DISCLAIMER: all rights go to JK Rowling

I think it's kind of necessary to post this chapter, this is somehow the real start of the story, so yeah, three chapters in one day.

Thanks to my lovely beta, Victoria, and go check and follow her on tumblr! hcrmiones. tumblr . com

Chapter 3: The Traitor

For a moment, Draco stood undecided. The morning breeze, which during those months blew warm, but cool enough in London, seemed to drive from his forehead the light cloud that had darkened it. He drew an exhale and took off his hat. Carriages were flashing by, its horses in a steady pace, public rigs moved along, wizardly pedestrians were passing. Draco walked along the irregular cobblestone path, directing his way towards The Three Broomsticks, and he rounded the corner between Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley. They were the same streets and same buildings he remembered from a few years back. The bookshop, Flourish and Blotts, the dressmaker, Madame Malkin, and even the wand shop of Ollivander's were unchanged.

"How slowly everything moves," he murmured as he passed by the Three Broomsticks, while smoky lamps still lighted the identical stands.

"Wonderful," he exclaimed softly, "Great Merlin, that pavement is still in the same unrepaired condition. I could have been lost by now."

While he was meditating upon this marvel of the alley's stability in a world where everything is so unstable, a hand was lightly placed on his shoulder. He raised his head to see a Death Eater - but he was more likely an auror, for he didn't see the mark tattooed on his arm - gazing at him with a small smile in the place of his hard expression and a frown which characterized him.

"Young Mr. Malfoy. So, it's true that you are back." Came the abrupt greeting of the tall man.

"Yes, good morning, mister." Draco greeted, and with that the man also returned a "good morning" to him.

"What are you doing here when the sun is barely up, Mr. Malfoy?"

"I was… I am wondering if you know what happened to my mother?" asked Draco hesitantly, starring at him.

"What? Don't you know about it?" asked the auror.

Draco sighed and ran a hand through his blonde locks, "I know that my father knows what happened. But he wouldn't tell me about it. I don't know what is the matter."

"Well, you could have asked Snape."

"But that's it! He refuses to answer the simple question."

They were silent for a few seconds until the man spoke up, "I should say that I do, as everybody else claims. She died in Azkaban."

Draco stepped a pace and gazed searchingly at him, "In Azkaban? Who died in Azkaban?"

"Your mother, since she was in confinement," was the somewhat surprised answer.

"My mother – in Azkaban – confined in Azkaban? What are you talking about? Do you really know who my mother – "

"I rather think I am not mistaken; she was Narcissa Malfoy."

"Yes, Narcissa Malfoy," he echoed weakly.

"I apologize… I thought you knew about it," muttered the auror in a tone of compassion as he saw what was working in the young Malfoy's mind.

"I must believe that you are not joking with me," replied Draco hoarsely. I cannot believe I am learning this from a stranger. After a few moment's silence, "Can you tell me why she was in prison?"

The auror seemed to be perplexed, "It's rather strange that your family affairs were not made known to you."

"Her last letter was addressing me not to worry… she said that I must not be uneasy if she did not write, as she was very busy. She told me to continue pursue my studies. And told me that father had given his blessing."

"Then maybe she wrote the letter to you just before she died. It will be almost a year soon since we buried her."

"I still do not understand… why was my mother a prisoner?"

"Well, as I understand, she stood up for what she knew was right. But before that, you can trust me about this, I have been hiding for years from them… Now, come along, we'll go to Leaky Cauldron and I'll tell you as we go, if you are fine with my offer."

Draco nodded and the auror took his steps in going to the wizarding pub, and he followed him. He seemed to be in deep thought and was stroking his goatee continually.

"Many respected your mother, Mr. Malfoy," he began, "especially those who are considered below society's standard. I meant the muggleborns, even the half-bloods, and the orphans. Mrs. Malfoy helped most of them, as… well… they were the ones who needed extra care from the abusing hands of Riddle and his disciples," he swallowed before continuing, "but her outreach was done in secret. Of course, no one from the Ministry could know about it.

"Some months after your departure, troubles between your parents with Riddle began, however I cannot explain the real cause of them. Riddle, when he knew you had gone abroad, immediately called your parents for interrogation. Only your mother complied without any second thought."

Before the auror can continue, Draco interrupted, "Was my father with her?"

The auror sadly shook his head. The youth understood.

After a few seconds of heavy silence, they realized they were already close to their destination, much to the auror's relief, "Here we are. We'll continue our discussion inside."

Once they had finally entered the Leaky Cauldron, two wizards were at a table, eyeing them while they were both looking for their own table to stay, Draco just ignored them as much as possible. The outside of the pub appeared to be unchanged – at least by what Draco's memory could serve. Inside, the toasted firewood was crackling softly, giving the place a warmer ambience.

Settling in a table far away from the prying eyes, he continued the story, "one day it happened that she was going home from the orphanage; her business there was to give the children some bread and pies. She was walking when a girl was being hit by another boy. The kid who was hitting the girl was spitting awful words at her. He and his goons were mocking her, laughing at the girl for being a squib and an orphan. Narcissa took pity on the poor girl, and shewed away the bullies. Those kids were purebloods and recognized your mother. The whole thing got worse. Another kid suddenly threw a stone at her and ran away. She lost her patience and, turning quickly, she hexed them. Just a simple body-bind spell. She approached the children and reprimanded them of their behavior. A death eater was rounding up the corner, saw the scene in front of him, and immediately halted your mother. Mrs. Malfoy didn't seize, and threw a curse at him, effectively hitting the death eater square on his chest. She quietly picked up the girl and brought her back at the orphanage.

"It was expected that Riddle would intervene and let the death eaters arrest your mother. Those who hated her rose and made false accusations against her. She was accused of being a "blood traitor". And to be a blood traitor is a great threat in their law of society, and no offense, pureblood families make it a big deal. There could be nothing more to what a blood traitor had done, giving shelter and food to the poor and the orphans, and whose veins flowed a strong significance of a pureblood."

The older man paused as Tom, the barman, approached their table and asked him about their orders. He didn't fail to notice his platinum haired companion, and he greeted him with a usual welcome-back-in-England. With a smile, he left to get their meals.

He then cleared his throat, "your father was worried about the situation. He was afraid for your mother that something worse will be inflicted upon her - other than putting her under house arrest before further deliberation from Riddle himself. And he was also afraid of his own punishment – "

The whole story seemed so familiar to this man, Draco's thought irked. To make the whole thing not so confusing, he held his hand to stop him, "Wait… Mister, how come you are somehow detailed about this case?"

"I was about to tell you the next part, Draco," leaning his elbows and torso against the table, "your father tried to do as much as he can just to pardon your mother. One of his options, he hired someone to defend Narcissa…" he clucked his tongue against the roof of his mouth, making a "tsk" sound, "Now, I hope it completed your puzzle of why I can tell you about this."

"You are the lawyer. You must be Adam Trotter; I've heard about you."

Two mugs of butterbeer were placed in front of them along with their breakfast. Trotter (who wasn't actually an auror, but the one who helped his mother), picked up his fork, and while cutting his bacon, he nodded at Draco, whose eyebrows are slightly knitted together. "Yes. I used to work at an international wizarding firm eight years ago, but decided to come visit here in London. I was worried and curious of why my wife hadn't answered any of my owls for months. I requested for a portkey and was allowed to come home for the next week…" his voice was starting to get stoic, yet there was something in his eyes that defined sadness. Whatever had happened, it was worse. Draco felt sorry for this man.

He sobered up and leaned back against the wooden chair, "The next day I went to work, and my co-workers had some talk about Riddle's reign over here. I figured it out then. Something must have happened to my wife, and made me want to go home immediately. The next department office near to us, they were busy and frantic. They were in contact with the British ministry, updating them of what was happening. What they also did, was they would send them help for the orphans and victims to let them stay in a safer place, counting death tolls…" Trotter closed his eyes and shook his head slightly. When he opened them, his blue eyes were glassy.

Draco pressed his lips together, his hands balled tightly against his lap. So this was it. This should stop. Peaceful and innocent lives had been taken away, and the Dark Lord had becoming more ruthless. His primary mission to travel different places to formulate something that could at least uplift the people against Riddle, was his promise to his mother. This was his way to protect her and thank her for everything she had done for him. Even if she was gone, this was his legacy to continue.

"She was one of the deaths that were counted…" he said carefully, his grey eyes looking down at his untouched food; its warmth had gone.

"Yes…" torturous silence slashed them. "But enough about that, we're supposed to talk about your mother… and maybe you should eat now." he wiped his eyes with a table napkin and once again ate his breakfast. Neither both of them talked about Adam Trotter's bitter past.

"How did she die?"

"It was a malady, Draco. Riddle finally put her in Azkaban. Although the case hadn't been resolved, harassment of those children and attacking an authority became a crime worth prison. Unfortunately, your father was ordered to stay away in any means regarding his wife. They told him that it was Narcissa's responsibility, and that she must be the one to deal with the consequences of her doings. Good thing they still allowed me to be her lawyer," Trotter became silent, but still Draco said nothing.

Trotter continued, "The sufferings and worries, her life in Azkaban was hard. Seeing much pain of ingratitude broke your mother's stern bravery, and she fell ill… They allowed for a healer to come and see her, but their findings said that only the tomb could save her. She was dying. It took months before the case was almost finished; I somehow managed to lift her sanctions, and instead for a five-year sentence in prison, she would be put under house arrest for a year and her accounts would be closed for a while.

"Bringing the good news, I just arrived in time to see her breathe for the last time."

They had arrived at the door post of the pub, so Trotter stopped and said, as he grasped the young Malfoy's hand, "Draco, you should ask your father about this and seek more details. Now, I must go and return to my duties."

With a bit of satisfaction, Draco shook his firm hand and his eyes followed him until he disappeared. Sighing, he looked around to see any available carriages, and signaled one passing near the intersection. He gave his direction in an audible voice, making the coach think that this fellow just got out of jail.

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