Learn to love

Good bye.

"Athena wait!"

I took off, running toward Dumbledore's office, entering without permission I fought to catch my breath. Caring very little that Umbridge was in the room. "Professor, I need to go to the house."

"How dare you barge in here li-"

"Silence!" Dumbledore ordered. "Athena, what is the matter?"

"Something has happened to him. The ring, its a blood ring, it-it burned me and-please!" Something inside me kept screaming something was wrong. Either he was in danger, hurt or worse. I have never felt that it was strong. Glancing down at my hand I still held the burn mark. "Professor I beg of you, I must make sure he is okay."

"Yes, of course, go, report back once you can." Without waiting any time I ran to a floo channel, arriving at the house I frowned at seeing it a mess. "Sirius?" Getting no response, I pulled out my wand. "Slytherin?" Walking into the living room I froze at seeing my dog laying on the ground. Kneeling beside him, I clenched my fist in his fur. He was gone. "I am so sorry boy." Petting him gently, I continued to look around for Sirius. The entire house was a disaster, furniture destroyed, burn marks on the wall, glass everywhere. Jogging upstairs I checked every room, buck beak was nowhere to found either, maybe he took Sirius away. Running back into the living room, I sat beside my wolf. It was horrible to see him like this, he put up a hell of a fight I could tell. Grabbing the curtain I covered him up, wiping the tears off.

"Athena?"

I jumped around to see Sirius standing by the doorway. "Sirius!' Running into his arms, I held onto him, just as quickly I pulled back feeling his entire body. "Are you hurt? What happened?"

"Hey, relax." Cupping my face, he kissed my forehead and hugged me. "Death eaters. Forgive me, I arrived too late he was already gone."

I shook my head. "I don't blame you, he didn't go down without a fight." Looking up at him, I couldn't help but kiss him. It was short, but it was meant for me to reassure myself he really was okay. "Are you sure you are alright?"

He nodded. "I am fine, but how did you know?"

I showed him my ring-less finger. "I was talking with Hermione when the ring began to burn me. I knew something was wrong."

He traced the burn mark, kissing it lightly. "Promise me something."

"What?"

"Don't ever come to my rescue. Had they still been here and I was gone...just promise me." His eyes stared deep into mine, begging I complied.

Giving in I nodded softly. "Promise."

"Thank you."

That night I stayed with him. After we buried Slytherin in the back, under a willow tree, we headed back inside and simply talked, he held me all night. Not that it bothered me in fact it did put me at peace for the moment. I knew marrying him wouldn't be the end of the world, I could make this work. It was the night with him that scared me. I knew this would suck, but I needed to speak with Molly, in hopes she could help me with it. We fell asleep on the couch, me practically laying on him. His arms always remained around me, holding me close and tight.

After explaining everything to Dumbledore, I filled in Hermione and Harry. After reassuring Harry his godfather was fine, they filled me in on a few things. Harry explained his dream, his lessons with Snape, and that Mr. Weasley would be making a full recovery. That night I slept in the common room, seemed I was not destined to sleep in a bed these next days. Harry didn't want any nightmares, so I slept with him on the floor. Hermione walked down after a few moments, saying she couldn't sleep. With me once more being used as a pillow, we fell into a deep slumber.