Authors' Note: Hey guys, Catherine here! And before you guys start freaking out, no, I did not write this chapter, Marie did like all the others. But I decided to write a little bit and actually get some credit. So bad news, Marie almost gave up on this entire story, and threatened to even remove the entire thing! But I helped her through it and now, well obviously, it's not deleted and the chapter is complete. The main thing from this meltdown, was the fact that we had planned this chapter from the beginning (or most of it), and she was quite worried that it wouldn't be exactly as we see it in our minds. So I hope you guys enjoy it, and... Review please! We'd love to hear from you!

Disclaimer: If we owned Harry Potter, would you honestly think we would be writing a fanfiction?

Chapter 10

Trouble-hearted

My head felt so heavy, I was surprised my neck could support its weight. There was a pounding ache behind my eyes that it took a long time for my vision to focus. Really, it felt like I had become a victim of one my own punches. I sat up too quickly, and it took a few minutes to steady the nausea. A heavy blanket slid to the floor; strange, I don't remember putting that on or even falling asleep on this couch for that matter. The last thing I remember was... oh right, I just found out that my father is Lord Voldemort and passed out from information overload. I felt a little awkward knowing it was Snape who had moved me, and any sort of thanks would just make us both uncomfortable, so I decided it was best not to even think about it. I stood up, stretching my stiff muscles. Dizziness washed over me again and a grey haze started to cloud around my eyes. I grabbed the closest thing for support; unfortunately, I pulled the drape to the floor with me along with a whole array of magical instruments, which proceeded to clatter loudly to the floor. If Snape wasn't already awake, he sure will be now.

I picked myself up off the floor groaning at my new bruises. Underneath the drape I had pulled off was a mirror. I saw myself stand up and behind me stood two other people. Immediately, I turned around, scared that the Carrows had found me. But there was no one there, strange. The faces in the mirror became clearer as I stepped closer. I froze. I had to check behind me a second time, just to make sure they weren't there, because they looked so real. I stood broken-hearted, while Ralph smiled at me as he put his arm over my shoulder. I felt the tears streaming down my cheeks as my mother came into view and kiss both of our heads, holding us both in her arms. This is my family: the one that can never be whole again. My knees gave out and I crumpled to the floor. I tore my eyes away from the mirror my eyes misted by tears, but only for a second, I wanted to see the people I had lost again. In the mirror entered and new person, someone else I had lost in a way. My twin glared at Draco and I could totally tell he didn't approve of my choice, but my mother accepted him as another son. Worst of all Ralph looked exactly how I imagined he would if he ever met Draco.

The mirror was once again hidden from my sight, and I saw that Snape had covered it back up with the drape. Wiping my tears, I stood shakily, my throat raw and dry.

"The Mirror of Erised, probably the most dangerous magical object in here." He stated.

"More dangerous than me?" I challenged.

"Men have wasted away in front of it, because it shows your most desperate desires of your heart." He turned away an almost sad look in his eye.

"What do you see Professor?" I couldn't stop myself from asking. He stopped mid-stride and looked back at the covered mirror.

"I see the family I lost a long time ago." There was a distant look in his eyes as if he could see through the cover. Snape didn't really seem like the family man to me, but then again, he said it was a long time ago. "There's a bathroom over there." He pointed going back to his original emotionless face and walked briskly to his room and shut the door.

I splashed my face several times with cold water and had to resort to a little extra makeup to hide the fact that I had been crying. I let my hair hang straight down, its dark colour almost blended into my black dress, I had run out of clean clothes and this was the only thing left, plus I didn't feel like running today. Snape had left me a tray of food but there was no sign of him, I was alone. I slipped my flats on and pulled my bag on. It was time to move on again.

Slowly, I made my way down the stairs, making sure not to make any noise on the stone floor. The hallway was clear and I started making my way to my next hiding place—wherever that may be. I wish I had a map: that would be helpful. Hell, I wish that I didn't have to run anymore. I rounded the corner and ran straight into someone; I should start looking where I'm going. I was about to apologize when I realized I had made the worst mistake ever. Standing in front of me, were brother and sister Carrow with evil smiles on their faces. They went to grab me, but I jumped back just in time. Spinning on one foot, I bolted back the way I came, knowing that I could out-run them soon. I looked back and Alecto was chasing me; strange, didn't I run into both of them? I wasn't looking where I was going, so I ran straight into a wall and it grabbed my hair. When do walls have hands? I looked to find the wall was actually Amycus, his wand pointed straight at my face and a satisfied look on his face. I guess it's one of those 'be careful what you wish for' moments.

"You led us on some chase girl." He spat. I was determined not to let my fear 'of what they will do to me' show.

"That was the intention." I hissed at them and he pulled harder on my hair. I stopped moving knowing that he would love to have the chance to harm me more.

"Now, now play nice." Alecto cooed. She waved her wand, and immediately, my arms and legs snapped together and I felt myself falling backwards without any means of stopping myself. I closed my eyes and I felt my head crack on the floor. "Ouch!"I said in my head since my lips were frozen together. I opened my eyes and freaked out because I was floating in the air. It must have been like jolting awake because I fell onto the floor, magically released from the Carrows' spells.

"How did she...?" Alecto exclaimed and I tried to run for it, only managing to get to my feet before Amycus' hand clamped down hard on my shoulder. He then painfully pinned my hands behind my back.

"Doesn't matter how, but I think the Dark Lord would be very interested in you, especially with that little mind trick." By the laughs I received from the Carrows, I must have looked scared; I felt it too. I was expecting punishment maybe the rest of my life in the dungeons, but this was way worse—more than they realised.

"I don't think it would be the best idea to bring me there, I..." I struggled to get free, but he held my wrists tighter and twisted them so a shock of pain shot up my arm. Alecto stuck her wand into my temple.

"You'll be a good addition, once he straightens you out." They pushed me forwards. If I could get away for a second maybe I could apparate out... no, any attempts to use my powers would just further their need to bring me to see him. They paraded me through the main hallways like some prize they had just won. Many times I had to shake my head, just to stop people like Blaise, Sheppard or Neville from trying to rescue me. They had done enough already; it was time to accept responsibility for my actions.

"So did you make an appointment for me to meet him because I don't think he likes having his time wasted, I mean..." A bag appeared over my head, cutting my vision and my words.

"Will you shut up?!" one yelled at me. I tried to speak but no sound came from my mouth. 'This better not mess up my hair.' Without letting go of me, they switched and now both of them had an arm in a skin pinching grip. I purposely went limp, letting my feet drag behind me: it was my job after all to make their lives difficult. A cold wind bit at my bare arms and legs. They stopped and I took it as a chance to shake out the snow out of my shoes. They dug their nails further into my skin and I felt like I was being sucked inside a vacuum, we were apparating and now I can see why Blaise prefers my way. The spinning stopped and I was glad that the Carrows supported my weight because even thinking about standing made me nauseous. They dragged me again and stopped after a few steps.

"You are supposed to be at the school!" A shrill female's voice yelled through the harsh mid December wind. "What do you think you're doing here?"

"Tell the Dark Lord we have brought Tatiana Nadira; we've heard that he has been looking for her." Apparently, that was an acceptable answer because I heard the squeak of a metal gate being opened and I was once more dragged through the snow. We entered a building and I was relieved to thaw out, but that feeling didn't last. Knots began forming in my stomach, if this is what everyone was trying to keep me from then I really should be worried. From the information from my dreams, I knew that he didn't know that Ralph and I were twins, so maybe he didn't know... yet. I couldn't tell where they were taking me, but I knew I would get lost if I had to find my way back.

I could hear murmurings and they stopped abruptly when we got closer; obviously, we had arrived. At the same time the Carrows slammed me down on the cool tiled floor. I could already feel the bruises spreading on my knees. They pushed my arms down sending me off balanced and I had to catch myself with my hands.

"My Lord, we have brought you Tatiana Nadira." And the bag was ripped off of my face. My hair hid my face, but I was still looking down. I was knelt before him, but I could see nothing but his black robes and his bony bare feet.

"Why have you brought her?" His voice chilled me like it had in my nightmares. He stood up and walked around me, and I didn't dare move. Maybe he would tell them to take me back to the school.

"She has a unique power we thought might be of some use to you." Alecto stated, and I could hear the worry in her voice. They really should've made an appointment first—I tried to warn them.

"She has the ability to torture people, just with her mind." Amycus added. I hope they will volunteer if I'm asked for a demonstration. A swish of black robes stood in front of me again and a white hand holding a wand lowered to my face. With the end of his wand he lifted my chin and I rose slowly to my feet, my breaths coming in faster. My eyes came level with his face, chalky white complexion, slits for a nose and two red snake-eyes that bore menacingly into mine. I took a quick intake of air in shock, and then set my face in stone, unafraid and determined. But it wasn't fast enough; he saw that I was afraid and the little up curve of his lips told me that he knew he had already won power over me. He walked around me, examining me creepily. I saw in his eyes there was no warmth, this was the man who had taken my mother from me and killed my brother and there was no way he could ever be my father.

He circled me again and probably started talking, but I wasn't paying attention. If this is my father then should I be worried about what I will look like when I get older, because I don't think I can pull of the snake features as well as he can. I resisted the urge to touch my nose just in case that it had magically disappeared. Someone slapped me across the face, and immediately I felt the sting of tears in my eyes.

"Answer him!" Amycus roared his hand ready for another strike.

"Sorry, what was the question again?" I smiled innocently, after glaring at Amycus. The Dark Lord might not be the best person to ignore.

"I asked you to show me." He said calmly, but I could hear the malice lacing his voice. I had a feeling that I knew exactly what he meant, but I didn't say anything. Showing him would mean showing him that I was very powerful, not to mention my eyes would probably turn into their snake-eyed form. I held my ground under his gaze which was cold, hard and calculating. "Perhaps she needs a little persuasion." There was a chorus of low laughs from the room, probably excited to see me receive punishment. Voldemort moved and whispered to one of his followers, they nodded and left the room. Many in the room wore dark robes, and stood in the shadows, but they all had something in common they were all intently watching me. I scanned the room, but there was no way I could escape unless I wanted to expose more of my powers. I locked eyes with Narcissa, and she shared my worry. I didn't even know she was here, well I didn't expect her to be. Her eyes filled with tears and I had to look away to stop myself from doing the same.

Voldemort had returned to his chair, well it looked more like a throne the way he sat on it. There was a sparkle in his eye as if he knew something. His face lit in a sadistic smile when we locked eyes and then he did something I wasn't expecting: he looked away. I followed his gaze to the end of the hall were a bunch of his Death Eaters were filing in. I looked back at Voldemort confused, but then I heard it.

"You promised." It was a new voice, but it echoed in my mind and it was twinged with hatred. My chest felt empty as I thought I would never hear that voice again. In the middle of a group of five Death eaters was my mother Chantelle Nadira. I ran towards her, the tears streaming down my face and not even the Death Eaters surrounding her could stop me. I didn't even have to think about it, they all fell down in pain and I wrapped my arms around my mother. I felt myself mold to her body and the comfort of her arms made me feel like I was finally safe: finally at home.

"Mom!" My voice was cracked with tears. "I've missed you so much."

"I know Tatiana, I know." She stroked my hair and I could hear the strain in her voice too. "Are you alright, did they hurt you? Why are you here?" Her typical mothering made me smile.

"I'm fine mom, really. You know me, following rules isn't exactly my strong suit." We loosened the hug but didn't let each other go. It took me over a year to find her and I wasn't about to let her go. There was more grey in her hair and dark circles under her eyes. She wiped the tears from my face and smiled, but it looked tight on her pale skin.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you about any of this, I tried to keep you and Ralph safe." We both choked up at the sound of my twin's name, being together made Ralph's death fresher in our minds. More tears spilled down both of our cheeks now and we cried in each other's arms.

"He's gone mom, I tried..." the words caught in throat.

"I know." She croaked in my ear.

"Pity our son wasn't here for this little family reunion?" Voldemort's cold words my grief and happiness of being reunited with my mom. He just put acid on my memories of Ralph. I sucked up my tears and glared at him, I wouldn't let him get to me, or pull me down; I was stronger than that.

"But that would mean that she's..." Everyone turned to look and the owner of those cut off words. Narcissa looked warningly at her husband, and Lucius looked horrified at what he was just about to say. Worst of all it had caught everyone's attention, including Voldemort's. I pleaded with my eyes to Lucius silently asking him not to say anymore. Voldemort saw the exchange and flicked his wand at Lucius. The weakened man grabbed at his head and cringed in pain, there was no way he could block his mind against him. An evil smile cracked on his face as he learned my secret, and he couldn't have looked scarier.

"Crucio!" He yelled, casting the spell. I braced myself for the pain but it never came, instead a scream almost shatter my ears, but it did shatter my heart. My mother dropped to the floor and twitched in pain, breathing heavily once she was free from the spell. I knelt beside and held her hand tight in both of mine. "You lied to me!" Voldemort hissed at my mother. My mother let out a weak laugh which surprised everyone in the room, including me.

"You never asked." I helped her to her feet. She smiled without a hint of fear at Voldemort in her eyes, and I was awed by her bravery. A dangerous fury rose in his eyes, and raised his wand ready for another curse.

"Wait!" I stepped in front of him, in front of my mother protecting her. There was only way to save her to make sure no more harm came to her. "I'll join you." I heard my mother behind me scream no, but I wasn't about to lose her again, she was all the family I had left. Voldemort frozen mid-spell stopped when I stood in his way. "Let my mother go and I'll join you." My voice was hard as was my gaze as I held my ground.

"We always have room for young and powerful individuals." A chorus of amusement rumbled in the throats of the people around the room. Only my mother and Narcissa looked fearful. Voldemort sneered and grabbed my left arm, he had won his prize and he was going to claim it.

"Let me make one thing clear," I ripped my arm out of his grasp forcefully. "I may have just joined the devil but you don't own me!" I spat the last words out like it was poison in my mouth. I went and stood by my mother, she choked on her words, the pain in her eyes clearly evident.

"On the contrary, I do..." His even tone caught my attention. "I am your Father!" There was a chorus of gasps throughout the room. A silence washed over the crowd as they looked at me then my mother to Voldemort.

"You did not just pull a Darth Vader on me." He might've expected shock or horror, but by the confused look I saw on his face, I knew this was the last thing he expected. My mother did her best to cover her laugh, which made it even harder to cover my own. It felt good to laugh, especially in the darkest, unhappiest room in the world. I felt that it would take a heck of a whole lot more to try to change me.

Draco's POV

There's no warmth here. I don't even recognise my own home anymore. The empty dark halls don't welcome me like they use to, even this close to my favorite holiday. Without my mother's usual Christmas decorations, everything just seemed dead and cold. I was glad to find no one in the halls; probably, there's another Death Eater meeting that I will do my best to avoid getting roped in. I collapsed on my bed lucky not to have run into anyone and explain why I'm home. I'll just blame it on the extremely bitter cold, that'll be good enough for them and it's half of the truth. I'm just thankful I don't have to deal with those dimwitted Snatchers anymore. Months have gone by and I don't know half of their names, but that was fine by me. I stood watch acting like their superior, which I was, turning a blind eye every time they caught someone new. My only job was finding Tatiana; the Snatchers would bring their latest victim to me to double check that it wasn't her and then move on. All I remember are the screams, families getting ripped apart as the Snatchers took them away, and I tried not to think about what they did to them. The fright in each of their eyes told me all the same thing, why are you doing this and won't you help me? Because, I don't have any other choice.

I kicked off my shoes and threw the blankets over my head hoping sleep would take me quickly take me. But my hope was in vain, it always was. Images of Tatiana filled my head making it harder and harder to keep her face hidden if someone were to enter my mind. No one knows I'm here, so she should be safe in my dreams for tonight. I could imagine her face clearly, her sparkling emerald eyes dancing in the light of the moon as she twirled in the rain. The tingle of her lips on mine was more magical than any spell. Every time set my heart on fire and just made me crave her more. But every time also brought the pained, broken-hearted girl that I left not able to look back. That was the other picture that was only too easy to remember. Knowing that I was the one who caused it made it even more painful. Before her, I had no reason to wake up in the morning, now it's because of her that I need to survive in any way possible to make sure we both survive the war.

Even a bright sunny day couldn't bring colour back into my mother's hollowed face. I found her the next morning setting up, doing her best to make the house look more like home. She didn't have the extra effort in putting up every decoration and she stayed well away from the left wing. I wrapped my arms around her in a hug wishing that none of this had ever happened to our family. We both knew our part to play. We didn't need words; there weren't any that were safe; she smiled at me brushing my hair away from my face. There was a sad look in her eyes as if had a new fear in them, but I knew it she wouldn't want me to worry about it. In silence, I helped her put up some Christmas decorations, even though I knew we wouldn't really have a Christmas this year. Lucius Malfoy walked in and I hastily made my exit without making eye contact with him. I refuse to get to know this person that had replaced my father. Sure he was less arrogant, but all he is now is a snivelling coward waiting for his next chance to get back on top. He was the kind of person I hope I will never become.

The crisp December air chilled me to the bone, but I didn't put on a cloak. This was one of the only ways that I actually felt alive and not living in some nightmare. Shivering, I walked to the stables, seeking shelter from the cold and an old friend. What surprised me was that there were two horses in here: Theron and Deidra. How the white horse had come back, I had no idea. Tatiana couldn't have brought her to school, so probably let her go and this was the only home the horse had known. Theron didn't look too upset that I haven't been around but I guess it was because he had someone to share time with. My spirits fell a bit, why because I am jealous of a horse. Just to kill time, I rubbed down both horses knowing that at least they will let me stay here a while without asking too many questions.

The night sky was clear and the stars shone brightly but they didn't seem to shine on this part of the world. We were cast too far into the dark that I doubt we will ever see the light again. There was only a sliver of the moon shining, barely showing. I brushed the powdered snow off the railing of the balcony. I didn't need light to see the view from the right side of my house. Countless hours I had spent here, hiding from my father, sneaking cookies with the house-elves; all during happier times of course. Simply from memory, I could see the gardens and the forest, the shimmering lake stretching far to the low mountains that bordered the estate. But I know that its familiar beauty will never be the same, and its warmth is gone.

"What are you doing 'ere?" The girl's voice was unfamiliar. Concealed in a black robe, the hood pulled up completely hiding her face.

"This happens to be my house." I snapped back at her.

"I'm sorry, I didn't t'ink anyone came to t'is side." Her thick French accent made it a little difficult to understand her, but by the sound of it she was about my age. "I also didn't know dat there were men as 'andsome as you in t'is in t'is place." In the moonlight, I could see a playful smile on her dark red lips but that was all that I could see of her face. She moved closer, gliding on top of the newly fallen snow. I flinched when she reached out a hand to touch my cheek. "Do not worry, I do not bite." She laughed.

"I'm sorry, but I'm not interested." I pushed her to one side and decided it would be best to leave her. She grabbed my arm with surprising strength and twisted me back to face her.

"What kind of a gentleman would leave a girl under the mistletoe without a kiss?" I followed her pointed index finger and found the mischievous plant hanging above us. I cursed myself knowing that I had placed it here only a few hours prior. I will never help my mother with decorating again.

"I must apologise, but I am not much of a gentleman at this moment." I said sharply and tried to leave again. She only held onto my arm tighter. With her right hand she waved her wand and my vision suddenly became black, what did she do to me? Am I blind?

"There, now you can pretend I'm your girlfriend." At that moment she pressed her lips to mine. I broke it off immediately, giving her only a chaste kiss. I pulled free and I tore at my face finding an ordinary blind-fold covering my eyes. How did she know I had a girlfriend? I'm actually not sure what to call Tatiana, but that was close enough, I guess. She laughed quietly to herself. "Is dat 'ow you really kiss her? Because I t'ink you can do much better dan t'at." Something ran through me and it took control of me. I grabbed her face in both of my hands and kissed her feverishly, ripping off her hood as I did so.

Authors' Note: We are laughing manically here, mwuhahahaha! Draco kisses a mysterious French girl, we said we'll have a Draco point of view but didn't say that you would like it. Tatiana finally met Voldemort! What will happen with Draco, what about Tatiana? Will they ever get together? (Don't worry we haven't forgotten that it is Draco/OC story). Sorry this chapter is a little shorter but if I had to add more in this chapter I would scream because it had caused me so many problems. To find out you'll have to wait for the next chapter. Review and the next chapter will come sooner. =)

Love, C&M