A/N - Hello everyone! I am finally posting something new! This story will be darker than anything I've written before, so please mind the warnings below. These warnings apply to the entire story and may or may not be present in each individual chapter. If anything else comes up as the story goes along, I will post it and update the list. For now, I plan to post once a week.

A HUGE thank you to MaryRoyale, without whom I likely wouldn't be posting this. She has been super encouraging and the best alpha reader!

I hope you enjoy and thanks so much for reading and reviewing!

WARNINGS: Canon character death, Non-canon character death (lots of people die in this), torture, implied rape (not described, not Hermione), some blood, adult content, mentions of child abuse, mention of miscarriage.

Chapter 1

Battle of Hogwarts

Lucius paced outside the Shrieking Shack. After delivering the Dark Lord's message, Lucius had tried to question Severus as to Draco's whereabouts, but his friend had said that he didn't know where Draco was and hurried toward the Shack. Lucius had waited a few minutes and then followed, knowing all the while that he should be returning to the Forest. He could not force himself to leave, however, until he spoke with Severus again. Surely the man knew something. Narcissa had been nearly frantic with worry when he left her. Truth be told, Lucius was quite agitated himself.

He stopped his pacing and looked up at one of the grimy windows of the Shack. He wondered just what, exactly, the Dark Lord required of Severus and why it was taking so long. Lucius cursed his lack of wand once again, although he knew that Disillusioning himself and trying to spy on the Dark Lord was merely an invitation for death. Still, Lucius was not at all certain that he would not have attempted it anyway if he had taken a wand from one of the dead as he had contemplated. Only the Dark Lord's reaction to Lucius having a wand at all made him resist. Narcissa and Draco did not need to be in any more danger than they already were. Danger that he had put them in.

Hearing a noise, Lucius ducked behind a cluster of overgrown shrubbery. The Dark Lord strode from the Shack, Nagini still in her protective cage behind him. Lucius continued to wait until the Dark Lord and the snake disappeared. Severus did not follow them out, however. Frowning, Lucius crept inside the Shack, making his way up the stairs to the room the Dark Lord had been in. As Lucius rounded the corner, he heard Severus' garbled voice and stopped, peering around the doorframe.

Potter and his friends were standing in front of Severus, who was slumped against the wall. When Potter shifted slightly, Lucius saw the gaping wound in what had once been Severus' neck. There were silvery strands running from his mouth and eyes. Lucius watched as Potter collected the memories. Severus gripped Potter's chin and forced the boy to look at him and then closed his eyes, sagging further down the wall. Lucius waited until the trio had left through some kind of passage on the other side of the room. He then hurried to Severus' side.

"Severus," he hissed, shaking the other man's shoulder. Lucius leaned in and detected a puff of air. Very faint and shallow, but still there. He reached into his robes and pulled out two vials that Severus had given him months ago. The Dark Lord was living in Lucius' house and was very displeased with his entire family. It was not such a stretch to think he might set his snake on one of them. One vial was the potion with the antivenin that had cured Arthur Weasley after his encounter with Nagini in the Department of Mysteries. Severus did not offer how he had obtained it and Lucius had not asked, but he had carried it on his person ever since. The other was a vial of blood-replenishing potion, just as important after Nagini's bite.

"Drink, Severus," Lucius implored, pouring the potions down his friend's throat. Severus sputtered a bit but seemed to get them down. He would need more, Lucius knew, but besides the vials that Narcissa and Draco carried on them, the rest were locked in the safe in Narcissa's sitting room, the one place besides their private quarters the Dark Lord had not intruded upon. Lucius searched for Severus' wand, finding it a few feet away from him where it had rolled after his collapse. He cast a few basic healing charms on his friend, but the wound did not knit together. Lucius was not overly surprised and attempted a few darker spells, although they did little either. Remembering the counter-curse to Severus' own Sectumsempra spell, Lucius decided he had little left to lose and began the sing-song chant. The wounds closed partially, although they still seeped blood. Knowing that it was the best that he would be able to do for now and needing to get back to the Forest lest the Dark Lord become suspicious, Lucius conjured bandages, wrapped them around Severus' neck and levitated him into the corner of the room.

Then with some transfiguration and a few charms, Lucius created a doppelganger of both Severus and his wand. If examined closely enough, Lucius was sure that it would be realized as a fake, but he was relatively certain that the Dark Lord would send underlings for Severus' body or simply leave him to rot. When he had finished, Lucius contemplated keeping Severus' wand, but knew the Dark Lord would recognize it immediately.

"I will return, as soon as I am able," he said, wrapping Severus' hand around his wand after Disillusioning him. Lucius gave his friend one last look before hurrying from the Shack.

"He is dead, my Lord," Narcissa said as she rose. Lucius waited for her to return to his side, but Narcissa remained standing next to Potter's body. Bella's eyes narrowed as she studied first her sister and then Potter. Lucius got an uncomfortable feeling in his chest, although Narcissa looked unaffected by Bellatrix's attention.

"Of course, he is," the Dark Lord replied. He ran a hand over the Elder wand. "Now, we shall present the rest of Dumbledore's rabble with their so-called hero." He turned his attention back to Potter as Narcissa moved, almost reluctantly it seemed, at least to Lucius. The Dark Lord glanced at her once before turning his attention back to Potter. He cackled before casting the Cruciatus on Potter's body.

Lucius looked at Bellatrix, who was still staring at Potter as the Dark Lord tortured him. She was not laughing and celebrating as the rest of them were. When Narcissa reached Lucius' side, she grasped his hand and squeezed tightly, even as she kept shifting her eyes toward Potter. Lucius looked at her questioningly, but she said nothing.

"Wait!" Bellatrix called out and the Dark Lord immediately shifted his focus and his wand toward her in anger. She dropped to her knees before him.

"What is the meaning of this?" the Dark Lord hissed.

"I am sorry, my Lord," Bellatrix said, her head bowed. "I thought I saw something. Please, my Lord, may I check the boy again?" The Dark Lord looked down at his most faithful servant and then back at his nemesis.

"You feel there has been deception, Bella?"

"I am unsure, my Lord. It may have been nothing." Lucius' heart began to pound as Narcissa's hand tightened around his. She faced forward, her expression impassive, even as the Dark Lord looked back at her.

"Rise, Bellatrix. You may check Potter again." Bella rose and walked toward Potter's body; her wand leveled at him. Just before she reached him, the boy moved, his wand arm thrust forward, the curse on his lips. Bellatrix was quicker, however.

"Crucio!" Potter began to convulse, his wand falling from his hand to the ground, his screams piercing the air.

"That is enough, Bellatrix," Voldemort drawled. She released Potter from the curse reluctantly and the Dark Lord had him bound in seconds.

"So, you live again, Potter." He approached the boy and looked down at him. "Let us see if you are so lucky a third time. Avada Kedavra." Potter's body went as lax as it could while still in his bindings, his eyes open and unseeing. "Bella, if you please." Bellatrix hurried to the boy's side and knelt down.

"He is dead, my Lord," she said after a few minutes.

"It appears the third time really is the charm," he replied with a chuckle, the rest of the Death Eaters looking confused. "Narcissa, please join me," the Dark Lord purred. Lucius heard Narcissa swallow as she walked towards the Dark Lord, but outwardly, she looked as if nothing were the matter. She knelt in front of him and lowered her gaze to the ground.

"I am sorry, my Lord," she said. "He was not breathing when I examined him."

"So, it was a simple mistake," the Dark Lord suggested.

"Yes, my Lord."

"You are aware that I punish my followers for their mistakes." Lucius held his breath.

"Yes, my Lord."

"But you do not bear my Mark." The Dark Lord tapped a finger against his chin contemplatively. "So perhaps you are not a follower after all."

"I may not bear your Mark, my Lord, but I am a follower," Narcissa tried to assure him, still kneeling on the ground. "I will accept any punishment you deem necessary." He laughed.

"Any punishment?"

"Yes, my Lord." The Dark Lord seemed to think for a moment, before he lowered his wand and chanted something in Latin, intricate wand movements accompanying it. Narcissa gasped and then began to scream. Lucius rushed forward but was quickly pulled back by Rodolphus and Rabastan. Lucius watched in horror as his wife crumpled to the ground, convulsing as if under the Cruciatus curse, while blood ran from her nose, mouth, and ears. When her eyes began to bleed, Lucius closed his and held back the bile that rose in his throat by the slimmest of margins. It took several minutes, but when it was over Narcissa was dead, the ground around her stained with her blood.

"I do not abide traitors," the Dark Lord said. "Lucius." Lucius was shoved forward by the Lestrange brothers and fell to his knees beside his wife's body, her blood soaking into his robes.

"Get up, Lucius." Lucius remained where he was, staring at his wife. Her beautiful face was covered in blood and he reached out a hand to try and wipe it away.

"Crucio." Lucius fell to his back with a shout, the pain that wracked his body nothing compared to the pain in his heart and his soul.

"Get. Up." the Dark Lord hissed once he had lifted the curse. With one last look at Narcissa, Lucius struggled to his feet.

"You have displeased me, Lucius. You and your family."

"Yes, my Lord," Lucius managed, trying not to let his gaze wander back to Narcissa. He bit the inside of his cheek to stop the tears from forming in his eyes.

"Young Draco is still in the castle, is he not?" Lucius knew immediately what the Dark Lord intended. He had already lost his wife; he would not lose his son as well. As difficult as it was, with Narcissa lying dead at his feet, Lucius hardened his expression and looked at the Dark Lord.

"Yes, my Lord," Lucius answered, his posture straightening. "Draco only lives to serve you, My Lord." The Dark Lord studied Lucius.

"And you, Lucius? Do you still live to serve?"

"Yes, my Lord," Lucius answered immediately. The Dark Lord smirked. Lucius wanted nothing more than to wipe the smirk from his face, but thoughts of Draco kept him silent.

"Even after I have just killed your wife?"

"My Lord, please excuse my reaction. I was unaware of my wife's treachery and the shock of her death overcame me for a moment. I have no loyalty to those that would betray you." Lucius internally begged for Narcissa's forgiveness but knew that she would want him to do whatever was necessary to spare Draco.

"We shall see, Lucius. We shall see." He glanced down at Narcissa. "Clean that up." He looked around the circle of his followers. "Travers!"

"Yes, my Lord?" Travers questioned as he stepped forward.

"The half-breed will carry Potter's body. Let us show the dissenters what has happened to their precious savior." The Dark Lord directed Travers to untie the half-giant and Lucius turned back towards Narcissa. He tried not to look at the blood covering her face and forced himself to ignore the roiling in his gut. Memories of their life together, before the Dark Lord had returned and stolen everything from them, flashed through his mind.

"Lucius," the Dark Lord snapped and Lucius jumped.

"Yes, my Lord?"

"I told you to clean that up."

"Yes, my Lord." The Dark Lord swept towards the rest of his followers in a flurry of robes and Lucius crouched down next to his wife. He waited until the crowd had passed him and then let out a shuddering breath. He did not have much time; the Dark Lord would expect him to be only a few moments before joining the rest of them. Lucius glanced over his shoulder, but everyone was too busy celebrating to pay him any attention and the giants walking behind blocked the view of Lucius.

"Liddy," he whispered and there was a quiet pop before a House-elf appeared in front of him. After Dobby had helped Potter to escape the Manor, the Dark Lord had ordered Lucius to present the rest of his House-elves. They were all slaughtered in front of him. Liddy, however, had come with Narcissa to their marriage and was bound to the Black line. When Lucius had summoned his elves by his bond, she did not appear and Narcissa did not summon her. The Dark Lord had only demanded the Malfoy elves and Narcissa had always had a soft spot for Liddy who had been with her since childhood. Afterward, Narcissa had sent the elf to the Black country house that Narcissa had inherited upon her father's death. Lucius knew Liddy would have felt the bond break the moment Narcissa was killed and was extremely glad that the elf had still responded to his call. Lucius hoped she would still be bound to Draco.

"Mistress," the elf said, tears leaking from her bulbous eyes.

"Liddy, I will send your mistress home, but I need you to do something for me." The elf looked up at him, lips trembling. "Can you still feel Draco?" Liddy closed her eyes and concentrated.

"Young Master be all right," she said and Lucius let out the breath he had been holding, sagging in relief. He then reached into an inside pocket in Narcissa's robes, pulling out a pair of vials that were identical to the ones Lucius had already used on Severus. He handed them to Liddy and told her where Severus was.

"Take Severus to the room in the Manor," he instructed. "Your Mistress will be waiting for you to attend her. There are more potions in the safe in her sitting room. Get them and stay in the room until I arrive. You must not be seen." Liddy nodded, still crying as she popped out of sight. Lucius bent down and placed a lingering kiss on Narcissa's forehead before activating the Portkey spell that was on her wedding ring. It would take her to the warded room in the Manor that only Lucius, Draco, and their elves knew about. Narcissa would be safe there until Lucius could return to her.

He rose then, to follow the rest to the castle. He would avenge her death; this he swore to himself. No matter how long it took or if he lost his own life in the process. The Dark Lord would die, preferably by Lucius' hand.

Dead, dead, Harry is dead. The mantra repeated itself over and over in her head, but Hermione could not wrap her mind around it. Harry could not be dead. He was supposed to kill Voldemort. He was the Chosen One.

"No!" Hermione started as she realized it was Professor McGonagall that had shouted first. There was a scream of anguish from beside her and it took both Bill and Arthur to physically restrain Ginny from running to Harry's prone form. The Death Eaters laughed at her display. Hermione felt Ron take her hand and she squeezed his tightly.

"We've got to get the snake, Ron," she breathed.

"But, Harry," he choked.

"If the snake is dead, anyone should be able to kill him." Ron was shaking his head, just as he had after Fred. "Listen to me Ron, we have to kill the snake." Even as she said it, Neville rushed forward. She couldn't even pay attention to everything that was said, she was too busy watching the snake and going through scenarios in her mind as to how they could kill it and then Voldemort. It wasn't until Voldemort summoned the Sorting Hat that Hermione focused on him once more. She watched, horrified, as Voldemort shoved the Sorting Hat on Neville's head and set it on fire. It was only when Neville pulled the sword from it and cut off Nagini's head that she remembered Harry's story about the Chamber of Secrets and Gryffindor's sword.

Once Nagini was dead, the grounds erupted into chaos. Hagrid was the first to attack. He picked up Travers and threw him across the grounds. He landed with a sickening crack and lay still.

Hermione grabbed Ron's hand and yanked him forward, towards Voldemort.

"We need to get to him, Ron," she said. "End all of this for good." Ron nodded, his face hard, and followed her.

They didn't make it far before they were dueling with Death Eaters. The battle raged on as more fell on both sides, but Hermione could tell that their side was taking the bigger hit simply because they were largely outnumbered by Voldemort's forces. Most of the fighting had moved its way inside the castle and Hermione and Ron soon found themselves in the Entrance Hall. There was a large group fighting inside the Great Hall and as Hermione peeked around the door, her eyes widened as she heard Mrs. Weasley shriek.

"Not my daughter, you bitch!"

"That's Mum!" Ron shouted and tried to get around Hermione. They watched, transfixed, as Bellatrix taunted Mrs. Weasley about Fred and then gasped in shock as Mrs. Weasley dealt the killing blow. Ron nearly cheered aloud, but a flash of green, inches from his face made him drop to the floor, pulling Hermione with him.

The destruction of Bellatrix only served to enrage both Voldemort and Rodolphus Lestrange, who began fighting ferociously, Voldemort heading straight for Mrs. Weasley. Hermione cast a shield charm just before he threw a curse towards her. She saw Mr. Weasley appear and grab his wife, pulling her out of the way as Voldemort was pulled back into a duel with McGonagall, Flitwick and Aberforth Dumbledore. Hermione pulled Ron tight against the wall as another killing curse flashed past them.

"We've got to get somewhere else. It's too exposed here." Ron nodded and they darted out and across the Hall where there was a small alcove. Hermione transfigured a barrier from a large chunk of stone that had come out of the wall and they used it for cover, darting up and casting at the Death Eaters down the corridor.

Hermione sent a cutting curse at Dolohov when a flash of blond caught her eye. Lucius Malfoy was running across the corridor, eyes roving frantically over the duels going on around him. She cast a shield in front of her to protect both she and Ron from Dolohov's latest spell and noticed that the elder Malfoy either hadn't drawn his wand or he was wandless. It was so odd, that Hermione took her eyes off of Dolohov long enough that Ron had to yank her out of the way of yet another killing curse. Hermione shook her head to refocus, ignoring Ron's admonishment.

They were in the alcove for what seemed like hours, although Hermione knew it couldn't have been that long, continually dodging curses and throwing back hexes and spells of their own. Still, Hermione felt as though for every Death Eater they took out, another two appeared. The castle continued to rock and shudder from attacks both inside and out and Hermione began to wonder if it was going to fall down around them.

When the ceiling above them started to collapse, they were forced from the alcove. They fought their way to the doors of the Great Hall, Hermione trying to ignore the screams that were going on around her. She glanced down and saw Lavender and Michael Corner, both clearly dead, before she forced her gaze back to the Great Hall. There would be time to mourn later, right now they had a job to do.

One look inside the Great Hall, however, had Hermione's jaw dropping in horrified shock. There were bodies everywhere and she couldn't tell if they were dead or merely wounded. There were a few duels still going on, but the majority of the fighting had moved once again, it seemed.

"Oh, god," she whispered, even as Ron made a noise of shock. Professor Flitwick was lying in a pool of blood, his eyes open and unseeing. Somehow, the sight of their fierce professor who was an international dueling champion lying dead on the floor was too hard to comprehend. They both stood frozen, unsure of what to do until a shout caught their attention. They turned to look down the corridor where they saw Mr. Weasley attempting to fight off three Death Eaters. Hermione and Ron hurried towards him, shouting spells as they went.

Hermione stunned one, while Ron grazed a second with a slicing hex. Snarling, the injured Death Eater turned his efforts on Ron. Mr. Weasley continued to focus on the third, while Hermione helped Ron with the injured one. They finally incapacitated him at nearly the same time that Mr. Weasley dispatched the third. Wiping a bit of blood from her brow from a cut on her forehead, Hermione looked towards Ron's father just as the first Death Eater rose from the floor. She yelled to get Arthur's attention and he immediately began to cast again. Hermione and Ron moved to help when Ron grabbed Hermione's hand and yanked her to the side, another killing curse just missing her.

"Ron!" Mr. Weasley shouted, then threw something towards his son, still casting with his other hand. Ron caught the small stone reflexively, his free hand still holding Hermione's. Hermione's eyes widened as the stone glowed blue and they were yanked away by the pull of the Portkey.

They landed hard on the ground, unprepared, and lay gasping for breath for a few moments. Ron jumped up, brandishing his wand, looking around wildly.

"What did he do?" Hermione looked around.

"Isn't this where they played the Quidditch World Cup?" Ron glanced around and nodded, his face still hard with anger.

"Why did he do that?" Ron demanded. "Why would he send us off instead of letting us help?" Hermione bit her lip. Things hadn't been going well, that much had been obvious. She was quite sure, in fact, that the Light was on their way to losing, badly.

"Ron," Hermione began, but before she could say anything else, Ron jumped to his feet and grabbed Hermione's hand, then the stone. Nothing happened. He held the stone out to her.

"Take us back," he demanded.

"I don't know how," she protested.

"Then get out one of your books and we'll figure it out." Hermione sighed.

"Most of my books were in the tent when we got caught," she said. "The few I have left don't have any information about Portkeys and even if they did, it would be too dangerous to try and create one. If we did it even slightly wrong, who knows where we would end up."

"Hermione, we have to go back," Ron insisted again. He pulled away from her and began to pace, running and hand through his hair in agitation.

"Ron, I think that your dad sent us here because, because," Hermione trailed off knowing that he wasn't going to like what she had to say. She didn't even want to say it. Ron stopped his pacing for a moment and stared at her. "I don't think we're going to win."

"Don't say that," he said immediately.

"You saw what I saw," Hermione continued quietly.

"No," Ron insisted. "No, Dad wouldn't just give up like that."

"I don't think he's given up. I think he wants to keep his family safe and this was the only thing he could think of to do that."

"Then where is everyone else, Hermione?" Ron demanded, holding his arms out to his sides to indicate how very alone they were.

"He's probably trying to get to everyone and we were the first ones he found."

"Well, we're not staying here," Ron said. "We're going back. If we can't make a Portkey, we'll Apparate."

"Apparate where?" Hermione demanded, throwing up her arms. "Right into the middle of a battle?"

"We'll go to the Shack," Ron said reaching for her again. "Only Snape's there and he's dead."

"You don't know that," Hermione replied. "Anyone could be in there by now."

"The Forest then," Ron countered.

"You don't know what You-Know-Who left in the Forest," she snapped.

"Hermione," Ron pleaded.

"Ron, listen to me. I know you're worried about everyone. I am too. I want to go back, I do, but I think we should wait, just for a little while. Maybe your dad will get Portkeys to the rest of your family." She held up a hand when Ron began to protest. "Even if he hasn't, we need a plan. We can't just-" but Hermione was cut off by a loud thud.

They both turned, wands drawn, and saw a figure crumpled on the ground a few feet away. They moved forward cautiously until there was a groan and the figure shifted. A shock of red hair came into view. Ron raced forward and Hermione followed close at his heels. She prayed that this wasn't some kind of trap.

"Percy!" Ron shouted as he recognized his brother. He dropped to his knees beside him and Hermione's hand came to her mouth as she took in the sight of Ron's older brother. He was covered in blood, so much that Hermione couldn't really tell where it was coming from.

"R-Ron?" Percy questioned. Ron grabbed his brother's hand. "Dad, Dad s-sent me h-here. Said, he said," Percy began to cough, then cried out in pain.

"Shh, Percy, it's going to be all right." he assured him. "Hermione, do something."

"Right," Hermione said, rummaging through her bag. Her hand closed around the vial of Dittany and she pulled it out only to realize that there was very little left. She stifled a sob and turned to Ron.

"Clean the blood from him, so I can see where he's bleeding," she instructed. Ron nodded and began siphoning the blood from his brother's body. Percy groaned. Hermione bit her lip and closed her eyes as the myriad of slashes became visible even as they continued to bleed nearly as fast Ron could clean them.

"Hermione, the Dittany," Ron urged when he realized she hadn't moved. Hermione shook her head, her eyes full of tears.

"Ron," she whispered.

"Do it, Hermione," Ron begged.

"It's no use," she said, kneeling beside him. "I think, I think this is that curse, the one Harry used on Malfoy."

"So," Ron said, tears running down his face. "Fix him."

"Ron," she said through her tears. "He needs the counter-curse. Remember what Harry said when Snape healed Malfoy? I don't, we don't know what it is. I think only Snape does."

"Use the Dittany!"

"The Dittany isn't going to work and there's not enough of it anyway." Hermione held up the vial.

"Just try, Hermione, please!" Hermione stared at the vial, not wanting to use the last bit of healing potion they had left when she knew it wouldn't do any good. Who knew if someone else from Ron's family would come to them hurt and need it? But the naked anguish on Ron's face was enough to make her tip the last three precious drops onto the largest gash in Percy's chest. The Dittany hissed and Percy cried out as Ron had done when she healed his splinching, but the gash didn't close. Hermione hung her head.

"I'm sorry, Ron," she said through her tears. "I'm so sorry." Ron began to sob and lowered his head to Percy's, their foreheads touching. He was still holding tightly to his brother's hand and Hermione put her arms around Ron, her cheek resting on his back, repeating how sorry she was over and over.

"Ron," Percy rasped. "S-stay, not going…to…win. Wait…oth-others." Percy went silent and Hermione squeezed her eyes shut. He drew his last breath and lay still. Ron's sobs slowly quieted and when he looked at Hermione, his eyes were red and his cheeks tear-stained.

"I'm so sorry, Ron," she whispered. He nodded and then hugged her so tightly she lost her breath.

"We can't leave him here," Ron said shakily. "But we have to go back." Hermione was quiet for a few moments before she nodded in agreement. They couldn't stay here while everyone else was still fighting. And as much as she wanted to believe that the others would arrive as Percy had, she doubted it would happen. The battle was spread out over the castle and the grounds. The rest of the Weasleys could have been anywhere. If they were even still alive. She pushed that thought from her head immediately. She couldn't think like that, not now.

Ron pulled back from her and searched around them, choosing a nearby chestnut tree. Using his wand, he dug a hole as Hermione transfigured a jumper from her bag into a shroud and wrapped Percy in it. Once the hole was dug, Ron knelt and gently lifted his brother as if he weighed nothing, then carried him toward the grave they had dug.

Hermione conjured a bouquet of daisies and laid them atop Percy before Ron replaced the dirt. They smoothed the grave over and vanished the extra dirt. Hermione wrapped her arms around Ron's waist and he put an arm around her shoulder. They stood in silence, tears running down both their cheeks as Hermione carved a small 'X' into the trunk of the tree near the base. They would come back for Percy and take him to the family cemetery near the Burrow when all of this was over.

Then Hermione wiped her face and Ron did the same. He grasped her hand and looked at her questioningly. She nodded as they turned and Disapparated.

Lucius stood, seemingly impassive, in the group of Death Eaters as the last of the remaining fighters for the Light were forced into the line. In reality, his grief for his wife was warring with the rage he felt toward the Dark Lord for killing her. He was keeping it in check, knowing that it would do neither him nor Draco any good if the Dark Lord realized. Draco stood next to him, a few burns and cuts, but, mercifully, mostly unharmed. Lucius could feel his son trembling slightly and he reached out a hand to touch his back. He was hoping to provide a bit of comfort, but Draco immediately straightened, moving away from the contact. Lucius couldn't blame the boy. He was quite sure that Draco blamed him for Narcissa's death, something that wasn't all that far from the truth.

The Dark Lord had called off the fighting an hour before, ordering instead that any remaining Light fighters be captured and brought outside. When Arthur Weasley was shoved to his knees, Lucius tried to feel some kind of satisfaction, after the years that Weasley had hounded and raided Malfoy Manor. But he felt nothing. All he wanted was to be allowed to return home with his son to mourn his wife and check on Severus.

As the Dark Lord walked down the line of prisoners, Lucius' eyes followed him. Most were students Draco's age, some even younger. There were a few adults, but far fewer than Lucius expected to see. He supposed the rest were dead, although he knew it would likely be a few days before they could determine just how many had perished. It wouldn't surprise Lucius to find that some had fled. As ferociously as the Light had fought after the death of Potter, they were largely outnumbered. The Dark Lord had sent half of the Dementors to Hogsmeade when they left the forest with Potter's body. They were given free rein to Kiss anyone caught outside. Although the Death Eaters had basically left the village alone in their haste to get to the castle, the Dark Lord did not intend for the residents to come to Hogwarts' aid. His plan seemed to have worked as no one had arrived. Lucius held back a shudder thinking of how many more bodies would be strewn throughout the streets.

When the Dark Lord reached the end of the line, he smirked down at Arthur Weasley.

"My, my, what has happened to your family? You had seven children, did you not?" Lucius glanced down the line and saw that only three of Weasley's children were kneeling with him. The eldest, who was next to a blonde that Lucius assumed was his new wife, the girl and one other. He couldn't be certain, but Lucius thought it was one of the twins. The younger boy, Ron, the one that was traveling with Potter, was nowhere to be seen. Neither, Lucius noticed, was the Granger girl. Likely, they had been killed.

Arthur glared up at the Dark Lord, unable to speak through the silencing spell. His wife was beside him, defiant look on her face. He saw the girl, Ginevra, reach her hand towards her mother. They were just able to brush fingertips through their bindings. Lucius turned his head away from the display.

The Dark Lord strolled back the way he had come, hands clasped behind his back as his eyes travelled over those that had dared defy him. Some of the students were crying, although many met the Dark Lord's gaze, challenge still in their eyes. The Dark Lord merely chuckled. He moved back to the center of the line and faced his followers.

"The war has been won!" There was cheering and whooping from the Death Eaters and the rest of the Dark Lord's supporters. Lucius attempted to smile in triumph, unsure of his success. The Dark Lord was paying him no mind, however. He smiled in response to the reaction of his followers, then held his hands up to call for silence. He then turned and looked up and down the row of prisoners.

"Although you have all fought against me, many of you are young. I can understand being misguided and convinced to fight on the wrong side. Any Hogwarts student who would swear allegiance to me will be spared and allowed to join my ranks. If you wish to so swear, bow to me now and you will be spared any further injury or suffering." No one moved. Lucius could see a few of the students glancing furtively around them. He could not deny that he felt pity for them. Children had no place in war. Draco would have never been Marked while still a student if Lucius had had anything to say about it. It was one more thing that the Dark Lord had stolen from him.

"Surely you all do not wish to suffer my displeasure," the Dark Lord said. When no one moved, he sighed in feigned disappointment. "Very well." Stepping back, he turned to his followers.

"My loyal servants, you have fought well today. We have crushed Dumbledore's rebellion and will soon look forward to a society formed the way it should be." There was more cheering and the Dark Lord indulged them for a few moments.

"You have all been promised something for your loyalty and you shall receive those rewards in due time." Lucius knew the Dark Lord was speaking to the creatures that he had recruited to his side. He looked down not wanting to imagine just what they had been promised. The only consolation was that the Dark Lord was not planning on rewarding them immediately.

"For my Marked followers, however, I offer gifts." He flung an arm out towards the prisoners. There was more cheering even as Lucius felt his stomach clench. He had assumed that the prisoners would be thrown into Azkaban or even executed. What he suspected the Dark Lord had planned instead could be an even worse fate indeed.

The Dark Lord scanned the crowd around Lucius and beckoned to someone. Rodolphus Lestrange stepped forward and knelt in front of the Dark Lord, head bowed. The Dark Lord put a hand on Rodolphus' shoulder.

"Today, you lost your wife, who was my most loyal follower. As such, I grant you a boon. Rise and make your choice." The Dark Lord swept a hand towards the kneeling prisoners once again. Draco made an inarticulate noise in his throat and Lucius grasped his forearm. He squeezed, cautioning his son. After what Narcissa had done, any false move by either of the Malfoys would result in torture or even death. They were far, far out of favor.

Rodolphus walked in front of the prisoners, pausing in front of a few of them. When he reached the Weasleys, an evil grin graced his features. While Lucius was sure that the Dark Lord was expecting Rodolphus to ask for Molly Weasley's head, Lucius knew better. Rodolphus turned back to the Dark Lord and knelt once more.

"I would like the girl, My Lord." He pointed to the youngest Weasley. Her eyes widened in fear and her parents began to struggle against their bonds, shouting soundlessly. Lucius was not surprised. Taking the girl would punish her mother far more than simply killing her. Lucius looked away, feeling pity for the girl. Rodolphus was a sadistic bastard at the best of times. He would not hold back against the daughter of his wife's killer. The Dark Lord grinned ferally.

"Your boon is granted."

"Thank you, my Lord." Rodolphus stood and turned. Both the Weasley parents were struggling against their bonds, as was the eldest boy. Moments before Lestrange reached the prisoners, Arthur broke through the Incarcerous spell and sprung at Rodolphus. Caught off-guard, Rodolphus took the full weight of the Weasley patriarch's body and fell to the ground. Arthur was able to get his hands around the larger man's throat before the Dark Lord stunned him. Rodolphus shoved Weasley off and stood, rubbing at his neck before spitting in Weasley's face.

Rodolphus pulled his wand and then looked back at the Dark Lord. The Dark Lord nodded and Rodolphus cast the Cruciatus. Weasley's screams filled the air. Molly Weasley continued to struggle and her daughter began to weep. The Dark Lord waved his wand at the group of prisoners and the bonds and silencing spells strengthened. Many of the prisoners toppled over, unable to keep their balance as the ropes tightened. Rodolphus held the curse until Weasley was merely a drooling, twitching mess on the ground.

"Finish it," the Dark Lord said. "St. Mungo's need not be burdened with blood traitors." Rodolphus cast the killing curse.

"You may remove your prize," the Dark Lord said. He looked at the rest of the prisoners. "Be mindful of what happens to those who would oppose me." Rodolphus strode forward, stunned the Weasley girl and then Disapparated with her.

The prisoners were given out quickly after that, although the Dark Lord did not allow anyone else to leave right away, instead simply pulling those that had been selected out of line. Lucius watched as mostly young women were chosen, although a few of the male students were claimed as well. He could only imagine what some of them would go through in the next few weeks. Likely some would be wishing for death within a few days.

As the selections went on, Lucius saw movement from the corner of his eye. Turning slightly, he saw a figure off in the distance rising to hands and knees amongst the bodies on the grounds. The wizard swayed for a moment, then began to crawl toward the tree line of the Forbidden Forest. Lucius watched until the man disappeared, the thought of calling attention to the escapee lasted for only a moment. If he were one of theirs, the Dark Lord would call him eventually and if he were one of the Light, well, Lucius couldn't find it in himself to blame anyone for wanting to escape from this hell.

Soon, only a handful of prisoners remained, mostly men and the older professors. Molly Weasley still lay in the grass where she had fallen after Voldemort had tightened everyone's bonds. She was staring at the body of her husband, face blank and eyes glazed over. If Lucius didn't know better, he would have thought she was dead as well. Her oldest son and his wife had been taken by the Carrow twins. Lucius had no desire to think about the disturbing games the siblings would play with those two.

The other Weasley son was still there. Lucius had watched him as his family members were killed or claimed. His blank expression had never changed. Lucius suspected he had given up when his twin died. He would go mad in Azkaban within a month.

The Dark Lord looked at the prisoners still remaining, then turned back to his Death Eaters. He looked them over in silence, but Lucius was unsure why. Everyone, save him and Draco, had been given a chance to choose a prisoner. The answer came a few moments later when the Dark Lord's eyes met his. Lucius stopped himself from gripping Draco's arm again and lowered his head deferentially, throwing up his Occlumency shields. He wasn't very accomplished, but he hoped the Dark Lord wasn't interested in his thoughts right now.

"Lucius," the Dark Lord purred. "I seemed to have overlooked you." Lucius' head snapped up despite his attempt to stop it. Surely the Dark Lord did not intend to reward him. "Please, step forward." He saw Draco glance at him from the corner of his eye as Lucius did as instructed, then knelt at the Dark Lord's feet.

"You have displeased me, Lucius."

"Yes, my Lord." Lucius' mind was racing. What was the Dark Lord intending to do? If he were going to kill Lucius, there would be no one to protect Draco. Lucius' stomach flipped. What if he was going to kill Draco and make Lucius watch?

"However, I am nothing if not merciful."

"Yes, my Lord," Lucius managed to get past his lips.

"Therefore, I will grant you a boon." Lucius swallowed, but did not rise. He did not dare to look at the Dark Lord. Surely, he couldn't mean what Lucius thought he did. This was some kind of trick or double-speak that the Dark Lord was famous for. "Rise, Lucius." Lucius stood and chanced a glance at the Dark Lord. There was a smile on his face that Lucius did not like. He was planning something. Lucius bowed his head again.

"My Lord, I am extremely humbled that you would honor me so, even after I have failed you."

"Yes, you have failed me, more than once," the Dark Lord said in a conversational tone. "Perhaps then, something a bit different than your brothers." Lucius forced himself not to flinch.

"Of course, my Lord." The Dark Lord walked away and began to pace slowly in front of the prisoners – schoolboys, a handful of professors, Molly Weasley and her son. He stopped and looked down at Molly for a moment. When he turned back there was a smirk on his face.

"You have lost your wife today, Lucius, have you not?" Asking as if the Dark Lord was not the one responsible.

"Yes, my Lord," Lucius said quietly, barely keeping a cap on his rage.

"Well, then, perhaps a replacement is in order." He pointed his wand at Molly Weasley and levitated her from the ground, forcing her to stand. She still had the same blank look on her face. "She has been well-used, I admit. Seven children wasn't it?" There was a smattering of laughter from behind him. "And it's apparent she doesn't often miss a meal." The laughter intensified. This was the Dark Lord's plan then, public humiliation.

"However, she should serve you well." He muttered a spell and forced Molly to walk towards Lucius. The Dark Lord followed.

"I hear that young Draco is a competent brewer. You may want him to get started on a lust potion." He grinned wickedly and the laughter behind Lucius became a roar. Still, Lucius kept his composure.

"Thank you, my Lord." Molly was dumped at his feet. "I am honored by your generosity." The Dark Lord smirked once more and turned back to the rest of his followers.

Lucius stared down at Molly Weasley. Her face was tear-stained, her eyes dull and lifeless. Lucius did not want to touch her, but as he didn't have a wand, he wasn't going to be given a choice. Part of the Dark Lord's plan, he was certain. He bent down and grasped the ropes around the woman's body, attempting to haul her to her feet. She didn't move to help him and he was unable to get her bulk from the ground. He heard more laughter and he could feel his face heat. It was not completely from embarrassment, however. He was angry and anger at the Dark Lord was not conducive to one's survival. Lucius needed to get hold of himself until he was back at the Manor.

"Draco," he heard the Dark Lord say. "Your father seems to need some assistance." A few seconds later, Draco's arms reached down to join his father's. They looked at one another for a moment before pulling Molly Weasley to her feet. Lucius' lip curled as she swayed into him and he pushed her away while Draco steadied her. Draco didn't speak and he turned his head away from Lucius as soon as the woman was steady.

They stood there for a few more minutes before the Dark Lord finally dismissed them.

"Can you take her side-along?" Lucius asked Draco quietly. "It is difficult without a wand."

"Yes," Draco said and immediately disappeared. Lucius glanced at the Dark Lord once last time before following. One day, he would pay.