I feel like the worst author in the world. I haven't uploaded in three days!!! I am so sorry. :( Please forgive me :( Anyway, here's chapter 18, I hope you like it.

Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling, Disney, and Verdi made their leading roles. My supporting actress doesn't really count that much.

Chapter 18 - Ancient

Lucius' trial was scheduled for later that next day. Voldemort couldn't believe it; his favorite death-eater, had betrayed him and committed one of the higher forms of treason.


Voldemort impatiently tapped his fingers on his chair. "Lucius, I have always opted to call you my 'slippery friend'. This, no doubt, has clarified my reasoning beyond all compare. Do you see my point?" He asked, turning his burning eyes to Lucius, who was sunk into a deep bow.

"Of course, master," muttered Lucius, his head sinking lower.

"Then why did you commit such a thing? You already knew the consequences and still you decided to appall and abhor me. Why?"

"Tradition, sire. A Malfoy's life's work is to put their son where they wanted to be." Lucius stuttered.

"Tradition has failed you, Lucius, among other things. Your wife has been notified of the recent news and says she doesn't care what happens that you deserve to die." He stood up and started pacing. "There is a muggle question, and, oddly enough, no one can answer it. Let me try it out on you; which came first, the chicken or the egg? In your case, which came first; the liver or the livee? Do you follow me?" He stopped pacing and his sharp eyes returned to the pathetic man on the floor.

"I understand perfectly. But don't you see I wanted Draco to help you and to maybe be your heir. What else could I do?" Lucius asked pitifully.


"You could have let the boy live his life himself. He would have most likely have become my heir anyway, if he hadn't fallen in love. You're the cause of this, Lucius. If you had helped your son, not forced, him to live his life, he probably would have not cared that someone challenged something that stood out so clearly in his life." Voldemort spat.

Lucius stood there, still and silent. He was defeated by his own history and ancestry. That was something that the Malfoys were never taught; defeat. Lucius didn't speak up to defend himself, but stayed unmovingly, intimidated by Voldemort's presence.

"As much as you now regret your unforgivable decisions, I cannot refrain from giving you the sentence that you deserve. You will be killed tomorrow." And with that Voldemort left to go to his quarters.

Draco and Hermione were still in the old slave rooms when the verdict reached their ears. Hermione kept staring at him. "Draco, I want you to know that I'm really sorry about all this."

"Don't worry. He's always deserved this; it was meant to happen." Said Draco coldly.

"You can't mean that," she asked disbelievingly.

"Of course I do; my father never gave any caution to things that could go wrong and with all the things that he's done wrong, he deserves it." He said firmly.

Hermione could do nothing but agree. They started picking up all the things left behind when a tawny gray owl dropped a letter on the floor. Hermione and Draco opened it and took out its contents.

Dear Hermione and Draco,

Everything is well here. Dumbledore is back in power and is already planning the next attack. I know your fate and I wish I was still there, but Dumbledore convinced me that you've got to work it out yourself. I hope for the best for you both. Ron sends his love also.

Please respond ASAP,

Harry

They both read and reread the letter until Hermione found a piece of forgotten parchment.

Dear Harry and Ron,

We're fine here as well. Lucius was just sentenced to death. I'm glad to hear everyone is safe. Draco and I have a plan that has to work. Tell everyone we wish them the best.

Love,

Hermione and Draco

She put the letter back on the owl's leg and it took off. They both watch it leave and Draco slipped his hand into hers. She turned and smiled at him, and he returned it. There they stood. Living proof that the impossible could happen. Standing there, sure of what they had to do, yet so unsure of what was to come.

A/N: I enjoyed writing this chapter so much. Maybe it's the Elton John Christmas songs and the Pepsi on the side. I really don't know who invented that question, but wherever they are, they get all the credit. Lots of love, little pipe cleaner thingies, and felt cut in the shape of a heart to my reviewers. I hope you guys enjoyed December 7th and if your birthday is today, Happy Birthday. Thanks for reading, you mean more to me then you know (that should be a Britney Spears song title, maybe it is. Hmm…) Epequa ;)