Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.

Author's Note: I think this is the pivotal chapter of what's still to come. Hope you enjoy!


"Of course I'm dangerous... I can do terrible things to people with impunity."

March 8th, 2003

Daphne had been so pleased by the first date, and the second had gone just as well. The third too.

But now they were on their fourth, and this time they had company.

She had remembered Hermione Granger as a nosy and occasionally impolite swot from their time at Hogwarts. They didn't have any real issues, but Daphne wouldn't have picked her as the type of person she would necessarily want to spend time with.

On the other hand, her boyfriend Ron Weasley was someone that Daphne would much rather have avoided. He was one of those who had always been right in the middle of the usual hostilities back at school- the exact sort of thing Daphne had done her best to avoid- and his appetite had always been somewhat legendary.

She wondered if Harry had suggested sushi on purpose. If so, she was going to have to do something to show her approval. Because watching Weasley fumble with his chopsticks was very amusing.

"Has there been any change with the case?" Granger asked.

"Come on, Hermione," Weasley whined. "Let's not talk about work while we eat."

"There is a bit of news, actually," Harry interjected.

"There is?" Ron asked.

"Yeah, it came in yesterday afternoon. You'd already left for the day."

Daphne noticed Granger shoot a glare at Weasley. Him leaving work early wasn't too much of a surprise either- he'd always seemed fairly lazy. Having to put up with Ron as a partner made Harry appear that much more like a saint to her.

"Well, what happened?" Hermione prodded.

"I have permission to travel to France," Harry replied.

That was a big surprise. Daphne glanced at him. "Are you leaving soon?"

"Nothing's planned yet. I still don't have a suspect to try to track down or a crime scene, so until I have something more to go on, it would just be a wild goose chase. But, it is nice to have permission once I do have a reason."

"Just you?" Ron frowned. "What about me?"

"Do you want to hop all over France?" Harry countered. "I figured it would be a good idea to have someone working things back here while I do the traveling. It would be a shame if something came up and there was no one to deal with it."

"Alright, I can see that," Ron shrugged. "I don't like French food anyway."

"How's the sushi?" Daphne smirked.

"If I ignore what it's made of, it actually tastes pretty good," Weasley shrugged. "Don't go breaking my blissful ignorance please."

"Well, since you did say please..."

"This is quite good," Hermione agreed with a smile. "I haven't had sushi in a couple of years. My dad loves the stuff. Thanks for suggesting it, Harry."

"I've always been adventurous when it comes to food," he shrugged. "Part of that probably goes back to how Sirius liked to move around, so we would always end up trying new restaurants because there usually wasn't time to find a 'regular' place that he would want to go back to over and over again. Plus, I think he thought it was funny to have a little kid that was the opposite of a picky eater. I remember a few times when I was young that we'd see some family where the kids were throwing a tantrum or misbehaving, and Sirius would always tell me how proud he was that I wasn't like those types of kids.

"I liked it when he would say those kinds of things," Harry finished. "And it would usually get him to start telling funny stories about my parents."

"You're still well behaved today," Daphne said. "Maybe that's why I like you."

"Could be," he grinned. "I've been called worse things, that's for sure."

"Well, I think you two look lovely together," Granger added with a smile. "Don't you agree, Ron?"

"Huh? Yeah, sure," he muttered as he took another bite.

Granger rolled her eyes at him, and Daphne had to admit that maybe she could try to like her. If only Hermione could find someone less rude to date.


A couple of hours after the meal, Daphne was still enjoying sitting with Harry in the parlor of the old Black family home.

Or perhaps, sitting on Harry, as she was practically in his lap while they kissed. Unfortunately, she knew she was going to have to cut things short because she did have a question to ask before heading home for the night.

She pulled back with a sigh.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"You know how my sister has been seeing Draco Malfoy?"

"Yeah?"

"Well, they're getting engaged soon, and that means they're going to have this big, extravagant party to announce things to all the snobby society types," Daphne groaned. "Unfortunately, this means my family has to be there. That includes me, and I am dreading it."

"Want me to come with you?" Harry asked. "I could play the role of the supportive boyfriend."

"Would you?" She had hesitated to bring this up because she knew how he disliked the attention he got from some people.

"I'd be very disappointed if you were going to have some other guy as your date," he replied with a teasing little smirk.

"No chance there," Daphne snorted. "Believe it or not, I don't like most guys."

"Sounds like we've got another date then."

Daphne couldn't help but smile. Her next sentence came out a lot easier due to how relaxed and self assured Harry was. "This means you'll have to meet my parents too. I hope that won't scare you off too fast."

"I'll be sure to be extra charming."

She giggled. "I hope so. You do have my mum already cheering you on."

"Really?"

"Yes, but that could be just that she's glad that I might not end up living in a house full of cats." Daphne grinned as Harry snorted. "Seriously though, she's pleased that I've been coming home happy after our dates, so mum will almost certainly make sure my dad doesn't give you any trouble."

"Would he otherwise?" Harry asked.

"Not at a big party like that, but he might try to give you one of those 'don't hurt my daughter, or else' speeches," Daphne shrugged. "I wish it had worked on Draco. Astoria and I might not always get along, but I hoped she would end up dating someone that wasn't such an arrogant brat."

Harry murmured as he leaned back against the couch. "When is this party?"

"Two weeks," Daphne replied. "It will be pretty formal too, so I hope you don't mind getting all dressed up."

He shrugged. "I guess you're worth it."

"You guess?"

"Maybe," he teased.

"You know, I had to put up with Granger and Weasley tonight at dinner for you," Daphne replied. "Are you sure you're worth that amount of effort on my part?"

"It wasn't that bad," Harry chuckled.

"I'll admit seeing Hermione again was fine." Daphne shook her head. "I don't know what she sees in him though."

"I think he gets her to loosen up and have fun. She seems like a rather serious person otherwise."

"I've heard the same thing said about me," Daphne sighed. "My sister in particular never passes up the opportunity to tell me how boring I am. Maybe that's part of what I like about you. Our dates have been a lot more fun than what I usually get up to in my free time."

"Glad to be of service then." Harry yawned. "Unfortunately, I'm going to be pretty busy over the next week or so."

"Why?"

"I've got a few things to prepare for when I do end up going to France," he explained. "I want to be ready whenever something turns up. Plus, I've got some old business to deal with relating to the Blacks. This is one of their houses, did you know?"

"I'm not surprised. It does seem rather dark and gloomy."

"I kind of like it," Harry shrugged. "Kreacher, the family house-elf, does a pretty good job keeping the place clean. And that's definitely one thing I appreciate more than my time in the US. I never liked housework. Even with magic, I was always bad about staying on top of things like that."

"So, I might not see you again until the party?"

"I'll try to swing by your store if I get a little free time. Maybe we could grab lunch."

"I'd like that," Daphne smiled.

An old grandfather clock started chiming and she realized it was eleven. "I should go."

She found her shoes and headed for the floo a minute later. Harry followed her and gave her one last kiss before she said goodnight.


Once again, her mum was waiting for her when she got back.

"You didn't have to stay up, mum."

Evelyn Greengrass smiled. "I may not have to, but I'm glad to do it. We might not get enough girl time together if I didn't. So, how was Harry?"

Daphne blushed. "Wonderful as always."

"What about the rest of the evening? His partner and all that?"

"Weasley is still not someone I would want to be around usually, but Granger was alright."

"I see." Her mother paused and then started to smirk. "Will Harry be accompanying you to Astoria's big night?"

"Yes," Daphne smiled.

Evelyn snorted. "I assume you'll be nonchalantly rubbing everyone's noses in the fact that you'll be on the arm of none other than the boy who lived, and that you'll particularly want to upset the Malfoys."

"Why, whatever could possibly make you think that, mother?"

"You know this means we'll have to pick out the perfect outfit," her mum grinned. "Plus, I'll finally get to meet your beau."

"Is that what you're looking forward to the most?"

"I just want to get to know the man that's making you so happy, sweetheart."


March 13th, 2003

Harry was waiting for one of the elevators after coming back from lunch. He'd managed to swing by and visit Daphne for a few minutes even though she didn't have time to eat with him. Things were going well on the relationship front.

The door opened and he started to step inside when he noticed it was already occupied by a couple of witches. One of whom was Susan Bones.

The other witch got off just as Harry got on.

Well, this certainly was going to be awkward as fuck.

Harry pushed the button for his floor and waited. It didn't take long for her to break the silence.

"So... I heard that you've been seeing Daphne Greengrass."

The meaning of Susan's accusation was clear.

"Yeah."

Harry wasn't going to rise to the bait unless absolutely necessary though.

"I guess you didn't want to date a coworker, huh?"

And yet, she kept poking at him. Harry couldn't really blame her.

"I think you know why we didn't work out," he replied.

"Why's that?" she demanded.

"You deserve a good man, Susan."

"Oh, and you're not a good man?"

"No. I'm not."

She huffed, and Harry wondered for a moment if she was going to slap him. Again. Instead, she asked him a question.

"So, you're saying that Daphne doesn't deserve a good man? Maybe I should warn her about you," Susan glared at him.

Harry just shrugged. "I can't stop you if you think that's what you should do."

The elevator came to a stop. He noticed where they were. "I think this is your stop."

She stomped past him. "Go to hell, Potter."

Harry waited for the door to close before he exhaled. The threat wasn't a big deal- if she did run to Daphne, Susan would probably just end up looking like a jealous ex, and that might actually make Daphne more interested in him, if anything. He'd certainly left a strong impression on her.

Hopefully Susan would get past all of this one of these days. He really did wish her all the best.

There was just no way in hell that she'd end up happy with someone like him.


March 22nd, 2003

Daphne was waiting nervously when Harry finally stepped through the floo and into the parlor of her family's home.

"I'm not late am I?"

"Almost," she exhaled. "My parents had to go a bit earlier, but I was lucky enough to not have to do so."

"Are you still not looking forward to tonight?" he asked.

She nervously bit her lip. "In a way, I am. I don't like the Malfoys, and I wish I didn't have to go there at all, but... I..."

"You what?"

Harry stepped closer to her and tucked a stray bit of hair behind her ear. Her mum was going to be annoyed if her hair looked less than perfect, but then he was leaning in to kiss her, and Daphne found it impossible to care about anything else.

She sighed when he released her lips. "I'm happy to be going with you."

"I'm happy to be of service," he grinned.

"We need to go then," Daphne replied as she looked over at the clock. "We're about to be fashionably late, and I can probably barely get away with that."

Harry offered his arm. "Shall we?"


They stepped out into Malfoy Manor a moment later and heard the crowd across the hall. Daphne stifled another sigh. In a lot of ways, she'd much rather just be curled up in front of the fireplace by Harry's side. He seemed to sense her mood though, as he patted her arm and winked at her.

She was really starting to like how well he could do little things like that, always managing to make her want to laugh.

The two of them strode off to their doom.

There was a din of noise as they entered the massive ballroom. Her parents were off talking to the Malfoys, and Daphne felt just a bit nauseous at the idea of the wedding planning that would begin one of these days. There was bound to be no way to get out of having to be a bridesmaid- at least not without alienating most of her family.

Evelyn Greengrass spotted them and was quickly pulling her husband across the room. Daphne couldn't help but stiffen a bit, but Harry took things in stride and smiled graciously as they approached.

"Mr. Greengrass, Mrs. Greengrass, it is my pleasure to meet you."

"To you as well, Mr. Potter," her dad said, just a little bit louder than necessary as he shook hands with Harry. If the crowd didn't yet realize that the famous boy who lived was here, they did now.

Daphne was fairly sure her mum had set that up. Especially as she had a huge grin on her face as she bypassed the usual greeting and went for a hug. "I'm so happy to finally meet you, Harry. Daphne has told me all about you."

"Nothing too bad, I hope," he teased.

"She speaks glowingly of you."

"I'm happy to hear that," he replied with a grin. "And I'll have to thank you, Mrs. Greengrass. It's clear where Daphne gets her beauty."

"Oh, you charmer," her mum giggled. "Call me Evelyn, please."

"Thank you, Evelyn," he nodded.

"I hope we'll be getting to know you a lot better over the coming months," Evelyn said with a smile.

"I'd like that too."

"Do you have serious plans for my daughter?" Cyrus Greengrass asked and Daphne felt herself flush.

"Dad!" she hissed. "We've only been seeing each other for a month."

Actually it was five weeks. Exactly five weeks. Not that Daphne would admit to counting them. Not out loud, anyway. Her mum would just tease her mercilessly if she did.

"Things are going well so far," Harry shrugged. "I don't think we need to rush anything, but I am quite happy with your daughter, sir."

"Don't be grumpy, dear," Evelyn scolded her husband. "This isn't the place or time for you to be anything other than pleased by our daughter's gentleman escort. Either of our daughters, for that matter."

Daphne frowned slightly, but Harry brushed it off.

"I hope both of your daughters will be having a good night," he said. "Speaking of which, I still haven't met Astoria. If she's half as beautiful as Daphne, then Draco Malfoy is a lucky man."

Evelyn laughed. "He most certainly is. I'm sure you'll meet them in a little while, although they are bound to be busy as the center of attention of tonight's gathering."

"We should be making the rounds as well, darling," her father interjected.

"Of course," her mum replied before hugging Daphne and whispering in her ear. "You two look wonderful together. Keep hold of that one."

"Thanks mum," she muttered.

A moment later they were gone, and Daphne felt herself beginning to get nervous again. She never liked crowds like this.

"I suppose we should start to mingle," Harry suggested. "You'll have to introduce me to people."

"I guess I have to, don't I?" she sighed.

"Well, I could just stand here and look pretty," he chuckled. "But I think you're better eye candy than I am."

"I think most of the women here would disagree," Daphne giggled. "You're rather fanciable, Mr. Potter. Even without your fame."

"I appreciate the compliment, but I'm quite sure your beauty outshines my own."

"We'll just have to agree to disagree," she said.

A cheerfully smiling brunette she hadn't seen in months came over to meet them. "Hello, stranger. Who's tall, dark, and handsome, and how did you get him to come here with you of all people?"

Daphne snorted. "Tracey Davis, meet Harry Potter. My boyfriend," she added with a raised eyebrow.

"No way!"

"I'm lucky, I know," Harry interjected with a smirk. He brushed his lips against the back of Tracey's knuckles and she giggled. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Davis."

"The pleasure's all mine," she purred. "Call me Tracey. Are you sure you wouldn't like to date someone more fun than her?"

"I thought you were seeing that German wizard," Daphne interrupted with a glare.

"Yes, he's here somewhere," Tracey replied with a dismissive wave of her hand. "But I could always be persuaded to trade up for something better."

"I'm flattered, Tracey, but I'm quite pleased with my date," Harry laughed.

"So, how did you two meet?" Tracey asked.

"He came into my shop," Daphne explained. "Harry was looking for an expert's opinion about-"

"Potions, yeah, yeah," she interrupted with a roll of her eyes. "Why were you needing to ask about something like that, Harry?"

"I'm an auror," he shrugged. "It was part of the job. Meeting such a fascinating and lovely lady at the same time was just a lucky break for me."

"Ooh, do you have an interesting case you're working on?"

"A murder, actually."

"Really? I love murder mysteries!" Tracey practically squealed. "Do you have any leads on your killer?"

"Sorry, but I can't discuss it," Harry answered. "And the reality is often not as glamorous or interesting as what you might have seen or read. There's a lot of paperwork and waiting around."

"Sounds like your job is more boring than I thought."

"I've found it fits me pretty well," he responded.

"Maybe that's why you and she get along so well," Tracey teased as she winked at Daphne.

"We do get along pretty well, don't we?" Harry turned and asked her.

Daphne answered by smiling and giving him a brief kiss. "Yes, we do."

"I won't keep you too long," Tracey said. "Daph, we'll have to catch up soon. How about lunch sometime next week?"

"As long as you don't try to keep me from getting back to work on time."

"That only happened once," Tracey whined.

"You need to learn how to count," Daphne insisted. "Five times is not the same as one."

"Whatever," Tracey giggled. "You know you love me anyway. I'll see you later. Have a good evening, Harry."

"You as well," he agreed with a smile.

"Tracey can be a bit much, I know," Daphne said once her friend had walked off.

"She seemed nice enough," he shrugged.

"She is, but..." Daphne sighed. "She wears me out sometimes. I do love her to bits though. We've been friends since we were young."

"How did you meet?"

"We're cousins actually."

"Really?" Harry asked.

"Only second cousins, but our mothers grew up together too," she replied. "There aren't all that many magical families in our little part of the world."

"So, she's a pureblood too?"

"Half-blood actually. Her mum married a muggleborn."

"Ah," he nodded. "That was brave of her."

"Since it happened during the time of the war with... well, you know who... I suppose it was. I've always liked her dad."


The next half hour went much the same. Daphne would introduce people to Harry, and a small amount of idle talk would follow. He was endlessly charming, and she felt extra grateful to him for being so.

"Fancy seeing you here, Potter."

And then his boss showed up.

"Madam Bones," Harry answered with a stiff nod. "A pleasure to see you, ma'am."

Daphne could feel the tension, and she really did not like it. "I'm going to get a drink, Harry. Do you want one?"

"Yes, please."

"Madam Bones," Daphne said with a slight bow as she left.

Of course, the server with a tray full of glasses of champagne was rather nearby. The fact that Daphne could therefore listen in was a nice little benefit- she just didn't want to deal with the stern and angry looking older witch.

"So, is it time for you to break another witch's heart?" Madam Bones asked. "Or do you just think the Greengrass girl is better than my niece?"

Daphne could practically feel the glare aimed her way, even with her back turned to them. But she was also intrigued to find out that Harry had once dated Susan Bones. It was incredibly flattering to think that maybe he did think she was a better choice too- practically every girl her age had been jealous of Susan ever since she sprouted so young. Because of course the guys all drooled over the curvy Hufflepuff.

"It was never my intention to hurt Susan," Harry replied calmly, drawing Daphne's attention back to the conversation happening behind her. "I regret that things turned out the way they did, but I believe she will be much better off in the long run."

"Hmph," Bones snorted. "Well at least with this one it won't mess up things in my department. Any word yet on France?"

"I've got permission to go, I just need to have something or someone to chase after," he replied. "I'll be sure to leave proper notice whenever I may find something and about when I may be leaving the country."

"See that you do."

"No problem, boss."

Daphne could almost hear the older woman stomping away, and only then did she return to Harry's side.

"Did you hear all that?" he asked.

It looked like she wasn't as sneaky as she had hoped. Daphne blushed at being caught but tried to shrug it off. Eventually she admitted, "I might have."

"Hmm," he took a sip of champagne.

"So, what happened between you and Susan?"

"A gentleman doesn't kiss and tell," Harry replied with another sip. "Besides, we're in public. Let's just say that it didn't work out, but I wish her all the best."

Daphne smirked to herself. That confirmed that he had been the one to end things on his terms, and from everything else Amelia Bones had said, her niece was clearly still not over Harry.

But her thoughts were cast aside when she saw her sister heading their way, dragging her awful fiance over.

Harry seemed to have seen them as well when he took her arm and whispered, "Remember to smile."

"If it isn't the blushing bride to be," Daphne teased with a forced grin on her face.

"If it isn't my dear sister," Astoria replied with a smile. "And of course, her date for the evening. How did she fool you into coming, Mister Potter?"

"I guess it was just my lucky day," Harry smirked. "Congratulations, Miss Greengrass. And to you as well, Mister Malfoy."

"Potter," Draco nodded, barely managing to keep the sneer off his face, if not out of his voice. Daphne had heard and seen it all too often during their Hogwarts years. The little prick still seemed to think he was better than everyone else.

"If you're going to keep seeing my sister, then I suppose I'll be getting to know you better one of these days," Astoria said. "Unfortunately, we won't be able to do so on such a big night as this."

"I'm looking forward to it," Harry answered.

"Some other time then," Astoria smiled before turning and giving her sister a tight smirk. "Daphne."

"Sister."

"Come, Astoria, I think my mother's looking for us," Malfoy said.

Daphne exhaled once they had departed.

"Well, that wasn't too bad," Harry chuckled quietly.

"At least it was over quickly," Daphne replied in a low voice. "Am I awful for hoping my sister's relationship falls apart?"

Harry snorted. "I've hoped for much more awful things in the past, so you can rest assured that I'm not judging you."

"What sorts of awful things?" Daphne turned to look at him and she thought she caught a hint of something like anger in his eyes. She wondered about that even as he brushed it off.

"Oh, you know, the normal things. Pain and suffering to those who've wronged me."

"Well, Draco always was an annoying little brat at school, so I think I've got the right to say he's wronged me."

Harry grinned and raised his glass to her. "Then I hope your wish comes true, my dear."


It had taken him more than an hour to get free so that he could ostensibly head for the loo, but Harry was finally on his own in Malfoy Manor. He did find a bathroom, and once inside, he slipped on his invisibility cloak before hurrying back out into the hallway. Three quick taps on the left side of his glasses allowed him to see any traces of magic.

He followed the path towards the exterior of the home and quickly began to search for weak points. There was only so much time that he could spare, but he was going to do his best.

Daphne was going to be looking for him if he took too long, and he was afraid that he was already running late.

Just before turning around, he saw it. A door out the back of a conservatory where the protective enchantments were very slight, most likely due to wanting the plants to thrive. It appeared that Mrs. Malfoy's little hobby was going to be just the thing he needed.

He raced back down the hall towards the ballroom, slipping the cloak off before going to rejoin the crowd.

"There you are," Daphne smiled when he returned.

"Sorry, I took a wrong turn," he responded with a grin of his own. "This place is pretty enormous, you know?"

"Some people just need to be as ostentatious as possible," she whispered. "You should see the bloody peacocks they've got outside."

"Peacocks? Really?"

"Indeed," she nodded with a smirk on the face. "You would think that might be a bit on the nose for such a preening fop like Lucius Malfoy, but apparently he's completely shameless."

Harry snorted. "Maybe I'll see the outdoor peacocks another time. I think we've got plenty of the indoor ones already."

"I think so too," Daphne said. She sighed and leaned against him. "Harry?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for coming here with me. I haven't been looking forward to any of this sort of thing. Not until I met you."

He wrapped his arm around her waist and gave her a soft but reassuring squeeze. "I believe I'm the lucky one to get to come to a fancy party with such a beautiful girl by my side."

Daphne snuggled in just a little bit closer.


March 23rd, 2003

It was the dead of night when he slipped in through a rear door. The magic was easy to get past, a weak spot in the defenses, and he was next headed for the stairs. Getting the charm to allow his glasses to see through objects had been expensive, but it was definitely worth it as he saw his targets sleeping on different wings up on the third floor.

Searching this enormous place would have taken all night long.

Making sure his footsteps were muffled, he headed for the patriarch first. There was a little bit of amusement as he saw that the lady of the house had her own room. How long had there been trouble in paradise he wondered.

Step one, place an imperturbable charm on the door to keep things nice and quiet.

Step two, make sure the target's wand is out of reach- easily done.

Step three, wake him up and get some answers.

"Imperio! Sit up and answer my questions."

Lucius Malfoy jerked awake.

"Did you give a cursed diary to Ginny Weasley?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"I loathed her father and wanted to make him pay for his damned Muggle Protection Act," Malfoy sneered. "The Dark Lord had given the diary to me and told me that it would allow the Chamber of Secrets to be reopened. I found the irony of using a blood traitor like a Weasley to cause attacks on mudbloods to be perfect revenge. It didn't cleanse the school, but Arthur Weasley still suffered."

"Were you a loyal Death Eater?"

"Of course I was. The Dark Lord was our best option at putting the muggle filth and the blood traitors back in their place."

"Did you kill people as a Death Eater?"

"Several times."

He stopped the questioning for a moment. There wasn't really much more he really needed to know. The primary goal was accomplished. However, there was one last thing he was curious about.

"What happened to your arm?"

Malfoy grimaced and looked down at his stump. "It began to burn. The pain was horrific, and I knew something was terribly wrong with our lord. Luckily, Narcissa was with me. She removed it with a powerful cutting curse. She'd had some training with healing spells, so she was able to keep me alive long enough to summon a mediwitch.

"Once the full story began to come out the next day and we realized that the others were all dead and the Dark Lord was gone, I made sure to silence the healer."

"Obliviate! Go back to sleep and forget."

He waited for a moment to make sure Lucius was unconscious before heading for his wife's room.

Mrs. Malfoy was the real question. How much did she know? Was she merely a dutiful wife? Or did she too have blood on her hands?

By the time he had reached her room, he believed he was prepared to find out just how much guilt she bore. The steps in dealing with Narcissa were the same. Once she awoke and he was sure she was under his control, he began.

"How much did you know about your husband's activities as a Death Eater?"

"I knew much of it, I suppose," she replied. "I'm sure he did things that I don't know, but I never cared to ask about all the particulars. With the manor used as a base by the Dark Lord, I knew plenty."

"Did you ever see Lucius kill anyone?"

"Not personally, but I was told it happened. I heard it happen on one occasion."

"How so?" he asked.

"They were torturing someone down in the dungeons," she answered flatly. "Some enemy they had captured, and the Dark Lord had ordered Lucius to dispose of him after the interrogation was over. I heard his voice utter the killing curse, even though I was waiting outside."

"You're saying there are dungeons here in the manor?"

"Yes, in the basement."

"Were many captives brought here?"

"Dozens," she replied. "Maybe a hundred or more."

"And how many of these captives survived?"

"Only those who were still valuable in some way," she said. "Or those who were moved to another location. Some of them may have survived. I never asked."

"Did you ever kill someone?"

"No."

"You just stood by and watched it happen to countless victims," he stated. She had no response since it wasn't a question.

One memory charm later, she was back asleep in her bed.

He exhaled as he left her room.

Only the youngest Malfoy still remained.

It took a couple of minutes to reach his bedroom on the south wing.

The process was repeated a third time.

Draco Malfoy muttered as he sat up in his bed.

"Did you know your father was a Death Eater?"

"Of course I did," Malfoy scoffed. "It was a great honor to have served the Dark Lord. If he had lived longer, I was hoping to take his mark and join the cause of cleansing the world of all the mudbloods and blood traitors. It would have been glorious."

He had seen that coming, but it was still good to have confirmation. The blood supremacist types tended to have these sorts of fanatical beliefs that ran deep. And the Malfoys were dangerous, that much was certain. But the next couple of questions were going to help him consider where his future plans would go in order to deal with the problem.

"Did you know about the cursed diary that your father gave to Ginny Weasley?"

"No," Draco whined. "He only told me that the Chamber of Secrets had been opened before and that something would happen to terrorize the mudbloods. That was enough for me. I'm glad the little bitch died though; one less blood traitor is always a good thing."

"Did you ever do anything to hurt any other blood traitors or muggleborn?"

"Lots of things," Malfoy smiled as he remembered. "We would curse them in the halls sometimes or sabotage their potions. Professor Snape was always good about making sure we weren't caught. But the best time was at Hogsmeade."

"What happened?"

"There was this one little mudblood whore- Sally something or other." Malfoy scratched his head for a moment. "She was this pathetic little Hufflepuff. I don't know how he did it, but Nott got her on her own and over to the Shrieking Shack. I was waiting there, along with Crabbe, Goyle, and Warrington. When he led the little slut inside, you could just tell that she knew something was wrong. She tried to scream, but Theo silenced her.

"Once we got the place locked up tight so that no one would stop us or hear anything, he removed the silencing charm. Theo wanted to hear her scream, you see," he explained.

The interviewer had a terrible feeling where this was going.

"We took turns. I went first of course," Malfoy smirked. "Theo wanted to, but I'd already offered him a little bonus if he stepped aside. He agreed as long as he could be the one who went last. I suppose I should have realized that meant he wanted to end her too. After we'd all had our fun with her, he killed her."

Draco grinned. "You should have heard how she begged. Theo was going to make an excellent Death Eater. He would have been perfect for interrogating our lord's enemies. I was actually a little jealous of him that day."

Wow. This little shit really needed to die.

He took a deep breath and focused. No time for that sort of thing now.

Instead, he erased this night's memory and sent the last of the Malfoys back to sleep.

Escaping the manor should have been easy after that. For the most part it was.

But, just as he was about to leave through the conservatory, a voice interrupted him.

"Dobby knows who you are."

He turned around and saw a house-elf. It was tugging on its ears with bandaged hands.

"Dobby knows what you did."

"Does Dobby know other things?" he asked quietly.

"Dobby knows many things," the elf replied, its head bobbing up and down, ears flapping wildly. "Many terrible things."

"Any terrible things you can tell me?"

"There is one secret that Dobby can tell." The elf looked around suspiciously and then lowered its voice. "Master had family in France."

"The name does sound French," he mused to himself.

"Dobby knows. Dobby knows about the one that the others don't."

"Will you tell me?" he asked the little elf. It was being surprisingly friendly, but based on its poor condition, the Malfoys likely didn't treat it well. Such a foolish thing to do. Anyone with class and brains knew that you should treat your help well.

"Dobby will," the elf agreed. "Master traveled sometimes, and sometimes Dobby went with him. Master liked to have things to entertain him. Sometimes that was muggles. Master found one muggle lady that he liked. He decided to keep her. Then..."

"Then what?"

"Then she grew round." The house-elf shuddered. "Dobby knew. Master would do something terrible, so Dobby helped her escape. The pretty muggle lady. Dobby checked on her later, when she had her baby. But she was sick. Dobby was afraid that pretty miss muggle lady would not survive; Master had not been kind to her.

"Dobby does not know what happened to the baby."

"Thank you, Dobby."

"Be careful," the house-elf whispered. "Dobby remembers the old days. Dobby remembers... all the terrible things."