3rd Person's POV

"Welcome my friends. Thirty years it's been, and yet you stand before me as though it were only yesterday. I confess myself disappointed, not one of you tried to find me.

Voldemort begins slashing angrily at the hooded figures that stand around him.

He stops at one and rips off the hood of one of his followers, "Not even you, Lucius."

Lucius frowns as he pleads, "My lord. Had I detected any sign or even a whisper of your whereabouts."

"There were signs my friend, and more than whispers."

"I assure you I never renounced the old ways. The face I have been obliged to present each day since your absence, that was my true mask."

Wormtail smiles, "I returned."

"Out of fear, not loyalty. Still you have proved yourself useful these past few months Wormtail."

Voldemort grants Wormtail a new hand.

"Thank you master, thank you."

Voldemort looks to Cedric's corpse, "Oh, such a handsome boy."

Harry struggles trying to get free, "Don't touch him."

"Harry! I'd almost forgotten you were here. Standing on the bones of my father. I'd introduce you but word has it you're almost as famous as me these days. The boy who lived. How lies have fed your legend Harry. Shall I reveal what really happened that night thirteen years ago? Shall I reveal how your parents truly are? Shall I tell you how devastating it was for me to hear of the death of two of my most loyal followers... two deaths caused by your parents. Two deaths of Sally and Avalon Grey. Shall I divulge how I truly lost my powers? It was love. You see when dear sweet Lily Potter gave her life for her only son she provided the ultimate protection. I could not touch you. It was old magic, something I should have forseen. But no matter, no matter. Things have changed, I can touch you now!"

Voldemort puts his hand on Harry's head and he screams.

"Astonishing what a few drops of your blood will do eh Harry? Pick up your wand Potter."

Harry stands still making Voldemort angry.

"I said pick it up, get up. Get up! You've been taught how to duel I presume yes? First we bow to each other. Come on now Harry the niceties must be observed, Dumbledore would not want you to forget your manners now would he? I said bow!"

Voldemort forces Harry to bow with magic.

"That's better. And now..."

Voldemort casts at Harry and he wriggles in pain.

"Atta boy Harry, your parents would be proud. Especially your filthy mongrel mother. I'm going to kill you Harry Potter, I'm going to destroy you. After tonight no one will ever again question my powers. After tonight if they speak of you they'll speak only of how you begged for death, and I being a merciful lord obliged... Get up."

Voldemort pulls Harry to his feet, Harry begins to move away.

"Don't you turn your back on me Harry Potter I want you to look at me when I kill you, I want to see the lights leave your eyes."

Harry takes steps toward Voldemort.

"Have it your way."

They both cast and their streams of magic meet. They both struggle.

"Do nothing. He is mine to finish. He's mine!" Voldemort orders the death eaters as they all take a step forward.

Shapes form in the surrounding magical energy. Harry then hears a familiar voice.

"Harry when the connection is broken you must get to the portkey. We can delay it for a moment to give you time but only a moment, do you understand?"

Harry looks over to see a misty figure of his dead father. His eyes widen in awe as he stares. Then he glances to his right and sees Cedric's misty figure by his still body.

"Harry take my body back will you? Take my body back to my father and Karina. Tell her I'm sorry but I did keep my promise to come back."

Harry sniffles as a tear runs down his cheek. His mother's misty figure pops up right in front of him, "Let go. Sweetheart you're ready. Let go! Let go!"

The connection breaks, Harry runs over to Cedric's body and summons the cup over to them. In an instant the port out. Voldemort looks around angry.

"No!"

Karina sits up startled. She looks around and notices that she was not in her dorm room. As she turns to try and get out of the bed she was in, an arm around her waist stops her from moving any farther.

Looking down she sees messy platinum blonde hair splayed out on a pillow beside her. She stares at Draco as he sleeps somewhat peacefully.

Lucky him.

Sighing Karina lays back down and stares up at the ceiling. She feels Draco let out a breath and then his arm tightens around her.

She couldn't remember how she got here and even when. All she remembered was the fact that the only family she had left had died and she saw exactly how it happened. Of course her grandmother was still out there somewhere but as Karina lays in her thoughts a quick flash of her gran being in a hotel and answering the door, then seeing the room illuminate in green as her gran falls to the ground dead, plays in her head over and over.

Sniffling, Karina slaps her hands on her face and tries to calm her erratic breathing. She felt as if another anxiety attack was coming on but she had no tears left to cry or any energy left to give.

Suddenly, Karina's hands are moved from her face and held in between two larger warm hands. She doesn't even get a chance to glance at Draco before she is pulled into his chest.

Draco knew that Karina was close to having a panic attack. He could see it on her face, he could hear it from her chest, her heart was beating so erratically as her face held nothing but pain and fear.

He felt horrible that she was going through so much back after back, but he felt even worse knowing this would be the last time he would get to hold her like he was now for a long while.

...

"So you passed out a few minutes after Potter showed up with Cedric. The Weasels- I mean Fred and George helped me get you here. I couldn't say anything because they seem like they really care about you. But you were asleep for a few hours until you woke up and almost had a panic attack."

Karina nods slowly understanding.

"How are y- never mind I shouldn't have asked that question."

Karina stares blankly at a wall in Draco's room as he sits on the edge of his bed. It had been two days since the death of Cedric and it was getting closer and closer to the end of the year at Hogwarts. Draco was dreading the news he would have to tell Karina and he hoped that she wouldn't hate him indefinitely.

"Do you want me to go get you some breakfast? Water? Anything at all?"

Karina shakes her head and looks down at her hands. Draco quickly slides to sit beside her and pulls her hands apart. She had nail marks in the palms of her hands that were almost deep enough to spill blood. He hoped that she wouldn't harm herself but in the back of his head he knew that it was already too late.

"Hey look at me."

Karina sighs inwardly and turns to look into Draco's silver eyes that showed nothing but love and passion. Karina knew that Draco cared about her so much and she knew he would do anything to make sure she was okay, but she felt as if she was already too far gone.

"I got you something that I think... well hope you'll come to love and use."

Karina's eyebrows furrow as she watches Draco get up and walk over to his dresser. She watches him pick up two black leather journals and a pen before sitting down across from her.

"Alright don't be alarmed. I know you don't have the best memory with a journal that writes back to you but I hope I can replace that bad memory with this."

"What is it?"

Draco smiles slightly. This is the first time he's heard her talk in two days and he was over the moon.

Baby steps, he tells himself in his mind.

"So these are journals that are connected to each other. Only the two owners of the journals can see what is written on the inside. Everytime you open it, it will be blank. But when you begin to write every conversation will pop up. So if and whenever you need to talk to me, then you can just grab this journal and write to me. I'll always have it on me and I'll always write back."

Karina smiles as he hands her one of the journals and a pen. She opens it and rubs the blank page with her hand. Taking the pen, she quickly scribbles down a hi and sees it pop up on the blank page of Draco's journal.

"Wow thanks Dray."

Draco nods and runs his hands through his hair. Karina can't help but notice that he seemed nervous.

"I have a question."

"Yes?"

"Why do I need this? Are you going somewhere? Are you- le-leaving?"

Draco freezes as he watched panic flash through her eyes. He curses inwardly and sighs.

"Um no I'm not leaving. I'm not... I'm always going to be here. I-I j-just... there is something happening soon and I just want to keep you safe. My mother... she wants to keep you safe... Um I don't know... I don't even know how to say this..."

"Hey man got your mail!"

Karina and Draco look up at the door and watch Blaise walk in then freeze looking at the two of them apologetically.

"Blaise..."

Blaise stares at Draco grimacing, "I'm sorry man. I have horrible timing."

Draco nods with a frown, "You really do."

Blaise walks over to us and hands Draco an envelope, "It seems as if I'm not the only one with horrible timing..."

Karina looks at the two in confusion but says nothing. She closes her journal and plays with her fingers as Blaise says sorry before leaving the room. Draco sits looking at the envelope with a shocked yet sad face. He glances up at Karina before holding the letter out to her. Karina looks at him with question.

"Here... this is for you."

"I thought Blaise said it was your mail?"

Draco nods slowly, "It's from my mother. That's what I wanted to talk to you about. It seems as if she beat me to it."

"Draco you're scaring me. What's going on?"

Karina sits up straight as Draco grabs her hand and plays with the ring that had never once left her ring finger.

"Um so this summer you can't stay with us. And I can't stay with you."

Karina's mind goes blank as rewinds over the words that just left Draco's mouth.

"Wait what? What d-do y-you m-mean? Why?"

"With you know who back and my father being one of the most loyal followers... my mother and I don't think it's safe for you to be around us."

"B-but I-I..."

Karina's eyes fill with tears. Draco frowns and wipes a stray tear that falls down her cheek.

"I'm so sorry."

Karina starts to cry as she looks down at the letter. She notices the address was Draco's home address. She opens the envelope and pulls out a letter with beautifully written cursive. The bottom is sighed Narcissa Malfoy but they beginning says Dear Karina.

'Hello darling Karina. I am so sorry about your friend Cedric. I do know how much he meant to you. Draco told me everything about your relationship with the Diggory boy and I am just heartbroken that the moment. I hate that I have to be the bearer of bad news and I regret to inform you of the death of you Grandmother, Raine. With the return of you know who I only wish the best for you and want to keep you as safe as possible and the only way to do that is to keep you far away. Because of our families loyalty, you know who's presence will be high in our home which is why I decided that you cannot come to our this summer. I know with everything and everyone you lost this seems like the end of the world but darling there is so much more for your future. Please don't give up. And please don't hate Draco. That boy loves you more than anyone and anything. He only wishes the best for you. He only wishes to keep you safe and keep you away from you know who. I love you as if you were my own daughter and I hope that you stay well.'

Draco watches as Karina sobs into her hand. He looks at her slightly confused. He knew she would be sad that she wouldn't be able to stay with him and vice versa but he didn't think it was this bad. What had his mother said to her?

"Karina?"

Karina holds her chest feeling it tighten as she starts to hyperventilate. Draco quickly holds onto her face and makes her look at him.

"Hey look at me... breathe... in and out..."

Karina shakes her head gripping onto Dracos's shirt between them, "I-I c-can't... I h-have n-no one... e-everyone is gone..."

"What? No love. I'm still here. I'm not leaving for good."

"N-no... Ced is gone... G-gran is gone... y-you c-can't see me... I have no one..."

Draco gasps inwardly as he hears Karina say her Grandmother is gone. He knew she had many nightmares not only about Cedric's death but her Gran's as well. It seemed as if her nightmares had come true only within a few day's apart.

"That's not true. You have people that love you. I promise you. Everything will be okay. It seems as if the world is against you right now but it'll all be okay in the end. Please please just remember that."

Karina lets out a painful sob as Draco pulls her into his chest. She grips the back of his chest holding on tightly as if he would disappear in seconds. And seeing as her life was going... that was really possible.

...

In the Assembly room, Dumbledore stands at a podium speaking to all pupils, "Today we acknowledge a really terrible loss. Cedric Diggory
was as you all know, exceptionally hard working, intricately fair minded. And most importantly a fierce fierce friend. I think therefore you have the right to know exactly how he died. You see, Cedric Diggory was murdered by Lord Voldemort. The ministry of magic does not wish me to tell you this. But not to do so I think would be an insult to his memory. Now the pain we all feel at this dreadful loss reminds me, reminds us that while we may come from different places and speak in different tongues, our hearts beat as one. In light of recent events the bonds of friendship we made this year will be more important than ever. Remember that and Cedric Diggory will not have died in vain, you remember that. And we'll celebrate a boy who was kind and honest and brave and true right to the very end."

Harry looks around at the assembly and sees many students with tears in their eyes. His eyes skim by Cho; she crying into a handkerchief. He looks around again and sees the Slytherin's yet Draco and Karina are no where to be seen. He remembered what Voldemort said and knew he needed to talk to Karina but it was way too early to even bring it up.

He sighs and glances back at Dumbledore.

Later, Harry is sitting on a bed and Dumbledore walks in.

"I never liked these curtains. Set them on fire in my fourth year, by accident of course. I put you in terrible danger this year Harry I'm sorry."

"Professor, when I was in the graveyard there was a moment... um... when Voldemort's wand and mine sort of connected."

"Priorium Contatum. You saw your parents that night didn't you? They reappeared."

Harry nods.

"No spell can reawaken the dead Harry I trust you know that. Dark and diffiult times lie ahead. Soon we must all face the choice between what is right what
is easy. But remember this, you have friends here. You're not alone."

...

There's a large crowd gathered, the pupils are going home. Viktor Krum gives Hermione a kiss and hands her some paper.

"Have you seen her?"

"Yes I have. She is very much lost. I zhink her friends should help but zit is up to her. She is stronger zhan she gives herself credit for."

Hermione nods agreeing, "Yeah."

Some of Viktor's friends whistle at him, grabbing his attention. He turns back to Hermione and grabs her hand.

"I must go. Write to me. Promise."

Hermione smiles lightly and nods, "Bye."

Ron is sitting alone. The french sisters approach him, they both in turn give him a kiss on the head.

"Au revoir Ron." Fleur smiles.

The Beauxbatons girls leave in uniform, the crowd applauds. The Durmstrang boys leave too, shaking hands as they go.

"Do you think we'll ever just have a quiet year at Hogwarts?"

Hermione sits beside Ron and grimaces, "No."

"No I don't think so." Harry shakes his head.

"Everything's going to change now isn't it?"

"Yes." Harry nods.

"Promise you'll write this summer. Both of you."

"Well I won't. You know I won't!" Ron scoffs.

Hermione rolls her eyes, "Harry will won't you?"

"Yeah. Every week."

Karina stands looking over a balcony as the flying horses pulling a carriage head off into the distance. Then she watches the Bulgarians' ship as it goes underwater.

She feels an arm graze hers. Looking over she sees Pansy and Daphne. She smiles and looks back out over the balcony as the sun begins to set.

"I'm not sure anyone is ready for what may happen next year. But as long as I have you guys... that's all I need."

𝐼 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑔𝑢𝑦𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑑 𝑎𝑡 𝑚𝑒!! 😭🥺 𝐼'𝑚 𝑠𝑜 𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑦 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝𝑠 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑥𝑡 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟. 𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑦'𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑒𝑥𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟? 𝑆𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟?

𝑊ℎ𝑜 𝑖𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑓𝑎𝑣𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑟? 𝐿𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑓𝑎𝑣𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑒?

𝐴𝑙𝑠𝑜 𝐼'𝑚 𝑙𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑦'𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑎𝑙𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑦. 𝐼 𝑐𝑎𝑛'𝑡 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑘 𝑠𝑢𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑙𝑎𝑑𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼'𝑚 𝑠𝑜 𝑢𝑝𝑠𝑒𝑡 𝑎𝑙𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 ℎ𝑒𝑟.