Unraveled
Chapter Sixteen: Dark Memories
Draco stood still in the Lawsons' kitchen. It felt like something was clutching his stomach and twisting it. He felt Mrs. Lawson's hand on his shoulder, steadying him. "Do you want to talk to your grandmother?" she asked him.
He shook his head. "My father…he wouldn't hurt my mother," he whispered.
"Are you sure of that Draco?" she asked.
Draco looked at Mrs. Lawson. "No. I'm not," he finally admitted. "I didn't even think anything was wrong. Mrs. Lawson, Voldemort is at my house. He showed up sometime after the Triwizard Tournament. I don't know when exactly. My mother and I were at the summer house near Bath, but when we came back he was already there. My father sent us away, convincing us that it was best. He sectioned off most of the house for Voldemort's use. Death Eaters kept coming in and out of our house day and night since then. My mother told me to stay out of their way and to stay with her on the other side of the house. She was thinking of going to my grandmother's, but my father wouldn't let her take me with her."
Mrs. Lawson looked at Draco gravely. She guided him to the chair in the breakfast nook. "I'm making tea for everyone and I'll serve it and come back," she told him as she busied herself, leaving Draco to think about what was going on in his own house.
He had no idea what had really happened at end of the Triwizard Tournament. His father, who usually liked to brag about such things, said nothing to him. He merely said that the Muggles, half-bloods, and Mudbloods were going to get what they deserved soon enough. Draco remembered making that taunt himself at Harry Potter. Draco tried to convince himself that his father wouldn't hurt his mother, but there was too much to ignore. What was he going to do, if his mother was dead?
The kitchen door swung open and Fiona walked in. "Mrs. Lawson forgot the sugar," she explained as she picked up the saucer of sugar. She stopped when she looked at him. "Draco, what's wrong?" sensing immediately that something was horribly off track.
Draco looked at her without any expression on his face. "There's nothing wrong with me," he said, not believing it himself. He looked away.
Fiona walked up to the table and pulled a chair out and sat down. "Something wrong at home?" she asked.
"There's nothing wrong! Leave me the Hell alone!" he shouted angrily at her. She gazed at him calmly, her ruby eyes seemed to pierce through him. Draco looked down at his hands and realized that they were shaking and he was breathing deeply.
Fiona said nothing. She sat there, not looking at him. "We're friends aren't we?" she asked quietly.
Draco's face softened at her question. "You see I only asked because I'm not sure. I don't have any friends. I've never had any friends," she went on.
"What does this all mean?" he inquired of her.
"Well…I just thought that whatever is bothering you…I mean I could help," replied Fiona shyly.
"What makes you think you know anything?" he asked hotly.
"I'm trying to be nice," she said, annoyed at him. "Fine. You don't have to tell me anything," she hissed through her teeth as she grabbed the saucer of sugar and went back to the living room. He had no idea why she was so offended at him. Why did she even care about him at all?
*
Lucius Malfoy waited for Severus Snape to come to him. He apparated in front of him and without a word the men continued walking. After several minutes of silence, Lucius said, "He has ordered that we move him out of Malfoy Manor and back to the stronghold in the Moors."
"The stronghold has been vacant for almost fourteen years. It would be a good strategy. Your son is doing well in Hogwarts. However, he hasn't heard from you and his mother in a while," said Severus, knowing that he should give some details about Draco.
"His mother has been indisposed. I have better things to do than to tend to Draco's needs right now," said Lucius calmly without any emotion towards his only child.
Severus recognized that coldness. He had seen it too many times to recall. He remembered Narcissa Beaumont back in school. She wasn't too keen on marrying Lucius, but she had no choice. Her mother had tried to prevent the marriage, but she couldn't. Narcissa Beaumont's mother was half Veela, explaining Draco's hair coloring, despite Lucius' dark hair. Lucius was happy to marry Narcissa because she already had extra magic that she could pass down to their son. He was also sure that he would have a son. He made sure of that because he saw all the damage that was done by having a daughter like Voldemort's.
They finally had arrived at the dining room of Malfoy Manor. The doors swung opened and they stepped inside. Only Voldemort and Wormtail were there. Severus felt his insides turn into ice as he calmly looked at the Dark Lord. He wasn't about to show any weakness against the man who killed the only friend he had ever had.
"Any news from Hogwarts?" asked Voldemort.
"Yes, Milord. Dumbledore knows about the girl. He's sent others to search for her," answered Severus.
"That child. I cannot find her as easily as her mother. The blood connection is too thin. There is something else that is interfering with my ability to find her. I order you to find the child, Snape. Bring her to me," ordered Voldemort.
"The child is somewhere in the Americas. Thalia Black's diary was sent to one of the professors in the school," he informed him. It was all part of the plan. He had to look like he had important information to throw Voldemort off track.
"I knew that she would go to Dumbledore for help. It is no use to me. I do not think that she would be foolish enough to write anything that would help us find her child," he said.
"Then I will start my search for the child," said Snape with a nod.
"Go," he nodded.
Snape and Malfoy left at once with their robes bellowing behind them. Wormtail wished he could leave like that, but Voldemort liked keep him close by. Wormtail knew exactly why: he didn't trust him. Doesn't he realize that I'm too afraid of him to betray him? he thought as he looked at him.
"Get out of my sight, Wormtail," he hissed. That sudden order surprised him, but Wormtail scurried out of the room quickly.
Voldemort was thinking about how things could go so horribly wrong. At least his daughter had enough sense to have a child with another wizard. The child was a pure blood and his heir. Despite the fact that he was confounded by her being female. He felt a cool touch on his shoulder before he could see who it was a soft whisper murmured to his ear.
"You are not going to win, Father. I have made sure of that," said Thalia.
Voldemort finally looked around and found that he was very much alone. Why does she continue to defy me? Even in death, he thought.
Severus walked into one of the many guest rooms of the Malfoy house. He found himself feeling cold, even though there was a roaring fire in the fireplace. He pulled down the left sleeve of his robes to look at his Dark Mark.
It was his mark of shame and betrayal. He wished more than anything that he had kept his promise to Thalia. He got the mark even though she pleaded with him not to. She was the only reason why he hadn't runaway before. He only came to the stronghold at the Moors before for her.
Voldemort was nearby, hovering like Death, waiting for Severus to slip up. Severus traced his finger along the Dark Mark. The only person to touch it before was Thalia. She had traced her finger along it and nearly cried. Severus remembered the ceremony, so vividly. The only person in Voldemort's inner circle who didn't attend was Thalia. Afterwards, she came and helped Severus get through the pain. Later on, he risked his life to help her.
Thalia crept through the castle and looked for a way out of her ivory tower. She wore a plain cloak because her father wouldn't allow her to have an invisible one. Not being able to find away out, she went to the highest tower in the castle, trying to decide how to get out from there. She had just decided to use a levitating spell and drop down to the ground, but someone snuck up on her.
"What are you doing?" asked a harsh voice from behind her. Thalia turned around slowly, her breath stuck on her throat. She mustered a smile on her face. "Sev, what are you doing up here?", her voice sounding unnaturally higher.
"I asked first," he reminded her. She drew out her wand and pointed it at him. Severus didn't back away from her. He held up his hands to show her that he was unarmed. "What are you going to do, Thalia? Avada Kedavra me?" he asked her.
"You can't stop me. Please, Sev," she pleaded as her hand shook.
"I didn't say I was going to stop you, did I?" he asked.
"What are you going to do to me?" she asked.
"Come with me," he commanded her. Thalia lowered her arm and allowed Severus to take her. He guided her down from the tower. There was a gathering of Death Eaters, and that's what made Thalia think she had a chance to escape. With all the people there, her father wouldn't notice until she was long gone.
Severus held her hand firmly, but stopped when a young Lucius Malfoy met them at the stairway. "Where are you going Snape?" asked Lucius eyeing them.
"We're are preparing for the meeting, Malfoy. Besides, Thalia is my fiancée, and our fathers don't mind if we have some privacy," said Severus calmly as he gently pulled Thalia closer to him. She tried her best not to look terrified.
Lucius gave Thalia a short appraisal. He wished that he was the one engaged to the Dark Lord's daughter. She was a real prize. Too bad Snape's father made a deal before Lucius'. During his appraisal, Severus placed a protective arm around her shoulders. "Our father's decided that the meeting was for the Death Eaters only, not including their sons. Or daughters," Lucius took another look at Thalia.
"Then that gives us plenty of time alone," said Severus. "I'll see you later, Lucius."
They walked off and continued until they reached the outside of the castle because Severus knew how to get past the wards that surrounded it. Thalia was too afraid to say anything, feeling like a lamb to the slaughter. She was concentrating so hard on trying to get free from his grasp that she hadn't noticed that they were outside the castle grounds.
"Sev…how did we get out here?" she asked him in disbelief.
"They had to lower the wards because of the meeting. It's the largest gathering of Death Eaters I've ever seen," he answered. "I knew that everyone would be distracted. The only person who saw us together was Lucius. I'll take care of him later."
"But…why?" asked Thalia.
"You're in danger as long as you stay here," said Severus. He didn't look at her as he spoke.
"So are you," said Thalia. "Why did you do such a stupid thing like this?"
"That's the thanks I get for saving you?" snapped Severus. He quickly whipped his head around, realizing how loudly he was talking.
"Let's get out of here first," he continued. "There's a bound to be a fireplace nearby that we can use to get you as far from here as possible."
"I've never been off the grounds before, Sev," whispered Thalia as she looked back at the place that had been her home ever since she was brought into this world.
"There's no turning back, Thalia. Not if you want to live," whispered Severus.
Severus shook his head. Later on, when he met with her again, his arm was marked. He was so ashamed of himself. Thalia knew right away that he had the mark. She never voiced her disappointment, and told him that it couldn't be helped. Severus later had to convince Lucius that Thalia knocked him out.
Of course, for the next fifteen years, Severus had to be very careful around Lucius. He never quite believed his story. That was partly the reason why Severus gave Draco more attention than most of the students in his house. He had to make sure that Draco had nothing, but positive things to report back to his father.
Severus was surprised not to find Lucius gloating over the fact that he had managed to engage Draco to Fiona. He suspected that Lucius was waiting until Fiona was found before he said anything. Severus smiled ruefully. He should have used a memory charm on Lucius before. However, Lucius didn't make it easy on him and never trusted him again. Severus knew that Lucius was waiting for him to slip up.
I should have never turned back. I've never been alive, thought Severus.
*
Fleur Delacour was happily settling into Hogwarts. At first, she thought that she would have a hard time being taken seriously as a teacher because of her age and genetics. The staff was friendly towards her and the students, both boys and girls, adored her. There were a few complaints that she was giving them a lot of notes to memorize, and her English was improving nicely.
She tried very hard not to use her Veela charm on anyone. Sometimes when the class wasn't answering her, she felt like she had no choice. The boys were still stumbling over themselves, but the girls were doing well. She was careful to follow the lesson plans that Professor Snape had left behind. She wanted to impress Professor Dumbledore and prove that she was not only a competent teacher, but a good one.
"Now, clazz. I will expect this poztion to be done with time to zpare, zo that we can tezt it," she explained.
She looked around to see that everyone was paying attention, and almost everyone was, except Harry Potter. "Meezer Potter," she called. He snapped to attention and looked at her. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," he answered automatically. It was starting to be his answer for any question.
"Let'z get to work," said Fleur as everyone set to work. She walked around the room to help the students and make sure that they were doing things correctly. Neville's grades had improved because of her care. However, she was paying more attention to Harry.
There was something strange going on with him. He wasn't exactly the same boy that she remembered. He seemed so different. Fleur needed more evidence, but she had a feeling it had something to do with matters of the heart.
Being part-Veela, came with some blessings and curses. Men were instantly attracted to Fleur, but they never really cared for her. The blessing that came with being part-Veela was Fleur's ability to distinguish different kinds of attraction. It was fairly obvious that Harry had deep feelings for someone. She thought that Harry was still infatuated with Cho Chang, as she had seen him looking at her at the Yule Ball last year, but after observing Harry walk past Cho without so much as a glance disproved her theory.
It was a mystery worth investigating. What kind of person would The Boy Who Lived fall in love with?
Time flew by quickly, but using fifteen spare minutes, Fleur tested the potion from each group and gave points based on whether or not it worked correctly. She dismissed the class and waited for them to leave before paying a visit at Professor Lupin's office.
Professor Lupin was most friendly towards her. Fleur knew that he was a werewolf, but she relied on his advice. She asked him about the students the first week she was there, so that could understand them better. She knocked softly on his door.
"Come in," he called and she opened the door. "Hello, Fleur. I'm correcting some essays right now."
"Oh, I am interrupting. I will come back," said Fleur.
"No, stay. What's on your mind?" he asked her.
Fleur felt like she was still a student herself around the other teachers, but with Professor Lupin she felt like a colleague.
"'Arry Potter," she said promptly.
"Let me guess: he hasn't been paying attention in class," stated Remus as he looked at her. She nodded. "He's doing that in my class, too. And he was doing that in Potions before Serevus left. Almost every teacher has noticed it, except for Professor Binns, but he hardly notices anything about his classes."
"I think I know what's cauzing him to get so deeiztracted," said Fleur, lowering her voice even though the door was closed.
"What?"
"E's in love. I'm zure of it. I've zeen different kinds of attraction, but when one zeez love it iz not hard to miss," said Fleur with a gleam in her blue eyes.
"But, we don't know that for sure. We should stop talking about this. It's not right," said Remus.
"Who cares?" asked Fleur out loud. "I always pay attention to 'Arry because I want to make sure 'e iz safe. 'E did save my sister after all. And it's part of my job as a teacher at 'Ogwartz to make sure that all the students are safe."
"I think we should stop talking about it. Besides, I haven't even seen any girl around here grab his attention," argued Remus.
"Ah ha! So you're thinking the same thing as me," said Fleur.
"Yes, but we still shouldn't discuss it," insisted Remus.
"Fine. I won't talk about it anymore," agreed Fleur. "But, if 'e keeps getting distracted in my class, I'll have to take it up with 'im." She stood up and left.
Remus shook his head, but he couldn't help but wonder about the person Harry was thinking about. He wasn't really trying to find out because Harry had a right to privacy. He didn't want to pry. Remus decided to discuss it with Sirius later on. He continued grading the papers.
Ron and Hermione didn't know what made Harry so distracted. Ron noticed that he wasn't looking at Cho Chang the way he used to. He seemed more quiet and tired. Why else would he go to bed early almost every night? Harry wasn't talking. In fact, Harry was getting more and agitated whenever someone asked him what was bothering him.
It seemed the only thing that could keep Harry focused was Quidditch. Fred and George liked to joke about Harry being so distracted in class and everywhere else. Angelina, Katie, and Alicia were giving each other knowing glances and giggling, which none of the boys on the team.
Hermione thought that it was something medical, and since Harry refused to go to Madame Pomfrey for treatment, she decided to look through the medical books in the library. However, Hermione couldn't figure out what was wrong with Harry. Unlike all the other girls, who were interested in Harry, Hermione didn't seem to notice that they were sad and nearly in tears, whenever they looked towards Harry.
Harry was so distracted about the his dream girl that he didn't notice much else. Every once in a while, the teachers were able to snap him out of it, but he was reverted to daydreaming again. He talked to her often In his dreams. The girl never really faced him, so he never saw her face. Unfortunately, Harry never remembered what he said to her or what she said to him when he woke up in the morning. He always remembered her humming or playing an instrument. Sometimes, Harry felt his ears go red, when he thought of her.
The dreams not only made Harry feel like he was complete. But that there was a part of him that existed that made him whole. He lost so much in his short life. Harry had never felt like he was really whole. His parents were gone, and his "family" wasn't much. He couldn't even have his godfather with him. There were times where Harry felt lost and alone. He always thought about how lucky Ron and Hermione were. Harry wanted a family to belong to more than anything else. Ron's family welcomed Harry with open arms, but it wasn't the same thing.
The girl was the symbol of everything Harry longed for. He felt like she was waiting for him to meet her. Harry had to keep reminding himself that everything was just a dream. None of it was real, but it was hard not to wish it was.
*
Draco came out of the kitchen just as Dr. Lawson came home to a very full house. "Hello…everyone. Your friends, honey?" he asked his wife as she gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"More like your daughter's friends," said Mrs. Lawson with a smile. Sirius didn't bother to transform because Mrs. Lawson said that there was no point in doing so.
"First of all, I would like to introduce you to Sirius Black," said Mrs. Lawson as she pulled her husband towards Sirius.
"Hello, it's a pleasure to finally meet you," said Dr. Lawson as he out his hand.
"Likewise, Doctor," said Sirius as he shook hands with him. He had a surprisingly strong grip. His eyes were studying Sirius.
Mrs. Lawson proceeded and introduced her husband to the other people in the room. Sirius observed him. He was a good man, even if he was a Muggle. Sirius could tell right away that he was a very tolerant man who accepted his wife and daughter for what they were. He also saw that the good doctor adored Fiona as if she was his granddaughter.
"How is my favorite girl doing?" he asked Fiona.
"Fine. I feel a little better," answered Fiona as Dr. Lawson gave her a hug. "I got my wand today."
"Well, let me see it," urged Dr. Lawson. She showed him her wand, which he took from her. He studied the patterns on it and gave a low whistle. "Well, that's really something," he whispered.
Draco had never really met a Muggle before. He had seen them around, and talked to a few, but he had never personally tried to get to know one on a social level. However, Dr. Lawson was no ordinary Muggle. He turned his attention to Draco. "How old are you and what school do you attend, young man?" he asked him.
"I'm turning fifteen this coming November and I go to Hogwarts in England," he answered promptly.
"Ah, is that a good school, Laura?" asked Dr. Lawson.
"It's a fine school, Richard. Sirius went there and Professor Dumbledore is the headmaster," replied Mrs. Lawson.
"Who?"
"Professor Dumbledore, Dad. You've heard of him. He's a great wizard. He's defeated Grindelwald in 1945," said Nell.
"How old is this guy?" asked Fiona.
"He's over a hundred," answered Sirius.
"Wow," said Fiona.
Draco wasn't listening to anyone. He was back home in England. His mother knew that Voldemort and the Death Eaters were coming in and out of the house before he ever showed up. She wanted to stay away from Malfoy Manor longer when Lucius ordered that she and Draco return home. She knew that he only wanted Draco to come home, but she wasn't about to leave Draco at his mercy. Draco remembered hearing his parents fight when he was growing up, but thought nothing of it. Lucius Malfoy was very careful not to let Draco visit his maternal grandparents, even though Narcissa left to visit often.
"Draco?" called Fiona, snapping her fingers in front of his face. He blinked and looked at her like he was in a daze. "What's wrong with you?" she asked with a worried look on her face. Draco's face twisted into a scowl as he stood up suddenly.
"I told you before to leave me alone," he growled at her.
Fiona stepped back from him because of the look on his face. "I was just asking! No wonder no one likes you!" she spat back as her temper got the better of her.
Sirius stood up to stop them, but Mrs. Lawson intervened. "Fiona, stop," she ordered in a firm voice.
"I'm going outside," mumbled Draco without looking at anyone, especially Fiona. She was getting on his nerves. Most people knew better than to bother him when he told them to leave him alone. She had no right to care. He left quietly.
"That's what I get for trying to be nice," muttered Fiona as she crossed her arms over her chest. Nell recognized that look and shook her head. The first time she saw that Fiona was three-years-old. Fiona had a slight pout on her face.
"Draco has some private issues right now to deal with," said Mrs. Lawson.
Ryu Ran looked mildly surprised and made a mental note to talk to Draco later. He was genuinely concerned for him. He kept his attention on Fiona. She was gaining knowledge so quickly, but there was danger on the horizon. Ryu wanted to bring her to a safe place. A place safer than Hogwarts.
"He was still mean," argued Fiona, not moving her arms. She felt a sudden warmth on her shoulders and looked up to see her father staring down at her.
"Leave him be, Fiona," said Sirius gently.
"Okay," agreed Fiona. She just wanted to get his hands off her shoulders.
"Um…why don't we all settle down? And can anyone explain to me what happened today? Just for this old Muggle's sake?" asked Dr. Lawson.
After all the long explanations, everyone decided it was time go to dinner at the restaurant. Draco had never realize on sheltered his existence was. He had never tried Chinese food before, so this was a whole new experience for him. Fiona stopped talking to him because of how he had treated her earlier. She spent more time around Dr. and Mrs. Lawson because they were devoting their attention to her.
Sirius was happy to know that Fiona had people who acted like her grandparents. Although, Sirius suspected that his parents were far more orthodox than the Lawsons. Dr. Lawson was the most amazing Muggle he had ever encountered. He didn't prevent his wife or daughter from doing magic, and he also accepted that there was a whole world that he didn't belong to that the rest of his family did. Best of all, Dr. Lawson adored Fiona.
"I love this restaurant," said Fiona. Draco watched people eat with chopsticks with a raised eyebrow. The hostess gave them a strange look when she saw the dog that they brought with them. Dr. Lawson had found a leash for him, and Sirius was trying to look like a well behaved dog.
"I am sorry, but we don't allow dogs into this establishment," said the hostess.
"We reserved the private dining room for our party," explained Mrs. Lawson. "And we plan on staying there, so the dog shouldn't be a problem."
"Let me call the manager," said the hostess as she picked up the phone. She was talking in very rapid Chinese that only Master Ran could understand. He smiled as she hung up. "The manager says it will be fine and everything has been prepared. This way," she said as she directed them to the private room. "Will you be needing anything else?" she added.
"Is all the food served? We would like it if no one interrupted our meal," said Mrs. Lawson.
"Everything was set up that way, Ma'am. Enjoy your meal," said the hostess with a bow, then she left.
"Have a seat," said Mrs. Lawson. Everyone took their seats carefully around the large circular table with a rotating table top at the center of it. Fiona found herself sandwiched in between Sirius and Nell. Next to Sirius was Master Ran. Draco took the seat next to Master Ran. Dr. Lawson sat next to Mrs. Lawson, who was next to Nell.
A large feast was prepared on the rotating table top. Draco found that there were only chopsticks. Everyone else was already ready to get something to eat, while he was looking at the chopsticks. "Draco, do you want to learn something new today?" asked Ryu.
"What, Sensei?"
"Learning how to use chopsticks."
Master Ran demonstrated with his, telling Draco the right way to do it. After a few failed attempts, Master Ran laughed, "Perhaps you should just try the soup."
Draco tried the shark fin soup and thought it was pretty good. The noodles looked plain in them, but the broth was nice and robust. Fiona used the chopsticks with trained experience, while Sirius struggled slightly, but it showed that he was a fast learner.
Everyone laughed and told stories. The Lawsons told more embarrassing stories from Fiona's childhood. Dr. Lawson spoke of the very stressful weekend he and his wife had when Thalia decided to go away, leaving Fiona for more than one day for the first time. Fiona gave them such a hard time. Nell talked about various episodes where Fiona's sweet tooth got the better of her. Draco was quiet because he was thinking of his mother.
"It is such a shame that you'll be moving to England soon," said Dr. Lawson.
"What?" asked Fiona. "No one said anything about moving to England." She turned to look at Sirius who gazed at her calmly. She knew they were going to move, but not to another country.
"You have to meet with Professor Dumbledore soon. There are a lot of things in this world that are out of your hands, even if you're an adult, Fiona," Sirius told her quietly.
"I'm not going to England. It's cold. It's rainy. And I don't want to be there," said Fiona stubbornly.
"You don't have a choice. I am your father and I have decided it's best for you," said Sirius shortly.
Fiona gave a small laugh. She stood up and said, "I told you before. You haven't got the right to do anything with me or to me. I'll tell you one thing right now. Mom was willing to forgive and forget and get on with her life, but I'm not her. I'm not going to be that stupid."
"Fiona!" said Nell.
Ignoring her, Fiona continued, "I may, in the future, forgive you for everything. But, I'll say this: I may never love you." She started walking for the door.
"Fiona, where are you going?" asked Dr. Lawson.
"I need to use the restroom," said Fiona as she let the door closed behind her. Sirius stared after her with his mouth opened. Everyone else sat in stunned silence, but Draco stood up slowly.
"Where are you going?" asked Master Ran.
"To the restroom," replied Draco.
AN: Ooh…that was cold. Did anyone really think that Fiona would resolve her issues with Sirius so soon just because of that tender moment earlier? Everyone's got problems and we're only half way through, so there's still a long way to go.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. I own really nothing, but the original characters of this fic are mine!