, with a dishevelled uniform and love bites on his neck.

"I have a lot of patience," Draco said and pulled his girlfriend over to the couch where Theo and Astoria were sitting and laughing at his behaviour.

Blaise joined them, "D, you saying that you have a lot of patience is like my mum saying she doesn't kill her husbands... it's bullshit." he whispered the last part, but they all laughed regardless.

Pansy cautiously walked over to the group, after helping a few 1st years that fell over after being scared by Draco.

She cleared her throat and soon all eyes were on her, causing her heart rate to skyrocket, "Artemis can I talk to you?"

"No," she replied instantly.

"Please, it will only take 5 minutes."

Artemis inhaled sharply, "fine."

Draco leaned down, "Don't kill her, or do, I don't care." he whispered before she got up.

"Yeah yeah."

***

SLYTHERIN COMMON ROOM:

"I gave you a haircut," Artemis pursed her lips and leaned against one of the common room walls.

Pansy stared at her in disbelief, "You scalped me."

"Okay..."

"I just wanted to squash whatever this is," Pansy motioned between them, "and be civil."

"Why?" Artemis didn't see the point in this. She didn't care about Parkinson witch, especially after that has happened between them.

Pansy sighed, "Because I'm tired, aren't you?"

Yes, "not really." Artemis shrugged, she desperately wanted this conversation to be over so she could sleep and maybe even pay a visit to Cedric's shrine in the trophy room. It had a charm placed over it so it could never be destroyed.

"We've been at each other's throats for years."

Artemis scoffed, "Mostly because of you." she knew that wasn't completely honest but she didn't care.

"You haven't liked me since before we started Hogwarts." Pansy pointed out, recalling all their interactions at various pureblood events throughout the years and how Artemis often walked away from her.

"Because you annoyed me and harassed my boyfriend."

Pansy tilted her head to the side, "So it's about Draco."

Artemis rolled her eyes, "No," although he did play a factor in their ongoing feud, he wasn't the main reason as to why she didn't like the Parkinson witch.

"Then what?"

Artemis straighten up, before she responded, "It's about all the shit you've said about my dad."

Pansy took a step back, blinking slowly, recalling all of the things she said about the late, great Ezekiel Seramore, "Oh."

"Yeah, I didn't forget about that." Artemis mused sarcastically, looking down, feeling an ache in her heart.

Death really did surround her, it seemed like she couldn't escape it, even if she tried. She couldn't help about think about the prophecy that she and Blaise were destined for.

She wouldn't be too shocked if she and her cousin, flew too close to the sun and got burnt, after all that is the Seramore way... living between life and death.

Unfortunately.

Pansy took a deep breath, "I'm sorry about that." she spoke with sincerity, that Artemis was wary about, "I really am." she sighed, "I was stupid for an idiot that." she cursed herself for her past behaviour.

The Seramore witch ran her tongue over the inside of her cheek, "Not disagreeing with you."

"But in the end, you did beat my arse."

"Yup."Artemis bite down on her lower lip, trying to stop the smile from appearing on her face. The action caught the raven-haired witch's attention, whose gaze dropped and eyed her appearance.

"And truthfully I didn't like Draco." Pansy awkwardly scratched the back of her neck.

"Bullshit."

Pansy shook her head, "I didn't," she swallowed nervously, "I just told myself to because I didn't know how to deal with my feelings..."

Artemis squinted at her,  "For?"

"Girls," Pansy confirmed her suspicions and shifted awkwardly.

"Oh."

"I'm a lesbian."

"You are?" Artemis couldn't even say that she saw that coming, after all, she didn't even realise that she herself was also attracted to girls until 3rd year.

Pansy nodded, "Yeah I came out to my parents before 4th year." surprisingly her mother and father were very supportive, although they wanted her to marry a pureblood witch in the future.

Realisation dawned on Artemis' face, "Wait, is that why —"

"I wanted to speak to you and Draco, to apologise I guess." Pansy had tried many times during their 4th year to approach the couple but they quickly avoided her.

She could understand why but at that point she wanted to squash the drama between them. So then she tried writing to Draco during the summer but her efforts were proven futile since he had not replied to a single one.

Artemis rubbed her eyes then exhaled through her nose,  "I can't believe I'm saying this but you don't need to apologise for what happened during 3rd year," her words stunned the raven-haired witch, "that was mainly Draco's fault."

Her eyes wandered over to the couch where her friends were sitting and watching their conversation before they quickly turned around, realising they had been caught.

Draco didn't bother to turn away, his stormy eyes hadn't left his girlfriend since she had started talking to Pansy. He didn't want her to be stressed or upset by the other witch, so he was prepared to whisk her away at any time.

But he had realised that the interaction had been going swimmingly, which shocked him.

"Oh." Pansy blinked slowly, as Artemis looked back at her.

"Boys are dumb." The Seramore witch muttered.

"They are," Pansy paused before she suggested, "So can we be civil?" she waited patiently for a response.

Artemis clicked her tongue, then nodded, "Okay, we can be civil."

They shook hands and a hint of a smile graced both of their faces.

***

Monday, September 2nd:

DADA CLASSROOM:

Potions class had just finished and Defence against the dark arts had just begun.

Theo was sitting next to Dean Thomas near the back of the classroom. Daphne and Blaise sat ahead of them, meanwhile, Draco and Artemis occupied the seats in front of them.

Crabbe and Goyle weren't too far from their leader either.

Artemis hadn't been looking forward to this class, whether it was due to the professor or because today had been particularly dull, she couldn't put her finger on it. Regardless she wasn't in the mood to entertain anything.

She turned to Draco, only to find him looking to the front of the room, where one of the Patil twins made a paper bird, making it fly around the room.

Suddenly the bird caught fire, landing and withering on one of the twins' desks.

The whole class looked up to find Professor Umbridge standing at the back of the room, with a tight-lipped smile on her lips. Her kitten heels harshly slapped against the ground as she walked down the isles and towards the front.

"Ordinary Wizarding Level Examinations. More commonly known as OWLs!" she started,  "Study hard, and you will be rewarded. Fail to do so, and the consequences may be severe," she let out a grating giggle, before wordlessly, magically dropping the new textbooks on each student's table.

The books were... for children.

"Is she for real?" Artemis whispered, staring at the useless book, "yet another year where we won't learn a thing, "

"It's bullshit" Draco replied quietly, his jaw was clenched and she couldn't help but admire his features yet again. She held back a gasp when she felt his hand squeeze her thigh.

Artemis decided to focus on the title of the book, to block out all indecent thoughts that swarmed through her mind.

'Dark Arts Defense: Basics for Beginners'

What the bloody hell?

"There's nothing in here about using defensive spells," Hermoine said what they were all thinking.

"Using spells?" Umbridge laughed, causing a few students to tense at the sound, "Well, I can't imagine why you would need to use spells in my classroom, " she stated.

"We're not going to use magic?" Ron gawked at the woman, before questioning if he was in the right classroom.

"You will be learning about defensive spells in a secure, risk-free way," she explained further, however it only caused more confusion.

Harry couldn't believe what he was hearing, "Well, what use is that is we're going to be attacked, it won't be risk-free."

"Students will raise their hands when they speak in my class."

The more she spoke, the more she surprised the class and not in a good way.

"It is the view of the Ministry that a theoretical knowledge would be sufficient to get you through your examinations, which, after all, is what school is all about," Umbridge continued with her speech.

"And how's theory supposed to prepare us for what's out there?" Harry rebutted.

"There is nothing out there, dear. Who do you imagine wants to attack children like yourself?"

Harry feigned wonder, "Oh, I dunno. Maybe...Lord Voldemort?"

The whole class went silent, whether they looked towards him or elsewhere, they tried to block out the horrors that were attached to the symbol that is the dark lord.

Artemis couldn't help but smile, shocked that he mustered up the courage to utter the Dark lord's name. However, she did believe him when he said that Voldemort had returned.

The Professor rolled back her shoulders, cleared her throat and began walking down the middle aisle again, "Now let me make this. quite plain. You have been told that a certain dark wizard is at large once again. This... Is...A...Lie."

Artemis, Blaise, Theo and Daphne all felt their stomachs turn, believing that he had returned, even Draco knew that something was wrong and that the ministry had to be covering it up.

Harry snapped, "It's not a lie! I saw him! I fought him!" he raised his voice, feeling nothing but outrage for his fallen friend, "So according to you, Cedric Diggory dropped dead of his own accord?"

"Cedric Diggory's death was a tragic accident," Umbridge tried to convince the rest of the class but many of the students were extremely confused and slightly frightened.

"It was murder, Voldemort killed him! You must know that!"

"Enough!" Umbridge shouted, startling the entire class, "See me later Mr Potter. My office." she giggled and went to move to the front before a voice stopped her.

"Well, he isn't wrong though is he?" Artemis questioned rhetorically, everyone turned to look at her in shock.

Harry couldn't believe she was defending him, as did many others. Draco stared at his girlfriend with pride and continued to squeeze her thigh.

Umbridge was taken back by the younger witch, believing that she would side with the ministry and cater to hysteria. She knew about the Seramores, everyone did, how could she not? To her, the Seramores were almost as big of a symbol as the house of Slytherin itself.

She straightened up her pink blazer and narrowed her eyes at the girl, "Ms Seramore."

Artemis was quick to cut her off, "Cedric was murdered," she stated, causing everyone to shift and halt their movements. Her calm voice was clearing overcompensating for her irritant mood, "it's not hard to believe."

"I won't stand for this in my classroom."

Artemis plastered on a grin, amused by the steam coming out of the woman's ears, "Well, there's an easy solution," she stood up, flattening out her uniform,  "I won't be in your classroom." she exclaimed and went to walk out the door.

To say everyone was amazed was an understatement.

Umbridge felt like she had been hexed, like the young witch's actions had brought her physical pain, "Sit back down Ms Seramore." but Artemis didn't listen, she walked out.

Then Blaise stood up, straightening out his tie, "I won't be either." he announced, motioning his friends to do the same, which they did.

Umbridge stumbled back, "Mr Zabini- Mr potter sit down." more and more students stood up, causing the woman to shake with anger, "Mr Malfoy your father will hear about this." she jabbed her finger in his direction.

Draco scoffed, "Let him." he followed his housemates.

And then suddenly the rest of the class stood up, their chairs scraped against the floor and their accomplished expressions made Umbridge grit her teeth.

Who knew that Gryffindors would side with Slytherins?

"Everyone sit down," she yelled, but no one listened and walked out.

How could she teach if the students were not in their classroom?

They were taking a stance, for their education, their safety and most importantly... for Cedric.

***

UMBRIDGE'S OFFICE:

It would be the first sit-in... in the history of Hogwarts. Write that in the history books.

An entire class walked out of their lesson and didn't return for hours, sitting in the corridors, laughing at the scowl that rested on Umbridge's lips.

When professors walked past they said nothing, but the pride they felt shone through their eyes.

Dumbledore wanted to ignore the ranting from Umbridge but he couldn't, so he had no choice but to make the students at least return to their lesson... but his reluctance was evident. The only downside of this experience was that Harry and Artemis had to take the blame, not that they minded.

They wanted to stand up for something so they did, even if it made them receive detention.

When the pair walked into Umbridges' office, they were immediately blinded by the sight of hot pink. Various moving pictures of kittens and cats sat on shelves across her walls. Their hissing and whimpers grew louder at the presence of the two 15-year-olds, that couldn't seem to be more annoyed.

Umbridge sipped on her cup of tea, before putting it down and plastering on a smile that met her cold eyes.

Harry closed the door behind him and Artemis.

"You're going to be doing some lines for me, Ms Seramore and Mr Potter." she spoke softly, The teens sat down by the small desks that faced her, they went to get their quills, but she stopped them, "no, not with your quills, you're going to be using rather special ones of mine," she announced and stood up.

Artemis watched her warily, then shot a look at Harry, who already seemed apprehensive.

The older witch presented them with two dark-coloured quills, that had hints of pink shining through.

When the teens picked up the quills, she began to speak again, "now I want you two to write, 'I must not tell lies'" she stood behind them, unmoving and calm.

Artemis rolled her eyes at her punishment, "how many times would you want that Professor?" she asked somewhat sweetly, not turning to look at the woman.

"Well let's say, for as long as it takes for the message to sink in."

Harry huffed quietly, glancing at both his and Artemis's small tables, noticing that something was missing, "You haven't given us any ink."

"Oh you won't need any ink," she replied, not bothering to fight off her smug smile, then she turned around.

Harry shot Artemis a confused look, mouthing, 'what?'.

The younger witch shrugged and placed the tip of the quill on the parchment, he then mirrored her actions. As the pair started to write, they hadn't even finished the sentence before their left hands started to grow sore.

Their skin turned blotchy and irritant.

Harry let out a few grunts, and Artemis suppressed hers when she noticed the ominous punishment now being carved into their flesh.

'I must not tell lies,' decorated their youthful skin.

That evil bitch, Artemis clenched her fist, trying to ignore the pain and agony. She was aware that her group would've also been notified that she was in pain due to the emerald necklace that was hidden by her collar and tie.

The teens stared up at Umbridge as she curled around their tables, she turned to look at Harry first, since he seemed more in shock than Artemis, much to her disdain.

"Yes?" the older witch questioned, adorning her innocent facade.

Harry gulped harshly, pondering his next words carefully, "Nothing."

"Yes, because you both know deep down that you deserved to be punished." her wicked grin only grew, as her eyes darted between the two.

Harry didn't respond, and neither did Artemis, who already started thinking of various ways to take the bitch down.

Not soon after, their detention was finished and the teens didn't waste any more time and immediately paced out of her office. One in outrage and the other in astonishment.

"What the hell?" Harry finally spoke as they walked through the almost vacant halls.

"She needs to be put down," Artemis muttered, still clenching her fists.

He stared at her, although he hated the new professor he didn't want her to die, or at least he told himself, "Isn't that a bit too far?"

"Look at our hands," she stressed as they ended up at the great hall.

Harry nodded vigorously, "I know, but there are other ways to deal with the likes of her." he knew that Hogwarts would change after the tournament and Cedric's death, but he was shocked that Dumbeldore would even employ someone like Umbridge. "She's mad, worse than that but -"

"-Oh I know," Artemis stared at him with a hint of a smirk. "And there's a way to deal with people like that.

Harry's eyes widened, recognising the mischievousness in her eyes, "Merlin, what are you going to do?"

She waved him off, "Oh nothing."

She needed to think of ways to take down Umbridge but she couldn't be openly against her, especially due to the Divine group starting up again. So how would she go about it this time?

"Artemis." Harry's voice pulled her out of her thoughts.

"Yes?"

He awkwardly scratched his head, "Thank you for defending me back there."

Although Harry couldn't say that he was surprised that she walked out of class, he was fairly shocked that she defended him, especially in public.

"It was actually for Cedric, but you're welcome, I guess."

"I can't believe you two were that close." Harry wasn't even aware that she was friendly with his late friend. But then again he knew that the Weasley twins spoke fondly of her, despite Ron's protests.

Artemis quirked up a brow, "You don't know everything about me, Harold."

"Are you ever going to call me Harry?"

She shook her head, "Nope."

Harry couldn't help but snort. Shortly after, his amusement fell flat when he noticed a certain Platnium-haired boy approached them in a huff.

"Darling what happened?" Draco cupped his girlfriend's cheeks, examining her face, checking to see if she was okay, after having felt that she was hurt through their necklaces. He assured the rest of their group that he would check on her before he hastily left the common room.

"I'm fine." she squeezed his hands with her own, fortunately, he didn't see her mild injury...yet.

Draco's eyes harden as he turned to look at the Gryffindor student, "Potter," he spat.

Harry rolled his eyes. "Malfoy." 

Sensing the suffocating tension, Artemis looped arms with her boyfriend, "use the healing spell Harold." she nodded to the Potter boy's hand, gaining a confused look from Draco. "It'll help... kind of."

"I will, Bye Artemis."

***

"She what?" Draco screeched when he caught the carvings on his girlfriend's hands. His body shook with anger. How could someone touch his girl? He knew that Umbridge should bless her lucky stars that his aunts weren't present or the school would preferably be burnt down.

He also knew the moment that if Blaise, Daphne and Theo find out, the awful woman would possibly go missing or worse.

Artemis loosened her tie, "Darling it's just a reminder." she held up her bruised hand and quickly muttered her healing spell. Even though the letters hadn't full disappeared, the ache was gone.

It wouldn't heal for a while and she knew that.

He scoffed when he turned to her, his stormy eyes darkened, "Of? Her hurting the girl I love." he flung out his hands and roughly took off his shirt. "She's a spiteful old bat."

She walked over to him, grabbing his shaking hands and placing them on her waist, as she snaked hers around his neck, bringing him into a kiss.

When she pulled away, he stared down at her with a familiar glint in his eyes, "That and it's a reminder to take her down."

Only then did his anger slightly dissipate.

"...to take her down," he repeated.

***

Friday, September 6th:

QUIDDITCH FEILD:

"Listen up," Marcus yelled over the chattering of his team, they quieted down after taking note of the seriousness on his face, "this is my last year at Hogwarts before I graduate," he announced, "it's been a pleasure, shouting and bullying you over these years."

A few chuckles came from his teammates, but overall they seemed very glum.

"Not only that, but we haven't lost the quidditch cup in years and I have to thank you guys for bringing us to victory." he added, "Us Serpents have been through a lot ever since we've started the school and it will only continue once we leave it." they all nodded along, "but we can't give up, we fucking won't," his tone grew darker, "not only are we cunning, or determined, but we are malicious and sneaky. We always find a way to win."

The team grinned and clutched onto their new brooms.

"Who's gonna be captain next year Marcus?" Draco suddenly spoke up.

The rest of the wizards and Artemis were very interested in his answer.

Although Miles Bletchley and Lucien Bole were also going to be leaving at the end of the school year, Adrien Pucey and Derrick Peregrine still had one year left.

"Haven't decided yet," Marcus shrugged, although his gaze unintentionally darted between Artemis and Draco, "but until then... Serpents for life and Slytherin Pride!" he yelled loudly.

"Serpents for life and Slytherin Pride!" they all chanted as they mounted their brooms, feeling nothing but joy and victory.

***

Saturday,  September 7th:

UMBRIDGE'S OFFICE:

Artemis sat in front of the terrible woman with a grin plastered on her face.

The Seramore witch had been planning Umbridge's demise...exit from Hogwarts for days. The Divine group helped her put the plan together, knowing that this would be the only way that they wouldn't get caught throughout the year. Although Artemis had devised the majority of the plan, the Weasley twins, Lee and the Jones brothers helped also. Blaise, Theo, Daphne and the Dons agreed to it. Draco didn't mind what they have been doing, as long as his friends were safe.

Umbridge sat there with a smug expression and a cup of tea in her hand, "I'm awfully surprised that you asked to meet with me, Ms Seramore," she moved a second cup forward but it was declined, slightly irking the woman.

Artemis was taught to never accept anything from a person she didn't trust or like.

The younger witch laughed softly, "Call me Artemis Porfessor Umbridge, after all, you will be around for a very long time, don't you think?" she asked, blinking slowly.

She hated sucking up, she would rather leave that to someone like Hermoine, but she had to do what she had to do.

Umbridge giggled, "I like to think so."

"Good."

"How's your hand my dear?" the woman motioned to Artemis' healed hand, which she didn't like in the slightest. She hoped the injury would've scarred, itched and ached for longer.

Artemis took notice of her brief displeased expression, "It's all healed up," she waved her hand around, in a showboating manner, "I would like to think it's because I let the message truly sink in." she emphasized her words, mimicking how Umbridge did the same only a few days ago.

"That's splendid to hear."

"I like to think so," Artemis repeated the older witch's words, tauntingly, although her smile didn't waver.

Umbridge shifted slightly and placed her cup down, "So what is the matter you would like to speak about?"

"Well I believe that the school has been such a mess, don't you think?" Artemis exaggerated, placing a hand to her heart, "the terrible events that have been happening within these walls... can you believe that?"

"It's an awful thing, terrible. I wish I had gotten here sooner."

Artemis would've laughed if she wasn't in character, but she had to keep going, "I feel like there is a solution to this."

Umbridge leaned closer, "What would that be?"

"Maybe you should have some of the prefects watch out for you? Keep an extra eye on what happens in the school. Just so the students feel extra safe." Artemis suggested, seeming to be lost in thought, even though her mind was clear as day.

Although it did seem like her plan would damper the joyous environment of the school, it wouldn't be like that for long.

Umbridge almost jumped with glee, "That's a splendid idea."

"They will report back to you if we see something that doesn't...fit in," Artemis whispered the last words, staring directly into her eyes.

Umbridge shifted again, "And what would that be?" she questioned after feeling her heartbeat skip slightly.

"Something unique, different and overall disgusting," Artemis spoke very low. Her overall tone, caused the framed cats to still and refrain from making any more noise.

"Wonderful." the older witch clasped her hands together, "I think you should lea-"

"Oh no professor that wouldn't be right, I cannot lead this... squad, should we call it that?"

Umbridge's eyebrows pinched together, "I think we should, but why can't you lead it?"

"I have a busy schedule you see, much to do and I can't disrupt that," she paused, "My mother wouldn't be pleased and you know my mother," Artemis questioned, tilting her head to the side, "Celeste Seramore?"

The older witch nodded instantly, "Everyone knows your mother dear."

The thought of the Seramores being against her, inspired fear deep within her soul, causing her to almost regret harming Artemis... Almost.

"And my grandfather-"

"Septrim." Umbridge jumped at the name, her eyes flashed with titillation.

Artemis suppressed her disgust, "Yes, Nonno Septrim, as I like to call him. He wouldn't for me to be too distracted. So feel like someone else should lead the squad, perhaps Gregory Goyle and Vincent Crabbe. They are rather close friends of mine."

"Are they?"

Artemis chuckled, "they are, I could try and aid them whenever I can and even be the little angel on their shoulder if they were ever to get stuck." she proposed.

"Great, you have amazing ideas." Umbridge had heard from many professors about Artemis's reputation, so she was just pleased that she had the teenager on her side.

"I know, I'm just happy to share them with you professor." Artemis said, "but I also think this little squad should start up in a month or two, you know, so you could get your plans right, Don't you think?"

"Sounds great. Thank you artemis." she praised, as the teen rose from the chair.

"Don't thank me Porfessor, I should thank you." Artemis offered the woman another smile before she exited the room.

Once the door slammed shut behind her, her smile dropped and morphed into a cocky smirk.

She almost wanted to throw up at the idea of being close to the woman ever again, but the plan was working.

And she couldn't wait to be rid of the woman in the end.

"You've done it again Artemis." Snape's voice startled the teenager. She swerved on her feet, coming face to face with the raven-haired man.

He had known about the events of the 'sit-in' and had kept an eye on her since then. Very few things shocked Severus Snape and Artemis Seramore was one of them.

"I don't know what you're talking about professor." she innocently shrugged.

"Sure you don't," he drawled.

Artemis snickered, "Don't worry sir, you're still my favourite professor."

He rolled his eyes and gestured for her to go back to the common room, "begone Artemis and don't get caught."

"Wouldn't dream of it." she quipped and disappeared amongst the crowd of students leaving the library.

His lips curled up into a faint smile, "Bloody ghost."

***

a/n:

i didn't even realise how long this chapter was.

and if it still isn't clear, Artemis's main motivations are protecting her friends/ family, no matter how she does it, she gets it done. If someone she isn't close with or doesn't like insults, someone she cares about, she is quick to defend them, as she did here with Cedric.

But at the same time, she is also all about her reputation and how she is perceived by the world, she is an extremely manipulative person. She is willing to throw someone's insecurities back in their face because she likes having that control and power over people. The only person she doesn't do that is her closest friends/ family... unless they need to hear it.

in third year, Draco was acting like a dick (so he was acting like Draco) but he was on a different level, lashing out at not only his enemies but his closest friends. Artemis had to use his insecurities against him, (loneliness and disappointing his loved ones) in her favour to set him straight. Not only to build their relationship but also to protect him from hitting rock bottom.