Chapter 1: Lighting Strikes the Heart

A/N: This is a squeal to A Soul Pledge to the Darkness…I figured not everyone wanted to read a cross-over so there is the option of this one. It's probably still easy enough to read this if you haven't read the first one. In any case, enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter


Her eyes were slowly fluttering open. Her body seemed to be in so much pain she didn't want to wake up. But how long had she been out? Crystal truthfully didn't know, but as the moonlight drifted through the window panes, she knew she had to get up. She had been out too long. But as her eyes opened the pain began to get worse. Her head was throbbing like it had before when she woke up after what happened at the Ministry of Magic.

She put a hand on her forehead and breathed in deeply. She wasn't in the hospital wing. No, she was in a much softer larger bed. Slowly she began to scan the room as her vision began to adjust to the dark room.

Panic began to fill her. She wasn't anywhere she recognized. She had never been here before. This white blanket with lavender flowers, this wasn't hers. This bed with Elven carvings wasn't hers either. Where was she?

She sat up as dread and fear filled her. She reached around silently for her wand to find it sitting on the nightstand next to a necklace. She stared at the necklace for a moment. Her mind was racing, this was from Fred and George. They gave it to her at Kings Cross. She remembers that, but how did she end up here? And why was she in so much pain?

She took the beautiful silver necklace with a tiny heart on it and put it around her neck. It was some form of comfort to her as she continued to study the room. She never lowered her wand as she walked forward, all the while thinking to herself 'Crystal Beatrice Nott, where have you landed yourself?'

As quietly as she could she made her way over to the fireplace, but her quiet tip toes didn't matter. Someone was already stirring on the couch in front of the fireplace.

She let out a scream. The person started to stir at once.

"Crystal" the figure muttered as he got up letting the moonlight pour over his figure. Crystal stared at him not sure who he was. She didn't feel safe. She felt threaten by him. His ice cold eyes were staring at her with compassion, but all she could see is a stranger. The pale blond figure frightened her.

"Stay away!" She cried pointed her wand straight at his chest, but he didn't listen. His eyes filled with dread as he walked forward to pull her wand out of her hand. But it was too late. She panicked "Stupefy!" She cried the first spell that came to mind and watched as the figure fell still on the couch.

She backed away staring at the figure that now laid still. Where was she? She had to get away. Her heart knew what to do. She was about to run for the window, she didn't know how high she was but she was going to jump. But the door bust open before she could go anywhere.

"We heard screams is—" Another strange person appeared at the door. She cut herself off as she took in Crystal's frightened eyes and the blond figure in a body bind curse who was lying on the couch.

"St-stay away from me!" Crystal screamed switching her wand to the figures that started appearing from the door. She didn't recognize the first blond female, but she did recognize the Dark Lord. She was half tempted to run over to him because he was the first figure she recognized, but she changed her mind as she backed herself up to the wall.

"Crystal everything is going to be okay." The lady with the blond hair approached her with a mother smile. But Crystal wasn't buying it. She was screaming and on the verge of tears.

"Oh for merlin's sake" Voldemort growled and took Crystal's wand from her hand. "Now tell us what is the meaning of this!" He snapped walking over towards Crystal who was now in tears and on the ground.

"Get them away from me!" Crystal screamed pointed her finger at the cursed blond figure on the couch and over to the female with the blond hair stood.

"You are in Malfoy manor, there is no reason for them to get away from you." Voldemort drawled looking at Crystal in confusion. "And I fail to see why you hexed Draco."

"I don't even know who this 'Draco' is! I woke up in a strange room and there was a boy I've never seen in my life." Crystal cried out as she pulled her legs to her chest. "What would you have done?"

"What do you mean you don't know where you are?" Voldemort snarled.

"I'm really sorry my Lord, but I don't know where I am." Crystal whispered softly. She was starting to shy away now. Everyone was acting like she should know where she was and what sort of situation she was in, but she didn't. She was scared and felt alone. She didn't know where she was or half the people here, why shouldn't she be afraid? What's more important is she seemed to upset the dark lord and that could cost her even more.

"Narcissa, go get a healer" Voldemort commanded as he rubbed his hands across his forehead. He let out a sigh and looked over at Crystal. He couldn't explain why but he felt bad for her. He was rather fond of her and to see her so scared actually raised up some strange emotion in him. He quickly ignored it though and instead went over to relief the Malfoy child of his body bind. "Malfoy, you better leave the room. I will give you farther instructions later."

Crystal watched the boy closely. When he got up his eyes looked full of pain and sorrow, but he still did as he was told. He took his time though and even looked Crystal directly in the eyes. He had so much sorrow in his eyes it was hard to believe. But he was feeling miserable. He had been worried sick about Crystal and had been sick with himself at the fact that he didn't protect her…and now whether she was doing it on purpose or it was true she didn't remember him. Draco couldn't accept it. She was the love of his life how could she not remember? It seemed true though. Her fear was frightening. He couldn't believe what was going on as he left the room.

The minute the door closed with a sharp snap, Voldemort began pacing in front of Crystal who wasn't saying anything, she was just sobbing there by the fireplace.

They both were there in silence, other than the occasional mutter from the Dark Lord himself. They waited a while, while Crystal cried rocking herself, waiting and waiting. Finally a healer arrived, no doubt a pureblood with dies to the Dark Lord because Voldemort didn't hide who he was and nor did the lady scream.

Almost immediately the healer pulled Crystal onto the couch and began muttering spells after spells. After the spells were done she began to ask Crystal series of questions. Most of them she could answer, but several she stared at the healer blank, leaving Crystal feeling oddly empty. It was like she should know those questions, but she didn't. Half way through the conversation, the healer drew Crystal attention to her bracelet that was dangling from her arm. Crystal couldn't explain how it got there or who it was from, even though it had the Nott crest and as she learned from the healer the Malfoy crest. At this point there were many swears that flew from the Dark Lord's mouth. Her ball would be soon and if she didn't know who Draco was, how could there be an engagement? It was a disaster in his mind.

Things didn't get much better for the Dark Lord. Since her concussion from the Department of Mysterious was still healing, the wounds that were inflicted on her just days before had caused her to suffer from selective memory loss. Her brain automatically did it on its own. There is no way to heal it with magic and for the time being she could be considered mentally unstable. The Healer also stated that her spine injuries would take even longer to heal because of the abuse she went through. Nothing was going the Dark Lord's way tonight.

"Look the best we can do right now is slowly introduce her to Draco." The Healer let out a sigh as they whispered outside of Crystal's room.

"The ball is in a week! If she does not have her memory by then my plan will g—" Voldemort started but the healer bravely interjected.

"She's a pureblood, give her more credit." The healer grinned while she took several notes on her papers regarding Crystal condition. "She knows how to act and she will." And with one final note on her papers she turned heal and left. The Dark Lord had nothing more to say on the matter so he too turned and left.

Meanwhile, Crystal was sitting in her room listening the whole time. She was supposed to be engaged to this Draco. How could she not know who he is? Now she really was feeling miserable as she played with the two hearts on the bracelet. The healer had reassured her several times over that she was safe here, at the Malfoy manor. She was also told if she needed anything to call the house elf, Addle. She didn't want the house elf. What she wanted was someone she knew, like her brother or some of her Gryffindor friends.

She was frustrated as she sat on the couch. Slowly the tears started to form again and before she knew it she was sleeping on the couch with tears still streaming down her face. She fell in and out of sleep several times. Her dreams were vivid and filled with fear. Around the fourth time of waking up screaming and filled with tears, she woke up to find the blond boy from earlier resting her head in his lap as he stroked her hair.

"I'm sorry, I could just hear you in my room…" Draco admitted and quickly turned to leave.

"No, wait!" Crystal cried out as she slowly sat up. "Stay" She reached out and grabbed Draco's arm lightly. He turned slowly and looked at her face in surprise. "I'm sorry I hexed you earlier, but I didn't—" She stopped and looked shyly at her feet.

"You don't have to explain." Draco shook his head. "The healer explained to me. I shouldn't even be here."

"But I want you here. I feel like I owe you apology." Crystal blushed. "I am supposed to know you. But I don't."

Draco lightly pulled her hand off of his arm and held it in his. "Just forget it" He scolded slightly. He wasn't upset with her anymore. He knew now from the healer she honestly didn't remember. So that feeling of anger began to be replaced with his feelings of regret and hate for himself. He felt so weak…he couldn't even protect the one he loves.

"Why can't we start over?" Crystal begged as she gave his hand a small squeeze.

"Because Crystal, you deserve someone better." Draco let go of her hand and turned to leave.

"Is that really your call to make?" Crystal called out, stopping Draco in his tracks once more. He didn't say anything, he was afraid to say anything. "Look, let's start over as friends." Crystal smiled warmly.

"Friends?" Draco questioned and shook his head. "We will be engaged in a week. Friends won't be enough."

His words cut her like a knife. She didn't want to hear it. She doesn't even know him and she's being forced to act like she's madly in love with him. That didn't seem fair. Why would the Dark Lord want her to go through that? This wasn't right and it wasn't fair. Her eyes started to swell with tears. This was horrible.

"Fine" She said in a torn cracked voice. "I request parchment and a quill." She said softly as she turned back to the couch and sat down waiting.

Draco let out a sigh and turned to her desk drawer where he grabbed out a quill, parchment, and ink and set it in front of her. "I'm leaving" He announced and left. Crystal paid him no attention. She was busy trying to see through the tears shinning down her face. She tried to wipe them away but they kept coming. She ignored them anyways and began writing to the first people who struck her mind. The Twins, Fred and George;

Fred and George,

Things aren't going so well. There was a bit of an accident and well…I can't remember a thing about the Malfoy's. Apparently I'm suffering from selective memory loss. My brain is trying to suppress memories it doesn't want to remember. None of this is right. I don't remember anything about this Draco character and…well I'm getting engaged to him next week I am told. I don't know what to believe. To be honest all I know right now is that I miss you both terribly. I want nothing more than to escape and see you, but I'm needed here.

Just…please all I ask is for you to inform the others. This isn't going to be easy anymore. According to the healer I am mental unstable. I just want to go back to school. Rescue me would you?

-Crissy

Just as she finished writing she heard a loud pop next to her. She jumped but calmed down when she realized it was a house elf.

"The Young Master said you needed an owl." The Elf piped up as an owl was perched on her shoulder.

"Oh thank you, Addle." Crystal smiled warmly as she took the owl from the elf.

"Young Misses Nott is as kind as ever." Addle gave a low bow before disappearing with another loud pop.

Crystal sat there for a moment taking in the elves words. So even the house elf knew her, she had to have known the Malfoy's then. Although house elves have remarkable memories, in truth she could have met the house elf just once. No, that doesn't seem right. That woman from before, the one who looked like Draco, she seemed so nice to her as well. This was all so confusing. Tomorrow, she would get her answer tomorrow.

But she didn't get any answer the next day. Instead she was woken up by Addle, the house elf where she was told to dress and be presentable in an hour's time for her etiquette training. Crystal let out a sigh. She had already been through years of etiquette training. What more could she need?

She was dreading it so much she did take the full hour to get ready. She spent most of it throwing the dress on the floor. Whoever picked out her wardrobe did a horrible job. Everything in the closet, almost everything, was Slyhterin colors. She finally settled on a light pink dress and waited on someone to get her.

She figured that Addle would get her, but it wasn't Addle who came in it was her brother.

"Theodore" Crystal breathed as she walked towards the door to check if he was real or not.

"Hey sis" He smiled warmly and pulled her into a hug. "I heard you had a bit of a scare."

"I don't really want to talk about it." Crystal turned away from her brother and looked at the ground.

"Come on, grab your cane and let's head down for your etiquette training." Theo sighed. When he first found out the news that she had lost her memories about Draco he really didn't know what to think. But Draco had talked to him this morning and it seemed true. The thought alone scared him that his sister didn't know who Draco was. She loved him so much and now what? She didn't even knew who he was. Does that mean she'd fall for Potter or those Weasley twins? The thought alone made him shutter.

"What kind of etiquette training am I doing anyways?" Crystal asked as she grabbed her cane and began walking downstairs with her brother.

"As far as I know you are starting out with a tea ceremony, afternoon is dancing, and after dancing is dress fitting for the ball next week Friday." Theo answered as they began to crawl their way through the mansion into what Crystal assumed to be a drawing room of some sorts.

When they finally made it into the room Crystal wanted nothing more than to turn around. She let a scowl grow on her face as Pansy Parkinson, Goyle, Crabbe, Blaise Zabini, and Draco Malfoy were gathered around a small table with tea and crumpets. Crystal attempted to turn around but her brother grabbed her tightly by the arm and led her in. It was then she noticed that there were healers stationed around the table with the tea. She was being monitored. Her behavior and reactions, they would all be watched and marked. The Dark Lord obviously wanted her to remember as soon as possible. This must have been a compromise.

Fine if that's how it was Crystal would play along. She threw on the best smile she could and took a curt bow the minute they were in front of the table. "It's a pleasure to see you all." She smiled as couple of the Slytherin's at the table raised an eyebrow at her peculiar behavior. She ignored it though and carried on in the sweetest manner she knew how. "I had no idea I would be able to see you all any time soon."

The healers at the first sign of her talking began scribbling away. They took note of her behavior and the Slytherin's around her.

Blaise was the first to talk. He wasn't at all surprised by her behavior. He had known her long enough to know she was a great actress and she was putting on a show. "I'm surprised as well, but you are right it is great to see you." Blaise smiled warmly, showing he too could act as well. It's not that he wasn't very fond of Crystal, he just always knew she was off limits after years of living with Draco.

Crystal watched the Slyhterin's closely. Pansy looked livid for some reason. Draco looked…it was hard to say. She could read his emotions at all. He was so indifferent right now. As for Crabbe and Goyle they were just eying up the food eagerly. Crystal ignored Pansy and took the open seat by Blaise, while her brother sat down on the other side of her at the round table.

She was having a hard time ignoring the scribbling of the healers. It seemed to make her head throb painfully. She ignored it anyways. "I didn't get to see you at the end of the term. How did the OWL's treat you?" Crystal asked as she put some sugar cubs in her tea cup.

"A lot better than expec—" Blaise started but obviously Pansy's anger got the best of her as she completely ignored the healers.

"Oh cut the bloody bullshit." Pansy growled pointing an accusing finger at Crystal.

The healers quilled furiously.

"Parkinson" Crystal narrowed her eyes but that's all that crossed her lips.

"Pansy, remember what the Dark Lord said?" Draco narrowed his eyes at Pansy, who quickly growled and seemed to drop it all at once.

"Yes, Draco" She commanded and picked up her tea and began sipping it.

Slowly a silence fell among them. Crystal picked up her teacup, with the warm steaming tea and held it close to her. She began to examine it closely out of sheer boredom. She couldn't believe that this was the Dark Lord's idea of exercise her memory. This group of friends would no more help her remember anything than sitting in a room full of hippogriffs. Besides the air was stifling, the only sound was Crabbe and Goyle eating, and the notes of the healers.

Crystal couldn't take it anymore. She was going to have to resort to trivial conversation starters. She took a small sip of her tea ignoring the stares. "These teacups are beautiful" She commented examine them for any stamp of who made them. "Who made them?" She asked gingerly while looking at Draco who seemed to just fidget.

It was Pansy who answered after a shrill laugh. "That's rich, she honestly doesn't remember a damn thing."

"Oh shut up Parkinson." Theodore growled over at her.

"No, let her talk" Crystal looked at the girl curiously. She always hated Pansy. She remembers that much, but what made her hate her so much. I mean, she didn't seem so bad to be honest. There was something that drove her to hate her, but now Crystal was just feeling the hate was being childish.

"Ask Draco who designed these cups." She laughed once more before grabbing a scone and nibbling at it.

Crystal turned her attention Draco who seemed keener on picking on a loose seam then meeting her eye. "Who designed these…" She stopped unsure if she should call him Draco or Malfoy. Her brain struggled for a bit as it gave off a painful throb. Finally she settled on calling him Malfoy.

The words Malfoy ran through his brain. He had never heard her call him by his surname and to be honest it stun him worse than any hex anyone could place on him. He felt almost pained as the words ran through his brain several times. He stopped picking at the hem and finally looked up at her. "I did" he admitted sheepishly. "I design them for a hobby and Magical Memories chinaware usually buys them from me."

Crystal blinked this was complete news to her. Of course anything about this boy was complete news to her. "They are extremely lovely." Was all she managed to say, there was nothing else to say. She wanted to apologize for not remembering anything, but what good would that do her?

Blaise let out a laugh "Yes a really talent" he couldn't help but tease his roommate and long friend. "If you're a girl" He snickered.

"Oh shut up Blaise" Draco narrowed his eyes but they were still playful. They were used to this sort of banter.

"Just because your pureblood talent is opera singing, doesn't mean you have to pick on my Draco" Pansy grabbed on to Draco's arm and growled at Blaise.

"Better than being a pastry chef" Blaise laughed even harder as he pointed at Pansy.

Pansy turned scarlet. "It's a fine talent to have my mother says."

"I think it's a splendid one to have Parkinson." Crystal smiled warmly and took a scone. "If you can manage to make something as beautiful as this, I think it's a real talent." Crystal held up the scone high before taking a bite.

Pansy didn't like it at all. She narrowed her eyes at Crystal. "What are you playing at, Nott?" She growled.

Everyone was staring at the two, mainly Crystal. Usually she made some snide remark about Pansy, not complement her. What was going on?

"I was just thinking one day you could show me. I'd love to see your work." Crystal smiled warmly, but no one was buying it. They couldn't tell if she was acting or if she actually meant it. Either way Parkinson didn't like it. She stood up quickly, knocking her chair on the ground. She wanted to say something, she wanted to yell but she didn't. Instead she opened her mouth a couple of times before she finally spoke.

"Excuse me, I need to powder my nose." Was all Pansy said and without even a bow, she turned and left.

There was a loud earsplitting silence that began to the fill the room. Draco and Theo were exchanging glances with each other and occasional joined by Crabbe and Goyle, who had been quiet this whole time took notice of the whole thing. It was Blaise who calmed everyone down.

"I didn't know you were so into pureblood talents." Blaise smiled warmly over at Crystal. "Would you like me to serenade you to sleep tonight?" He winked.

"Please we both know that it would turn into an opera competition between the two of us." Crystal rolled her eyes.

"You know you can't win. Your talent of singing, playing the piano, and dancing isn't as good as my singing." Blaise narrowed his eyes.

"Nothing beats my talent of painting and creating ceramic cups." Draco huffed out of nowhere.

Crystal couldn't help but laugh. "I get the impression you are full of yourself." She smiled as she leaned forward watching Draco closely.

"Full of himself doesn't even began to cover it." Goyle finally spoke up earning himself a muffin right in the head thrown by Draco himself.

"I don't see why you are trying to co—" Crabbe piped up only to be shut up by another scone.

By now everyone was laughing. "Draco never was one for the truth." Blaise leaned in and whispered to Crystal, who smirked widely.

"Is that so" Crystal looked right over at Draco, who caught her eye almost instantly. But Draco dropped the gaze almost instantly. He looked like he was in pain. After the laughter died down he threw his napkin down and got up to leave just as Pansy was making her reappearance.

"Don't mind him" Blaise filled in as Crystal looked at the now closed door with worry in her eyes. "He just is feeling a little guilty."

"What would he be guilty over?" Crystal titled her head over at Blaise, but Blaise didn't give her an answer. It was her brother who spoke.

"You" He said in a soft voice. Crystal looked around for more answers but no one seemed willing.

"It's nothing you should worry your pretty little head over." Pansy snarled. Crystal dropped her thoughts at once and let out a sigh.

This all felt so familiar. This room…being with these people. Why did it all seem so right, even though she knew it wasn't? She belonged with her Gryffindor friends, not these…well they weren't all horrid. Pansy didn't seem horrid. Blaise certainly wasn't. Maybe a little bit too playful…and Draco well he wasn't bad at all. A little conceded but that's usual for a pureblood right?


A/N: Not as long as I would have liked it to be, but here's the other squeal for those of you who didn't want a cross-over. Let me know what you think or even which one you like better. You can PM or leave a nice review, whatever works. Just curious on a little feedback. I'm actually enjoying writing both, but so far I have a lot more written out for the cross-over than this one. Oh well...they will both get finished :)