WARNINGS: MENTIONS OF BLOOD, TRAUMA AND RACISM

Thursday, September 2nd:

DIVINATION CLASSROOM

Since the pureblood 5 returned from summer, they had been gawked out by their peers, more than usual.

The best friends didn't care though, they were too busy focusing on themselves.

Artemis grew frustrated by the perverted looks she had gotten since she stepped on the train.

The boys stood in front of the girl, trying to steer the weirdo's away but she told them, that they would only make it worse, but it didn't look stop them from trying to protect her and Daphne.

Everyone noticed how Draco and Artemis were practically dating, the news upset a lot of people.

Today was the first Divination lesson, Artemis had it with her cousin, Draco and unfortunately, Pansy.

Blaise had gotten more admirers since he grew out his hair, he had told those same people that he wasn't interested, but that didn't stop them from looking at the boy.

Daphne was always on his mind like he was on hers.

The emerald trio had picked a table near the back of the class, not wanting to be disturbed, especially by Crabbe, Goyle or Parkinson, luckily they sat near the front since most Gryffindors took up most of the seats.

Harry had noticed the Seramore witch, more specifically how much she had matured over the summer, he had always thought she was beautiful.

His eyes didn't move from her for a while, taking in her appearance.

He only looked away when Blaise and Draco glared at him. He felt embarrassed that they had caught him, even more so since they had teased him about fainting on the train on their boat ride to Hogwarts.

Draco not so discreetly pulled her chair closer to him, her stool scraped against the floor, attracting the attention of the other students. She rolled her eyes but didn't care, too focused on hitting her cousin who was laughing at the two.

"Welcome my children." Professor Trelawny spoke up were a crooked smile. The woman had very large glasses, long frizzy hair and wore layered clothing.

Looks like Granger in a couple of years. Artemis thought.

Artemis had been looking forwards to this lesson, she and her mother had an obsession with divination, loving the possibility of potentially knowing the future.

"In this room, you shall explore the noble art of Divination. In this room you shall discover if you possess the sight," she said as she bumped into the table, resulting in some students suppressing their laughs.

"She's gone mad." Blaise narrowed his eyes at the woman.

"She has been mad." his cousin corrected.

"Just like you AJ." he poked her cheeks, she slapped his finger away.

"Prick."

"Bitch."

Draco smiled at the two, shaking his head and then kissed her cheek, "you're so pretty."

"I know." she winked at him, he turned his head blushing, flipping off Blaise, when the older wizard caught his reddening cheeks and started to laugh.

"Together we shall cast ourselves into the future." The professor continues to tell the students about what the lesson objectives are.

They were going to be reading tea leaves.

"Take the cup of the person sitting opposite of you," Artemis shot Draco a look, he shook his head, not wanting to take part, so she took her cousins.

"Looks like dirt." Draco glared at the cup his crush was holding up, she looked through the textbook trying to understand what she was looking at.

"Just like you mate." Blaise mused, receiving a nudge from his best mate. Artemis examined her cousin's tea leaves, they kept disintegrating and then reappearing before her eyes, "what does it say?"

She furrowed her brows, "I have no clue, what about mine?" she nodded at the cup that was in his hands.

"They just keep burning away and then reappearing."

"Same with yours."

"Ah yes, I feel your aura's, you two," Trewlney appeared in front of the three, startling them with her sudden appearance, she pointed at the cousins, "you two are like two sides of the same coin," her eyes widened at the matching leaves that clung to the cups, "you see how they are burning out," they nodded, "symbolises your futures, how you will both fly too close to the sun."

"What the bloody hell does that mean?" Draco sneered not liking what she was saying about the two of the most important people in his life, other than his mother.

The cousins joined hands, they felt the atmosphere darken due to her reading, they had never felt so unsure about themselves, "be aware 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." she deciphered, "but only time will tell." and with that, she walked to another table.

Blaise swallowed his fear, attempting to look unbothered, he still gripped his cousin's hand, "fanculo le nostre vite." fuck our lives.

"fanculo le nostre vite." fuck our lives.  Artemis and Draco repeated.

***

FOREST:

Artemis's next lesson was Care of Magical creature with Hagrid, Draco wasn't too happy about this, he spent the majority of the journey complaining.

Luckily she had her whole friendship group in this lesson.

Theo wasn't pleased about spending time in the outdoors, especially with Gryffindor students, but he continued to check out Dean Thomas.

Daphne on the other hand was happy since she could spend some time with her best friend and boyfriend. She felt like she was doing a good job of keeping their relationship a secret, despite the many times Blaise's eyes stayed on her figure, where ever she went.

Artemis caught the looks they gave each other, she knew that something was going on, but chose not to say, it since it wasn't any of her business.

The pureblood 5 and the rest of the Slytherins walked through the forest, holding onto their monstrous books, disliking their appearance due to the sharp and vicious teeth, protecting the opening.

"What do you think the prophecy meant?" Blaise asked his cousin, it had been on his mind since they had left their Divination lesson.

He usually tended not to take things too seriously, but when it involved his baby cousin, he dropped his 'court jester' act immediately.

Artemis shrugged, ignoring her friend's concerned stares, "Well Septrim always said that 'the more you move up in the world the more enemies you make," she informed them, "so it could be a good sign."

"My mother always said 'God takes the good ones first." Theo told his group, their faces held amusing expressions, "so I guess we'll all be safe." they all laughed.

Hagrid cleared his throat as he turned to face the students with a wide smile, "Alright, you lot less chattering, for a group over there and open your books to page 49."

"Exactly how do we do that?" Draco asked, a scowl sat on his face, he hated being in the presence of the half-giant.

"Just stroke the spine of course," Hagrid responded with a smile.

The grey-eyed wizard scoffed, then looked down at the book, glancing back at Theo and Blaise, who had successfully opened their books.

He noticed the flustered look on Daphne's face, he nudged his best friend and gestured to the blonde.

The Zabini wizard made his way over to her, whispering something in her ear, making her heart skip a beat, before dragging her over to the low wall for them to sit on.

Theo looked disgusted, having heard what his friend said and stood waiting for the lesson to be over.

"Just stroke the spine D." Artemis teased him.

He kissed his teeth and stroked the spine of his book, opening it to page 49. He grabbed Artemis' hand and interlocked their fingers, kissing her cheek, "You're so annoying."

"I thought I was pretty?"

"What?" Theo screeched, snapping their attention over to him,  "he told me I was pretty," he gasped dramatically, "how dare you D?" he shook his head in despair and walked away to where the not-so-secret couple were sitting.

"He's an idiot."

"Just like you." she grinned, he rolled his eyes but his face still held a smile.

Suddenly Neville opened his book and it started biting him, "Don't be such a wimp, Longbottom," Draco sneered at the boy.

"I'm okay, I'm okay," Longbottom gasped.

Such a mess.

"I think they're funny," the Granger girl spoke, glaring at Draco and Artemis.

The latter went to reply, but Draco interrupted, "Oh yeah, terribly funny, really witty. God this place has gone the dogs," the golden trio turned around facing the Slytherins. Harry's eyes drifted to their interlocked hands, he ignored the pang in his chest. "Wait till my father hears that Dumbeldore's got this oaf teaching classes." Draco teased and the rest of his house laughed.

Artemis ignored his words focusing on the way Hermoine glared at her,  she wanted to approach the muggle-born, but Draco's grip on her hand tightened, not wanting her to kill the girl... yet.

"Shut up Malfoy." the 'chosen' one snapped at him.

"Here we go." Theo mused as Potter walked up to his friend. He sneezed dramatically, not liking his vicinity to his group, "bloody allergies."

Artemis laughed at the Nott boy and pat his back when he jokily started to cough.

Blaise walked over to the commotion with Daphne in tow. He knew his best mate said something rude, but he didn't care, he was ready to defend him.

Draco handed one of his goons his satchel and slowly makes his way toward Harry.

Artemis rolled his eyes at the pissing contest that the two 13-year-olds were about to have, she wasn't interested in their altercation, she just waited in anticipation for the lesson to start, knowing it will be something mindblowing.

"Who do you think will win?" Theo asked the other three.

The oldest witch shook her head, "I doubt it will be a fight, just a prank."

"Public humiliation?" Daphne asked.

"100%." the cousin spoke in unison.

A faux scared expression crossed Draco's face, he pointed up at the sky, "D-D-DEMENTOR! DEMENTOR!" the golden trio snapped their heads to look at the creature, irritated when they discovered it was all a joke.

"OOOOOOOOO." Draco, Blaise, Theo, his goons and even Pansy, placed their hoods up and acted like the eerie creatures, laughing at the fright that appeared on Potters' faces.

Artemis looked at the girl that she fought last year, "She reeks of desperation."

The blonded nodded in agreement, "I can smell it from over here." the two witches fake gagged and laughed, flipping the bob wearing girl when she noticed their looks.

Hagrid cleared his throat, trying to get the third year's attention. Suddenly a creature emerged from the trees, most of the students looked at it in awe and others in fear and disgust.

Draco stood behind Artemis, pulling her to his chest, wrapping his arms around her, "it's disgusting." he doesn't take his eyes off the creature.

"I want to ride it," she announced, her eyes staying on the beast, taking in all of its features.

"Phrasing," Blaise and Theo said in unison, and the two witches laugh.

The platinum-haired boy looked down at her, despite wearing heels, both Artemis and Daphne were still short in comparison to the boys, "Umm, why on earth would you do that?" a chill ran through his body, the thought of his favourite person getting hurt, made him feel ill.

"It looks like it would be fun," she shrugged, glancing up at him when she felt his heartbeat increase, "what's wrong?" the other three turned to look at them.

"You're not riding that animal." his tone was definitive, the two witches looked at him in annoyance, whilst Theo and Blaise shot each other knowing looks.

"Yes I am." she wasn't going to let him limit her decisions.

He groaned, "No-

Blaise cut him off, "Mate, stop being a controlling prick, let her do what she wants," he asserted firmly, sparing a glance at his girlfriend, who grinned at him.

"I would ride it if I didn't value my life," Theo smiled at the other four, not realising that his words didn't help. "I wish I had my camera," he whispered, not wanting his peers to hear him.

"Isn't he beautiful?" Hagrid's voice cut through the discussion, but Draco's hold on Artemis tightens slightly. "Say hello to Buckbeak." he throws him a dead ferret, letting him devour it.

"Hagrid...exactly what is that?" Weasley asked carefully.

"Even I know it's a Hippogriff," Theo shot the boy an annoyed look.

"That, Ron is a Hippogriff." the half-giant, continued to speak proudly about the creature, "the first thing you need to know, Hippogriffs are very proud creatures, very easily offended, you do not want to insult a Hippogriff. It may be the last thing you ever do."

"D, don't do anything stupid," Artemis looked up at the wizard, knowing that he sometimes acts without caring.

"Why me-

"Just don't do anything stupid." Blaise, Daphne and Theo repeat, backing up the Seramore witch.

Draco was taken back by their command, he nodded slowly, and he pressed a kiss to the brown-skin girl's head.

"Now who would like to come and say hello?"

Without thinking, Artemis stepped forward, at the same time the rest of the group apart from the 'chosen one', stepped back.

She ignored Draco's disapproving look and clenched fists. "Calm down, she's not going to war." Theo scoffed at his anger.

"Even if she was she would properly win it," Blaise added, shaking his best mate's shoulder, trying to reassure him.

Daphne nodded, "With ease."

"Well done Artemis and Harry," the witch stepped forward confidently, luckily her hair was already in hair cornrows, and the ends were placed into two buns.

Harry was more hesitant with his approach, "alright, you gotta let him make the first move, it's only polite," Hagrid explains, "so step up and give a quick bow, see it her bows back. If he does you can go and touch him and if not...well we'll get to that later."

Daphne screeched, gaining the boy's attention, "I don't want to look anymore, what if she ruins her shoes?" she hid behind her boyfriend, who shielded her from the scene, not wanting her to be scared.

"Or her life." Draco spat angrily. His friends roll their eyes.

"Shut up D, she'll be fine," Blaise wasn't worried about his cousin, he knew the school had a terrible track record when it came to looking after their students but for some reason, he didn't mind the half-giant.

"But-"

"Shut up." Blaise raised his voice, and most of the class looked back at him, surprised by his tone. Some of his peers were mesmerised by the boy, while the others were slightly scared.

Even Draco gave up the argument, not wanting to piss off his best mate.

"Damn B, you almost turned me on." Theo fanned himself, Daphne laughed, then hit his chest.

"Don't lie, you know I did." the Zabini wizard winked at his friend, revelling in how a blush appeared on Theo's face.

Artemis locked eyes with the creature, slowly bowing her head, smiling when it reciprocated her behaviour.

Harry liked how brave she was, maybe she should be in Gryffindor with me. He went to bow, letting out a breath he didn't even know he was holding when Buckbeak did the same.

Draco pushed his way to the front, making people move out of the way, leaving his friends to stay behind, as they didn't want to be near Gryffindors.

The grey-eyed boy took a bite out of his apple, Artemis placed it in his pocket during breakfast, knowing he would get hungry throughout the day, his eyes didn't leave his witch's figure.

"Well done you two, well done, right I think you can go and pet him now," Hagrid praised the two 13-year-olds. They complied and pet the creature, "I think he may let you ride him now," Artemis grinned and shot her cousin a wink. He mouthed 'be careful', resisting the urge to want to steal the animal.

"What?" Harry's voice broke, Hagrid picked up the boy, ignoring how he was resisting, he placed him on the back of Buckbeak, then gracefully picked up Artemis after, placing her behind the 'chosen one'. She reluctantly wrapped her arms around him, causing him to get all flustered.

Draco dug his nails into his hands and clenched his jaw, trying not to react to the scene.

From the back of the group, Theo leant over to his friend who was holding hands with his girlfriend, knowing his cousin couldn't see, "Would you do this Blaise?"

Blaise shot him a knowing look, "I'm not white, so no."

"I wouldn't do this." Daphne huffed, looking back at the snickering wizards.

"Sure Daphne." they mused in unison.

From on top of Buckbeak, Harry squirmed, "I'm sorry that you have to hold on to me, I know you would rather do this with Malfoy."

Artemis shrugged, "True but I don't care."

Hagrid slapped the back of the beast, making it take off in flight, the two wizards screamed in excitement as they flew around the grounds, "this is amazing," the witch looked down, her vision blurred as they flew faster.

"Blimey, were high."

"Harold, we're literally flying, so obviously." he laughed at her words.

The two 3rd years took in the view, the creature skimmed over the glistening lake, embracing the breeze that kissed its cheeks.

Artemis thought riding the Buckbeak was better than her experience on her broom.

She wished her mother could share her experience.

She wondered if her father had done the same during his school days but she was brought out of her thoughts as the creature started making its way to the class.

They soon settled on the ground, near the rest of the class, Hagrid carefully took the witch off the creature and then Harry.

The Potter wizard grinned at the girl, missing the feeling of her arms around his waist, "that was fun."

"Very," she smiled and then walked back to her friends, missing the jealousy that appeared on Draco's face. The secret couple dropped their interlinked hands before she could see.

"Well done." Hagrid clapped and cooed at Buckbeak.

Her friends approached her with smiles, blurting out random sentences.

"You didn't ruin your shoes, thank merlin."

"Why didn't you push Henry off?"

"You're hair still looks good, so aunt Celly won't worry."

The three said in unison, they looked at each other in bewilderment, before looking back at Artemis laughing. "Where's D?"

"Pissed off and hungry," Daphne informed and pointed to where he stood, they all noticed the mischievous look in his eye and how his goons were whispering taunting things in his ear.

"As usual."

Draco strolled up Buckbeak, "Oh please, yes you're not dangerous at all are you, you great ugly brute," he spoke spitefully.

His friends ran to the front, knowing he was about to get hurt, "Draco stop," Artemis exclaimed as the creature rose on its hind legs, its's talons slashed his arm as he fell backwards onto the ground.

"It's killed meh! It's killed meh!"

Theo and Blaise didn't bother to hold back their laughs and went to go and collect their things.

"fanculo le nostre vite" fuck our lives, the two witches mumbled and cast a spell that made the injured boy hover in the air, "we'll take care of him," Artemis said to Hagrid with a small smile, he nodded joyfully.

"Well done today Artemis."

She smiled gratefully as the boys joined them with all of their belongings, "that bloody chicken," Draco shouted as he clutched his arm.

"Shut up Draco."

***

INFIRMARY

Draco was laid upon one of the uncomfortable beds, a slung covered his injured arm, his goons stood around him, eager to help him if he needed.

The Malfoy wizard's scowl deepened as time went on.

He was fuming.

Theo and Blaise tried not to laugh at him, knowing it would only set him off more, they had no clue why he was taking his injury so seriously, almost like he was angry for another reason.

The boy's heads snapped towards the entrance when the two pureblood witches strolled in, they had to speak to professor snape, notifying him that Draco was injured and he couldn't take part in some of his future lessons.

Although the Med-witch did use the healing spell that Artemis created last year, Draco continued to act as if he was dying.

Of course, the spell didn't fully heal the injury, but he was still overreacting.

The witches stood by his bed, both wore bored expressions, irritated that they had to come to the infirmary in the first place.

Draco's dark eyes didn't leave the Seramore witch's face, everyone felt the atmosphere change almost instantly.

Daphne decided to speak up first, "D, it was only a scratch, why do you still look mad?" she assumed that he would've dropped the act the moment that Artemis arrived, however, she was wrong.

She sent a look toward her boyfriend who only shrugged in response.

"Maybe because I am." the Malfoy wizard replied bluntly, not sparing a glance at the blonde and continued staring at Artemis, who grew uneasy under his impenetrable gaze.

"But why?"

He let out a humourless laugh, causing everyone to grow tense, Artemis finally locked eyes with the boy, "You know if you didn't go on that bloody chicken this wouldn't have happened."

His words shocked everyone, Theo and Blaise shared an irritated look, and Daphne grabbed her best friend's hands, meanwhile, Gregory and Vincent looked out the wide floor-length windows, acting as they had never seen the wilderness before.

Artemis squinted her eyes and took a step back, "You're blaming me?"

Draco rolled his eyes, "Yes I'm blaming you."

Blaise clenched his jaw, not liking how he was talking to his cousin, "D-"

"You could've stopped this." the Malfoy wizard snapped and slammed a hand down on the bedside table, the teens flinched at the sudden movement, however, the Seramore witch's shoulders slumped.

Everyone noticed how she didn't move, almost like she was lost in her own mind.

You could've stopped this.

You could've stopped this.

You could've stopped this.

Draco's face was replaced with her father's maggot filled one, skin struggled to cling to his skeleton and she was trapped in one of her nightmares again.

Foul images flashed through her mind, on an endless loop of torment.

Self-inflicted torment.

It was like she accepted the blame for an act she didn't commit...she has been doing it her entire life, so why stop now?

Artemis didn't realise that she had been crying until the tears had dripped onto her school attire.

Everyone grew worried about her unresponsive state, Theo stepped forward and placed a hand on her shoulder, snapping her out of what one would describe as a distorted daymare.

Daphne wiped the tears that fell from her eyes, she had only seen Artemis cry a handful of times, but never in public.

Draco felt the anger dissipate and guilt fills his veins, he gulped back in shock, he wanted to go and embrace her, but the Zabini wizard's hard stare caused him to freeze and look away.

He had no intention of making her cry, only making her feel guilty, despite his injury being his own fault.

He wanted to show off, get her attention after watching her be in such proximity to his enemy, in such a public setting.

Blame it on his pride, his hamartia, he hoped it wouldn't be his downfall, or even cause the destruction of his blossoming relationship with the girl of his dreams.

"Daph, take Arty to your room," Blaise stared directly at the Malfoy wizard as he spoke, the witches left, "you two get out," he pointed at the goons, who instantly rushed out of the room, in fear that they would be hexed.

Once the room only contained the three wizards, the atmosphere grew bitter.

"What is wrong with you?" Theo glared at Draco who scratched the back of his neck with his available hand.

"Y-you saw her," he stammered, "she was with Potter and he touched-"

"Shut up," Blaise's voice was calm, way too calm, it sent a chilling shiver down Draco's spine.

The Nott wizard sighed and leaned against the wall, wishing he could go and check on his close friend, however, he had to deal with this situation first.

"Stop being a possessive prick," Blaise gritted out, "did you really try and blame your foolish injury," he gestured at the sling, "that you caused and is almost healed by the way," he shook his head disapprovingly, "on my cousin, who one, constantly helps you regardless of your attitude and two, is the reason that your scratch is non-existent?"

Draco gulped nervously and looked down in shame, "I was angr-"

Theo scoffed and folded his arms, "Your anger has caused one of the strongest people I know to cry, not just in front of us, but in front of your two sycophants," The Zabini pointed at him in agreement, before he continued, "and let's not pretend that you threw a hissy fit because of your pride, not your anger. Temi can do what she wants, when she wants, it's not up to you to decide that for her."

"I'm sorry," The Malfoy wizards muttered. He regretted everything, he knew how much the Seramore witch has done for him, how she defended him, made sure he was okay, included, nurtured and loved him every day.

But now, he worried that she would abandon him due to his choice of words and his foolish actions.

Perhaps I should've kept my mouth shut, he thought.

"You should be," Blaise readjusted his cuffs, "but we're not the ones you need to apologise to," he sighed, "I understand that you don't want my cousin near anyone you hate," he felt the same when it came to his own girlfriend, but he knew not to be possessive, knowing that he shouldn't control her because she is her own person.

"Or anyone in general," Theo added bitterly, remembering the events that happened last year, causing the Malfoy wizard to shift uncomfortably. "All she was doing was riding a flipping hippogriff, it's not like she was riding Hector in front of you." Draco glared at him whilst Blaise snickered and nodded in agreement.

"All I'm saying is, You're lucky that you're my best mate, or we wouldn't be having this conversation and that little hippogriff scratch would be the least of your problems." Blaise threatened, making the platinum-haired boy flinch.

The Zabini wizard shared a look with Theo, before the two left the room, leaving Draco to look out the windows, thinking over his mistakes and stupidity.

***

DUMBLEDORE'S OFFICE:

Artemis was surrounded by books, suffocated by the knowledge she believed that her headmaster tried to overwhelm her with.

His office seemed warm and vibrant, however, the Seramore witch didn't want to succumb to his alluring charm.

She couldn't because that simply wasn't the Seramore way.

Pictures of previous headmasters hung from the walls, all adorned with the same attire, same appearance and expression.

Artemis thought it was dull and depressing, but she tried not to focus on them, she tried to block out the funny noises that surrounded her.

Nonetheless, each time she succeeded in ignoring them, The crackle of the fire, rang in her ears, reminding her of Trelawney's reading during Divination, causing her mind to think a mile a minute.

Several curious silver instruments stood on spindle-legged tables, whirring and emitting little puffs of smoke.

Sherbert lemon sat in the candy dish to the left of the quill, the headmaster kept offering her some, but she declined politely.

Two staircases that twisted and turned around the room, meeting at the very altar of the room, where The Seramore witch sat, rather stiffly in front of Dumbledore's desk, whilst he sat on the other side, wearing what she deemed to be a warm smile, however it didn't meet his eyes.

It never met his eyes.

Artemis thought that Dumbledore had changed, a lot.

Almost as if he was a completely different person.

Odd.

Luckily for her, Professor Snape was standing not far from her, he was motionless, in the corner of the room, his lips occasionally twitched up whenever she said something witty, overly honest or was an obvious deflection.

How she ended up in her headmaster's office was not a mystery or a secret, it was a crime, but she was not the perpetrator.

Tracey Davis.

That was the name of a Slytherin student, well she was a student at Hogwarts, but her time was cut short, since she decided it was a wise to comment on Artemis' race in a derogatory way, during independent study.

Professor Snape had overheard the altercation and although he was unaware of what started it, he wouldn't tolerate racism.

It was bad enough that society discriminated against people of different cultural backgrounds, as well as genders and classes.

Although the class element didn't apply to many of the Slytherin students, they were aware, that many didn't care, but it was still an issue.

"I must say professor, I'm surprised she was expelled," Artemis spoke up, wanting to escape the silence they had all been experiencing for a few moments.

The faster she talked, the faster she could leave.

"How so, child?" the witch raised a brow at his name for her, it irked her entire being, but she chose not to comment on it.

"I'm shocked that, someone as all-knowing as you wouldn't send her off on some course that would correct her beliefs," she commented in a bored tone, causing professor Snape to hold back a smile.

The headmaster cocked his head to the side, almost like he was trying to study the witch's face, just like she was doing to him, however, her expression was blank, her eyes were cold and unwavering, matching his, "Would you like a lemon sherbert Miss Seramore? They are quite a delight." he offered again, the sherberts were sitting adjacent to the Dragon blood which was on the desk to the right of the quill, that had been writing down every part of their meeting.

Dumbledore noticed how many mannerisms she shared with her father; after all, he did teach him over 2 decades ago, he found it quite eerie, how similar they were.

Perhaps it was the Seramore genes, he concluded. Just like Septrim and Ezekial.

Artemis' lips curled up into a faux smile, "For the 3rd time sir, I'm quite content, due to the delicious food you provided us at dinner time, it was exquisite." he smiled gratefully, giving her the reaction she sought after, "however, I would like to talk about how the school would treat this issue if it were to happen to another student... one that would look like me." her tone was unnervingly calm, contrasting the situation entirely.

What Tracey said was unjustified, disgusting and ultimately racist.

Yes, Artemis came from a wealthy background, one that would allow dozens of her descendants to not have to work, however being told that she doesn't deserve her fortune because of the colour of her skin, broke her for the second time today.

She was truly tired and being attacked for her race, it cracked the cold exterior she wore.

Blaise and Theo were not present for the incident, nor was Daphne, she assumed they were studying in Mente Strae, but she knew the news would quickly get to them.

However, Draco was only entering the great hall, whilst she exited with a menacing expression on her face, Tracey was in tears, due to the words that professor Snape said to her.

Although she hadn't spoken to the Malfoy wizard, Artemis still expected him to follow her or question what happened, instead, he just stayed in the great hall, with his goons, looking at her retreating figure.

The silver-haired wizard interlinked his fingers and placed his elbows on his desk after obnoxiously eating one of his favourite sweets, "I am terribly sorry for the words she used to address you, Artemis," her jaw clenched,  "can I call you that?" she nodded stiffly, "you were there Severus," she suppressed a snicker at the use of her favourite teacher's name, she noticed him glaring at her through her peripheral, "how did miss Davis come across to you?"

The Raven haired wizard graciously folded his arms, "I wouldn't focus on how she came across, headmaster, the issue which stands, is she was a horrible girl, dreadful, and if it wasn't for Artemis," he hastily gestured at the young witch, who didn't bother turning around, her gaze stayed on Dumbledore, "her true colours would never have been bought to light..."

"And what awful colours that were professor," she added, causing him to nod.

"Hideous."

"So as I questioned before Professor, how would Hogwarts deal with issues like this in the future, after all, bullying happens at this school and I don't think much is done for that matter." Artemis knew she was being hypocritical.

It was ridiculous, nevertheless, the school had allowed their students to be tortured by the various beasts that roamed the grounds, deceitful faculty members and students.

Yes, her friends might have contributed to the terror that took place on campus, however, did they ever get in trouble for it?

Snape hummed in agreement, sorrow flashed over his face, luckily neither of them saw, "Students being pinned him to the ground, mouths being filled to the brim with pink soap bubbles then lifted into the air, it's vile behaviour headmaster." he spoke as if it were a memory.

A nightmare that he would prefer to forget, but he couldn't, it picked at his subconscious until he had no choice but to live in the past and endure the torment until he woke up.

Sounded oddly specific. Artemis thought, however, she nodded along.

"Sir, if faculty can barely deal with bullying, how would discrimination, racism, sexism and other issues like them even appear on your radar?"

"If the issue presents itself, we will deal with it Artemis, and will help the next student who might face an incident, similar to yourself."

"How so, sir?" she tilted her head to the side, in a mocking manner.

He looked to his ceiling, pondering his next words, "In a haste and appropriate manner," he exhaled slowly and reached for another sherbert, "I would also like to add, that Hogwarts apologise to you, Artemis, as do I." she couldn't decipher the glint that appeared in his eyes.

She shook off the feeling that his words carried more weight than they conveyed.

"Don't be sorry sir, be better, I believe it would set a prime example to the students at this fine school, me included," she gave him a tight-lipped smile, one he couldn't return. She stood from her uncomfortable chair,  "this was a great discussion, hope to have another one soon," she added a laugh, knowing her sarcasm was too obvious, "I hope you have sweet dreams, sir," she swivelled on his feet and walked to the door, both professors followed her movement.

"Professor Snape," she nodded at him with a sly smirk, one he wanted to return but fought against.

She shut the door quickly, it would've slammed shut, if there wasn't a spell stopping it from doing so.

"What an odd child," Dumbledore commented with a small laugh.

Snape nodded in agreement, his eyes stayed on the chair she sat on, "Odd indeed."

On the other side of the door, Artemis didn't bother to wait to eavesdrop, like she would have done on past occasions.

She just wanted to wash away the events of the day, despite knowing they would weigh on her shoulders like the devil alluring her to temptation.

The witch walked through the crowds of older students that must've been kicked out of the library.

She caught the sympathetic smiles of Alana and Aurora, the two 4th years who heard about the incident from Daphne who had been ranting about injustice in the great hall.

Artemis tried returning the gesture however it came out like a grimace.

She sped down the stairs, moving through some of her housemates who neared their common room.

Before she could turn the corner, an arm shot out and grabbed her, she would've been startled, however, she caught the scent of green apples and Dior aftershave.

Draco stood in front of her, with a nervous expression, she rolled her eyes at his sling, which was comfortably, wrapped around his arm, he was already changed out of his uniform, he wore his quidditch jumper and matching emerald sweatpants.

He desperately wanted to embrace her, but he knew that he hurt her deeply, especially since he wasn't there to comfort her during her time of need.

He was being a wanker...more than usual.

"What?" she snapped before he had the chance to open his mouth.

He flinched back, "Pansy told me what Tracey said, she shouldn't-"

"Of course, she told you," she laughed bitterly, he bowed his head in shame, "and It's not a matter of what Tracy should or shouldn't have said it's the fact she's thinking it is bad enough," she said tiredly, all she wanted was her bed and a hug from Daphne.

She still hadn't seen her cousin or Theo yet, they had probably fallen asleep in Mente Strae.

Idiots.

He nodded slowly, his eyes refused to meet hers, knowing all he would see is the pain he caused, "I know-"

"Why are you here? Have you come to blame me for the fact Tracy is now expelled?" she snarled, he immediately shook his head.

He offered her a smile, but she ignored his gesture, "What? No, I'm glad she's expelled." he frowned when he heard her mutter, 'sure'.

He felt like a coward for not defending her, his ego was too damaged and still felt the embarrassment of being harmed by a beast that he so desperately wanted to be put down.

"Is that all?" she asked, looking him up and down. She was glad that most of their housemates had already walked into the common room, hoping no one was listening.

He moved forward, attempting to reach for her, but she shuffled back, "Arty I'm sorry-"

She held her hand up, cutting him off, "I don't want your apology, I just want space." she blurted up, shocking him.

Draco's lips parted in shock, "What?"

The atmosphere shifted, they were engulfed by an uncomfortable silence.

He thought he heard wrong.

"I want space from this," she added, gesturing between them, it sent icy shocks to his heart.

She watched as a light bulb go off in his mind and a scowl settled on his face, "Let me guess Potter helped you come to that conclusion."

She scoffed and rolled her eyes, "Did you know one of your favourite things is passing the blame onto others?" he laughed bitterly and went to speak, but she continued, "And before you try and flip this on me, I know I'm good at deflecting and being deceitful, it's in my nature Draco." she said sternly, shaking her head with an irritation expression on her face, "But the one thing I don't do is control your every little move. You made me come to that conclusion, not Potter." she sassed.

She knew that he wouldn't believe her, but she was speaking the truth, her truth at least.

Draco had been suffocating her, initially, she thought it was comforting, however, his possessiveness was becoming a problem.

A problem she believed that there was only one solution for.

Distance.

His chest heaved up and down, "So what? I'm just supposed to stay away from you?" she looked away from his panicked expression, "That's not possible."

They had spent their entire lives together, since the moment he was born, he was entranced by her presence and now he had to give her space, he couldn't imagine it.

He thought, that now they were considering being a couple, they wouldn't need space or time apart from each other.

Their friendship was morphing into a relationship, he didn't picture this happening, he even promised that nothing would ruin it.

Not even him.

But he was wrong.

She played with her ring, the one that matched his, "You don't have to stay away from me." she muttered.

He narrowed his eyes at her exhausted form, "Then what are you asking?"

Tears threatened to spill from both of their eyes as they locked onto one another, "To reflect over your behaviour because if you don't release the leash you think you have wrapped around my neck I'll end up biting back and you don't want that."

He softly grabbed her hand, "Darling, no-" hoping she wouldn't let go, but she reluctantly pulled away, and looked toward the entrance to the common room.

"Bye D."

***

a/n:

So, Darty are on a break. What do you think of that?

Not gonna lie, this is part of Draco's villain origin story of this year.

blaise is not happy with draco neither is Theo or daph. blaise knows that draco is borderline possessive of his cousin and it's becoming more evident.

How do you think this year will play out. bare in mind this act will have 13 chapters and not 10.

what do you think of what tracy said? And the whole incident. I wanted to include an experience that I believe that many black/ poc kids have to go through during school. Whether it's subtle or not, racism and discrimination is common in school.

I love writing snape and artemis moments, how do you think he sees her?

this was also the first time artemis and dumbledore have spoken, you all know she isnt a fan of the man, what do you think of their little interaction?

what was the cousin's prophecy referring too?