Some stories don't start with love. They start with a choice. Elise Stevens is good at pretending. Pretending she's fine. Pretending the migraines don't pull her under. Pretending she's not still wondering why her father vanished from her life without blinking. Or why a kiss with Draco Malfoy haunts her more than it should. It's sixth year, and the world is tilting. Magic feels wrong under her skin. The castle hums with secrets. And Draco? He's suddenly everywhere again, looking at her like he knows something she doesn't. As old ghosts crawl out of hiding and the stakes climb higher, Elise is forced to choose: bury the past, or let it burn its way out. Some truths can't be outrun. And some feelings don't stay buried. Cover art is by Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, titled Orpheus Leading Eurydice from the Underworld. All characters, barring OCs, belong to J.K. Rowling.