Word Count: 451

Narcissa doesn't sleep. Lucius' snores feel the air, and she sits there, watching him in silence. She will have to leave soon, but she wants to just curl up beside her husband and stay, safe and sound.

Except she isn't safe. Not really. Not as long as Lucius remains loyal to the Dark Lord. Narcissa has sat back, hoping it will all fizzle out, but it hasn't. If anything, it has only gotten worse.

"Do you know how much I love you?" she whispers before climbing out of bed.

This doesn't look like love, but it is. If she didn't love him, she wouldn't betray him like this. As it stands, it's the only way.

She summons a grey coat. It is simple, plain, not the sort of thing she would usually wear. There is no place for elegance tonight. She wants to blend in, to disappear as best she can.

Ignoring the sour feeling in her stomach, she slips out of the bedroom. Lucius sleeps on, unfazed.

…

"Kindly lower your wand," she says calmly.

Lily Potter's forest green eyes narrow, and she holds her position. "And I'm just supposed to trust you?"

"At least let me inside," Narcissa grumbles, already soaked through by the rain that continues to fall.

"Come on, Lil," James Potter says, resting a hand on his wife's shoulder. "Let's leave the past behind us. Dumbledore is expecting her."

Lily scowls, reluctantly lowering her wand and stepping back. "Well, Dumbledore needs to expect her in someone else's home.:

Narcissa ignores her and steps inside, grateful for the warm, dry air. She quickly casts a spell to clear away the remaining water that clings to her skin and clothes. "Thank you," she says, biting back a bitter response she wants to let fall.

Before anyone else can speak, Albus Dumbledore appears in the doorway, smiling brightly at them all. If he's bothered by the rain, he doesn't show it. "Ah, Mrs. Malfoy," he says, waltzing in, wringing out his long beard. "I must admit I was surprised to receive your letter."

Narcissa nods, shifting her weight from foot to foot, trying to ignore the guilt that gnaws at her stomach. Lucius trusts her. Is it all in vain? If he finds out what she's doing, what will he think? What will he do?

There's no turning back now. She's come this far. All she can do is hope that her husband will understand. Is it really so bad? She is betraying him to save him. Surely that is a good thing.

"I want to help," Narcissa says, her words barely above a whisper. She clears her throat and takes a deep breath. "I can give you information."