Wow. . .Chapter 10. This is another one that I am really nervous about, and was at several points ready to hang myself over. However, I have been assured it's good. Honestly, I'm not convinced, but I can't think of anything more to try and fix it.
One thing I want to address before you start on the subject of Arnica. I know some people were a little worried, but I really hope this chapter will make her grow on you, and also help you to understand why she is needed in the story.
And the end. . .eh. . .okay, some of you are going to hate me. But when you think about it, it's completely logical. And in the event that it isn't clear enough, at least give me the next chapter before throwing your arms up in outrage.
Special credit and Thank You's to Ikrona, who has been wonderfully helpful and supportive with getting this story right.
Also a very special Thank You to my regular readers/reviewers, DZAuthor AKA DZMom and tambrathegreat, who have encouraged me and helped greatly along the way.
(Re-beta'ed by Dances With Vampires)
Chapter 10: Orders from Above
"Mrs. Brown, please, a public plea has worked in the past in cases of abduction. It could mean the safe return of your daughters and Troy."
"I'm sorry, but Troy and Eliza have always been plotting against us having a happy family. I should have seen it years ago when she threw away a promising medical career to become a glorified butcher. She's already killed one of her brothers-"
"Eliza did not murder Corey, Mrs. Brown. And we have evidence that proves Maddie is still alive. And even if Eliza was involved in the abduction, she isn't alone. The evidence suggests that she herself was abducted. Please."
"Their father Charles wasn't right, they aren't right, and they've been nothing but trouble. Steve tried to be a father to them, but they wouldn't have a bar of him, and just became bitter and hateful children. I'm sorry, but I will not put what family I have left at risk. She's your problem now. Your department made her what she is, so you can bloody well deal with it!"
"Your daughter has saved hundreds of lives by helping to catch killers. How can you think of her as some sort of problem?"
"Detective, I have to ask you to leave now. Charles's children have made their beds, now they have to lie in them. Goodbye."
The door slammed in Janice's face, leaving little question in her mind as to why Eliza and Troy couldn't stand their mother. She wondered if there was some long-forgotten law that she could dig up and have the woman arrested for. She shook her head as she hopped into the passenger seat of the car.
"Still not interested?" Lloyd asked.
"If only we could all have such caring mothers," Janice replied sarcastically, buckling in as the engine started.
-.-.-
Ron stood in the middle of the room, wrapped in so much padding he couldn't lower his arms. "Is this really necessary?" he asked irritably through the croquet helmet. Maddie faced him, wand pointed whilst Harry helped correct her grip. "We don't bother with this at school," he grumbled.
"Maddie is still learning how to control her magic," Remus explained. "Until then, simple spells can easily go wrong, especially at her age."
"Why can't you just make her target a chair?" Ron grumbled.
"Chairs aren't likely to attack her, now hold still," Harry said. "Right, now relax your fingers a little. We'll just start with summoning the birds. Avis. So just the wand motion. . .good, good, okay, and now with the spell."
Maddie took a deep breath. "Hope this works. . .Aveis!" She bit her bottom lip in embarrassment as newspapers flew out of the tip of her wand.
"Sorry." She winced as Ron tried as best he could to wave them away from him; she and Harry dashed forward to pull the paper that had gotten stuck on the helmet.
"This is hardly an offensive spell, Harry!" Ron yelled over the rustling and flapping of pages. "Wicked, there's a sale on at Quality Quidditch Supplies. . ."
"Okay, try again," Harry encouraged her. "And remember - Avis."
"Avis. . .Avis. . .Avis. Okay, I think I got it this time."
Sirius stood near the doorway with Troy, watching the lesson in amusement.
"He's good at this," Troy commented, clapping as Maddie again almost successfully cast the spell. They looked more like birds, but randomly exploded in balls of cotton fluff.
"He's had to be. Hogwarts may be the safest place on Earth, but it isn't impenetrable. There are some things you can't anticipate, especially when it comes to magic. But Maddie's doing well. . .she may not make the best choices at times, but neither do we." Sirius snorted. "She's going to take over that school if given half the chance," he laughed, slapping Troy on the back. "Come with me, I want to introduce you to someone."
Troy wanted to ask, and he was even more perplexed when Sirius didn't lead him downstairs to the kitchen, rather to the attic.
-.-.-
"Now, Buck has a thing about politeness. He can be forgiving provided you aren't downright rude," Sirius explained. "But at the same time, watch yourself, as he offends easily. Just follow my lead and don't say anything stupid, and you'll be fine."
Sirius pulled a lever, which lowered another set of stairs, and knocked on the trapdoor above him. Something knocked back and he opened it, Troy following.
"Hello, Buckbeak, got someone here to meet you," Sirius said to the hippogriff.
Troy stared wide-eyed.
"Don't stare, it's rude," Sirius hissed out of the corner of his mouth.
"S-sorry," stammered Troy in absolute awe. "What is it? It's incredible. . ."
"We'll get to that. Just bow for now, nice and low, and then he will decide if he is willing to trust you," Sirius cautioned, and Troy obeyed. When he glanced up, he was amazed to see the creature unmistakably bowing back. "Excellent. Now you can pat him."
"What is he?" Troy asked again, cautiously holding out a hand. "He's beautiful. . ."
Sirius smiled. "He's a hippogriff, very proud and intelligent creatures. Completely harmless unless you insult them. First thing you always do is bow. Relax, he won't hurt you." Buckbeak closed the distance and nuzzled Troy's hand. "He was going to be executed. Harry and Hermione saved him the night they saved me, and he's been living with me ever since," he added, giving Buckbeak a good scratch on the back of the neck.
"Don't let Maddie find him. . .she'll want one," Troy snorted, still amazed.
"I have no doubt."
-.-.-
Eliza's heart turned to lead and her stomach to stone as the door opened; Lucius may have changed his mind about letting her live.
Arnica, however, skipped in happily. "What's wong?" she asked, stopping short when she saw Eliza's face.
Eliza breathed a small sigh of relief at the sight of the innocent bundle of joy. She wiped the tears from her eyes. "Nothing."
Arnica put her hands on her hips. "Did you have a fight wif Daddy?" She glared as though daring her to deny it. Eliza was startled by this sudden change in her demeanour, but before she could answer, Arnica continued. "He can be so wude," she grumbled, and stormed out, leaving Eliza all the more stunned.
Arnica marched into her father's study unannounced. Lucius quickly put his drink down, and Draco cut what he had been about to say short.
"Don't be mean." She crossed her arms, looking very angry. "Ewiza's my fwend, so you be nice to her."
Draco coughed back a laugh, and covered his mouth with his hand to hide the small smile he couldn't keep at bay. He didn't want Arnica demanding to know what was so funny.
Lucius looked almost taken aback, his daughter's attitude shocking him away from the mental precipice he had been hovering by. "Excuse me?" he said with a raised eyebrow.
"You herwd me!" she snapped at him. "Ewiza is a guessed. So be nice, 'cause she's my fwend," she ordered, and stormed out, leaving Lucius staring dumbfounded at the spot where she had been.
"What. . .was that?" he asked Draco, looking at his son as though he wasn't sure what he had just seen and heard.
"I think that's Arnica getting possessive. . .," Draco replied, suppressing a chuckle. His sister's performance had significantly lightened the mood in the room.
"She really is my kid," Lucius muttered blankly.
Draco was about to say something when Arnica marched back in, hands on her hips and giving her father a look that could kill. Draco quickly bit down on his fist to stop himself laughing.
"You bedda say you'w sowwy, too," she threatened, "'cause I want her to stay. And if you upset her, shew'll go home. So you say sowwy." She marched back out again.
Lucius and Draco sat in stunned silence for a few minutes, before bursting into hysteric laughter.
-.-.-
"Here's an idea, how about you take a turn at being the target and I show her how to cast the spell?" Ron griped, as Harry helped him back to his feet and Maddie slapped out the fire on his chest padding.
"I'm sorry, Ron. I really do appreciate all this help," she said sincerely. "I know this isn't fun for you." She joined Harry in helping him get to his feet.
"Well, she's getting better at it," Harry pointed out.
"She set the birds on fire before they attacked me!" Ron said, slightly hysterical. "Fire wasn't part of the plan."
"Aren't you glad for the protection now?" Harry snorted.
"And they survived long enough to attack you," Maddie said optimistically, using her shoe to flick one of the small piles of ash on the floor that had once been a flaming bird. "Please, Ron? Just one more try? I know I'll get it this time," she begged, giving him her best puppy dog eyes.
Ron sighed. "You know I'm happy to help you." He was glad for the helmet which hid the blush starting at his ears.
"Thank you," she said, kissing what would have been his cheek. "Okay, here we go. . . Avis Oppugno!"
Harry applauded as Ron dove to the ground, trying to escape the crazed flying birds attacking his helmet, this time not on fire.
"Deletrius!" Maddie cast, and the birds vanished into wisps of smoke. She rushed over to help Ron up.
"Told you she would get it," Harry chortled.
"Well done, Mads'. And now, I would very much like to get out of this thing - it itches like crazy. . ."
-.-.-
Maddie once again sat in her room on her own, trunk open as she started getting her packing organised. It wasn't going to be long before they left for Hogwarts, and she had no doubt that when the time came, things would move very fast indeed.
She pulled out a notebook she had bought when in London, and made note of the spells she had learned and what they did before putting it on her bedside table.
Harry had explained the circumstances around underage wizardry. In Magical households it was monitored, for the most part, by the parents, as those houses were usually so full of magic that it was impossible for the Ministry to tell who was using it and who wasn't. Not that that was going to be an issue; it wasn't like she was going back to her Muggle home any time soon.
She pulled out a small sewing kit and started bringing the skirts of her uniforms up whilst sitting on the bed, lost in her thoughts. Artemis was sleeping in his cage, only making the occasional soft sound as he dreamed whatever dreams owls had.
She couldn't believe her luck that no one had caught on to what she was planning. She was worried at first, but it seemed to be so unthinkable that no one even breached the topic; everyone seemed convinced that things were going to go smoothly, and they would - at least for her. She wished she could talk to someone about it, she really did, but clearly they would never in a million years let her go through with it, let alone help her.
She stared at the calendar, counting the uncrossed days 'til the end of the month. Navigating her old school and juggling friends, classes, and free time had been hard enough, and despite everyone's reassurances she knew Hogwarts would be worse. Eliza always said she was exaggerating when she said school was a war zone, but she hadn't been on the front line. No, she spent her school years tucked away from the battle that raged on outside the library's doors. Hogwarts would be worse, like a real war zone, split up into factions before you even had the chance to say hello. And from what everyone told her, it was - for the most part - far from friendly competition. It was going to be a real spanner in the works, but without more information, she could only hope that her contingency plan would be enough.
-.-.-
Eliza couldn't stop rubbing her wrist. It felt alien, like it didn't belong. For so many years she had needed surgery. She had become accustomed to the awkward bumps which, apart from the scars, were the only evidence to anyone looking. She had dreamed of returning to normal, not wincing in pain on cold winter mornings, or attending the annual check-ups, and now that she was. . .
Tears started to roll down her cheeks. They were taking away the life she had always known, slowly severing the ties. She wasn't going to let them, she wasn't just going to roll over and accept-
"Ewiza?" Arnica stood next to the bed, looking uncomfortable and unsure of her welcome.
Eliza hadn't even noticed her come in, and quickly wiped away the tears. "What is it?" she asked, a little more harshly than she meant to.
"Pwease don't leave," she sniffled. "I towd Daddy to be nice, pwease don't leave. . ."
She was growing tired of the way he used his daughter to get to her, and she was about to say something when she saw the tears rolling down her cheeks. Goddamn it, she was just a kid. She probably had no idea she was being used, and the tears. . .
She took a deep, reluctant sigh.
"Come on up," she invited gently. Arnica climbed up and sat in her lap, wiping away her tears on the back of her sleeve. "I'm not going anywhere, I can promise you that," she sighed, and Arnica slammed into her, giving her the tightest hug her small arms could manage.
Eliza hesitated for a few moments, unsure of how to respond to her captor's child's affections, before gently patting her.
Arnica pulled away, her nose slightly wrinkled. "You need a baff. . ."
Eliza snorted. "I know, but I can't walk."
Arnica looked at her as though she had grown a second head. "Why?"
"I just can't," Eliza replied, shrugging, and watched as Arnica slid off the bed to stand on the floor.
"It's easy. Didn't Muggwels teach you how to walk?" she giggled. "If you'or gowing to be a witch, you have to walk," she said matter-of-factly, tugging on Eliza's hand.
"I know how to walk, I just can't," Eliza replied, slightly irritated.
Arnica pondered this problem for a moment. "Dwaco gives me baffs. . .maybe he can give you-"
"No," Eliza said flatly before that thought got voiced.
Arnica took a deep breath in serious thought. "What about Dadd-?"
"Definitely not." But it was too late. That image would now haunt her for the rest of her life. "I'm not having someone give me a bath."
Arnica sighed in frustration. "Wellw. . .then. . .you have to walk. I'm too smaw to cawwy you. . .and I down't have a wand." She gave Eliza another tug.
"Arnica, I can't stand."
"But dat's easy!" Arnica announced happily, climbing back onto the bed. "Now watch," she said very seriously. "First you put you'or legs so dat you'or sitting. . ." She demonstrated, staring at Eliza. "You arewn't doing it," she warned, glaring until Eliza copied the action, at which point she smiled again. "Good! Now, you put one foot on da grouwnd. . .den da other. . .good. . ."
Eliza couldn't believe she was humouring this child, and braced herself for the soon-to-come fall.
"And now. . .we stand!"
Eliza stood and immediately reached out for the bedpost - but she didn't fall. It didn't make any sense. . .she had tried dozens of times over the past few days, and. . .and then she remembered. She had been too busy panicking to actually pay attention to what Lucius had said, or rather, to comprehend the words.
Arnica bounced up and down, excitedly clapping.
Eliza swayed a little, her legs feeling numb from lack of use, but she was upright at least. "Okay, where's the bathroom?"
-.-.-
Eliza stared in awe at the giant, sunken granite bathtub; it was like a mini-swimming pool. There were several taps and spouts, all of which apparently issued water or condiments varying from scented water to bubbles. Arnica left her to discover the rest on her own.
She noticed fresh towels had been laid out for her, along with a silk bathrobe. She flicked the lock, despite knowing that it would probably make very little difference - they didn't need doors - and warily slipped off her camisole, slipping quickly into the modesty of dense bubbles.
-.-.-
Troy sat in the lounge room reading the Daily Prophet. It took a skilled mind to navigate the articles, as it was clear that the wizards weren't overly concerned about straight lines. The pictures were, again, another challenge to overcome, seeming to be closer to a black-and-white silent film. He frowned at the brazen headline: "Minister of Magic Declares You-Know-Who Has NOT Returned"
"Could you explain this? I thought you said he was back?" he asked Remus, handing him the paper.
Remus snorted. "Politicians aren't fools in the Muggle world?" he asked. "Despite our best efforts to show what is perfectly clear, Cornelius Fudge prefers to stick his head in the sand, hoping that if he denies the truth long enough, all of his problems might just somehow go away. As far as he's concerned, the abrupt increase in murders is attributed to Harry and his 'outlandish' claims about Voldemort's return, stirring a large number of dormant Death Eaters who are about for a spot of Muggle baiting and killing off Half-Bloods. Add to that several influential, 'innocent' Death Eaters, including Lucius Malfoy, who are close personal friends of his, and you have an easily manipulated man. Those who were around the first time, remembering what it was like. . .it was terrifying, and still is. It's easier to deny it and pretend not to see. However, it will only make things worse in the long term."
"But what if the Minister is right?" Troy could not quite hide the hope in his voice.
"Harry has a direct and unintentional link to Voldemort, and has faced him on more than one occasion. Our spy in the Death Eaters' ranks has confirmed this. I know you would like to believe that this isn't happening, but that's a luxury none of us can afford; if we follow the Ministry's lead, by the time Voldemort strikes it will be too late, and we will not survive," Remus said grimly, handing Troy back the paper. "The Ministry won't admit it, but they're losing control over the Dementors, the creatures that guard the wizard prison, just as we hear rumours of other dark creatures rallying. It's only a matter of time. All we can do is try and be as prepared as possible for when the time does come."
-.-.-
Eliza frowned as she explored the 'wardrobe'. It wasn't so much a wardrobe as a dressing room, with robes and cloaks of every colour and elaborate Renaissance dresses hanging along the wall, and displays of more accessories than she could possibly count. And yet in all of this, there was not a single thing that she would voluntarily wear. Whoever had gathered this collection hadn't taken practicality or comfort into account; it seemed more appropriate for some sort of party than just sitting and reading. Somewhere far at the back, she finally found something that she could almost consider: a black dress with emerald green lining and cuffs. She quickly changed, all the while staring at the mirror.
Something just didn't seem right, and she couldn't place it. Her reflection moved when she did, but there was something a little. . .off. It didn't feel like her reflection, more like she was staring at a twin she had never known. It was something about the face. . .the expression wasn't right, maybe. . .
She shook her head. She was becoming a paranoid mess.
The dress was loose, and a closer look at the mirror revealed the damage of her hunger strike. Coupled with what had already been a poor diet, she looked gaunt and hollow, bones far more evident than they should be, her eyes almost too large for their cavities.
"You've been neglecting yourself," her reflection chastised, voicing what she had been thinking.
Startled and horrified, she ran out of the wardrobe and back out into her room, quickly closing the door and turning the key in the lock, mentally declaring not to go back in there.
"I'm sorry to intrude," a voice came from behind, again startling Eliza who let out a small squeal as she turned. Draco was sitting in one of the chairs by the fire, clearly waiting for her.
Eliza wasn't sure what to say, so she pointed at the door she had just come through. "The mirror. . ." She trailed off weakly.
"The mirror talks? You'll get used to it," he assured, standing up. "I need to talk to you about my sister," he said, getting straight to the point, and motioned for her to sit. Eliza silently obeyed the younger reflection of Lucius. "I'm the one who takes care of her for the most part, and I'm about to go back to school. She likes you. Just before, she scolded Father for 'being mean' to you; she doesn't understand what the situation is and thinks of you as a visitor she can play tea parties with. She is not to think anything different."
"Your father is manipulating her to get to me."
"Believe me, no one can make her do anything she doesn't want to. Arnica is getting attached to you, possessive even."
"Why?" Eliza couldn't stop the question from bursting out.
"I am gone for most of the school year. Father wants to keep her safe and away from danger, which means distancing himself. And our mother is dead."
"I'm not going to be a surrogate mother," Eliza said warily.
"You misunderstand. As much as I'm sure Arnica would love that, you and I both know that if you keep provoking Father the way you have been, you're not going to be around for too much longer if you keep it up. In all honesty, I'm amazed that he hasn't killed you already. All I'm asking is that you let her keep you company, and I want you to protect her."
Eliza couldn't help but laugh, despite the seriousness of what Draco was saying. "How exactly would you have me protect her? Throw a pillow at your father if he yells at her?"
Draco snorted in amusement and shook his head. "Not my father. . .someone else. I don't need to be in You-Know-Who's inner circle to know what's coming."
"No, I don't know who," Eliza replied, genuinely perplexed at his cryptic behaviour.
"The Dark Lord. . .the wizard Father works for." Draco worked around actually saying the name. "You've met him, I'm sure."
"Oh. . ." Eliza said vacantly. "Him. . ."
"Yeah, him. I don't know when, but things are going to start happening soon, and I don't want my sister exposed to. . .certain influences. . ."
"Are you going to keep up with the cryptic, or are you going to give me a straight explanation?" Eliza asked.
"My aunt Bellatrix is a lunatic. She's fanatical and curse-happy, and this was before she went to prison. I don't want her influencing my sister. I don't want her near my sister. I don't want her having anything to do with my sister."
Eliza laughed again. "Are you serious? Draco, look at me. I am a prisoner of a fanatical, curse-happy lunatic, namely - your father. If you want protection for your sister, talk to him, because I can't even protect myself let alone a child." Eliza sighed. "I wish I could help you, but-"
"Father can't protect Arnica from Bellatrix if He orders her to live here. But she won't be allowed near you, I'm sure of it - she's too unpredictable - and if Arnica's with you, she's safe. I don't beg, it's beneath us, but when it comes to my sister's safety I will if I have to. Please. This woman makes my father look like. . .I don't know, a teddy bear. I can't help you escape or contact anyone, but I can help you in other ways. Please, Eliza."
Eliza stared at the ceiling. Was this one of Lucius's plots? In all honesty she couldn't imagine what help she could possibly be. And as Draco said himself, Lucius could snap and kill her at any time. "I'm sorry, I still don't understand. . .have you spoken to your father about it?"
"Do you honestly think I would come to you first? You don't even know how to hold a wand, let alone use one. I can respect you as far as your bloodline is concerned, but when it comes to magic, Arnica knows more than you do. No offence," he added sincerely.
"None taken." Eliza sighed. "I'll try what I can. . .but like I said, I can't guarantee anything."
"I know that, I'm just asking that you try. Now, I'll give you the crash course in Pureblood etiquette, and dealing with my father." Draco smiled, holding out a hand to seal the deal.
-.-.-
Eliza sat in one of the chairs by the fire, her back against one arm and her legs over another, reading the latest book Draco had given her.
She had eaten dinner alone, and whilst she would never admit it out loud, it had been delicious. The candles had lit themselves of their own accord, just as they did every night, and the warming fire crackled and popped as the flames devoured the wood.
The bedroom door opened unannounced, and a quick glance was enough to confirm it wasn't the youngest Malfoy sneaking out of bed. She set the book aside and folded her arms.
"Little late for a house call."
"It is my house," Lucius replied, taking pose in front of the fire, hands behind his back. Eliza wondered if that was because his hands were cold, or if it was a subconscious attempt to remove the temptation of strangling her. She snorted. She had no intention of being overly accommodating, despite Draco's advice. "Have you eaten?"
Eliza inclined her head toward the dining cart, which was mostly empty. "I doubt you came all this way just to check on my dinner."
"You're right," he said, taking a seat, and forcing Eliza to sit correctly so that she wouldn't have to strain her neck. "But you know why I'm here."
"I'm not making a promise or vow, or whatever you want to call it, I have no intention of keeping," Eliza replied calmly. "Especially if, as you say, I will die if I break it."
"I thought you wanted to die?" Lucius raised a brow.
"Call it a change of heart."
"You're here only so long as I can keep you under control - if I can't control you, the Dark Lord will find someone else who can, and I assure you, they will be far less civil." Lucius ignored Eliza's scoff of contempt. "We are trying to help you, how can you not understand this? This is all for your own protection and safety. You have barely scratched the surface of what you are, what we are. Children are introduced to it at a young age so that they can survive; you, however, are unprepared. We are trying to help you adjust."
"Then why am I a prisoner?"
"Call it protective custody. There are so many witches and wizards who would thrust you and your family into the spotlight, plague you at every turn, pressure you into being something you are in no way prepared to be. All I want is to help you make the right choices."
Eliza rolled her eyes and got to her feet. "Your choices, you mean," she snapped, turning her back to him.
"Yes, my choices – the right choices. Magic isn't about right or wrong, it's about surviving. And right now, the other wizards who would profess to being your friends have no hope of survival; the Dark Lord is the single most powerful wizard to have ever lived, he cannot die. I am giving you a chance to survive, to have a life and a future."
Eliza tried to block out the words, to ignore the promise they held. She didn't want to die, she wanted to grow old and slip away into a peaceful, dreamless sleep. But he had to be lying. Everything he said had to be a lie. She closed her eyes. "No." Eliza took a deep breath and turned to face him. "No."
Lucius didn't seem moved by her refusal, but he couldn't quite hide the fact that he was gripping the arms of the chair with enough pressure to make his knuckles white. He got to his feet slowly, and Eliza felt her heart move from her chest to her throat. She backed away as he advanced toward her, into another chair, and was forced to sit.
Lucius gripped the back of her chair and leaned in close. "You're a fool," he said softly, and left the room without another word.
-.-.-
"I know that I'm biased. However, if you ask me, it really doesn't seem like that bad of a deal," Draco commented over breakfast with Eliza. "I mean, it's not like you could escape here even if you wanted to, and you're not exactly endearing yourself to Father enough that he would let you leave the room unsupervised. And an Unbreakable Vow goes both ways, so whatever he is promising you in return, he has to abide by," he reasoned, buttering his toast.
"Your father abducted me. I can't exactly promise to not try to escape."
"Okay, you need to stop thinking like a Muggle. Even if you had free roam of the house and grounds, you couldn't escape, not even if the front gate opened onto London. Even if you had a wand and knew some spells, you probably still couldn't escape. So, really, you're not giving up anything that was ever an option." Draco shrugged, taking a sip of pumpkin juice.
"If it isn't an option, why does he want me to promise it?" Eliza countered, refilling her cup of tea.
"You said the promise is not to try to escape. Maybe he doesn't want to discover several tunnels around the fence line where you tried to dig your way out, I don't know - ask him," Draco said. "You can't argue you've been mistreated. I mean, look at you: you're a prisoner drinking tea with your abductor's son. If you were in the cellar, sleeping on the floor with a bucket in the corner, then yeah, I'd call him a liar too. But you're not. Like I said yesterday, Purebloods are nobility; you're part of the highest caste in our society, and that comes with certain responsibilities and expectations. At the end of the day, you aren't going to be any worse off, and Arnica will stop trying to teach you how to use the door handle," he joked, allowing a small chuckle at the memory of his sister failing to understand that there was a spell on the door so that Eliza couldn't use it, and it wasn't just that Muggles had neglected to teach her how to open a door.
Eliza sighed. "I can't stand your father."
Draco laughed. "Given the amount of time he's been spending with alcohol after talking to you, he can't stand you either."
"So I'm supposed to give him the satisfaction of winning?"
"You're stuck here, whether you like it or not. Maybe the two of you could try being a little more agreeable, especially as once I'm at school, he'll be the only form of adult conversation you'll have access to," Draco pointed out, putting his plate back on the tray.
The bedroom door opened and Lucius walked in, but something was off. "Draco, go check on your sister. Now."
"What's going on?" Eliza asked irritably, and the door opened the rest of the way. Draco quickly left the room as Eliza's blood froze in her veins.
"You weren't joking when you said she was developing an attitude," Voldemort commented, clearly amused as he took the chair Draco had been sitting in. Lucius stayed by the door, ever the loyal watchdog. "You're looking better. . .a little thin. . .has Lucius not been feeding you?" he asked, glancing at the breakfast tray.
"I eat when I want to, not when I'm told."
"Defiance isn't an attractive trait in you, dear. I suggest you leash it," Voldemort warned, taking the fresh cup that appeared on the tea tray and filling it. "Lucius tells me you haven't been cooperating, despite his generosity. Is this true?" he asked over the lip of his cup.
"Given the circumstances, I've been quite amicable," Eliza replied stiffly, ignoring Lucius's snort of disagreement.
Voldemort noticed, glancing between them, and put his cup down untouched. "I want you to be comfortable, but you must understand, my patience isn't limitless. If you can't cooperate with Lucius of your own will, then I shall have to assign you to someone who can make you cooperate with them," he said, crossing his leg at the knee. "So, this is your opportunity. You can either make the Unbreakable Vow with Lucius, or I can assign you to Fenrir Greyback. Whilst it would be a pity to have you damaged so, you would quickly learn your place in this world - that, I can assure you."
She didn't like the sound of that. And a glance at Lucius's expression told her she definitely didn't want to go with this other man. "And what exactly would I be promising?" Eliza asked, forcing the words out as they stuck in her throat.
Voldemort glanced at Lucius. "You made it out as though she were completely unreasonable. Have I overestimated your abilities?" Lucius's throat tightened at the warning. "What was the vow you wanted her to make?" Voldemort asked curiously.
Lucius swallowed. "In exchange for her not attempting to escape or make contact with her family, Muggles, or Order members, she may roam the house and grounds freely," he answered.
"I'll agree to it," Eliza said quickly.
Voldemort raised what should have been an eyebrow. "How generous. It's a pity you didn't accept when that was all that was being asked. Now that I'm involved, however, it is too generous."
Eliza glanced at Lucius, who asked the question - "What then, My Lord?"
-.-.-
Maddie brushed her hair furiously, glaring at the mirror. Summoned. Summoned? Who did these people think they were? A few days of polite notice wouldn't have gone astray, but no, first thing in the morning, a summons. Whoever was in charge was definitely going to get an earful from her. . . .It was silly - she was normally up at this hour, but this time of the morning was hers, and some prick in a suit stole it. . .She heard the clunk of Mad-Eye's wooden leg.
"Hurry up, the Ministry isn't patient."
"I'm hurrying!" she snapped back, quickly pulling her hair into a ponytail. Mad-Eye stepped aside to let her out and followed her, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly as she muttered about being summoned first thing in the morning, and something about decent common courtesy.
Tonks and Troy already stood by the fireplace, waiting. They had warned her about the Floo - it was something she had desperately hoped to avoid at all costs, as the idea of stepping into an open fire was just maddening on so many levels.
"Can't Ron, Harry, or Hermione come with us?" she asked desperately, if only for moral support.
"Not this time. Now grab some Floo Powder."
"Can't we use the toy train again?" Maddie pleaded, glancing fearfully at the fire.
"That took us to Diagon Alley, now stop fretting," Mrs. Weasley interjected, standing on her toes to smooth out Troy's hair and fix his collar and tie. "We all knew the Ministry would send for you-"
"It's news to me," she mumbled.
"We thought it would just be Troy, but apparently he wants you there, too."
Maddie frowned. "Peachy."
-.-.-
Troy held Maddie's arm tightly whilst Mad-Eye led them past the enormous fountain in the centre of the room, hundreds of witches and wizards going about their business, and paper planes swooping overhead. Many stopped and stared as they were escorted to the lifts.
"Great. I'm hungry and people are staring at us," Maddie muttered.
"Maddie, shut it," Troy hissed.
"I'm just sayin'. . ."
Mad-Eye sent the lift to the Minister of Magic's office.
"Hello. I'm so delighted the pair of you could make it-"
"I was under the impression we didn't have a choice," Maddie muttered, but stopped at the look her brother gave her.
"I'm Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic. I do apologise if the wording was a little off," he said uneasily. "Young Mr. Weasley has been under a lot of pressure as of late, as have we all with these vicious rumours flying around. . ."
Maddie looked past to see the unmistakable trademark red hair. "Another one? How many kids do they have? You'd think they'd never heard of con-"
"Maddie!" Troy snapped.
"Just sayin'. . ." she muttered, silencing herself.
"I'm sorry, we've also been under a bit of stress," Troy said, glaring at his sister and allowing the Minister to direct them to some chairs. "The letter-"
"Summons." Maddie corrected under her breath, though didn't bother to keep her voice down.
"The letter was rather vague about why we were called here," Troy continued. The Minister ruffled through some papers, and Troy leaned over to Maddie's ear.
"Drop the bloody attitude. It'll take longer if you keep interrupting." Maddie slouched in her seat irritably.
"Not to worry, it is purely a formality. Now, I'm not saying that you are lying. . .however, the Raveien name is quite old, and there are some rather significant assets attached to it. This is merely to confirm your identities, and to allow for the smooth processing of the debacle your father left us. My condolences on his passing, as well as that of your brother; it is a shame he never came to learn the truth. As for the matter of your sister Eliza – despite the trouble she has caused us, we are working around the clock to find the wizards responsible and ensure her safe return."
"How hard is it to find an undead raving lunatic with a wand?" Maddie asked, and Troy closed his eyes pleading for a gag.
The Minister straightened up. "I am assuming you are referring to the rumour that You-Know-Who has returned and abducted her?" he asked stiffly.
Maddie folded her arms. "If by 'You-Know-Who', you mean 'Voldemort', then yes. And frankly it doesn't sound like much of a rumour, especially if you take what's been happening in the 'Muggle world', as you call it, into account."
A vein in the Minister's temple pulsed angrily. "I was right to assume that you have already had words with Professor Dumbledore, and no doubt Mr. Potter. You are new to all this, so let me caution you: the first people you speak to in an unfamiliar situation aren't always right."
"Doesn't mean they're wrong either," Maddie replied coldly. "My sister's missing, and they seem to be the only people who have any clue as to what happened. Frankly, more inclined to trust them."
"Maddie, go outside and wait with Tonks. Get," Troy ordered, and Maddie stalked out. "I'm sorry about that, she really didn't want to come. . ."
"She's young, it's to be expected. I wouldn't be surprised if she was a Gryffindor; Merlin knows she's irritating enough to qualify. Let's get this business wrapped up quickly, then."
-.-.-
Eliza ran to the bathroom, violently ill.
Lucius was stunned stone, and Voldemort helped himself to his tea. "My Lord, you have to realize I can't agree to that."
"Can't, or won't? Don't play the fool; it doesn't suit you. Where did you think this was going?" Voldemort asked, amused, thinking that Lucius was joking.
"Not here, my Lord, you can't-"
"I would hate to think you are telling me what I can and cannot do." Voldemort set the cup down and rose to face him.
"I can't stand her, she can't stand me – one of us will be dead before the month is out, My Lord. I am begging you, not this." Lucius continued to try reason, despite the growing fear of the wrath his objections would bring upon him.
"You know better than anyone the importance of not only keeping a bloodline pure, but also alive. It doesn't matter how far back we can trace her bloodline if it ends with her. I shouldn't need to explain this, and I also shouldn't need to argue about it with you. Now, she will have children, and I don't care if they come out with blonde hair or fur and fangs, although admittedly werewolf children are less desirable in my plans. I chose you because I trust you, and because you have a bloodline strong enough to match hers. Are you telling me that I misplaced my trust?"
Lucius sighed in defeat. He was certain that he was bluffing about agreeing to have her give birth to werewolf children, but he didn't dare call it. After all, he knew she still had two other living siblings. "No, My Lord, you know that I would do anything you command. It's just. . ." He searched for some mercy. "Eliza. . .hasn't recovered enough yet, nor is she in any state of mind to agree to something like this, and if you don't want the children to be bastards-"
Voldemort sighed. "You disappoint me, Lucius. . ."
"All I'm asking for is some time. Eliza isn't the only one you've sprung this on, and if I might direct you to her ensuite, I'm sure you'll see just how keen she is on what you're demanding. Please, just give me some time."
Voldemort glanced at the closed door, where they could still hear Eliza's breakfast revisit. "I'll come back in a week. She either makes the Vow, or comes with me to Fenrir."
"Thank you, My Lord-"
"I'm not finished. If she goes to Fenrir for your failure, your daughter goes to him too. If she agrees and makes the Vow, I am willing to overlook this incident. But I warn you, I never want to so much as get the impression that you are telling me what I can and cannot do. Do I make myself clear?" Voldemort asked.
Lucius knelt to the ground, face-down to hide his pain. "Perfectly. Thank you for your mercy."
"Give my regards to Eliza. I can see myself out, as the two of you have much to discuss."
-.-.-
"Sir, I would like to talk to you about something."
"You're already back on the case."
"No, I know, it's not that. I was looking through some medical files, and I couldn't help but notice this. . ."
"You're sure these documents are correct?"
"Yes, sir. I would have gotten more, but I needed a warrant-"
"No, this is enough. . . .shit. . . .you know this will make her a suspect again?"
"Well, it wasn't exactly hidden information; it was all in her medical file."
"Doesn't matter. . .this doesn't look good. I'll be in touch with Central; I want to know if there is anyone else here neglecting to mention anything relating to his case. Good work."
-.-.-
So there you have it: Chapter 10. Please be generous and give me some feedback on it; I really am anxious about this one :S