AN: i'm still trucking away...and eventually, i'll finish this fic. swear it. thanx for the revies & favs & follows. *kisses*

Chapter 10 - Of Monsters & Men
*June*

"I want to see him."

"Absolutely not. Ridiculous."

"Malfoy, why are you being so bloody difficult? He was my friend. One of my best friends. You can't expect me to nurture a grudge for things which weren't his fault."

"He. Almost. Killed. You."

"But he didn't."

"Let's give him another go then?!" Draco leaped off his four poster, leaving his chamber with a bang.

"Stupid Gryffindor courage." He kicked the grass green wall in frustration.

Bethalie Zabini was recovering well. Her parents had decreed she was not to leave the Manor without an escort, for her own safety. The bruises had faded due to Gregory Goyle's due diligence with salve and potions. Even the dark purple bruises around her throat were almost nonexistent and her voice, while still slightly hoarse had improved greatly.

Her family had hid the Daily Prophet from her, yet this particular morning she asked Snatcher to bring it to her. The headline disparaging Auror Ron Weasley infuriated her. The moment she heard he had been under the Imperius Curse, it was as if he deserved instant forgiveness.

Draco strode back into his chamber with Blaise close behind. Beth had to admit, her boys were devilishly handsome. She wasn't aware of the exact moment she began referring to them as her boys, but she liked it.

"Dad says your bloody stubborn Gryffindor courage is going to be the death of you. AND! If you're insisting on visiting the Ginger Git then Draco and I are to accompany you and it's nonnegotiable. I've already owled Potter." Blaise crossed his arms, his eyebrow arching, but his mouth twitched in amusement. Beth's fists clenched, her knuckles white with rage.

"I hate you." She stormed from Draco's chamber into her own, slamming the door in frustration.

Why was it so bloody difficult for them to understand? She couldn't be hateful without cause. Sure, they saw cause, but it was different for her. She remembered the Ron Weasley she'd known since the age of eleven. The bumbling sort of idiot, with a heart of gold and a wicked temper. He would never intentionally hurt her. She couldn't believe that of him. It was the equivalent of believing Voldemort had liked to cuddle.

Beth threw open her wardrobe, scouring through the multitude of wizard's robes, gowns and even casual Muggle wear. She was surprised to discover them, but noted they were exemplary quality. She selected a pair of black tapered jeans, a short sleeve, cream, eyelet blouse and soft grey, knee high boots.

She decided against having Blaise charm her hair into ringlets. Instead she gathered the top of her wavy black hair and clipped it at the top of her head with a pearl encrusted clasp. She decorated her eyelids with a pale pink eyeshadow, finishing her simple yet sophisticated look with a shimmering lip gloss. Beth tucked her wand into her back pocket and ventured downstairs.

She ignored three pairs of glaring eyes to bestow a sweet smile upon her mother.
"Are you sure, Bethalie?" Sophia smoothed the front of her maroon brocade robes nervously. She quite agreed with her husband. It was completely unnecessary for Bethalie to visit the very wizard which caused her convalescence. It mattered little if he was under the Imperius Curse or not.

"Yes, Mum. It's simply something I have to do." Sophia noted the waver in her daughter's voice, but ignored it, not wishing to upset Bethalie further. Sophia sighed, wringing her hands before embracing her daughter. She had never been one for showing physical affection, but this instance demanded it.

"Blaise and Draco will escort you to St Mungos. Mr Potter will meet you on the Fourth floor.."

"The Janus Thickey Ward? Why ever would he be there?" Draco frowned deeply at the notes of rising hysteria in Beth's voice.

"It's the safest place for him considering the other option is Azkaban." Dante stated dryly. While he had been adamant in his refusal to allow Beth to visit the young Weasley, he knew she would find a way without him.

"Azkaban? That's ridiculous. He was under the Imperius!"

"Bethalie," Dante sighed. If he didn't calm his daughter soon he knew she'd be in the throws of another one of her episodes. As much as he liked Draco Malfoy he never enjoyed seeing his only daughter wrapped in his arms.

"He's an Auror. They're trained specifically for those sort of scenarios. The suspicion is Weasley was unable to fight the effects of the Imperius due to harboring intense feelings of rage toward you."

"Well that's..I can't..It's.." Beth sputtered, trying to make sense of what she'd been told yet finding herself lost. The logical function of her brain seemed to have short circuited.

"You don't have to do this." It was Draco pulling her from the din. Calling her back to reality. A glint of determination sparked her green eyes as her chin jutted forward.

"Yes. I do." Beth ignored Draco's outstretched hand to leave the Zabini Manor. She didn't require a bloody escort. She knew exactly how to get to St Mungos.

Beth stood on the fourth floor of St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries, waiting for Draco and Blaise to arrive. She knew they'd be furious with her, but she needed a few moments to catch her breath without them smothering her.

Her feet were glued to the floor which irritated her. She had wandered around the country helping Harry Potter find horcuxes to end Voldemort but she couldn't walk down the bloody hall to see Ron Weasley?

"When did I become a fucking coward?" Beth murmured to herself. She straightened her shoulders with determination.

"You sure you're not a bloody Slytherin? That was fucking sneaky, Beth." Blaise chuckled, knocking into his sister. Draco stayed silent though he studied her profile, noting her anxiety and slipped his hand around hers. She squeezed it gratefully before the trio walked toward Harry Potter.

"Oh, er, you're here. Lovely." Harry Potter stumbled over his words. His round glasses were slightly askew with tape spun around the bridge. Beth sighed dramatically and drew her wand pointing it at Harry's face. Blaise and Draco gasped.

"Occulus Reparo. Really Harry, one would think you'd have memorized that bloody spell years ago."

"Thanks Mione er Beth. Listen Molly's here.." Harry stood in front of Ron's door, blocking the small window with his uncooperative hair.

"I-I don't want to see her."

"YOU!" Molly Weasley marched through Ron's door, shoving Harry none too gently. Her wand was pointed at Beth, Molly's face contorted with misplaced rage. Blaise and Draco instantly flanked Beth and drew their wands.

"What is SHE doing here Harry?"

"Now Molly, we discussed this. I'm well aware Arthur and George spoke to you as well. There's no need to duel in the middle of the bloody corridor." Harry pulled on his dark hair, trying to keep everyone calm in a volatile situation.

"She's the reason he's here!" Molly wasn't the cheery bustling witch Beth remembered. She was bitter and furious, her face lined with rage.

"That's not true. I didn't place him under the Imperius Curse. I didn't order him to attack me." Beth stared at the woman she'd considered her surrogate mother with fresh eyes.

"Well...yes but..if you had married him when he asked we wouldn't be here right now." Molly smiled triumphantly, yet she lowered her wand.

"He didn't want to marry me anymore than I wanted to marry him. I didn't love him that way. Never mind the fact he bloody cheated on me and proposed AFTER he cheated."

"Ron wouldn't do that!" Molly's grey streaked red hair swung as she shook her head vehemently.

"Er uh, Molly? Actually, he did." Harry winced, waiting for the matriarch to explode.

"He always said he was heartbroken when you left. He moped about for ages. I had to put up with Pansy Parkinson at every turn. It was Ernie that brought up Ron's spirits finally. D'you remember him? Ernie MacMillan? He was in your year, Hufflepuff I believe. He's a lovely boy. He and Ron share a flat these days." Blaise twisted on his heel to face an empty wall. He covered his face in his hands, his shoulders shaking.

"Oh, is he alright?" Molly the mother hen turned her attention to Blaise. Beth was aware he was not bloody crying, he was laughing at Ron's expense.

"He's fine, Molly. I'm sorry you were under the wrong impression concerning the relationship between Ron and myself. I've always loved you as family. All of the Weasleys really but I know Ron. I knew you would blame me for the deterioration of our relationship. Though honestly, can you imagine Ron going to sleep beside Hermione Granger to wake up beside Bethalie Zabini? It wouldn't be a pretty sight." Beth shook her head, imaging the shock, outrage and anger which peppered the scenario.

Molly burst into great peals of laughter, which was a bit frightening honestly. Bethalie realised, even if Molly Weasley believed her and apologised for jumping to ridiculous conclusions, Beth would never feel the same about the woman. Molly had readily believed Beth to be a vindictive, vile person, which hurt.

Harry gestured toward Ron's door, his green eyes flicking toward Molly in alarm. Beth nodded quickly, slipping through the door with Blaise and Draco.

The familiar shaggy red hair stuck to Ron Weasley's forehead. His eyes were scrunched shut while he fought against his magical bonds. His freckled face was bright red, matching the tips of his ears.

"Ron." Harry stood beside his best mate, shaking his shoulder lightly. Ron's bright blue eyes burst open a range of emotions crossing his features. He calmed seeing Harry beside him, a smile for the woman he considered his Hermione, a flicker of confusion towards Blaise until finally a snarl for his nemesis.

"What's he doing here? He's the wanker that put me here!" Ron struggled against the magical restraints, keeping his arms pinned to the hospital bed.

"Ron." Beth stepped in front of her proverbial bodyguards toward Ron's bed, ignoring Malfoy's growl.

"Mione. You're here. Why do you look like that? That's not your face. You should give it back. It's much too pretty for you. I didn't tell them anything, Mione. I knew you'd come for me. I didn't tell them about Charlie either. I know you made me swear not too. I kept that secret for you, just like I promised. Mum says Charlie's on his way from Romania. He'll fix everything. I forgive him. I forgive you. I know you didn't mean to hurt me. You wouldn't do that. You don't love Charlie. You love me. You'll always love me." Beth tuned out the excitedly babbling, unable to meet the eyes of the wizards around her. She could feel the dark grey orbs boring holes into her back.

Harry shuffled his feet nervously, while simultaneously smoothing his dark hair, which refused to cooperate. He kept trying to catch Beth's eye, but she stared at the floor. There was obviously something she hadn't told them. How exactly Charlie Weasley factored into the equation was a question he knew they were all contemplating.

"I need a moment." Beth mumbled while stumbling out of Ron's hospital room, hot tears leaking from her green eyes. She knew Draco was furious. She could feel it through the bond of their rings. If she could tear the Malfoy Family Ring from her finger and hurl it down the corridor, she would. The moment they had joined together while wearing their rings it became a permanent bond. Beth wondered if Draco was aware of the permanence and if he regretted the decision to sleep with her in the first place.

She couldn't think here. Not surrounded with Molly and Ginny hovering over her. They had grasped her hands immediately, fretting over her confrontation with Ron. Beth broke from them, her boots clipping along the black and white hospital floor. She skirted around a corner, ignoring their cries and leaned against the wall, drawing a deep breaths. She didn't feel an ounce of Gryffindor courage coursing through her. She felt guilt for withholding information from her family. She felt ashamed. She felt afraid, but no bravery, no courage.

Beth snuck a glance around the corner. Molly and Ginny were conversing with a confused looking Harry Potter. She wondered whether Blaise and Draco were alone with Ron and shivered.

"What the fuck Beth?" Blaise and Draco were angrily making their way down the corridor. Beth was caught in the cross roads. She chose her third option. She ran in the opposite direction of the Weasleys and Harry, gasping as she spotted a shock of red hair near the double doors of the ward.

"Charlie." Beth gasped, stopping a few feet away from the tall red haired wizard. His hair was a bit longer from the last time she saw him. It brushed just past his shoulders, slightly windblown. A dark cloak was casually tossed over his shoulder as he smiled at her. Beth didn't want him to smile at her. She didn't want to be thrust back into that particular time of her life.

"Beth!" Charlie's smile faltered; recognition in his eyes.

Beth turned to see Harry hurrying toward her. He was lightly shoved by Blaise and Draco. Beth knew they didn't harbor animosity, but Charlie didn't. Beth grabbed her wand from her back pocket as Charlie closed the distance between them. He jostled her elbow. He grabbed her around the waist, his wand pointed at Draco Malfoy before they Disapparated.

Draco stopped cold, staring at the place Bethalie Zabini and Charlie Weasley had been standing just a moment ago. Did she go with him? Did she Apparate them away? Why would she do that? He resisted the urge to trace the bottom of his ring with his thumb. He didn't want to know if she wanted to be with Charlie. It would cause him irrevocable harm. He couldn't let her go if he wanted to and Draco Malfoy, most definitely didn't want too.

"Potter. I think we need to have a very long conversation with the Weasel." Blaise growled yanking on Harry's lapel. He dragged the young wizard back to Weasley's room.

Draco followed slowly, frowning. He turned and walked to the spot where she had been. He almost missed the thin piece of wood beneath a set of green chairs along the wall. With nimble fingers he picked up Bethalie's wand and stroked his ring.

"Charlie? Are you barking? Charlie wouldn't do that to me. Not again." Ron thrashed, forcing the Mediwitches to resort to Muggle restraints.

"Ron, what are you going on about? What do you think Charlie's done?" Harry held Ron's shoulders firmly to the bed while the tiny blonde Mediwitch buckled the restraints around Ron's wrists.

"Harry! C'mon mate! Charlie knew I wanted to marry her. I was doing her a favour really. Mione wasn't exactly sexy. No one wanted her anyway! I figured she could help me out. I'd let her work and read all those stupid books and no one would know about me and Ernie." Blaise pinned Draco to the wall seconds after he entered Ron's hospital room. He wouldn't put it passed Draco to murder Weasley in front of an Auror.

"Er, Ron. Back to Charlie?" Harry wasn't feeling particularly sympathetic to his friend. He had difficulty stomaching the idea that Ron wanted to use their friend to keep his secret.

"Yea! Charlie said I couldn't do that. He said she was worth more than that and she was beautiful inside and out. He said she visited him in Romania. That first year, you remember, right Harry? We couldn't bloody find her anywhere? She was in bloody Romania with Charlie! He stole her away from me, Harry. She was mine. I bet that's why she laughed when I proposed to her. I got down on one knee like a bloody Muggle too! She LAUGHED, Harry.." Harry slumped into the chair by Ron's bedside, rubbing his scar in frustration.

"Oi, Weasley. You fucked Parkinson." Blaise was having difficulty keeping Draco from charging the Ginger Git.

"No I didn't! Oh, uh, well."

"What now, Ron?" Harry held his head in his hands.

"It..it wasn't Pansy. Well, she helped. She cast a glamour over uh er..." Ron closed his eyes, wishing he could remove the stinky wet hair from his forehead.

"Over who, Weasel." Draco shoved Blaise, itching to hex the red headed bastard.

"Ernie of course." Ron shrugged as if it was completely obvious and they were all dunces for not knowing his particular sexual habits.

"Wait. Wait. You let my sister think you were fucking Parkinson when you were fucking Ernie? You expected her to marry you so you didn't have to tell anyone you fancy blokes? What the FUCK is wrong with you Weasley?" Blaise kicked an empty chair, its leg permeating the pale mint wall. Molly Weasley opened the door slowly, hidden behind the curtain between Ron's bed and the door.

"I had too! I couldn't bloody well say, oh sorry Hermione, we have to break up now. I couldn't tell her, or my mum. Gods, could you imagine it? Hello mum, sorry to ruin all your plans of grandchildren but I fancy blokes! Ernie's not my roommate. We spent many a night in front of the fire sipping glasses of wine and snogging. She'd bloody well hex my balls off." Blaise resisted the urge to snort with mirth. He thought Molly Weasley was going to faint on the spot, instead she threw open the curtain. She stared at her son in silent shock. For once in her life, she was speechless.

"I don't give a fuck about any of this. Where's my wife?" Ron gulped loudly, his freckles swallowed by the bright flush on his cheeks. Harry's mouth gaped, staring at Draco, unable to process the words immediately.

"Wife? She married you?" Molly broke the silence, turning away from her youngest son.

"Malfoy Family Ring." Draco flashed the platinum ring on his finger, rolling his eyes. It wasn't their concern if Draco Malfoy had married Bethalie Zabini.

"Pish tosh. She's not your wife until its consummated Mr. Malfoy. Knowing our Hermione as we do, she would never take up with the likes of you. Just like every other little girl, she's dreamed of her wedding day since she was in nappies." Molly looked incredibly smug, crossing her arms over her paisley blouse.

Draco's eyebrows were hidden in his hairline, while he stretched his hand toward the frumpy witch. He held it out expectantly. Her eyes flicked from the ornate ring to his eyes and back again. Setting her lips in a thin line laced with fury, she took his hand. Molly fingered the ring, wrapping her fingers around it and pulled. She frowned when it didn't move and pulled again, increasing her grip.

"Nothing to say? Interesting." Molly huffed indignantly, spinning back toward Ron to confront him quietly. She was whispering furiously and smacking him about the head before Harry intervened.

"Molly. I'd love to help you smack Ron about but we need to know about Charlie." Gently, he pulled her away from a silent Ron.

"Charlie? Well, he's in Romania.."

"No, he was here. I saw him. Seems he might have snatched Beth." Harry gulped, waiting for Molly to screech at him. Instead she burst into tears.

"The entire family is a bunch of nutters, Potter."

"Malfoy..." Harry refused to rise to the occasion and argue with Draco Malfoy about the Weasleys. There would be plenty of time for that nonsense once they found Bethalie.

"Harry, contact Arthur. He'll know what to do. Does she have her wand?" Harry looked to Blaise and Draco who shook their heads. Draco held up the vine wood wand, suddenly terrified for Beth.

"She's afraid." Draco managed to spit before doubling over. Blaise rubbed his eyes angrily before leading Draco to an empty chair.

"This isn't good." Molly wrung her hands, pacing in small circles while Harry sent a Patronus to Arthur.

"What's wrong with Charlie, Molly?"

"We thought if we sent him away, it'd be alright. We thought the therapies when he was a child... He faltered sometimes, but then he'd be that sweet baby I remembered. Working with the dragons really seemed to be the best therapy. We'd never seen him so happy. We were worried of course when he owled us about Hermione's arrival in Romania. He was so happy. He'd been alone for so long. She didn't know a thing about it. No one did. Arthur and I thought it would be best. They never could tell us what was wrong with him. The Healers just said he's got a bit of Darkness in him." Molly sobbed into Harry's robes. He patted her back uncomfortably.

"Delightful. Bloody fantastic. Charlie's mental and he what exactly? He took Beth where. That's the question. Where is she? Hasn't she been through enough? Bloody fucking Weasleys." Draco slammed his fist into the pale mint wall, smiling in relief at the sound of crunching bones.

"It's my fault." Molly wailed.

"It's not, Molly. Harry, see if you can send some Aurors to Shell Cottage. Bill and Fleur are at the Burrow with Victoire. Charlie always loved it there." Harry was grateful to pass off the sobbing witch to her husband. He dragged Blaise with him, leaving Draco to have his hand tended by Ron's Mediwitch.

"Mr. Malfoy. You've got to understand. Charlie was a twin. Molly was hit with a spell while she was pregnant with them. Dark Magic of course. Charlie's twin was killed instantly. The cure was a Potion which would draw the magic out of her, but it came with risks. Molly didn't want to risk our remaining child. Charlie shared the womb with swirls of Dark Magic. Some Healers are of the opinion he absorbed some of them. He fights against it, really he does. Sometimes...he becomes overwhelmed and.." Arthur Weasley hung his head. Draco wasn't sure if the wizard felt regret or shame but it didn't matter to him. He didn't give a single fuck where Charlie Weasley was concerned. The moment that ginger bastard touched Beth, his life was forfeit.

Beth stood on the wet sand, watching the waves crash to shore. She recognised this place. It had been years since she'd been there, but she knew it just the same. Charlie Weasley paced angrily, yanking on his long hair, grumbling to himself. Beth knew it was best to leave him alone during these fits. She'd seen a few over her months in Romania. She knew Draco suspected her of having an illicit relationship with the older Weasley. Beth hoped he would allow her to explain it was never anything of the sort, regardless of how Charlie Weasley claimed he felt. She had never returned his affections.

Charlie pulled her through the tall grasses toward a small cottage. He held an iron grip on her wrist. Beth was honestly afraid. She had dropped her wand in St Mungos. She couldn't leave unless she could convince Charlie to bring her back or Blaise found her.

"Shell Cottage? Charlie, where are Bill and Fleur?" Beth was surprised to see Dobby's headstone still stood out among the grass and sand dunes.

"The Burrow. We're alone here. They can't hurt you here."

"Charlie, they weren't trying to hurt me. Blaise is my family." Beth kept her voice soft and hopefully soothing. She had never seen Charlie in such a state.

"Not him. The other one. Looks like Lucius Malfoy." Charlie's voice was gruff, slightly hoarse with an emotion Beth couldn't pinpoint. She wasn't sure if it was jealously or hatred.

"Yes. Draco Malfoy. He lives with my family." Charlie stopped short causing Beth to slam into his back.

"They're not your family." He slapped her then and shoved Beth through the front door of the cottage. He lit the small fireplace with his wand. He led her to a small sofa in front of the hearth and sat down, dragging her with him in an iron grip. She was sure she would have a multitude of bruises. Charlie released her wrist, ignoring her sigh of relief and tossed his arm over her shoulder.

"Charlie, I don't understand. What are we doing here?" Beth lifted her head, trying to create some space between them, but Charlie held her still. His fingers were toying with the ends of her hair, his nose pressed against her neck below her ear.

"You'll understand. We're going to do everything we didn't while we were in Romania. You knew I fancied you, didn't you?" Charlie nudged her ear with his nose, his breath hot. Beth swallowed nervously.

"I-I suspected, but Charlie you know you're like family.." Charlie fisted her hair, twisting it painfully. He bit her earlobe, his tongue flicking out to taste her skin.

"Remember the night I kissed you? You blushed so prettily I thought my heart would burst." Charlie groaned lightly, kissing her neck slowly before biting her neck so hard she swore he drew blood.

"C-Charlie, it was New Years." Beth was terrified.

"Charlie, what did I tell you?" A masculine voice interrupted Bethalie's sniffles and Charlie's guttural moans and Beth felt instantly nauseous.

She knew that voice. She'd heard it her entire life. It had been the angry voice telling her she wasn't good enough. It had been the sweet voice whispering to her mother. It had been the screaming hate filled voice cursing her.

Bethalie shoved Charlie Weasley and scrambled to her feet. She forced herself to look into the dark blue eyes glaring at her over the top of Charlie's head.

"Alabaster." She'd be lying if she didn't feel naked without her wand. Beth hadn't expected to see her pseudo father and it unnerved her, but she'd be dammed if she'd allow it to show.

"Look at her, Charlie. My dear daughter is trying so very hard to reign in her terror. If you look closely you can see it around her eyes. Her mother, Jean couldn't have children. Did I tell you that Charlie? Look at me now, not at her." Alabaster Granier Zabini circled the small sofa as Beth retreated until her back hit the doorknob.

She realised he hadn't changed much since the last time she saw him. He had the same unruly dark hair, the same cold blue eyes with the same smug expression carved in stone upon his snarling face. Beth wanted to feel revulsion. She wanted to be able to hex him into oblivion. She wanted Draco and her parents to arrive and save her. Bethalie felt a blush rise on her cheeks the moment the errant thought crossed her mind. She'd never wished to be rescued before; she'd always been the one to do the rescuing or at least to aid in such endeavors.

"I'm not your daughter." She felt a moment of pride when Alabaster's eyes lit up with the smallest trace of respect.

"Such defiance, even now is quite admirable, Hermione. I raised you as if you were my own. I was more of a father to you than my brother ever was. Is that not enough for you?" Alabaster tapped his wand against the denim of his Muggle jeans.

Charlie was breathing heavily, his eyes filled with lust and Beth was thankful Alabaster stood between them. She didn't wish to imagine the horrors which would be visited upon her by Charlie's madness. Charlie attempted to stand, but Alabaster shoved him back onto the sofa without another glance.

"Why did you do it?" Curiosity got the best of Beth, as it often did and while she knew it wasn't the opportune time to present such questions, it was all she had. The doorknob jabbing into her lower back was locked as well as warded if she had to hazard a guess. Beth was stalling.

"You must be more specific my dear Hermione. Why did I snatch you as a mere babe from my undeserving brother? Why did I bind the Concealment Charm to your dear departed mother? Why was I in the deep recesses of Malfoy Manor only to come face to face with my daughter? Why did I curse my daughter?" Alabaster threw his dark head back and laughed heartily until Charlie joined in though Charlie's confusion was quite obvious.

"My name is Bethalie Sophia Zabini, not Hermione. I'd rather you answered all of my questions, Alabaster. I believe I have the right to know why you attempted to ruin my life."

"Jean adored Shakespeare. Personally, I believed Hermione to be a ridiculous name, but she wouldn't hear of anything else. She was over the moon the day I arrived at our modest home with you bundled in my arms. She didn't ask questions. She didn't wish to hear the answers. Contrary to your opinion, I loved her. She wasn't my first wife. My first wife died, killed herself right after the birth of our daughter. Dante could have…he could have done more than he did. You must be sure to ask him of it. He wouldn't dare deny his only daughter." Alabaster finally struck Charlie with a full body-bind curse as he was determined to make his way toward me.

"I never thought she'd perish so young. In retrospect, I should have bound the Charm to myself, but with the rise of Voldemort I decided against it. Dante was a Death Eater; you didn't know that did you? Of course you didn't. He remained neutral during the second war. It was the obvious choice considering he'd already lost one child due to Voldemort's demands, he wasn't about to risk the other. I almost respect that decision, but then again, I find myself unable. I can't forgive him."

"What happened?" Bethalie whispered, paying rapt attention to his words. While he wasn't her father, he had raised her and she felt a smattering of affection for him despite herself.

"I will not speak of it. I hadn't meant to curse you. It wasn't my intention. I was blinded with rage. I lost my temper and a bit of my sanity. I was incredibly hard on you as a child, I know this. I don't know why, not really. I think, perhaps, I was never able to overcome my own daughter's death and…"

"You took it out on me because I survived." Despite her best intentions, Bethalie was overcome with pity for her pseudo father and sighed.

"Well, yes. I had already lost the love of my life. I married Jean because she was sweet and kind. She loved me and I loved her in my own way. I was heartbroken to discover she couldn't provide me with a child. I was overcome with hatred and rage. We were married for a year when I discovered Sophia was carrying not one but two children. Why shouldn't Dante suffer the way I had suffered? It was his fault. His and that demented madman he and our father revered." Alabaster rubbed his hands over his face, almost scrubbing the flesh from his cheeks.

"I Obliviated you and…and Jean, how did you…"

"Charlie found us first. You weren't expecting that were you? He's a bit mental, but he performed the removal adequately. Of course I was forced to compel Jean to remain in Australia. I couldn't go flitting about England and Scotland as well with Jean waiting for me at home. I would have slipped and I couldn't have that."

"Why Malfoy Manor?"

"Alabaster! You said I could have her!" Charlie shouted; his face red as he writhed against the bind.

"Silencio! I was looking for Lucius actually. I wasn't able to breach the wards of Zabini Manor any longer. It wasn't a surprise so much as it was irritating. I only wished to leave a photograph. I wanted Dante to know his daughter was alive and hidden away from him. It's more than I had."

"You're the reason Lucius was at the Manor! You're the reason he tried to kill me! You're the reason he almost killed Draco!" Bethalie's chest was heaving with anxiety and horror even as she screamed at Alabaster.

"Draco is it?" Alabaster smirked and she rushed toward him, intent on slapping it off his weathered face.

"Don't you speak of him! Don't you dare." Bethalie's hand was raised but Alabaster caught it easily, yanking her forward and wrapping his arms around her.

She attempted to push against him, to free herself, but she was no match for his strength. Beth stopped struggling when he simply held her in a paternal hug. He rubbed her back and breathed in the scent of her before releasing her and stepping away.

"Theodore Nott Senior saw you kill Lucius. He forced my hand. He knew I didn't wish to see you in Azkaban. He's dangerous. I shouldn't be here. I shouldn't have risked it. I simply…I didn't want you to believe I detested you. I loved you in my own way and I know it wasn't enough. I can't promise I won't come for Dante, but I swear I shall never hurt you again."

"If you hurt Dante, you'll hurt me." Beth whispered into the rough flannel of his shoulder. Alabaster sighed heavily and placed his chin on her head.

"Forgive me." Alabaster raised his wand behind Bethalie's back and muttered a spell softly, catching her as she crumpled in his arms. "Charlie, you've outlived your usefulness. I shan't kill you this time, but if you come near my daughter again, you'll rue the day you were born."

Alabaster carried Bethalie in the crisp sea air and laid her upon the damp sand. He kissed her forehead and with a heavy heart he walked toward the furthest sand dune. He hoped the body bind was strong enough to contain the emotionally unstable Weasley, but he didn't have the time to spare. The moment Bethalie had defended the young Malfoy he spotted the ring. Alabaster knew it was only a matter of time before the magic led to Shell Cottage. With a glance over his shoulder, he Disapparated.

"It's my fault. It's my fault. It's my fault." Bethalie mumbled, shaking her head to and fro, feeling the dampness of the sand seep into her bones. Against her better judgement, she pressed the underside of the Malfoy Family Ring and waited.

"Potter, Dante, I feel her." Draco Malfoy struggled to his feet in the corridor of St. Mungo's clutching his arm. He could feel Bethalie and while he felt relief, he could also feel her fear. She was confused and slightly addled yet there were underlying feelings of guilt and something else he couldn't quite place.

"We're gathering a team to head to Shell Cottage. Charlie's magical signature leads there and it's our best bet. Mr. Zabini…wait!" Harry Potter scrambled forward, but he wasn't fast enough. Dante Zabini sped through the corridors until he slipped into the lift and disappeared. "Dammit. Malfoy, you wait for the fucking team or I swear I'll bind you."

"Potter, you're being unreasonable! It's Beth. I can't just…"

"They'll be here and you'll wait." Draco growled, yet didn't argue further. Blaise was eerily silent, staring down the corridor, waiting for the team of Aurors to arrive.

She knew she would never tell him. She'd never tell anyone if she could help it. They could never know. They wouldn't love her anymore. They would blame her, the way Molly blamed her. Her head popped over the dunes when she heard the sounds of Apparition.

Beth sobbed in relief. Arthur, Harry, Blaise, Draco, Dante and a few wizards she didn't recognise stood outside Shell Cottage with their wands drawn. Alabaster's body bind hadn't lasted beyond his Apparition and Charlie faced them down with screams and rants about his dragons. He was delusional.

She couldn't bear to be near him again. Beth was frozen. With shaking fingers she clutched her ring to her lips, feeling Malfoy's frenzy turn to calm. Beth fell to her knees in the tall grass.

"Bethalie." It wasn't the voice she was expecting. She thought it would be Malfoy running across the sand dunes to scoop her in his arms and carry her to safety. She was oddly relieved it was her father.

"Daddy." Beth had never called her father daddy before. It felt right. Alabaster was never her daddy, not really. He was the man who raised her with malice. Dante Zabini was the father she always wanted and in her darkest hour, her daddy was picking her up from the sand to bring her home.

Against his better judgement, Dante had brought Beth directly to Zabini Manor. His daughter was obviously traumatized, so he listened to her requests. He seethed with anger thinking of the havoc Charlie Weasley had wrecked upon his only daughter. She refused to speak of it, but it was obvious from her demeanor he had terrorized her. She shrank away from Molly Weasley's open arms and Arthur's words of apology. Bethalie took to keening when Draco Malfoy had brushed her hair off her cheek.

"Bethalie, darling you can't do this alone. I'm not going to pry. You're obviously not prepared to deal with whatever happened to you. I could fetch Draco.."

"No, Daddy. H-He'll...hate me." Draco's pallor paled considerably before his lip curled into a snarl. Dante had an inkling the young Malfoy knew more than he was willing to divulge.

"Blaise. Floo Lovegood and maybe even.." Draco paused, willing himself to say her name, "Ginny. They're all she's got." He climbed the stairs to Bethalie's chamber, heading directly to her washroom.

He turned the taps, pouring in liberal amounts of lavender oil and her rosemary bath salts. While the water ran to fill the oversized tub he went to her wardrobe.

Bethalie Zabini was embracing her life as a pureblood and she enjoyed the expensive nightgowns her mother had provided. However, tonight she needed the comfort of Hermione Granger. He rifled through a chest of drawers in the back, filled with ridiculous amounts of Muggle clothing. He selected a pair of light grey pants. He didn't know what they were, but they felt soft and looked comfortable. He dug through the top drawer looking for knickers, smiling at the white cotton. Draco snickered when he found a maroon shirt with a gold lion emblazoned across the front. He laid the stack of clothing on the counter in Beth's washroom, finishing the pile with a pair of thick maroon socks. He turned off the taps and quickly charmed the water to remain warm.

"Draco. They're coming. Both of them. Dad's bringing her upstairs. I know you know something, mate. Mum's having a ladies night out with Narcissa. We're having firewhiskey in the study and a cheese plate, because Snatcher insisted." They stepped aside to allow Dante to carry Beth into her washroom.

Ginny and Luna stepped through the Floo while the boys were heading toward the study. Draco did a double take of the Weaselette. Instead of sporting her traditional dark red locks, she was sporting mahogany waves.

"I charmed it. Thought it would make things easier, considering.." Ginny shrugged, winking at a staring Blaise.

"George stayed home. He said he'd keep an eye out for the Nargles. Personally I think it's the Wrackspurts." Draco rolled his eyes and walked into the study.

"Er, Beth's upstairs." Blaise nodded quickly, feeling a bit out of sorts while Luna stared at the ceiling, before joining Draco in the study.

"You drew her a bath? What are you a woman?" Blaise snickered, chewing on the end of his cigar while Draco ignored his tumbler of brandy.

"I had to do something. She's a right mess, considering what that fucking Weasley did and I.." Draco bit his cheek, irritated with himself for saying too much.

"Draco, when did she speak with you?" Dante glowered over his glass of port, snapping his cigar in half.

"She didn't." Draco flung open the study window and lit one of Beth's Muggle cigarettes.

"It was the ring then yea?" Blaise snatched the cigarette from Draco and took a drag. He made a face of revulsion before handing it back.

"Fine, yes. It was the bloody ring. I don't want to talk about it. It was horrid. I can't..I want to kill him. With my bare hands. I want to watch the life dim in his soulless eyes. I want to dismember him and feed him to his fucking dragons. What the fuck kind of man.." Blaise caught Draco's fist before he thrust it through the window pane.

"Your hand's already been healed once today, mate." Dante looked slightly ill, trying to piece together what little information he'd received.

"Was she..did he.." Dante couldn't say the words. He couldn't imagine the horror his daughter had lived through before she came to live with them. Adding the Weasley's into the mix and he wondered if she would ever recover.

"I want to say no. I desperately want to say no. The only way he could have gotten past the defences of the ring was with a Binding Spell. She was terrified. I could feel it oozing from her. She hated him so passionately I felt as if she was driving a knife through me. There was so much guilt. She hated herself. When we found her? She was so bloody relieved, until she saw me. She...I've never felt her be so terrified of me. She was afraid I would hate her. I'll leave her be. I can't add to her turmoil. I love her, but she's never...I don't know if…and I'll wait. I can't imagine not having her in my life."

Dante had remained silent during Draco's monologue. He felt a surge of affection for the boy. He crossed the room and embraced him in a fatherly hug. Draco stiffened, unaccustomed to affection from parental figures. Dante refused to release him. He wondered if the boy had ever had a moment of love and affection from his own father and felt his heart aching for him. Dante knew Draco understood Beth in depths deeper than he ever would and he was grateful his daughter had someone like him in her life.

The door to the study creaked open slowly. A small brunette head poked around the door. She smiled broadly at Blaise before catching Draco's eye.

"She wants to speak with you."