Learn to love

Sneak out

Time jump:

After that day, I was sent on more outings with Eva and Aaron. On a good note, I haven't been forced to do anything like that again. I usually went along as backup. Voldemort was gathering all of those that betrayed, abandoned, and spoke ill of him. Showing the world he was back and taking back what he believed was his. The ministry was coordinating with the order, trying to put a stop to Voldemort and the death eaters. Not that it was going too well. Due to the ignorance of the ministry, they lost a lot of time. What was spent trying to take Dumbledore down, could have been spent planning something else.

"Do you know what they are speaking of?"

I turned my head away from the book I was reading. Draco took a seat on the couch across from me. "No, but they have been in there for a while." Voldemort had called Draco's parents and Bella into the office hours ago.

"You ready for school?" Draco asked.

I shrugged. "No. You?"

"It's the same as always." Draco scoffed.

I chuckled. "For you maybe. But for me, it's going to be an awkward year."

"Why?"

"Where have you been this summer?" Seeing the shy look, I rolled my eyes. "I haven't spoken to my friends since I came here. I haven't spoken to my husband or brother. Being in school I will have to see and face them again."

"Why did you do it?"

That caught me off guard. "What?"

"Why did you give up your freedom for him?" Draco mumbled.

"Because I love him." Saying those words rose a fire from within. "I would give my life for Sirius, simple as that. If bringing him back, meant I stand on the opposite side. So be it. I'll be by his side again soon enough."

Before Draco could reply, Aaron walked over to us. "Athena, grab your coat. You too Draco."

"Where are we going?" Draco asked, scurrying after the tall wizard.

Aaron held the door open for us, ushering us out. "Diagonally. Severus wants you both to grab everything for this school year."

"Yes, shopping!"

Aaron huffed. "Since when did I get demoted to a babysitter."

Time jump:

Sitting on the bench outside the book store, I watched the witches and wizards walk past me. Many first-years were excited to get the year started. You had friends meeting up, taking off in a rush. Parents and guardians catching up with each other. I reached for the chips in my bag, waiting for Draco to be finished with his school shopping. But seriously how long did it take a boy to grab books.

That got me thinking, how was this year going to be. I haven't spoken to Hermione or Harry, much less Sirius. I wonder how he was. Was he mad? Sad? Did he hate me? Or was he actually happy I left? I wanted to see him. Feel his arm around me once more. There have been many nights I have tried sneaking off, just to see him once more. Every time I was either caught by Aaron or Eva. In the end, I always went back to my room, longing for Sirius.

"Ron, you can't be serious in taking that to Hogwarts."

I threw my head up, scanning the crowd. I knew that voice. Skimming through the bodies of witches and wizards, my eyes landed on Hermione, Ron, Ginny, and the twins. Mama Weasly stood behind them, looking to be in a rush as always. I didn't dare move a muscle, fear they would see me. 'Of course, I'd be a coward in front of them.' I wouldn't know what to say. I decided to not draw any attention to myself, dropping my head down, keeping my eyes focused on the ground.