AuthorsNote : Ok, let's get a few things straight for this story. Sirius did not die in the Department of Mysteries and Snape did not kill Dumbledore, I am trying to make it stick to the rest of the books apart from Deathly Hallows which will be ignored on the whole.

I appreciate reviews, but only kind ones. I do not care for flames. If the ships in the story do not appeal to you then please do not read it. There is slight SB/HG to start, RW/LL, HP/GW but mainly LM/HG. I am not planning on rushing into LM/HG, sorry.

Disclaimer(onlydoingoneforwholestory) : I do not own the magical world from the Harry Potter series, although I'd like to.

The Malfoy Manor had become a dark and cold place since Voldemort had commandeered it as base for himself and his Death Eaters. The once pristine gardens were now overgrown and shabby and the windows had their curtains drawn, not allowing light in or out. The inside of the house, once beautiful and elegant, was now dirty and dusty, the furniture was damaged from the Death Eaters and there were bloodstains in some of the rooms.

Lucius and Narcissa were prisoners in their own home, they were ridiculed and humiliated regularly in front of the Death Eaters. Lucius was a broken man, he struggled to keep himself together when he and his wife were humiliated by Voldemort. Narcissa had become the strong one in the partnership, she was doing her best to keep her family together but it was hard when she didn't have much power to do anything. Watching Lucius crumble and Draco be terrorized to punish Lucius made Narcissa outrageously angry, she could do nothing more than bite her tongue though.

Narcissa gritted her teeth as one of these situations began to unravel in the latest gathering of the Death Eaters. They were all seated around the long dining room table, Voldemort seated at the head of the table. Voldemort seemed in a particularly aggravated mood, these moods were almost always taken out on Lucius. This particular situation, however, was being taken out on Draco due to his fumble with the assassination of Dumbledore.

Draco had failed to kill Dumbledore, Snape had tried to step in and complete the job but Bellatrix had disarmed him yelling that the job was Draco's. In the exchange the unbreakable vow was rendered ineffective and the members of the Order were able to get to Dumbledore. The few Death Eaters that had come into Hogwarts were forced out by the Order members, their mission a complete failure.

Voldemort stood and began pace around the table, his Death Eaters could feel his anger as he walked around them. "Have you any news, Severus?" he demanded, pausing and glaring at Snape.

"None, My Lord, Dumbledore remains as elusive as ever," Snape replied. Voldemort resumed pacing, he was angered that Dumbledore was still around and even angrier that he had not been able to discover how Harry Potter would be moved on his seventeenth birthday.

"If Draco had been able to fulfill the task I set for him," Voldemort hissed, shooting a furtive glance at Draco, "then I'm sure I would already have the information I require. Dumbledore, however, is still alive and still interfering as always because of yourincompetence." Voldemort now stopped his pacing to glare directly at Draco who cringed and looked down at his hands. "Crucio," Voldemort hissed.

Draco yelled out and fell to the floor where he writhed about in pain. Lucius closed his eyes and looked away from his son as the laughter of the Death Eaters filled the room. Narcissa bit the inside of her cheeks, she knew it would be safer to not speak but she didn't know how much more of this she would be able to watch. After a couple of minutes Voldemort ceased his torture. "Pathetic," Voldemort spat, continuing his pacing. "There's no reason I should not kill you, Draco."

Draco returned to his seat, panting and twitching. Narcissa took his hand under the table and squeezed it. Tears welled in Draco's eyes as he looked down at the table. "I'm sorry, My Lord, so sorry," Draco choked.

This seemed to cause more fury from Voldemort, again he applied the Cruciatus Curse on Draco. Draco screamed and twitched in agony on the floor, tears spilling freely from his eyes. "Such weakness," Voldemort hissed, stopping the curse once again. His wand stayed trained on Draco, anger emanated from Voldemort, "Avada-"

"No, not my son!" Narcissa shrieked, springing to her feet. Silence fell as Narcissa and Voldemort glared at one another. Narcissa did not allow the fear she was feeling to show through as Voldemort pointed his wand at her instead of Draco.

"Lucius, it seems your entire family are a immense disappointment," Voldemort sneered. Lucius looked from his wife to his son, the latter was still on the floor tears running down his face. "So I will allow you to chose who dies. Your wife? Or your son?"

"I-I can't possibly chose, My Lord," Lucius whispered. Narcissa looked at him, her eyes begging him to be strong. "I won't."

"Please, Lucius," Narcissa whispered. Her face was set, she was prepared for what was coming. "Not my son."

"It seems your wife is in charge these days," Voldemort sneered. "Have it your way then, Narcissa. Sectumsempra."

"No!" Draco cried out in distress as Narcissa fell to the ground gasping and shuddering in pain. Her blood soon soaked through her robes and was pooling on the ground around her.

"I think that will be all," Voldemort sneered, after a few minutes of watching Draco clutch at his mothers robes. He walked towards the Draco and pulled him forcefully away, "let us leave the your parents to their grief, Draco. Say goodbye to your son, Lucius, he will not be returning to you anytime soon." He dragged Draco from the room while Draco called for Lucius to help him. There was a rustle of laughter from the Death Eaters as they slowly left the room.

Lucius scrambled to the floor once the last Death Eater had left the room and took Narcissa's hand in his own. She looked up at him, still gasping in pain. "Luc-Lucius, g-go to Dumbled-dore, ask f-for protection," Narcissa gasped. "And p-please, g-get our son ba-back," she added softly, before giving a final shudder and going limp.

"No, no, no," Lucius moaned, still holding her hand in his. Grief washed over Lucius as he looked at his wife's lifeless form, they had been a perfect partnership and even if their marriage wasn't built on love Lucius cared deeply for her. She had been there for him, particularly in the few weeks since he had returned from Azkaban. Without her Lucius would not have made it this far so if Narcissa wanted him to go to Dumbledore for protection then Lucius would go, and he would get their son back at any cost.

For a long time Lucius sat with Narcissa's body, unsure of what he would say to Dumbledore and undecided on if he would take Narcissa's body with him. Around midnight he finally decided he would take Narcissa with him, so he scooped up her limp body and held it close, she was light even for dead weight. Lucius made his way out of the house and past the boundary line. He knew Voldemort would be expecting him to still be there when he returned and he hoped his disappearance would not cause him to harm Draco but if he ever wanted to see his son again, Lucius needed help. There was a loud crack as Lucius disappearated.

The main street of Hogsmead was still silent as Lucius looked around him. Deciding it was safe, he set off at a quick pace in the direction of Hogwarts. It took him ten minutes to reach the school gates, which were locked. Lucius readjusted Narcissa and drew his wand, producing his patronus with great difficulty to alert Dumbledore of his arrival. The silver Peacock streaked across the grounds and out of sight, leaving Lucius to wait. It wasn't long before Lucius spotted Dumbledore striding across the grounds towards him.

Dumbledore opened the gates with a flick of his wand and Lucius staggered across the boundary line of the school, Narcissa's weight was starting to become apparent. The gates closed with a gentle clinking sound. Dumbledore watched Lucius closely, he could see the pain across his face clear as day. It was unlike Lucius Malfoy to show much emotion. Dumbledore conjured a stretcher for Narcissa's body, Lucius gently placed her upon it. "Come inside, Lucius," Dumbledore said gently, leading the somber man back up to the castle.

When they were safely in the Entrance Hall Dumbledore called for Poppy who came and collected Narcissa's body. She tutted as she looked over the lifeless witch and shook her head as she walked back up the steps to the infirmary with the stretcher. Dumbledore guided Lucius up to his study, Lucius allowed himself to be steered by Dumbledore. Dumbledore made Lucius take a seat once they had reached his study, then took the seat behind his desk. He considered Lucius for a short time, Lucius looked lost and confused as he sat staring at his hands, which were covered in Narcissa's blood.

"Lucius," Dumbledore started, "what happened?"

Lucius continued to look at his hands, it was a long time before he replied and when he did his voice sounded foreign. "The Dark Lord took control of our home. He humiliated us, punished us for our mistakes. He was using the Cruciatus Curse on Draco and Narcissa had had enough, she told him to stop." Lucius paused, swallowing anxiously. "Then...then he asked me to chose which of them he would kill. I... refused. Narcissa said not her son and then he... he..." Lucius made an odd gesture with his hands before running his hands through his hair, causing a few streaks of red amongst the blond.

"He killed Narcissa?" Dumbledore asked, pity flooding him.

Lucius nodded. "He took Draco, he took my son after he murdered my wife," Lucius said in anguish. "Narcissa told me to come to you, ask for your protection and help to get my son back."

Dumbledore looked at Lucius, he could see the pain in his eyes. "Lucius, you've done awful things."

"I know, I wish I could change it. I wish I had never joined him, then they would be alive and with me still," Lucius moaned, putting his head in his hands.

Dumbledore knew he meant what he was saying, he knew Lucius genuinely wanted to reform. "Lucius, I am prepared to give you a chance but there will be conditions."

"Of course, anything," Lucius said, his voice filled with relief, looking up at Dumbledore. "I have any information you need."

"I do not require information, Lucius, I have enough of that already," Dumbledore replied. Dumbledore examined Lucius carefully, the more he looked the sadder Lucius appeared. His once neatly groomed hair now hung limp and dirty, the once defined sneering mask of a man now fell away to reveal a miserable lost boy. "Lucius, I need a new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, I want you to fill that post. I also want you to become part of the Order, I want you to come with me when I go in pursuit of Voldemort's Horcruxes and I want you to help me destroy them."

"Horcruxes?" Lucius looked a little surprised. "The Dark Lord has made Horcruxes?"

"Indeed he has, I believe he has split his soul into seven," Dumbledore replied. Lucius gaped at Dumbledore. "Are you unsure of your decision now, Lucius? Are my demands too high?"

"No," Lucius said quickly. "No, I want to help you, I want to destroy him. I want my son back."

Dumbledore smiled, Lucius's change of sides was most fortunate. "Then I will protect you, but Lucius if you show any signs of disloyalty to myself or the other members of the Order you will be on your own. I will not accept the word 'Mudblood' and I will not tolerate any Pure-blood mania. Do I make myself clear?"

"Of course," Lucius replied. He looked contemplative but this was a small enough price to pay for protection and help to rescue his son.

"Then you will accompany me to Number Twelve Grimmauld Place," Dumbledore said, getting to his feet. "You will stay there until the school term commences, I encourage you to get to know the people you will be staying with although I'm sure some of them will make that a touch hard."

"What about Narcissa?" Lucius asked, also getting to his feet.

"I will organize a ceremony for her," Dumbledore replied.

"Thank you, Dumbledore, this is more than I deserve," Lucius sighed.

"That may be so, but I believe there is some good in you and I'd like to bring it out for everyone to see," Dumbledore said, smiling. "Now, let us make haste, the sun is up and I'm sure Molly will have breakfast ready soon," Dumbledore said looking out the window at the lightening sky.

The dining room at Number Twelve Grimmauld Place was filled with the smell of bacon and the sound of light chatter, they had just finished breakfast. Everyone was in a good mood since the twins had dropped in and announced they had secured a premises in Hogsmead. Sirius was particularly happy as he would be able to visit the shop now that Voldemort was out in the open and his name had been cleared.

"Hermione!" Ginny laughed, "I thought you and Sirius were going to kiss just then!"

Hermione pulled her head away from Sirius's, she had been checking his eye for an eyelash. No one else on the table had heard Ginny except Hermione and Sirius. Sirius grinned at the redhead and winked, Hermione on the other hand crossed her arms and said very sarcastically, "ha, ha, you're so funny!" It was a topic Ginny had been pushing all holidays, so much so that even Harry had come to Hermione and said that he would be ok with Sirius and Hermione if that's what was going on. Hermione and Sirius had become very close friends since the Department of Mysteries, Sirius did enjoy flirting and laughter but when he spoke with Hermione his intellect came across and she appreciated that.

"Come on now, Hermione, loosen up a bit," Sirius chuckled putting his arm around her. "There's no need to impress us all, we're your family." Hermione scowled at Sirius but couldn't help laughing when he winked at her. "That's better," he said, grinning.

"You're a git," Hermione laughed, pushing him away.

"You love it," Sirius smirked.

"That's what you think," Hermione teased, getting out of her seat. "But I assure you, you're very wrong."

"Oh, am I now?" Sirius laughed, also getting to his feet.

"Yes, you are," Hermione smirked.

Sirius lunged at Hermione, tickling her sides. Hermione shrieked and tried to escape but Ginny blocked her path, the redhead laughing along with everyone else in the dining room. The display was not an uncommon one, Sirius seemed to bring the fun side of Hermione out. Hermione managed to wriggle away from Sirius and Ginny and she started to run out of the dining room but as she exited she collided with something very solid. A pair of strong hands grabbed her and held her steady so she did not fall. Hermione, still laughing, looked up expecting to see Remus or Charlie who was staying with them, who she did see made her scream out in fear, waking Mrs Black's portrait, and jump back into Sirius who had followed her out.

"What is he doing in my house?" Sirius asked Dumbledore aggressively over his mothers screeching, wrapping his arms around Hermione protectively. Mr Weasley and the twins came to silence the portrait.

"I will explain Lucius's presence when everyone is gathered to hear it, Sirius," Dumbledore replied. "I assure you, you have nothing to be afraid of Miss Granger."

"Nothing at all, sure, there's only a Death Eater standing in the hallway, don't even worry about it Hermione," Sirius snarled. Hermione said nothing just buried her face in Sirius's chest.

"Sirius," Dumbledore said, warning in his voice.

Sirius glared at Dumbledore before saying, "whatever," and leading Hermione back into the dining room.

"I presume Black is one of the ones that will make this a touch hard?" Lucius asked.

"I'm afraid so," Dumbledore said. "But the sooner I explain your situation the sooner they can begin to understand." Dumbledore led Lucius into the dining room where Sirius was still holding Hermione protectively. Everyone in the room glared at Lucius, Harry and Ron were muttering amongst themselves. "We're just waiting on Remus and Charlie then?" Dumbledore said lightly.

"Yes," Mrs Weasley said, "I'll go get them." She bustled out of the room and returned a few minutes later followed by the two men.

"Thank you, Molly," Dumbledore said, smiling. "Now I'm sure you're all very curious as to what Lucius Malfoy is doing here, and I assure you I would not have brought him here without good reason," Dumbledore looked at Sirius as he said this. "Last night Lucius's wife was murdered and his son was taken by Voldemort. Lucius came to me, with his wife's body and asked me for protection. He is ready to change sides and will be helping me with a special task. He wants Voldemort brought down as much as any of us do. I ask you all to show kindness and forgiveness while Lucius is here, he will only be here until the start of the school term when he will come to Hogwarts as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor. If you have any problems alert me, that goes for you as well, Lucius," Dumbledore said looking at the blond man. "Molly, can you show Lucius to a room?"

"Of course," Mrs Weasley replied. "This way, Mr Malfoy." Lucius followed Mrs Weasley out of the room.

"Sirius I'd like a word with you in private," Dumbledore said. Sirius let go of Hermione, got up and followed Dumbledore into the kitchen. "Sirius, I know that it doesn't seem like much evidence but I'm asking you to trust me, I can see good in Lucius and I want you all to try to see it as well," Dumbledore said firmly.

"I'm not making any promises, Dumbledore," Sirius said through gritted teeth. "The minute he insults Hermione he can consider himself as good as his wife."

"Sirius, you have just been cleared of murder," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling.

"And I'd gladly serve another twelve years if it meant protecting Hermione," Sirius snarled.

"I have already told him to put an end to his Pure-Blood mania, Sirius," Dumbledore assured him.

"And we'll see how long that lasts," Sirius sneered before leaving Dumbledore standing in the kitchen.

Tension remained high at Grimmauld Place over the next few days. Sirius stayed protectively close to Hermione at meals, whereas Lucius sat awkwardly at the end of the table alone. Lucius always ate, never speaking to anyone, and left as soon as his plate was clean. No one had tried speaking to him, even Remus, who usually showed full support to Dumbledore, wasn't keen on the idea of being nice to a Malfoy.

"You know, his wife died and his son is probably going to be killed before we can do anything about it... I think it's worth a try to see if we can help him change," Hermione piped up at dinner the night of Narcissa's ceremony, when Lucius wasn't present at the table.

"But... He's a terrible person, Hermione. He'd kill us all without a second thought," Ginny frowned.

"If he wanted to kill us I think we'd be dead by now," Hermione replied. "I mean... he seems broken and weak, I feel terrible for him. I think we should at least try. Sirius, don't you think it would be worth a shot?"

Hermione looked up into Sirius's sapphire eyes, he frowned back at her. "I don't know, Hermione, think of all the horrible things he's done," he sighed.

"It doesn't cost anything to be nice though," Hermione argued.

"I think Hermione's right," Remus put in. "It doesn't cost us anything to show a bit of kindness, Voldemort took his family and I don't think he's interested in going back to the monster that took away his loved ones."

"I don't know, Remus," Sirius sighed, shaking his head.

"I'm not saying you need to be best friends with him or even trust him, but a little kindness won't hurt," Hermione appealed.

"I'll be nice to that git when he's proved I can trust him," Harry said firmly, Ron nodded in agreement.

"I don't suppose being nice will be any inconvenience to us," Mrs Weasley said smiling, Mr Weasley nodding in agreement. "And if Dumbledore thinks it's worth it I think we should at least try."

"I guess I can try to be nice," Sirius conceded under Hermione's gaze. "But the moment he gives me a reason I'll hex him into next year."

"That's fine," Hermione said, beaming at Sirius. He smiled and put his arm around her, pulling her into a hug.

"Oh, that must be him back from the ceremony," Mrs Weasley said when the sound of the front door opening reached their ears.

Sure enough, not thirty seconds later, Lucius walked into the dining room. He said nothing, merely walked to the liquor cabinet and poured himself a generous amount of firewhiskey. Everyone looked expectantly at Hermione who opened and closed her mouth a couple of times before saying, "how was the ceremony, Mr Malfoy?"

Lucius turned to face the young brunette witch, he could see that she was nervous. He noticed Sirius pull her slightly closer with the arm he had around her shoulders. Now everyone was either looking at Hermione in surprise or at Lucius in anticipation. "It was not what I had imagined for my wife," Lucius said sounding slightly dejected.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you, Sir," Hermione said quickly. Sirius shifted uneasily, watching the exchange.

"You did not offend me, Miss Granger," Lucius replied bluntly. "I merely implied that I did not picture my wife having such a bland and quiet funeral ceremony."

"Oh," Hermione said. No one spoke for a few seconds.

Lucius drained his glass of Firewhiskey before saying, "I am returning to my room now." There was a mumble of goodnights as Lucius walked out of the dining room.

"For someone who just lost his wife he doesn't seem very upset, does he?" Sirius said as soon as he was sure Lucius would not hear him.

"Sirius!" Hermione said, outraged, pulling away from him.

"Well she was his wife, wouldn't you expect him to be a bit more upset?" Sirius asked, a couple of people murmured in agreement.

"I think it's very presumptuous of you to think you know what he should be feeling. Have you ever lost your wife? Oh, you've never been married," Hermione snapped. "I don't even think you've ever been in love, Sirius!" Sirius gaped at Hermione, who got to her feet and stormed out of the room.

"Hermione!" Sirius called after her, but she did not stop. Sirius sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

"It's ok, Sirius," Ginny said gently, patting him on the back. "She's blind if she can't see it."

"Yeah, I mean how much more obvious does it have to be?" Ron asked making Harry and Remus chuckle.

"Well I think it's for the best if she remains oblivious, she's young enough to be your daughter!" Mrs Weasley said disapprovingly to Sirius.

"Mum!" Ginny scolded. "It doesn't matter how old Sirius is! That's up to Hermione to decide, if she ever opens her eyes. I personally think it's cute that Sirius has fallen for her."

"Thanks, Gin," Sirius said quietly as Mrs Weasley set about gathering the plates from dinner, muttering about inappropriateness.