Chapter 21: A heart worth the breaking.

A/N: This chapter won't be in first person. Last chapter was an accident, whoops.
Plus even though it's a bit dark this chapter, there will be some humor :)
Annnnd, it will be transferring from Bella back to Crystal here.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter nor Twilight

"What the fuck just happened?" Paul yelled after he had a good look around. Upon apparating he had been thrown into the dark forest floor. It was night time, moments before they were in gloomy forks. The moon was over head, stars were out and it was cold. He looked around for Bella who was still slumped on the floor where she had landed. "Bella," He said quickly, the anger still tracing in his voice.

"Paul, shhh," She pleaded attempted to sit up, but her body wasn't working right. Apparating used to much magic. She felt drained. "We could be over heard by the wrong people." She threw all her weight into her arms and pushed herself up on a nearby tree.

"Where the fuck are we? We sure as hell aren't in Forks." He glared at her, his body was shaking and his anger was just as strong as ever. "And you, you bitch." He pointed a finger at her and she flinched. "You lied to us, said you were Bella, who the fuck are you?"

Bella looked up, her eyes tearing. It was hard to see Paul in the dark light, but she knew he was upset. She pushed her hands into her eyes and took a deep breath. Slowly she began to unravel everything she could. Paul wasn't as understanding as Leah was. They were losing precious time. "Paul, we need to get Seth." She commented after a long silence of him trying to process something.

"We are in the middle of a wizarding world, on top of that you brought me to fucking England." He groaned as he threw his body onto the damp ground. "Me, the hot-headed wolf. Why?"

Her eyes saddened even more. "Paul, who else could I bring?"

"I could blow this whole mission up! You could have brought Jared, or or Sam or—"

Bella shook her head and cut him off. "It had to have been you. Jared has Kim, Sam has Emily. Leah has her whole family and Jacob, he has his dad to look after. Plus with him imprinting on me, that could blow everything." She explained calmly.

Paul's eyes widened. "You aren't planning on coming back. Neither of us will be able to leave will we?"

"Most likely not, but at least we can keep Seth alive." She explained as she stood up, still using the tree for support.

"Damn-it Bella!" He cursed as his fist hit the tree, sending an owl soaring off into the evening sky. "Why?" He begged in anger.

"Do you trust me?" She reached out and grabbed his shaking fist in her hand. He ripped it out and gave her a cold look.

"I'm going to have to." He broke his fist out of the broken bark and looked beyond the thick trees. "Where the hell are we anyways?"

"Two years ago, I woke up in a place I couldn't remember. That was here and in this very spot, this is where I broke free." She explained walking forward a bit, as soon as she stepped through she could see the glorious mansion ahead, Paul saw nothing.

"So? It's a bunch of trees, Bella." He snarled and sat down on the ground.

"It's Crystal, please." She shook her head and grabbed his arm attempting to pull him up. "You're not seeing it. It's Malfoy Manor, it's where they have Seth, I just know it."

His eyes lit up as she said Malfoy, right before his eyes formed a manor. But it was more than that, it looked like a castle, with its vast gardens and stunning walls. "Here?"

"Here," Crystal nodded and took a step out into the open air. "I need you to phase and stay phased no matter what." She said darkly, without even looking at him. She only had eyes for the manor. She had almost that glazed look she got at times, as if trying to remember something dark.

Paul didn't like the sounds of it. "No matter what?" He repeated only as a question. His stomach was knotting. In all his time fighting Vampires, he never felt this afraid. It was no different than dealing with those wizards.

Pointlessly she brushed off the dust upon her tattered dress. There was crusted blood in different spots, but she paid no attention to that. She carried on brushing a little bit more dust before looking Paul straight in the eyes. "No matter how much I scream, cry, writher in pain, do not for whatever reason step in."

"Be—" He started but corrected himself, "Crystal, you know I can't do that."

"No matter what happens. Promise me." She cried.

He attempted to protest, but her harsh stares made him fall silent. "Promise," He said with a dead face.

"Good," She nodded appearing to be happy. "I need you to phase. Do not un-phase unless I tell you too. And Paul?"

"Yes?" He asked looking heavy.

"Thank you," She smiled as her body gave way once more. She collapsed the ground and cursed. "You may need to carry me."

Paul didn't say anything. He stood there staring at the big mansion before making up his mind. In one fluid motion he phased, then threw Crystal on his back and headed for the front gate.

Both of them were in awe as the ran forward. For Crystal it was just as frightening as she remembered it almost two years ago, for Paul it was huge. He honestly could understand how anyone would need to live in anything so big. The closer they got to the elaborate gate, the bigger it seemed. He could feel Crystal shaking on his back, but she didn't say a word. She was remaining as calm as ever, even as they stopped in front of the gate. He looked right at her, asking with his eyes now what. But she didn't respond. She seemed weaker now that he could see the details in her face. There was someone's blood splattered right underneath her eye, he had never seen her look so worn.

He watched as she held up her wand and muttered something. A light shot from her wand and then vanished. She looked satisfied though as she stuffed her wand back in her garter belt. A weary look filled her once more as she slumped back onto Paul's back.

"Now we wait and hope for the right messenger." She said softly as she patted the thick fur.

Paul was as nervous as ever. His heart was pounding thickly, but he was trying not to let that show. He could tell Crystal felt worse. He almost let out a shutter just picturing her back. The years of abuse she must have experienced had to be great. In a way, it was brave of her to come back, but yet he was upset she lied to him. He couldn't explain it. He was upset at her, but being here he completely understood her fear of not wanting to return home. Paul's heart fell even farther for Crystal the moment he saw a figure approaching them.

He had seen wizards before, but this wizard was dark. He was a in a dark billowing cloak and his hair was just as dark. The only reason he was so noticeable on this night was his sullen skin. Paul out of instinct let out a growl, but Crystal merely patted him on the head, telling him to shush as the gate opened before them.

"The boy better be worth the trouble, you are risking a lot coming here." The man said in a harsh whisper. It was barely even audible, but both Crystal and Paul heard it.

"So you have Seth, Professor Snape?" Crystal lifted up her head in hope.

"That boy means nothing, you should have let him died." Snape told her, with a dead look upon his face. "I was just about to fetch the Veritaserum when your messaged arrive. The kid is a bumbling idiot." Paul growled at the words.

"Bumbling idiot? He is a child!" Crystal defended, her face was flushing in anger.

"His mind is impossible and he won't spill anything. He keeps repeating some code." Snape informed her as he began walking. Paul quickly followed at his heels, Crystal held on tightly.

"Good, he doesn't need to endanger the rest of the pack." She nodded, this was going a little bit better than she had planned. She was hoping her luck would stick.

"We are assuming it's some American slang, Draco couldn't decipher heads or tails of it." Snape's voice was dull, but Crystal could tell he was very upset about the situation. He didn't want her here at all. It was more trouble. "You shouldn't be here. The minute the snatchers came you should have ran."

"What's done is done." She narrowed her eyes as the front doors opened.

"Indeed," He said, letting them in and closing the door behind them. A silence fell for a moment the he spoke in his usual dead tone, "What does that boy mean, by 'shawty get low, low, low,'?" Snape asked as they headed down a hallway, to an unknown room.

Both Crystal and Paul let out a snort. They were holding back laughter, they both knew Seth was repeating his favorite song in his head. He was attempting to be strong in his own way. "It's a song, an American song."

Snape didn't respond back as they headed into a dimly lit room. Once they walked in their Crystal could tell at once it was the dining room. The ceiling was tall and built in beautiful stone. Everything within the room was in Slytherin colors; green and silver. Up ahead in the center of the room was a grand mahogany table, and dangling from invisible ropes was a naked and unconscious Seth. Paul noticed it too, but she shook her head. She was slowly forming the plan in her head. She recognized figures sitting around the table. The head spot was empty, meaning the Dark Lord wasn't there. To the right was an empty spot, where Snape was no doubt. On the left was Bellatrix, looking just as smug as ever. Next to her was her 'father' Mr. Nott. From there it was Lucius Malfoy, Narcissa, and who she knew to be Draco Malfoy. She allowed a gasp to escape her lips. Several Death Eaters turned. Draco and her brother were getting out of their seats, Crystal herself hopped off of Paul. She went to go throw her arms around Draco, but her father stepped in and cut off Draco and her brother.

Several Death Eaters stood at the scene, the chatter had completely died. All eyes were removed from Seth and were focused on Crystal, who was holding onto Paul's fur.

Her father took out his wand and pointed it right at her. Her eyes darted around, noting the snatchers, Greyback included, cowering near the dim fireplace.

"Do not take another step farther, or I will curse you." He said in a cold sharp voice. No one else dared to help, of course they wanted the Dark Lord here, he had full reign of the situation. They were just buying time and making sure.

"Of course father," Crystal took a deep bow. Her who body was shaking though. She was still incredibly weak. She noticed Draco shift ever so slightly. He looked concerned at her appearance. She knew she didn't look the best, she could possibly use this to her advantage.

"Two years of searching for you, you who ran away. How do we really know it's you." His voice was near yelling by the end of it, Crystal didn't even flinch.

"I would never lie to you, father. It is me." She stood taller, but her voice cracked. The tears were starting to form.

"The fact remains, that you still ran away." He said coldly, looking at her in a dark manner.

Paul let out a whimper, but Crystal patted him as if to silence him.

"CRUCIO!" Her father shouted.

It hurt more than she ever remembered. Her bones burned at once. Her vision began to blur and she swayed in her spot. She was having a hard time breathing, the world around her was red with pain. She felt Paul move next to her as if trying to protect her, but it wouldn't do anything. Her body began to fall to the ground, she couldn't take it anymore. Crystal bit her lip, but it was no good as she began to twist in pain on the floor. A scream formed, and she couldn't stop. Voices around her were protesting, but she couldn't hear them. She could faintly feel Paul licking her cheek, but it was barely enough. Her vision was going blank.

"ENOUGH!" She heard a scream shake through the room. It sent a shiver down her spine. Slowly her eyes turned to where her father was, to see the Dark Lord throwing him aside with a flick of his wand. A tear slide down her face.

"Child, stand up." He commanded as soon as he saw her eyes flicker up towards him. Weakly she held her arms up and pushed. But her body was having trouble. Paul helped her a bit, but he was furious. He wanted nothing more than to rip these people to shreds. He couldn't stand it much longer. A growl would not stop forming in his throat.

"Prove to me that it is you, because if it is not you, I will kill you." The Dark Lord said sharply as he stepped forward and began to walk circles around Paul and Crystal. He was examine Paul with much interests. Then his eyes flickered to the limp body of Seth.

Crystal closed her eyes and wracked her brain. When she opened them she was staring into the Dark Lord's deep red eyes. The air was tense. There was no one to help her. Even Snape wouldn't step in now. She did the one thing she could think to do, she tore her eyes away and looked at Draco, picturing him as Jacob, the tears fell almost at once.

"I'm waiting," The Dark Lord growled.

Her heart dropped, she couldn't think of anything to say to prove it was her. Then she thought of something simple. "The first words you ever said to me was 'What in Merlin are you doing?'" She said attempted to smile, but her lips barely tugged up.

The Dark Lord on the other hand, stood there frozen. Then out of nowhere he let out a mirthless laugh. "Crystal Nott, welcome back." He said, but his words were not at all warm.

"Thank you, m' Lord." She took a bow, but found herself stumbling forward. Paul caught her almost at once. She stood up as tall as she could once more.

"But, that doesn't explain your story. After hearing the message from my fellow Death Eaters, things are not matching up." He twirled his wand in his hand, there was an evil glint in his eyes. Crystal swallowed loudly. "Greyback has informed us that you called him a 'dirty mutt' and yelled that they were half-bloods."

"I was calling it like it is." She spat, and all around her people were in shock. Crystal would never say those things, and everyone knew it.

The Dark Lord's eyes narrowed. "Draco," He commanded with a wave of his hand. Draco stepped closer towards the Dark Lord. "Have you ever heard her say anything remotely close to being for the regimen we are setting up?"

Draco looked uncomfortable. He looked at Crystal whose face was set, and then at the wolf by her side. "No my Lord." He responded in a quick tone.

Crystal bit her lip, if the Dark Lord knew all this why was she so important?

"Take her wand." He commanded to Draco.

Crystal looked around for help. Snape wasn't even looking at her. No one was, her heart sank. She had no choice but to pull her wand out and hand it to Draco. He looked at her longing, but didn't say anything as he fell back into his rank.

"I want the full story from you, and no lies. I will be bringing in a specialist tomorrow to see if you are telling the truth or not. And you better hope you are Crystal and your words are true." The Dark Lord commanded as he flicked his wand, tying her hands behind her back, and putting a muzzle on Paul. "Start explaining," He yelled with a dangerous look in his eyes.

She wanted to say something to help Paul, but she couldn't. Seth wasn't in a much better state, the sooner she said her piece, the quicker they would be safe. Her mind was racing. Finally after what felt like forever her plan was thought out. "It was on the train...when it happened." A sigh slipped out and she sounded as distressed as she could. "I was sitting with my friends, Neville, Ginny—"

"We know of your blood traitor friends." The Dark Lord cut in sharply, earning a laugh from a couple of the Death Eaters.

Crystal swallowed, feeling more nervous than ever as she carried on. "I—I just remember saying that I should go find my brother. When I went to leave, that was the last moment I remember. I had been knocked out and when I woke up, I was...well I don't really know where. I was—" Tears formed behind her eyes, she looked up at Snape, who was looking at her curiously. She had saved herself, just by that look alone she knew. Quickly she buried her face in her hands. "In a headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix. They informed me that they had someone impersonating me and that as soon as she escaped, I would be moved into hiding. And I was, they sent me to the United States. That's where I met Paul and Seth here. The two boys who protected me." She reached out boldly and patted Paul on the head, "This is Paul, he's been the biggest help of all."

The room was silent. The Dark Lord's eyes were narrowed as if he didn't believe her. Minutes passed and everyone processed what she had said. Then without warning the Dark Lord snapped his fingers. "Draco, Theodore, take her to her room. Bring the two boys with her." He commanded.

They should have been asleep, but Paul and Crystal were far from it. They had given Seth some old tattered dress robes, but he was still unconscious. They were attempted to give him a sponge bath together as quietly as they could. Paul was doing most of the work, Crystal was exhausted and having a hard time moving. They had ended up in the very room she woke up in two years ago, and in it was stuff she had once owned. She wished she had her wand to give Paul clothing, but that was out of the question. She had convinced everyone he was a magical wolf, and Seth was just a boy. Greyback tried to say otherwise, but Crystal called him foul names and no one questioned after that.

Crystal had realized all along she had her cellphone in her pocket. She took the liberty of hiding it among her things. Paul told her that was their one hope. He admitted that he couldn't hear the other pack members at all. They were clearly too far away, that alone left him feeling very afraid.

Finally around three am she fell asleep. They had positioned Seth on the couch as comfortable as they could. Paul phased, and slept at the edge of Crystal's bed. He had seen enough torture for one day. And the things he had seen didn't sit well with him. He was for once worried for her safety, but at the same time glad she chose to bring him and not anyone else. He knew for sure now, that if Jacob was here they would have been dead. But that didn't make him feel any less guilty. He felt so bad for how much Crystal was shivering. She was missing Jacob more than she would admit.

It made his skin boil at how that Draco character looked at her. He knew this was going to be a lot harder than she made it out to me. She was so strong, and such a good actress.

When morning arose, they were more tried then they wanted to be.

"Crissy?" A voice said in the darkness. Crystal shot up at once, Paul who heard it coming a long time ago, was already up and growling at the figure in the doorway.

"Yeah?" She called out groggily, as her brother pushed through. "Stay," She commanded to Paul not really sure what to say. Paul instead of settling, he protectively sat on Crystal's bed, still glowering at her brother. Her brother ignored Seth, who was sleeping soundly on the couch and conjured up a chair at her bed side.

"Is it, I mean is it really you?" He asked sitting down, staring her straight in the eyes.

She nodded, "Theo, it's really me." A tear trickled down her face, as she reached out and pulled her brother into a hug. "I missed you so much." She informed as she held on tighter.

"I missed you too. If I would have known, I would have searched for you sooner on the train." He told her as they let go. He had tears stingy his eyes as well. He knew in that small embrace that it really was his sister. He couldn't have been more happy to see her. She looked just the same as ever, just she was so cold.

"What's done is done." She pulled her blanket up and wiped tears away, as Paul let out a whimper. She titled her head over at him then patted him on the head. "Paul," She questioned, but she couldn't understand him. When he growled and his hair sat on end she began to understand. Something was here, something that was upsetting him. She began to pat him on the head, stroking his fur. Treating him like any other pet. "It will be okay," She attempted to say.

"What's wrong with him?" Theodore asked, noticing the behavior at once.

"Nothing," Crystal lied with a smile.

"You sure?" He asked and when she nodded, he fell silent. After a couple of moments of listening to Seth breath peacefully, he spoke again. "I hate to do this, but the Dark Lord wants you ready in an hour. Your best dress robes."

"What for?" Crystal asked, her eyes went straight for the door. A lump was forming in her throat. The fear was coming up. "Our guest is most likely here. He will be able to tell if you are lying or not." Seeing her fear he went on. "I really don't think you have much to worry about."

"Of...of course not." She swallowed, not feeling so confident herself.

"I'll send breakfast up." He stood up and playfully ruffled her hair. "Did you...I mean, did you want to see Draco?" He asked with a grin.

She didn't want to arise suspicion since no one knew she didn't remember Draco. "Sometimes you are the best brother a girl could ask for."

"I'll take that as a yes?" Theodore laughed.

"What about you? Aren't you betrothed?" She teased, with a big grin.

"You'll find out soon enough. I'll let you get ready, then I'll send Draco in. He can't wait to see you." He shook his head, a slight laugh still filling him.

"If its Millicent Bullstrede, you are one lucky dog." She called before he slammed the door shut, letting her know he didn't find that funny. Laughter escaped her lips as she got up and headed over to the walk in closet.

Paul was quickly at her heels, un-phased and rounded her as she went through the most elegant dresses he had ever seen. "There's a leech here." He informed her, causing her to drop the dark green dress that was in her hand. The silk crumbled to the floor. She let out a gasp, but then quickly snatched up the dress.

"This will do just fine," She murmured and headed over to the bathroom.

"Did you not here me?" Paul called out a little louder than necessary. She threw him a looked and started to close the door.

"I heard you, no point in worrying now. Just phase back." She ordered and closed the door behind her.

"But—" He started but stared at his hand in defeat. He phased back without a question and began to pace around the room waiting for her to get done.

His pacing didn't cease till forty minutes later when Crystal was done getting ready. He had never seen her look more beautiful than she did in the dark green dress robes. He stopped pacing and stared for a moment before plopping down next to Seth. Crystal followed and sat down right near Seth's head.

"I wish you would just wake up, that would make this a lot easier." She whispered softly as she stroked his soft hair out of his eyes. "I want to know what you went through." Before she knew it a tear was slipping down her cheek. She reached out and held onto Seth tightly, while Paul rested his head on her knees, attempting to comfort her. "It had to have been horrible. I will make it up to you." She sobbed clinging onto Seth.

Paul lifted his head up, there was a knock at the door. She quickly wiped her tears away, "Come in!" She called as happily as she could.

The door opened to reveal Draco. He had a big smile on his face, but he walked in carefully. Crystal, took a moment then walked passed Paul. In a quick motion she threw her arms around Draco.

"Theo said you wanted to see me." Draco backed up from the hug and threw a cautious glance at Paul, then over to the sleeping body of Seth.

"Paul won't hurt you, I promise." Crystal looked right at Paul, attempted to tell him to stop growling. She could tell he didn't like how close she was to Draco, but there wasn't much she could do about it.

"He was your guardian then? With that little boy?" Draco asked keeping his tone light.

"The Order sent them, in their own way. There were more, but..." Her voice faded. She felt tears swelling up. Something Draco couldn't help but notice, he reached out to hold her, but she slightly twitched away. His eyes widened.

"Is something wrong?" He gently reached out once more and held her hand in his. "Crystal, your freezing. Are you feeling alright?"

"I'm fine, really." She gave his hand a confident squeeze, hoping he didn't notice Paul's whimper of protest.

"You know I missed you a lot. I kept waiting for the day you came back." Draco admitted as he pulled her over to the bed. He sat down and patted the spot next to him. "It never occurred to me that you were...captured. I wish we would have been able to get you sooner."

"Me too," Crystal nervously looked down at her hands. She had no idea how to act. She remembered little snippets of Draco, but not enough to feel comfortable around him. She felt so afraid and unsure. If anything would keep them safe, it would be her acting as if she loved Draco, but how could she do that with the little memories she has?

"You seem different," Draco noted at the fallen silence.

"Is that a bad thing?" Crystal timidly asked.

"No, it's just...maybe while you were away you found someone else." Draco's eyes flickered towards her than away.

"Draco..." Her lips moved softly. She didn't know what to say. She had found someone else. There was Edward, than there was Jacob. "I...I love you, I was always waiting for the day I would see you." Her heart twisted, but the words were out. They didn't sound as confident as they should. The tears rolled down without a warning.

Draco reached out and wiped her tear away. He smiled warmly at her and pulled her up to her feet. "Come on, let's get you downstairs so we can settle this matter."

She followed him to the door, then turned around to look at Paul. "Why don't you stay here with Seth?" She told him, but he howled. "I'll be fine." She reassured and followed Draco out of the bedroom.

The two walked in silence hand in hand down the corridors. They didn't stop until they reached enormous oak doors. Crystal let out a gasp, she remembered this room, "The blue room." She whispered softly tracing the door handle, before it was thrown open.

She recognized the soft hum of Death Eaters conversing near the case of different instruments. Set out by the couch was the Dark Lord and a guest cast in the shadows. She could tell he wasn't a Death Eater by the clothing. It was much more modern, and more muggle like. He had too have been the Vampire Paul sensed. Crystal couldn't help but let out a hallow breath. Almost at once the attention was on her. The Dark Lord stopped talking and looked up, causing several Death Eaters in the room, her father among them, to fall silent. She gave a gracious bow, but when she rose back up her eyes met with a pair of golden eyes she never expected to see again;

Edward Cullen.