Author's Note: First. I realise it has been an extraordinarily long period of time since I've posted. I was struck with the *worst* writer's block on this particular story...but! I think I've worked it all out. So, there's that.

I didn't spend a ridiculous amount of time editing and I'm trying my best to tie up a few lingering loose ends, so please bear with me.

I expect there will be another chapter and then perhaps the epilogue.

As always - thanx for reading *kisses*

Chapter 26 – Pieces of the Past

"I remember the first time my mother told me she didn't love me." Hermione Granger whispered in the silence surrounding them.

Luna Zabini dragged Hermione to the overstuffed green sofa across from the crackling fire. The other women were scattered around the cozy yet anxiety ridden sitting room, nervously sipping various glasses of spirits.

"Do you think they're alright?" Hannah Nott whispered to Padma, but it sounded like the shout of a banshee in the uneasy silence.

"Of course they're not alright you bloody bint! They've gone off halfcocked like the imbecile men they are to battle with a mental bitch without the slightest hint of a plan. We'll be lucky if we're not all widows by the end of the…"

The sound of the slap made Hermione cringe and she curled around her protruding abdomen, with her eyes squeezed tightly shut. Pansy Longbottom reeled from the force behind the strike, her brightly painted fingernails stroking the hand shaped mark on her cheek. She hadn't counted on Millicent Weasley. Pansy was used to Millicent being at her beck and call, bending to her every whim yet that was not the witch standing before her. This witch was riddled with rage and if Pansy wasn't mistaken, there was concern in her dull eyes.

"Pansy, sit down, shut up, and pretend for a moment the entire world doesn't revolve around you. I know its difficult, but do try." Millie snarled and Pansy nodded quickly, immediately sinking into the nearest armchair without another word.

"I can't stay long. I shouldn't have left as it is, but the boys were so rattled, I didn't have much choice. Xander's all right, well as right as he can be under the circumstances. I Disillusioned him before I flitted back here and it's safe to assume Harry and Nick have arrived. It was all very civil really; Cho even gave me a wave before I Disapparated." Luna smoothed Hermione's golden curls, bringing the older witch's head to her shoulder.

"Did you see Ron?" Millie covered her mouth the moment the words escaped and it was obvious she was overcome with regret. "I'm sorry Hermione..."

"It's nothing. It is quite a valid question." Luna rubbed small circles on Hermione's back. She glanced over her shoulder toward the hulking Millicent Weasley and gave the slightest, almost imperceptible nod.

Even Pansy had to admit it was strange to see Millie so affected. The tall, broad shouldered witch almost became small as the relief flowed through her. Her knees crumpled slightly and while Luna wished to give aid, she wasn't going to leave Hermione's side. It was Daphne who scurried across the plush carpeting and flung Millie's arm over her shoulder to lead her toward another chair.

"I didn't know she could be nice." Hermione mused with vacant eyes and the remnants of tears on her splotchy cheeks.

"It's a surprise to all of us Granger." Pansy sniffed with the slightest trace of disdain, which was conveniently ignored.

"It's Malfoy you self-serving bitch now kindly keep your insulting comments to yourself or I'll set you out of the Manor myself." Hermione's voice broke during the simple act of speaking her own last name, but her point was made.

"Hermione, you were telling me about your mother. Why would you think of such a thing now? I'd think you'd be brainstorming the various ways we could storm the proverbial castle and make a rescue." Luna easily drew Hermione's attention and even though Hermione wished for nothing more than to tear the blasted radish earrings from Luna's ears she didn't.

"I needed to focus on something that's not going to tear me apart inside. I can't think of Malfoy, Xander or even of Harry. I can't. I won't…I just…he made me promise. You know I hate to make promises when I'm intent on breaking them, but…but…"

"You're pregnant." Padma Patil Weasley waddled into the room, obviously exhausted as the sweat glistened on her furrowed brow.

Pansy quite thought Padma looked like a Muggle circus tent in her hideously striped muumuu, yet she kept the thought to herself by literally biting her tongue. She watched Padma carefully pad toward the chaise in the corner and settle herself upon it with a slight groan of malcontent. For the first time in her life, Pansy felt like an outsider.

While she and Neville got along, it wasn't the same intense relationship she'd witnessed between Granger and Malfoy or even between George and Padma. She knew George and Padma had some sort of secret relationship before they were ever assigned their Ministry approved mates therefore it irked her less than Granger and Draco. They built their relationship from nothing and they were miles ahead of everyone else.

"It's not a contest Pansy." Millie sighed with the slightest sniffle and Pansy realised she had spoken aloud.

"I know, I was just…well I was feeling sorry for myself alright then? Are you all bloody happy now? I'm fucking jealous and I can't do shite about it and I'm stuck with Neville Longbottom who is absolutely lovely but he doesn't love me."

"You'll survive Pansy, after all I remember the first time my mother told me she didn't love me and here I am." Hermione allowed her head to slide down Luna's chest until it rested in her lap. She propped her feet onto the sofa and stared into the flickering flames.

"I thought my parents were cold, but that's a new low Granger. Since we're all trying to keep our minds off things and our husbands have bloody warded us in this Merlin forsaken Manor like chattel, you might as well tell us." Pansy tossed her feet onto the arm of the chair and threw her arm over her eyes.

Pansy wasn't really interested in Hermione Granger's pathetic childhood story, but it wasn't as if there had loads of choices. Narcissa was locked in her wing shouting at house elves, demanding to be released from the wards. Lucius had gone off to the Ministry to give Shacklebolt a piece of his mind and only Merlin knew if he'd return home or to Azkaban. The rest of the boys had fucked right off, only after they had layered their wards over their wives and the Manor. The only way for them to escape was to work together and with the way Hermione Granger's mind was swirling the drain it would be a cold day in Muggle hell before that happened.

"I was small, barely walking really, but the memory is so bloody strong it used to break me. It doesn't hurt me anymore. I'd like to say I'm apathetic to it, but I'm not, yet it helps me stay numb and I need that right now.

'My mum had taken me to the park and it was so bloody cold, downright blistery. I was all bundled up in some ridiculous red corduroy coat with a matching hat in the vilest shade of red. It was snowing and I remember laughing as the snowflakes drifted over me. I kept sticking out my tongue trying to catch them and she was so angry. She kept smacking me on my bum telling me how dirty it was.

'The other mums were spinning in circles with their children and laughing. They were making snow angels and snowballs and I wanted that. Even at such a young age, I knew my family was different. My dad was never there and my mum wished I wasn't there.

'I tripped on a snowdrift and I remember crying. Sweet Merlin she was so furious. It was only a bit of snow and I cried because it was so cold when it seeped through my slacks. She grabbed me by the arms and shook me. She shook me so hard my hat flung into the snow. I vaguely remember the other mums shouting at her, but all I could see was the hatred in her big brown eyes.

'I never should have listened to him', she said. 'He said I'd grow to love you but he was wrong. I've never felt anything for you other than revulsion. I never wanted to be a mum and here I am stuck with you. You're not even very pretty are you?' She laughed then as if it was the funniest thing she'd ever heard.

'Some strange woman with shiny blonde hair picked me up and just started carrying me down the street. I wondered if she was going to take me home with her. I quite liked that idea and I hoped she had hot chocolate. She seemed kind and anything was better than my mum.

'She didn't take me home of course; otherwise I suppose I would have had a very different life. She patted my back and wiped the tears from my eyes. She slowed her quick steps when she saw me staring at her and smiled.

'I always wanted a little girl.' She kept smoothing my hair down as if she expected it to stay, but I didn't mind. My mum never touched me unless she hadn't a choice in the matter. Eventually she brought me home, though how she knew where I lived was beyond me then and still is, unless she happened to be a witch." Hermione laughed, but it was so bitter the girls remained silent.

"D-do you think your mum ever loved you?" Millie's voice was timid and she jumped when a log crackled in the fireplace.

"I don't think she's ever been capable, Millie. She has a Muggle sort of illness; at least I think it's a Muggle illness. I've never come across a wizard with such an affliction of the mind. She spent most of her life trying to find her way out of it. Sometimes she wished to take me with her, but my dad managed to keep her at bay. She was institutionalized a few times, but my dad believed she was better with him. I spent most of my time at Hogwarts or with the Weasleys by then and I simply didn't care anymore." Hermione closed her eyes and Luna was completely unsurprised to see she had fallen asleep.

"If I wasn't such a bitch, I'd probably be crying." Pansy wiped her cheeks furiously, refusing to believe she was shedding tears because of Hermione's past.

Pansy didn't hate the Muggle-born witch; in fact, she quite respected her. It was the tension of the entire situation that was putting her on edge.

"How many wizards does it take to capture one psychotic serial killer?" Daphne murmured while awkwardly patting Millicent's back.

"None, just one incredible witch." Luna eased Hermione's head onto the sofa and stood. "Pansy, Daphne, keep an eye on Padma. Her contractions are fairly far apart, but one never knows when a child is going to make their appearance."

"Contractions? Wait, are you leaving? Are you mad? What the hell am I supposed to do, sit here and twiddle my thumbs until the lot of you return?" Millicent Weasley shoved Daphne away and glowered at the strange Healer.

"Why Millie, I'd never leave you out. I think it would be best if you to fetch Narcissa. I'm sure she's about here somewhere, no doubt sedated. She'll be an asset once Padma's labour truly begins and Hermione is going to be quite distraught when she awakes. It'll be good for you to keep busy." Millie nodded slowly, knowing Luna was correct in her assumptions. She would drive herself absolutely mad if she were to simply sit and watch the hands on the clock.

"No need to fetch me dear. It seems the Calming Drought Lucius gave me wasn't nearly as strong as he had hoped or perhaps I didn't quite drink it all. No matter." Narcissa strode into the room with confidence, which aided in releasing the tension so prevalent among them.

Luna pulled a small flask from the pocket of her patchwork quilt skirt and it looked as though she were shaking a few hairs into it. She swirled the concoction with a practiced eye while avoiding the curious gaze of the women surrounding her. She hastily shoved the flask back into her pocket and made her way toward the floo.

"I know what you're doing." Hermione whispered while slowly sitting up. "Do be careful."

Luna blinked, surprised by Hermione's reaction. She quite expected a length tongue-lashing. She was prepared to Silence the witch in order to make her escape, instead she smiled, pleased she wasn't forced to resort to such measures.

"It's the only way really. She's incapable of listening to reason. She's incapable of being rational. If there's a hope or even a prayer of getting them all out alive, this is what must be done." Luna crossed the room quickly and gave Hermione a quick hug. "I'll be back."

She practically skipped from the room to the sound of Hermione's tinkling laughter.

"You fucking mental bitch." Draco Malfoy spat while he allowed himself to be shoved into an empty cell.

He took in his surroundings with flitting grey eyes, memorizing every detail on the off chance he could manage to escape. Draco swallowed with a quick blink when he was forced to step around the body of Paris Granger. Vaguely he wondered if the man would prefer Wendell Wilkins on his headstone before Chang smashed him into the bars of the cell.

"You're not a very appreciative guest now are you? Wendell wasn't either. He didn't appreciate the family he had. He thought it best to discard them. I had half a mind to let him live, but I couldn't after his little confession. He had everything I ever wanted and he tossed it away. Can you imagine?" Cho Chang smiled sweetly as she locked the cell door behind her latest acquisition.

She ignored her other guests in favour of a shower. She was filthy, exhausted and utterly infuriated. Cho expected Harry Potter and an impressive gathering of Aurors to arrive within the hour, but she did prefer to be presentable. She levitated Wendell, Paris, whatever he was calling himself out the front door and deposited him on the welcome mat. Perhaps that would make the rescue party second-guess themselves long enough for her to get away.

"Malfoy! You're supposed to be an Auror! How the fuck did you let this bint snatch you?" Ron Weasley shoved angrily away from the wall with a wince.

He wasn't about to confess to the ferret that he had runes carved into his skin. He couldn't help but to be a bit grateful Hermione's dad had angered Cho as much as he had. Ron knew he would be dead if it weren't for that man. It saddened him to think of the man, yet at the same time to feel such relief.

"There was never a choice in the matter, Weasel. Would you rather see Hermione here? No, I didn't think so. Where's Stori?" Draco noticed the Weasel's stiff movements and deduced he had been carved, but it was the absence of Harry Potter's wife that disturbed him the most.

"Chang took her out to the other room. I heard her screaming and there was a bit of crying but then Chang left. I haven't heard anything since. Was she really fixed to snatch Hermione?" Draco took in Ron Weasley's red-rimmed eyes and the way his plaid shirt hung from his body with narrowed eyes.

How the poor bloke managed to be hungover while a prisoner in deplorable conditions was beyond him. Draco supposed it wasn't completely far-fetched for Chang to be plying Weasley with alcohol to make him more agreeable. It seemed the crazy bint was set to do anything for her cause.

"She threatened my son Weasley so yeah, she's not above taking Hermione." Draco sat on the edge of the cot, his leg bouncing with angst.

"Chang's been slipping vodka in my water. You'll notice mine is the only cell without a sink. She did that on purpose. I-uh…I didn't tell her anything, not that I know much but…"

"Weasley," Draco rubbed his eyes and grit his teeth, "it's not your fault. Shacklebolt is sending the first team at first light so at least there's that."

"I didn't mean to hurt her." Ron whispered and lay on his side on his narrow cot while facing the wall. He couldn't lie on his back no matter how much he would like. Cho Chang had done a number to his freckled flesh and he wondered what the runes decorating his skin said.

"I don't wish to speak of this Weasley." Draco sighed, listening to the sound of water trickle down the pipes from Chang's shower.

"I know, but she's off her bloody rocker. Just in case I don't make it out of here alive, I want you to know I didn't mean to hurt her. I know I've said it before and we've had an entire unpleasant conversation, but I…"

"Why did you? I mean fuck, we've got nothing but time, might as well tell me." Draco smirked at the Weasel's back and tented his fingers while his elbows rested on his knees.

"It'd be easy to blame it all on the drink but I've done that plenty. Even when you cornered me I still couldn't take responsibility. She made me feel stupid. She's got all these aspirations and she's done quite well for herself and I'm just…" Ron sighed and flipped over in order to look at the bloody ferret. "Hermione Granger has been applauded for her intellect since first year and I've struggled with everything. I'm the youngest son and everything that I've done has already been done before. I realise how incredibly stupid that sounds now, but I don't really have a good reason. I was mean because it made me feel better about myself. I never touched her unless I had too much to drink and I never did anything more than shove her, but I shouldn't have even done that. It was easy to justify it when I was drinking but now well; it's just pathetic isn't it? I was always the throw away member of the Golden bloody Trio. Harry had the courage and Hermione had the knowledge and I was just the tagalong and it made me feel like a pile of shite honestly."

Draco Malfoy kept his grey eyes steady on Ron Weasley while reining in his temper. He wanted to shout at the bloke and tell him he was being ridiculous. He would have quite liked to hex the wizard as well but that wouldn't change much. Instead, he sighed and nodded slowly.

"You tore her down to make you feel better about yourself. She'll forgive you, eventually but only if you clean up your act Weasley. I don't think you truly knew the meaning of love when you had her but someday maybe you'll discover it and then you'll apologise from the heart." Draco observed Ron contemplating his words with a frown and knew he had surprised him. Hell, he surprised himself and he supposed Hermione had changed him for the better.

"Da!" Xander Malfoy ran across the floor with stomping feet until his tiny fists were clenching the bars.

Draco blinked his eyes, sure he was seeing an apparition of some sort until the chubby little arm reached through the bars and tugged on his shirt. He sunk to his knees and thrust his arms through the bars to encircle the small child, wondering how on earth the tot had managed to travel to their location.

"Draco, Ron, I can't stay long. I've got to head back to the Ministry to enact the trace. I'm sure if you rile up Xander here enough he'll set off the alarms at the Ministry since he's not at his home. They seem to frown upon children performing magic outside the comfort of their own homes which is quite silly when you think of it, I mean…"

"Lovegood, how the fuck…"

"Da no, fuck bad." Xander reprimanded his dad with very serious eyes and a pout of his lips, which would have been absolutely adorable under different circumstances.

"He's incredibly gifted Malfoy and decided he didn't wish to remain at the Manor without his dad. I'll be back soon; I swear it. I'm going to Disillusion him of course. I wouldn't want Chang to think him fair game. Astoria is asleep in the other room. She has a series of runes carved into her back, but she's alive. Ron, Millie is quite worried for you." Luna waved her wand and Xander disappeared, though Draco could still feel the tiny body in his arms and a sticky hand patting his cheek.

"You!" Cho Chang sauntered down the stairs of her husband's cabin in much better spirits until she spied Luna Lovegood Zabini chatting amicably with her prisoners.

"It's alright Cho, I haven't freed them as you can see. I'll just be off now." Luna smiled brightly and waved.

Cho quirked her head to the side, stunned by the unique witch's statement and slowly lifted her hand with a small wave. Luna raised her wand and with a crack, Disapparated.

"She is the oddest witch I've ever bloody known." Cho mumbled to herself while she wandered into the front room.

She gazed upon a slumbering Astoria Potter with a small smile. She fingered the runes, quite satisfied with their placement and healing before she set the kettle on. She knew she didn't really need Draco Malfoy and Ron Weasley but trying to decide between the two was quite hellish for her. Cho supposed she should have let Astoria be, but her anger had gotten the best of her.

Adrian Pucey hadn't been forthcoming when it came to informing her of their locations. He needed a bit of incentive and as much as it disgusted her, Cho Chang was not above using her womanly wiles to get exactly what she needed. Of course, the bastard had rutted against her like a randy teen, but she hadn't expected anything less. She swallowed hard trying to block the memories but they were determined to keep themselves in the forefront of her mind. She gripped the edge of the counter, breathing deeply through her nose and almost wished the Aurors would come.

"You know Chang, you're a bit uppity for a murderer." Adrian Pucey backed her slowly into the corner, his hulking form dwarfing her. "You're constantly coming to me for information, but what am I getting in return?" He gripped the front of her robes in his fist and twisted slightly.

"What do you want then? More galleons? Haven't I given you enough?" Cho rolled her eyes, pretending he wasn't the least bit intimidating.

"You can start by showing me your tits." Adrian leered and wiggled his eyebrows. "That Beauxbaton's witch I married isn't the least bit interesting."

"Really Pucey, how is that my problem? What makes you think I'd show you anything at all?" Adrian stepped closer, thrusting forward with his hips and using his free hand he stroked her hip with a familiarity that made her uncomfortable.

"I could always tell Potter you're the bint whose been carving up his friends…"

Cho swallowed hard, realizing she really had little choice in the matter. While they were in the bowels of the Ministry, she had Silenced the office and Adrian had added his own wards to the dark room nestled in the Archives. She regretted meeting him but it seemed it was too late for such thoughts. She wanted the information and considering all the horrid things she had already done, what was one more?

"Do whatever it is you need to do then, but make it quick. We have work to do."

She remained still and allowed Adrian to unbutton the white blouse she wore beneath her robes. He took his time, enjoying the way she'd flinch when his knuckles touched her skin. He spread her blouse slowly and frowned at the size of her breasts. He shrugged and ripped her bra open, studying her small breasts with their tiny yet perky nipples.

"They're not very impressive are they? No wonder you didn't put up more of a fuss. Is your arse any better? Turn around then." Adrian spun her around, forcing her face into the corner and lifted her skirt. "Hmmm now this is much better." He stroked her covered arse cheeks with a strange sort of reverence before he ripped her knickers down her thighs.

"You said you just wanted to look." Cho panted, uncomfortable with the entire situation.

"As if a simple look was going to be enough for what you want from me. You want me to give you protected information and I'm going to need a little incentive." Adrian reached between her legs, lingering on her bum before stroking her sex with a groan.

"I've given you plenty of galleons, there isn't a need for you to do this when it's obvious I don't want to." Cho grit her teeth when he kicked her legs apart, feeling the bile in her throat when her pushed her knickers aside.

"Well, I'm sure Marietta, Michael, Oliver and Krum didn't wish to die, but you didn't really give them a choice in the matter did you? I did overhear Potter talking about a deliciously sexy blonde. Happen to have any Polyjuice on you? I'd love to see her." Adrian dipped a long finger into her juices and purred against her throat.

"Just see her? You're not going to shag her?" Cho resisted the urge to squirm, which only lasted a nanosecond before Adrian was pulling her hair hard, forcing her head back.

"I'll do whatever the fuck I want with her if you want that information, but I think first I'd like to have you just the way you are." Cho shook her head quickly with wide eyes, but he didn't pay any mind.

Adrian yanked her toward one of the large desks, impatiently discarding her blouse and torn bra. He murmured a spell and Cho was stuck to the table. Her legs swung and he braced them open.

"You fucked Wood and Krum as well I'm guessing. I heard a bit of a rumour that you managed to dose the Weasley girl as well. My, my, my do you manage to get around. It's only fair that I have a bit of a taste don't you think?" Adrian stood between her legs, enjoying the way she attempted to squirm.

He was a bit of a sadistic bastard, taking pleasure in making his wife beg for him to stop. He never did, but it didn't stop her from pleading with the delicious sheen of tears in her clear blue eyes. His cock twitched at the thought of doing the same to Chang and he pushed her back.

"You're being well compensated, Pucey, it's completely different."

"Did you ever come?" Adrian flicked his wand and enlarged her breasts, deciding he could do without seeing the busty blonde. His wife was a blonde and the last thing he wanted to imagine was her.

Cho Chang glanced down at her ridiculously large breasts and rolled her almond eyes. The minute he had forced her onto her back she was trapped, but she thought this was a bit far. She had expected him to ogle a bit and perhaps even molest her, but the darkening of his eyes and the way he licked his lips told her he had every intention of shagging her senseless. Cho sighed and hoped he would be quick.

"If you don't answer me, I'll pour a Lust Potion down your throat." Adrian snarled while reaching out and twisting one of her nipples.

"No! I-I faked it when I was me. As the blonde, I didn't have too." She could feel her body responding to his rough hands while they roved her body and stiffened. She wasn't prepared for such a thing. Her body hadn't wanted another man since John and she hadn't allowed herself a bit of release.

"The hell you say." Adrian licked his lips and slowly shimmied her knickers down her knees.

Adrian Pucey dropped to his knees and buried his face between her thighs. Cho started when his fingers joined his furious tongue. He tossed her legs over his shoulders and dug his fingers into the supple flesh of her arse grunting with encouragement when she began to moan.

"That's it you dirty girl." He finger fucked her while his tongue slid between her folds, quickly making her body respond in a way she wasn't expecting. He pinched the tiny bundle of nerves with a practiced flair and quickly brought her to orgasm.

She waited for him to climb on top of her but he didn't. He was torturing her. Adrian knew she would absolutely despise the fact she was had come by him and he was determined to watch her do it over and over again.

Using his cock, he teased her opening while suckling her breasts, until she was writhing. He watched her clamp her lips closed and knew she was refusing to beg him for anything. He bumped her clit and smiled when she began to quiver. He leaned down and sucked on her clit hard, working her from the inside with his fingers until she tumbled over the edge once more.

"How many times do you think I could make you come Chang?" Adrian whispered, while continuing to finger her ever so slowly.

Cho didn't remember how many times her body betrayed her and that was the real reason she had killed Adrian Pucey. He had turned her body against her. He had blackmailed her into betraying herself. He had enjoyed it when he shoved his cock into her. He had loved it when the tears streamed from her eyes, simply from his sheer size.

She shook her head and quickly poured a glass of water. She choked it down and willed the memory to dissipate. Cho spun toward Astoria and had half a mind to cover the witch, but she did so enjoy the view. She laughed to herself, wondering how Astoria would feel if she woke and saw herself spread across a table, naked as the day she was born.

She had a deliciously wicked thought of plying Astoria Potter with a Lust Potion, but Cho rather decided she didn't wish to be distracted. She knew it was only a matter of moments before a band Aurors arrive and while she knew she had a good run, part of her was content to know the end was near.

Cho reveled in the idea of being with John and Henry once more. Her soul ached for them and she hoped they would forgive her transgressions. Everything she had done, she had done for them. Surely, they would understand once she explained it to them.

"What the fuck just happened?"

"You call yourself an Auror. Pathetic." Lucius Malfoy swept past the bumbling boy in order to find his son.

Lucius was sure Kingsley Shacklebolt was wandering around the Ministry wondering what had happened when Lucius Confunded him. He was not about to be left behind when his son's life hung in the balance. He'd be damned if he let anyone interfere. He was quite confident he'd be forced to pay a hefty fine for his actions, but really the Wizengamot couldn't blame him for his familial devotion.

He smiled as he listened to the quiet clip of Harry Potter's shoes as he followed Lucius down the corridor. The boy really didn't have a choice in the matter. If it hadn't been for Lucius Malfoy and Luna Zabini, they'd still be sitting around the Ministry plotting their attack. It had been ridiculously easy to incapacitate the infuriating scar headed boy once Luna had provided Chang's location.

Of course Cho Chang hadn't realised her cabin in the wood had been invaded and it was the way Lucius preferred such things. He had always sought the upper hand when it came to battles, whether physical or mental and this was no different. At one time he had been part of the Noseless Wonder's Inner Circle, it simply goes to reason Lucius Malfoy had numerous ways to enter domiciles unnoticed.

"Where's Harry? I'd rather stay in here than let a bunch of bloody Death Eaters free me. I bet you're just waiting to string me up aren't you? You can't be trusted, the lot of you!" Lucius Malfoy rolled his eyes and flicked his wand at the furious red-haired Weasley.

"Thank Merlin for that, bloody wanker was getting on my nerves." Theo mumbled while inspecting the bars, the construction of the cells and attempting to break through the numerous, complicated wards.

"You do have a wand Mr. Nott."

"Yes thank you for that astute observation Mr. Malfoy, however I've been a bit preoccupied attempting to free your son." Theo didn't bother to turn around to address the overbearing wizard. He was used to such antics.

"Have you seen Astoria?" Draco inquired softly. He kept his grey eyes carefully trained on the ground. He knew it would be impossible to break through the wards without Chang, but it was nice to have company that wasn't Weasley.

"A quick glance indicated while she has been marred by the insufferable witch, she is breathing. However I must note the poor girl is absolutely nude, well done Mr. Potter." Lucius managed a small smirk upon spying Harry's outrage. "Now, now, do keep it down. We do not wish to alert Ms. Chang to our presence."

Harry gripped his wand so tightly; Nick cringed thinking the bit of wood would crack under the strain. While Nick was a bit wary of Lucius, he didn't detest the wizard the way Harry obviously did. He was quick to defer to anyone who was more knowledgeable than he, but Harry was always quick to forge ahead. Vaguely Nick Moretti wondered if Harry's spontaneity was part of the reason he'd lost his nerve.

Nick respected Harry, at least as his partner and partly due to his war efforts, but personally, he felt the Boy Who Lived was afraid to die. He supposed such things happened after fighting for your life for so long and of course having something to lose. He made a note to mention the Hogwarts posting for a new Potions professor. Perhaps that would be a better fit for the man.

"Lucius, you may have Confunded the Minister but I'm still in complete control of my faculties and I don't appreciate vulgar comments about my wife." Harry hissed and for a moment,

Lucius was reminded of Parseltongue.

"Perhaps you should focus on apprehending a murderous witch rather than focusing on the fact I've ogled your wife's derriere." Nick quickly stepped between the two wizards when Harry thrust his wand forward.

"Harry as much as you doan wanna admit it, Lucius has a point. We got Nott workin the wards, which is great if he gets it done. I sent that Neville guy back to the Manor. He was twitchy and we can't have dat hea."

"Da out?" The tiny voice startled the wizards while they spun in circles searching for the child in question.

Alexander Draco Malfoy was having the time of his life. He weaved between the wizard's legs tugging on their slacks and laughing while they gasped and grasped nothing but air. He quickly tired of his game as he only wished to take his Dad and go home. He shook his head violently, pushing his dark hair off his forehead and closed his eyes tight. His tiny hands squeezed into fists and with a great angry puff of air, he was beside his new Dad with a grand smile.

"He really is quite extraordinary." Lucius mused while gazing upon his new grandson perked on Draco's knee.

"Bloody hell. Has he been here the whole time?" Ron Weasley hissed, his jaw gaping open in wonderment.

"Dupit." Xander pointed at Ron with narrowed eyes, causing the tall gangly wizard to back away from the child. "Da? Go now?" Xander bounced impatiently on Draco's knee, grasping the wizard's face with stinky hands.

"No, we can't leave yet. There's a naughty witch and uhm, Potter needs to take her away and punish her before we can go home." Draco nodded quickly, pleased with his himself while gracing Harry with a sardonic smile.

"Malfoy!" Harry hissed, constantly glancing over his shoulder, desperate for the slightest indication his wife was alive. "I can't just go barreling in there. She's got Stori."

Harry gripped his dark unruly hair tightly in a fist, ignoring a slinking George Weasley whispering furiously to Nick Moretti. He gasped in alarm, ducking down when Cho Chang came into view. Lucius quickly Disillusioned himself and Theo Nott, leaving Harry Potter to his own devices and stepped into the shadows.

Without thinking for another moment, Harry raced down the corridor, brandishing his wand. He didn't worry about the repercussions of his spontaneous actions. Harry figured he had wasted enough time carefully formulating each careful move and it didn't bring him any closer to capturing the mad witch, nor to rescuing his wife.

"Stupefy!" His Stunning Spell went horribly awry, shattering a small collection of nursery mementoes.

Cho Chang spun on her heel, dark hair swinging, eyes flashing violently and pointed her wand not at Harry, but at the unconscious Astoria Potter.