Author's Note: Hey guys... Please don't kill me! I just finished my last midterm and finally got time to finish this chapter. I even stayed up a few hours (when I was supposed to be studying of course) just so I could write. I won't tell you what's going to happen in this chapter because you can just read about. If you guys have any questions or if things don't make sense just leave it in a review or PM and we will make sure an answer comes to you. We will now be answering review questions at the end of the chapters. Read and Review please!

Chapter 13

This One

"Don't tell anyone that you showed me here." The Death Eater nodded in comprehension. "You can go now." He turned and walked away obediently. Since Voldemort knew about this power, I wasn't worried about showing it. I waited until the dazed Death Eater was well out of sight before moving down the stairs. I hugged my clock closer around me, feeling cold all of a sudden. The coast was clear, so I slowly went down the stairs, looking over my shoulder one last time just to make sure I was alone. The heavy rod iron gate at the bottom of the stairs was locked. It didn't matter if it was by magic or the old fashioned way, because I wasn't going in. Going in meant that I could probably get them out, but I didn't want to get their hopes up. I know for sure that if I went in and got caught that it would be even worse for them.

"Luna?" I whispered hoarsely through the bars. I wasn't even sure if this was the right dungeon, I just asked the Death Eater to bring me to the dungeons not thinking I had to be specific. I squinted into the darkness; looking, for any sign of movement.

"Fancy meeting you here." An airy voice said, which sounded a little too cheerful compared to everything else in this dark house. A lantern was lit and a now visible Luna with her wide eyes stepped up to the bars. I'm actually surprised that she could recognise me under all this dark makeup and clothes. "Now I feel a bit responsible for you being brought here as well."

"It wasn't anyone's fault but mine." I said with a half smile.

"What brings you down here today?" It amazed me that she seemed still so light-hearted and happy. She's only been here for three days, so I doubt she has been properly broken in yet.

"I just came to see how you were doing and to see who else was locked up in this house other than me." I chose those words for a reason, hoping she would understand that I too was a prisoner and that there wasn't really any chance for escape.

"I'm fine, although Mr. Olivander doesn't look too good in this place." Luna glanced over her shoulder. Where had I heard the name Olivander before?

"Mr. Olivander, the wand maker?" I guessed. Luna smiled and nodded.

"It looks like he's resting now; let's try not to bother him." I nodded as I could see a faint outline of an old man curled up on the straw-filled bed under the only window in the room.

"How are you a prisoner, if you are on the outside of these bars?" She asked curiously.

"No one actually says that I'm a prisoner, but it kind of was a part of the bargain I made to save my mother. It was the only way that Voldemort could guarantee that I'll stick with his side. After he found out of my power, he is making extra sure that I don't run off." If he found out about the rest he would have me chain to him at all times. I said the last part to myself not sure if there was anyone around to hear me.

"Is your mother alright then?" Luna asked, only someone like her would be able to ask the really important questions, the ones that matter. Most people would probably pry and see if they could figure out more. You really are quite special Luna, I smiled to myself.

"She's still a prisoner, but I found some loop holes and made it so I could actually see her, and they let her free of her prison." Before Luna had the chance to ask for the same loop holes, I had to make one thing clear. "I wish there was something I could do to help you guys, but they would figure out it was me. Even coming here to talk to you is a risk." Luna nodded her head in understanding. "If they knew, they would use that against me. Being the daughter of the most evil wizard ever has so many draw backs." I really didn't want to relieve that part about myself. Thanks a lot mouth, soon I'll just have to duck tape it shut just to make sure that I think about what I say first.

"I can see where that might be a problem." At least now she understood and could probably agree with my actions. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up on end. I turned around but no one was there, just the sound of their footsteps coming closer and closer. I put a finger to my lips and winked at her, this would be our little secret. Without hesitation, I disapparated from spot and found myself in my own room.

There wasn't much I could do for them. I did bring them some warmer blankets and told some Death Eaters that they should bring good food to them, who complied like the rest of the people under my charm. Of course I had to make sure they didn't 'remember' it was me, one mistake like that and that could cost them their lives. I spent the majority of my time in my room, minus when I snuck out of course. I refused to have anyone come in, because I knew Voldemort was planning something and I was going to do my best to keep as far from him as possible. At least until after tomorrow, there was no way he was going to ruin my Christmas.

"Merry Christmas Mom!" I said cheerfully when I apparated into her room. Once I saw her, I ran and gave her a big hug. For living in the same house it bothered me that I didn't run into her more often. For one, it is a huge house and I bet that there some other factors involved, namely the death threats on our heads so I didn't question it.

"Merry Christmas Tatiana." She smiled and kissed my head. Usually, Christmas was my favorite holiday but last year changed everything. This will be our first Christmas together without Ralph, and this family oriented holiday just seems less empty.

I had spent all morning setting up for tonight, Christmas Eve. I had also spent several hours looking for Draco, but still no luck. In reality I wouldn't be able to spend Christmas anywhere near him in this house. Mom and I talked through the night, sitting in front of the fire on cushions that we pulled from the couch. The house elves, which took me forever find this morning, brought a Christmas dinner and marshmallows which we roasted on the fire. At midnight I brought out the gift I bought for her, it was always a tradition to open one present before going to bed. She unwrapped a midnight blue magical blanket I bought for her, and wore it around her shoulders like a shawl.

"Apparently it will keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer." She smiled and passed me a very small box, topped with a white bow. I opened the box and inside was a shimmering oval gold locket with small rhinestones. I pulled it out of the velvet case and delicately undid the clasp. Inside were a picture of me and a picture of Ralph. This was my mother's personal locket. "Mom this is yours, I can't..."

"This was passed down from my grandmother," She took the thin gold chain from my hands and put it around my neck. "I think it was time that I passed it down to you."

"Merry Christmas, Mom." I smiled and wrapped my arms around her.

"Merry Christmas."

Groggily, I opened my eyes; the fire in front of me was small but still held some warmth to it. I sat up and a heavy blanket fell off my shoulders. Mom must have put that on me when I fell asleep. She was sitting sipping a hot drink just waiting for me to wake up.

"Why didn't you wake me?"

"You looked so peaceful."

"On Christmas? You could've had revenge from all those years of us jumping on you!"

"No, robbing you of a few hours of Christmas I think is enough." I glared at her.

"Now I see how you were a Slytherin." I mumbled. She faked a hurt expression.

"Since I'm a Slytherin maybe I should just hold onto your present."

"You were got me another present and you didn't... I mean... oh mom, you shouldn't have." She laughed at my failed attempt of recovering.

"I think you're going to like this present." She paused to build up my anticipation, and of course she knows that is the one thing I hate... waiting. "It involves you disappearing for a little while, just enough to drive everyone crazy trying to find you. So you better start coming up with an excuse for when you come back."

"I like this present, tell me more."

"Well close your eyes and I'll give you your ticket out of here." I smiled, closed my eyes and held out my hands. Hands covered my eyes so there was nothing, but black behind my eyelids.

"I'm not peeking mom."

"Are you sure about that?" That definitely wasn't my mom. I peeled off the hands and standing behind me wearing a huge smile was Draco. I jumped over the back of the couch and wrapped my arms around him. "Happy Christmas to you too." He stumbled a few steps backwards to regain balance when I crashed into him. His arms slinked around my waist and not wanting him ever to let go. Someone cleared their throat. I felt heat rise to my face and saw Draco's face turn a little red, awkwardly we stepped away from each other, both of us forgetting that we weren't the only ones in the room. My mom raised her eyebrow at me. I'll admit that she does have good timing, any later and it might've become even more awkward.

"I know it would've been kind of boring being stuck here with me so letting you have a real Christmas is my gift to you." I gave my mother a hug (going around the couch the long way this time).

"Thanks mom."

"And don't worry about me, it's about time that I get out of this room and explore a bit."

The plan was to meet in Hogsmead in an hour. That way I wouldn't be caught leaving with Draco. Of course he was worried that I wouldn't be able to get out without getting caught, but I assured him with a small peck on the lips that it wouldn't be a problem. An hour would give me enough time to get ready and leave before the rest of the house wakes up; one of the advantage of training myself to wake up earlier than most on Christmas. I slipped into a warm pair of black leggings and comfy a cream cashmere sweater. I brushed my hair so it was hung down low, framing my face. Lastly, I slipped on a winter cloak and winter boots. I looked at the clock one last time before disapparating from my room.

Light fluffy snowflakes stuck to my eyelashes, and I smiled. Fresh snow on Christmas just made this holiday so much better. The few shops that were open had some decorations, but not as much as last year; people's hearts weren't in the Christmas spirit. Not that that would ruin my mood. I pulled my hood down even lower on my face, trying to avoid any unnecessary eye contact with dark cloak strangers. There was only one set of eyes that I was looking for, and he was leaning against the wall of one of the empty shops. I had to force myself not to run and make a scene because that would attract unwanted attention. I walked up to him and leaned beside him against the wall. Before I even got the chance to say anything someone stood in front of us with a big smile on her face.

"Ready to go yet children?" Narcissa asked merrily. "Merry Christmas my dear." She said as she hugged me.

"For the hundredth time mom, you are not coming." Draco said bluntly.

"Come now, Draco. Christmas is about spending time with your family."

"Yeah, but she got permission from her mother to have a day with me." Draco smartly didn't say my name aloud.

"But I didn't." She grabbed took one of my hands and one of Draco's in her own. "Beside this will provide you with a plausible cover story." She squeezed our hands tighter and I felt myself being squeezed through a small tube. Oh how I hate other people apparating.

"Fine you can stay." Draco and Narcissa walked ahead while I tried to regain my balance. It wasn't as bad as the first times, but getting used to it meant that I would have to endure it again. "But only because it will assure Tatiana safety." It wasn't really my safety I was worried about. I looked up and in front of me was a huge house. Not as big as the Malfoy Manor but still very large. Really there are only three of them, what do they need with all this space? I felt a warm hand grasp mine; Draco had come back for me. "Don't start this again or else we'll never get inside." He said with a smile, but I could hear the mocking behind his voice.

"This is my summer cottage, but really it was a good escape from my father. So I figured, why not escape from that place for a little while at least." He said as he led me in. "That's why I've been away for a few days." He scratched the back of his head. "I wanted you to have a real Christmas." He opened the double wooden doors and inside was a huge room with a fire blazing in the hearth, Christmas decorations everywhere including a beautiful Christmas tree with presents underneath. There was no way I could be mad at him for leaving me.

"You did all of this for me?" I asked incredulously.

"Considering how much of a jerk I was last year, I figured that I had some making up to do."

"Well I can say that you're off to a good start." I said coyly as I slinked my arms around his shoulders. Draco bent down and lowered his face to mine.

"Mom in the room!" Narcissa called as soon as she entered the room. I laughed, but Draco didn't seem too light-hearted about having our time together interrupted, yet again.

"Mom, did you honestly forget all the conditions that I gave you for letting you come with us?"

"No, but this will be the last time I swear. You can't have Christmas without opening gifts with family, wouldn't you agree Tatiana?" Both of them waited for my answer. I smiled and walked over to Narcissa.

"Sorry Draco, but she is right." Draco rolled his eyes. Once I joined sides with Narcissa he knew that there was no chance to win. We sat down on the couches and opened presents, my other favorite part about Christmas. I had started to notice a permanent smile develop on Draco's face which made him so much more handsome. I can say that they were much more animated about gifts than last year, so it wasn't just me acting like a little kid. After we were surrounded by gifts and wrapping paper Narcissa promised she wouldn't bother us for a while. I arched an eyebrow at her, knowing too well that she had too much fun snapping pictures while we unwrapped gifts for her to leave us alone.

Draco sat on opposite sides of the couch facing each other; mind you it wasn't a very big couch. A blanket was draped over my shoulders and how he wasn't cold, I have no idea. I didn't complain of course because his white shirt against his pale skin, unbuttoned at the top was a very pleasant thing to look at.

"What's with the silver ribbon?" He asked and I had to follow his gaze to remember what he was talking about. Wrapped around my wrist multiple times was the silver ribbon the unicorn gave me holding Draco's ring close but out sight. I undid the bow and showed him his ring.

"I got this for saving a unicorn." I said like it was no big deal.

"When did you save a unicorn?" Draco asked, but by his tone I guessed that he didn't quite believe me.

"When I snuck out into the Forbidden Forest one night because I couldn't sleep."

"The Forbidden Forest, what were..."

"Don't you start too; I already heard this from Snape and Blaise and I guess you could count the centaurs."I cut him off not wanting to hear another lecture about my lack of responsibility. I looked at the ring and sighed letting it fall from the makeshift necklace. "Here," I handed his ring back to him. "It's just another way they can link us together." Draco understood but still looked a little hurt.

To end the silence, I decided that it was time to play (well a version of it anyways) of twenty questions. Most of them were random, but I figured we had time and we should get to know each other better. The more questions we asked the harder it was to come up with new ones.

"What's your favorite kind of pizza?"

"What is pizza?" Draco looked almost pained when he said it, but it made me laughed.

"I'll make you one" I chimed, my sides aching from laughing so much, "someday." That's when it hit me, after this we would have to go back to pretending that this doesn't exist. It was even worse because we wanted to be together and being apart was because of something else entirely, my father. I still haven't told him, I don't even know why. Saying 'my father is your boss and the most evil wizard of all time' is kind of hard to come out and just flat out say it.

"What was your favorite holiday?" Draco must have heard the change in my tone because he quickly jumped to the next question.

"That's a tough one," I mulled it over trying to pick my favorite out of so many. "It was a few ago near Christmas and for some reason we were staying in this tiny log cabin in the middle of nowhere. There was this huge blizzard and we were snowed in for a week. I don't even know why it is my favorite memory. All I remember is my mom, Ralph and I having to keep ourselves entertained for five whole days without any electronics, and that we couldn't go too far from the fireplace or else we would freeze. How mom had managed to keep the Christmas presents hidden in that tiny space until Christmas morning I will never know, well I supposed she could've used magic, but I really didn't know about it then." I could still see the crazy things we did in my mind. Before I could even think about Ralph I shook my head, I would rather see him smiling from an old memory than having his death on repeat every time someone said his name. "What's yours?" I asked Draco trying to distract myself.

"This one." He replied quietly.

"Really?" He nodded.

"Every Christmas, I have received everything I could've ever wanted. I would've traded all of my presents for a holiday with my family like that." He was still talking quietly. I couldn't imagine growing up with my brother and my mom as close as we were; sure, I wished we didn't have to move and that we could live in a big house. But now that I look at it, the Manor and this place all have the same emptiness. Narcissa was a caring mother, but I never really met the non-cowardly Mr. Malfoy. I bet they weren't that close of a family.

"Even though the day is only half way done, not to mention your mother hasn't barged in again with lunch, it's still your favorite holiday?"

"Last year was fun too, minus some parts of it. It's all because of you." He ended the last part shyly; I knew there was a soft side to him.

"I don't know what I can do about making up for all of those crappy holidays you've had, but I can help start some." I'm not sure what Draco was about to say next—if he was planning on it—but I never gave him the chance to say it. I shrugged out of my blanket and crawled over to him. Gently and smiling down at him, I pressed my lips down to his. This is how a kiss should go. No interruptions, no rush to leave afterwards, just the two of us. It took a second for Draco to come out of his initial shock, but his lips were soft and moved with mine perfectly. I could feel the pulse of electricity on my lips and on my hands on his chest. His fingers were like ice and they created Goosebumps as his fingers slid slowly up my waist.

Then it changed. He was no longer soft and gentle, but more urgent. I could feel the fingers in his left hand clench into a fist and began to shake. I pushed myself up, breaking off our kiss.

"What's wrong?" I asked not sure if it was something I did.

"It's nothing." He sat up and tried unsuccessfully to pull the sleeve down on his white shirt to cover his arm.

"Liar." Still sitting on top of him I grabbed his arm, and he smartly didn't resist because I was going to find out one way or another. He looked away shamefully. His left arm was still clenched in a tight fist and I could now see the reason why. His tattoo, his Dark Mark, was pitch black and almost red around its edges. I lightly touched it with my index finger and the black went darker and I heard Draco gasp slightly in pain. "Does it hurt?" I asked stupidly.

"All the time." I was actually surprised that he was being honest. Last time I had seen it, it was what made me push him away and he wasn't exactly keen on talking it about it then. I went to touch it again, but he flinched, so I didn't.

"Sorry." I let him take his arm back and he covered it with his sleeve.

"Doing that might accidently call the Dark Lord and I really doubt that he would enjoy seeing you like this." He said trying to lighten the mood. No, that would be the worst thing ever if he saw me like this, even worse because I can just see him taking the whole over-protective father thing to a new level.

"Is he calling you?" I hinted at his arm. He gave a small laugh and ran his fingers through his hair.

"No. This actually happens every time I touch you. Even if I think of you it starts hurting. It's like there's some a connection of sorts..." You have no idea.

"Well this sucks." I moved into a more comfortable position, leaning against his chest and making sure that there was no skin contact. "I can no longer touch my boyfriend unless I want to sentence him to death."

"Well as long as you're here it would be heaven." I smiled and looked up at him. He bent his head down, and kissed me gently making sure that nothing but our lips touched. I pushed away after a second for two reason, one because I didn't want Voldemort to be summoned and two... "It doesn't hurt at the moment Tat. Wait your eyes."

"What about my eyes?" Without over exaggerating I blinked hard because I knew exactly what he was talking about.

"For a second they just looked like they changed shape."

"Three, two, one." Right on cue Narcissa walked into the room saving me from having to explain further about my eyes.

"How did you know?" Draco asked quietly as Narcissa entered and magically made lunch appear.

"I guess it was just a feeling, and like you said we haven't been interrupted for a while now." Plus I think she may have been spying on us. I saw in Narcissa's face that she was trying not to smile at the sight of us together.

"Oh Draco darling, could you please go and get the Butterbeer?" Narcissa asked sweetly.

"Why can't you get it?"

"Because I'm still setting up here and it's in the magic case because of that time that you-"

"Ok I'll get it, just don't finish that story while I'm gone."

"You two looked a little too comfortable there." Narcissa said when Draco was out of sight. In no world could this be any less embarrassing. I felt the heat rise to my cheeks and Narcissa's smile grew larger. "Don't worry about it. I was a young woman once too you know. Really, I was just making sure to keep the promise I made to your mother about nothing happening." So it was my mother, so typical.

"As I have told my mother countless times I am in no rush to make her same mistakes. I would rather wait to see what kind of man he will become before that." Yep, it's still awkward having the sex talk even if it's not my mother. Full understanding dawned on Narcissa as she realised that I was talking about Voldemort.

"On that note," Narcissa, thankfully, changed the subject. "Have you told Draco yet?"

"No. It's not exactly an everyday conversation." Narcissa gave me a disapproving look, but didn't say anything because Draco entered carrying the Butterbeer.

"She better not have told you any embarrassing stories about me." Draco said placing the drink on the table. We sat on the floor around the coffee table for lunch. If only my mom could be here and Ralph of course then this would be up there with my top holidays.

If anything I wished time had moved slower. The next few hours went by so fast and before I knew it Narcissa told us that we had to head back. We had so much fun that going back to the Manor seemed like a distant and dark memory, who would trade this happy times and good laughs to go back there? I did the charm to fit all of my gifts into the small purse that Narcissa gave to me. We all put on our cloaks and headed outside.

Narcissa gave us a bit of room as Draco kissed me goodbye. It would be dangerous if he was caught with me, technically he wasn't even supposed to be home. So we had to say our goodbyes here. "There has to be an easier way for us to be together." He said softly as he brushed the hair out of my face and tucked it behind my ear.

"I'll figure out some way." I replied giving him one last hug. I turned to Narcissa who was waiting patiently pretending she was oblivious to the exchanges we just made. "Let me give you one more present. I'm apparating us back." I took both of her hands and I closed my eyes concentrated on our destination. The looming Manor appeared in front of us. Back to the real world I guess. I sighed and pushed the heavy gates open and strolled up the path to the house. The evening shadows cast everything into even more darkness, making the manor look even more uninviting. "We really need to get some colour in here."

The double doors opened magically, but inside didn't look as warm as I hoped it would be. Voldemort stood in the entrance looking like a very angry father who just caught his daughter coming home after curfew; only he looked a hundred times scarier. "Thanks Mrs. Malfoy for getting me home, you can go now." I said emotionless to Narcissa. She bowed her head slightly and walked away, and I tried my best not to burst out laughing. "Where are my manners? Merry Christmas! How has it been so far?" I said cheerfully.

"This is not the time for celebrating." He said icily.

"Sorry, I didn't think you felt that bad because I didn't get you a present." I mumbled under my breath as I crossed my arms and pouted like a little kid.

"Excuse me?"

"Nothing"

"That's what I thought." He grabbed my arm tightly and towed me out of the main entrance and into his 'throne room'. The people in there took one look at us bargaining through the doors and hurriedly exited the room, slamming the doors shut behind them. He let go of my arm, well it was more of him pushing me into a chair.

"You know you could've just asked for me to follow you." I said as I rubbed my sore arm. I slumped in the chair, having the feeling that I was about to get a lecture or something close to it.

"Where did you go?" Right to the point.

"Hogsmead."

"None of my followers were able to find you there once I felt you disapparate from your room."

"Wait, what do you mean, you felt me disapparate."

"Today confirmed the fact that it is you who causes a sort of pain you could say." I tried my best not to smile but out of all people I was glad he was in pain every time is apparated instead of me. "You left your room and ended up in Hogsmead. After that I felt you disapparate from somewhere else nowhere near Hogsmead." I wish he showed more than one emotion, that would make it a lot easier to tell what he was thinking.

"Sounds about right." I could see he was getting frustrated but I didn't care. This whole 'evil' all the time was getting a little boring.

"Tell me what you were doing!" I yelled at me and I wiped his spit off my face.

"I thought I wasn't a prisoner." I retorted but his white face turned a little red with anger and I decided to give him an answer. "If you have to know I was having a Christmas. My mother wanted some marshmallows and really I could`ve just asked for someone to bring them but I was getting bored, so I just went and got changed and went to Hogsmead. Then I was being chased by some snatchers and so I used one of those fireplace things and that's how I ended up at this random house. I walked around a bit cause I couldn't find my way back and then found Narcissa and her son..."

"Enough."

"I'm so stupid I could've just apparated before I met them..." He then put a silencing charm on me. I smiled internally knowing that this particular spell would only last for so long.

"Of course we will have to explore our link further but there is plenty of time for that." I raised an eyebrow at him still not able to talk. "I have a mission for you and your talents." The way he smiled I knew that I wasn't going to like what he had in mind.

Authors' Note: I know some of you have been asking for some Draco and Tatiana fluff so here it is. Catherine apparently really enjoyed the fluff and read that one part over ten times. Did any of you guys like it? We put it in because there won't be as much Draco in the next chapters as we would like but don't worry he'll come back... eventually. What does Voldemort have planned for her? You can try and guess in a review because we love hearing from you. Ideas are always welcome (we do have the next chapter mostly planned out... go us!) Review please, it makes me feel really guilty because I don't have time and but then I am motivated to lose studying time and sleep just to finish the chapter.

Love, C&M

Aly- you guessed it right

Gerryberry- I think you are psychic cause that does happen... but which one?

And thanks to everyone who reviewed... You can always try and guess what will happen and I will (like above) tell you if you're right but if it gives away too much of the story away I might make it a little cryptic.