"The end," Dumbledore says, "of another year." I look up at him at the Head Table. This feast feels different. It's a lot more serious feeling than any other end of the year feast we've had.

I look down at my hands through his speech about Toph. Both Fred and George clasp one of my hands under the table, but I refuse to look at them. I can't even cry anymore. I'm so exhausted and hurt- I just don't know how to feel.

Harry suddenly raises his head towards Dumbledore and I follow, not sure what made Harry react so suddenly.

"Christopher Wood was murdered by Lord Voldemort."

Panic immediately sweeps the Great Hall. Harry catches my gaze and refuses to look away as Dumbledore continues, urging students to stay united in the troubled times in the very near future.

"Remember Christopher Wood," Dumbledore states, looking over all four tables of students. "Remember, if the time should come when you have to make a choice between what is right and what is easy, remember what happened to a boy who was good, and kind, and brave, because he strayed across the path of Lord Voldemort. Remember Christopher Wood."

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

"Where will you be?"

I can't tell you that yet," I tell Harry. He, Hermione, Ginny and Ron all give me an odd look, but none of them ask me more questions on it. Dumbledore pulled me aside after the feast and told me that he'd like me to spend the summer at my Grandmother's house. My father offered it to him as a headquarters. They each give me a hug before leaving the common room.

Fred and George clamber down their staircase and stop talking upon seeing me. Fred whispers something to George and then walks towards me.

"Hey."

I nod at him, still watching George who hasn't moved.

"You've been avoiding being anywhere near him and he doesn't know what to do. He's afraid of talking to you."

I don't respond and he pulls me against his chest. "We love you, Tay."

When he lets go of me George is by his side. Fred nods at him and walks out of the common room for the carriages.

"I don't think I can do this…us, right now."

"I know," he replies, slowly.

"You mad at me?"

He shakes his head and takes my hands in his. "You have so much that you're going through right now, Taylor."

"I don't really want to break up though," I tell him, shaking my head. "I really like this. I just…"

"Shhh," he says, resting his forehead against mine. "We don't have to break up. We can go on a break?"

He pulls away and looks me in the eyes. "Okay," I reply. He gives me a hug, and awkwardly leaves the common room. McGonagall is standing at the portrait hole.

She looks at me, pity in her eyes, and walks over to me. "You should try leaning on someone, not pulling away."

"Why?" I round on her. "So I can completely rely on a person and then have them taken from me like Toph?"

"You're scared."

"Of course I'm scared!" I nearly yell. "And you can't tell me that you aren't as well. Toph was just the beginning. You're telling me that you don't know the risk that Severus is taking, at this very moment?"

She nods at me, her lips pursed tightly together. "Don't let fear overcome you," she says quietly. "You have to stay strong. You know more than most people your age what is at stake. Let that guide you, not hinder you."

"Ready for Hogsmeade?"

I nod at her and pick up my case and Onyx's cage, and follow her out of the castle.

… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …

That's year four, folks. I have some of 5 written, but not too much. It will probably wait until I move this month, but I might post what I have so far.

Love you all, Tay.