I'm so happy, so many people are enjoying this story, I hope I continue to please you and feel free to review (or message me with any, not to spoilerish questions. Hope you enjoy this little chapter I have concocted for you.
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Blackchild80
As Harry walked out of his office, Remus began to push the chest that held the boggart back into the corner. Harry's patronus had finally begun to take form and Remus could truly see the boy was pushing himself.
He walked over to his desk packing his papering his bag for the evening before he would return to his chamber's. But he had not expected another knock on the door.
"Come in," he called as the door creaked open and someone walked slowly into the room.
There was not a word, no introduction, just slow and strong steps walking towards him.
He raised his head to see who it was and froze at the sight.
"Lucius," Remus said his face platonic.
Lucius Malfoy slowly walked through the office his eyes running over every artefact and book as if attempting to find something, "Lupin," He said disinterested, his eyes still tracing the room.
The room stood still, as Remus watched his opponent. Lucius's slow pace, and cool attitude making the other man nervous. But he wouldn't show it.
"May I ask why you're here?" Remus asked unmoving from his place, papers still in hand.
Lucius finally raised his gaze to Remus, "Yes actually," Lucius said making his way further through the room closer and closer to Remus's desk," I'm here to discuss my niece."
"Yes I assumed that much" Remus said, already his distaste for the man was beginning to show as Lucius's false sense of superiority filled the room.
Lucius smiled at Remus's hostility before speaking slyly,"You play a sneaky game Lupin, but I can play it better."
Remus kept a calm exterior and spoke innocently,"I don't know what you're talking about."
Before he had even finished his statement of denial, Lucius' hand dived into his coat before pulling out a familiar piece of parchment and beginning to read it out loud.
"Dear Atria, I was surprised to hear you had departed Hogwarts at such short notice. While I understand your uncle's wishes I must know if they are yours. When we last spoke I did not think it was your intention to return home anytime before necessary. If you felt pressured in any way to return home you must tell me now. Should I continue? " he asked as Remus lowered his head, He knew it had been stupid to send that letter, but he had not been able to fight off his instincts. He had to make sure Atria was okay.
"I'll take that as a no," Lucius said triumphantly, tucking the letter back into his coat pocket.
He sauntered closer to Remus staring the younger man down and when he was standing directly in front of Remus his tone remained pleasant but his words were not, "Stay away from Atria, She is a young and impressionable girl I don't need you filling her head with whatever nonsense your spilling."
Remus closed his eyes, unable to hide his anger at Lucius statement. He took in a deep breath before placing the paper on his desk and leaning on his hands on the desk, "Her family isn't nonsense, her past isn't nonsense. You only make it out to be."
Lucius shrugged, "Why tell her things that will only upset her? she is perfectly happy now." He said dismissively.
Remus gritted his teeth, "I find that hard to believe."
Lucius raised a brow amused at Remus's change of demeanour, "Down boy," Lucius said patronisingly, "You're her godfather you have rights as I have mine. But she doesn't know that, does she? And it will stay that way."
Remus stared across at Lucius definitely, "I don't see why it has too."
Lucius calm demeanour quickly turned, his lip turning up into a glare of disgust, "We both know how this goes as it has happened all before, you try and you fail and the only one who will get hurt is Atria."
But Remus remained vigilant, not breaking eye contact as the other man continued.
"Do you think they'll leave a child in the care of someone like you, I don't think so. All it will do is make your life as well as Atria's harder, And before you know it, you'll be back to your one room apartment in Knockturn ally, no job, no friends and no family." Lucius had now moved so he stood directly in front of Remus, only the desk between them before Lucius menacingly said, "I can make that a reality or you can leave her alone."
Remus's face dropped for a moment his expression becoming unreadable, "Are you threatening me?" He asked slowly.
Lucius raised his eyebrow, they both knew the answer to that question. But he still ignored it as he continuing, "You can offer her nothing but pain. She is a student, you are a teacher and that is how it will remain."
Remus said nothing just glared at Lucius from across his desk, watching the other man's malicious grin grow.
"Excellent, then I'll be on my way," Lucius said as he turned to leave. Feeling fairly confident Remus would stop with his endeavours.
As he walked towards the door, The chest in the corner of the room gave a shake as if the creature inside begged to be released. Lucius raised his cane from the ground and used it to point to the chest "Boggarts?"
Remus just stared away waiting for the repulsive man to leave his office.
And as Lucius left, Remus heard his finale words, whispered under the cold man's icy breath
"Atria wouldn't like those."
Atria sat at her vanity as Narcissa curled a final wave into her dark hair, completing the final look.
"Absolutely, lovely, " Narcissa said as she soothed her hands through Atria's hair.
"Draco will be in a moment to escort you down, alright," Narcissa said as Atria stood finally dressed, looking very much the proper pureblood.
Atria nodded as Narcissa gave her a finale smile, before leaving the room, leaving Atria with herself.
Atria turned to look at herself in the mirror. Her aunt wasn't wrong, the dress was beautiful and the light makeup made her look more alive than her usual paleness.
A knock on the door and her name called told her it was time, "Atria."
"Come in Draco, " Atria said as she finished putting her earrings in.
Draco froze when he saw his cousin, "Well, now we know who's the better looking out of the two of us." He said as they both stood taking in the others outfit. Draco wore a simple black suit with matching vest, every platinum blonde hair in place.
"Oh don't say that, you look absolutely lovely," she said as if talking to baby, making him pout before turning to close her jewellery box, "I still wanted the black dress," she said under breath.
He gave her a wide grin before holding his arm out for her, "Ready."
"As I'll ever be," she said as she took his arm and they made their way to the Malfoy's grand ballroom.
As the drew closer the sound of music and chatter became louder, and it was not long before they were standing in front of the large doors.
"Deep breath," he said and as they both drew in a deep breath before, calming themselves before Atria flicked her wand and the doors opened.
Swarms of people dressed in fine robes and gowns filled the large space, some dancing to the soft orchestral music, while some stood in groups talking of adult things. Ministry officials, the powerful names in pureblood society and a representative member from almost all of the families of the sacred 28.
Atria's hand gripped Draco arm a little harder as she grew anxious looking at the swarms of people, moving slightly behind him as to not be as seen.
"It alright," he said softly, "just smile and nod, no arguments. If someone says something you don't like, just nod."
Atria laughed at his comment reminded of the events of last year. Pricilla Parkinson had been talking with her aunt boasting about how well behaved and intellectual her daughter was and Atria had not been able to stay silent. And while her uncle hadn't found it funny everyone else had.
They finally reached the bottom of the staircase, Atria growing nervous as eyes turned to the pair and whispering progressed.
Atria tried to remain vigilant in her attempts of gracefulness but it was hard when a ball of pink suddenly slammed into her.
"Atria, I missed you," Daphne said before pulling away from Atria.
"Hello Daphne," Atria said, stiff from the warm welcome.
"You look fantastic," Daphne said as she looked at Atria's dress with a more observant eye.
Atria eyed Daphne's obnoxious pink dress before slowly returning the compliment, "so do you."
Draco smiled devilishly at Atria before slowly beginning to move away, "I'll leave you be," He said prying Atria's finger from his forearm, her hand trying to tighten so he couldn't leave. But it was no use, she gave him a disgruntled glare and he gave one last victorious grin before walking away through the crowd, leaving Atria with Daphne but they weren't alone for long
"Atria," Millicent called as she walked over to them, Pansy following behind.
"And let the night begin," Atria told herself softly under her breath.
"Atria don't you look lovely this evening, " Pansy said. While sarcasm was Pansy's forte the jealousy dripped through her words more.
"So do you, Parkinson, was that dress your grandmothers or your mothers, I'm having a hard time deciphering what era it is from," Atria said sharing a sickly sweet smile to which Pansy only glared back, her face tense with rage.
"Where's Draco?" Pansy asked turning to Daphne brushing of Atria's comment as best as she physically could.
"I don't know he left a few moments ago," Daphne said her lips tight as if holding in a laugh.
Pansy stormed off without another word in pursuit to find Draco. While the other girls watched. As Pansy made her way through the crowded room none of them truly could bring themselves to care if she left or not, it was just funny to watch her flustered and angry body push through the crowd.
Millicent turned quickly to Atria busting as she asked quickly, "What happened the last few weeks, where have you been. No one told us anything. "
"You were there one moment, then gone the next," Daphne continued as intrigued as Millicent.
Atria's eyes darted between to two of them feeling a bit cornered, "Oh after Sirius Black broke into the castle my uncle got worried, he wanted me home, my aunt was driving herself insane."
Daphne nodded both girls looking at Atria with a sickening amount of pity. It made Atria want to slap both of them until they no longer looked at her like a wounded puppy. "It must be terrifying knowing he's free," Daphne said, "but not to worry it won't be long before he's back in Azkaban where he belongs, then this mess will be over."
The conversation changed as Millicent's eye caught onto something more interesting, "Oh don't look but professor Snape just arrived," Millicent said obnoxiously.
Daphne joined Millicent in her unsubtly stare and Atria couldn't help herself as they turned to see professor Snape walk into the room, "He's never come before, " Daphne said as she watched their head of house move further into the room. He was not dressed in his usual billowing capes but this time in a plane back suit that blended in with most of the ones worn in the room.
"Yes he has," Millicent said, "his come once before remember, The year before we started Hogwarts "
"Yes, I do remember because Atria run into him with a goblet of pumpkin juice and spilt all over him, " Daphne said laughing at the memory.
Atria watched as Snape approached her uncle who reached out and placed a hand on Snape's shoulder enthusiastically greeting him.
"I was 10, it was an accident," Atria said everting her eyes from the pair.
"I just remember the look on his face," Daphne said shaking her head, "Salazar that was funny."
"For you, my uncle didn't find it funny in the slightest."
As the night progressed Atria held her head high and did everything expected of her. She smiled and nodded, agreed and thanked people for their compliments, most of them looking to suck up to her uncle in some form but she still played her part. She stuck close to Daphne and Millicent as both had stronger opinions and personalities, so before the focus could really stick to her it was taken over by either one of the girls. Not that Atria minded, it was why she stuck close to them.
"Atria, " Daphne said watching something moving behind Atria with panicked eyes.
"Yes," Atria asked distantly.
"He's here," Daphne said, her eyes following someone desperate not to lose them in the crowd. And only then did it click who Daphne was talking about.
"Who's here?" Millicent asked bewildered her eyes trying to spot whatever Daphne was looking at.
"No," Atria said as she tried to find a fast path away.
"Don't look," Daphne said, her eyes glancing up every now and again.
"Why?" Millicent asked.
"He's looking this way, and now he's walking," Daphne said of voice growing higher.
"No, he's not, "Atria said in denial.
"Who are you both going on about?" Millicent said getting frustrated.
"Adrian," Daphne and Atria snapped at the same time.
"Just walk and don't stop, " Daphne said giving Atria a small push before she quickly moved through the ballroom.
Atria moved quickly through the crowds, being careful not to step on any toes and directly push into someone.
She peeked over her shoulder to see Adrian not far behind her his eyes darting around if he had just lost her and she ran straight into a group of men and women dressed in fine clothing.
"I'm sorry" she apologised but froze when she noticed she was looking up at her uncle.
"Atria," he began to reprimand her but he was interrupted by a wise female voice standing among those he was conversing with.
"So this is Atria Black," Lucius turned to look over his shoulder to were the voice was coming from. He placed a hand on her shoulder pulling her in front of him forcefully before walking her forward and on display for the group of boastful pureblood.
"Yes Romelia this is my niece, " Lucius said moving her further forward.
She found herself stood in front of a tall older woman. She had grey hair held in a tight bun while her hands clasped a cane in front of her.
"Atria," her uncle said, his hands squeezing her shoulders, "this is Romelia Lestrange. "
The old lady stared down at Atria. Her head tilting to the side as her blue eyes run her up and down.
"Hello," Atria said, her voice more timid than it ought to be. But she couldn't help herself. Romealia Lestrange had always been close to the family, coming up in conversation often. Lucius always told Atria how much she wanted to meet her but she had always politely and gently turned down the offer. The woman in front of her was not just anyone, She was the mother of one of the death eater's that killed her mother. Both her sons now sat in Azkaban, Rodolphus having been the only death eater they had been able to connect to the crime. And soon after, both had been caught after torturing two Auror's into insanity. Yes her sons had quite the reputation but so did Romelia. One of the only remaining matriarchs, she was renowned for her sharp mind and even sharper tongue.
"Come closer dear," the old lady ordered, using her hand to gesture her closer. Her hand then moved under Atria's chin lifting it for a clearer view of the young girl's face.
"My, my. you are a pretty little thing aren't you?"
"Thank you," Atria replied softly, still unable to shake her nerves as she was held in the centre of the circle of purebloods.
Romelia took a moment just staring at her, "how old are you dear?"
"Thirteen," Atria said.
"She is rather timid," Romelia said her hand moving away from Atria's chin, addressing Lucius.
"Yes, she always had been," Lucius said, moving to stand by Romelia, joining her in appraising his niece.
Romelia moved closer before whispering something Lucius ear secretively.
Lucius pulled back nodding his head before agreeing with whatever she had just said, "Oh yes the resemblance is very uncanny." But Atria grew the sense that they may not have been comparing her to who she thought.
But the group was interrupted as Daphne pushed her way through the crowd. She froze for a moment upon realizing she had interrupted something, before standing straight and asking her uncle politely, "Sorry Mr Malfoy do you mind if I borrow Atria, just for a moment. "
"Of course, Miss Greengrass," he said politely back as Daphne moved to snatch Atria's hand and pulled her back through the crowd.
"Mind helping me with something? " Daphne asked softly.
Atria looked over to the blonde-haired girl, she didn't look upset just frustrated and somewhat annoyed, "Yes of course," Atria said still somewhat flustered from her last encounter.
After they had left the ballroom Daphne pilled up her dress in her hands and started making a strange sound.
"Azzy," she called softly, whispering down the hallway, "Azzy."
"What are we doing?" Atria asked under her breath wondering why they were whispering.
"I lost her," Daphne said.
Atria stopped her brow furrowed in absolute confusion "Lost who?"
"Azzy" Daphne whispered to her.
"Who is Azzy?" Atria hissed back at Daphne.
"Astoria," Daphne said harshly as if Atria was supposed to know what Azzy was.
"That makes more sense," Atria said as she led the way through the long halls.
"If my father finds out I lost her he'll kill me and then her," Daphne whined behind Atria.
The pair continued down the hallway until Daphne froze looking out the window, "Azzy" she called before darting to the doorway that led to the Malfoys back garden, Atria quickly following behind her.
They moved through the double glass doors before approaching the young girl.
"Azzy" Daphne called to the dark-haired girl sat on the concrete steps holding something close to her chest.
"Caspian" Atria found her self hissing in a way quite like Daphne had when looking for her sister, having spotted the cat in Astoria's arm.
"Hey, Daphne," Astoria said softly as she stood, a stiff cat in her arms. The pair moving closer to the young girl, Daphne more charging.
Astoria looked to Atria noticing her eyes stuck on the cat in the young girl's arms, "Is this your cat?" She asked Atria as the cat arms stretched out, Caspian's eyes wide with fear.
"Yes, he is," Atria said alarmed at the way Caspian looked to be slipping from the 10-year-olds arms.
"He's lovely, " She said softly holding the cat out for Atria.
"Thank you," Atria said quickly catching Caspian as he fumbled into her arms.
"Where did you go?" Daphne demanded of the young and mischievous girl, "I told you to stay inside."
"I was just exploring" the rambunkshus young girl began to explain.
"And Look what you've done to your Dress," Daphne screeched making Atria flinch as well as Caspian, "you've got dirt on your dress, why would you even want to go outside?"
Astoria didn't look at all interested in anything her sister said simply replying with a shrug. Daphne shook her head at her sister, "Azzy, Father will be furious."
"Daphne I'm not 5 anymore, my names Astoria," Astoria said her cheeks going pink.
"Aww, You'll always be Azzy to me," Daphne said giving her sister a patronising pinch to the cheek, "Now come on back inside," Daphne said taking the girls small hand tightly in hers and dragging her back to the ballroom.
After Astoria had been safely delivered back to the ballroom Daphne and Millicent quickly began to grow bored, so to keep her quests entertained Atria lead Millicent and Daphne to one of the many rooms in Malfoy manor with leather couches, Atria in turn decided to stand while the other to girls lounged.
"I think he likes you," Millicent said a coy grin on her face as she eyed Atria.
"Who Likes Who?" Atria asked oblivious to the context.
"Adrian," Millicent said exited by the notion.
"He doesn't even know me, " Atria said brushing off the topic not wanting to discuss it.
"He's only a year older that's nothing, you could do worse," Millicent mused lazily.
"Who knows maybe by 18 you'll be married to some old toad covered in warts," Daphne joked but Atria found herself unable to find it funny it the least.
Since she was young, she was told as a pureblood women as well as the Black heiress, one of her duties to her family was marriage. Not for love or comfort, but a marriage of purpose and priority, to a male with blood as pure as her own. She remembers being young and her grandmother implying that her future husband may even be Draco. If Atria thought back she could remember her grandmother's correct phrasing. She would say "to keep it in the family is the safest way to assure the purest results." And while Atria loved her cousin, she would rather throw herself off the astronomy tower than marry him. But even more, it disgusted her to think of just what families would do to form a steady alliance. And while Daphne and Millicent may have some choice in who they would marry, she wonders if she had even just some lenience, or would Lucius give her to the highest bidder and her leash be handed on to her next jailer.
"I'd prefer not to discuss that thank you," Atria said wanting to change the subject. Not wanting to even picture her life as misses Adrian Pucey, truly what a disgusting name.
"Here they all are," Draco said as he pushed the doors open with a large swing. Crabbe, Goyle and Theodore Nott behind him.
"Where Pansy's?" Atria asked Draco scared that an angry girl would storm in and destroy whatever peacefulness rested in the room over her misplaced boy toy.
Draco paused before scanning the room, "I thought she was with you."
"No the last time we saw her she left to look for you."
Draco just rolled his eyes shrugging before he moved to his favoured armchair as the boys settled in.
"What have you guys been doing," Goyle asked as he moved to sit on one of the large velvet couches.
"Nothing just discussing Atria and Adrian Pucey," Daphne said smiling at Atria coyly.
"Yes he was asking after you Atria," Theo said as he moved to sit next to Millicent.
"I don't care, " Atria said blankly.
"Aww poor Adrain he'll be heartbroken, you should at least give him a chance, " Millicent said.
"I don't want to talk about this," Atria said running out of patience, "can we talk about something else."
"But Atria-" but Millicent tried to reason but was cut off by Draco, "She said she doesn't want to talk about it and besides my cousin is much too good for him," he said with conviction, he too wanted to bring an end to the conversation.
They soon all returned to the ballroom which was now alive with music and Christmas celebration.
Draco and Pansy finally being reunited took to the dance floor swell as the remainder of her housemates Millicent went with Theodor not and Daphne with Goyle. All that was left was Crabbe, Atria tried inching away but only fell into place next to someone else.
"Atria, " Adrian said smiling down at her.
"Hello, Adrian," Atria said her voice higher and more breathy then she had intended.
"I've been looking for you all night, where have you been?" he asked, his hand sneaking to her lower back.
"With Daphne most of the time," Atria said her anxiety once again getting the best of her as she tried to get a grip, "I didn't know you would becoming."
"I'm here with my father," he said with a charming white smile before looking over to the dance floor, "Would you care to dance."
"I'm not a very good dancer," she said but his mind remained unchanged as he took her hand in his. "Don't worry, just let me lead," he said smoothly, leading her to the floor.
Atria moved slowly with him as his hand moved to her waist and began to guide her to the music. Atria fought the need to look at her feet and tried her best to keep the distance between her and her partner, but Adrian's hold on her waist remained.
"You look lovely tonight," He said staring down at her.
Atria averted her eyes not wanting to be closer to him in any way, "thank you." She said her eyes somewhat unfocused as she stared off over his shoulder.
They made small conversation as they continued to dance and she caught Millicent cheeky smile as she raised a brow questionably at Atria and her partner.
"Have you been avoiding me," Adrian asked suddenly, causing her balance to somewhat tip.
"No, of course not," Atria said looking up to his suspicious look.
"It's just I swear I saw you but when I tried to reach you, you had vanished."
"It's just been a busy night," Atria said shaking her head and giving him a small smile for recompense, "it's hard being a hostess."
Adrian smiled back at her and she felt his hold tighten as they continued, "of course how silly of me. I was wondering maybe when we go back to Hogwarts would you like to go to Hogsmeade with me."
Atria eyes widened at his suggestion, "Oh I can't," Atria said.
"Why not?"
"Well with everything that's going on I'm not allowed to leave the castle grounds."
"Because of your father?" He asked making her nod.
"Well, then how about one weekend I stay behind with you?"
"Oh, that's not nes…" but merlin had mercy as he looked down on Atria and the conversation was interrupted.
"Pucey do you mind if I take over," Draco spoke stepping towards the pair unapologetically.
Adrian and Atria parted as Adrian bowed his head, "Of course not Draco," he said giving Atria one more kind smile and stepping back.
"Thank you," Draco said before taking Atria's hand in his and continuing the dance.
"You looked like you were drowning," he whispered too her.
"Internally I was," Atria quipped as she turned meeting Pansy's ferocious eyes as she danced with Crabbe awkwardly, "Pansy doesn't look too happy, " Atria said turning from the odd sight, somewhat pleased Draco had abandoned Pansy for her.
"She'll get over it," Draco shrugged, "How are you feeling?"
Atria's head fell until it lay on his shoulder like a tired child as she admitted to him softly, "I'm just ready for this night to be over."
"I know," he whispered back to her, his hand squeezing her's comforting, "But you're going to love what I got you for Christmas."
The night soon drew to a close as Kreacher snapped his fingers in each direction assisting Narcissa in the cleanup and Atria was soon on her way to bed. she held Caspian in her arms having given up on trying to keep him in her room after his second escape. As she walked down the hall, a light shone breaking from under her uncle's office door and hushed voice seeped into the hallway. She walked closer before scooping Caspian up slowly and turning to leave again.
"There is only so much I can do within the school Lucius," She heard the familiar voice of her potions master say, "Dumbledore has grown somewhat suspicious of your intentions."
Atria paused before moving closer to the hushed voices wondering what between her uncle and Snape was so important it needed to be talked about with no witnesses.
"Dumbledore needs to get his nose out of other peoples business," she heard her uncle hiss.
"It's best she returns, and we all move past this. Less attention that way," she heard Snape say as if trying to reason with her uncle.
The suspense could be felt by Atria on the other side of the door as she listened to her uncle take a deep breath before continuing, "I agree but a closer eye Severus, that's all I ask, no more of these conversations behind closed doors she's not to be left alone with him."
And Severus gave his short response, "I'll do what I can."
Atria sped past the door quietly, unable to contain herself as she walked towards her room. Did this mean she was going back to Hogwarts? She closed the door to her bedroom before almost laughing out of relief. She had been dreading it, the thought of spending her days locked away in Malfoy manor. But things looked to be turning in a different direction. In her joy of realizing she would be returning to Hogwarts, The context of their conversation, the true meaning of it had slipped her mind.
Atria woke up Christmas morning to loud banging on her door and she opened her eyes as Draco dived onto her bed.
"Get up," he commanded before moving to stand up on her bed watching as she grabbed the closest pillow and throwing it over her head.
"Come on we never sleep in on Christmas," Draco said, bending over to rip the pillow away from her face.
Atria let out a frustrated sigh before sitting up and glaring at Draco. "It's 7 o'clock, You are a 13-year-old boy, we are not 5 anymore Draco now let me sleep," she said before throwing herself back on the bed and pulling the covers up over her head before he could say another word.
"No you don't," he said climbing off the bed before ripping the covers completely off her.
"If you're not down in 5 minutes I'm coming back and dragging you out," He said as she felt a pillow thrown at her hitting her square in your face.
Atria stood up as she took the dressing gown he had thrown at her before wrapping it around her and making her way out of the room.
Atria walked down the stairs the large Christmas tree surrounded with gifts beyond anything anyone would need to use in their lifetime.
"Merry Christmas darling," Narcissa said wrapping her arm around Atria tightly squeezing the young girl while Lucius watched from his armchair.
The snow fell outside, some melting in the air but most landing on icy ground. And while on days like this Atria felt more alone then ever she was not this year. Outside among the trees, on the border of the Malfoy's wards that surrounded the large and dark manor, stood an equally lost being. He watched his daughter from beyond the frosty windows making out her figure and immediately standing to attention. He should have come in his animus form, it would have been safer but he couldn't bear it, he wanted to spend this morning as a man, not an animal. But as a father with his daughter.
Sirius's feet froze as they sunk further into the snow but he didn't care. All that mattered was her as he whispered to her hoping maybe she would hear him. "Merry Christmas Atty."
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