Chapter Fourteen:
They Are all the Same
"I.uh Usagi?" She licked her lips, tilting her head up just slightly. "Hai?"
Draco suddenly shook his head, inhaling sharply. He turned away, letting the air he held tumble over his lips. "Did you find anything out?"
She looked away, directing her gaze to her lap. Her hands slipped away from the folds of his robes. "I don't think you want to know." She pushed herself up off the bed. "In fact, I think you should go." She moved to the window near her bed, and stared out towards the forbidden forest.
Draco stood, and moved to stand behind her. "Why don't you want to tell me now? You were willing to tell me after winter vacation." Usagi ducked her head, "Because I'm afraid of what you will think."
He scoffed, his eyes narrowing, "And when did you begin to care what I think?"
She turned on him, "I don't." Her lips pursed together. Without a word, she pushed passed him to her bed. Lying on top of the blankets was the dreaded book she had shown Professor Dumbledore.
Hesitantly she lifted it, and forced herself to open to the page in the back. Draco followed her to the bed, and looked at the book over her shoulder. "Why are you looking at an obituary?"
Tears filled her eyes, as she held one shaky hand over the picture of the silver haired maiden. "That's my okaasan." Her voice trembled.
She dragged her finger down the information next to the picture. She stopped at the next of kin. "And that's my otosan."
Tom Riddle
It was written in italics, neatly done, except for the obvious pauses at each letter.
"Tom Riddle?" His voice sounded so indifferent, as if her answer wasn't a surprise to him. Was he trying to act cool, while inside he was disgusted with her? Hurt flashed across her face, as something stabbed her in the heart, piercing her deep. Numbly she nodded, waiting for him to jerk away from her. She knew Harry would have if he knew.
She would never be able to tell Harry, not unless she didn't value his friendship. 'But I do, I value both of their friendship. Its all I have.' Usagi bit hard on her lip, and her teeth sliced the inside of her mouth.
"Voldemort is your father?" He wrenched the book from her hands, and flipped through the pages. Usagi covered her face with them. "Hai. Dumbledore told me today, before lunch." She shook her head, the nausea building inside her.
"Go."
"But."
She shook her head vigorously, "GO!" She looked at him, her eyes twisted with agony. "JUST leave!"
Draco snapped the book shut, his eyes hardening, "Fine." He didn't give her the book back, but took it with him when he left.
Rage surged her, and Usagi ripped the pouch she wore around her neck, off. Holding her arm back, she threatened to throw it, but she stopped herself. Luna wanted her to learn how to use the brooch, to protect herself. Had Luna known who her father was? Had known that he wanted to kill her.
Tearing her eyes from the brown bag, she gazed about the room. "Then get it over with! If you want me dead so badly KILL ME!!! I don't care!"
She fell to her knees sobbing, "I don't care."
?????
Albus Dumbledore looked up, as the stairs to his office rotated up. Worry creased his brow, as he fell back against his chair. Who would come to speak with him at such an hour?
Glancing out the window, he could see that the sun had already sunk passed the horizon. Turning his eyes back to his piece of parchment, he sighed. He hadn't gotten anything done since Usagi had left his office earlier that day. He hadn't been able to forget the horrified look on her face when she realized the truth.
Reaching up, he rubbed his forehead, before washing his hands down his face. He had never wanted her to find out. She wasn't one to take the news well.
Albus gaze lifted back to the stairway, but there was no one there. The stairs had stopped moving, but there was no one in his office. "Harry?"
He pushed back his seat, "Harry?" He heard the rustle of cloth against cloth. "You do not need to use the invincibility cloak everywhere you go, Harry."
"I'm not Harry."
The cloak was pulled away, and standing in the middle of his office was Draco Malfoy. Prefect of the Slytherin house. "Mr. Malfoy what a pleasant surprise."
He made a move to stand, as he beckoned the boy to come in. "Please sit." When Draco fell into the seat, Usagi had sat down only hours before, he added, "What can I do for you Mr. Malfoy." Albus sat back down in his chair.
The boy smiled crookedly, and Albus shuddered inwardly. Draco was too much like his father it was uncanny. "Strange how you call me by my last name, while with Potter you don't mind to call him by his first."
Albus cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably in his seat, "I figured you wished to be called by your last name. If you want otherwise."
Draco shook his head, holding his hand up to silence him. "No."
Albus nodded, "I see." He leaned forward, closing the book he had neglected to shut earlier. "What can I do for you Mr. Malfoy?"
The white haired youth shifted restlessly in his seat, but before he could ask the question weighing down on his mind, the stairs to Albus' office began to move.
Draco shifted again, but didn't move to look behind him. "I want to know everything you told Usagi this morning." Albus sighed; he had known this was coming. "Fine, then I better tell the both you at the same time."
There was the soft sound of rustling of cloth. "What are you doing here?" The boy seated in the chair, turned slightly to look at the boy standing in the doorway. "Hello Potter."
He smirked, "Being nosy as usual?" Harry glowered at the Slytherin boy, "What are you doing here Malfoy?"
Draco scowled, turning from him, "Looking after a fellow housemate, and yourself?" Harry stalked across the room, taking a seat next to the boy. He scooted the chair away from Draco as he replied, "I'm worried about a friend."
Blue eyes narrowed, "Slytherin and Gryffindors don't make friends." Harry shot the white haired boy a harsh look, "Usagi doesn't belong in Slytherin. She's a better person than the lot of you."
Snorting, Draco asked, "She makes a perfect Slytherin."
Albus raised both his hands "Boys please. Now is not the time to argue. You have both come to find out what had happened in this office between Usagi and I."
Both boys nodded, turning away from the other to look at the professor.
Sighing, he continued, "It is a long story young lads. But if you are willing to listen, I will tell."
?????
The weeks passed, and Usagi found herself avoiding Draco and Harry more than ever. During Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, she found herself eating down in the dungeon, conversing with none other than Professor Snape.
After confiding with him four weeks ago on her way to Professor Dumbledore's office, she sort of grown accustomed to Snape's standoffish mood.
Sitting on the floor of Snape's office, she rolled the food she had plopped into her mouth, as she wrote her essay for his class. "Professor?"
Snape grunted, his eyes briefly glancing down at her from over the edge of his desk. "Yes Miss Tsukino?"
Swallowing her mouthful of baked potato, she asked, "What was that ingredient, the thing that." She tapped her chin with her quill. "Argh I cant describe it."
She pouted slightly trying to come up with something enough for him to give it a name.
"Hellebore?"
Usagi perked up at the name, "Hai, hai, that's it. Artigato Professor." She went back to scribbling on her piece of parchment. She shoved the last fork full of food into her mouth, and chewed loudly. Swallowing it, she leaned back, patting her stomach.
"More?"
Looking up, Usagi started at her potion's Professor blankly. Then as if it dawned on her what he was asking, shook her head. "Iie, five helpings is my limit." The greasy haired man's left eye twitched slightly. "Limit indeed."
Usagi felt her face warm, "Artigato for letting me sit in here again." She glanced at the clock, noting how late it was getting. Packing her things, she stuffed them into her bag, before bringing the plate to his desk.
Snape eyed her with disdain. He leaned back in his seat, as she replaced the plate, where she had picked it up twenty minutes earlier. "What I don't understand is, is it either your avoiding Mr. Potter, and Mr. Malfoy, or avoiding everyone all together?"
He watched her carefully, noting how she stiffened at the question. Meekly, she looked at him. "You've heard them talking too, then?"
He nodded, knowing full well what she was talking about. The rumors were all over, and it didn't take a genius to figure out what they were about, and to whom they were about. "Yes I have."
Sighing, Usagi dropped her bag. It was going well passed seven, and most students would be heading off to their common rooms. Lucky for her, her common room was right down the hall. "I've known for a while now it was going to happen. Should have prepared myself, really."
She shook her head in disgust, "But it still hurts, even though I was warned about it. How can people just point fingers not caring at who?" Tears welled up within her eyes, "I can't stand it. Shingo won't even talk to me. All the first years are deathly afraid of me."
Uncomfortably, she crossed, and uncrossed her arms, not sure what to do with them. "Why did he have to be my otosan? Why did my okaasan have to pick such an evil, evil man!" Angry tears began to fall from her storming blue eyes. She was seething inside.
"I hate him, the whole lot of them." Grinding her teeth together, she finally began to pour out all the anxiety, hatred, and pain that had built up over the past four weeks. She was angry with everyone, hurt by all the accusations thrown at her, and feared that she was going to lose the only friendships she had.
Draco and Harry.
Snape's lips curled into a rare smile, "Spoken like a true Slytherin." Her wild eyes snapped at him, "I won't ever be a Slytherin!" She glared at him, her anger so fresh, so strong, she couldn't fight it back any longer.
She let it go, tired of holding back, and tired of taking everything with stride. "My parents were Slytherin, and look what happened to them. My otosan is a murdering bastered. My Okaasan dead, because of him!" Her voice became shrill. She was shrieking at the top of her lungs.
"This whole time all of you knew! Setsuna, my obason, if she even is my obason, knew. You knew, Dumbledore knew!" She began to pace the office floor, unable to hold still any longer.
Usagi was venting, and she knew it. It felt great yelling at someone.
"Again spoken like a true Slytherin. You may deny it Miss Tsukino, but you are the descendent of two powerful witch and wizard."
She whirled on him, her face red with anger, "So! Should I be thrilled, should I be happy, that my Otosan is Lord Voldemort, himself?" Her eyes narrowed. "You all knew, and wouldn't tell me."
Shaking her head, she resumed pacing the floor. "Do you know what they say, when I leave the room, do you hear them talking when I lay in my bed and close my eyes. Do you understand, what I go through day in and day out, night after night, listening to them?" She glanced at him, and saw him shake his head.
"They don't bother to wait sometimes for me to leave the room, to talk. They point at me!" She raised a shaking hand the scars, which had yet to show any sign of healing. The scabs were still there, dried blood crusted over the long jagged marks across her flesh. When she washed it, they bled, and the blood would dry once more, as if they attack had just happened.
"Every time I look in a mirror, I see that dead rat jumping out at me, I see all that blood spraying the walls." She closed her eyes, letting her hand to fall at her side. She had stopped pacing all together.
"They blame me for them disappearing. Those girls had all looked alike, blonde hair, blue eyes. They were taken, because he wanted me." She paused, trying to muster the courage, which was draining rapidly from her. "Some even think I'm the one who took them. They think that I'm going to follow my Otosan's footsteps, and go on a killing spree."
Tears filled her eyes again, and she opened them to look at the potion master. "They didn't like me in the first place, and now everyone hates me, even my own Otooto."
Glancing around the office, she finally answered the question, he had asked her, before she had poured out all her pent up frustrations. "So hai, you can say I am avoiding everyone, because I cant stand the way they look at me, when I walk into the Great Hall. I can't stand seeing them all move, when I sit down at the table. And I most certainly cant stand listening to them talk about rumors, and lies about me!"
With that said, Usagi snatched up her bag, and stalked out of the room, and headed for the slithering common room. Everyone would be in bed by now.
Hopefully.
?????
Things became more and more difficult over the next couple of weeks. It was nearing March already; January and February had gone by in a haze, Usagi spending most of that time avoiding other students, and even Snape.
After her last meeting with Snape, she had taken extra care, not to stop by his office, but spent the remainder of her of time outside of classes in the library, at a table, and her nose pressed to the books.
She focused most her spare time on learning all that she could about Voldemort, and the Death Eaters. The more she learned, the more she resented him and herself for being his child.
Usagi wasn't one to skip a meal, but considering food wasn't aloud in the library, she had skipped many of them, going without anything to eat for days. With her lack of participation in anything, the talk about her grew, but she was never around to hear it.
Sitting down in her favorite seat in the very back of the library, she lit the candle on the table, and pulled out one of the books she had checked out earlier that week.
Glancing around, she noted Madam Pince was busy shelving books, Usagi pulled out her brown pouch from beneath her robes. Staring at it, she contemplated on what she intended to do. Looking at Madam Pince once more, making sure she was busy, he sighed. Dumping the brooch into her hand, she held it tightly.
This thing was supposed to help her against Voldemort. Frowning, she turned the locket over in her hand. How could a piece of jewelry save her against an evil man like her Otosan?
"Thought I'd find you here."
Snapping out of her thoughts, Usagi looked up sharply to find herself not alone anymore. For the passed two months, she had been successful in avoiding him, even in class, she had refused to sit next to him, and found an empty seat alone, since if she sat next to anyone, they moved immediately.
But now, she had been so wrapped up within her own thoughts, she hadn't heard him approach her. And now, there was no escape.
"Hello Malfoy san."
She looked away from him, refusing to acknowledge him fully.
Maybe if she ignored him, he would leave?
From the corner of her eyes she could seem him scowl at her formalities.
Or maybe not.
Turning back to him, pleasantly, she asked, "What can I do for you?" The white haired boy scowled at her, his eyes slightly narrowed in displeasure with her coolness towards him.
"Where have you been? And why do you keep ignoring me?" His voice had risen at the last question, that Madam Pince looked at them, and ordered him to be quiet.
He glared at the librarian, before he turned his attention back to the blonde first year.
Usagi frowned at him, and she replied in a hiss, "My life doesn't revolve around you Mr. Malfoy, I can do as I wish." She dropped the brooch back into the pouch, and hid it back beneath her robes. She crossed her arms over her chest, and directed her gaze to the book open in front of her.
Draco gritted his teeth in annoyance, "Don't avoid the question Usagi!"
"Mr. Malfoy, if you don't keep your voice down, I will have to remove you at once!" Madam Pince was glaring at them from across the room, her hands on her hips.
He didn't even hesitate, grabbing her book, and her bag with one hand; he pulled her from the chair with his other. By the arm, he jerked her across the room, and out of the library, into the empty corridor.
"Draco what is the meaning."
He whirled on her, nearly shoving her into the wall near the doors of the library. "So now you call me by my first name??? What happened to Mr. Malfoy huh?" His voice rose, there not being a restriction at raising it outside the library.
Glaring at him, she hissed, "Keep your voice down!" His anger jumped to another notch, "Why should I? Nearly two months Usagi, of your damn cold shoulder ever since that day in the common room. What's the deal huh?"
He pointed a threatening finger at her as he asked the question. Slapping at it, Usagi snapped, "What deal? Can't I want time alone?"
It was odd really, to be arguing like this. In September, she had respected him, and considered him almost a friend. He had helped her through the darkest times of the school year. Had been there when she really needed help. He was there to push her further, when she considered dropping out.
The thought had crossed her mind often, but he would only shove her face into a book, till she understood what it was trying to tell her. He had hounded her from the beginning, forcing her to learn.
But that had changed during the week before winter vacation. Something had changed in their acquainted relationship. When he had let her out to play, and they had spent the whole day out in the snow, she had truly thought they had gotten closer.
Then he had come back, and she had learned the truth of her past. And here they were down each other's throat breathing fire, and ready to strangle the other.
This was the second time she had come face to face with him since the second term had started. She hoped this one wouldn't end as badly as the other had, but with the way things were playing out, it was going to end on bad terms.
Draco was seething, his face red with anger. Usagi never remembered seeing him so mad before, not even at Harry or Hermione, who always found a way to set him off. "Is it because what you told me, back in the common room? Is that why you've been avoiding me?"
She stared at him, slightly shaken by the thought that he was actually upset about it. She never thought he would get mad over the tiny fact that he didn't have to tutor anymore. Usagi had believed he would have been ecstatic.
"Well?"
He was staring down at her expectantly, and Usagi wasn't sure what to say. Was it because she had told him who her Otosan was, or was it something else? Was it maybe the fact that she had been wrong on assuming they had grown closer? That maybe she came to realize that he found her rather annoying, and had believe he would have wanted to be rid of her?
She shook her head, not sure, which was the real reason why, she had been so deathly afraid to talk to him.
But there was one thing she was sure about. Ducking her head slightly, Usagi meekly answered, "I was afraid I would lose.your friendship."
He stared at her, the color draining away from his face. He looked frighteningly ill, his face paler than usual. "F.Friendship?"
Usagi cursed herself for believing something, that she should have known wasn't true. Why would he want to be her friend? A mere first year, who couldn't tell the difference between a hellebore, from salamander blood.
Frowning, Draco quickly added, "I've known who your father was since Christmas."
"Nani!?!?" She looked up at him, her eyes widening with shock. He knew???
He flushed slightly, to find himself look directly into her eyes. They were quite close, and he just then realize how awkward this would be to explain if anyone came out into the corridor and saw them. Clearing his throat nosily, he replied, "Yea. When I got your present, my father wanted to know who you were. I told him, and he well, he told me he knew you, or at least your parents."
She stared at him aghast. So this whole time, fearing of his reaction, he had known all along. Anger seized her, and Usagi smacked his arm. "You baka. I've been worried about losing one of the only friends I have, and this whole time you knew!"
Draco winced from the sting of her slap, but didn't snap at her. Instead he retorted, "You never gave me a chance to!" He glared at her, crossing his arms over his chest. "You kicked me out, before I could say anything."
Usagi opened her mouth to retaliate, but the words died on her tongue. She closed her mouth, only to open it again. "That's why you didn't sound surprise. I thought you were trying to stay cool, to hide your anger at me." She dropped her eyes to her feet, suddenly finding them interesting. She had been worried over nothing. "I feel like a fool."
Draco chuckled, "Well you should. Do you think, that finding out who your father is, is going to keep me from tutoring you?" He snorted, when she looked at him with a blank stare. "Think again. We have to work over time considering how far behind you must be."
Usagi sheepishly grinned, "Hai I guess."
Now they were back to tutor and student again. Sighing, Usagi realized it was all she was going to get out of the cold fish.
"Now what's wrong?"
She instantly flushed deeply, her face warming. Trying to hide her embarrassment, she finally said, "If you think I'm going to forgive you for dragging me out of the library without my consent, you have another thing coming." The threat sounded feeble to her own ears.
Draco smirked, "Oh really?" When she nodded, he stated coolly, "well how else did you expect me to get you alone?"
"Alone?" Her voice barely came out as a squeak, and she stared at him with a surprised look on her face. "You wanted to get me alone? F.For what?"
He rolled his eyes at her; "Madam Pince wasn't going to let us have a go at each other in there." he jerked a thumb in the direction of the library doors.
Usagi flushed brightly, "Oh." Somewhere deep inside her, her hopes fell. She had been hoping for more.
His eyes slightly narrowed, when she cut him off. Slowly a smirk slid across his face. He reached up, placing both his hand on either side of her face, as he added, "And well, for this." He leaned down, pressing his lips against hers. A squeak of surprise escaped her mouth, before his covered hers. At the soft touch, her body melted against him, and she fell into his warmth.
When he pulled away, he leaned over to her ear, for only her to hear, "Forgive me now?" Numbly, Usagi nodded, her head.
Draco smirked, and let her go. She fell against the wall, using it as support. "Then I expect to see you in the common room after dinner, for your tutoring lesson." With that said, he stalked off down the hallway.
?????
Usagi was numbly aware that she was quite lost. Having been left in the corridor outside the library, she had found it best she walked off the feelings that swam in the pit of her stomach.
But now she stood in an unfamiliar corridor, on the seventh level. Looking around, she wondered what had led her to come here.
She looked over at the tapestry of a person being clubbed by some trolls. It was a nice piece of work. On the other side of her was a stretch of empty wall space, from a window, to a man size vase.
Rubbing her head, she paced the corridor, wondering how she had gotten herself her, without really knowing it. "I wish Luna was here." She missed the black cat more than she wanted to admit. That cat was still missing, and Usagi was starting to get worried.
Peeves was also missing. All the ghost had admitted they had missed the poltergeist, and were worried about the prankster's health. Even Professor McGonagall had voiced her concerns.
She stopped, something on her left catching her eye. Looking over, where there had once been a blank wall, she found herself standing in front of a door. Both eyebrows rose in question. Where had that come from?
She glanced down each end of the corridor. She was standing still in between the vase and window. And behind her was the tapestry. She inhaled sharply, and held it, as she hesitantly reached out for the doorknob. Had she been led here to go into this room? She turned the knob slowly, and pushed the door open.
The room was dark, and musty. Cobwebs strewn across the ceiling to the floor. The floor made of stone was overgrown with mold, and the only piece of furniture was the long table, which was worn through.
She stepped inside carefully; her heart pounding in her chest. There was something terribly wrong. The room resembled much like the dungeons her potions class was held in, but much more ancient.
It wasn't until the door slammed shut behind her, did Usagi realize she wasn't alone, as she had first thought. The room was large, but shrouded in shadows. The only light was coming from the flickering flame of the candle, on the old table.
But in the shadows in the far wall something sinister lurked, watching her with cold chilling eyes.
"Welcome home dear daughter."
It was like she had been punched in the stomach. The air in her lungs whoosh out passed her lips, and she found it terribly hard to breath. The voice, which echoed off the walls, had the same effect on her, as if someone had dumped a bucket of ice water on her.
Everyone bone in her body felt chilled, and she breathed the only word she could utter aloud, "Voldemort." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ All right, there you go, chapter fourteen. Told ya I would have a couple by this chapter. I think the next chapter will be the last. So get ready for the finally battle, between Father and Daughter. And this battle wont be some squabble.
I'll warn you here and now, this will be my first attempt on a battle like this one. So if it come out bad, I'm terribly sorry. I will try my best, but no promises.
Well I hoped you enjoyed this chapter, and I just have to say, thank you for reading it. speaking of reading, I recommend buying the new Harry Potter Book NOW! It is the best.
I'm halfway through it myself, and so far I just have to say, my story is WAY WAY off. I was now where near coming close to guessing the fifth year. Hehe oh well my bad. Well I hoped you enjoyed this story anyway. Must run, got lots to do before I head to be, like write, and read more of the GREAT book!!!
Tata for now LP signing out.
"I.uh Usagi?" She licked her lips, tilting her head up just slightly. "Hai?"
Draco suddenly shook his head, inhaling sharply. He turned away, letting the air he held tumble over his lips. "Did you find anything out?"
She looked away, directing her gaze to her lap. Her hands slipped away from the folds of his robes. "I don't think you want to know." She pushed herself up off the bed. "In fact, I think you should go." She moved to the window near her bed, and stared out towards the forbidden forest.
Draco stood, and moved to stand behind her. "Why don't you want to tell me now? You were willing to tell me after winter vacation." Usagi ducked her head, "Because I'm afraid of what you will think."
He scoffed, his eyes narrowing, "And when did you begin to care what I think?"
She turned on him, "I don't." Her lips pursed together. Without a word, she pushed passed him to her bed. Lying on top of the blankets was the dreaded book she had shown Professor Dumbledore.
Hesitantly she lifted it, and forced herself to open to the page in the back. Draco followed her to the bed, and looked at the book over her shoulder. "Why are you looking at an obituary?"
Tears filled her eyes, as she held one shaky hand over the picture of the silver haired maiden. "That's my okaasan." Her voice trembled.
She dragged her finger down the information next to the picture. She stopped at the next of kin. "And that's my otosan."
Tom Riddle
It was written in italics, neatly done, except for the obvious pauses at each letter.
"Tom Riddle?" His voice sounded so indifferent, as if her answer wasn't a surprise to him. Was he trying to act cool, while inside he was disgusted with her? Hurt flashed across her face, as something stabbed her in the heart, piercing her deep. Numbly she nodded, waiting for him to jerk away from her. She knew Harry would have if he knew.
She would never be able to tell Harry, not unless she didn't value his friendship. 'But I do, I value both of their friendship. Its all I have.' Usagi bit hard on her lip, and her teeth sliced the inside of her mouth.
"Voldemort is your father?" He wrenched the book from her hands, and flipped through the pages. Usagi covered her face with them. "Hai. Dumbledore told me today, before lunch." She shook her head, the nausea building inside her.
"Go."
"But."
She shook her head vigorously, "GO!" She looked at him, her eyes twisted with agony. "JUST leave!"
Draco snapped the book shut, his eyes hardening, "Fine." He didn't give her the book back, but took it with him when he left.
Rage surged her, and Usagi ripped the pouch she wore around her neck, off. Holding her arm back, she threatened to throw it, but she stopped herself. Luna wanted her to learn how to use the brooch, to protect herself. Had Luna known who her father was? Had known that he wanted to kill her.
Tearing her eyes from the brown bag, she gazed about the room. "Then get it over with! If you want me dead so badly KILL ME!!! I don't care!"
She fell to her knees sobbing, "I don't care."
?????
Albus Dumbledore looked up, as the stairs to his office rotated up. Worry creased his brow, as he fell back against his chair. Who would come to speak with him at such an hour?
Glancing out the window, he could see that the sun had already sunk passed the horizon. Turning his eyes back to his piece of parchment, he sighed. He hadn't gotten anything done since Usagi had left his office earlier that day. He hadn't been able to forget the horrified look on her face when she realized the truth.
Reaching up, he rubbed his forehead, before washing his hands down his face. He had never wanted her to find out. She wasn't one to take the news well.
Albus gaze lifted back to the stairway, but there was no one there. The stairs had stopped moving, but there was no one in his office. "Harry?"
He pushed back his seat, "Harry?" He heard the rustle of cloth against cloth. "You do not need to use the invincibility cloak everywhere you go, Harry."
"I'm not Harry."
The cloak was pulled away, and standing in the middle of his office was Draco Malfoy. Prefect of the Slytherin house. "Mr. Malfoy what a pleasant surprise."
He made a move to stand, as he beckoned the boy to come in. "Please sit." When Draco fell into the seat, Usagi had sat down only hours before, he added, "What can I do for you Mr. Malfoy." Albus sat back down in his chair.
The boy smiled crookedly, and Albus shuddered inwardly. Draco was too much like his father it was uncanny. "Strange how you call me by my last name, while with Potter you don't mind to call him by his first."
Albus cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably in his seat, "I figured you wished to be called by your last name. If you want otherwise."
Draco shook his head, holding his hand up to silence him. "No."
Albus nodded, "I see." He leaned forward, closing the book he had neglected to shut earlier. "What can I do for you Mr. Malfoy?"
The white haired youth shifted restlessly in his seat, but before he could ask the question weighing down on his mind, the stairs to Albus' office began to move.
Draco shifted again, but didn't move to look behind him. "I want to know everything you told Usagi this morning." Albus sighed; he had known this was coming. "Fine, then I better tell the both you at the same time."
There was the soft sound of rustling of cloth. "What are you doing here?" The boy seated in the chair, turned slightly to look at the boy standing in the doorway. "Hello Potter."
He smirked, "Being nosy as usual?" Harry glowered at the Slytherin boy, "What are you doing here Malfoy?"
Draco scowled, turning from him, "Looking after a fellow housemate, and yourself?" Harry stalked across the room, taking a seat next to the boy. He scooted the chair away from Draco as he replied, "I'm worried about a friend."
Blue eyes narrowed, "Slytherin and Gryffindors don't make friends." Harry shot the white haired boy a harsh look, "Usagi doesn't belong in Slytherin. She's a better person than the lot of you."
Snorting, Draco asked, "She makes a perfect Slytherin."
Albus raised both his hands "Boys please. Now is not the time to argue. You have both come to find out what had happened in this office between Usagi and I."
Both boys nodded, turning away from the other to look at the professor.
Sighing, he continued, "It is a long story young lads. But if you are willing to listen, I will tell."
?????
The weeks passed, and Usagi found herself avoiding Draco and Harry more than ever. During Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, she found herself eating down in the dungeon, conversing with none other than Professor Snape.
After confiding with him four weeks ago on her way to Professor Dumbledore's office, she sort of grown accustomed to Snape's standoffish mood.
Sitting on the floor of Snape's office, she rolled the food she had plopped into her mouth, as she wrote her essay for his class. "Professor?"
Snape grunted, his eyes briefly glancing down at her from over the edge of his desk. "Yes Miss Tsukino?"
Swallowing her mouthful of baked potato, she asked, "What was that ingredient, the thing that." She tapped her chin with her quill. "Argh I cant describe it."
She pouted slightly trying to come up with something enough for him to give it a name.
"Hellebore?"
Usagi perked up at the name, "Hai, hai, that's it. Artigato Professor." She went back to scribbling on her piece of parchment. She shoved the last fork full of food into her mouth, and chewed loudly. Swallowing it, she leaned back, patting her stomach.
"More?"
Looking up, Usagi started at her potion's Professor blankly. Then as if it dawned on her what he was asking, shook her head. "Iie, five helpings is my limit." The greasy haired man's left eye twitched slightly. "Limit indeed."
Usagi felt her face warm, "Artigato for letting me sit in here again." She glanced at the clock, noting how late it was getting. Packing her things, she stuffed them into her bag, before bringing the plate to his desk.
Snape eyed her with disdain. He leaned back in his seat, as she replaced the plate, where she had picked it up twenty minutes earlier. "What I don't understand is, is it either your avoiding Mr. Potter, and Mr. Malfoy, or avoiding everyone all together?"
He watched her carefully, noting how she stiffened at the question. Meekly, she looked at him. "You've heard them talking too, then?"
He nodded, knowing full well what she was talking about. The rumors were all over, and it didn't take a genius to figure out what they were about, and to whom they were about. "Yes I have."
Sighing, Usagi dropped her bag. It was going well passed seven, and most students would be heading off to their common rooms. Lucky for her, her common room was right down the hall. "I've known for a while now it was going to happen. Should have prepared myself, really."
She shook her head in disgust, "But it still hurts, even though I was warned about it. How can people just point fingers not caring at who?" Tears welled up within her eyes, "I can't stand it. Shingo won't even talk to me. All the first years are deathly afraid of me."
Uncomfortably, she crossed, and uncrossed her arms, not sure what to do with them. "Why did he have to be my otosan? Why did my okaasan have to pick such an evil, evil man!" Angry tears began to fall from her storming blue eyes. She was seething inside.
"I hate him, the whole lot of them." Grinding her teeth together, she finally began to pour out all the anxiety, hatred, and pain that had built up over the past four weeks. She was angry with everyone, hurt by all the accusations thrown at her, and feared that she was going to lose the only friendships she had.
Draco and Harry.
Snape's lips curled into a rare smile, "Spoken like a true Slytherin." Her wild eyes snapped at him, "I won't ever be a Slytherin!" She glared at him, her anger so fresh, so strong, she couldn't fight it back any longer.
She let it go, tired of holding back, and tired of taking everything with stride. "My parents were Slytherin, and look what happened to them. My otosan is a murdering bastered. My Okaasan dead, because of him!" Her voice became shrill. She was shrieking at the top of her lungs.
"This whole time all of you knew! Setsuna, my obason, if she even is my obason, knew. You knew, Dumbledore knew!" She began to pace the office floor, unable to hold still any longer.
Usagi was venting, and she knew it. It felt great yelling at someone.
"Again spoken like a true Slytherin. You may deny it Miss Tsukino, but you are the descendent of two powerful witch and wizard."
She whirled on him, her face red with anger, "So! Should I be thrilled, should I be happy, that my Otosan is Lord Voldemort, himself?" Her eyes narrowed. "You all knew, and wouldn't tell me."
Shaking her head, she resumed pacing the floor. "Do you know what they say, when I leave the room, do you hear them talking when I lay in my bed and close my eyes. Do you understand, what I go through day in and day out, night after night, listening to them?" She glanced at him, and saw him shake his head.
"They don't bother to wait sometimes for me to leave the room, to talk. They point at me!" She raised a shaking hand the scars, which had yet to show any sign of healing. The scabs were still there, dried blood crusted over the long jagged marks across her flesh. When she washed it, they bled, and the blood would dry once more, as if they attack had just happened.
"Every time I look in a mirror, I see that dead rat jumping out at me, I see all that blood spraying the walls." She closed her eyes, letting her hand to fall at her side. She had stopped pacing all together.
"They blame me for them disappearing. Those girls had all looked alike, blonde hair, blue eyes. They were taken, because he wanted me." She paused, trying to muster the courage, which was draining rapidly from her. "Some even think I'm the one who took them. They think that I'm going to follow my Otosan's footsteps, and go on a killing spree."
Tears filled her eyes again, and she opened them to look at the potion master. "They didn't like me in the first place, and now everyone hates me, even my own Otooto."
Glancing around the office, she finally answered the question, he had asked her, before she had poured out all her pent up frustrations. "So hai, you can say I am avoiding everyone, because I cant stand the way they look at me, when I walk into the Great Hall. I can't stand seeing them all move, when I sit down at the table. And I most certainly cant stand listening to them talk about rumors, and lies about me!"
With that said, Usagi snatched up her bag, and stalked out of the room, and headed for the slithering common room. Everyone would be in bed by now.
Hopefully.
?????
Things became more and more difficult over the next couple of weeks. It was nearing March already; January and February had gone by in a haze, Usagi spending most of that time avoiding other students, and even Snape.
After her last meeting with Snape, she had taken extra care, not to stop by his office, but spent the remainder of her of time outside of classes in the library, at a table, and her nose pressed to the books.
She focused most her spare time on learning all that she could about Voldemort, and the Death Eaters. The more she learned, the more she resented him and herself for being his child.
Usagi wasn't one to skip a meal, but considering food wasn't aloud in the library, she had skipped many of them, going without anything to eat for days. With her lack of participation in anything, the talk about her grew, but she was never around to hear it.
Sitting down in her favorite seat in the very back of the library, she lit the candle on the table, and pulled out one of the books she had checked out earlier that week.
Glancing around, she noted Madam Pince was busy shelving books, Usagi pulled out her brown pouch from beneath her robes. Staring at it, she contemplated on what she intended to do. Looking at Madam Pince once more, making sure she was busy, he sighed. Dumping the brooch into her hand, she held it tightly.
This thing was supposed to help her against Voldemort. Frowning, she turned the locket over in her hand. How could a piece of jewelry save her against an evil man like her Otosan?
"Thought I'd find you here."
Snapping out of her thoughts, Usagi looked up sharply to find herself not alone anymore. For the passed two months, she had been successful in avoiding him, even in class, she had refused to sit next to him, and found an empty seat alone, since if she sat next to anyone, they moved immediately.
But now, she had been so wrapped up within her own thoughts, she hadn't heard him approach her. And now, there was no escape.
"Hello Malfoy san."
She looked away from him, refusing to acknowledge him fully.
Maybe if she ignored him, he would leave?
From the corner of her eyes she could seem him scowl at her formalities.
Or maybe not.
Turning back to him, pleasantly, she asked, "What can I do for you?" The white haired boy scowled at her, his eyes slightly narrowed in displeasure with her coolness towards him.
"Where have you been? And why do you keep ignoring me?" His voice had risen at the last question, that Madam Pince looked at them, and ordered him to be quiet.
He glared at the librarian, before he turned his attention back to the blonde first year.
Usagi frowned at him, and she replied in a hiss, "My life doesn't revolve around you Mr. Malfoy, I can do as I wish." She dropped the brooch back into the pouch, and hid it back beneath her robes. She crossed her arms over her chest, and directed her gaze to the book open in front of her.
Draco gritted his teeth in annoyance, "Don't avoid the question Usagi!"
"Mr. Malfoy, if you don't keep your voice down, I will have to remove you at once!" Madam Pince was glaring at them from across the room, her hands on her hips.
He didn't even hesitate, grabbing her book, and her bag with one hand; he pulled her from the chair with his other. By the arm, he jerked her across the room, and out of the library, into the empty corridor.
"Draco what is the meaning."
He whirled on her, nearly shoving her into the wall near the doors of the library. "So now you call me by my first name??? What happened to Mr. Malfoy huh?" His voice rose, there not being a restriction at raising it outside the library.
Glaring at him, she hissed, "Keep your voice down!" His anger jumped to another notch, "Why should I? Nearly two months Usagi, of your damn cold shoulder ever since that day in the common room. What's the deal huh?"
He pointed a threatening finger at her as he asked the question. Slapping at it, Usagi snapped, "What deal? Can't I want time alone?"
It was odd really, to be arguing like this. In September, she had respected him, and considered him almost a friend. He had helped her through the darkest times of the school year. Had been there when she really needed help. He was there to push her further, when she considered dropping out.
The thought had crossed her mind often, but he would only shove her face into a book, till she understood what it was trying to tell her. He had hounded her from the beginning, forcing her to learn.
But that had changed during the week before winter vacation. Something had changed in their acquainted relationship. When he had let her out to play, and they had spent the whole day out in the snow, she had truly thought they had gotten closer.
Then he had come back, and she had learned the truth of her past. And here they were down each other's throat breathing fire, and ready to strangle the other.
This was the second time she had come face to face with him since the second term had started. She hoped this one wouldn't end as badly as the other had, but with the way things were playing out, it was going to end on bad terms.
Draco was seething, his face red with anger. Usagi never remembered seeing him so mad before, not even at Harry or Hermione, who always found a way to set him off. "Is it because what you told me, back in the common room? Is that why you've been avoiding me?"
She stared at him, slightly shaken by the thought that he was actually upset about it. She never thought he would get mad over the tiny fact that he didn't have to tutor anymore. Usagi had believed he would have been ecstatic.
"Well?"
He was staring down at her expectantly, and Usagi wasn't sure what to say. Was it because she had told him who her Otosan was, or was it something else? Was it maybe the fact that she had been wrong on assuming they had grown closer? That maybe she came to realize that he found her rather annoying, and had believe he would have wanted to be rid of her?
She shook her head, not sure, which was the real reason why, she had been so deathly afraid to talk to him.
But there was one thing she was sure about. Ducking her head slightly, Usagi meekly answered, "I was afraid I would lose.your friendship."
He stared at her, the color draining away from his face. He looked frighteningly ill, his face paler than usual. "F.Friendship?"
Usagi cursed herself for believing something, that she should have known wasn't true. Why would he want to be her friend? A mere first year, who couldn't tell the difference between a hellebore, from salamander blood.
Frowning, Draco quickly added, "I've known who your father was since Christmas."
"Nani!?!?" She looked up at him, her eyes widening with shock. He knew???
He flushed slightly, to find himself look directly into her eyes. They were quite close, and he just then realize how awkward this would be to explain if anyone came out into the corridor and saw them. Clearing his throat nosily, he replied, "Yea. When I got your present, my father wanted to know who you were. I told him, and he well, he told me he knew you, or at least your parents."
She stared at him aghast. So this whole time, fearing of his reaction, he had known all along. Anger seized her, and Usagi smacked his arm. "You baka. I've been worried about losing one of the only friends I have, and this whole time you knew!"
Draco winced from the sting of her slap, but didn't snap at her. Instead he retorted, "You never gave me a chance to!" He glared at her, crossing his arms over his chest. "You kicked me out, before I could say anything."
Usagi opened her mouth to retaliate, but the words died on her tongue. She closed her mouth, only to open it again. "That's why you didn't sound surprise. I thought you were trying to stay cool, to hide your anger at me." She dropped her eyes to her feet, suddenly finding them interesting. She had been worried over nothing. "I feel like a fool."
Draco chuckled, "Well you should. Do you think, that finding out who your father is, is going to keep me from tutoring you?" He snorted, when she looked at him with a blank stare. "Think again. We have to work over time considering how far behind you must be."
Usagi sheepishly grinned, "Hai I guess."
Now they were back to tutor and student again. Sighing, Usagi realized it was all she was going to get out of the cold fish.
"Now what's wrong?"
She instantly flushed deeply, her face warming. Trying to hide her embarrassment, she finally said, "If you think I'm going to forgive you for dragging me out of the library without my consent, you have another thing coming." The threat sounded feeble to her own ears.
Draco smirked, "Oh really?" When she nodded, he stated coolly, "well how else did you expect me to get you alone?"
"Alone?" Her voice barely came out as a squeak, and she stared at him with a surprised look on her face. "You wanted to get me alone? F.For what?"
He rolled his eyes at her; "Madam Pince wasn't going to let us have a go at each other in there." he jerked a thumb in the direction of the library doors.
Usagi flushed brightly, "Oh." Somewhere deep inside her, her hopes fell. She had been hoping for more.
His eyes slightly narrowed, when she cut him off. Slowly a smirk slid across his face. He reached up, placing both his hand on either side of her face, as he added, "And well, for this." He leaned down, pressing his lips against hers. A squeak of surprise escaped her mouth, before his covered hers. At the soft touch, her body melted against him, and she fell into his warmth.
When he pulled away, he leaned over to her ear, for only her to hear, "Forgive me now?" Numbly, Usagi nodded, her head.
Draco smirked, and let her go. She fell against the wall, using it as support. "Then I expect to see you in the common room after dinner, for your tutoring lesson." With that said, he stalked off down the hallway.
?????
Usagi was numbly aware that she was quite lost. Having been left in the corridor outside the library, she had found it best she walked off the feelings that swam in the pit of her stomach.
But now she stood in an unfamiliar corridor, on the seventh level. Looking around, she wondered what had led her to come here.
She looked over at the tapestry of a person being clubbed by some trolls. It was a nice piece of work. On the other side of her was a stretch of empty wall space, from a window, to a man size vase.
Rubbing her head, she paced the corridor, wondering how she had gotten herself her, without really knowing it. "I wish Luna was here." She missed the black cat more than she wanted to admit. That cat was still missing, and Usagi was starting to get worried.
Peeves was also missing. All the ghost had admitted they had missed the poltergeist, and were worried about the prankster's health. Even Professor McGonagall had voiced her concerns.
She stopped, something on her left catching her eye. Looking over, where there had once been a blank wall, she found herself standing in front of a door. Both eyebrows rose in question. Where had that come from?
She glanced down each end of the corridor. She was standing still in between the vase and window. And behind her was the tapestry. She inhaled sharply, and held it, as she hesitantly reached out for the doorknob. Had she been led here to go into this room? She turned the knob slowly, and pushed the door open.
The room was dark, and musty. Cobwebs strewn across the ceiling to the floor. The floor made of stone was overgrown with mold, and the only piece of furniture was the long table, which was worn through.
She stepped inside carefully; her heart pounding in her chest. There was something terribly wrong. The room resembled much like the dungeons her potions class was held in, but much more ancient.
It wasn't until the door slammed shut behind her, did Usagi realize she wasn't alone, as she had first thought. The room was large, but shrouded in shadows. The only light was coming from the flickering flame of the candle, on the old table.
But in the shadows in the far wall something sinister lurked, watching her with cold chilling eyes.
"Welcome home dear daughter."
It was like she had been punched in the stomach. The air in her lungs whoosh out passed her lips, and she found it terribly hard to breath. The voice, which echoed off the walls, had the same effect on her, as if someone had dumped a bucket of ice water on her.
Everyone bone in her body felt chilled, and she breathed the only word she could utter aloud, "Voldemort." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ All right, there you go, chapter fourteen. Told ya I would have a couple by this chapter. I think the next chapter will be the last. So get ready for the finally battle, between Father and Daughter. And this battle wont be some squabble.
I'll warn you here and now, this will be my first attempt on a battle like this one. So if it come out bad, I'm terribly sorry. I will try my best, but no promises.
Well I hoped you enjoyed this chapter, and I just have to say, thank you for reading it. speaking of reading, I recommend buying the new Harry Potter Book NOW! It is the best.
I'm halfway through it myself, and so far I just have to say, my story is WAY WAY off. I was now where near coming close to guessing the fifth year. Hehe oh well my bad. Well I hoped you enjoyed this story anyway. Must run, got lots to do before I head to be, like write, and read more of the GREAT book!!!
Tata for now LP signing out.
