February, 1998

Lestrange Manor: 9:30 pm

Bellatrix threw her body onto the bed. She exhaled softly, smiling as she thought about those she had killed that night.

"You look gorgeous when bloodthirsty," said a very familiar voice.

Rodolphus stood in the bathroom doorway, a snarky grin on his face.

Bellatrix opened her eyes. "Am I not gorgeous all the time?"

"Do you think you are?" Rodolphus asked while maintaining his grin.

She laughed, "Gorgeous as hell."

Rod's smile grew. He walked slowly to the end of the bed. His hands gripped the sheets as he quietly kneeled between her spread legs. Hands next to her shoulders, he brought himself over her. The tip of his tongue nearly touched her ear as he whispered to her.

"Prove it."

Aquila's House

"Here again?" Aquila questioned. Claire was in the sitting room curled up on the couch.

Claire looked at her cousin, but quickly looked away. Her large blue eyes filled with tears.

"Can't I just live here?"

Aquila walked over to the couch and sat down. She gently rubbed Claire's shaking back.

"You cannot be afraid like this."

"You used to care about me." As soon as Claire made that remark, she knew it was wrong, but she still didn't want to take it back.

"I do care about you." Aquila brought her other arm around her cousin and hugged her. Claire did not move, which caused Aquila to squeeze harder.

"Tell me what you are so afraid of."

"He-"Claire choked, "He could kill me in my sleep—anytime really."

Sitting back up, Aquila looked at her cousin. Claire's hands were over her eyes. Her body was leaned forward, elbows pressed to her knees.

"He wouldn't kill you." She shook her head. "You are not what he wants."

"And if he happens to change his mind?" Claire sat up and glared at Aquila. "I'm just an extra waste of space to him! What does he need me there for?"

Aquila looked to the floor. Claire had a point. What if the Dark Lord did want rid of Claire? She was only fifteen, and he hadn't mentioned her at all during meetings. Most importantly, Claire wasn't just her cousin; she was her best friend.

"Your mother wanted to make sure you were safe." Aquila shrugged, "You'll be back at Hogwarts on Monday, but if you need to, you can stay."

"I feel safer at Hogwarts." Claire sniffed. She hated to cry because she did not want to look like a coward. Her brother couldn't kill Dumbledore and her father couldn't retrieve the prophecy. She would not be seen that way in front of anybody else.

"Perhaps I should go back home," she mumbled.

Aquila nodded, "I think you should. You are really brave, you know? Don't let what you've heard discourage you. I know how strong you can be."

"Thanks." Claire could feel tears again, but fought them back. "You're brave too, Quila."

The pair sat silently for quite a while. Claire had stopped crying and both girls were more relaxed. Aquila turned to Claire and smiled a bit—she had just remembered something.

"I've been meaning to ask you a question."

Claire turned her head to look at Aquila.

"What is it?"

"Well I was going to ask you the first time, but our parents came in and interrupted." Aquila's smile became larger. "Will you be the godmother of my child?"

Claire smiled, but looked confused at the same time.

"You mean when you have one?"

Aquila bit her lip, "I am having one."

"Really?" said Claire, looking much happier than she had. "That's fantastic!"

"I know that the timing kind of bad," Aquila's grin brightened even more, "but I really want it to work this time."

Claire hugged Aquila. "I know it will."

"Is that a yes then?" Looking excited, Aquila let go of Claire.

Her cousin rolled her eyes.

"Of course it's a yes, Quila."

"Thanks," Aquila replied, her grey eyes glowing. "I know that you are the best choice." She squeezed Claire's hand and looked at the clock above the fireplace. "Where's Draco?"

"Still at school." Claire looked a bit surprised at Aquila request, but seemed excited as well. "He is working with Snape on some tactics. Why?"

Aquila kept her smile.

"I think you know."

One Hour Later

Claire had gone home for bed. Aquila was now in her own bedroom with Marcus.

"Are you sure that it's alright?" Aquila turned from the desk chair to her husband who was seated on their bed.

"Trust me," said Marc, "I'm cool with it. I'll choose for the next one."

Aquila laughed, "Don't get too ahead of yourself. I still haven't given birth to this one."

Marcus got up from their bed and came over to Aquila. Placing his hand over her flat stomach, he kissed her on the cheek.

"I'm going to take a shower."

Aquila nodded and watched Marcus walk away. As soon as he had gone, she took out a piece of parchment.

Draco,

I know that times are dark, so this letter will probably seem very out of context. Even though we haven't talked very much lately, I still want to ask you a favor. I am pregnant and I want you and Claire to be the godparents of my child. Please let me know what you think.

Tojours Pur.

Aquila

Two Days Later

Aquila,

Are you sure about this? I don't know if I would make a good godfather, but if you want me to, then I will.

Thanks.

Draco

Author's Note

Hello readers! Only a few chapters are left and I hope that you are enjoying my story more than ever. I had to really think through this chapter more than any that I have written. I tried my best to interpret how each of the characters would react, and I truly hope that you enjoyed it. Your reviews have been wonderful and thoughtful—please continue to do so.

Sincerely,

Bellastrange51