Disclaimer: Everything belongs to the amazing J.K. Rowling. I own nothing but the plot.

A/N: I just wanted to state how truly and honestly sorry I am about the lack of updates. June ended painfully in two family deaths within days of each other, but I can't allow myself to use that excuse to justify over two months of no updates. I swear, I'm going to try really hard on my next story to update quicker. So, yet again, I want to sincerely apologize for my laziness. And thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your continuing support and reviews. I do appreciate it - seriously. Even the death threats and yelling and screaming after the last chapter, lol. I love it all. Hell, I love you all!!!! THANK YOU SO BLOODY MUCH!!

In other news, I just wanted to let anyone who cares know that Fred the turtle has unfortunately passed from this life. Never fear though; another trip to Chinatown has brought George a new friend so he won't be lonely - Charlie!! (Anyone seeing a pattern here?) They send you lotsa turtle love!!

And finally....Based on the reactions to last chapter, I think it is safe to say that I am author soup after this one. ::sigh:: Oh well, here we go....

(and due to 's new formatting, I can't get more space between scenes, nor can I put stars or dashes or anything, so I'm going to put NEW SCENE whenever the scene changes, as much as I abhor how that looks...)

The Pain Within
Chapter 25: Numb

Lucius turned to face the other occupant of the room, whose pale hands were clenched into unnaturally tight fists.

Lucius drawled, feigning an apologetic expression. His smug gray eyes, however, suggested just the opposite. My wand...slipped.

You horrid, vicious bastard!! How could you?!? Of all abominable things to do, you - you - I hate you!!! I truly do hope you rot in hell for all of eternity, you detestable son of a bitch!

A blond eyebrow rose mockingly on Lucius's pale face. Now, now, that's enough screaming. I think I'll do to you what I should have done sixteen years ago, you pathetic use of life.

Blue eyes stung momentarily with pain before they continued to burn two holes of unparalleled fury into the man's face.

Lucius smirked and raised his wand.

How about you join your -



The spell hit Lucius from the back, and he whirled around to confront the intruder, only to be met with another punch to his nose. This blow finished what Draco's had started; it effectively broke Lucius' nose, causing a torrent of blood to gush over his mouth and chin and splatter on his immaculate ebony robes. A hand immediately flew to his face in shock to attempt to curb the blood flow.

he shouted, the action apparently painful due to the grimace on his face. What da bwoody hell do woo -

He never had the chance to finish his angry demand, for another spell dispatched him once again into the wall where the glass cabinet had stood. Before the dizzy man could collapse into the shards of glass, an arm hoisted him up by his neck and slammed him into the wall with a rough shove. The tip of a wand dug unmercifully into his throat. Black eyes glittered dangerously.

What you just did was very stupid on your part, Lucius. Very stupid indeed, one enraged Severus Snape hissed.

A silvery eyebrow rose slightly. I..don't..regwet it, Lucius rasped.

Snape savagely tightened his left hand around the blond man's throat, incensed at the indifference. Lucius' eyes widened a fraction.

Severus nudged his wand deeper into the hollow of Lucius' neck. I can't find one reason not to kill you right now, you sick bastard.

He watched in satisfaction as the gray eyes started to roll back into his head. Reluctantly, he released the unconscious man, letting him sink into the pool of glass beneath him.

However, the Aurors might.

A binding spell easily guaranteed that Lucius Malfoy would not be going anywhere anytime soon, even if he had been conscious. Severus shook his head angrily and glared.

Then an anguished whimper reached his ears. The sound jolted him from his wrathful stupor. He swiftly crossed the room and stared in shock at the scene before him, Lucius' actions finally becoming real. An emotion akin to grief washed over him, and he crouched down.

he whispered.

He killed, sniffle, him, Severus. That bastard killed my son. My son, Severus. My Draco.

Severus gently pulled the red-eyed woman to his chest and wrapped an arm around her shoulder while his other hand soothingly smoothed back her hair. Her sobs were now muffled by his cloak, and he could feel the heart wrenching despair reverberate through his body. He could find no words of comfort to offer her and instead settled on saying nothing. He slowly rocked her back and forth while she cried.

She had managed to cradle the upper half of Draco's lean body in her lap. She clutched Draco's head to her chest, her slender fingers caressing the silky strands of blond hair.

He should have killed me. Me, not Draco. Me, Narcissa whispered. It's -

- not your fault, Narcissa, Severus interrupted before she could blame herself. Draco would never blame you for what happened. Ever. And you know that, so don't go there.

I know, she sighed shakily. But I don't know what I'm going to do without him, Severus.

She looked up at him with brimming cerulean eyes.

I just..don't..know, she murmured hopelessly.

Severus glanced down into Draco's duplicate pair of eyes. Rather than tears, they were shining with defiance, forever frozen in loyalty.

I think, he whispered in her ear, that you will have some packing to do once everything clears up.

NEW SCENE

Snape was not surprised that Moody, Kingsley, and Tonks were amongst the team of Aurors that showed up a mere five minutes later. They were careful not to act too familiar with each other, lest they rouse the suspicions of the rest of the Aurors. Claiming the need to question the family friend privately, Moody and his two subordinates hauled Severus into another room while other team members dealt with Lucius Malfoy's unconscious body and roping the room off to prevent damage to the evidence.

What the bloody blazes happened, Snape? Moody growled, his magical eye watching the wall for possible eavesdroppers.

Severus folded his arms. Draco must've had the mirror on him and said Potter's name, because the mirror I was in possession of activated. I listened to about a minute of their conversation, and then apparated here as quickly as I could. I didn't know which room they were in, and wasted so much time searching. I turned down a corridor and heard voices, he explained.

He looked down regretfully. But I was too late, Alastor.

And then you attacked Malfoy? Kingsley questioned.

Severus spit out, but I had to. I was blinded by rage, and he was going after Narcissa next. I wasn't about -

No need to defend your actions, Snape, Moody interrupted. We're not criticizing, just clarifying.

Severus just nodded. Moody scratched his chin in thought before slowly pacing the room.

Tonks, write down that the family friend had a suspicion that something was wrong and rushed over. Seeing what had happened and what was about to happen, he attacked Malfoy in Mrs. Malfoy's defense. Most of that is the truth.

He stopped pacing and eyed Snape. However, if anybody should question any of that - which they won't - Snape is a competent enough liar to elaborate.

Don't write that las- Moody paused and looked at Tonks.

Tonks, did you get any of that?

She absentmindedly held a notepad in one hand, and a poised quill in the other.



Moody hobbled over to the young (fuscha-haired) witch who was staring at the door in a stupefied trance.



She slowly turned her head toward him. That's the second decent cousin I've lost in the last twelve months, she stated quietly.

Moody and Kingsley shared a concerned look, and then Moody placed a bony hand on her shoulder.

Look, Nymphadora, go report back to the office and give them a brief account of what happened. Then take the rest of the day off. If anybody asks, you tell them Moody allowed you to leave. They don't need no other reason than that.

She nodded and looked up at him, blinking back tears. Thank you, sir, she said gratefully as she prepared to apparate.

With a soft POP! she was gone, leaving three quiet men in her wake. As they moved to enter the other room again, Severus paused and asked,

Do you think I should be a gentlemen and let her kill Lucius Malfoy, or should I be selfish and do it myself?

NEW SCENE

News of Draco Malfoy's death by his father's wand did nothing short of numbing the wizarding community when it appeared on the front cover of the Daily Prophet the next day. Lucius Malfoy may have been a politician and a businessman, but few people ever imagined him capable of murdering his own son, especially because of a heated family argument as the Prophet reported. Many wizards and witches felt sympathetic for Narcissa, who had had to witness her only son's death and her husband's arrest. Flowers poured into Malfoy Manor from around the country, but not until after they were thoroughly checked for curses by an Auror. Severus didn't want Narcissa to take any chances. He was positive that the Dark Lord and the other Death Eaters were seething at Lucius' arrest, especially if they knew that he, Severus, had been the one responsible for alerting Aurors. They would be out for blood for sure. The Prophet included statements by a few Hogwarts professors about Draco's intelligence and dedication to schoolwork; Blaise commented on Draco's determination and guidance on the Quidditch pitch; and Pansy mournfully stated that he and his presence will definitely be missed in school. Of course, Severus wasn't entirely convinced that either student actually meant what had been said. As Slytherins, both had reputations to uphold and entertained a certain fancy for attention.

The wake and funeral were to be held the following day. Narcissa sniffled her way through both, making small talk and thanking those who showed up for attending. She smiled sadly at the large group of Slytherins who arrived at the wake in their uniforms and ensured that their House's symbol was visible to all. The other six members of the Slytherin Quidditch team proudly sported their game robes, and Adam placed a miniature version of the golden House Cup amongst the beautiful floral arrangements surrounding the casket. Narcissa hugged a few children she had known since Draco's childhood, wishing she could whisper the truth in their ears so maybe they would be persuaded into thinking on their own and escaping fate while they still could. Even though a select few seemed genuinely disturbed and upset by Draco's death, she knew it would be a futile attempt. They and their families attended the funeral not to pay respect, but to appear sympathetic and concerned for Narcissa. They spoke of their disgust at Lucius's behavior, while disgust of Narcissa and Draco shone in their eyes. Because of this mess, one of their lord's best men was locked in Azkaban. It didn't seem fair to Draco's memory to have all these people offering false condolences for the sake of their damn images. Narcissa restrained her anger and conversed with them in between tears. Her black lace handkerchief was clenched tightly in her dainty hand, thoroughly soaked.

Severus Snape stood by her side, bearing his own share of the disgust. He was well aware that many Death Eaters were not happy with his actions against Lucius, but decided not to worry about them until the next meeting where he would orate his heavily-concocted lie. Right now he needed to help Narcissa in whatever way he possibly could.

Many people filtered in and out of the funeral home, presenting words of comfort to Narcissa and talking idly to those mourners they knew. A few ministry officials had stopped, including Cornelius Fudge, and a couple of the Aurors that had arrived at the Manor two days before even forced time into their busy schedules to pay their respect. They were more deeply sympathetic than most of the people Narcissa had known her entire life. Severus almost snorted at the irony. The entire staff of Hogwarts had attended, seeing as school was still in recess. Another thing he could have snorted at. Most - actually, all of them, save for himself - had loathed Draco's attitude and behavior in school. True, he was one of Hogwart's brighter students, but that didn't compensate for the disrespect he had frequently shown them, the professors, or the cruelty he bestowed on his fellow non-Slytherin classmates. Severus did, however, note that both Minerva and Hagrid had been affected more so than the others. Also, he could remember few other events in which Albus Dumbledore had looked so solemn. The Potions Master almost smiled; Draco had somehow managed to grow on the Headmaster.

As the viewing came to an end, Narcissa once again profusely thanked all attendees for their support. She especially thanked Dumbledore for he had ever done for Draco and the Headmaster's blue eyes conveyed that he understood exactly what she referred to as he held her delicate hands consolingly in his own warm ones. She was in the process of turning to speak with Professor McGonagall when three cloaked figures entered the room. The tallest removed her cloak, and brown ringlets cascaded around unmistakable rosy cheeks as the person motioned for her younger comrades to do the same. Her former Transfiguration professor forgotten, new tears welled up in Narcissa's eyes.

I realize that the viewing is almost over, but I didn't want to come whilst there was a crowd. I hope you understand, Cissy, the woman said quickly and meekly.

Narcissa said nothing as she flung herself toward the woman and embraced her as if she had not seen her in years. Which, obviously, she had not.

she sobbed. I should have kept in contact, I should have been a stronger, better, person, I should have -

Now, Cissy, don't bother with shoulda-woulda-coulda's. It doesn't matter now. Don't you worry. It's alright, the woman soothed as tears formed in her own eyes, hugging Narcissa as tightly as the former was hugging her.

I'm so sorry about your son, Cissy. Really, I am. I've heard that Draco was a wonderful person, just like you always were. Are, she stated.

Oh, he was Andromeda, he truly was! I loved him more than anything.

She sniffled and pulled back.

And now he's gone, she whispered. I wish you could have known him. You would have adored him.

Andromeda smiled sadly at her older sister. Well, there'll be plenty of time for you to tell me all about him, right? And I'll feel like I knew him.

Narcissa's countenance brightened with the first true smile she'd produced since spending time with Draco.

Of course, Andy, of course, she stated as she tried to regain composure. She finally noticed her sister's young companions and Andromeda rolled her eyes.

I'm sorry, how incredibly rude of me! the curly haired witch exclaimed.

Cissy, this is my daughter Nymphadora, and her...boyfriend James.

Narcissa's eyes lit up in recognition and she clasped Tonks' hands in her own. It's so nice to meet you, Nymphadora, she stated sincerely.

The corners of Tonks' mouth slightly turned upward. The pleasure is mine, Aunt Narcissa. But please, call me Tonks. It's absolutely wonderful to finally meet the woman I've heard so many good things about, she said, chancing a glance at the casket.

Narcissa's eyes filled with tears as she caught the double meaning of her niece's words. The same to you, she whispered so only Tonks could hear. He adored you.

Tonks' now hazel eyes brimmed with tears, and determined not to cry (considering it would be over a cousin she had never met) tugged at James' hand and pulled him forward to shift the attention to him. He squeezed her hand in comfort as he approached Narcissa.

I'm truly sorry for your loss, Mrs. Malfoy, he said softly. We all are.

Narcissa nodded, albeit slightly confused at his second statement, but said, Thank you.

The young boy's eyes lifted toward the casket, full of an emotion that Narcissa sensed to be regret. She didn't dwell on it long though, because Andromeda had spotted her sole support through everything.

Severus Snape, is that you? she exclaimed, moving around James so she could embrace her former schoolmate.

I'm afraid so, Andromeda, Severus remarked dryly as he awkwardly hugged her back. How are you?

I'm alright, thank you. How about yourself? How's good ole Hogwarts treating you?

was the sarcastic reply.

Andromeda shook her head. I don't know how you ever got involved with teaching. A genius at potions, but somehow, I never saw how you plus kids added up.

A distinct snort was heard from James and Tonks sent a small smirk in his direction. Minerva glared disapprovingly.

Thank you for the confidence, Andy.

She smirked. Your welcome. I'm sure you remember my daughter, do you not?

Snape glanced at Tonks. Ahh, yes, Miss Tonks. Spiteful little Gryffindor. And how are you? he inquired politely.

I'm fine, Professor Snape, she answered, a slight mock to her voice as she said Professor'.

Ah, Professor McGonagall! And Professor Sprout! Professor Dumbledore! How are you all? Andromeda asked as she greeted each of her former professors, Narcissa following in her wake. Meanwhile, Snape was eying Tonks and her companion.

The metamorphmagus had appropriately changed her hair to a blue tinted black. She was shorter than normal, and her skin was quite pale. An ode to Draco, perhaps? She wore simple black dress robes and stared forlornly at the casket. Her pale hand was still clasped in her boyfriend's, whose skin was much tanner than hers. He was slightly taller than her and although he had a smaller frame than most males, was not scrawny at all. He had straight chocolate colored hair that hung over his eyes and ears, and, like his girlfriend, also wore a simple black dress robe. His eyes never left the ground, as Tonks' never left Draco's lifeless face.

Snape quietly cleared his throat. Tonks looked at him, hazel eyes full of anger and pain.

He will be avenged, Tonks, he assured in a low voice.

The young witch shook her head furiously.

It's not enough! she whispered savagely.

James lifted his head and watched her.

It's not fair, she mumbled. He was only doing the right thing, standing up for what he believed in. I can't help but think it's my fault, or maybe the Order's. Maybe if we -

Snape growled sharply.

she hissed back.

He peered at her. Don't you dare say another thing, he ordered quietly, black eyes glancing at James.

Tonks rolled her eyes. He knows about the Order, Snape.

Snape glared daggers at her, livid, and he appeared ready to convulse.

You stupid bint, he practically spat, what do you think you're doing, telling -

He trailed off mid-sentence when James lifted his head and glared angrily at the greasy haired man through emerald green eyes.

Don't call her names, Professor.

Snape blinked in shock and then directed his glare at James'.

I should've known you would find a way to come, Snape commented disdainfully.

I had to, James' told him defiantly.

Of course, Tonks told him. Pitched a right fit, he did. Refused to take no' for an answer. He was too determined to come, and rather than risk him trying something dangerous, we slapped a few glamour spells on him and titled him my

Snape nodded in understanding and raised an eyebrow at their linked hands.

A role you both seem quite comfortable with, he smirked.

He was satisfied to see a faint blush creep its way onto Potter's cheeks as Tonks glanced down at their hands and quickly pulled her hand away to scratch her elbow.

Snape's smirk fell and he glanced at the casket.

Draco would have found that highly amusing, you know, he stated.

Tonks smiled somberly. He would have, the little bugger.

She looked up at Snape and Harry, tears once again filling her eyes. What happens now?

NEW SCENE

A few days later found one Potions Master taking sick days to help clear matters up at Malfoy Manor, as the returning student body of Hogwarts was told. An almost surreal atmosphere had settled over the students as they had taken their seats in the Great Hall and held a moment of silence for their recently departed schoolmate. None dared to declare that the Slytherin had deserved it, as if Draco Malfoy's intimidating persona still lingered. Perhaps shock still numbed them, or fear of the reality dawning on them began spreading its icy claws throughout their bodies. Curious glances were sent to the Slytherin table, searching for a blond head somewhere in between the Serpent House's two largest members. Search as they may, no eyes would ever rest on the infamous Draco Malfoy again.

Between her grief and the threat of vengeful Death Eaters attacking, Severus Snape refused to leave Narcissa alone in that big cold mansion all by herself. He, Moody, and Tonks had set up extra wards around the building, but that didn't entirely prevent dark magic from entering. Although he knew Narcissa was a decent witch, Severus felt better knowing she wasn't there alone. When it was time for him to return to Hogwarts, Andromeda had offered Narcissa the option of staying with her, but Narcissa had declined. She told her sister that Draco had constantly begged her to go stay with their cousins in France and that would be what she was planning to do, to honor Draco's wishes. Tonks told Severus that Andromeda had felt so bad for the lack of communication with Narcissa, and their reunion being at such a painful time, that she mentioned she might even join her sister in visiting France. This made him feel even better, knowing that she would be in good company for a while. In the meantime, he and Narcissa were spending time sorting through Draco's belongings.

I plan on keeping his room just as it is, Severus. I don't want to put things away and change everything around. I want to be able to feel him every time I come in here, she told him sternly one morning as they entered Draco's bedroom.

He wasn't sure if that was exactly healthy, but with time she might change her mind.

she continued, wiping at her cheeks, he was an impeccably neat person. It's not like I would have to do a lot of straightening or anything.

He was neat, and very well-organized, Severus agreed.

I definitely am hanging every single one of his drawings in my room. I just have to find his sketchpad, she announced, approaching the bookshelves. She straightened already straight books as she skimmed the shelves.

I didn't know he was an artist, her companion commented thoughtfully.

Narcissa paused to look at him, a small smile on her face. It was one of his best kept secrets. His father was not fond of the hobby, thinking it too trivial or something ridiculously Lucius like that. He drew while he was at school in his sketchbook, and painted on canvas at home. I already have many of his paintings in my room and drawing room.

She walked toward Draco's desk and leafed through the papers and books that sat in piles on top.

He was always so nervous and excited to show me what he worked on at school. He had so many beautiful scenes of Hogwarts. They were so realistic, so extremely well done. He drew pictures during every season, from every viewpoint. Which, she smirked, makes me wonder when and where exactly he snuck to in order to get such views.

Severus' mouth turned upward. Well, he never got in trouble for it. Or should I say he just never got caught?

Narcissa grinned. A true Slytherin, he was.

Her grin fell. What about you, Sev? Where does this all leave you, with the Dark Lord?

I'm not entirely certain, Narcissa, Severus answered truthfully.

You risked a lot by showing up that day, especially with how you handled Lucius. You shouldn't have done that! What if word gets out that you were chiefly involved with his arrest? The Dark Lord will be furious! He might do something..terrible..

Severus looked at her frowning face.

Then I will tell him that I had to, that I was doing it for the best interests of his cause. Lucius had just murdered the only other informant besides myself that resided within Hogwarts. I did fairly well watching the other staff members, but Draco had better access to his fellow students. Lucius had ruined the Lord's chances of more information that could lead to the downfall of Harry Potter. And I felt it was my duty to avenge such a disloyal act.

He shrugged. It's a logical lie, Narcissa. I may get a few Crucio's thrown at me, but nothing more.

Narcissa shook her head.

I've had worse punishment before, don't worry.

Narcissa sighed and, the search for the sketchpad momentarily forgotten, walked over to Draco's easel to drag it to its proper position next to the desk.

Severus strode from his stance by the window to assist her.

Allow me, you sit.

She nodded gratefully and sat down tiredly on her son's bed, gently smoothing back imaginary wrinkles in the soft comforter.

Honestly, Narcissa, I did have to. When that mirror activated, and I heard what was happening here, I immediately rushed over. I had a bad feeling, especially after..

He paused as he gripped the easel and the attached blank canvas.

Well, a few days previous, I had been speaking to Draco through the mirror while Lucius was out, and then he came back. He was quite inebriated. And...I didn't really realize how brutal he truly was.

Narcissa nodded, avoiding his eyes.

When I got here, and the sight of Draco lying on the floor with you crouched over him greeted my eyes, I just saw red. But, please, do not worry about me, Narcissa. I'll take whatever punishment comes my way.

He easily lifted the easel and canvas he had been leaning on and looked to the woman in front of him.

Where does this go?

Narcissa lifted her blue eyes. Right over...

Her words abruptly froze in her mouth and her eyes widened as she stared at the blank canvas. Severus immediately set the easel on the floor and hustled to her side.

Narcissa, what is it? What's wrong?

The little devil! He's a genius! An absolute genius!

She promptly broke down into tears and hid her pale face in Severus' shoulder, clutching his arm. Wondering what could have provoked such an outburst, he lifted his head and his eyes caught sight of the canvas he had been holding a mere five seconds ago. The canvas that wasn't so blank anymore.

In bright red letters and slightly slanted writing, a simple message was conveyed:

May 31
Sneak Attack Hogwarts
Raids frequent before
Depending on no suspicion
Kill in sleep
Finish once and for all

Severus' mouth dropped.

It's a type of paint, Narcissa explained quietly. I gave it to him for Christmas. It changes color depending on what one wishes.

She paused.

You said red' - you said I just saw red' right after you touched it, which allows us to see the words.

Hogwarts' Potions Master stared down at her in amazement. He alternated between looking at her and the red words before him.

Bloody damn brilliant, he murmured. This will be very useful. It's perfect.

Narcissa tightened her hold on her friend.

Not for me, she whispered. Or Draco.

She sighed.

Nothing can ever be perfect now.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

I feel like J.K. Rowling - I'm upset about killing one of my favorite characters. But, before you ruthlessly murder me, I will defend myself by stating that there was foreshadowing to this unfortunate event many chapters back, Chapter 12, I believe? It was a minute little detail that seemed like it just served setting purposes, but...it didn't. I'll pull the direct lines out if anyone requests it.

And remember...I love you all!! You don't hurt (or kill) those who love you!! - Draco says so.

Stay tuned for the epilogue...