Prologue: Death of a Sister

She sat in her aunt's lap in the front row of a small town church staring at the two coffins in front of her. She didn't understand what was going on. She was to young to understand the adults. She knew one thing though, her mommy and daddy were not coming home. Her aunt had told her that several times over the last couple days, but still she did not understand. How could she? She was one years old and this did not make sense to her. After the funeral everyone at the house hugged the small child. One woman commented "It's so tragic, a child of her age being orphaned." everyone nodded in agreement.

Another said "How horrible for her aunt and uncle, having to take care of a one year old."

Amanda could only think one thing; where were her mommy and daddy? The preacher had talked about how wonderful the Oliver's were and what amazing parents they were to their only child. She fell asleep shortly after the funeral along with Scorpius. Astoria and Draco lay them in her cot and backed out of the room shutting the door softly. They walked downstairs, Astoria looked around the house. She found a picture of her sister and brother-in-law on the mantle, they were both all smiles, Mike's hand on Daphane's ever growing stomach. Mike leaned down and kissed her belly causing Daphane to laugh. Astoria eyes immediately filled with tears. "I can't believe she's gone."

Draco walked over and put his arms around her "I know love."

"Amanda is so young." Astoria said.

"What will happen to her?"

"Daphane gave guardianship to me." Astoria said pointing to a letter that was laying on the coffee table.

"What does that mean?" Draco asked.

"She'll come live with us." Astoria said looking at him. Draco looked ready to protest, but his wife held up a hand "She is our niece Draco. We are the only family she has left."

"I know Tori, but I mean she's so little and an American I might add."

"So? My sister loved that little girl and Mike more than life itself. I know she would have wanted us to take care of her."

"Are you sure?" Draco asked.

"I'm positive." Astoria said "And you know what the healer said. We can't have anymore children. This will be like having the daughter we can never have."

Draco sighed and looked at her "Alright."

Astoria smiled and threw her arms around him "I love you."

Draco chuckled and kissed her lightly "I love you too."

"I'm going to get Scorpius." Astoria walked upstairs and slowly opened the nursery door. Scorpius was sitting up smoothing his little cousins hair. He turned when he heard the door open. "Hi sweetheart."

"Hi muma." Scorpius whispered.

"Is the baby still asleep?"

"Yeah. She was crwing so I make her fweel bedder. " Scorpius said looking down at her again.

Astoria smiled "You want out?"

"Yeah."

She smiled picked him up and sat him down "There you go."

"Tank you muma." Scorpius said walking out of the room.

"Oh Amanda." Astoria said softly picking the small child up.

Amanda woke and looked at her aunt "Tee." she yawned her bright blue eyes looking into her aunts cool ones.

"I know sweetheart." She walked downstairs "Dray can you take her please."

"Yeah." Draco smiled taking the small child her small head finding the crook of his neck resting lightly there. "I love you ." Draco smiled and took hold of the portkey as did Astoria who was smiling and holding Scorpius.

A/N: I know a softer more sappier side of Draco! After book 7 I thought about how funny it would be for him to become a big ol' softie after the war. The way he acts towards his niece will change over the course of her life, just a hint think Father of the Bride Pt. 2 when George pictures Brian holding a cigar sipping a martini and wearing an ascot. =]