Authors' Note: Hey everyone! Sorry it took so long and it should've been up yesterday but Pottermore took up some of my writing time. Catherine did some work this chapter, give her a hand. Stop, really it was still all my time that I wasted but I love every minute of it. We have a problem... we have no idea what we are going to do after this story is done... what will we waste our time on? How will we survive? It will be awful so we don't even want to think about it right now. You're in for a real treat so grab some popcorn and read. Don't forget to review (WE LOVE EVERYONE OF THEM, THANK YOU SO MUCH), it will make me type faster. Drum roll please...

Disclaimer: We don't own anything, or any lives for that fact because we would much rather be the characters in fictional stories. (Including this one)

Chapter 2

Valuable

Draco POV

By order of the Ministry of Magic your communication request has been denied.

Dear Princess,

There is no way that I can really say what's on my mind. I have tried writing it every way but they don't do my thoughts justice. I never wanted to leave you the way I did and I wished for anything that I could've stayed. But it would've ended the same way.

I miss you. My mother half expected for you to show up at home with you attached to my hip. I wouldn't mind it this time. I would trade this life to be with you in a second. But unless I want to condemn you, we'll have to wait, if we both make it through this that is.

Draco

All fifteen of my letters had been return to me. All with a big red denied stamp, on the top. No matter how I worded, they came back. The Ministry is watching us and they know that we're involved. After the Death Eaters had taken over, I didn't try sending anymore. They would find her. Maybe she'll forget about me, the smartest choice really. But I know her, and making the smart choice isn't her forte.

My father had been, more or less, released from Azkaban. He wasn't really the same. He couldn't stop shaking, as if he was cold was damned to freeze for the rest of his life. Mother tried everything she could but it was hard for her to take care of father and all the other dirty guests that took my house for granted. I could tell that if she didn't get some help she would lose it, and believe me, you do not want to the target of my mother's wrath. After being snapped at the Death Eaters did treat her less like a House-Elf. I tired offering my help but she told me she was fine, but I knew what she really meant. She wanted to keep me as far as she could.

"Here, you're the master of this house you take this." I didn't even hear them enter. The two Death Eaters laughed as they handed me a tray of food. I hated them, all of them. They lurked in the shadows acting like they owned the place. They left me alone, at least they didn't linger. I looked down at the tray. There was a note with directions to the room that the food was for. Strange, the House-Elves usually delivery food, why then do I have to deliver it? At least it gave me something to do, and it didn't involve being there when the Dark Lord was teaching someone a lesson.

The room was deep within the house, far on the left side. I have been here a few times when I was a kid playing with my friends, but I did my best to avoid the left wing all together. The room was down a long corridor and this hallway was the only way to it. If someone wanted to escape they would have to pass through the main hall and no doubt be caught. But what kind of a prisoner would be in one of the rooms and not the dungeons? Treated like a guest but trapped like everyone else.

I took my time; I was in no rush to get back. What did I really have to go back to? I finally reached the door, way at the very end of the hall. In the air I could feel the magic that had been place on the room. Multiple enchantments had been place to keep whoever the person was from leaving. How dangerous is this person then, and should I have been so willing to come. With sweaty palms I raise a hand to the door and knocked nervously. The knocks sounded like two thumps of my heart, loud in my ears and fast. I quickly realised that the door wouldn't opened from the inside. I balanced the tray in one hand as I grabbed the handle, turned it slowly hearing the click of the door as it opened. I slowly pushed the door open with my shoulder, careful not to spill anything. I looked around in the room, seeing if anyone was poised to attack, in attempts to escape. The only light came from the fire and it casted eerie shadows on the walls. To my luck there were none, if found the prisoner sitting at the widow a silhouette was all I could see. I proceeded to the table in the middle of the room; I placed the food on the top and checked to make sure that I didn't turn any of the drinks over accidentally. I thought about saying the obvious 'I brought your food', but I guessed that they already knew that. I looked up seeing the figure in the window, a blanket over her shoulders as if she was cold even with the roaring fire.

I went to leave but I stopped. I looked closely at the person, she looked very familiar. I squinted a bit and I suddenly recognised her profile. My heart stopped.

"Tatiana?" I asked, terrified that she had been found. She turned and I relaxed, it wasn't Tat. But the woman still looked familiar. She hadn't looked the least bit interested until I said Tatiana's name. She tore her gaze away from the window and stared in horror at me.

"How do you know that name?" She started towards me. I raised my hands in surrender, if I don't give her a reasonable explanation I think that she might rip my head off.

"I went to Hogwarts with her." If she knows Tatiana then she would also know that I am still mostly a kid and maybe that will let me live a little bit longer. At the word 'Hogwarts' I saw her relax.

"Is she still safe?" She asked, this time with more of a hope in her voice.

"Yes." She asked if she was safe, not hurt, that would've been harder to answer.

"Oh thank Merlin." She sighed, closing her eyes as if saying a quiet prayer. Her emerald green eyes opened now full of more questions. "How else do you know her?" She asked looking for any ill intentions.

"I could ask you the same question."

"Well considering that I spent seven hours in labour with her, you could say that I am her mother." Now I know where I seen her before, in Tatiana. I could see the same unique green eyes and the similar facial features; if I closed my eyes I could see Tatiana in my mind. Unlike Tatiana, she had light brown hair, was shorter and was rounded from having twins. I opened my eyes to find that Mrs. Nadira was raising an eyebrow at me, waiting for me to answer. It was scary how much she reminded me of Tatiana at that moment.

"I was her friend at school."

"Was?" She did catch that part. She looked less hostile towards me now, but she gave me that motherly look that made me feel like telling her the truth. But I have my own mother, and I have become almost immune to that look.

"It's complicated." I scratched the back of my head awkwardly. Wasn`t she supposed to tell her mom about the relationship first and then later introduce me. Plus I don`t know how to explain what 'complicated' meant.

"Wait, does Tatiana know you're here, I mean she's really keen on finding you..." Trying to somewhat change the subject. She put a hand on me to stop me from talking any more.

"Stop, um."

"Draco" Realisation dawned in her eyes as she probably saw the resemblance to my parents.

"We let can't Tatiana find me, at least not yet. If she finds me then all of my efforts to keep her safe would be for nothing." I could see that it pained her to even think about pushing her daughter away. Soon it will be a year since they have seen each other.

I looked at the door, worried that someone might come through it and find me talking to the prisoner. Of course I would walk out immediately, saying that I brought food to the prisoner if they asked.

"Please, don't go. I've been in here for months and I only get visits occasionally, and he is definitely not as good of company as you." She pleaded with her eyes, no wonder that's where Tatiana got it from. If she didn't have the same eyes it wouldn't have been the same, and it definitely wouldn't have worked.

"I won't. I don't have anywhere else to go."

That's how it went. I volunteered as many times as I could to bring up food so I could visit with Chantelle. Her eyes looked less pale every time I came into the room. There were only a few times that someone came in, but they thought of nothing once I told them my excuse. Talking with Chantelle made me feel closer to Tatiana, and of course I got some inside information about her like how she was like as a little kid. I could picture Tatiana as she threw a punch at a boy who wouldn't let her play. I would hate to be at the receiving end of her punches if she has been practicing since she was at least six. I could tell that in most of the stories that she told me that she was avoiding even thinking about her son. When this is over, it probably won't even matter who wins, she'll be able to grieve properly with Tatiana.

"How is she with magic?" Chantelle asked and by the way she asked I could tell that she had been waiting for this answer.

"She is very..." There really wasn't a word that would be correct. "Awkward." Chantelle laughed a real one probably the first time in a long while. "She forgets about magic all the time, and when she does remember she has already done everything the hard way." I would hate the day that she finally gets used to magic, where would the fun be in that?

"I only wish that I she could've grown up with magic. She wouldn't be thrown into this all of a sudden not to mention Ra..." She stopped herself. Just like Tatiana, I could tell the pain in her eyes every time she thought about Ralph. Now that I think about it, she has been very careful about avoiding anything to do with him too. She went into a void, trying everything to forget. Basically, she became stone, too choked up to move and because rocks can't cry in sorrow. Later she would cry herself to sleep, so no one could see her as weak. Blaise told me how to deal with Tatiana when it happens to her, distraction. I'll have to use a different distraction than I would use on Tat, but the method should still be the same.

"Did you know that your daughter is insane?" That snapped her out of it.

"With her DNA, that is the least of my concerns. Depending on how you defy insane of course."

"With a smile she can persuade anyone to do her every will. She can crack you open and see you better than you can yourself. The amount of times that she has got herself into trouble and danger, she has been able to pull herself out of it with strength that I never knew existed in a single person. And no matter how hard you try it is impossible to forget her." Chantelle gave me a look. I didn't like it because it was the same look my own mother used on me when she knew something or figured something out.

She over her shoulder at the clock on the mantel, another day had passed by so fast. I hated this time. I would have to return to the rest of the world, one that I would have to block out all thoughts of Tatiana. With all the enchantments placed to keep Chantelle in made it possible for my thoughts to wonder. The one perk for being a prisoner freedom of thoughts. Hurriedly, I left the room, making sure that I didn't get caught. I darted in and out of the shadows quickly and quietly making my way back. It reminded me of when Tatiana made us wear those ridiculous outfits, saying that we had become ninja's. I still have no idea what a ninja is, and how she had convinced us I don't know. I froze. I shook my head clear of any thoughts pertaining to Tatiana. I had to keep her safe, and nowhere, not even in my trained mind, could she hide and not be found.

I retired to my room for the rest of the night. If I was lucky, I would remain here until tomorrow, with no midnight meetings. I longed for the days where my mother would come and tuck me in, that was when we had nothing to fear and the entire world was mine. I rarely saw my parents, knowing that they were working hard to keep me safe. I wondered what my life would be like right now if I had been hidden from the world like Tatiana, most likely impossible with my father's arrogance. I would never know what she has been through because I have never known any other kind of life and can't even imagine it. I was destined to be a Death Eater from the start and there is no getting out of it now. I sat down at my desk; the pile of un-mailed letters had started to pile up. There was a piece of parchment with the familiar 'Dear Princess,' written at the top. I didn't put her name because that would end up in tragedy, so I used princess and only she would get the meaning. I thought about writing another letter, but the ink from my quill soak through and splattered the paper as I waited for my mind to decide what to say. I left it opened and unfinished on my desk as a reminder, that we could never be together and that I couldn't even say it. With luck, she would have forgotten me, the smart thing to do would be to move on without me and not stay waiting in the rain for someone who couldn't come. But I know that she has the worst luck in the world and not to mention that she acts before she thinks. I would hate for her to be waiting, tears streaming down her face, as she figured out that I wouldn't come. How could I? If I could, I would run from here and not look back. If I could, I would take Tatiana with me.

I placed the parchment upside down so it wouldn't be constantly reminding me of her. I had to forget, at least until I could think freely without fear of having my thoughts infiltrated. I have mastered Occlumency, but the Dark Lord has incalculable powers that no one could out-match. I undressed and dove into my covers. My mind, however was still racing so that any chance of sleep would be highly unlikely. I reached over and grabbed the vial that was on my night side table. It was lighter than I thought it was, meaning that I had taken refuge too many times in the sleeping potion. A deep sleep was good, pulling me into the blackness never worried about having my dreams wonder leaving my thoughts vulnerable. But it made the sun come too fast, another day meant facing my possible death. As long as I said nothing and do what I'm told, I should see the end of this. I downed the last of the potion. I could spend a majority of my time making some more tomorrow, that would keep me out of trouble for a while at least. I closed my eyes, immediately succumbing to the darkness. I hated this part; I was always scared that I wouldn't be able to wake up, the price of a good night sleep.

This was different. Usually, when I went to visit Chantelle the room was bathed in light. Now the light of the fire created an eerie glow to the room. I sat the tray of food on the table wondering if Chantelle was even in the room.

"Have a seat Draco." Well at least I know she's in the room. This is something that Tatiana would do, and if she learnt from her mother, I think it would be best to obey. Chantelle has had many more years of experience;, should I be frightened, because I have a weird feeling that I need to be checking over my shoulder. I sat down in the chair, looking around the dark room to see where the voice was coming from.

"Is there some reason that I need to hurt you?" I was taken aback by the question.

"I don't think so... I mean why are you asking me this? And what's with the lights?" Chantelle suddenly appeared into the light. The look she was giving made me uncomfortable.

"So what are your intentions towards my daughter?" She never even bothered answering my questions. Wait a second, what did she s... I felt my eyes go wide. How did she find out? I certainly didn't tell her maybe she's had contact with Tatiana, or maybe it was Blaise.

"How did you..." I started but she interrupted.

"Answer my question Mr. Malfoy." She said seriously.

"Completely honorable." I replied it was the answer she was looking for. She raised one eyebrow, waiting for the rest of the answer.

"This is kind of awkward... My intentions are honorable... but it's not my fault that she gets attached. And all I want to do is keep her safe." Finally her face lightened up, and an evil smile spread across it. She was enjoying my pain, she was going to pay. The fact that she is a prisoner knowing one child is dead and the other is in danger, I guess I can live without getting payback. Laughing to herself, she went and opened the curtains letting the light back in the room. She, like Tatiana, is going to be impossible to live with.

"I've always wanted to do that; ever since I saw it on TV. But since there is only one of me I decided to play the bad cop." I looked at her puzzled; I had absolutely no idea what she was talking about. She shook her head and sat down on the chair opposite of me.

"So, do you love her?" She asked casually. Again she caught me dumbfounded. I had no answer to this question. And what's with these questions today? I tried saying something but nothing came out. It's a good thing because I had no idea what I was going to say. How could I love her, I barely knew her. More importantly, she could never love me back; not with the amount of times that I broke her heart. "Don't worry, I won't tell her." Chantelle said with a smile. Tell her what?

"Have you talked to her recently?" Chantelle sounded less like a threatening parent and more like her concerned self. This was an easier question to answer.

"I've written letters but the Ministry intercepted every one. And now that the Ministry is taken over by Death Eaters it`s worse because I don't want them to find her."

"What you'll have to do is find a way to send the letters in a way that the Ministry won't get hold of them."

"Deidra." I whispered, now knowing how I was going to send the letters. They won't be looking for a horse carrying mail. That minute the door burst open. I stood up and made it look as if I had just laid the tray down on the table. I had practiced it a few times, just so it would look natural but I could feel my hands shaking from the adrenaline of almost getting caught.

"Out." A voice said: a voice that made the room go cold. I didn't hesitate a second longer. Almost every other Death Eater out ranked me, meaning that if I disobeyed I might, I don't even want to think about what would happen. I turned to leave without a goodbye, Chantelle would understand. I left; but not without seeing who had burst into the room. I knew the voice had been familiar, and I hoped that it would be anyone but him. I saw him glaring at me; I bowed my head and quickly left the room, leaving Chantelle alone with the Dark Lord. The door slammed behind me, and it echoed in the empty hall. I started down the hall but not before I heard Chantelle say "Just let him go Tom."

I am such a coward for leaving her all alone in that room with him, definitely my father's son. But she didn't scream or even beg me to stay with her, and why did she call him Tom? I ended up pacing back and forth in my room, my thoughts coming up with their own conclusions of what is going to happen. I couldn't think of any good outcomes. Then again, she might still have a chance. There is a reason for her still being alive. She's an important part of some plan, that's why she isn't treated like a regular prisoner. They were fools if they taught that she would give in easily. Attempts at assuring myself that she would pull through were feeble, but I could now think clearly. I raced over to my desk, taking every single letter I had written and packaged them together. I thought about writing the last letter but decided against it; words didn't make sense in my head so how would they end up on paper? I cast a spell so the letters would be concealed and headed outside. I held my head up high walking in my own house like I had as the Slytherin prince; it made me look like I wasn't someone they wanted to cross.

I squinted against the bright sun, this being the first time being outside all summer. How they had made my house so dark I don't know, but I had completely forgotten about the sun, not to mention summer. I could faintly hear Blaize mocking me about my white skin and how bleached it is at the moment. I would love nothing more for life to return back to normal; well with Tatiana it could never be normal, and I would take that any day as long as she was with me. The stable door creaked loudly as I pushed it open, stiff from the lack of use. I pushed the doors all the way open letting more sunlight flood into the room. Something nudged me in the back, almost pushing me over. If a horse could glare, Theron would be at this moment. I went to pet his nose but he turned away in a huff. He had been stuck in here all summer with only the small enclose to run around. If there wasn't magic keeping them in the enclosure, I'm sure he would've jumped the fence by now. I summoned a few apples and put them in his food tray as a sign of apology.

"I'm sorry; I haven't ridden you in a while."

Theron neighed, as if telling me 'You're just saying that. What's your excuse this time?'

"They've basically taken away my freedom, I would hate for them to take you away too." Anything precious to me would be taken without hesitation for leverage. Theron seemed to forgive me. "Don't worry I still haven't forgotten about your wings." That was a lie, but I still wanted to have a Pegasus. Ever since I was told I could only have a normal horse I dreamed of Theron having wings so we could fly somewhere far away. I could spend more time on that, now that I won't be allowed anywhere near Chantelle. Tatiana's horse stood looking out the window, probably thinking the same thing I was. Where is Tatiana? I saddled the white horse, what's the use of having a horse without a saddle to ride on. In one of the leather side pockets I tucked the letters in, concealing them. I then cast a spell to hide the saddle, Deidra would only be considered a wild horse and not as a warning of a rider somewhere nearby. Hopefully the House-Elves had been feeding her well because she had a long run ahead of her. I stroked Deidra's nose, "Find Tatiana, and take the letters to her. Help keep her safe." I whispered to the horse. Luckily animals had a special sense that connected them to their owners. I watched as Deidra ran out the back, I watched her until the sun blinded my eyes. Another nudge almost knocked me over. Theron looked at me unimpressed "Why does she get to go for a run?"

Chantelle POV

Once I had found out that Draco had been in contact with Tatiana I needed him to tell me everything. I had been in the dark for so long that I could only remember the scared look on her face the last time I saw her before I was taken here. Draco reminded me of the times when her eyes used to sparkle when she smiled, while coming up with some devious plan. The sparkle may never come back, not since she's been completely emptied, not since... I couldn't imagine it; I don't want to believe that my Raphael is gone. I have to remain strong to protect Tatiana, so I won't believe he's gone. What I had hoped for had come true, she was safe. I pray that she remains safe and that her secret remains so. The way Draco talked about my daughter, I had some suspicions. In my dreams, I thought about strangling him once my suspicions were confirmed, but instead I made him extremely uncomfortable, making him squirm under my watch. It would be way worse to face Tatiana's wrath, she unfortunately does have some of her father in her.

Draco had whispered something, but I never got the chance to ask him what he said. The door flew open and Tom paraded into the room. No matter what he calls himself, or what he does he will always be Tom to me.

"Out" he commanded. Draco left hurriedly, I didn't blame him. I knew that Draco would be in trouble and I also knew that I would never get to talk with him again.

"Just let him go Tom." He was watching Draco leave the room. I could tell what he was thinking, and I had to save Draco, he obviously was important to Tatiana. "He was just doing what he was told." I told him what he wanted to hear, that Draco was still loyal to him. "It's not like I can help trying to know what's going on. The sky could've collapsed and I still wouldn't know about it." Finally he took his eyes off the door, he turned and faced me. His red eyes burned angrily as they tried to break me down to see if I was lying, but like all the other times he couldn't. The door slammed shut causing me to jump on the inside, breaking my gaze. "What brings you here on this fine day?" I asked, I could tell that it was way too cheery for his tastes. "Run out of good help?" I sat down at the table and pressed my fingers together waiting for his answer. There was really only one reason he could be up here. It all depends what exactly.

"People underestimate you, a mistake that I will not make twice."

"Only figuring this out now? Honestly, I think that you have made that mistake more than once." I shouldn't have said it out loud but I was worth having an upper hand, at least for a second. It was short lived, because his temper flared up. In a single stride he bounded over to me and grabbed my face. With magic he raised me to eye level so that I was floating a few inches off the ground. Careful Tom, it won't be good if you continue to do the same things that will make you predictable. I made sure not to say it aloud this time, but the thought did make me smile and I knew that he would love to know why.

"Don't play games with me Chantelle. I don't play. I will tell you my rules: tell me where your daughter is and I can promise that she will be safe, or I'll find her and I kill her myself." He hissed. I didn't want either option, it would be the end of peace if he found her and who knows if I can trust his promise.

"How should I know where she is? I've been kept in this room for the months." He squeezed my face harder.

"I know you better than that Chantelle; you have a way of getting what you want. So tell me, how would you like to lose another child?" This time he was the one with the smile, but it sat wrong on his face. I pried his fingers off my face, falling the last inches back to the floor.

I had no option left. There was only way to keep her safe now. "How can I be sure that she will remain safe? How can I know that you will keep your promise?" He had finally figured it, out and I hated letting my weakness show.

"I'll take care of that..."

"She is the only thing I have left. I need your word that she'll not be harmed in any way."I screamed at him, cutting him off.

"You have my word that she will be remained safe. If she is brought to the light I will have her brought here as proof." I hoped he was telling the truth because I had no choice to believe.

"Where else would you hide something precious? Somewhere safe, she's at Hogwarts." It broke my heart telling him but it would shatter if I lost my Tatiana as well. His eyes flashed in recognition. If I'm not mistaken, he has hidden something precious at Hogwarts as well. An evil smile spread across his face.

"Hasn't anyone told you? Hogwarts... is no longer safe." He left the room, emptying every ray of hope that I had left. He had finally won; he knows how to control me, he has found my weakness.

Authors' Note: OMG! How did that happen and what will happen next? Will Voldemort keep his word and what is going to happen? Good questions, but we're not saying anything but be patient and keep reading (and reviewing, it will make the waiting less of a wait). The chapters will come and they only get better. I can't wait until... nope not even going to say it. Ideas are always welcome by the way; it helps the chapters come faster if we know what is going to be in them. We actually haven't planned out every chapter; they kind of just flow onto the page. Don't worry we have all the major events planned we just need something to fill the gaps. Until then, let fanfiction take you to a world that is entirely our own... ;) Review please.

Love, C&M