Unraveled
Chapter Two: Pillars of Courage
The sky was surprisingly sunny the day that Thalia Black was buried, three days after she was found. The police questioned numerous people. Fiona was seen at the time of the murder at dojo where she trained underneath a sensei in karate. Nell was at the hospital treating patients. The police concluded that Nell and Fiona had not murdered Thalia.
The autopsy left the coroner stumped. He could not determine how Thalia was murdered. There were bruises on her body; it looked like she was slammed against something, perhaps a wall. However, the coroner could not find any internal injuries. In fact, it looked like Thalia dropped dead for no apparent reason. The coroner had never seen a case like that. There were no hemorrhages or aneurysms. Thalia appeared to be a very healthy woman.
The police did not have better luck. The house looked like there was an attack, but there was little evidence left of who attacked. The evidence was also strange. The crime investigation unit found some white strands. A total of three that were unidentifiable under a microscope. The hairs did not belong to a human being, but the investigator concluded that the hairs came from some kind of animal. The closest animal that matched the hairs was a horse, but even the investigator said that the results were inconclusive.
Nell Lawson knew who murdered Thalia Black, but she was sure that none of the investigators would believe her. She had other concerns. Fiona had lost the ability to speak and was not functioning normally. She became an automaton over night. Nell was worried about Fiona not eating. As specified in Thalia's will, she was now Fiona's legal guardian. Nell was one of the three people listed as potential guardians, even though Thalia knew about Sirius' escape from Azkaban. Nell had to decide what to do next. She was going to have to quit her job at the hospital and leave almost everything behind. It was a decision that was easy for Nell to make.
Nell Lawson and Thalia Black first met while Nell was still going to undergraduate school. Thalia was fresh from England and three months pregnant. Nell was working as a volunteer at the Muggle hospital where Fiona would be born. Thalia had no coach for the birth, so Nell volunteered to help her. It was by coincidence that both were witches living in the Muggle world. Most of the would be parents in the class felt sorry for Thalia. They thought it was hard for her to be in America on her own without her husband because Thalia insisted that she was still married and that her husband was just "away." For the Muggles, they would have never known about Sirius Black, but Nell figured it out almost instantly. She knew that Thalia was seeking shelter in the Muggle world, a safe haven to raise her child. The Muggle world knew nothing about Sirius Black and the crimes he was suspected of committing.
Nell did not like Sirius Black. She felt so without ever meeting him. She thought him the lowest of men for abandoning his wife for the most foolish of reasons. Yes, Thalia was born out of the most powerful family for dark arts. Dark magic ran in her veins, but Thalia's spirit was pure good. Nell felt as if Sirius Black had not given Thalia a chance. Thalia said that Sirius was sent to prison without a trial. As far as Nell was concerned, he deserved it. Nell was careful not to express this because Thalia would get angry at her.
The marriage of Sirius Black and Thalia Renard never ended in formal divorce. They were merely separated by his arrest and subsequent sentence to Azkaban. He was still Fiona's father and his name was on her birth certificate. Thalia never dated or even considered it because she was not about to dishonor her vows just because Sirius walked out on her. However, for Fiona's safety, Nell was not about to expose her goddaughter to any dangers that lurked in the world. And as far as Nell was concerned, Sirius was only Fiona's father on paper. Nell made sure to keep all the papers from Fiona.
She sat next to Fiona during the funeral. Fiona stood up at one point to walk to the casket and kiss the top of it. It sank into the ground. Everyone came up and put one shove full of dirt on top of it. Nell stayed with Fiona long after the service was over. They were the only family left. Nell kept her arm over Fiona's shoulders. She was nervous about being out in the open, but if Voldemort would even think of attacking she was armed with a wand.
*
Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ronald Weasley walked into Potions in the dungeons only to find Professor Snape absent. "Maybe, Snape decided not to show today. If he doesn't how long do we have to wait?" asked Ron eagerly.
"Or maybe, he decided that he needed to devise a battery of tests for you to take while he handles business from the Headmaster," said Snape from behind Ron, causing him to jump.
"Go and sit down all of you," ordered Snape as everyone sat in their desks. Draco Malfoy barely looked up from his desk. He had received word from his father that he was supposed to go to Hogsmeade that weekend to meet with him. Draco did not like the tone of the letter. He never liked it when his father gave no indication of what to expect.
Life at Malfoy Manor had gotten recently worse. Draco's father was more and more secretive, while Draco's mother was paying more visits to Draco's maternal grandmother'. If Draco were older, he would have remembered that his mother always went to his grandmother's because of Lucius' activities with the Death Eaters. Draco had a bad feeling that he was about to get sucked into one of his father's schemes, which meant that Draco was going to get sucked into one of Voldemort's.
Draco used to have more respect for his father. His father was a powerful dark wizard, but recently Draco's respect was fading. Draco never realized how little of a backbone his father had. All Voldemort had to say was jump, and Lucius would ask how high. Not that Draco wanted to join Dumbledore's side. It would be dangerous and stupid of him. However, Draco was glad for the time that he went to Hogwarts and Dumbledore's protection, even if it was temporary.
"You will be doing separate potions today. Make one of you own. Write the formula, make it, and test it," said Snape simply. "I will be in my office if anyone needs further instructions." He gave all his directions briskly, and by his tone he indicated that no one was to bother him. He swept out of the room.
"Well, Mudblood, looks like Longbottom is lucky today to get help from you," said Draco with a smirk.
"Shut up, Malfoy!" shouted back Ron as his hands balled up into fists.
"Just get to work, Malfoy," said Harry calmly.
Draco said nothing more. He only did what he did out of habit. Draco was very bored of life, but at least in Hogwarts he had the freedom to be bored. His mind was still on the meeting with his father. Perhaps, he should tell Professor Snape. Snape was head of Slytherin and a Death Eater. Snape might know what Draco's father had planned. He cast a look at the closed door of Snape's office, and he decide that he would wait until later.
Severus was working on looking for Thalia Renard. He had a bad feeling. The longer it took to find her, the more danger he felt she was in. Voldemort was after her. Severus had to find her before it was too late. Little did he know how late he was.
*
"Fin, honey," called Nell softly. She called Fiona "Fin" every once in a while. Nell was worried because Fiona had to eat something. Fiona was starting to look paler. She looked like she was going to collapse.
"Honey, have some soup," said Nell gently as she brought Fiona a cup of broth. She handed it to Fiona. She took it in her hands, but she did not drink it. "You'll have to do the rest. Your mother would not want you to starve yourself."
Fiona opened her mouth to say something, but no sound came out. Instead, Nell said, "No talk. Eat."
Nell decided to give Fiona what Thalia said to leave her in the will. She managed to get the jewelry box out of the house and move all the furniture. The house was put up for sale along with Nell's house. Almost everything was put into wizarding storage because there was no time to sell it. Fiona was so numb she hadn't noticed. Nell held out the jewelry box to her.
Fiona opened it. Inside there was only one piece of jewelry in it, a black crystal on a silver chain. The crystal was only an inch long and cut perfectly. Fiona fingered it gently. "Your mother wanted you to have it," whispered Nell.
Fiona's mouth opened again, and she said in a very soft voice, "Why?"
"What do you mean why? Your mother had that made for you when you were born. She left it to you," said Nell.
"It feels strange. I feel strange. Aunt Nell, I'm not like everyone else. I'm not normal," whispered Fiona, fear underlining her words.
Nell recognized that fear. It was the fear that she heard on Thalia's voice more than once. "You're normal. Just like me and your mother," insisted Nell.
"That's not true either. You and Mom were never normal," said Fiona knowingly as she looked at her godmother.
"What do you mean?" asked Nell nervously.
"Mom used to stir her coffee without stirring it. She sat there, but the spoon moved on its own. She controlled it. You always seem to pop over at the house. I don't even know how you do that," said Fiona softly.
"Well, that's just me and your mom. That doesn't mean you're not normal," insisted Nell.
"Aunt Nell, I got in trouble in school more than once for doing something strange. There's more than what the teachers see. I've done things in class that I have no control over," said Fiona.
Nell shook her head. Of course, her goddaughter wasn't blind or stupid. Fiona would notice that she wasn't normal. "Why are you selling everything?" asked Fiona.
"Well, we'll be moving away," answered Nell with a forced smile on her face. "I am your legal guardian."
Fiona said nothing, drinking her broth. It made no difference where she moved to. She did not care. Her pain would follow her wherever she went.
*
Snape had no luck in locating Thalia. The United States was a big country. The wizarding society there was spread out over fifty states. Snape's concern wasn't just for Thalia, but for her child. He remembered what had happened almost fifteen years ago.
"He found out, Severus. He just walked out. I don't know if he's coming back," cried Thalia.
Severus listened to what Thalia said with concern. He was gritting his teeth at the news. "He's a fool. He was never good enough for you in the first place," concluded Severus.
Thalia gave him a hurt look. "I love him," she said softly.
"What happened after he left?" asked Severus.
"He went to go see James and Lily. He thought that I told Voldemort about them. He probably went to go see Peter first to make sure that he's safe. I hope Peter is all right," said Thalia worriedly.
Severus shook his head. Thalia was always more concerned about other people than herself. How could she be like that? "Perhaps, it would have been better if I did marry you like I was supposed to," said Thalia softly.
"You know that would not have worked for us, Thalia. You are like my sister. We would never be really happy," said Severus.
Severus was expected to marry Thalia by her father. He did not look forward to marrying Thalia. She was a beautiful girl, but she was too much like a younger sister. He saw himself as a her protector. Sirius Black should have been her champion, but instead he deserted Thalia without giving her a chance to explain. Worst yet, he held something against Thalia that she had no control over. He had the gull to call her a snake and a traitor. Another memory came to Severus' mind.
The days following the murders of James and Lily Potter were filled with confusion, but also joy. Joy for many, but not for Thalia and Sirius Black. Sirius Black was arrested for the murder of Peter Pettigrew and a group of Muggles. The witnesses say that Sirius Black was found at the scene laughing like a lunatic. The Hit Men from the Ministry brought him in, and Bartemius Crouch sent him to Azkaban without a trial.
At first, Thalia stayed away thinking that her involvement would only harm Sirius, but after a while she started actively looking for a way to help her husband. She worked herself until she got sick. It was not the work that got her sick, but the baby in her. Her priorities changed. She could not protect her child and husband at the same time, so she chose to protect her child instead. Thalia knew that Sirius would have chosen the child over himself.
Severus was getting ready to work in Hogwarts because that was part of the deal he made with Dumbledore. He was also safer at Dumbledore's side. A knock came at the door, he answered it to find a very stricken Thalia. He heard the news of Sirius' arrest.
"Thalia, let me get you some tea," said Severus. He wasn't usually so helpful, but this was Thalia.
"No, I'm afraid anything I eat I'll throw up," said Thalia.
"You don't look so good," observed Severus.
"Thank you. You don't look good either," joked Thalia, but she was ill. Severus helped her to a seat. "Please forgive me if I throw up on any of your things," she added.
"It's all right. I'm on my way to Hogwarts," said Severus.
"I can see that," she said as she bit her bottom lip. "I need your help, Severus."
"What do you need?" he asked. "Do you need me to brew you something? I am pretty sure you can make it yourself, but you don't seem like you're in the condition to do."
"No, I don't need a potion. Severus, I'm pregnant," whispered Thalia. "I need to get out of England and protect this baby."
"Are you sure you want to? It is Black's," said Severus rather severely. He regretted what he said the moment he said it.
Thalia's eyes flashed dangerously as she stood up. Her voice was dangerous and low, "I won't have you talking about my husband that way. I will not have you talk about my child that way. I could destroy you with a thought."
The way she acted reminded him strongly of where she came from, or rather who she came from. She sat back down. "I am sorry, Thalia. Very well, in exchange for you not being angry with me, I will help you."
"I cannot have anyone knowing about this child. You can tell Dumbledore and that's it. Otherwise, I'm afraid of what will happen. I can't let anything happen to my baby. I'm moving to America. There are a lot of places to hide," said Thalia.
"What do you need me for?" asked Severus.
"I need you to protect my secret. I had to tell you. You're the first friend I ever made. And I wanted to ask you to be one of the baby's godparents," said Thalia rather shyly.
Severus was surprised at the request. Him? The godfather of one his enemies' children? He looked at Thalia. She had a hopeful look on her face. "I don't know Thalia. You know how I feel about Sirius Black," he said.
"Please, Severus. Don't think of the baby as his, just think of it as mine," pleaded Thalia.
After a few minutes, he sighed and said, "Very well. I'll be one of the baby's godparents. Who else?"
"Remus. If he's willing. I don't know about a godmother," replied Thalia.
"Lupin? Yet, another person I must tolerate for this child and you. This child better be worth it," said Severus gruffly.
"It is," insisted Thalia.
"It's not even here yet. How can you be sure?" asked Severus, throwing her a questioning glance.
"Because I know," said Thalia with a shrug.
"Do you know how much danger this child will be in?" asked Severus.
Thalia looked away from him. She folded her arms over her middle. The baby was hers. She was going to protect no matter what. Her friend, Lily Potter, gave her life to protect her child. Thalia did not understand until she found out about her baby. She was going to give more than her life to her child. "Yes," answered Thalia. "I will not let anything harm this baby. I'll give my life first."
"With a mother like you, I doubt anyone will survive if they even think of harming it," said Severus. He thought that she was like a mother tigress defending her cub.
"I will leave tomorrow. The house will be left alone. All of Sirius' money will be left at the bank. I shouldn't take any of it. Someone will be suspicious. I'll take my money with me. It's not much, but it's something. I'll take just the clothes I brought into the marriage and my wedding band. I'll leave the jewelry and my engagement ring. I don't need that many clothes because I'll be expanding soon enough. I need to travel as lightly as possible," said Thalia.
"I think you should take some of Black's money. It's yours. And the child is his," said Severus.
"No, the bankers in America might think it's strange that someone would be changing so much money into Muggle money," said Thalia. "Besides, it's his money."
"Then, let me give you some," said Severus.
"I can't take your money, Severus," said Thalia as she held up a hand to refuse him.
"No, I insist. Just consider it a gift for the baby," said Severus.
"No," said Thalia. "Get the baby something that he or she would like."
"I don't know what to get. I don't know children that well, Thalia. In fact, I don't know how I'm going to handle the children at Hogwarts," said Severus.
Thalia smiled and laughed for the first time during the entire conversation. "How are you going to work with children with that attitude? Does Dumbledore know what he's gotten himself into?" she asked.
"Yes, he does, but he trusts me. Other than you and Professor Dumbledore, no one else trusts me. Thank you for your faith in me. What should I get this baby?" he asked again.
"I don't know. How about a toy or blanket?" suggested Thalia.
"A book," said Severus.
"A book? Severus, it will be a few years before he or she can read," said Thalia.
"A storybook," corrected Severus. "Something for you to read to it."
Thalia smiled, "That would be perfect. It fits your personality." They talked for a while longer. Severus gave up his bed for the night. He did not want his undeveloped godchild with its mother on a lumpy sofa.
The next day, Severus dropped Thalia off at the transport just before going to Platform 9 ¾ to go to Hogwarts. He handed her a book that was wrapped in plain paper. Severus never knew that Thalia let her daughter open it when she was three-years-old.
Severus had more of a reason to find Thalia. His godchild's life was in danger. As one of the guardians that Thalia appointed, Severus could not fail his godchild. His thoughts were snapped when he realized that it was time to check the students work. He stood up and went outside.
After a few biting comments to the Gryffindor and praise for the Slytherin, Snape sent them away with homework. He returned to his task.
"Professor Snape," said Draco to him.
"Yes, Mister Malfoy?" asked Severus. He was eager to get back to his search for Thalia.
"My father is coming to Hogsmeade this weekend. He said that it was important," said Draco with uncertainty.
Severus said nothing at first. He closed the door behind him. "Why do you think he wishes to meet with you?" asked Severus.
"I don't know," answered Draco.
Severus looked thoughtful for a moment. "Meet with him, but report back anything you hear from him," said Severus.
"Yes, sir," said Draco. He walked out of the classroom. Severus stood there for a moment thinking about what Draco said. Why would Lucius come to Hogsmeade to meet with Draco? What could have been so important that he had to come? Severus did not like the looks of it. He decided that he had to return to his work. Severus would have to handle one problem at a time.
*
Hogsmeade was quiet early in the morning. Draco came there earlier than everyone else. He had to go there early without any breakfast. He hated these stupid mind games his father played with him. Always testing him, always telling him what to do. Draco had more than enough. What was his father up to now?
"Draco," said his father.
"Good morning, Father. I thought it would be best if I came early," said Draco.
"Come along, we have some news to discuss," said Lucius.
They walked until they were at the Three Broomsticks. A good place because with all the witnesses there, Draco doubt that his father would try anything.
"How old are you now, Draco?" asked Lucius pleasantly enough.
Draco eyed him funny. Was it a trick question? Of course, his father knew how old he was, but Draco answered him, "I'm fifteen, Father."
"When I was your age I was already engaged to your mother," said Lucius.
Draco's face paled over even more. "Don't tell me you've done something about me," he said as he kept his voice calm. He realized the said what he thought out loud because of the glare that Lucius gave him.
"Yes, I was made an offer," said Lucius.
"What kind of offer, Father?" asked Draco. He hated it when his father stalled.
"An offer for you to marry someone," answered Lucius. "I cannot explain it here."
"Who, Father?" asked Draco.
"All in due time, Draco," said Lucius calmly.
Draco used all his restraint to keep from slamming his fists on the table and shouting, so he clutched his fists underneath it instead. The morning crowd was gathering. He was thinking of knocking the tea pot over. His thoughts were whirling. How dare his father engage him to someone?
"Father, please," said Draco calmly.
"The girl you are engaged to is only a year younger than you. She does not attend Hogwarts. Her bloodlines have some questionable attributes, but when weighed with other attributes, she is something," said Lucius.
"Who made this arrangement with you, Father?" asked Draco.
"He did," answered Lucius.
"He?" whispered Draco. The Dark Lord made an arrangement to marry Draco to someone? What the Hell was going on?
"He wants to clean up his bloodlines by marrying his granddaughter to someone worthy of her. His child made some foolish mistakes," said Lucius as he sipped his tea.
Draco felt like his head was spinning. The Dark Lord had a child? A granddaughter? Draco had the sinking realization that he was engaged to the granddaughter of the Dark Lord. There would have been a time where he would have been happy with that, but not now. He did not like the idea of being a slave to the Dark Lord like his father. "When do I meet her, Father?" asked Draco as a feeling of helpless enveloped over him.
"That has to still be arranged. He would not say more than that," said Lucius.
"What's her name, Father?" asked Draco, feeling sick to his stomach.
"I don't know yet. He has not told me," replied Lucius.
Draco said nothing more. What would be the point? His fate was sealed. Draco had to fight it at all costs.
AN: To read more about what's up with that go to my live journal. I need posts. Wah. http://remyelf.livejournal.com. Also, if there are two people out there who want to join LJ, but don't have the code, then post a message in mine. ^_^ I don't have any friends there.
The LJ will have extra stuff there. To shorten my author's notes here. Also, if there are any delays, then you can read my lame excuses there. Um…you can post complaints, i.e., "When's the next part coming out?" and "Why don't you like Voldemort?" Anything inane and stupid (flamers without grounds), will be deleted. I want intelligent conversation. Mindless chatter like saying hello will get you a hello back. Thanks to my beta reader, IvyDragon. ^_^
I would also like ten reviews for this part before the next part comes up. Show me some love, and I'll show you some love. ^_~ I would like to thank the two or three people that reviewed, Rugi and Gwena and myri-canari.
Disclaimer: I don't own most of the characters. They belong to J.K. Rowling. I own Thalia, Fiona, and Nell. I also own this fic.