Chapter 5- A lie uncovered
Alexia devoted her time to exploring the house until she got an owl from Galaxia. She gratefully met her at Diagon Alley. Galaxia held her friend and pulled back to inspect her.
"My look at you! You look terrible!"
Alexia bit her lip. She had been crying on the way over.
"I don't know where he is. I'm so scared for him...I haven't see him in over a month."
Galaxia held her sympathetically.
"Vince has been gone too."
Alexia knew that Galaxia didn't really love her husband, but she cared enough about him.
"Lexy..."
Alexia looked at her best friend.
"What?"
"I'm going to have a baby."
Alexia grinned and held her friend close. They cried together.
&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^
Even Narcissa noticed that Lucius hadn't tried to contact Alexia. Not that it affected her in any way. The girl didn't even bother her anymore. They'd made a few attempts at casual conversation and once Alexia tried to tell a joke. Narcissa didn't react but smiled once the she had left. They had dinner together for the first time. Narcissa saw what a toll Lucius' absence was taking on her.
"You should eat."
Alexia shook her head. Narcissa thought that she reminder her of her cousin Bellatrix, of course, Bella was a completely different person now.
"I don't think Lucius would want you to starve yourself over him."
After a while Alexia began to eat. Narcissa finished her meal and looked at her. She knew what she was thinking.
"He didn't leave you for good. He'll be back."
Alexia took a sip of her water. She looked up at Narcissa. Narcissa noticed the eyes, much like her own, only different. They were sad, wistful eyes.
"I wish he were here already. I don't even know why he left. I know the auror's have a lot of work to do. I understand that, but I can't help it."
Narcissa wanted to laugh but she merely looked at the girl.
'She thinks he's an auror? Poor naive child...'
"You really love him, don't you?"
Alexia nodded and took in a breath.
"More than anything."
'That's why she can't see through him.'
It was strange. Narcissa felt sorry for her.
&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^
In the next two weeks Narcissa and Alexia became friends, not very close, but at least Narcissa tolerated her. Then one day...he returned. She felt like everything was right with world. He held her wordlessly and whispered that he'd missed her. She whispered back the same and smiled. She saw Narcissa standing nearby and smiled at her, she saw her shaking her head, not with scorn, but pity. Alexia didn't have time to think of it. Lucius kissed her lips hungrily. She pulled him away and searched his eyes for answers. He looked more serious. His hair had grown down to his chin and he had a bruise on his right cheek.
"Where have you been?"
"That's not important right now."
She smiled, ecstatic at having him back.
"You're right. God...I've missed you so much."
"Lets go upstairs. To your room."
&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^
The next day Narcissa sought out Lucius. He was in his study looking over his back-mail. She cleared her throat and he looked up.
"I need to speak with you."
"I'm busy."
"Its about Alexandria."
Lucius looked up at her and examined her then nodded. Narcissa sat down on a chair across from him.
"I don't think its fair that you don't tell her the truth."
"About what?"
"About where you've really been this past month."
"And where do you think I was?"
"If I'm not wrong, which I'm not, with them in Salem."
Lucius glared at her.
"Them?"
"Death Eaters."
She scoffed.
"You can't hide that from me. I've seen my father and my brothers doing the same things."
Lucius swept towards her. His hands closed her throat.
"Say anything and..."
"I won't."
She managed to gasp out. She glared at him when he let go.
"That girl loves you Malfoy. How do you think she would feel? She was so proud of you, out there, fighting the Death Eaters. Imagine how she'd feel finding out you are one. She has to know. You have to tell her. Or sooner or later she'll figure it out and then she'll hate you."
&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^
Lucius knew she was right. Alexia had to know sooner or later. He'd just rather deal with it later. In the mean while she took care of his wounds and accepted them as a part of his job. An Auror. Lucius smiled. She saw him as a good man. Sometimes she seemed to stare at him in admiration and he was in awe at how gullible she was. He might have told her Voldemort wears pink pajamas and she would have believed him. It sometimes bothered him. She was in love with him, and he loved her. Things would have to change.
&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^
Alexia wasn't stupid. She noticed Lucius had changed. He seemed to drift off sometimes. And Narcissa was keeping her company. They talked as if they were friends. But sometimes Narcissa acted strange too. She told Alexia to try and keep her feelings light for Lucius. Every other day Lucius would return wounded and Alexia would heal him.
"Lucius I don't want you to get me wrong...but I don't think I can take this."
She dipped the cloth into the warm water and wiped the scrape on his shoulder. He took her wrist and met her eyes.
"What are you saying?"
"I just...I think I should go home, to my home. At least for a while."
He tightened his hold.
"No. You can't leave this house. You're safe here."
"I'm safe at home too. I want to see my father and my sisters."
"No. I need you here. I have to have you here with me."
"It wouldn't be for long."
She pleaded until he gave in, but she knew he resented it. The next day he didn't show up to see her go. She felt a sense of relief as she pulled up into her older sister's house. Marianne received her with open arms. She had been staying there for a month when the storm hit. She walked downstairs and grabbed a cold glass of milk and began to head upstairs when she heard a knock on the door. She froze and wondered who would visit at 2 am in the morning. She closed her robe and walked over to the door, setting the glass down on a table nearby. She opened the door and a man fell onto her. She screamed and kicked away from him. His body lay still on the floor, he was dressed in a black robe and moaning in pain. On all four's she crawled over to him and pulled off the hood. She put her hands to her mouth.
"Lucius!"
He looked up at her. His eyes were nearly swollen shut. His face had a deep scar across the cheek. He turned onto his back and she saw a deep gash across this chest. The blood was seeping through his robes. Alexia pulled him up and touched his face softly.
"Why didn't you come back?"
He coughed and she pulled him close.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry!"
She took his wand from his pocket and levitated him back to her room. A house elf followed her and brought the medicine kit. Alexia healed all his wounds then washed him. He slept and she sat on the floor watching him. She was crying until her eyes seemed to dry up.
'He's blaming me...I know he is.'
The sun began to rise when she finally allowed herself to sleep.
&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^
Lucius awoke. He looked to his side expecting to see Alexia there. He didn't find her and sat up on the bed. He saw her on the floor. He stared down at her and picked her up. He lay her down on the bed but she woke up and held onto him.
"Don't go again..."
Lucius pulled her hands from his neck and took them in his. He kissed them then disapparated.
&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^
Alexia wasn't fully awake when he left but she knew where he would be. She packed up her things and returned to the Malfoy Manor. She put her things in her room and went to his study. Sure enough he was there, he rose to his feet and greeted her with a long kiss. Shaking she pulled back and smiled.
"I'm glad you're back."
She held him.
"And I'm glad you're safe."
She knew she had to tell him.
&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^
Lucius knew it was time he told her. He didn't know what she would say or do but he had to take the chance. If she truly loved him, she would stick by him no matter what.
"I have something to tell you."
The words were coming out of her mouth. He frowned.
"What is it?"
"Okay...um...I'm...we're...having a baby."
He frowned even deeper.
"What?"
Alexia lowered her eyes.
"I'm sorry. I know that this is sudden and...unwanted, apparently, but I-I know that this wasn't supposed to happen and believe me I never thought it would and I'll...I wish I knew what to do."
"How long have you known?"
"Um...a month."
Lucius sighed.
"And how long have you been...?"
"Seven weeks."
&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^
She was terrified. He was looking at her with a frown of confusion.
"Are you sure?"
"Pretty positive"
He took her arm and looked in her eyes.
"Are you sure? You need to be completely sure. Can you assure to me you're pregnant?"
"Lucius I'm sorry..."
"Are you sure?"
"I am. I mean, I have all the symptoms. All the signs–"
"Bloody hell."
"Lucius you're scaring me."
He looked at her wildly then picked her up and spun her around happily. She smiled and found herself looking down at him as he held her above his head then slowly lowered her down close to himself. She had never felt so light, or deliriously happy. He smiled and looked deep into her eyes.
"I love you. You have made my dreams come true...and you're giving me a son."
Alexia only looked into his hypnotic gray eyes and buried her face on his shoulder.
&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^
He felt her heart beating against his and closed his eyes. He was as happy as he had ever been in his life. The woman he loved was giving him a son! Nothing else mattered. He wanted to hold her until they both wasted away, his heart felt like it would burst. She seemed content to just hold him back. Lucius looked up and outside the door stood Narcissa, her eyes fixed on his then she looked at Alexia with a softer look. Lucius frowned and Narcissa walked away. Lucius pulled Alexia back. He still had to get it off his chest. He couldn't–shouldn't lie to her anymore.
"I want to tell you something...and you'll probably hate me."
"I could never hate you."
The way she looked in his eyes made him turn away.
"I'm not..."
He trailed off and looked back at her.
"I'm not an auror."
Alexia frowned a little.
"Okay...um...you...but...you lied?"
Lucius let her go. She stepped back.
"Why would you lie about that? You know that kind of this isn't important to me."
She stared at him for a minute.
"So how is it you get hurt?"
"Aurors."
"Aurors?"
He nodded. He hoped he wouldn't have to say it, that she would figure it out.
"Why would Auror's hurt you?"
Alexia looked at him for a second then closed her eyes. She sighed.
"A Death Eater..."
She opened her eyes again and looked at him.
"I can't believe you."
&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^
She felt dirty inside. He'd lied to her. It was ironic too, she thought he was the best thing to ever graze the planet. And now...she saw him as a murderer.
"Oh my God..."
She turned and sat down with her head in her hands.
"How could I have been so stupid?"
"Lexy..."
He kneeled before her and took her hands, she pulled them back. He looked hurt.
"I can't believe you would..."
"Lexy..."
"Lucius. Don't even try."
She stood up and walked out of the room. He followed her.
"Lex, look at me."
She did, she looked him square in the eyes.
"Its an opportunity beyond anything I could have ever thought of. If I work with Lord Voldemort–"
"You'll kill men and women and destroy families."
"Lexy, its still me. I'm still the same person."
She closed her eyes and then looked at the floor.
"But for how long?"
She looked in his eyes and her own watered.
"How long until you lose every bit of your humanity?"
"That won't happen."
He held her.
"I have you...and our baby too. That won't ever happen."
Alexia devoted her time to exploring the house until she got an owl from Galaxia. She gratefully met her at Diagon Alley. Galaxia held her friend and pulled back to inspect her.
"My look at you! You look terrible!"
Alexia bit her lip. She had been crying on the way over.
"I don't know where he is. I'm so scared for him...I haven't see him in over a month."
Galaxia held her sympathetically.
"Vince has been gone too."
Alexia knew that Galaxia didn't really love her husband, but she cared enough about him.
"Lexy..."
Alexia looked at her best friend.
"What?"
"I'm going to have a baby."
Alexia grinned and held her friend close. They cried together.
&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^
Even Narcissa noticed that Lucius hadn't tried to contact Alexia. Not that it affected her in any way. The girl didn't even bother her anymore. They'd made a few attempts at casual conversation and once Alexia tried to tell a joke. Narcissa didn't react but smiled once the she had left. They had dinner together for the first time. Narcissa saw what a toll Lucius' absence was taking on her.
"You should eat."
Alexia shook her head. Narcissa thought that she reminder her of her cousin Bellatrix, of course, Bella was a completely different person now.
"I don't think Lucius would want you to starve yourself over him."
After a while Alexia began to eat. Narcissa finished her meal and looked at her. She knew what she was thinking.
"He didn't leave you for good. He'll be back."
Alexia took a sip of her water. She looked up at Narcissa. Narcissa noticed the eyes, much like her own, only different. They were sad, wistful eyes.
"I wish he were here already. I don't even know why he left. I know the auror's have a lot of work to do. I understand that, but I can't help it."
Narcissa wanted to laugh but she merely looked at the girl.
'She thinks he's an auror? Poor naive child...'
"You really love him, don't you?"
Alexia nodded and took in a breath.
"More than anything."
'That's why she can't see through him.'
It was strange. Narcissa felt sorry for her.
&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^
In the next two weeks Narcissa and Alexia became friends, not very close, but at least Narcissa tolerated her. Then one day...he returned. She felt like everything was right with world. He held her wordlessly and whispered that he'd missed her. She whispered back the same and smiled. She saw Narcissa standing nearby and smiled at her, she saw her shaking her head, not with scorn, but pity. Alexia didn't have time to think of it. Lucius kissed her lips hungrily. She pulled him away and searched his eyes for answers. He looked more serious. His hair had grown down to his chin and he had a bruise on his right cheek.
"Where have you been?"
"That's not important right now."
She smiled, ecstatic at having him back.
"You're right. God...I've missed you so much."
"Lets go upstairs. To your room."
&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^
The next day Narcissa sought out Lucius. He was in his study looking over his back-mail. She cleared her throat and he looked up.
"I need to speak with you."
"I'm busy."
"Its about Alexandria."
Lucius looked up at her and examined her then nodded. Narcissa sat down on a chair across from him.
"I don't think its fair that you don't tell her the truth."
"About what?"
"About where you've really been this past month."
"And where do you think I was?"
"If I'm not wrong, which I'm not, with them in Salem."
Lucius glared at her.
"Them?"
"Death Eaters."
She scoffed.
"You can't hide that from me. I've seen my father and my brothers doing the same things."
Lucius swept towards her. His hands closed her throat.
"Say anything and..."
"I won't."
She managed to gasp out. She glared at him when he let go.
"That girl loves you Malfoy. How do you think she would feel? She was so proud of you, out there, fighting the Death Eaters. Imagine how she'd feel finding out you are one. She has to know. You have to tell her. Or sooner or later she'll figure it out and then she'll hate you."
&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^
Lucius knew she was right. Alexia had to know sooner or later. He'd just rather deal with it later. In the mean while she took care of his wounds and accepted them as a part of his job. An Auror. Lucius smiled. She saw him as a good man. Sometimes she seemed to stare at him in admiration and he was in awe at how gullible she was. He might have told her Voldemort wears pink pajamas and she would have believed him. It sometimes bothered him. She was in love with him, and he loved her. Things would have to change.
&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^
Alexia wasn't stupid. She noticed Lucius had changed. He seemed to drift off sometimes. And Narcissa was keeping her company. They talked as if they were friends. But sometimes Narcissa acted strange too. She told Alexia to try and keep her feelings light for Lucius. Every other day Lucius would return wounded and Alexia would heal him.
"Lucius I don't want you to get me wrong...but I don't think I can take this."
She dipped the cloth into the warm water and wiped the scrape on his shoulder. He took her wrist and met her eyes.
"What are you saying?"
"I just...I think I should go home, to my home. At least for a while."
He tightened his hold.
"No. You can't leave this house. You're safe here."
"I'm safe at home too. I want to see my father and my sisters."
"No. I need you here. I have to have you here with me."
"It wouldn't be for long."
She pleaded until he gave in, but she knew he resented it. The next day he didn't show up to see her go. She felt a sense of relief as she pulled up into her older sister's house. Marianne received her with open arms. She had been staying there for a month when the storm hit. She walked downstairs and grabbed a cold glass of milk and began to head upstairs when she heard a knock on the door. She froze and wondered who would visit at 2 am in the morning. She closed her robe and walked over to the door, setting the glass down on a table nearby. She opened the door and a man fell onto her. She screamed and kicked away from him. His body lay still on the floor, he was dressed in a black robe and moaning in pain. On all four's she crawled over to him and pulled off the hood. She put her hands to her mouth.
"Lucius!"
He looked up at her. His eyes were nearly swollen shut. His face had a deep scar across the cheek. He turned onto his back and she saw a deep gash across this chest. The blood was seeping through his robes. Alexia pulled him up and touched his face softly.
"Why didn't you come back?"
He coughed and she pulled him close.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry!"
She took his wand from his pocket and levitated him back to her room. A house elf followed her and brought the medicine kit. Alexia healed all his wounds then washed him. He slept and she sat on the floor watching him. She was crying until her eyes seemed to dry up.
'He's blaming me...I know he is.'
The sun began to rise when she finally allowed herself to sleep.
&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^
Lucius awoke. He looked to his side expecting to see Alexia there. He didn't find her and sat up on the bed. He saw her on the floor. He stared down at her and picked her up. He lay her down on the bed but she woke up and held onto him.
"Don't go again..."
Lucius pulled her hands from his neck and took them in his. He kissed them then disapparated.
&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^
Alexia wasn't fully awake when he left but she knew where he would be. She packed up her things and returned to the Malfoy Manor. She put her things in her room and went to his study. Sure enough he was there, he rose to his feet and greeted her with a long kiss. Shaking she pulled back and smiled.
"I'm glad you're back."
She held him.
"And I'm glad you're safe."
She knew she had to tell him.
&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^
Lucius knew it was time he told her. He didn't know what she would say or do but he had to take the chance. If she truly loved him, she would stick by him no matter what.
"I have something to tell you."
The words were coming out of her mouth. He frowned.
"What is it?"
"Okay...um...I'm...we're...having a baby."
He frowned even deeper.
"What?"
Alexia lowered her eyes.
"I'm sorry. I know that this is sudden and...unwanted, apparently, but I-I know that this wasn't supposed to happen and believe me I never thought it would and I'll...I wish I knew what to do."
"How long have you known?"
"Um...a month."
Lucius sighed.
"And how long have you been...?"
"Seven weeks."
&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^
She was terrified. He was looking at her with a frown of confusion.
"Are you sure?"
"Pretty positive"
He took her arm and looked in her eyes.
"Are you sure? You need to be completely sure. Can you assure to me you're pregnant?"
"Lucius I'm sorry..."
"Are you sure?"
"I am. I mean, I have all the symptoms. All the signs–"
"Bloody hell."
"Lucius you're scaring me."
He looked at her wildly then picked her up and spun her around happily. She smiled and found herself looking down at him as he held her above his head then slowly lowered her down close to himself. She had never felt so light, or deliriously happy. He smiled and looked deep into her eyes.
"I love you. You have made my dreams come true...and you're giving me a son."
Alexia only looked into his hypnotic gray eyes and buried her face on his shoulder.
&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^
He felt her heart beating against his and closed his eyes. He was as happy as he had ever been in his life. The woman he loved was giving him a son! Nothing else mattered. He wanted to hold her until they both wasted away, his heart felt like it would burst. She seemed content to just hold him back. Lucius looked up and outside the door stood Narcissa, her eyes fixed on his then she looked at Alexia with a softer look. Lucius frowned and Narcissa walked away. Lucius pulled Alexia back. He still had to get it off his chest. He couldn't–shouldn't lie to her anymore.
"I want to tell you something...and you'll probably hate me."
"I could never hate you."
The way she looked in his eyes made him turn away.
"I'm not..."
He trailed off and looked back at her.
"I'm not an auror."
Alexia frowned a little.
"Okay...um...you...but...you lied?"
Lucius let her go. She stepped back.
"Why would you lie about that? You know that kind of this isn't important to me."
She stared at him for a minute.
"So how is it you get hurt?"
"Aurors."
"Aurors?"
He nodded. He hoped he wouldn't have to say it, that she would figure it out.
"Why would Auror's hurt you?"
Alexia looked at him for a second then closed her eyes. She sighed.
"A Death Eater..."
She opened her eyes again and looked at him.
"I can't believe you."
&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^&^
She felt dirty inside. He'd lied to her. It was ironic too, she thought he was the best thing to ever graze the planet. And now...she saw him as a murderer.
"Oh my God..."
She turned and sat down with her head in her hands.
"How could I have been so stupid?"
"Lexy..."
He kneeled before her and took her hands, she pulled them back. He looked hurt.
"I can't believe you would..."
"Lexy..."
"Lucius. Don't even try."
She stood up and walked out of the room. He followed her.
"Lex, look at me."
She did, she looked him square in the eyes.
"Its an opportunity beyond anything I could have ever thought of. If I work with Lord Voldemort–"
"You'll kill men and women and destroy families."
"Lexy, its still me. I'm still the same person."
She closed her eyes and then looked at the floor.
"But for how long?"
She looked in his eyes and her own watered.
"How long until you lose every bit of your humanity?"
"That won't happen."
He held her.
"I have you...and our baby too. That won't ever happen."