The Hogwarts Diaries

Natalie's Diary

For you guys, as a final update. I found this amongst my work, an unpublished chapter written by my dear Rachel @rperna176. Hopefully you will all enjoy. It's a fantastic chapter and I think it is a pretty good round up to the book, although it's unfortunately not where it was originally planned to have finished. I thank each of you for reading, voting and commenting, and your relentless support.

Now, to the last chapter of 'The Hogwarts Diaries'

***

Kayla shakes me out of my sleep long enough to shout, "He's back! He's back!" I don't need to ask who she's talking about. There's been only one topic of conversation over the last few weeks.

Of course, I've known this bit of information for a while. My parents have been dropping hints to Draco and I left and right. The dark cloud looming over us is the branding of Draco this week. As soon as we get home, the Death Eaters will have another meeting, as well as an initiation. That's how we've been keeping track of his strength.

As close as I know this battle it getting, life is still life. It's hard to think that everything is going to change. Who knows if there will be a sixth year? My whole life is going to be turned upside down. The most infuriating part is that I have no idea when it will happen.

At least Kayla and Draco have each other. Me on the other hand? I've got a boyfriend named Dante in Italy. He's a distant cousin of the Zabini's; although I know his understanding of The Dark Lord is existent, it's most importantly limited.

When this all goes to hell, I've got no one to turn to. I think that's been the one piece of information making me sad. I am lonely.

The term is coming to an end. The days are getting longer, but the air is getting thick with tension. The sun is shining but there are dark cloud looming over the horizon. For the first time in my life I'm not scared just for the fourteen inch parchment on the Confundus charm. I'm scared for the lives of my family.

Dante's ring rests right next to Draco's on my left ring finger. At the moment they're both glowing. Dante's ring is far more complex than the serpent ring that is the sign of Draco's love for me, yet it's in its own way just as beautiful.

I think my relationship with both men has shaped me into the woman I am today. I wouldn't be me without my childhood soul mate and my new boyfriend.

They're just different.

I open my eyes to Kayla two inches from my nose.

"Don't breathe!" She squeaks. I close my lips for her, in case I have morning breath. I put my hand on her shoulder and push her away. She sits on my hip and I grind my teeth together, slightly annoyed. Her diamond engagement ring catches in the light.

She's only wearing that ring because I let her.

We decided to save her life.

That's what we keep telling ourselves. Whether or not Draco believes it as wholeheartedly as I do is no longer my concern. We're back to being just best friends.

"Who?" I ask groggily, because I'm not supposed to have more information than she is.

"You-Know-Who!" She whispers, her eyes wide as saucers. I close my eyes tight, take a deep breath and mentally sift through pictures of my entire life in one instance.

Today is the day I'll be home. It's the day that will change everything.

I slide out of bed, surprisingly sore from running out all of my pent up frustration last night, and limp to the bathroom.

"Natz? What's wrong?" Kayla quirks her head at me while following me into the bath. I strip my clothes, fill the tub, and slip in before I speak. She streaks beside me and as she unclips her bra I can see the hickey Draco left on her chest.