WARNINGS: PANIC ATTACKS AND BLOOD
Morbid was the only word that could describe the Christmas holidays. Artemis and Blaise were finally reunited with their forgotten memories and it wasn't pleasant to bear witness. Their parents waited in anticipation as they watch their children deliberate with the information they suddenly received, but a rage-filled reaction didn't come as their faces remained stoic, causing more guilt and shame to flow between the adults.
The Notts only grew closer over the holidays, the same couldn't be said about the Greengrass', yet, they continued with their joyful act, even though it posed more harm to their suffering daughters.
The Malfoy's experienced something far worse, their manor had been taken over by a greater force. With each step the Dark Lord took around the tiled home, the more tainted it became. Draco wanted to escape, but, he couldn't leave his mother alone nor could his body bring itself to do so. So he never strayed far from the grounds, kept his head up and acted like everything was normal. Even in the presence of his newly escaped father and aunt, he kept up his facade, despite it slipping with every breath.
The following months only proved how mental torment could manifest.
The pureblood 5 began to argue with one another much more, only to make up the next day before the cycle continued. Perhaps they all needed a break, from each other? Maybe, but times like these brought terror and dread, which would only worsen if they were apart.
***
Tuesday, March 12th:
A HOGWARTS BROOM CLOSEST:
The sounds of Ron Weasley's screams bounced around the walls of a vacant broom closest.
Luna and Pansy stood by the door after placing a silencing spell to prevent anyone from interrupting what they called 'Ron's Karma'.
Artemis and Aurora grinned by the corner as Parvati and Lavender took turns hexing the boy that recently left the hospital wing.
Each witch kept their word when they said they would hurt the boy if he made a mockery of Lavender, they meant it. Since he had broken her heart by confessing that he was simply using her to make Hermoine jealous, a plan was set in motion. Artemis' plan of course.
Parvati easily tricked by telling him that Granger witch was crying and needed his help. It was far too easy. He fell for it and practically ran towards the broom closet.
By now, the boy had warts and boils decorating his face and more bruises forming on his skin.
It wasn't a pretty sight.
"Can we go now? Dinner is about to start." Pansy whined, halting the Gryffindor girl's punches.
Ron's eyes fluttered shut as he passed out on the wooden floor.
Aurora nodded, "I'm hungry."
Artemis and Luna made noises of agreement, "Same."
"Where are we going to leave him?" Lavender questioned, not sparing a glance at her battered ex.
His face disgusted her. Although her heart yearned for their previous months of bliss, she now knew it was nothing but a sham.
"You could tell Theo to tell Dean where he is," Parvati suggested, staring at the Seramore witch.
Artemis snorted, then said, "If I tell Theo he will come here and make sure he doesn't get out of the hospital wing."
The witches giggled at the thought.
Luna raised her hand, "I'll tell Harry, he'll assume that I just found Ron like this." she offered, then linked hands with her girlfriend.
"Sounds like a plan," Parvati grinned as she clasped her hands together.
Pansy's smile morphed into a frown, "Lu, you'll smell like that specky pillock," her voice grew more agitated as she spoke.
Artemis and Aurora snickered, whilst the other witches merely smirked.
The misty-eyed girl shrugged, "Not if he doesn't get too close," she replied, as they cautiously filled out of the broom closet.
"He better not," her girlfriend gritted out.
The corridors were gradually filling up with other students that presumably finished their lessons.
The witches quickly joined the crowds, to avoid speculation.
Artemis laughed at Pansy's jealousy, then gently pushed them to hurry up, "Come on love birds."
***
Sunday, April 21st:
THE COURTYARD:
Walking hand in hand, Artemis and Draco plastered on their stoic expressions and wore them to the best of their abilities. Occasionally the wizard would squeeze his witch's hand whenever his anxiety tugged at his heart.
"I don't know what you want me to say, Blaise is taller than you," Artemis stated, causing a frown to grow on Draco's face.
"Only because his shoes have a slight heel," he explained and stood still.
Artemis tiredly smiled at his antics, "Don't be jealous."
He shot her a playful gare, "I'm not, I'm right."
"Sure," she was cut off by a body bumping into hers.
Draco's amusement was replaced with a scowl as the identity of the person came into his view.
"Potter," he spat at the wizard.
The boy in question appeared to be more confident than usual, his eyes were dilatated and his face beamed with elation.
Artemis huffed and stood closer to fiancé who checked over her.
Harry rocked on his heels as he went to speak, "Sorry about that Artemis, beautiful day today."
"Get lost, potter," Draco hissed, but his words were ignored.
"I just wanted to say that marrying Malfoy would be a mistake and no one should go through that, especially you, Bye!"
Before Draco could drag him back, Harry power walked away, waving to anyone in his path.
Artemis gawked at his disappearing figure, "What the fuck was that about?"
"He needs a good beating," her fiancé proposed.
No matter how often he proclaimed that he didn't care about what others said about him, especially those who were half-bloods, he did. He knew he would never be good enough for the love of his life, and even with her constant reassurance, it disheartened him from time to time.
"You're starting to sound like Nik," Artemis mused, turning back to him with a sly smirk.
Draco shrugged with an eye roll, "He may have taught me a thing or two," he paused as his lips downcast into a grimace, "never tell him that."
"My lips are sealed."
"But i need still need to handle Potter."
Artemis grabbed his arm as she saw him about to charge away, "Leave him, he's clearly on something."
Draco scoffed, "As if I'm supposed to care about that, he told you to leave me."
She nodded understandably, "I know. But I need you to help me and forget about him, he's not worth it," she stared at him expectedly, "Draco."
"I'll help," he breathed out, still slightly seething.
"Good and let's go to my dorm, I'm sure I've seen Kreacher following you," she said nonchalantly and pulled him away.
"What?" he yelled as his eyes bulged out of his head and sceptically peered around.
"Let's go."
***
ARTEMIS' DORMITARY:
"You know about Gellbert Grindelwald, right?" Artemis asked and slammed a pile of books into Draco's lap.
The wizard sat on the edge of her bed, whilst she stood in front of him, with a playful glint in her eye.
"Of course I do, I'm not an idiot Arty," he murmured and carefully sorted the parchments into a tidy formation.
"Debatable," she snorted, shrugging when he scowled, then carried on, "Well, one of the Gryffindor ghosts love to talk, especially to me because Dean put in a good word," she informed him with a coy grin.
Draco's brow arched in intrigue, "I like him more and more every day."
"Really?"
He shrugged, "Sometimes."
Whenever he had the time, which was almost never, he would sometimes talk to the Gryfindor wizard, for theo he told himself. It would almost always be in secret, away from prying eyes, since allegedly house elves have been trailing him. Draco didn't want to be known as a blood traitor, even though throughout his years at Hogwarts his views had become skewed, regardless his reputation was still at risk.
"Theo will be so proud," Artemis cooed, pinching his cheeks, which he allowed her to do for once.
"Carry on," he prodded with a small smile.
"The ghosts told me Grindelwald and that bitch Dumbeldore were the best of friends. Gellert was expelled from Durmstang and when he moved to Godrics Hollow, he befriended our headmaster."
"For someone who advocates for a peaceful world, he sure has so many ties to men who want to destroy the muggle race," Draco voiced, seemingly irked by the entire ordeal.
When he first heard about the tale of Tom Riddle walking along the halls of his school grounds, he was shocked, to say the least, but soon his shock turned to disgust when he was informed about the hand Dumbldroe played in making sure Tom lost his family. Draco knew that 'Voldemort' would've been created at some point, however, the death of his fiancé only pushed him to insanity.
Artemis hummed, "Coincidence?"
"I think not."
"Exactly, some of the ghosts even say they were much more than friends," her teasing tone stunned her fiancé.
He leaned forward in disbelief, "No?!"
Artemis nodded vigorously, "Yes. but that's not all," she pointed to the top parchment that rested on Draco's lap, "did you know that Dumby had two siblings? one was a younger brother, and the other was a younger sister."
Draco picked up the information regarding Ariana Dumbledore, "He has a sister?"
"Yes, had, she died or was killed in a duel involving her brothers and Gelbert."
"When?" he asked, his eyes hadn't found the date yet.
"Around 1899."
Draco glanced up at her, "You got all this from the ghosts?"
Maybe he was just used to the Slytherin ones, since they usually scowled around the grounds and occasionally talked to members of their house, but the Gryffindor ghosts sounded far more chatty.
Artemis nodded, "And the Nature's Nobility: A Wizarding Genealogy."
His brows furrowed with confusion, "How? I could've sworn it was taken."
"I found a copy in our common room."
"Where?"
She sighed at his questioning, "At the very back in a one of the cupboards."
"Okay, but doesn't the book detail about pureblood families?"
"Common mistake, It listed all wizarding family names, but many people focus on the pureblood families that have died out due to the lack of male heirs."
"Where are you going with this?" Draco questioned cautiously after noting her ill-natured tone.
"Ariana Dumbeldore died on the 30th of June 1899," she informed, taking a seat next to him.
He quickly placed the pile of parchments on the other side of her bed and grabbed her hands.
Draco gulped as he stared at her, "Arty..."
"And that date is slowly approaching." she cut him off sharply, "Considering our beloved headmaster is so obsessed with dates, it's only right for me to be responsible for him taking his final breath so he could reunite with his sister that was taken far too soon from this world."
The couple sat in silence as Draco absorbed the information that had been thrust upon him. He was wary about the plan, but he had faith in his witch. After the many attempts made on their headmaster's life and they all fell through, not out of lack of planning, it was clear his heart wasn't in it. But, Artemis needed to do this, she needed to feel whole again. How she was going to was still unclear, luckily she still had time.
With a deep exhale, Draco asked, "Are you sure want this?"
"Do you support me?" she challenged, ignoring his question, something he didn't miss.
"Always," he replied confidently, squeezing her hand and pecking her forehead.
"Good."
***
Monday, April 22th:
THE LIBRARY:
After Artemis' apparition lesson she received another letter form the Weasley twins about the variation of potions they sell in their shop. They knew she had ulterior motives for her inquiry and still informed her about it.
She even obtained Peruvian instant darkness powder as well. It allowed the user to escape, whilst the victims remained in darkness unless they used a charm to see.
Planning and scheming were Artemis' forte, she just had to know what potion to use and if she couldn't find one, she would just have to make it.
Situated on the first floor of Hogwarts, Artemis sat at the far corner of the library, away from the chatter and harsh movements of the other students studying for their end-of-year exams. Funny, she doubted she would even experience them this year.
Once she showed Madam Pince her pass to look through the restricted section, she started her research, far from peering eyes.
DRINK OF DISPAIR, drinking a lot of it results in extreme thirst, despair, and nightmarish hallucinations that attack the drinker's soul.
Artemis grimaced, yet continued to read through its contents. She didn't believe it was nearly as harsh as what Dumbledore deserved, so she flipped the page in Moste Potente Potions.
VERITASERUM Just a few drops of this truth potion could have an unsuspecting victim blabbing their innermost secrets.
Artemis did want Dumbledore to confess to what he had done, but how would he willingly do that?
GARROTING GAS, Its fumes are the dangerous part - they have the capacity to choke and suffocate anyone who inhales them.
"Sounds so flipping stupid," she mumbled, nevertheless, she documented it with her quill.
Her eyes widened briefly after catching a glimpse of the 'Death Potion.'
DEATH POTION, The Death Potion is a highly corrosive potion that burns its victim in seconds. Simple and to the point. It does have an additional function though - being able to replay the victim's memories to leave them in a delusionally happy state.
I shouldn't... should I? Her hand senselessly moved to jot down her findings, but she forced herself not to.
She didn't want Dumbledore to instantly die, or did she? Her father suffered. Nova suffered so why shouldn't he?
The potion itself is only held in prisons and the Magical Congress in America at that. It was used to carry out executions in the 1920s.
She didn't believe she was that evil or evil at all, but what she would have to do would be.
A passive cough disrupted her thoughts, her head snapped up and she met green eyes, causing her to place her quill down and hastily shut the book, concealing her notes.
Harry was taken aback by her abruptness, what is she hiding?
"Can I help you with something Harold?"
"Yes," he replied, ignoring her irritable tone and took this as an invitation to sit down, much to her displeasure.
"Well I'm busy," she stated harshly and nodded to work.
He shrugged, leaning closer and said, "I know, but I need to tell you something."
"If it's an apology about telling me not to marry my fiancé, no, I don't accept it." She exclaimed referring to the previous day.
All throughout the morning, she spent time with Draco, adoring and doting on him. He still felt insecure about the words Harry blurted out.
The chosen one's eyes flashed with shock, "I did that?"
"Yes, when you were clearly on something."
"Oh, that day."
The would be the very last time he would ever consume, Felix Felicis. Although overconfidence was something he liked experiencing, the comedown was enough to put him off ever touching another dose.
"Yes that day," she drawled and tucked the rest of the parchments into the book she had checked out.
She noticed Harry's eyes drift to her writing, causing her to snap her fingers in his face, making him jump back.
He gulped and made eye contact with her once more, "I'm not going to apologise for that because I stick by my words, intoxicated or not," he said sternly.
Artemis merely blinked at him, "Fine."
She was not fine, yet, she continued to indulge in his tomfoolery.
"But you need to know that Malfoy —"
" — Is dangerous and will get me into trouble." she mocked in a high-pitched voice, earning a huff from the wizard, "I've heard it all before. And coming from you, is hypocritical."
The offended wizard frowned, "I'm not dangerous."
"To be around, yes you are," she insisted, earning a glare from Harry.
"Well, you're fiancé is a death eater."
She dramatically gasped and placed a hand to her chest, "Oh is he?"
"I'm being serious."
Artemis rolled her eyes at his insisting nature. How thick does he think I am?
Harry panicked when she stood up, so he blurted out, "Ask him about the room of requirement."
"Why would I do that when I should ask you about sending Dobby to stalk my fiancé?" she commented, with a wry smile, that only broadened when he nervously shifted, "oh you didn't think that was obvious?"
She saw two house elves trailing Draco a few times. Dobby wasn't as sly as he believed to be - he never has been - nor has Kreacher. However, she expected more from her old friend, especially since he and Binky used to be very friendly.
Disregarding her previous question, Harry pressed on, "I'm serious, he's up to something."
With a huff, she stepped around the table and stood toe to toe with Harry, clutching onto her research as her eyes burned into his.
"Do you really want to know what he was doing in that room?" she asked.
"Yes," he responded instantly, missing the teasing edge of her tone.
"He was with me," she whispered, making him freeze, " We're engaged to be married, we talk, sleep, even have small dates in there. Honestly Harold we're in love it's another special place for us."
Was it a lie? Yes, but he didn't need to know that.
Scowling, Harry gritted out, "You're lying,"
"Think whatever you want"
"He's using you Artemis," he snapped and all the amusement on her face fell, "look, Slughorn showed me a memory of Tom Riddle when he used to study here and he was friends with your grandfather Septrim; Slughorn's second favourite student," he quietly informed her.
"You don't know what you are talking about," she sneered, but he continued.
"He even told me that they were best friends, more alike than everyone thought. I know your grandfather wasn't a death eater, nor are you, but the Malfoys love to use the Seramore's for connections."
"That's wrong," she spoke dangerously low.
He vigorously shook his head, "It's not, just liste —"
"No you listen," Artemis hissed, jabbing at his chest, "If you want to do research on someone. Look up a girl called Nova Shafiq."
Wonder grew in his eyes, "Who is she?"
"You'll be shocked about what you find, if you find anything at all."
Harry went to step closer to the witch, only to have her storm away, leaving him to curse in annoyance.
***
Thursday, April 24th:
A HOGWARTS CORRIDOR:
The news of Katy Bell's return caused Draco's anxiety to hit an all-time high, what if I get found out? The question occupied his every thought and in term weighed on Artemis' shoulders.
She tried to distract him with mindless tasks, such as helping her with her edges, which he did very well, despite his shaky hands. They tried playing games, but he often zoned out, even flying on their brooms proved to be a bust. Instead, he could only stare in to spare and dream of the impossible.
Running away.
So Draco, pulled Artemis away from her scheming, to sit in a secluded space in the busy corridor, where no one could see them.
Now that they had to watch out for detective potter and his house elves, they had a few places in school that were safe. Draco felt betrayed that his old friend was spying on him for someone believed was the enemy, but it had been years since Dobby served and played with him, so it was not like he could expect much.
The Seramore witch stared down at Draco's jagged nails, unfortunately he consumed them more than food nowadays.
She briefly thought back to when she name dropped Nova to Harry, hopefully, that would lead him to a dead end or possibly one of the skeletons that packed Dumbledore's closet.
"I want to run away."
Draco's statement caught her off guard, She turned to him in confusion.
"What?"
"I want to run away," he repeated somberly.
She tried not to look at him with pity, but that's all her eyes flashed with, "Where to?" she asked.
"Neverland," Draco responded, although he was quiet, she heard the sincerity of his tone.
"Darling..."
"Anywhere really," he restated and squeezed her hand.
"Am I included in this plan?" she teased.
"What kind of question is that?" he said with a scoff, "You're always included in my dreams."
Artemis' face beamed with joy, and she smiled into the kiss he pulled her into.
"So what does this dream involve?" she murmured against his lips.
"Us getting married," he smiled as he spoke, "having 10 kids and living in the South of France. That's what I want. I want that for us," he proposed snaking his arm around her waist.
She let out a gasp after realising what he said, "10?! But that sounds like torture."
"Not buts. Let me dream," he pleaded with a pout, leaving her no choice but to give in.
"Okay, tell me more about your dreams."
***
Wednesday, May 8th:
THE GREAT HALL
As Draco stepped through the Great Hall, he immediately made his way towards his section of the long table.
Artemis held a hand out for him to hold and gently pull him down, but when she didn't feel his cold skin against her, she turned to him and quickly followed his gaze.
Draco stood motionless, staring ahead at Katie Bell. He didn't mean to hurt her. But that wasn't all that stunned him. It was who she was stood talking to; Harry.
Draco couldn't hear Artemis' pleas for him to look away, he didn't even notice Blaise, Daphne or Theo take their normal seats either.
Suddenly, his tie seemed too tight, almost restricting his breathing, his shirt felt too small, almost suffocating. A thin layer of sweat formed on his forehead as his increasing heartbeat roared through his ears and blood clung to his drying tongue.
It was as if everyone was staring at him. He loosened his tie and turned on his heel, not wanting to deal with this right now.
Artemis turned to the rest of the group, who looked as confused and shocked as her, "I'll get him."
She left before they could even say otherwise.
"Normalcy isn't for us is it?" Theo murmured and glanced at the couple.
Daphne frowned and Blaise tiredly said, "Nope."
Artemis paced through the school, moving the bodies that didn't part for her. Between each step, an item of clothing loosened; her tie, the buttons on her sleeve, and even the hairband holding her up hair snapped and allowed her twists to cascade down.
A figure steadily followed her, relying on her desperate need to find her fiancé so that they would go unnoticed.
She entered the boy's lavatory that she caught Draco stagger into.
Her heart sunk, watching him hang his head over the sink, dosing his face with water to conceal his tear-stained face.
His broken sobs made her eyes soften and step closer.
His jumper lay near the pouring tap as he tried to catch his breath, but it continued to run away further from him.
Artemis rarely saw him like this and whenever she did all she could do is comfort him with a hug or carefully chosen words.
She hesitantly took three long strides and put a hand on Draco's shoulder. He spun on his feet, his glossy eyes met her brown ones, making more tears trickle down his face.
He knew she had been there which was why his guard was down.
Turning the sink off, Artemis grabbed Draco's face. The action caused him to break down in her hold.
His arms snaked around her waist as croaked out, "I can't do this anymore, I'm trying but it's too hard."
Artemis shook her head and held him tighter, "You can, just breathe."
"I can't," he sobbed and her eyes glossed over.
Pulling away from her, Draco ran his hands down his face, trying to rid himself of all the tears, but it didn't work.
"You can," she reassured and reached out for him, but he flinched back.
His chest heaved, and his breathing grew louder, triggering a memory in her brain.
"You'll be okay, just name the biggest constellations in order, can you do that for me?"
She remembered all the times he had panic attacks, unfortunately her spell that catered to it never seemed to work on him so she had to revert back to the days.
Draco wreaked of fear, "No. my heart feels like it's about to explode."
"It won't just-"
"It's not slowing down," he cried out.
"Just repeat after me okay?" she pleaded and was met with silence. She quickly placed her hands on his face, making sure he stared into her eyes, "Draco, darling, please, repeat after me."
He shakily nodded his head.
"Hydra," she started.
"H-hydra," he hiccuped.
"Virgo."
"Virgo," he repeated, keeping her gaze.
As he got lost in the brown pools of her eyes, it was only then he allowed all the other bad and gnawing thoughts to slip from his grasp.
"Ursa Major,"
"Ursa Major," he breathed out, slightly less jagged than before, "Cetus."
"Hercules." they both concluded.
Their foreheads kissed as they gripped each other. They stared at each other for some time, the desperation between the two was grand, just like the love they shared.
The dread he felt lingered but became weaker with every breath.
His chest no longer clenched around his heart like a cage securing a guilty prisoner.
He was far from peace but closer in its range to the pain he once felt.
"We're above the stars," he whispered, tugging Artemis closer.
"We're above the —"
Artemis was interrupted by the figure that crept into the room.
Harry emerged tentatively, wand at the ready before he spoke, "I know what you did, Malfoy. You hexed her didn't you?"
The couple turned around, Draco gripped his fiancé's hand, as all life drained from his face and the dread slowly enclasped his body.
Artemis' eyes flashed, she desperately said, "Just leave-"
Her pleading was cut short as Draco flung a spell at Harry, whilst simultaneously pushing the witch out of the way.
Thus began a heated and emotional battle.
Spells were shot and missed their targets as they all chased around the room, ducking and diving out of the way.
Walls were damaged, pipes exploded like fire, spreading onto every surface.
The flooded bathroom was simply another obstacle that they faced as they duelled.
Artemis screeched, narrowly missing the curse that was intended for her love.
"Draco!"
"Arty get out," Draco yelled, pulling her out of the way.
"I'm not leaving you," she cried, sending another spell towards Harry.
The couple dodged the bright light heading their way as they ran.
"Please," Draco begged, turning to face her, completely unaware of an the unfamiliar spell heading their way.
"Sectumsempra!"
Artemis' sharp scream pierced their ears as her back collided with the soaked floor.
Blood already begun to seep through her clothes and empty gasps managed to escape her mouth.
Draco crumbled next to her, trousers becoming soaked in the water that surrounded them.
He broke down in sobs, tears streamed down his face as he hopelessly watched her shriek.
"No," his fearful tone caused the perpetrator to step closer, making him realise what he had done.
Harry gulped, though his lips didn't touch, nor did his eyelids, ensuring he couldn't tear away from the bleeding witch.
Tears didn't blur his vision, but guilt did, his wand shook in his grip as he watched ivory arms scoop up the fallen princess.
With every second, Artemis' breaths grew deeper, feeling everything and nothing, all at once.
"Open your eyes," Draco pleaded, seeing her eyes struggling to stay on him, "open your pretty brown eyes darling."
She grew weaker in his hold, lighter almost.
"Please don't leave me Arty. Please," he begged, muttering a healing spell but it didn't suffice.
Blood pooled around them, flowing faster than the tears pouring down his face.
Feeling pain inflicted through their necklaces, Blaise, Theo and Daphne ran through school, pushing their way through the crowded lavatory until suddenly the air from their lungs dispersed.
The Zabini boy swiftly turned away, ignoring the lonely tear dancing down his face, letting it fall like rain.
He couldn't look at Artemis. Not like that. Never like that. The very sight wounded him, like glass shades slicing through his body, practically mimicking hers.
Shuffling brought him out of the ocean of memories swimming through his mind.
Blaise instantly caught the guilt swimming in Harry's eyes as he backed away and moved closer to the door.
Theo's teary gaze locked on to Blaise and they exchanged silent words.
A chase was afoot.
The wizards raced out of the room, with one thing on their minds, leaving a sobbing witch to edge closer to her best friend.
Her sister.
Daphne joined Draco on the floor, neither listening to the enchanting words of their beloved professor - who luckily got there on time.
The pale veil cast over the Seramore witch was enough for them to hold hands as they stared hopelessly at the girl fighting for her life.
Blood flowed away from the tainted water and seeped between the slits that sliced through Artemis' chest.
Snape urged the sobbing pair to alert Madam Pomfrey, but, his words were lost on them, especially the broken boy who kept begging and repeating the same 4 words like a chant.
"Please open your eyes."
***
a/n:
my baby artemis got hit. blaise couldn't look at his baby cousin like that. nor could theo, so they settled for beating up harry.
anyone see the parallels between tom begging nova to 'open her pretty green eyes' and draco begging for arty to 'open your pretty brown eyes'?
i referenced the chapter 'neverland' as well as the actual place in this chapter, to keep up the 'peter pan' theme. it's more about escapism. they are teenagers that are constantly put into the worse situations or judged by decisions they had no choice in.
it was not clear when voldemort moved into malfoy manor, many thought it was during summer '96 or around early '97. i picked the christmas holidays at random.
and yes, arty is planning ways to kill Dumbledore, she's vengeful and wants the man to suffer, however, she is a young girl; 16 years old. she is manipulative and often quite mean, but she isn't a killer. as you can see when draco asked her if she wanted to do this (as in kill dumbeldore) she ignored the question. it's up for interpretation, but i am writing her as if she doesn't want Dumbledore to die at her own hands, she just believes she should be the one to do it. i hope that makes sense.
i needed to make a new potion for her to use guys.
and I had to add the little scene of the witches getting revenge on ron for lavender. felt so bad for her in hbp. she was used and everyone hated her for it.