Author's Note - I struggled a lot with the aftermath, especially now as it begins to deviate from the standard characters in the story. This 'loss' is especially hard to write as I lost someone close to me. Nonetheless, I do hope I can do this justice. As Lucius was not a perfect man, nor a perfect father, but he loved as best he could.

Please let me know what you think.

~Of Silver and Gold~

Chapter 66: The Truth

Sitting in her dormitory, she stared straight ahead with her back against the headboard. She did not feel like sleeping despite the exhaustion her body was feeling. She had taken three Pepperup potions, and was given a sleeping draught to cool off but she had refused to take it. Angel feared her own mind; she feared remembering what she saw, who she lost and the guilt that weighed heavily on her heart.

It was three in the morning and yet no one had rushed to wake her up; she had briefly expected Severus to make a visit, but it was clear he did not know what had happened. She briefly wished that she had taken Luna's offer to sleep in her dorm but she had begged for some alone time. She felt like she should cry more, to allow herself to mourn Lucius Malfoy like she should.

He was such a good man to her; the best father she possibly could have asked for in her formative years. His favorite. She remembered how Draco would be jealous of the special bond that they had. She remembered their walks through the garden when he would tell her the different flowers and the meaning behind each one; many would think the flowers were chosen by her mother, but it had been Lucius' love of herbology that kept the garden as beautiful as it is.

She smiled bitterly and remembered how she would fuss over not looking like either of her parents and how he would tell her that she had his smarts, and her mother's beauty, even if it had been a bit different than them. He had made her feel wanted, beautiful and just as special as their golden child. And she believed that. She loved his laugh, he rarely did but that's how you knew it was genuine. It was boisterous and higher pitched than his regular voice and she loved how unique it was.

Her face crumpled over her thoughts. She wished she knew when the tears would stop. How could she possibly have so many tears left?

A knock on the door.

She froze. Immediately she laid down and wiped her tears, hoping to show a bit of decorum before she would be 'awakened'. She laid still, closing her eyes tight, letting the silence loomed over her. Had she imagined it? Before she could sit up, another firmer knock was at her door and she knew she had to get up. Slipping her glasses on, she walked over to the door and opened it, wincing at the light coming into her dormitory.

"Uncle?" she cracked, her voice naturally rasped from underuse.

He looked paler than usual and she briefly wondered if he already knew, but from the school robes wrapped around him and the look of his own confusion she guessed maybe he knew little.

"You need to follow me to the Headmaster's office immediately" His voice was grave and she found herself feeling nervous

Wrapping her robe around her, she began to follow him down the stairs, only briefly stopping mid-step as she saw Draco waiting in the common room impatient as ever. The moment he saw her, his face hardened, but she could tell that he was scared; he could never hide emotion from her, even if he tried.

So as the two Malfoy children were escorted to Dumbledore, she wondered briefly if she could go through this again and make it believable. How could she replicate the heart wrenching feeling once more like she did when he died in front of her. She was so deep in her thoughts that she had not realized that they had not only entered the office but that their mother was there looking like she too was pulled from bed.

"Mother?" Draco asked aloud, looking around confused as to where his father was.

"Children" Her voice was soft, her eyes softening all the more seeing the girl she had not seen since she had run but a few months ago.

"What's going on?" Draco asked, looking suspiciously as the patriarch of the family was missing.

…

Whatever grand story that Angel was expecting, this was not it. She felt her ears ringing as she repeated his words in her head 'assassinated'; he was not lying. Lucius Malfoy was assassinated by his own sister-in-law. Immediately the image of his bloody corpse came to mind and she found her knees weakening.

Why was she still surprised? She didn't understand but whatever acting she was planning on doing went out the window as her mother's sobs were her undoing. She immediately rushed over to her wrapping her arms around the blonde as she cried like any woman should over losing her husband. They were heartwrenching, eerily like the sobs she had done in Remus' arms, and she found herself crying too. She told herself it was the lavender perfume that ruined her; the scent of home.

"I'm sorry"

She found herself whispering that so softly to her mother as the older woman clung to her. She let her do so, but looked over to see Draco looking at the ground intently, refusing to make eye contact but tears fell down his face. He made no noise, made no effort to comfort his mother, he simply stood there. Her wet eyes shifted to Severus who was sitting down, his hands clasped firmly as if he was keeping himself together. Lastly her eyes moved to Dumbledore who was looking intently at the window in hopes of giving some semblance of privacy.

"How?" Where the first words out of Narcissa's mouth.

Angel winced as Dumbledore turned to look at the widow.

"He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has returned and it seems that Lucius had attempted to defend the break in….the details are again unclear, but I know this is very hard for you and your family Narcissa and believe me when I say, my heart goes out to you."

The last words clearly affected her mother and slowly Angel saw walls being built around her heart. As if she was a phoenix herself, Narcissa rose from her needs, as she stared down the headmaster, her head held high, her grip on Angel never once loosening.

"Thank you for informing us, I assume now that Draco has finished his OWLs and this news hits us, you are allowing me to take my children from the school earlier than expected?"

"Of course, and if your family needs anything-"

"Thank you" she cut him off immediately. "Draco, Angel, go pack your things immediately, I expect to see you within the hour if not sooner, it seems that the Headmaster and I have a lot to discuss."

"Yes mother" Angel whispered softly as Draco was helped by Severus to leave the office.

She knew that Draco was suffering and she wanted to help, but she was so exhausted and she couldn't bear to have him reject her right now. Her heart already bled enough for one day.

"Angel...will you be alright?"

"Hm?" She asked distractedly as Severus looked at her intently.

"I said...I will be helping Draco pack, are you able to get yourself situated?"

"I-"

"Do not fret, Severus, I can help her"

Both turning they saw Professor McGonagall standing straight and looking at the trio in genuine worry. It was clear that Dumbledore had told her and she had come to help her.

"Professor McGonagall! Out of St Mungoʹs, I see!ʹ" Severus said hoping to reign in some normalcy in the conversation.

"Yes, Professor Snape, now how about I take Ms. Malfoy here to pack her things and you do as you were with Mr. Malfoy."

Agreeing immediately, Angel found herself walking alongside the professor in an awkward silence. This was not comforting, she wanted her mother with her, or Remus or anyone that knew the anguish that clawed at her insides. Yet, once she reached the dorm she began to go through the motions

She folded each item, as if there was no rush. She found herself folding sweaters, socks, scarves, and other items without even thinking. As she began to put the cat toys away, the Gryffindor head of house grabbed her hand.

"Miss Malfoy, I know this is very hard for you and I-I want you to know that my thoughts are with you. It is not easy to lose someone under such...traumatic events like yours. And I only wish for you to know that if you need someone, aside from your family I am always here."

"I-" Angel's voice croaked. "It's all my fault" she whispered as a sob rose from within her.

And immediately, she felt the arms of the woman around her as she shushed her like a child. She wailed, letting out the monster that clawed from deep within. She sobbed over losing Lucius, over breaking her family, over things never being the same again.

"I cannot promise you that it'll stop hurting overnight, but what I can tell you is that the pressure lessens and it dulls into a small ache. You never forget those who you lose and sometimes you'll still cry, and that's part of the healing process. Can you do something for me?"

Angel had nothing to say to that but nodded still unsure how to proceed.

"Here, keep these close to you" McGonagall stated as she handed her a satchel. "While I will not waste my time asking for you to not go home, I want you to be prepared for what may wait for you. In the satchel is a portkey shaped like a coin, that will bring you to a safe haven for Order members, along with some healing potions, some sleeping draughts, and some protection items."

Angel was surprised by the thoughtfulness of Professor McGonagal, there was no hiding that she was her favorite professor, even over her godfather, but to think that she made such efforts to keep her safe warmed her heart.

"I-...thank you Professor" she bowed.

"Additionally, I would like to give you and Ms. Lovegood fifty points...I heard that you two put up a good fight to defend me from those blasted aurors." A smile quirked her lip before turning serious again. "Ms. Malfoy, you will be entering a dangerous lair, so I ask you to be careful. While you will have people on your side...I fear that many are wishing for your downfall."

"I agree, and I am frightened but-" her heart clenched "my mother needs me and I know that Draco will not be able to comfort her as I can."

A firm nod and a pat in the back was all she got before McGonagall began to help her pack. Neither spoke, but she felt herself a bit calmer, if only for a moment. In the midst of all the turmoil in her head she had failed to remember that she would be returning to the mansion, and even if many were captured, Bellatrix was not one of them - Voldemort had gone out of his way to save her.

A shiver ran down her spin at the thought; yet the image of her mother was what kept her going. She could always run away, find a way to escape if she had to, McGonagall had given her tools if she wanted.

"Are you ready?" she was asked.

"Yes" she murmured, tugging her things closer to her being, as her cat followed obediently that is until she stopped.

"Professor, could...could I ask a favor of you?"

"Why of course"

Angel smiled. "I do not want to further endanger my familiar by allowing her back into the house. My aunt...she was fond of torturing any living thing and I do not want her to be a target. Would it be possible that she be taken to...Mr. Lupin? I'd like for her to be safe."

"But of course"

With a swift kiss to her feline companion, Angel murmured for her to stay safe. She would miss Coeur terribly, but she feared bringing anything that could be hurt was unwise. Still, her heart clenched hearing the meows from her familiar as she kept walking.

"As I handle the rest, I wish you safe travels back home."

"I thank you professor"

And with a simple goodbye, Angel walked along the halls, the trunk hitting her shoes a few times in her distraction. She felt that it took longer than ever, all the more so as she knew gossip would spread as to why the Malfoys were missing. She never got to truly say goodbye to her friends and Harry, but she knew that perhaps it was a good thing. And didn't feel like seeing the pity in their eyes.

But as she saw her mother, she knew that she was not just upset but angry. Narcissa Malfoy was rarely angry, yet the way her cheeks were flushed, and the way her lips were pressed tightly together she was trying to keep things to herself. Draco had yet to arrive so Angel dutifully took her mother's hand, sighing in relief that their fingers intertwined delicately as always.

Silence loomed over the pair until Narcissa spoke up.

"Darling - once we reach the mansion, I hope to speak to you in the study. We have important matters to discuss, ones that I wish for you to be honest with me."

"Yes Mother" she murmured softly.

Slowly though, Narcissa's other hand wrapped itself around her daughter carefully, as if she was made of porcelain and held her close to her chest. "I did miss you my love, I missed your voice, your face, you calling me mother."

"I miss you too" she whispered, being honest for once.

Because how could she not miss her mother? How could she not want to be held and protected from the horrors of the world? A few minutes later Draco arrived, his face red and his face down. Clearly he too had been crying and based on Severus' grip on his shoulder, it had been tough for both of them.

"Thank you for helping my children Severus"

"It is a pleasure as always Narcissa...if you need anything from me, please let me know" and Angel knew he meant it.

Immediately the three walked into the Floo Network, and returned to the mansion that brought unpleasant memories to Angel the closer they got. Draco pushed on ahead, clearly not wanting to be comforted or be held. And no matter how many times Narcissa tried to hold his hand, he waved it off and picked up the pace. Yet Angel had no rush, and clung to her mother as she felt her cling back. They had more emotional maturity, they knew that this was hard on all three of them, but one was in the anger stage and it was his only way of coping.

And so Draco swung the door opened, rushed into the home and went right upstairs, ignoring his mother's pleadings to please stay with her.

"I don't understand why he's so closed off" Narcissa whispered seemingly lost in understanding just how stunted her son was.

"He's angry mother, for he cannot control what happens"

"Yes" Her mother agreed, eyes wet. "Well we cannot fret on what we cannot control, let's now just go and have a proper conversation just the two of us"

Angel made no attempt to protest as she walked into the office that once belonged to her father. She inhaled, taking in the smell of brandy, French cologne, Cuban cigars, and ink, all things that embodied her father. As her Narcissa signaled her to sit, Angel did as told, taking in a shaky breath as she did so.

"Now...I know Dumbledore gave me the news and while I am appreciated by how soft he was in his knowledge of the outcome, I can't help but think there was a sense of pity in his eyes but they were not for me." she paused lips pursing. "Now, Angeline, I cannot help but think that he was not delicate to me out of good nature.-" she clasped her fingers tightly as she leaned forward, "care to spare my feelings and be honest with me? Because I cannot help but feel that Severus did not know, Draco certainly didn't, but the pain was in your eyes before he had even uttered a word."

Angel felt her throat close up. Her mother was not only beautiful, but very astute; Narcissa always told her to disarm people with her beauty, then go for their necks with a sharp tongue. And she had played Angel very well. Could Angel really lie to her mother? It would not be her first time, yet Lucius' last words played in her head and she felt herself tearing up once more.

"I'm sorry" she wheezed out before closing her eyes tightly. "I've been lying to you for so long"

"Go on," Narcissa said, eyes tight.

"I've known I wasn't your daughter since I was twelve, but I told no one as father had made me promise I would never let a soul know lest I be felt without a surname, and a shameful squib. So I kept quiet, for two years until-"

"-Until you heard my conversation with Bella"

"Yes" she nodded, avoiding the sharp gaze. "But hearing it from your own mouth I-it made it all real." her voice cracked "I kept quiet not just because I love you as you were my blood, b-but because if it kept Sirius Black safe, I would do it. Father got him his freedom in turn I would -" she paused and closed her eyes remembering his exact words "not be able to leave the Malfoy Manor nor abandon the Malfoy name without permission. Also you will not confess to Sirius Black, or anyone in general of where your true roots lie. You are a Malfoy by name and will remain so until the day of your nuptials. The moment you decide to break this contract then you shall be left with no surname, thus making you a bastard in our society for it will be a great shame. Dost thou understand - And I did, but with him being gone I-" she sighed. "I can tell you"

"He coerced you into an unbreakable vow?" Narcissa whispered, surprised by her husband's own cruelty.

"I know he did it out of fear mother. I never doubted for a second that he loved me" Angel's eyes watered. "And I love him in return. I would do anything for us to go back to how things were before- before everything"

"I do too" Narcissa whispered in return, eyes watering as well.

"I would have never left the grounds, never had sought out blood traitors until Bellatrix arrived. She doomed us, yet she opened my eyes to see the cruelty of his past actions and yet still I loved my father. He was my father"

"But you still left" Narcissa's tone made guilt eat away at her.

"I had to," Her voice lowered looking at her hands. "Bellatrix hated me, not just for who my true parents were but more so because of my weakness. My unwillingness to use dark magic, to kill muggles, to sully my skin for the Dark Lord."

"She wouldn't -"

"I proved her wrong in one aspect. I did use an unforgivable" Angel whispered voice filled with hate. "I did so the moment she hurt him" her nails dug into the armchair.

Narcissa took in a deep breath.

"She-"

"She wanted to kill me," she hissed. "But father jumped in, sacrificing himself to keep me safe" and saying aloud to her mother, the recent widow, made her voice crack. "So it's my fault.. I was there"

"I knew he was doing something but he didn't tell me what" Narcissa muttered staring at the empty glass Lucius had once used. " what were you doing there?"

"Harry" she stopped herself. "Potter had a vision of Sirius being killed by Dumbledore and I-I could not let that happen so I ran with him and his group. We were ambushed - they were hurting us"

"You know Sirius?"

"I do...he took me in when the incident happened, he took me in when I was broken"

She heard her mother biting back a sob and the guilt ate her insides. She had not meant to be so direct, but it was true. What else was there to keep secret? She lost her father, and she was tired of lying.

"I love him in my own way, but Lucius was my father, the one who I have those memories with, and you are my mother no matter how much I might look like-"

She stopped as Narcissa walked over and hugged her tightly and she sagged against her arms.

"I love you and I'm sorry" she whispered.

"I love you so much darling, I'm so sorry" her mother whispered back.

And as they curled into the same chair, she kept telling her the story. Of appearing with Harry and the others, of the Death Eaters ambushing them, how they attacked all of them. How Bellatrix attacked her with an unforgivable, then tried to kill her, how Lucius threw himself around her and she could not stop her voice from shaking as she recounted his last moments. The words he told her, the way she saw life disappear from her eyes. And how she hurt her aunt.

"If I had not been there, he would have never sacrificed himself, and Bellatrix would have not-"

"I loved your father, always did and will, but he was not himself for a while" Narcissa whispered, running her fingers through her daughter's hair. "The dark magic surrounding him was all consuming. It scared me...but I do not know how he would be if he was in Azkaban with the others."

"He would be alive," Angel whispered.

"I do not know how long it's been since I've recognized him as the boy I fell in love with. I do not know how long he's even been truly alive."

"But you sided with him"

"I did, and I always would as a good wife, a good sister to mine own and to save face."

A brief silence fell between the pair.

"I don't recognize Draco anymore," Angel admitted.

"What do you mean?"

"He hates me since...since he found out. He's been taunting me in school, showing my knickers to his gang, turning the whole house against me" her voice was bitter. "He pushed me away, so I was forced to forge my own path."

"Do you think we've lost Draco?"

"I'm not sure mother, but I have"

"Would you be so kind as to lay with me?"

Angel immediately nodded as she was scared of being alone too. Slowly they moved into her room, not daring to head to the master bedroom, neither wanting those memories. And as she curled into bed she sighed feeling Narcissa beside her tightening her hold against her.

As they both allowed the darkness to take over them, Angel could not help but allow a thought to run through her head.

"Bellatrix is not in Azkaban, the Dark Lord saved her" she whispered.

"She has not arrived yet" Narcissa whispered in return.

"You're allowing her to return?"

"I have no choice" Narcissa's voice was tight. "But I know Bella, and while she's… intense, I have no doubt that her guilt will keep her in line."

"You think she won't hurt me?"

"Her guilt will keep her quiet...if she even returns"

"I'm sorry mum" she murmured.

"I do not blame you for a second. We knew the risk of...of him returning to the Dark Lord. I was never supported but-"

"But you believe in it," Angel countered, frowning in judgment.

"It's our way"

And slowly, Narcissa began to cry. Angel turned to wrap her arms around her mother, finding herself crying too. She knew that the guilt would always eat away at her, but at least her mother did not blame her, at least not outright. And she could live with that, she had to.

…

Three Weeks Later…

Draco had not come out of his room, since the funeral. Narcissa would go through the motions of a proper mourning widow, taking afternoon tea with her friends as they sent an outpour of love. Pansy and Blaise had tried to visit a few times over only to be sent away by Draco who refused to open his door. Narcissa did not even bother offering them tea and to sit with Angel as they would have done months ago. She knew what they had done to her daughter and in turn, she did have a cold shoulder for them that chastised them enough.

And in the midst of all of this, Angel did not take any guests, did not meet with ladies at tea, she simply stared out the window waiting for Bellatrix to appear. That fear gripped at her heart. Every dark corner, she feared Bellatrix was waiting to pounce. The only thing that helped her the most during the break were the owls that tended to visit her home in the darkness of the night.

Dear Angel,

I am so sorry that I could not say goodbye to you!

Everything dulled considerably after you left. Umbridge finally appeared after missing for a few days, and when she tried to leave, Peeves made sure she would never return.

It was glorious and yet it made me miss you all the more.

McGonagall also gave me fifty points! She called me courageous, can you believe that?

My whole house actually started calling me Luna instead of Loony behind my back.

It felt nice. I'm sorry if my ramble is not something you want to hear,

but I wanted to give you a sense of normalcy for a while.

I cannot pretend to know how you are feeling, but I can tell you I miss my mother everyday. While I love father, the dull ache of missing my mother never disappears.

Sometimes I find myself looking at her pictures, and knowing she didn't want to leave me.

But then I move on. Life keeps moving and we are forced to age, experience life and keep them in our hearts.

I love you Angel, you are my best friend and I am here for you.

(But in case you don't get enough love from me, I have a letter for you within this one.)

Bye!

Luna.

Angel smiled softly, staring at the letter once more. She appreciated the normalcy of the letter, with some heartfelt condolences in the best way her best friend knew how. But as she moved onto the next letter she felt her heart spike seeing the messy scratches of her person.

Angel,

I really do hope this gets to you as soon as Luna promised. I miss you terribly and I wish I was beside you during all of this. I don't want to bring your mood down but know,

that if you ever want to simply cry, I'm here for you and I'll be there like always.

I love you and I worry over you constantly.

Being in that house and not hearing from you is actually driving me crazy.

I know it's risky to try to send Hedwig so Luna's idea will hopefully work.

I don't like you there but I understand, just like when I have to return to Pivet Drive

no matter how many times Sirius says I can go to him. It's protection, and I understand.

But I want you to stay safe. Send a Patronus if you can just so I know you're safe. Sirius and I are worried about you. He's better you know? He woke up yesterday and he immediately asked for you. I didn't dare say much but Remus took over and handled it as he normally does.

He does send his condolences but asks that you mirror him. I'm with him for a few weeks before I go back to Pivet, so I want to make the most of it. If you can chat, I'd love to hear from you.

Love you Always,

HP

Angel smiled reading his note and as the sun set. She made sure to lock her room, close the blinds and curl up in bed popping the two way mirror that her father had given her.

"Sirius Black"

The smoke in the mirror moved and immediately a figure appeared, smiling tiredly her way. He was fine and she felt her shoulder's relax as soon as she saw him. He looked pale, and skinnier than when she had last seen him, eerily similar to when he had escaped Azkaban, but his eyes told her he was glad to see her.

"Hi Daddy" she murmured, tightening her hold onto the mirror.

"Hi my love" He smiled tiredly. "I was hoping you would reach out but I did not want to rush you."

"The moment I got the owl, I knew I had to try" the first smile rose in her face. "I'm glad you're awake, I'm sorry I couldn't be there when you did"

"Oh honey, I love you to death but we both know your mother needed you there...how is my cousin doing?" Sirius wincing at his own lack of tact.

"She's….a property society woman" Angel winced hearing her own tactless response. "She's been mourning with her circle after the funeral...she's so strong" her voice went high pitched. "And I told her the truth about everything"

"Everything?" Sirius looked surprised.

"Everything" she repeated. "What is there to lose at this point? He's gone, everything is different and I can't be afraid anymore. At least this time if Bellatrix comes, mum knows there's a reason why I'll be leaving."

"I cannot believe she escaped," Sirius frowned.

"Well, she's his most loyal subject" she growled. "and I know she'll be coming back soon."

"You can come back to me you know" Sirius immediately jumped to say. "Harry is here, Remus is here and you know this is your home."

"I know" she sighed, "But Draco...he's also not spoken in three weeks" she frowned. "And it's not normal. He's turned everyone away, his friends, mom-"

"And you?"

"Not me" she shook her head. "After he showed my knickers to his gang I refuse to get myself in situations that land me in trouble"

She could tell from his gaze he wasn't too happy about the bullying so perhaps Harry hadn't told him exactly what issues she'd been dealing with recently. She didn't know whether to appreciate his secret keeping or kill him for not softening the situation.

"If it makes you feel better I punched him?" she added hoping to get her a smile, and it did. She smiled back.

"Well, aren't you a girl out of my own heart" He chuckled before wincing at the pain reverberated from him.

"Seriously though, I want you to get out of that house the moment that you feel like you're in any danger"

"Yes" she nodded.

"Promise me" His voice changed to a more firm tone.

Lifting her gaze to look at him she knew he was not going to allow her to let the situation light.

"I promise" she murmured.

With that, she murmured a few happenings and felt for only just a moment, as human.

…

Her dreams never came to life anymore since her father died. They were more a dreary gray, black and quiet. It was an eerie peace, one that was clearly forced upon the user of the sleeping draught. Her brain rested, in a limbo of silence and anxiousness. The insecurity of its safety oozed with every breath as no imagination, no light, no joy. But she would rather have the silence than risk any nightmares.

Something broke her trance at this time, something like a bad wave, that immediately felt like her bed shook. Angel's eyes immediately opened wide and she sat up. She had never had one before, but she knew immediately what it was: a premonition. She didn't like it; it made her senses sharper and her whole body shivered in anticipation.

Grabbing her glasses and wand, she almost put her shoes on, until something told her that being barefoot was perhaps better. So she did as told and began to walk through the dark hallways, refusing to use Lumos so as to not be seen. She let her intuition lead her, to the place she was avoiding more than anything.

Draco's Room.

She paused, wondering what in the world would lead her to where she least wanted to be. Yet her question was immediately answered when she realized there were two voices coming from his room. A shiver rose again and she found herself eavesdropping.

"I am not sure if this is a good idea, I don't know if Mother would want me to do this"

"What do you mean? You are the man of the house now Draco. And it is your duty to continue the legacy of supporting the Dark Lord. Do what's right by your name and continue the tradition. I'm sure Cissy will understand."

Bellatrix. He was speaking to Bellatrix behind his mother's back? She felt her face heat up, how dare she be hiding in there with him.

"I'm not sure I can leave mum this way" his voice was soft, and for once Angel's heart heard him sound like the brother she loved.

"The Dark Lord is granting you a great honor. And I will say this Draco: You shouldn't be shrinking away from you duty, this is a change to prove yourself, to clean the stain in your family name, to succeed where your father failed"

"Is it wise to join at sixteen?"

"Of course it is! And when I get there we can talk in more detail. You know I cannot have you say no, this is your opportunity to save your mother from the outcome of Potter losing. Believe me when I say you want to be on his good side."

"When are you coming back?"

"Perhaps a sennight depends on how the Dark Lord wants to move forward. I know Cissy needs her family right now. And with the interloper there...I can already tell it's making it worse."

"She hasn't come out of her room. I don't even know if she's still here. But mother does need you...we both do"

She winced hearing his voice of need, of wanting that wretched woman within these walls. But not her, not the 'interloper'. But it did not matter, she had to leave. Now.

Sliding back from the door, she knew that she needed to move. One week, she had to leave tomorrow night to make sure there was time to get far from Bellatrix who was known to life about her time of return.

Walking down the stairs, she knew where her mother would be: at her father's study, the one place that still felt like he was there. Knocking on the door, she was allowed in. Looking at her mother it was clear that she knew what was coming. Her face was firm, her eyes tired, and her mouth already forming a frown.

"You're leaving again?"

"I have to, she's coming back and I-I can't be here." she murmured.

"How can you possibly know that she's coming here so soon?" she asked. "Bellatrix has not even sent me an owl"

Angel knew she needed to be clean and let her mother know to maybe save her only son. Looking down at her wand, she found herself suddening unable to stare at her mother directly, unsure how she would take the news.

"Something woke me up...a feeling that something was wrong. And I listened to it-it led me to Draco's room. I-I almost knocked, you know since he's been so quiet but before even doing so I heard two voices in that room." she gulped. "Bellatrix was talking to Draco about accepting the opportunity to join the Dark Lord."

"H-he's only sixteen!" Narcissa looked alarmed at the thought, worry marks crinkling her skin. "I won't allow- she cannot do this to us. He's a child!"

"I know...but she is coming here and I cannot be here. I wish I could stop her but I know he won't listen."

"I can't lose him too" her mother looked so defeated.

"He's still there though" Angel tried to comfort her. "For a brief moment, he truly sounded like my brother...like a worried child scared to hurt his mother and-and I think if anyone can change his mind it's you mum" she admitted. "But I can no longer be here and I know it's selfish and I'm sorry."

"I understand my love" her mother said and stood to embrace her once more. "One day we shall be reunited under the same roof, my two children and I."

"You really think?" Angel asked lifting her head to take on the women before her.

"I have to, to stay hoping." her eyes wet, as she caressed her youngest's cheek. "With you telling me there is some light left in him, I know we can make a difference."

"You're so strong mum."

"No, I am not," she sighed. "You are much braver at your young age than I've ever been my whole life."

Angel shook her head.

"I'm serious" Narcissa gripped her shoulders. "You are so unwaveringly brave my love, something you certainly did not inherit from Lucius or myself. Your belief in love and goodness keeps me going. And so I know I need to let you go for now. Before you leave please come say goodbye, I cannot bear you leaving again without letting me know."

"I promise," Angel murmured, wrapping her arms around her mother again.