Trading Magic for Fact

I fake my life like I bleed…
Too much. I take whatever you're giving…
Not enough.
Over ground, watch this space;
I'm open to falling from grace.

Divia hugged the man in front of her and kissed his cheek with a smile. She frowned when he removed her arms from around his neck. “What? I can’t even hug you, Jude?”

“You forget your place, Cousin,” he replied harshly. “How are your classes?”

“Good except for Arithmancy. I nearly failed it in Salem, too, but Draco’s been helping me this year.”

“Ssh,” he said, looking up and down the corridor. “Let’s walk and then you can speak freely.”

She nodded, leading him away from the entrance to the Slytherin common room.

“You aren’t supposed to have previously taken Arithmancy, Divia,” he reminded her, keeping his voice low. “How much are you letting slip?”

“I’m sorry, Jude, but it just gets so hard sometimes. I’ve even tried to do badly in Muggle Studies, but I can’t. I did manage the Bind though,” she told him happily. “I’ve been getting so much attention…but I don’t know.”

“Are you insecure? Are you facing difficulties?” he questioned. “Purebloods are confident, Divia, strong. Let me check up on you now, hmm? Who are your parents?”

“My parents? I don’t remember them. Uncle Nicholas told me that my father was crazy and raised me in a Muggle-run home. He’s amazed I turned out as I did.”

“That he is. I’ve noticed you don’t take Transfiguration. Why is that?”

“I have not had a proper education in it as it was my father’s worst subject, and it would be shameful to be in a class with the first years. It would make the family look bad. I can’t believe you came here to quiz me.”

He ignored her last comment. “Good. And I’m serious when I say I don’t want you fighting anymore.”

She rolled her eyes. “You should’ve just sent a howler then.”

“A howler? That’s not how it’s done, Cousin. A true wizard handles things quietly, which is why you should be ashamed of yourself for making a scene in the first place.” He sighed. “Honestly, have I taught you nothing?”

“You’ve taught me plenty and you know it.” She stopped and stared at him before they both laughed at each other’s serious expressions. “You’re ridiculous sometimes, you know that?”

“I’m only keeping you in line. How are you and Malfoy getting along?”

She blushed. “We work well together and we’ve gone out a few times. We’re going to the dance together. He’s really not so bad, Jude.”

“Does that make this any easier?” He let her think, but didn’t wait for an answer. “I’m afraid I can’t stay. I’ve brought your Yule gift, new dress robes. The house elves have left them in your wardrobe.”

“Thank you.” She stepped forward to hug him again, but he moved away. He gave her a chaste kiss on the forehead before leaving.

Divia clenched her fists angrily and knew the answer to his question. It made things harder. She liked Draco a lot. He was very attractive, but he was smart, too, and she enjoyed talking to him. She knew he wasn’t like his father.

*~*~*~*

Just before eight o’clock the Slytherin common room was filled with students attending the Holiday Ball. Draco waited for the last of the girls to enter from the dormitories, a small box in his hand. His dress robes were black velvet and high-collared, plain in appearance, but expensive. Divia finally entered, moving through Pansy’s girl gang and curtsied to her date for the evening. Her strawberry blonde hair was left down and held in place at the crown of her head with tiny silver clips. Her dress robes were a deep forest green and trimmed in silver at the sleeves, collar and waist.

“You look gorgeous,” Draco complimented her, partially in awe. “I brought you a gift. I was hoping that tonight could be the real start of something.”

Divia smiled as he extended the small box to her. Inside was a silver Celtic cross with a serpentine like dragon wrapped around its stem, hanging on a simple chain. “I love it,” she said. “Can you help me?”

He put the box down and moved behind her, clasping the necklace and carefully pulling her hair over it. She spun to face him. “If I wear this, they’ll all know that I belong to you. Now I have to figure out how to let them know that you belong to me.”

“Is that right?” He smirked.

She nodded and hooked her arm in his, beginning the walk to the Great Hall. She was silent for what seemed like a long time, looking at the numerous couples dancing and enjoying themselves.

She clung to Draco as they danced, and held onto his arm when they—or rather, he was involved in conversation. Around ten, Divia decided she was bored with standing by as Draco talked to Crabbe and Goyle. “Dance with me,” she requested, pulling him towards the dance floor. With her arms around his neck once more, she laid her head on his shoulder. “Do you trust me?”

“What?”

“Do you trust me?”

“Well, yes, I suppose so.”

Divia could see Snape watching them closely. She slipped from view, her arms tightening around Draco as she felt him flinch. “I’m still here,” she assured him. Soon he could see her again. “Now, we can see them, but they can’t see us. We need to move though; Professor Snape is coming over here.”

They moved, hands clasped, across the room. Snape looked about for his invisible students. “How did you…?”

“As long as you trust me, I can hold us here, and we can have privacy. This is a little more straining than an invisibility cloak, but it’s easier to manoeuvre with. I sneak around after hours,” she confessed, “and this is how I do it. Now, if you want, we can sneak around together.”

Draco’s face held an emphasized version of his typical smug grin. “I can do what I like…and they won’t know it’s me.”

“Well, someone might get a hint, but they have no proof.” He began to move and she held onto his hand, keeping their fingers entwined. “If you let go of me, I can’t keep you hidden for long…it’s too hard.”

“Can you teach me how?”

“There’s no need. You’ll be making the potion equivalent next year.” The answer seemed to satisfy him and they resumed dancing. They faded into view much later as Divia grew tired. They left the Great Hall arm and arm, Divia twiddling with her new necklace the entire time.

*~*~*~*

The majority of students had left for the holidays. A few stayed on as usual, not wanting to go home, or home being too far. The latter was the case for the Salem kids. Draco was waiting for his father to meet him, and Divia was playing with the edges of his robes. She was also rather anxious to meet Lucius, although she wouldn’t admit to it openly.

“You’re sure you can bear staying here?”

“I’ll be fine,” she replied. “I have an essay to write for Muggle Studies anyway.”

Draco sneered. “I don’t understand why you take that class. It’s a waste of time, learning about Muggles.”

“It comes easily for me. I wouldn’t take it if it didn’t help me do well, and perhaps balance out my less than perfect Arithmancy marks.”

“If the subject troubles you, then why take it?” The teens turned to see Lucius Malfoy watching them intently.

“I’ve chosen to focus my studies on becoming a soothsayer. In our current situation I believe it will be useful to be able to determine strategies and predict events. Arithmancy unfortunately goes along with Ancient Runes and Divination.”

“Already thinking of your future. You must be Miss Llewellyn. I’ve heard that you thrive to succeed.”

She pushed reddish-blonde hair over her shoulder and crossed her arms in front of her, tensing. Draco’s hand moved to the small of her back and she relaxed slightly. “I know what I want,” she told him, “and I know how to get it.”

“Ah yes. Draco has described you well, very beautiful and apparently intelligent.”

“Father,” Draco grumbled, rather embarrassed.

“Now, now Draco, surely I’m not spreading secrets.”

“No, I just…”

Divia quickly covered his mouth with a soft peck. “Speak now,” she recited, “or if you cannot, seal his mouth with a kiss, and let not him speak neither.”

“Shakespeare,” commented Lucius. “How very appropriate. Say your goodbyes then.”

“Yes, Father.” He turned to Divia. “I’ll be sure to send an owl.”

“You’d better, or else I’ll think you’ve forgotten about me.” Her hands clasped behind his neck and they shimmered away. She leaned on tiptoes to kiss him deeply, only releasing him when she felt the need to breathe. “And I’m glad you speak so well of me to him. It makes me happy.”

“Does it?”

“Absolutely. I’ll have a gift for you when you get back.” One more soft kiss as they returned to Lucius’ gaze.

“You are a very clever little witch, aren’t you?” he questioned.

“I aim to please,” she retorted smartly. “Have a happy holiday, Sir, and do make sure Draco sends an owl.”

“You as well, my dear. Try not to have too much fun without him.”

“I wouldn’t dare,” she stated with a smirk.

*~*~*~*

The black blanket on the stone floor of the castle room was a reminder that it was far too cold outside. The three didn’t want to sit in the heavy snow and had instead opted for an empty room in one of the castle’s many corridors. They kept quiet, knowing that Filch would be making his rounds, as well as the Slytherin Head of House.

In the centre of the blanket sat a small handmade wreath of pine needles topped with white candles, and the customary goblet filled with wine.

“It’s official then?” Gabe questioned.

Divia held up the necklace. “Perfect trust. I met Daddy Dearest this morning when Draco left.” She shuddered. “He’s so charming, but he simply oozes with slime. I had to concentrate on Draco so as not to retch or lash out at the man.”

“What did he say to you?”

“He told me that Draco wrote about me, and with great compliment. I was, in all honesty, flattered. He also mentioned meeting Jude. He learned about my situation and his approval was probably what Draco needed before he said anything.” She bit her lower lip in thought. “Yes, I definitely think that Lucius’ approval was very necessary. Poor Draco becomes a different person in front of him. I mean, he was embarrassed that we were in an embrace in front of his father. He was just going to say goodbye, and that was it. It helped me see Draco for what he really is.”

“A son of a git?” Vange joked.

“Well, yes, but no. I think Lucius bullies him into acting a certain way. It makes me rethink exactly what to do with him.”

Gabe smiled. “So you’ve changed your mind and you want to go home?”

Divia glared at him. “No, Gabriel. I just think that maybe I can help him while he helps me. Maybe to think for himself, and see what’s really going on.”

“Don’t risk yourself further simply to save him, Divia. He was born to be a Death Eater. You know what Jude told you.”

“But I don’t even think he’s got the Mark yet. If he hasn’t, maybe...” Divia shrugged. “We’ll see. I’m just concerned with getting some concrete evidence to the Aurors.”

Gabe shook his head and picked up the goblet in the candlelit space they shared. “Merry Yule,” he said solemnly. “Tonight we gather to celebrate the birth of the Lord, and to usher peace into this life as the Lady needs to rest and recover.” He drank his wine. “My Lord and Lady, although we have been unable to rejoice in the ways of which we are typically expected, we ask You to understand our circumstances.”

Vange drank. “I congratulate the Lady on Her birthing, and ask simply that She continue to shine Her light on us each night. Every time we see the moon, may we think of Her.”

Divia was left again to finish the wine. “I thank the Lord and Lady for all of the continuous help They have offered us thus far. I ask for a renewed blessing of strength as I continue with what must be done. There is no turning back now.”

There were footsteps down the hall. Gabe cringed as he could hear someone moving towards the small room. “Lord and Lady, we leave you to rest and revel in this joyous holiday. We bid you farewell until Imbolc. Merry ye meet and merry ye part. Merry ye meet again,” he rushed.

“Blessed be,” the girls chimed in.

The footsteps were closer. “Hide,” hissed Divia. “I’ll clean up.”

Vange and Gabe took hands and melted into the shadows.

Moments later Snape appeared as predicted. “Miss Llewellyn, please explain to me why you are not in your room when it is past curfew.”

“Professor Dumbledore never told you, Sir? I’m a follower of the Old Ways and observe holidays as such.” She motioned to the wreath and blew the candles out one by one. Everything was then repacked in her bag. “I was just finishing up.” She snapped her fingers, creating a light in her palm to see by.

“Professor Dumbledore did mention that you would perhaps be performing certain rituals. However, I had assumed they would be in the privacy of your own room.” He moved forward and looked to an empty corner. “Just as I’d assumed your friends would be doing the same in Gryffindor Tower. Miss Alexander, Mister Corin, show yourselves.”

The shadows rippled and the teens reappeared.

Vange stayed a half step behind Gabe as if hiding from the Potions Master. “Professor, we just…”

“Miss Alexander, I am by no means going to punish you for being religious. I commend you on keeping up with your beliefs. Now, if you’ll both return to where you ought to be.”

“Yes, Sir, of course,” replied Gabe. He was nearly speechless at Snape’s lack of anger. “Goodnight, Divia.”

“Miss Llewellyn, I’d like to have a word with you, in my office.”

She nodded slowly and followed Snape down to the dungeons. His office was essentially what she had expected. The walls were covered with shelves holding potion supplies and brewed liquids of all different colours as well as an abundance of thick leather bound books. “Professor,” she cut to the chase, “I know you’ve seen me lurking about.”

“Miss Llewellyn, how could I not? You’ve done nothing to hide the fact that you do so.”

She opened her mouth and then shut it again without a word. She had no argument. He was right; she had been taking great joys in stealthily avoiding him in the halls while disappearing right in front of him. Her life had gotten to the point where she was amused by the little things, and one of those things was the disgruntled face that Snape made towards her.

“I’ve been aware of your late night visits to Gryffindor Tower, and before tonight I’ve merely had suspicions. You are obviously on more than civil terms with those two, are you not?”

“They’re my friends,” she explained. “We grew up together.”

“So then why do you keep your friendships a secret?”

Divia scowled. “You already know the answer to that.”

“Apparently some incorrect assumptions have been made, on both of our parts, and I would just like my information set straight. So please, enlighten me, Miss Llewellyn, as to what is happening.”

She sighed, slumping further into her chair. “I keep them a secret so I don’t lose trust elsewhere. His trust is very important to me right now.”

“Ah yes. And how is your relationship with Mister Malfoy?”

“Fine, thank you. I enjoy Draco’s company very much.” She paused and smirked, wanting to pull his attention away from her. “You know, Potter told me about you. He said he wasn’t sure if I could trust you, and I had thought perhaps not. But I know I can. We’re similar.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about, you silly girl.”

She leaned forward, pressing her hands against Snape’s desk. “I don’t? We both mean well, but we’re forced to portray cruel intentions. We suffer at the Dark Lord’s hands one way or another.”

“Continuing with your own story would be sufficient enough at this time.”

From Snape’s death glare she knew it was not the time to discuss his own activities at Hogwarts. “There’s no story, Professor,” she replied, relaxing again. “My father died last year and my uncle didn’t want me. However, I had nowhere else to go, no one to care for me, so my cousins watch over me now.”

“But you aren’t like them are you, Miss Llewellyn?”

“Sir?”

“You said that you are forced to portray cruel intentions. Who is forcing you?”

“I-I just meant that I suffer under the preconceived notions made of my family. I’m seen by others how they want to see me, and so I act the way they think I should act.”

“Do you want to correct these notions?”

She shook her head. “Not today, Sir.”

*~*~*~*

“Do you think she’ll be all right?”

Gabe stopped in his tracks and turned to stare at Vange, his brown eyes flashed with anger. “I wish you would just stop asking that. Just stop worrying about her for one second while we’re here.”

“How can I not? She’s our best friend, Gabriel. I thought you would care, too.”

He groaned. “I care, Vange, I do, but I can’t spend all my time concerned with her. You know I hate what she’s doing…what’s happened to her. Do you know what Mandrake is doing now? In the current situation at home, despite all the danger, he is leading Naturals each day into our world. He’s leading them into danger when they are better off where they are. They don’t belong with us.”

Vange’s jaw dropped at his words. “Would you rather I was not here then? Do I not belong here because I’m a Natural? You are the one who has no right being here,” she hissed.

“I didn’t mean it like that. Your family is older, but these first generations don’t know what they’re getting into. Mandrake is leading them like lambs to the slaughter.”

“Then he must know and have faith in Divia and her plans. He has helped her more than we could last year, Gabriel. He wouldn’t do her wrong.”

“Do you really believe that?”

She hesitated and then nodded.

Gabe put an arm around her waist and they continued walking to Gryffindor Tower in silence. He had never wanted to go to Hogwarts. He only went to stay with Vange as he couldn’t bear to leave her for an entire year. She was too good a friend to be involved in such matters as far as he was concerned. Divia could have done everything on her own. She should be here alone, he thought bitterly. She’s so determined to go through with this when she never even dealt with her own problems. Foolish girl gets involved in what she doesn’t understand…she’s lucky she hasn’t been found out at this point. He shook his head to get rid of the thoughts. He had a feeling that they wouldn’t be seeing her much—or at all—any time soon.