At the mention of Kendra's mother, Kiah giggled and nodded in agreement. "I've seen your mom work her magic on my parents before. If anyone can convince them it would be her. Maybe we can mention it to her sometime this week. That way she'll have a lot of time to wear them down." Kendra's mother had terrified Kiah at first. She had gotten used to the way Mrs. Jovan interacted with everyone over the years. She had fond memories spent at Kendra's house. Especially once they were old enough to figure out how to smuggle Mr. Jovan's liquor cabinet. Kiah had always wondered if he noticed when a bottle would come up missing. They hadn't over indulged, so even if he had he never said anything. He could teach other adults to be as indulgent. As much as she loved her parents, they tended to be a bit over protective. Lately her father hadn't seemed as bad as her mother. She figured it was due to the fact that soon she would be leaving home. To Kiah, it felt like the years had been going slow, but her mother kept insisting time had flown too quickly.

She figured she could worry about her mother later. Kiah would rather focus on her time with Kendra. Soon enough they would be busy with school. They always still managed to find time for each other, but dealing with their peers and classes took it's tole. They both had extra duties this year too. Last year, Kendra had been a prefect, but now she was Head Girl. Kiah was really proud of her friend and hoped things went smoothly at school. There wasn't a demented Dark Lord running around causing chaos anymore. Everyone had seemed to lighten with the news that Voldemort would no longer darken the wizarding world. Kiah wished her mother had Mrs. Jovan's talents with bits of fabric. "You are rather lucky my friend. I'm lucky if my mother leaves my clothes untouched. She's convinced I need ruffles and fluff." She grimaced before continuing. "That dress is amazing! I also want to congratulate you again. You are going to be a wonderful Head Girl. It's nice to see the Headmistress has some sense." She really liked that they had a Headmistress instead of another Headmaster. The girls at Hogwarts would be able to see that they too could eventually run Hogwarts if they put their efforts towards doing so.

When Kendra mentioned Davis, Kiah almost burst with excited chatter, but stopped herself before a word passed her lips. It was taking her a lot of work to get her two friends together. They had to do it on their own. She figured if she pushed them together slowly maybe this time it would stick. The last time Kendra had ended up with the blockhead Garrett. With the wizarding world settling down things were more optimistic and she hoped they would be able to open their hearts to one another. Instead of teasing Kendra about Davis, she would give her a few tidbits and that would be all for now. She had pretty much gotten reassurance that Davis was headed towards asking Kendra out on a date. He had asked about her off and on all summer. It always made Kiah giggle when he would. He tried to hide where his interests truly lay, but she knew him too well for his own good. She was about to disappoint Kendra. She knew Davis had already gotten everything for school the week before. He was currently biding his time at home before returning to Hogwarts. "Actually Davis has already been to get his school gear. The poor thing is probably at home waiting to see you again." Kiah smirked at her lovely friend. "We'll see him next week for sure." She patted Kendra's arm and decided to leave it at that. If Kendra asked her any questions, she would be vague and change the subject. Davis and Kendra needed to talk amongst themselves. Once at school, Kiah would think of ways to push them together.

At the mention of teaching Kendra how to surf, Kiah bounced up and down briefly. "I would love to teach you how to surf! It was so much fun. You'll have to teach me how to change my hair color in exchange. I demand it! My mother refuses to help me." Kiah poked her lip out, but couldn't hold it for long before giggling. "Oh Paris must have been just as amazing as your grandmother's place! I would love to go to Rome with your family. We definitely need to put a bug in your mother's ear about it." She wondered if her father would side with her right away. By this time next year, she'd be seventeen and about to start her last year at Hogwarts. She would miss Kendra a lot. Maybe her mother would understand her need to spend as much time with Kendra as possible. She could be with her family anytime, but her best friend...there were limits. Hogwarts wouldn't be the same without Kendra, but she would find a way to manage. At the mention of a beau, Kiah winked at Kendra. "It's no wonder! You have grown up a lot and you are gorgeous! Too bad he wasn't your type. Sounds nice to have someone admire you like that." Kiah said wistfully before adding slyly, "I imagine once you arrive at Hogwarts Davis will be mooning over you. He won't know what hit him."

The past few years, Kiah had focused more on school than the opposite sex. Occasionally, a boy would try to attempt to be more than her friend. It had never gone well. She always put them firmly in the friend zone. She had been so sure at her age love was out of the cards. Maybe this year she would let her guard down a bit. She felt older and wiser with all that had occurred the day of the battle. "Kendra, do you think I could draw the interest of someone this year? I wouldn't know how to go about letting the boys at school know I was interested." Kiah finished by mumbling slightly embarrassed. She knew Kendra wouldn't make her feel bad, but it was still embarrassing to be sixteen and never having had a boyfriend.

Pacing. Ariella found this to be extremely helpful as she anxiously awaited Vlad's arrival. Anna, her youngest sibling, was staring at her as though she'd suddenly gone mental and her mother was eying her curiously. The seventeen year old wasn't usually this nervous when someone came over, but Vlad was an exception. He'd sent her an owl instructing her to pack, though for what she wasn't entirely sure. It was her birthday and apparently her thoughtful boyfriend wanted to surprise her. Ella wasn't a custom to surprises. Of any kind. She was usually the one surprising others, either with a prank or just something off the wall that she might've said. Needless to say she'd had to bust out her signature charm-induced, ratty over the shoulder bag.

She'd previously stuffed a spare set of clothes, her money (wizarding and muggle alike), and a few other accessories into the bag. It wasn't any bigger than a clutch but it was bulging despite the extension charm. There were probably all sorts of things in the depths of that old, parchment colored bag that Ariella herself was unaware of. Her mother hadn't failed to comment on it when she'd walked into the Moretti sitting room after staring at her appearance for what seemed like an hour. Though she was certain she hadn't been there that long. In order to calm her nerves she'd stood in front of the full length mirror in her room and entertained herself. As well as her spying sister. She'd been trying out all the noses of animals she'd been practicing and changing her hair color accordingly. Sometimes being a Metamorphmagus was calming. Or maybe that was just how Ella thought of it. Unfortunately, it didn't really work this time.

"Ella, that purse is awful. Haven't you anything else to use?" her mother had called out to her from the chair she was firmly planted in. Directly in front of the front door. No doubt anxious about meeting her middle daughters boyfriend. Ever since Alessia left her mother had starting butting in on Ariella's life. More so than usual. Like she were a foolish animal incapable of anything without her guidance.

"No, I don't." she responded, shooting her mother a look of complete indifference. She was lying actually. Ella had a mountain of other bags and purses that she could've chose from but none of them were as special as that one. She'd had it since her first year of Hogwarts, probably longer now that she was thinking about it, and it had been through a lot of things between her and Vlad. It just seemed right for it to accompany her on this special date between the two. She'd never in a million years tell her paranoid mother any of that. Lucky for Vlad her father was at the Ministry working. "Could you please find it in your heart to not hound him with questions?" she pleaded, clasping her hands together and putting them out in front of her for effect.

Before Francesca even had a chance to answer (which would've been equally as questionable and annoying as before) a knock sounded throughout the room.

"Okay, alright, here it goes." she muttered to herself with a sense of slight hysteria. Ella was panicking. There was no way around it. She looked over at her mother with weary eyes and pointed her finger directly at her. Signifying that it was go time and she'd better not pull any funny business. After receiving a nod of approval and watching Francesca stand with a smile on her face, Ariella cleared her throat and took a deep breath before walking over to grab the door knob. Giving it a sharp turn, she opened the door.

When she saw Vlad for the first time, her heart immediately squeezed in her chest. All the nerves and worry faded as she caught his eye. It hadn't been all that long since they'd seen each other but if felt like ages as she stood before him now. Looking him over, she took it all in and smiled. "Hey you." she said coolly, not wanting him to spot the small blush that crept into her cheeks. Then, ignoring Anna's giggles and the feeling of her mothers eyes on the both of them, Ariella took a step forward to place her arms around him.

"You'd better come in and say something. I'll never hear the end of it otherwise." she whispered into his ear. Really wishing they could just apparate right there on the spot. "I'm really excited." Telling him made the flutter in her stomach cease a little. The anticipation was killing her. Stepping away from Vlad, Ariella grabbed his hand and lead him into the house.

This was the part she'd been worried about the most. Considering the fact that Anna was now hiding behind their mother and staring right at him made the birthday girl feel slightly at ease. At least she knew the eight year old was enjoying the view. "Mother, this is Vlad. Vlad, this is my mother Francesca and that little mouse behind her is my sister Anna." she said as she introduced and affiliated the three. After years of both sides just hearing stories about the other, this was the moment of truth.

It was students normally not allowed to be out when the sun was already going down. They were expected to be in their dorms at this time of the day. But over the last year Bonnie had perfected her sneaking out without someone noticing skills. It was something that was essential for survival when you were a vampire living in Hogwarts, she thought to herself. After all, Bonnie needed to hunt, even if she was just hunting animals in the forest. But tonight's trip was not only about hunting. No, it was about having some fun and not having to hide what she was all the time. Sure, there were a few people around school she felt comfortable enough around, so that she had told them her secret. But most of the time, Bonnie hid what she was from everyone. What was sometimes getting really exhausting. So she had decided at some point around the end of the last school year, that she should be allowed to make some Hogsmeade trips as well. Since she wasn't normally joining the other students when they went to Hogsmeade during the day time. So Bonnie had started to sneak out every now and then to hunt and later have some fun in the small town near the castle. She knew a lot of people feared to be outside during the night time, because of the death eaters, but Bonnie wasn't so scared of them. Or at least, not scared enough to hide from them inside the castle at night. Especially, now after her talk with Professor Lathen she was optimistic, that she would get out of this unpunished, even if she got caught. After all, the Professor had told her to experience her dark side some more, she thought amused to herself.

As she walked through the small streets of Hogsmeade, she noticed that at first the streets seemed quite crowded. But with every moment that passed and with every centimeter the sun disappeared behind the horizon, more and more people seemed to disappear inside their houses. Bonnie herself was quite happy about the fact, that the sun was slowly disappearing. Sure, the sun did not burn her right away. But still, being in the sun for too long could get exhausting and could even kill her. Back in time when she had been human, Bonnie had enjoyed sunny days a lot. She had loved the feeling of the sun on her skin, but now that she was a vampire she couldn’t enjoy it anymore. All, just because she had made one stupid mistake in her life and that had been to fall for the wrong guy. She knew, that sometimes things like that happened and that you couldn’t chose who you loved, but still she wished ever since she had been changed now, that she would have been more careful. Then her family would probably not have been killed and she would not have been stalked by another vampire for over a century. With every minute Bonnie spent outside in the sun, she felt more and more tired and so the young woman decided to go into the 'Three Broomsticks' and have drink there. That way, she would have some entertainment and she could wait until the sun had completely disappeared and go hunt later. Before stepping inside the small pub, Bonnie smoothed her jeans, her black top and her dark brown leather jacket. Then she pushed a strand of blond hair back where it belonged. Smiling satisfied after having made these changes, she stepped into the small pub. She had to admit she felt kind of more comfortable right now, then she felt all day long in school. She didn't mind the school uniforms and lessons normally. But still, Bonnie was always happy when she had some free time and could wear whatever she wanted.

Looking around herself in the small pub, she noticed that it was quite empty. What kind of surprised her, since she had expected a lot more people still being here. But still, even if there were only a few people around Bonnie started to feel a burning starting in her throat as she picked up the scent of human blood. For a moment she wondered, if it had really been a good idea to come here, before she had hunted. But fast pushed that thoughts away again. Fast the blond girl walked over to the bar and ordered a butterbeer. Bonnie had always loved watching people and although there were not too many people around at the moment, she still found it quite nice in here. There were a few drunk guys singing loud in one corner of the room. In the other sat a few witches, who seemed to gossip with each other. Then there were a few people, who sat a bit away from everyone else, probably some business people, who had come here after a long work day to relax. At one of the small tables near the fireside sat a few people, who seemed to be playing a game. All in all, it seemed like a pretty normal evening. There was no sign of the danger that was going on outside and the war that could start each day, Bonnie thought to herself. Taking a sip from her drink. That was when the chair next to her was moved. For a moment Bonnie felt panic rushing through her body, because she believed that it might be one of her teachers from school. But when she turned around and came face to face with the other person, Bonnie chocked on her drink. And a completely new wave of panic rushed through her body, one that was far worse then the one she have had before. The face of the person across from her hadn’t changed at all in the last hundred years. It was still as stunning as it had been all those years ago. When Bonnie finally was able to say something, just one word escaped her lips "August!"

Despite the struggle his life had became, Draco could not help but be thankful for it. Thankful that he was allowed to try to piece together what remains he had left, thankful that he wasn't in prison or dead. During the war he had tried to imagine the outcome of it all over and over, both in his sleep and while awake. And not once could he imagine a way that ended with anything except despair or death. And even if that time in his life had been a shadowed one- his judgement clouded by pools of ink threatening to swallow him whole- that was one particular subject he thought about enough that he must have been able to see it with a clear head, at least some of the time. After all, who could have ever expected his mother to lie to the Dark Lord? Who could have expected that Harry Potter could outdo death yet again? And who could have ever expected that because of this simple, small lie, this one word uttered in defiance: 'dead,' that the ministry would grant full pardon not only to his mother, but to his father and himself as well?

Though despite the fact he was glad it all had worked out, he really couldn't comprehend the thought process used when allowing his father to walk free. For his mother, it made sense. She was the one who made the risk, who indirectly saved the Wizarding world; even if those hadn't been her intentions, which they certainly hadn't. And even for himself, he could understand. He had been only sixteen when first commissioned by the Dark Lord and everything he had done had been because of threats and fear tactics. Draco had been a piece in the game, used because of convenience but very much expendable. But Lucius had joined the Deatheaters out of free will, not once, but during both wars. He had committed unspeakable crimes, Draco knew this personally. Yet he had gone unpunished as well. But he supposed it didn't matter, the reasons behind it all. Because he was alive, his family was alive, and though shamed by both sides of the war, things had worked out. The youngest Malfoy was allowed to give himself simple comforts, allowed to attempt to regain normalcy. He was allowed to return to Hogwarts, try to enjoy Hogsmeade weekends, and order a butterbeer on a cold day.

And despite everything else, despite all that he was going to have to endure because of the things he and his family had done, this life he had now was perfect compared to the one he had during the war. Even if he did complain, brood, and pity himself more than he should, Draco knew that this was far better than he deserved. Even if he would never admit it, not even to himself, it was true all the same. And occasionally he would be greeted with these moments of gratitude that seemed to come both spontaneously and in routine. When he was feeling particularly irritated, or lying in bed late at night, or talking to someone he could consider a friend, suddenly all he could feel was he strangest sense of thankfulness. It came and went like a bolt of lightning, but the memory of it always lingered. And once that memory faded it would strike again, always unexpected and sudden.

This was one of those times. Draco sat there, waiting just a moment too long for his drink, and he looked up, annoyed. At the sight of an oddly dressed girl stretching on her toes to reach a glass, he felt that strange feeling come and go, so quickly he was left to remember what it meant only after it passed. The ex-Deatheater was alive and relatively well. Why the hell should he complain about an extra minute of his life spent on waiting for his drink? He was lucky to be alive at all. Pushing away the thoughts best he could and watching as she finally levitated the glass down, Draco's brow furrowed at the sight of the girl. She looked familiar, to the point it couldn't be a coincidence. The fiery red hair, her voice. Granted, the outfit confused him a bit, but once she turned around to face him he remembered who she was. Davis, her name was. Tracey Davis, he concluded, a fellow Slytherin in his year. Well, his actual year, not the year he was in now, making up what he missed during the war.

It took a moment for her words to register, concentrated as he was, but once they did he quickly took his gaze from her face, instead focusing on what she was setting down in front of him, "It's fine." Draco started, that strange taste of gratitude still remaining as it would for quite a while. Taking a sip from his drink before looking back to her, he asked, "I know you, right? You were in my year, I think. Your name's Tracey?" He still wasn't positive. After all, he hadn't seen her since sixth year and he hardly payed attention to anyone then. So really, his last memory of her was probably from fifth year, and people looked a lot different from fifteen to eighteen. And if he was correct, she was the more shy girl who always stayed in the back. She was neither excluded nor included, which made her forgettable. Or at least, that was the way that Draco remembered her. But he supposed a lot of people acted differently around him then they did around others. He had tended to bring out the worst in some- whether it be cruel, foolish, defensive, nervous or timid. There had been any numbers of ways to respond to him back then, most of them bad. The best seemed to be indifference, but really no one ever seemed to accomplish that.

Kendra was infuriated as she was herded with the other Slytherins down to the dungeon. She wanted to fight. To help defend what was important to her. She had friends out there and she wouldn't be locked up in the dungeons just because of the house she was in. Just before they reached the dungeons, Kendra snuck off down a corridor that circled back around to the staircases. She had to get back upstairs and find Kiah. No doubt she was with her friends from the DA. Kiah had been begging her for ages to join them and teach them how to heal. Maybe it was a bit late but she wanted to help. She could hear the bottles of her potions and elixirs clanking in her messenger bag. Healing elixirs, dozens of them to share with her peers. Kendra's heart was pounding as she raced through the dungeons and back up the stairs. As she was about to step off of the last staircase leading to the corridor where the Great Hall was started to change. She didn't have time to go around. With a deep breath, she jumped. She fell as she landed, she heard her wrist crack as it twisted under her weight. "Ow, damn it!" She hissed. She ignored the pain in her wrist and picked herself up off the floor. She would fix it when she got there.

Kendra couldn't remember the last time she'd run so fast. Nor could she remember the last time she'd been so terrified. The Great Hall was within her sights now as she ran. The castle doors were open and outside she could see the professors casting protections spells. Kendra skidded to a stop in her tracks as she watched the stone statues outside the door jump off of the wall. The large bang she heard when they landed resonated through the corridor, the weight of their fall shook the floor beneath her feet. Her eyes grew wide as she watched them march out the doors. When the shock of the sight wore off she dashed into the Great Hall. Not only students could be found inside now, but adults. Order members and professors, students who had graduated or left after last year. This was big. Bigger than she had thought. It was time.

Kendra rushed around searching for her friend. Her heart skipped a beat every time she saw a girl with white blonde hair. Then it dropped into the pit of her stomach when she realized it wasn't Kiah. The Great Hall was packed with people and finding Kiah was damn near impossible with all of this chaos. Her eyes filled with tears as she continued her search. For the first time in years, Kendra was genuinely terrified. It didn't matter if people saw her crying, or scared. Her image wouldn't matter if she died tonight.