Chapter 7 The Black Death

Chapter 7

I do not own Harry Potter movies or the books.

“You’re mistaken. Corvina died years ago.” Sirius said as they were searching throughout the forest.

“That’s what the Malfoys wanted everyone to believe.” Harry replied as he stepped over a branch and was shining his wand about the area.

“Sun’s coming up.”

Harry sighed in response.

“They’ll be looking for you…”

“I can’t leave her.”

“Tell you what… I’ll keep hunting and you head on back.”

“Sirius… she’s…”

“She’s?”

“Important. Please. We have to find her.”

Sirius stopped and turned to Harry with a smirk.

“The pup has himself a crush, now does he?”

Harry rubbed the back of his neck.

“It’s a bit more than that.”

Sirius raised his brows.

“Oh…” He uttered in mere amusement.

“Look, just keep your eyes out for a black snake with golden eyes. You’ll know her when you see her.”

The older wizard tilted his head and regarded the boy in thought.

“You’re kidding…”

“Believe me I wish I was.”

“Alright well go on now. I got this. We can meet in our usual spot.”

“You got it.”

Sirius shook his head as Harry hurried back. He wasn’t sure what to make of this. Corvina… his Little Raven. Was it true? Had she been alive all this time? Sirius took on his own transfiguration, figuring it would make it easier to hunt her down. Just as soon as he picked up her scent he let out a bit of a whimper. The black dog circled the area doing his best to decipher where the trail was leading. He tilted his head once he spotted the markings of a snake trail nearby. He nodded and took off that direction.

---

Umbridge lifted her head and locked eyes with Harry as he entered the classroom.

“You’re late.”

Harry nodded and took his seat. He couldn’t help but to grimace however as she looking towards Raven’s empty seat.

“And where is Miss. Malfoy?”

“She was feeling a bit under the weather.” Harry replied.

“And how would you know this, Mr. Potter? Are you admitting to breaking another rule?”

Harry didn’t respond and Umbridge shook her head and made a tsking like sound.

“A little early to be challenging my authority.”

“You don’t have to communicate in order to know one isn’t feeling well, Professer Umbridge. And I apologize for not being on time.”

“Hm… And what dare I ask is your reasoning for not being on time?”

“I slept in longer than expected. It won’t happen again.”

But as he said this Ron cut him a ‘look’. Harry sent him a challenging one in return. He dared Ron to say something about him not being at the dorm this morning. He’d just about had it when it came to his ‘best’ mate. Ron shook his head as if he were scolding Harry. This had Harry grinding his teeth together. He wondered how they ever became mates in the first place. He hadn’t any idea Ron could be so childish and that’s all it really summed up to. He wasn’t getting his way so he was acting like that of a brat and throwing a fit. In some ways Ron reminded Harry of his sister Ginny. Both had that rather pouty personality when they weren’t getting their way. At least Ginny had an excuse. She was younger and the one girl amongst three brothers.

Harry leaned back as Umbridge seemed a little distracted. He thought it a bit odd that she was so easy to let it go once he said his peace. Before long she came to her feet and gave the class their assignment. She exited the room promptly after. Harry and Neville exchanged bewildered glances.

“He’s raw you know!”

Harry narrowed his eyes but looked over as this came from Goyle’s mouth.

“He’s hidden himself, thanks to you.”

This had the Potter boy smiling.

“Good.” He said surprising even himself.

“He’s got another day to go!”

“Not my problem.”

“Actually it is… It could do ‘permanent’ damage you know.”

“Then he should’ve thought about that before…”

Harry jumped however as he felt a hand along his shoulder. He snapped his head that direction.

He reared back seeing as how it was Professor Snape. He leaned into Harry’s ear.

“Where is she?”

When Harry wouldn’t answer, Snape grabbed him by the arm and dragged him out of the room.

“Tell me where Corvina is.” He demanded.

“I can’t.”

“Why not…” Snape hissed behind gritted teeth.

“Because I’m not really sure.”

“What do you mean by that exactly?”

“It means just what I said. I haven’t a clue where she ran off to.”

“And what did you tell Umbridge?”

“That she was under the weather. You do realize this is all YOUR doing?!”

Snape went to say something else but refrained once he saw Umbridge making her way back.

Snape gave Harry a slight push back towards class. He nodded upon Umbridge as she was about to enter the room.

“Corvina Malfoy is under my care at the moment. She’s not feeling very well.”

Umbridge came to a halt and looked to Snape.

“Is that so?”

He nodded.

“Well, I hope she can attend her studies soon. It would be a shame for little Corvina to fall even more behind than what she is already.”

“I get her where she needs to be.”

“Will you now?”

Snape gave a mere nod.

“So tell me professor… What pull does the child have to you?”

“She is my responsibility.”

“How so?” Umbridge asked with curiosity.

“It doesn’t matter. Just know that I’m taking care of the situation. She will return to her studies once she’s ready.”

“Perhaps I will pay Miss. Malfoy a visit.”

Snape said nothing on this. Umbridge smiled amongst herself and watched as Professor Snape walked away.

---

The black dog buried his nose into the dirt and let out a low grow. The trail had grown cold and he hadn’t a clue where to go from here. He used his paw to wipe the dirt from his nostrils, letting out a small sneeze directly after. But it was during this he took notice of something from up above. There was a black tail hanging from one of the branches in a nearby tree. He watched is it slithered on up and was coiling around the branch. The dog took a few steps back, giving himself a running start. He bound into the air and swiped at it. That certainly got the snake’s attention as she let out a hiss and fell out of the tree. The moment she caught wind of her attacker, she let out another hiss and struck at him. The dog looked on with widened eyes once the snake coiled up in defense. He hadn’t realized she was THAT big. But it was just as Harry said… Those golden eyes bore into his own. Just as he was to switch back and let her know who he was, the snake struck again and sank her fangs into his shoulder. The dog let out a whimper and shook his head knowing he hadn’t a choice. He had to fight back as she was wrapping herself around him. He bit down on her neck and gave the snake a bit of a shake. He growled the entire time and letting her know he meant business. The dog took no pleasure in what he was doing. But SHE was too far gone and he had to bring her back somehow. So if it meant scaring the daylights out of her, then so be it. Her grip loosened and he flung her up against a tree. Before she even had the chance to retaliate, he switched back and had that wand of his aimed her direction.

“Come now, Little Raven. Is this the way you want our reunion to go?!”

The snake froze and he gave a mere nod. He came to a squatting position and put up his wand.

“I need you to focus and come back to me. Think you can do that?”

She shook her head and had this defeated look about her. Sirius nodded. He knew that look all too well.

“So what is it, Little Raven? What has you thinking that THIS is the only way out? Are you truly prepared to face the consequences of being stuck in this form?”

The snake coiled up into a ball and flicked that tongue of hers. Sirius let out a frustrated sigh. He could see it in her eyes. She’d become a prisoner within herself and she’d remain in that transfiguration until she allowed herself that freedom.

“Very well…” He plopped on down and made himself comfy.

“Have it your way… You always were a stubborn little thing. Only now I suppose you’re not so ‘little’.”

The wizard swallowed back however as she crept on over and wrapped herself around his arm. He couldn’t help but to get a little choked up. He’d spent all this time thinking his Little Raven had committed suicide. He thought back to that little girl and those beautiful, yet unique eyes of hers. Sirius reached over and petted the top of her head. The snake gave a simple nod and started to slither away. He shot to his feet and retrieved his wand.

“Forgive me, but I haven’t the patience and you leave me no choice.”

He cast out a charm and the snake was sent flying into the air. He kept that wand aimed her direction and merely observed as the snake was forced back into her original form. He knew that had to hurt. It was one thing to do it yourself, but something else entirely, when you were forced out of it.

“Wingardium Levisoa!” He called out and had her floating towards him.

Raven struggled against the spell. The moment she was within reach, he grabbed a hold of her. Raven fought it tooth and nail but he didn’t dare let go. If anything he closed his eyes and held her even closer.

“Shhhh…,” he shushed as she eventually caved and cried into his shoulder.

“I’m here and I’m not going anywhere.”

He shed a few tears of his own as she went limp in his hold. Sirius came to his knees and brought her up against his chest.

“I’m not about to sit here and pretend that I know what you’ve been through, because I don’t. I hadn’t a clue. Believe me. If I had any inkling… I’d have found a way, even Azkaban couldn’t keep me away.”

Raven lifted her head off his shoulder and had this baffled look about her.

“They told me you died!”

“Who did?!”

“Lucius and Draco.”

Sirius couldn’t help but to laugh.

“Of course they did and likewise. In fact, I heard you committed suicide!”

Raven nodded on this.

“And you were killed back in Azkaban..”

“Well I say we look pretty good for a couple of corpses.”

Raven managed to laugh and he smiled in response.

“There she is…” He said as he placed a strand of hair behind her ear.

She looked to his arm and recoiled.

“I can’t believe I bit you…”

“Ah, I’ll be fine. I thought you’d recognize me, considering how much you used play with ole “puggy”.

Raven snorted on this.

“That’s right… Puggy!”

“I think you enjoyed him more than me.”

“I was a kid of course I did.”

“You’re still a kid, only taller, and…,” he frowned in and looked to be in thought.

“And?”

“Let’s just say I can see why the pup is chasing after you.”

“Pup?”

“Harry…”

Raven blushed and shot to her feet.

“Oh no… Harry.”

She looked to Sirius in alarm.

“I can’t believe I did that to him! How could I do that?”

Sirius didn’t comment but observed her mannerisms more closely. That and he took notice of her Slytherin robes. Another one bites the dust… he thought with a frown, but hadn’t the heart to remark on it. The poor girl looked as though she’d walked through the gates of hell and back. Her hair was a mess and she was covered in mud and grass. Raven reached back and wrapped her hand around the area he’d bitten during his transfiguration. He grimaced in realization and made his way over.

“Let me see…” He whispered and went on to lift the back of her hair.

“Sorry about that.” He uttered and ran a finger along the bite mark.

“You’re sorry? I attacked you first.”

He chuckled on this but was quick to brace her against him as she turned a nice shade of snowy white. He laid her down, under one of the trees. Sirius looked to the teenage witch with concern and placed his hand along her forehead.

“You’re not looking so good.”

“I’m okay…”

He shook his head in disagreement.

“Get some rest. We’ll have plenty of time to talk after.”

“I should get to school and I need to apologize to Harry.”

“School started a little over two hours ago. I’m sure Harry’s come up with some sort of excuse on your behalf already and something tells me that whatever quarrel you and Harry seem to be having, he’s already forgotten about. He was more concerned than anything.”

He tilted his head however as the girl fought in order to stay awake.

“Close your eyes and rest, Little Raven. I’ll be here when you wake up.”

“Promise?”

“Yes. Now sleep.”

She nodded and closed her eyes. The wizard drew back a breath as he sat across from her. He couldn’t fathom that she was right here. He’d plans of finding out the truth, behind EVERYTHING. Just as soon as she got a few hours rest.

---

“Is everything alright?” Neville asked once it came lunchtime.

Harry looked around the table and kept his voice down as he responded.

“Something happened… I can’t go into detail. But Willow took off last night and now she’s missing.”

Neville swallowed back on this. Harry sighed and looked to his plate of food. He couldn’t believe he’d just told Neville that. But truth of the matter? Besides that of Raven, Neville and Luna seemed to be the only ‘friends’ he could turn to as of late. He looked over to see Ron and Hermione laughing about something across the way. Hermione must’ve caught wind of him looking over as the laughing stopped and she nodded his direction. Ron took notice and rolled his eyes. He nudged her and the two looked to be bickering afterward. Harry turned away and saw that Neville was picking at a roll on his plate.

“I can help you, Harry, if you want. We could meet after school and…”

“I have someone on it already.”

“Oh…”

“Thank you, Neville. I’ll take you up on that offer though if needed.”

Neville smiled.

“Anytime, Harry. I’m sure she’s fine. Maybe she just needs some time.”

“I’m sure you’re right.” Harry said doing his best to be positive.

---

Sirius looked over as Raven was talking in her sleep. Her hands were balled up in to fists and her body jerked about as though she were fighting someone. He crawled on over and gave her a little shake.

“Come now, Little Raven. It’s only a dream.”

The young woman’s eyes shot open and he froze as she had her wand up against his throat.

“Stop that.” He scolded but with a touch of a smile.

Raven closed her eyes and lowered her wand.

“Sorry.”

He nodded and sat beside her.

“Feel better?”

“Yes actually.”

Sirius dug into his pocket and handed something over.

“Candy?”

“Thought it might give you that extra oomph you need.”

Raven smiled and popped it into her mouth.

“Those used to be your favorite.”

“That’s right… they were.” She murmured in memory.

Her bottom lip started to quiver and Sirius wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

“So why don’t you tell me what really happened?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well for starters… You’re obviously very much alive…”

“It’s kind of a long story.”

“Not going anywhere.”

“Truth for truth?”

“I can do that.”

“Deal.”

By the time Raven finished her story, Sirius was on his feet and pacing the area. Raven couldn’t help but to notice how he had that wild animal presence about him even out of his transfiguration. If she didn’t know him personally, she’d find him a very menacing looking man. She could only imagine how he looked behind Azkaban bars. Sirius came to a halt and pinched the bridge of his nose.

“So you spent all that time as the Malfoy’s personal servant?”

Raven nodded.

“You were just a child.”

“Not to Lucius. I was nothing.”

Sirius sent her this apologetic look. He remembered just how fond she was of Lucius. She truly was a daddy’s girl and he could only imagine how devastating that must’ve been.

“He was wrong. They had no right!”

Sirius staggered back and leaned against a tree.

“I cannot apologize enough.”

“Why are you apologizing?!”

“I should’ve done something!”

“You thought I was dead!”

“But that’s just it. I should’ve looked more into it. I mean, suicide?! I should’ve known something wasn’t right.”

“You were dealing with other things…” She hinted as to her mother’s death.

He shook his head in disagreement.

“You needed me and I wasn’t there. That’s not something I can simply disregard. If I had known, I’d have done something,anything to bring you back, and make them pay!”

“I know.”

This had the wizard lifting his eyes and they locked with hers.

“I’m guessing you’re staying with Snivellus?” He uttered with a low growl.

Raven nodded.

“But of course…”

“Not by choice, believe me.”

“Not true.”

This had the young woman rearing back in question. Sirius drew back the deepest of breaths.

“You’re a Black. Therefore you should be staying with your family.”

“Family?”

He held up a hand.

“Me!”

Raven couldn’t help but to giggle. He sent her a playful wink.

“So once the summer rolls around, you’re to stay with me.”

“For real?”

“I won’t take no for an answer. Besides I can’t bare the idea of you living under the same roof as that…” The man refrained seeing the look on his little cousin’s face.

“He doesn’t deserve your mere presence… And he is NOT your family. He’s proved this much by turning his back to you. I’m sorry, Little Raven. I know you love Severus. But he’s always been…”

“I know…” She said with this gloomy expression.

“Yes well… You’re better off now, or you will be. Just give it time.”

“If I didn’t have Harry…”

Sirius couldn’t help but to smile.

“Yes, well he is my godson.” He said as if that answered everything.

Raven looked to him in utter surprise.

“Wait… what?”

“A bit awkward no, isn’t it? You and Harry…” He let out a chuckle of mere amusement.

“At least this way I can keep an eye on you two.” Sirius taunted and Raven frowned.

“Kidding… Well maybe. Not sure actually. I suppose I’ll just have to see about this one.”

---

“Harry!” Raven called and sprang to her feet.

He nodded and took off the rest of the cloak of invisibility.

“Umbridge?” She questioned as it was nearly sunset.

“Yeah… Sorry.”

Raven shook her head but hugged him.

“I’m the one that should be saying that.”

“Why?” Harry questioned in downright confusion.

“The way I acted… It wasn’t right.”

“Willow, you had every reason. What he did… was beyond selfish and it was all done in order to protect himself.”

“I can’t believe you were spying on me, Harry!”

“It wasn’t so much spying…”

“Oh?”

“I just wanted to make certain Snape was on the up and up, so to speak.”

“Well I believe you have your answer on that one.”

Harry recoiled and let out a sigh. He cupped her chin and looked her in the eyes.

“I didn’t follow you with the intention to eavesdrop, but I won’t lie either. I’m glad I did. I have a better understanding now and I’m hoping that means you will turn to me whenever needed. Don’t keep it bottled up, Willlow, or it will eat you alive. I’m here just as you were for me. Don’t you ever forget that.”

Harry caressed her cheek then went on to kiss her. This was followed by clapping. Harry peered over Raven’s shoulder and saw Black stepping out from one of the shadows. The man had a hand over his heart and this grin of utter mockery.

“I’m so proud!”

Harry narrowed his eyes on this.

“Look at you two… Keeping up the inbreeding tradition in our family!” He taunted and pretended to wipe a tear from the corner of his eye.

Raven’s eyes widened and Harry reared back in thought.

“Yes well don’t let me interrupt you, go on. Perhaps there will be some pups in the near future?!”

Raven’s jaw dropped and she snapped her cousin a look of hell. This had Sirius dying of laughter.

“We’re not of blood.” Harry murmured with a disgusted look about him.

“That maybe… But if you really think about it, you two are technically family! Almost like kissing cousins!”

“Shut it, Puggy!” Raven hissed and this had the man rolling in laughter.

In fact he was laughing so hard he had to brace himself up against a tree in order to keep from falling over. Harry sighed but pecked her on the lips once again.
“Just ignore him. He escaped from Azkaban not long ago.” Harry taunted with a smirk of his own.

“Now that wasn’t very nice.” His godfather mused.

Harry shrugged and picked a leaf out from Raven’s hair.

“I’ve yet to get him neutered…” Harry uttered.

“Why didn’t you tell me he was still alive?”

“I figured it best if you saw for yourself. Besides, you need him and even if he won’t admit it, he needs you.”

“And you need to quit being so handsy, pup.” Black retorted as Harry had his hands along his little cousin’s ass.

“And you need to quit being so nosey, mutt.”

Raven regarded them in disbelief. She couldn’t believe that Sirius was alive to begin with, much less the story he revealed behind what all took place. But his and Harry’s relationship had her blown away. Part of her envied it even. What she wouldn’t give to have that with Snape.

“It’s my job to be nosey, well now anyway.”

Harry regarded Sirius in question.

“I suppose you’ll be more inclined to visit, considering your soon to be baby mama will be staying with me!”

Harry’s eyes widened on this but it wasn’t so much to do with Raven staying with him. No. If anything he was somewhat relieved and that’s what he’d secretly hoped for. It was the whole ‘baby mama’ bit that threw him off.

“Puggy!” Raven scolded with a flushed face and Sirius sent her a wink.

“He’s got it bad that one. Just you wait and see.”

“Shut it, Padfoot.”

“Uh oh… Now I’ve gone and done it. He’s mad. Why don’t you kiss him and make it better?”

He tilted his head however as Raven had her hand wrapped around her arm.

“Willow…” Harry whispered in alarm.

“Just give me a minute…” She took a few steps back and Harry shook his head upon Sirius.

“Now might be a good time to shut that trap of yours!”

Sirius went to smart off again thinking they were being awfully dramatic about him poking a little fun. But the moment he saw that serpent’s tail, he froze and looked on in utter shock.

“Willow… just take a deep breath. He meant nothing by it. That’s just Padfoot being well… Padfoot.”

“It isn’t him…” Raven uttered in agony.

Harry narrowed his eyes but followed her gaze.

“What do you want?” Raven hissed as Severus had managed to sneak up on them.

“It’s past curfew…”

“I’m well aware.”

“It’s time the two of you headed back.”

“And we will… Once we get everything squared away.”

“I’m not asking. I’m telling you.”

“And I’m telling you that we will be there, just as soon as we’re done.”

Raven was shaking all over and had this crazed look in her eyes. Snape held his hands up and took a step towards her.

“Just calm down and come with me, Corvina.”

“Are you hard of hearing? I already told you!”

“Willow…” Harry called out as her eyes flickered into that golden hue for a brief moment.

This had Sirius reaching to his own arm.

“Snape…” Harry called in warning as he kept inching his way over.

“You stay out of this, boy.” Snape barked and held his hand out for Raven.

“Come now… We can talk this over, once we get there.”

“I’ve nothing to say to you.”

“Must you be so dramatic?!”

“At least I’m something.” Raven cruelly hinted and Snape rolled his eyes.

“Don’t. Don’t you roll your eyes and pull that fuckwit attitude with me.”

Sirius raised his brows and looked to Harry in disbelief. Harry had grown used to her colorful language and thought nothing of it. He was more concerned about Severus pushing Raven too far.

“Expelliarmus!”

Harry snapped a look Sirius’s direction as that came from him. Raven sent her cousin a rueful glare as the wand was sent flying out of her hand. Black kept his eyes on her but was talking to Snape.

“I think it would be wise if you left. I will make certain they get to Hogwarts, shortly.”

Snape curled his lip at this.

“Go or I’ll let the young witch have her way with you and believe me when I say there won’t be much left afterward.”

The professor dropped his hand.

“They had better be there first thing in the morning, or there will be consequences.”

Black had a good laugh at this.

“You’re not one to be making demands.”

Snape cut him a ‘look’ and Black nodded.

“That’s right… I know. My Little Raven told me EVERYTHING. So why don’t you do what you’re best at? Turn around and walk away. I got it from here.”

Just as soon as Snape was out of sight, Sirius walked on over. He raised the sleeve to Raven’s robe and shook his head.

“What are the chances…?” Harry heard him whisper.

He ran a single finger along the tattoo.

“Harry, hand me that wand, will you?”

Harry nodded and picked Raven’s wand up from the ground. He handed it over and Black let out this hysterical like chuckle.

“And I thought I was the only one…”

He took his wand and compared it to Raven’s. They were identical.

“There are only two of these in existence. Leave it to my little cousin to find the other, or more like it found you. I suppose we have a lot more in common than I ever realized.”

Sirius unbuttoned his shirt and went on to reveal his tattoo as well. Harry nodded amongst himself. He was right all along; it was Black that had that same mark.

“The wandmaker told me this was the only one.”

This had the older wizard smiling.

“It is, as far as the wizardry world knows.”

Sirius looked to his own wand in thought.

“The wand found me, not long after I escaped Azkaban. Let’s just say it has a way of keeping you in line.”

“That’s understatement…. Where did you find it?”

“The wand finds you, not the other way around, but funny you should ask.” He handed her wand back and twirled his own about.

“The Black Death… It’s a myth or at least that’s what the wizarding world believes. They haven’t a clue…

It choses those of the Black bloodline and those that are close to calling it quits.”

Harry tilted his head on this. Sirius took notice and sighed.

“It seems as though the rumors weren’t that far from the truth… And I don’t mean about the wand itself. I mean about you, Corvina Malfoy.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It’s like I said. You and I have a lot more in common than I realized. So what stopped you?”

“Pardon?”

“From saying fuck it and taking that ‘deadly’ leap?”

Raven staggered back and Sirius gave a mere nod.

“That’s where the name comes in… The wand choses those that need a reason to keep going and it uses your emotions to help you decipher what is right and wrong and though it will not stop you from making a life altering mistake, it will warn you and punish you once the deed is done. The bigger the mistake, the harsher the punishment and if that snake manages to eat its way through, you’re bloody fucked little cous. The trials alone will make you wish you were never born and earning your way back, is like walking through the gates of hell and lighting yourself on fire.”

Raven swallowed back on this and Harry looked as though he were going to be sick. Did Padfoot just admit that he and Raven once thought about committing actual suicide?!

“Look, we catch up on everything later. You two better head back. Get that one something to eat (he said whilst pointing to Raven) and you two need some sleep. I’ll be around…”

---

“Willow…” Harry called out as they were on their way back.

She stopped and looked over. He’d this nervous air about him and was rubbing the back of his neck.

“Is something wrong?”

Harry didn’t answer as he reached out and took her by the hand. He pulled her towards him.

“I haven’t said it, but it’s been on the tip of my tongue and has been for awhile.”

“Harry?” Raven questioned with concern.

He placed a strand of hair behind her ear then put his forehead to hers.

“What you said about me… to Snape. Willow, I… Well no one’s ever said those things about me before. Sure, everyone talks about the boy who lived and all that hype. But it’s a bit much at times, if I’m to be honest. You don’t look at me the way everyone else does. It’s like they’re expecting me to perform some sort of trick and I’m afraid of being a huge disappointment in the end. But when I’m around you… I don’t even think about all that. Willow, I haven’t felt ‘myself’ in quite sometime. Even as a house-elf you somehow brought that out. So I suppose what I’m trying to say is that I love you too.”

Raven regarded Harry in total surprise.

“You love me?” She whispered like it were impossible.

Harry nodded.

“Is that so hard to believe?”

“Yes. I mean no. I mean…”

Harry raised his brows as she stumbled on her words. Her entire face was rosy red and she looked to the ground. Harry lifted her chin and looked her in the eyes.

“Why is that so hard for you to believe?” Harry questioned sounding almost offended.

“I didn’t mean it like that, Harry. I just… Well no one’s ever said that to me before.”
Harry reared back on this.

“Surely, you don’t mean…”

“Harry… I’m 15 and you’re the first to ever say those words. The Malfoys weren’t really known for expressing themselves, at least not in that matter. I’m sorry… You just caught me off-guard.”

Harry had no words. He wasn’t sure what to say to say, not to something as tragic as that. He brought her against his chest and simply held her.

---

(Be a good sport by leaving your comment/review or a simple ‘like’, if you dug the chapter. I will be working on a couple chapters to Days Past Future Lost then a couple to The Highlander after. Will return to this story once I get those done. Thanks!)