Chapter 16

Phoenix: Albus Dumbledore

Spring & Summer 1996

Just before the Easter holidays, an interesting situation occurred at Hogwarts. Lucius was told by the Minister for Magic himself that Draco had helped capture a renegade student organisation, calling themselves 'Dumbledore's Army', which was being led by none other than Harry Potter. "I knew it!" Fudge had cried. "Dumbledore has been working against me this whole time. This proves that all he has been saying about He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was nothing more than a smokescreen, to divert attention away from his own illegal activities!" But sadly, (or so the Malfoys thought) Potter had, once again avoided expulsion, and Dumbledore had fled before the Ministry had managed to arrest him. On the positive side, though, Dolores Umbridge had been named Headmistress of Hogwarts School, and Draco, along with several of his Slytherin companions, had been promoted to the brand-new Inquisitorial Squad. 'I am supporting our new Headmistress,' Draco had written, 'and I am sure the standard of teaching at Hogwarts is going to increase dramatically now that we have a proper leader.'

Back at home, Narcissa was reaching the end of her tether. Bellatrix was being as difficult as ever; irritating and contrary. She had not said anything else about the rumours Sephy had started, but still made snide remarks about Severus, watching her sister's face carefully, as if waiting for a reaction. Narcissa tried to ignore her, but things came to a head the day after the change of headship at Hogwarts. Lucius had been invited to one of Fudge's men's evenings, leaving Narcissa at home with the three Lestranges. She barricaded herself in her parlour, leaving the other three alone in the drawing room, where they sat plotting various ways of torturing Muggles. She was interrupted by the sounds of shouting, however, and as she rose to her feet, the door to the parlour swung open, and Ingle said in a rush,

"Madam Malfoy, you is having a visitor, but Mrs. Lestrange is not welcoming him, she is fighting him. He is Professor Snape."

Narcissa rushed past the elf, running down the corridor as quickly as she could, hearing the shouts more clearly now.

"I CAME HERE TO SEE NARCISSA, NOT YOU. LET ME PAST!" Severus' voice bellowed.

"HALF-BLOOD TRAITOR! GET OUT OF THIS HOUSE!" Bellatrix shrieked back.

"I TOLD YOU TO GET OUT OF MY WAY!" As Narcissa reached the top of the stairs, she saw Severus, standing in the doorway to the Manor, teeth bared, wand out. Bellatrix's back was to Narcissa, and she was waving her wand wildly above her head as she continued to scream at Severus,

"I WON'T LET YOU DEFILE OUR GOOD NAME ANYMORE! YOU MIGHT HAVE FOOLED HER BUT YOU WON'T PULL THE WOOL OVER MY EYES!" Rodolphus and Rabastan were no-where to be seen, and Narcissa wondered if they were even aware of what was going on. They had moments where they were quite lucid, followed by long periods of inactivity. Narcissa descended the stairs as quickly as she could.

"I WILL NOT TELL YOU AGAIN!" Severus roared, raising his wand above his head. "GET OUT OF MY WAY OR I WILL MAKE YOU!"

Bellatrix shrieked with derisive laughter. "COME ON THEN, SNAPE, LET'S SEE WHAT YOU'VE GOT!"

"PROTEGO!" Narcissa screamed, flinging herself down the last few stairs and launching the magical shield between them as Severus and Bellatrix both brought their wands slashing down. Their spells bounced off the Shield charm, Severus' rebounding back out of the open front door and into the night, Bellatrix's crashing into the wall and leaving a large scorch mark. "Have you both gone MAD?" Narcissa yelled, rounding on her sister. "You are not mistress of this house Bella! You have no right to send my guests away! And you -" she spun on the spot to face Severus "- how dare you -" but she stopped as she saw his face. His cheeks were unnaturally red, his breaths coming in sharp gasps and his dark eyes were slightly puffy. He's been crying, she realised. It felt like a punch to her stomach. She had never seen Severus close to tears, not even at Regulus' funeral, and she had never seen him lose control. The image of him screaming at Bellatrix filled her head. Something is very, very wrong. "Come in," she said quietly. "We'll go to my parlour." Severus stepped past Bellatrix and mounted the stairs without another word.

"You can't trust him, Cissy." Bellatrix caught Narcissa's arm and whispered urgently to her as Narcissa made to follow Severus up the stairs.

"Let go," Narcissa snarled. "Your husband is waiting for you. You'd better get back to him."

Bellatrix's mouth curled into a sneer, but she released her sister, turning away and stomping into the drawing room. She slammed the door behind her and Narcissa fought the urge to fling the door open again and have it out with Bellatrix once and for all. But she resisted, and slowly climbed the stairs. Severus was already in the parlour when she arrived, standing with his back to her, staring out of the window.

"Severus?" Narcissa said gently, closing the door behind her. "Are you ok?" There was a long silence, and she stood awkwardly, not sure what to do. If it had been Lucius or Draco, she would have gone up to him and hugged him. But he wasn't. And with Bellatrix downstairs and her husband out, she didn't want to risk acting in an over-familiar manner. She tried speaking again, "Severus, what happened?" She thought he wasn't going to reply, and began to move towards him when he spoke in a low voice,

"Potter."

"What?" Narcissa asked, unsure if she had heard him right. She knew Harry Potter was the bane of Severus' life, but at the end of the day, he was a fifteen-year-old child. What could he have done to cause this reaction in Severus?

"I had to get away. Potter. He saw something." Severus voice was shaking with barely controlled rage, and there was a dangerous energy building in the room. Narcissa was reminded vividly of the evening Lucius came back from Hogwarts, having lost the Dark Lord's diary, accidently freed Dobby and been fired from the Board of Governors. Hating herself, she slowly raised her wand. If he turns on me, I need to be prepared...

"What did Potter see, Severus?" she asked as calmly as she could.

"James." The word same out as a hiss.

"What about James?" she asked, taking a tentative step forwards. Severus' shoulders tensed, and then, without warning, he spun on the spot. Narcissa felt fear grip her and she instantly cried, "Protego!" Her shield sprang from her wand again, but she saw through the translucent spell that Severus did not even have his wand in his hand. She quickly ended the charm, muttering, "Sorry. I've clearly been living with Bella for too long." Severus ignored this weak attempt at humour, and shook his head, sneering in icy tones,

"I do not wish to talk about it, I needed to get away, so I came here. Clearly I am not welcome. I am sorry to have bothered you." He made to move towards the door.

"Severus, wait!" Narcissa put out a hand and caught his arm before he could stride past. He paused, mingled anger, pain and resentment etched across his face. It was such a bitter look that Narcissa took a step back, releasing him. "I'm sorry," she whispered, but he swept past, black cloak billowing. She heard his quick footsteps receding down the corridor, followed by the sound of the front door slamming shut. Narcissa sat down suddenly on the sofa and put her head in her hands. What have I done? He came here for sanctuary, for refuge... and I drove him away him. I didn't trust him... he thinks I was scared of him... I betrayed him.

Narcissa was already in bed when Lucius got home. He sounded in a better mood than he had been for quite some time, and smelled strongly of whisky. "Good evening?" he asked as he slipped into bed beside her. Narcissa didn't move, breathing evenly, pretending to be asleep. She heard Lucius sigh, and he rolled away from her. Narcissa lay awake for a long time, stomach churning, wondering what had happened to Severus, what he was doing and how he was feeling.

On 18th June 1996, Lord Voldemort arrived at Malfoy Manor and summoned Antonin Dolohov, Valdis Avery, Walden Macnair, Saxon Crabbe, Dunstan Nott, Augustus Rookwood, Lance Jugson and Mallory Mulciber. Bellatrix, Rabastan, Rodolphus and Lucius completed the group. Narcissa was summoned as well, bringing Kreacher the House-elf with her. The Dark Lord obviously terrified the elf, but his affection for 'Miss Cissy' and 'Miss Bella' was stronger than his fear, and he did not resist as she led him into the waiting circle of Death Eaters.

"This elf -" Voldemort began, "- has given me invaluable information, information I need to lure Harry Potter into the Department of Mysteries and retrieve the prophecy for me. I realised on the night I possessed Nagini that Potter can see into my mind... I have felt him there on subsequent occasions." His mouth twisted into a malicious smirk. "And now, I shall use Potter's connection to myself against him."

Before Narcissa could even begin to process this revelation, the Dark Lord turned to her, addressing her coldly, "Tell the elf to hold a picture of Black in its mind. I wish to see how he looks, moves and speaks."

Narcissa tried not to frown as she turned to Kreacher, repeating the instruction. Does the Dark Lord really think he is too important to speak to an elf directly? Kreacher bowed low, croaking hoarsely, "Yes, Miss Cissy."

Voldemort raised his wand and said softly, "Legilimens." Narcissa watched as the Dark Lord entered the tiny elf's mind, and she wondered what he was planning. Why does he need to know what Sirius looks like? A few minutes later, Voldemort ended the spell and spoke again, "Narcissa, order the elf to go back to its master's house. It is to create a diversion - if Potter tries to contact Black, he must not see him. The elf will tell Potter that Black is in the Department of Mysteries - it will tell him Black is in mortal danger." Narcissa turned to Kreacher, once again repeating the Dark Lord's instructions. The elf, trembling worse than ever, bowed low again and vanished with a crack. "I shall present Potter with a false event," Voldemort declared to the room at large. "I shall show myself torturing Black in the Hall of Prophecy. Potter is a foolhardy Gryffindor to the last degree, he will come to save his godfather." Bellatrix cackled with laughter, and the Dark Lord continued, "Lucius, you shall lead the group. Force Potter to take down the prophecy, take it from him and then bring it to me here. You can harm Potter, but do not kill him. I wish to have that great pleasure myself."

"Yes, my Lord." Lucius bowed and straightened up, looking pleased and proud to have been chosen to lead this mission. Next to Narcissa, Bellatrix shifted, and then spoke breathlessly,

"My Lord, let me lead this campaign, I know I can bring you glory -" But the Dark Lord raised his hand, and she stopped speaking immediately.

"You are a faithful servant, Bella. But your powers have been weakened by your incarceration in Azkaban. Lucius will lead. He knows Potter and the layout of the Ministry. I have already decided. Do not anger me by attempting to change my mind." Voldemort's words were softly spoken but full of menace. Bellatrix looked at the floor, scowling, but said nothing more. "Rookwood, step forward," Voldemort went on, his red eyes glinting as Rookwood broke rank and stepped into the middle of the circle of Death Eaters. "Hold a picture of the Department of Mysteries in your mind. I need to see every detail. Walk me through it, Rookwood, from the external corridor and through to the Hall of Prophecy." Rookwood nodded, and met the Dark Lord's eyes as he raised his wand and said once again, "Legilimens." A few minutes later, Voldemort released Rookwood, and settled himself in the velvet armchair. "I require a volunteer -" he hissed dangerously, "- to provide the vocals for this little performance." No-one moved and Voldemort's mouth twisted once more into a cruel smile. "Come now, surely one of my faithful Death Eaters would wish to do this for me? I am not asking for much, just a few minutes of your time..." He stood and began to walk slowly around the circle. He passed Lucius, Augustus, Walden, Valdis, Saxon, Bellatrix, Narcissa, Rabastan, Rodolphus, Antonin, Mallory, and Dunstan, stopping in front of Lance Jugson. "I have not heard much from you recently, Jugson. Please step forward. You have been chosen." Jugson held his head high and followed the Dark Lord into the middle of the circle. "Lie on the floor, Jugson, curled up, as if I have already tortured you." Jugson did as he was told, curling up on the floor in a foetal position. "You will say nothing, Jugson. All you need to do is scream." The Dark Lord's eyes were lit up with malicious pleasure and he pointed his wand at the Death Eater. Then, he closed his eyes, and stood in silence. Narcissa glanced at Bellatrix, but her sister's eyes were fixed on their Master. She suddenly jumped as Voldemort cried in a high, cold voice, "Crucio!" Narcissa tried not to flinch again as Jugson began to scream. He tried to stand up, but staggered, falling back to the floor, crying out as the pain intensified. Narcissa felt sweat prickle on her brow. Please make it stop. Voldemort raised his wand and the curse ended. Jugson let out a moan and stopped moving. Voldemort was still once more, his lips moving silently as he carried out a conversation in his head with an imaginary Sirius Black. Then, he lowered his wand again and Jugson writhed and screamed once more. Narcissa balled her hands into fists, her fingernails digging into the flesh of her palms. Then, as suddenly as he had begun, Lord Voldemort stopped. He put his wand back inside his robes and stepped over Jugson's crumpled form, settling himself into the armchair once more. "Potter has taken the bait. I felt him there... Lucius, you will leave now and get in position. Potter will probably not go alone... but given he is an unqualified fifteen-year-old boy, he and his peers shall not present much of a challenge. You may kill any others, naturally - just not Potter. He is mine." Lucius nodded, muttering to Rodolphus and Rabastan, who stepped forwards, pulling Jugson up off the floor. They hauled him from the room, followed by the others. Soon, only Narcissa, Lucius and the Dark Lord remained. Lucius, glancing over his shoulder as if asking for permission from his Master, then kissed his wife quickly on the mouth.

"I love you," he murmured. Narcissa reached out and took his hand, squeezing it gently. "I love you too. Good luck." He smiled, and went after the rest of the Death Eaters, leaving Narcissa alone with Lord Voldemort.

The Dark Lord smirked at her and said lightly, "You have not yet introduced me to your son, Narcissa. Do I sense resistance? You do remember, do you not, that you agreed that any children borne to you would be dedicated to my service?"

Narcissa's heart began to beat quickly, but she kept her voice even as she replied, "Yes, my Lord. Once Draco is of age, I have no doubt that he will join us."

Voldemort looked amused, rolling his wand between his long, white fingertips. "And what if I were to require his services sooner, Narcissa?"

She felt her breath catch in her throat. "My Lord?" she asked, playing for time.

"I do not need to repeat myself. Answer the question." His voice was icy, and his red eyes glinted as he looked at her face. Narcissa thought desperately as she seconds flitted past. The silence stretched out. What can I say? What in Merlin's name can I say? "I am waiting, Narcissa." The Dark Lord rose gracefully to his feet, and stepped across the room towards her, his wand pointing at her chest. "Would you give me your son now, Narcissa, should I ask for him?"

Narcissa raised her eyes to the Dark Lord's, holding his gaze as she whispered, "Yes."

Voldemort's expression did not change, but he lowered his wand. "You may go," he said, turning away from her. Narcissa curtseyed to the Dark Lord's retreating back, and slipped out of the room.

She managed to get to her en-suite before she threw up. Shaking, she wiped her mouth then washed her face. She had never felt more alone or frightened. She desperately wanted her husband, to have him wrap his arms around her and hold her as she wept over the fate or their son. She wanted a friend to talk to, but she had not seen Severus since their altercation at Easter. He had ignored all of her letters - ranging from jokey missives, to eloquent apologies, to full-blown rants over his silence, but he did not reply. Does Severus even know what's happening today? Narcissa wondered. Then she jumped as she heard a knock at her bedroom door. Trying not to shake, she strode out of the bathroom, across the bedroom and opened the door. Ingle stood there, bearing a tray with a dainty teacup of steaming water, a wedge of lemon and a small bowl of soup.

"Madam Malfoy is feeling unwell?" The elf enquired, looking at her with large, brown eyes.

Narcissa smiled weakly at the elf. "A bit. Thank you, Ingle. Please take the tray to the parlour. I will be along in a minute."

The elf bowed her head, then scuttled down the corridor. Narcissa took a deep breath and followed. Luc will be back soon, it shouldn't take more than a few hours... he'll be back and we can talk, really talk. She felt a flicker of hope and her soothing thoughts continued, It'll be alright, once Luc gets home, we can sort this out. Work through it... She sat in the parlour, slowly eating the soup and sipping her lemon tea, trying to while away the time until her husband returned.

The minutes, then hours, ticked by slowly, but Lucius did not come back. It was late when Narcissa finally heard noises in the hall. She rushed from her parlour to find the Dark Lord and Bellatrix, grappling with each other at the foot of the stairs. Bellatrix was crying hysterically, her hands clutching at the front of the Dark Lord's robes, and he was looking at her with pure revulsion on his face.

"Let go, Bella!" he hissed, and when she ignored this command, he slashed his wand at her, throwing her off him with such force her head hit the wall with a loud crack. Narcissa rushed to her sister's side, crouching on the floor beside her, partly out of concern, and partly to try to keep her from flinging herself at their Master again. Voldemort looked at the women with pitiless, red eyes. His voice was high and furious as he spat his next words at them, "I will deal with you later, Bella. If the Ministry come for you, they are welcome to take you. You are nothing but a pathetic embarrassment. You disgust me." Bellatrix screamed and sobbed as though he had used the Cruciatus curse on her. The Dark Lord then turned his attention to Narcissa. "Your useless husband also failed me this evening. He will be arrested and taken to Azkaban where I shall leave him to rot. I will return to discuss your punishment for his actions. Your son will be present for that meeting."

"My Lord, please -" Narcissa gasped, her head spinning as she tried to take it all in. Luc, arrested? He wants to punish Draco? Voldemort snarled at her words and flicked his wand. Narcissa's head jerked to one side as she felt her cheek slice open. Blood flowed from the deep gash, running down her neck, pooling in her collarbone and soaking into the neckline of her robes.

"Do not try my patience. Your son is mine. Make sure he is ready." And with that, Lord Voldemort swept from the Manor, leaving the two women on the floor, each lost in her own despair.

The next couple of weeks passed in a blur for Narcissa. She felt drained and numb, catching snatches of her life as if through a thick fog. She vaguely realised Ministry officials were questioning her about Lucius and his actions over the last few months. She did not have to act or employ Occlumency to get through their interrogation; she was barely present. Eventually, they gave up, deciding Lucius had indeed been telling the truth when he said he had been keeping his oblivious wife under the Imperius curse. They stuffed a search warrant into her hands, and she sat in a dazed stupor as Arthur Weasley led a group of wizards around her home, searching for Dark artefacts. They found nothing of importance, not even Bellatrix, who hid herself in the folly in the grounds during the raid.

Bellatrix remained hidden at the Manor, and the sisters sought solace in each other's company, sitting for long hours in Narcissa's parlour, slowly drowning in their sorrow. Bellatrix had told her sister in a wooden voice that the prophecy had been smashed during a fight between the Death Eaters, Potter and his friends, and the Order of the Phoenix. She had barely even gloated over her slaughter of the "blood traitor" Sirius Black. She had briefly mentioned the arrival of Dumbledore, then had abruptly stopped speaking, as if frightened by what she had seen happen next. Bellatrix had gone beyond her usual hysteria, entering an impassive state, like that which she had initially exhibited after her escape from Azkaban. Narcissa felt crushed under her grief, her longing for Lucius and worry over Draco paralysing her. The newspapers reported the return of the Dark Lord, the heroism of Harry Potter, and the reinstatement of Albus Dumbledore as Headmaster of Hogwarts, member of the International Confederation of Wizards and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. Narcissa's only comfort was the news that the Dementors had left Azkaban, so her husband would not be subjected to the mental torture those creatures inflicted upon their victims.

Narcissa managed to rouse herself on the last day of the Hogwarts school term, washing and dressing with care. She knew she would be subject to the fear, scorn, gossip and hostility of the other parents, following the public naming of Lucius as Death Eater and his subsequent arrest. Narcissa felt a flicker of her old fire ignite in her belly as she charmed makeup onto her face, and twisted the top half of her hair into a neat bun, allowing the rest to cascade down her back. I am a Malfoy. I will not cower and hide. But despite her resolve, she shivered as she left the Manor. Even though it was summer, a cold, draining mist had settled over the country; evidence of the defected Dementors. She drew her cloak more tightly around her and walked briskly, disapparating just beyond the gates. She held her head high as she entered the station, people parting before her as though she were bearing an infectious disease. She swept down Platform 9¾, standing alone, trying to ignore the angry whispers buzzing around her like wasps as she watched the scarlet steam engine pull into the station. Students began to clamber out, rushing to their parents, and Narcissa felt an unwelcome sense of déjà vu as she scanned the platform, looking for her son. Her dread mounted as the crowd began to clear, and there was still no sign of him. Narcissa flinched as she felt a hand touch her arm, and saw Zillah standing at her side, eyes narrowed.

"I think they've done something again," she whispered, jerking her head at the retreating backs of Potter, Weasley and Granger. "I saw which compartment they came out of, let's go." Narcissa followed Zillah onto the train, and they quickly found Draco, Vincent and Gregory, disfigured and stuffed into the luggage rack like unwanted rubbish. The witches worked together, muttering the counter-hexes and counter-jinxes, and helped the three boys off the train. Draco was fuming, ranting and swearing under his breath as his mother took him home.

"I'll kill him, Mum," he repeated over and over again. "I'll kill the whole lot of them and avenge Father. Just you wait."

Lord Voldemort arrived at the Manor a few days later. Draco was waiting in the drawing room, standing with his back straight, in smart, plain, black robes. Narcissa and Bellatrix stood on either side of him, and the three payed deference as their Master entered the room. "Rise," he commanded, and they all stood up straight. The Dark Lord approached the trio, placing himself directly in front of Draco, looking down at him with his gleaming red eyes. "Well, well, Draco Malfoy. You look just like your father. Let us hope you do not act like him too."

Draco did not flinch as he looked into the skull-like face. He spoke boldly, "I wish to serve you faithfully, my Lord."

Narcissa watched Voldemort as he looked calculatingly at her son, her heart beating uncomfortably fast, her mind racing. You will not hurt my child, don't touch my son. As if he could hear her, her Master's red eyed swept over her, and he smirked. "Ah, Narcissa. Do not be alarmed. I will not be giving your son to Greyback. I did consider it -" Narcissa let out an audible gasp, and Voldemort laughed softly, "- yes, I was very tempted... but it would have been a dreadful waste... and Draco here is willing to serve me - are you not?"

He turned his eyes back on Draco, who nodded, saying determinedly, "Yes, my Lord. I shoulder my family's legacy with pride. I am at your disposal."

"I am glad to hear it." Voldemort smirked, placing a white hand on Draco's shoulder. "Because I have a very important task for you, Draco. If you succeed you will be rewarded beyond the wildest dreams of all my Death Eaters."

Narcissa looked at her son, and saw his eyes glittering with ambition. She wanted to cry out, to tell him to run, but she knew she couldn't. Draco must agree to serve the Dark Lord or he would die; she could see it in her Master's cruel, red eyes. "What would you like me to do, Master?" Draco asked, without hesitation.

"Why, kill Albus Dumbledore, of course." Voldemort spoke silkily, his voice almost a hiss, but there was no mistaking his words. There was a brief silence. Narcissa felt as if the walls were closing in on her. Kill Dumbledore? But that's impossible! Draco's only sixteen! And Dumbledore is the most powerful wizard alive! He'll never succeed... "And -" Voldemort's high, cold voice cut off Narcissa's desperate thoughts, "- you will also find a way to allow my Death Eaters to enter Hogwarts undetected. Dumbledore has greatly irked me. You will kill him, Draco, and open his school up to me. I will take it, and witches and wizards will, at last, receive a proper education." His smirk widened, and he removed his hand from Draco's shoulder.

"I will do it, my Lord," Draco said firmly, but Narcissa saw his hand ball into a tight fist at his side.

The Dark Lord took a step back, addressing his next remark to Bellatrix. "You will teach the boy Occlumency. It would not do for Dumbledore to know what he is up to. And he is to learn the Unforgiveable curses."

"Yes, my Lord". Bellatrix's voice shook with surprised emotion as the wizard she loved spoke directly to her, and she curtseyed deeply again. Voldemort ignored her, and said to the three of them,

"Draco is to undertake this mission alone. I shall be most displeased if I were to hear either of you have interfered beyond the instructions I have already given you. You will tell no-one of this plan. It is essential we operate at Hogwarts in the utmost secrecy." He fixed his eyes on Narcissa. "Do you understand?"

Bellatrix, Draco and Narcissa intoned together, "Yes, my Lord."

The Dark Lord smiled evilly. "Good. And now, Draco, I will mark you."

"My Lord!" Narcissa cried out before she could stop herself and took a step forwards, moving to physically block her son from her Master's view. "Please, I beg you -" But Draco side-stepped his mother, and spoke firmly over her protests,

"I represent the Malfoy family now. I will do it." He turned to his mother, and smiled reassuringly at her. "It's ok, Mum."

"Draco understands his duty," Bellatrix crowed. "Stop being so sentimental, Cissy."

Narcissa opened her mouth to argue, but the Dark Lord raised his wand. "Enough," he hissed, and they all fell silent, eyeing his wand nervously. "I will mark Draco now. He is to be a Death Eater and serve me fully." He did not move his eyes from Draco's face as he said icily, "We do not require an audience. Bella, Narcissa, leave us."

And so Narcissa had no choice, and followed her sister from the room. The door swung gently shut behind them, and Bellatrix took her sister's hand, leading her up the stairs and into the parlour. "This is an honour, Cissy!" Bellatrix cried, as soon as she had closed the door behind them. "Draco has been chosen! He is to be the first new Death Eater since the Dark Lord's return! Why are you not happy? This shows the Dark Lord has forgiven us!" Bellatrix spun on the spot, flinging her arms out and crying triumphantly, "Draco will bring us all honour!"

"SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP!" Narcissa bellowed, pointing her wand at her sister. "Don't you understand? This is not a reward, Bella! He wants Draco to fail! He wants him - dead!" She sobbed the last word, feeling tears well up in her eyes and spill over onto her cheeks. Her wand shook, and she felt Bellatrix's hand on her arm.

"Cissy -" she began in a gentler voice, "- have faith in Draco! He's not a baby! He is a Malfoy-Black! Think of his heritage! He cannot fail with noble blood on his side!"

"None of that will matter against Albus Dumbledore!" Narcissa howled. "My son! My boy!" And she broke down into a fit of despair. Nothing Bellatrix said could console her. After about an hour, there was a quiet knock at the door, and Ingle entered, looking frightened,

"Madam Malfoy, the Dark Master is gone. Master Draco is sick. Ingle is putting him to bed."

Narcissa ran from the room, Bellatrix following closely behind. She flew into Draco's bedroom, and fell to her knees by his bed. He was unconscious, his brow clammy. Narcissa tentatively pulled back the sheet, and saw the bright red skull and snake burned into the flesh of his left forearm. It was a vivid, angry red, and she nearly wept fresh tears as she saw it. My poor baby, how much must this have hurt him? "Ingle!" she called. "Get me -" but she felt the elf pushing something into her hand, and looked down to see she had pre-empted her command, and given her a small bottle of Dittany. Narcissa applied it to Draco's arm, and wrapped it carefully. "I need a Dreamless Sleep Potion," she said to the elf, who appeared in the room a few seconds later, bearing another glass bottle. Narcissa sat by Draco's bedside all night, but he did not wake. The next morning, Narcissa blearily watched him as he opened his eyes and smiled weakly at her,

"Hello, Mum," he croaked. "I did it!"

Draco's health improved steadily, the Mark healing quickly, and he was able to get out of bed that afternoon. Narcissa entrusted his care to Ingle, and caught a few hours' sleep, then, when she awoke in the early evening, she ordered her son back to bed. He did not resist, and fell asleep almost immediately. Narcissa stroked his hair gently, thinking furiously. I cannot change the Dark Lord's mind, and Bella is out of favour too... but what about Severus? He is still high in the Dark Lord's favour... perhaps he could persuade him... and we did help Severus when he needed it... even if he doesn't see me as a friend anymore, he owes me... I have to try, for Draco. Narcissa looked down at her son's face and whispered, "I love you, baby. I'm going to do everything in my power to protect you." Then she quietly left his room, calling Ingle to her. The little elf appeared and listened carefully to her mistress' words. "Ingle, I am going to Spinner's End. It's a Muggle address in Cokeworth, where Professor Snape lives. If anything happens to Draco, you are to come and get me immediately. The closest apparition point is by a riverbank, a few streets away, then you have to cross a road, then -"

But the elf was shaking her head. "Begging your pardon, but elves is different from wizards, Madam Malfoy. Ingle is able to go directly to the house."

Narcissa was surprised, but nodded briskly. "Good. Please stay by Draco's side until I get back." The elf bowed again, and scurried into Draco's room.

"You can't, Cissy," came a flat voice from behind her. Narcissa spun on the spot to see Bellatrix, standing in the corridor behind her, arms folded. "You heard what the Dark Lord said - we cannot tell anyone what Draco is to do."

Narcissa drew her wand and pointed it at her sister. "I am not asking your permission, Bella. Now get out of my way."

Bellatrix drew her own wand, still blocking Narcissa's way to the staircase. "Cissy!" she hissed. "You will ruin everything! The Dark Lord is giving us another chance! He is showing us mercy! What do you think he will do to us - to Draco - if you go blabbing our secret to that greasy half-blood?"

"I cannot stand by and watch my son walk to his own death!" Narcissa snarled, trying to keep her voice down so as not to wake Draco. "I am not in the mood, Bella, to argue with you. Now get out of my way."

"No," Bella said simply, standing her ground. "I know you, Cissy, you wouldn't hurt me!" She began to laugh, and Narcissa took a deep breath, then charged. She shouldered Bellatrix out of her way, pelting down the stairs, out the front door, and down the driveway. She heard Bellatrix running after her, heard her shriek, "Cissy!" But Narcissa ignored her, sprinting through the gates which turned to smoke as she approached. She twisted on the spot, and felt the familiar suffocating sensation as she disapparated. She was whisked away from her stately Manor in rural Wiltshire to the dirty, shambolic Muggle world where her only hope lived - the wizard who could protect her son from the Dark Lord and Albus Dumbledore.